Fairy Tail belongs to Hiro, but Raven is mine, if you go onto my profile you will see her information reference. Sorry to burst straight into the story with her, she is not a major character.

BLONDIES

CHAPTER ONE

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Raven's P.O.V

I watched the blonde Heartfilia from where I was sitting next to Gajeel, the said man was munching away on his daily iron scraps. The blonde looked close to tears, and she seemed to be holding onto something for dear life, however, from the angle I was watching from, I couldn't make out what it was. Mira was standing on the other side of the bar, talking to her in a hushed tone. Being the bored, nosy, and curious person I am, I focused my hearing on them, zoning out on everything else.

"Lucy, what's wrong?" I heard the bar maid ask the troubled blonde. Instead of replying, Lucy turned around, she must have felt my eyes set on the back of her head, because she was now scanning the guild, as if looking for someone. Her eyes paused on me momentarily before continuing to stop briefly on Natsu, and then returning back to Mira, sighing in the process.

"Nothing, Mira, don't worry," she replied, causing me to snort quietly, it was so obvious something was wrong with her, just by looking at her slumped body.

"You look about ready to burst into tears, and your playing with Laxus' headphones, which reminds me, why do you have them?" Ah, so that's what she was holding, my curiosity pricked higher, why did she have his headphones, the grumpy bastard was never without them.

"Tsk, didn't anyone ever tell you not to pry?" Gajeel suddenly stated, nudging me with his elbow and breaking my concentration from the blonde and bar maid's conversation.

"I was interested in what they where talking about, is all," I responded stiffly, I wasn't going to tell him I was worried about Lucy, I'm not one to worry, however, Lucy is one of my closer friends, so it's only right that I find out what's troubling her, even if it does go against anything I ever tell anyone.

"Yeah, you tell yourself that," was all he said before biting into another chunk of metal with a loud crunch and it was a wonder on how it didn't break his teeth, even if he was an Iron Dragon Slayer.

Lucy's P.O.V

I couldn't believe it, it just wouldn't settle in my mind. The horrifying sight of them kissing. It just wouldn't leave me alone. I should feel happy for them… shouldn't I? I mean, it's not as if we ever had something going on. I may have had the tiniest crush on that pink haired pyromaniac, but Lisanna has know him for a lot longer than I have, adding to the stories I've heard of the two of them; the fact that they where really close and did everything together… Lisanna even said they would get married in the future.

I should have seen it coming, should have seen the signs, should have known, prepared myself. We where only friends, after all. But I can't stop that painful feeling in my heart when I see that image every damn time I close my eyes.

"Hey, Blondie! What are you crying for?" a shout pieced through the air, straight to my ears. I whipped around, I knew that voice, if he was here… oh Mavis, he had seen me crying. Wiping my tears away I saw him, standing there in all his cocky glory, Laxus Dreyar.

"I'm not crying," I replied, but lifted my hand on impulse to brush across my cheek, and sure enough, my hand came away still wet, I had been sure I'd stopped them, "Oh…"

The male blonde started to walk towards me, and I began to panic, why was he here? What was he going to do to me? However, as he came within talking distance, his arrogant smirk morphed into a slight frown, "You haven't answered my question." His words came out as a snap, and it felt like a whip had slashed across my cheek, as if he had struck me like my father used to do all those years go. I flinched away from him, as my anger began to bubble inside of my chest, like a spark to ignite the flame, this man didn't have the right to speak to me like that.

"Why do you care anyway? It's not like we even know each other!" I screamed, I wasn't quite sure why I was so angry at Laxus, true he had snapped at me, but that was just him, he spoke to everyone like that, my anger had seemed to come out of no where, I suppose it's just been bottled up for to long.

But now I was certain his expression changed, his frown became a look of slight hurt and confusion, it wasn't to noticeable but I was good at reading facial expressions. I felt bad, but now I'd exploded and I couldn't rein it back in. "Stupid Laxus! Stupid Natsu! Stupid, stupid, STUPID!" I yelled, my fists crashing down onto the closes thing which happened to be Laxus' hard chest, as he was standing in front of me.

"Oi, Blondie! Chill," he said, although seemingly unaffected by my attack, I didn't miss that flash of hurt that crossed though his eyes. But before I could ponder on it and continue to pound onto the Slayer's chest, I was enveloped by a crushing sensation, yet it felt oddly nice. It took a moment for my brain to register the fact that Laxus had just pulled me into his arms, in an awkward hug, however, I felt the feeling of safety and warmth flow through me, yet I had no time to indulge in this new feeling as my body had other ideas. My chest wrecked with a sob that raked through me, and as I buried my face into his chest, my fingers wound into his shirt, clinging to the fabric. "Damn, now look, you've made my shirt wet," I heard him say, his chest rumbling with a short laugh and then he was removing his arms from around me, almost hesitantly, as if he was afraid I'd break again.

"Lucy," he captured my gaze intently making me look at him, "Tell me what happened," the words where so soft, as he put his hands on either side of my face, forcing me to look back at him after trying to look away from his intense eyes. I felt a small blush creep across my cheeks, beneath the tears that where still flowing, as he said my name, actually called me by my name rather than that annoying nickname Blondie, I found it idiotic as he was blonde too.

I gasped in a mouthful of air, before releasing it slowly, but didn't say anything, I didn't know what to say and no words would come, I only continued to cry quietly while Laxus held my head with great care. My hands seemed to have found a life of their own as ever so slowly I reached up and cupped my cold hands over his larger ones.

"You can stop crying now," he smirked down at me, but despite it, brushed both his thumbs across my cheeks, wiping away the tears with the gentle notion. It felt… right, so right, when he did that and I couldn't stop the little gasp of surprise that escaped my lips at the soft touch that seemed to set of a spark in me.

"N-Natsu and L-Lisanna…" I whispered the words, I wasn't sure why, but I felt the tug of need to tell him, even if it was simply to get it off my chest, I couldn't help but feel the need to spill the reason behind my tears to him when I looked into his stormy grey eyes.

"What about them?" he asked, his frown deepening.

"T-They're dating," I cast my eyes downwards, my fingers clenching his hands tightly as the words left my lips. I still wasn't sure on why the thought was so upsetting to me, maybe I had more feelings for Natsu than I originally thought.

"And…?" Laxus responded, he didn't seem annoyed by my slow, pathetic answers, only curious, he was being surprisingly patient with me, unlike the way Natsu or Erza would try and pry the information from me, and from what I knew about the blonde man, even though it was minimal, he didn't seem like the type that likes to wait.

I didn't answer him, instead focused on trying to stop the tears from coming and forcing back the sob that was threatening to push it's way from my body. He slowly straightened up and moved his warm hands from my cheeks, to which I was still gripping to, unsure why, but I didn't want to let him go just yet.

"Hold on," he said, while forcing one hand free from my grip and reached into his famous coat pocket, that hung off his shoulders, and brought out his headphones, he then proceeded to hand them to me. "Take these, there's some songs on there that might be nice for you to listen to, they help me at least," he looked away from me, shifting uncomfortably on the spot. "Don't break them, you're the first person other than me to use them, not even my team have gotten their grubby hands on them. I don't want to regret giving them to you," he then took a step away from me, his comforting presence leaving me in an instance.

I continued to stare at him, my brain in a state of shock; I'd assaulted him, called him stupid, then he'd hugged me and given me his headphones. I was stumped. "Laxus…" I breathed, a feeling of embarrassment washing over me, I felt extremely proud, I'd gotten Laxus' precious headphones before anyone else. "Thank you," I wrapped my arms around his waist for a quick hug before pulling away again, realising that that had been most likely out of line, I mean, I barely knew the man.

"Don't mention it," he chuckled shortly, a smirk replacing the uncomfortable side he'd been showing, beginning to look like his old self again, and reached out to ruffle my hair.

"I'm going to head to the guild now, do you… want to come with?" I asked, gaining some courage that had not been there moments before.

"Nah, I was actually heading to the station, I'm going on a mission, S-Class," I wasn't sure, but for a brief moment he had sounded even more arrogant than usual when he mentioned going on an S-Class job, like he was mocking me, "When I happened to see you, standing here crying your little heart out. It's dangerous to do that around here, Blondie, you never know what sort of perv might try and take advantage of some pretty, weakened, blonde out here," he gave a crackling laugh and winked down at me. The anger I'd felt previously came back in full force, he'd just called me weak!

"What the hell is that supposed to mean? I can take care of myself you bastard, I'm not weak! And you're blonde too!" I yelled, jabbing him in the chest sharply before whirling around and stomping off, towards the guild, I couldn't care less if I'd looked like some spoilt brat right then. I heard him shout after me, but I didn't turn, I felt to riled up to talk to him again, even though in that short moment of being with him, I'd felt whole again.

I though he'd changed, I though he no longer saw us, me, as weak anymore… Obviously I was wrong.

I arrived at the guild quicker than I though, possible but I suppose mulling over angry and sad thoughts passes the time quickly. I made a bee-line to the bar, ignoring the shouts of greeting from my family, one stood out over the others: "Luce, come over here!" it was Natsu, but I didn't even look his way, I was to angry to deal with him.

As I sat on my stool, Mira came over at once, she was about to ask for my order, but I must have looked as angry as I felt, as she visibly changed her question. "Lucy, what's wrong?" she asked me, and as I felt a heavy stare settle on me. I turned slightly, scanning the guild, I saw Raven, she was staring at me through narrowed blue eyes, but I didn't rest my eyes on her for more than a mere second, instead roaming over to Natsu, he wasn't looking at me, no, he had his arm around Lisanna and had his head thrown back mid-laugh. The sight made my heart clench and I turned back to Mira before I could begin to cry again, my quest in searching for the one who had been staring at me, was over as quickly as it'd begun. It hadn't been Natsu, like I'd thought, but my Slayer friend, Raven.

"Nothing, Mira, don't worry," I responded, looking down at the bar top, afraid to meet her bright blue, motherly gaze, in fear I might break again, I could never last long against the bar maid.

"You look about ready to burst into tears, and your playing with Laxus' headphones, which reminds me, why do you have them?" only then did it dawn on me that I was indeed, fiddling with his headphones, I flushed with embarrassment, I'd forgotten to give them back, instead I'd stormed off.

"Oh… he kinda lent them to me…" I trailed off, hoping she'd drop the subject, yet it was a fools chance, my words had of course set off Mira, she grinned and her eyes sparkled with mischievous interest.

"Ya know, Lucy, I've never seen Laxus give them to anyone before," she leaned forwards, both hands splayed against the counter top, stressing the word anyone, "Is there something going on, maybe? Should I be expecting blonde haired babies soon?"

I sighed in annoyance at her behaviour and shook my head rapidly, "No Mira, I was just a little upset and he offered to lend them to me," I answered, sending her a half-hearted glare. Mira only giggled and stood up straight again, she started towards a customer who had called her over, as she left she called over her shoulder: "Whatever you say Lucy~"

Laxus' P.O.V

Gramps had told me that I had to go on an urgent request, ranking S-Class, I wouldn't have taken it, but Erza was busy and Gildarts…well Mavis only knows where that man is right now. I also had to do this alone. My Raijinshuu weren't aloud to accompany me, much to my annoyance and protests.

It was hard for us to go on missions together now, we hadn't gone on one for a while. Ever was busy with Elfman, Freed didn't seem to want to leave Mira alone at the bar for more than a few days, he was silently obsessing over her from a corner, and Bicks was out of town a lot of the time now, doing Mavis knows what.

I sighed in silent anger and ran a rough hand through my short spiky hair. I was being stupid and selfish, they all had their own lives to live to, had other friends now and even progressing into more serious relationships. Maybe… maybe it was time for me to man up and talk to the girl that I'd been watching over like a hawk *cough*dragon*cough* ever since that stupid Fantasia incident. I'd just never had the fucking balls to get off my damn arse, walk down those stupid stairs and just talk to her. But it was harder said than done, especially seen as she never seemed to be alone, till a point where it's stupid really, and not to mention that she's way out of my league.

The violent sent of tears assaulted my nose out of no where, drawing me from my thoughts. I was all for walking right on by, but a softer sent of strawberry and blossom followed. I'd know that sent anywhere. My feet seemed to be on auto pilot as I began to move towards where the delicate smell was coming from, and I saw her. She was standing by herself, crying quietly. Imminently my heart rate increased, and a jolt of anger raced through me, whoever had made my Lucy cry was going to pay big time.

That's right. Lucy Hearfilia is the girl I've been obsessing over from my corner on the balcony, sitting there day after damn day brooding silently, unable to express my growing feelings to the blonde girl that has plagued my mind for to long now.

Seeing her crying didn't sit right with me. Where was the bright, bubbly Lucy everyone saw everyday at the guild? What, who, had made that Lucy disappear and be replaced by this side of her? That no one should see, that she should never have to be put through.

I walked close, till I knew she'd be able to hear me without any problems and called out; "Hey, Blondie! What are you crying for?" I knew this would get her attention, I'd seen a few guys at the guild call her Blondie and she always reacted. I was right, she quickly lifted her head, her bloodshot eyes coming into focus as they found me.

"I'm not crying," she replied, and I inwardly laughed at her, but it was replaced with yearning as she reached up a hand anyway to brush across her cheek. I so badly wanted to be the one to do that, to brush away her tears and to replace them with that bright smile of hers that not only the guild, but I, love so much. "Oh…" I imminently let out a soft chuckle, so quiet she wouldn't have heard it, she was so cute, even when she was upset and wasn't trying to be.

I closed the distance between us, till there was about a foot of space between our bodies, the smirk on my face, to cover up my inner trauma, breaking into a small frown. "You haven't answered my question," I forced the words out, they where meant to be soft, but it came out all wrong, harsher than intended, almost snapping at her. I watched as her sadness morphed into anger and inwardly cursed profoundly.

"Why do you care anyway? It's not like we know each other!" she screamed at me, and I was left in shock, I didn't realise she'd taken it to heart. I felt my own heart ache at her scream, she was angry at me, I'd made her angry at me. "Stupid Laxus! Stupid Natsu! Stupid, stupid, STUPID!" Natsu? How the hell did he come into all of this, was he the one who made her cry?

I had no time to think anymore about it, as she began to pound her fists against my chest, her fingers so tightly clenched that her knuckles where white and the tendons where pushed up against her skin.

"Oi, Blondie! Chill," I attempted to say calm, but I was hurting, no, her physical attacking wasn't the slightest bit effecting me, but the fact that she was actually hitting me burned deep down along with the fact that she was so mad at me to the point that she was actually physically assaulting me. My body seemed to betray me as my arms reached out automatically and pulled her against me so tightly that for a moment I thought I'd crushed her, but despite that fact she stood ridged against me, I could feel her steady, strong, heart beat against me. The feeling of her in my arms, no matter how awkward it was, still felt so unbelievably right. I never wanted to let her go again, I'd simply waited to fucking long for her.

She let out a loud sob, and her small body jolted with its force, yet she buried her face into my shirt and I felt her fingers curl into my shirt, as if looking for a lifeline to cling to for hope and support. I tried to make a joke out of the situation, make it slightly less awkward for the both of us, "Damn, now look, you've made my shirt wet," as I spoke, I gently let her go, against my will and despite the circumstances, it hadn't lasted nearly long enough.

"Lucy, tell me what happened," I used her name, I felt that calling her Blondie would only worsen this situation, besides it was a nice change, her name rolled off my tongue with such ease and it sounded so right. I hadn't had enough contact with her, that brief hug wasn't enough, now that'd I'd finally felt was it was like to hold her, I needed more and before I could stop myself, I was reaching out for her, I felt like a needy child, but I didn't give a damn, gently, I placed my hands on either side of her face, my palms on her hot cheeks, my finger tips ever so slightly pressing into her skin as I made her look at me, by tipping her head back.

She took in a deep lungful of air, before releasing it slowly, her breath puffed against my chest. I thought she'd start talking, explain everything to me, but more silent tears just rolled down her cheeks. Then, out of the blue, her hands lifted to cup over mine, they where cold against mine, and her eyes showed she was just as shocked as me at the action, and I couldn't stop the blush that tinged my cheeks lightly and turn the tips of my ears pink.

"You can stop crying now," I smirked to cover the blush, this girl was already effecting me and I'd only been close to her for what? 10 minutes. It was then that I was able to do what I'd wanted to do since I'd seen her cry for the first time, hesitantly, I brushed my thumbs over her cheeks, wiping away the tears and revealing the small blush that had been hiding beneath them. I cheered inwardly, I'd caused that reaction, not Natsu or any other bastard, but me, Laxus Dreyar. I heard her soft gasp and my stomach immediately tightened at the sound.

"N-Natsu and L-Lisanna…" she whispered, so I was right, about what I'd though before, Natsu did have something to do with this, and that annoying take-over mage. I'd crush them both, they'd made my Lucy cry, I didn't give two shits that Lisanna was the she-devil woman's little sister, she'd pay, and I'd apologise to Freed later for making her angry.

"What about them?" I asked, keeping my voice steady, already knowing full well that they'd done something to hurt her, but I needed to know what that thing was before I went on a rampage and snapped anyone without having a legitimate reason other than that they'd made Lucy cry… even though I think most of Fairy Tail would be after them if they knew it too.

"T-They're dating," she broke eye contact with me, and her hands clenched mine tightly. I stopped breathing for a brief moment, this was what was making her so upset? That must mean… she likes that little pink haired punk! My knees felt weak and I felt as if Gajeel had just rammed into my stomach with his iron pillars, however I couldn't show my weakness in front of her, besides, if the guy she likes is dating someone else, that means I might have a chance with her.

"And…?" I had to ask, even though it was obvious, she likes the little prick.

She didn't answer my question, only let slip a few more tears, I felt annoyed, not at her, but at myself. If I'd made a move on her sooner, instead of arsing around, then this wouldn't be happening, she wouldn't be crying right now, we could both be happy. I straightened up, my body was stiff with anger but there was no way I'd be showing that in front of my girl. Removing my hands from her cheeks, I was a little surprised when she stayed connected with me, she didn't let go and I didn't want her to either, I wasn't complaining.

"Hold on," I said, forcing one hand free and plunging it into the pocket of my favourite coat, I quickly found what I was looking for, my headphones, and handed them to her… well more like shoved them into her hands. "Take these, there's some songs on there that might be nice for you to listen to, they help me at least." I stepped away and bit my lip, feeling very uncomfortable and fidgeted on the spot, preying that she wouldn't reject them, I was very reluctant to give them to her, but it was Lucy. If it had been anyone else, there's no way I would have given them to them. "Don't break them, you're the first person other than me to use them, not even my team have gotten their grubby hands on them. I don't want to regret giving them to you," I told her sternly, then took another step away, which tore at me slightly, the distance was already killing me.

I continued to stand and watch her though careful eyes, my uncertainty growing with every second she stood there staring at me, making me regret giving them out so freely, I mean, she hardly knows me.

"Laxus…" she breathed out and I barely caught the words, I looked at her, maybe she was going to give them back, didn't want them, was going to refuse my rare show of compassion, the thoughts scared me, honestly scared me. But she surprised me, but, when didn't she? "Thank you," she whispered, then wrapped her arms around my waist with surprising strength. I was so stunned, it didn't even register it my brain as I continued to stare down at her, her cheek pressed against my chest, her arms barely reaching around my sides. Then she was pulling back, all to soon.

"Don't mention it," I smirked, unable to do much else, and reached forwards to ruffle her prefect golden hair.

"I'm going to head to the guild now, do you… want to come with?" she asked me, I was happy she'd asked me, wasn't afraid to, even though I could hear the hesitation in her voice, due to her nervousness, I couldn't really blame her. However, as much as I wanted to wrap my arm around her waist and accompany her to the guild, I couldn't. Gramps was relying on me and I couldn't let him down, not after everything he's done for me.

"Nah, I was actually heading to the station, I'm going on a mission, S-Class," it slipped, and the moment the word left my mouth I wanted to punch myself, well it wasn't the word but the way I had said it, I didn't mean to stress the word S-Class it was such a natural thing to do, when I would boast to Natsu and Gray about it, "When I happened to see you, standing here, crying your little heart out. It's dangerous around here Blondie, you never know what sort of perv might try and take advantage of some pretty, weakened, blonde out here," I crackled a laugh, the whole thing had meant to be a joke, but she must have taken it another way, her expression darkened and tears started to form in the corners of her eyes.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean? I can take care of myself you bastard, I'm not weak! And you're blonde too!" she yelled while jabbing her finger against my chest, she then turned sharply and stormed away.

"Lucy wait! I didn't mean it like that!" I cried, desperately trying to get her to come back, but she never turned. I felt so stupid, I knew she was sensitive about things like that, and she was already in a vulnerable state of mind. I'd used the term weak way to carelessly, I knew how she thought of herself despite what everyone said to her.

I let out a furious, almost animalistic growl, walked over to the nearest wall, and proceeded to smash my head against it as hard as I could.

Raven's P.O.V

I'd listened to the rest of their conversation, and then waited until Mira had walked away. "Hey, Gajeel, I'll be back in a sec," I head him grunt in acknowledgment, and then stood from my chair and headed towards the bar and my depressed blonde friend.

I dropped down in the stool next to Lucy's, and leaned against her shoulder, tipping my head in attempt to get a good look at the object she was still handling, like she was scared that if she stopped touching it, that it would disappear.

"So, the great and powerful Laxus gave you a love gift did he," it was more of a statement than a question, as I ignored her upset expression and her attempt to push me away like always.

"No! He just lent them t-" she started her protest but I cut her off with a wave of my hand, smirking at her wide-eyed and hurried denial.

"Yeah, yeah, I heard it all, dragon senses, remember?" I then reached over and plucked the object out of her hands, making her panic, causing my amusement to grow even more.

"Hey, that's mine!" she called out, attempting to snatch them back.

"No, they're Laxus'," I responded, mocking her and I placed them over my ears, threatening to press play. It was all a bit of fun until someone just had to come a ruin it.

"Hey Luce! What have you got that's Laxus'?" the ever annoying Fire Slayer plopped himself down on the other side of my friend, the clingy white haired girl, who's name I'd never actually bothered to remember, other than the fact she was the sister of Elfman and Mira and had died for two years, sat next to Natsu. I noticed how she was glaring at Lucy, and how the said girl stiffened as they sat. I frowned at their behaviour, something seemed off here and I was ready to punch the information out of anyone and everyone till I knew what it was.

Lucy looked about ready to cry again, she jumped to her feet, ripping the headphones, that I'd found where actually pretty comfy to wear, from my head and ran from the guild, I smelt the tell-tale sent of salt and knew she had begun crying. I turned to Natsu, my eyes dilating in anger as shadows began to rise from my body.

"What did you do?" I whispered, my tone was deathly quiet and I saw him visibly wince. Before he could reply, I had already slammed a shadow coated fist into his chest, forcing him back and he landed on the white haired chick.

"I didn't do anything!" he protested, getting to his feet again and igniting his own fist, an angry frown dominate on his face marrying the confusion.

"Mavis, Natsu, you are so stupid some times, can you not see how Lucy was just behaving? The fact that she only ran out after you came over, that she was crying?" I attempted to hit him again with every statement that I forced through gritted teeth but he blocked them all.

"I haven't done anything to Luce! Wait, she was crying?" he lost interest in me and went to follow Lucy from the guild but I stood in his way.

"I don't think so, leave her alone," I hissed, once again engaging him in battle, the only thing that would keep him occupied.

Lucy's P.O.V

I ran, ran until I reached my apartment, even then I didn't stop. After I locked the front door, I rushed to my bedroom, locking the window so Natsu wouldn't be able to get in. I sat on my bed, tired and out of breath. Natsu had made me cry, then Laxus had filled the ache, if only briefly, before he too, made me cry. Mira teased me, about Laxus no less, which made me hurt even more, I knew Raven had been trying to cheer me up, but she stole his headphones from me, and then Natsu had to come over, with Lisanna, and that was enough. I ran.

I took hold of Laxus' headphones, and placed them over my ears, they where soft and even though only held a small bit of fabric to stop them rubbing against your ears, they smelt like him, and gave me the comfort that he'd given me earlier. I turned them on, and laid back against my pillows, bringing the duvet up over my body, then closed my eyes, I was so tired but comfortable as the music began.

I fell asleep after the first song.