A/N: So...this chapter is somewhat a spin-off of my story, Remedy. It was a request from Author Autumn -they wanted a vampire au, so I just decided to build on what I already had. These are short moments and clips of Gray and Lucy after the Remedy timeline. Contains themes of healing. Rated M for some sexy time - there will be a warning; lol, nothing too crazy. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Don't own Fairy Tail or any of its characters. If I did, GraLu would've been endgame.
• Red String of Fate •
Remedy Spin-off: The King and Queen
I. Heavy Lies the Head that Wears the Crown
"How does it feel?" Levy asked tentatively.
Lucy lifted the crown from her head and rested it on her lap. She gripped it tightly in her hands. The gold glinted gloriously in the sun with gems of delicate, iridescent opal. The crown itself seemed to constantly shimmer and glow like that of a falling star. It was once the crown that belonged to Queen Ur; however, it took a different form when it was placed on Lucy's head during the coronation ceremony. Same with Gray's crown.
"Heavy."
Levy gripped her shoulder tightly. Lucy gave her a small smile and placed her hand over the bluenette's, acknowledging the comfort.
Everything was still too raw. The events of Tartaros almost a month or two after Oracion Seis were fresh in Lucy's mind - the pain, the suffering, the losses. It could be seen in everyone's eyes. Worst of all, Gray lost his mother, and she could feel his sorrow. Queen Ur sacrificed her life and killed the demon, Deliora, that possessed the old King of Vampire's body, Gray's father and Ur's husband. Lucy couldn't even imagine what Queen Ur must have felt at that moment.
The coronation took place about two weeks after Queen Ur's funeral. She and Gray still wear black in mourning, as do Lyon, Juvia, Ultear, and the rest of the palace out of respect. The palace staff recently moved the portrait of Queen Ur and her husband in the Hallway of Ancestors beside the many who came before them. It was strange to see her and Gray's portrait hung instead to show who the current rulers of the Vampires were.
It wasn't easy. Humans were creatures of habit, but so were vampires. Queen Ur had ruled these vampires for centuries, and here she is, the new Queen of Vampires. Lucy had already made several trips to different cities with Ultear right after the events of Oracion Seis, but she could still feel a certain unease from a few, and she couldn't blame them. She wasn't a true vampire through and through like the Fullbuster family bloodline. She was a huntress at heart.
Levy sat next to Lucy on the garden bench. "How's Gray doing?"
"Busy," she responded slowly. "He's keeping himself busy with reconstruction."
Her mate was quite the busy bee, always going around and trying to set things right. Reconstruction after Oracion Seis was hard enough, but Reconstruction part two after Tartaros was just worse. Thank goodness for Ultear's time magic. Still, Gray was working himself hard, and Lucy helped him every step of the way, stating her ideas and input and attending council meetings. Even so, he still hadn't confided in her about the deep pit of sorrow in his chest. Not once.
Levy hummed. "Gray's not pushing you away, is he?"
"No, he just likes keeping to himself." Lucy traced the intricate designs of her crown with her finger. "And I'm not going to push him."
"He'll talk to you eventually."
"He will." Lucy cracked a tiny smile. "The question is when."
Levy chuckled. "Yeah, you guys have plenty of time on your hands."
"Speaking of time," Lucy smirked at Levy. "It's about time you and Gajeel finally got over yourselves and got together."
The bluenette blushed. "Yeah..."
"I bet Mira was elated," Lucy snickered.
"Oh, you have no idea..."
"So, what gave Gajeel the guts to finally ask you out?" Lucy asked, curious. However, she felt like she already knew the answer.
"Well, after Oracion Seis, none of us really had a breather - only a few months at most - before Tartaros came knocking at our door," Levy began. "With everything going on, and our lifestyle, he probably thought it was best to stop wasting time. There's the fact we both almost died, too."
Lucy grimaced. She thought back to a moment when she didn't think she'd make it either. Her legs were useless and the explosive pain from Jackal's attacks was relentless. All she could remember was that if she didn't get up, everyone would die. It was only thanks to being mated to Gray did she have the power to push through and win. Powers from the celestial bodies nonetheless. A saving grace - blessed is what some of her subjects called her. Some said a freak of nature, an abomination to the throne. Lucky is what Lucy called it.
"But we're here now," Levy finished.
Lucy smiled. "That, we are."
"Your Highness! Your Highness!" a voice called.
It took Lucy a moment to realize she was the one being called. The blonde turned to see Lynn gliding up to them urgently. She curtsied elegantly and acknowledged Levy with a polite bow of the head.
"Yes, Lynn?"
"The Council requires your immediate presence," she informed.
"Well, doesn't that sound fun," Levy grinned.
Lucy sighed. "It was nice seeing you, Levy." She gazed at her crown for a moment before placing it back atop her head, still a strange weight to get used to. "Duty calls."
II. Some Nightmares Don't End When We Open Our Eyes
Vampires don't really need to sleep, except when they do. It's more of a hibernation. She and Gray had been working non-stop during the Reconstruction period, and finally, after several months, it was all beginning to settle down. This past week had been brutal, and Lucy felt exhausted through and through. She found herself back in her and Gray's quarters, snuggled within the blankets and sheets for a much-needed sleep.
She woke up forty-eight hours later feeling well-rested. No nightmares, no nothing. While the nightmares she had in the past were long gone, that didn't mean she didn't have new ones. What was hard was that she didn't even need to close her eyes for the nightmares to happen. Luckily, her panic attacks were sporadic, but looking back on it, they really had terrible timing.
Lucy took a sip of the tea Lynn, her handmaiden, provided for her. She gazed blankly out the window, gripping her teacup harder than was necessary as she remembered.
When she was newly turned, she and Gray were getting into it when she had a panic attack. She could remember violently pushing him away, shaking, gasping, sobbing. She remembered the look of hurt that crossed his face. It was brief. She barely saw it, but because they were bonded, she could feel it. She could feel that he wasn't hurt that she refused or stopped him, but that she wouldn't let him help her. This was the moment she realized bottling things up would do her no good. So she told him, she told him how unworthy and dirty she felt. She told him sometimes she could still feel Midnight's ghastly hands on her and hear his sick laughter when she bled.
Gray kissed her tears away and said softly, "I'm not going to push you to do anything you don't want to do, okay?"
She sniffled. "But I want you, I really do!"
He gripped her chin. "Don't force yourself either. Whenever you're ready, Lucy. Like I said, I'll always be here."
Lucy hugged him with all she had. She was so lucky. So, so lucky.
It was better now.
Her post-traumatic stress would be triggered occasionally. And when it did, Gray would just hold her. When her tremors would cease and when she could finally breathe, he would kiss her hand and whisper sweet nothings until she fell asleep. She remembered when Ultear found her that one day after the Tartaros victory ball. She was suffocating and fled to the garden. She could feel Gray's alarm, but Ultear had found her first.
Ultear helped her to her feet. With one shared look, she knew.
They sat on a bench in the darkest recesses of the garden only illuminated by the moonlight and Ultear told Lucy her story, her regrets, her constant self-doubt, and self-deprecation on how she could've been better. How she wished she didn't let her family down during the events of Grimoire Heart. She talked about the bad days when she didn't think she should be anymore because she couldn't live with herself.
"They've forgiven you, Ultear," Lucy remembered saying softly, her whisper taken with the night wind.
Ultear smiled, squeezing Lucy's hands. "I know, and I finally forgave myself."
She regarded the princess in a new light, admiring the inner strength she possessed. A strength she wished she had. Midnight was gone. Gone for good, but she could still feel his hands over her body. The fear he instilled in her. The worthlessness she felt.
"How did you do it?"
"Do what?"
"How did you get through it?"
Ultear was silent for a moment and spoke, "Don't let the hard days win, Lucy."
And Lucy didn't. Ultear's words resonated with her. The nightmares may not have ended when she opened her eyes, but she certainly did not let them rule her life. The pain did not go away. She learned to live with it and made room for it instead.
She heard the door open and close. The mark on her neck tingled, and she smiled without turning around.
"About time, Your Highness," Lucy said, a hint of humor in her tone. "I thought you were going to work until you dropped dead."
"Ha. Ha. Very funny," Gray grumbled, collapsing into the chair opposite her.
"If you're going to fall asleep, you should make your way on over to the bed if you don't want to wake up with a messed up neck," Lucy advised, brows raised in slight amusement.
He slowly opened his eyes and gazed at her, flashing a goofy yet sultry smirk. "Join me?"
Lucy smiled. "I just woke up from a sleep, but I'd be delighted."
"Splendid."
III. With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility
Lucy collapsed, panting under the glaring sun and blue sky. Her golden hair, once in a pristine braid, was now in shambles - several strands loose and sticking to the nape of her neck and the side of her face from the sweat coating her skin. She never thought a vampire could sweat, but she was wrong. Using pureblood powers was a whole different kind of exertion - physical and mental.
Juvia fell in exhaustion beside her while Erza seemed to be taking things too well. Then again, Erza was a stud even back when she was human, so it must've translated.
"Juvia is tired," the bluenette stated, her arm lying over her eyes to block the sun.
"Same," Lucy groaned, stretching her sore body.
Ultear stood above them, blocking the sun. She smiled, almost diabolically. "I guess I can give you guys fifteen minutes."
"How kind and benevolent," Lucy muttered. She didn't even have the strength to add sarcasm.
Erza nodded mutely and smartly sat down in the shade.
"Juvia thinks we've been training for a long time today," she said.
Lucy couldn't help but agree. They'd been out here since the ass crack of dawn, and the afternoon sun already passed, and she could see the orange glow of the evening coming along. She, Juvia, and Erza have been doing this a minimum of four times a week with Ultear to better control the vampiric powers they've gained while transitioning. Over the past few months, they've progressed greatly, but they had to become reliable, capable leaders within Gray's inner court. As Ultear told all of them, with great power comes great responsibility. It was on all of them to master the power they'd been gifted to protect Gray's kingdom. Her kingdom as well.
Her kingdom. Her people.
It was still a strange thought, but it caused her to get up.
Ultear raised a brow, coyly smiling. "Oh? Ready for more?"
Lucy smirked, leaving trails of stardust in her wake, her body giving off a faint golden glow of the stars. She felt Juvia and Erza beside her - the fresh spray of cool water and the cling of sharp metal.
IV. Less Stress, More Sex (Rated M)
Things finally began to slow down; however, the stress of being King and Queen was getting to them. She could tell based on the late nights and early mornings and frequent sleeping patterns they didn't really need but craved. Finding a balance was hard, but she knew with time she and Gray would get the hang of it. And they had plenty of time.
We need to get away, Lucy thought, an idea forming in her mind. It was close to the holidays, things were settling, and she and Gray deserved some time. Hell, not just them but everyone needed a break.
Lucy was sitting outside on the balcony when it started to snow. A small smile formed on her lips, and she raised her palm. The delicate snowflakes landed on her porcelain skin yet did not immediately melt like they would have if she were still human. Her breath no longer hung in the winter air, and she was not bundled up. As a matter of fact, Lucy was in a thin, flowy nightdress and barefoot.
A gentle wind passed through, her nightdress and golden hair flowing behind her. She stared up at the clouded moon before closing her eyes and feeling the wind upon her skin.
Ever since Lucy was turned, she would come out to the balcony to look at the stars. Tonight, the winter storm clouds covered it; however, the moon was strong, basking her view of the royal garden in silvery light, which glittered amongst the sticking snow. Her awakened powers called upon the stars, and she felt a close affinity and kinship with them. She herself was no star, but the constellations would dance across the sky for her and whisper tales of what was to come. If not when she was awake, in her dreams, but tonight would be dreamless and restful.
The mark on her neck tingled as she felt Gray's presence. The balcony doors clicked open and she turned to see him in all his kingly glory returned from hunting with Natsu, Gajeel, Jellal, and Lyon.
"Your Highness," she greeted in jest, a coy smile on her lips.
He tsked, walking up and leaning against the balcony railing next to her. "I told you to stop calling me that."
"Uh-huh, sure." She smiled. "How'd the hunt go?"
Gray chuckled. "Natsu did not mess anything up, so it went rather smoothly."
"That's always a plus. What did you end up getting?"
"Two bucks, and three rabbits. Gajeel was a little mad I beat him to the buck, but it is what it is."
"Well, you aren't the best tracker for nothing," Lucy remarked.
"That I am," Gray agreed easily. "How's training with Ultear coming along?"
Lucy smirked. "I think I can give you a run for your money."
Gray matched her expression, leaning forward. "Oh, really?"
She leaned closer to him. "Really."
Another small breeze rustled through their hair and clothing. The playful smirk on Gray's face softened into something akin to reverence as if she hung the moon and tailored the stars in the dark blanket of the night sky. No matter how often he would look at her like that, Lucy could never get used to it. The breeze blew once more, and she felt the strap of her nightdress slip down her right shoulder. His fingers slowly traced up her skin and lifted it back up. She swallowed thickly as it left a trail of fire upon her skin and a tingle at the base of her spine. His fingers lingered momentarily before tracing up along her neck and eventually caressing her cheek.
"You're divine," he said softly, reverently.
Lucy's throat suddenly became dry from the heat of his gaze. "Show me," she found herself whispering.
Gray easily pulled her in by the waist and grasped her spun gold hair and consumed her very being. The kiss was passionate and so so sensual that it made her toes curl in the snow, and she fisted his shirt with her trembling hands. Their lips parted only to connect again and again, each time more feverishly than the last. His lips brushed against the burning mark on her neck as his calloused hand slipped under her nightdress and settled on her hip.
A fire has been kindled within her that Lucy found she couldn't stop, one she didn't want to stop. It coiled in the pit of her stomach, and all she knew was that she wanted more. More. Lucy felt her canines elongate, and she wanted to bite him, taste him. The thought should have frightened her, but it was enticing.
Before she knew it, Lucy found herself undressing him.
His shirt was gone, and she was faced with the muscled planes of his chest and chiseled abdominals. In the moonlight, Gray's scars shone, and all she could think to herself was how beautiful they were. Her hands delicately passed over the broad expanse of his chest, sweeping down to his abdominals, noting every raised scar. Gray lightly shuddered beneath her touch, and a primal part of her delighted with the effect she had over him.
It wasn't long before Gray loosened the straps of her nightdress. It fell and pooled at her feet. Lucy shivered, and she knew it wasn't from the cold.
Her arms twitched, wanting to cover herself up, a ping of unworthiness and shame twisting within her. She, too, had scars. Not the kind of scars you could see, but the ones that took years to heal, and maybe never would. Yet, he admired her - something she didn't think she deserved, and it was because she loved him she believed he deserved someone unspoiled and worthy, someone, desirable.
"Don't," was all Gray said quietly, rough yet soft at the same time.
Don't hide from me, she felt through the bond. You don't need to hide from me. Lucy resisted the urge to bite her lips, mindful of her canines. So, instead, she tightly clenched her fists and stared down at the ground, eyes watering.
Gray grasped her chin between his index finger and thumb and made her look at him.
"Whatever you may think of yourself after what happened, I need you to understand I will never think any less of you."
"I..." She was at a loss for words.
"I love you." He brushed away her tears with his thumb. "I always will."
Lucy couldn't voice it into words, but it rang across the bond. You'd want me like this? Broken, used, soiled...
Gray's voice was a little breathless, desperate. "Yes, I want you. God, I always want you."
The way he is with her. Lucy's throat suddenly felt tight.
"But will you let me?" he asked.
Gray gazed into her eyes with such devotion that it set her heart ablaze. It thundered in her chest, and the fire below her navel rekindled to a stronger, roaring flame. With just one touch, she thought she might combust. Her primal, inner vampire coaxed her body and mind but even before her instincts kicked in, she knew her answer.
"Yes," Lucy whispered.
Before she could blink, Gray easily picked her up and carried her to their shared bed. He gently placed her on it and began unbuckling the belt to his pants. Lucy's eyes hungrily drank in the sight of her mate, scanning from the bulge in his pants to his toned body, and finally landing on his handsome face. Gray's night eyes seemed darker, the muted moonlight showing off a gleam of red.
Lucy swallowed thickly, a swarm of butterflies flying around in her stomach. She could feel his intent through the bond - he was going to devour her.
.
.
.
Gray suppressed the primal urge to absolutely ravish Lucy. She was perfectly laid out before him - soft, supple skin begging to be touched, kissed, and bitten under the moonlight. Her hair was sprawled into a messy halo around her head, and her eyes glowed with the same scarlet he knew was in his own. They drank him in hungrily, with such desire, that a shiver traveled down his spine. Lucy's eyes settled on his cock with mixed awe and fright.
"You're big," she whispered, slight concern lacing her voice.
He hated to admit that Lucy's comment stroked his male ego. "I'll go slow, but let me know if it hurts, and I'll stop."
Lucy nodded. "Okay." She smiled, and it was breathtaking. "I trust you."
Gray's heart echoed within his ears. Those three words from her were the most powerful she ever said to him with everything that had happened. He vowed in his heart he would stop at nothing to make Lucy feel safe, and in control, and that she had a choice because those were all forcibly taken from her in the evilest way possible.
He started with a deep kiss, and she eagerly reciprocated, her arms encircling him and bringing him impossibly closer. Lucy's breath hitched when he followed up with kisses trailing down the hollow of her throat, her collarbone, and the valley of her breasts. His hand snaked between her thighs and easily found her slicked entrance. He couldn't help the amused smirk.
"What's...ah...so funny?" Lucy asked, breathless.
"You're already wet and ready for me." He leaned down, gazing into her eyes. "And I haven't even started yet."
V. The Soul is Healed by Being with Children
It was almost exactly as she saw it all those years ago. When Death almost claimed her. The vision of the future if she woke up - the vision of her future with Gray and their children.
Lucy was in the royal garden with her daughter Layla on her lap. They were sitting in a small field of sunflowers, and her elegant fingers were delicately braiding her child's hair as her little one focused on creating a flower crown out of sunflowers.
"I finished, Mommy!"
Layla grinned as she showed her the completed flower crown.
She smiled, taking it from her little hands. "Looks beautiful, baby." She gently placed it on Layla's raven-haired head. "All done, Layla."
The little girl's face lit up with a smile. "Now I'm pretty like you, mommy!"
Lucy smiled back before tapping her daughter on the nose. "You're already pretty being you, baby."
She giggled.
"Now, I'm just wondering where your siblings disappeared off to…"
Exactly as she was shown in that vision, her twins with golden locks created chaotic happiness with a stressed Lynn chasing after them. It wasn't long before Silver showed up looking a bit worse for wear after his training session with Erza. Lucy remained in the field of sunflowers as she watched her children interact, the softest of smiles on her lips, her soul warm and complete. All of her children were such a gift, and Lucy was so blessed and thankful to have them, knowing the low chance of conception as a vampire. Especially four.
Lucy gracefully stood up and thought of intervening on Lynn's behalf until she felt it.
The mark on her neck tingled, and she didn't have to turn around to know who it was. Strong arms wrapped around her waist from behind, and Gray's chin dropped onto her shoulder. His lips kissed the crook of her neck where her mark was.
She smiled. "Well, hello to you too."
They were silent as they watched their children.
A deep chuckle escaped Gray.
"What?" she asked, amused.
"I want another one."
Lucy rolled her eyes, swatting him playfully. "You're hilarious."
"I'm being serious." His deep eyes gazed into her. "I like seeing your belly swollen with child. I especially like making one."
She blushed. "Gray!"
"What?" He rose a brow with a laugh. "I'm just being honest."
Lucy smiled coyly. "Be careful what you wish for."
VI. Immortality - A Fate Worse than Death
Lucy silently cried as she watched her best friend, Levy, laid to rest in the soft, damp earth. She had passed of natural causes, a great end for having the life of a hunter. She and Gajeel had three children together, all already with a family and young children of their own.
It was a strange feeling.
Lucy had been the same age as Levy what felt like not too long ago. Over the years she remembered Levy's wedding, her first pregnancy, and then her second, and the way the lines of age appeared in her skin, sinking deeper and deeper as her hair became peppered with grey and white. Yet, she remained the same. She was timeless. Levy was the first of her treasured friends to leave this Earth, and she would not be the last.
The blonde swallowed thickly. She would have to watch all her friends die.
A numb feeling overtook Lucy. Her haunted eyes met Erza and Juvia's, their own orbs filled with agonized tears reflecting how she felt.
Gray squeezed her hand. She didn't have the strength to respond.
"How?" came out her broken whisper, unable to muster any more words.
Gray understood her nonetheless. He always did. And so he softly kissed the back of her hand.
I'll be here, she heard through the bond. And so will they.
Lucy followed his gaze and saw their children, the lights of her life.
You're not alone, Gray reminded.
No, no, she wasn't, but it still didn't make it hurt any less.
Fin.
A/N: Yee, yee, yee. Stay tuned for more oneshots! Any suggestions or whatnot, just PM me please, or you can leave it in the comments (no guarantee I will see it though). Thanks :)