#then again maybe Mirajane wouldn’t have fucking rolled in the first place

[ri-afan]

If I didn’t get to keep my knowledge then I would likely have a different answer.

To maximise my friends now while minimising the rest, 6-10 would have to be it. Holding out to the next stage would run the risk of coming into middle school too late even if it turns out I fell back to being in first grade again. Though to think I would still move in with my mother for high school for the few friends I have from then even if I didn’t get to graduate with most of them… y’all are special.

Can’t tag L or E.R., obviously, but can tag @shortiethewolf so I will: I love you guys so much and I would say you’re worth it living there with her even if I haven’t spoken to E.R. since graduation and it’s been so sporadic with both you and L since I moved. (You never met her but I think y’all could’ve been acquaintances at the least.) Also, the experience with M and E.C. years 10&11? I was kinda the catalyst to get them what they wanted and I feel like I dropped the ball on the experiences we had. Definitely have to be there for that to happen because they’re still nice people ❤️‍🩹 It would free me from some of mom’s attention too, even if it’s a crappy way to think about it. I’d definitely be doing more to stay off her radar though.

—Listen, I spent the time I was writing the last paragraph thinking about it and I think I would know the perfect time and plan to get things to work out and I still wouldn’t have to take that damn trig class in high school.

I would move after 6th grade because while I love dad I don’t know about being where they were and I only would have one more year where we were. Probably would still get pulled out of public school for bigotry reasons for middle school though (which, half and half it wasn’t wholly a terrible experience even if it truly was full of not the …best things… I’d do my best to work with what I had between all that but it was a… learning experience for sure. Probably ask if I could join a Spanish class though because it woulda been useful at least), then I would land with shortie in art year 9 (oh! I would change the science classes though my god - AP over regular Earth Science, physics over chem 🙏🏼 no APUSH dear god no I love L but I couldn’t with that class again, but I would change how I took that English class year 11) and meet L in that shitty religion club year 10 (I can’t remember how we met outside of that so I guess I’ll have to go to it for him 🙄😜) and totally skip all of that bs with people making L and me awkward af. And shutdown his shit with N bc that just fed into no good things (god, you remember that? I thought it was weird then and still think it was odd a decade later). Would def still turn him into a WonderWoman fan though because I think that helped him overall 😁 That thing with that guy I never actually met in the end from that one place would not happen year 11, I don’t think I let on just how much of a creep he was but I’m saying no right now. Maybe I actually woulda acted on my thoughts with E.R. senior year though. 🤔 Every once in a while I ponder it when I catch that one photo of us.

Then fucking GAP YEAR before college omg. N and I would likely not happen though 🫤 (all well and good for how it ended but maybe I could have done something different there for communication and we actually get to be friends instead of whatever that bs was…) Still move out to here bc it’s cheaper and just not where I graduated in the end (bc fuck that place, sorry E.R. even though you can’t read this 😅 one year there would be Enough) but skip that first college altogether bc holy shit that was a pricy waste of time, then join the second school (maybe I coulda talked y’all into coming along but I’m doubting it hard you lizards 🦎😄) and get that damn degree I love but sadly don’t really use and work towards what I have at this college still because I still love it. Maybe I could use the first degree when I started the next phase of college at that town. Miss me with those living situations in 2019 though, that ain’t happening again.

Maybe I would fucked around and taken a few other classes that caught my eye too but didn’t consider at the time because sexism? Probably woulda helped.

Now, how would this actually change things? It sounds like I’m on the same path overall.

I’m glad you asked! Connections.

This public thought experiment is over though 😛 but I definitely am going to continue it on my own.

*This poll was submitted to us and we simply posted it so people could vote and discuss their opinions on the matter. If you’d like for us to ask the internet a question for you, feel free to drop the poll of your choice in our inbox and we’ll post them anonymously (for more info, please check our pinned post).

[fallen029]

Basement Ghosts

"There's ghosts in the basement."

Laxus considered this, as he did most things, with a stoic face and long, cold stare, the likes of which could make even the toughest of men cower. But he wasn't facing a man, in that moment, but rather what he'd considered, up until that point, his rather reasonable girlfriend of only a tentative few months. Mirajane Strauss, a staple in the guild he'd loved his entire life, was known for her flights of fancy and frequent vocal daydreams, but he knew her on another level, same as he knew the guild. The man was aware that Fairy Tail, for all it's fabled history, toiled in a lot more darkness than the average observer might realize. For the woman before him in that moment, much or the same could be stated.

She'd gone through a lot in her short few decades of life. From the loss of her parents and excommunication from her home all the way to current day, dealing with the death and revival of her younger sister, Mira hardly had a simple life. She was complex. Everyone was to a certain extent, fine, but her above all.

The past few months, as she and the guild's most fearsome dragon slayer began, for the first time in their life, to truly dig deeper into one another, begin to understand what the draw was, that had always been between then, just beneath the now exposed surface, he truly thought he was beginning to get to know her. The deeply guarded her, that no other had seen. It had felt like they were forming a bond, these past few months. Though it hadn't been long, Laxus was finding himself becoming rather attached to both the idea of the woman and learning more about her.

Then she has to go say stupid shit like that and ruin it.

"Well," Laxus began finally, tone as void as ever, "guess I should be heading out the."

"You're that terrified of ghosts?" Mirajane asked with a slight frown.

"Nope," he answered with a subtle shake of the head. "Just not interested in entertaining nonsense, is all."

"You think I'm being nonsensical?"

Mira asked this in surprise, her down turned lips turning to form something else instead as her gaze hardened. It was hardly something any woman enjoyed, the slight telltale signs of mockery in the face of unconventional lines of thought, and she hated it even more, the way her boyfriend tossed a hand up, as if in defense.

"Look, it's fine, alright?" He even shrugged. "I was just going to look at your pipes as a courtesy. You said Elfman usually does it? Call him over. But I-"

"You're being a jerk."

"How?" His tone changed then, as he as the one on the defensive. "Just because I don't wanna play into your stupid ghost claims?"

"Stupid," Mirajane repeated softly and it was a word of contention, frequently in her line of work, but Laxus didn't transition into preventative measures. Only narrowed his eyes a bit as she questioned, "Why would you say that? You know that I-

"Try again, demon," he remarked with a hardness not typically used on a woman in apparent dismay. "You've told me before about how you can turn the waterworks on and off."

She glared through her tears as, not even wiping at them, she only remarked, "It's still mean, Laxus. To call someone stupid."

"I didn't."

"You might as well have." Huffing some, the woman took to crossing her arms over her chest as she looked off.

The pair were having this argument in her kitchen, where she'd taken the man not soon after he entered the Strauss home that afternoon. It wasn't unusual in those days for the slayer to spend some of his extra time in Magnolia there, but it there had been an intended purpose for his summoning to the old house that day. Mirajane had requested he come down and look at a leaking pipe in the basement. After confirming that, no, this wasn't a euphemism, she actually wanted him to go down into the basement and look at a pipe, they found themselves having this conversation.

She'd intended it as nothing more than a simple warning. A reasoning for her own inability to head down there.

The basement ghosts.

It all felt very reasonable to the woman and, were it another she was speaking to, they'd have probably allowed her to continue on in this delusion. Not the dragon though. Oh no. He wasn't so sure yet if he was trying to spend the rest of his life with this woman, but he was surely beginning to scope the potential that they had together. Part of that included calling the woman out when she played into her trumped up role at the hall a bit too much. She delivered the same in kind, to him, when he got a bit too brooding and judgmental.

But he was expected to take her light ribbing and outright behavioral corrections while the woman, in turn, was not.

"If you don't really think there's basement ghosts," she challenged suddenly, looking back to the man suddenly, "then you go down in the basement."

"I mean, I was planning on it," Laxus told her. "To fix the pipes. Remember?"

"At night," she specified as her eyes began to narrow. "You go down into the basement, at night. And stay down there. And you'll see."

Laxus huffed some, his chest puffing as he did so, before telling the woman simply, "Fine. If that's what it'll take to prove to you-"

"It'll only take one night," Mira challenged back, "to prove it to you."

.

The Strauss basement was an unfinished, stuffed to the gills storage place it seemed for all of the junk Mirajane couldn't fit in the attic. There were boxes upon boxes that Laxus could only imagine were, truly, junk and now he had two reasons that he should find a way to end things with the demon.

A horder and a loon.

It was night now, as he'd agreed to only head down there after sundown, but Laxus still intended to check on the leaky pipe she'd originally told him about. Along with his toolbox though, the slayer also carried a sleeping bag and fully intended on spending a night down in the drafty basement.

Honestly, it would hardly be the worse place he'd laid his head.

Mirajane wouldn't venture down with him, instead only waving goodbye to him from the top of the stairs. This was annoying to Laxus who'd hoped she'd at least go down so he could play big, strong protector when the pipes chirping or shutters fluttering or whatever was causing her to hear noises at night appeared.

Alone though, Laxus only tossed his sleeping bag down before fishing out a flashlight and looking over the piping in one corner. It was easy enough to find where the drip was coming from and it was an easy enough fix. Just a bit loose, was all the pipe was, and after a few quickly twists of a monkey wrench, all was well.

"There," Laxus sighed some. "That- Hey! I someone down here?"

He hated to be so spooked, so soon, but he felt it then. Sensed it. A presence. Eyes on him. As he spun about though, shining his flashlight around, all he could catch were shadows from the numerous boxes.

"Laxus," Mirajane called down from the top of the stairs. "Are you okay down there?"

"Peachy," he called back as the man merely rolled his shoulders and decided he was just psyching himself out. Clearly. "Fixed your pipe too."

"Great!" Mira even clapped. "Now are you sure you're going to spend the night down there? Or are you ready to admit that the basement ghosts are real?"

"I will literally never, ever do that, Mira."

"Well," she sighed some, "I'm going to have to close you in, then. I'm tired and have work in the morning. You can come up and join me at any time- But you'll have to admit that the basement ghosts are-"

"I'm not," he reiterated for the woman, "doing that."

"Fine." And the light at the top of the stairs started to dissipate as the woman, slowly, began to close the door. "Be safe."

"Be fucking safe," he grumbled only once he was certain the door was fully closed and the woman had gone off, to start on her before bed routine. "From what? Huh?"

Laxus was a bit of a night owl, to be honest, but he didn't have much to do down in the dusty old cellar other than wait for the not coming ghosts, so he figured it was best to just begin setting up his sleeping bag. Maybe go ahead and hunker down for the night. Then he could rise around the time that the demon got up to leave for the guild each morning, even earlier maybe, just to shove in her face that no, there were absolutely no such thing as 'basement ghosts'.

He was fearful that the woman would counter with some bullshit about them just not showing themselves to him. And he wasn't quite sure how he could counter that in a way that would avoid him having to spend the night down in the basement again.

Because while Laxus was willing to spend one night in the dark, dank basement to prove his devotion to his girlfriend (as well as shove in her face just how wrong she'd been), he wasn't so certain that he was willing to do it a second time.

Or a third.

Or fourth.

Part of him was worried that the demon had just trapped him down in the basement or something. Or at least that's where his mind wondered to, as he had a fitful time drifting off to sleep that night. The ground felt lumpy and his sleeping bag smelled a bit, or was it just the basement, and he kept catching weird shadows hiding behind boxes and oh gosh, what if something was down there with him? What if she was right? What if in the world of reanimated masters and magical beings, there was such things as ghost and they were going to devour him in the night?

Cannibal ghosts.

Or...would they not be cannibals now that they were no longer living beings?

Needless to say, some of these questions were answered in his dreams, others left to interpretation. Over all though, he did get a good few hours in there when he truly was asleep.

And then something awoke him.

It was a low creak, from the top of the basement stairs. The a louder creak, multiple now, from the stairs now as the old wood whined at even the lightest of pressure applied. Laxus, though somewhat dazed, immediately thought that it was his girlfriend, maybe, either coming down to check on him or realize how ridiculous this all was and bring him upstairs.

He hoped it was the second.

Or if it was the first, that he could trick her into the latter.

Rolling over, Laxus kicked out of his sleeping bag with a loud yawn, calling out as he climbed to his feet, "Come to get me, eh, demon?"

There had been a soft light, a flashlight maybe, a tiny one, that the person coming down the steps was carrying and as they raised it to shine into his eyes, blinding the wincing man, they called out themselves. Only it wasn't Mirajane.

"Laxus?"

"What the- Lisanna, get that out of my face? What are you-"

"Oh, god, are you naked?"

"No! I'm my briefs."

"You're what?"

"They're- Stop shining that light in my face!"

There was a strange moment where Laxus, now shamed for his underwear choice, took a step back, as if to shield himself, while Lisanna did lower the light, but was clearly snickering a bit as his state. The moment would have passed, as all do, and Lisanna might have made some sort of excuse as to being down there while Laxus would have only dove back under his smelly sleeping bag cover, but this opportunity was dashed as another person in the basement made themselves known.

"Oi, boss, I can take you being a total creeper, sleepin' down in my basement and all, but you're not sexually harassin' my girlfriend, are ya?" came a booming accusation from behind a pile of boxes.

"Are ya?" added a resounding echo as a soft, green glow of light also highlighted the boxes.

Laxus jumped at the sounded, whirling around while growling, "What the shit?"

It was Bickslow back there, making himself known as he stepped out from behind a fortress of forgotten junk hands on his hips, out of his typical gear, not even a visor. For all intents and purposes, it looked as if he'd been sleeping as well, honestly.

"Bickslow," Lisanna complained with a glare his way. "Why did you tell him that?"

"We were caught, Lissy," he assured the woman simply. "You don't free yourself from a trap by flailing wildly; you look to the trapper right in the eyes and challenge him."

"Challenge him?" Laxus frowned at the assertion. "And what the hell are you even doing here? In the basement? Are you… Trying to rob the Strausses? Or something? I'm...really having a hard time understanding why else you'd be-"

"Ain't obvious?" And he came closer then, Bickslow did, to find his place beside the still glaring Lisanna. "I'm bonin' one of 'em, same as you."

He took a step back again, Laxus did, blinking some. Blinking some more. Stunned. Dazed.

Very convinced this was just a strange dream stemming from his awkward sleeping situation.

Still, after a deep breath, Laxus took to nodding some, accepting the nonsensical pairing for a very brief moment before questioning, "Why were you hiding in the basement?"

"Kicked out of my apartment. Wanted to be with woman." Bickslow raised an eyebrow at his typical idol. "You?"

But Laxus didn't answer questions that didn't fall from the mouth of his demon.

"Yeah, why are you down here?"

Or her little sister.

"I," he told them both with a frown, "was sent to spend the night down here by your sister, Lisanna, because she thinks that there's ghosts down here. And I can only guess who could be causing her to think that."

Nodding, Bickslow decided, "The rats."

Laxus, frowning, rushed to bend down and snatch up his sleeping bag (this actually worked to cover his body), complaining loudly, "There's rats?"

"No!" Lisanna turned her glare on him. Then she took a pause and thought. "Well-"

"Can't a man hide out in his girlfriend's basement because he can't afford rent because he's been avoiding taking jobs because he wants to be around said girlfriend?" Bickslow shook his head as his floating babies scoffed on his behalf. "What's the world comin' too, eh?"

Laxus stood there, sleeping bag in hand, glancing back and forth between the two people in front of him before deciding, "I'm going to tell Mirajane."

"No, Laxus, don't." And Lisanna rushed to grab his arm then, the man glaring down at her as she dropped the flashlight and it rolled away from them. "Please."

"Why shouldn't I?" he questioned. "This is fucking weird, Lisanna. "This is fucking weird, Lisanna. Bickslow is fucking weird."

"Oi, boss." He'd gone to snatch the flashlight back up, but did send a sorrowful glance over his shoulder to his idol. "You wound me."

"How long has this even been going on?" Laxus went on. "Huh? Not this weird...basement stuff, but… Lisanna...are you actually dating him?"

"W-Well-"

"You need to talk to your sister."

"You don't get it." She clung tighter to his arm. "Laxus, please-"

"Please what? Don't tell my girlfriend that her little sister is meeting with a strange man in the basement to...to… This isn't my business. Or interest. So I'm going to go get Mira and-"

"She ruins things."

"What?"

Lisanna released his arm as the man wasn't moving forward then, only nodding some as he stood agape at her.

"Mira...and Elfman… They both think of me as a little kid. A lot. And I'm not. I'm only a year and a few months younger than Elfman! Not even a full three from Mira." Lisanna shook her head. "But especially now, after the whole...escaping death thing, they both treat me like a complete child. And any time I've tried dating someone, they ruin it. Not on purpose, but by being overbearing and weird."

"Your sister is overbearing or weird with or without a death," Laxus pointed out.

"Then you understand how much harder it is with a death," Lisanna insisted. "You saw how it was, Laxus, two months ago when I brought that guy home to dinner? And they scared him off?"

As someone who'd had an unfortunate invite to that shitshow, he could recall Elfman and Mirajane asking rather pointed questions and making some not so veiled threats, or at least claims to immense power that could be contorted into threats.

Laxus was sure his presence, brooding and annoyed over how slow the dinner was going, hadn't been much help at all.

When Lisanna got broke up with the next week, it was just as well for her siblings, who got to pat her on the head and dry her eyes, as well as Laxus, who was just glad he wouldn't have to sit through another dinner with that guy.

It never occurred to him that, should all the dinners continue going that way, then there would just be an endless string of bringing a guy home for the first time and, damn, he was never not going to hate those.

"In what way is Bickslow the answer to any of that?" Laxus griped to the woman then and Lisanna could only sigh.

"He's not." She glanced over at him then, watching as the seith held the flashlight out, onto a clear wall, for his babies to flutter around, casting spooky shadows in the otherwise dark basement. "But I do really like him. And he really likes me."

"And you're having him sleep in your basement because-"

"He fell behind on his rent and I was trying to be a good girlfriend and give him a place to stay."

"Lisanna." And Laxus hated to have to be the one to explain this to her. Leaning closer, he said softly, "If you've only been dating a guy for a short amount of time and he defaults on his debts, it's a sign you should cut him loose, not stow him away in your basement."

"I have ears, boss," Bickslow complained as he glanced over at the pair of them.

"Yeah? So does my precious demon who is scared to death of coming down here." Laxus remembered that, actually, he had a very good reason to be annoyed by this entire situation and it had nothing to do with protecting poor innocent, previously dead Lisanna's innocence. Because fine, maybe he scared that guy off too. Because no one should just get to date his girlfriend's little sister without proving themselves worthy. "She's terrified that her house is haunted."

"I mean, it is." Bickslow went back to watching his babies gleefully fly through the light. "There's fucking ghosts down here, dude."

Lisanna shrugged some. "It's a basement. Of course there are."

"I," Laxus said simply as he hiked his sleeping bag up higher and took another step away from Lisanna, "Don't have time for this. For any of this. This...Strauss nonsense. You're all insane. In fact, I think your brother might be the sanest one among you, which is actually killing me to say, you have no idea."

"Laxus, don't tell Mira," Lisanna pleaded with his back now as he headed up the stairs with a shake of his head. "Please?"

He didn't answer her.

But he also didn't go to her sister's room to break the news either.

Instead, he went to stretch out on the couch and just...process all of the information he'd just learned.

He and Bickslow would be having a huge talk about all of this.

Well, he would have a huge, one-sided yelling match at the nitwit and send his ass back out on jobs and to not neglect his duties for some woman.

Even if that woman was a Strauss.

Because he definitely understood the motivation.

That morning, he awoke to the sound of someone milling around in the kitchen, humming, and this time, it was without a doubt his demon.

Laxus was still rubbing the sleep out of his eyes when he found her in there, doing more than she usually would to get ready in the morning as she seemed to making him breakfast. Laxus recognized the signature, over-sized omelet she loved to serve him anywhere. In the corner of the kitchen, Lisanna was there as well. She was hunched over the coffee maker, clearly tense and nervous. For all the times that he'd spent the night at the Strauss house, Laxus had never known her to be an early riser without provocation, but he imagined there wasn't much for sleeping when you were dreading what was to come.

"Morning, dragon," Mirajane called all the same, hardly glancing over her shoulder at him. "Sleep well?"

And Lisanna stood upright then, turning to watch them, a stricken look on her face. She'd been glad, no doubt, to find Laxus snoozing on the couch that early morning, but now would be just as good a chance for him to ruin everything for her, she knew, and it was with a held breath that she watched the man come to wrap his arms tightly around his girlfriend, hugging her from behind.

"No," he remarked simply, nuzzling his head into her neck as the woman giggled. "There's ghosts in the basement."

"See!" Mira giggled as she folded the egg mixture in the pan. "I told you."

"Yeah." Laxus eyes though where on Lisanna, who he'd have to talk with as well as. Make her realize that she had to tell her sister and brother, eventually. Him keeping her secret, for now, hinged on the fact that very soon there would be nothing to keep. "Shouldda listened to you."

Lisanna bowed her head, in his direction, smiling and clearly pleased, but Laxus only went back to snuggling his demon, watching his food cook from over her shoulder.

"I bet though," Laxus told his girlfriend, "that within the next, oh, few weeks? Days? I can get someone down to the basement to exorcise any ghosts. Free you of them. If you want."

This statement caused Lisanna's joy to immediately flee, but Laxus ignored her as Mira only hummed, mulling over this idea a bit, before shaking both her head and herself free of him.

"No."

"No?" Laxus complained, watching as she moved to transfer his omelet to a waiting plate on the counter top. "What do you mean? Why not?"

"All basements have ghosts, Laxus," she told him simply. "And all ghosts have basements."

"You're not making any sense."

"I," she said as, finished with his breakfast preparations, she turned to head out of the room and no doubt get ready for the day, "own this house, so I get to decide what ghosts linger and which don't."

"Yeah, well," he complained to her back as she left the room, "this dragon lives in an apartment. So where do my ghosts linger, huh? Demon?"

He got no reply and that was fine as he only sent to slouch over at a kitchen table chair, stabbing at his food with a heavy frown.

Lisanna, seizing the moment, rushed to go to a seat across from him.

"So," she began, "you're not gonna tell Mira about-"

"Look, kid." He hardly glanced up at her. "Your boyfriend isn't going to stay in the basement, being a bum forever. I'm making sure of it. Starting today. And you need to grow some backbone about all this. Understand?"

Scoffing, she remarked simply, "Mira said that the ghosts can stay."

"Mira says a lot of things." He tossed up a free hand. "And I go along with them because I love her."

And Lisanna forgot about her own troubles for a moment, just to giggle at the usually stoic man's expense.

"You what her? Laxus?" she asked with a glint in her eyes.

"I," he assured the woman's younger sister, "love her."

"Awe."

"And if that means enabling some of her less pleasant qualities, fine." He looked at Lisanna fully then. "But no one makes my demon look stupid. And stowing away your boyfriend in the house that she owns isn't going to cut it. Understand?"

Lisanna slumped then herself, sighing as she remarked, "I just… I just want something that's mine. Not Mira and Elfman's. And I know that you think that Bickslow's a big joke and that he's your...lackey or something-"

"Bodyguard."

"You're not that famous, Laxus." Lisanna had never rightly felt the fear others did around the man. Even before her sister charmed him. "No one gives enough of a shit about you for you to need one of those."

"Hey-"

"I like him." Lisanna shook her head then. "I don't know why. But I do know that it'll all get ruined, if everyone finds out. You just don't understand."

Staring at her for a long moment, Laxus replied, "You think that I didn't feel the same way? About your sister? You chumps up at the bar ruin everything. Constantly. And yeah, they'll probably ruin you and Bickslow too. But me and your sister made it through. If you're meant to be together, you're meant to be together. And look at it this way, after you tell them, yeah, for a day or two, maybe a week, it'll be an item of interest, but then something new will blow through the hall. It always does. And if you're thinking about getting serious with Bickslow-"

"Serious?"

"Like...looking at him as marriage material and-"

And she laughed. Loudly. Genuinely. As Laxus only stared blankly, Lisanna simply shook her head.

"I'm only twenty-one, Laxus." She frowned at him. "I'm not thinking about marrying anyone I date. Ever. Gross. Ew, are you gonna marry my sister?"

"Lisanna-"

"Are you thinking about it? Does she know?"

"Knock it off."

"Big brother Laxus?"

"I'm gonna go tell her about Bickslow."

"She must be something special," Lisanna kept up, even still, as she leaned over the table just to poke the man's cheek, grinning cheekily herself. "My sister. For you to be thinking so heavily about that and all."

"She is." Laxus grabbed her finger then, tightly, as he looked the younger woman dead in the eyes. "To me. "And I won't see her taken advantage of. Do you understand me?"

Jerking her finger back, Lisanna nodded slightly as she sat back in her own seat. Softly though, she said, "Thank you. Laxus."

"Yeah." He went back to his food with a bit of a grunt. "Don't mention it."

[watcher-ofthe-sky]

Learn to Bloom

Summary:  “But I am breaking my promise to myself.” Mirajane came to sit beside her while Cana turned and nudged in closer and asked, “Why do you think that it’s a bad thing?” Erza sighed, folding her arms on the table and lay down her head on them. “Because bad things happen when I am in love.” In which Erza had fallen in love with Kagura but it will take her time to let herself bloom into that love. Written it last year for the prompt “I promised not to fall in love and that I wouldn’t drink too much,” for the event I Take Pride In What I Am by @ft-wwtdp​ Pairing: Kagura x Erza. Background Cana x Mirajane. Mentioned Erza x Jellal. Brotp of Cana & Erza & Mira.

**** [A/N]: This is what we call being fashionably late. I don’t have any defense for myself but I am just happy that I finally completed this. Hope you’ll enjoy it!

Erza tipped her head back and gulped down the rest of her drink. It was harvest time and Fairy Tail had held the annual Fantasia Parade. Other guilds across Fiore had also come to witness the fabulous event and were now joined in the after-party. But right now, Erza’s eyes slowly darted away to the woman sitting at the end of the guildhall who was more fabulous than anything.

Kagura was sitting with Minerva at one of the tables. She was laughing softly at something the other lady had said, her fingers finding their way in her hair to put away the strands once in a while. Erza inhaled deeply at the sight; her stomach doing weird things along with her heart beating hastily.

She looked down at her empty tumbler and ordered another serving. Her vision has started to haze but she was still clear enough to be herself. She chuckled at the memory of once drinking together with Kagura at Lamia Scale party. Lyon and Gray had been bumped hard in the head by both the swordswoman when they started brawling, which further resulted in both of them blacking out for a few moments. Natsu made Erza swore to never drink together with her girlfriend in their presence anymore.

Lisanna offered the group some drinks when Yukino and Lucy joined Minerva and Kagura. The Mermaid Heel mage sheepishly grinned and then declined it. Erza didn’t fail to notice the stretch of those soft pink lips; the way her cheeks slightly blushed. She gulped as her mouth felt dry; she knew she was in deep trouble.

“I don’t think that it’s the drinks at which you are making eyes,” a voice said from her side.

Erza whirled to see Cana sitting on the stool beside her. She grinned before saying, “Though looking at this,” she gestured to the empty containers before Erza, which made the Requip mage chuckle, “That can be a possibility.”

“I am still holding well, though.” Titania winked. “Thanks to those late-night drinking sessions with you when we were teens.”

“Got to say, you’re making me proud, girl. Although, I am enjoying this only as long as you can actually hold up; the aftermath of your limit is something only three people in this world that can possibly handle,” Cana said, fully knowing the infamous aggression of her, thanks to Gray.

Erza laughed at this while Cana asked Kinana for a drink.

“Make it two,” she told the Card Mage.

“Are you sure?”

“Definitely. I can still hold up.”

The two girls tried on different drinks one by one, blurring out the loudness around them. Erza’s eyes caught Kagura’s once in a while and she turned red when her girlfriend blew her kiss at an instance.

When they ordered another serving, it was Mirajane who came with it. Handing them their order, she turned to the scarlet mage with amusement, “Are we drinking our sorrows away or do we have an occasion?”

Erza only cocked back her head in return as she swigged down the contents and thumped down the mug. The two girls watched her in delight as it was a rare occurrence to see the Requip mage loosening up like this.

“Caaanaaa,” Erza rolled out loud as she thudded her head on the bar counter. Mira smirked as she recognised the laced aggression beginning to bubble up.

“Yeah, honey?” Cana replied as she played with Mira’s hair.

“I promised not to fall in love and that I wouldn’t drink too much,” she replied, her voice slurry due to alcohol.

“Aren't you saying my once life motto,” Cana said.

“Well, at least you're holding one end of the deal,” Mira said dismissively, even though she had a suspicion of the truth.

“Nooo, you're wrong, Mira.”

“Is this having to do something with you making eyes at Kagura?” Cana asked, innocently.

“Yes!” Erza nodded vehemently.

“Well, then what it is, hon?” Mirajane asked.

“Have you seen Kagura? Have you seen her? Have you seen the way her eyes sparkle when she talks about something she likes? The way she smells of Jasmine and spring and everything fresh and blooming? The way she is strong and bold yet soft and gentle in a gorgeous way?”

xxx

Mirajane put a spoonful of strawberry cake in Erza's mouth as Cana left a trail of kisses on the transform mage’s cheek.

Erza swallowed before saying, “And her hair...”

“Silky black and beautiful?” Cana offered monotonously.

“Exactly! How did you know?” she enthused.

“Maybe because you've said it seven times in the past half an hour,” Mira said as she buried herself in Cana's neck.

“You've fallen for her pretty hard, I guess,” Cana said.

The scarlet mage inhaled deeply, prepping herself for what she was going to say next. “I am in love with Kagura.”

Even though both the other girls had playful mischief on their faces all this while, they gave her now a warm soft smile.

“That's great, Erza. She is a wonderful person who will keep you happy.”

“But I am breaking my promise to myself.”

Mirajane came to sit beside her while Cana turned and nudged in closer and asked, “Why do you think that it’s a bad thing?”

Erza sighed, folding her arms on the table and lay down her head on them. “Because bad things happen when I am in love.”

“What do you mean, lovely?” Mira asked as she slowly combed Erza’s hair.

“Jellal,” the scarlet mage mumbled. “We all know how that went down the hill. I…I am not blaming him but I was tired of it: the waiting and then getting nothing in return. All this time…it felt like all this time I was waiting for something that maybe never existed in the first place.”

“But I thought Jellal did love you,” Cana said, frowning.

“He did. And that’s the worst part. We were both pretty fucked up to be in a relationship; would have only been each other’s anchors. Even though I know all this, it doesn’t mean that it didn’t hurt,” Erza whispered, melancholy heavy in her voice.

“Oh Erza, are you afraid of getting hurt again?” Mirajane asked softly.

The Requip mage only nodded in return but after a moment a bitter chuckle escaped her lips. “It’s not the first time I am feeling like this. So much for being the great strong Titania.”

“Honey, it isn’t a weakness to feel like this. It is okay to not be okay; to be afraid of breaking down. It’s fine,” Cana said, wrapping an arm around Erza. “But you deserve happiness. I know it’s so hard to trust again but don’t let your past experiences ruin your future chances.”

Erza pulled herself up and ran a hand over her face. “I know. I know that she isn’t him. Maybe this isn’t even about him. I am not in love with him anymore but I do still love him, and I want him to be happy too. And then there are these moments when I look at Kagura,” at the mention, she looked up to see the woman sitting across the room who was still smiling gracefully; “I look at her and I think: this girl. I want to make this girl the happiest person. I want to wake up next to her every day, tell her how beautiful she is, tell her how lucky I am to be with her. And when I am thinking that, I forget what it will be like to get hurt. All I feel is maybe…maybe it will be worth it. She is worth it.”

Both the other girls put an arm around Erza, pulling her in a hug.

“She makes you happy, doesn’t she?” Mirajane asked.

“So much,” Erza whispered.

“Then don’t be afraid to open your heart to her,” Cana began. “You said it yourself, she is worth it. I know that the thing with Jellal wasn’t the best, you deserved better—”

“He did too,” Erza cut off.

“Of course, but it isn’t about him. Erza, for once please think for yourself. Life fucked up and shitted on both of you. I know you still care for him, but you have to remember that he does too. He will want you to be happy. And if it’s Kagura who can do that, then he will want you to go for it. Hell, you should want yourself to go for it,” Cana said.

Erza thought to herself about the times Kagura had smiled at her and she wanted to burst out and spill all the love flowing inside of her. Kagura was bright and soft like spring. A gentle wind that made Erza want to bloom out her way out the winter.

It will always hurt, she thought. A part of her will always tether to Jellal and to the love that never got the chance to see the light. Sometimes she will look at him and there would be nothing but pain coiling her body. She will want to get angry at life and will want to tear the realms of time so that she could snatch away the past.

But he will look at her with forgiveness and she will want to cry. They would spend a lifetime stitching each other’s wounds.

Erza was tired of sewing a sky that would always fall and would be pulled apart at the seams.

It had taken both of them years to stand themselves up and admit that maybe this landscape wasn’t for them. That maybe better skies are waiting for them to look at. That maybe there can be a love out there for them that didn’t come with all this weight on their shoulders.

Kagura became that gentle breeze that made her want to blossom.  

And Erza felt lighter.

She did not know that she was capable of falling in love again; that her heart can open itself for someone else too.

Kagura made Erza happy and she wanted to do the same for her.

“I love her,” she whispered, more to herself than anyone else.

Cana’s eyes softened and Mirajane left a kiss on her hair as she buried herself in her arms and rested her head on the table. She did not know how many minutes had passed since she stayed like that.

“Ready to go?”

“Kagura, hi!” The Card Mage exclaimed. “I think your girlfriend has fallen asleep,” she said as she poked Erza’s cheek.

“Is it so?” the sword mage laughed. “Guess, I’ll carry her to her room then.”

“I’ll help you with that. I have to pick a few things from my room,” Cana said, standing up from the stool and hooking an arm around the other side of Erza.

“I’ll see you at home tonight,” Mirajane nodded as Cana left a quick kiss on her cheek.

xxx

Kagura finally tucked her girlfriend on the bed and was ready to leave when Erza caught her wrist. She was still sleeping but managed to mumble, “No, stay,” and pulled her on top of her.

They both lay there, Kagura adjusting herself on her side and Erza burying her face in her neck and throwing an arm around her waist to pull her close. This only made the other mage smile fondly as she carded the pretty scarlet locks of her.

“Iwuvyoo,” Erza murmured.

“What did you say, love?” Kagura chuckled. “You know I can’t hear you like this. And your breath tickles.”

“Mmmm,” Erza said but it came out more like a whine. Soon, she felt asleep contently in the arms of her girlfriend. Feeling warm and safe and happy.

xxx

It was two days after the incident that she blurted out the words again one afternoon in the backyard. They were polishing their swords and Kagura talked something about trying the leaf blade sword once and how exhilarated she left when it sliced perfectly through the air like the katana and had the perfect thrust of The European sword.

Erza wasn’t focussing on the words rather the way Kagura’s eyes were practically glittering; how her skin seem golden under the bright light. Gods, she felt so full as her heart pounded loudly. “I love you,” she blurted.

It took both of them a few moments to process what had happened.

As the silence stretched a bit too long, Erza started getting worried. Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god, did I just ruin everything with her? Wasn’t I the one who said to take it slow? What if now she feels compelled to say the same? Fuck.

“You don’t have to say it bac—”

“I love you too.”

Wait, what?

She looked above and a bright red colour adorning Kagura’s cheeks. If Erza wasn’t such a huge mess right now, she would have commented how cute she looked.

Kagura scooted closer and took her hands in hers. Erza could smell spring on her.

“I love you. I have been for…a while now. I was afraid that I’ll scare you and will lose you because you wanted to take things slow. I am ready to do that now too and nothing has to change, I swear. It’s just…gods, I feel so silly. I love you and you love me back…I am sorry, it just feels like a dream,” Kagura laughed in embarrassment and pulled out her hands to run them across her face.

Erza wanted to cry. She doesn’t know why exactly but she did want to. This girl in front of her was ready to mellow and shove down her feelings just because of her. For her.

She held Kagura’s face in her palms and titled it up so she could meet her gaze. They were warm and bright in the afternoon light and Erza felt that she was holding the sun in her hands.

She closed the distance between as she gently pressed their lips together. The tenderness of Kagura’s thumb padding over her cheek and the other hand threading her hair made Erza so weak and so strong and so full of love.

She wanted to grow in this love until their bones will grow old.

She wanted to burst open and bloom.

xxx @femslashfairies [A/N]: Eh, in case you haven’t noticed, I love these two. They need more love. It’s spring so this theme was inevitable. Also, I am going to write a fic where I want to focus why jerza cannot work out in canon. So, stay tuned if you want to go down that road. Reviews are highly appreciated on this one. ^^

[mdelpin]

edit by @mdelpin

I Take Pride In What I Am 2019  Prompt: “I’m not tryna fall in love, I just wanna get fucked up” Pairing(s): CanaxMirajane, NatsuxGray, SilverxGildarts

"Maybe if you didn't drink so much, shit like this wouldn't happen!" Silver snapped at Cana as he fretted over her. She looked like she'd been in a fight, parts of her clothing torn, several of her fingernails were broken, and a bruise was deepening on her left eye.

"Dad!" Gray yelled, "That's enough! You know she was the victim here!" He knew his dad didn't mean to scream. Silver he was just scared for her, and with Gildarts out of town, he felt responsible. Gray was scared too.

Cana’s eyes were wild, looking around Silver and towards the front door of the house. Silver caught the direction of her gaze and moved to block her.

"Don't even think of going out again, young lady!"

"You're not my father, you're Gray's father, and I don't even know what my father sees in you. I hate you!" Cana's words were slurred, but they impacted Silver just as much as if every syllable had been enunciated perfectly.

She locked herself in her room, turning the music on as loud as she dared so that they couldn't hear her sobs. They had only been living together as a family for a few months, but this was the first time her father had left her alone with Gray and his dad.

She was still shaken from what had happened and to make things worse she knew Silver was right. She did drink too much, made stupid decisions like the one that had gotten her in trouble that very night. It had been nothing out of the ordinary, she'd met a guy, and they'd hit it off, but she hadn't expected him to try anything. He'd seemed nice, and she'd let her defenses down and when he'd offered to give her a ride home she'd accepted.

When they got to the house he wouldn't let her get out of the car, and then he started kissing her, and that part had been okay but when he tried to do more she started to fight back, and that's when everything turned ugly, even though it was still a bit hazy. Cana didn't remember how she had gotten the shiner, and she knew she'd been lucky that Silver had come home and figured out what was happening.

She shouldn’t have said those things to him, he beat the crap out of that guy for trying to take advantage of her. They weren’t even true, she loved him, and she knew exactly what her dad saw in him, it was all the things she had seen in Gray in high school, but as a friend.

Now Silver would call her dad and tell him everything, or even worse what if he left her dad cause he couldn't deal with her? Oh, god, no! It had taken her dad all this time to find someone he liked after her mother died. She couldn't be responsible for ruining that for him. Her anxiety started to kick in, and she couldn't breathe.

I fuck everything up, that’s all I ever do! Damn it, I need a drink!

She changed her clothes and cleaned herself up a bit before opening the window in her room and climbing out. There was a bar not too far from their house, she could be there in ten minutes.

Xxx

Cana entered the bar and was disappointed to see a different bartender. This one had pink hair, and he was looking at her with concern, probably trying to figure out whether he should serve her or not, she thought.

Before he had a chance to say anything, she ordered her usual drink, and after deliberating for a few seconds, he went and mixed it.

“Here you go,” The bartender handed her the drink, “You want a steak or something?”

"What?" Cana arched an eyebrow finding the comment somewhat random, and confused to find that small gesture hurt.

“For your eye, it’s swelling up,” He replied, “There might be some frozen vegetables out back.”

“Oh, no, that’s okay handsome, I’m good. Just keep these coming.”

He looked at her unsurely but extended out his hand, “I’m Natsu, I just started today. Do you come here often?”

“Not if I can help it, this place is a dump,” Cana snorted, “But it’s home. I’m Cana by the way.”

Natsu nodded at her, he seemed friendly but not too familiar.

“Hey is that girl working today?” Cana suddenly asked, “What’s her name…. Mary Jane?”

Natsu thought about it for a moment as he wiped down the bar, "I'm terrible with names, what does she look like?"

“Silver hair, gorgeous blue eyes, a voice to die for,” Cana drawled, her tone flippant.

"Gorgeous blue eyes?" Natsu rolled his eyes at her and grinned, and Cana found herself liking him more and more.

“Well I mean, yours aren’t bad either, but you’re not my type,” Cana winked at him smiling in relief when he just chuckled at her comment.

"I think I know who you mean," Natsu replied to her earlier question, "I'm not sure what her name is, but she's supposed to start at my break, which is in about thirty minutes. I gotta go check on some other customers, holler if you need anything."

Cana gave him a small wave and wondered briefly if he were gay, he was hot and friendly, and she thought Gray might like him. Maybe she'd get around to asking him after she'd had a few more drinks.

She grabbed her phone out of her purse to see if she had any messages. She had a few missed calls from Gray and a text from Silver, who was freaking out about not finding her in her room and begging her to reply.

She put her phone back in her purse, chasing her guilt away with her drink. For all her earlier worries, she didn't want to think about it now. She was away from it and looking forward to seeing the hot bartender.

Cana had always found girls pretty or interesting, but she'd never been taken enough with one to want more than friendship. The only girl she'd ever kissed was some random girl whose name she'd forgotten. It had been at a high school party during a game of Spin the Bottle. Truth be told, she couldn't even remember if she'd liked it or not, and of course, there had been alcohol involved.

Actually, this bartender was the reason for a lot of her current troubles. As much as she lived surrounded by gay men, Cana was having difficulty accepting that she found girls more attractive than guys.

She knew she was ridiculous. Obviously, no one in her life would fault her for it, but it went against everything she'd always expected of herself, and Cana was nothing if not stubborn. So she'd been forcing herself into situations with guys, and of course, that's precisely what had led her to her current predicament.

When she was sober, she couldn't handle the thoughts about her burgeoning interest in girls, when she was drunk; however, it was another matter entirely. Of course, she had no idea whether the bartender was even interested in her, but Cana figured there was nothing wrong with some harmless flirting and she had some time to get ready. She finished her drink and called Natsu for another.

Cana closed her eyes as she waited, trying to calm herself down before she could chicken out. Although the girl was friendly enough, Cana had never been brave enough to let her attraction be known.

Natsu brought her drink and once again asked if she wanted something for her eye. He looked concerned, and it made her wonder how bad it actually looked. She fumbled for her compact in her blue fuzzy purse as Natsu waited with a knowing look on his face.

She viewed herself in the reflective surface and flinched, she looked terrible. No wonder Silver had been flipping out. She quickly moved away from that thought, still refusing to deal with what had happened.

“Oh my God, I look like shit!” Cana muttered, she started to think that maybe she should go home after all. But the alcohol was already mixing with what she’d drunk earlier refusing to allow logic to enter the situation.

“Sure, frozen veggies and I should be good as new!” She chirped in what she thought was a quiet voice.

Natsu was gone for a long time, and when he finally returned with a bag of frozen vegetables, he'd magically turned into the girl of Cana's dreams. She held out the bag for Cana, wincing in sympathy as she caught a glimpse of her eye.

“Natsu told me you were asking about me,” The girl smiled and all Cana could do was peer at her from behind the bag of frozen produce.”

"I'm Mirajane, but everyone calls me Mira. I know we've chatted before, but I don't think we've ever officially met."

Cana stared at her, all words escaping her as she lost herself in the deep blue eyes that were looking at her with open curiosity.

"Uh, I'm Cana," Thankfully, her brain decided to enter the conversation, although a bit late.

Mira held her hand out to shake, and Cana grabbed it awkwardly, having to keep her other hand pressed against the veggies.

“So, Natsu was concerned, is everything alright?” Mira pointed at her face, “Should we call someone for you?”

“You mean you don’t think this looks cool?” Cana grinned, excited by being in Mira’s presence.

“Well, it’s just the other eye was so perfect, I didn’t see the need to ruin it,” Mira winked at her as she pulled out some lemons and limes and began to slice them.

Cana's cheeks were burning at the unexpected compliment, and she hoped that it wasn't enough to melt the veggies because the ice did feel pleasant on her bruised eye. She could hear Mira giggling at her and because she couldn't think of anything else to say she blurted out, "Hey, do you know if that new bartender is gay?"

Mira seemed put off by the question, “I don’t know, but it’s really not something to be gossiping about.”

"Oh, no! That's, oh god, you must think I'm terrible." Cana admitted, "I..he's cute and nice, and I thought he might hit it off with my stepbrother."

Mira seemed to relax a little at her reply, "Oh, I have siblings too, I get what you mean. You want them to be with someone nice, but all they seem to find are jerks."

Cana nodded, excited that she hadn’t screwed up irrevocably, “Yes, exactly! He’s getting over a bad breakup.”

“Aren’t we all, “ Mira laughed as she handed her another drink, “You should keep that on for another ten minutes or so, I’ll be back to check up on you.”

Cana stared after Mira, enraptured by the sound of her laughter. Yep, she was in trouble. Cana’s brain betrayed her, all thoughts erased but for what it would feel like to kiss Mira or even just hold her hand.

She finished her drink quickly, trying to get to that state where she was free from thinking at all, but she was losing. The whole day was catching up to her, and the soothing coolness of the frozen vegetables pressed against her face was making her feel slightly sleepy.

Cana heard an incessant beeping and shook her head, trying to figure out where it was coming from. After looking around the bar blankly, she finally thought to check her phone. In the time since she had last checked, it had exploded. There were messages from Gray, Silver, her father, and about four of her friends all desperately trying to find her, but it was Silver's message that broke her heart.

I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to yell at you, I was just scared. If you come home, I promise you I will pack my bags this second. But please, please come back. I need to know you're safe.

Leave? You can't leave! We need you! She put the phone on top of the bar as panic began to set in, but it was no match for the alcohol filled haze she had put herself in. She felt her body start to slump onto the bar, her hands instinctively cradling her head as she let herself rest.

“Is she passed out?” Natsu hovered over the girl he’d been talking to earlier in the night even as he looked to Mira to figure out what to do, “Does this type of thing happen often?”

“No, she’s a regular, I’ve never seen her like this before. Something must have happened, can you carry her to the break room? We can’t leave her out here like this.” Mira asked and before she was finished speaking Natsu had already vaulted over the bar and had Cana in his arms.

She noticed Cana's phone on the bar and grabbed it when she saw it was unlocked. She felt terrible looking through the girl's phone, but she needed to call someone for her. She followed Natsu into the break room already calling the person on the last text.

“Hi, is this uhm Silver?”

Xxx

“Gray, we gotta go,” Silver said the moment he hung up his phone, “I know where your sister is, come on.”

They got into the car, both men still concerned even though the bartender had told Silver that Cana was fine and had just fallen asleep. Gray got out of the car as his father tried to find a parking space while calling Gildarts to let him know Cana had been located.

He quickly entered the bar, coming face to face with one of the bartenders. He lost focus for a second as he was faced with one of the most attractive men he’d ever seen, who just happened to be staring at him with a confused face.

“Uhm, it pains me to say this, but we have a strict No Shirt, No Service policy here,” The bartender said even as his eyes refused to move from Gray’s chest.

"Damn it!" Gray looked down at himself not surprised to see that in his stress he'd managed to shed his shirt. It was an annoying habit, but if the look he was getting from the bartender was anything to go by, one he couldn't be too upset about at the moment.

He looked around for his shirt and found it by the door. By the time he had put the shirt back on, the bartender had a beer waiting for him.

“What’s this for?”

“Well, I felt like I owed you something… I mean I got a show so…” He grinned and handed the beer over, “I’m Natsu by the way.”

Gray found himself really liking that smile.

“Thanks! I’m Gray,” He shook the man’s hand and found himself noticing how well his green eyes complimented his pink hair.

“It’s been a rather exciting first day for me, one customer fell asleep and now an attractive man stripped in my bar,” Natsu commented.

Gray knew there was something about that comment that was yelling for his attention. He pondered it for a moment and then grinned internally. Of course! Natsu thought he was attractive. He found himself smiling as he drank his beer.

“Hey Gray, did you find your sister yet?” Silver came in, not paying much attention as he was still talking to Gildarts on the phone, who was now demanding to speak to his daughter.

“Huh?”

“Sister, asleep, bar… any of this ringing a bell?” Silver rolled his eyes at his son, immediately realizing he had somehow managed to lose him to a rather attractive young man. Not that he could blame him, there was something about his smile that reminded him of Gildarts a little, and he was well aware of how easy it was to get lost in that smile.

“Oh, you must be Silver,” Natsu greeted him enthusiastically, “Follow me, your daughter is with my coworker.”

Natsu led both men to the break room where Cana was asleep on a small sofa with Mira watching over her. He returned to the bar, not being able to leave it unattended for long.

“Is she okay?” Silver asked not able to see if Cana had acquired any new injuries since she had left the house. He winced when he saw how bad her eye looked.

"She's just asleep, she was a bit restless, but she seems to have calmed down now," Mira smiled at Silver.

“Darts, I’m gonna have to call you back,” Silver tilted his head as he watched Mira do something in Cana’s phone before putting it into her purse. “She’s fine, she’s right in front of me.”

He listened for a second before replying, “Fine, fine.” He hung up, taking a quick picture and sending it to his worried partner before putting his phone in his pocket.

“Thank you so much for calling me, we were so worried,” Silver gushed, arms already aching to pick Cana up and take her home.

"She comes here a lot, so I wanted to make sure she was okay," Mira smiled sweetly watching as Silver grabbed his car keys and tossed them to the younger man before picking Cana up. They all beamed as Cana snuggled up to him without waking up.

"Let's go home," Silver told the boy, and they shared a look that intrigued Mira as if it was something new to them.

She followed them out of the break room and watched them leave, noticing that Cana's brother made a point of saying goodbye to Natsu.

She took her place behind the bar, and Natsu immediately asked her, "Is it always like this?"

“Nah, it’s usually quite dull.”

“I’m kind of bummed, I never got a chance to ask for his number.”

"I don't know, maybe I'll put in a good word for you," Mira grinned at him mischievously and when he gave her a puzzled look she giggled, "I may have added myself to her Contacts list."

A/N: Ok I know I said drabbles and I am somewhat aware of what this means and that this is in no shape or form one. I try, it’s just, words happen. I hope you still like it!

[i-write-fanfics-to-procrastinate]

Dark City Hero AU--Gajevy Pt. 1

So, maybe it’s Gajevy Week but I’m in a Gajevy mood, so here’s a little Gajevy—a sequel to the super fun “Dark City Hero” fic I wrote for Gruvia which you can read: HERE.

           It was dark—maybe two or three in the morning, but, as they always said, the city never sleeps. And two or three in the morning was exactly the time that Gajeel Redfox was used to being out and about. Maybe it was his past, a piece of him that followed him through academy, to graduation and the work that followed. Every other bit of who he used to be seemed to be left behind—but the witching hour? He worked best after the sun went down.

           Beyond the alleyway, where he leaned against a brick wall taking in the dirty air of the old city, he could see the lights of cars as they roared by on the main thoroughfare. He could hear sirens in the distance—when didn’t you hear sirens in this city? But above even the honking of the horns, the loud hum of people talking just on the other side of the buildings, and the fans from the run-down restaurant behind him, Gajeel could hear footsteps.

           He glanced back around towards the other end of the alley where he could see a lone figure slip around the corner through the smoke from the vents. He could see their shape, the way they moved, slowly making their way towards him. They weren’t in a hurry.

           “There you are,” the old man dropped a cigarette and stepped on it, and then shoved his hands in his pockets and leaned against the wall opposite Gajeel. “And you’re the one who wanted to meet me. How come we have to meet in the backs of dark alleys, Iron-Teeth, huh?”

           “You and I both know,” Gajeel narrowed his eyes, “That’s not my name.”

           “Oh, right��� right… sorry. What was it again? Detective Redfox?”

           Gajeel glanced back down the end of the dark alleyway, as if expecting someone to be listening. “Iron-Teeth is fine.” He snapped.

           “That’s what I thought. Now listen, kid, what the hell did you get me out of bed for? It’s like…” He paused, glancing down at some imaginary watch, “3am.”

           “Says the guy who sells drugs for a living,” Gajeel rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. The old man tensed, and narrowed his eyes. Gajeel could see the blue glint in the flickering of a dim street light.

           “Is that a threat?”

           “It’s a fact,” Gajeel replied. After a moment of silence the old man shrugged, lighting another cigarette.

           “Man’s gotta feed his grandkids somehow.”

           “We both know you never had kids,” Gajeel rolled his eyes again.

           “Hmf… You on the other hand…”

           The comment immediately made Gajeel stand up straight and grit his teeth. “What the fuck do you know about that?”

           “Shit, Iron-Teeth, it’s like you think you’re the only one who’s got eyes and ears out on the street. Everyone knows about that lady cop, what’s-her-name. Everyone and their brother knows you’ve been screwing her. What comes next in that god-awful nursery rhyme?” In flash Gajeel had the bastard pinned against the wall. The smell of cigarette smoke choked the air, the sound of the passing cars blocked out the man’s shout of surprise.

           “What you know, is nothing,” Gajeel spat, “You tell everyone and his brother that, you understand?”

           “Hell, I don’t know why you’re so fucking surprised,” The dirtbag’s teeth clenched down on his cigarette, “The moment you started walking the straight-and-narrow you put a target on your back. And what happened, you think, when you started going to the academy? Hell, Gajeel, you know there’s going to be people after you, after your family—especially people left over from Phantom Lord. You betrayed them. Honestly, I can’t believe you got involved with that woman, knowing all of that.” The old man let out a croaking laugh, “Don’t tell me you never even thought about it! Do you know how much danger you’ve put her in? Some of your old pals, they’re looking into her name. By this time tomorrow, she’s gonna have a target on her back too.” Gajeel took a step back, glancing up at the clouds that lingered over the city as it began to rain.

           The drug-dealer’s right. Sometimes they were. I’ve put Levy in danger.

***

           “Gajeel! What are you doing here so late?” Mirajane was at her desk, logging out of her computer. Lord, does that woman ask that every time someone comes in here?

           “Work,” Gajeel snapped, before throwing open the old, metal double doors and entering their office space. There was hardly anyone there. It was almost 4am. He could hear rain pattering against the old, thin windows. And, much to his pained surprise—sitting at her desk at the edge of the room, reading a thick volume, was Levy McGarden. She looked tired. One hand was flipping the pages of the book, the other was tangled in her own hair, as if she were trying to keep her head from falling over in exhaustion.

           “What in the world are you doing here?” Gajeel frowned, taking a hesitant step towards her desk. What that old bastard had said to him, only an hour or two before, kept playing over and over in his head. I’ve put a target on her back. Levy looked up. Her blue eyes brightened when she saw him.

           “Gajeel! I knew you were out on patrol or something. I was waiting up for you. Told Gray to go home—he had the evening shift you know.” She looks so happy. So many times, when they were alone, he had swooped down and stolen a kiss from those smiling lips, maybe hoping to get more than a kiss. She would always laugh, before pulling him into another. When he had been on the streets with Phantom Lord, he had never in his life imagined that he would meet someone as wonderful as Levy, never imagined that he could call someone so good his own. And yet, the passing glances, the lingering touches, the way he had to tear the book out of her grasp at night so she would finally fall asleep against his chest, snoring softly.

           The way… the way she told him he was going to be a father.

           “Are you alright?” He was broken out of his thoughts by the touch of her hand.

           “Fine,” he shrugged. “I think I just need some fresh air.” He yanked open his desk drawer, pulling out a little snow globe and pocketed it before he waved. “Try and get some sleep, okay?”

           “Okay!” Levy smiled, picking up her book again.

           Outside the rain was beginning to really come down. Gajeel stood under a flickering streetlight, flicking his jacket collar up around his neck. And he pulled out the snow globe, holding it out into the light with one hand. Fat white flakes drifted down on one of the most famous buildings in the city: Kardia Cathedral. Levy had given him this stupid trinket when he had first graduated from the academy. “So you’ll remember—this is your home now.” Now, looking at it he felt sick. I can’t make this place my home. They’ll kill her. Then again, he couldn’t leave. He had been doing some undercover work for Makarov—If he left now it would be dishonorable. He wouldn’t have completed his duty to the force. And then there was Levy, and his unborn child. His fingers clenched around the base of the snow globe. What would she think if I left? She would be confused, angry… heartbroken, he imagined. Though it seemed so strange that someone like her had fallen in love with him to begin with.

           Then, with the flickering street light casting strange shadows on the little Cathedral in Gajeel’s hand, he remembered something. “Shit, Iron-Teeth, it’s like you think you’re the only one who’s got eyes and ears out on the street. Everyone knows about that lady cop…” Everyone.

           “Raven Tail,” Gajeel whispered, shoving the snow globe back into his pocket. If everyone knew than his cover was blown, and Raven Tail—Ivan that fucking bastard—would be after him. No… Levy! Gajeel spun around to face the guild just as the ground shook and an explosion rattled the buildings behind him. Smoke… smoke… It was too late. Gajeel took off in a dash for HQ—where he knew that sound of the explosion had come from. I realized too late… I realized too late…

[eryiss]

Gambler’s Luck: Chapter Fourteen

Summary: A drunken night at a bar; that’s how it always starts. A few shots, some self loathing and a decision you would never make when sober. But for Laxus Dreyar, the morning after doesn’t include regret, copious amounts of aspirin and a stranger in his bed. For he only made one drunken decision, becoming the personal driver for professional gambler - Freed Justine. [Fraxus Multi-Chap]

You can read it on FanFiction, Archive of Our Own or under the cut. You can also catch up using the chapter list here. Hope you enjoy ^.^

Chapter Fourteen – The Meeting Point

Looking outside, Laxus had to wonder if fate really was directly influencing his life. A heavy rainstorm was battering down on the paved streets of Magnolia, forcing everybody unlucky enough to be outside to hide under thick coats and umbrellas in a weak attempt to keep themselves dry. Moments ago, Laxus and Cana had been part of that group, before they retreated into a roadside café, sat themselves at a window-side table and removed their sodden coats. As Laxus rather forlornly looked out of the window, Cana had walked to the counter and was ordering them both a drink and something to eat.

To say Laxus had a busy day was an understatement. As instructed, Makarov had organised a meeting for him and his mother on the fourth of august, the same day he was going to a masquerade party with Freed. It had seemed like a good idea at the time but, as he sat in the café thirty minutes before his mother was scheduled to arrive, Laxus considers the possibility that his scheduling might have been a mistake.

That's what happens when you're stubborn, he supposed.

Drawing his gaze from the rain-soaked streets, he looked towards Cana. She claimed that she'd only joined him because Mira was busy, and she wanted something to do, but Laxus anticipated she was actually there for moral support. He was thankful for it, but he would only admit that if Cana admitted her reasoning for coming first.

"Here," Cana said, placing two large mugs of coffee, one black while the other filled with cream, on the table. "You owe me six dollars, got you a tuna melt as well."

"Thanks," Laxus nodded, picking up the cream filled coffee. "I'll get it to you later."

"You ain't gonna call me cheap?" Cana looked towards him with a slight amount of confusion, though it was mixed with amusement. "So, either I need to crank up my demands and make you pay for my next haircut 'cause you wouldn't be a gentleman and give me your umbrella which screwed up my hair, or you're actually nervous about this."

Laxus looked up from his steaming coffee with a slight amount of amusement in his eyes, before he smirked. "Wasn't my fault you didn't check to see if it was raining before you left your place."

"And it wasn't my fault you're an asshole," Cana retorted with an equal smirk.

Laxus shrugged, his smirk slowly turning back to a neutral expression as he sipped at his coffee. He supposed that he was nervous, for more reasons than one. Not only was he meeting with his mother for the first time since they'd argued in front of his apartment, which meant there'd defiantly be a lot of tension between them when she eventually arrived, but he'd also been wrestling with his feelings with Freed.

Again.

It was just as taxing, confusing and aggravating as before. And later that day, he was going to a party with the damn guy. Needless to say, the result of his poor scheduling had his mind in a less that clear place.

He looked up absently as a waiter brought two plates from the back room towards them, handing Laxus a tuna melt and Cana a BLT. Cana thanked the server while Laxus picked up his food and took a large bite. He coughed around the mouthful after Cana kicked him under the table, glaring at him. He quickly swallowed his bite and looked towards the waiter.

"Thanks," Laxus muttered, nodding.

After the man claimed it was no problem and walked away, Laxus picked up his meal again and took another bite. As he glanced up, he saw Cana looking at him with inquisitive and almost analysing eyes, which made him sigh to himself. He and Cana, despite what an observer may think after seeing the two of them together, were pretty close friends, so it was understandable that she might be worried about him. But he couldn't help but get somewhat annoyed by the expression, he wasn't a kid who needed his friends looking after him. And anyway, the only person who could pull that expression off in Laxus' opinion was Freed.

He quickly tried to shake his boss out of his mind. He didn't want to think about Freed until the meeting with his mother was over; there was only so many ridiculous issues that he could deal with at one time.

Eventually, Cana must have gotten bored by trying to get a sense of Laxus' emotions. She picked up her over-stacked sandwich and began to eat it, though her eyes continually looked towards Laxus whenever she thought he wouldn't notice. After a few moments, Laxus started to get annoyed by the lack of subtlety, so placed his food down and leant on a fist.

"What?" He grunted, watching as Cana also put her sandwich on its plate.

"Just wondered how you're feeling," Cana didn't seem deterred by the attitude of her companion. Instead, she had a slightly compassionate expression. "Like, I don't know, are you nervous or excited or whatever?"

"Nervous, I guess," Laxus sighed, cupping one hand around his coffee and gently tapping his fingers against the cup. "I feel like it's just gonna end up biting me on the ass, y'know. Like, we'll end up yelling again or something, I don't know. Guess I'm just worried that yelling is all we can ever do with each other, like that's it. That make any sense?"

"Yeah, I get that," Cana grinned. "But try not to go in thinking like that. You don't wanna ruin it by being a pessimistic asshole."

Laxus chuckled a little, picking up his coffee again and taking a large gulp of it. He knew she was right, annoyingly, and that it was very possible that he could sabotage their meeting by assuming that it would end badly. He wasn't entirely to blame for having such a reaction, though. Given his past experiences with his mother, none of which seemed to end well if his memory served him correctly, it was fair that he entered the situation with some reserved pessimism. He didn't voice this, however, and instead started to eat his tuna-melt again.

With a small smile, Cana looked back to her own food. They ate in silence, though it was gentle enough for neither to feel awkward. The soft chatter of the café's other customers helped them, and it gave Laxus the effect that he had wanted. If nothing else, it would be unlikely he and his mother would get into a screaming match, for no other reason than not making a scene.

"You know, a couple months ago, I would have had to force a couple scotch's down your throat to get any emotions out of ya," Cana teased again. "You're growing up. So proud."

"Fuck off," Laxus grinned a little. "And I guess it's because I'm around Freed a lot more. No point in being cagey around someone who knows when you're lying."

Cana chuckled and nodded, though was quietly shocked by the flippancy of Laxus' words. Although she had said it in jest, it was true that, once, Laxus had been reliant on alcohol to take himself into a vulnerable state. The fact he was admitting things that previously would have gone unspoken only months before, and acknowledging the change openly, was a bit of a shock to the brunette. A good one, though.

"Speaking of your boss, you're going to a party with him tonight, right?" She continued, smiling. "Looking forward to it?"

"Yeah, I am actually," Laxus nodded slightly, not realising a small reddening had occurred on his cheeks. "Just glad to be doing something that ain't about my mom, you know. Glad to have a break from it, something that ain't stupidly dramatic."

"I get that," Cana nodded, taking another bite out of her BLT. "Mira helped you out with the suit, right? So even if your night craps out, least you'll be looking good."

The reddening on his cheeks got a little more obvious, although thankfully for a different reason than before; he never had been all that good at taking compliments. Cana laughed at him when she saw the expression, something which he tried not to focus on as it would inevitably lead to further blushing. It was a harsh cycle.

He was just thankful the conversation was drifting away from Freed again, because he knew that Cana would approach that subject with as much subtlety as a hungry dog eating a freshly cooked steak; it wasn't the best simile, but the point remained that she wouldn't exactly be calm if she found out about his potential feelings. In fact, she would be insufferable, and he really wasn't in the right frame of mind to deal with the amount of teasing the occasional-drunkard could give out.

"Guess so. Tell her I'll make it up to her, since it took longer than we thought," Laxus said, taking the last bite out of his sandwich.

"Doubt you need to. She said it was nice having an afternoon with you. Don't see it myself, you're an ass to be around," Cana grinned. "Although, you took her away from me for like half a day, so I think you should make it up to me. Compensation for the lack of girlfriend time."

"Girlfriend time? What are ya, fifteen?" Laxus resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "You see each other all the time anyway, what's one afternoon?"

Glancing up again, Cana had the smallest of smiles on her face. She knew that Laxus had intended to tease her – and admittedly, the two of them did spend a lot of time with each other – but it didn't land as intended. It simply reminded her that she wanted to spend every afternoon with Mirajane. Which in turn made her question why she was hanging out with the asshole, but she wasn't so mean that she would leave the poor, emotional mess of a blonde on his own when he was dealing with his infinitely more-of-an-asshole mother.

"Well, blondie, maybe one day you'll find someone who makes you act all clingy," Cana grins. "'cause it'll happen. If you can trick them into liking you, of course."

"Funny," Laxus deadpanned. "And I ain't the kind of guy who's gonna want to spend every hour or every day with someone."

"You think I am? I'm not, like, co-dependant or anything," At Cana's words, Laxus raised a doubting eyebrow. "I'm not! Just, like, before I got with Mira I was happy sitting in my apartment doing nothing on my own. Now, whenever I have to do that now, I always think that it'd be better if Mira was with me. I don't need to spend every second with her – sometimes I don't even want to – but I always think that things would be better with her, y'know. Least to me, that's what I think a good relationship is."

"Sweet. But d'you really think I'm the kinda guy who'll end up feeling like that with someone?" Laxus chuckled slightly. "Have to say, kinda doubt it."

"Well, never say never. Maybe it's already happening but you don't know it. I mean, you've been out with your boss a lot, right," Cana had a small smirk on her face, Laxus frowning. "You've been hanging out with each other for a couple months, that's what me and Mira did before we got together."

At this, Laxus tensed quite obviously. He had indulged himself in the conversation with Cana about his relationship as it offered him a distraction from the stress about meeting his mother – something that he had undergone throughout the previous week – and it was offering him a small amount of amusement. He didn't expect Freed to be brought up – as far as he was concerned, the only person who might guess he had any kind of feelings for Freed was Makarov – so had seen no risk. Obviously, he had been mistaken.

He didn't reply, which got Cana to look up from her drink in confusion. She had brought up Laxus' boss to tease him, simply for the fact she wanted to see him blush a little more. But, before she could annoyingly suggest the party they'd go to was a date, she noticed Laxus' sudden tension.

It took her a few seconds to realise what the tension meant, but her eye bulged out a little when she did. Laxus noticed this, must have realised both what Cana's intentions had been and then what he had just revealed, and blushed. Cana didn't say anything for a moment, taken aback. Sure, the few times she'd seen the two men together she'd noted that they were closer than Laxus normally got with people, but she wouldn't have thought the reason was because they had feelings for each other. Or, Laxus at least had some kind of feelings for Freed.

After a moment, Cana spoke again. "Really?"

Laxus continued looking away from Cana's eyeline. He really had hoped to avoid Freed coming up in conversation – part of his single insanely badly timed issue at a time rule – but obviously that couldn't happen. Because not only was Freed in the conversation, Cana also knew why he would have wanted to avoid talking about him.

"Maybe," He grunted a little, glaring into his coffee. "I don't know, it's confusin'. I don't really wanna talk about it. There's kind of a lot going on today, this is the last thing I need really."

Cana nodded, seeing his point. The quiet returned between them both, however there was a small sense of tension between them. Cana knew that the tension wasn't aimed at her directly, simply that she had stumbled on something that Laxus wasn't ready to talk about, and he'd always been cagey about his privacy. Cana wasn't going to be offended, and she wasn't going to pry any more than needed, but she was curious.

Things made sense, with this. The fact that Laxus had gone to Freed after his argument with his mother had confused Cana – yes, she and Mira had been busy, but they honestly would be okay with the disruption given the circumstances – but this made sense. In some capacity, Laxus felt a bond with Freed that was unique to the two of them, so there was logic in the decision.

She went about finishing her sandwich, trying not to worry about her friend. The day really was going to be long for the blonde. Not only was he meeting with his mother, who Cana had only heard bad things about, but he was also going to a party with the guy he might have a crush on. It couldn't have been a date, Laxus wasn't forward enough for that and he probably would have been more boastful if there was actually some kind of relationship. She just hoped that going to the party wouldn't bite Laxus on the ass somehow.

The tension was soon getting too much for her and she needed to get rid of it; if only just to put Laxus in a better mood. She leant forward with a smile, getting Laxus' attention. He still looked a little nervous, but Cana hoped she could fix that.

"Well, blondie, looks like you've got a type then," Cana smirked, hoping to take the severity out of Laxus' potential feelings.

"What d'you mean by that?" Laxus asked, clearly expecting to be the punchline of some kind of joke.

"Good looking guys with long hair," Cana continued, smiling. "I mean I get that guys aren't really my forte or whatever, but Freed's pretty good looking, and obviously he's got long hair. And that guy you used to date, you used to work with him. He was pretty hot too, and long hair."

"Gajeel?" Laxus frowned, though seemed to be glad the joke wasn't at his expense. Not with any cruelty, anyway. "I mean we fucked around a bit, but I don't think we ever dated."

"Really?" Cana chuckled. "Well, you still got a type. Glad to see you know what you want in a man."

"Guess so," Laxus let out a single laugh. He hadn't really thought about that. He smiled a little, making Cana relax in her seat. "Thanks for not making a big deal out of it. I know it's kinda come out of nowhere, and it's probably stupid, but I appreciate you not freaking out."

"No problem. I ain't evil," Cana grinned. Laxus raised an eyebrow, to which Cana placed a hand over her heart to feign offense. "You do realise that the second Mira knows this, she will literally blow up, right?"

Laxus nodded with a chuckle. "Yeah, I know."

"Well, you better make sure you don't annoy me, 'cause you've just given me a bomb to drop on ya."

With a small nod and chuckle, Laxus leant back. He finished his coffee and the waiter collected their used plates and mugs. They both ordered another drink, Laxus checking his phone to see that only twenty minutes had passes since they had arrived, despite it feeling like a significantly longer time. But that meant his mother was meant to be there in around ten minutes, which filled him with the same kind of nervousness that their conversation had suppressed. He started to tap his fingers against the table again because of this but told himself that meeting with her was for the best and that he would regret it if he ran out on it.

As they waited, Cana kept Laxus in a light conversation but noticed he had folded in on himself again. When Laxus asked how long Cana planned to stay, she knew that his nervousness had come back in full force. She assured him she would stay as long as he needed, though in not such eloquent wording.

Time passed and, faster than Laxus expected, the ten minutes had ended and the time scheduled had come. More importantly, Sophia Dreyar had yet to arrive. Cana noticed that Laxus get even more self-contained when that happened, so tried to assure him that she was probably stuck in traffic, hadn't been able to find her way to the café, or that she simply hadn't managed her time correctly. Laxus had half heartedly agreed that Cana's suggestions were probably correct, but they both know he could quite believe it.

The longer time elapsed, the more Cana began to worry. After fifteen minutes it was harder to believe that traffic or poor time management was to blame, and surely anyone who cared enough would have a basic idea of where the café was. She was starting to worry that Sophia wasn't coming.

Across the table, it was obvious Laxus had the same worries. He pulled out his phone and saw that he had no notifications. He wasn't sure if his mother had gained his contact details from Makarov, but even if she didn't she could have contacted him through his grandfather. His hand clenched around his phone slightly, dread filling his stomach. Why wasn't she there? Why hadn't she gotten in contact? Why had she done this again?

More time passed, Sophia had yet to show her face. Conversation had ended; Laxus had completely retreated to his own thoughts and Cana could do nothing but be there if he needed, and deal with the waiting staff, who could sense Laxus wasn't in the mood to talk. She couldn't stop looking at Laxus, his face was stoic but there was obvious a storm of emotions going through his head.

Where the hell was she?

After another twenty minutes, Laxus checked his phone. Still nothing, and thirty-five minutes had passed since she should have been there. His confusion, hurt and regret had all twisted into anger. She had given him hope and left him down again. She had messed with his head again. She'd fucked him around. Again!

"Fucks sake!" He yelled.

Standing up, he grabbed his coat and slung it over his shoulders. He stormed out of the cafe without saying another word¸ ignoring the eyes of every other patron in the café looking towards him. The door slammed against the wall as he walked through it, striding into the heavy rain with an expression of anger painted on his face.

Cana quickly followed, sending an apologetic look towards the nearest worker as she closed the door. She looked around, seeing that Laxus had stormed across the road and was walking down the sidewalk with his head low and body-language obviously angered.

She quickly ran after him, putting a hand up to a car that had to stop suddenly to avoid hitting her. The man driving made a gesture that, on a normal day, would have gotten her into an argument with him, but Laxus was more important. She jogged up the sidewalk, wincing when a loud crackle of thunder rumbled around the sky. It seemed as though the weather really was reflective of Laxus' emotions, something she had joked about as they were waiting for Sophia to show up.

"Laxus," She yelled over the sound of the rain. "Come on man, wait up. We need to talk about this."

The blonde spun around when Cana caught up, and she couldn't tell if the water on his cheeks was form the rain or was from his tears. Either way, the stoic façade had fallen, and he looked distraught, angry and betrayed. Cana tried not to let her face show any sympathy, Laxus wouldn't appreciate that, but it was hard not to feel sorry for him.

"Talk about it, huh? Sure, we can talk about it," Laxus practically yelled, though Cana knew the anger wasn't directed at her. "Because there's a whole lot of things that I wanna know! Like, what is it about me that just seems to drive people away from me? Because pretty much every fucking person who's meant to be there for me more than anyone else just leaves. Or hurts me. Or just fucks me over again and again!"

"Come on Laxus…" Was all Cana could say before Laxus continued.

"I mean my mother, she left the entire fucking continent when I was a kid and didn't take me with her. Must have done something or she would have taken me with here, right?" Laxus' voice got louder. "And fucking Ivan, I mean what kind of father does this to his own sons face!"

Laxus motioned to the jagged scar over his eye, voice still getting louder. Passers-by were glancing at them, some looking with distain, but neither Laxus nor Cana payed any mind to them.

"Ivan was a drunk, Laxus," Cana tried to remain calm. "You had nothing to do with that, he's just a bad person. And you did nothing wrong with your mother. I mean, even after Ivan did that to you, she stayed with him. Kept you with him. And even after all that, you gave her a chance and she throws it back at you."

"But why?" Laxus yelled, the thunder booming again. "Am I that fucking bad? Is there something that just makes it impossible to love me or something? What is it?"

"Laxus, it isn't you! Trust me," Cana took Laxus hand, forcing eye contact. "You got stuck with crappy parents who you didn't deserve, but that doesn't mean anything that happened is your fault and it defiantly doesn't make you unlovable. Just because those assholes don't treat you right, doesn't mean everyone's gonna be like that. Your granddad loves you, obviously. He wouldn't have looked after you if he didn't. Me and Mira do too. It must be shit, and you might not wanna believe it, but people care."

Laxus fell into silence, and the rain was the only thing they could hear. They were both soaked to the bone as Laxus pushed his hair out of his eyes. His chest was heaving slightly, and expression had fallen to something of exhaustion. He ran his hand through his hair again, and Cana could see his eyes were slightly bloodshot and red.

Defiantly crying.

"You're right," Laxus' voice croaked a little as he spoke. His voice, too, had the anger replaced with exhaustion. "I know. I-I gotta go home. I've gotta get ready for tonight and-"

"Tonight?" Cana asked, frowning. "Laxus, you can't seriously wanna go to a party tonight. Not to be harsh or anything, but you're a mess right now. I don't think you can really handle-"

"I'm not letting her do this again, Cana," Laxus grunted. Cana hated it when Laxus used her name, they only did that in serious situations. "That- that fucking woman messed up so much of my childhood and she's not doing it again! This is the firsts time I've felt normal and, well, like I'm doing something productive with my life in years, and she comes in and just fucks me around again. But I'm not letting her do it anymore, because I have more than her now. Freed, Makarov, you. That's what matters now, and she can't stop that."

"I get that. But you're not in a good place," Cana tried to insist. "D'you think you can really pretend you're okay for the night?"

"Who gives a shit? Seriously, that woman is done for me now! She has… nothing in my life is gonna be dictated by her, by Ivan, anymore," Laxus turned. "I gotta go. Thanks for sitting with me."

As Laxus started to walk away, Cana could do nothing but watch. The conviction he had spoken with, the venom in his words as he mentioned his parents, she knew he meant what he said. But it was a bad idea, Laxus was never as open as he was in that moment, there was no way he could deal with going to a party for the whole night, in an environment he was unfamiliar with no less. But Laxus was quickly walking away, he would soon be getting lost in the sea of umbrellas and overcoats, so Cana forcefully started to push herself through the mess of people.

Laxus was alone in his mind. This was what had to happen. Who was she to treat him like that? He couldn't live his life worrying about her, about the crappy parents he was given. He was a grown-ass-adult and he needed to act like it. He had a life, had friends, had a family. They were important, not Sophia and Ivan.

"Laxus," He heard Cana shout from behind him as he turned a corner. "Wait up!"

He didn't hear her. His childhood wasn't going to hold him for ransom anymore. He had a future that, for all he knew, was starting now. His childhood was just a footnote of his life, this was the main event. He wasn't going to be the little kid waiting for his mom to call anymore, he was going to be the man who lived as well as he could.

"Dude," Cana continued. "Dude, seriously."

Tonight was the start. He was going to go to the high-class party and, even if it was just for a night, live the life his parents could never offer him. Maybe once it was over, he'd call Mira or Cana and assure them he was fine. Maybe he'd call his real guardian and just talk with him, give Makarov the attention and respect the old man deserved. He could do anything, and it would be unburdened by the pressure of his crappy parents.

"Come on," Cana said with futility as the thunder boomed and lighting split apart the sky. "Laxus."

He didn't know what he was going to do from that point. He had no idea. But he did know this was the turning point. He knew that his new life was meant to start at that party. It was meant to start with Freed.

[gruvia-raid]

The Strength in Frailty

Chapter 1: Unbreakable

AN: I wrote this story in 2014 but never got around to publishing it. But I just found it again so I thought why mot? This story is set in an AU and doesn't really follow the events in the manga as it was written so long ago and I haven't changed anything in it. I am not a doctor so bare with me LOL.

TW: Cancer and mentions of death

Disclaimer: I DO NOT own Fairy Tail nor do I own it's characters. They belong to Hiro Mashima & Co. This story uses coarse language.

Also there is an ableist statement made by the character Bora. This statement in no way reflects the views and/or beliefs of the author. Bora is just a complete a$$ however. if this statement does offend anyone I will change it ASAP.

"I really think you should take a break."

"But Lucy-san, Juvia feels completely fine." Juvia Lockser a beautiful, blue-eyed, pale-skinned preschool teacher whined as her best friend and co-worker Lucy Heartfillia chastised her about taking a break from all the household chores she had tasked herself with.

"But your lungs might-" Lucy persisted before being cut off.

"Juvia is fine Lucy-san, she can handle a few chores. Besides Juvia believes she is getting better, her doctor told her she is making good progress." Juvia smiled. Yes the doctor did indeed say that she was making good progress, but he also said she shouldn't overwork herself as she could possibly collapse once more.

"But, still…" Lucy trailed off as she looked towards her friend worriedly. "You don't have to prepare lunch I can do it or….or we can go out for lunch."

"No, no, no Juvia will cook. Lucy-san is the guest here not Juvia and Lucy-san knows that Juvia doesn't like going out in public, if it's not work related nowadays." Juvia called as she entered the kitchen. Jeez that Lucy always getting nervous over the most trivial things, it's not like she going to run a marathon. Cooking and clean were her area of expertise, no way would she fall ill from something like this.

"Lucy-san forgot to tell Juvia how her date with Natsu-san went." She said as she knew as soon as the topic changed to herself, Lucy would forget all about the previous conversation.

"Ah, oh yes. It started off in a really….unNatsu like way. He was being all gentlemanly, then when it came to the actual eating proportion he was back to his old sel-"

CRASH

"JUVIA!" Lucy cried as she practical sprinted into the kitchen. In there was a sight she had seen many a times, but would never get used too.

There, was Juvia on the floor heaving like there was no tomorrow. And no, it wasn't because she had seen her really hot doctor.

The last thing Juvia heard before she delved into a world of darkness, were the muffled sounds of an ambulance.

St. Vermillion Hospital was bustling as always with people today, as he arrived. It always gave off the smell of sterilizer and almost dead people to the young male doctor.

Gray Fullbuster a young and don't forget handsome, oncologist walked into his workplace with the same facial expression as always. A scowl. It wasn't that he didn't enjoy his line of work, no, in fact he loved it. But hospitals always had a dreary atmosphere. 'Cause either someone had died, was going to die or they felt like they were dying. He rolled his eyes.

What kind of stupid expression was that anyway? Who the hell knew what dying felt like, even if you experienced near death it isn't death. Hence no one knows what it felt like. Correction no one alive knew what it felt like.

"Gray!" The beautiful head nurse Mirajane Strauss called as she beckoned said man over. "Good, you're finally here. Natsu wanted to see you."

"What does the flame idiot want now?" The man inquired as he strolled to the front desk.

"I think it has something to do with one of your patients being admitted." Mira assumed as she scrolled through the day's admittance list.

Gray frowned. "One of my patients were readmitted?" He questioned.

"Yes, um… Miss Juvia Lockser. She came in around 12:50pm, while you were out for lunch."

Gray tsked. Of course she'd be admitted while he was out for lunch. That women never failed with her surprise visits. And why was it Natsu of all people who had to treat her? Now he had to go talk to the flame bastard.

"Alright Thanks, Mira."

"That's what I'm here for. Later Gray" she smiled as she waved him off.

"Oi, Flame Brain" Gray knocked on Natsu Dragneel's a fellow oncologists who specialized more in radioactive oncology, door. He was also Gray's best friend/rival/asshole. Ew not Gray's asshole you pervs, he was just an asshole in general.

The door suddenly flew open, revealing the pink-haired 'idiot'. "What do you want Ice Princess? I'm busy." Natsu Roared. What the hell did this bastard want? Didn't he tell him that no disturbance shall come when he was in 'eating mode'?

Gray rolled his eyes as he peered over Natsu shoulder to expose a desk piled high with cafeteria food and a flustered Lucy Heartfillia sitting on the sofa.

"Ugh, Hi Gray." she nervously uttered. It was sort of awkward. One minute she was crying over Juvia then the next she was whisked into Natsu office to have a very intense make out session. Now Gray interrupts and had seen her in her disheveled stated, with her messy hair, smudged lipstick and a rolled up shirt.

"Hey Lucy." He spoke before turning to Natsu "Busy with what? Trying to woo her with how much food you can fit in your pie hole? 'Cause let me tell yah, that's very unattractive."

"Shut the fuck up Stripperella. I said WHAT. DO. YOU. FUCKING. WANT?"

"Why don't you quiet the fuck down we are in a fucking hospital. For fuck's sake. And you're the one who called me. Something about my patient?"

At that Natsu calmed down, what he wanted to say was a bit upsetting for the women in his office. "Can we talk in your office?" Gray nodded. "I'll be right back Luce, just gunna talk to Gray for a sec, kay?"

"Um, al-alright." Lucy spoke, still a little baffled at the way the doctors in this hospital used the word 'fuck' so loosely.

Shutting the door behind him, Natsu walked two doors down towards Gray's office. It was a bit disorganized with files and clothes littered all over the place, and Natsu thought that his office was bad. Gray's office, much to Natsu chagrin, was nicer than his own, but only because Gray had worked there longer. The walls were burgundy, the mahogany future matching it with a glossy finish. There was a large ceiling to floor window on one wall, which had an abundance of light filtering through, in front of it was a grand desk and chair. On another wall, two long sofas were organized around a glass coffee table which faced a large flat screen t.v. The adjoined wall featured all of Gray's degrees and plaques in both university and medical school. The entire room had a pine tree meets ice berg scent to tie it all together. To conclude Gray's office would be amazingly professional if it weren't for his underwear all over the place.

"Okay, so about your patient Juvia Lockser. She….she isn't doing so well."

A shallow hospital light came into view as Juvia's eyes fluttered open. It took her mind a second to register that she was no longer in her home chatting with Lucy, as she noticed the multiple IVs, electrodes and an oxygen mask coving her nose and mouth.

"Afternoon sleepy head." A husky voice she knew all too well said as he walked through the door.

Removing the mask, "Hello Dr. Fullbuster, what is Juvia doing here?" she queried with a groggy voice.

"Well," Gray started. "It seems you collapsed once again Juvia"

"Oh"

"And I suspect that it was from overworking yourself."

"But Juvia wasn't-"

"Did you attend work today?"

"Yes but-"

"And did you do any sort of unnecessary housework?"

"Juvia only cooked and cleaned but-"

"Juvia," Gray sighed. "How many times must I tell you not to overwork yourself?" he lectured.

"But Juvia's house was filthy a-and she had a guest over so…" she trailed off knowing her excuse was inadequate as the doctor gave her a challenging look.

"I understand that you are a germaphobe however, there are such things as maid services and I'm pretty sure Lucy could have cooked instead, you also could've either ordered something or went out. There were so many options, so why must you always burden yourself?" He nagged as he began to do a routine checkup.

Gray didn't mean to lecture Juvia. He meant well, as her doctor and friend he had her best interests at heart. But the damn woman didn't or maybe couldn't comprehend the fact that she was in no condition to do all these exhausting tasks. If anything, it was her own fault that she was getting worse rather than better. This still troubled Gray however, he quite liked Juvia and if she kept this up he wouldn't be able to help her.

You see, Juvia had a severe condition of Lung cancer. She was admitted as Gray's patient a bit over a year ago when she first collapsed from lack of oxygen, and has been in and out of the hospital ever since. At first Gray was indifferent towards her but a few months later he began to open up to her, as he would a friend. In all honesty it was pretty hard being professional anyway, this girl was always smiling and cheerful anyone would feel at ease with her. It was almost impossible not to laugh when she laughed, and Gray barely laughed, only smiled and chuckled. But her entire being was just so...preciou-infectious, yes infectious.

Gray's thoughts were soon interrupted by a muffled cough. "So, Dr. Fullbuster how is Juvia?"

Gray tried to keep an impassive face but Juvia could see pity and sorrow within his navy blue orbs.

"Well" He ran a hand through his chaotic raven hair. "Not that great Juvia. Your tumor seems to have become malignant meaning it has broken off into your bloodstream. At this point it could be possible that another organ is also infected." He answered as he looked over Juvia.

"Oh, Okay." Was all she could muster.

"However, we will still continue with your chemo treatment and medication as per usual. But I would like to keep you for a bit longer so that I may run a few tests." He explained, waiting for any type reaction from Juvia. But all she did was smile and nod. How the actual fuck can the woman just smile and fricking nod when someone just told her that her condition was way worse than it was two months ago.

"Juvia understands doctor, she appreciates Dr. Fullbuster's hard work" And there she goes again, freaking smiling. Was there petroleum jelly on her teeth or something? Is that's why she can't stop showing those pearly whites or…? He didn't think anyone could smile after being told that they were basically dying. Even if her cheerfulness was infectious, he couldn't help but be irritated at her reaction or lack thereof.

"Well Juvia, I will be back to start the test after I finish my rounds. Please try and gets some rest until I come back." And with that he left. All she had now was an empty room and her thoughts.

The room she was given was a bit smaller than her last one. Granted the previous one was a double, whereas this was a single. The walls were all a pristine white, to the point where staring too long would burn and the floor was covered with a wall to wall grey carpet. To her left was a large window, with a view of what she assumed was a garden, and two comfy looking chairs around a short coffee table. And the wall south of her bed had a small flat screen t.v. It would seem that she was moving up within the hospital scene 'cause her room was pretty deluxe.

The room was eerily silent though as the t.v. was turned off and she was alone. It was boring, so to speak, literally nothing was happening. She wanted to get up and jog, do some yoga, some chores, shopping, anything rather than lie there in bed. But, her stupid lungs just had to be weak.

It was just her luck that the only thing she inherited from her father's side of family was cancer. Out of all things she had to be sick with, it had to be cancer. As if her life wasn't screwed up enough. Bora her boyfriend or rather ex-boyfriend broke up with her since he didn't "want to be tied down by some handicap because that was depressing" Seriously who in fucks sake says that to someone, he was such a douche. Then she almost lost her job because she was "missing too many days of work". That wasn't her fucking fault it was her father's, excuse her language. Last but certainly not least a year ago she lost her mother to a plane crash and now she, herself was dying. Her life was just one big joke huh? It was like the universe just hated her all of a sudden. Nevertheless, she always put on a brave face for everyone, she didn't want to go back to the days when everyone called her gloomy and depressing.

On second thought, she was glad she was alone, she could finally stop withholding those tears.

AN: Thanks for reading the first chapter guys I really appreciate it. Sorry if there were any spelling or grammar mistakes, as I said this was written awhile ago and I only skimmed it. I really suck at proof reading my own work so hopefully it was ok. But anyways, I plan to make this story 4-5 chapters long maybe 6 but no longer than that. Chapter 2 is ready and chapter 3 is 85% done. I don't know if you guys could tell but this my first story so I really hope you guys liked it. Well, Tata for now, see you next chapter (hopefully)! 

[mirajens]

The Man We Love

characters: freed and mirajane rating: m genre: angst warning: character death   found in ff.n and ao3 for @ravenstyx art inspo here from @summerbummin

It was easy to be stupid, to be cruel, because the man they loved was dead.

Laxus Dreyar was dead.

On the day of his funeral, it rained so hard that mud started rolling down the hill surrounding the church cemetery so everyone walked slowly, so they wouldn't slip. Raindrops rebounded off the clay pavers onto Mirajane's silk socks, her best socks, socks that Laxus loved seeing when she wore nothing else, socks that meant nothing right now because there was a void in Mirajane and it swallowed up all the emotions she thought she should be expressing, and yet, all she could do was stare at the freshly sealed grave of the man she loved.

And yet, Mira thought as her gaze slid over to the man standing next to her, here was someone who got the memo for appropriate distress at funerals. She and Freed were the only ones left after everyone went home: all the guests, the holy man, the servicemen, the rest of the Raijinshu, and even Elfman and Lisanna who were reluctant to leave their sister alone. It was only she and Freed now, and she watched shamelessly as he cried openly: ragged sobs tearing from his chest, face blotchy from breathing too fast, and then holding it back, his grip on his umbrella weakening as he squeezed the handkerchief he pressed against his mouth.

Mira thought, poor thing. Freed had loved Laxus as well. She'd never been able to resent him for that, and he never made her feel guilty for being the one who got to sleep in Laxus' bed at night. Laxus was never a cause of conflict between them, but right now, he existed so tangibly between them, a nonphysical pull.

The rain was getting ridiculous. Aside from her socks, the skirt and the sleeves of her dress were getting soaked as well.

Still, Mirajane moved closer to Freed, close enough that their umbrellas bumped when she wound her free arm around his shoulders.

"Come on, Freed. A storm is coming." These were the first words she'd said to him today. She couldn't bring herself to say I'm sorry. I know how you feel. It felt like it would be condescending, coming from her. And what was there to say to someone who lost the same as yours?

Freed let out one last sob, his voice shaking so hard when he finally spoke. "I-I can't, Mirajane."

She didn't want to leave, too. "There is no sense talking to gravestones," Mirajane said. She knew all too well. The dead didn't speak back. "Come," she said again, tugging on his arm.

Freed stayed put. "Please, leave me."

Mirajane shifted so she was in front of Freed, so she could look him in the face. "Would you like to come home with me?"

Freed's eyes widened. Mirajane knew that he knew that when she said home, she was talking about the one she shared with Laxus. Was he desperate enough to bite? Mirajane hoped so. And judging by the way he hesitated, he was.

"Come," she said for a third time.

"Okay." Freed blew out a breath, rough again. Defeated, heart-broken, unsure. "Yes, okay."

Mirajane took his hand and began to lead him away from Laxus' final resting place.

Mirajane opened the door to the small apartment she and Laxus kept two blocks from the guild. As she undid her heeled sandals and peeled off her soggy, silk socks, she watched Freed from the corner of her eye, taking in every detail of the studio. There were no walls, and his eyes went straight to the bed. Messy. Mirajane had been restless as funeral arrangements happened, but she could tell that he was trying to see Laxus in it. Humans were a base sort of animal, their emotions and desires easy enough to figure out if one knew where to dig it out from.

"Freed?" Mirajane walked to him, close enough that she could feel his exhale on her cheeks. His body heat radiating off him and passing through his damp clothes were almost unbearable. "Would you help me out of my dress?"

She watched his face go through hues of red more intense than the last. "Mirajane, what—"

"My clothes are wet. So are yours. I can toss them into the dryer."

They both knew that wasn't what she meant. "No, Mirajane. You don't know what you're taking about." Freed grabbed the hilt of his sword just so he could have something to hold onto and set to move back out the door. Mirajane's hand grabbed him.

"We are grieving. Should we not grieve together?"

"By fucking?" The snap of his voice startled Mirajane, but not enough to scare her. Not enough to wake her from her daze, Not enough to make her want to stop. "You would bring a man to the bed you shared with Laxus on the day of his funeral? You would disrespect Laxus like that?"

The disgust was evident on his face. Mirajane reveled in it, because she saw something else in it as well. Something that she could exploit. She wasn't very nice in grief.

"Don't you want to pretend?" Mirajane asked.

Freed broke, easy as an overstuffed balloon. His bloodshot eyes leaked and he wept like a child. Mirajane felt no remorse for it. Instead, she led him by the hand to the bed, farthest from the door, backed up against a big window so the gloomy afternoon light poured over the sheets.

Mirajane listened to Freed cry as she undid the buttons of her clothes, then his. He began to shake when both of them were undressed and she was pushing him down on the bed.

"Mirajane, please," the words sounded rusty and pitiful.

Seated on Freed's lap, she leaned down so she could press a kiss against the protrusion of his cheekbone. "Don't you think Laxus wouldn't have wanted this?" She would use anything, anyone right now, if it meant feeling something other than a horrible nothingness in her chest.

"I don't—"

"Because I think—" She pressed her lips down on his jaw, his collarbone, his pectoral. "—he'd want his favorite guy and his favorite girl to be happy."

There was something in Freed's tone that Mirajane couldn't quite put a name on. It was like he was terrified, regretful, but slowly resigned to his demise. He was an easy man. All grievers were. They did stupid things to crowd out the crippling sorrow in their system. "And will this make you happy?"

Mirajane shrugged, curls of silver hair shifting against her shoulder so it revealed her breasts. "I don't know. I just want to be tired so I can sleep tonight. Isn't that enough?"

She could see on Freed's face that it wasn't. But he put a tentative hand on her waist, anyway. Mirajane took that as encouragement and licked a line down the center of his chest, then his belly.

"M-mirajane, wait, wait." Freed inched back, hands pushing away Mira's arms. "I've never done this before." He swallowed, his pulse raced, his eyes were wide. Mirajane thought that he looked like a cornered animal. "Not with a woman."

Mirajane simpered. All soft curves, soft hair, early moonlight bouncing off her skin, she shifted between his legs so they were skin to skin again. A violent shiver ran through Freed. "Then would you like to stop?"

Freed blew out a breath. He was already half hard. "I don't know."

Mirajane reached between them so she could rub him. Freed bit his lip hard enough to make it pale. "I'll do all the work. Tell me to stop if you want me to."

He forewent nodding, tilting his face down so he could watch Mirajane's small hand wrap around his cock and jerk him off. She knew exactly where to touch, and how, and just the right amount of pressure and speed. Even close to the brink, Freed couldn't lose himself to the ecstasy. Guilt and grief was all-encompassing despite physiological reactions.

Before he could come, Mirajane, who watched his face raptly, squeezed the base of his cock, painful enough that Freed hissed. In apology, she slanted her mouth over his.

A mistake. Freed jolted away from her head and looked at her like she'd done something unthinkable.

"Sorry," Mira whispered. "No kissing, I promise. Okay? I'm sorry."

Freed nodded, feeling just a little bit ashamed about his boundaries. He didn't love Mirajane. He wasn't even sure they were friends. He had no business kissing her, nor her, him. It made no difference that she was naked, on top of him, about to fuck him on the bed she'd shared with the man he loved. The man they both loved.

To make up for whatever slight he felt he'd done, Freed laid his hands on her narrow waist again and let them slide up the slope of her ribs, the underside of her breasts. They were heavy, a little cool, perfectly curved. Fascinating. He'd never felt an inclination to them until now. Maybe it was the circumstance. He tried not to think, Laxus enjoyed Mirajane. And then, Must I, as well?

He thought he should at least try. He bent his head and lapped at her nipple, feeling no particular pleasure from the way Mirajane moaned, but he liked the way her skin smelled fresh and tasted just a little bit like rainwater, and how her crotch ground over his when she shuddered from the pleasure.

Instinct still existed, despite sexual preference. Freed knew which points felt good to any person, so he let his lips trail up her chest, her collar, and then he was sucking bruises onto her neck. He hoped he'd never see them after this. Her body was soft against his, not at all what he was used to, but he didn't find it unpleasant at all. He wondered if there was anyone who could resist Mirajane Strauss. He'd imagined he could.

Below, Mira swiveled her hips, spreading wetness on him, in no way impeding the delicious impetus. Freed was not a man who dallied. He nudged Mirajane off, took her by the hips so he could maneuver her on her knees. She twisted her head to look at him and found answers to her unasked question before he could even bother to look apologetic. He didn't want to see her face. Not when he was thinking of someone else.

Not at all chagrined, not at all distraught, Mirajane faced forward and reach for the bowl on the nightstand for a foil wrapper. She felt Freed grab himself, rub forcefully, and slip the condom on before she felt the head of him touch where she was most hot. To help, Mirajane grabbed between her legs, made a V of two of her longest fingers so she could spread herself apart and reveal herself to him. Soon enough, she felt the awful, wonderful ache, the slow slide, and she moaned. When Freed was in her to the hilt, she reached behind to grab his ass. He got the clue and started moving.

It felt forced. It felt like they were trying too hard to feel good. Freed squeezed his eyes shut and thrust like he wasn't with someone he grew up with. Mirajane rubbed her clit so hard, so desperately, she'd be both oversensitive and numb from it in no time. It was forced, but they were easy. Mirajane's back arched to a stiff curve and Freed dug his fingers in the flesh of her butt so hard, it would bruise in the morning. With the man they loved on their minds, it was easy to come.

When the rush of endorphins died down to make way for shame, Freed peeled himself off Mirajane, quickly feeling himself soften when the cool air descended on his sweaty skin. He grabbed the rubber by the base, discarded it properly into a trash bin filled with crumpled tissues and got up to dress.

"Are you tired?" Freed asked. He watched Mirajane slither to the head of the bed so she could lay her head on overstuffed pillows. By the way she sighed, they must have smelled like Laxus.

"Yes. I think I can sleep now. Thank you, Freed." She closed her eyes and sank deeper into the softness of her bed.

Freed nodded, even though she couldn't see. It felt disgusting putting on his rain-damp clothes on his sweat-damp skin. He grabbed his boots, his sword, his jacket, and walked to the door trying not to let guilt eat him up. Trying not to think of the man he loved that he betrayed before his grave was even cold.

Freed waited until he was by the door to speak again. "I'll turn the locks on my way out."

He didn't get an answer. He didn't expect to.

Mira rolled over to Laxus' side of the bed, still unable to cry even though she wanted to, hating herself, missing the man she loved, and hoping that the scent of him, like subtle cologne and something smoky, would forever stay trapped in this bed.

[colorofyourhair]

For the Love of Fluffy

Prompt:

Prompt Rating: M/E

Note: Requests are open again so please see [this] post for rules if you’d like to make one! As tumblr is the only site that will let me list an individual rating per chapter I’ll rate them as content demands. However the larger compilation on both FFN and AO3 are rated M.

Thank you to @ahumanintraining I hope this is what you wanted because I took forever working it out in my head haha! My shame is evident in your Christmas theme. Whoops.

Also posted here:

FFN

AO3

Jellal hated arresting people. His partner, on the other hand, didn't seem to mind so much. He let Laxus cuff the guy and direct his drunken stagger toward the cruiser. Jellal kicked through some of the garbage in the man's front yard and sighed. The night had been long; each call more bizarre than the last – some shifts were like that, though. Sometimes he was stuck in the car for hours as Laxus circled through neighborhoods and city streets, bitching about his grandpa or whining about his girlfriend. Other nights they didn't even have time to stop for bathroom breaks, much less food.

Just as he was turning back to the cruiser, a pair of glinting yellow eyes caught his attention. Jellal picked through the overgrown grass and crouched at the edge of the flowerbed. Cowering under the unkempt brush was a cat – a kitten most like. Not quite big enough to be full grown but not tiny either. Jellal held out his hand but the animal backed against the house.

“Fernandes!” Laxus's voice called from the driveway. “Let's go! I wanna book this guy and get home!”

“Bring me those chicken nuggets,” Jellal said over his shoulder.

“What the fuck are you talking about?”

“The chicken nuggets, man. The ones in the bag.”

“You mean my fucking dinner?”

“You can get more and eat them hot when we're done. Just bring me the ones in the bag!” Jellal could hear Laxus grumbling, but he did bring the food – even if he sulked in the process.

“What's your problem?” He tossed the bag to the ground at Jellal's side and put his hands on his hips above his belt. Jellal slowly opened the bag and pulled out the box of cold chicken. He tore one nugget into a few bits and held the pieces toward the cat.

Nothing. The cat simply stared at him from under the bush. Jellal swallowed a frustrated growl.

“You're scaring her,” he muttered to Laxus. “Just wait for me in the car.”

“I'm scaring who?” Laxus got down next to Jellal and peered into the bushes. “You've gotta be fucking kidding me.”

“Just go.”

“You're not bringing a cat with us. Call animal control.” Laxus stood. “Or better yet, leave it alone. Cats wander.”

“It's not a big deal,” Jellal said quietly, wishing Laxus would leave him to lure the cat on his own. “We can finish up at the station and I'll take it home with me.”

“What if it has rabies?”

Jellal rolled his eyes. “It doesn't have rabies.”

“You don't know that.”

“Just go back to the car. She's terrified of you.”

“She?” Laxus demanded. “So now it's a girl cat? Jesus, man, you need to get laid. Get the fuck up and let's go.”

Jellal tried to remain calm. “What if I told the Lieutenant what really happened to your last set of cuffs?”

“You –” Laxus froze. Jellal could feel the anger rolling off him. “You wouldn't dare.”

“If you don't let me handle this cat, I absolutely will. I don't know that Mirajane would like that story repeated.” Jellal inched as close to the flowerbed as he could. “I'm sure it would be horrifying for her that you told even me.”

“You fucking rat bastard.” Laxus's complaint was lodged, but he did walk away.

“Sorry about that,” Jellal whispered to the cat. “He's an ass but he won't hurt you.” Yellow eyes blinked slowly before a pair of black paws began to stretch forward. It was a full minute before the cat stood and leaned into his hand to sniff at the breaded chicken bits.

The cruiser's headlights flashed on and off. Jellal jammed his irritation to the back of his mind and waited for the cat to clear the bushes. She took the chicken from the palm of his hand and when he carefully wrapped his arm around her middle, there was no protest.

Jellal slid into the passenger side of the cruiser and grinned smugly..

“I can't believe you,” Laxus fumed.

He made her a bed of old camping blankets after a quick bath in the kitchen sink. Jellal couldn't tell exactly how old the cat was but he thought she was developed enough to have visible male parts – and she didn't. He left her in the nest of blankets before leaving shedding his uniform to the bedroom floor and showering his shift away.

Nights like these were when he was most grateful to be single. He didn't have to talk about his day or listen to someone else go on about theirs, and he could simply fall into bed unconcerned with used clothes and towels. Jellal didn't actually think his job was conducive to relationships and could not understand where Laxus's energy to maintain one came from.

With his hand on the flap of his towel, Jellal stopped cold in the bedroom doorway. His new companion was curled into a black ball of fur on the edge of his bed. She didn't move except to breathe. He'd always thought cats to be independent creatures, yet this one was perfectly comfortable making herself at home in his bed. Her fur was soft to the touch and when his hand came to rest on her middle, the sound of purring surged.

Jellal decided she could stay. He didn't have the heart to kick her back out to the living room. The next two days were his own time and would figure out what to do with her in the morning.

“Full?” He repeated incredulously. “I didn't realize – Oh, okay. Of course.” Jellal ended the call and tossed his phone to the couch cushion beside him. He'd called four animal shelters and not one would take the cat – the first actually would've taken her but their website said nothing about 'no-kill' policies and the thought of that made his stomach turn. The cat nudged his elbow with her nose and he lifted his arm to allow her into his lap.

“I'm sorry, girl. I'm trying to to find you a home but I'm not having a lot of luck.” She curled into his lap and began the roaring purr he'd heard the night before. “I'm sure a boring guy like me isn't what you want.”

Jellal stroked the soft fur of her back thoughtfully. A paw reached out to the edge of his shirt and her claws caught in the fabric. How hard would a cat be, really? Did he even have time to take care of her? He didn't know the first thing about keeping a pet. Jellal felt like an idiot when he realized all he had to do was call a veterinary clinic and ask.

He reached for his phone again, called the first clinic that popped up in his search, and made an appointment.

As agreeable as she'd been thus far, the little cat did not like the veterinary clinic. She dug her claws into Jellal's shoulder and flattened her ears. Even once they were situated in a private exam room, she didn't want to be removed from his shoulder.

“Hey,” he whispered, when the tech left them alone. “It's fine. You're fine.” The cat's tension didn't lessen at all and Jellal finally sighed and settled into one of the chairs.

The exam room door swung open again and the cat panicked. She tore herself from Jellal's shoulder and disappeared under the row of chairs. Jellal dropped to his knees and peeked between the legs of the chair. The cat was huddled all the way back against the wall in the corner.

“I didn't mean to scare her,” a female voice said. “Is she alright?”

“She's fine. Just a little skittish, I think.”

“I'm very sorry.” A hand lightly touched his shoulder before she crouched beside him and grimaced. “I should've knocked first.”

“I don't think it would've helped,” he said, glancing over at her. She smiled and Jellal suddenly felt like smiling too. Warm brown eyes and a coil of his favorite shade of red hair – if it hadn't been his favorite before, it certainly was now – drew him in. Jellal blinked and felt like an idiot for staring. “Are you the vet?” he blurted. She laughed.

“I am.” The woman peered under the chair. “I mean I'm not the vet. This isn't my practice or anything. I'm new here.” When she straightened again, her cheeks were pink. Jellal loved it. “I feel really bad about scaring her.”

“Please don't. I had to lure her from a flowerbed last night with cold chicken nuggets.” Jellal eased back up into the chair and the veterinarian sat opposite him. “I don't know anything about having a pet.”

“You're positive it's a female?”

“Well –” Jellal cleared his throat awkwardly. “I had a look last night when I bathed her. I didn't see any... thing.”

“She looks old enough to have testicles.”

“Right,” Jellal breathed, running a hand through his hair. “Testicles. Listen, I don't even know what questions to ask.”

“Are you keeping her?”

“I think so. I called a few shelters this morning but –”

“It's a bad time of year for that, I'm afraid.”

“I can't leave her at a place that might euthanize her. I just can't.” Jellal watched her pull a clipboard from the exam table and glance over his information. “I'm allowed to keep her, right?”

“Of course!” She smiled at him again and his stomach flipped over. Her finger flicked a wisp of hair from her eye and she set aside the clipboard. “You said you work a lot?”

“Yeah. My shift is pretty set for now, but it's not ideal.”

“My dad was a police officer. I know it can be taxing.”

“How –”

Her cheeks flushed pink again and she pointed at his chest. “Your t-shirt. Magnolia P.D., right? I'd recognize that logo anywhere.” Jellal glanced down at his shirt, abashed.

“I didn't even realize I'd put this on.”

“It's okay, Mister Fernandes. We all get sucked into our jobs sometimes.” Her eyes fell to her hands and then to the floor where a curious set of paws were inching into view. “Some professions more than others.”

“It looks like she's regained the boldness that had her sleeping on my bed last night.”

“Maybe.” The veterinarian carefully dropped her hand down to brush over the kitten's ears. “I hope so anyway.” When her attention didn't leave the emerging cat, Jellal took the opportunity to study the name tag pinned to the front of her white coat. Scarlet. The strand of hair she'd flicked away earlier, fell again and his finger twitched. Finally, she straightened and pulled the previously cowering animal into her lap. “There, see?” she said softly. “We can be friends. I didn't mean to scare you.”

The cat purred very loudly as she sniffed the open flaps of the white coat. With the most careful of touches, Doctor Scarlet began to inspect the cat's body.

“You were right. She's a girl. I'd put her at about nine months and she's definitely not been spayed.”

“That's the same as neutering, right?” Jellal asked tentatively.

“Yep.” She smiled as her fingers slid under the cat's belly and felt along her ribs. “She's also a little skinny. I wouldn't recommend table food, though. There's plenty of brands of cat food to choose from.”

“What kind would you recommend?”

“I'll make some notes in your care instructions.”

“Thank you, I really appreciate it.”

“It's not a problem, Mister Fernandes. I'm here to help.” The cat nudged her palm with a pink nose. “I would highly recommend a round of vaccinations and the basic line of tests just to make sure she's healthy.”

“What's the basic line of tests?”

“Cultures for intestinal worms, an antibody test for heartworms, and separate tests for feline leukemia and immunodeficiency. It doesn't look like she has fleas but considering you found her in a flowerbed, a flea treatment wouldn't hurt.”

“Like a flea collar?”

“No, those can be very problematic. You can bathe her at home with shampoo or we can do it here. There's a few different preventative treatments you can go with if she'll be outside at all – which I also don't recommend.”

“I live in an apartment so she'll be inside all the time.”

“Good!” Doctor Scarlet drew the cat against her chest and stood. “We can do the shots and take samples today, if you want. Results can take a few days but if you want these things done, it's probably best to get it out of the way.”

“Perfect. What about the other thing?”

“Other thing? Do you mean the spay? I can schedule that for you.”

“Thanks. I'm sorry for not knowing any of this stuff.”

“Don't worry about it!” She placed the cat back in his lap gently and her hands disappeared into her pockets. “I'll get the vaccinations and culture kits. It'll just be a minute or two.”

Doctor Scarlet opened and closed the door quietly behind her. Jellal exhaled heavily. He wished the veterinarian had been someone old and unattractive. Why did it have to be a young woman – who appeared to be roughly his peer in age – with a soft smile and hair he couldn't keep his eyes off of? Not that she was even an option – he would never consider hitting on a woman while she was working – but Jellal enjoyed his life the way it was. He could take any shift required without hesitation and everything in his life was expressly his.

The sound of purring and pressure on his thighs, drew Jellal's eyes down. His new companion gazed up at him and slowly blinked. He supposed he wasn't alone anymore anyway but he'd rather not leave the door wide open for just anyone to walk through.

“Mira wants to move in together,” Laxus said breaking the silence in the cruiser. Jellal took a long pull off his water bottle. He'd have given anything to avoid the subject of Laxus's personal life. “I think she wants to get married or something.”

Jellal sighed and gazed out of his window. “How do you know that?”

“Why else would she want to move in together?” Laxus demanded irritably.

“I don't know, maybe she just wants to... live together?”

“You don't think it's a head game or a hint?”

“I think you've been spending too much time on Reddit. Women aren't actually trying to subjugate men. If Mirajane wants the two of you to get a place together, that's probably all she wants.”

“Hm.”

“Have you tried talking to her about it?” Jellal tapped the water bottle cap against the window. From his peripheral, he could see Laxus's eye twitching.

“You're a smartass.”

“Better a smartass than a dumbass.”

“Speaking of dumbass shit, what did you end up doing with that cat?”

“I'm keeping her.”

“What?!” Laxus glanced over at him in disbelief. “Why didn't you just take it to a shelter? Cats have fleas and claws.”

“She doesn't have fleas and none of the shelters would take her.”

“Mira has a friend who works at a vet clinic. She's always got crazy stories about people and their pets. I can't believe you kept that fucking cat.”

“It's fine. She likes me and I took her to the vet already.”

“You need a girlfriend.”

“No,” Jellal said under his breath. “I need a less chatty partner.”

“Did you get that department email?”

“Yep.” Jellal went back to tapping his water bottle lid on the window. He didn't know why he was being so snappish and evasive with Laxus but the question annoyed him. Of course he'd received the email and, of course, he'd be at the event. The city's children's charities fundraiser was very personal to him – not that Laxus knew anything about that.

“And?”

“How long have we been partners, Dreyar?”

“I don't know. Three, maybe four years?”

“And when have I ever not attended the spring children's charity fundraiser?”

“Eh –” Laxus's thumb drummed on the steering wheel.

“I'll be there, just not in uniform. I'm off that day.” Jellal glanced over at Laxus, whose jaw twitched suspiciously. “Why do you care?”

“Just curious.”

“You're a shitty liar.”

“Mira thinks –”

“No, you both think. And I'm not meeting any more of her friends. I'm happy just the way I am! I even have a pet now!” Laxus shifted uncomfortably in the driver's seat and Jellal scowled. “You should move in with your girlfriend. You're perfect for each other.”

“I'll tell her to back off.” The radio crackled and rattled off an address. Laxus sighed and switched on the lights and siren. “I still can't believe you kept the cat, Fernandes.”

Jellal crossed his ankles and stared at the bedroom ceiling. Four points of pressure took up residence on his chest and he smiled at the settling lump of black fur. He still hadn't picked out a proper name and had taken to simply calling her Fluffy. She purred loudly when his hand fell into a pattern of stroking her ears and back.

“You don't think I need a girlfriend, do you, Fluffy?” The cat – obviously – did not answer him. Her yellow eyes slid closed. “It's not that I don't want someone else in my life. I think I just...” Jellal trailed off and let his arm flop on the mattress beside him. He needed a shower. Fluffy seemed to read his mind and hopped from his chest to the edge of the bed.

When Jellal stepped from the shower, the bathroom still swirled with steam. He used his palm to wipe the mirror and sighed at his reflection. Maybe he really did need a girlfriend if he was having soul searching sessions with a cat.

The day felt absolutely perfect. Just the right amount of clouds hung in the sky to keep the sun from scorching everyone, and a breeze ruffled the leaves of the trees. Jellal handed off the last cluster of balloons to a volunteer and tossed the empty spools of ribbon into a waiting trash bag.

“Thank you so much for coming, Jellal,” Ultear said, tying off the bag.

“I always do.” His hands slid into his pockets.

“You don't have to, though. That's why it matters.”

“Kids should always have safe places. I would give more if I could.”

“Showing up at all is a big deal for some of them.” Ultear pulled the cover back over the helium tank.

“That's a shitty standard,” he muttered.

“I finally got the building permit. Construction for the expansion starts in two months.”

“Let me know if you need anything.”

“Of course.” She smirked, slid her arm through his, and pulled him up the sloping hill toward the long stretch of arbor that led back to the parking lot. From the crest they could see the entire park and the amphitheater's lawn slowly fill with brightly colored blankets. Hints of late afternoon sunlight glinted off soap bubbles and kites emblazoned with the charity's logo soared in the air. When the sun set, the stage would be the center of attention. “What's bothering you?”

“Am I so obvious?”

“Incredibly.”

“My partner says I need a girlfriend and thinks I'm crazy because I took in a stray cat.”

“Do you think you need a girlfriend?”

“I think I like the cat,” Jellal hedged. “She purrs pretty loud and sleeps on my back but she's nice.” He laughed and added, “Needy.”

“Jellal –”

“I'm fine, Ultear.” Her head came to rest on his shoulder and she sighed.

“I'm hardly one to dispense relationship advice, and I'm not saying you should go all out and get on a dating site or anything, but maybe stop thinking of a girlfriend as a performative concept and more of a thing you share with someone else.” Jellal opened his mouth to reply but Ultear tightened her grip on his arm. “I bet you didn't think you wanted or needed a pet before you got a cat, right?”

“I coaxed her out of the flower bed of a drunk guy we arrested,” he said blandly. “So no, I didn't contemplate having a pet before that and didn't even decide to keep her until I couldn't find a shelter that wouldn't euthanize her.”

“And now you care about her and take care of her properly?”

“Yeah,” Jellal admitted. He suddenly grinned down at Ultear. “Wanna get married? I'd marry you.”

Ultear's peal of laughter carried. “Jellal, even if I was into men, I wouldn't marry you.”

“I had to ask, you understand.”

“You're a romantic at heart, Jellal. I'd eat you alive for breakfast and be hungry again by eleven.”

“I always knew you were a cannibal.” Ultear laughed again but cut off abruptly. Jellal glanced down and found her distracted.

“Now, she looks yummy.” Jellal followed Ultear's gaze and stiffened.

“Holy shit,” he breathed.

“I know, right? That hair is something else.” Ultear wasn't wrong. The scarlet hair Jellal had only ever seen twisted into a bun hung freely about her shoulders.

“Yeah...” He suddenly broke his stare and coughed. “I mean, sure, I guess. That's Fluffy's vet.”

Ultear spun on him. “You named your cat Fluffy? Honestly, Jellal.”

“What? It's a perfectly good name.” His eyes slid back to Doctor Scarlet without asking his permission.

“Wow, you've got it bad. Go talk to the redhead.”

“I don't –” When Jellal looked away from the red hair that had caught in the breeze, Ultear was gone. She had a habit of popping in and out whenever she pleased. Doctor Scarlet was still standing near the base of the slope. Her fingers slid though her hair as she tried to control it.

Jellal never meant to surprise her, but that's what happened. She startled when he called her name.

“Did I scare you?” His smile fell away and his hands found their way back into his pockets.

“Uh, no.” He watched her grip on her hair tighten anxiously.

“I think I did. I'm really sorry.”

“It's fine.” She tried to smile but her lips were tight. “I just haven't been here in a while.”

“To the park?”

“No –” She exhaled heavily and released her hair. Her shoulders relaxed. “This event.” Doctor Scarlet glanced back down the hill. Her eyes held an anxiety he hated that he recognized at all.

“I skipped it for a few years when I turned eighteen,” he said softly. “It wasn't until I was in college and on my own that I felt okay about it. Not all my memories are bad.” She looked up at him and bit her lip in hesitation.

“Mine aren't bad, really. Just... sad.”

“You mentioned before that your dad was a cop.”

She nodded. “He was, yes. Thirteen is a hell of a time to lose your only parent.”

“I'm sorry.”

“Don't be. It was a long time ago. The children's charity is great. I went away to college and only moved back last summer. It was always my intention to volunteer. I missed the sign up window, though.”

“I hope you'll stay, Doctor Scarlet.”

“I think I will, Mister Fernandes.” Her smile was genuine and slightly teasing.

“Jellal is fine.”

“Call me Erza, then. Do you come every year?”

“I do now. Not having a home or family sucks but it's a reality for way too many kids. A good friend of mine has a group home. She's a professional advocate. I support her when I can.”

“The world needs more of that.” The sun had long passed it's zenith and the clouds mingled with the lingering rays creating an orange and purple tint. Erza's hair – somehow – glowed even more brilliantly.

“Are you staying for the show? I understand the symphony is providing a live soundtrack to the movie.” Jellal couldn't tell if she was blushing or if the sunset was playing tricks with the light.

“I'd like to. I was supposed to meet a friend here but I haven't seen her.”

“Oh!” He took a step back. “I didn't mean to keep you from anything.” She smiled and reached out to touch his shirt sleeve.

“You aren't. I'm glad we ran into each other.” Erza didn't release his arm and Jellal stepped closer again. “My friend's boyfriend can be a crank so I'm sure she's trying to keep him entertained.”

“That's relatable. My partner is the same way. If he doesn't have a snack mid-shift, he's intolerable.”

“Do you bring him snacks?” She asked with a smile. Her hand slid down his arm and stopped at his wrist.

“No, there's a place near the station that keeps him pretty solidly in chicken nuggets at midnight and three.”

“Did you steal your partner's nuggets to earn the trust of a cat in a flowerbed, Jellal?” Erza stood at his side now, her shoulder brushing his arm.

“I might've. They were cold anyway.” He caught her hand in his and tugged lightly. “Let's find your friend. Things will be too dark soon.” She didn't pull her hand away and Jellal couldn't stop the excited euphoria from rising in his chest. Between the undeniable and almost immediate chemistry, and the atmosphere of the evening, Jellal felt like he'd stumbled into an alternate universe.

“Erza!” A voice he thought he recognized called from a cluster of people surrounding a food card. Jellal saw Laxus's head before Mirajane's. As brightly as she smiled, Laxus frowned. He gazed longingly back at the vendor pulling freshly fried corndogs from a vat of oil. Mirajane's curious eyes flit from Erza to Jellal. “I was worried I'd never find you but it looks like that worked out just fine.”

“Fernandes,” Laxus muttered with a smirk. Erza's eyebrow quirked upward.

“Do you know each other?” she asked pointing between Laxus and Jellal.

“I only spend nine hours with the guy, five days a week.” His eyes fell back over his shoulder, still mourning the loss of food.

“Oh, Laxus, you're ridiculous.” Mirajane stuffed a wad of bills into her boyfriend's hand and pointed at the cart. “Go feed yourself.” She smiled brightly at Erza again. “He's such a child sometimes, I swear.”

“I second that,” Jellal said. “You should put him in daycare, Mira.”

“So how do you know Jellal, Erza? I wanted to introduce you today but Laxus insisted I mind my own business.” She winked at Jellal and he felt the tips of his ears burn.

“He brought his cat into the clinic last week.”

“Oh!” Mirajane laughed. “I heard about the cat. How's she doing, by the way?”

“Uh,” Jellal found himself gripping Erza's hand a little tighter. “She's fine.”

“Did you name her?”

“I did.” He cleared his throat. “I decided to call her Fluffy.”

“Fluffy?” Mirajane's eyes were smiling and she didn't even try to hold back her giggle.

“It's a nice name, Jellal.” Erza squeezed his hand back. “And she is very fluffy.”

“What's so funny?” Laxus rejoined them with a corndog in each hand – he didn't look like he was about to share, either.

“It's nothing,” Jellal insisted quickly. He was saved by the stage lights switching on and the strings of twinkling lights in the trees coming to life. Mirajane took Laxus's empty corndog stick and tossed it in a nearby garbage can.

“You're welcome to join us,” she offered. “We came with my brother and sister, though, so we'll understand if you'd rather have your own space.” Before Jellal or Erza could speak, Mirajane grabbed Laxus's hand and pulled him away.

“She's relentless,” Jellal muttered.

“She has a big heart.” Erza sighed. “Relentless isn't an inaccurate description, though. Since I've been back in town she's tried to set me up twice.”

“Is it awful of me to say I'm glad none of that worked out?”

Erza laughed softly and pulled him away from the concessions crowd and toward an empty patch of grass under a tree too small for lights. “I can't say I'm sad about it.”

The grass was thick and soft. Erza sat closer than he expected but he didn't mind. A screen behind the symphony rolled downward and the crowd's noise level dropped when the movie began. Somewhere in the middle Jellal's fingers found their way into Erza's hair and it was as soft as he'd hoped. She leaned into his side and didn't stop him.

Stars dotted the sky when the movie credits began to roll. She smiled up at him and even though he hadn't ever seen her outside of her place of work before that night, he was run down by the desire to kiss her.

“Walk me back to my car before the crowd?” her voice was light but even in the low light he could see the heaviness in her expression.

“Of course.” Erza took his hand again and she didn't speak until they reached the arbor.

“Jellal –” She paused and tugged on a strand of her hair. “I like you. I know we kind of just met but I like you.”

“I feel a 'but' coming on.” He couldn't help the disappointment from settling, especially when she sighed.

“I work a lot. My job at the clinic is my first position with real responsibility. I'm not working as a sidekick to another vet and it's kind of exciting.”

Jellal pulled her to a stop. The arbor was still mostly empty but the exiting crowd wouldn't be too far behind. “Erza, listen, I had a nice time with you tonight and I like you too, but I completely understand job stuff. I've been stuck on a night shift with Laxus for way too long trying to get promoted. I get it.”

“I'm not brushing you off, and unless you're brushing me off, I don't have a problem with your shift. I work nights now, too.” She smiled when his eyebrows flew up. “The clinic is trying out a new twenty-four hour emergency service. I asked to be considered for the overnight position because I thought I could use the independent experience.”

“That's pretty lucky,” Jellal said, his smile returning.

“It is pretty lucky.” She glanced down the arbor trail. Sounds of voices were getting closer. “My car is this way.” Erza's car was actually a black pickup truck that had seen better days. She ran her hand along the side of the bed and sighed. “I know I should get a new car but I guess I'm attached to this one.”

“I kept all my PT's from the academy,” he said, smiling. “Everyone has sentimental attachment to things.”

Erza turned to him and touched the front of his shirt experimentally. He didn't stop her. “I'm really glad I found you tonight.”

“I think it was me who found you.”

“Technicalities.”

“I guess I should ask if you prefer lunch or breakfast.” She quirked an eyebrow questioningly. “If I'm going to take you out, I have to know which is better for you.”

“Breakfast is better,” Erza said quietly, sliding her hand to his side and closing her fingers around the seam of his shirt. “Lunch is my last meal before work now. I'd hate to be against a deadline like that.”

“When can I see you again?” he asked, giving in to the impulse of circling her waist with his arm. “I work for the next five days but I don't know if I want to wait that long.”

“Tomorrow morning?” Her eyes were almost level with his now and he could smell the remnants of her body spray. “I don't want to wait five days, either.”

Erza head tilted right and Jellal tilted left. His heart raced but the kiss – he couldn't let it rush by. She invaded every bit of the space he reserved only for himself and he didn't once consider stopping her.

He pulled her scrub top over her head and tossed it aside. She all but tore the buttons on the front of his uniform shirt to get it off. It would've been nice to savor the moment but he'd just come off a frustrating shift and Erza's texts indicated she'd had a similar night. She toed off her sneakers and tugged on his belt buckle.

“Do you have to wear these boots?” she whined. “They're in my way.”

“Sorry,” Jellal breathed between kisses. “It's regulation.” Her camisole and his undershirt joined the growing pile of clothes near the front door. Erza never wore the lacy bras on nights she worked but Jellal couldn't have possibly cared less.

“I forgot the leftovers from breakfast in the car,” Erza breathed, not making an effort to do anything other than figure out his belt.

“I don't care about the leftovers.” Jellal pulled the bowstring holding her scrub pants up and pushed them down around her hips. She stepped out of them and finally released the belt buckle. His boots prevented him from shedding the pants completely but he didn't need to. Erza yanked at the waistband of his underpants and he pulled off her panties.

In a breath that lasted much too long, Jellal had her against the front door of his apartment. The lights were still off but the morning sun filtered through the vertical blinds covering his patio door. Erza's arms wrapped around his neck and her thighs – that were much more solid than he'd originally anticipated – secured him against her. There was no room between them to manage anything but a smooth entrance

“Oh,” she said on the inhale and, “Fuck,” she breathed on the exhale. Erza's fingernails raked over his scalp and he shivered excitedly. His mouth found her neck and he pulled out just enough to rush back in. She wasn't quiet and he loved it.

Jellal grasped her thigh and grinned. He'd discovered that Erza had a hair trigger and didn't care for marathon sex. She was good for short bursts knew exactly how to ask for what she wanted. He'd never had such a self-aware lover before and, truth be told, long sessions were overrated. She took his lips fiercely and clenched around him. Two more thrusts and he felt like collapsing on the floor.

Erza eased her legs from around his waist and he nearly stumbled when he tried to step back.

“Your pants,” she teased. “We never got them off.”

“I forgot,” he breathed, bracing himself on one hand against the wall. Erza slid down and pulled his pants back up around his waist and stepped into her retrieved panties. “Will you stay?”

She smiled up at him and leaned up to plant a quick kiss on his lips. “I'll stay.”

Fluffy was curled into a ball in the middle of his bed and eyed them both suspiciously. Jellal sat on the edge of the mattress and unlaced his boots. He said nothing when Erza plucked a clean t-shirt from a folded pile on his dresser. She discarded her sports bra and pulled she shirt over her head. Fluffy showed no interest in moving.

“Do you think she's offended I'm invading her space?” Erza asked quietly.

“She'll get over it,” Jellal said kicking his boots aside and tossing the pants into his closet. Fluffy didn't move until he pulled back the blankets. Another thing about Erza he loved was how easily she fell into physical affection. She'd never stayed at his apartment before and he'd never slept at hers, but she slid through the sheets as if they'd been sharing a bed for years.

[fairytail-whathesays]

Was there a time when you liked FT or was your relationship with it always this complicated?

I wouldn’t have stuck around long enough to hate it if I hadn’t liked it at some point.

[ I sigh dramatically, looking out the window with a cigarette between my fingers, blowing smoke ]

I joined the Fairy Tail fandom sometime in 2014, maybe 2015. I remember watching the opening episodes. I was a little bit shocked to find that the plot of that episode was a sleazy, awful man trying to sell hundreds of girls into sex slavery.....pretty fucked up, man. This is the same anime done by a company called “Funimation”?

But the first arc was pretty nice. The characters didn’t exactly blow me off my feet, but I liked them well enough and Natsu’s and Lucy’s personalities were fairly entertaining, as were their powers. The Macao arc was fairly sweet-natured and appreciable.

The Daybreak/Everlue arc really impressed me. It told me that Lucy was deep, that she was intelligent, and that she cared about the people she was trying to help and felt strongly about an author’s rights. It also nicely set up Virgo’s introduction as one of Lucy’s spirits. The end of it was so pure and light-hearted as well. My only issue was Natsu insisting they not take the money because they didn’t destroy the book, even though they worked extremely hard for it and it was being offered regardless. You might not feel like you need that money Natsu, but c’mon, Lucy’s gotta eat.

[ I sigh wistfully, smiling like an old man reminiscing about his younger years ]

The Lullaby arc is where things started to pick up speed. Erza and Gray were established as characters, and I found Erza pretty funny and Gray appealed to me early on for being down to earth (and for being handsome as hell). This was the first “serious” arc, and a murder weapon was going to be used on innocent people by a psycho, who got defeated by Natsu. I was fairly impressed: convection as a topic almost never comes up in anime, I never expected it to be used to gain a logical advantage. Natsu was a bad match for a wind wizard, but used real rules of nature to win. The demon coming out of the flute was out of nowhere--but its being defeated easily and in a comical fashion rounds it out nicely.

Then the Galuna Island arc, man. Fairy Tail was on a roll. A mysterious curse plot, Gray’s tragic backstory making my heart cry, and a strange wizard who can control time?! Gray proving to his asshat sociopath old rival that hard, properly-done work beats cheap but flimsy power? Ice Make: Cannon? Hell yes. Oh man, that arc broke my heart when Gray’s tears came.

[ My wistful smile turns to a grim frown. Storm clouds have gathered on the horizon. ]

The Phantom Lord arc was where problems started to show up. Most noticeably, Natsu vs. Totomaru. I watched in utter disbelief (and later absolute fury) as Natsu overcame Totomaru’s control of his fire with absolutely no explanation whatsoever, followed by Happy apologizing for rushing Natsu because Natsu Was Right, followed by Natsu lecturing the fire wizard opposite him about how to control fire. Oh boy. That scene still bugs me. For the most part, everything else was good. Juvia’s sudden character change during her fight with Gray was....sharp, but she still gave the impression of being a fairly powerful, competent foe. And Eflman and Mirajane’s backstory, as forcibly revealed by Sol, broke my heart and made me cherish Elfman from that day onward. 

The Loke arc was better. I had previously been only irritated by Loke, and didn’t get what I was supposed to be seeing in him. His behavior in his arc aggravated me to hell and back until the revelation came, and suddenly it all clicked into place. It was a great arc for both Loke’s character and Lucy’s, and props to Lucy for convincing the Celestial Spirit King to pardon Loke. 

Things picked up speed in the Tower of Heaven arc. This arc wowed me, gotta admit. Jellal was horrifying, and the backstory behind him and Erza as child slaves to a cult was utterly heartbreaking, something I would never have expected from the wizard in armor, the knight, Erza Scarlet. Of course, this one had its problems too. Despite the growing relationship being presented with Gray and Erza, their backstory coming in, and a lot of time being spent on how he reacts to seeing her cry, it was Natsu to battle Jellal at the Tower’s summit, not Gray, and it was Natsu enraged over seeing Erza’s tears, not Gray. It was very confusing to me. 

[ A small ray of sunshine breaks through the storm clouds; I set down my cigarette and straighten up ]

And then came the Fantasia arc. It was everything I could ask for. Three badass new characters with frightening powers taking powerful members of Fairy Tail hostage and forcing the rest to fight? Mirajane getting her strength back to protect Elfman and beating the shit out of Freed unrestrained? Natsu being kept out of the action until the very end? Natsu and Gajeel getting their asses royally beat, with no Nakama Powerup to save the day? Laxus revealing that he wasn’t just a powerhouse, but someone capable of wielding Fairy Law? Oh man, and the end absolutely broke me. 

But sadly, it couldn’t last forever.

[ A flash of lightning hits, everything is suddenly darker and gloomier, and in grayscale ]

The Nirvana arc. It should’ve been a good arc. One of the best, actually. We finally got to see the members of the often-talked-about Blue Pegasus and Lamia Scale. We got six new fantastic antagonists who ranged on the scale from Cobra to Midnight in terms of anti-villain to pure evil. We got higher stakes than ever! Everybody had cool powers and the fights were amazing!

But I couldn’t ignore Jellal. I could not even begin to ignore how the story was bending over backwards to not only force Jellal to fit into the arc (when he really didn’t) but to redeem him as well. Considering the last time I’d seen Jellal (excepting Fantasia), I’d loved him, but as a villain, this rubbed me the wrong way. I couldn’t swallow it, my suspension of disbelief wasn’t having any of his suspiciously helpful and selective amnesia. My previous opinion of Jellal was that his story was sad, but that he was off the deep end, his crimes were unacceptable, and he needed to be put down. So having him brought back at all was a pain, but in such a forced, contrived way.....

And it all went down from there. Though I continued to enjoy the aspects of some of the next few arcs, I think the Nirvana arc is where I really started to despise Fairy Tail. The tropes got more and more pronounced, the things I hated started appearing with more frequency, and the good bits started getting less and less prominent. I tried to like the Edolas and Tenrou arcs, I really did, but it was difficult. And from the Grand Magic Games onward, it was basically trash. The Tartaros arc did have some good points and some wonderful subversions, but it wasn’t enough.

[ I sigh again, a single tear running down my cheek ]

Nine arcs. I lasted nine arcs. Or rather, Fairy Tail lasted me nine arcs.

[fallen029]

Last Month: Ice Skates and Late Dates

There were a lot of things that Laxus didn't like about winter.

It was cold. Too cold. It snowed. Too much snow. Which was wet. And got everywhere. And it meant that he had to buy firewood, for the fireplace, and make sure that the front walk was shoveled and forbid it iced.

He hated when it iced.

Then there was the fact that everyone got a bit of cabin fever, when it snowed so much people were trapped inside too often and why was it, huh, that his wife's dorky siblings and his only friends all seemed to think that his house was the place to escape the frigid night air?

And don't forget the snowmen.

Those wretched, hell-bound beasts.

He thought he hated snowmen most of all.

Still, it seemed to be Lana, his little baby demon dragon, favorite time of the year, so he had to grin and bear it. She liked it even more as she aged out of just playing in the front yard or looking up in wonder at the lights hung from neighborhood houses. No. She was now old enough to be the like the big kids, she insisted to her father one day when she spied them at the park, over on the frozen pond, and wanted to ice skate too.

"Ice skatin', huh?" Bickslow hummed when Laxus approached him with this the next day.

Lana was spending the day with her Uncle Elf, but most the rest of their family was up at the hall. Laxus' wife, Mirajane, was very busy with her Master duties and her aunt Lisanna was filling in at the bar, hoping to pick up some easy, extra jewels for the upcoming Winter Festival. The others in their little group, the Thunder Legion, were sitting around their table, Freed commenting on a job before, but stopping when Laxus made Lana's new desires clear.

She was the only baby any of them had. Given the fact Ever and Elfman were frequently on the outs, Freed had little desire for small children, and Bickslow and Lisanna really shouldn't be allowed near any, ever, unsupervised, this made sense. And given that Mirajane and Laxus seemed content for the time being in her being their only child, this didn't seem as if it would be changing any time soon.

This meant, however, that she was, well, more than a bit spoiled. Not just because her father seemed to bow to each and every single one of her demands (which, yeah, this was a massive problem), but also because the others had very little experience to draw from, when dealing with children, and seemed to mostly wish to keep her appeased.

Or else.

And Laxus was the or else.

So if his hatchling wanted to go ice skating, damn it, they were going ice skating.

"I can't," Evergreen told him. When this got a dark look from the slayer though, she glanced up from filing her nails to insist, "Seriously, I can't. I never learned."

"I must confess," Freed added, "that it is a skill I am lacking as well."

"What's with you guys?" the slayer complained. "How do you not know?"

"We were a bit busy in our formative years," Freed offered simply. "Surviving."

As the slayer looked off them, perhaps feeling a bit of remorse for his harsh tone, Bickslow only took to snickering. His little wooden babies began to do much the same.

"Ah, boss!" He patted at his chest then, the seith did, as his tongue tumbled from his mouth and they all got a good look at his guild marking. "I would be happy to teach the baby boss how to ice skate."

"You weren't," the slayer went right back to griping, "asked."

"You don't know how to either though, huh?" the seith asked. "Else you wouldn't have come to us, yeah? So it sounds like you need me."

"I don't need anyone."

Other than his little tiny baby demon dragon hatchling.

And yeah, the actual demon too.

"Perhaps," Freed suggested then, glancing around the table at the others, "we can make it a family affair."

"Don't have affairs with your family, dude." Bickslow's tongue slurped right back up in his mouth. "Freak."

"Wha- That is not what I meant!"

"Keep it in your pants."

"Bickslow-"

"What do you actually mean, Freed?" Ever asked with a roll of her eyes, really just wanting this conversation to die already.

After sending his friend the darkest of glares, he looked to Laxus once more before explaining, "We all lack in this category and, well, I am certain Lana will hardly be an expert on her first venture. Certainly it will make her feel better, should we all learn along side her. Right?"

"I," Ever began after the others thought on it, "can't."

But she could.

And she would.

They all would. Laxus rose then, to go see the Master and inform her of this while Lisanna, seeing him dip into the back, used this to her advantage and came over to goof off with the others rather than work. Easy jewels could be so straining sometimes.

"It's me," Laxus called out after knocking his knuckles against the heavy door of his wife's office. "Demon."

"Oh, dragon, come in, but don't let anyone else in, alright? I'm really swamped."

"Just me," he assured the woman as, upon entering, he found her desk swarmed with papers and the woman with a pair of glasses on, looking over something rather official, it seemed. At his entrance though, she only pushed them up as she looked to her husband.

"What's up?"

He came over first to give her a kiss before falling into the chair on the other side of the desk.

"Can't come check on my woman?" he questioned, but she only continued to stare at him, waiting for a true explanation. Sighing some, he added, "Lana wants to go ice skating."

"Okay," she said slowly as she blinked. "Is that…. You're not going to be weird over something like this, are you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Dragon, you get weird over every new thing she does."

"Do not."

"Laxus, I'm really busy-"

"She's my only daughter," he griped. "Should I not think that each and every milestone is important and noteworthy?"

Mira only sighed at him though and, after sulking for a moment, he knew he had to continue.

"Well, I don't know to do it," he admitted to his wife then. "Ice skate. And neither does the Thunder Legion. Well, stupid Bickslow does, but who the fuck trusts him with anything?"

"Uh, I trust him with my sister."

"That's your bad judgment."

"You're talking to your master, you know."

Oh, he knew.

It had been more than a point of contention, when Mirajane captured his once attainable dream, becoming the guild master in Makarov's death, but time healed most things. That was so far behind them then. And, after seeing all the work that his fie put in, day in and out, for the guild to run smoothly, he figured he didn't even want the job.

It would eat too greatly into his dragon-hatchling time.

Plus…

He wanted Lana to see it. Her mother in that way. Not just as a barmaid, which was fine, yeah, but… Mirajane was one of the few female guild masters around, and of the top guild in all the land. He liked that. Even if he didn't always.

"Freed thinks we should all go out, together, and learn how to ice skate," he told the woman then. "With Lana. So she doesn't feel so bad, about not being great at it."

'That sounds nice."

"Yeah, I thought-"

"But I know how," his wife told him with a slight grin. "And so do Elf and Lisanna."

"Of course."

"I'm sorry. Does that ruin things for you?"

But he only shrugged a bit, Laxus did, as he said, "Better than only Bickslow. Besides, Lana will probably listen to you better."

But Mira gave him a sad look again as she said, "I'm serious about being swamped, Lax."

"It doesn't have to be today. Tomorrow-"

"I'm behind already, because people keep destroying every town they visit and I'm completely confused on how to handle what Natsu did in-"

"It's fine. Mira." He rose from his chair once more, leaning over the desk to give her one last kiss. "We'll do it without you."

"I'm sure Lana won't miss me much," she insisted to her husband and maybe not.

While the girl loved her mother, she seemed to find annoyance with her far more often than any other adult in her life. Mirajane seemed to be the disciplinarian and, while Lana respected her mother, she could find this a very annoying quality.

But Laxus had kinda wanted his wife to go. With them. Even before all the others were going to go. Especially now that they were. She'd been busy with the hall so much recently and he'd only just returned from an S-Class job and he just…

"See you at home," he offered over his shoulder, but she was already busy with her work once more.

Since the demon was out, he only had Lisanna find someone to cover for her and then they all set off, to locate Lana and Elfman. They were very busy in the park already, where Elfman was being directed by his niece (and some other random children she seemed to have made friends with) to roll them the biggest of bases for a prospective snowman. Laxus tried not to let the vain in his forehead pop right out.

It did throb though as he patted his daughter on her soft, white locks.

"C'mon," he said as the other kids seemed sad to see her (or at least her big, burly uncle who was at their whim). "We gotta go get you some ice skates, huh?"

Oh, yes. They did.

And the others as well.

It was the best trip to the market ever, Lana felt. Daddy bought her some new mittens too, as Uncle Bickslow explained she should never leave her fingers down on the pond for long, should she fall.

"Else someone might skate right over then," the acrobat warned. "And then..."

He just shook his head as he closed his hand tight, miming some severed fingers, maybe. As Lana recoiled in horror and Lisanna griped at her boyfriend, Freed only assured her that they would not allow this to happen.

"Are you gonna skate too, Daddy?" Lana asked as she held hands with him, on their walk back to the pond. "Is that how come you got skates?"

"Yep," he agreed as, the closer they got to the pond, the bigger the knot in his chest began to grow. It wasn't so much that Laxus didn't wanna skate with his daughter, but rather, it was that he'd never done it before and therefore didn't know if he'd be good at it or not.

And while he hated failure, he hated it much more when it occurred before the eyes of Lana.

As they all sat in the snow, ditching their boots for their new skates, Lisanna was quick to race Bickslow onto the ice, both finding ease in this. Lana was whining to Freed, who was lacing up her skates, to hurry because she wanted to get out there too!

"Speak," Ever sighed as she seemed rather lackluster in her effort, "for yourself."

Oh, she was.

"Here, Lana!" Bickslow, who'd been happily skating circle around those kids, those cats, out there on the big frozen pond, came rushing back over to the edge of it as he held out both hands, waiting for them to be filled with the little girl's. "I'll help ya, huh?"

Laxus very much so wanted to be the one to lead his daughter out onto the ice and help her out, but he found it to be a good thing, probably, that he wasn't as the first thing he did out on the ice was tumble back on his butt with a hard thump.

"Careful, Laxus," Elfman snickered as he skated by with the wobbly Evergreen holding tight, for once, to one of his hands. "You'll crack the ice!"

He thought he was so fucking funny. Idiot. Fucking idiot. As Laxus growled and shoved up, he looked for Freed, hoping, honestly, the other guy was having as hard a time as him. Then they could commiserate together. But somehow, even though he claimed to have never touched an ice skate in his entire life, the man was busy doing figure eights across the pond.

"It's amazing, Laxus," he called to the man as he came whizzing passed. "I must have repressed it, but yes, I recall now, my father and I, skating every winter, before I left home."

Oh, fucking great.

Laxus fell again and that was it, he was done, fuck this shit, but just as he was about to sulk away, Lisanna came skating up to him with a giggle and outstretched hands.

"Come on, big brother Laxus," she offered with a tilt of her head. "I'll help you."

"Don't need help," he grumbled, but her grin faltered then as she actually leaned down to take his hands in her own.

"Do it for Lana," she insisted as he got to his shaky feet once more. "If she ends up liking this, you'll have to do it all winter."

What horror.

And it would be fine, because Mirajane could join them, later, if he just learned (or at least became a bit more stable) now, but…

He'd just wanted the demon there.

That was all.

And it wasn't enough, her little sister being around. Her doofus brother. Their daughter, Lana. Each had a bit of the woman in them, but it just wasn't enough.

It was complicated. All of it. But he and the demon's relationship especially. Things had been a bit tense, recently, and he just kind of wanted them to do this. Together.

That was all.

But Lana only fell twice, when she tried letting go of Bickslow's hands and, as the sunset, she only let Uncle Elf carry her home, exhausted from her busy day. They were all probably going to go their separate ways, with Elfman shrugging Lana off on her father so he and Ever could go argue over where to get dinner while Bickslow and Lisanna just trailed behind the pair, hoping if they picked the right victor in the match (it was almost always the Lady of Stone), they could trick their way into a free meal. Freed was energized, however, by his discovery and was most keen to figure out what other repressed memories were lurking about.

Laxus felt like this was a bad idea (and questioned how he'd even go about that), but was too down to deal with it in that moment.

It was as they were leaving the park, however, that they ran into her. Mirajane. She seemed in a hurry too, but spotted them rather easily (they were sort of an unmistakable group) and rushed to their sides.

"Are you leaving already?" she asked with a bit of a frown.

"And never," Evergreen griped, who'd been fallen on, by Elfman, crushed, honestly, and they would be arguing over this one for weeks, "coming back!"

"It was," Elfman yelled, "an accident!"

"Men don't make accidents, I thought?" Lisanna mused. "Everything is on purpose."

"Your boyfriend fell on you on purpose, Ever," Bickslow whistled lowly. "And not even the good kind?"

Freed was not riding too high to miss that and found himself asking, and regretting while doing so, "What is the good kind?"

But as the seith opened his mouth to explain, Mirajane only shook her head.

"I rushed all the way here," she complained, just a bit, looking at her husband. "Through my paperwork. I tried really hard to… I just can't believe you guys are already-"

"Sun's going down," Bickslow said. "I can only hang around the kid during daylight."

"Why? What are you?" Freed asked, again, regretfully. "A vampire?"

"A man with a social life," the seith bristled. "Unlike some of us."

But Lisanna only hummed. "Here's an idea."

And she reached over to take Lana from Laxus then. The girl was too old to be carried, honestly, however, and was too heavy for the woman, but Lisanna just quickly pawned her right back off on Elfman.

"You and Laxus go skate. Together." Lisanna beamed at her older sister. "It's a really nice night out."

No.

No.

Laxus mood had run foul now, after falling and hurting himself, honestly, and the moment was ruined and...and…

"Someone," he muttered, "has to check on the dogs. No one's been home for hours and-"

"I'll do it," Freed offered up easily enough. "Perhaps caring for them will trigger even more memories."

And Mira had questions (a lot, actually), but Lisanna was only shooing the others along and she'd mostly wanted to skate with her daughter, honestly, but…

"It has been a long time," Mira remarked when she and the slayer found themselves alone. "Since we had a date. Lax."

She was smiling up at in, in a way she usually didn't anymore, and he could tell she was tired, he knew he was tired, but…

Well…

"Has it?" At her nod, he only let out a long sigh before saying, "Let's just walk, huh? Around the park? And maybe get something to eat after? I really don't wanna fall again. I think I bruised my-"

"The Thunder God is afraid of a little bruise?"

"It fucking hurts, Mira. And it's not like in a battle. You have no adrenaline or-"

"Then I'll just have to hold your hand." And she moved to do so then, gripping it tightly in her own. "And we'll go real slow. So you don't fall. Okay?"

"Demon-"

"Don't you trust me? Dragon?"

With his life.

Which is why he fell back into the snow, to put on his skates once more, while Mirajane only transformed into some and, when he took her hands, it felt so much warmer than with Lisanna.

So very much.

.

Full Series

[fallen029]

Untitled Bixanna

This is a super old one-shot I was working on when, you know, I still frequently worked on things. I used to come back to it a lot, but could just never do anything with it. So it’s unfinished, probably never going to get finished, but I really did like all of their characterizations in this. I might just start posting unfished stuff here that’s never gonna get completed, just for those of you who are interested. I mostly just really liked Evergreen in this, honestly, which is probably why I’d never been able to do much else with it. 

It really wasn't a relationship.

At least not in the way that Lisanna always imagined one going.

Perhaps it was her naivety to the subject. For so many years (even the ones spent in Edolas), the only romantic interest she truly had in anyone else was Natsu. And, even though that never rightly came to fruition, there was no way if it had, it would have been any less childish than the majority of their interactions were.

They'd probably go on cute dates with Happy. Eat ice cream and stay up late talking. Go on jobs together where he totally acted out (partially to impress her, mostly because he always did) and she tried to act strong, but not too strong, because him saving her would definitely be something she enjoyed. And then they'd reminisce about their life before her time in Edolas and how much he missed her and, maybe just once, he'd open up to her about everything in his life.

Everything.

Maybe even cry in front of her.

And they'd just be so cute together. Everyone would think so. The perfect ending to the perfect love story.

Their marriage would only be just as fantastical. From the frilly wedding to the children they would have and just the overall bliss that no real union of two people could possibly contain, but for them, it would work.

It just would.

Until it just wouldn't. Because they weren't going to be any of that. Good friends, fine, maybe even best friends again, hopefully, one day, but nothing more.

Which was fine. If Natsu and Lucy… It was fine. Honest, it was. Lisanna herself could admit that not only were the two of them great for one another, but also that her perception of Natsu's feelings for her all along had been a bit out of whack.

And alright, it wasn't an easy transfer to make, all her hopes and dreams off on another guy given how Natsu-specific they'd been, but that was okay. The basics would still be there, she always assured herself. There were plenty of guys that she could go on cute little dates with. Sure, not many of them would be mage...or apart of Fairy Tail...or have a talking cat...and definitely none that she grew up with that she'd harbored feelings for through the years…

But there were still guys out there.

Of that, Mirajane assured her.

“I can set you up with all sorts of guys,” her older sister offered after Natsu and Lucy revealed they were dating. For Mirajane, honestly, between Lisanna and Lucy, the whole Natsu decision was a win-win. Either or was perfect for her. “I know plenty.”

But Lisanna didn't want her sister's help and shied away from the idea of dating any of Mirajane's modeling friends. To her, relationships were still rooted deeply in friendship. Something authentic. Really, when she got down to it, Lisanna wanted some sort of best friend/lover that just didn't exist.

...You know, until it did. Just...not in the way she was expecting.

It didn't start with her liking him. Or caring about him. He never once asked her out on a cutesy date and they definitely never thought of themselves as friends.

Just guild mates who happened to have something in common; they were being left behind by the people that mattered most to them.

For awhile by that point, Evergreen and Elfman had had some sort of weird thing going where they thought they were hiding their semi-relationship from everyone, but weren't and were at one another throats constantly while Mirajane and Laxus had just recently begun a very tentative relationship that basically involved fucking one another's brains out when he was home on jobs and not being seen by anyone, at all, until he left on one once more.

Compiled with Natsu being all preoccupied with Lucy, that left Lisanna not only without her friend, but also big brother and older sister. She had to find something to do with her time.

Or, as it turned out, someone.

He wasn't nearly as cut off as she was. Sure, he'd lost one of his best friends to a behemoth of a man and his idol to, as said idol described, a goddess (which was kinda funny, considering), but he still had his other friend.

Except...you know, Freed was kinda mopey about the whole Laxus and Mirajane thing and that was no fun and oh, hey, there was Lisanna who just happened to be loitering around the hall too and somehow they just…

Ugh.

He didn't, like, hookup with her or something that first time they kinda sort pseudo hung out. Rather, Bickslow was heading out from the guildhall and so was she and they must have bumped into one another because then a conversation was starting and she mentioned having nothing to do and he must have said something about some of his non-guild friends having a party at some house in the fancy part of Magnolia proper and oh, there he was ditching her at said party.

They didn't even leave together. He left with someone else. Didn't see her again for a few days when she was, once more, sitting around the hall, bored and he kinda felt like a jerk for ditching her the last time, so he mentioned that he was having a thing at his house, just some of his friends, and maybe she could stop by, if she'd had a good time before, at the other party.

And she hadn't. But Evergreen, who was sitting a few tables over and had just had a huge fight with Elfman (to them, every fight was huge), interjected herself in on the conversation though it was basically dead as Lisanna turned Bickslow down and, unfazed, he and his babies turned to walk off. Once he had, the other woman descended on the younger one and only mentioned to Lisanna, who she was hoping to get some info on Elfman from (such as what he was doing since their fight that took place, you know, two days ago, who he was seeing, and oh, if he'd talked about her or anything), that the two of them should go together.

“It'll be fun,” she insisted as Lisanna only stared in shock. After all, it wasn't as if the two were close. Or even distant. They just...weren't...anything...at all. “Bickslow knows a lot of…interesting people. Maybe we can find someone for both of us.”

Again, Lisanna wanted to turn this down, but at the same time, across the hall, she could see Natsu and Happy teasing Lucy at the request board which really sucked, because everything looked like flirting between the two of them then to Lisanna, who was not jealous, nope, not a bit, and oh, hell, she was telling Ever yes because what could it hurt?

A lot. For a lot of reasons.

The thing about Lisanna was...it wasn't just all an act. She was, for the most part, pretty much the innocent little sister. With Mirajane, fine, it was a game; she wasn't nearly as innocuous as she seemed. But Lisanna? Oh, no, she wasn't street smart at all. Not experienced.

She knew about her little bubble of a world and the other, smaller one, that she lived out in Edolas, but that was about it. She hardly had any friends outside of the guild and definitely none like Bickslow had. If anything, the most edgy friend she had was Natsu and, well, fine, he was a maniac in battle and got her into some kooky situations, but he wasn't…

Erm….

It was hard to explain. She wasn't the type to label people. Certainly not. There was good and bad to everyone. And even when one outweighed the other more, it didn't make the person evil or dark or anything of the like. It just made them different.

That was a good word. Different.

And man, Bickslow's friends sure were different.

At the other party she'd dragged along to, it was at a crowded house with tons of people around and, really, after he ditched her, she sort just got out of there and went back to her comfort zone of home, where she got to listen to Mirajane ramble on about nonsense and Elfman complain about his (non) relationship with Evergreen.

At Bickslow's apartment, however, there was no escape from the fact that, just from one glance at the others around, she was completely and utterly out of place.

Evergreen, who'd dragged her there, was as well, but that made no difference to the woman of stone it seemed. The apartment, even when they arrived, was already filled with a bunch of guys hanging around on the couch, smoking something that Lisanna was pretty sure wasn't legal, while others sat at a card table Bickslow had set up, mostly doing the same. There were a few women around, scattered in dude's lap, laughing at their extremely unfunny jokes, while beers were everywhere and wow, Lisanna did not like the smell of whatever it was they were smoking.

At all.

But Evergreen was all business. Even shoved right passed Bickslow when he tried to greet them after opening the door and led Lisanna into the kitchen, where it was mostly empty. It was under the guise of getting some beers, but almost immediately, Evergreen set in on the younger woman about just what her brother had been doing since they'd broken up (or whatever they'd done; Lisanna stopped caring around the fourth time they broke up and got back together within three days).

Really, there wasn't much to report. At all. And Lisanna didn't. She did have a beer though. Or at least sipped at one as Evergreen hounded her with a barrage of questions, not even touching her own drink. And, when she was finished with her interrogation, she just called out a farewell to Bickslow and ditched out.

There. That was simple.  

For Lisanna though, not so much.

It should have been, really, as no one was paying her much mind. Bickslow's friends were mostly interested in the different shapes their puffs of whatever they'd rolled up took and the door was just right there. Ever navigated the room just fine. Left as if it was nothing.

Only, Lisanna somehow, in the darkness in the place (they literally had one lamp on in the entire apartment), sorta tripped over someone's leg and spilled her beer everywhere and why had she come again? Seriously? She had to be the youngest one there and looked like a total idiot.

“This how you usually return hospitality?” Bickslow asked as he came to help her up. “Spill shit everywhere?”

“N-No! I was just leaving. I-”

“Spill shit,” she heard from up around his head. It was some of his babies. Three of them were over playing the smoke, floating around through it, but two of them were with him, repeating his words like always. “Spill shit.”

Then, suddenly, Bickslow grinned, wide and big. He didn't have on his visor, so she could see his eyes and they didn't flash a bit of green. Instead, he only reached down and lifted her to her feet, saying something about he'd clean it up. She was alright.

“But don't leave yet,” he added, rushing off to the kitchen. “I'll get you another beer. At least.”

She tried to deny him this, but after making such an embarrassment out of herself before, making him fret over her wouldn't help anything. Besides, it was rare that she saw the seith in such an upbeat mood, so that was something take into account.

The problem with having one more beer, however, turned out to be that it more or less left her susceptible to the whatever it was they were passing around that stank so much. Bickslow was sticking close to her (more because there was nowhere else to sit) and when he passed someone, they handed off the rolled up paper to him and, since she was next to him, after a few puffs, he handed it to her like she'd have any idea what to do with it.

Yeah, because that's what she, Natsu, and Lucy all did together. Sure. Beer was the closes any of them got to anything explicit. And even then, not really her. Natsu, sometimes, but not often. And Lucy rarely ever. Then there was Levy, who she also hung out with and definitely wouldn't be taking whatever they were passing around. And Erza was a definite no go.

But then, they weren't her. And they weren't in that apartment right then, being the only one who wasn't doing something, and who'd kinda hit her limit on drinks (one and a half was a lot for someone who hardly ever drank). Not to mention…

Maybe part of her kinda wanted to be different. Like Bickslow and his friends.

And really, were they that different?

Weren't they kinda just doing what she and the others did up at the hall all the time? Sit around and hang out? Sure, it was without the implication of nefariousness and in a much better lit place and definitely without the couple in the corner who were, like, three seconds away from just having full on sex, but at it's core, what was so different?

And what had it gotten her, all those years, hanging around the guildhall? Huh? She was still just Mirajane's baby sister or the girl who died or hey, you, bring me a beer. She was, really, nobody. She got roped into the big events more by default rather than actual power or usefulness and, even though she was just as much a nobody around the group she was in that moment, she had a better chance of making an impression than she did staying with the same group of people she had since she was a kid that still, at times, forgot she even existed.

That first hit was horrible though. Lisanna had never even smoked as much as a cigarette and that was way stronger than that. It made her cough like hell and Bickslow only frowned down at her before grinning madly again and that time, if just for a second, she swore she saw that flash of green in his eyes.

But then one of his friends was talking to him and someone else was plucking the blunt from her hands and it was over. Whatever weird test she'd self-imposed was over. She'd passed, coughing and hacking the entire way.

She didn't even really spend that much time with Bickslow that night. Or at least she didn't remember doing so. There was some guy who keyed in on her rather soon after she'd taken that hit and he seemed super nice. Super high, but super nice. And whatever song was playing out of the lacrima somewhere in the apartment was nice and, wow, was she sitting on the floor with this guy? And oh, another beer? Why not? Another hit? Great. Life was a great. Everything was great.

From there, things got a bit hazy and, really, Lisanna couldn't even remember what happened to that nice guy. Or how she wound up back talking to Bickslow. But she did. And he wasn't nearly as intoxicated as her (no one was, actually) and, even though he didn't like to portray himself that way, Bickslow wasn't a dick.

Not at all.

He had the best of intentions when he took Lisanna aside and said that she needed to go home or something; she looked horrible. And as she was waving him off, it hit him that if she sent her home like that, where she still lived with her siblings, it would work back to them that he'd been the one to get her all messed up and with the boss banging the older one and Ever doing whatever dirty shit with the other, well, that just wouldn't work.

So he kicked the couple messing around in his room out and dropped Lisanna in the bed, despite her protests that she really was fine; he didn't have to treat her like a little kid.

He just bopped her on the head though, gently, and told her not to vomit in his bed. And, if she did, not to choke on it.

There was nothing worse for a good get-together than dead body in the other room. Nothing.

Well, maybe two dead bodies. Or a rape.

But nothing else.

Or three dead bodies and two rapes.

Or…

Bickslow sorta forgot about Lisanna after that. He wasn't a babysitter, after all. Just a guy trying to keep his idol from murdering him because he made his best piece of tail hate him after getting her baby sister all drugged up.

It seemed like a very real possibility.

Laxus really liked boning Mirajane.

Or at least his graphic conversations where he basically bragged about all the shit they did together made it seem that way.

The next time he saw her, actually, was after most everyone had deserted, saved two guys who were passed out on the floor, one drunk, the other just too sleepy to leave. Bickslow was chilling at one of the chairs at the card table, mulling over his night (and lack of a lay; what the hell had been the point of the damn thing without that), when he heard a noise from the hallway. He hardly glanced up, only slightly shocked at the sight of the very dazed Lisanna who, clearly, didn't know where she was.

“Hey,” he called out as she stumbled into the living room. At the sound of his voice, she glanced over. “Come have one more drink with me. Please. Even at my own damn party I get left alone.”

Still, it wasn't his intention to sleep with Lisanna. At all. Somewhere in the back of his mind, Bickslow more or less saw her as he (and most everyone else) always had. The little girl that was either hanging off her sister or the Salamander, serving little to no purpose to the rest of them other than being able to calm Mirajane down or, at the very least, entertain Natsu for a bit so that the rest of them didn't have to.

Nothing more, nothing less.

They sat out there, at the card table, him sipping at a beer as she mostly watched the sweat roll down her own, head resting on the table, nearly back to falling asleep once more, right there in the living room.

“What made you come here?” Bickslow asked eventually. “Anyways?”

It was muttered and mangled, Lisanna’s reply was, but the part that he heard clearly was, “Ever.”

With a nod of his head, the seith took to toying with the deck of cards that was left out. “Yeah. She’s real manip...man… She does that shit to you.”

The apartment was silent and the rest of the building seemed to be sleeping, as there were no heavy bangs of feet on the floor above nor the typical arguing from the apartment next door. It was calm. Nice.

“Shouldn’t have invited you,” was what the man said when Lisanna let out a low moan, her stomach no doubt regretting all she’d consumed in the past few hours. Then, with a bit of a shrug, he said, “But we all gotta learn, you know.”

No. She didn’t. At all. The worse pain she got from hanging out with her friends was sore muscles from training too hard (read playing).

Oh, and the time Elfman killed her.

Yeah, that time hurt pretty badly.

“The first time I got as wasted as you are,” Bickslow sighed as, reaching into his pocket, he produced a regular old cigarette, “was when the boss got me that way.”

“The boss?” came her feeble question.

“The boss,” he agreed with a nod. “Laxus. He don’t hang around with no lightweights, you know. And he was lots worse, back when we were teenagers. He wouldn’t be as kind to you as I’m being.” Then, unable to help the snicker, he said, “Well, actually, he what he’d be doing would probably be way worse!”

Lisanna didn’t laugh because the joke was beyond her comprehension. If she was sober, not only would it have made less sense, she probably still wouldn’t have.

But Bickslow took her silence as offense.

“That came out wrong.” So much of what he said typically did. Staring over at the slumped over woman, he said, “I didn’t mean the boss would, uh, rape ya or what have you. Lisanna? Shit. Don’t tell your boss I said that. She might cut the boss off. And my boss ain’t as forgiving as your boss, yeah? Mirajane’s nice and sweet and… And Laxus is… Shit.”

“Laxus,” Bickslow and Lisanna heard the soft coo of one of his dolls as it floated around, its siblings seemingly dormant as they rested with the deck of cards on the table. “Laxus. Laxus is shit.”

“Shit! Shut it, Pappa!” Bickslow was completely losing it, it seemed as, at his exclaim, Lisanna slowly lifted her head. “You can’t say that about boss! Boss ain’t shit!”

“Boss ain’t shit! Boss ain’t shit!”

Bickslow was reaching up then, to snatch the doll out of the air, and Lisanna wasn’t sure, in her current state, why this whole situation was so hilarious to her. Heck, she didn’t even understand what was going on, honestly. But it was just so funny to her that she reared her head back to…fall.

Well, to laugh, but she somehow managed to tip too far back in her chair and go crashing to the floor, much to the surprise of Bickslow and Pappa and the vexation of the two men crashing in Bickslow’s living room.

“Are you alright?” she heard Bickslow ask, though she was too busy laugh, holding at her stomach and staring up at the ceiling. Everything inch of her felt miserable and yet, for some reason, she was giddy.

Bickslow had sat to attention, when she first fell, but slowly relaxed back into her chair at the sound of her continued laughter.

[fallen029]

Acoustic

Laxus considered himself a man of a great many layers. He was cultured, in many ways, having traveled the lands for much of his youth. He'd seen and experienced things that, given the lack of funds he was born into, he might have missed out on, had he not made a way for himself.

Yes.

He made a way for himself.

All on his own.

Never mind what Makarov would think of this claim and anything Ivan said, pertaining or not, could be damned.

Laxus raised his own damn self.

And he raised himself to be a man of numerous tastes.

He sampled all sorts of liquors and cuisines from around the different kingdoms. Enjoyed all sorts of entertainment, from plays to novels. Thought highly of artworks and was reverent of history. So long as you didn't come into Fairy Tail and attempt to make a name for yourself by getting in his way, the man could pretty much just ignore you and go about his day as if you didn't exist. He might even put up with you, interact with you, should he have to for a job or when out on his travels if the time called for it. After all, without human interaction, there was no other culture to be had. Laxus might not enjoy the people, but that didn't mean he didn't enjoy the idea of others and he certainly enjoyed what they could do and or create.

After all, he couldn't very well make his own liquor and food or entertainment, could he? Well...maybe, but he refused. In a crisis. And yes, in the scenario that all other people on the planet have been wiped out and there's no one else there to find or make him more liquor, yeah, the biggest crisis would be no liquor.

Because for all his culture and eccentricities, Laxus also saw himself as a man of simplicity.

However, Laxus rarely saw himself as overly involved in himself and would scoff at someone that called him self-centered.

There was one thing, however, that Laxus in no way enjoyed exploring the different facets of. Music. He could not stand listening to new music. The man still had the same rock songs he'd had on his Sound Pod since he first got the ancient thing, back when he was thirteen or so. Occasionally, maybe, a new band might strike his fancy, but their sound rarely strayed too far from the sound of the others. He didn't down people who could listen to the many different types of music. Why should he? It was their choice. However, it just wasn't for him.

There was one particular type though that he wouldn't even tolerate listening to.

"What do you mean you don't like my music?"

"I just don't."

And he decided to inform Mirajane Strauss of that one day following a rather successful sixth date.

"Well, you're an idiot then."

It about cost him a seventh date though.

"What do you mean?" Laxus complained as he sat on the edge of Mira's bed, slipping on his boots while she still laid behind him. "And where do you get off anyways? Calling me an idiot?"

"Uh, you're about to get off this bed, is what you're about to do."

"Rude."

"I'm serious."

"Why?" he asked though, honestly, he was leaving for the night anyways. Elfman and Lisanna were out on a job, so he'd felt fine with coming over, but spending the night somewhere was not something Laxus Dreyar did often. "Because I don't like a certain type of music?"

"Because you insulted my music."

"Did not."

"You said you don't like it."

"That's a personal opinion."

"Well, take your opinion outside."

Laxus blinked. A few times.

"Did I hurt your feelings?" he asked. "Or something? Mira?"

"No."

"Oh."

"Because you're opinion is stupid and my guitar playing is great and you can just get out if you think otherwise."

They were crossing a weird line. Both of them felt it. They were still kind of being rather jokey with one another and the wine they had at dinner was playing a factor in that, sure, but at the same time it would only take a few jabs in the wrong direction to send either one of them off the deep end.

Honestly, that was the thing about their entire relationship. If you could call it that yet. Laxus wasn't sure. But even if you were talking about the overarching, non-sexual relationship they'd had through the years just from being so closely associated, the problem still remained.

Laxus was a hot head.

And deep down, beneath the bubbly persona she'd created for herself, so was Mirajane.

The problem most likely to be brought to the surface that night, however, was that the thin layer right before you got to that hot headedness in Mirajane was composed of tears. Sobs. Crying jags meant to elicit sympathy.

With most people, it just might. But with Laxus, it would only evoke a deep sense of, 'Oh, shit, this chick is crazy. Gotta get out of here and quick.'

Mostly though, the two had yet to have a fight.

It was weird. That first night. When they found themselves out, separately, having been ditched by the ones they were hoping to meet. And Mirajane, she just gravitated towards people so, naturally, when she saw Laxus having dinner alone as well, there was no way she was going to allow that. And fuck it. She wasn't too bad of company. Which was why he asked her out that next week he was in town. And the next. And then slept with her the next two.

Ad now here he was on the sixth date/whatever the hell they were doing, edging into new territory for no good reason.

He should just leave.

Laxus knew it. The time had come for him to make his smooth exit and head on home. Or walk the street a bit. Get rid of his buzz. Whichever.

But not stay around Mira's place and nose his way into trouble. Not when they had something so nice going. That he hoped could keep going. Him and her doing whatever the fuck or whoever the fuck they wanted whenever they wanted until he rolled back into town for a single date, a nice time, fine, but nothing serious.

Light.

Laxus loved the darkness and all it brought, but as far as relationships went, the term light was what he used the most.

So why did he do it then? Huh? Why'd he turn his head to stare at Mirajane, there, staring right back at him in her own bed, where she would be perfectly fine with them being together again, in two weeks or so, instead of just getting up and leaving?

"Maybe don't ask my opinion then, if you think it's so stupid."

Because he was an idiot.

"I didn't ask for your opinion," was Mira's simple response as she had him then. Or at least her shiny, blue eyes did. Captivating. He couldn't look away. "I asked if you could hand me my guitar on your way out and you said-"

"That it was fine," he grumbled right back, "so long as you waited until I was completely gone before playing because I hate the sound of it."

"Of my music," she agreed. "An opinion, if I've ever heard one. And one not asked for, by the way, mister."

"It was an observation," he said, eyes still on hers in the darkness of the room. "Mirajane. And I didn't mean that I hate the sound of your music. Well, not completely, at least."

"Then what did you mean?"

"I just...I hate..." He sighed then and, finally looking away from her, his eyes fell over to the guitar in the corner, resting in its stand. "I fucking hate acoustic music."

And Mirajane laughed at him.

Laughed.

If there was anything that Laxus Dreyar hated, it was being laughed at.

And acoustic guitars.

And at the moment, stupid, annoying women that he always found himself in bed with.

"It's not funny, Mirajane."

"I mean, are you serious?"

"Yes."

"Okay, Laxus." She shifted down on the bed, to rest her head in her pillow once more. "You're so funny. See you-"

"I'm not joking." He also didn't have to explain this all to Mirajane and yet… "I hate the sound of it."

"You hate the sound of an instrument?" she asked, glancing his way again. His head was still turned, in a rather uncomfortable position at that point, to face her. "Like, the entirety of any music ever made for it-"

"Yes."

"Laxus-"

"Why is that so absurd?" he complained. "Huh? What if I said I hate the fucking tuba? I mean, who does like the tuba? Do you chill out to fucking tuba music, Mirajane? Or accordion music? No. Because you don't like it. Well, I don't like acoustic guitars. Bite my head off about it, go ahead, but-"

"I," Mira told him softly, "like accordions, actually. A whole lot."

The look he gave her was a dirty. And not in the context it had been less than an hour before.

"Mirajane, shut up."

"You shut up." Now she was growing annoyed too. The jokes were dying off in their tones and Laxus honestly should just leave already. But he didn't move an inch as the blue eyes he was so drawn in by flared a bit. "You're so rude."

"I'm rude."

"Yes!"

"I'm a guest," he complained right back. "If I don't want to listen to your music-"

"I wasn't offering to play it or you."

"Good," he said with a nod of his head. "Because I wouldn't want to listen."

For a moment, Mira just sat there. Then, softly, she asked, "Do other women usually just kick you out, like, right after sex? Is that how they avoid talking to you? Or-"

"I'll have you know that other women would kill or these moments," he retorted. "This kind of access."

"To the Laxus Dreyar?"

"The one and only."

"I want a refund."

"I want you to never play your damn guitar in front of me."

"What do you hate about it so much?" Mira asked then as some of the tension eased, if only slightly. That didn't mean it could build back up, but Laxus was sure hoping it didn't. "Laxus? Honestly?"

He wasn't too sure, really, and only shook his head a bit.

"I just," he told her simply, "don't. What's so wrong with that?"

Letting out a long sigh as his head turned back to his boots and her eyes slipped shut, Mira whispered, "Nothing, I guess."

She felt so tired for her long day at work and worn out from her date with Laxus that she was nearly asleep when he dropped the guitar beside her on the bed on his way out, all silent in goings.

They saw one another the next morning, when he came by the hall to snag a new job, but neither exchanged words, only glances, before he was off to risk his life for the same elusive thought of contentment all mages chase.

It would actually be three weeks before he was back in town and not even that night that Mira was able to get off. But that Wednesday, at least, and even though it was Monday, it didn't feel quite close enough.

When he arrived at Mira's house though to pick her up, Elfman answered the door, sounding rather uneasy.

"My sisters are pretty busy right now," was all he grumbled out as he allowed the slayer to enter. "I dunno if Mira's even gonna still wanna go out after all this."

"All this?" Laxus asked even though not only did he not care, but he was also already planning what other fun activities he could get lined up before the night's end. Probably just drinking with Bickslow and Freed. Great.

Nodding, Elfman explained, "Lisanna's pretty upset, see, from an argument she had with, you know, Natsu and Happy."

Laxus, who had just seen Natsu and Happy, not two hours ago, happily killing time in the game room of the guildhall, had a feeling it was more of a misunderstanding than anything else and definitely being blown out of proportion by the youngest Strauss sister.

Still, he nodded.

"She's cryin' and all that mess. Upset about other stuff too, you know. Hold it all in, until you burst, is the manliest way to go out these things, you know," Elfman, the man who cried at the drop of a hat (literally the dropping of a hat, probably, Laxus was willing to bed), said. "A lot going on this time a year. Around the anniversary of, you know, when she...when Lisanna…. And our parents… It's just a lot going on. And that bonehead Natsu, he's not man! Doesn't remember things, is all, I bet."

"I bet," Laxus sighed as Elfman led him to the living room couch. The dog that certainly wasn't Mirajane's that definitely wasn't allowed inside usually, but only that day because it was so cold and oh, poor pooch, how could she not open the door and let him beat the freeze a bit, was over in the corner. He eyed Laxus and the slayer eyed him back, and that pretty much summed up their entire relationship.

"Like I said, I dunno if Mira will wanna go anywhere now," Elfman said as he stood over the other guy. "I'll find out."

And then, kid you not, the big behemoth of a man bellowed right there, in front of Laxus, at the top of his lungs, "Mira! Laxus is here! Should I send him away?"

As the slayer glared at the oblivious mass of muscles, there came over the faint sound of Lisanna's sniveling from another room in the tiny house Mira's soft call back.

"I'll be there in a minute," she said and, with a shrug, Elfman walked off, to the kitchen it seemed, leaving Laxus alone.

Ah, not alone. Just with a dog that, oh, shit, was he dead?

Laxus watched carefully for any sign of movement.

It was actually a pretty fun game, when you got over the morbid part of it.

The very morbid part.

But it got very boring when, you know, the 'Is he alive' side kept winning. Then Laxus went about counting cracks in the ceiling, the amount of times he heard Elfman, who was having a conversation over a lacrima with Ever, use the word man, and oh gosh, was it just that boring over at the Strauss house?

Were they boring people?

Laxus was a man of culture, but their poverty was a different kind from him. Laxus had grown up city poor where you had the big lights and sounds and, fine, maybe your father and gramps were hardly around, but you had toys and shit to keep you occupied. The Strauss siblings had grown up in a rural, back breaking hard labor just for a single fucking crop (Laxus wasn't sure what that word all pertained to and, honestly, he had little desire to find out), and probably played with homemade toys growing up.

Or worse; one another.

As an adult, this bled through into the fact Laxus had to have little things around to keep his attention. A movie lacrima. Stereo. Tons of books. Magazines. Something.

The Strauss' house that they'd had since, oh, for fucking ever seemed as bare as the day seventeen year old Mirajane used her first few S-Class jobs to pay the down payment. They probably sat around, when they were home and sang songs together and reminisced and were...close.

Laxus almost gagged.

Shoving up from the couch, he decided it was time to leave. But telling this to Elfman would require going into the kitchen, where Ever would see him and freak out, or calling out to the man, which would cause the same issue. So he had to be the one to go tell Mira that he was taking off as, for some reason, just leaving felt wrong to Laxus.

That was probably the worst thing that the Strausses were doing to him; making him feel things.

And morality at that.

Mirajane's door was left ajar and, as Laxus went to knock on it and tell her that he would try to catch her on another night, it happened.

Lisanna was there, on Mira's bed, no longer sobbing over whatever stupid chick thing it was that upset her (Laxus saw all the women at Fairy Tail as falling into two categories; either a sobbing mess when things went wrong or a ball of spitfire that couldn't be extinguished. Mira fell in both categories), but rather lying there, silently. She was watching her sister who'd sat on the other half of the bed, guitar in her lap, strumming so softly that before he walked into the hallway, Laxus hadn't heard it.

His fist was poised to strike against the cracked door when Mira suddenly began to sing.

It was so weird. He'd heard her sing before. A lot, actually. Or at least on a lot of occasions. When the guild turned into a listen to Mira sing session, he usually turned his already cranked headphones up louder, if not leave. However, in that moment, it felt much more...intimate. And not just in the setting.

There was something about it that caused Laxus to freeze as a pang rang through his chest. The memory was fuzzy and not too fresh, but damn, it was there.

His mother.

His mother, a very long time ago, when he was a little boy, used to do the same thing Mira was doing in that very moment. Lisanna was upset, so Mira was playing her guitar and singing to her, to distract her. Once upon a time, before his mother...left, she would do the same thing.

It was long ago.

To long ago.

He could hardly picture the woman, but he could remember hiding under the darkness of her and Ivan's sheets, whining no doubt about something his father did. And she was there, singing for him to come out, but he didn't, he remembered, until she went and got her guitar and played for him. Some stupid song, probably, that was sang to children, but it alluded him. Not that it mattered.

There was another time, in particular, that hit him the hardest. He could almost smell it still, the scent of cigar smoke their living room used to have. They were there, he and his mother, sitting around. Singing. Like he joked about the stupid Strausses before. But she really was playing a guitar for him and singing and he was listening and how?

How had he forgotten this?'

How long ago had it been?

Three decades?

Is that how long it takes to forget something?

To forget your own mother?

If he were honest with himself, most the things he remembered from back then, when she was around, when he was at most three, were from the random photographs that Makarov had. He'd never seen one with her and a guitar. But that memory…

Dropping his fist without letting them know he was there, Laxus slunk back to the living room, where he fell into the couch and just sat for what didn't seem like too long.

"Ready? Laxus?"

Mira stood before him, suddenly it felt like, in her coat and boots, smiling in that bright way that she had.

It made Laxus sick to look at.

Getting to his feet, the man shuffled them a bit before saying, "If your sister needs you-"

"She just gets dramatic sometimes," Mira said with a shrug, as if she were not the same, "this time of year."

Laxus watched the woman go rub the dog that certainly wasn't hers behind the ears. With a nod, he said, "This time of year."

As they left the house, Laxus found his hands slipping into his pockets, kicking more at the ground than speaking. Which seemed fine with Mira, as for once she too remained relatively silent. In fact, it was Laxus that broke the silence when they were about two blocks from the house.

"I heard you singing," he offered with a bit of a shrug as Mirajane, who'd actually been considering just where she wanted to eat dinner that night, when they got to the heart of town, blinked before glancing up at him.

"Oh," she giggled a bit, smiling. "Did you?"

"I did."

"I'm sorry," she said with a shake of her head. "Since my singing is so horrible-"

"I never said anything about your singing," he griped. "I made comments about your guitar playing."

"Same thing."

"Is not."

"Hmmm," Mira hummed. "Sorry all the same. Lisanna sometimes-"

"It wasn't terrible."

"Huh?"

Shrugging a bit, Laxus' hands remained in his pockets. "Your singing and… When you played your guitar. I mean, don't get me wrong, it's still not for me-"

"It's for no one," Mira whispered with a frown, "other than myself."

"-but it's nice. I guess. Considering. Was all I meant."

Mira glanced up at him, Laxus could feel it, but she was silent and he refused to look at her, knowing the power of those dang blues, and, with a sigh, she looked away.

Softly, she agreed, "Considering," before changing the subject and asking instead about the job request he'd just completed.

Feeling as if he were on more solid ground then, Laxus cleared his head the best he could before he began to mutter out a few things here or there about it and Mira told him, far more, about the boring (in his opinion) week she'd had at the hall.

They didn't talk about her guitar or music at all, really, for the rest of the night, not even when they found themselves all giddy and lightheaded back in his apartment, more than a bit tipsy from their night out. Honestly, Laxus was pretty certain that neither even thought about it.

And honestly, they didn't need to.

[fallen029]

No Words

"What are you doing, demon?"

Mirajane hardly looked up as Laxus came into their bedroom. In the two days since they'd officially been living together, things had been rather…comfortable. They'd stayed over at one another's places enough before hand in the year of dating they had done that it wasn't too awkward, but she knew that they were just at the calm before the storm. There was no way that the two of them could coexist for very long without a fight.

"Just practicing a new song," she said as she continued on strumming on her guitar, a notebook laid out in front of her. "You?"

Grunt. He headed over to the dresser and pulled out some clothes before turning to head into the shared bathroom.

"How was training?" Mira tried then.

Another grunt.

Well then.

She was still messing with the guitar too, when he got back out of the shower, his hair still a little damp as he came to lay out on the bed with her, face down in his pillow.

Mira just kept playing and singing softly under her breath, planning on ignoring him. Until he rolled over onto his back that is, the man staring over at her.

"How do you do that?"

Glancing his way, she asked, "Do what?"

"You know," he said with the best shrug he could give laying down. "Make…music."

That made Mirajane stop her strumming, grinning over at him then. "Are you serious?"

Grunt. Shutting his eyes, he said, "Never mind."

"No, Lax, I was just-"

"I said never mind."

Mira rolled her eyes that time and went back to what she was doing. After a minute or two though of their uncomfortable silence, she tried to break it.

"I could show you."

He didn't open an eye, but did say, "What?"

"You know," the woman insisted. "How to play."

That time she got a snort out of the dragon.

"Why would I want to waste time on something silly like that?"

"Given your question," she said slowly, "I would assume that you're at least curious."

"I didn't mean it that way," he said as he did open his eyes, though they stayed trained on the ceiling above. "I mean the way that you, you know, come up with a song or whatever. Not how you make it…play. How you know what notes and shit goes with words and stuff."

"A lot of trial and error."

"Mmmm."

Her giggling made him glance over finally.

"What?" he asked as she bowed her head, having to bring a hand up to her mouth.

"Nothing."

"No. What?"

Shaking her head slightly, Mirajane said, "It's just, you know, funny to me."

"What is?"

"That I've never written a song about you."

"Oh." He blinked. Then he frowned, sitting up some. "Say what?"

"I just haven't," she said, giving him her own shrug that time.

"Do you…usually write songs about guys that you-"

"All the time."

"The hell, demon?"

"Laxus-"

"How come I don't got one then? Huh? Ain't I, like the best sex you've ever had? Or something? Why don't you just write about that?"

"Don't do this to yourself."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Laxus-"

"This is a bunch of bull."

"You are taking this way too seriously."

"You're not taking it seriously enough."

"Fine!" Mira wasn't laughing anymore and Laxus hadn't ever started. "I'll write you a song. Okay?"

"No," he grumbled. "Not if you're, like, feeling forced or something."

"Then what do you-"

"I want you to want to write me a song," he said with a nod of his head.

"Oh, Laxus."

"It's not right, Mira. What? Every other guy that fucks you gets one, but your damn boyfriend-"

"Okay, we're done." She shoved out of the bed then, taking her guitar with her. "So done."

"What? It's the truth! I hear you, you know. Sing those damn songs. About all these damn guys that, apparently, aren't me."

"What? Did it never occur to you that I hadn't written one about-"

"I thought that it was implied that you had and were just too embarrassed to share it with me!"

"What are you yelling at me?"

"Because…I…" He rolled over then, onto his stomach. "I'm tired. Leave me alone."

"Whatever, Laxus."

Okay, so that was probably the last thing that Mira ever could have begun to think their first official living together fight would be about. Maybe dirty dishes or using all the hot water. Laundry. Food preparations. Something more…normal.

Then again, considering who they were, she figured normal was just out of the question.

It was fine though, she decided, that they'd gotten into a disagreement. For the better, anyhow. She'd need to be down at the guildhall to take over for Kinana soon enough.

Laxus though wasn't nearly as good about reasoning. He was, to steal the stupid Salamander's line, all fired up. He was pissed. How dare she sing all these…ballads about other men and leave him out.

That wasn't right! Not at all.

For one, he was by far the best man that she had ever been with. He just knew that he was. There was no contest. None whatsoever. Laxus was the best of the best. He was a god. He was the Thunder God. Any woman would be lucky to be with him.

So…why hadn't any amount of inspiration struck Mirajane then, huh? If he were her and got the privilege of being fucked at least once, more than likely three times a week by him, then he'd write about it. In very graphic detail.

Still though, sleep was slowly invading his thoughts and, eventually, he managed to drift off.

Stupid demon. Wreckin' everything.

"You guys had a fight about that?" Lisanna asked with a frown as she sat around the guildhall, watching her sister work. "That's stupid."

"I know. I-"

"It's not stupid," Bickslow, who was seated up there as well, spoke up. "In fact, Lissy, I'm a little shocked that you don't get the gravy of the situation."

"The gravy?"

"He means gravity," Mirajane said with a sigh. "And what do you mean?"

"Duh, Mira," Bickslow said with a shake of his head. "Laxus is, like, the greatest person to walk the face of the earth. He deserves songs written about him by every lowly peasant to cross his path! And especially the woman that he's devoted his life to."

"You know," Lisanna slowly said, glancing at him. "Sometimes I wonder why I like being with you."

"Because, kid, I'm awesome too. You should write a song about me."

"Mmmm…nah. You should write a song about me instead," she challenged. Bickslow only shrugged.

"Fine."

"Really?"

Nodding, he said, "You want a song? Me and the babies, why, we'll write you the best song ever!"

"Best song ever," his babies, who were all seated either in her lap or on her head, proclaimed loudly. It made Lisanna giggle and Bickslow grin, tongue falling from his mouth.

"That's great and all," Mira said slowly. "But that really doesn't help me out with Laxus. Like, at all."

"Just write him a song," Lisanna told her. "I mean, you write songs all the time. How hard would it be to write him one?"

"I'm not saying it wouldn't be," Mira said. "But he got all offended when I said I would write him one. Like, he thinks that it won't count or something. That it wont' be from the heart."

"That's my boss," Bickslow said, nodding his head. "Forever the romantic."

Lisanna blinked. "Really now? I never quite got that from all of your stories, Mira. Laxus the romantic. Huh. Has a ring to it."

"Well," she said slowly. "Sometimes he'll rub my shoulders before we have sex."

"I don't think that counts."

"With Laxus? That counts a lot."

Bickslow took to snickering. "He's such a ladies man, yeah?"

"Bicks," Lisanna complained. "That's not a good thing."

"How come? That means that he's got a lot of experience, yeah? And knows how to please women? I think it's a good thing."

"Well, it's just not. So don't tell Mira that."

"Still not seeing how it's not, but if you're so sure, Lissy-"

"I am."

"-then I'll take your word for it."

Mira rolled her eyes. "Besides, Lisanna, I don't just…write songs. I have to feel something. Or have a topic."

"Laxus is your topic," Lisanna told her. "Quick, babies, what rhymes with Laxus?"

"Paxus!" Pappa called.

"Pox and the word us," Lisanna said with an approving nod. "Like he has a disease and gave it to you."

"Baxus!" Puppu yelled.

"Box us," the woman continued. "Like if you guys jumped into boxes and got shipped somewhere."

"Roxus!" Peppe offered.

"Rocks us," the youngest Strauss said. "Hmmm. He could, like, be a rock. Or he, like, rocks. Simple."

"Haxus!" was Poppo's answer.

"He hocks a loogie," the woman said.

"Caxus!" Pippi finished.

"He he. I got this one," Bickslow snickered. "Cock-"

"Okay, okay, guys, that is not how this works," Mira told them both with a frown.

"Well, sorry," Lisanna said with a frown.

"Yeah." Bickslow wagged his tongue at her. "I'll have you know that that is exactly how I'm writing Lisanna's song. Lisanna. She eats lasagna. And likes Cana. And's better than Titania. See? Easy."

"You're really good at that," Lisanna said.

"Your turn."

"My turn?"

"Mmmhmm."

"Hmmm." Lisanna looked up before saying. "Bickslow. He's the strongest guy I know. He talks every time we got to see a show. He has money to take me to the places I wanna go. Wow. That is easy."

Mira was not amused. "That is not how it works."

"It's how our relationship works," Bickslow told her. "Lissy, you want another song?"

"Sure!"

"Lissy. She-"

"I don't," Elfman grumbled from where he'd been sitting further down the bar. "At all."

"Aw, Elf," Lisanna giggled. "Come on. You can write a song for Ever."

"For Ever!" the babies exclaimed.

"And why," they heard then from a table over where the woman in question was seated with Freed, "would he do that?"

"Doy," Bickslow said, glancing over at her. "'cause you guys are, like, totally in love."

Lisanna giggled. "Yeah. You can write him one too, Ever. Elf. Shelf. Um…"

"Self," her boyfriend finished, making the woman nod.

"No thanks," Ever grumbled.

"I'll pass," Elfman agreed. "Men don't write songs! It's not manly!"

Mira only sighed. "You guys don't really get that it's not all about rhyming, do you?"

Bickslow only jumped up from the bar. "Onward, Lissy! Let's go find more people to write songs about. I'm, like, on a streak over here."

"Okay," she giggled, getting up as well while the dolls only took to the air. "I bet Lucy and Natsu would want to play. And, ooh, Happy."

"Natsu. Got you. Rock you. Snot stew. Ha! Come on then. I'll best him once and for all!"

"I really don't get how this is a competition, Bicks."

After they were gone, Mira at least got a chance to think about the real problem at hand. Because try as she might, she couldn't even think of one single thing about Laxus that she'd even want to write about.

When she came over to Gajeel and his Exceed around then, to give them the plate of kiwis Lily had ordered, the Dragon Slayer snickered.

"Gee hee," he laughed as she sat the plate in front of his feline friend. "I heard your sister and her boyfriend, yeah? The annoying one?"

'Well, she only has one boyfriend, so the annoying comment is a little-"

"They just don't get it, do they?" he said with a shake of his head. "What it takes to be a true musician?"

Mira smiled slightly at him. "They meant well, but-"

"See, people like me and you? We get the true artistry behind it."

Blinking, Mira stuttered, "O-Oh."

"Gajeel," Lily sighed after engulfing a few kiwis. "You are far from an artist."

"What you tryin' to say, cat? I write you and Levy songs all the time! When we're just hanging around the house or-"

"Yes, I know," the Exceed sighed. "And that reason alone leaves me at the best judge in the world. You are far from a-"

"Don't get smart with me now, cat," he grumbled. "'fore I eat that sword you love so much."

They weren't the only ones with word of wisdom to Mira about her predicament.

"Juvia has written many songs for Gray," the water mage told Mirajane at one point. "Haven't I, my darling?"

"Is that what you call them?" Gray grumbled. "More like howling than anything else."

Juvia only beamed at him though. "I also write songs about all of my love rivals. You do not have a song about Gray…do you? Mirajane?"

Not wishing to become one of those rivals, she quickly said no and made her departure.

Sigh.

"Being a singer-songwriter is not something that I see myself as doing," Erza told her when she came around. "But acting, well, if somehow I ever became unable to battle, that is where I would see myself. On the stage! With the most magnificent of costumes. Where people would line the streets just to get a glimpse into the building at me."

Quite honestly, Mira found herself seeing Gajeel as a rock star before Erza ever became an actor, but like always, she knew to keep her opinions to herself.

"So it's your fault then?" Lucy sighed later, when she came up to the bar, immediately taking a seat before resting her head against it's surface. "You're the one that introduced Bickslow and Lisanna into the wonderful world of teaching Natsu annoying things?"

"I'm sorry. Is he really being that bad?"

"Aye, sir," Happy agreed from where he, for once, sat atop Lucy's head instead of his usual partner in crime. "So bad that I would rather be with Lucy than him."

"That bad, huh?"

"Hey," Lucy complained.

"He's rhymed my name with cappy, nappy, daffy, rafty, drafty, slappy-"

"Some of those are quite a stretch," Mira observed.

The blonde before her sighed. "You don't even want to know what he came up with for me."

Happy snickered at the memory. "Toosh-ee!"

"Shut up, cat!"

So honestly, when she finally got home, Mira was more than a tad worn out. Laxus was still in bed too, though she could tell that at some point, he'd arisen, as he'd somehow managed to wreck the kitchen. Too tired to deal with that, she only headed off to her bedroom with a groan.

When she found him in there though, all cuddled up in bed, with one arm stretched out, over her side, she just remembered how cute he was. Especially how his lips were still snarled slightly as he snored just a tad. And the blankets had fallen down below his waist, giving her more of a view of him than need be (he had a habit of sleeping in the nude during the summer time).

Still though, it finally hit her that maybe, just maybe, he did kinda have a point. If he kept, like, a photograph of all his past girlfriends and never bothered to get one of her, that would bother her. Or, like, tattooed their names on his body and left hers off.

But it wasn't Mira's fault, was it? That she just had never thought to write him a song? It wasn't like she was purposely forgoing it or something. It just…never materialized. That was all. Now that he brought it to her attention though…

He was drowsy too, when he awoke about twenty minutes later to the sound of Mira softly playing her guitar. He only groaned, peeking open an eye to glance at where she was sitting on the opposite side of their bed.

"Demon," he groaned. "Too early. Sleeping."

That didn't stop her though. Usually, that would be unacceptable. How dare someone not follow a direct order from him!

But…he was still groggy and it was the demon and the music just sounded so pretty…

Man, he was tired.

"What song was that?" he asked after she finished.

"Your song, silly."

Grunt. "I told you-"

"Did you like it? I thought about it all day." Sorta. "And it took me a few minutes to get it all worked out, but-"

"There weren't no words," he told her. "Least I didn't hear any."

"I know."

"Then it ain't a song, Mira. And I thought I told you-"

"There are no words, Laxus," she told him as she giggled, there in the darkness of their shared bedroom. "Because there are no words for how I feel about you. I can't…describe it. And I don't want to. It's so different from anything I've ever experienced with any other guy that I just… There are no words, is the point. And even if there were, there wouldn't be enough. Not in any language or dialect. You're not like every other boyfriend. You're the boyfriend. The last one and only one that I've ever wanted or needed."

He blinked. Then he frowned, moving to lay on his stomach once more. "Nice save, demon."

"Oh, Laxus."

But he wouldn't let her see it then, as he hid his smile against his pillow, drifting off once again.

So maybe the demon did wreck everything. And sometimes, so did he. But other times, she made everything just so right and perfect for him that it didn't matter.

[fallen029]

Life and Love

"Do you love me?"

Laxus blinked. Then he frowned. Finally, slowly, he went back to shaving, standing there in front of the sink, staring into the mirror. Behind him, he could see Mirajane where she still was, relaxing in his bathtub, bubbles covering up anything that might have been of interest to him.

"What brought that on?" he grumbled, just a bit, not glancing back at her. From the reflection of her, he could see that she wasn't looking at him either.

"I dunno. I just… We've never talked about it before."

"Why do we need to?" Dunking his razor in the water filled sink then, he said, "What difference does it make?"

"I was just asking." Mirajane reached a bubbly hand out of the water just to grab the glass of wine resting on the edge of the tub, just where Laxus had set it when he brought it for her. "Never mind."

"I mean," he went on, because she'd brought it up and now he wasn't going to be bale to let it go. "If I said no, would you get up and walk out? Huh?"

"Not, like, immediately, no. I would need to get dressed, you know."

Ignoring that, he only said, "I mean, it's a stupid thing to ask, Mirajane."

That one got her. Glaring over at his back, she sniffled, just a bit, but the dumbed down routine didn't work when her bangs were down and wet and she didn't look all ditzy and innocuous.

"You don't have to be mean. I did say never mind, you know."

Laxus shook his head. "It's stupid."

"Whatever, Laxus." She took another long sip from her glass before saying, "I need more wine."

"Give me a minute, huh? I'm doin' somethin'."

"You said this was my night," she pointed out. "And that I could decide what we did. I don't remember requesting that you shave. I kinda liked your stubble."

Giving some pause to that, Laxus still wouldn't glance back at her. "It ain't your face, woman. It's mine. And when I said that you could pick our activities for the evening, I didn't expect you to choose that I serve on you."

"Pamper me."

"I'm not seeing a difference."

"And I'm not seeing your cute little butt getting into this tub with me."

"I told you, I hate baths."

"Then why did you move into an apartment with such a nice bathtub?"

He shrugged. "It wasn't the main selling point."

"Then what was?"

Again, he paused, before going for broke and saying, "The landlady was hot."

"Oh, gross. Laxus-"

"Chill." He glanced over his shoulder finally. "She's gone now."

"Yes, because the reason I said gross was because I was worried."

"Thanks for reiterating, but honestly, babe, she's gone now."

"That's not what I-"

"Now shut it." He went back to his own reflection. "I said I'd do whatever you wanted; never said nothin' about havin' conversations with you."

"What if that's what I want?"

He blinked. Then he sighed. Finally, he said, "You're tricky."

"Mmmm."

But it bothered Laxus for the rest of the night, the whole love thing. It honestly had never entered his mind to say that to Mirajane and, up until that point, he'd assumed it had been just as absent in hers. During their, by that point, year and a half long romance, things like that just didn't seem to matter.

Mira seemed over it though, as after their bath (and yes, against his will, he was forced to join her), she only ordered him to make her dinner though, honestly, it turned more into her teaching him how to cook and, well, that was torture for him, but the woman seemed to enjoy it and that was the point of the whole thing, anyhow.

It was the whole point of most the time they spent together.

And even though she played like she was enjoying ordering him around, he could still see through Mirajane. One of her favorite things in their relationship (and he figured every other one she had) was taking care of him. She liked buying clothes for him, making most of his meals, packing him these cute (her words) little lunches for him when he went out training, and the woman down right adored when he let her cut his hair.

Honestly, sometimes he felt like Mira just wanted a son.

It was while she was mewling over how he'd perfectly cooked that chicken (though, honestly, it'd probably still have been raw if he was cooking it alone) that Laxus brought the subject back to what he'd been obsessing over.

"You know, Mira," he cut off her long description of how he got the consistency of the mashed potatoes (that he hadn't even peeled; all her) just right, "it's not that I don't love you."

The woman blinked. "Uh, what?"

"What you were saying before." Laxus took a stab at the chicken on his plate before glancing across the table at her. "About… And it's not that I don't love you, Mirajane."

"I don't think that was the question, but-"

"It's just that I… You're… It's not something that matters." He glanced up at her. "At all. So you shouldn't ask about it. That's stupid. I mean, you're not stupid, if that's what you thought I meant, before, because it's not, but this isn't… We're just what we are, Mira. So drop it."

"Considering you're the one that brought it back up," she pointed out, "I really don't think-"

"Just drop it."

Mira raised her eyebrows before making a face down at her own plate. "Okay. Whatever."

Then it wasn't just Laxus stressing over the whole thing. He'd officially made it all so awkward for Mirajane as well.

After a then silent dinner, Laxus tried to goad Mirajane into tell him what she wanted to do next, but she only claimed she wanted to get the dishes done and then to go to bed.

Given the way she said that word, bed, Laxus wasn't expecting much when they got to that point. And, considering it was Mirajane's night, he couldn't complain much when she asked him to rub her shoulders and then fell asleep halfway through it.

She'd had a busy day up at the hall, anyhow.

Laxus couldn't sleep though. His day hadn't been nearly as stressful. He'd mostly just trained and sat around, waiting for their big date night. When he'd proposed the concept of Mirajane choosing just what they'd do, he'd had these fantastical visions in which rather than deciding they do cutesy things together, that Mirajane might would choose erotic and downright nasty things for them to do.

And yeah, maybe he was a tad horny back when he first decided they would do a Mira chooses everything day, but who could blame him for hoping? You can hit it out of the park if you don't swing the bat.

As he laid awake then though with Mirajane peacefully snoozing beside him, Laxus didn't really care that his plans had fallen through. Rather, he was still torn up about the whole love thing.

Where did Mirajane get off? Huh? It was bad enough when she forced him into staying committed to only her (err, well, at least suggested exclusivity and he sorta went along with it so he didn't lose her) and then started just leaving her things in his apartment without asking (again, that was partially his doing due mainly to the fact that she'd leave his apartment early in the morning, to go get ready for work, and well, then he wouldn't get breakfast and that wasn't cool, so if, he suggested, she just left some clothes over at his place, that would solve that) and now she was infiltrating his brain with thoughts of love and...and…

Arg!

He needed to go running.

"Mira? You sleep?"

Yep. The guild had been unbearable, apparently, as she didn't even wake as he slipped out of the bed and then, after getting dressed, the apartment. It was only about a quarter past eleven in the evening, which, for Laxus, wasn't too late. Mirajane either, usually, given when she didn't take the late shift off to tease and torment her dragon, she'd still be up at the hall, closing it down for the night.

She was working too much, he figured. She did that a lot. Sunup to sundown went to those mongrels up at the hall and that just wasn't right. She should be at home, waiting for him to finish training and taking jobs, just to serve him. Service him.

Or go on jobs with him. Was that too clingy? For him to want that? More clingy than wanting her to just wait around to serve him food and take care of him? Because he felt like it was more clingy to want her with him always so that he could sit back and watch her beat up bandits and crooks, because that was just a major turn on.

He still, of course, wanted her to come back home with him and make him meals and do his laundry and he definitely wanted her to drape herself over him at his beck and call.

But...at the same time, he wanted his space. Lots of space. From Mirajane. And her questions of love and their relationship.

Although...he also wanted Mirajane very close. Close enough so that he could keep an eye on her, eat her cooking, fuck her whenever he wanted, but also far enough away that they didn't have to talk constantly about things he didn't care about.

Like love.

What was wrong with her?

Laxus' jog took about an hour and a half. When he arrived back home, Mira still wasn't up, but that was for the best. He was feeling all sweaty and, too lazy to shower, just stripped down in the bathroom and scrubbed down with washcloth. It was only when he lost just a bit of his funk that he went to fall back into bed with the demon, finally, at least some what, worn down.

Still though, as he laid there, sleep just didn't come. It was while he was lying there, counting backwards from a hundred (for, oh, the hundredth time), that Mira's eyes slowly opened and she moaned, just a bit,

"I thought I felt eyes," she whispered as he just laid right where he was, watching her with heavy eyelids. "Mmmm. You watch me when I sleep, dragon?'

Instead of answering that, Laxus only said, "I like you, Mirajane. A lot."

"Mmmm."

"But," he was quick to add, "I don't get why I have to continually say that. I-"

Groaning then, Mirajane sounded a bit more awake as she asked, "Are you still on that? It was just a question, Laxus. I said never mind, like, hours ago. So-"

"I just don't get what spurred it on to begin with." He rolled onto his back. "At all. What did I do, Mirajane? Huh? That made you… What horrible thing did I do that- Hey! Stop it! We're having a conversation."

"If you'd rather," Mira yawned as she stilled her hands where they were, gently tugging his boxers down, "have this conversation than what I'm about to do, then I think that we might have a bigger problem on her hands."

He was still peeved at her, but slowly relaxed. "Well, I didn't say I'd rather have this conversation."

"Mmmm." Mira went back to getting his boxers off. "Didn't think so."

That kept his quiet. For a bit.

Honestly, back in the bathroom before, Mira had more or less been hoping to goad him into confessing his love of her. She didn't want to have long, boring conversations, however, about how love was irrelevant and therefore not worth bringing up.

But as they were lying there afterward, with Laxus snuggled up to Mirajane's back, arms wrapped around her, the man seemed to decide, once more, that he wasn't done with the conversation just yet.

"I just," he told her as Mira held down a groan and skewed her eyes shut, praying for sleep, "don't want you weighing our relationship on a damn word."

"I'm not. I-"

"Then why did you ask it?"

"Laxus, who cares? I-"

"I can't..." He let out a long breath then, against Mira's ear. She only reached down then, to gently ghost one of her hands over the one that he had resting over her stomach. "I haven't ever...told a woman that. Other than...you know, my mother."

And that sat between them, there, in the silence of his bedroom, before slowly, Mira sniffled.

Then he frowned.

"Don't-"

"Oh, Laxus! I'm so sorry!"

"Stop crying. You're getting on my nerves."

"This is so sad! I should have never-"

"Shut up." He released her then and rolled onto his other side, giving her his back then. "You're annoying me."

"Dragon." Eyes still full of tears, Mirajane rolled too, so that it could be her to cuddle up to his back then. "Come here. Awe. I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have ever asked that. I… I love you. That's just why I wanted you to tell me that you loved me. So that I could say that without having to worry about sounding stupid. I-"

"You don't sound stupid," he grumbled. "Just annoying. So-"

"We'll never talk about that sort of thing again." And the back of his neck got a kiss. "I promise. I shouldn't have asked you that. I just… It's been a long time, Lax, since we first got together and I just wanted some, you know, confirmation. I'm sorry."

"If I tell you that it's alright, would you knock it off?"

"I feel bad."

Laxus took in a deep breath before letting it out slowly. Then, he said, "You shouldn't. This is my hangup. Not yours. And I… There's never been a woman in my life the way that you are, Mirajane. At all. And that… I… I do love you. I guess. I don't… You're take really good care of me. And I like sitting around and talking to you. And there's no one else that I would ever bring wine in the tub to-"

"Well, it's only courteous."

"I don't…get why I have to say it. When it doesn't matter what you say. Ivan told my mother all the time that he… But he didn't. And I've never told Gramps that I… But I do. So why do I have to say it to you? To make it real?"

Mira sat up then and Laxus, slowly, rolled back onto his back to stare up at her. With his eyes on her, she said, "It doesn't. We never have to mention it again. I'm sorry."

"You don't have to be sorry." He wiggled his toes then, looking up at the ceiling. "You didn't do anything. And I didn't do anything. And now it's over. I do so many things for you because you're important to me. The most important thing to me. And you love me. You can say it. I'm not going to get mad at you or think that you're too clingy or whatever. We're just… We're just the way that we are. And I like it."

Still staring down at him, Mirajane asked, "Did you wanna talk about it?"

"Talk about what?"

"Your...mother."

Raising one hand then, Laxus watched as Mirajane interlaced her fingers with his before glancing at her. "No. Not tonight."

"'kay." She shook free of his fingers before moving to lie back down as well. "That's fine."

Again, silence. Then, softly, Laxus said, "She used to sing to me. Too. Like how you do."

"Mmmm."

"Not as well, of course. But she would. And she couldn't play guitar, so she didn't do that, but it's the same basic thing."

"Mmmhmm."

"And she'd cook for me. All the time. But she wouldn't make me cakes, like you do, but I think that's because she didn't want me to eat too many sweets because, you know, I was always sick back then and would stay inside all day and could hardly do anything. She mostly made me soups."

"Hmm."

"I like that one soup you make. With the noodles? And beef? That's good."

"Yeah."

Laxus shut his eyes then. "I really loved her."

"I know." He got a kiss tot he cheek before Mirajane settled against his side. "It's okay."

"I think she'd like you."

That made Mira smile, against his side, before whispering, "Yeah?"

Nodding, he said, "Probably wouldn't like you practically living here."

"Your mother was religious?"

"No." More toe wiggling. "But probably would yell at me to just marry you. She used to get mad, you know, 'cause her and Ivan weren't… And they used to fight and she'd tell him that if he really loved her, that they would get married."

"Why wouldn't they?"

"I dunno. I was just a kid, you know."

Nuzzling against his side, she said, "I know."

"I remember, right before she...before… They were going to do it. Ivan made a whole big deal about it. He made a big deal about most things. About how he was going to marry her and they were going to have this really nice wedding and then… She died. Before."

"I'm sorry."

Laxus opened his eyes before saying, "I just figure it's something mother's say anyways."

"What is?"

"That you should just get married. Isn't it? I feel like it is."

"I bet my mother wouldn't want me to marry you."

That got his goat. "What?" Rolling onto his side so that they could face one another, Laxus frowned. "Why? What's wrong with me?"

"Nothing, dragon. You just-"

"What," he repeated, "is wrong with me?"

"I dunno." Mira was grinning then. "I think you're a bit abrasive at times."

"Abr- I have never hit you! Outside of when we're training, but-"

"Abrasive isn't the same thing as abusive. It just means that..." Mira thought. "You're a bit rough around the edges."

"Well, of course I am. I'm a dragon."

"You are." His chin got a gently scratch from her before she said, "But your life style isn't very stable."

"W-What? How am I not stable?"

"You're gone all the time, Lax."

"So?"

"And then there's the fact that your job isn't that great."

"I'm an S-Class mage, woman! What more could your mother want?"

"Uh, try a job that's actually sustainable. And not risky."

"How is-"

"I mean, Lax, think about it; you're constantly gone on S-Class jobs, doing dangerous things. You could end up dead or forever wounded in some way-"

"In what way?"

"Well, I don't know, Laxus. What if you, like, hit your head? And got brain damage? Or if you were fighting someone and they landed a really powerful blow to your spine? And you were forever paralyzed."

Scoff. "I couldn't… This is unfair! All jobs have risks!"

"My mother would probably want you to live in our village with us," Mirajane went on. "And work the land. With Papa."

"W-What? No. I couldn't-"

"You'd have to, I'm sure."

"No." He crossed his arms. "I refuse."

"Well, then I probably couldn't marry you-"

"This is absurd. You can't force me to become a farmer. I don't know the first thing about agriculture."

"You could make it storm when we needed rain though." Mira shrugged a bit. "That would be an asset."

"And I'm a city boy," he was quick to add. "Not a village dweller."

"Dweller?"

"I need bars and stores and...and… It just wouldn't work."

"Hmmm. Then I guess it's a good thing my mother's dead."

That time, the silence was deafening. Laxus just stared and Mira put a hand to her mouth, as she hadn't meant to say that, and definitely not in the way that it had come out. Laxus only blinked, watching as her eyes grew, before gently reaching out to pat her cheek.

"It's okay." Leaning his head forwards, he rested his lips against hers before whispering, "It was just a joke. You didn't mean it."

"I know." She let out a slow breath, dropping her hand. "I've just never said anything like that before. I-"

"Hey, it's alright." Laxus grinned then, pulling back a bit to stare at her. "So you're a disrespectful daughter? I'll love ya through it."

That forced a smile then, even though Mira still seemed rather stricken by what she said. Laxus only nuzzled his forehead against her once more before falling onto his back to, finally, go to sleep.

He felt dog-tired then for some reason. Maybe because his job for the day (keep Mirajane happy and himself from going crazy) was complete.

Or running on fumes had finally done him in.

"I think," Mira whispered as she took fell to her back, staring up at the ceiling, "that maybe my mother would have liked you. Or at least all the things that you do for me."

Grinning, Laxus said, "Yeah. How could she not like that? I'm a very attentive-"

"Now my father though-"

"Another night, Mira." Laxus pulled the blankets up around himself before shutting his eyes. "Please. No more."

"'kay." And she giggled and he grinned and that time, he was almost drifting off when she whispered, "Dragon?"

"Hmmm?"

"This is gonna sound weird but… We took a bath."

"I," he mumbled tiredly, "'member."

"Then why do you stink so much?"

He had to force his eyes from flinging open. So the washcloth hadn't done the trick. Huh.

"Just go to sleep, woman." He let out a soft breath. "And enjoy the next few hours. Because at sunrise, it's definitely Laxus Day."

"Ooh."

"You won't be saying that when you find out what I'm going to command you into doing."

"Considering I have a pretty good idea," Mira said through a yawn, "you better just worry about me not sneaking out before sunrise."

"Better not. Else I'd have to hunt you down."

Mira tried to gasp, but it just came out as an even louder yawn. "What would your mother say?"

Grinning, Laxus only whispered, "That I should have locked you down a long time ago."

[fallen029]

Early Mornings

Mirajane woke up alone. This wouldn't have been so shocking if she knew for a fact she hadn't gone to bed that way. Still, it only took a moment for her mind to drift back to the reason she was so alone, making her smile slightly and snuggle back against the warmth he left when he, well, left.

She knew that she should go home soon. Lock up his place and go back to her own. Not that he would care, but it would just be for the best. She had more clothes to pick from at her place and, not to mention, if Lisanna awoke and found she wasn't home, she'd tease Mirajane relentlessly about sleeping over at Laxus' place.

She liked to do that.

Still, his bed was too warm for her to get up just yet. And it smelled so much like him. And even though before she went home with him that night she knew that he'd be leaving in the middle of the night for some job request, part of her had still wished that he'd oversleep so they could wake up together.

He hadn't. He never did.

When she finally did sit up in bed, she took a stock of the room, seeing if there was anything she needed to take with her back to her home. She could go into Laxus' place when he was out, of course she could as she had a key, but she rarely did. It just didn't feel right. Like an unspoken rule. So she tried her hardest not to. Which, of course, meant getting everything she left over at his apartment back to her house so she wouldn't be without it when she was, well, without him.

The floor was cool underfoot as she went around, picking up things that she would need. About halfway through though, she decided that she didn't want to leave just yet and wanted to take a shower. Back at home, she had to juggle her bathroom usage with Elfman and Lisanna's. Sure, she was ultimately the oldest and strongest, so she could basically do whatever she wanted (it didn't hurt that Elfman was a big softie and Lisanna practically idolized her), but still. It was nice in Laxus' apartment, having the bathroom open to her whenever she wanted.

She didn't feel like turning any lights on though for some reason and left the bathroom door open so the moonlight coming in from the window in the adjoining bedroom would stream into the bathroom. Just enough so she could see, but not enough to blind her.

His shower felt odd without him. He almost always ended up in there with her. Same with the tub. When they were around one another, it was hard to let the other do something alone. She couldn't even making him breakfast without him sitting at the kitchen table, overseeing.

She went ahead and used his shampoo even though she kept a bottle of her own in there, wanting to smell like him for as long as possible. He was supposed to be gone for a month. It was an extensive job and, as he explained it to her, one with a big commission cut. She knew that he had been saving money for some reason recently and secretly, she was hoping it was for a ring.

…Not that she ever mentioned it to him. In the past she'd ask him if he'd ever get married and he hadn't been shocked when she told him that she really would like to be. He would only ever say that eventually, yeah, he'd get married. He just wanted to be more settled first.

Not that being settled matter to Mirajane. It was just the idea of being married, of throwing it in Erza's face, that excited her.

…Okay, so maybe she still had some issues to work on, but so what? Every woman's a little crazy when it came to that sort of stuff. Right?

After her shower, Mira got dressed against slowly before heading out of the bathroom to check out his room again and make sure she wasn't leaving anything behind. Then she went into his living room to check it too. It was then that a scent hit her nose.

It smelled like…bacon?

Going into the kitchen, she found just that. And eggs. And toast. It was on a plate sitting on his counter (he had no table because, as he put it, "Tables are for losers, Mirajane, who actually sit down to eat." Yeah) with a note sitting next to it. It was still rather dark, but there was a tiny window in the kitchen that gave off enough light for her to, after setting her things down, read it.

Morning, demon. Didn't wanna wake you. Remember to lock up my place. Take any food in the fridge with you or throw it out. I won't be back for awhile. Made you breakfast. Might have to warm it up some though. Not sure when you'll get up. Just stay safe, demon.

- Laxus

She sat the note back down with a giggle. Laxus was so cute when he wanted to be.

So she sat down at, oh, four in the morning to eat the breakfast he made her. She knew there was no way she'd go back to bed when she got home, as there would be too much of a chance she'd oversleep, so she figured she might as well take her time. She still had a few hours until she had to get to the guild.

It wasn't until about an hour later when she got home and was picking up around the place, trying to pass some time before she went into work that she laughed slightly. A month. He'd be gone for a month.

And he hadn't even let her say goodbye.

The guild had been heck that day. Though it had felt that way for the past, oh, seventeen days. You know, since a month had passed and she hadn't so much as gotten word from her boyfriend.

Not that she was surprised. It had been a pretty serious job. And he wasn't alone. He went out with his body guards. But still. It didn't stop her from worrying. It was her right after all, as his girlfriend.

"You finally home?"

She only moaned against her pillows as her bedroom door opened. Lisanna stood there in the darkness, staring in at her.

"You okay?"

Another moan.

"I can make you something to eat if you want."

Finally lifting her head, Mirajane smiled over at her baby sister. "No, Lisanna, I'm fine. Just…tired."

"You sure?"

"Mmmhmm." Shifting, she moved to lay down. "So unless you need something-"

"Nothing, Mira."

"-then I think I'mma just go to bed."

"If you're sure."

When she was left alone again, Mira only rolled over again, facing the wall, before shutting her eyes. She only had a few hours before she had to be up, anyhow.

It was around two that morning when she found that she had even fewer.

She was sleeping rather deeply, actually having a pretty pleasant dream for once, when she felt something rubbing against her lips. Even unconscious this confused her, enough so that her eyes flew open.

It was then that she found herself face to face with Laxus, who was rubbing his thumb gently against her bottom lip. The panic that had filled her drifted away, though she was still hesitant.

"L-Laxus?" she whispered as he pressed harder against her lip, staring at it. "What are you doing?"

"Missed you," he mumbled, still rubbing gently.

"But why are you-"

"Your lips never chap, huh?" He removed his thumb then before looking into her eyes. "Mirajane."

With that, she smiled before giggling far too loudly of the time of night it was before moving to wrap her arms around his neck. "Laxus! What are you doing here?"

"Got into town and didn't wanna go be alone at my apartment."

"How'd you get in though?"

He moved to kiss her head. "Babe, you guys have gotta learn to lock your doors."

Giggling then, she shifted back some to look at his face. "You think someone could ever hurt me, Laxus?"

"I know that I just snuck in here and undressed, and then spent some time rubbing your lips before you even woke up."

She made a face. "Oh, and by the way, that was a weird thing to do, so don't do it again."

Just to prove a point, he reached out and rubbed his thumb against her lip again. "I can do whatever I want. I'm the strongest wizard to ever live. I'm fucking Laxus Dreyar. You know that?"

"I've been told as much."

Grinning, he moved to nuzzle in between her shoulder and her neck, making Mirajane tense up and squeal.

"Laxus-"

"Who are you, Mira? Huh? I'm the strongest wizard to ever live. What are you?"

"Mmmm…the second strongest?" she asked, trying to figure out the game that he was playing.

"Nah." He kissed her cheek then. "You're my little baby demon. Okay?"

Giggling, she said, "'kay."

Her head got a kiss then. "You know who else you are, Mirajane?"

"Who?"

He buried his head against her neck again. She thought that he was trying to initiate something, but then he started talking again, hiding his face and muffling his voice.

"Mirajane Dreyar. Wife of the strongest wizard to ever live." He paused and she wasn't speaking, so he shut his eyes tightly. Maybe she wasn't-

"L-Laxus!"

He knew that tone. Letting out a breath then, he nuzzled her neck one last time before pulling back to look at her.

"If you wanna be, I mean," he said, looking in her eyes. "Not that I'm begging or some shit. 'cause I ain't. I-"

"Don't ruin being sweet by being an asshole right now. Please. I put up with it every other time, but not when you're proposing."

He grinned then, fully, really, as she giggled again. "Then-"

"Did you get me a ring?"

"Did the strongest fucking wizard ever get his woman a fucking ring?" Snort. He sat up then before slowly getting out of bed. "Yeah. It's in my bag. Hold on."

Mira couldn't though. She jumped out of bed and went to stand over his shoulder as he got down on his knees, digging through his bag.

"Made a little stop on my way back to Magnolia," he was saying as he searched. "See, about nine months ago, I was hanging around in this little shithole of a town and found this old merchant shop. And I saw, mind you I don't say this word, but it was beautiful, this ring was. The price reflected that.

"You know though, babe, that I got money. You know this. Whatever you want, I get you. But…it just wouldn't be wise for me to spend this much at once. So I struck a deal, see. Made payments. And my cut of commission for this last job was finally enough to make the last payment."

"Laxus." She giggled. "You didn't have to do all that. You know that I wouldn't care if-"

"How the hell are you gonna brag to Erza if you ain't got the prettiest ring in all of Fiore?"

More giggles. "You know me so well."

"I know." When he stood again, she didn't protest. Laxus didn't bow down to no one and she wasn't expecting him to do so for her. They were equals. Then he tossed something at her that she caught easily. "Here, demon. Hope it's the right size. I-"

"It's perfect!"

When she jumped him, he couldn't help but fall back, as she did so from the side and he was completely unprepared.

"Mira-"

"I love you, Laxus!" She was holdfast against him as he stumbled back and hit the door with a bang. He only laughed though, that fizzy feeling in his stomach slowly fading.

"I love you too, demon."

Letting him go, she slipped the ring on her finger before turning to admire it. "Oh, this is all so great, Laxus!"

He tried to go back to being gruff, but it was hard. He felt…good about making his woman so happy. His.

Suddenly, the door behind him started to rattle as someone banged on it.

"Mira! Are you in there? Sis, are you alright?"

Elfman. Rolling his eyes, Laxus finally found the annoyance that usually dictated his mood creep back up. Mirajane just jumped around him and went to open the door.

"Elfman! Laxus is here and-"

"Well, close the door! I don't want a part of that!"

"No, silly," Mirjane giggled as she reached out to grab her brother's arm and pulling him into the room. Thanks to the light on out in the hall, she was able to show off the ring to her brother. "He proposed!"

"What?" Elfman looked happy for a moment before the news set in. Then the waterworks began.

"E-Elfman!"

"I'm just so happy, big sis!" He held his hands over his eyes as he cried. "Marriage is so manly!"

"What's going on?" Lisanna was coming out of her room then too, confused by all the noise. "Mira?"

"Lisanna!"

Kill him. Groaning, Laxus went to go sit down on the bed and wait for all the theatrics to be over. No way he was walking her into the guildhall later. Not if she was going to act the same way.

"Look!" Mira was extra bouncy then as she held out her hand to her sister as well. "He was super cute about it too. He-"

"Mira," Laxus said slowly, having to be a little loud to be heard over her and Elfman, who was still sobbing. Loudly. "Not to be, you know, rude over here, but I just got home. I'm sort of hungry. You think you three could do this in the kitchen as you make me something to eat?"

"Oh, of course, L- Mr. Dreyar." She winked then. He decided not to explain to her that he had always been Mr. Dreyar. She was the one that was going to change her name. Not the other way around. "Come on, Lisanna."

"Ooh, now I'm going to have two brothers," Lisanna said, glancing at Laxus. He gave her a look back, but she only giggled.

"No, you're not," he grumbled.

"Yes, I am," she insisted. "Bye, big brother Laxus!"

"I'm not your brother!"

Once they were gone, Laxus was hoping to be alone, but no. Elfman was still there. He glared at the other man, but he was unaware. Then, suddenly, he removed his hands and looked at Laxus.

"Y-You're gonna be good to her, huh? To Mirajane?"

Frowning, Laxus said, "I'm not good to or for anyone."

More tears. Ugh.

"Elfman, look. Mira wants this, I want this. And I'd take care of her if I needed to, but I don't. Mirajane takes care of her own self. So just stop talk- Hey! Let me go!"

Elfman couldn't help it though as he went over to Laxus before bending down to gather him into his arms and begin hugging the hell out of him. It was even more awkward when you considered Laxus was only in his boxers and Elfman was shirtless in a pair of sleep pants. Laxus could break the grip, fine, but he was trying to be nice.

See what being nice gets you?

"We're gonna be brothers now, man," Elfman was going on as Laxus reluctantly patted him on the back. "Me and you. Brothers. And our kids are gonna be cousins. And you're gonna be my sister's husband. Husband! I just…I…"

More tears. Gah! And it wasn't even the fucking wedding yet.

"There, there," Laxus said in the most unaffectionate voice ever. He thought after proposing Mirajane would be so happy with him that he'd get a blow or at least sex. Having Elfman hugging him was a bitter substitution. "Don't cry, Elfman."

"I know. I'm just so…happy. For sis. And for you. And for me too!" He let him go suddenly as his crying ceased. Flexing then, Elfman said, "I've never had a brother before! This is gonna be great! We'll stay up all night, watch scary movies together, talk about girls-"

"Yeah, no." Laxus turned to walk around him and out of the room, off to see how his food was coming along. "But…you can have the addresses of all the women I used to fuck if you want."

"Ha! That works too!"

Rolling his eyes, Laxus headed to the kitchen where he found Mirajane hadn't even started on his food. She and Lisanna were hugging and laughing. With a growl, he said, "I didn't propose so you could be a piss poor wife from the get go! Make my food, woman!"

Mira looked over at him, though she didn't release Lisanna, and said, "You're cute," before going back to gushing to her sister. Ugh.

"I'll make my own damn dinner then, demon, if you're going to be-"

"Oh, Laxus, stop it." That got her to let go of Lisanna. "Just go sit down and wait. I mean, honestly."

Grunt. When he went to go sit at the table though, he was dismayed to see Lisanna coming over to sit with him.

"What do you want, kid?" he grumbled.

"Just to talk with my new big brother."

"I'm not your brother!"

"Ooh, Mira, you know what I just realized?" Lisanna called over as Elfman came into the room again. The second he saw his sister, he began to bawl again.

"What?" Mira asked as she began pulling things out of the fridge.

"You're not the oldest anymore!"

"Oh, hey, that's right." Mira giggled. "So no more asking me for stuff, guys. Or having me clean up after you. Or make you dinner. Laxus will now! 'cause he's the big brother."

"Yes," Elfman agreed with a fist pump, his tears gone. "And he agreed to hand over all his women to me."

That stopped Mirajane. As Laxus grimaced, he watched her turn from that sweet, naïve woman that she played off to be and to the demon that she'd always truly been.

"What women, Laxus?" She turned to face him and, even though she wasn't in Satan Soul in that moment, he sure felt like she was.

Groaning, he took to glaring at Elfman who was oblivious. If that's what it was like to have a little brother, he didn't want one.

"Clearly the women that he knew before you guys got together, Mirajane. Don't be so crazy already." Lisanna smiled at her sister before at Laxus. He glanced at her before relaxing some. See? Little sisters were always-

"Oh, and side note, Laxus?" Lisanna leaned across the table then to stare him in the eyes. "Mirajane won't let me go out of town without her or Elfman, which isn't fair, so I'm going to need you to come with me next week, okay?"

"Come with you where?" he asked slowly, frowning.

"Natsu and Happy are going to go see this band play in-"

"We already told you no, Lisanna," Mira said as she continued to glare at Laxus.

"But Laxus is going with us now. Aren't you, Laxus?"

"If you wanna hear music, listen to Gajeel play."

"Ew! No. Laxus is taking me to a concert. Me, Natsu, and Happy. And Lucy. And Gray. And probably-"

"I'm not a fucking baby sitter, kid!"

"Please?" Lisanna gave him sad eyes. "Mira says I'm not allowed to go anywhere without her or Elfman. You know, because they're mean and-"

"We lost you once, Lisanna," Elfman said. "But hey, if Laxus is going, I'll go too. Since we're brother!"

"No. I never said I was going," Laxus complained.

"Well, if Laxus and Elfman both go, you can go," Mirajane said slowly. "Have fun."

"Wait a minute-" Laxus tried, but it was drowned out by Lisanna cheering and Elfman beginning to cry over the fact that he had a brother to go to things with.

Maybe marrying Mirajane wasn't such a good idea… Moaning, he moved to rest his head on the kitchen table with a groan.

"Mira," he called out softly, somehow being heard over all the commotion. When she glanced over at him, he said, "When we get married, we're not living here."

"Of course we are. With Elfman and Lisanna. I have to. This is my house, after all. And we can't kick them out, silly."

Groaning, he shut his eyes. Silly. He was so silly.

Mirajane only went back to cooking though, listening to her sister and brother gab about their now upcoming trip. She knew eventually she'd tell them to lay off some, that they might scare Laxus off, but for the moment, she figured she'd let them be happy. Because she knew, somewhere deep down, Laxus must have wanted a family too. He knew that she loved her brother and sister above anyone. There's no way that he didn't. Secretly, he must have wanted to be part of her family.

"Would you guys shut up?" Laxus finally yelled, his normal attitude making it's way back to the surface at the sound of Lisanna and Elfman talking loudly. He had let it go on long enough. "Shut the fuck up! Both of you!"

Lisanna blinked at him and Elfman frowned. Mirajane, used to that sort of attitude, just kept cooking.

"I mean, seriously. You guys are annoying me," Laxus complained. Then, pointing out of the kitchen, he said, "Go back to bed. Both of you. And be quiet about it!"

The command had kinda just come out of nowhere and he wasn't expecting it to work, but slowly, Elfman scratched the back of his head before mumbling sorry and heading out of the room. Lisanna glared at him and stuck her tongue out, but then rushed out of the room, never one for being reprimanded. Then it was just Laxus and his girl- err, fiancée.

"Wow, Laxus," she complimented as she glanced over at him. "That was quite the performance."

"What are you talking about?"

"And to think," she went on. "This is only your first day as a big brother."

He blinked at that. And then his head fell back to the table. Maybe tables weren't for losers. They were for older siblings. To bang their heads against.