Chapter 12

Sixty-two and a sixteenth days later

I thoughtfully gaze at the ceiling as the elevator rises towards the tenth floor. Thank goodness I'm off my crutches.

He really isn't so bad after all. He's still an arrogant jackass, but even so, he has definitely been knocked down a few notches.

I curl my ponytail around my finger and let it spring back into its naturally wavy state.

We've caught up a lot in the past few months, actually. More than I'd care to acknowledge. In a few short months, he's managed to worm his way back into what I like to call the Unfillable-Laxus-sized-hole in my heart. Who knew he would fit just as perfectly as he did before? Mira thinks we're meant to be or something, but that's sort of ridiculous.

"He broke up with Ever just so he could be with you."

Uh, yeah right, Mira. She cheated on him.

"That man always has ulterior motives. Getting away from Queen-Wannabe was just a perk."

No, Mira, I'm pretty sure that was not the case.

"Well, if not that, then you are most definitely attracted to him. You know those abs are delicious."

Did I stutter? Okay, okay, I did. He's hot.

"It's great being best friends with your future significant other. Studies show couples get along much better if they get to know each other first, and both of you looked rather cozy the other day, so I say you're making good progress."

WE'RE JUST FRIENDS I SWEAR TO GOD

"The first stage is always denial. Occasionally, both sides are, but in your case, it's probably just you. Have you seen the way he looks at you? Obviously not, because he always makes the adorable puppy eyes when you're turned the other way."

Puppy eyes? He only makes those when he really wants something. It's not really puppy dog eyes either, he practically eye fucks it. Oh, wait.

Fuck.

No fucking way.

She might be right.

She might actual-

"Watch where you're going, knuckle-oh, hey Luce." Oh, what the actual fuck.

I walk briskly past him.

"It's Miss Heartfilia, Mr. Dreyar," I stage whisper with a giggle as I whisk by his surprised face.

He grabs my arm.

"Actually, I was looking for you. We're having a meeting with the rest of the board, and you were late."

"Is there free coffee and donuts?"

"We actually have a whole breakfast buffet."

"I'm in."

"Where is this buffet?"

Laxus looks at me nervously as I glare at the empty trays and dirty plates.

"Well, it seems to be missing," I snap, turning on my heel and walking back to my office.

Laxus

Shit. She can't go back there. They're not ready yet.

!flashback

We walked down the half-deserted hallway and stopped at our neighboring lockers.

Lucy growled and punched her locker again.

"I'll get it right this time."

"Did you forget your combo again?"

"No."

"I can do it for you."

"No."

"Hey Luce, when's your birthday?"

"Why do you want to know?"

"Because the I know when to get you something?"

"Well it doesn't matter anyways. It's the day after Christmas. I hate December birthdays. People are always like, 'oh here, this is your Christmas present and your birthday present!' It's like, bruh, everyone else gets two present days a year and I get one? The lack of justice…"

Lucy broke off and I laughed at her frustrated expression and pulled at her puffed up cheeks.

"Well, I suppose we could change that this year, Luce."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"But actually though."

"Really and truly, Luce. You'll always get two presents from me."

"Always?"

"Yeah."

"Pinky swear?"

"Fine."

She curled her finger around mine, and smiled adorably at me. Adorably? Was it really adorably? Did I really-?

And I broke that promise.

I look up at her retreating back, snapping out of my daydream. Shit. Gotta get there before she does.

"Luce! Wait up!" She stops and glares at me stonily.

"You lied to me, Laxus. You promised me food, and you dare break that promise. You know better than to do that."

Damn that stare is hot. Hot? I meant scary. Like Mira scary.

"Look, Luce. I'll make it up to you, okay?"

Her face clears, and I no longer feel the hate waves rolling off of her.

"Just let me walk you back to your office, and we'll figure something out."

I really really hope that everyone is ready over there.

I pull my phone out of my pocket, shooting a warning text to the group chat.

TARGET L IS APPROACHING DESTINATION 1034. DO NOT ABORT MISSION. OUR LIVES ARE AT STAKE.

"Don't get me Chipotle this time."

"What?"

"For lunch. You're going to make it up to me or whatever, but don't get me Chipotle."

"Why not?"

"Do you not read the trending news feed on Facebook? E-fucking-coli. I don't want to die. I haven't turned 23 yet."

"Hmph."

I reach in front of her and turn the door knob.

"Ladies first."

"Bitches follow."

"Yeah, whatever."

"SURPRISE!"

"WHAT THE HOLY FUCK."

"Just be glad we each got you two presents, Luce."

"You didn't forget?"

"Puhleez, Luce. How could I forget?"

She mutters something unintelligible under her breath.

"What was that?"

"Nothing."

Smiling sweetly at me, she hugs me. I pull her closer.

"Happy early birthday, Luce."

"Thank you."

"ALRIGHT YOU LOVEBIRDS GET A ROOM."

"EVEN IF WE WERE DATING, Y'ALL ARE IN MY OFFICE."

Okay guys. I am insanely sorry for not updating at all. I've been super busy lately. I thought maybe I'd get more time to write because it's break, but no dice. This chapter is definitely not my best work, so I'd really appreciate it if I got some constructive criticism.

Happy Holidays to everyone!

Zephy out.