#i was about to say 'oh but have they done a sabertooth yet...' yes they did literally the last game it was a lengendary

[whilomm]

okay i just got a fun idea for a pokemon line based on a cube mammoth post i saw but cant find now

a sort of caterpie metapod butterfree type concept except its w a fossil.

option A: the first form is an ancient looking animal, maybe its like an ancient mammal or a dinosaur, or if u wanna keep the bug concept its an ancient looking buggie. the second stage is it being fossilized, as a "chrysalis", maybe stylized a bit to go w the concept, but could be done as a nonmoving poke like metapod with a rock fossil or a bit of amber (if going bug), or maybe you could take from the la brea tar pits and have em covered in goop. then of course last form is post fossilization, break em outta there. which would either be a cool skeleton fossil, or. well im not sure where to take it w the bug. ghost bug? rock bug? fuck dunno.

option B: its just a fuckin Rock at first. then you crack it open, and look fossil! a bit more work to free the fossil and u have a ROCK TYPE fossil pokemon

...B is a lil more boring but it was the initial idea so might as well include it.

[sir-phillip-crane]

Your ex is trying to embarrass you in public, but your lover steps in as a shield, eyes ablaze in a fury. - with Keyleth, Grog, and Vax'ildan?

thanks dear!!! requests are open!!

REBLOGS > LIKES

Keyleth • Keyleth got momentarily distracted by a vendor with! Little wooden carvings!! Of animals!! • “Oh! Buttercup, come look at these! Oh, they’ve got a little sabertooth!” • Yes, she absolutely calls you buttercup, or lilac, or sunshine, or rosebud, etc. They’re all based on nature things! Of course they are, it’s Kiki! • Pretty quickly, she realizes that you aren’t there with her. Well… That’s weird. Where’d you go?? • She starts to try and find you, and it’s not too tough to find you interacting with a stranger. • What they’re doing doesn’t matter, but it’s brought the attention of a ton of strangers, and you look uncomfortable. • She immediately shoves her way through the crowd and will absolutely summon something to try and freak them out. • You know in the first fight against the Briarwoods when Keyleth summons a ton of bees and yeets them at Delilah? • She absolutely does that. • There’s more of a lead up to it. She summons them and, since they are her bees, lets them climb on her arms. • “Do you know the interesting thing about bees? When they sting, it’s a death sentence. But here’s a funny thing; these are wasps. Wasps don’t die after they sting… But you’re gonna die after, uh, after… Oh, I’m not good at quippy remarks.” • She just yeets the wasps at them, absolutely grinning ear to ear. • Then she’ll wrap an arm around you and say “they deserve that.”

Grog • “Fuck yeah, they got ale!!! Babe, babe do you want some ale!?” • He turns around and just… where? Are you? • “Babe? Hey, babe, where you at?” • He wanders around the festival for a little while, trying to find you. After asking a few vendors, he’s got an idea where you are. • And there is some bitch ass piece of shit talking to you. • Grog doesn’t know much, but he knows he fucking hates whoever that is. You look upset and are trying to get away – that’s not good. Not good at all. • He takes out VM’s bag of holding, the one with his ax and other various random shit. • Including the severed hand of that guy that he and Vax cut off. • He walks up behind you and puts his hand on your shoulder. • “’Ey babe. This guy botherin’ you?” • He pulls out the severed, partially rotted hand, and throws it at your ex. • “That’s what happened to the last guy who bothered one o’ my friends. I’d say you should get outta here-“ • He pulls out his axe • “-before somethin’ worse happens to you, yeah?” • They’re running scared before anything else is said or happens. • He grins, kisses your forehead, and asks “do you want some ale? I know I do.”

Vax’ildan • “You funny little raven, you! My finger’s not a worm! Oh, you are the cutest, aren’t you?” • He absolutely gets distracted by all of the animals he sees. Ravens are a favorite, and the aforementioned one, he absolutely will adopt. Usually he’d steal but, you know, they’re making a living from this, so… • “We’re gonna have to name you, yes we are. Oh, you are the sweetest! My little darling, my little knight-“ • His newly adopted raven croaks, flutters his wings and tries to get Vax to pay attention to the crowd gathering. • After a moment Vax does notice, and absolutely shoves his way through the crowd. • He finds Vex and “hey, hey, what’s going on?” • She explains that she should have brought her fucking bow because she wants to murder this jackass bothering you. • “You’ve your daggers, brother? If you slit their throat I’ll keep the guards from catching you. We’ve done it before.” • He sighs, “don’t bring that up. I… Let me deal with it.” • He gets a natural 20 on stealth and sneaks up behind this cunt, one of the daggers to their throat, and greets you with “hey peach, did you miss me?” • He won’t say much else, but come around to give you a peck on the lips and “meet my raven, too. I’ve yet to name him but, ah, you know. Bigger fish to fry.” • He lights up his dagger and turns around, “such as you. You know, I’ve never filleted a human. Fish, squirrels, really any animal. But not a human. That would be so fun, wouldn’t it?” • Your ex is running for the hills. • “There we go! Don’t let the door hit you on the way out! Or, or… something… Darling, are you alright?” • He’ll check on you and make sure you’re alright before- “and we need a name for my little friend here! Yes, yes we do!”

[jemmahazelnut]

Two broken hearts with matching sides - Chapter 4

Summary: Freed and Laxus were inseparable friends, they always spent their days together ever since they were children, so much so that they were considered indivisible. That’s why everyone was surprised when during the last year of high school, the two boys no longer spoke a word from one day to the next. That’s why everyone was surprised when Freed left for Germany and Laxus knew nothing about it. After three years the two will be forced to see each other again, and for a period to live under the same roof. [Freed/Laxus]

Link: AO3

Here you can find Chapter One, Chapter Two, Chapter Three.

Jealousy

It was eight o'clock in the evening when the doorbell rang and Laxus heard someone coming to open the door. He just hoped it wasn't Freed, but it was very likely, as Bickslow wasn't there and Evergreen was in the bathroom. The girl always stayed there for hours, he doubted she had finished yet. The blond threw a look in the mirror, finished fixing his hair with the gel and then left the room.

Of course it was Freed who had opened the door and made Rufus sit in. The two obviously made an effort to have a polite conversation, but they all knew there was no good blood between them. Freed and Rufus had never gotten along in high school, they had always clashed over everything, probably because of their similar characters. But that certainly wasn't the reason Laxus had decided to go out with him, although it would’ve been satisfying to piss off Freed.

“Hi Laxus,” Rufus smiled as soon as he saw him and Laxus forced himself to look at him and not Freed. It was the best idea, to go out and get distracted with someone. If that someone was Rufus, so much the better. Maybe he’d even have a little fun. Indeed, certainly, since the blond seemed to have an interest in him.

“Hey, I'll take my coat and I'm ready,” he said.

“I made reservations at the Sabertooth, I hope it’s fine,” Rufus said. Laxus nodded as he grabbed his coat.

“Perfect,” he said as he slipped it on. Then his eyes wandered to Freed, but the boy didn't seem interested in their date. Why would he have to be, after all? Freed wasn't interested in him. With some nervousness Laxus walked to the door, running a hand on Rufus' back and pushing him out. What had he been thinking? To make Freed jealous? To piss him off? Freed had never been interested in him, better stick it in his head once and for all.

“Have a good evening,” Freed told them coldly.

“Thank you,” Rufus replied with a smile as Laxus closed the door without deigning to greet him. Have a good evening. The asshole. Why the hell was he still so interested in what Freed thought? He was fucking pathetic.

“I knew Freed was back, but I didn't think he was living with you,” Rufus commented as they started down the stairs.

“He can't find another apartment,” the blond replied dryly, hoping that he too wouldn’t start over with the same old story. He was starting to get tired of what people said, or what people thought. He could see curiosity in everyone's eyes. Rufus was no exception, and he was looking at him hoping to find something.

“Was there ever something between you two?” he asked. Laxus looked at him in surprise and felt the tension in his arms. Of all the people who had tried to figure out why they had drifted away, none had ever come this close.

“Where does the idea come from?” he asked him. Rufus shrugged.

“You were always together,” he just explained. Laxus found himself once again unable to argue.

“No, we were just friends,” he replied. It wasn't a lie. They were really just friends. Friends who kissed when they were drunk and who found themselves with their hands in each other's pants. Friends who rolled around in bed when his grandfather wasn't there, who drank just to have an excuse to take off their clothes. But still just friends.

“And now why don't you talk to each other anymore?” Rufus asked. Laxus gave him a dirty look.

“Our fucking business,” he replied irritably. Luckily Rufus asked nothing more and luckily the evening went on better than it had begun.

***

“Where’s Laxus?” Evergreen asked as she came out of the bathroom and left a trail of perfume behind her. Her hair was tied up in a turban and a few drops still ran down her face.

Freed was sitting on the sofa and he was pretending to find an apartment to stay in. He pretended, yes, because he didn't really want to leave there. He wanted to talk to Laxus again, and only there could he find any excuse to do so. Too bad he hadn't succeeded yet. He wasn't a coward, just, talking to the blond was difficult. Besides, he still hadn't quite decided what to tell him. Which was stupid, he'd had three fucking years to think about it.

“Out to dinner with Rufus,” he replied, hoping his annoyance wouldn't be felt. Fortunately, however, in those years he had created a neutral tone to talk with, so that his emotions didn’t leak out. And luckily her friend no longer knew him as well as she once did.

“Oh,” Evergreen said in surprise.

“I didn't know he was going out with the boys,” Freed commented keeping his gaze fixed on the computer, so as not to reveal his jealousy. Besides, senseless jealousy. He wasn't Laxus’ boyfriend, the blond had probably dated a lot of other guys in those three years, and besides, it didn't make sense to be jealous after three fucking years. Despite this, Freed found himself seething with rage. Of all the guys Laxus could date, with Rufus. That first-rate asshole Freed never got along with.

“He’s gay, shortly after you left, he came out” said the girl “I thought you knew” she added with a surprised and inquiring tone at the same time. Freed stared at the computer, refusing to look away.

He obviously knew. He and Laxus had kissed. Many times. They had touched. More and more times. They had never had sex but still, they had become very intimate. But it was all theirs, their secret, something they had never talked about, something Laxus had refused to talk about. Something Laxus apparently had forgotten. Because obviously alcohol made you forget things, especially if they were uncomfortable things to remember.

“I didn't know” he lied to her and closed the computer with a dry gesture. He got up and went to his room, telling Evergreen that he wasn't going to have dinner.

***

He couldn't sleep. He kept tossing and turning in bed without being able to close his eyes. Every time he did it, he remembered the old days, the way he and Laxus had fun. The way they hid from external eyes to kiss, to run their hands over each other.

Freed turned in the mattress, struggling to push those damned memories out of his mind. Why did he have to get lost in the past like that? Maybe instead of standing there hoping he and Laxus could talk, he'd better leave. Maybe he should’ve returned to Germany.

He closed his eyes wondering why he had returned to Magnolia. The university was just an excuse, he had done it on purpose to see his old friend again. But what was the use if he couldn't even talk to him? What was the point if Laxus had never been interested in him?

He heard the front door open and something fall to the ground. Laughter and chatter. Freed was instantly irritated. Laxus had returned and was with Rufus. He didn't understand what they were saying, but they didn't try too hard to keep quiet. In fact, they seemed to be enjoying making as much noise as possible. To let everyone know that they had fucked, that they had fun and that they’d probably do it again on the sofa in the living room.

At that awareness Freed's anger escalated even more. For years Laxus had refused to talk about what was between them, for years Freed had kept his secret and hadn't forced him to say anything, and now he was fucking quietly without worrying about being overheard with that asshole Rufus? How the hell he allowed himself.

Freed got up from the bed pissed off, ignoring the voice in his head that was telling him he was screwing up, that he wasn't Laxus's boyfriend, that he had no right to be jealous, that he didn't have to demand anything from him, especially after having escaped to Germany. But he didn't care. He needed to let off steam, and luckily for him there were two assholes on the other side of the wall who deserved to put up with all his wrath.

He went into the living room and saw the two boys making out near the door. The urge to punch both of them ran by the arms, but the two broke away realizing that someone had entered.

“Uh, sorry Freed, did we wake you up?” Rufus asked with ruffled hair.

“Yes,” the boy growled, this time not bothering not to show his annoyance. He just wanted to insult them both, and maybe get the image of those two with their lips together out of his mind. “You're making a terrible mess, you'll wake everyone up,” he snapped.

“Put on some fucking headphones and go,” Laxus snapped, and Freed felt the urge to punch him again.

“No. He leaves. It's not his home and people are trying to sleep here,” he growled.

“Um... well, I really would go,” Rufus said noticing the air was blowing. He greeted Laxus with a sloppy kiss and left the apartment, under Freed's furious gaze. He was holding back, but he wouldn't be surprised if he walked through the door just to punch Rufus.

“What the hell is your problem, huh?” Laxus snapped as soon as they were alone. Freed was about to answer but the blond, obviously drunk, raised his voice. “This isn't even your apartment, you can't kick people out of the house!” he exclaimed.

“Well, I sleep here and pay the rent and the bills,” Freed answered between his teeth. “I think I’ve the right to sleep in peace without having to hear two drunks fucking in the living room.”

“No, you don't have it,” Laxus snapped, advancing towards him “You're a fucking scrounger, you're only here because Bickslow and Evergreen have pitied you, but since you arrived you've been making their lives worse. They can't stand you anymore. To tell the truth, nobody can stand you anymore. You should go back to Germany to your dear daddy and have your asshole cleaned, as you’re used to…”

The punch hit Laxus in the cheek without Freed even realizing it. His arm had gone off on its own, and he didn't feel guilty at all seeing the blond stagger slightly. To tell the truth, he felt a little better. He was beginning to repay the asshole for all the pain he had endured because of him.

Laxus turned to him, pushed Freed against the wall and a cabinet toppled to the floor. The flowerpot above broke into a thousand pieces but neither of them cared. Laxus punched him in the face and Freed gasped for a moment. He recovered quickly and was about to beat him again but at that moment the corridor light went on, and the two turned to see Evergreen and Bickslow.

“What the hell are you doing?” snapped the girl.

“Our fucking business,” Laxus replied immediately, then grinned, taking a step away from Freed. “Indeed, they’re your business too. This is all thanks to you, you’re happy to have us reunited now, right?” he asked furiously.

“You fucking idiot,” Evergreen growled as she stepped forward. Freed ran his palm over his jaw. Damn, Laxus had hurt him.

“Shit whore,” Laxus spat. “You organized all this, only because you’re not able to do your own fucking business. Next time maybe you'll learn not to get in the middle of my life” he growled at her.

“Shut your fucking mouth!” Evergreen yelled. “And here the assholes are you two. You can't even talk to each other civilly. But you're right, I was wrong to get in the way of your relationship. Go ahead and beat yourself up, but get it out of this apartment, because I won't take care of you two!” she blurted out.

“Oh, nowyou understand,” Laxus commented scornfully. Evergreen gave him a dirty look. Bickslow stepped in the middle.

“Ok, you've been drinking. Let's calm down and let's all go to sleep, huh?” he asked.

“And pretend nothing happened? Well, let's keep pretending that everything’s fine and it's not his fault.” Laxus growled pointing at Freed. The boy remained silent. “Why don't you tell him how bad you were left when he left without even warning you? Why don't you tell him what an asshole he was to go live with his rich daddy without even a fucking goodbye?” he blurted out.

“Laxus, you’re drunk. We better talk about it tomorrow,” Bickslow said trying to calm down. Evergreen ran her hands over her temples in exasperation. Neither of them had denied what Laxus had said, however, and Freed felt himself sinking. Why the hell had he gone back to Magnolia? He had been a fool. He passed Laxus and went to the door.

“Hey, where are you going?” Bickslow asked.

“Laxus is right. None of you want me here,” he replied, opening the door.

“Freed” Evergreen tried to say but her voice was obscured by Laxus's.

“Yes, go away. It's the only thing you can do!” he barked. Freed closed the door behind him as he heard Laxus' screams still in his ears.

***

Alcohol flowed into his body but Freed was grateful for it. It was only thanks to that that he could take refuge in a corner of the room and kiss Laxus. Feeling his hands on him, his lips on him, on his neck, all over his skin.

Laxus's fingers ran up his torso until they reached his belt and pulled it down. Freed moaned as he felt his hand disappear under his boxers and sat astride Laxus, kissing him madly and pulling his hair lightly. Good heavens, he hadn't thought a kiss would end like this.

Kissing at every party, at every hangover. Drinking and then locking himself up somewhere with his friend to make out and touch each other. He liked it so much, he didn't want to get out of there anymore, he didn't want that moment to end.

Freed pulled up his friend's shirt, but at that moment he heard someone knock on the door. Freed and Laxus broke apart, panting and red in the face. They didn't answer and the handle went down, but luckily the two had locked the door.

“Who's in here? Hell, why the fuck did you lock the door!” it was the voice of Cana. Freed jumped off Laxus' legs and buttoned his pants, while Laxus adjusted his shirt and stood up. When they were both presentable the blond opened the door.

“Oh, it's you two. What were you doing locked up?” asked the curious girl and Freed felt himself blush. A mischievous smile appeared on the brunette's face. “Were you fucking?”

“Don't bullshit, we were smoking weed,” Laxus snarled right away. Cana's eyes widened.

“What?” she asked stunned. Freed didn't dare say anything, fearing that whatever came out of his lips would make the situation worse.

“Don't tell anyone,” the blond growled and then left the room. Freed followed him carefully avoiding the gaze of the girl, who still looked at them in shock. Laxus was practically running down the stairs and Freed was following him, until he rolled over and hit him. He feared that Laxus would push him away, but instead the blonde held him straight.

“Hey, are you okay?” he whispered. Freed nodded vigorously.

“Yes,” he said in a whisper, feeling the warmth envelop him again. Obviously Laxus wouldn't push him away, he liked him. Good heavens, Laxus liked him. Even if it only happened when they were drunk, it meant something, right? It meant that Laxus liked him at least a little. More than a little, considering what his friend had done to him. Considering what Laxus had achieved with his hands. He tried not to think about it so as not to make the situation worse in his pants, which were already quite tight.

“Let's get out of here,” Laxus said and dragged him out of the Cana’s house. Freed didn't object, he honestly couldn't wait to be alone with Laxus. The two went out and hid behind a tree in the garden. As soon as they were there, Laxus pulled him towards him, taking his face in his hands and kissing him intensely. Freed instantly reciprocated, clinging to his shoulders and feeling his heart explode with joy again.

“It's our secret, okay?” Laxus asked as they pulled apart. Freed quickly nodded. Anything, just to spend more evenings like this with Laxus. He was about to ask him if he liked him, if it could be more, but Laxus kissed him again, preventing him from speaking. And after all, why did Freed have to complicate things? They enjoyed themselves, and even if they only did it when they drank, that was just fine with him. That just meant he’d get drunk more often.

[mdelpin]

Shadowlight Week 2019 Prompt: Hero AO3 | FF.Net

Operation: Gay Exceed

Summary: Frosch is tired of seeing Sting and Rogue constantly pining over each other. When he visits the Fairy Tail Guild and discovers Happy has managed what he can only dream of he begs to be told the secret. Time for Operation: Gay Exceed!

Previously -> Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Frosch tried to stare Lector down but he was tired and disappointed, so he left it at, “I can’t tell you.”

“What do you mean you can’t tell me?” Lector blinked in surprise, “We’re best friends aren’t we?”

Frosch nodded, he was about ready to cry. This wasn't how it was supposed to go at all, everyone was unhappy, and he'd gotten Happy involved without even talking to him. Scratch that he was going to cry.

“Hey, don’t cry!” Lector quickly moved to give Frosch a hug, “You don’t have to tell me anything, okay?”

“It’s not that!” Frosch wailed, “I made everything worse.”

Lector looked at him for a moment and groaned, “Frosch, I keep telling you to leave it alone. They’ll figure it out eventually.”

"I just want them to be happy," Frosch sniffled, and Lector hugged him again.

“I know,” Lector grabbed Frosch’s hand and pulled him gently towards Rogue’s room, “Come on, let’s go to bed. Things will look better in the morning.”

O-o

Sting had been hard at work in his office all morning. If there was one thing he hated about being a Guild Master, it was that there was always paperwork to get done. His mages were fairly responsible, he could only shudder at the amount of paperwork someone like Makarov had to deal with regularly.

He'd been thankful to see that both Rogue and Rufus had pitched in while he was gone, but there was a rather large pile still to be done, and today's batch hadn't even been delivered yet. Sting had just placed his head down on his desk for a brief rest when there was a knock on his door, and with a groan, he recognized Minerva's scent. She came in without waiting for his reply and dumped the daily delivery from the Magic Council on his desk.

“Never ends, huh?” Minerva stepped behind him and massaged his shoulders for a few glorious minutes. She slapped him on his back playfully and smirked, “There, now you can’t say I never did anything for ya.” She snorted and left him to his devices.

Sting sighed, momentarily refreshed by the massage and opened the container to see the new batch of papers that awaited his inspection. A brightly covered piece of paper caught his attention, and he looked at it first.

Apparently, the Magic Council was ordering a guild exchange to foster better relationships between the guilds after the Grand Magic Games. Sting groaned to himself, no way that was going to go well. He looked down the list to see who Sabertooth had been paired with, not at all surprised to see they had gotten Fairy Tail.

He might as well call Makarov to discuss who they would be sending, at least it was a change from the mounds of paperwork. He got out his lacrima and called the Fairy Tail Guild.

“This is the Fairy Tail Guild,” Sting could hear Mirajane Strauss’s voice clearly, “How can I help you? Oh, hello Master Sting!”

"Hey, Mira! Is Master Makarov around?" Sting fiddled with the ribbons on his sleeve as he waited for her response.

“Yes, he is!” Mira replied cheerfully, “I’ll go find him for you.”

“Thanks!”

Master Makarov appeared on the screen, the reddish hue on his cheeks and the slightly tipsy smile on his face letting Sting know the Fairy Tail Master had already begun drinking for the day, “Sting, my boy! How are you?”

“Just fine, sir. How about yourself?”

“Can’t complain, the brats have been quieter than usual,” Makarov replied, still smiling, “What’s this about?”

“I just received a notice from the Council that we have to do an exchange between our guilds for a few days,” Sting explained showing Makarov the bright yellow paper.

“Ah yes, must have missed that one,” Makarov coughed into his hand and Sting saw the piles of papers on the Master’s desk, how the man found anything in that mess Sting couldn’t even imagine.

“I assume you’ll want the dragon slayers?” Makarov asked.

“I hadn’t really thought about it, it might be good to get Minerva in with Erza and Lucy so they can resolve their differences, with maybe Yukino as a buffer,” Sting thought out loud, remembering how Minerva had behaved during the Games.

Sting thought it might be good to get Rogue to spend more time with Natsu since he seemed to harbor some dislike for the Fire Dragon Slayer, but he wasn't sure how it would pan out. Maybe if he asked for Gajeel as well? But Natsu and Gajeel were always fighting amongst themselves too. Ugh! Wendy? She might be able to keep Rogue and Natsu in line, that might be good for Frosch also, now that the little guy and Happy were a couple. Sting smiled thinking of how cute the Exceeds must look together.

“That’s a good idea, you might want to have them come to you though, Erza is more likely to play nice at another guild. Lucy would probably be fine either way, but to be honest, Minerva will get more support at Sabertooth than here, ” Makarov pointed out.

“That’s true,” Sting bit his lip, there went his plans unless he sent Rogue to Fairy Tail but he wouldn’t be able to go himself, he knew his presence would be required to make sure the situation with the female mages didn’t get out of hand. “I could send Rufus over with Orga, that way he and Gray could resolve their animosity.”

Makarov rubbed his chin thoughtfully for a few minutes, “There’s definitely no love lost between those two, I might have to send Natsu out on a job while they’re here though.”

Sting found the comment odd, but he supposed Natsu was pretty protective of his teammates and Gray and Rufus had not hit it off at all. "Oh speaking of Natsu I hear congratulations are in order."

Makarov laughed until tears ran down his face, “Yeah, it was a long time coming. How did you hear about it?”

“Frosch told us just last night, I have to admit I was a tad surprised that he and Happy hit it off so well, I always thought Happy liked Carla.”

"Happy?" Makarov seemed confused, and then a grin slowly widened on his face as if he'd been told the world's greatest joke. "You know what? Why don't we let those two have a chat, I'm sure they must miss each other, they were quite close when Frosch was here."

“Oh, that’s a great idea! I’ll go get Frosch,” Sting said eagerly, wanting to do something nice for Frosch since he’d seemed upset the previous night, plus the idea of the two Exceeds was just too cute.

“Lector, can you go find Frosch?” Sting asked of his Exceed, who’d been sitting watching the conversation with interest.

“Sure thing,” Lector set off in search of his friend, excited at the prospect of finding out more about whatever Frosch was up to.

Frosch had been sitting by the guild pool thinking about how he was going to pull his plan off considering how badly it had begun when Lector came to find him.

“Frosch, Sting wants you to come to his office,” Lector nudged his friend out of his thoughts.

Frosch looked up at Lector not quite knowing what to make of the Exceed’s expression.

"He's got Happy on the lacrima for you," Lector explained and grabbed his friend by the hand trying to urge him to hurry. Frosch got the message, and they both flew towards the guild master's office. He was both excited and dreading the talk he knew he'd have to have with Happy, but there was no denying he would need his help.

O-o

Happy had been sitting at his team's table getting ready to eat the fish Mira had just placed in front of him when he heard Master Makarov calling for him. There was something in the old man's voice that decidedly made him nervous, but he couldn't quite place what it was.

“Happy, you have a call on the lacrima from Sabertooth,” Master Makarov called out in what would seem to be a sweet old man voice to anyone who wasn’t aware that the guild master was incapable of such a tone.

With a sinking feeling Happy left his fish behind and began to fly up to the guild master’s office and that’s when the old man dropped his facade and showed his true evil colors. “Natsu, Gray, Erza and Lucy, I think you might be interested in this as well.”

Makarov could not contain his laughter any longer, and Happy sincerely hoped he choked on it. Still, he couldn't ignore an order from his Master, so with an even worse feeling than before he stoically made his way to the lacrima in the old man's office, his team following. He could almost feel the curiosity in their stares.

On the screen in front of him stood Frosch, and it didn’t take much for Happy to figure out that things had not gone the way Frosch had hoped. Happy put his head down for a moment expecting the worst. He took a deep breath and asked, “What happened?”

He didn't see anyone else in the office, so he assumed that unlike his guildmates and Master the Sabertooth master had a concept of privacy clearly lacking in the Fairy Tail Guild.

“Fro’s sorry!” Frosch began and burst into tears causing his team members to aww over him.

“What did you do?” Happy groaned, already getting the sense that this was going to go badly for him.

"Fro tried to tell Rogue what you said, but he wouldn't understand," Frosch started quietly, and then while looking down at Sting's desk, he added, "So Fro told him Happy was his boyfriend."

There was a tremendous burst of laughter behind Happy as his team reacted to Frosch's words, but Happy was not amused in any way.

"You told him what?!" Happy yelled and then instantly felt terrible when he saw it only made Frosch cry harder, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have yelled, but you should have talked to me first. I never agreed to that, why didn't you say Lector?"

“I know!” Frosch wailed, “But Lector would never have gone along with it.”

“Frosch,” Happy whined, “I just got Carla to believe it was all a trick.”

"Let me get this straight, " Natsu spoke up, and Happy immediately knew he was doomed, "Are you trying to get Sting and Rogue together?"

Frosch nodded eagerly.

Once again a crowd of awww could be heard from Happy's team.

“Happy, you have to do this, your friend needs you,” Natsu appealed, excited by the prospect of getting his two friends together, “And it’s for a good cause.”

“Fairy Tail wizards don’t back away from a challenge just because it’s difficult or uncomfortable, plus you shouldn’t deny a friend,” Erza was quick to remind him.

“He looooooooooooooooooooooooooves you,“ Lucy couldn’t help but tease, and of course Happy could say nothing as his own words were used against him.

"Happy, if it weren't for you, Natsu and I would probably still be trying to kill each other," Gray reminded him, "If you can help do the same for them, I promise you I will get you the biggest fish I can find."

Happy turned around and looked at Gray and then at Natsu as they sat next to each other holding hands. He couldn’t help but smile at the two men, and he made his decision.

“Ugh, fine. Just remember your promise,” Happy finally responded, “What do I have to do?”

o-o

Lector walked away from behind the door having heard every word. He felt a bit bad that Frosch hadn't thought he'd go along with his ploy, but Lector had to admit that he probably wouldn't have. Frosch's heart was in the right place, but Lector just didn't think they should get involved in Sting and Rogue's affairs.

Lector did hope that things worked out the way that Frosch wanted, he knew Sting loved Rogue, but he also knew that his partner wasn't sure Rogue returned his feelings. Rogue was too good at hiding his emotions and sent out mixed signals at best. Lector knew the truth, of course, but Sting wasn't going to just take his word for it.

He did feel that things were going to come to a head soon, especially if the biggest obstacle to Rogue confessing his feelings was already involved in another relationship. Lector had never quite understood how Rogue had taken Sting’s admiration, and okay, hero worship of Natsu and turned it into romantic interest. He sighed, humans made everything so complicated.

He found Sting in the kitchen, as usual, snacking on some sweets Minerva had baked. Rogue had apparently taken a job early in the morning and was not expected to return until later in the day. Sting had been disappointed, but he was never one to mope or stay still for long. "Hey Lector, wanna go out for a walk or something?"

Lector agreed eagerly and the two of them, along with Yukino, went off for a walk around town.

O-o

“Wait, you’re saying that Rogue thinks that Sting has a thing for me?” Natsu laughed incredulously as they made their way to the Sabertooth guild, “That’s ridiculous!”

“Not so ridiculous, Flame-Brain, “ Gray confided, “I thought the same.”

“Seriously?”

Gray nodded sheepishly. Natsu laughed again but grabbed his boyfriend’s hand and squeezed it.

“The only thing Sting wants from me is a good fight,” Natsu assured Gray, “Do you have the paper from Gramps?”

“I thought you had it,” Gray shrugged his shoulders and looked to Erza who shook her head. They all looked at Lucy. “No one asked me to grab it,” she looked through the contents of her bag. “I have a paper,” she offered the paper to Erza who had Natsu lean forward as she used his back as a makeshift desk to write a message with the pen that Lucy had also found.

“What did you write?” Lucy asked.

“The message isn’t what’s important,” Erza reminded her, “How are you doing, Happy?”

“Just great,” Happy muttered already thinking of the teasing he was going to get from Lector.

“Okay remember, we all need to be on our best behavior,” Erza lectured, “Natsu and Gray, no fighting. Happy do whatever Frosch needs. Lucy, no matter what Minerva says or does, don’t take the bait.”

“What about you?” Natsu challenged, annoyed at her bossy tone.

Erza raised her eyebrows dangerously and countered, “What about me?”

“Relax, it’ll be fine,” Gray assured her, “You do realize this isn’t an actual mission, right?”

“Of course,” Erza asserted, “I just want everything to go well.”

They walked in silence for the next mile or so until Lucy pointed out a familiar figure walking ahead of them, “Hey, isn’t that Rogue?”

The group hurried to catch up with the dragon slayer who seemed not to have noticed their presence.

"Hey, Rogue!" They greeted the dragon slayer, but he didn't answer, seemingly lost in his own thoughts. He didn't acknowledge them in any way until Lucy tapped him on the shoulder. Rogue seemed startled by their presence but gave them a timid smile.

“Oh, hey,” He gave them a sparse wave, “What brings you here?”

“Master Makarov sent us with a message for Sting,” Erza explained smoothly, quickly waving the paper in Rogue’s face, “Are you headed back to Sabertooth? We’ll be glad for the company.”

"Yes, of course," Rogue bowed slightly, but he didn't seem enthused. They continued their walk dispensing pleasantries, but Rogue's attention seemed to be taken up with observing Happy.

Gray nudged Natsu and gave him a meaningful glance, Natsu looked at him confused, and when Gray started to whisper something in his ear, Natsu shook his head at him and pointed to Rogue's ears.

Gray nodded in understanding and put his arm around Natsu's shoulders, grabbing Natsu's arm and placing it around his waist. Natsu adjusted himself to Gray's pace, but Rogue wasn't paying any attention to them. They finally reached the Sabertooth guild hall and were about to make their way inside when Rogue reached out to Happy.

"Happy, can I talk to you for a moment?" Everyone waited outside, so Rogue added, "In private?"

Happy looked to Natsu for help, and the dragon slayer walked to his Exceed's side while the others went inside.

Rogue wanted to protest, but he knew if Natsu had singled Frosch out, he would have done the same, so he made no comment. Instead, he walked them over to where there were some benches and sat down, the other two joining him.

“Frosch told me you had gotten...closer during his visit, “ Rogue announced, “I just want to make sure that he doesn’t get hurt.”

Happy nodded, still looking a bit fearful even though Natsu was petting him. Rogue was thankful to see Natsu had chosen to stay silent instead of resorting to his usual brashness. He was surprised when Happy stood up from Natsu’s lap and walked the short distance over to him and climbed into his lap.

“I’d never hurt Frosch,” Happy said earnestly, looking into Rogue’s eyes, “He’s my friend.”

"Alright then, " Rogue smiled at the blue Exceed, and he petted his head gently, "I'll hold you to that."

He glanced over at Natsu who looked like he wanted to say something but when he remained silent Rogue got up and adjusted his clothes. “We should go inside.”

Natsu and Happy glanced at each other and followed Rogue inside.

O-o

"What are you guys doing here!" Sting greeted the Fairy Tail mages excitedly as they walked through the door. He'd thought he'd smelled Rogue and Natsu as well, but they were nowhere to be found, and that made him decidedly nervous.

Erza shoved a piece of paper in his hand and muttered something about Master Makarov sending them with a message. Sting opened the folded paper to see something scrawled in unreadable penmanship. He immediately recognized it as Erza's from the letter she'd sent them about Minerva right before Tartaros. He stared uncomprehendingly at Erza, who was trying to mouth something to him, but his attention was diverted by Natsu, Rogue and Happy entering the guild.

Sting searched their expressions, trying to figure out what had kept them outside, but nothing jumped out at him. He watched with interest as Natsu made his way over to Gray, who immediately wrapped his arms around the dragon slayer. He could hear Gray asking Natsu how it had gone and Natsu whispering something in his ear that made the ice mage laugh.

Sting shook his head and watched the two rivals again to make sure he wasn't seeing things. Natsu and Gray were a thing now? And Happy and Frosch? He quickly looked over to Erza and Lucy but didn't sense any change in their relationship at all.

Natsu leaned up and kissed Gray and Sting couldn't keep the grin off his face. He felt someone staring at him and caught Rogue's gaze. He gave his friend a tentative wave, and Rogue came over to him.

“Are you okay?” Rogue asked low enough only Sting would be able to hear.

Sting didn’t understand what he meant or why he sounded so concerned. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

Rogue gestured at Natsu and Gray who were still talking in the corner, their body language markedly changed since the last time he’d seen them. Sting followed his gaze and smiled, “Don’t they look happy?” Sting asked wistfully.

“You’re not upset?”

Sting snorted, "Of course not, to be honest, I'm more concerned as to why they're here." He showed Rogue the piece of paper Erza had handed him, and they both chuckled.

“I think maybe they just brought Happy over to see Frosch and needed an excuse.”

“Oh yeah, about that, I meant to ask you, are you okay?” Sting placed his hand on Rogue’s shoulder, “You didn’t seem very happy about it last night.”

“It was unexpected, but he looks happy doesn’t he?”

Sting agreed, and they both watched Frosch laugh as he talked to Happy, at one point giving him a big hug. The two Exceeds were as adorable together as Sting had imagined and he had to force himself to look away so he could focus on Rogue. Sting had never seen his friend ever look so sad before.

"You've still got me, you know,” Sting told him matter-of-factly.

“I know,” Rogue gazed at Sting, trying to hide his yearning behind banter, ”Can’t really remember a time you weren’t there.”

Sting smiled as he realized it was the same for him. “Can you imagine what Jiemma would have done if he’d caught two guys kissing in his guild?” Sting joked even as Rogue tensed up.

“Hey, what’s the matter?” Sting could almost feel the wall that Rogue had just put up between them.

“Nothing.”

There was something in Rogue’s voice that finally got through to Sting as nothing else had before. It was like the fog had been lifted from his eyes and he could finally see what had been in front of him all along.

He quickly began piecing things together, Rogue's animosity towards Natsu, his concern about how Sting would take the news that Natsu and Gray were a couple, even his lackluster response to Frosch's news. Not to mention all the things that Rogue did for him regularly. Seriously, who enjoys doing hours of paperwork?

Now that he realized all these things, Sting understood just how much of an idiot he’d been, pining for someone who had been broadcasting his feelings for him in his own way, all this time. He knew that part of it was due to the hostile environment they’d been forced to live in for so long, making them all terrified to show anything that might be considered a weakness, but they had managed to free themselves from those chains.

Sting knew there was a chance he was wrong, but he let the love and hope that filled the room fuel him into making a decision. He would give voice to his own feelings once and for all, and hope for the best. If he ended up being wrong, it would be embarrassing as hell, but he was confident that his and Rogue's friendship was strong enough to get past it.

"Rogue, Jiemma is gone, and he's never coming back," Sting reminded him, "We took him out, and now we can live our lives however we want. Just like them." He pointed at the Fairy Tail mages who were mingling with the other Sabertooth members, although it was obvious that there was still some tension remaining from the Games. "We've earned that right."

“What are you saying?”

“I’m just going to be honest,” Sting declared, too caught up in his words to notice the room had gone eerily quiet, “I’m not interested in Natsu, I never have been, at least not in that way.”

Sting gestured at Natsu and Gray who were standing hand in hand next to Orga, “I want to have what they have with you, and I’ve hoped for the longest time that you might feel the same way. But if I’m wrong then just tell me that, and we can get past it.”

“I’m just tired of this dance,” Sting revealed, “If two Exceeds can find their way to each other why can’t we?”

Sting looked at Rogue expectantly, and this time he did notice the quiet, his nerves became frayed even though he was getting many encouraging looks from his friends. He saw Frosch watching them with interest as he held on to both Happy and Lector's hands in nervous anticipation.

“I — it’s just a lot to take in all of a sudden,” Rogue replied, feeling uncomfortable being the center of attention. He realized he hadn’t answered the question when he saw Sting’s disappointed expression. He hurried to respond, “I — I do feel the same way.”

He was rewarded with the most beautiful smile he’d ever seen on Sting’s face.

"Well okay then, that wasn't so hard was it?" Sting teased, grabbing Rogue's hand in his and pulling him in for a hug. Rogue put his arms around Sting tentatively, they'd hugged plenty of times before but usually as a way to comfort the other, never just to feel each other's touch. It felt nice, like every nerve ending in his body was lighting up.

Rogue wanted to continue to touch, to feel Sting against him and it gave him an assertiveness he'd always been hesitant to express in anything other than a fight. Rogue moved his head away from Sting's shoulder and gazed into the face he'd loved for so many years. Rogue leaned forward, finally able to taste Sting's lips with his own. He could feel Sting smiling against his kiss and couldn't help but to respond in kind before parting.

There was much cheering as cries of Fucking finally were heard from many a Sabertooth mage. Frosch was jumping up and down and dragging Happy and Lector with him.

Minutes later booze was flowing from everyone's mugs as they celebrated. Sting raised his mug in a toast, "To Frosch, for having the courage to be himself and inspiring us to get our sorry asses in order!"

“Hear, hear!” Everyone cheered for Frosch and instead of making the Exceed proud, he burst into tears. Even though he was happy it had worked out the way he wanted, it made him feel uncomfortable that his actions had been based on a lie. Happy was quick to comfort him, understanding how he felt, although it hadn’t bothered him all that much.

“Frosch, what’s wrong?” Rogue asked worriedly.

“Fro lied!” Frosch wailed.

“What are you talking about?”

“Fro only likes Happy as a friend,” Frosch confessed, “Fro, only pretended to try to get Rogue and Sting together.”

“Where would you get that idea?” Rogue asked, even though he knew exactly where it had come from. He glared at Happy.

"I may have done something similar to Natsu," Happy confessed edging his way towards his dragon slayer, seeking protection from the rage he could see growing in Rogue's red eyes.

“Let it go,” Sting advised, “It all worked out in the end, I’m certainly not complaining about the results. As far as I’m concerned, Frosch and Happy are heroes!”

Frosch gazed up at Rogue, looking forlorn and the dragon slayer knew Sting was right. He’d save the lecture on lying for another day. He picked up his Exceed and gave him a big hug before whispering, “Thank you, Frosch.”

A/N: This was a really fun story to write, I hope you enjoyed it! I tend to try to avoid writing the Exceeds as much as possible, but they kind of grew on me in this one.

[petri808]

Hormone’s Are a Bitch

@nalu-fluff-week  Nalu fluff week 9/13 Day 6 Protection.  Thank you @random-rave for the idea :)

It was just over a month since the newlyweds returned from their honeymoon and they had just finished moving all of Lucy’s belonging’s into Natsu’s cottage in time for the housewarming party that evening.  Renovations to the bachelor pad had taken a little longer than they had anticipated but now the cottage, included two bedrooms, a larger bath, small office for Lucy, and a little loft of his own for Happy.  All that was left to do was shop for food and supplies.  

Holding his wife’s hand, they walk along the path to the closest general store.  “What are we grabbing?”

“I told everyone to potluck, they should be bringing something for dinner or a desert, so we just need to make a couple of dishes too and buy drinks.”

“Sounds good,” he pulls her closer as they pass a couple of strangers heading in the opposite direction. “Do I get to…” Natsu’s brows furrow and he pauses, glaring at another male walking towards them, “…burn… anything…” growling as the stranger passes by.

“Is something wrong Natsu?”

“Why would you say that?”

“Because you just growled at some random guy.”

“He was looking at you.”

“Are you sure, it didn’t seem like it.”

“Don’t worry about it, you were saying.”

“To answer your question, if you want to do a barbecue item, yeah that’s fine, but well done not over-cooked.”

“Sure,” giving her his trademark grin, “anything for you babe…”

The party was going smoothly, guests arriving early, typical for their guild mates who were always up for a good time.  The guys were lounging on the porch area with Natsu on the grill while the girls gathered in the living room to chatter away the newest gossip.  

“So, Lucy, how is married life treating you?”

“Nothing’s changed except for the title.”  Everyone chuckles.  “I mean it was a bit of an adjustment to live together 24/7, even though he was at my apartment most of the time, and I still don’t always respond to Mrs. Dragneel.”

Levy giggles, “Yeah as happy as we are to gain that designation, it still takes time for it to feel normal.”

“Lucy,” she hears her husband calling from the front door and turns.

“Yes Natsu?”

“Do you want me to bring the meat in?”

“Please and put it on the dining table.  Are you done cooking everything?”

“Yup!”

“Awesome cause I’m starving, tell the guys to come in and eat.”

As everyone busies themselves making plates and finding places to either sit or stand, Lucy has resettled back on the couch with Levy on one side of her while the other remained empty for the time being.  She assumed Natsu would join her, but he was in a conversation with Gray, Erza, and Rogue who had just arrived with a couple other Sabertooth members.

“Yukino!” Lucy stands up and hugs her fellow Spirit mage, “I’m so glad you could drop by!”

“Hi Yukino,” Levy also stands up, “please have a seat, I’m sure you two have some catching up to do.”

“Are you sure,” both Spirit mages ask of the script mage.

“Yeah, I should go check on Gajeel anyways,” waving as she walks away.

Just before the two women can sit, another familiar face saunters up.  “Lucy!  Long time no see!”

“Sting!”  Lucy steps forward to hug her friend but before she can do that, Natsu steps between them, a blur of growling heat, pushing Sting away.

“Don’t touch her!”  

“Dude, what’s your problem?! We were just saying hi.”

“Natsu, what the hell?!” Lucy tries to push out of his grip, but her husband has got a tight hold around her body, “Natsu let me go, he didn’t do anything…”

“He was gonna touch you,” the fire slayer’s growl sends goosebumps along her flesh, “no guy is allowed to touch you!”  Gray, Gajeel, and Rogue all rush over, the ice mage trying to pull Lucy free while the other two slayers grabbing for Natsu’s arms, but this sets Natsu off even more.  The second Gray lays a hand on Lucy’s arm he reacts with more violence, striking out with fire from his hand.

“Fuck’s your problem Pyro!” Gray jumps back, icing over the spot Natsu managed to burn before he could react.  “You could have burned me bad!”

“Then you shouldn’t try to touch what’s mine!”  

Lucy is crying and screaming at her husband to let go, while he was fighting the other slayers from pulling them apart.  But luckily between Gajeel and Rogue, with the addition of Laxus, the three men are physically able to pry him away from her and she can run to the protection of the rest of their friends.  Natsu’s fury rises, growling, cussing to be let go, she was his mate, and no male should be putting their hands on his mate.  Before he can break free, Gajeel hits him over the head hard, knocking him out where they dump him on the couch.

“He-he’s not acting like Natsu…” Lucy kneels beside her unconscious husband, “the last few day’s he’s been so territorial, but this is by far the worst he’s acted.”

Both Gajeel and Rogue take up positions next to the distraught woman, giving each other sideway glances.  The iron dragon slayer shakes his head and the other sighs, “I guess I’ll explain it.”

“Explain what?” she looks to Rogue, hope and questions filling her confused expression.

“We think it’s because you’re… probably pregnant, that’s usually when slayers can become highly territorial over their mates.”

“P-P-Pregnant, but it’s only been…. I mean it’s too early to…”  

Rogue again looks to his fellow slayer, “You’re the only one of us that’s been through it before, it’s best you answer her questions.”

“Ugh, fine,” touchy feely subject weren’t exactly Gajeel’s strong suit.  “Look as you know, his nose can pick up the slightest changes, better than any of ours, and even if he didn’t know what it meant, his dragon does and it’s reacting to it.  Now that I’m this close to you I can smell a change.”

“But what am I supposed to do about it?  How did you and Levy deal with it?  How long does this last?  I mean if he’s gonna act like this every time other males are around, I, we won’t be able to leave the house!”

“The territorialism seems to dissipate around the 3-month mark and reappears during the last 2, at least when Levy was pregnant that’s when I started to feel less anxious.  I think it’s because the beginning and end is the most dangerous times for the woman and unborn child.”

And that’s when Levy takes over for her husband, “Lucy,” she puts her arm around her friend, “luckily Porlyusica has a potion that calmed Gajeel, it doesn’t make their senses completely go away but it dulls it to a more manageable state.  Hopefully it will work for Natsu too.”

“I can fly there now and ask her for it,” Happy offers.

Charle, “and I’ll go with him to make sure he asks for the right thing.”

Lucy looks around her, still anxious, but she pulls out a small smile, “thank you everyone, I-I don’t know what I would have done if you guys weren’t around.”

Erza steps forward as Lucy stands up, placing a hand upon her friend’s shoulder, “now that it’s been figured out, I believe congratulations are in order.”

“I appreciate that, but it wouldn’t be fair until Natsu is awake.  He may already get upset that he’s the last to find out.”

“You’re right,” the red head smiles, “it might also be best if all the males wait outside until Happy and Charle returns, just in case Natsu wakes up before then.”  Those in the room nod without further complaint and take their leave, they won’t go far, just the porch in case they are needed, but at least out of view of their fellow slayer.  The women gather around Lucy and for a half hour make small talk, mostly centering around the new edition to come.  

Wendy had confirmed the other slayers suspicions and recommended she find a physician in town, Levy recommending the one she had used.  By the time Happy and Charle returned, Natsu had not yet awaken, so Lucy takes her time familiarizing herself with the remedy, again Levy taking point, explaining that he must take the potion once a week to keep his behavior in check.  “So, make sure you don’t run out.”

Lucy let’s out a long exhale, “well, I guess it’s time we should wake him up.”

Each of the girls take up a position around the couch, Erza posting closest to his upper body in case she needs to grab him, even Yukino ready to switch into defensive mode if necessary.  With one last deep breath, Lucy kneels next to her husband and gently prods at his body. “Natsu…. Natsu wake up, it’s time to get up…”

“Ughhh,” the slayer shifts, hand raising to rub at the top of his head where Gajeel had hit him. “Lucy?”

“Yes, Natsu it’s me.”

He opens one of his eyes, still groggy and wincing from pain, “why does my head hurt?”

“Well…” Lucy looks at the others before turning back to see both his eyes open, “how about you sit up first, can you do that for me?”

“Yeah,” though his mind is dazed and foggy, he manages to sit up with her help.  “I remember getting angry but how did I end up on the couch?”

“At least you remember something,” placing her hands on his knees and looking up at him, “you flew into a, a rage when Sting tried to hug me and when Gray tried to pull me away from you because your hold was starting to hurt me,” she shows him the slightly reddish marks on her arms, “burnt him too when you did it.”

“I remember some of that…” tears well up at the sight of her marks, “I’m so sorry Lucy!  You know I’d never ever want to hurt you…”

“I know Natsu,” caressing his cheek, “you weren’t acting like your normal self.”

“But why is this happening, why am I lashing out like this?!”

“It’s your territorial, err, your dragon’s protective instincts because I’m pregnant.”

“Oh well that makes, wait what?!” he grabs her hands, “you’re pregnant?!”

She nods, “I had no idea either, but Gajeel and Rogue were the first to pick up on it and explained it all to me.  The changes in my body that started to happen, I guess you were reacting to them without knowing what it meant.”

Levy walks over and kneels next to her friend, “Natsu don’t feel so bad, Gajeel and I went through this too, but he just knew, and we were able to react before anyone else realized it.”  Lucy puts a small bottle into Natsu’s hands as her friend continued talking.  “If you take this once a week the potion will curb your basic instincts through the pregnancy, so you don’t react as harshly to other males.  You will still feel the need to protect, but it will be more manageable.”

“Did this help Gajeel?”

“Yes,” the script mage smiles, “if not, he probably would have killed Jet or Droy during that time.”

“Good point,” Natsu lifts the bottle up, “and,” taking one of his wife’s hands and kissing the back of it, “I will do anything not to bring you harm or worry.”  The whole room, including the eavesdroppers outside breath a collective sigh of relief as he downed the contents of the small bottle. “Thank you for not running away from me Lucy, I was probably pretty scary when I snapped like that.”

“Oh Natsu,” popping up to hug him, “I’ll never leave your side no matter what!  I might need to tie you up if it happens again but, we’ll get through it together.”

“I love you so much!” he tightens the embrace, a few tears streaming down both their faces, then looks up, “and thank you guys for being here for her.”

“Does that mean we can come back in?” Sting pops his head back in the front door.  “So, we can all properly congratulate you guys?”  

Lucy looks to her husband whose face has returned to a grimace.  Levy shakes her head, “the potion takes about half an hour to start fully working.”  

“How about we come to the guild in the morning?” Natsu nods in agreement with his wife’s suggestion, “He should be fine by then.”

“We can find an inn to stay at tonight,” Sabertooth’s master responds with a wave, “see you guys in the morning.”

Erza walks up, “Will you be okay if we leave you for the night?”

“Yeah, I think so, he’s calmed down.”

“Alright.” The girls take turns hugging Lucy and Natsu while the guys simply wave from the door. “Good night you two.”

With everyone gone, and no one to set off Natsu’s protective instincts, his personality is back to his normal self and the one absolutely bubbling with excitement over the prospect of their first child.  He picks her up and swings her around, “I can’t believe we’re gonna be parents!” Setting her back on her feet, “you are gonna be the best mom I just know it!”

“And you’ll be an amazing father Natsu, I’m sure.”

“Lucy, I really am sorry I hurt you tonight.”

“Natsu don’t apologize, this side of you, it’s something no one told you about, so how could you have prevented it?  And really, it’s not a horrible thing, at least I know you’ll do what you can to protect us.”

“But still, I could have done serious damage,” taking another look at her arm and frowning, “it makes me sick knowing I put this on you.”

“All we can do is learn from what happened, okay,” cradling his face in her hand, “now that you know what scent to pick up on, we can identify it quickly and get the medicine from Porlyusica, and even so, now that I know that you become protective during this time, I can make sure to avoid situations that could trigger an episode in the future.”

He leans his forehead to hers, “I’m so lucky you picked me Lucy…”

“We picked each other Natsu, for better or for worse and we sure as hell have seen much worse over the years to let this get the best of us.”

“You’re right... You’re usually right…”

“Just remember you said that,” she smiles, rewarding him with a kiss.  “Now, shall we get some sleep, daddy?”

He chuckles, “daddy, I can get used to that…”

[shhh-no-ones-home]

summers bloodline 3/3 nathan summers x reader

+++++++++

Y/n has powers like wolverine and has lived a long life (daughter of sabertooth) and has had a field day with the long line of summers boys

(Alex/havoc, Scott/cyclops, Nathan/cable) also sorry if some are ooc I guess I don't have the exact cable retrospect down yet

Song: all these things that I've done by the killers

+++++++++

Nathan:

Prompt idea: "what would she want to do with an older guy like me?" *Laughs hysterically because she's hundreds of years old*

Story:

The mansion was quiet today. It felt like I hadn't been back in forever but id heard through the grapevine that piotr was helping Wade again. And true I hadn't been back since the Phoenix situation in the late 80's but I thought it'd be nice to see the mutants I once called family again. I talked to piotr about the Wade situation to which he informed me of a stranger time traveling here. And call me old fashioned but I didn't actually believe it until he brought them home like a bunch of stray pets. Not only was he from the future he had this sort of rustic look to him that caught my eye. And of course Wade caught me eyeing him up and had to say something.

"Finally see something you like just as aged as you?"

I could see the smirk through the mask and just rolled my eyes.

"Maybe I see something I like that's younger than me and that's younger than you."

He raised an eyebrow before looking over at both domino and cable awkwardly stand next to each other as well as Colossus.

"Hey, no fair, I called dibs on the giant metal man!"

I looked at him and rolled my eyes again as he laughed.

"You idiot I mean the two new recruits. Would it be weird though? Like the insane age Gap?"

He waved a hand.

"Of course not, at least he looks as old as you actually are."

"He does not look 306 Wade."

I shot him a look and he seemed dumfounded, pulling up his mask and mouthing 306. I just crossed my arms and shook my head before walking towards them. When I reached them I  welcomed them and shook their hands.

"Domino."

"Cable."

"Right cause those are real names."

They both just exchanged looks and I tried my hardest to smile at them.

"I'm kidding, of course. Anyway I'm y/n, my super quirky super name though is..."

"Ice age!"

I turned around.

"Wade I swear to God."

He just shrugged. I turned back to them.

"My super name is y/h/n."

°°°

I walked down the mansion stairs only to hear Wade's voice echoing through the halls. Good dint he have a home to get back to. But as I got closer I grew more intrigued at what he was saying, and more importantly what cable was saying.

"If it were me I'd definitely say something to her. I mean I know the whole family in the future thing is yeesh buy still. Your here man."

"Really? You don't think our age Gap is a little wide? I mean would she really go for an older guy like me?"

I snorted but quickly covered my mouth, realizing I'd be discovered. It got quiet so I stepped out into the open and waved shyly. I looked at Wade grinning from ear to ear and then looked at cable who had the most serious 'oh fuck' face. I rubbed my arm.

"I'm not saying I was listening or anything but I caught that last little bit and I must say you may be an older guy but youre definitely not older than I am."

Cable and Wade exchanged glances but they still had the same expressions.

"What do you mean?"

I walked towards them and stood.in the opposite side of the coffee table.

"Well because of my mutation I don't age like typical humans, I'm 306 years old."

He looked taken aback.

"Well you look great for three hundred I have to hand it to ya y/n."

I blushed and glanced quickly at Wade who looked like an excited school girl.

"Thank you..."

"Nathan. Please. Nathan summers."

My face slowly lost it's smile and turned into confusion.

"You're from the future right."

He looked confused and looked to Wade who had the same expression I did.

"Yeah why?"

He laughed nervously.

"Would you happen to know a Scott summers?"

He furrowed his brow.

"Yeah he's my father."

My eyes went wide and my jaw dropped. Wade shot up and fist pumped the air.

"YES!"

He looked between the two of us.

"Y/n... You... Would tap the whole blood line!"

Wade said through large breathy laughs. I could tell my face was growing red and I just shook my head with my hand rested on my forehead.

"Wade this isn't really the time."

"You're right, I need popcorn for this."

I looked to Nathan as Wade skipped away.

"Wow this is awkward, but I may or may not have dated your dad sometime in the late 80's early 90's. I dated his brother Alex in the late 60's too."

I gave side smile and watched him try to piece things together.

"Well then, I guess I feel like I already know you because of all the stories dad shared while I was growing up. It's nice to at least put a name to the face right?"

I laughed and sat next to him on the couch.

"You don't think it's weird?"

He just shurgged.

"Guess it's only weird if you make it weird right?"

I tilted my head.

"That's true, I mean I'd still be down to date you or something if you'd want to."

"Despite your history, yeah I think, after some lengthy conversation I'd be okay with that."

I smiled at him.

"Alright, sounds great."

[god--baby]

get in pt 5 (sfw ish)

Henry Bowers x ambiguously gendered reader

Patrick Hockstetter x oc

part one -- part two -- part three -- part four 

summary: when you finally get ungrounded, you spend a day with the guys

content warning: hint at the reader possibly being bisexual

word count: 4221

tag list: @heckstetter @itaddict @violetdawn-k @bettertohaveneverlovedatall @galaxy-weeaboo @itwasmathilda @pattycake-hockstetter @sabertooth-potato @daeshaunex2 @bustanut4billyhargrove @nooneoof @bowers-gang-obsessed @i-am-mcbroken @hvckstetter @bisexualbitchbabe

On Sunday morning, the phone rang.

Your dad called to you up the stairs.

“You have a call,” he said.

You ran down, hoping it was Henry.

“Who is it?” you asked.

“Some girl,” he said, handing you the phone.

“Oh,” you said, disappointed. Then, curious. You didn’t get calls from girls — you had no girl friends.

You put the phone to your ear, hearing someone hum under their breath.

“Hi. Who’s this?” you asked.

“Sophia,” came a small voice from the other end.

“Oh. Sophia Charles? Patrick’s Sophia?”

“Yeah,” she sighed. “That’s me.”

“What’s up?”

“You were right.”

You smiled for only a second, then noted the faint hint of misery in her voice.

“Oh, no.”

“Yeah.”

“I’m so sorry, Sophia.”

“It’s — it’s okay. I was originally gonna call you a couple of days ago.” She laughed, a sad little thing. “I was going to tell you how wrong you were.”

“What happened? What did he do?”

“Nothing. Not really, I guess. I just — I just figured out that yeah, he’s using me. But I don’t know, I —”

She sighed, again.

“What?” you asked, leaning up against the wall.

“Maybe I wanted to be used? Maybe I wanted the attention.”

It was your turn to sigh.

“I’m sorry,” you said. “You shouldn’t — you don’t deserve it.”

“Maybe I do. I was using him, too.”

“What happened to the connection you thought you had? Jesus, it’s only been a couple days.”

“Maybe that’s all it was,” she said. “To use and be used.”

“Do you think you can work it out?” Then you paused. “Do you want to work it out?”

“I think we can, but — I think he’s losing interest in me.”

“Sophia, do you want to work it out?”

“Yes,” she said, resolute.

“Then there must be something you can do,” you said. You looked around, making sure your parents weren’t listening in on your call. “Fuck his brains out. Blow him like it’s your favorite thing. I don’t know, call him daddy. Do something.”

“Ew,” she said.

“Listen, if you wanna make it work, you gotta be willing to try whatever he’s into.”

“He already wants to hold a knife to me,” she said.

“Oh, yeah?”

You weren’t surprised in the least. That sounded like him, for sure.

“Yeah. I told him I’d think about it. I don’t really want him to cut me up,” she said.

“Well, think faster. Maybe you should just have a hardcore sex talk with him. Ask him what he wants.”

“I don’t think he’s the type to have a sex talk.”

“Okay, that’s a good point.”

You ran a hand through your hair, thinking.

“Maybe you can try making it about you? Think of the kinkiest shit you’re into, and ask him — no, tell him — to do it.”

“You think he’d take orders from me?”

“No, but maybe, I don’t know. Maybe if you make it like you’re not gonna fuck him if he doesn’t, maybe he’ll bite.”

“Well, I’ve always wanted to try spanking,” she said slowly.

You grinned. You didn’t really want to know that, but it sounded like she had no one else to talk to, so you could work with it.

“Now, that sounds like something he’d be into,” you said.

“Really?”

“Really.”

You heard a car horn from outside, and you glanced toward the front of your house. You’d bet your right arm that was Belch, waiting to pick you up.

“Listen, you gonna hang out with me and the boys today?” you asked.

“Maybe tonight. I have to go to church with my parents in half an hour.”

“Ooh, church girl. Okay. You should show up in whatever dress you wear to church, see if you can get Patrick all hot for you.”

You could practically hear her blushing on the other end.

“I might have something short I can wear…” she said. She was definitely smiling.

“Atta girl. I gotta go, though. The guys are here.”

“Okay,” she said. “Thank you for talking to me. I know I wasn’t very nice to you. I don’t deserve you being nice to me.”

“We just didn’t know each other, yet. It’s no problem,” you said.

“Okay. Bye.”

“Bye.”

You hung up and raced upstairs, finding your pack of cigarettes and stuffing them into your jacket pocket before stomping back downstairs.

“I’ll be back tonight,” you called out to wherever your parents were.

“You better not bring that trashy boy back with you,” called your father.

You rolled your eyes.

“I won’t,” you said, then you slammed the door behind you. You weren’t going to make the same mistake twice.

You walked out to the car. Vic, Belch, and Henry were there, but Patrick wasn’t. You grinned.

“You guys are never gonna guess what just happened,” you said.

“What?” asked Vic as Henry slid his seat forward for you to get into the back seat.

“Sophia called me.”

“Patrick’s Sophia?” asked Belch.

“Who else?” you shot back, lighting up a cigarette, turning so your actions weren’t in plain view of the front windows of your house, knowing that your parents were probably watching you.

“Fair point,” he said.

“What’d she say?” asked Vic.

“Well,” you said, exhaling the drag you’d just taken, “looks like Patrick’s losing interest, and she wants to get it back.”

“She called you for that shit?” asked Henry.

“I don’t think she has anyone to talk to. It’s not like any of us have any other friends,” you pointed out.

Any prospects you had at having friends had completely dropped off once you’d gotten with Henry. No one wanted to fuck with a Bowers kid, not even to be friendly. It was sort of depressing, but since being with Henry got you at least two friends, you couldn’t really complain.

Henry shrugged, unaffected. He didn’t want anything outside the group, and you could understand that. His world was small and beautifully chaotic, and he loved reigning over it.

The conversation took another turn, and you were glad you didn’t have to expand on what Sophia had told you. It was her business, and just because she’d made part of it yours didn’t mean you got to tell the boys all about it.

You drove out to the middle of town, parking the car outside the library and walking around. You held Henry’s hand, swinging it between you. You smiled, happy to be out and about again.

“You happy, baby?” he asked.

You looked at Vic, who was walking on your other side. Then, at Belch. Everyone seemed happy.

“Yeah,” you said. “Real happy.”

“Good.” He leaned in and kissed your cheek.

You met up with Patrick at the arcade, getting a slick smile from him. You just smiled sweetly in return, hoping that Sophia was ready to rock his world.

“You got something you wanna share with the class, honey?” he asked.

“Patrick,” Henry warned him.

“Yeah, yeah, I get it. The question still stands.”

“Nothing I wanna share with you, Patrick,” you said, that same smile on your face. “When are we picking up Sophia?”

“Oh? You starting to care about her, now?”

“As a matter of fact, I don’t quite want to rip her throat out anymore.”

“Then maybe you should fuck her. I’m starting to get bored.”

Vic hummed his approval, and you shot him a look that you hoped got across how you wanted Sophia to stick around for just a little bit longer.

“Not that I would say no, she’s awful cute and shit, but I think you shouldn’t give up on her just yet.”

“Why not? I think I’ve learned all I can. She likes being fucked hard and being called a bitch. What more is there?”

“Just wait,” you said, immediately regretting it.

He narrowed his eyes at you.

“What do you know that I don’t?” he asked.

“Definitely nothing I’m going to tell you,” you shot back.

Henry sat in one of the tall chairs littering the arcade, pulling you onto his lap. You sunk into his embrace, glad for a distraction.

Patrick let it go, or if he didn’t, he didn’t let you know.

Around five o’clock, you all pulled up to Sophia’s house. It was a cute little colonial — at least you thought it was. You thought it suited her, for some reason. It was tidy, but it had character.

She stepped out the door, calling over her shoulder to someone.

She had her hair curled in nice, big waves, she had her makeup done to perfection — and she was wearing an unbearably sweet, innocent looking pink dress. It actually had ruffles, and it barely covered her ass.

You couldn’t imagine anyone letting their daughter wear that out, but God bless this girl.

She looked exactly like the kind of thing that Patrick would have a wet dream about tearing apart, and as he shifted in his seat beside you, you could tell he was interested.

Henry got out to let Sophia into the back seat. She crawled onto Patrick’s lap, getting settled with a little wiggle.

You grinned at her, and she returned the smile for just the smallest moment before turning her attention to Patrick.

She leaned in and nipped at his earlobe, whispering, “hi, daddy,” in his ear.

You pretended you didn’t hear it, but you were so proud of her, you could feel your heart swelling. Atta girl.

His grip on her hips tightened, just the tiniest bit.

“Hi, baby girl. You miss me?” he asked.

Vic groaned, and you elbowed him in the ribs, hard. He shot you an evil look and you sighed, shaking your head. You were really rooting on Sophia.

Belch pulled away from the curb, and Patrick slid his hands around Sophia’s middle, fingers trailing over her long legs. He lifted the hem of her dress and rubbed it between two of his fingers, probably thinking about taking it off her.

Hell, you would be, too, if you were him.

Fuck, you were so proud of her.

In a few more minutes, you were at Henry’s house, and you all piled out, stomping your way up to the house.

“What are we doing?” asked Sophia.

“Getting loaded,” Henry grunted. “We’ve been saving up some liquor and beer until my baby got ungrounded.”

You grinned, then leaned up and kissed his cheek.

“For me? Really?”

“Don’t cream your pants, sweetheart,” Patrick said.

“Well, I wouldn’t for you,” you shot back.

Henry pulled you close, one hand going to your ass.

“No, you wouldn’t,” he said.

You smiled at him.

Then you leaned in and whispered in his ear: “You know you’re the only one who gets me going good, baby.”

His ears tinged pink, and he grabbed your ass harder.

“I know,” he said.

You went into the house, into Henry’s room, where he was hiding all the drinks in a big cooler in his closet. Belch grabbed it without any trouble and hauled it out to the barn, easily lifting it onto his shoulder to take it up to the hay loft. You watched, in awe.

“Belch,” you started, “how much can you lift?”

“I dunno,” he said, looking down at you over the edge of the loft. “Never really tried to find out. A lot, I guess.”

“Jesus. You could probably lift me with no problem.”

“Oh, I know I could,” he said, shrugging.

“Jesus,” you said again.

Then you gestured from Sophia to the ladder leading up to the loft.

“After you,” you said, smiling.

She shot you that shy smile you were beginning to realize was her real one — not the smirk or sickly sweet thing you’d seen her give. It was nice, her real smile.

“Thanks,” she said, and she began climbing the ladder.

You didn’t look away fast enough to miss her white cotton underwear.

You looked at Patrick and he raised his eyebrows at you. Then, he climbed the ladder.

You all got situated in the loft. You practically in Henry’s lap, Vic beside you. Belch next to him, and Patrick and Sophia next to Henry. You were all loosely in a circle. Belch cracked open the cooler and passed a bottle of vodka to Henry, who opened it and took a swig. He gave it to you, and you did, too, wincing a little. It wasn’t good vodka, but what could you do when you asked the guy who hung out outside the liquor store to buy for you? Whatever, good or not, it would get you drunk.

You passed it to Sophia, and she took it, hesitant.

“I’ve never — I’ve never really gotten drunk before,” she said, voice soft.

Patrick pulled her close, taking the bottle from you.

“Such a pristine girl,” he said.

She blushed.

“Where did he find you, Soph?” you asked.

“English,” she said.

You laughed, and she laughed with you.

Patrick gestured between the two of you.

“Is this a thing, now? You two friends?”

You thought about it for a second, then said, “Sophia, are we friends?”

“I think so,” she said.

“You should kiss about it,” Patrick snarked.

“Patrick, don’t be jealous,” she said, then she kissed his jaw.

He rolled his eyes and took a swig from the bottle, then pressed it into her hands.

“Go on,” you said.

“I’m a little scared,” she said.

“Don’t worry — we’re not gonna let you get too drunk. Just a little. It’s fun, and I’m here,” you said.

It was possible that you cared a lot about this girl.

“Okay,” she said.

Then, she took a gulp of the vodka, only letting out one little cough, tears burning in her eyes.

Vic cheered, and you clapped along with him.

“Atta girl,” you said. “See? It’s gonna be fine.”

“Okay,” she said.

Patrick hauled her onto his lap, the skirt of her dress sliding up. She yanked it back down again, but it wouldn’t quite stay put. She sighed and threw her hands up, giving up.

As you passed the bottle around a few more times, you could feel yourself unwinding, finally, after a week under your parents’ thumbs. You snuggled into Henry, your head under his chin.

“Cuddly baby,” he said.

“Yeah,” you agreed.

You took your cigarettes out of your pocket and lit one up. You held the pack out for Vic, who took one. Then, you held it out to Sophia.

“Oh, I’ve uh. I’ve never smoked before,” she said, ducking her head. She was already tipsy. It was incredibly cute.

“Oh. God, you are pristine,” you said, borrowing Patrick’s word. “I thought you were a little bit like us, since you ended up with Patrick.”

“No, I guess I’m not. I’m not like you guys at all,” she said, a little sad.

“Hey, that’s not a bad thing. I’m just surprised. You want a drag off mine, just to try?”

She looked at you for just a second, then turned to Patrick.

“Can I — can I smoke?” she asked.

She was giving him power over her. Fuck, she knew what she was doing.

“Sure, baby girl,” he said.

You held out your cigarette, and she lightly took it between two of her fingers, the way Henry always held it.

She took a sizeable puff, and then had a coughing fit that only ended when she got something to drink.

“I don’t — I don’t think I like that,” she sputtered, looking at you. You had already taken your cigarette away from her, and you took another drag.

“That’s okay,” you said. “You like the smell, or should we stop?”

Vic opened his mouth to say something, probably that he didn’t want to stop smoking just for her, but you gave him a death glare. He closed his mouth with a snap.

“No, you can keep on smoking. God, why does anyone do that?” she asked no one in particular.

“You can get a buzz off it,” said Henry, nosing at the back of your neck.

“Really? Huh. Maybe if I knew how to do it right, I could do it,” she said.

“What you do is like, take a puff with the back of your mouth closed, then inhale with your throat open,” you said. “That’s how I do it.”

“Okay,” she said. “Can I try again?”

Again, she looked to Patrick for permission. He nodded, and you held out your cigarette for her. She took it, and must have followed your instructions, because she didn’t cough this time.

“There you go,” you said as she blew the smoke out. “That’s perfect.”

“Really, you two make an adorable couple,” drawled Patrick.

“What, you jealous that I’m nicer to your girl than you are?” you snapped.

“No, not jealous. A little keyed up, maybe,” he said, sliding one hand up her thigh.

“C’mere,” you said, leaning into Sophia.

“What’re you doing?” she asked.

“Just. Just c’mere,” you repeated.

Then you kissed her on the cheek. She actually giggled, high and adorable.

Belch laughed along with her, and you threw your hands up.

“There, we kissed,” you said. “Everyone happy?”

“As long as I get a kiss, too, baby,” said Henry.

“Well, of course,” you said, turning to give him a good, long kiss. He tasted like cheap vodka and tobacco smoke.

Sophia sighed. “You two are so cute together.”

Henry’s ears — already a little pink from the alcohol — tinged red.

“You think so?” he asked.

“You sure are,” said Vic. “It’s a good pair. You give each other so much hell it’s insane.”

“We sure try, don’t we baby?” Henry asked.

“Yeah, we do.”

Sophia sighed again, then took the bottle from the middle of the circle and took a long swig.

She put it down and held one hand out to you.

“I need to pee,” she said.

You laughed. “Okay, I’ll take you to the bathroom.”

You helped her down the hay loft ladder and across the lawn to the house, where Butch still wasn’t home.

Sophia was quietly singing to herself. You smiled, watching her stumble a little here and there. Then, she tripped and fell to her knees, laughing in surprise. You hauled her to her feet, putting an arm around her shoulders to help her stay upright.

“You’re so nice to me,” she said. “I don’t deserve it.”

“Sure, you do,” you said, helping her up the stairs to the porch. “We just had a misunderstanding, that’s all.”

“Yeah.”

You got her to the bathroom, quietly shutting the door behind her, standing right outside, half waiting to hear her hit the ground or throw up. She didn’t, though. She opened the door after a minute and set to washing her hands.

“Why are you with Henry?” she asked.

“Oh — uh.”

“You don’t have to tell me if it’s too personal,” she said. “I’m just wondering. It wasn’t that long ago, was it?”

“No, really just like. Maybe three weeks or something. Truth is, we acted like we hated each other for a long time. Then he caught me alone and ended up fucking my brains out, and. Well. Here we are.”

“That’s so cute,” she said, like she really meant it.

“What about you and Patrick?” you said.

“Oh, I think he noticed me looking at him,” she said. “I’ve always kinda had a crush on him, you know? I mean, look at him. He’s so hot.”

She blushed and you smiled at her.

“Well, he’s not my type, but I’m glad you seem to really like him. How’d you get together?”

“He caught me in the hall one day and asked what was up with all the staring. And we ended up… being a thing.”

Then, she leaned in, putting both hands on your shoulders.

“Wanna hear a secret?”

“Uh, sure?”

“He was my first time.”

“Oh. Oh, no, Sophia. Was it okay? Did he treat you right?”

“It wasn’t all like, romance and rose petals,” she said with a laugh. “It’s Patrick. But it was still good. I orgasmed.”

“Good. Did he hurt you, though?”

“Oh, no. I mean, I bled a little bit, but he told me that not everyone bleeds, and it has to do with how nervous you are. I’m not nervous anymore,” she said.

“That’s good.”

“Can I do something?” she asked.

“Sure?”

“Can I kiss you? Just as a friend?”

“Uh, Soph, I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

“I won’t tell Henry if you don’t tell Patrick,” she said.

You thought about it.

“Just a little kiss?” you asked. “Not like, a full makeout?”

“Just a little kiss,” she agreed.

“Okay.”

She leaned in and pecked you on the lips, and when she pulled back, she was smiling.

“That was nice,” she sighed.

“You happy?”

“I feel really good, actually. Let’s go back to our boys, now.”

“Hold up, I need to pee, and then we can.”

“Okay.”

Five minute later, you got back in the hay loft, sitting with your legs across Henry’s lap with his hand in your hair. You were passing a bottle of tequila around this time, and Henry and you shared a beer between you.

Henry had a hand running through your hair and you pushed back on it.

“Were you two good while you were gone?” asked Patrick as Sophia climbed into his lap.

“What do I get if I say no?” she asked slyly.

“Soph,” you warned.

“What’d you do?” groaned Henry.

“It was nothing,” you said just as Sophia said, “we kissed.”

You sighed and closed your eyes.

“Sophia,” you groaned.

When you opened your eyes, you found Henry’s on you, burning, burning.

“It was nothing,” you said. “Just a friendly little kiss.”

“Uh huh,” said Henry.

“I swear. Just a friendly kiss, right, Sophia?”

“No more than a peck, really,” she confirmed with a drunken nod.

“Well, I’d say that deserves a punishment. What do you say, Henry?”

“I’m gonna take care of mine in private,” said Henry.

“There’s nothing to take care of,” you hissed.

“That’s for me to decide, baby.”

“What’re you gonna do, Patrick?” asked Sophie. Then she whispered something in his ear, something you couldn’t catch all of, but you were pretty sure you heard the word spank.

“Sure am, baby girl,” he said.

“Ooh, maybe I should kiss more people,” she said, delighted.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Soph,” you said.

“So, I won’t kiss you again. Okay.”

You sighed, taking a hefty swig of tequila, wincing at the strange taste. You strongly preferred vodka. Sophia took the bottle from your hand as you lit up another cigarette.

She took a large gulp, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.

“You should take it easy,” said Belch. “Don’t wanna puke.”

“Aw —” she started, but you cut in.

“He’s right. You’ve never gotten drunk before, Soph. You need to be careful. We have school tomorrow.”

“Oh no,” she said horrified. “Am I going to be hungover?”

“Hopefully not. Drink a lot of water before you go to bed, and take a few aspirin.”

“Okay,” she said.

She put down the bottle, though, and pushed back up against Patrick’s chest. He put a hand on her thigh, smoothing up until he was pushing her skirt up. She didn’t seem to mind. In fact, she glowed with the attention.

You smiled at her and she smiled back.

Thank you she mouthed to you.

You nodded, and held up the beer you and Henry were sharing.

“To the new couple,” you said.

Vic held out his beer, and so did Belch. Sophia held out her empty hand, pretending she was holding a drink. You clinked your drinks together, and drank.

At the end of the night, Belch drove everyone home, not in the least bit drunk. He dropped off Vic first, then going to drive you home. You got out of the car and kissed Henry.

His hands found your hair again, giving it a hard tug. You grinned at him.

“Sorry we couldn’t fuck today,” you said.

“I’ll make it up to you tomorrow,” he said, danger glinting in his eye for just a moment.

“Henry,” you said. “It was nothing, that kiss.”

“Oh, I know, baby. But I’m still gonna spank you raw for it. You hear me?”

You smiled in spite of the tightness in your stomach.

“I hear you. Goodnight?”

He pulled you in for another kiss, biting your lip hard. You gasped, and he slid his tongue into your mouth, licking at your lips. He grabbed your ass, and you put your hands in his hair, giving it a tug. He smiled into the kiss, and then you split.

“Goodnight, baby. I want you to touch yourself and think of me tonight.”

You heard Vic’s groan from inside the car. You rolled your eyes.

“Yeah?” you asked.

“Yeah. Sleep good.”

“Sleep good, babe.”

You walked away, backwards up your front walk. When you got to the front door, you gave him one last wave and went into your house.

Your mother was watching from the front window.

“I don’t see what you see in him,” she said.

You had no answer, so you just said goodnight and went upstairs.

In minutes, you had come on your own fingers again, thinking of Henry’s hand coming down on your ass.

[ship-ambrosia]

Jerza Week, Day 7

This is late again too and I'm sorry! But I'm glad I got out a piece I loved and thank you to everyone who supported my works for this week! I was actually pretty nervous as I had never written Erza or Jellal much before this week. This one doesn't focus on their relationship as much, but Jellal's with my daughter for them. I think Jellal would make a great, loving father, but that he'd also have a lot of baggage that comes with the things he's done in the past.

Be sure to check out Heavens Bringer on AO3, and stay tune for my Jerza Week compilation.

Summary: Jellal and Erza's youngest daughter asks about her namesake, opening up old wounds and guilt for her father.

~

Jellal had never planned to keep the man he had been for all those years a secret from his children or those of his friends. What had happened to him was common knowledge across the continent, as well known as how strong a mage he was. The Tower of Heaven had hurt a lot of people; even some who hadn't been enslaved in the tower, such as Yukino or Kagura. Surely, his children would meet people one day who knew who he was and hated him, and he never wanted them to have to find out the things he had done from someone else.

Still, he had been caught off guard one day when his youngest daughter asked him about who she was named after.

"Well," Jellal started slowly, after he had guided six-year-old Simone Fernandes to the couch of the small home that he and Erza had bought shortly after she discovered her pregnancy with their older daughter. He scratched his chin, looking for the right words to say as his thoughts settled from the chaos they'd been thrown into when she asked. "What made you wonder?"

"Auntie Kagura mentioned it the last time I was with her and Auntie Millianna," she answered honestly, kicking her feet. "She said that I was very smart for my age, and that it reminded her exactly of my namesake. But when I asked her what she meant, she only told me to ask you, daddy."

Jellal let out a breath. The words had probably slipped out of Kagura's mouth out of joy, not bitterness. It was clearly a mistake, and she'd remedied it by telling Simone to ask him. Still, his stomach churned nauseously at the thought of his daughter's namesake. Yes, it had been years and years ago, and yes, he'd been brainwashed at the time, and yes, Erza, Millianna, even Kagura had forgiven him. But he still saw the man haunting his dreams, forever reminding him that he could never truly undo every trauma he had inflicted.

"You were named after a man named Simon Mikasuchi," he explained to her slowly, thinking out every word very carefully. "He is Aunt Kagura's older brother, and a very close friend to me and your mother."

Her eyes sparkled with interest. "How come I've never met him?"

"He... passed away. Some time ago, long before I even joined Fairy Tail."

"Oh, I'm sorry," Simone answered, and she was silent for a long time. Long enough that he thought the subject was over; until she spoke again. "What was he like?"

"Well, he was very strong; he was a wizard, too, just like your mother and I, and Aunt Kagura. He was loyal and protective, and extremely intelligent. And he was never easily fooled," Jellal chuckled a bit, thinking of the next thing he would say. "And he loved your mother just like I do. If he was still around, I might've had to fight him for her."

Simone giggled too, crawling into her father's lap and hugged him around the torso. "But you still would've won, right daddy?"

He brushed his fingers through her dark purple hair and nodded to himself. "Mmhm. No one loves your mother as much as I do. And besides, if she didn't pick me, then you and Scarlet would be someone else! You wouldn't want that, would you?"

Simone stuck out her tongue. "I wouldn't mind if Scarlet was someone else."

He laughed again as he gently scolded her for saying that about her sister, although on the inside he was cracking at the seams. Memories of that day flashed in his mind, sounds and voices and images that made his skin burn. He hugged Simone a little tighter, hoping his answers had satisfied her for now.

"What happened to him, daddy?"

Again, he never wanted to keep the things he had done a secret from Scarlet or Simone, but it felt wrong to tell his daughter at this age that he had once killed someone by his own hand, who had also meant a lot to him. Simone was extremely intelligent for her age, just like her sister, but he was certain that she wouldn't understand. She'd be afraid of her own father. He and Erza had only recently begun to explain the Tower of Heaven to Scarlet, who was three years older than Simone, and Jellal had just gotten to the part where he had been brainwashed. Even though Simone was too young, he didn't want to lie to her either.

"Simon was killed," he answered, cringing a little at his own words. They themselves brought so many dark memories swirling to the surface. "Someone else very close to your mother, they were not themselves and in a moment of dark madness they killed him."

His daughter was silent for a moment, frightening Jellal. She seemed to mull this information over as he spiraled further into his depressing memories.

At the end of the day, he had only ever confronted his feelings over the matter once. He had tried to atone for his actions by destroying the Nirvana with a self-destruction circle, or by fighting evil while part of Crime Sorciere. It had been enough for many others. Enough for Erza, Natsu, Gray, Lucy, and everyone else in Fairy Tail, who had agreed to protecting him during the Grand Magic Games when he disguised himself as his Edolas counterpart, Jellal Mystogan; for the allies of the people that he and Meredy cared about, such as Lyon from Lamia Scale or Sting, Rogue, and Yukino of Sabertooth; for even Kagura and Millianna, both who had previously vowed to personally see to his death; for Sho and Wally too, who had been just as close to Simon as the rest of them; for the former members of the Oracion Seis, who had all suffered under his madness at the Tower of Heaven but yet had been inspired enough by his work to join Crime Sorciere, of which he was eternally grateful; for Queen Hisui, who knew of his crimes and yet pardoned him and the others for their efforts in bringing peace back to the kingdom and the Magic Council who had agreed with her and even eventually reappointed him to the Ten Wizard Saints.

"What happened to the person who killed Auntie Kagura's brother?"

Jellal couldn't help it, he avoided his daughter's gaze. "Your mother, and Aunt Kagura and Aunt Millianna forgave him. Because he tried very hard to make up for what he'd done, and they accepted it."

When Simone's small hand grabbed his, he looked up to her. And he realized in that moment that she was so intelligent for her age that she had figured it out without him telling her. She knew he, her father, was the one who had killed another man who loved her mother, the man that her parents had named her after.

"But he's not mad anymore, right daddy?" She asked softly, hugging him tightly again. "He's himself now right?"

"Yes, sweetheart."

"Then I think that he needs to forgive himself. If he isn't the same as before, I think Auntie Kagura's brother would want that too."

Jellal looked down at his young daughter once more while she buried her face against him. There was no doubt in his mind that she knew. Kagura was right, Simone was quiet but incredibly intelligent, just like the man he had once known. They had named her sister Scarlet Belserion Fernandes, and true to Erza's history and heritage, their eldest daughter was a magical prodigy. But Simone, Simone Mika Fernandes, took after both of her namesakes, her aunt and her brother. Jellal was proud of her intelligence. Surely she could grow up into a formidable mage all her own.

And maybe one day, for his little girl, he could finally do what everyone else had and forgive himself.

[totallysharkycomplete]

Wolverine x Reader part eight

“Stop!” You screamed sitting up in bed, the bright lights blinding you, your head pounding.       “(Y-....-N),” you faintly heard your name through ringing ears.       Your vision was blurry but you made out the shape of two people in front of you. A few second later you saw it was the Professor and Storm.       “(Y/n),” he repeated. “You’re safe now.”       When you looked around you saw you were in a room that looked like a hospital. Your arm was in a sling and your whole body ached. Images a the feral man flashed in your head and you grabbed your head.       “What happened? He was going to take me? Why? Is Logan okay?” You ask quickly, look at the Professor for answers.       “Slow down, (Y/N),” Storm came and sat down next you you on your bed and laid her hand on your leg gently. The simple touch comforted you. “You and Logan were attacked last night while you were coming home.”       “Sabertooth,” you said plainly and the Professor nodded in agreement.       “I was correcting in assuming you saw all his memories.” This time you nodded in agreement. “Can you tell me what you saw?”       You thought long and hard. “I saw him with an older man, a metal man? And he sent him to come get me. And he was connected to Logan some how… he-”       The Professor cut you off. “I was afraid that was the case. Did you see why he wanted you.”       “No, I didn’t. But why would they want me? I’m not even in full control of my power yet?” You looked at your hands in disbelief.       “I’m not quite sure.” He told you honestly. “But for whatever reason, it can’t be good.” He wheeled his chair closer to you. “Just to be safe, I think it would be a good idea for you to stay on school ground until we get to the bottom of why this happened.”       You nodded again. “You should get some more rest,” Storm said, getting up to leave with the Professor.       When they were almost out of the room you called to them. “Wait!” They stopped and looked at you. “Is Logan okay?” You inquired.       The Professor chuckled. “Yes, Logan is just fine.” Then him and Storm left.       Laying back you stared at the ceiling. Your head was still pounding as you tried to push the man referred to as Sabretooth. Some memories you saw Logan in. They were always fighting…       After being all patched up you headed to your room to change before class. Although when you ran into Jean and Scott in the hallway they tried to convince you to take the day off. You thought it would set a bad example to the children in your class if you were to miss only the second day of school.       You struggled to get your shirt over your head, you had never had your arm in a sling before and any wrong move sent pain down your spine. After getting on a clean shirt you then had to struggle to get your pants on. You had road burn down the side of your leg and your arm that wasn't in the sling, as well as some cuts and bruises on your face. Some time later you were almost ready to go when your phone rang.       In a hurried limp you went over to it. “Shit.” The screen read ‘Incoming facetime from Tony ‘Iron baby’ Stark. Your finger hit the decline button and sent him a text.       About to start class. I’ll call you later tonight. All is well.       It felt weird lying to your brother. Well, sort of lying. All was well in a sense that you were fine. Sure a giant man tried to kidnap you last night and you might have almost died, but you didn’t.       Shoving your phone in your pocket you hurried out your door. The hallways were quiet since most kids were already in class. You tried your best to hurry to your class, even though there was a slight pain in your step.       When you got to your class all the kids were chatting until one saw you and gasped. They all fell silent. You didn’t blame them, Your look was a lot different from yesterday. Yesterday you looked like a normal teacher and today you had on sweatpants, a long sleeved shirt with your arm in a slings, with your hair tied up in a messy bun, the best you could manage.       “Like, what happened?” Kitty spoke up.       You awkwardly stood in the door frame of the room for a minute before entering. “Right…” You hadn’t really thought what to tell them what happened. Should you tell them that you and another teacher were attacked by another mutant? Probably not the best idea to tell young mutants, probably some just as afraid of their powers as you are.       Standing in front of your desk you cleared your throat and addressed your students. “Sometimes,” you began, “things happen in life that you can't control.” Some of the students groaned knowing they weren’t going to get a straight out answer. “Sometimes you just have to deal with what life throws at you and carry on.”       The students in front of you murmured a little then fell quiet again, then all of their attention shifted to the door frame. You looked over to see Logan standing right outside. His eyes met your then he walked away.       The murmuring started up again this time much louder with a few children saying something about ‘Mr.Logan’ in a hushed whisper. You let them continue for a few minutes, sighing at the thought of you at their age.       “Alright, alright,” You raised your voice over theirs. “We did our talking yesterday. We have work to do.”       The class groaned and books were passed out. You sat at your desk writing a few thoughts down as your students read the first few chapters of a book you assigned. Looking out the class window you spaced out for a few minutes, wondering about the events of last night, and of the mysterious Logan who always seemed to be there to save you. A figure moving in the distance caught your attention. Sure enough it was Logan, he was on his motorcycle headed off of school grounds. Seeing him leave made you feel a little less safe.       As soon as your last class of the day was done you limped back to your room. You sat down on your bed and grabbed your phone to return your brother’s phone call. It didn’t take long for him to answer, about half of a ring.       “What’s your deal?” Was how he greeted you.       “Excuse me?” You half laughed back at him.       “You said you’d keep in touch yet this is only, what? The third time I’ve heard from you.” He sassed you.       “Just take my radio silence as everything is going good. Because it is.” You kicked your shoes off and laid back on your bed.       “So I should just assume because you’re not talking to me you're okay? You could be dead for all I know.”       You yawned. “Tony listen, I am sorry I haven’t been calling. I’ll try to keep in contact better but,” another yawn escaped your lips. “I’m so tired I had a late night last night.”       “Alright I’ll let you go.” He sighed.       “Hey, Tony?” You considered telling him what happened last night, but knew he would fly down to the school and make a scene.       “Yeah?”       “Love you, Iron Baby.”       “Love you Starketta.”       When your phone call was over you fell asleep, and when you finally awoke you felt like death. The sun had already set. You went over to your window and opened it. A cool breeze wafted in, causing you to shiver. Soon after your stomach growled.       You inhaled a deep breath of fresh air then closed your window. The door to your room creaked opened as you exited, making your way down the dark quiet halls to the kitchen. The only light you had as you half teleported/half limped can from the moon.       Since you moved into the school you’ve noticed that you’ve been awake more at night than you used to be. Maybe it was the use of your powers that kept you up, or maybe it was all the unplanned naps from exhaustion.       The first thing you did when you got to the kitchen was get yourself a glass of water, chugged it, then got another. You hadn’t felt this bad since, well since you slept for two days after seeing Kurt’s memories.       You pushed some hair out of your face and sighed. Your stomach decided to growl again just to remind you to eat.       “Oh yeah.” You said aloud to yourself before making your way over to the fridge to see if you could find something to eat. Soon you found some stuff to make a simple sandwich.       You sat down ready to eat at the kitchen bar. When you were about halfway done with your meal the door open, startling you. Turning around, you saw it was Logan.       “You scared me,” you held your good hand over your heart and let out a sigh of relief.       “I seam to be pretty good at that.” He made his way to the fridge and grabbed a bottled water.       You continued to eat your sandwich in silence for a minute. Logan was just standing by the fridge in silence. Glancing over at him you noticed he was looking at you.       “What?” You asked mouth half full of sandwich, sounding more annoyed than you meant to.       He let out a soft chuckle. “You look like shit.”       His comment caught you off guard. Your cheeks flushed and you froze. Sure you were wearing sweatpants and your hair looked like a rat's nest, but you felt the comment was a little unnecessary.       “Well, you try sliding across a road at 50 miles per hour in a pencil skirt and tights and see how you look afterwards.” You pulled your lips into an angry pout and glared at him. “You seem like you’re fine though.”       There was a smirk on his face. “I tend to heal fast.” He opened his water and began to drink.       You turned back to your sandwich, but your stomach now felt full. Partially with butterflies for some reason you couldn't explain.       Only the hum of the refrigerator and the soft call of a bird off in the distance could be heard inside the kitchen for a few minutes. Neither you or the man choosing to speak for while, until you decided to break the silence.       “The man from last night…” You began.       “What about him?” His smirk was gone.       “I saw you in his past.” You looked at the ground.       “I’ve had a few run ins with Sabretooth before.” Logan grunted.       “I saw the fights you have had, but I saw something else too.” Your hand moved to your head, trying to recall. “And… I…” You looked over to see that Logan had balled his hands into fists, crushing his now empty water bottle.       You quickly looked back at the ground. “I’m sorry… I shouldn’t have said anything it’s not my business, your past with him...”       “Tell me what you saw.” Logan commanded. When you looked at him you saw he was looking at you with a mix of anger and fear in his eyes. His body stiff.       “I…, um…,” You closed your eyes and tried your best to remember. “It’s kind of hard to say,” you told him honestly. “Part of Sabretooth's memories aren’t fully there. It feels like he had so many, then something incredibly painful happened, then most of them are gone.” Pausing you kept your eyes shut. Listening for Logan, you could hear his breathing.       “The part where something incredibly painful happened… You were there for it. I can't see exactly what, but, I feel like the same thing happened to you.” Suddenly a jolt of pain shot into your head causing you to call out in pain, almost knocking you off your stool.       “Hey,” Logan moved closer and placed his large hand on your back to sturdy you, being careful to not touch your skin.       You couldn’t help but to tense up at the feeling of his touch, causing him to pull away. You looked at him with sympathetic eyes. “I’m sorry,” you shook your head. “I’m not used to human contact, as weird as that sounds…”       He took a step back. “Are you okay?”       “I’ll be fine. But trying to recall memories that aren’t mine can feel weird. And trying to recall someone’s memories who don’t even recall their own memory is painful I guess… I’m now finding out.” You rested your head in your good hand, rubbing your eyes. “Guess I never really tried before, I never really wanted to see my brother’s or Kurt’s past. I try to shove them into the back of my head and never think about them again. It feels like I’m violating their privacy. I wish I could just erase them from my brain but I can’t.” You took a deep breath, then looked over at Logan. His eyes were narrowed and his posture still stiff, hands were back into fists. “I’m sorry I was ranting. If I brought up a painful memory, I really am sorry.”       He started to walk away from you to the door.       “Logan?” You quietly called after him, worried you had offended him.       “Don’t worry about it, kid. Whatever painful memory you saw of his,” he paused for a few seconds looking back at you, “I can’t remember it either.” Then he left the kitchen leaving you alone again.       You layed in bed that night wondering about the connection between Logan and Sabertooth. They both reminded you of animals, not just because their codenames. And both of them, you had found out, had an extremely painful memory they couldn't remember. You thought long and hard about what it could be until your head hurt, and you fell asleep with the sun shining through your curtains.       A few hours after you had fallen asleep someone knocked on your door, waking you up. You grumbled and looked at your phone, seeing that it was morning time already.       “(Y/n)?” Scott’s voice called from the other side.       “Coming,” You said with a yawn, shuffling over to the door.       “The Professor wants to see you.” Scott informed you when you opened the door. Then looked you up and down. “You okay?” He inquired.       “Huh?” with a look down at your clothes you saw just how much of a mess you were. You blushed a little, realising how dumpy you looked. “Tell the professor I’ll be down after I clean myself up.”       Scott said he would relay your message to the professor, and you closed the door. After some struggling with your sling you hopped into your shower. The warm water felt uncomfortable on your road burn but it felt amazing to actually wash off all the dirt and grime that had collected on your skin since your encounter with Sabertooth.       The thought of the beast like man gave you a twinge of pain in your head, you tried to push the thought of him away. After your shower you got dressed in a cute but comfortable sweater, shorts with leggings, and of course your gloves.       You opted to walk to the professor's office instead of teleporting, you felt like it was less energy. When there you knocked once and the door opened. You walked in and saw Logan was the one who opened the door for you, the professor was sitting at his desk.       “(Y/n),” the professor said. “Come have a seat.”       Logan closed the door behind you, and you went to sit down. Logan stood a little ways away from you. His arms crossed and he leaned against a wall.       “You look much better than the last time I saw you.” He gave you a friendly smile. You couldn’t help but think about what Logan had said to you last night, and hope he thought the same.       “Thank you,” You sat in front of the professor. “I feel better.”       “Now, (Y/n),” He said calmly, his smile turned almost into a frown. “I want to ask you about the other day.”       “With Sabertooth.” You inhaled.       The professor nodded. “I know it must have been frightening for you. I promised you and your brother that you would be safe here and I mean to keep that promise.”       “I know you do, but sometimes things happen that we can’t control. I didn’t tell you I was leaving the school’s grounds and there’s no way you could have known I…” You looked over at logan. “That Logan and I were going to be attacked.”       “That’s correct.” The professor agreed with you. “And with you being a teacher here, you don’t have to tell me when you’re going to leave the school’s grounds.” He paused. “But, like I said, for now I think it would be safest for you to stay here since we don’t know what Magneto wants with you.”       You thought for a moment before you spoke. “Professor, who is Magneto?”       This time the professor took a moment before speaking. “He’s a mutant who believes mutants and humans cannot exist together.”       You just hummed in reply. The professor had already said he didn’t know what Magneto wanted with you, and you had no idea why we wanted you either.       “(Y/n)?” he said to regain your attention. You looked up at him “What I really wanted to talk to you about regarding the other day is the use of your powers.”       “Oh… I…” you stammered.       “Just tell me exactly how it happened.” He smiled reassuringly.       “Well,” You began. “A dog came up to me. I knew it had to live close but didn’t have a tag. I pet the dog then we walked around until I found it’s home.”       “Did you pet the dog with or without your gloves on?” He smiled.       “Oh, without.” You smiled shyly. Secretly very proud of yourself for using your powers in a new way.       “Very good, (Y/n).” He praised you. “You seem to be learning to control your powers very quickly. I believe it won’t be long now until you won’t need those gloves any longer.”       Looking down at your gloves hands you smiled. “I really hope so.”

[littlemissheartfilia]

What’s In A Prince Ch 11

ITS BACK! That’s right! I don’t know why I have such a horrible habit of leaving fics for like years but HO BOY! Man has it been a year. But that’s no excuse, you lovely follower came here to read! And reading content is what I give you!! And with over 39000 words in the entire word doc this fic has now exceeded my own personal novel in length...wow. This chapter’s kinda short but it get’s the point across. Big things are coming! And every chapter brings us closer to the end! So enjoy you stingue fic gluttons! I present to you the eleventh installment of my most dramatic fic monologue yet.

Part(s): [1]   [2]   [3]   [4]   [5]   [6]  [7]   [8]   [9]   [10]

Summary:  As Prince of Sabertooth Kingdom, Sting Eucliffe must choose a queen before his coronation. Easier said than done when Sting becomes overly attached to his personal knight Rogue Chenney. But when unrest slumbers in the kingdom, can the two secret lovers escape with their lives?

Pairing(s): Stingue

Setting: Old Kingdom type setting. Weisslogia is the King making Sting the Prince.

The Black Dragon Assassins was vastly different than Rogue remembered their headquarters being. From his childhood he could see warm smiles turned into determined grins as young boys fought in the courtyard. He saw the golden and blue hibiscuses and the dragon lilies that lined every walkway of the headquarters. He remembered clear skies and the gentle guide of a trained swordsmen.

But now...as he walked back to his place of his birth he could see none of that. The skies had been overcast all day and the dark cloaks they were forced to wear put a damper on a lot of the color around them. Dobengal assured them they would need it so as to not attract attention when they finally had made their way down to the castle’s ground floor.

“King Jude has been made aware of your departure and many of our people await your arrival Master Rogue,” Dobengal said, his brown hair bouncing like the waves in the night.

Rogue nearly stumbled as he tried to keep up pace beside the assassin. Sting’s supporting arms were right there to keep him upright. “What’s with this Master, nonsense? When I left the Black Dragon Assassins I was a dragon kid nothing more.”

Dobengal didn’t turn as he led them into the woods. “A lot has changed since your departure.”

Now here they walked back into the hideout Rogue used to be so familiar with. He could see some barracks had been added. Others changed, and even more the stone fort had somehow grown smaller in the years he’d been away.

The banners displaying all the world’s royal families were gone, as were the uniforms each assassin assigned to each alliance were forced to wear. Around him every assassin was dressed in black formfitting clothes. Above them all Dobengals seemed the most modified, with a black mask covering his mouth and nose and a lavish black cloak. As Prince Sting looked around in awe Rogue was looking to his once peers in awe. Every assassin they passed took one look at him and bent a knee or gave a deep bow.

When he heard one of them whisper the name of his father he couldn’t stop himself. He ran to Dobengals side and demanded his attention with frantic eyes. “Where’s my father! Where’s Skiadrum?”

Dobengal made a noise of disapproval. He pushed Rogue’s erratic movements away from him and kept walking. “You might want to save your questions until we are inside.” Then he turned back to them, “People will talk.”

Once inside Rogue held his tongue as Dobengal led them through winding hallways. In all the years he’d spent growing up here he couldn’t seem to understand where they were going. All the colorful Royal Banners were gone. There were no more ornate rugs rolling down the stretch of long hallways. Now the only decoration the halls saw were the wall sconces every few feet.

As they walked Sting leaned into him and whispered, “What do you make of all this? You grew up here? It’s so...barren? No offense.”

“None taken. It wasn’t always like this. Dobengal is right. A lot has changed.”

Finally they reached the end of the corridor and Dobengal stopped before he opened two large swinging doors.

“The headmaster’s chambers?” Rogue echoed as if the sight of the door sent him whirling in memories.

Dobengal nodded once more and led them both inside. Rogue remembered it with oaken desks and walls full of library resources standing across from an armory as impressive as the halls of fallen warriors. Much to his disappointment this room was barren too. It held four decorative pillars surrounding a circle of stairs that led to a single pine desk. Dobengal stood beside it and gestured to the chairs beside the desk, just around the pillars.

“You have questions. I am here to answer...some of them,” said Dobengal as he crossed his arms and leaned his thigh against the desk.

“What happened?” Rogue asked first. “This place...it’s-”

“Different? Yes maybe that’s an understatement. Along with your shipping to Sabertooth Kingdom came a change in leadership here. One that has since died with the master’s of old. One that puts you in charge.”

Dobengal stared deep into Rogue’s eyes to make sure the knight understood exactly what was being said. Rogue was glad he had taken his seat because he felt his knees go weak.

“So Skiadrum...and Master Bolin-”

“Passed.”

Rogue looked stricken. He lost his voice and suddenly Sting’s loud brazen one filled the halls. “I don’t understand, what’s going on? What’s with all this mystery?”

“We’re assassins aren’t we? Its what we do.” A new voice spoke from the shadows. If it had not spoken no one would have noticed it was there. Around an empty book shelf came a surprisingly weak but studious looking boy. He couldn’t have been older than Sting yet still he walked and held his head high as if he were above even the dust spirits in the air. He wasn’t dressed like the others, instead he sported fine clothes fit for a nobleman's son. The newcomer turned to Dobengal. “Thank you for bringing them here, dragon. You are dismissed.” Dobengal put a fist over his heart and bowed before exiting the room.

“I apologize for all the smoke and mirrors that were required to bring you here. But you must understand by now that in times of war we can’t afford to take any chances.”

Sting raised an eyebrow at the boy. If he was going to say something the boy didn’t give him a second to think on it. “I had ordered Dobengal to bring you here once I got the note from our King. I hadn’t realized Master Rogue had made it out of Sabertooth Castle alive.” The boy got up and began pacing behind the desk. The whole time he kept his hands neatly behind his back. His greased black hair was going to make Sting gag if he kept watching him push his long bangs behind his ears. “This changes a lot of things from our perspective. Until now The Black Dragons Assassins had lost hope and pride. But with you here again, Master Rogue-” the boy pointed a finger almost accusatorily at Rogue. “-We can bring this organization back to what it once was. Ah but forgive me, I have forgotten to introduce myself.” Finally he extended a hand to Rogue. One that was oiled over in his many movements to temper his greasy hair. “My name is Kohaku Kagome. I served under your father’s name years ago. I only wish to implore my loyalty to you in turn.”

Rogue was reluctant in taking his hand. When he finally did he stood up and addressed Kohaku through the pain that was so clearly written on his face. “I believe you have us at a disadvantage. We know nothing-we’ve heard nothing about the Black Dragons since I sailed north to Sabertooth. What’s this talk of rebuilding it?”

“Ah, yes. I made sure Dobengal would not speak our secrets out loud. After you left us Master Rogue, Master Bolin left as well. It’s a long story I’m afraid, one I’m sure would bore you but it’s important to the history of our establishment-” Kohaku seemed to enter in another world as he flapped his gums. Sting and Rogue shared a look of horror as they witnessed the man’s speech but didn’t hear it. More than once he felt compelled to test them and see if they were still listening. Though he usually answered his own questions before either of the boys could then continued his rambling.

It wasn’t until five missing assassins and one spiraling mystery of espionage later that someone burst in the room to save them from the dreadfully droning voice of Kohaku Kagome.

“Prince Sting! Lord Rouge!” A familiar voice shouted and Sting couldn’t help muttering a “oh thank the gods” under his breath when Kohaku stopped to look at who had entered.

“Don’t just barge in so suddenly like that! Don’t you know the importance of history and-” But he was cut off as Yukino ran to the boys and pulled them both into big hugs.

When Rogue winced she touched a gentle hand to his wound and apologized. “It feels so good to see you both. And to see you still alive. I’m sorry I left so suddenly-”

“You left to find the Black Dragons didn’t you?” Rogue asked, a smile beginning to play on his lips.

“Yes. Only by the time I did they told me they had already taken you under their wing-” Suddenly Yukino grabbed Rouge’s wrist and led them away, as they all ignored the small protests from Kohaku. “-Come. We have much to show you.”

As they traveled down the corridors once more there was renewed vigor in each party's steps. Yukino seemed brighter than she had when they’d arrived on Fioren shores. Sting was stretching his arms as if waking up from a nap, or from Kohaku’s lecture. Even Rouge felt the pain in his stomach subside as he gazed upon his old friend.

“I’m so sorry Dobengal left you with Kohaku. You learn quickly that Kohaku treats everyone like that. He’s rather hard to take seriously sometimes. But he means well. Honestly Dobengal should have brought you straight to me but- well he likes a laugh from time to time. He probably thought getting Kohaku riled up was all in good fun.”

“Why do you speak as if you’ve known them your whole life?” Sting asked.

Yukino paused and giggled. “Oh I don’t, er I mean I haven’t. But I have been here a while and they all become pretty easy to read rather quickly. No matter. We have more important things to discuss.” Suddenly Yukino turned on a heel. “Rogue! Your father- Master Skiadrum...I’m so sorry.”

Rogue’s face hardened and he drew a sour look. “I heard. It’s nothing to be sorry for. The old man was getting past his time anyway.”

“But that’s not all. After the previous Master Bolin disappeared Master Skiadrum was chosen to succeed him. But Skiadrum was lured away- or so I’ve heard- on your behalf.”

“On my behalf?” Rogue echoed.

Yukino nodded. “He thought he was coming to rescue you from Giemma but he was ambushed. The entirety of the Black Dragons were raided in one night. But this was years ago. Right after Giemma took his seat in King Weisslogia’s court.”

Sting grit his teeth. “Of course he had something to do with that. Is there anywhere he hasn’t sunk his claws?”

“No one can confirm it was Giemma who attacked Master Skiadrum but the signs all point to that. Nonetheless by bloodline Lord Rogue is the natural successor to his father.”

“I can’t do it.” Rogue shook his head and backed away a bit.

Sting seemed to blow his top as he shouted uncaring in the echoing corridor. “What do you mean you ‘can’t do it’? Are you seriously going to pass this up? You must be insa-”

“My life was pledged to you. It will be pledged to you and no one else. I cannot serve as headmaster to the Black Dragon Assassins and stay your knight at the same time. So I cannot and I will not serve as this Master Rogue you all want me to be.”

Sting grew silent and Yukino intrigued. She barely breathed as she watched the boys exchange. “Rogue…” Sting breathed. “You don’t have to serve me any longer. You’ve already fulfilled your roles to me more times than I can count.”

“That hardly matters-” Rogue put a fist over his heart and kneeled before Sting. “-You are my King and my only King. I serve no one and nothing else.”

Sting didn’t have words but luckily Yukino broke the silence. “You may want to rethink that. Come, let me show you what you need to see.”

Almost clear on the other side of the building was an armory room. But in the very back of that armory room was Dobengal, his mask off smirking too handsomely for that devilish grin he wore. “How long did it take for Kohaku to put you to sleep?”

“Now’s not the time Lord Dobengal. We must show the lords what they came for.”

Dobengal’s smirk vanished. “Sometimes you’re too uptight. Fine.” He rose from his lean against the wall and opened a wall cabinet with a false backing. They all followed single file when he gestured inside.

Stepping through the wardrobe doors Rogue saw a small room with a platform that raised up the finest piece of assassins armor money could buy. Stepping closer Rogue saw it not only was form fitted perfectly to his size but it came complete with ten secret pockets and two sub-secret pockets under those. Multiple belts for any variation of utilities an assassin could use. But the most stunning piece were the ornate leather bracers. Each held twin hidden blades, activated by a switch in the palm.

“What...is this?” Rogue asked as he circled the clothing, studying it.

“Master Skiadrum was more sure than anyone that you would return one day. He had it made for you. He also made one for Frosch when the boy came of age. But the fat King of Extalia had it burned when he took Frosch back to his homeland.”

“I can’t accept this.” Rogue looked between Dobengal and Yukino, more firm than ever of his alliances.

Not to his surprise it was Prince Sting who spoke up. “You have to.” Rogue looked to him in confusion but Sting didn’t allow him to ask questions. “Rogue we’ve just started a war with possibly one of the most dangerous men on this planet. I’m going to need every man I can get on my side. And you’re going to need this outfit if you want to help me sneak back into our castle and take my crown back.”

Sting finished with a smile and extended a hand to Rogue. The Knight took it happily. They shook, not as Knight and Prince but finally as brothers in arms. And for the first time in his life, Rogue knew there was nothing he would fight harder for.

[remnantoforario]

Fairy Tail Finale Reactions:

Well here we are. The final chapter of Fairy Tail is officially in the books, and I think it’s about time to do one final reaction post for old times sake. Here we go:

The cover page is nice. Nothing much else to say there. 

Nice to know that a year later Fairy Tail still doesn’t know how to behave in a public setting, but at least nothing’s broken. Small victories.

The fact that Natsu said that it was impossible for him to behave at a party saddens me to my soul. 

How many more nails must we put in Juvia’s coffin before we bury her?

So Lucy wrote this supposedly popular book that won a what i can assume is an important award...and she made no money from it judging by her living situation. I know there are thousands of authors that win awards and don’t get the big bucks, but damn Mashima you couldn’t give Lucy some shine in the end? 

I guess not even people IN UNIVERSE wanna read about Fairy Tail.

Anna’s around...because. I still have yet to figure out what her purpose is.

Has Gajeel not remembered who Anna is by this point?

What Lucy and Wendy don’t know is that Levy was talking about the food baby in her stomach. Girl really has to use the bathroom.

I like that Lucy added that Wendy was FORCED to perform. Always a good thing.

Her name is Chelia...come on Yonkou! Do better!

I can see now why Jiemma was so hard on Sabertooth. Without him around all they do is sit around and eat all day.

Ichiya as Guild Master of Blue Pegasus? I’m here for it.

What I am NOT here for however is this mistreatment of Mermaid Heel. Dammit, Mashima! Give Kagura her dignity back right now!

Oh, Gildarts...change. For the love of life.

If Juvia’s body is made of water how does she have a scar? Furthermore why has no one arrested her and Gray for public indecency?

It was at that moment Gray knew that he fucked up.

So Is Lucy just gonna turn into ship fangirl now?

I see Lucy hates Miraxus just as much as a majority of the fandom.

Mashima I see your attempt at being Meta, and raise you good storytelling. 

What the hell was in that appreciation letter?

Since when has Lucy EVER been worried about Jellal and Erza’s relationship? She never asked her once about him. Hell, Mira asked more than she did and that was only the one time.

After everything that went down the the Eclipse Gate...I don’t know how good Hisui is at making sound decisions.

And that’s all you get about Alvarez! The Spriggan 12? Who cares about them?! It’s not like Brandish, Dimaria, or the entire country’s infrastructure after their king’s death is important! What do you think was going to happen? World-building? Delusional fools.

Why were Oracion Sorciere rewarded? They literally did nothing of note during the war. Guess Hisui felt bad after she heard what happened with August.

Yes, Jellal. Live. That thing that both Erza AND Natsu have been telling you to do since Nirvana. Man you’re so determined not to be a fully realized character aren’t you?

So Erza never brushed her hair until now? How in the world is that possible? She should look like a tangled mess 24/7.

Makarov didn’t even die from using Law. Nice to know that Mavis’ lies were consistent throughout the story.

The more I think about it, the sadder him showing up with a drink in his hand is. I bet he is depressed all the time.

Riches to Rags: The Doranbolt Story.

You just couldn’t let Mavis and Zeref die could you, Mashima? You just had to dig up that corpse of a ship and threw our noses in it. You malicious fiend.

I am legit surprised Natsu didn’t attack Zeref then and there...it’s what I would have done. 

Judging by everything that happened between them, I can concur that everyone in Fairy Tail hated Mavis. Because if they didn’t there would be no way they’d let her walk off with Zeref. Reincarnation or no.

Jet & Droy, just let it go. You were given a life sentence to the friend zone the moment Gajeel joined the guild.

Max/Broom & Alzack/Bisca remain the best ships in the entire series. Fight me!

I like how Kinana doesn’t even seem all that happy about dating Cobra. It’s like even she knows how messed up/convoluted their ship is.

This will be the only instance I overlook Natsu breaking into Lucy’s place.

So I’m guessing “job” is Lucy’s trigger.

“I feel a great disturbance in the Force. As if millions of Na//Lu shippers suddenly cried out in terror, and were suddenly silenced.” I think that’s how the quote goes.

It took Natsu a year to get permission for this 100-Year Quest? Dude is nothing if not persistent. 

Fairies may not have tails, but apparently they look like Zera. 

In all seriousness I do like the final shot being of Team Natsu going on a new quest. It’s how I would have wrote the ending. Seemed fitting. 

Farewell, Fairy Tail. We had some good times and some bad times, but I can at least say that it was entertaining. 

[bazzaya]

a demon’s plight - part one

A multichapter series regarding Minerva’s healing/redemption Post-Tartaros.

Summary: Following the incident with Tartaros, Erza tries to help Minerva recover both physically and mentally. One of her only hopes is taking her to Porlyusica to see if Minerva can be made human again.

A/N: Hey, did you know that apparently it’s canon that Minerva went to Porlyusica post-Tartaros to get the whole demon thing checked out? Yeah so here’s that, but with Minerza, because that’s my thing. Probably will be multiple chapters. Idk if it’ll have a happy ending or not. We’ll see :)

Word Count: ~3.2k

[Ao3 Link/FFNet Link]

Enjoy!

"Are you good to walk on your own?"

As she was trying to get herself to stand, Mirajane glanced up to see Minerva in front of her with her hand on her hip. She was surprised by Minerva's concern, but she soon schooled her features and merely shook her head, "I'm fine, but thank you for the concern." Mirajane figured she should at least be polite; Minerva seemed to have a change of heart and she was the one to kill Kyouka, besides Mirajane didn't have the energy to be difficult, "There's something I need to handle on my own anyways…"

Minerva only shrugged and gave a dismissive wave at that, unbothered either way, "Suit yourself. I'll look over Titania in the meantime as you run along with whatever business you have."

Mirajane's gaze steeled on Minerva once she stood, "Are you sure that's the best idea?"

At Mirajane's cautious look, Minerva rolled her one eye, "Oh, please.. It's not like I'm going to try anything while you're gone. You needn't worry over sweet little Titania." Minerva looked over at Erza in that moment, seeing the battered and bruised mage practically unconscious on the ground, "...Well, aside from the obvious worry there, I mean."

Mirajane seemed more convinced with that, and her expression softened and she nodded appreciatively, "Thank you. I'll leave her to you."

Minerva watched as Mirajane left, though soon Minerva returned her attention to Erza. She walked over towards Erza and kneeled by her side, making sure that Erza was at least alive, "It's over now. We're all safe. There's no more Face to worry about, and the demons are all gone." There was a beat of pause, "All except for one, that is."

Erza languidly jolted at the suggestion of another demon still roaming around, and she tried to sit up, "There's still one left? Where is it?" She coughed out, her attempts at sitting up proving to be futile.

Minerva coaxed Erza into lying back down, "It's me, you idiot."

"Huh?" Erza turned her head to face Minerva, a confused eyebrow raised, "...Oh, right. I almost forgot about your...situation."

"Flattering, really, but I know they're hollow words. One look at me and it's easy to remember." Minerva sneered, "But enough of that. Do you want to go join up with the rest of your friends? I'll take you to them."

Nodding at that, Erza slowly started to sit up again, "Yeah… I should see how everyone's doing, make sure they're alright…"

Minerva held out her hand for Erza to take, and from there she pulled Erza to her feet and wrapped Erza's arm around her shoulder to keep Erza upright. Minerva started walking with Erza in tow towards where she last saw action, hoping to find the rest of Fairy Tail there. Along the way and amongst a very heavy silence, Minerva noticed how Erza's gaze was trained on her and had been trained on her for the longest time, and Erza didn't look to be letting up anytime soon.

"Now… You know I thrive off of the attention, but you of all people to be staring at me like that is at least moderately unnerving." Minerva warned, glancing at Erza out of the corner of her eye.

Erza blinked a few times, surprised to have been caught, but she shook her head to regain her composure, "Sorry… I was just thinking about something."

Minerva raised an eyebrow, "About me?"

"Sort of." Erza frowned out of sympathy, "I was thinking about everything that's happened. You scorned yourself for being so weak as to have been subjected to this whole transformation… I wondered if there was anything to do about perhaps reversing it."

Letting out an annoyed growl, Minerva tore her gaze away and bared her teeth, "I don't need your sympathy. I was the one who wrought this upon myself. I should have to live with the consequences of my actions, even if it means looking like this forever."

"Did you really bring this upon yourself, though?" Erza tilted her head to get a better look at Minerva, "You know, Minerva… I'm not clueless, and I'm certainly not obtuse. I kept an eye out for you and that guild you ran along to after we crossed paths again. Don't think I didn't hear the rumors about what happened to Succubus Eye. Everyone was obliterated in that place except for you… and it was all because of Kyouka's curse, wasn't it? You must have been strong enough to withstand it. It also must be why you were taken into Tartaros to begin with."

"I was weak enough to allow myself to be taken."

"You can't possibly blame yourself for this."

"Oh, you'd be surprised, Titania." Minerva smiled wryly, "If I was strong enough… If I hadn't allowed myself to be petrified with fear… Maybe then I wouldn't have been taken from Succubus Eye. Better yet, if I hadn't been so corrupted by darkness, I wouldn't have been in Succubus Eye to begin with."

Erza furrowed her eyebrows in response, "What's done is done, and there's no use in dwelling upon it. Don't let yourself be bogged down by it, either."

"It must be easy for you to say that when you aren't the one scarred like this forever!" Minerva growled, placing her hand over her blackened eye, "This is a permanent reminder of my weakness and mistakes, and there's nothing I can do to fix it!"

"Perhaps there's nothing you can do, but maybe there's something I can do about it!" Erza countered, raising her voice to try and get Minerva to listen to her.

Minerva let out a bitter laugh, "What, are you planning on using your magic to change into a nurse's outfit for little old me? A pretty sight that may be, but it will get you nowhere in reversing the damage that's been done."

Erza scowled at that, growing irritated, "Would it kill you to take me seriously for five seconds?! Listen to me, Minerva! Are you truly thinking of returning to Sabertooth, to your home, continuing to be so stubborn and standoffish? If you really want to change, start by accepting help and stop insisting you do everything on your own!"

"Do you really think that Sabertooth would accept a monster like me?" Minerva sneered, twisting her lips.

"Sting and Rogue sure accepted you with open arms." Erza shot back, "Even with you looking like that."

Minerva averted her gaze and clenched her jaw, unable to dispute that. Erza took that as an invitation to talk further, "There. Now at least hear me out before you start fighting back, alright?"

With a pronounced tilt of her head, almost like she was pouting, Minerva looked back over at Erza, "Fine."

"A friend of the Master's… she's quite adept in healing the most obscure of ailments. She was even able to make me an artificial eye after I lost mine as a child." Erza held her hand over her right eye at the memory, though she quickly focused back on Minerva, "There is very little she cannot do. I wondered if perhaps she would be able to reverse the transformation you were put under."

"You sound hopeful." Minerva commented, a dry tone to her voice.

Letting out an enervated sigh, Erza closed her eyes, "Yes, I am. I want to help you, Minerva. Just allow me that much."

Minerva didn't respond right away to that, she merely glanced Erza over and kept her jaw clenched tight. Her expression gradually came to be less aggressive, and soon she caved in and nodded her head. Something in her couldn't deny Erza that much. "Fine. I'll give your healer friend a shot. For you."

Erza allowed herself to flash a brief smile Minerva's way, "Thank you. You won't regret it."

Adjusting her hold on Erza as they walked, Minerva simply kept her gaze fixed ahead, refusing to look at Erza, "I better not."

"Wait… She's not coming back with us?" Sting tilted his head, confusion written all over his expression. He turned to Rogue, eyebrows raised, "But that's the reason why we came here in the first place…!"

Erza frowned to herself, staring at the ground by her feet, "I'm well aware… However, she doesn't want to return, not yet. She doesn't believe she deserves to return to Sabertooth in the state she's in. I believe I have a plan to change her back to her human form, but for now… she's not going back."

"That's ridiculous! I don't care how creepy she looks! Milady's coming back with us and that's final!" Sting shouted, fanged teeth exposed in his rage.

"Sting… That's enough." Rogue interjected, "If it is milady's wish, who are we to deny her what she wants? Everything is her decision, whether we like it or not." He focused back at Erza, and despite his composed nature, Rogue still could not completely hide the concern and disappointment on his features, "Do you think she will ever want to return to Sabertooth?"

"That's… a tough question to answer." Erza admitted shamefully, still unable to make eye contact, "I think that if she feels that she has repented, or if she thinks that she is no longer a monster… she will deem herself worthy of your company. I cannot say anything for certain… I'm sorry."

Sting's anger seemed to wane, and he unclenched his fists and frowned in helplessness, "We just want her to come back home, man… All of this is her bastard of a father's fault! Milady didn't deserve any of what he did to her!"

Erza raised an eyebrow at that, and Rogue took it upon himself to explain, "We encountered Jiemma here, shortly after you left with milady. Apparently he was the one who came to Tartaros first, and he was the one that had Succubus Eye attacked so that Minerva would be brought here and would be made into what she was." He frowned as well, averting his gaze, "This was all Jiemma's doing, what happened to Minerva… and yet he still had the gall to call her useless and weak…" He wound up taking a fistful of the fabric of his sleeve as he spoke from his growing anger as well, though he was faster in calming himself than Sting.

Erza finally looked up at that, eyebrows furrowed and a new look of determination in her eyes, "I'll fix this. I promise this to you. She will be back at Sabertooth where she belongs. Please, just allow me the opportunity to reverse what has happened to her. Then she will want to come home."

"We trust you, Erza." Rogue nodded, "Let us know if we can be of any help to you."

"Yeah. We want to help her too… We just don't know how…" Sting grunted and hung his head, letting out a heavy breath.

A small smile crossed Erza's lips, and her demeanor softened, "Thank you. She is lucky to have you both at her side in a time like this. I'm sure she will not forget that."

"And hey! You better not try and steal her for Fairy Tail either! She's ours, you got that?!" Sting teased, snickering to himself.

Rogue punched Sting in the shoulder, "You idiot…! Now's not the time for your jokes!"

Sting pulled Rogue into a headlock in retaliation, "Come on, man! You can't say I'm wrong! Remember when they nearly stole Yukino from us?! I don't want the same thing happening to Sabertooth's resident princess! So hands off, Erza!" He pointed at Erza with that statement, a grin on his face.

Erza raised her hands in surrender, unable to stop the laugh that slipped through, "Don't worry. I won't steal your princess. Though… You should probably let the poor guy go, Sting. Rogue's face is completely blue. I think you're suffocating him."

"Huh?" Sting looked down to see Rogue blue in the face, and he let go, "...Right, yeah. I knew that."

Rogue rubbed his raw neck, taking in a large breath as he could finally breathe again, "Yeah, sure you did…"

Minerva glanced over her hands, studying them, allowing for the reality of their appearances to settle in for her. It was the first time she was out of the clothes that Tartaros had put her in, the first time she was without any gloves over her hands. It was then Minerva could see the black scales that had replaced her skin, turning her arm serpentine, morphing her fingers into claws. The black scales began to fade near her elbow, where they turned into a few lines that trailed up into her neck and face. It was the first time she was without the knee-high boots as well, and through the slit of her dress, Minerva could see the markings that went up and down her legs. The demonification process certainly left its traces on her, and there was no denying the monster she had become.

In the midst of her reflection, Minerva heard her name being called, and with a slow blink she focused her gaze on Erza, "There's no need to yell, Titania. I'm right here."

Erza frowned in response, "I had been calling your name for perhaps a solid minute now. I felt as if yelling was the only way I was going to get you out of your thoughts."

Furrowing her eyebrows, Minerva drew in a breath from surprise, "...My mistake. Well, there's no use in dallying around any longer. Introduce me to this renowned healer friend of yours, Titania. You'll have to understand my eagerness to be freed from this depressing state."

Erza nodded and walked towards the reclusive tree Porlyusica called home, knocking on the door until the woman she was looking for appeared on the other side.

"Oh. It's you." Porlyusica stated with obvious disdain in her voice.

Unable to help herself, Minerva wound up smiling at that, and she peered over at Erza to gauge her response, "How loosely was the term 'friend' used before, Titania?"

"Unfortunately, quite…" Erza said to herself, but quickly she got a second wind and she stood up straighter, "I do hate to bother you, Porlyusica, but I would like to ask for your help."

"With what? You look as healthy as can be." Porlyusica said dryly, "I don't like to waste my time."

"I'm well aware. I wasn't requesting your services for my sake, but rather for my friend here." Erza stepped aside and motioned towards Minerva to introduce her.

"Another loose usage of the word 'friend.'" Minerva commented, still smiling to herself.

"Humans… Always testing my limits…" Porlyusica shook her head with a growl.

"Then this might be your lucky day." Minerva placed a hand on her hip, "I'm no human, after all. Perhaps then you will be so inclined as to help me."

Porlyusica raised an unamused eyebrow, "You look human to me, missy. If you're not human, then what are you?"

Minerva narrowed her one eye, "Take a wild guess. Starts with an 'm'...?"

"A monster?" Porlyusica said dryly.

Grinning, Minerva nodded, "Exactly."

"Minerva, stop this." Erza shook her head disapprovingly, "You're not a monster!"

"Whatever narrow loophole you've created doesn't matter." Porlyusica explained, "I won't treat you. Do not think for a second I do not know who you are, Minerva Orland. I know of the terrors you've wrought upon Fairy Tail, and especially for Lucy's sake, I will not extend my services to an enemy."

"Porlyusica, please! Hear me out!" Erza pleaded, though she was soon cut off.

"Oh, please…" Minerva sighed, placing her hand to her forehead, "Why does everyone always call me cruel for what happened to Lucy? I allowed her to get second place! I feel as if that was extremely generous on my end!"

"Some nerve!" Porlyusica sneered.

"I'll show you nerves!" Minerva stepped forward, a clenched fist reeled back, but Erza's arms around her waist stopped her from getting very far.

"Minerva!" Erza growled, struggling to hold Minerva back. She didn't have to put up a fight for long, because soon Minerva was placed under a sleeping spell and fell slack in her arms. Erza only had to move to catch Minerva to keep her from falling. Looking back at Porlyusica, Erza blinked a few times in surprise at how Porlyusica tranquilized Minerva so easily.

"Now if you're finished wasting my time-"

"Please… Allow me to explain!" Erza said, desperate, "I need help. Gravely."

Porlyusica let out a sigh and crossed her arms, eyes falling shut. She did not protest, however, which gave Erza a window to continue.

"She isn't supposed to be like this… She didn't deserve what happened to her. Her father had her kidnapped and put under demonification. What I and her friends want is for her to be returned back to normal." Erza swallowed harshly, "Please, Porlyusica… She's committed to changing, believe it or not. Putting this experience and this trauma behind her is a step in that process."

Silence followed for a moment after that, with Porlyusica seemingly thinking things over. Erza looked at the unconscious Minerva in her arms, eyes wandering over the scales and markings marring her skin. She felt sympathy and concern rising in her chest for Minerva, with the effect that demonification had on both her mind and body. Looking back over to Porlyusica, Erza was able to catch Porlyusica letting out a heavy sigh and stepping aside to make room.

"Alright, I'll look her over. But I make no promises. I have never treated anything like this before." Porlyusica caved, shaking her head.

Erza allowed herself to smile as a result, "Thank you." Moving her arm behind Minerva's legs, Erza sweeped her up into her arm, "Er… Do not tell her about this. I have a legitimate fear that she would actually kill me if she were to find out that I was holding her." And bridal style no less.

With a roll of her eyes, Porlyusica eventually complied, "Yes, yes, whatever. Just set her on the bed and I will examine her."

Nodding her head, Erza brought Minerva inside and laid her down on the medical bed. Erza moved without thinking to brush some stray hairs out of Minerva's face, and again her gaze was drawn to the mark covering Minerva's one eye. With a frown, Erza pulled away and turned to Porlyusica, "Thank you again, truly. Please… Do what you can. Many people are hoping for her recovery."

For once, Porlyusica didn't have anything smart to say. She nodded in response to that, and went to gather some supplies. Left to herself, Erza swallowed and let out a sigh, still looking at the unconscious Minerva.

She truly hoped that Minerva could get better.