#*feels a gaping hole in my self* ah yes going to a show will Fix this

[burningcomputerpersona]

guess who just got tickets to see four year strong live!!

[rufeepeach]

Rumbelle 10

high school popular kid/nerd au

a/n holy shit anon how would either of these two be popular in high school??? You said rumbelle so I can’t even cop out with using Lacey instead. Shit.

a/n 2: this got long. Sorry.

Gold fidgeted his hands in his lap for approximately the fiftieth time.

What in God’s name was he even doing here? She wasn’t going to show. He’d even ordered himself a large ice tea and set up his books on only his side of the booth, to ensure that anyone walking by would see him studying alone. Sure, he never studied at Granny’s - that was where the popular kids hung out, free fries because their friend Ruby’s granny owned the place, and so hardly safe territory for the likes of him - but in a pinch it would work. If - when - Belle French stood him up, he wouldn’t look like he’d been waiting for her.

He could feel Ruby’s eyes on the back of his head. She didn’t say anything, but he knew he was hardly welcome. Nobody at school liked him. Nobody had ever really liked him, and certainly not after Mila dumped him.

The poor kid. The almost-homeless kid. The kid with a scholarship to Stanford and a one-way ticket out of town the moment finals were over. The kid who’d run away when Killian Jones had threatened to kick his ass in the cafeteria, Mila hanging on his arm and laughing the whole time.

He’d known this would be a night for self-pity. ‘Twas ever thus, when the prettiest girl in school decided to make a fool of a weakling, and he had the stupidity to walk right into it-

“Hey,” an unmistakable, impossible voice jolted him out of his misery. He blinked up to see the girl herself, Belle French, flushed and lovely, beaming down at him. She seemed to have forgotten her books, but that hardly mattered: he had enough material for both of them. “Sorry I’m a little late - I got kept late. Have you ordered yet?”

Gold’s brain scrambled to catch up to her question. She slid into the booth opposite him, and waited for him to answer. “Ah, no,” he stammered, belatedly. “Just a drink. Seemed rude not to wait.”

She smiled, and it was like the sun coming up. “That’s a refreshing change of pace,” she said. “Most guys I know would be three burgers in before I had a chance to fix my hair.”

“Most of the guys you know can barely read the menu,” Gold muttered, without thinking. He bit his tongue the moment the words were out of his mouth. Hardly the way to convince her to stay, insulting her friends right to her face. He was going to drive her away in usual fashion before she’d had a chance to order dinner.

But, incredibly, she laughed. “Come on,” she grinned, “Gary can read at at least a third grade level.” 

Gold gaped at her, swallowing his surprised laughter at the last moment. “Indeed,” he agreed. 

He didn’t question why she was badmouthing her own boyfriend to an almost-total stranger. Just as he hadn’t questioned her when she had caught him after chemistry class earlier that day and arranged this meeting. Gold knew better than to look a gift horse in the mouth, and a few hours of freedom to stare at - even speak to! - the girl he’d loved since ninth grade was more than the universe owed him. 

“So you’ve been here a while?” Belle asked, then. She looked at the books around him. “Looks like you got some reading done.”

“I got here early,” he admitted. He liked to be punctual, it gave a structure to a disorganised world. “I have enough paper for both of us, if necessary.”

Belle gave him an odd look. “I think I’m good,” she said, after a moment. He couldn’t read her face, but the shine had gone from her smile. She looked... disappointed? He didn’t have enough experience with girls to know what he was looking at. 

Before he could query it, Ruby Lucas came trotting over, and Gold buried his head in his textbooks rather than engage. Ruby was Belle’s best friend, and easily the Queen Bee of Storybrooke High. She had barely spared him a glance before tonight, and they both knew he didn’t belong here, in the realm of the well-adjusted and attractive. He’d crawled out of his hole, and he was rapidly wishing he hadn’t. At this moment, in hushed and urgent whispers, they were probably planning how Belle could best escape through the bathroom window.

“What’s with the text books?” Ruby demanded, startling him out of his reading. He blinked at her, utterly bewildered.

“I prefer to study with books and paper,” he replied. He didn’t add, although he thought it loud enough, that his aunts hadn’t the funds to purchase him a sleek laptop like many of their classmates had. Was this the first attack? Pointing out his obvious poverty? 

Ruby’s lips twitched. “You always study on a first date?” she asked. 

Gold’s heart dropped to his knees. He’d known this was a trick, a joke at his expense, he just hadn’t figured out the punchline yet. Any moment, Ashley Boyd, Mary Margaret Blanchard, and Mulan Fa would come out of the back to laugh at him, at his presumption that Belle would spend even a moment with him. He felt the flush creeping up the back of his neck.

“I... I’m sorry?” He looked at Belle, silently begging her to put him out of his misery. She had always been kind to him, never participated in the bullying and humiliation that occurred in the hallways and the cafeteria. She was kind to everyone. Surely she could see he was drowning? “What’s going on?”

Ruby sighed, and tossed her long hair. “I give up,” she sighed. “Belles, I don’t get it.”

“It’s okay, Ruby,” Belle looked like she was trying not to laugh, but the glow had returned to her smile and even if it was at his expense, Gold was glad to see it. “Just bring the usual, okay? Two.”

“Cool,” Ruby shrugged. “For the record, I told you you’d need a written invite to get the message across.”

She walked away before Gold could ask for clarification. But Belle was smiling at him, so he would take what he could get.

“I’m sorry,” he stammered, the moment Ruby was gone. “I’m sorry, I feel as if I’m missing something, I’m sorry if-”

“Tobias,” Belle cut him off, using his forename as few - if anyone - ever did. It brought him up short, that and the unmistakable fondness in her voice. “What did you think I said this afternoon?”

He thought back. “You asked me to study with you this evening,” he said. “I... I admit I was surprised you might need tutoring, you never seem behind in class, but-”

She sighed, and shook her head. “I’m not behind,” she said. “I don’t need tutoring. I didn’t use the word ‘study’ once.”

“You said-”

“I said,” she said, and then his heart stopped, because her hand moved over three textbooks to take his. He couldn’t breathe. He could die happy, he thought, if he died right then. “’Do you want to get together at Granny’s tonight?’”

Her eyes bored into his, her eyebrows raised as if there were an obvious implication he wasn’t grasping.

Realisation, however impossible, however insane, dawned. “You... didn’t mean to study,” he said, quietly. Belle nodded. 

“Go on, you’re almost there,” she grinned. Gold shook his head, waiting for the moment when he would wake up.

“Did you ask me out?” he asked. “And I didn’t notice?”

Belle laughed, the brightest, most beautiful noise he’d ever heard. “You’ve got a scholarship to one of the best schools in the world, and you missed that?”

“Apparently,” he murmured, trying to digest the shift the night had taken. “You were talking to me,” he said, a little defensively, “Looking... you know, like you! I have to admit I don’t think I was fully conscious.”

Impossibly, he saw a tinge of a blush in her cheeks. “That’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me,” she said. 

“But why would you want to date me?” he blurted, before he could stop himself. “You’re dating Gary Aston!”

“Was dating Gary Aston,” Belle clarified. “Until last week when you got that new hair cut and ripped D H Lawrence to shreds in English class on the same day, and I couldn’t listen to Gary ramble about the Patriots for another second.”

“You... asked me on a date,” Gold felt the smile rising to his face, couldn’t keep it down however hard he tried. Belle nodded, and squeezed his hand.

“Would you have said yes?” she asked, as if she had to, as if there was any doubt at all. “If you’d understood?”

“Yes!”

[saikostories]

FT - A Moment with You pt10

The waterfall was beautiful.. and it looked so familiar.. he couldn't put a finger on it. He took his communication lacrima out of his backpack. Lily was on his shoulder.

The lacrima lit up.

"I think I found her. West of Crocus.. there is a waterfall." He said. A boom of lightning was heard and the lacrima turned off. He put the lacrima back in his backpack. Without a moment to lose, he ran in towards the pool and dove in.

"Draco… is dead?" Natsu said with unbelief. "Yes.. but…" The four looked at Metallicana with wide eyes. The dragon let out his tongue and gave a wide toothy grin. "I have.. what you seek…"

"Please let us have it!" Gray begged. "Only if you do a favor for me…" Metallicana crawled closer to them.. "Dad stop playing around.. I need it where is it!" Gajeel yelled as he knelt. "Abnoxious brat! I want a trade.. I can't just give Draco's lacrima for free! Even for you my idiot of a son." Metallicana growled. "What is the favor?" Laxus said sternly.

Metallicana grinned.. "Destroy these cursed restraints on me.. and I'll give it to you right now." "What restraints?" Laxus said with a serious frowning face.

The dragon turned his head to show a lightning chain around his neck.

"What.. is that?" a voice said behind them.

The four were startled.. the voice.. they turned around to see a wet wide-eyed younger Gajeel with a mouth gaping pantherlily standing next to him.

"Dad…. What…. IS THAT AROUND YOUR NECK!" Gajeel yelled as he ran up towards them. Laxus turned his body protectively to shield the Lucy from the younger Gajeel. Gray went and stood in front of Laxus. The younger gajeel glared at Laxus and Gray.. and looked at Lucy's legs that were the only part of her body that was visible. He looked back up at Metallicana.. Lily flew over in front of Gray and Laxus.. "Lucy…?" he said softly.. no answer.

"So… you've finally found me… took you long enough you ungrateful brat." Metallicana seethed. "WHAT?! YOU LEFT ME! I SEARCHED FOR YOU EVERWHERE! WTH ARE YOU HIDING IN A STUPID HOLE AND WITH THAT THING AROUND YOUR NECK!" "YOU DARE RAISE YOUR VOICE AT ME" Metallicana roared back at Gajeel.. He brought his head down towards the younger Gajeel and the younger ran up and headbutted the dragon back..

"YEA! AND WHAT YOU GONNA DO ABOUT IT!?"

"You were really stupid when you were younger." Natsu said sweatdropping. "At least I wasn't as stupid as you." "What did you say ironhead?" Natsu seethed. "You heard me.. or are you having trouble understanding something so simple as that?" Gajeel smirked back. "HEY SHUT UP!" the younger Gajeel yelled back at the older Gajeel and Natsu. He glared at the two. Gajeel and Natsu stood up.. and glared back..

"You're the one who interrupted us.. I suggest you shut up before I smash your face." Natsu said in a low voice. "I know you're glad to find dad again… but now is not the time.. and Natsu.. don't you fureikn dare.. " Gajeel said in a deep dangerous voice.

"Your restraint… it's made by Zeref's demons.. yes?" Laxus said interrupting. "Ah…. We've got a smart one here.." Metallicana said "If I remove it… you'll hand the lacrima over?" Laxus said "Yes…." The dragon's eyes were gleaming.

Laxus gave Lucy over to Gray.. Lily could see Lucy now and he gasped. Gajeel looked over at Lily… his eyes widened as well after seeing Lucy. She was in her undergarments.. and was having trouble breathing normally.. her face had a slight frown from her discomfort..

"She's… getting worse.." Gray said softly.. to no person specifically. He could feel her body temperature increasing against his own cold skin. He couldn’t ignore the small twitching frown of pain etched onto her face either. Laxus walked up past the two Gajeels and Natsu.. he walked up towards Metallicana's neck… he took a hold of the chain.. it began to emit a powerful electrical current and Metallicana roared.. Gray and Lily cringed.. while the other dragon slayers remained still. Quickly biting the chain… he began sucking the magic… the current became weaker.. and weaker… and when the light from the chain became dull, Laxus pulled the chain apart and the entire restraints on Metallicana shattered.

"YEEEEESSSSS! AT LASTT!" Metallicana roared.. he stretched his neck and claws. Laxus walked back away from the dragon to not get hit. Metallicana grinned. He spread his left wing up and a bright small light was seen from behind of the scales. The older Gajeel's eyes widened. Walking up to the light he gently lifted up his father's scale. Underneath… was a beautiful crystal sphere. Inside the sphere, he could see thousands of slowly rotating stars. He gently took the lacrima and held it in his hand. It was so small... but he could feel the immense concentrated power emitting from it..

Turning around.. he faced a wide-eyed Natsu.. Laxus... Lily.. Gray.. and his younger self. Walking slowly over to Gray… he looked at Lucy.. she was sweating slightly now.. and still frowning. Slowly he brought his hand up to her cheek and almost retracted his hand at how hot it was. “She’s burning up”.

"She shouldn't have used her magic… it worse this time.." Gray said softly. "What.. do you mean worse?" Lily asked worried. "You see… every time she uses her magic.. her body tries to compensate the magic lost by trying to make more.. but her body is already losing its capacity to make magic… causing more strain on her body… meaning.."

"She's killing herself faster…" the older Gajeel explained. "What!?" Lily said in a whisper..

Gajeel put his hand on Lucy's arm.. and shook. "Why isn't she waking up…" Gajeel said alarmed. He shook again a little harder. “Come one bunny girl... Don’t do this to us... wake up!” Natsu scrunched his fists tightly beside him.

“I can’t...” Everyone turned to look at him. “I can’t watch her die again”

“What do you mean die again? What happened!?” Lily exclaimed in shock. The younger Gajeel however kept his eyes fixed on his older self, one hand on the lacrima, the other on Lucy’s shoulder, worry carved onto his face.

BOOOOOOOOOOMMMMM!

Everyone looked towards the direction of the waterfall…

BOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

"What's going on out there?" Gray said worried. "Did you tell anyone that we were here?!" Natsu said walking up to Gajeel and grabbing his shirt in a bunch in his fist. "Get you're hands OFF OF ME.." Gajeel seethed and tried to pry of Natu's hands.. but found it extremely hard.. Natsu's older face.. and glare.. his strength… was surprising.. startling… scary… "DID YOU TELL ANYONE?!" the older Gajeel yelled at the younger. The younger was now lost for words.. and felt like something was going terribly wrong. "I… told Laxus.." "How! How did you tell me!?" Laxus was panicking now too. He walked up to the younger full of anger. "The communication lacrima…" Gajeel said.

And at that moment.. the communication lacrima in Gajeel's backpack lit up..

"Gajeel!.. Gajeel!" a familiar voice was heard. Natsu let go of Gajeel and the latter quickly ruffled through the backpack for the lacrima..

BOOOOOOOOOOOM!

"They… smell.. of darkness…." Metallicana growled… "There are a few of them out there…"

Gajeel finally found the lacrima and took it out.. his eyes widened when he saw a scared looking Levy… "Shrimp?! What's going on?" "GAJEEL FAIRY TAIL IS UNDER ATTACK!"

Everyone froze…

"WE'RE BEING ATTACKED.. BY AAHHH!" A table flew by her head. "WHO ARE WE BEING ATTACKED BY?" Gajeel asked. Explosions were heard through the lacrima.. screaming.

Levy looked at Gajeel…"Raven Tail"

Laxus looked like he was going to murder spree. The rage emitting from his body through high magical pressure… It crushed the communication lacrima instantly, and the younger Gajeel gaped at Laxus' magical pressure. The lightning mage walked towards the loud explosions heard at the other side of the tunnel.. but Natsu stopped him by walking in front of him.

"She needs you here…" Natsu said gritting his teeth. Laxus glared down at him.. "Move…" "You're the only one who knows how it feels.. you need to be here for her." he said with his bangs covering his eyes.. "as much as it pains me to say this.. but Lucy needs you more right now.. than anyone else." Laxus relaxed and watched amazed at Natsu. Natsu turned around.. "Cmon Gajeel.. Gray.. Let's give them a FairyTail welcome… Fairy Four style…"

Gray went over to Laxus and gave him Lucy… "Try not to leave a scar.."

"Wait… wait…" Laxus said trying to stop them. Gajeel walked up to Laxus, who took a step away.

"No... NO!" Laxus said. "Laxus…" Lucy whimpered… "Lucy… " he said..

Laxus just stared at Lucy in horror.. this.. was not supposed to happen.. Gajeel walked up to Laxus and forced the lacrima in his hand.

Gajeel turned around and walked away..

"No please…. don't make me do this.." Laxus said looking back and forth from Lucy and the other men.. "It had to be you.. only you can do this for her.." Gray said guiltily.. looking away.. "You know what it feels like…" Natsu said.. "THAT'S EXACTLY WHY I CAN'T AND WON'T DO IT!" Laxus yelled at them. "YOU DON’T HAVE A CHOICE! YOU WILL DO IT! OR SHE WILL DIE!" the older Gajeel yelled at Laxus. “We all hate this.... We all came back to save her. Nobody should have to go through what we went through. That’s why we all agreed to get the lacrima in the first place. But you’re the only dragon slayer with a lacrima so it has to be you okay? It has to be if you do’t want to stand next to her grave again.”

BOOOOM!

Natsu, Gray, Gajeel turned to the sound. “It’s time to go.” Gray called.

Gajeel lowered his eyes to lucy and pushed back a few strands of hair sticking to her forehead. “Look after her okay?” He smiled before running out of the tunnel to fight. Gray followed him a little before turning to look at Natsu.

“Natsu....” Natsu walked foward and pressed a kiss to her forehead whilst ignoring the tenseness of Laxus.

“You can’t leave me okay? Not for a third time. Please...” He raised his eyes to look at laxus, a tear rolling down his cheek. After a few moments, he turned and ran towards the other end of the tunnel... leaving a horrified Laxus with Lucy, lacrima in his hand.. Metallicana watching silently behind them all..Because Natsu had been the source of light.. it was became darker and darker as Natsu ran away.

The younger Gajeel standing in shock… lily as well.. watching Laxus.. watching Lucy… Laxus was letting some sparks loose to light the tunnel. Laxus sank to his knees.. "Lucy…" his eyes watered.. tears dropped onto her face..

"I'm sorry… I'm sorry…."

.

.

.

He took a deep breath... and kissed her forehead, followed by her eyes and then her cheek, before finally resting his own on her lips. Gajeel narrowed his eyes at the scene.. it didn't go by unnoticed by the silent dragon watching it all... the dragon's eyes narrowed and glinted from Laxus' sparks.

"Gajeel… will you make me a knife?" Laxus said in a whisper.

Gajeel walked over towards Laxus… and knelt in front of him. He morphed his hand into a sharp knife… Lily flew over to them and watched wide-eyed…

"Will…. She live if she has the lacrima?" Lily asked.

Gajeel brought the knife to her stomach.. he gulped and cringed… he remembered the time he beat her up…

Laxus remained silent…

"Laxus?" Lily asked softly..

"She has to live." Laxus said closing his eyes…”She just has to.” He pressed Gajeel's arm into Lucy's stomach.

-

Boom! Booom! A flash of lightning.

He looked around.. his eyes widened at the scene.. there were Raven Tail mages… and a halfnaked Natsu… Gray.. Gajeel… fighting them off. He was amazed at how different they looked… they looked older.. stronger.. taller.. and they looked as if they were angry enough to kill.. their magical pressure was extraordinary. He wondered if he could even beat them with his current level. The older three mages saw Laxus arrive.. but they didn't look over at him. They were too pissed off at the Raven Tail mages in front of them.. the ones that dared to attack their guild.. the ones that dared to take Lucy away from them..

"JUST HAND OVER THE GIRL AND LACRIMA!" one of the raven tail mages yelled as he attacked Gray. Gray let out his hand and caught the mages hand, causing the man's eyes to widen. Gray smirked…then death glared at the man… he let loose a surge of magic through his hand.

“Over my dead body.” Gray sad quietly, though Laxus heard it as loud as ever.

"AAAAAHHHHHHHH!" the man screamed.. his arm froze.. and the entire half of his body was covered in ice.

Natsu bashed the mages faces with his fire-lit fists.. Gajeel punched them with his iron fists.. both were swift and fast. Laxus stared in shock at the fight.. his eyes roamed between Gray.. Natsu.. Gajeel.. then to the waterfall behind them.. and despite the fight ensuing in front of him.. he felt it.. he felt a spark of his own magic coming from behind the waterfall. Then it clicked. He ran to the pool and dove in.. and to his intuition.. he saw a black tunnel.. he swam inside.

"Cmon! Come back!" Gajeel yelled at Lucy.. he was pumping her chest… he paused. He dipped down and took her lips. He blew in air.. and released. He looked towards the dull eyed Laxus.. he was trembling…

"HEY! FOCUS!" Gajeel snapped at Laxus.. Laxus came back to reality.. he put his bloody hand over her heart and gave her a shock. Her body jerked. Again Gajeel took over Lucy's chest with his own bloody hands and began pumping.

"Cmon.. you're stronger than this.. come back.. BREATHE LUCY BREATHE!"

Laxus stared at his hands… his left hand drenched in her blood.. all the way past his wrist.. he had to reach the area between her lungs... the lacrima was safely placed there..

He heard running.. and smelled the approaching figure.. his eyes widened…

"No…"

Lily looked over towards the approaching figure.. his body was sparking with lightning.. bringing in much needed light into the cave. The figure froze a few feet from them. Horror…

"What…." The younger Laxus saw himself.. hands bloody.. with Lucy's blood.. it was such a strong smell... and Lucy herself.. her stomach bloody.. and stapled together.. Gajeel pumping at her chest.. not for one second taking his eyes away from her.. Lily watching him stare at them.. with tears running down his face.. and behind them all… was Metallicana with his dragon eyes staring him down.

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!" Laxus stepped back and fell.. he tried to crawl back from the nightmare he had found himself in.. "WHAT… HAVE I DONE!"

The horror he found himself in.. made him think back to the time when he had found Lucy back in Magnolia. "you should be the one running from me.." He knew Lucy had meant something behind it.. but how was he to know that it would lead to this...

"I… had no choice…." The older Laxus said… "I… had to put it in her.. IT WAS THE ONLY WAY!"

"HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO US! HOW!? HOW ARE WE ANY BETTER… BETTER THAN HIM! AND ONLY WAY?! SHE'LL DIE BECAUSE OF YOU… BECAUSE OF ME!" the younger Laxus yelled in despair… tears running down his face.. the older crying as well.. his bloody fists clenched.

"What are you talking about… the future me… said you'll be able to save her if you put it in her.. why… is Laxus saying she'll die?!" Gajeel said as he pumped away. The older Laxus put his hand over Lucy's chest and Gajeel stopped pumping. He gave another shock and her body jerked. Gajeel resumed his pumping. "ANSWER ME!" Gajeel roared.

"Just because you put the lacrima in her.. doesn't mean her body will accept it." the dragon spoke. Gajeel froze… "What?" he said in disbelief. "KEEP PUMPING GAJEEL!" Lily said in panic. Gajeel resumed his pumping.. and kissed Lucy once again to breathe air into her lungs. The younger Laxus watched Gajeel.. his emotions haywire.. his worst nightmare..

"If that girl wakes up.. she'll experience pain like never before.. this is only the beginning of what she has to overcome." Metallicana said grimly.

"Her body.. will feel like it is being ripped to shreds.." the younger Laxus spoke.. his head lowered, hiding his eyes.. "She'll feel like her insides are burning inside out.. her eyes won't see.. her ears will ring and feel like bursting from the tiniest of sounds… "

Gajeel was frowning in horror.. Lucy was still unresponsive.. her eyes closed.. bloody handprints on her face and in her beautiful blonde hair..

"She will survive.." the older Laxus said clenching his jaw.

The younger looked towards the older.. the older back at the younger now.

"And you will do whatever it takes so that she does..." the older Laxus spoke in a commanding voice. "You don't want to live in a future where she doesn't exist.." he said softly..

He put his hand over Lucy's chest once more.. He looked towards her face. Gajeel stopped pumping and removed his.

"No more playing around princess.. it's time for you to get up… Wake up Lucy!" he yelled at her face and gave her a shock.

GASPP!

Lucy's chest rose and her eyes shuttered open..

"Lucy!" Lily shouted.

Gajeel watched her shocked and relieved..

The older Laxus smiled warmly, tears falling down his face... "I knew you'd come back.."

Lucy was gasping and clenching her fists.. she shut her eyes and put her head as far back as she could.. tears ran down the side of her face.. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Metallicana roared at the loud screaming.. and drew back further into the tunnel.. his tail covering his head to block his ears. Shivers went down their spine.. the younger Laxus ran over next to the older.. the older put Lucy's clenched hand in the youngers.. Lucy gripped on and Laxus back. Gajeel grabbed Lucy's other hand and she gripped onto Gajeel's.

"AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Lucy continued to scream and sob. Her body was trembling so hard. The younger Laxus looked up towards the older.. the older smiled gently towards the younger.

"Give her a chance.. and she'll give you one too…" the older said softly. "she's got Natsu and Gray beside her... And sooner or later, gajeel will be coming after her too...” The younger gajeel’s head snapped up with wide eyes in disbelief. ”But I've given you something no one else can take from us." The older said… and all of a sudden.. his body began to light up.. light particles began to fly into the air from his body.

"What.. do you mean?" the younger said. Gajeel clenched his fists.. somehow… what the older Laxus had said really dug into him in a bad way. The older laxus put his hand to lucy’s cheek and stroked it with his thumb. Te younger could only watch and widen his eyes at the loving gesture.

Running footsteps were heard… Gajeel looked over and found his older self.. the older Gajeel's body was lit up as well.

"Tch… And so have I" the older Gajeel walking over and sitting next to the younger.

"Gajeel…." The older glared. "Where's Natsu and Gray?"

"What.. am I their babysitter? Salamander is dealing with himself… Stripper is somewhere.. oiy!" Gajeel said to his younger self. "You better not give up either. Lucy is a lot stronger than you think. And just admit that you do like her. Get over it and do something about it. You better not just sit there and let lightning stick, flametard, and stripper get her."

"What?!" the younger Gajeel looked at his older self like he was insane.

Lily just gaped at the older Gajeel. Both Laxus' were wide-eyed and frowning..

"GAJEEL!" the older Laxus' entire body lit up and he vanished.

"Gihi…" the older Gajeel looked down at Lucy.. who had stopped screaming now and was just cringing.. and gasping… he brought his face down and kissed her forehead.

"Bye Lucy… you'll always be my bunnygirl." His body lit up and he vanished as well.

Gajeel, Laxus, and Lily were frozen.. Lily looked between Gajeel and Laxus.. their faces showing utter shock that shifted to confusion.. their eyes met.. and after a painstaking awkward silence… Lily saw a slight glint in both their eyes..

Meanwhile.. Lucy was having the battle for her life. Her gasping.. her whimpering.. her screaming.. her sobbing.. was the only noise heard throughout the cave. And Metallicana was watching her intently.

Natsu's body was beginning to light up.. he looked at his hands and saw the light particles rise into the air.

Rustle rustle rustle..

He looked towards the direction of the sound and smiled… bangs covering his eyes.. And as he expected.. someone jumped out through the trees like a fireball and landed right in front of him.

The fire subsided.. and who remained.. was his younger self.

"Where's Luce.." the younger said. "She's inside.." "Why… didn't you tell me? Why didn't she tell me? Why!" the younger said clenching his fists.

"I couldn't… Time paradox or something like that… and for Luce… It wasn't because she didn't trust you.. it's because she loved you." The older said brushing his fingers through his pink hair.

The younger Natsu's eyes widened.

"Yea.. Luce loves us.. actually.. she's loved us for a while.. but.. I think she's given up on us." The older said in a soft voice..

The younger looked up at the older with a frown.. his eyes wide with shock. Love?!

"We were just.. too busy to notice…" "We… I…" Natsu was lost for words.

The younger Natsu's eyes widened..

"Do you love Lucy? Or do you love Lisanna?"

The younger Natsu flinched..

"I was engaged to Lisanna.. we could have had a wonderful family together.. I'm sure she would have been a great mother.. she did help us raise Happy and all.. but I didn't realize that Luce was sick… until it was too late.."

The younger Natsu gulped.. he dreaded what he was about to hear..

"I saw Lucy die a second and final time in front of me."

The younger Natsu stared at the ground in shock.. he was engaged to Lisanna in the future? Well that… I guess he was fulfilling his promise.. but Lucy… he looked back up at the older Natsu and was shocked to find himself crying..

"I.. buried her with my own hands… and Igneel.. you know she was the one who led me to him.. I didn't even know it was her who planted the clues until after she died.." Natsu's tears were falling down his chin. The younger Natsu was crying now too.

"She's our Luce... And I let her slip through my fingers." the older Natsu said smiling gently.. “But You need to change that. If you want her to stay with her forever... You have to make it happen... before Gajeel, Laxus and Gray do...” His body lit up brighter and he vanished.

Natsu stood frozen for a few minutes.. trying to access all the information he had gotten from his future self.. all this time.. all that time he had spent with her.. and he had not seen… suddenly he dashed into the pool and swam behind the waterfall to see if there was an opening.. nothing.. he dove in the water and found the tunnel.. he swam inside.

-

In a different portion of the forest…

Gray was sitting up against a tree.. he had calculated that his younger self would arrive soon.. and hopefully as soon as possible.. he was watching the light particles rise from his arms…

Rustle Rustle..

"HURRY JUVIA!" Gray yelled. "YES GRAY-SAMA!" Juvia yelled.

The two ran through the trees and were shocked to find another Gray.

"Yo~" the older Gray said. "TWO GRAY-SAMAS!" Juvia said with hearts in her eyes.. and she fainted. "Ha… I remember those days.." the older Gray said rubbing his head. "Where is Lucy?" Gray said seriously.

"She's at the waterfall straight from here. She has the lacrima now.. I'm assuming Laxus already put it in her." the older Gray said getting up. "I don't have a lot of time so I'll make it short"

The younger Gray watched himself carefully.. it was good to see himself look more mature and taller.

"Lucy is fair game." "What?" the younger Gray said with wide-eyes.

"She isn't Natsu's and from what I know so far.. at least in this version of time.. her feelings for Natsu are not as strong now.. all this time.. we were staying away from her because we thought she was Natsu's.. but he gets engaged to Lisanna anways.. "

"WHAT?!" the younger Gray was shocked.

"Just let me talk. I'm only telling you this because I've given us a chance. In this version of time.. everything has been changed.. not only do you have Natsu to worry about.. but you have Gajeel and Laxus.. I've seen the way my Gajeel and Laxus are with her.. and I know.. they have feelings for her. Meaning, so do yours."

The younger Gray was completely shocked. "WHAT?! No way.. Gajeel and Laxus haven't even given her a glance."

"Either way… if you believe me or not.. just keep it in mind.. and Lucy isn't as immune to us as we thought.. I mean.. I did take her on her first date. The next move is yours.." The older Gray said winking at the younger. "Good luck" and with a bright flash.. he disappeared.

The younger Gray.. stood in utter shock… Lucy…. He had taken her on her first date?! WHAT?!

He really needed to find her now…. Was she okay?.. he was about to run off when he realized the unconscious Juvia was on the ground.. He looked towards Lucy's direction.. and back at Juvia…

"Juvia.. Lucy…" Gray thought to himself.. he picked up Juvia and began to ran towards Lucy…

These girls were going to kill him.

-

Everything hurt.. She was cold and hot at the same time.. she couldn't hear herself screaming.. she couldn't feel the large hands gripping onto hers. She tried to open her eyes to see. She saw Gajeel and Laxus stare at each other, Metallicana above her. The dragon was looking at something ahead of him..

"Luce…!" she heard before her vision turned pitch black.

-

"Call them.." he commanded Mira. She shook her head in anger.. tears falling down her face.. she was in her satan soul mode. But despite all that power.. she couldn't do anything.. no one could.. Elfman reverted back to his normal self.. Wendy was panting and trembling with Carla.. Happy stood in front of them fists clenched and gritting his teeth. Cana stood horrified.. Everyone else was either captured and bound.. or knocked out all over Magnolia. "Or else… she dies." He said smiling in victory while patting Asuka's head gently.

"Momma… Pappa…" Asuka cried.. her body was covered in his paper dolls.

"ASUKA!" Azlack and Bisca cried out.. they were chained together.. and in the hands of Raven Tail members. Two of the members punched Azlack and Bisca to silence them.

"STOP PLEASE!" Levy cried out towards them. She was bound and lying on the floor now. "LET THEM GO!" Lisanna cried out as she was bound as well.

"IIIIVAANNNNNNNN!" Master Makarov yelled. Makarov was chained as well. Obra stood right by him snickering.. using his magic to cancel and nullify any magic Master Makarov tried.

"All I ask for is one small thing. I just want that celestial mage.. and we'll be on our way. Out of your hair.. It's that simple." Master Ivan said with a hand out smiling with his eyebrows raised. Wendy's eyes widened as she smelled something near..

BBBBBBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMM!

Lightning was heard outside the guild. Master Ivan smiled widely and turned around. He started laughing..

"AHAHA! SO… HE'S FINALLY DECIDED TO ARRIVE!"

The guild doors shattered and in zapped in Laxus. He flew towards Ivan and punched him into the bar. Obra got ready and put a knife up against Master Makarov's neck.

"LAXUS! STOP!" Mira cried

Laxus had crouched a little to jump at Master Ivan when he stopped to Mira's cry. Natsu and Gray were standing next to him. In, Natsu's arms.. was Lucy…. Her head and limbs dangling.. blood dripping from her stomach. Her hair was waving with the wind. Mira covered her mouth with her hands, tears streamed down harder. Everone that was awake, as well as the RavenTail members looked towards the lifeless Lucy in Natsu's arms.

"Laxus-nii…..Gray-nii…. Natshu-ni…." a small scared timid voice called out.

"AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!" Master Ivan looked at his son. He spread out his arms. "Welcome back Laxus…"

Laxus death glared his father.. and he shifted it towards the owner of the small voice. His eyes met Asuka's… she looked so fragile and terrified… covered in his father's paper puppets..

"I wouldn't move another inch if I were you." Master Ivan said laughing. "Well Laxus… here's the deal.. I'll give you back this little girl.. for that girl you have there next to you" Master Ivan pointed at Lucy. Laxus clenched his fists and sparks began to fly from it. Gray got battle stance ready. Natsu held on tighter to Lucy and death glared at Ivan. "Though I am surprised Laxus… it is as my spies said.. you're the one who put the lacrima in her." Master Ivan said smirking and having a dark glare in his eyes.

Master Makarov and everyone froze and laxus could only grit his teeth harder as he remembered the earth shattering screams that Lucy had released earlier.

"I guess… the saying is really true in our case. Like father like son AHAHAHAHA! Now.. be a good boy.. and hand her over" he grinned maniacally.

The RavenTail members snickered at Laxus.. while all of FairyTail remained deathly silent.. Master Makarov was lost for words.. his eyes wide with shock and concern.. for his children.. for his family.. for Laxus….

Laxus didn't take his eyes off of Asuka.. "Asuka…." He said "Laxus-nii…. I'm scared…" Asuka said crying. "Don't you worry.. I'll get you safe and sound.. just close your eyes.. cover your ears.. and count to 10. Can you do that for me? Just pretend we're playing hide and seek." Laxus said calmly.

"O..okay.." She closed her eyes. She slowly brought her hands up to her ears and covered them.

Laxus's eyes narrowed.. glared at his father. Ivan still smiled evily at Laxus…

"Come.. Laxus.. your blood and my blood are one alike… you cannot run from the ties of blood.. IT RUNS IN YOUR VEINS! NOW OBEY ME AND GIVE ME LUCY HEARTFILIA! And I will forgive your insolence and all your failures… I will accept you.. as my son" he extended his arms out towards Laxus.

"1" Asuka said. Obra was swallowed into a dark shadow.

"2" Master Ivan looked over at Master Makarov's direction and found him unguarded by Obra anymore. Master Makarov broke out of his chains and began to go into Titan mode… enraged with overwhelming fury. He began stomping on the Raven Tail members attacked the ones near him.

"3" Gray and Laxus began punching the lights out of the Raven Tail members. Mira joined into the fight.. so did Wendy.. and anyone else who could fight.

"4" Juvia ran from the back of the guild and went into battle stance. "WATER LOCK!" to Kurohebi standing next to Lisanna and Levy. And the instant she put the water lock up, Gray lunged over and punched the ball of water. It froze over and Kurohebi froze inside.

"5" Nallpudding was about to attack Natsu and Lucy standing in the doorway when a shadow swished in front of him. Up from it came a dark shadowy Gajeel.. glaring with red eyes… and with a swift punch, Gajeel knocked him out at the other end of the guild.

"6" Master Ivan having enough of their stubbornness… put his hand out and was looking towards Asuka. His eyes widened when he saw that Romeo was crouching next to Asuka.. trying to burn his puppets off of her. He clenched his fists..

"7" The paper puppets began to glow.. and Romeo's eyes widened.. he was too late..

"8" Laxus lightning flashed towards Master Ivan and smashed his lightning fist into Ivan's face. Ivan was crushed into the ground and the ground itself cracked and a crater was formed. Master Ivan was knocked out cold.

"9" Asuka's whole body began to glow brighter and brighter.. "ASSSSUUKKKKAAAA!" Azlack and Bisca yelled tears streaming down their faces. Romeo frantically tried tearing the paper puppets from her body.. finding it impossible.. he hugged her to his chest.. and closed his eyes shut.

All the FairyTail members looked towards Asuka.. in total despair.

BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMM!

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Her parents screamed. "AASSUKKKAA!" Master Makarov cried out..

It was dusty and smoky from the explosion…. It was quiet now..

"No…." Bisca said softly.. "NOOOOOOO!" She screamed. Azlack slumped.. his eyes dull… tears unending…

Wendy… collapsed onto her knees… Asuka… Romeo.. was he really gone?... No.. NO.

In the doorway to the guild… stood Natsu staring wide-eyed at Lucy.. she was panting and trembling.. her right arm stretched out.. in her hand.. was a key… pointed towards the spot Asuka and Romeo were at… her eyes were struggling to stay open..

.

.

.

.

.

"10 she says" a voice was heard from above.

Everyone's wide-eyed gazes shot upwards.. even Natsu's.. Lucy's eyes were fluttering.. Up against the ceiling.. was Horologium.

"HOROLOGIUM!" Wendy and Carla said out loud in surprise.

Horologium let go of the ceiling and dropped down onto ground floor. He landed and bowed. Inside the glass door, was Asuka opening her eyes and letting go of her ears. Romeo was inside hugging her to his chest and closing his eyes shut. He let one eye open.. and was surprised to find himself inside a box. He opened both his eyes and looked around confused.

Azlack and Bisca's faces melted and wide smiles grew.. they started laughing and crying in relief. They could see their little Asuka talking nonstop inside horologium. She was standing up inside and had her hands pressed up against the glass.. she was looking straight at her parents.

"This is so cool. Where am I. This is such a great hiding spot. Oh—Romeo-nii— How did you get in here— Jiijii— Everyone—Look at me— This is soo fun— Laxus-nii—Can we play this again– she says excitedly" Horologium said in his monotone voice.

Everyone laughed and cried in relief.. they looked towards Lucy.. the owner of Horologium's key.. and saw her hand falter.. the grip in her hand loosened.. and the key fell out and dropped to the ground.

"Lucy-sama…" Horologium said suddenly in a shocked voice.… and with a flash he disappeared. Asuka and Romeo were dropped onto the ground and looked around confused.

"Awww.. where did the funny box go?" Asuka said looking around. Romeo let go of Asuka and stood up.. his eyes never left Natsu and Lucy.

"LUSHY!" Happy flew towards Natsu and Lucy.. he had been trapped under some rubble and had finally gotten out. He flew next to Natsu. "Luce.. no Lucee.. cmon.." Natsu knelt on the ground and let Lucy down onto the floor. "WENDY!"

Wendy ran over.. and knelt next to Lucy…

"Omg.. Lucy-san!.. " "Just heal her please.. quickly.." "Okay." Wendy put her hand out and began healing Lucy's stomach.

Lucy was really pale..

Laxus appeared next to Azlack and Bisca and let them free. The two parents ran to Asuka and hugged her crying.. the Cornell family was reunited again. he looked over at his father lying the crater.. knocked out by his own punch.. and his grandfather.. who was watching him from afar. They met gazes and Laxus just looked away.. he turned around and left the guild. Master Makarov watched with worried eyes his grandson leave alone.

Gajeel appeared next to Levy.. he let her free and helped her get up. "Thanks Gajeel.." Levy said softly. "No problem." Gajeel said back as he was going to walk away. "Thank you… for bringing her back." She said as she put a hand on his arm… Gajeel turned his head towards the side briefly.. before he turned his head away again and walked away. Lily flew behind him and left Levy standing there alone.

Mira and Elfman helped release Lisanna and helped her get up. They hugged each other in relief. Lisanna looked over at Natsu.. his eyes never leaving Lucy's… and a deathly pale Lucy on the ground.. she couldn't help but be amazed.. be amazed that it was Lucy who brought Natsu back to FairyTail.. and it was Lucy who had saved Asuka from death.

"C'mon Lisanna… let's get you cleaned up." Mira said pushing her towards the kitchen. "I'll help.. I'm not letting you two out of my sight" Elf-man said. "I think you should go help Evergreen.. she needs you right now." Mira said smiling gently.. "Nee-san…" Elf-man said softly. "Go.. help her. We'll be fine." Lisanna said as she and Mira went into the back. Smiling warmly and thanking God for giving him such angels as sisters, Elfman turned around and went searching for Evergreen..

Gray and Juvia went around helping the guild members up and getting them patched up. Master Makarov called for the Magic Council to pick up and jail the Raven Tail members they had captured. He walked up to Lucy and Natsu. He stood watching in pain as he saw the state Lucy was in. Wendy was taking the stapes out of Lucy's body.. it looked absolutely painful. Natsu looked up the master.

"Jii-chan…" "You did good Natsu… all of you did.. thank you for bringing her back home." Master Makarov said smiling gently… "Okay.. Natsu-san.. let's move Lucy-san to infirmary now. She's stable enough to be moved."

Natsu got up and lifted Lucy into his arms. Wendy and Master Makarov led the way.. and Natsu and happy followed behind them. As they passed.. everyone smiled.. warmly and cheered..

Azlack and Bisca smiled at Natsu and Lucy…

"Thank you Lucy…" Azlack said softly as he held Asuka in his arms.

He passed by Levy.. and Levy watched them go by crying.. happy that she was back. Jet and Droy were standing beside her now for support.

Soon.. he had to pass by Gray and Juvia. Gray followed behind Natsu and left Juvia standing at the bottom of the stairs. The two men ascended the stairs together and disappeared around the corner to the infirmary.

“Juvia!” Levy called as she ran up to the othe bluenette.

“Levy-san...” Juvia replied calmly.

“What exactly happened out there? Gajeel.. he’s acting different...” Juvia shook her head solemnley.

“Juvia doesn’t know. But Love-rival was really bad... Laxus-san and Gajeel-san were there when the big stuff happened... Even Gray-sama was different. None of them even spoke a word on the way back home...” Juvia looked up to where the other men had dissapeared. Something was bothering her... What you knew for sure was that those four had changed... and possibly not for the better.

-

The warm water dripped from his face.. down his bare back.. his chest.. it felt nice.. soothing.. he watched the water drip down his right arm… from his right hand… he quickly took the soap bar and began rubbing it all over his right hand… he scrubbed as hard as he could… but even after the soap had washed away… it wasn't enough..

he clenched his right fist tightly and punched the wall hard without his iron dragon slayer magic… he kept punching the wall.. over and over again… until the skin of his knuckles cracked and began to bleed…

No matter what.. he knew… it would never wash away..

-

He was punching away at his punching bag… nonstop.. not thinking.. just hitting… and when the bag broke.. he got another new bag and put it up.. and punched away again…

It hurt.. it hurt all over again.. he gripped the punching bag and headbutted it.. with his head leaning on the bag..

"When is it ever going to stop… when…" he gritted his teeth.. tears rolled down his cheeks…

Out of frustration again.. he let go of the bag and began punching away…

[cerberosthehellguard]

Akafuri+ Bride of the Ancient Magus Au or gakuen baby sitter au

“I don’t have anywhere else to go.” Furihata states calmly.

And it was true. 

The home he had, taken. 

The family he had, destroyed.

There was nothing left for him in this world. 

Except his magic. 

Which was draining him of whatever life he had left to live, as it chose. 

He doesn’t remember the last time he had smiled. 

The last time he felt alive. 

“I don’t have a home.” Furihata says to the Agency. “Place me in Slavery.”

*

The Devil takes him in. 

Furihata is surprised to find a redheaded stranger in a black suit, roughly his age, stand in front of a limo, holding the door open for Furihata to get in. 

Ah, his new buyer. He should call him Owner or Master, he supposed. The Agency he had sold himself to six months ago had had no one to ask about him, bid for him. They had almost given up hope and were about to ask him to be a Slave for themselves. But today, he was going to be whisked away to do whatever his new Master bid him to. 

He entered the car and shifted to let his Master sit next to him.

And got subjected to a long scrutiny that lasted merely a few minutes but felt like a lifetime as the car zoomed along the roads.

Apparently his new Master had X-ray vision, he snickered inwardly.

“It’s not X-ray vision, it’s a common Innocence Charm.”

He swiveled his neck to look in horror at the guy beside him. 

“You needn’t be so surprised. I just merely evaluated your magical levels.” The redhead’s mouth turned a delicate frown, tilting his head slightly, “You haven’t been taking proper care of yourself, have you, Furihata Kouki?” 

Furihata folded his hands in his lap and answered calmly as practiced. Just because the guy knew he had magic did not he would lose his shit. “I have been fed and take care of by the Agency. It is common knowledge that a Slave should be maintained at efficient performance levels to reap lasting benefits.”

“You are not a mere Slave.” The voice was steely. Furihata looked up. The redhead breathed deep through his nose and stared at him, “Not anymore.”

“And anyone with eyes can tell that you have been totally and brutally deprived of any form of magical healing. Your continuous use of your powers have led to the decrease of your life expectancy to devastating levels. What were you thinking? That the use of magic has no consequences? That you could get away with it?”

Furihata stared blankly. “…..So, I have less time left? And how much is it, exactly?”

“It’s hard to say but I would guess no more than three years to your mortal life.”

“Oh.”

Silence reigned, heavy and pregnant. 

Furihata didn’t know what to feel. He didn’t think it was a bad or a good thing. He didn’t have anyone who were dependent on him or would miss him if he was gone. He didn’t have a job or a life ambition or something of a bucket list that he had to finish. He was pretty much getting to being okay with having just three more years, when the man spoke up. 

“Which is why I am here.”

The car had stopped in front of a mansion of a house, its grounds stretching far beyond the range of vision and a towering palace stood in its midst, imposing and ancient. Furihata had a sinking feeling that he would get lost in its maze by the end of the evening. 

The man got out and held out a hand for Furihata. He was pretty sure Masters shouldn’t do that to Slaves. He looked at him quizzically. 

“Pardon me for not introducing myself before. I am Akashi Seijuro, the Devil. And this, is my Lair.” He leaned close to Furihata. “And you, Furihata Kouki are no slave of mine. I am merely interested in your magical abilities and wish to heal you to live a longer life.”

Furihata gaped, and then his mind registered what the man - the whatever - said, “I am a battery for you? For some other purpose you could use me for? How is that any different than a Slave?”

Akashi chuckled and …..transformed. The redheaded man before him grew taller, black robes swirling around him and the skin starting to wear off, leaving a skeletal structure with horns on the head and tiny red flames burning behind the eye sockets. 

Furihata blinked up at him. So he really was the Devil. The one he had read about in his childhood, stories his mother used to tell to ward off nightmares. Devil was supposed to be impartial. He was just and exact and did his duty. He brought balance to imbalances in the society. That was what his mother used to say. 

Facing him right now, he didn’t know whether his mother really knew him or had just heard of him. After all, she had been gifted too. 

Akashi reached forward and took one of Furihata’s hand in his skeletal ones. They were bones. They were supposed to be cold and impassive. Yet they felt warm in his. 

“I do not have any use for you, Furihata Kouki. I already have everything and if I lack something, I am quite capable of fulfilling it by myself. Self sustaining is one of the powers I am bestowed with. 

Yet, I see you, a young mortal who is gifted far beyond what he has hereto forth uncovered, foolishly wasting away his life, using his powers with no care at all. I do not know if you were that eager to see me, but I, do not wish for your soul to pass without you living your life fully yet.” 

Furihata sighed. His hands were still in the Devil’s and he was staring at him, boring a hole through him, silently pleading him to accept the healing. 

And it wasn’t like he had anything else to do. 

“Fine. I will stay. I will let you heal me.”

“Wonderful! Now come along, I will show you to your rooms. You can rest for a while now and then we can have tea in the gardens later. The dogs are excited to meet you. I have planned a list of activities-” The Devil sure seemed chirpy as he glided up the staircase, Furihata jogging to keep up with him. 

“Oh wait, what shall I call you? If you are not my Master, then…..?”

Akashi stopped. Furihata nearly smacked into him.

“……You can call me Seijuro.” The voice was quiet, but Furihata noted a break in it somewhere. Anxiety? That was interesting.

Seijuro turned, fixing Furihata with an indescribable look, “I shall call you Kouki.”

He sounded important, as if defying Furihata to refute it. 

Furihata grinned. “Okay, Seijuro.”

He watched those shoulders visibly relax before Seijuro spoke up again. “And we are….what do you call that….when a group of mortals who work together for a common goal…?”

“…..A team?”

“Yes! That’s it! That’s the word! We are a team, Kouki. You and me.” Seijuro was beaming at him. “Oh, and what is that word for the thing they have? Camaraderie but better? Something closer than that?”

“A friendship?”

“Yes! We shall be Friends from this day forth. You are not a Slave, I am not your Master, we share a Friendship.” Seijuro stated before he suddenly looked unsure, “Will you be my Friend, Kouki?”

Furihata felt positively gobsmacked by now. A fearsome monster that even the other Gods were supposedly slightly scared of, the stuff of nightmares for little children was standing in front of him, offering him shelter and a friendship and was excited to have tea with him. 

It was laughable.

It was hilarious.

It was the sweetest thing ever.

He stepped close and hugged Seijuro, burying his face in the thick cloak, “Yes I will.”

And that sealed his fate. 

For the better.