Thanks for the reviews! Here is a glimpse at what the other Fairies were up to. It's a busy chapter meant to give you only a small taste of their plights.

Disclaimer: I don't own this.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Chapter 7: Adventures of the Fairies

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Wendy dragged a testy Romeo to the pool in hopes of having fun with someone her own age. The boy didn't seem to like being handled by a girl and frequently voiced his objections.

"It's boring here and I want to go back. Wendy let go of my hand. Quit it!" He shouted rather loudly. Wendy pouted and dropped the grumpy boy's hand. He wasn't like this back at the guild when they hung out. Why was he weird all of a sudden?

"Ok Romeo. Where do you want to go then?" The wind dragon asked patiently. She chalked his surly attitude down to a bad breakfast. Perhaps they didn't have cocopuffs cereal here. He always had his hand in that box back at the guild… The boy brushed past her none too gently out of the busy pool. She tried to follow but he stuck his hand out at her.

"Stop following me Wendy. I don't want to play with you. I don't like hanging out with girls, they're annoying." He rumbled, earning him a heartbroken look. Romeo had been her only close friend at the guild around her age. They always went off on adventures together. Wendy couldn't understand why he was acting this way right now.

"But-" She took a step closer.

"Leave. Me. Alone!" He repeated tersely, walking off in annoyance. Tears stung her eyes as she watched him join a rather large group of boys that looked to be his age. Was she that annoying? She pulled herself out of the pool and trudged towards her towel and Carle, trying to hide her red face from the public. Her white Exceed looked at her questioningly but before Wendy could explain, a short boy from Romeo's group ran up to her and stood inches from her nose. The group of boys watched intently, including a frowning Romeo.

"What he really meant to say was you're ugly," the boy said meanly, taking glee in watching her tear up more. The sky mage ran off choking back whimpers, hurt and sad at how mean Romeo had just been. Carle's calls were lost on the blue haired girl and she slipped out of sight back into the castle. Annoying and ugly? I'm annoying and ugly…Her frenzied run led her right through a wall of cold water.

"Wendy?" Came Juvia's voice. Wendy peeked up through her hands to see Juvia reassemble from her liquid state.

"S-sorry Juv-iaa," The twelve year old sniffed. Ugh. Wendy really didn't want to let her guildmates see her crying like this. They already thought she was weak as is.

"Wendy what's wrong?" Juvia asked, taking the girl under her wing and leading her to the battle dome.

"Rome- um nothing. It's just a boy." The heaving girl got out. "It doesn't matter."

"Juvia can help when it comes to boys, Wendy. Juvia knows a thing or two-" the water mage winked, trying to cheer up her red-faced guildmate. Wendy sweat dropped at this. Juvia would be that last guild sister she would ask about boys and romance… But she politely let Juvia carry on. "In plain and simple terms, if a boy is mean –forget him!" Juvia said firmly and proudly. Wendy was taken aback. Did Juvia just give proper advice? The sky maiden had to double check that this was really their water mage.

"Really? Just cut him out… Like that?" Wendy asked.

"Yes!"

"But that's so sad… I don't want to stop being friends with him." Wendy mumbled, pouting slightly. What about all the fun times they had together back at the guild?

"If he was cruel, then he doesn't deserve Wendy as a friend or otherwise." The older mage explained, claiming seats in front of Mira and her harem of male suitors. Wendy reluctantly accepted this explanation, even though the situation still sucked.

"She's right, Wendy. Time away from Romeo may be best for you two in the long run. Maybe you can be friends when he's matured," Carle spoke, appearing beside her partner and handing the sky maiden her towel robe. Wendy nodded and hung her head, snuggling into the pink cotton towel for warmth. At least the towel wasn't calling her annoying. "-And that boy was wrong. Wendy is not ugly." Carle sniffed, glad to see the sky dragon crack a small smile.

"Well what do I do for the next week and a half?" She asked her companions.

"Wendy, you could help Erza out," a gentle voice called from behind her. Mira indicated a tired looking redhead in the centre of the ring. "You could be her medical advisor." Wendy looked from Mira to Titania and brightened immensely.

"Thanks Mira! That's a great idea." The sky maiden liked the idea of at least being useful. Climbing down into the pit, she scurried her way into Erza'a corner thinking her vacation might not be so bad.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

"Shut up and drink already," Cana sung to the blonde masked man, shoving two mugs into his hands. She was vaguely aware through her buzz that he wasn't from her guild, but that wasn't too important to her right now; the lounge had been reopened the day after a certain unhinged slayer had rampaged through it, giving the brunette an uncomfortable amount of time to sober up. "Is talking all you know how to do?"

Rufus looked at the crude woman with silent mirth. He hadn't spoken past their brief greeting. She wasn't the usual type of lady he went for, but she was entertaining to listen to; this Fairy was her own one woman show.

"Ne pretty boy, I'm trying to set up my friend Titania. Know anyone really strong?" She asked, mood suddenly shifting.

"Orga." He drawled, nodding towards his teammate sitting silently next to him. Cana leaned back exaggeratedly to look at the hulking man and let loose a grin.

"I'll give him 2 minutes in the ring with Erza. She'll beat you but I think she'll get a kick outta it!" She led the beast of a man out of the room on not-so-steady legs. The blonde male shook his head and followed. These bloody fairies were too friendly for their own good. Rufus listened in amusement to the theatrics of the brunette as she retold a brief but colourful version of Erza's history with some bloke named Jellal. Somehow on the way to the arena, she had roped in a few more hulking men for the chance at love with her friend. He had to admit, she was rather cunning in her tipsy state and knew exactly how to use her revealing pixie costume in her plight.

Arriving in the packed dome arena a short distance away, the tanned girl shoved the 'cargo' through the loading gates and grinned at the blonde man.

"This is where it gets good!" She chuckled darkly, grabbing a beer from Rufus' hand and knocking back a few good gulps. He didn't know why he was tolerating this behaviour, but he was curious as to what was going to happen in the ring. He took a sip from his own mug and very much thought she was underestimating his teammate. Orga was the strongest guy of his team, otherwise known as 'muscles'. "Come on, I've got good seats," she grinned, pulling him over to the spots Mira and Freed had just abandoned. Juvia and Lyon looked up at the strange duo but did not comment. The water and ice mages went back to holding hands. And Blushing. Apparently it was 7th grade all over again.

"She's gonna kick his ass." Cana promised, clinking her mug against his.

"I doubt that." Rufus shot back. Each mage exchanged a knowing smirk and drew their attention to the red head entering the large ring. Wendy popped out of Erza'a corner to do a brief examination of the requip mage, making Cana smile and cheer louder with the other fairies in the stands.

A green haired man stepped into the ring in a battle ready position. "FUCK HIM UP ERZA!" Cana hollered, dancing and laughing in her seat. Rufus admittedly could get used to this atmosphere. His teammates never had fun like this.

The man went on the attack but was K.O'd not a second later by Titania. The next few rounds went like this. When an eight foot man was knocked out, Cana frowned. "I thought he'd last longer. I guess Erza reeeeally din like 'im." Rufus snorted in response. "Hey look your buddy's up next! I bet you 'slave for a day' that he loses. I think you'll make an excellent servant." She jeered confidently.

"I accept you bloody harpy. Sit down –your wings are in the way. I'll be ripping those off the minute you become my slave." The heated rivalry was born, earning laughs from the people in the stands behind them.

Orga kicked, Erza blocked, Orga phased, Erza phased, Orga went to a punch, Erza dodged. The fight was at the 30 second mark before someone landed a hit. Orga landed a blow to Erza's stomach that moved her back a few inches; Rufus applauded, knowing that was usually a killing blow if not debilitating.

He vaguely heard "dumbass" from the cackling harpy beside him and watched in horror as the redhead returned a quick-fire punch that sent Orga flying through the opposite wall –very much outside of the boundaries. The bell rung and Erza lifted her hands in triumph. She was a monster under those faerie wings -he'd swear it.

"He did pretty good, I must admit." Cana patted his hands sympathetically, slapping one of her magic cards onto his skin. He looked down mortified to see him labelled 'house-elf' in glowing yellow letters. "Now Blondie, take me back to the bar," she commanded, earning a few shouts of approval from some of her more hammered guildmates. His body didn't move on its own accord but he knew exactly what was happening. It was torture. He went to pick her up but she stopped him with a waggling finger. "On your back" she finished darkly, promptly smiling at her genius. For the first time in his life, Rufus found himself dumbfounded. He didn't have the upper hand. Forced on his hands and knees, Cana perched herself on the older man and parted the jeering Fairies with a wave of a queen. He had this awful nagging feeling that one of his teammates would see him like this. Rufus didn't know if his pride could take it.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::

Gray ducked behind a couch Lisanna and Natsu were occupying in the lounge. There was something different between the two he gathered, upon seeing Lisanna place herself on Natsu's lap and feed him food. Lucy would have loved to see this, he thought while ducking back down again. A fan club member of his had walked by as if she were hunting for something. The exhibitionist sighed, being reminded of Juvia. Which reminded him of Lyon. Which then reminded him of their budding relationship. He grit his teeth. The vain ice man supposed he'd have to use his charms on another pretty girl that caught his eye. Those tended to be sombre women, likely lost souls that 'needed saving'. The self-proclaimed white knight dashed off to the bar upon seeing a few downtrodden single women standing alone. Lisanna watched his antics with a shake of her head. He'd never change his ways would he? They'd best prepare to welcome a Juvia 2.0 to the guild by the end of the next week… Natsu ate the pepper from her hand, drawing her attention back to him.

"When do you think we should tell people about us?" The fair haired girl asked, lovingly kissing the fire dragon's temple.

Natsu shrugged. "Up to you Anna. We only just bonded –Ohh are those spicy?!" He asked excitedly about the chicken wings on the plate. Lisanna rolled her eyes and grinned, continuing to feed her mate. He was rarely ever serious, what did she expect? Warren, sitting not far off from the couple, heard their tiny exchange and accidentally let that juicy bit of information slip in a psychic broadcast about the room. Somewhere off in the distance, the roar of an angry elder brother could be heard.

Evergreen tutted at Elfman's yell. She'd recognize that oafish voice anywhere. So what if his sister was with Natsu now… That's what they came here to do, the baka. She finished her drink and started her way down the hall to the battle dome. The prim fairy passed a gleeful Cana piggybacking a nearly naked and rather brassed-off blonde man. Evergreen didn't bat an eye; she'd seen stranger things from that girl and this was one of the tamer occurrences…

The brunette watched the match to see Erza own her hulking opponent. The battles had evolved from fists to full out magic use. Apparently no one could go toe-to-toe against Erza's raw muscle and had to use magic to stand a chance. How she is supposed to be the queen of fairies is by me. Fairies are supposed to be elegant, not brutish, Evergreen thought with a hint of animosity, clearly not forgetting the one time Erza knocked her out. The brunette weaved her way around pockets of mages to the arena's edge. Another battle began.

"Aren't you supposed to cheer on your nakama? I thought that's all your guild of fairies was good for," sneered a blonde man beside her.

Sting was it? A snooty 'hmph' was her response, not affording him a glance. How dare he insult fairies! Fiddling with her flower laden hair, she proudly brushed past him not wanting to deal with such a rude male. To her chagrin, Sting followed her to the stands.

"Hey, I was talking to you. And why do you smell like that?" The Sabertooth asked, roughly tugging on her wings.

"Don't touch those with your filthy hands!" She barked, turning to glare at him. He ignored her sharp tone but let go of the gossamer material.

"Why do you smell like that?" he repeated, looking rather puzzled.

"Smell like what?" She bit out tersely. Never before had she been accused of smelling poorly!

"I donno you just smell…" Sting said, visibly sniffing the air around her. It's delicious. She couldn't smell a thing. Evergreen was getting rather cross, removing her glasses. She didn't dare turn her back to the dragon slayer now, knowing he normally had sadistic tendencies. The prim fairy backed herself onto an empty bench in the stands, its previous occupants wisely leaving the area upon the slayer's arrival. His nose followed her movements, much to her irritation. She'd have to pull out her big guns if he continued with this vulgar harassment.

"Why don't you lay off me if I smell so much," Evergreen snapped in warning. He was suddenly on her, knocking her flat backwards with a shrill screech and spreading her knees wide apart to sniff between her legs. Such insolence! She fisted an angry chunk of blonde hair and yanked his gaze up to her eyes. His astounded expression was the first thing turned to stone. She glided away from the stone man with as much grace as she could muster in her angered state. Sting wouldn't be returning to life for another few hours and she planned to have her boys beside her when he did. Perhaps she should stand a little closer to Elfman too. He warded off the weirdos quite well. That dragon slayer crossed the wrong woman. Hmph.

Bickslow wasn't hard to find. He was sitting behind Juvia and some white haired mage a few stands away. The two set out to find Freed which proved to be a more difficult task. He wasn't found in the dome or the large lounge, nor was he in the entry hall or guild turret. They were about to search the gardens when a flustered looking Freed came out of a private room off the grand hall. He looked a little pale at the sight of them and visibly stiffened when he heard the door open again behind him. Laxus emerged looking equally dishevelled but beaming with happiness. To see such a serious person smile was a very odd thing. And a tad off-putting, Bickslow would later recount. The blonde hadn't caught on that they had a snickering audience and wrapped his arm around Freed's chest.

"You didn't give me a chance to answer Freed. Yes. Yes I will marry you." The fair haired man chuckled, teasing the green ends of his lover's hair. Freed ignored his companions and looked back at Laxus wide eyed. He didn't waste any more time to kiss the smiling dragon mage. A smirking Evergreen had to drag away an open-mouthed Bickslow, telling him they'd be fine without their teammates for now. It's not like this was surprising in the least. It was no secret Freed adored their leader and chased off all his fan girls. Laxus seemed more or less indifferent but that was all a well-placed cover it seems. Freed pulled off a glittery band from his thumb and placed it on the taller man's ring finger.

"What took you so long to ask? …" Laxus chided. Freed blushed and mumbled something along the lines of rejection and not being strong enough which made the blonde smirk a little. Freed was the most adorable thing on this planet in his eyes. Laxus was strong enough for the both of them. He loved the man the way he was.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::

At around 11 pm, the Fairy Tail Guild members found themselves collected about a knot of couches. Erza, with the help of Wendy, retold her battles of the day to an enraptured Levy. Gajeel kept a possessive arm around his girlfriend while chatting lowly with Natsu about controlling dragon instincts. Lisanna, beside him, was exchanging exciting news and congratulatory words with Freed and his fearsome group leader. Elfman sat grumpily on the floor in between his younger sister and Evergreen, taking turns glaring at Natsu and looking for Sting.

Cowards, both of them. They should face me like men!

Not far off, Juvia was bidding goodnight to her ice prince that treated her like a princess. Lyon pressed one last kiss to her lips before retreating for the evening. The heart eyed mage flitted her way towards Cana who was poorly hiding behind Laxus' thick legs.

"Isn't Lyon dreamy?" The water mage began, off in her own little world.

"Sure Juvia." Cana said, practically biting her nails while scanning around the room for her hunter.

"He's so brave and kind –it makes Juvia's heart race." The blue haired mage swooned.

"Uh –huh, great, either get down or go away Juvia. I'm in trouble."

"Trouble with boys? Juvia can help, you know," the nymph continued, clearly only half listening. The card mage yanked the water mage to the floor with her, not daring to move from her spot. Apparently Rufus hadn't found her yet or he just didn't like Laxus.

"That Sabertooth figured out how to remove my cards. I'm in deep shit right now…" the brunette grumbled, suddenly tempted to punch Laxus in the leg when he started to laugh at her. She supposed she deserved it. Cana DID force him to strip in front of a lot of people. How was she supposed to know he was body shy? She huffed and continued her surveillance.

Evergreen and Bickslow fared no better. Evergreen's stone statue should have returned to normal by now and both were on high alert for a crazed dragon slayer to come rampaging in. What the entire guild did not expect was for their very own Lucy to stroll into the busy room with a sheepish smile on her face.

"Lucy!" Levy called, jumping up to give her friend a hug. "I knew you'd be ok!"

"Yup! Things have been -er sorted out since then." She confirmed, patting down her newly fitted fairy dress with appreciation. Lucy felt happy to be back with her guild.

"SO where's your boy toy?" Levy asked, the entire guild stopped their individual conversations to hear Lucy's answer. His erratic behaviour from a few days ago seemingly left a bad impression on her guild. Not really that surprising but he has better control now thankfully.

"He's upstairs with his guild. He said he had to get some things before coming down," the blonde quickly explained. She sorely missed her chatty guildmates. Since the mates' last talk a few days ago, all her and Rogue had been doing was having sex with the occasional nap and meal here and there. Not that she really minded… She hid her blush at her wandering thoughts by accepting a hug from Lisanna and Natsu. Wait Lisanna and Natsu?!

"You didn't!" Lucy exclaimed with a smile on her face, taking a step back to look the couple over.

"We did…" Lisanna confirmed with a tiny smile.

"See Lisanna, I told you Lucy would be surprised! No one saw it coming," Natsu grinned. The guild collectively sighed at his naivety. Lucy snorted and trapped her surrogate siblings into another hug.

"Surrrre Natsu, just make me an Auntie and I'll be happy," the blonde said with a smile. The Fairies sobered quite quickly at something behind her. She knew what –rather who- it was. Releasing her brother and future sister in law, Lucy turned to meet Rogue's slightly cross demeanor.

"Rogue, meet my siblings Natsu and Lisanna," Lucy introduced patiently, knowing Rogue was misinterpreting yet another innocent situation. The blonde had picked up huge waves of jealousy from her mate moments before. He's really not good at this sharing affection stuff, she mused, rolling her eyes. "Lisanna, Natsu, meet my own, personal Demon." The celestial spirit mage barely supressed a snicker when her mate's frown deepened.

"I know who they are Fairy." Rogue mumbled, moving to stand beside his woman and deciding Natsu was not a threat; the fire dragon reeked of the fair haired woman's scent. Lucy peeked behind her slayer's arm to see the rest of the Sabertooth elite glaring down her guild.

"Why are those things here?" she hissed quietly at him, clearly uncomfortable under Minerva's scrutiny. Lucy unconsciously moved closer to her shadow dragon when the raven haired girl began to scowl. Rogue, as usual, didn't reply right away but reassured her with an arm secured around her torso.

"One of your Fairy girls has a score to settle with Rufus…" Rogue informed the spirit maiden. Again, she didn't have to guess to know who made the masked man positively livid.

"Cana…" Lucy sighed. Not again.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Next/last chapter will be some funny/steamy snippets between Lucy and Rogue. Probably :P. Thanks for reviewing last chapter! I appreciate your comments :)