Next update, Ladies & Gents. Thanks you for your wonderful reviews!

I can update so quickly since I have most of this already panned out in my head.

This is a boring chapter, I know, but bear with me--I can't just go from Point A to Point B. I need filler!

Please enjoy and let me know what you think! I apologize for any errors :D

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Makarov chuckled when Mirajane told him about the incident between Gajeel and Adassandra. "She sure is something!"

Lucy had to smile at his comment, as her respect for the woman had greatly increased since the newcomer had walloped Gajeel.

"It's about time someone did that!" she grumbled as she sipped her drink as daintily as she could--without looking like a lush. She decided that daiquiris were the way to go. Especially mango ones. Makarov patted Lucy's rear, almost causing her to choke on her beverage.

"Would you quit that?" she squealed, her face turning red from embarrassment. She absolutely detested being treated like an animal. Sure, she didn't mind the ogling or comments. Those were always welcome. It was the manhandling that drove her nuts. What ever happened to "look but don't touch"? she silently wondered. Mirajane tsked softly at the elderly mage. She calmly shook her head as she slid the his usual drink across the bar surface.

"Hoho! You're a doll, Mirajane!" he guffawed at Lucy's reaction.

"Sexual harassment is a legitimate cause for concern," the smooth female voice interrupted Makarov's antics. "I think the Council would be interested in knowing how you run this place, Master Makarov." Her heels clicked softly, though Lucy hadn't heard them a moment ago. Any woman who could walk that quietly on a pair of stilettos was most likely a formidable opponent. She shuddered at the thought. I bet she can use them as weapons, as well.

"Ahh, my favorite visitor," the old mage smiled enthusiastically. He leapt down, momentarily thinking about smacking her affectionately. He was stopped by Lucy, as she pointed to the spot in the bar where Gajeel had been thrown earlier, for similar antics.

Makarov must have thought better of it, instead waving for Adassandra to take his seat. "I heard you created quite a ruckus earlier, no?" He chuckled lightly.

Adie's face turned pink as she asked for a glass of wine. Mirajane gently passed the fluted glass to her, smiling knowingly. "I think he had it coming," the dark-haired inspector replied after a quick gulp of her crimson merlot.

Lucy snorted, as Makarov roared with laughter, "I can't disagree with you there. He is quite...abrasive."

"That's putting it lightly!" Lucy joined in.

Adie giggled, pushing her stylish frames up the bridge of her nose. "I went a little far, didn't I?" she looked at Lucy, her pale eyes showing their mischief.

"Not at all," Lucy replied, rolling her eyes. Perhaps the alcohol was making her more talkative. She was finding the newcomer rather...likeable. "In fact, I would have done worse!"

Adassandra raised an eyebrow in surprise. She tilted her glass toward Lucy, "Here's to arrogant bastards!"

"Aye!" Happy chimed in, as he looked up at the two women.

"I agree with Happy," Lucy said, sloshing her new drink--a martini--in its wide-mouthed glass. She had decided that beer definitely did not suit her. Finer things, like martinis, did, however.

"I lost Natsu," Happy said, his face furrowing with concentration.

"I'm sure you'll find him at some point," Lucy grumbled. Adie watched the young woman's expression. It appeared that the blonde spirit mage harbored feelings for the missing dragon slayer. At least, from the way she looked at the young man....something was going on, no?

"I think," the raven-haired inspector began, looking at Happy, "that I promised you a dinner. My treat." She smiled warmly.

Happy's eyes lit up as he looked at Mirajane, "Fish!"

"Coming right up," the white-haired mage smiled as she disappeared to the kitchen to place the order.

"So, how are the old coots at the Council?" Makrov asked thoughtfully.

"Eh, still old," Adie replied into her wine glass, offering no more information.

Makarov chuckled, "I'd expect nothing less from them." He took a long swig, wiping the foam from his mustache before continuing, "So, if I may ask, what is your assessment of our guild?" A few flecks of foam flew from his beard, spattering along the surface of the bar.

Adie was quiet for a few moments, as all eyes fell on her. She had been observing the daily bustle of the well-known guild for a few days, and had taken numerous notes on the goings-on in Magnolia. She had expected to dislike the notoriously destructive Fairy Tail, but was pleasantly surprised that it was welcoming and friendly—something she hadn't experienced in a long time. It broke her heart that they were holding a gala for her arrival--and subsequent departure the following day. Especially due to certain events that would inevitably occur from her visit. She swirled the wine around the glass, looking into its ruby depths. She sighed, this was somewhere she could have definitely lived. For a while, at least.

"Well, Master Makarov," she said her cornflower-blue eyes falling on his short stature as he was perched on the barstool, "your guild is unruly, disruptive, careless, disrespectful, and a plethora of other such terms I could use." She waved her hand in the air, as if emphasizing her claims. "You do not run a tight ship, to put it lightly," she glanced around the large hall. It reeked with beer and rang with merriment. "Ethically, it should be shut down—a disgrace to the mage world--"

"That's not right!" Lucy wailed, her anger causing her interruption. "You have no idea--"

Adie raised a hand, "I'm not finished." Her eyes flashed their warning. "He merely asked for an evaluation, as a third party." Lucy thought she could see a hint of a smile playing on Adassandra's red lips. She was confused by the Councilwoman's incongruency.

"Eh?" she replied, looking at Happy. He was enjoying his fish dinner, obviously indifferent to the conversation-at-hand.

"As I was saying," the onyx-haired woman continued, "it's a mess, Makarov. That's putting it lightly."

The old mage smiled grimly, nodding his head in dissatisfaction, "I suppose I have done poorly as the master of this guild." He looked around the hall sadly, his expression dark.

"But," she interrupted, glancing around her. Lucy felt a sense of sadness and longing in those eyes. "If I could chose a guild to join, it would be this one." Her voice was quiet as she stared into her cup, her hands trembling slightly. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Lucy's mouth fell open in shock, as Makarov's own face lit up with realization. "You sure are something!" he guffawed, slamming his empty mug on the bar.

She met his gaze, her eyes suddenly sad, "I mean it. Even with its quirks, the members genuinely care about one another. As if it's one, giant...family." She whispered the last part.

"Well, if you ever quit your job with those snooty old coots at the council, I'll have a spot open here! With your name on it!" he guffawed as he took a giant swig of his amber beverage. "Mirajane! Buy everyone in the hall a drink! It's on me!"

"Y-yes!" she nodded, as the hall became silent. Apparently they had heard Makarov's boisterous generosity.

"Don't go crazy!" he warned, his eyes flashing the silent warning as he looked to his children. "And I want you all to have a good time tomorrow!"

The crowd burst into cries of joy at their master's words and promise. Adassandra watched the belated emotions with rare amusement. She shook her head, a smile on her face. It was definitely an odd guild, indeed.

"I-I wanted to thank you," Mirajane began. She was wiping down glasses, as the hall had been relieved of its rowdy company. It was getting late, and the members wanted to get a good night's sleep for the following day's festivities.

"Thank me?" Adie replied, squeezing her nose between her two fingers. "These damned glasses are a pain in the ass!" she sighed as she tossed them across the bar. Lucy looked at the woman: she looked quite nice without the dark frames. No wonder everyone was abuzz by the new woman in the guild! Lucy had almost shared that thought, but Mirajane continued her explanation.

"For what you did...for Elfman," she smiled lovingly.

"He's your brother, correct?" Adie asked, recognition on her face.

"Yes," she replied softly. "He's all I have left."

"He's a good man, and I'm sure, a good brother. He shouldn't allow those brutes to push him around, he has a good heart. Some day, a nice young woman will recognize that," she offered.

"I hope for the same thing," Mirajane replied wishfully.

"I owe you for the bar, no?" the dark-haired mage replied, quickly changing the topic. She was in no mood for matchmaking. She glanced around the area that had been damaged hours earlier. "I cannot believe how quickly it had been repaired! It looks as if it never happened! If my fist didn't still ache, I would almost be convinced that I had dreamt it!"

Mirajane dismissed the idea of being compensated. "No worries, Adie! We have a very gifted wood mage that fixed this right up! So, you see, no need to pay for any damage. I'm sure Gajeel will pay for that!" she winked her entendre.

"You did that with a punch?" Lucy interrupted, her eyes wide with shock.

Adie flexed her fingers. "Yup," she looked at Lucy, "a girl's gotta know how to use her assets." She allowed her eyes to fall on Lucy's spirit keys. "Surely," she mused, "you do not force your stellar spirits to take the damage for you." Her eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Those look like zodiac keys, and most are not suited for physical or hand-to-hand combat."

Lucy was taken aback at her knowledge of stellar spirits. "Y-you sure know a lot about Celestial Spirits!"

"Being a Guild Inspector, I have to keep up on my knowledge of the various magics," she spoke into her wine glass. She slowly took a sip, her eyes on Lucy the entire time. "But you didn't answer the question."

"I would never risk harming my spirits. Not intentionally!" she yelped, feeling as if she were being scrutinized. "Though Leo seems to sense when I'm in danger and can appear without me calling."

"Interesting," Adassandra replied. Lucy looked at her closely: something about her voice...

"Perhaps you could learn another sort of magic, no? Ex-quipping, Transformation, Possession, Telepathy, Healing, Elemental..."

"I wouldn't mind it," Lucy admitted. "I always feel as if I'm the weakest when we go on missions." She looked at Adie, her vision starting to blur. Maybe she should make this drink her last. "Not everyone has a killer punch like you," she grumbled darkly.

Adie snorted. "K-killer punches? Me? I only use my hands when its necessary."

"What kind of mage are you...exactly?" Lucy asked hesitantly.

"Weapons specialist, I like to call it. I've dabbled in a bit of the elementals, and other such magics. But, I found physical forms enhanced by magic work best for me."

"I see," Lucy trilled. She didn't. Her attention had begun to wane, so she didn't ask for an elaboration of Adie's skills. She trusted that the dark-haired woman could hold her own when necessary.

"So you kick asses for a living?" Lucy quipped, her voice slurring more than she had intended. "Scary!"

"Remind me to stay away from your bad side," came the voice from behind. Both women turned to find Gray standing there, his hands shoved deeply into his pockets.

"Clothes this time, eh?" Adie asked her eyes wandering over his attire.

Gray's face turned red, "Can we not talk about that?"

"Fine," she smirked, winking at Lucy. Lucy snorted as Gray shot her a dark glare. She had told the inspector about Gray's past with Ur—and his training as an ice mage. She figured it would look better for Gray if she shared that tidbit. It prevented the Council Inspector from thinking a nudist pervert prowled the guild.

"Seen Natsu?" Gray asked.

"Why are you asking me?" Lucy shot back.

"I-I don't know! I just thought that maybe you would know!" he replied defensively. "Maybe he freaked out since you made him your date for that formal," he grumbled.

"What was that?" Lucy hissed, as she spun on her stool. "You want me to tell Juvia you love her?" Her eyes flashed their threat.

Gray's face paled. "N-no! You've already done enough!"

Adie narrowed her eyes, "Is that the one that follows you around? Glares at any woman that looks at you?"

So she had noticed. Gray nodded, as he slumped into a stool next to Lucy. "Yeah," he sighed. "That's her."

"So you thought you would reinforce that by taking her as your date?" Adie pressed.

Gray shook his head, too ashamed to meet her pale eyes. He pointed to Lucy, "Nope. It was her idea!"

"Ah, I see," Adie glanced at the spirit mage. Her eyes briefly passed over the keys on Lucy's belt. "Cause trouble much?"

"Only when it suits her," Gray replied.

"Hey! I'm still here!" Lucy whined, taking another long drink from her glass.

"You should probably cool it, Lucy. You're going to be sick tomorrow if you don't," Gray warned.

"I don't care," she mumbled, her head falling on her arm. It was so heavy and she was so sleepy.

"I think I'm calling it a night," the dark-haired woman decided. She waved her goodbye to Mirajane. "Night Lucy! Night....Gray!" She glanced, obviously, toward Lucy as she spoke. Get her home, she mouthed to the ice mage. He nodded his understanding.

"You forgot your glasses," Lucy called out, as Adie walked away.

"Oh," Adie raised her hands to her face. "Y-yes, I did. How silly of me! Thanks, Lucy." She reached out and picked up her dark-framed glasses, carefully placing them on her face.

"I like you better without them," Lucy grumbled, as she swallowed the rest of her apple martini.

"Why thank you," Adie replied her face flushing pink as Gray silently made his decision on the issue. He hadn't noticed the missing lenses, as she looked like she belonged without them. He waved his goodbye, watching her exit the hall.

Lucy staggered as Gray attempted to lead her to her apartment. "I don't need your help!" she whined, as she weaved through the streets.

"It doesn't look that way to me!" he smirked as she nearly fell.

"Screw it!" she moaned, pulling off her new, and expensive, boots. "There! Much better!" she tossed them aside as she walked bare-foot in the street.

Gray retrieved the shoes from where she had flung them. He tucked them under his arm as he attempted to catch up to Lucy. He found her a few yards away, staring quietly at a window in the new hotel adjacent to the guild.

"What are you staring at?" he asked.

"N-nothing!" Lucy swayed, though unable to tear her eyes away from the window.

Gray followed her gaze, realizing where she was staring. It was only on the second floor, so it was quite easy to see into the suite. He could see someone unpinning their long dark hair, as they faced away from the window. The dim yellow light that cast across her made her look almost godly. He found it difficult to tear his eyes away from the sight.

"Not you too," Lucy growled, as Gray blinked. How long had Lucy been watching him? How long had he been watching her?

"You were staring first!" he countered, glaring angrily at Lucy. He suddenly realized why she had been acting so odd these past few days: she thought Natsu was attracted to the visitor. He chuckled.

"What?" she hissed, her voice rising.

"Shh, not so loud, Lucy," Gray tried to calm her. "Natsu only took a liking to her because of how she is with Happy."

Lucy was about to protest, changing her mind as Gray's words set in. "Happy?" she echoed.

"Yes, Happy. It's rare for anyone to treat him as an individual, much less a human being--"

"But he's not a human!" she interrupted.

"I know, just bear with me," he sighed impatiently. Sometimes she was difficult to speak to, but that was Lucy. "We forget that he's a member of this guild, is what I meant. And she treated him like he was a member from the start. That's the only reason," he concluded. He didn't elaborate, but Lucy understood.

She nodded, hiding her blush as she trotted away. "Makes sense," she waved as she began skipping toward her apartment, her mood suddenly elevated.

Gray was left staring after her, confused by her behavior. Sometimes she could be childish. But, that's what made her and Natsu such a good pair: they were two childish, strong-willed idiots. He smiled at the unspoken thought. He suddenly felt as if someone was watching him. He turned toward the window, and could see that Adassandra was standing there, staring at where he was standing, below her window.

She held the curtains in each of her hands, staring down at the voyeur. Gray could feel his face turn crimson as he was about pose his explanation. Before he could, she drew the curtains shut, leaving him to stand in the street, his words on the tip of his tongue. He could have sworn that he saw a small smile tugging at her lips as she stood staring out into the streets of Magnolia.

"Shit!" he growled. "Shit, shit, shit!"

He could see Lucy balancing herself on the stone wall, swaying between the cold water below and the dark street. He toyed with the idea of pushing her into the water and ridding himself of his teammate.

For the second time that day, Lucy had managed to complicate his life.