A loud rap on the front door startled the couple awake. It was followed by another firm knock and someone calling Laxus's name.

"Don't make me use the key, Laxus! It's nearly ten in the morning! I'm going to wait thirty more seconds and then I'll use the key!"

Lucy sat up, rubbing sleep out of her eyes. "Wha-? Who that?" she asked groggily.

"I'll deal with it," Laxus mumbled, tumbling out of bed. He grabbed a shirt on the way out, pulling it on over his head. Lucy fumbled around, searching for her hair tie before pulling her blonde hair into a topknot.

"Mira, couldn't you give me one day off?" she heard Laxus plead.

"Yes, the magazine has decided to be very accommodating and is allowing you to sleep in," Lucy heard the mystery woman reply. Desperate to place a face to this voice, Lucy tip-toed out of the room, standing in the doorway between the living room and the bedroom. And when she did so, Lucy instantly wished she was bathed. And dressed. And wearing makeup. And maybe was a dress size smaller and two inches taller. The woman talking to Laxus was, undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful women Lucy had seen.

Maybe she's one of the models he shoots? she thought to herself.

"Mira, one day. C'mon. Talk to them. They love you. Let me just get a day's break. My girlfriend's in town, and I want to spend the day with her," Laxus begged. There was no denying who wore the metaphorical pants in their relationship. It was evident to Lucy that Mira held the reins, and though the beautiful woman intimidated her, it was fun watching Laxus grovel.

Lucy saw Mira's mouth open to, no doubt, refuse Laxus's request, when her gaze locked with Lucy's. She had crystal blue eyes that appeared icy when framed by her waist length white-blonde hair. Her alabaster skin and baby pink lips only added to the image of this majestic snow queen. Peach blush warmed her cheeks as light bounced off her high cheekbones and translucent skin. Lucy couldn't even be a hundred percent sure if she was actually wearing any makeup or not. She looked effortlessly, naturally flawless.

And then, Mira stepped around Laxus, making a beeline for Lucy.

"You must be Lucy Heartfilia! I have heard so much about you!" Mira approached Lucy and warmly embraced her. Lucy returned the hug somewhat awkwardly, fidgeting with her top and hair in the presence of Laxus's beautiful friend.

"I'm Mirajane," she continued.

"She's the assistant I told you about!" Laxus piped up from the back.

Mira glared at Laxus over her shoulder, immediately silencing him. "Assistant is one way of saying it. I prefer manager, inspiration, or lifesaver. He likes pretending he'd function without me," Mira shrugged.

"I functioned without you perfectly fine even up until two months ago," Laxus tried.

"Oh yeah? Okay, when's the meeting with Jura?" Mira shot.

"It's on Monday," Laxus calmly replied.

"Wrong. It's today," Mira smirked.

"Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck. Why didn't you tell me?!" Laxus ran a hand through his hair before scrambling towards the bedroom.

"You never let me finish. I wish I could fail you or report you or something. God," Mira sighed exasperatedly. "I already moved your meeting with Jura to the end of the month because I knew you were picking Lucy up and I wanted you to spend time with her. I sent him a bottle of wine, just to ease the last minute postponing. Also I bought myself a bottle of wine. On your card. So, thank you boss man," she grinned.

Laxus sat down heavily on the couch. "Thank you, Mira," he looked up at her sincerely. "But if I don't have my meeting today, why in God's name did you wake me up?" he asked, brows furrowing.

"I brought you both breakfast," she said, pointing to the bag on the table, "And I wanted to meet Lucy. Plus, I'll never miss an opportunity to give you shit for how forgetful you are."

"I really need to fire you," Laxus groaned, his face dropping into his palms.

"Okay, sure. And how many days do you think you'll go before you hire me back?"

"Maybe two."

"You're reaching a bit there, but sure, two days. So, shall I take my two day paid vacation now, or…?"
"I'm not firing you yet, so please, help yourself to coffee if you want and then come back tomorrow to bother me," Laxus grinned at his employee.

"About that… You're gonna love me, Laxus," Mira sang excitedly, with a wicked twinkle in her eyes.

"Why? What did you do?"

"I got you a three day vacation. I've moved all calls and meetings and I've made a few reservations in your name. Couple of restaurants, a spa, that kind of thing. The details are in your mailbox as of this morning, so now, you and your stunning girlfriend can enjoy some time together. But three days, that's it. You're back to work after that, because I need to get paid. Understood?" Mira placed her hands on her hips.

Laxus's shoulders relaxed and he looked ready to fling himself at Mira. "You're a blessing. You're a damn blessing and I'll never fire you, I swear," he said in gratitude.

"I know. I'm irreplaceable. Anyway, I'll leave you both to it! Lucy, it was so lovely meeting you! I hope we can spend more time together while you're here!" Mira said graciously, hugging Lucy once more.

"Also Laxus," Mira called on her way out, "I kind of bought myself three bottles of wine. Not one. And they weren't cheap. Just remember you love me!" With a wave and a cheeky grin, Mira shut the front door, leaving Lucy a little shell-shocked.

"So… That's Mira, huh?" she asked, toeing the ground awkwardly.

"Yeah. She's great, honestly. I really don't know what I was doing without an assistant all these years," Laxus shook his head.

Lucy laughed shortly. "She sure knows how to keep you in check. She's also ridiculously beautiful. I mean… Why is she your assistant and not some model that you photograph?!" Lucy asked incredulously.

"She's okay. Not as beautiful as my girlfriend though. My girl… Wow, now that's some good looks. Wish you could meet her," Laxus joked, eyes twinkling.

"Shut up. Mirajane is objectively more attractive than me. She is probably one of the most gorgeous women I have ever seen. Is she even legally allowed to look like that?!" Lucy stuttered.

"Yeah, and you're objectively blind," Laxus imitated her tone. "Yes, Mira is beautiful. I have eyes. But she still doesn't hold a candle to you. Lucy, you are my vision of perfection. So I don't care if you think she's objectively beautiful. I'm telling you that you are the most beautiful, radiant, jaw-droppingly perfect, sexy, brilliant woman I have ever known."

"So I don't need to be jealous of her perfect face and perfect hair and perfect body?" Lucy asked, biting her lip.

"If anything, she ought to be jealous of you," Laxus whispered huskily, wrapping his arms around Lucy's waist and nipping her lip.

"You flatter me far too much," Lucy purred, lightly brushing her lips against his.

"And I mean every word," he murmured before capturing her mouth.

"Mm, Laxus?" Lucy spoke into his mouth.

"Hmm?" he asked, moving down to kiss her neck.

"While I love nothing more than a hot wake up fuck, I am starving," she admitted.

"Is that so?" Laxus crooned, misunderstanding her.

"No, babe. I want food. Breakfast. Maybe a coffee," Lucy clarified, all the while begging her body to stop responding to Laxus. She was one caress away from foregoing food and letting Laxus bend her over the table and rail her. But her stomach was griping uncomfortably, desperately seeking some sustenance.

Instantly, Laxus righted him. "Yes, of course. Sorry, that's my bad. You're just so… Damn, how did I luck out?"

"A well-timed holiday and several glasses of wine," Lucy answered.

"Is it kinda bad that I'm almost grateful about everything that happened between you and Natsu? I mean, I hate that he hurt you, but thank god he did, right? You would have never come to Greece if he hadn't been such an asshole," Laxus said brightly, pulling out a box of muffins and parchment wrapped bagels from the bag Mira left on his table.

"Interesting take on a very dark and sad time of my life," Lucy deadpanned. When she saw Laxus scramble for an explanation, she let her face soften and cupped his cheek in her palm. "I know what you mean though. And yes, it is kinda bad that you're grateful for it, but guess what? I'm kind of grateful too. If I was sent back in time, knowing everything I know, I'd go through that same heartbreak all over again, because it would lead me to you," she said gently. Laxus covered her hand with his and brought her palm to his mouth where he kissed it softly.

"I love you," he breathed.

"I love you," she responded.

Lucy sat at Laxus's desk in his home office, restricting access to his laptop.

"Babe, Mira is going to kill me if these mails don't go out," he said in a panicky voice. He had just finished going through twelve angry texts from Mira, yelling at him for extending his three-day vacation into a five-day one.

"What am I gonna do while you work?" Lucy whined, crossing her arms over her chest with a huff.

"Read, write, go for a walk, call Mira and ask her to take you out, but please babe. Give me a few hours to work on this and I swear, I won't touch my phone or laptop in the evening," Laxus committed.

"I can hang out with Mira? Don't you need her?" Lucy asked, an idea already forming in her head.

"Yes, go. I'll text her and tell her to take the first half of the day off. Plus, I'm fairly certain she doesn't actually have any more work for the day. The only item on her to-do list was 'yell at Laxus' and she's done enough of that, so please. Take her and make sure she doesn't text me for the rest of the day. I'm begging you. That woman can be terrifying," Laxus said, hurrying Lucy off the desk and out of the door. "Come kiss me goodbye before you leave!" he called, blowing his girlfriend a kiss before returning to his chair and slipping on his headphones.

Lucy sighed, pulling out her phone. She scrolled through her contacts, searching for Mira's name. Just as she was about to hit the dial button, her phone vibrated and Mira's caller ID flashed at the top of the screen. With a hesitant breath, Lucy answered.

"Hello?"

"Hi Lucy!" came the bright response.

Fuck, she even sounds beautiful… Lucy thought mournfully to herself.

"Laxus messaged saying you wanted to hang out?" Mira continued.

"Uh," Lucy nervously cleared her throat, "yeah, I did. I hope that's okay."

"Of course it is! I've been wanting to get to know from the day Laxus first mentioned you! I'd love to spend the afternoon together! Do you want to do Mexican or sushi?" Mira asked.

"I would love some queso, but the real question is, are their margaritas any good?" Lucy giggled.

She was met by a full bodied, pretty, bell-like laugh. "A girl after my own heart! Yes, their margaritas are fantastic! So, shall I pick you up in an hour?"

"Yes, perfect! I shall be ready and waiting," Lucy declared. There was something about Mira that just seemed to put people at ease, and Lucy felt her early nervousness slip away.

Lucy quickly glanced at her reflection in the window as she and Mira entered the thematically decorated Mexican restaurant. Lucy had really put effort into her look, making sure her makeup was subtle but pretty, her dress was not too flashy but still showed off her body, and her hair was brushed to fall in soft waves down her back. Lucy knew she looked really nice. It was all to impress Mira, of course. Lucy had this nagging urge to look as pretty and perfect as her lunch partner, and when she caught sight of their reflection in the window, she breathed a sigh of relief. The image reflected back at her was two pretty girls laughing and chatting, not one gorgeous supermodel and one swamp troll.

As they took their seat, Lucy confessed bashfully, "I dressed up for you. I'm sorry I looked so terrible the first time we met."

Mira's jaw hit the table. "Are you insane? I dressed up for you! I mean, who looks gorgeous in their pajamas and a topknot?! It took me thirty minutes to pick this outfit because I didn't want to look like a sewer rat," the platinum haired woman laughed.

"I don't think you could ever look like a sewer rat," Lucy giggled.

Mira looked at her affectionately before reaching across the table to gently squeeze Lucy's hand. "I'm so glad we got to do this. Laxus talks about you non-stop, it's like I already know you!"

A wave of warmth and love flooded Lucy and she understood why Laxus was already so fond of his assistant. She was kind and happy and affectionate. Ten minutes with this girl and it would be impossible to not love her.

Several margaritas graced their table, interspersed with tiny plates of tapas. Conversation flowed naturally as the two women bonded over books, travel, art, and more. As they talked, Lucy fell further in love with the woman across from her. In the back of her mind, she was contemplating creating a 'Mirajane Fan Club'. She'd be President and Laxus could be Secretary.

"I'm so glad Laxus hired you. You're good for him. Keeping him in check," Lucy said, slurring her words slightly as tequila coursed through her.

Mira, equally tipsy, played with the little cocktail umbrella on her glass. "Working with Laxus is a million times better than the dumb corporate job I was working."

"What did you do?" Lucy asked.

"Technically I was the receptionist, but I had no responsibility and no respect. I was just some glorified show piece," Mira scowled.

"Assholes," Lucy muttered. "How did you get the job with Laxus though? He hadn't mentioned wanting an assistant, and one day, he suddenly had one," she hiccupped as she finished.

"I quit my job, sick of being treated so miserably, and went out drinking with my girls to celebrate. Laxus was shooting for the club we went to, and he happened to be there that night. I instantly noticed him, of course. Who wouldn't? Tall, built, blond, handsome."

Lucy immediately stiffened, not liking the direction this was going in. Mira, however, didn't notice.

"So, after a few drinks, I had a solid buzz going and felt brave enough to go talk to him. I tried flirting but he just kept blowing me off, which was strange. But then, he asked me to sit and tell him about myself. Truthfully, I don't fully remember what I told him. I just remember very awkwardly slipping him my number and telling him to call me. I think I may have winked too," Mira added with a laugh. Lucy reciprocated with a short laugh of her own, but nothing about this story was even remotely funny.

"Anyway, the next morning, I wake up to a call from Laxus. We met at a coffee shop, he asked me a few more questions, and by the end of breakfast I had a job," Mira concluded, taking another sip of her drink.

"Must be nice working for a hottie, huh? Just a couple of stunning people working alone together all day, every day?" Lucy asked, her tone somewhat icy.

"Oh, no. Not after I have had to sort through his emails and his planner and reorganise his phone. It is physically impossible for me to be attracted to him after he's put me through that horrifying experience. You really don't have anything to worry about, Lucy. I swear," Mira said, trying to quickly reassure Lucy, who was only somewhat mollified.

And then Lucy heard Laxus's voice in her head. She was his vision of perfection. And jealousy was an ugly emotion. So, in a concentrated effort to quash those feelings, Lucy placed her hand in Mira's and squeezed.

"I know. And I'm truly happy he has you. You're good for him. Thank you for taking care of him," Lucy smiled kindly.

"I really hope nothing of what I said has driven some kind of wedge between us… You're really nice, Lucy, and I hope we can continue being friends. I promise, you have no reason to worry. He is devoted to you. I have never seen a man as besotted with someone as Laxus is with you," Mira laughed awkwardly. "What the two of you have… Girls like me can only dream about a love that beautiful," the woman finished wistfully.

"He's out there," Lucy said comfortingly.

"Or she," Mira corrected. "I have just about given up on men, and honestly, I've had far better luck in relationships with women."

Lucy leaned forward and dropped her voice, still a little shaky from the multiple cocktails.

"I've heard women give you better orgasms. Is that true?" she whispered with a giggle.

"Complete fact," Mira loudly whispered back, before bursting out in laughter. As Lucy joined in, she couldn't help but marvel at this magical ability Mira had. It was practically impossible to dislike the girl.

"I had a great afternoon, Mira! Thank you," Lucy said warmly, hugging the taller woman.

Mira wrapped her arms around Lucy's waist, squeezing gently. "I did too, Lucy. I'm so glad you wanted to hang out! I hope we can do this again."

Lucy pulled back, taking Mira's hands in hers. "Of course. I'd love to do this again."

"Laxus is a lucky guy," Mira complimented, letting go of Lucy's hands.

"Be sure to remind him of that frequently," Lucy joked.

Mira laughed, waving jovially as she slid back into the cab. Lucy stood outside the door, waving as she watched the car pull away.

Then, opening the door and entering the house, Lucy headed to Laxus's study. She knocked briefly on the closed door, but when she wasn't met with a response, she turned the handle and went in. There were strange butterflies in her stomach as she did so, unsure of what she'd find on the other side of the closed door. Lucy heaved a sigh of relief when the only thing she saw was a very focused Laxus with headphones covering his ears. Instantly, she felt guilty for the nervousness she'd felt. Obviously there wouldn't have been anything in the study but a focused Laxus.

How could you even allow yourself to implicitly, vaguely, indirectly even suggest that there was anything to be worried about?! You're a terrible girlfriend, Lucy yelled at herself.

She beat herself up for a couple more seconds as she approached her boyfriend. So as to not startle him, she went around him and stood by the side of his desk. Laxus still jumped a little when he saw her out of the corner of his eye, but when the sudden shock passed, he pulled off his headphones and slid his chair back, allowing Lucy to curl up on his lap.

"You smell like a tequila factory," he whispered, kissing the top of her head.

"I'm only slightly buzzed," Lucy justified with a pout.

"Did you have a good afternoon with Mira? Did you both bitch about me?" Laxus asked, smiling when Lucy made contented purring sounds as he traced circles on her back.

"Yes and yes."

"Hey! She's my employee, she's allowed to bitch. What were you bitching about?" Laxus asked, highly affronted.

"I was bitching about you not giving me enough kisses. And working too hard. And being too far away," Lucy whined, still slurring her words a little.

"I think my princess needs a shower and a nap. And maybe greasy chinese takeout?" Laxus was already scooping Lucy up in his arms and walking towards the bedroom.

"And sex," Lucy added.

Laxus had no response, settling for just a dramatic roll of his eyes that he ensured Lucy saw.

A/N: Can you tell I'm really excited to be writing this? Because I have been writing non-stop. There's just something about this universe and these versions of these characters that makes the story flow really naturally in my head. I am having SUCH a good time with this and I already have key moments mapped out! I'd love to know what you thought of this chapter and Mirajane!