Bickslow's POV

I was asleep again. I think. I always dreamt of being with her, and when awake I truly was always with her, so my differentiation between reality and dreams has become blurred.

The only difference between my dreams and reality, is that she's awake in my sleep, and when I'm awake, she's not.

It's almost funny really.

Either way, I sat beside her, in my armchair, watching her sleep as I leant back into the plush cushions, my hair still long as I couldn't be bothered to get Mira to cut it. The style has grown on me a bit if I'm honest. I just ruffle it up and it's passable, rather than spending time gelling it into its old Mohawk. Besides, it always made a mess in my hood, the gel.

I hadn't been pestered by anyone for the past couple days; Ever and Freed had gone on a mission so they could pay off the orphanage's bills for them, so they wouldn't be back for another day. Everyone else was too busy dealing with their own problems and feelings of grief over Lucy's condition.

I knew I'd been a complete jackass, Ever pointed that out and she hadn't even seen what I'd done to Freed, though she probably worked it out. She's pretty smart like that, and she knows us inside-out.

That was a week ago now, and I'd made an awkward apology to Freed, only for him to grin at me and playfully punch my arm, saying now we were even.

I smiled slightly at the memory. Freed had become more social with the guild since Lucy had joined our team, and more people were talking to him and asking about his magic. Though he was still shy sometimes, and did revert back to his old attitude, everyone had accepted that as part of him.

Ever was the same. Everyone had discovered her slightly dirty sense of humour, and found she was actually easy to talk to when she wasn't challenging Erza about being the Queen of the Fairies.

I sighed, and leant forwards to take Lucy's hand between my own once again. I softly swirled my fingertips across her ivory skin, closing my eyes and sighing softly, the feel of her skin lulling my mind into a state of bliss.

Pathetic, I know. But when the only person you love is unable to respond to your caresses, your kiss, your words; you take whatever you can get, and just the smooth feeling of her skin against mine was enough to reassure me she was there. Enough to make me believe that she'd come back.

Lucy's POV

I felt something warm around my hand, and became aware of a damned alarm clock beeping by my head... wait a minute, was something on my face?

I reached up my free hand and fumbled with the thing, feeling plastic and tubing, and felt something sticking out of my arm... was that a needle?

Slowly, I opened my eyes, fighting against the lead weights that tried to pull my eyelids back closed.

I blinked a couple of times to get rid of the sleepiness that clouded my vision, and winced slightly at the pain the light caused me.

Wait... I know that ceiling... I'm in the guild infirmary... what happened again? Oh yeah, I remember. Psycho creep and evil pretty boy.

I slowly turned my pounding head to the side, looking down at my hand to find it encased in two familiar ones, the large, tanned and calloused fingertips smoothing patterns onto my skin. I smiled slightly and carefully pulled off the stupid breathing mask, noticing he didn't react to my movement, his eyes closed and a small sad smile on his face.

Silently, I placed the mask down beside my head, and took a deep breath of fresh air, before whispering his name.

'Bix?' My voice sounded gravelly and hoarse, and I frowned as I coughed slightly to try to loosen the gravelly tone.

I felt his hands tighten around mine, and the sad smile transform into a frown. I tightened my hand around his and gave his fingers a squeeze, whispering his name once again with my old hag voice. Damn I really needed a drink.

'Bix...' He shook his head, holding my hand tighter within his own and bringing his head down to rest it on our entangled hands.

'No... let me sleep a bit more... I don't wanna wake up anymore...' I saw his babies emerge from beneath him, and watched as they squeaked in surprise, before flying over to head butt me, but I shushed them as they were about to speak, nodding my head towards Bix.

'Bix... come on, look at me...' I coughed again, my throat in pain from the over-use.

How long have I been asleep? I thought to myself, trying to look around for anything that told me the date.

I scowled down at Bickslow as he shook his head and clenched his hands tighter around mine, kind of making it hurt a bit.

'Bickslow, if you don't stop squeezing my hand like that I won't have one anymore! Now get up and gimme a damned hug you big stupid idiot!' He froze as at my outburst, and his grip on my hand loosened, before he slowly sat up, his eyes travelling along the length of my body before meeting my own. His mouth was open in shock as he shook his head, reaching out a shaky hand to press it against my cheek. I smiled slightly at the disbelief on his face, and leant into his warm touch, smelling his subtle scent of wood smoke and pine forest; seriously, how does he even smell like that? Well, I wasn't complaining, it was nice.

'Lucy... please, tell me I'm not asleep...' I watched a tear glide down his slightly hollowed cheek as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. I scowled at him, and reached up the hand he'd been holding to press it against his own that was still against my face, interlocking my fingers with his.

'Course you're not asleep, silly. Have you been eating well? You look thin...' I was interrupted by Bix throwing himself forwards and pulling me against him, his hands yanking my head so it rested on his shoulder as he buried his face into my neck.

I was about to protest when I felt him shaking with his sobs.

Hesitantly, I lifted my arms to hug him, rubbing soothing circles into his back as I relaxed into his embrace.

'Thank God... you scared me so much don't you ever fucking do that again, you hear me?' He pulled away while he was speaking and held my face tenderly between his large hands, his watery deep red eyes staring fearfully into my own.

My heart almost broke at the amount of pain and sadness they held as he looked at me. Wordlessly, I smiled and nodded, pulling him in for another hug.

For what felt like an age, I held him against me, letting him cry as he ran his hands across my body, as though to convince himself this wasn't a dream, to tell himself that I was actually here.

Finally, he pulled away, his tears dried up as he smiled softly, and leant forwards to brush his lips softly against mine, a feather light touch that made my heart skip down to my stomach.

I lifted a hand and ran it through his long spiky hair, loving the soft feel of the strands pulling through my fingers.

Wait... long hair?

'Bix, how long was I out for? Your hair's grown out a lot, it looks great but...' He reached up and brushed my fringe away from my face, smiling sadly. He hadn't taken his eyes off of me since I woke up, and I began to get a horrible feeling in my gut.

'Lucy, you've been in a coma for over four months now.' I felt my jaw drop open and I began to hyperventilate, panic setting in.

'FOUR MONTHS?!' I shouted in surprise before he pulled me against his chest, stroking the back of my head as I clutched onto his skin tight black shirt in shock.

Four whole months?! No wonder he was so happy that I'm awake... Four months... I felt tears unwillingly escape from my eyes, and hid my face in his shirt, softly speaking to him as he continued to caress me, soothingly.

'I heard you... I heard everyone... but I didn't think... four whole months... then why do I still feel tired?' I asked, pulling away and forcing a smile to my face. Bix laughed shortly and grinned down at me, his eyes soft as he seemed to analyse every feature of my face, but most of all he stared straight into my eyes. I felt heat travel up into my cheeks, and knew I was blushing.

'Hey, what are you staring at?' I mumbled, pulling back from him slightly and looking away, only to feel his hand gently grab my chin and forced me to look back at him.

'You... your eyes... I've missed them... I missed your blush, your voice... how you pout like that when you're embarrassed.' I forced myself to stop, and his chest rumbled with a deep, masculine laugh.

'Shut up, idiot.' I muttered, looking down as he laughed again and lifted my face to look into his own eyes.

'Your idiot though.' I smiled and nodded. My smile grew wider as his face travelled closer and closer to mine, one of his hands resting oh so gently against my cheek and the other caressing the base of my spine as we slowly made our way closer and closer to one another.

'Tch, don't you know it.' I mumbled, just before our lips made contact in a harsher and more passionate kiss. I felt all of his frustration and longing in that kiss, and I felt so guilty for being the one to put it there.

I felt my hands reach up and tangle in his longer hair, and yanked on it to keep his lips against mine as he tried to pull away, making him laugh deep within his large, muscular chest. I smiled against his mouth, and relished in his taste. His soft lips were also strong as he dominated my mouth, claiming it as forever his; the only way I'd ever want it to be.

Finally, we pulled away to breathe, and his eyes seemed to stare into my soul as they glowed a luminous green, yet I stared straight back, knowing he would control himself and not use any magic against me. He grinned back as his eyes calmed to their usual red, yet there was a spark of excitement in the beautiful orbs, before they became serious as he clutched me against him; his massive hands encircles my tiny waist and squeezed slightly.

'I love you, so much... don't ever leave me again, please.' I smiled sadly, and wrapped my arms around his neck to pull myself up into a tight hug.

'Never again... I'm sorry Bixy... sorry I made you wait like this...' My voice shook as he pulled me closer to him, something II didn't think was possible as I felt him whisper in my ear, his warm breath making me shiver.

'You're worth the wait love.' I smiled and buried my face in the crook of his neck, littering his exposed skin with soft kisses.

'Oh, Bix?' He grunted in acknowledgement, and I pulled myself up so my mouth was beside his ear as I whispered to him.

'Love you too, idiot.'

No-one's POV

Everyone in all of Magnolia knew that Fairy Tail were celebrating; and this was truly the biggest celebration they'd ever had.

The majority of Magnolia itself also joined in the celebration, as the famous and beautiful Lucy Heartfilia, Celestial Mage of Fairy Tail was well once again.

In the guild, they parties like they'd never partied before, and tears of happiness and relief were littered across everyone's faces; even Juvia proclaimed she was happy her Love Rival was awake, and ended up flooding the guild slightly before Demon Mira appeared and calmed her down instantly.

Natsu was grinning from ear to ear, and barely left the Celestial Mage's side, sitting with her at all times and watching to ensure nothing and nobody came near her; much to the annoyance of the blonde's new boyfriend who was announced to an unsurprised guild. It had been clear to everyone that Bickslow loved Lucy, and that his love was reciprocated; well, all except Natsu, who glared at the Seith Mage and shot him dirty looks. Bickslow even received "anonymous" death threats written on partially burnt paper with some letters written backwards telling him to stop dating his partner.

This of course angered the rest of the Raijinshuu and Laxus, who had proclaimed himself as a supporter of the pairing, much to the sadness of Master Makarov and the malevolent glee of Mirajane.

Of course, no one was happier than the celestial mage to be awake; it had hurt her so much to hear her family speak to her, and when she found herself unable to answer she'd become more frustrated than the people waiting for an answer.

The party was set to last for at least a week or two, yet of course, Lucy was sentenced to more bed rest from an irate Porlyusica who was finally allowed to return to her forest home, shouting about how she hated humans and Fairies especially; of course making the guild laugh.

'See you guys tomorrow, I'm taking Lucy home.' Bix shouted over to Freed, Ever and Laxus; who'd been released from paperwork in celebration of Lucy's awakening.

"Lucy! Lucy!" Bix's babies had finally started talking again, but they hadn't left Lucy alone all evening, even when Bix had to go and talk to other people in the guild, they hovered protectively at her side, glaring at Natsu and making his drinks and food spill all over him before hiding behind Lucy; who stopped Natsu from "burning the little pieces of firewood" with a death glare that made him cower behind his scarf.

'Oi, I'm taking Luce home!' Natsu shouted, running forwards, only to be stopped by Laxus, who grabbed his scarf and dangled him a few feet in the air.

'See you tomorrow Bix; take care of Blondie for me.' He called out, continuing to eat with his spare hand and ignoring a thrashing and fire spewing Natsu that dangled from the other.

Bix grinned, sticking out his tongue and winking, before he slung an arm across his girlfriend's shoulders and guided her out of the guild, staring down at her tenderly.

'Oh, Natsu, you're not allowed to visit me at night anymore, I'm dating Bickslow now, you got it?' Lucy suddenly turned around and glared at Natsu, making him freeze and nod slowly, before she smiled and waved at everyone and skipped over to her waiting boyfriend; jumping on his back so he could carry her home while she fiddled with his long strands of hair.

Natsu sighed in defeat as Laxus dropped him unceremoniously on the ground. Natsu glared at the stone floor before getting up and grinning, running off to find a certain ice mage to have a fight with.

He'd decided that he was fine with whatever Luce wanted, as long as she never got hurt again; he'd make sure of that, and he knew Bickslow would be way over protective now she was awake, so there was very little danger that Lucy Heartfilia would ever be so severely harmed again.

Along the quiet, starlit streets of Magnolia walked a couple with some flying totems behind them, zigzagging along the street ahead of the couple. Bickslow had placed Lucy on the floor, and they now walked side by side, his arm around her slim waist as she snuggled against him for warmth.

'Hey, Lucy?' Bickslow said suddenly, interrupting the companionable silence they'd been sharing. She smiled and continued to look up at the stars above her with a happy, loving look on her face.

'Hmm?' She replied, her attention on the clear night sky. Bix reached into his back pocket and pulled out some shining objects, before coughing gruffly and placing them in her hands. Lucy gasped in surprise as she looked down to see a large collection of silver celestial gate keys.

'What-' Bickslow interrupted her as she stared up at him in surprise.

'The guild collected them for you. Any mission that offered a key as reward, we collected it and kept them for you... as a present for when you wake up-' Bix was interrupted by his tiny girlfriend squealing and jumping into his arms. He quickly caught her and staggered slightly as he grinned at her tight embrace.

'Thanks Bixy. I'd better thank everyone tomorrow too... you're the best.' Bix smiled as he held her tightly against him, still not quite believing he was awake, before he realised, this was far too good to be a dream.

'Hey Bixy?' He grunted, happy at the nickname she'd given him.

'Can you carry me home? My legs are tired; I got to start training again soon, right?' She mumbled against his neck, her voice betraying her exhaustion as she yawned.

Bix chuckled as he easily carried her light body along the canal path towards her fully paid off apartment.

'You got it love. You sleep, I'll sort you out; before you say anything, I'll sleep on the sofa. You're far too important to me for anything else yet, I'm going to take this slow, cause I don't want to mess anything up, okay?' Lucy giggled slightly and nodded as he took her upstairs to her apartment.

'My Bixy is a gentleman. The sofas a bit small though; sleep with me, but nothing more, got it?' She mumbled, as she smiled up at the person who she loved more than anyone in the world; the person who she risked everything for, and the one who'd waited for her to return from a possible never ending abyss.

As they snuggled together under the blankets, watched by the stars above them, he pulled her close to his body, his heart aching with the pain of relief and love as he held the blonde beauty against him.

'I love you Lucy Heartfilia.' She smiled, knowing he thought she was asleep, before she turned and lightly kissed his bare chest, her eyes still closed as she threw one arm over his waist.

'Love you too Bixy.' She whispered, her heart swelling with happiness as she was finally next to the man she loved.

And if she had it her way, she'd always remain beside him, forever, from now on.

Meanwhile, in the Spirit Realm...

'NOOOOOOOOOO! MY PRINCESS! YOU SHOULD LOVE YOUR FAITHFUL LION! I'VE LOST HER ONCE AGAIN TO-' Leo's exaggerated cries and dramatic gestures were interrupted by a fist slamming down on to his head. He whimpered and turned to face Aries, tears in his eyes as he pouted up at her.

'Ariiieeesssss!' He whined, his eyes wide and innocent looking behind his sunglasses as Aries scowled down at him, still in her dark mood.

'BAKA LOKE! LEAVE LUCY-HIME ALONE!' She shouted, glaring at him and grabbing him by his tie to drag him away from the Earthland Viewing pool, ignoring his screams and crocodile tears.

'Tch, guess she finally got a boyfriend.' Aquarius glared down at the image of her young Master sleeping happily and peacefully, and smiled as Scorpio encircled her shoulders with his arm, placing a kiss against her cheek.

'You know you love her, and are happy for her. We are!' He exclaimed, making her giggle childishly, before they left the young couple to their sleep, shutting down the viewing pool and hiding the key just in case Loke escape from dark Aries, though the likelihood of that happening was very slim; Aries was also a lot braver with her feelings and far more forward when she was in her dark form, so by the end of the night, Aquarius expected another couple to be made in the celestial realm...

Of course, no need to say, she was right.

THE END..?

A/N: THIS IS THE END MY FRIENDS! Of the official story that is... THERE WILL BE FLUFF FOLLOWING! SO KEEP AN EYE OUT! Cause you might just love it... :3

I'd like to thank everyone, and all my readers for reviewing and reading my work, it's been a pleasure to write and your comments have really spurred me on and made me feel happy! XD :)

Like seriously, you've made me feel like a half-decent writer, so thank you, a lot. :) Considering I'm going to university to study writing and literature, with the long-term goal to be a writer, you've given me some confidence in my skills. And I'm truly grateful to all of you!

I never in a million years actually thought people would ACTUALLY READ anything I wrote, so that I've had so many people read this, well, it's amazed me!

(P.S. Sherlock fans might recognise the question mark thing I did at "THE END" and yes, it was purposeful, cause fluff will follow.) :3 ;)

ANYWAYS!

If you haven't voted on the current poll, PLEASE DO! THE STANDINGS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1- LAXUS - 33

2- MYSTOGAN - 29

3- FREED - 18

4- BICKSLOW - 14

4- COBRA - 14

5- GAJEEL - 13

So, vote away! I will be starting this earlier than I originally planned, cause I foresee a lot of free time when I have no money during freshers... or at night when I can't sleep... so I need my pairing! :) xx

I really hope you've enjoyed "Lucy's Fury", and will read my next piece as well! :) xx