AN: There are a couple of things I would like to discuss with you guys before you begin reading this fic. The first being that I don't own Fairy Tail. It belongs to Hiro Mashima. The second thing is that this fic takes place after the Tartarus Arc. I know the arc has yet to finish (I really can't wait for that arc to get animated) so not everything I mention in this fic is canon. Also I haven't read the manga I have only watched the anime and so what I do know about the Tartarus Arc is from wiki. If I get something wrong I apologize in advance. Due to this fic taking place after the Tartarus Arc there will spoilers. You have been warned! Now without further interruption I present to you my second lalu fic. I hope you guys like it!


"I've been watching your world from afar

I've been trying to be where you are

And I've been secretly falling apart

Unseen"


Fairy Tail was in full swing of celebrating not only Gildarts return, but also to show gratitude to a visiting friend from Quatro Cerberus, Bacchus, who had been helping them rebuild the guild. Drinks were being passed around in abundance and laughter and shouting echoed throughout the guild. Although it was a surprise that a brawl had yet to break out, but that could also be because Erza was keeping a close eye on Natsu and Gray.

"Wild!" Bacchus yelled holding out his mug in the air.

"Four!" Cana yelled along with Natsu and Gray as they slammed their mugs together.

In the far corner of the guild sat a group of four men that had distanced themselves from the partying crowd.

"I have never hated a man in my life as much as I do him right now."

Laxus glanced at Gildarts who had taken Evergreen's spot when she gotten up to join Elfman. The older man's upper body laid on the table with his arms crossed under his chin. For a moment his eyes glistened with tears as Cana's laughter echoed in the guild then burned with anger again when Bacchus' laughter joined hers.

"Look at the way he touches her so casually."

The Lightning Dragon Slayer looked back at his nakama to see Bacchus had thrown an arm around her shoulders and her leaning closer to him.

"Who does he think he is?"

Freed and Bickslow glanced at each other nervously as the Crash Mage narrowed his eyes on Bacchus.

Her boyfriend. Laxus thought uninterested. Cana was old enough to make decisions for herself, so long as Bacchus didn't hurt her then he saw no problem in them being together. From the corner of his vision he caught a glimpse of blonde hair and the faint smell of strawberries. He turned his head slightly trying to discreetly catch another glimpse of the owner. His gaze zeroed in on the Celestial Spirit Mage.

His hold on his mug tightened as she laughed while collecting empty mugs and refilling others from another table.

"Laxus," The once Fifth Master turned his gaze on Laxus. "Go pull him off of her."

"What?" He looked away from Lucy and had to force himself not to flinch under Gildarts' intense look.

"Take him out the guild."

"Have you forgotten that I'm trying to clean up my image old man?" Laxus growled feeling frustrated.

"It's not like they will be surprised if you do."

"That's not a nice thing to say Gildarts." Freed frowned at him disapprovingly. "Laxus-sama has been trying really hard to earn back the trust of the guild."

Bickslow nodded while crossing his arms over his chest. "Laxus only messed up once." His babies floated behind him yelling. "Only once! Only once!"

"I know." Gildarts waved them off. "He was only being rebellious."

Laxus took a deep breath and mentally counted to ten in order to calm himself when he felt electricity spark on his palms. "Why don't you do it yourself?"

"Because I don't want Cana getting angry at me."

"Do you think I like her yelling at me?" Laxus took a sip from his beer. "She screeches like banshee when you try taking her liquor away—"

"Or she kicks you in the balls." Bickslow said from experience. "Balls! Balls!" His babies yelled.

Freed choked on his drink causing Gildarts to smack him on the back, which sent the Rune Mage to the floor.

"Maybe you should lay off the drinks." Gildarts chuckled as Freed struggled to get back on his seat.

"I'll take your advice." He said not bothering to explain that he was still in the process of finishing his first drink.

"So how about it, Freed?"

"Hmmm…?"

"Can you go take care of Bacchus?"

"I…" Freed looked toward Laxus, who tilted his head back with his eyes closed and then to Bickslow, who buried his head under his arms to keep from laughing out loud. "You must excuse me," He stood from his seat. "I hear Mirajane calling me." With that said he gave no one a chance to respond as he ran towards the bar.

The Seith Mage lifted his head and yelled "Liar!" His babies bounced in the air as they chanted. "Liar! Liar!"


Lucy had been helping Mirajane and Lisanna pass out and refill drinks since Kinana had to leave earlier that day to run a personal errand. She turned around and to see Freed run passed her. It was one of the rare few times she ever saw the composed Rune Mage acting this way.

"Liar!" she heard Bickslow yell followed by his babies chanting "Liar! Liar!"

She took a moment to watch curiously as Freed reached the bar and spoke to Mirajane frantically before going back to work. She turned to Laxus and the Raijinshuu's table only to see Laxus, Bickslow, and Gildarts sitting there. "Good evening gentlemen." Lucy said in greeting as she walked up to them holding a pitcher full of beer. Her hold on the pitcher tightened when Laxus' eyes snapped open and seared her with a look.

"Hey Cosplayer!" Bickslow greeted with a grin. His babies moved closer to Lucy shouting. "Cosplayer! Cosplayer!"

Lucy gave him a playful glare as she gently shoved his babies from her.

"Refill my drink!" He held out his mug, his tongue sticking out.

"Refill! Refill!"

She refilled his mug before meeting Laxus's gaze. "Would you like a refill?"

"Yes." He slid the mug closer to her and when she began to pour the drink he said. "Thanks."

Neither of them noticed the way Bickslow was watching them highly amused from behind his mug as he drank his beer.

"You're welcome." After gracing Laxus with one last smile she turned to address the last occupant sitting around the table. He looked gloomy considering this celebration was in his honor. "Gildarts, what's wrong?" she asked concerned not only because he was her close friend's father, but also her nakama, he was part of her family.

"Oh Lucy," his eyes echoed with untold sadness that tugged at the Celestial Mage's heart. "This celebration is wonderful and I'm very thankful for it, but the one person I wanted to celebrate tonight with is drinking with that… fiend!" He slammed his fist on the table causing the mugs to jump. "That fiend has taken my Cana from me!"

"Oh…" Lucy was uncertain on what to say considering she didn't know the nature of Cana and Bacchus relationship other than they were drinking buddies. She suspected that perhaps they could be friends with benefits, but that was something she didn't dare ever voice to Gildarts.

Gildarts grabbed Lucy's hand from across the table. "You're close friends with my daughter. Whenever she talks about you she mentions how kind you are and how much you helped her. She holds a high regard for you." He pulled Lucy closer to him forcing her to place the pitcher on the table. "She'll listen to you."

"I don't know about that…" Lucy said nervously knowing how Cana is with her liquor and Bacchus. If anyone disrupted her time with the member from Quatro Cerberus before she was finished with him there will be hell to pay and the same can be said about cutting her drinking time before she calls it quits.

"Nonsense my darling girl." He beamed at her. "She loves you like a sister."

"I-I-I…" She stuttered and blushed under his sincere smile and almost caved in, but then she heard Cana's laughter and reality crashed in. "That may be the case," she said pulling back. "But Cana doesn't like listening to anyone when she's drinking. You're either with her or against her."

"You were my last hope Lucy…" Gildarts sighed. "But you're right." He laid his head on the table closing his eyes. "Even Laxus and Bickslow refuse to help me."

"If you're done trying to manipulate Blondie into doing your dirty work—"

"Now you're just making me sound horrible Laxus."

"You should let go of her hand."

"Huh?" Gildarts maneuvered his head to look Lucy's way without lifting it off the table to see her trying to tug her hand away from him without any success. "Sorry Lucy." He smiled at her as he let go of her hand.


Laxus should have known nothing good could come from Gildarts grabbing Lucy's hand and his suspicions were founded when the Celestial Mage stumbled back with the pitcher of beer in one hand.

"Lucy!"

"Cosplayer!"

"Cosplayer! Cosplayer!"

The Lightning Mage stood from his seat to keep her from stumbling backward, but at that same time one of the guild members stood up abruptly from behind her. They collided with Lucy's back pushing her forward again.

"Shit…" Laxus cursed as beer spilled on his shirt and the pitcher slipped from her grasp breaking on the floor. The next thing he knew he was stumbling back into his chair with Lucy on his lap.

Her hands fisted his shirt.

His hands held her waist securely.

Her warmth filled the palms of his hands and ignited a spark in the blood that ran through his veins. Her scent of strawberries filled his lungs overpowering the bitter smell of alcohol. Her heart that skipped a beat before pounding rapidly within her ribcage echoed in his ears. He bit back a groan when he felt his heart mimic hers.

Her honey brown eyes looked up into his blue-grey eyes. He could see the surprise in them as well as the red hue that was settling on her cheeks.

He didn't see the way Mirajane's eyes filled with hearts, the way his Gramps stopped drinking and smiled at the sight they made or the way Master Mavis eyes echoed with joy for she knew the future Master of Fairy Tail would need a wife that his nakama will love and respect. Who better than Lucy Heartfilia, Fairy Tail's most beloved Celestial Spirit Mage.

And at that moment he felt the most alive since waking up after inhaling the Magic Barrier Particles that the demon Tempesta of Tartarus had released when blowing up.

"Get it Laxus!" Bacchus yelled breaking the silence that had settled over the guild when they saw the position Lucy ended with Laxus.

"Lucy!" Natsu yelled looking at them confused. "Why are you sitting on Laxus?!"

"She likes him!" Happy giggled.

Laxus didn't care for what the others were saying but he could see how it bothered Lucy as she quickly got off his lap and faced the others. "That's not it at all!" She yelled at Happy never more tempted than at that moment to get her hands on that Exceed.

"What happened here?" Ezra asked marching over to them, her gaze narrowing on Laxus.

"Why don't you ask Gildarts?" Laxus growled as he stood up from his seat and walked passed them.

Bacchus laughed as the Lightning Dragon Slayer approached him. "What's wrong Dreyar?"

"It's close to midnight and you've overstayed your welcome for the day." Laxus snatched the drink from him and slammed it onto the table before grabbing him from the back of his neck and pulling him away. "Come back tomorrow."

"Laxus!" Cana yelled angrily.

"Not now Cana!" Electricity sparked from Laxus' body.

"It's okay Cana I'll come back tomorrow." Bacchus winked at her as he stumbled on his feet not at all bothered by the fact he was being manhandled by Laxus.

"Freed!"

The leader of the Raijinshuu quickly made his way toward Laxus and followed them to the guild's doors.

"Escort Bacchus to where he is staying." He shoved the drunken Quatro Cerberus member to Freed before turning to look his nakama. "The party is over!"

"What?!"

"You can't end it!"

"Master Makarov!"

"Please speak with Laxus!"

"There will be no speaking!" Laxus crossed his arms over his chest. "There will only being doing! None of you are planning on staying to help Mira with the clean up so you don't have a say!"

Everyone grew silent at his words and turned to look at Mirajane apologetic.

"It's not a problem." She said smiling quick to reassure them.

"Those that are not so drunk escort the ones that are." Now with the silence in the guild his voice could be heard by everyone without him having to yell. "If I catch any of you sleeping on the streets I will shock you awake and continue to shock as we make our way to your home."

Mostly everyone began to sweat bullets.

"Juvia will take Gray-sama home!" Juvia latched onto the Ice Mage who was too far gone to try pushing her away.

Bickslow stood up and stretched his arms. "I can take about three people."

When no one else made a move to do as Laxus said Master Makarov cleared his throat. "You heard him brats! Partner up with one of your nakama and take them home!"


Gildarts stood up and patted Lucy on her head. "Sorry for earlier. I'll make it up to you."

"You don't have to." Lucy said quickly as Natsu came to join them.

"Don't worry about." He winked at her before playfully shoving the drunken Natsu's head as he moved passed them to get to Cana.

"Lucy!" Natsu grinned at her. "I'll walk you home."

"It's okay Natsu. I'm going to help Mira clean up."

"I'll stay with you." He said already tilting on his side.

Erza stepped up behind Natsu and knocked him out before catching his limp body. "I'll take him home and then come back to walk you home."

"That won't be necessary Erza. I'll summon Plue."

"Are you certain Lucy?"

"Don't worry I'll be fine." She said as Erza threw Natsu over her shoulder. "Be gentle with him."

"Lucy!" Happy flew into her arms. "Why don't you want Natsu and me to take you home?"

"Natsu is drunk and he will most likely want to sleep in my bed because he'll be too tired to walk to his home."

"We like your bed."

"I know you do, but tonight I don't want to have to share my bed."

"Next time can we?"

"Maybe." She smiled down at him. "I'll get you some fish tomorrow."

"Aye Lucy!" Happy flew out of her arms. "See you tomorrow!"


Laxus glowered at everyone who walked passed him and especially glared at Gildarts who smiled happily at him as he walked out the guild with Cana.

Once he saw that everyone left partnered up with at least someone that resembled being sober he entered the guild to see Wendy and Charle helping Lucy bring the mugs to the bar. Lisanna then carried them to the kitchen where Mira would wash them.

"Isn't it too late for you to be up?" He asked the youngest Dragon Slayer as she took a seat on one of the barstools and yawned, just having finished helping Lucy.

"I don't mind." She rubbed her eyes fighting back sleep. "I wanted to help."

"Don't over exert yourself." Laxus gently reprimanded her and patted her on the head.

"I won't let her." Charle said as she took a seat on the bar.

"Laxus." Lisanna came out the kitchen. "Mira-nee wants to speak with you."

Laxus simply sighed as he gently shoved Lisanna out the kitchen doorway. "What do you want?"

"And here I was thinking that you would be in a good mood considering the fact that you had a beautiful girl on your lap less than half an hour ago." Mira stuck her tongue out at him as she winked.

"If you're only going to tease me then I'm—"

"You're no fun Laxus." Mira frowned at him. "Ever since you woke up —"

"Is there a reason you wanted me here Mira?"

"Yes," She tilted her head to the side toward the counter where a black shirt lay. "I got you a clean shirt."

Laxus didn't say a word as he took off his dirty shirt.

"You can use the bathroom to clean yourself off…" Her voice trailed off as Laxus grabbed a rag and placed it under the running water from the sink. "That's not sanitary."

That still didn't faze him as he used it to clean off the dried beer from his chest. "I plan on showering tonight." Laxus threw the rag on the counter before slipping on the black shirt. "Thanks Mira." He said walking out the kitchen.

The matchmaker watched him go with a frown. Ever since waking up from the coma he had been under with Yajima and the Raijinshuu and then finding out about the real fate of Hargeon, the town he tried to saving from the Magic Barrier Particles and Fairy Tail's war against the Dark Guild Tartarus, Laxus wasn't the same. He was more closed off than usual.

She remembered Porlyusica saying that it was a miracle Laxus was still alive considering the amount of damage his body sustained from inhaling the particles and so he ran the risk of not making a full recovery. But all that changed when Gray brought Tempesta's blood to Porlyusica, which cured them of the Magic Barrier Particles.

Mira couldn't help but wonder if perhaps the Lightning Dragon Slayer was being affected by the fact that he couldn't save all those people. Did he not see that his sacrifice along with the Raijinshuu wasn't for naught? That it was the deciding factor for Fairy Tail to go after Tartarus, to bring them down for hurting their nakama.


Catching sight of Laxus exiting the kitchen, Lisanna finished wiping the table she had been working on and ran up to him. "Are you heading home?"

"Why do you want to know?" Laxus narrowed his eyes at her.

"Wendy fell asleep."

"I see." He pinched her cheek. "So you want me to take her to her dorm?"

"If it's not too much trouble." She whimpered.

Without a word Laxus let go of her cheek and walked over to the Sky Dragon Slayer.

"What are you doing?" Charle asked watching in shock as Laxus gently lifted Wendy into his arms.

"Hurry and climb on or I'm leaving you behind." Laxus pivoted and almost faltered in his step when he met honey brown orbs.

Charle floated beside him. "Are we going or what?"

Laxus tsked as he glanced at the Exceed before looking back at Lucy, who was now walking toward the kitchen. "Oi Blondie! I'm coming back for you."


Wait… what? Lucy thought to herself confused and looked over her shoulder not sure she heard correctly. But it's not like really had a chance to ask him as she came back to her senses he was already reaching the guild doors. "Wait!" She yelled, the washcloth she had been using to wipe the tables fell limp from her hands.

He either hadn't heard her or chose to ignore her because one moment he was there and the next his form had turned to lightning that streaked through the air.

"Lucy."

The blonde mage looked at Lisanna who was smiling teasingly.

"He said he was coming back for you." She elbowed her lightly on the side. "Since when have you and Laxus been on close terms?"

"We haven't," she frowned worried. "This is a first."

"Oh then he must have fallen for your good looks and radiant smile."

"I don't think that's the case."

"Mira-nee!" Lisanna yelled as she ran back into the kitchen. "Laxus is putting the moves on Lucy!"

"What?!" Mira exclaimed.

"No he's not!" Lucy yelled feeling her face become warm. She pressed her hands against her cheeks trying to hide her blush from the Strauss sisters.

Both girls came to stand in the kitchen doorway and shared a knowingly look as they watched the blush spread from coating just her cheeks to her entire face.

"It's not like that Mira." Lucy weakly protested as she remembered how warm his muscular chest felt under her fists even though his shirt had been wet. His natural scent, had been more prominent than the smell of beer that oozed from his soaked shirt, was that of a thunderstorm. The hint of something sweet in the first inhale and then sharp and fresh in the second inhale. The smell of rain filled her lungs in the third inhale making her feel cleansed and refreshed for the first time since the fight with Zeref's demons. She felt relief. It was the same relief she had felt when he had showed up in time to stop Hades from finishing off Natsu. The same relief that gave her hope.

Sitting on his lap watching his gaze come alive and reflecting how she felt. It was difficult to put to words. To explain to Mirajane and Lisanna how in that one moment he made her feel.

"He wasn't… he isn't."


Lightning lit the dark hallway and the sound of cracking electricity echoed. The electricity expanded revealing Laxus' form. "Where's her room?" he asked the Exceed.

Charle shook her head not used to that mode of transportation. She stood on shaky hind legs, one paw using Laxus' head as support. "It's three doors down."

"Do you have her keys?" He asked as he walked down the hall.

Charle jumped off Laxus' shoulder spreading her wings. She floated on top of Wendy's form and reached for the keys that lay in her pocket.

Laxus watched silently as the Exceed flew ahead and unlocked the door. He arrived at the door just she was pushing it open.

Charle flew toward the bed and pulled the bed sheets down. "You can lay her here."

He walked further into the room and placed Wendy down gently on the bed.

"Thank you for your help." Charle didn't waste any time in taking off the sleeping girl's slippers.

He knew that he should leave, but he couldn't bring himself to yet. Not when his gaze kept taking in the blue hair that just barely reached the girl's shoulders. Blue hair that, he remembered before taking the job to assist Yajima in his 8-Island restaurant, had been long. Long blue hair that he sometimes caught Wendy playing with while reading in the guild, waiting for her teammates or looking for a job on the guild board.

When he woke up again it was one of the first things he noticed. His mind was still foggy and his body was still in pain and he needed something to concentrate on. Wendy had stepped forward to heal him and it was then when he first noticed, but never commented on. As days turned to weeks no one in the guild spoke of Wendy's new haircut and so Laxus let the matter drop even though it still bothered him.

"Was she forced to cut it or was it her choice?" He finally voiced the question that he hadn't been able to for the past three months. A part of him didn't want to know the answer. Everyone in the guild knew how fond Wendy had been of her long hair, there was a reason why she never cut it. His hands curled into fists.

Charle paused in her struggle to pull the bed sheets over Wendy's form for Laxus question had caught her off guard. She should have known he would ask sooner or later. Since joining Fairy Tail Charle had kept a close eye on everyone who interacted with Wendy. It has been hard enough trying to let others in when all she ever had was Wendy, even with their ever growing circle of friends she still guarded the girl fiercely. Especially when it came to other Dragon Slayers.

She knew how Natsu and Gajeel viewed Wendy, but Laxus had been a wild card. That was until he aided Wendy in her battle with Zirconis and even went as to put himself between her and the Jade Dragon when it was about to eat her. Charle had seen that the Lightning Dragon Slayer had been willing to sacrifice himself to protect the youngest Dragon Slayer. Ever since then Wendy would greet Laxus whenever they crossed paths and then as time passed he too began initiating greetings with a simple pat on her head or ruffling her hair, while giving Charle a nod of acknowledgement. It had been a hard blow when they saw Laxus in pain as he lay in one of the beds in the infirmary. The news that he most likely wouldn't survive had driven Wendy to tears and Charle would never admit it out loud that it had frightened her. Neither had been ready to handle the loss of the Lightening Dragon Slayer.

"It was her choice." Charle said simply and watched closely as Laxus hands uncurled.

"So long as it was her choice," Laxus pulled the sheets from Charle's paws and finished tucking Wendy in. "That's all that matters in the end." He would never admit it out loud, but a part of him missed her long hair. Her short hair reminded him of someone he once knew… long ago. "You should go to bed as well."

"Goodnight Laxus." She called out to the Lightning Mage as he made his way to the door and she settled beside Wendy.

"Goodnight Charle." He made sure to lock the door behind him.


"This is so like him to be late." Lisanna crossed her arms over her chest.

Elfman nodded. "A man does not leave a girl waiting."

"I'm sure he'll be here any second." Mirajane smiled as she locked the guild doors.

"Laxus is rarely ever late." Freed defended the man he looked up to. "If he ever is it's because it's important."

"So Lucy is less important!"

"That's not what I meant!"

"I don't mind walking by myself." Lucy said trying to defuse the situation. "I planned to summon Plue to keep me company."

"That won't be necessary."

Lucy gave Mirajane a quizzical glance a moment before she felt that hairs on the back on her neck rise. A heartbeat later the night echoed with a loud boom as lightning strike the ground next to her. Just as quickly as it came it was gone leaving Laxus standing beside her with his arms crossed over his chest and the air around them charged as electricity sparked from his form.

Mirajane graced him with a smile, while Freed looked at him with admiration

"Took you long enough." Lisanna said with her arms crossed over her chest, a hint of amusement in her eyes.

Laxus in response simply lifted a finger toward her. The Take Over Mage an "Eep!" when she saw lightning spark out from the tip. She dived behind Elfman.

"Laxus." Mirajane placed her hands on her hips. "How many times have I told you, we fry enemies not friends?"

Lucy, who had been a bit apprehensive since the moment Laxus showed up, found herself relaxing and wanting to laugh at the situation. Freed looked to be panicking as he glanced nervously between his girlfriend and the man he'd follow to the ends of the world, perhaps he was worried that he would have to choose a side. Elfman didn't seem to be fazed by Laxus trying to shock Lisanna making it seem like this wasn't the first time he tried doing something like this. Instead he was patting Lisanna on the head, while she glared at Laxus.

But from all the expressions around her the one she found the most entertaining had to be Laxus'. He had a glower that practically said he was done with them. A chuckle slipped passed her lips and she quickly pressed her hand over her mouth to keep from laughing out loud. Even so she could feel the weight of his gaze and did the mistake of looking over at him. His gaze was narrowed on her as if he knew the reason why she had wanted to laugh. She looked away and cleared her throat. "It's been a long night and I really think it's best that we head home."

"I agree with Lucy." Mirajane walked up to her and pulled her into a hug. "I'll see you tomorrow." She gaze met Laxus. "Take care of each other."

He pivoted and just as he began to walk away he raised his right hand and waved back at them.

"That's my cue to go." Lucy pulled away from Mira and waved at the others. As she walked away she pulled out the silver nikora key and summoned Plue.

Mirajane watched as Lucy scooped Plue into her arms and jogged to catch up to Laxus. Once she did she set the little Celestial Spirit on his feet. The S-Class Mage watched silently as the Lightning Dragon Slayer peered down at the Celestial Spirit before looking back at the owner. To her they both looked like broken puzzle pieces that needed to be mended before they could be placed together and create something wonderful.

"Mira."

She glanced at Freed to see him holding out his arm. Mirajane felt her lips curl into a smile as she placed her hand on the crook of his arm. She lay her head on his shoulder. "Take me home Freed."


"Sometimes the last thing you want comes in first

Sometimes the first thing you want never comes

But I know waiting is all you can do

Sometimes"

-Strange and Beautiful (Aqualung)


AN: I apologize for any grammatical errors. I try catching them, but I'm not gonna lie I'm pretty bad when it comes to proofreading. The prologue ended up being longer than I expected so I'm splitting up into two parts. The second part should be up soon. :) I hope you guys are liking it so far. A few more things about this fic. This will be a slow burning lalu fic and it will be rated M for certain themes that I may or may not touch upon, language, and future lemons. The couples will be: Laxus x Lucy, Freed x Mirajane, Evergreen x Elfman, Gray x Juvia, Natsu x Lisanna, Gajeel x Levy, and Cana x Bickslow or Bacchus (I'm still not sure about this one). If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. Please don't forget to leave a review telling me what you think so far. I love to hear from you! =D

For those wondering about "Full Circle" I have not forgotten about it! I'm still working on the next chapter, which is turning out longer than I had originally planned. Be on the lookout for it! =)