As always Fairy Tail belongs to Hiro Mashima

Chapter 16

The Lotus Resort

~~ Time Skip ~ Two and a half months ~ late December ~

Lucy woke up to a freezing room, and she was under both of her blankets. She rolled over to look at her clock. 1 am, damn. Why is it so cold in here. She looked out the window and saw frost covering the edges and saw flakes of snow drifting past the glass and shivered. She looked over at the open door and heard light snoring coming from across the hall. I know one place I can get warm, but in these past two and a half months I haven't slept with him yet, though he did say it was my choice. Though we have had some 'fun' I don't know how he would react to me sneaking into his bed.

Lucy was still debating wether she should go across the hall when she shivered again. Screw it, its too cold in here, and he is always warm. Bracing herself for the cold, she threw off her blankets, exposing her almost naked body to the cold. As quickly and quietly as she could she made her way across the hall to Laxus's room, and found him sprawled across his bed. As quietly as she could she slipped under the blanket with him, curling up against his side, and felt him shift when her cold toes brushed against his legs. Lucy felt Laxus's warm arms wrap around her and pull her into his massive chest, and slowly she drifted off to sleep surrounded by his warmth.

~~~ TS next morning ~~~

Lucy woke up feeling very warm and comfortable, and when she opened her eyes they met a pair of storm blue ones.

"Nice to see that you're awake, Blondie." Laxus grinned as he leaned to kiss her neck.

"When are you going to stop with that nickname." She murmured softly.

"Only when I die." He answered her sarcastically and laughed at her scowl.

"That's not funny, Laxus."

"It's just a little funny to me, because I plan on living a long time, hopefully with you." he moved his hands down her side, feeling her soft warm skin, trailing sparks. His mouth captured her low moan before she pulled away with a coy smile on her lips.

"Not yet, Laxus."

"When?"

"When you least expect it." She kissed his nose, untangled herself from his arms, and stood up. "Come on, Laxus, I want to go on a job today." She turned to him and pouted. "Please?"

"Okay. Go get dressed and pack for a few days, so we can leave once we pick a job." Lucy smiled at him and took off to pack

~~ TS 1 hour ~~

Lucy and Laxus were walking through town towards the Guild when she heard her name being called from one of the nearby magic shops.

"Hey! Miss Heartfilia! Over here! We just got something today that you might like!" Lucy nudged Laxus and together they followed the shopkeeper into his shop.

"What is it that you wanted to show me?" She asked, looking around the shop.

"These," the shopkeeper pulled out two small boxes from under the counter, opening them to reveal two silver keys. "I remembered you were asking around about them, so I put them away for your next visit."

Lucy looked closer at the keys to see which ones they were. One of them looked a bit like a question mark with two curved lines coming out from underneath. It's the Phoenix, what is the other one? She looked over at the other key and her eyes were drawn to the small jewel set into it. The symbol was simple enough, a small circle with two straight lines coming out of the top. Oh wow, Lepus is jeweled. The shopkeeper must not know how rare jeweled keys are.

"How much?" Lucy asked, glancing at the shopkeeper.

"For you? Fifty thousand jewel." The shopkeeper grinned, knowing how much she wanted the keys.

"Each?" Laxus all but growled from beside her, and Lucy could see the man change his mind.

"No, no, no... you're from Fairy Tail. Fifty thousand for both." He said through a fake/terrified smile. Lucy smiled and took the right amount of notes from her purse, and placed it on the counter while grabbing the keys. She then left the store with Laxus, calling out her thanks.

"So," Laxus looked over at her. "Which keys did I help you get?"

"The Phoenix and Lepus, the Hare, which is jeweled."

"So what do they do?"

"Let's find out." Lucy smiled up at him and concentrated her magic, two golden circles appearing around her. Laxus watched, along with a few people passing by, as she began chant. Man, does she have to do it here?

I am linked to the path

to the world of Celestial Spirits, now!

O Spirits, answer my call and

pass through your Gates!

Open! Gate of the Mythical Bird, Phoenix!

Open! Gate of the Hare, Lepus!

After the usual flash of light died Laxus saw two spirits in front of them. One was a giant bird almost as tall as Lucy that seemed to be made entirely of flames. It watched him with its glowing, bright blue eyes.

The other spirit seemed to be harmless, but it was a jeweled key so he knew better. It was a young girl, about twelve, with pale green hair tied up at the top of her head falling to her waist. Pale green bangs framed her wide, bright pink eyes, with long, white, floppy rabbit ears that she was tugging on. She was dressed in a simple pale pink lace dress.

"Hello Lucy. I am the spirit know as the Phoenix, but now that you hold my key you may call me Pyre." The spirit spoke in a light male voice. "I can use healing and fire magic, and I'm available whenever the sun is out." Pyre had answered her questions before she could even ask, and gave them a low sweeping bow and disappeared.

Lucy then turned to the girl. "Hello, Lepus, would you like to make a contract with me?"

"Yes." Lepus answered quietly.

"Well, what magic can you use, when are you available, and seeing as your key is jeweled, which Zodiac are you related to?"

"My magic is air magic, though I can use some healing magic. I'm available whenever you need me, I'm also Aries's little cousin." Lepus replied while now tugging at her dress.

"Thank you Lepus. You can go now." With a nervous wave she disappeared, leaving Lucy and Laxus to walk to the Guild together. When they got to the Guild it was loud as usual, though there was a mini party going on. The Exceeds had returned from their six month trip visiting the other Exceeds. Lucy just waved at them as she made her way to the request board, and soon spotted one that was perfect.

- S-Class Job-

Please get rid of the thieves threatening

Lotus Resort.

More info on arrival.

One man and one woman please

Reward: Free weekend at resort

2 million jewel

2 silver keys

Lucy took down the flyer and showed it to Laxus. "I think I found the perfect one, but where is the Lotus Resort?"

Laxus looked at the flyer and nodded. "It's at the southern most point of Fiore, they just finished building it almost a year ago. It's supposed to be really warm there all year long." He grinned at her. "I hope you packed your swimsuit... if not." Lucy swatted at him.

"Don't get any ideas..." She warned him. "I need to get this approved by Mira before we leave." Lucy walked off in search of her, and found her at a table with Evergreen, Cana, and Juvia.

"Hey Mira! Laxus and I are taking this one." She handed the flyer to Mira, who nodded in approval.

"Lucy! Juvia has the greatest news! Juvia and Gray are going to have another child!" Lucy looked at the woman and smiled.

"Congratulations Juvia, how far along are you?"

"Juvia is one month pregnant, and since Juvia is so happy, Juvia has a gift for you." She smiled and reached into her pocket and brought out a small jar of iridescent liquid. "Pour this into a hot bath and you'll be very... relaxed... after your bath. It works really well." Juvia smiled as Lucy took the bottle and slipped it into her bag.

"Thanks Juvia. I would stay but I have a job to go on. Laxus! I know you can hear me, so come on! I'm leaving!" Lucy called out as she started to go out the doors. She stopped when she felt a hand on her shoulder and an arm snake around her waist.

"Just where do you think you're going, Blondie?" A deep voice whispered in her ear, sending shivers up her spine.

"To the train station." She smiled innocently up at Laxus.

"You remember Gramps orders, you can't go anywhere without someone with you."

"Well then come on and let's go." Lucy said with a cat like smile. "The sooner we get done the sooner we can enjoy that free weekend."

Laxus pulled her closer to him and nibbled at her earlobe. "How do you plan on enjoying that weekend, I wonder?"

"You will just have to wait and see."

"Well, what are we waiting for. Let's go, Blondie." Laxus moved beside her, and with his arm still around her waist they made their way to the station.

~~ TS 1 hour ~~ Lotus Resort ~~

Lucy caught her breath when she and Laxus walked into the resort lobby. The place looked so elegant, high arched ceilings, large white marble columns, and elaborate mosaics covering the walls and floors. Laxus nudged her and they made their way to the receptionist.

"Can I help you?" The woman asked brightly.

"Yes. We have and appointment with the manager. We're the Fairy Tail mages." Lucy said politely.

"Right." She stood up. "Please follow me." She lead them down a few hallways and stopped a pair of large wooden doors. She knocked lightly on the doors before opening them. "Sir you have guests." She nodded and turned to them. "Please go in, he's expecting you."

They walked in and found a man in his mid forties with light brown hair and pale green eyes waiting for them. Faintly Lucy could feel Celestial magic, though it was very weak.

"Please sit." He gestured at the chairs in front of him. "My name is James Penn, and you can call me Mr. Penn. I am the owner to the Lotus Resort."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Penn. My name is Lucy Heartfilia and my partner here is Laxus Dreyar. We're both S-Class mages from Fairy Tail."

"So nice to meet you both. Down to business. The Lotus Resort is celebrating it's one year anniversary tonight with a masquerade ball. Unfortunately, this past week we've been receiving warnings from a mysterious group of thieves stating that they will be crashing the ball. We've tried to track the sender of the letters but with no luck. That's when I decided to send out a request to all the nearest guilds, hoping someone would take it in time, I'm so relieved that you've decided to take it." He reached into his jacket and drew out two tickets. "These are your invitations to the Masquerade. I trust that you two know how important it is that the thieves are caught."

Lucy took the tickets from him and gave him a reassuring smile. "There is no need to worry. Laxus and I will take care of everything. Could we please be shown to our room. We do need to get ready for the Masquerade."

"Of course, just hand this letter to the receptionist out front and she'll have someone show you to your room.

"Thank you." They left his office and went to be shown to their room.

"Fancy talking back there, Blondie." Laxus grinned as they dumped their bags in their room. "Are you sure you can be ready in time, there is only a few hours until the Masquerade?"

"Lucy smiled at him as she walked into the separate bedroom. "I'm sure my spirits will be more than happy to help. I'll have Virgo pick something out for you to wear and you can change into it. Now I have to go get ready, I'll see you when I'm finished." She closed the door, leaving Laxus out there to wonder what her spirits will dress her in this time.

~~ TS 2 ½ hours ~~

When Lucy stepped out of the bedroom she heard Laxus catch his breath, and she didn't blame him. She had her doubts about the dress at first, but Virgo had convinced her. The main part of the strapless dress was tight fitting and black with small light lacrimas sewn into it. The left part of the skirt of the dress was gathered just below her hip, exposing most of her leg, while the right side was a waterfall of several long layers, starting with the black part of the dress and fading to a dark blue as it went to the floor. It looked like she was wearing the night sky.

Her hair was simple, yet elegant. Most of it was piled on top of her head, but there were loose strands of her hair curled and falling free. Her accessories were simple, a pair of diamond studs, a diamond choker, strappy black heels, and a pair of black, elbow length, fingerless lace gloves.

After drinking in the sight of her, he spoke. "Where are your whip and keys?"

Lucy smiled and lifted up the black ruffle on top to reveal the perfect hiding spot for them. "Virgo made sure they were concealed and easy to reach." She looked at Laxus and smiled. Virgo has picked out the perfect suit for him. He looks... delicious...

Laxus was wearing a fitted black suit with dark blue accents, a crisp white shirt and a dark blue tie. She also noticed that he was holding two masks in his hand.

"That's right, it's a masquerade ball. So those are our masks?"

"Yeah, Virgo gave them to me. Come here so I can put your's on." She walked over and he tied it on, and she walked over to the mirror so look at it while he put his own on. She liked it, it covered the area around her eyes, and it was covered in dark blue and black jewels, with a sheer black ribbon holding it in place.

Lucy looked over at Laxus and saw his mask looked similar to hers, just no ribbon.

Laxus held his arm out to Lucy. "Shall we go down?"

"Yes. Let's go earn that free weekend." Lucy took his offered arm and together they made their way to the ballroom.

HI! I hope you enjoyed the chapter and for those of you looking for the more ahh fun parts... It won't be the next chapter but the one after that *18 I believe* Though after 20 I might take a short break from typing to write some more chapters. It all depends on if I have enough time to type and write around the same time... If you liked it please review!