:D
Again, English is my second language and I'm not that good of a writer so I beg for forgiveness if there are wrong spellings or grammar…thank you.
Genre: Drama, Family, Friendshio, Romance, some Humor, Hurt/Comfort.
Main Pairing: GrayXLucy
Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail or any of its Characters. I am NOT Hiro Mashima!
CHAPTER 30: Hand Sign
"No, means no, Lucy! I'm not permitting anything involving you and Laxus together!" Erza said sternly, facing Lucy with seriousness written over her face. The way Erza acted made Lucy think of her resemblance to her late mother in terms of protectiveness. And somehow it made her light inside.
The blonde girl bit her lower lip as she stared at the ground with lone eyes. Lucy, after hearing what happened between Laxus and Erza earlier, tried to convince the latter to allow her to do what the blonde man asks of her. It, of course, caused surprise to everyone present.
Why wouldn't they be?
How could she, Lucy Heartfilia — who was known to be the girl that Laxus had been targeting ever since she set foot on Fairy Tail, the girl who was known to fear LaxusDreyar the most — was asking to let him do what he ask of — it being the permission to talk to her…"alone"?
Yes, she's scared to death. It was the last thing she would actually do— or rather, it was not on her plans to talk to him. But she guessed this is the right time to finally put an end to all of this.
Still, her heart always sink whenever thinking about "putting an end" to it.
Lucy heavily sighed.
With determination burning in her eyes, Lucy looked up and stared at Erza's eyes, not flinching at the very least from the never faltering gaze the redhead was giving her. She straightened herself up before bowing low, asking the same thing for the third time.
"Please," she said. "Please, let me talk to him!"
Everyone was taken aback by Lucy persistence. It just shows how much she wanted this. 'But, why?', a question that everyone asks. Oh how she wanted to answer them, but will they believe her? Would they believe him?
"Please, Erza…" she repeated.
Erza sighed and massaged her temples. "On one condition," she whispered and couldn't believe she was actually agreeing (being the stubborn one she is) but she guessed Lucy was just as stubborn and won't stop until she gets what she wanted. Lucy looked up and waited for Erza's continuation. "We'll be close enough so that if anything bad happens, we'll be there to back you up."
Lucy couldn't argue with that anymore. She knew how worried they are for her, because if they weren't, they wouldn't even be there to stop her.
She nodded and gave a sincere smile before frowning at the path that Laxus took.
"I'll be waiting by the river." She remember him say.
..ooOoo..
A blonde man, sitting on a shaded part of the river bank andleaning his back on a tree trunk, was silently and patiently waiting for a certain girl to come— as if he knew from the very beginning that she would bearriving soon. His eyes were transfixed on the fallen leaves that were carried away by the water flowing downstream.
Laxus closed his eyes as the autumn wind blew past him, inhaling the scent of what nature give off. He likes it.
Ever since he was a boy, autumn has always been his favourite season. Maybe because of the changes he could sense in the air, and those changes felt enigmatic and thrilling. Even now he still get excited when he see the shorter days and feel cooler nights, and watching as the plain green leaves turn to vivid colors of gold and red.
But that wasn't the only reason why he loved this season.
His mind wandered back, from the time when he was still a wimpy elementary student who doesn't have any friends, gets picked at a lot, and was known as only Laxus, the grandson of Makarov Dreyar — Fairy Tail Academy's principal and owner.
'Why can't he be like his grandfather?' they say. What do they want him to be, anyways?
It pains him a lot, knowing that he's only known as a grandson and not as LaxusDreyar himself.
'DON'T HURT HIM!'
His eyes shut open remembering that voice — that one voice that had once reach him, that one voice that had once save him from the agony of his past. A girl, he remembered, a blonde girl, three years younger than he is, save him from his miseries.
One of the reasons why he loved and still lovesautumn was because that time was when he met her.
Laxus clutched his hair in his hands as he banged his head weakly on the trunk where he was leaning on until light crunching of the leaves filled his ears.
Someone's coming. He thought and his body hoisted up.
Strawberries and Vanilla. He said as a silhouette of a girl came to view.
"Lucy."
Lucy, who was fidgeting her way towards the blonde man, flinched at the sudden mention of her name.
"H-how did you know it was me?" she asked as she walked to the clearing where Laxus stood.
"You smelled like strawberries and vanilla."
Lucy blushed. I do?
There was a momentary silence and Lucy felt she built up enough courage to say what's in mind. She took a sharp inhalation of air before blurting out what she wanted to say all this time.
"I-I'm sorry," she put her fist on her chest, just over the place where her heart is located, "I'm sorry but, please give up on me?"
It didn't sound as convincing as she thought it would be,but at least she tried. It didn't sound like a strong statement as well. Rather than that, it sounded as if she's questioning him.
Eyes that seemed as hard as steel itself pierced through her soft, innocent ones that held fear. She thought the strings of courage she had accumulated and pieced together were beingcut off, one by one. But the snicker she gained from the blonde lad in front of her made those strings be replaced by strings of irritation instead.
"W-what?" she asked, twitching at the sight of Laxus stifling his laugh.
"Ba~ka!" heanswered, gaining his composure back. He gazed down at her form and cautiously walked towards her, sensing some unwanted people glaring daggers at him.
Lucy was taken aback. Baka? Me? She was trying her best not to snap, really. She knew better of what this blonde man is capable of doing if she ever fought back, so as much as possible, she stayed at her place— fully entrusting her safety to hands of her friends.
"Did you really think that I liked you?" he asked smugly as he stopped a meter away from the bewildered girl. "I guess I'm a great actor then."
"Huh?" was all she could say. What will she say, anyway? She believed he wanted her, because if not then how would you explain his actions towards her when they first met at school? That incident she was avoiding to recall? And that incident that made her fear men?
.
.
.
.
.
"I should be the one apologizing."
.
.
.
.
.
To say she was shocked was an understatement. This Laxus in front of her is apologizing. To what?
As if understanding her look, Laxus heaved a sigh before saying something she thought was long forgotten.
"I don't know if you'll remember, or even believe me at the least, but I've known you far before we met at Fairy Tail, before that incident happen."
And just like that, everything from the past flashed through both of their minds.
"DON'T HURT HIM!"
Her little hands trembled as she stretched them sideward, blocking the person behind her and keeping him from getting hurt, anymore. She directed her gaze at the people in front of her, sternly as she could manage. Her legs could be seen quivering as well, due to the fact that she's facing three smug looking boys, three years older than her.
"HUH! Hiding behind a girl now, aren't we?" one of them said, directed at the boy behind her.
"Move it little girl! Or do you wanna get involve?" said the other one, smirking at her. She flinched. 'Of course I don't want to be involved,' she thought. 'But, I can't just ignore someone who looked like he needed some help.' Her eyes saddened, remembering her circumstances from her previous school.
"I-I just don't want see someone being bullied. Not in front of me." she whispered.
"Heh!You had your choice," the third one said, irately, cracking his knuckles and readying his fist along with his companions.
"H-Hey!" the boy behind her finally spoke. "G-Get out of here! You'll hurt yourself!"
Lucy merely looked at him from her shoulders, seeing the boy's features for the first time— blonde hair, greenish blue eyes.
"It's okay." She smiled reassuringly at him, although fake, and returned her gaze at the three boys in front of her before closing her eyes shut when she saw their fists inclining towards her.
She waited for the impact, but it never came, instead she heard loud screaming and groaning. Lucy cautiously opened her eyes, afraid of what the noise is about but she immediately opened them wide once she had a glimpse of the boy behind her has materialize in front of her, punching the three boys with all his might.
With wobbly legs, she let herself fall on the ground, letting herself watch the horror befalling before her eyes. The blonde boy struggled to fight against his will, punching harder after receiving the blows his opponentsdelivered. The tears Lucy's been keeping cascaded down her cheeks as she fought back the little sobs escaping her throat. She knows well she's the reason why this is happening.
With one last punch, the blonde boy sends all three of his opponents to the ground.
"SCRAM! GET OUT OF HERE!" he shouted, intimidating the three boys who were about to get up. They quivered in fear and scrambled out of there without saying, "We'll get you for this!"
Lucy stood up and was about to approach the boy when he suddenly fell on the ground. She gasped in terror and ran to his side, seeing him panting.
The boy looked up at her and saw her tears and worried expression displayed on her beautiful face. He grinned comfortingly that caused Lucy to bawl her eyes out, hugging the boy out of apprehension.
"Ba~ka," He sighed. "Don't try and pry to other people's business if you know you couldn't do anything." The blonde boy patted her head soothingly.
"I-I couldn't help myself," she answered. "I don't want to see a person experiencing what I've been through."
He halted, realizing what the girl is implying. 'She's been bullied just like me.'
"You're pretty brave, aren't you?" he chuckled and patted her head. "What's your name, little girl? I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've seen you here."
"Lucy," she replied, breaking the hug and looking at him with her big attractive brown eyes. "Lucy Heartfilia. I just transferred here a few days ago."
He paused; looking at her eyes sends a tingling sensation on his stomach making all his blood rush up his face. "Laxus," he looked away, hiding everything his face holds. "LaxusDreyar. You must have known who I am by hearing my family name now, huh?"
Saying this only brings sadness on his eyes. He hated being known as Makarov's grandson and not by who he is.
.
.
.
.
.
"Who?"
He whipped his head to her.
"Uhm, am I supposed to know who you are?" Lucy asked, wiping some visible tears on her eyes.
The first time. Usually he would get a surprised reaction by saying his family name and will tell him how lucky he is to be the grandson of Fairy Tail Academy's principal. But this little girl in front of him asked who he is. Like she didn't know anything?
A gasp snapped him back to his senses. He looked at Lucy as she hastily stood up and ran away.
He felt rejected. He thought he finally found a true friend.
'I thought so,' his eyes looked downcast as he gritted his teeth, while his hands gripped the sore parts of his body. 'She probably realized who I am.'
Laxus was about to stand up when he heard little footsteps approaching him.
When he looked up, he was surprised to see her again, only this time carrying with her a box. She knelt in front of him and took out a cotton ball, putted some disinfectant on it before damping it on Laxus' gashes.
He hissed as it collided with his skin.
"Don't move too much. It'll be done in a sec." she muttered as she concentrated on treating his wounds and was the reason why she didn't notice the tears that were starting to fall from his eyes.
Again, the first time. The first time he felt protected. The first time he felt care from somebody besides his mother. The touches he longed to feel again were all done by this girl who he only met.
Without realizing it, his hands travelled to her shoulders bringing her to him in a tight hug.
In just a matter of seconds, he felt her warmth radiated off her body, sending tranquillity to all of his features. His doubts about the girl vanished into thin air and only the sensational feelingsof peacefulness and trust remained. He promised himself not to let Lucy get harmed by any means, be it physically, mentally or emotionally. He won't allow anyone to hurt her.
"Thank you," he said, tightening the hug. "I promise you, you're not going to get hurt by anyone, anymore."
That being said, Lucy smiled and believed his every word.
He was one of the reasons for her changes that led her to gain friends. One of the reasons why she could smile.
But then, after a few days, Laxus was banished from school. It appears that the three boys, whom he sent hospitalize for days, informed the teachers about what happened and altered the truth— making Laxus the bad guy.
She never heard anything from him after that but she believed that one day they'll meet again
"Sorry for not being there for all those years," she snapped out of her trance and looked at the man speaking to her. "And after seeing each other again, instead of greeting you normally, I scared you to the point of you hating me to the depths of the earth."
Laxus scratched his neck awkwardly and heaved another sigh before looking at Lucy dejectedly.
"The first time I saw you setting foot at Fairy Tail, I was beyond happy. Seeing you again, unharmed and cheerful after all those years, was relieving. It seemed as so your friends really took good care of you. I wanted to at least say 'hi' to you and apologize for my sudden disappearance but I couldn't bring myself to do that. Guess I wasn't ready to meet you again since I'm still the LaxusDreyar that was only known as Makarov Dreyar's grandson. I wanted to be known as just LaxusDreyar that created his own image before meeting you again."
He heaved another sigh and can't believe that he's having a hard time explaining everything to her, afraid that she won't believe him, afraid that she won't remember.
"You changed a lot. You made many friends and were not the same cry-baby-Lucy I once knew. All people want to be your friend and you humbly accepted them. Since you're kind and beautiful, every guy around you wanted you to themselves," he said in disgust,"and you, being the kind-hearted person you are, befriended them without even knowing what their real intensions are."
Lucy's brows furrowed. She doesn't know where this conversation is going but she remained silent and listened to the very man that caused her agony.
"The day the horrible incident took place, I come across some guys and overheard their plans on doing to you," he gritted his teeth and fisted his hands on his sides, "it was nasty."
Lucy felt a shiver run up and down her spine. She felt herself stiffen and her heart started beating surprisingly fast at this sudden discovery of what truly happened. Whether it's true or not, she didn't know.
"And by keeping my promise to you, I did that horrible thing." He explained.
Lucy saw the pain in his eyes, as if Laxus was regretting everything he's done. But still, she said nothing.
"Those guys were watching us when I did that to you. And those bastards are my classmates that I befriended just so I can guard their every move, so that I can assure your safety."
Lucy flinched and gasped a little.
"I never intended to put the act to that extent. I was a graduating student by then but after doing that, thanks to Ultear, they dropped me out and I had to repeat another two years for that. Every year I'd tell myself I'll stop doing things to you and apologize," he stopped and looked down, gritting his teeth, making every word that comes out of his mouth be muffled. "But every time I'm overhearing those bastards' plansto you, I just couldn't stay silent so I continued the act. Knowing how I, LaxusDreyar, supposedly like you, they would know their place, so they would stop when they can still can, cowering if ever they laid their hands on you…up until now."
Lucy was speechless.
How stupid of her to think that Laxus forgot?
How stupid of her not to think that he was doing this for her safety?
But still, how stupid of him to do that?
He could just say, 'hey those guys are up to something bad. You should be careful around them.' Or 'Hi Lucy. It's been a long time. I'm here to protect you.' Is that hard to say?
"So I want to apologize—"
"I'm sorry. But I couldn't accept your apology!" she said, cutting off the blonde lad's words.
"I know." He answered. "I know that much."
Lucy fisted her hands. She couldn't forgive him, not after doing that to her. He said he would protect her but what he did was the opposite. And it hurts her, so bad. So bad that all she wanted to do was to slap him across his face, punch him to no end and sends him flying to the sky.
But her inner self still has this soft spot for the man— the man she considered as her big brother.
"I just want you to know the truth," he muttered, preparing himself to leave, "And even if you don't remember a thing, I'm still glad you listened."
He passed by her, not saying a word anymore. Just quietly walking away, just like the time he vanished without a single word to her. And she felt herself crumble.
She doesn't want to get left behind again. Not by the same man.
"I listened to you, so you should listen to everything I have to say as well!"
She shouted as she turned to see how he stopped halfway towards the woods.
"I REMEMBER EVERYTHING!" Lucy confessed.
"I remember everything," she repeated, her lips started trembling. "That's why…that's why I couldn't forgive you."
She saw him flinch from his spot. And she knew he discerned what she was implying.
"I, too, am happy seeing you again. But never did I expect you to act like that!" she bellowed but Laxus kept on back-facing her. "You said you'd protect me, didn't you? But what did you do? You did the exact opposite!"
She waited for him to say something, but when he didn't she continued.
"Until now," she muttered, "Until now I'm scared of you. Until now I feared men and it's all because of you."
She profoundly wiped her tears using the back of her hands before it spill over her face.
"You said you'd protect me! But you did just the opposite! I won't forgive you, EVER~!" she repeated, shouting at the top of her lungs, her tears emerging from the corners of her eyes again. But Laxus stayed silent.
Seeing him as the LaxusDreyar that everyone fears, it hurts her. She couldn't believe she'll see him like this.
But seeing him so powerless over her, hurts her more.
"I won't forgive you," she echoed, "But still," her tears she kept from falling were now spilling over her cheeks.
.
.
.
.
.
"I can't make myself hate you."
She sobbed and sniffed. Lucy wanted him to know how much she's suffering. She wanted him to know how much it hurts.
"I still believe in your words." She cried, "Still believing that you'd protect me from harm. So please,"
Lucy looked up and with one last snuffle, she shouted.
"Please don't leave me again, Onii-chan!"
Laxus felt levity, happiness taking over his whole being. Hearing Lucy saying such things to the person who crushed her trust she had given him, made him a bit relieved. He knew pretty well that he's not going to be forgiven but to say that she trust him…it was overwhelming, that he could feel a stinging sensation on his eyes. But even if she say that, nothing will change the fact that he did something wrong and he can never revert time and change everything.
Sniffing first he say, "I'm sorry."
Lucy started sobbing, blinking the tears off her eyes, wiping them but it kept coming. Never stopping.
She hated the feeling of sadness the most. And Laxus' negative response hurts her.
"I can no longer look after you, not when I know that my presence alone could cause deep despair. I can no longer protect you. I'm afraid I can only look in the side-lines now. But—"
Lucy looked up when Laxus cut his own words to look back at her and gave her the same smile he always give her a long time ago, the same smile that gave her strength, the same smile that pulled her out of her shell, the same smile she expects to see when they see each other again. She bit back a sob as she waited for his continuation.
"I'm sure HE will protect you. Much better than what I've done."
Lucy's brows knitted together. "What are you—"
Before she could finish her question, Laxus briskly turned and walked away. Lucy will follow him if didn't raise his right hand, showing his pointing finger directed upwards. She felt her eyes beginning to water again. That sign is the one that Laxus made up for her to know that even if she wasn't seeing him, he will always look after her. Even if it's not going to be like what it used to, she felt warm inside.
She raised her hand as well and used the sign as she sees him off.
"I'll be looking after you too, ba~ka." She muttered to herself. When she can no longer see him, she lowered her hand and smiled. But as she did this, she can't fight the tears that are beginning to flow down her cheeks again.
"LUCY~!"
Lucy shrieked a little as the sudden yell of her name. She looked at the direction where the noise came from and saw them running towards her with their worried expressions.
"Lucy!"
"Eek." She screeched as she was tackled on the ground by a bone crushing hug, courtesy of Erza, Ultear and Levy.
"Are you alright?"
"Did he do something bad?"
"Do you want me to kill him?"
Lucy just laughed hem of and wiped her tears away. "Uhm, I'm alright. And you don't have to do that Ultear-nee-chan. Thank you for worrying about me, guys."
And with that, all three of them and the others who came rushing to her sighed in relief.
Arigatou, Laxus onii-chan
..ooOoo..
Laxus was beyond the words relief and happiness. He's not expecting anything, her believing him, her remembering him, and her forgiving him. No, not once did he think that could happen.
But what happened there, even if she didn't forgive him, he was happy that at least she still trusts him, after everything. Sure, he didn't deserve her trust but now that he knows this, he will sure treasure it.
Laxus stopped walking as he saw a raven haired lad leaning his back on a tree, eyes closed and arms resting at his pants' pockets.
"Listening are we?" he said.
The guy opened one eye and glared at him. "I'm not like them. I just happen to pass by and stopped when I saw you walking out." He answered.
Laxus smirked at him and placed his hands inside his own pockets. The black haired teen glared harder at him. "What?" he hissed.
"If you must know, you're the HE I'm talking about." Laxus announced making the guy jerk. This sudden movement made Laxus smirk grew and patted the guy on his shoulder.
"So make sure not to hurt her, or I'll hurt you. Got that, Gray Fullbuster?"
Gray's eyes widen in surprise, but as soon as it came, it quickly disappeared and gets replaced by his own smirk. He yanked Laxus' hand off his shoulder and began walking away.
He suddenly stoppe and looked over his shoulder still wearing his smirk in place. "I'm not going to hurt her. And unlike you, I'm going to keep my promise."
He was soon out of sight and Laxus could only smile.
"So much for not listening."
..ooOoo..
A/N: wahahaha~! So much for not listening Gray~! Sorry for only updating now! Hihihi, I have my reasons.
1. Not so much GrayLu on both manga and anime, meaning: no inspiration.
2. I'm still on my OJT.
3. Thinking hard on my thesis title. (Yes, thesis again. Seems like this is what I need for me to graduate. The other thesis I made is just one way to ready us for this one. =_=) sucks!
4. Enjoying myself on reading manga. MUST READ: Love So Life, Barajou no Kiss, Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun, Kamisama Hajimemashita (Kiss), Nisekoi, Hibi Chouchou, BEELZEBUB.
5. Tried drawing the cast of LIES AND LOVE. (Awesome story! Thanks Cesia14, for sharing! ^_^) and I just finished. Try visiting my deviantart account: .com
6. Uhmmm, I guess I could add that I had a very hard time writing this chapter. Seriously. I kept sniffing, because every time I had the time to type, I'm always catching a cold. I wonder why. (True story)
So please forgive me? hehehe, *scratching head awkwardly*
Anyways, next chapter Lucy will be… mwahahahhahhahaa~! And Gray will...nyahahaha~! Aren't I such a nice person~? :DDDD
so no GrayLu here except for the last part but...wahahahaha~! see you next time~! *wink wink* (I hope you got the message.) Gray will...wahahahahahhhah~! XD I love laughing like that~! :DDD
And I'm also going to ask forgiveness for my rant last chapter. Haha, I just dislike Gruvia. :DDDDD but I don't mind if NaLu will be canonized. But I REALLY hope GrayLu would be canon in the end, mwahahaha~! A person can dream, right? :DDD
So, I want to give my deepest appreciation to everyone that reviewed: pikaqueen ,Serena Fallenheart, Stella(Guest 11/25/12), animeaddict8, iLucyGray, my rant (Guest 11/25/12), ImaginationOfMe, IdiotMee (Guest 11/26/12 ), ayoshi-chan923, Fullbusterrulesmyheart, Le' CarolinnaXannej421, FairyTailFTW, NoemiNalu, Oski (Guest 11/26/12), WolfieANNE, Lost canvas (Guest 11/27/12), asdasd (Guest 11/27/12), pluethedog27 (Guest 11/27/12), Silver Kurisutaru, mary flora, Guest11/30/12, greetingsfrommaars, Mirajane S and Erza S, PsychoFishHead, 1fairytaillover, Nimra, MangaFanReader, and Blackbird0.
Stella (Guest 11/25/12): answering your question of who is more suitable for Lucy. As a GrayLu fan, I would say Gray. But because I'm a Lucy pimp as well, I ship her with everyone I find HOT~! Meaning, I ship her with Gray, Natsu, Loke, Sting, Rogue, Laxus, Jellal, Hibiki, and Lyon. But I wouldn't give a second thought about Gray being the most suitable guy for her. :DDD
Mirajane S and Erza S: thank you for reviewing every chapter! :DDD
asdasd: haha, I used google translate. Don't worry, I could still understand a little. I'm glad you liked my stories~! Thank you~! And I'm super happy that you're a GrayLu fan! :DDD
I'm sorry I couldn't reply to everyone. But I want everyone to know that I'm overwhelmed seeing how GrayLu fans support each other. Makes me wanna cry.
I would also like to thank those that read, followed, put this story on their list of favourites and for subscribing and putting me on list of favourite authors (even if I'm not a great author). Angel-chan wa minna o daisuki~!
Ja'ne!
