A/N: First and foremost, oh my, it took so much longer than I had expected. I am so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so SORRY for such a late update T.T Well, actually, I would've posted this chapter last Sunday if I could. Sadly, we had no internet connection at that time. ^^" Sorry? As to why I wasn't able to update sooner, it's pretty much the never changing school work. It was hell, really. I'm just glad our schedule is less tight now :)

And of course, above all, thank you, thank you, thank you so, so, so, so much for the ever so heart-warming reviews! Thank you for sparing some of your time in reading this story. It really means a lot. Thank you so, so much! I can't really make a longer message than this since I'm kinda short on time. Sorry again for that T.T I'll make up for it next time.

Okay, then! Here goes chapter 13, please enjoy your read :') Well, don't expect too much from this, ne? (God, I'm so nervous +.+)

Chapter 13: A Matter of Choice

"Lyon? You were saying?"

Lyon, even Gray, jolted at the question. The former looked utterly baffled. He looked at Lucy with wide eyes and a slightly open mouth. Lucy had given him a serious and earnest look in return. He shut his mouth close and gulped—hard. A hand instinctively rose from his side and rubbed the back of his neck. "Ah, right," he said softly, almost reluctantly as he turned away slightly. Lucy recognized that habitual gesture of his. It came often whenever he's nervous and debating with his inner self. Right there and then, she knew what to expect already.

Gray's hands were fists at his sides, shaking in what he couldn't seem to figure out to be fear or anger. His fingers curled so tightly that his knuckles were almost white and his nails dug unto his palm—and the empty soda can still in hand. It made a soft cracking noise which seemed to have snapped Lyon out of his reverie. A rush of fear struck him. Gray considered dropping the can on the floor and viciously stepping on it. That ought to be loud enough to drown his brother's next words. 'Or I could just hit his head with it…Shoving it inside his mouth would be good too.'

"I," Lyon spoke loud enough to snap his brother back to sanity, ridding him of the ludicrous ideas he came up with. He was looking outside now, practically looking anxious. Then Lucy saw for a flicker of moment how he seemed to relax and sigh softly as if in relief. But then, why would he be tensed in the first place? "I have to go," he continued, eyeing her fully now.

"What?" Gray was the one who spoke, much to his own surprise. Lyon gave him a half-worried, half-stunned look. He turned away immediately, cursing his traitor of a mouth mentally. He wanted to bang his head on the wall. Minutes ago, he could only watch from the corner of his eye. He could not bear to look at them directly so he left most of the work to his ears. He was afraid of what Lyon had to tell Lucy and what might come after that. Maybe, he thought, he was just that afraid of losing her. And now, wish granted, thoughts and instinctual reflexes contradicted each other.

Lucy's eyes had widened the slightest bit, almost unnoticeably. Her shoulders dropped as if out of weariness. Gray concluded this to be the reason for his outburst. She placed a hand over her chest, fingers curled lightly as her gaze dropped to the floor.

"Lucy-chii? I'm sorry," Lyon said softly, approaching the girl. "You see," he gestured his thumb outside. "Coach has been glaring daggers at me. I think I forgot to inform him and just dusted off. I wouldn't want him to throw daggers at me instead," he added, a lame excuse for Gray.

A soft, muffled laughter rewarded him. Lucy looked up at him with the slightest smiles. "Okay," she said. "Don't worry, it's all right. Go ahead."

Gray swung his head hastily to look at Lucy, surprised to see that she was actually being serious, smiling even. What the—? "Luce," he muttered under his breath.

The hand on his arm, Lucy's, tightened its grip. He said nothing more. Lyon dropped them an apologetic smile, bent down and landed a soft kiss on Lucy's forehead. "Thank you," he had said and ran off before Gray had the chance to react.

"Are you sure?" Gray asked. He was quite certain she, of all people could've stopped Lyon.

"Mmm-hmm," Lucy hummed softly, nodding with a faint smile.

"There won't be—"

"Any other time," Lucy continued, staring at the seemingly infinite darkness of the hallways Lyon disappeared into. "No next time, I know."

Gray shook his head slowly in bewilderment. "I thought— I thought you wanted to know the truth as much as I do. Hear his reasons out. And maybe you and him—" he paused in utmost hesitation. Lucy said nothing in response to this, like she didn't even hear it, so he decided to drop the topic.

"I do but," Lucy shrugged. "What good would be to hear more of it? Do reasons matter when there's nothing to be done to change things?*" She stared at Gray who seemed to have ran out of words to say. His troubled look made her suppress a smile. "Besides, I think I'm nearing the answer I'm looking for."

Gray's brows furrowed and he tilted his head to the side in puzzlement. He opened his mouth in attempt to ask what Lucy meant by that but shut it closed instead when she turned to him with her same, bright smile, the smile that never failed in making him smile back.

"Let's go home?" she said and raised her hand up to him.

Gray took it with a smile that naturally came. "I hate how you can just win me over with a single smile, Luce," he muttered, too soft for Lucy to hear. He was aware of her asking him what he had just said and yet he pretended like he didn't hear a thing. Instead, he half-turned from her and knelt down on one knee. "Hop on, little princess."

"So," Loke Celestine was crouched down on the ground, lazily twirling his blue-tainted glasses with his fore finger. He eyed the tall man, who seemed even taller from below, propped against the school gates. "Which princess are we waiting for? Yours or mine?" he asked, plainly out of curiosity.

"Neither," Laxus gave him a look that could melt glass then smiled sullenly to himself. "I have no right to call her mine," he said, eyes distant and lost. "She was never mine to begin with," he added softly that even Loke didn't quite catch it.

It was rare seeing the normally conceited and elitist best friend of his be so bitter. Loke wasn't used to this all but who was he to talk? He himself wasn't that lucky with his own princess. He closed his eyes and with a lot of effort, he managed to take the girl off his mind. His companion's look made him worry, which was something new. Laxus wasn't the type that you'd worry about since he had always managed to take care of himself. And when the said guy spoke, Loke regretted even considering the idea of worrying about him. That, he thought to himself, was the worst idea ever.

"And Lucy is not yours," he stated firmly, in the same protective tone he would always use in matters regarding the said girl. He shouldn't have bothered asking this demon with a huge sister complex.

Loke blinked his eyes innocently. "I didn't say anything about Lucy. What makes you think I was talking about Lucy?"

"Your 'my princess' literally –not just figuratively— translates to Lucy Heartfilia. You were obviously referring to her,"

"Woah. Right on the spot! How'd you know, that I call her my princess, I mean?"

Laxus threw him a look and said. "Because you're stupid." Now that made Loke shut up. Whether he was mad or extremely lazy to even talk back, he didn't care to know. Taking that silence of his friend as a good act of deed, the blonde sighed and leaned his head on the iron railings. Lucy was sure taking long. He considered his sister's injury, as he was informed, but then again, he had every reason to search for her and fetch her if he truly wanted to. Which to say is a little hard for him to admit that he didn't want to or couldn't. As much as he denied it, it wasn't just Lucy he's concerned about now.

Loke stared at his best friend for a long time, tapping his foot rhythmically. Not, that it was that fun watching Mr. Grumpy be grumpy though. He had nothing to do. "And so you were saying something about having found her," he began in an equal ratio between curiosity and randomness. Laxus merely gave him a side glance. He went on either way. "Aren't you mistaking her for someone else? Is it really her?"

"Yeah," Laxus replied in a surprisingly calm manner, almost confident.

"Are you sure?"

Tiredly, Laxus nodded in response. "I'm sure. Very,"

"So, what now? Are you supposed to walk up to her, act all friendly with her and act like nothing happe—"

"Enough about Mira," said Laxus who practically just gave it away, an edge to his voice. "What were you thinking this morning?"

Loke stood up, dusted his pants off and yawned, hands stretching high up in the air. "This morning? Did something happen besides my interrupted sightseeing? No thanks to you for that, Mister."

Laxus felt his lips twitch. He rolled his eyes irritably. "Look. Okay? I know you're just happy that you have my father's vote but,"

"Mhmm," Loke hummed happily. It sounded a lot like 'Point is?'

"It's typical for you to rejoice about it, considering how big of a doofus you are. It's not even official yet but who knows how long would it be until that's denied?" He shrugged and went on tiredly. "You said you didn't want anyone to know until Lucy hears of it first. You wanted to know what she has to say above anything else. –By the way, thought appreciated but that's just stupid.— And you were the one who didn't want Lucy to know just yet."

"Was that harsh commercial really necessary?" Loke frowned. "And then?"

"You practically wanted to blurt it out to Gray," Laxus explained finally with a heavy sigh. "Lucy was even there. I knew you were stupid but not to that extent."

Loke's eyes darkened and his expression turned grim. "But I didn't. Blurt it out to— him that is. I had my reasons and I bet you'd call them stupid. You always do. I just didn't know what got into me," He thought of Lucy. He thought of Gray. He thought of those times he would see them together and closed his eyes, hoping that it would be him instead in the picture. His eyes fluttered open at the sound of Laxus' voice.

"Lucy? Fullbuster? 'The hell are you two together again?" he asked, obviously displeased. He was glowering at Gray as if he was his next prey until he saw the bandages wrapped around Lucy's foot. He went to her, sparing the raven-haired lad a final glare, and began bombarding her with questions.

Lucy laughed heartily. "Really now, Onii-chan! I'm fine now, see? Gray helped me with covering distances," she smiled and ruffled Gray's hair, who flushed faintly. "You can put me down now, Gray. Thank you."

Gray settled her down with a worried look. "Can you stand? Let me know when you have trouble—"

A quick flash of orange got between the two and when Gray's eyes had finally caught up with what happened, he saw Loke hugging Lucy tightly, her feet off the ground. He started speaking alien language; at least, that was how Gray liked to call it while Lucy blinked in bewilderment. He spoke in an incomprehensively fast manner so Gray could only make up some words if not phrases. They were basically about him worrying and wanting to see Lucy.

Damn opportunistic cat, Gray protested mentally. He cleared his throat loudly and wondered why Laxus, of all people wasn't saying anything about it. He saw him scanning the nearly bare buildings while tapping his foot impatiently. He raised a suspecting brow before turning back to Lucy— and Loke.

Lucy was back on her feet, looking quite baffled. Loke looked at him like he just realized he was there. "Oh, you're here!" he exclaimed. "Since we're all here, let's go! Laxus!"

Eyes narrowing, Laxus clicked his tongue in frustration. "She couldn't have left already. I would have known," he said to himself as he took a few steps back inside the school grounds. "I'll find you. I swear I'll find you." Loke's voice sounded distant, barely audible for him. Nothing mattered more now that he was so near to seeing Mirajane again. Nothing.

"Onii-chan?" It was Lucy, snapping Laxus back to Earthland. She smiled and his tensed shoulders relaxed, his furrowed brows smoothening. "What's wrong?"

Laxus exhaled heavily, slowly shaking his head. "Nothing. Let's go." The others walked ahead while he took one last glance. It was a split-second decision; he had to decide. And for now, he was choosing Lucy. Though there was no way he'd give up, especially not now.

"I called for the car," Loke was saying by the time Laxus caught up with them. Gray was holding Lucy's hand, he couldn't help but notice.

"It'll be stuffy. I hate stuffy," said Laxus as he gave Gray a menacing look. The said guy turned away but didn't let go of Lucy's hand, much to Laxus's annoyance.

In a few moments, a shimmering, black limo had come to a stop before them. "Gray and I could walk home then," Lucy suggested. "If that helps,"

"Just get inside before I change my mind," Laxus said, sneezing suddenly just as he was about to get on. He looked around and wondered for a little while if someone was saying things behind his back. Well, believing stuff like that, he thought, is just plain stupid.

∞Ж∞

Lisanna was surprised to see Freed up and awake when she entered the infirmary. She looked at her sister questioningly. "How is he?"

"I'm fine. Where have you been?" Freed replied, eyeing her meaningfully. Clearly, he wasn't pleased to have made Mirajane worry about her.

The youngest Strauss crossed the room in two quick strides. She slumped herself down on the bed beside Freed. "I thought you were sick. Mira-nee was really busy babying you," she said, quickly changing the topic into something she knew Freed was weak at. She gestured her hand at him, smiling in a teasing manner. "Out like a candle."

Freed flushed a deep red and remained silent. Mirajane, seated on the swivel chair across the bed gave Lisanna a knowing smile. "You look happy. Patched things up with Natsu?"

Lisanna shook her head and for the first time, the mention of the pink-haired guy didn't show even a flicker of sadness in her bright, blue eyes. "Let's just say I met the greatest jerk on Earthland." A smile came across her face and lingered there longer than she had expected it to last.

Tick. Tock.

Dark and hollow eyes focused on her wall clock, Juvia Loxar sprawled on her bed, an arm on her forehead, her lips slightly parted. Her manner of lying down on her disheveled bed was nothing a normal rich lady like her would do but she couldn't care less for it wasn't just her bed, even she herself was a mess. Her blue hair looked like it hadn't been combed for days. Long curls tangled in all directions, some even invading her face. Her night dress hung loosely on her bare shoulders, ribbon nearly untied. The hem settled inches above her knee, exposing too much skin. The girl didn't seem to notice her appearance at the moment. She was silent and practically spaced-out.

The clock continued its ticking. What if, Juvia wondered, turning back time was possible? Would things be any better? Freeing herself out of her daze, she sighed and rolled to her side, facing her bedside table. Lyon was there to meet her gaze, smiling widely with two fingers forming a V-sign. Her cheeks flushed even by just seeing his picture inside a frame adorned by hearts of different colors and sizes. Her fingers curled near her mouth and tears threatened to fall. "Lyon-kun…" she murmured, biting her lower lip. "Juvia is so sorry—"

"Sweetie?" her mom called, knocking at the door. "Dinner's ready."

"One moment!" Juvia hastily rose to her feet, brushing away the stray strands of her hair away from her face. Her clothes, nearly coming off her slender figure, was fixed up, the hem back to her ankles. Taking a deep breath, she twisted the knob and greeted her mother with an apologetic smile. "Juvia… doesn't feel like eating today. Sorry," she said right away.

Her mother gave her a worried look at first. "Okay. Mama understands." She patted her shoulder gently, as any mother would do to comfort their child. She knew better than to interrogate further. "Just tell me when you're done packing up. I love you, sweetie," she said and kissed Juvia on the forehead.

Just as her mother left and disappeared in the hallway, Juvia closed her door and slid down to the floor. A pile of boxes filled up one corner of her room and she frowned, turning to face the calendar. "Less than a month…" she breathed heavily and dug her face between her knees. "No more running away. Juvia has to settle this tomorrow," she told herself softly.

A/N: Mhmmm, it's really crappy, I know. I have to admit I'm a hard time with writing now. My inspiration has been flying off somewhere lately and I can't seem to find the right mood. *sigh*

It's not the best one there is, but I sure do hope you like it somehow and won't hate me ^^"

As for updates, if you'd still like me to, I can't really say for sure, but it won't take as long as before. ;) Please do review, just a couple of minutes, not that long. I don't mind criticisms, but please do go easy on me. ^^"

* - as for this line, just wanted to mention it. It's one of my most favored line in The Infernal Devices trilogy. :) It's very striking, don't you think? :D

That's all for now. Much, much love,

MartiaLae