Chapter 1: Join the Raijinshuu?!

Natsu had pushed Lucy's last button. He had continuously snuck into her house, ate her food, burned her clothes, made messes, and caused her rent to be late, and more than once. But stealing her keys? That was bad. Stealing her keys on the anniversary of her mother's death? Nope, that was the end of the line. She was done! Not only did Natsu steal them, but he made Lucy chase him all around the park. Loke even had use his own magic to help her. She had to play his game for five hours before getting them back, but once she did she told him that she didn't want to see him anymore and that she was quitting Team Natsu. Then she stormed off.

That was several hours ago. At first, she was just aimlessly wandering, but she somehow found herself on the outskirts of Magnolia on a cliff overlooking the city. She knew that if she went home that she would have to deal with the one person she did not want to see, Natsu. She looked up and saw that the night sky was clear enough that she could see all the constellations. When Laxus found her, she was singing a song her mom taught her while Lyra was playing her harp. At some point she had started to tear up, and she was now full-fledged crying. When Laxus was walking home from the guild he noticed a familiar magical pressure. When he got close enough to see who it was he dropped his guard. He was going to just walk past, but he heard her singing softly and he could smell her tears. Laxus might be hard to get along with, but he couldn't just stand there and watch her cry. Instead he went and sat down beside her, listening to her sing the almost sad sounding song.

"Spirits hear my heading call,

Come and sing the king's law,

Make your master friend to all,

And make it so that I won't fall.

You are here to guide the weak,

Be my voice when I can't speak,

Help my magic reach its peak,

And be my light when all seems bleak.

Oh, Spirits of the stars,

Watch me as I live with scars,

Hold my hand through the bars,

And deliver me from all harm."

When she finished singing Laxus cleared his throat and spoke up. For some reason he had the urge to let her know how beautiful the song really was.

"That was beautiful Lucy."

Lucy didn't jump or even uncurl herself when he spoke, she just hid her face further and continued to cry. Her words were not difficult to understand through her tears with his dragon senses, even if it was slightly muffled.

"Please, just… go away."

"Not 'til you tell me what's up Blondie."

"Nothing's 'up' and your blonde too."

"Don't lie to me. Something has to be up if your crying. I would be an idiot if I thought anything different."

"I…I don't want to talk about it."

Laxus was thinking of getting up and leaving, but something held him back. It was almost a sense of duty. He couldn't just leave her there; it was the middle of the night. Not only that but she was crying, and she also seemed really hurt emotionally. Laxus decided that the only reason he needed to stay and look out for the younger blonde was because she was a guildmate. That had to be it, nothing more than genuine concern for a guildmate was causing this reaction in him. He decided that he had to at least escort her home, just to make sure.

"You don't want to talk about it that's fine, but at least let me take you home. It's late and dangerous around these parts."

"I don't want to go home. Besides, it's not that dangerous."

Laxus got more concerned at that, why didn't she want to go home? He knew she lived alone, so what could possibly be the cause of her not wanting to return there? Maybe she just didn't want to be alone. Laxus couldn't be sure though and decided to press the issue.

"Why don't you want to go home? Don't ya live alone?"

"Because Natsu will show up, and I don't want to see him right now."

It became clear then. Everyone knew that the flame brain barged his way into her home almost nightly. The idiot had said something to her or did something. The thought made him livid. Laxus stalled for a moment, his brain fighting his instincts. 'Why am I getting livid at the thought of Natsu doing something to her? I mean yeah, she's a guild mate and all but that still that doesn't explain this reaction. It's almost as if I'm being pulled to defend her.'

"What did the flame brain do?"

"He took my keys….and he. I-I really don't want to talk about this."

She had started crying again, the tears more forceful than their previously slow fall. Laxus instinctively wrapped his arm around the small girl and brought her into his chest, allowing her to cry and soak his shirt with tears. He didn't know why he was doing it, he just did. It felt right, like everything in his body would scream in pain if he didn't. 'It is probably because she is a guild mate, nothing more. I'm am just doing what is right. She obviously needs comfort. Ah! Who am I kidding?!'

"Lucy, if you don't want to go home you can spend the night at my place. Vulcans like to roam around these parts, I would feel responsible if I just felt you here. I have a few guest rooms for when the Raijinshuu crashes at my place."

'Wait, did I just invite her to stay the night? What the fuck was going through my head? Something is definitely up; I'm going to figure out what the fuck it is and soon.' The words had left his mouth before he could even think about it. At this point it was too late to take them back, not that he could just leave her out there anyway. Besides, no matter how much he wanted to deny it, for her sake, he liked Lucy. He liked her as more than a friend. 'Maybe that's it. Maybe it's just because I like her. I mean she is smokin' hot.' Just then a thought hit Laxus' mind that he couldn't ignore. 'Oh shit, what if – no it can't be that. She couldn't possibly be my mate, could she?'

"I don't want to go home, b-but I-I don't want to be alone either."

She suddenly started to cry harder, her voice hiccupping with each breath she took. Laxus couldn't understand the sudden increase in her tears, but he just did what felt right. Which at that point was to rub circles lightly on her back. His voice was gruff as he spoke.

"Come on then let's get off this cliff and head to my place, but when we get there you gotta tell me everything that happened with Natsu."

Lucy nodded, not knowing why she was agreeing to go. 'I just didn't want to be alone. But why Laxus? Why am I going with the resident grump of the guild?' The better question and the one that was really plaguing her mind though: why was he offering?

"Uh – before we go, did you get your gate keys back?"

"Uh huh."

Having her confirmation Laxus stood up, bringing her gently with him. He unwrapped his arm from around her and she followed him down a mostly hidden path that led into the forest. Laxus went on to explain that this path also lead to his house. After about five minutes he could tell that Lucy was cold, so he took off his fur coat and laid it across her shoulders. She mumbled a 'thank you' and they continued towards his home.

The walk only took about ten minutes had been quiet. Lucy seemed to have calmed down some during the walk, but she was still clearly upset. She wasn't crying anymore, but she wasn't smiling either. Laxus had led her to the living room and motioned her to sit down, going to make tea once she was seated. When he got back with the two cups Lucy was looking outside from the living room window, resting her arms on the windowsill. Laxus sat her cup down on the coffee table and took a seat on the couch, beaconing her over in a calm voice.

"Your tea is done, so why don't you come sit down?"

Lucy turned away from the window and quietly made her way to the couch, sitting next to Laxus when she got there. She gently picked up the cup of tea and noticed the sweet aroma of rose and smiled. 'Rose tea is my favorite. I wonder how he knew.' She began to nurse it, taking small sips every now and again. Her eyes closed a small smile on her lips every time she took a sip, but it disappeared just as fast. It didn't seem to Laxus that she was going to talk. He sighed and spoke to her, snapping her out of her rose tea induced trance.

"Talk to me Blondie. Tell me what happened."

Lucy took a shaky breath before she started her story. Her hands following the same habits as her breath. Laxus could tell she was clearly anxious.

"Sorry I guess I just got distracted. Everything really began when I first joined the guild. Natsu was the one who brought me to Fairytail, and shortly after he sort of conned me into being his partner with this maid job. I didn't mind being his partner until he started breaking into my house, eating my food, and making messes. Eventually that stopped bothering me though, I guess I got used to it. I even got used to him always destroying stuff on missions and making me late on paying rent. I just started taking more solo missions. It's steadily gotten worse, but I just ignored it. That is until today. He got really upset that I was ignoring him, so he thought it would be funny to take my gate keys. I guess he thought it was a game, and maybe to him it was. When my keys were taken Loke used his own power to open his gate and came to see what was going on. When he saw what happened he tried to get them back for me. We had to chase him for five hours before me and Loke finally pinned him and got my gate keys back. I was so mad that I told him that I didn't want to see him again, and then I sort of quit Team Natsu."

Laxus could tell there was more to the story, mainly from the way she was looking down and not meeting his eyes. He set down his tea, and gently took hers from her shaking hands, even when she looked longingly at the cup like a prize was taken from her. 'I guess she likes rose tea. I'll have to pick up more. Wait what am I saying?! Why would I pick up more, it's not like shes going to stay more than one night or anything – Right?' Then he picked her up and sat her on his lap, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close to him. His instincts were screaming at him to comfort, defend, and protect. She shook off the instinctual urges, then he quietly whispered in her ear.

"That's not the entire story. His crazy antics are annoying, but there's something else…isn't there?"

Lucy turned her head so that it was resting on Laxus's shoulder and started to cry. He gently started to rub circles on her back, trying to calm her while repeating "It's okay, I've got you." Over and over. Her tears slowly stopped falling after about twenty minutes. When she was sure of her voice she spoke again. Laxus mind was going crazy, his body and mouth was moving on its own comforting her. Not that he objected as she obviously needed it, but he had an image and there was something obviously effect it.

"You right it's not everything."

"Please, tell me Lucy. I can't help if I don't know what's goin' on."

"Today is the day my mom died, I was ten. My magic is the only thing I have left from her. So, when Natsu stole my keys, he stole the only thing I have left of her."

She started to cry again, and Laxus couldn't blame her. If he had something to remind him of his mother and it was stolen, even temporarily, he would lose it too. Granted it wouldn't be in the same way, rather he would probably kill someone. One thing he knew without a doubt is that she needed to stay away from Natsu. Preferably permanently, though realistically he knew that would never happen. He had the perfect way to assist in the distance though, and once again even before his head had time to process his mouth had already said it.

"Lucy, I want you to join the Raijinshuu."

Lucy sat strait up, a look of shock on her face. Her voice was low and her eyes downcast when she spoke.

"But I…"

Laxus gently put his index finger on her lips, quieting her. Then he spoke softly. His words reassuring and kind.

"You quit your old team, remember? And don't give me any of that 'I'm not strong enough' crap. I know differently."

He then lifted his finger and gently framed her face with his hand before speaking again. His brain rebelling at his every move, while his instincts rejoiced.

"You're a strong and brave mage, Raijinshuu would be lucky to have someone like you in our ranks – and I want to… never mind it's not important."

"L-Laxus, what are you trying to say?"

It was a good question. What was he trying to say? 'You like her Laxus. You've been attracted to her ever since Fantasia, and it went deeper when you say her fight six years ago in the grand magic games. Stop trying to tell yourself otherwise! You know she's your mate, stop avoiding it already.' But he was afraid of her rejecting him. He hurt her during Fantasia and barely talked to her. He watched her though. Sometimes he would go as far as to follow her on missions, just to see her in action. 'Fuck, I can't tell her. She deserves more than a monster who only causes pain. But she might not join if I don't. It is worth a shot at least.'

"That I like you. You're smart, strong, brave, beautiful, and you bring laughter and happiness to everyone in the guild. You deserve a team that will support you and push you to be your best. Raijinshuu may not be perfect, and it may not be what you're used to, but it's better than going solo."

"Oh…"

Lucy's eyes dropped. 'Of course, he just meant the team. What was I thinking! Getting my hopes up that he liked me. Wait do I even like him? Why is this bothering me so much?' At the same time Laxus was cursing himself for saying something stupid. 'What did I say? She suddenly looks down. Maybe I should have just told her the truth. Maybe I can show her somehow? Fuck this emotion crap is hard.' He gently took her chin between his thumb and index finger, turning her to face him. Then he closed his eyes and laid a gentle, chaste kiss on her lips. At first Lucy tensed up, but after a few seconds she closed her eyes and easily relaxed into it. He pulled away before it could get any farther, he didn't want to start anything. Rather he just wanted to convey his feelings for her in the only way he could think of. Lucy was flustered, not able to form proper thoughts at the gesture. Her brain feeling like it was sort circuiting.

"L-Laxus…I don't…do you…I mean…"

Laxus kept his voice at a whisper, trying his best to stay calm. His heart was racing from the contact and his dragon instincts were yelling at him to claim. He could no longer deny the fact that she was his mate.

"I just wanted you to know how I felt, I'm not expecting anything. It's one of the other reasons I want you to join the Raijinshuu, even temporarily. I want to have the chance to get to know you better."

"How long?"

"How long for what?"

"Have you had some sort of feelings for me?"

"I realized how I felt at the grand magic games six years ago, the first one Fairytail entered."

"Why didn't you say anything to me?"

"Because you had Natsu. I told myself that if you were happy that I wouldn't say anything. You deserve someone better than me."

As long as he was being honest about his feelings, he might as well spill everything – Right?

"I hurt my Nakama, almost following the same path as my father Ivan. I didn't say anything because you deserve someone as pure, honest, and innocent as you."

"You're still worried about that! That was thirteen years ago, if you count the seven years we were on Tenroujima. You were forgiven for that a long time ago. Then you proved your loyalty during the grand magic games six years ago when you defeated Raventail, and Ivan."

"Even so I still live with the guilt. Enough about me though, will you join Raijinshuu? Please?"

Lucy thought about it. 'I really like Laxus, I don't know how yet though. I want to learn more about him too, maybe that way I can get all of these emotions situated to form a logical thought. Even if I am mad at Natsu and said that I quit the team, I can't just stop talking to Erza and Gray. They're my friends, my family, my Nakama and they deserve better than that." While she was thinking she realized where she was and decided that she should get up. She gently stood up, making sure that she didn't seem to be running off. Then she sat down next to Laxus again, being close but not right against him. She had made up her mind.

"I'll join the Raijinshuu. I think it will be fun to work with Freed, and I want to learn more about you too. But I'm still going to talk with my friends. I don't want to be in a relationship or anything yet though, but I do want to be your friend."

Laxus smirked, happy that she was going to join the Raijinshuu. He was also happy she hadn't completely rejected him. Laxus understood the need for her to figure out what she wanted. He also couldn't argue with her wanting to see the other members of her old team, it was fair.

"Sounds fair to me. Anyway, it's already three in the morning, if you want I can show you where you can sleep for the night."

"Sounds good. I'm tired."

Laxus then led Lucy to the second floor of his cabin and showed her to a room at the end of the hall. The room was painted in a dark red and the carpet was black. There was a queen-sized bed in the furthermost left corner of the room, covered in a black bed set. In the opposite side of the room, in the corner, was a beautiful vanity. A large window was situated in the middle, separating the bed and vanity. Across from the vanity, to the right of Lucy was a tall wardrobe. Laxus patted Lucy on the head before speaking.

"You can sleep here. If you need me for anything my room is directly across the hall. The bathroom is the first room by the stairs. If you need anything just come and get me. You're free to stay until your comfortable going home."

"Thank you Laxus."

Laxus smirked then went into his own room. Both mages fell asleep quickly; entering a deep and dreamless slumber.