A/N: Hello everyone! The courtship shall begin, and the funny's shall commence! ;)

I'd like to say a quick thank you to all my guest reviewers, and send out an apology to IrishMaiden, who wrote out two MASSIVE and really helpful reviews because stupid me forgot to moderate the guest reviews! :(

SO SORRY! :( But I'd like to thank IrishMaiden for her contribution towards my final pairing decision, and I shall ensure to take in all the guests votes and opinions on the final pairing, so this chapter's dedicated to all the guest reviewers, who's reviews I shall be moderating everyday without fail from now on! ;) :)

Please enjoy! xx

Lucy's POV

I jogged to the guild, ignoring the wolf whistles and cat calls of the few early risers, and the men who were only just going home after a night of drinking.

I was wearing my red short skin tight running shorts, my belt and keys in place, and my black crop top over my sports bra. I shrugged off the insinuating comments, and focused on my rhythm of my breathing being in time with my jogging.

I quickly reached the guild, and smiled at everyone as I entered the guild, though there were very few people. It was early, and I'd arrived before Bix and Laxus so I could meditate with Capricorn before my training. I had the feeling I'd need all the energy I could for whatever my new trainers had in mind.

'Hello Lucy, milkshake before you start?' I smiled and was about to say yes when Capricorn appeared beside me, glaring at me as he folded his arms across his chest.

I felt my shoulders sag as I pouted up at my strict trainer, who seemed to think he'd been promoted to my dietician recently as well, and highly disapproved of my milkshake addiction.

'Please Capricorn? Just one today?' He stared at me before answer.

'Lucy-sama, you requested that I help you train and grow stronger, to do this you must strengthen your body as well. These... milkshakes-' I flinched at the tone of voice he'd said it with, and felt my face crease in pain.

'They do not help in your endeavour to achieve maximum strength. They have far too many calories and hold back your muscular development. They could also increase the rate of you putting on weight.' I sunk into depression as he commented on my "weight", looking down at my large chest.

Damned boobs. Levy and Wendy have it so easy! Back ache, soreness... and the scales of Doom!

I felt a small hand pat my shoulder and turned to find Mira standing beside me, smiling sympathetically.

'Well, I can do strawberry smoothies, right Capricorn-san? Purely made of a combination of fruits, would that be an acceptable compromise?' I was still down about the idea of my milkshakes being replaced, but as long as I got at least my fix of strawberry's, I'd be fine.

Seriously, I was addicted to them; so juicy and sweet.

I turned to Capricorn and put my hands together, begging him with my eyes.

He sighed before nodding his agreement and I smiled before hugging Mira tightly.

'YAY! Mira I love you!' I cried out, tears showing in my eyes. She laughed before shoving me off.

'Go on, start your training before Bickslow gets here, he'll be impressed. For a moment, I thought Mira looked me up and down with a hungry glint in her eye, but it must have been my imagination, because when I looked again she was smiling amicably at me.

'Laxus is coming too. God knows why though. Anyway, see ya Mira!' I waved at her before skipping away with Capricorn, listening as he highlighted the importance of a calm mind and body during meditation, and giving me a couple of tips before my lessons with Bix.

Mira's POV

'Laxus is coming too. God knows why though. Anyway, see ya Mira!' I waved as Lucy skipped away with her spirit, before turning to give my dirtiest glare up at Master's office.

How DARE HE?! MY SHIP! MY OTP! HOW DARE HE EVEN TRY TO INTERFERE!? I felt my Satan Soul clawing to be released, and gave a final glare towards Master's office, before forcing myself to calm down.

'M-M-Mira-neesan, a-are you okay?' I turned to see Wendy standing beside me, looking absolutely terrified, and smiled softly.

'Of course Wendy-chan, what would make you think otherwise?' I laughed lightly, in my head cursing and screaming at Master.

'Um... n-no reason!' She said, laughing slightly as she walked up to the bar and climbed onto a bar stool, her feet swinging in the air.

I walked behind the bar and grinned darkly to myself, my aura escaping once more as I made up Wendy's orange juice.

'She looks like she's plotting murder!' Charle's voice resounded through the guild, but I didn't hear it.

If he DARES interfere one more time... I cackled under my breath, not noticing that all the members of the guild had frozen in fear.

Master's POV

I shuddered suddenly, feeling as though my life was in mortal danger before I recognised the origin of that glare.

Mira's mad... but I'm doing the paperwork now! I thought, scowling at the mountain that was twice the size of the usual amount she placed out for me. I sighed and stared up at the pile that was towering above me, feeling my ears tear up slightly as I pouted, before glaring at it and turning to look out of the window.

I smirked as I saw Lucy in the training grounds talking to one of her spirits, Capricorn I believe.

I felt a nosebleed coming on when I realised she was wearing a crop top and exposing her midriff...

NO! She's the moth of your great-grandchildren... not to mention Laxus would kill me for thoughts like that... I scowled as I turned back to the desk, feeling Mira's angry glare again.

Does she have lacrima cameras in here to know when I don't do my paperwork?

Hmmm... going to have to find some new eye-candy now Lucy's off limits...

Bickslow's POV

I strolled into the guild grinning, and nodding as Mira smiled at me, wondering why everyone else was cowering slightly.

'Hey Mira, got any breakfast before cosplayer gets here?' Mira chuckled at my nickname for her.

'Lucy's already on the training grounds meditating.'

"Lucy! Lucy!" My babies screamed out her name before zooming away towards the back of the guild. I laughed as I started to eat the breakfast Mira had placed in front of me.

'They seem to like her.' She said as I focused on scoffing my bacon.

'Yeah, they got closer to her during our mission, and seem to like her a lot.' I said between mouthfuls of food.

'I'll make sure no one disturbs you two.' She seemed to have reverted partway into her Satan Soul form as she glared upstairs towards Master's office. I shuddered, scooping the last mouthful of food in my mouth and pushing the plate forwards.

Mavis help any who try and get on the training grounds, seems like she's in a baaad mood today. Bet Master's been hiding from his paperwork again in the storeroom and drinking the beer...

'Anyway, I'm going round to see how Cosplayer's doing. Thanks for the food Mira.' I grinned and stuck my tongue out at her as I walked away.

Mira's POV

AAHHH! His totems like her! I've never seen them follow anyone else apart from him, not even Laxus, and he worships the guy!? OMG!

THE BABIES!

I fell backwards on the floor at the beautiful babies that floated through my head.

'The babies...' I murmured, my eyes swirly as I registered Cana sit at the bar and look down at me, before getting back up and running out with a bottle of beer.

'The babies...' I whispered, starry eyed as the bouncing babies giggled in my head.

Bickslow's POV

I walked into the training area, and looked on as cosplayer sat on the floor, her legs folded and her hands resting on her knees. Her eyes were closed and she looked like a statue; the only clue she was living being the slight movement of her...

I quickly stopped where my mind was wondering, and refocused my eyes on the surrounding area.

The goat guy was walking around, speaking quietly, and making adjustments to her posture, making her spine sit straight. My babies sat in front of her quietly, watching as she breathed quietly.

Her skin seemed to glow under the early morning light, making it seem as though she were glowing. Her hair seemed to absorb the light into the golden locks, making her shining tresses even brighter in the pony tail she'd pulled it into.

I watched as she took in a deep breath, before releasing it slowly. Golden magic seemed to appear in the air, swirling around her like a giant orb of light with blue sparks appearing for minute seconds before disappearing into the light, and reappearing again, reaching outwards and expanding the reach of her magic.

My babies quickly flew backwards, unsure of how her magical pressure would affect them, and rested around my head as the spirit continued to talk to cosplayer inside the light, smiling down at her and nodding before talking again.

Immediately, the magic snapped into her like an elastic band, making her gasp slightly and stiffen, before she relaxed again and accepted the magic in her body.

I walked forwards as she brought herself out of her trance, and she smiled up at me when she had fully regained herself from her meditation.

'That was pretty cool cosplayer.' I told her, grinning as I scruffed up her hair. "Cool! Cool!"

She scowled at me, reaching up to sort out her hair.

'Eugh! Bix! Now my hair's all messy; and it wasn't that cool. Everyone meditates.' She grinned. It was obvious she had no idea of the magical energy she'd been putting out. I glanced at the spirit, but his eyes were hidden behind those damn sunglasses.

'I shall be leaving you now Lucy-sama. Good luck with your training.' He bowed from the waist, before disappearing after she thanked him.

She turned and smiled up at me, before looking behind me and scowling slightly.

I turned around to see Laxus, wearing his own shorts and plain black sleeveless sports top. He draped his coat over a bench before walking over to us, smirking.

'Hey blondie. Alright Bix? What you doing here?' Cosplayer glared at him, before rolling her eyes.

'Bix already offered to train me before you commanded me to be here.' Laxus frowned, before grinning.

'Well what's he training you in?' Laxus asked, smirking down at cosplayer.

'Hand to hand combat if you must know. How'd you get past Mira? She seemed like she was pissed at something; said she wasn't letting anyone back here.' Laxus shrugged.

'I saw her on the floor with that creepy look in her eyes, and Cana warned me to run before Mira woke up while she legged it out of the guild.' I laughed; Mira's matchmaking was notorious, and when she found a new ship, she just went insane.

'Well blondie, what d'you say to having both of us coach you? I can train you in your magic, Bix can handle combat, and we can both help in the gym.'

Cosplayer smiled up at us, making me feel as though I'd been sucker-punched and I took a deep breath.

That damned smile again...

Laxus's POV

I knew Bix had had the same reaction as I'd had to her smile; I heard his heart seize and the deep breath he sucked in before grinning back at her.

Damnit blondie, you could control anyone with that damned smile...

'I was going to ask if you both wanted to train me, that way I can catch up to you guys!' I blinked in surprise and exchanged looks of disbelief with Bix.

'Catch up? Blondie, do you have any idea how powerful that spell you pulled off in the spirit world was?' She shrugged, smiling as she grabbed Bix's arm and dragged him away slightly.

'Nope. Now come and fight me Bix! What do I have to do? Capricorn said to stand something like this-' I stared on as she started chattering away, still in shock.

I knew she hadn't had an idea of how strong she was, but I hadn't thought she was this... oblivious!

She could give Natsu a run for his money the way she was being so blind in regards to her magical ability.

'Tch. Stupid blonde.' I whispered, smiling slightly before wandering across to the bench I'd dropped my coat on and dropping down on the seat to watch the lesson, pulling my sound pod over my ears, but not playing any music. I just sat, and listened to the sound of Bix talking to blondie, and her laugh.

Bickslow's POV

'Okay, so you're pretty short cosplayer, so most opponents are going to be taller than you. You can use your height to your advantage though, you see, if I run at you and you just crouch, stick you foot forwards and pull on my arm, you've got a throw right there. That's a bit complex for now, so I just want you to try and get used to using my momentum against me, got me cosplayer?' She nodded slowly, smiling slightly as I grinned.

'Right, I'm going to run straight at you, and I want you to dodge to the side and shove me from my back forwards. You do it hard enough, I'll fall over. I won't have the speed to catch up with my body and boom! Face plant. It'll take a bit for you to get your timing right, but you'll get there eventually. Ready?' She nodded again, widening her stance and staring straight into my eyes. I smirked as she never let her eyes leave mine, and looked away, walking casually to her side before jerking my body around and slamming into her, knocking her to the floor beneath me.

I quickly stood up, my body reacting as soon as I touched her. I coughed, and glanced over to Laxus who was scowling, before I spoke to her.

'First mistake; never watch the eyes. Eyes can look anywhere and trick you. Watch the body; muscles tense before movement, then you know when they're going for you.' She nodded as she stood up and rubbed her lower back, not complaining at all as she faced me again.

I prowled around her, smiling as I watched her eyes run up and down my body, analysing my muscles for that small sign that I was about to spring.

She's a quick learner. I thought as she quickly dodged my second lunge, but not making contact with my back.

'Good. Now I'm going to be coming at you really quick cosplayer, you ready?' I waggled my eyebrows up and down as I grinned, still prowling around her. She glared at me and gave me the finger before focusing completely on my movements, ignoring the chuckle me and Laxus shared at her gesture.

'Here I come cosplayer.' I whispered, smirking as I threw myself at her.

Lucy's POV

I felt sweat running down my body and was breathing pretty heavily as I dodged and dodged again, Bix was flying at me from every angle immediately after I dsodged, and I had to stay on my toes. I had been knocked down a couple more times, but he hadn't landed on top of me like the first time.

God, he was so close! Al that muscle just pressing on top of me... WOW! When did I turn into Cana?! I was distracted by my minds pervy thoughts, and was knocked over again, but I just lay there, breathing.

'You done already cosplayer?' He stood above me and grinned, his babies hovering around my head nervously.

'Just... five minutes...' I gasped out, my throat dry. We'd been doing this whole using his momentum thing for over an hour, and I still hadn't managed to see his face get smashed into the dirt; the only thing touching the dirt was my ass.

'Whatever cosplayer. Come on, get up. I heard Erza trained you for a while, and I'm not half as bad as her.' I shuddered at the memory. Erza had decided she would teach me more physical combat manoeuvres whenever we'd completed a mission early, and she'd put me through hell.

I groaned and sat up. Bix was right, whatever he dished out, he was a thousand times nicer than Erza was. I felt myself shiver at the memory of all those swords hovering around me, before I shut it away, grimacing as I stood up.

Come on Lucy, if you can dodge those damned swords of hers, you can sure as hell shove Bix in the back after dodging him! I thought to myself, gritting my teeth as the onslaught started once more.

'Erza! Are you MAD?! I can't dodge all those!' I scurried backwards before I was stopped by a large tree trunk, and I pressed my body against the bark, wincing as swords flew towards me, stopping an inch from my skin.

'First lesson Lucy, never back yourself into a corner. Stay in the open. I know you can do this.' My eyes widened at her and I trembled in fear as her blades repositioned themselves in the air, quivering with anticipation for my blood.

I hated her Heaven's Wheel Armour.

'Lucy, don't use your eyes. Use your other sense; listen for the movement, feel the air shift, prepare your muscles to move and use instinct. Your mind is an incredible thing, and it knows before your eyes when you're in danger and what to do. Trust in your mind, if nothing else.'

I smiled to myself, before taking a deep breath and shutting my eyes, waiting for Bix to make his next move.

Bickslow's POV

I had been planning on stopping soon, she was exhausted, and still had to go through magic training with Laxus. I was about to call a halt, when I saw her smile and close her eyes, tilting her head slightly to listen to my breathing and movements.

Oh, she's had a Eureka moment eh? I grinned, before creeping behind her. She moved, turning so that she faced me as I prowled, her eyes still shut.

I lunged forwards, and saw a blur of yellow shoot out of the way, before I felt something land against my back.

Shit! I thought, as my upper body was propelled forwards faster than my legs could speed up, and my mouth was suddenly full of grass and dirt.

'YAY! LAXUS DID YOU SEE? DID YOU SEE THAT!?' She cheered behind me, shouting out at Laxus who was laughing his freaking head off.

I sat up, spitting dirt out of my mouth, and feeling my scowl transform into a smirk as I saw her grinning happily, her face lit up and radiant at her accomplishment.

I melted into her eyes, transfixed by the pure joy that danced across her face.

'Oh my Mavis! That felt good!' She laughed, dropping to sit on the floor, her legs and arms trembling slightly from her adrenaline rush.

'WOW! You really did go flying! I thought you were exaggerating!' I chuckled slightly, spitting more dirt from my mouth before replying.

'Nope. It's a simple move, but effective. Didn't feel like you shoved me though.' I mumbled, rubbing the sore spot at the base of my back that was now throbbing slightly.

'Oh, I kicked you. I just moved with the dodge, and it worked out. Are you ok? I know I can dish out some mean kicks sometimes.' Her face was creased with worry, and she crawled over to me, her breasts level with my face before I quickly stood up, turning away to cover my blush.

Daaamnnnniiiittt! I thought in my mind as I waved her concern off.

'Nah I'm good cosplayer. You did well, good improvisation.' I sensed her smile, not even needing to face her to know it was there.

Now you really are acting creepy Bix. Weirdo.

'Thanks Bix. This was fun. Same time tomorrow?' She asked, skipping round me so she could look into my eyes.

There she goes again, tearing off your invisible mask and breaking down the fears you've held on to since you were a kid. Jeez cosplayer, you have no idea what you do to me...

I reached out and messed her hair again, chuckling slightly, thankful my blush had faded.

'Sure thing cosplayer. Now get ready, Laxus is a nasty coach. He's not going to go easy because I wore you out!' She grimaced, stretching out her achy muscles, thrusting her chest forwards slightly with the stretch. I groaned internally, making sure to look away from that area.

'Laxus is such a meanie.' She mumbled.

'I heard that blondie!' He called out from the bench, glaring in our direction. She turned and stuck her tongue out at him, and his glare intensified.

'Shit. I forgot he was training me now.' She groaned, knowing he would go harder on her now she'd done that.

'Good luck cosplayer. Well done today.' I mumbled, before quickly walking away.

Being near her sweaty and exposed body was driving me insane. I needed a shower, but now it had to be cold...

'Good luck Laxus.' I whispered as he strolled past me to begin his own form of training.

I quickly walked into the men's changing and shower rooms, and stripped down before jumping under the freezing cold spray, gasping under the icy bite of the water, before relaxing and shutting down my mind to avoid the images a certain busty blonde had shoved there.