This marks the end of Finding the Words. Thank you all so much for the support with this. It was an absolute joy to write and I'm happy that so many of you found this story of mine worthy enough to follow and keep up with. My next two projects are going to be one-shots that will both be posted by Halloween. In the meantime, I'll be working on a bunch of requests on Tumblr that will feature a number of ships. My inbox will remain open so if you'd like to send me a request please feel free to do so!

My url on Tumblr is mistye-dawne

Thank you all again for sticking with me through what is my first posted multichapter story!

Not having an alarm to wake her, it was near lunch time when Lucy finally climbed out of bed. She sat up, rubbing her eyes and was vaguely aware of the uncomfortable pinch of her bra. She looked down and saw that she was still fully dressed it what she'd been wearing the day prior. It made sense as she didn't remember climbing into bed. Prompted by a knock on her door, she threw the blankets aside and groggily padded over to it, where an energetic Bickslow was waiting.

"Morning, sleepyhead," he laughed, his babies echoing the greeting.

"Mmm, what time is it?" she asked, stepping aside to let him in.

He removed his visor and walked over to the unmade bed since it was the only place to sit. "It's almost noon. Did you just wake up?" Her yawning was the response he got and he could only shake his head at her. "Did you at least sleep okay?"

Lucy joined him on the bed, pulling her knees as close to her as possible and resting her head on them. "I could probably continue to sleep but we have to get to the guild. Or rather I do."

"You guys will work things out. I'm sure of it." Lucy smiled at his hopefulness and wished that she could share that feeling with him, because just thinking about talking with Laxus made her stomach churn.

There could only be two outcomes and she wasn't sure which one would put her mind at ease more. Part of her, a large part, wanted to stay with him and have another go at a relationship. But they would be starting from square on from his point of view and she wondered, what if that was something he wouldn't want since he didn't know who she was? Or worse, what if he agreed to date her out of pity? She didn't like either of those options.

"I'm worried, Bix," she finally admitted.

"So is he," he replied quickly.

Lucy looked into his eyes, confusion written on her face. He explained that he'd told Laxus that she was his girlfriend since he asked about her after she'd left. Lucy wanted to smack herself. Of course he'd ask about who she was since she had been the first person he saw when he woke up. But she was surprised when Bickslow said that he look disappointed to learn exactly who he'd forgotten.

The seith left for the guild ahead of her while she showered and thought about what she wanted to say to Laxus. He already knew about their relationship and had had all night to think about it, so she didn't have to go through that awkward part of telling him. She wrapped her hair in a towel and lowered her body into the bath, shivering as she adjusted to the warmth surrounding her.

Lucy thought about how sad he looked when she sat with him while he told Wendy what had happened. She remembered that he even asked her to promise that she'd come back when she stepped out to fetch the healer. She smiled at the memory and slid deeper into the water, letting it rise to her chin. She'd have to ask how he knew to ask her for a promise.

With renewed hope for a positive outcome Lucy dressed herself in something cute, a firm believer that it boosted her confidence whenever she did, and headed to the guild. Many of her guildmates were speechless to see her in high spirits, but were also relieved that she was smiling. Talk around the guild had been about none other than what would become of her and Laxus' relationship. She waved her normal greetings to everyone without stopping as she headed directly to the infirmary.

When she stepped inside, she saw that the bed Laxus had been occupying was empty and made. He wasn't even in the room, but she heard a soft curse come from the bathroom and laughed. Lucy walked over to the window and leaned against the window sill while she waited for him. It was a cloudy day, with no signs of clearing up for the day. As much as she loved rain, she hoped that it would hold off so she could that she could move the rest of her things to her new place.

She turned her head to the bathroom as Laxus came out while pulling a shirt over his head. "Hey," she greeted him, ignoring how unusually nervous he seemed.

"Hey Lucy," he answered. "When did you get here?"

"Not long ago." She crossed her arms under her chest and watched his eyes drift down to them. "Eyes up, Laxus."

"Sorry," he mumbled while looking away with a blush, causing her to laugh.

"Good to know that you still find me attractive, I guess," she admitted as she walked over to him. She stood close to him and stood on her tiptoes. It was mean of her to do but it was the one chance she'd get to tease him and couldn't help herself.

Laxus gulped and tried to think of what he should do. It was uncharacteristic of him to deny a woman that he found attractive, but the blonde throwing herself at him was his girlfriend, at least as far as he'd been told. Wait, had they already- he looked down at her when she started laughing again, this time wiping a tear from her eyes.

"I'm sorry, I took that too far." He visibly relaxed and she snickered again. "You don't have to be so tense."

"I guess," he said rubbing the back of his neck. "I just don't know where we stand." He motioned between the of them.

"Well," she started and shrugged, "We're gonna figure that out today. Hopefully."

He nodded at her and watched her sit down on one of the beds, following suit. If they were going to talk through everything they needed to, she needed him to relax a little and not be delicate with her. Lucy knew that this day was going to end with hope or heartbreak, and while she prefered the former she was prepared for the worst.

"Bix told me last night that you and I are dating?" he spoke unsurely.

"He wasn't lying." She watched his head drop. "But we've only been together for about six weeks though."

"Still, I can't imagine what's going through your head." He couldn't look at her. She was probably just putting on a brave face, hiding what she was truly feeling. Seeing her sad the previous night hurt him and he didn't want to see it again, but if she was indeed hurting he deserved that pain after causing her to experience it. "Are you just putting on a brave face?"

Lucy tilted her head. "You're asking whether or not I'm faking my smile and laughter," she stated. Laxus nodded. "Look at me please," she spoke softly. When he didn't, she said it again, louder. He lifted his head and looked at her but did not meet her eyes. Lucy sighed and went to stand in front of him, holding his face between her hands. "Five days, Laxus."

He didn't understand. "Five days what?"

"That's how many days I waited for you to wake up, wondering if that mage had done something to your mind. Five days, I sat beside you and cried because everyone was sure that you were going to be just fine." She paused and took a deep breath willing the tears away. "But I saw how much pain you were in when he touched your mind. I knew that he had done something."

"You saw?" he asked surprised. She nodded. "You called out to me."

It was her turn to be surprised. "You heard me?"

"You said that I had to live, so I made sure that I did. The last thing I remember from that day is your name, Lucy." She didn't know what to say. "I don't have any memory of you but having you close," he reached up to where her hands were, "feels familiar. Without having to be told, I knew that you were someone dear to me."

Lucy let out a small gasp. "That's why you made me promise." He nodded and she was unable to keep the tears at bay. She wanted to be done crying but they just kept falling. Laxus dropped his hands to her waist and pulled her into a hug. She let her hands wrap his shoulders and held onto him.

She didn't love him yet. She kept telling herself that but it did nothing ease the pain in her heart. She just wanted to stop hurting. Laxus could only apologize to her over and over. When she calmed down, the lightning mage led her to sit beside him. The first thing he told her was that he was responsible for having her go to the spirit world. Laxus shouldn't have been surprised by how understanding Lucy was with him.

He had expected her to be mad at him for sending her away and then rushing off by himself like an idiot, but she was patient with him. She was trying to understand why he'd chosen to make his decisions, like sending Bickslow to find her when he knew that she was safe.

He explained, as best he could, that he wasn't thinking clearly. Though he couldn't remember the details since it concerned her. Lucy wasn't surprised. All of the dragon slayers in her guild had a habit of willing to risk everything to protect what they held dear.

His voice was full of regret and she wished that this didn't have to be so hard for him. In an attempt to lighten the mood she tells him about what he did on her birthday. He seemed a bit happier with their situation knowing that he'd been able to do simple things for her before he had screwed it all up. The celestial mage assured him that he made her happy and he was relieved to her say so.

They continued to talk well into the evening. He learned that before he'd asked her out, she'd agreed to help him with the copious amounts of paperwork his grandfather shoved his way. He laughed at that, knowing that Freed could be a drag to work with simply because the man didn't talk while working. Their attention turned to the window as the soft pitter patter grew into a steady thrum. Laxus looked at the blonde, a wry expression on her face as she shook her head.

"What's up?" he asked when she walked over to the window.

"I was hoping the rain would hold off so that I could move the rest of my stuff to my new apartment," she answered with a sigh.

He wasn't sure what to say. Earlier in the afternoon, his team had joined them for a bit. He watched the four of them talk and tell him anything they could think of about Lucy. They loved her. She was a part of their family. Bix and Freed recalled the night that she'd stayed with them in Clover Town and Ever talked about the day they'd spent shopping.

If he didn't know better, he'd assume that they'd been friends for years but this girl had a place in each of their hearts after only weeks of hanging around. She was indeed a light in the dark. But that's not who he wanted to know. Laxus wanted to know about the girl who was currently complaining about the rain, but also looked like she'd just seen the wondrous thing as a flash of lightning passed.

"Lucy." She turned away from the window.

His blue eyes were desperate, begging her for the answer to a question that needn't be asked. It had been weighing on her mind since she walked in, but had avoided it because she was still scared.

"I care about you, Laxus. I want to be with you, as your girlfriend, but only-"

"Yes," he blurted. Realizing that he interrupted her, he groaned and looked away. Lucy thought he looked like he wanted to say more, so she walked around to stand in front of him.

"Talk to me, Sparky." He looked at her with wide eyes. She'd been calling him by name all afternoon but there was something familiar about the pet name. Seeing confusion written on his face as he tried to think, she smiled at him. "For whatever reason, you always call me blondie even though we have the same hair color. I started calling you Sparky because you'd always get this twitch in your eye whenever I said it," she offered. "But, now I'm getting sidetracked. You looked like you wanted to say more after that yes."

Laxus thought about what to say next, as he did have more to say but wasn't able to find the words he needed. She wanted to stay with him as long as he was willing, and he was more than willing, but there was one question burning in the back of mind that was holding him back. He had never maintained a steady relationship with anyone before Lucy, simply because it never interested him and he knew that anyone who'd shown interest in him before had only been after bragging rights. He didn't think the blonde standing in front of him was like that but a small part of still doubted.

"I want to spend time with you and see if we can make this work," he began.

"But?" she prompted after he paused.

"I've never looked for a relationship, Lucy because it just never suited me. I'm not one to be tied down," he admitted, sighing and looking away from her.

Lucy was reminded of their first date, how he had marvelled at the birds as they flew overhead. He told something similar that day. But it was about him being guildmaster someday and not their relationship. They'd never talked about the future simply because neither felt the need to. It may have crossed her mind once or twice but it was never something she needed to say to him. So why, when they were practically starting from day one again, was he thinking about the future?

Then the thought struck her and she took a step back from the lightning slayer. He had mentioned that he felt a certain closeness to her even though he didn't remember her. Maybe it wasn't the future he was thinking about, but this sense of familiarity he felt toward her. Maybe he was afraid of being drawn to someone who might as well be a total stranger and not being able to choose whether or not that something he wanted.

"I'm sorry I didn't notice sooner, Laxus," she whispered.

"What?" He hesitantly reached out to her. He wanted her near him but he also hated this feeling because it wasn't him.

She stepped just out of his reach. "If we're going to make us work, you need to choose it Laxus. You said that you felt there was a closeness between you and I, and while one might think it would make things easier, it won't in our case." She paused and let him process that as she gathered her next thoughts. "I need you to want to be with me because it's something you want. Not some instinct or gut feeling that you have, do you understand?"

This woman was amazing. She knew exactly what he'd been afraid of without having to be told. He nodded at her and smiled, noticing how her breath hitched. That smile morphed into a smirk and he walked past her to the door. "Come on, Blondie. Let's move the rest of your stuff before it starts raining again." Lucy rolled her eyes, relieved that he could still be as smug as ever.

The next several weeks passed by slowly for the couple. Shortly after Lucy had settled into her new apartment, she added Evergreen's name to the lease and the brunette moved in with her. As a result, their respective teams seemed to gather at their apartment and sometimes on the same night. The roommates didn't know how things ended up that way but neither seemed too bothered by it. Lucy had never minded that her team would always hang out at her place, it was the fact that they'd walk in unannounced. That and her old place was rather small. The two just made sure to that they weren't over every night.

Seeing Lucy with the Thunder Legion helped Laxus relax a bit easier as he got used to spending time with her. She was patient with him and his hesitancy but for the most part, he was the same flirtatious and arrogant guy she liked to begin with. When they'd part ways for the night, she kiss him on the cheek and expect nothing in return. He enjoyed the affection she showed and wanted to reciprocate, even if only a little, but he didn't want to seem like he was taking advantage of her.

He learn quickly that Lucy was low maintenance as she didn't ask for much. She valued her independence as a mage and woman. They gave each other their space, as she had others who wanted her attention and she wanted to give it to them, but he suspected it was her way of showing him that she wasn't the clingy type, though she'd already admitted that she was. To everyone, the blondes looked like they were any normal couple, but Laxus was becoming a bit distant with Lucy and the only person, besides Lucy, to pick up on had been Natsu.

He tried to talk to Erza about it but one day, while both Laxus and Lucy were away on separate missions,Erza alongside Levy, took it upon themselves to inform Natsu that the two were trying to ease back into a place where they were both comfortable. That there was nothing for him to be concerned with. The slayer was threatened by the requip mage as she told him that what Lucy and Laxus did about their relationship was of no concern to anyone except them.

Without a word, the fire slayer turned his back on the two and left the guild, walking nowhere specific. Natsu wasn't an idiot and knew better than to do anything to get on Lucy's bad side ever again but Laxus was pulling away from her. And while Lucy didn't seem bothered by it, eventually she would be and she'd lose Laxus. He knew that Lucy didn't need someone watching over her but he couldn't drive away that feeling. He had been taught to always listen to his instincts and just couldn't ignore them.

When he focused his attention of his surroundings, he realized that he'd ended up outside her old place. He cursed under his breath and headed out of town toward his place, though he had no intention of going home. He had accepted that Lucy would never love him as he did her, so why did he continue to torture himself? Even if something happened between Laxus and Lucy, she wouldn't see Natsu as anything more than one of her best friends. Natsu hung his head and sighed, unaware of the approaching individual that was walking opposite of him.

The lightning slayer scowled as he mumbled about how lame the job he'd taken had been. He needed to get away from the guild but didn't want to be gone for a week. So while his team had taken a mission without him he decided to take a day job, because Lucy hadn't yet returned from her own job and would still be gone for a day.

When Laxus came to the road leading into the city, he caught sight of a familiar head of pink hair, belonging only to Natsu. He looked closer and noticed the fire slayer was alone and looked sullen, both of which were uncharacteristic to the guy. Not that he was overly concerned with him, he did wonder what was wrong with him as they walked past each other without a word.

Laxus stopped and looked back at him. It was one thing for the fire slayer to be in a foul mood, but it was an entirely different matter for him not to acknowledge a guildmate, even if it were just in passing. A year ago, Laxus would have minded his business and kept walking. Now he felt a sense of duty or, maybe it was responsibility... he didn't know. But given his future position in the guild, he called out to younger man.

"Natsu!" he barked in his usual forceful tone. The young man stopped and looked around, seeming unaware of his surroundings. When he turned around and looked at Laxus, the lightning mage thought he saw him flinch a little. He wasn't sure though, as Natsu played it off and threw a hand behind his head, grinning wide.

"Hey, Laxus. Sorry I didn't see ya," he said bashfully. He was so absorbed in his thoughts that he really hadn't seen the blonde pass him.

He didn't know why Laxus had called out to him, but he didn't want to wait around and find out. However he was unable to leave and continue on his way. Erza was going to kill him if she found out what he was about to do. And if Lucy found out, he might was well just disappear forever.

"Laxus," he said, his face pensive. "You got a minute?"

"Sure, I was just heading home," he replied with a shrug then turned back toward town.

Natsu followed him and he was a little relieved that he didn't have to instruct him to do so. It was already awkward enough that he'd invited him over in the first place. Neither men talked much, at least when it came to personal problems or thought. It just wasn't who they were. They were about action and hashing things out with force but that wasn't always possible.

Laxus thought about the day after he woke up. How he and Lucy had spent hours talking about everything and nothing. The day was over before he knew it, but when he got to his own house that night he finally realized how draining it had been. He thought that the celestial mage was just tired from moving her things and spending hours each day each day sitting with him.

The two walked straight to the kitchen once they arrived, where Laxus poured a drink of whisky for each of them, lighting Natsu's drink aflame of course. The fire slayer took a seat at the breakfast bar and nodded a silent thanks when Laxus placed the drink in front of him. He sat there and stared at the dancing flame for a good minute before throwing the contents back, enjoying the smooth burn that came with it.

Now that he was here, alone with the man he had so much he wanted to say to, he was at a loss for words. Delicacy had never been his strong suit, but he was trying to be respectful toward Lucy's relationship.

"Let me ask you something, Natsu." He looked across the bar to Laxus who was leaning against the counter, swirling his drink. "Why does Lucy want to be with me?"

Did he just ask that and to Natsu of all people? Yes, he had and since the words had left his mouth, there was no taking them back. Laxus didn't want to though. This was something that had been weighing on his mind for a little while now. He believed that she just wanted him and not his reputation; he'd seen she wasn't that type of woman.

He still wondered what she saw in him though. It was obvious why anyone would want to with her. Lucy was beautiful in more ways than one and her love was unending. She was an a radiant woman who was true to her word and her beliefs. She even had her quirks like a normal person so he wouldn't call her perfect. But he saw nothing undesirable about her.

Unlike him.

Laxus had not always been the decent man he thought himself to be now. He'd been selfish and power hungry before his expulsion from the guild. He was ashamed of his naive thinking back then. But he was more ashamed that she'd been in the guild during that time of his life. She'd seen that side of him and his team, and still she hung out with them. Had he even apologized to her properly, to any of them?

"What kind of question is that?" Natsu asked interrupting Laxus's thoughts. The lightning mage just blinked at him. "If she didn't want to be with you, then she wouldn't be."

"Still doesn't tell me what the hell she sees in a guy like me," he growled under his breath.

"And what kind of guy would that be?"

"The kind who's used others. Who looked down on anyone that wasn't him," he admitted.

"But that's not who you are right now," Natsu offer and held his glass out for another drink.

It's true that he'd grown up since then. But he'd asked Bickslow about all that and had learned that he'd she'd been one of many that had been hurt by him. Maybe he was an idiot and just wasn't able to understand how she could be with a guy who'd done stuff like that. Someone like Gray or even Natsu would probably be better for her.

He was curious now as he poured another round for them both.. "Another question, why was there never anything between you two?"

Natsu shrugged and sipped on the drink this time. "I never said anything to her. And then I just left without saying anything to her. That hurt her... A lot." There was pregnant pause. "Besides, she's never seen me as more than a friend."

"But you do wish-"

"Doesn't matter what I want," he snapped. "Listen, Lucy choose 's what you should be thinking about."

Laxus narrowed his eyes at Natsu. "You think I don't know that? All I can think about lately is that she's gonna realize that staying with me was a mistake." He ran a hand through his hair and sighed, frustrated with the direction the conversation had taken.

"By now you should know Luce isn't like that." Natsu looked at how distraught the man appeared and wondered just how long this had been bothering him.

"Well I'm an idiot," Laxus scoffed. He was though now that he thought about it. He'd been spending a fair amount of time with the woman over the last three weeks, getting to know her.

He liked spending time with her and her help with guildwork was invaluable to him. But more than that, she calmed the side of him that was always restless. When he thought back to before when he'd forgotten her, he'd felt that calm before. Could it have been her making him feel that back then?

"She's got that effect on people," Natsu started. He thought back to the night Gray had stormed off and things that had spilled from the man's mouth. Then he thought about what he'd said to her. All that he wanted to say to her still but would never get the chance. "She makes you think about the stupidest things and before you know it, you're opening your mouth without thinking."

That was exactly how Laxus felt. He thought that he wasn't good enough for her and had been worrying about the stupidest things lately. He knew that his worries about her leaving him were all in his head. And while it had been Natsu asking Laxus to talk, he ended up being the one talking, which reminded him; what had Natsu needed in the first place?

"Natsu, there was something you wanted to talk about."

"Hmm?" Natsu mused. He did ask Laxus for a moment, but since they'd started talking he already figured out why Laxus seemed a little distant with Lucy. "I did, but everything's okay now." Natsu slid off his seat and threw back the rest of his drink. "If you really don't know what Lucy sees in you, ask her when she gets home. She'll tell you the truth."

Laxus watched the fire slayer leave his place, waving a hand behind him before stepping outside. Had he really just asked and taken advice from Natsu?

Lucy was surprised to see Laxus waiting for her at the station. The night before she'd told him to expect her back in town by noon but she didn't think that he'd come to wait for her. She hopped up from her seat and weaved between exiting passengers, her ponytail swishing behind her until she stopped in front of the lightning slayer.

"This is a pleasant surprise." She smiled as he leaned down to peck her cheek.

"What? Is it really so odd for me to come and see my girlfriend?" he teased. Seeing her blush calmed his nerves a bit.

After Natsu had left his place yesterday, Laxus had spent the rest of his evening thinking way too much about what the fire slayer had told him. He didn't doubt that Lucy cared about him but he just couldn't help but wonder why. He really wanted to know why and decided that he was going to ask her.

"What's up you?" she asked, poking him between his eyebrows. "You're thinking about something."

He took Lucy's hand and pulled her along beside him. "Have dinner with me tonight? Just us." He cast his eyes downward at her, loving the way her cheeks reddened.

She was sensitive to those around her and could always easily tell when something wasn't quite right with someone. She wasn't getting anything out of him. Not yet.

"Dinner sounds nice," she said and leaned her head against his arm.

He dropped her off at her place and gave her a kiss before she stepped inside. Lucy was stunned and watched him leave, calling back to her that he'd see her later.

Lucy hummed happily as she leaned back against the door to shut it, grateful that the apartment was empty. She loved having Evergreen as a roommate but all Lucy wanted to do right now was shrill with excitement. That was the first time Laxus had initiated any physical affection since waking up. The celestial mage skipped to her room to unpack her things and pick an outfit for the night.

She was happy and relieved. Lucy had taken a solo job because her mind had been riddled with doubt about their relationship and needed to think alone. She'd done a lot of thinking but hadn't succeeded in clearing her mind or calming her nerves.

Laxus seemed comfortable enough around her but the extent to which they spent time together was normally when either of their teams were at her place. They had spent some time alone, normally on the days she worked with him and then when he'd walk her home for the night. But they hadn't done anything like go on a date. She'd made a point not to spend every moment with him because she didn't want overwhelm him.

Before, it wouldn't have been a problem because they'd already know the other's personality. She knew that Laxus liked his space and while she valued hers, she'd always needed some form of reinforcement that she was cared for and needed, and he'd given her that because he knew. But now he didn't and she didn't know how to tell him. She feared that by respecting his needs, she'd accidentally neglected her own.

She didn't blame him. After all, he'd only known her for not even a month. But maybe he'd realized something while she'd been gone. She hoped that was the case as she started a bath and relaxed until this evening.

He was almost done cooking when she got there and told her to open a bottle of wine if she wanted. They sat at the table for well over an hour as they ate and talked. Laxus was happy to see her smiling and and had to focus on breathing when the sunset behind her illuminated her figure. Her blonde hair was suddenly a fiery red and her skin glowed in the light. Paired with the slight flush staining her cheeks from two bottles of wine, she looked otherworldly.

She should have been out of his reach but when he grabbed her hand, she was real. She was real and sitting with him. Having a normal dinner, drinking a decent wine and talking about each other's latest jobs. It was mundane and normal, but he was loving every moment of it.

"You know," she started as she swirled her wine about, debating if she wanted to finish the glass, "I was relieved when you invited me over, Laxus."

"Why?" he asked, rubbing the back of her hand with his thumb.

"Because I'm an idiot girl who thinks too much," she sighed.

Laxus chuckled. Guess both of them were struggling inside. "You're not an idiot, Blondie," he paused as though realizing something, "Well, maybe you're a little bit of an idiot since you want to be with my dumb ass." She pulled her hand from under his and slapped it, glaring playfully. "What?! You said it!"

"That's not what I meant, you-"

"What?" He smirked knowing that she wanted to call him a dumbass. "Go on. Say it."

Dammit. She'd been pulled into his game and was going to lose no matter what she said next. Unless... " You overgrown spark plug," she deadpanned.

"Of course I'd go after the creative one," he sighed, admitting his defeat. The two laughed and finished the last of the wine, before cleaning.

He tried to tell Lucy that she didn't need to help him but she insisted on it since he'd cooked for her. He could only grumble under his breath when she pushed him aside to stand in front of the sink. They fell into a comfortable silence for a moment until she started to hum.

He loved how she made the simplest things enjoyable. Dinner had been fun and he hoped that she thought so too. Lucy had been all smiles since she'd arrived, even she told him that she was relieved. He remembered then, he needed to ask her about what had been troubling him. But he also wanted to know what had been on her mind.

"Lucy," he spoke gently when she handed him a wine glass.

"Yes?" she hummed, not interrupting her song.

"Why were you relieved?" He turned to look at her when her humming ceased, her hands still in the sink of water.

Lucy wanted to tell him, but was afraid to. What if he thought her stupid for worrying about such a thing? He needed to know though. She needed to tell him that she'd been concerned about things between them.

He waited for her, just as she'd been waiting for him these last few weeks. The celestial mage handed him the second wine glass then pulled the plug, letting the water drain from the sink. Laxus dried the glass then retrieved a fresh towel and dried Lucy's hands. When he was done he held her hand and led her to the living room. They sat on the couch for only a moment before she spoke.

"I've been thinking that maybe I've been pulling away from you." Lucy was sitting on the edge of the couch, not looking at him.

Laxus furrowed his brow. "How so?"

"Well, I know that you like your space so I've been making sure that I was giving it to you," she trailed off.

"If I thought you were overbearing in any way, blondie, I'd say something," he offered. Lucy looked over to the lighting slayer. His head was tilted back against the couch, his eyes closed. He sighed and opened them and looked at her, her breath hitching. "I noticed that you were putting distance between us. I appreciate that you were thinking about me, but I still don't know what all you need from me." He turned his body to face her. "If you aren't with me, how am I supposed to learn that stuff?"

She'd never known Laxus to be the intuitive type but she remembered that he was going to be guildmaster one day. It would be his job to watch over and noticed what others didn't it. She just could believe that she'd witness him doing it to her first.

"Did I worry you?" she asked.

His face fell. "A lot, actually."

"A lot?!" She stared wide-eyed at him.

"I thought that you were realizing that staying with me hadn't been such a good idea and couldn't help but wonder why you wanted to be with me in the first place."

She told herself no more tears and Lucy was determined to not let them fall. "I'm sorry, Laxus." That was the second time she'd cause him unease but she didn't know what else to say to him.

He watched her sit there in silence as she mulled over her thoughts. What did he do now? He was happy to know that she'd trying to think of him and his comforts, but she'd disregarded her own and was confused about how to move forward. She was a thinker and if he didn't distracter her fast, she'd get lost in what were bound to be negative thoughts.

Laxus placed a hand under her chin, turned her toward him and leaned in, kissing her. Lucy shifted her weight and slid closer to him, lifting her hands to his hair. She lightly raked her nails across his scalp, eliciting a purr from the man. The lightning slayer surprised at the noise that left him and tried to pull away, but Lucy didn't let him. He ended up with his back against the couch and the celestial mage straddling him.

He wasn't opposed to her actions but this hadn't been what he intended either. One hand drifted down to her waist and he held her against him, enjoying how she melded against him. The other, he threaded in her hair and turned her head to deepen the kiss. It was her turn to moan when his tongue passed over her lips. As much as he wanted to continue, he used the opportunity to pull away from her.

"Why me, Lucy?" he asked between breaths.

Her mind was hazy and all she could think about was kissing him again. But he'd asked her a question so she should probably answer. She didn't quite understand the question though.

"What do you mean?" His response was a quiet sob. Lucy snapped out of her trance and looked at the man she was sitting on top of. His hands had fallen to his side and he was trying to hide his face from her. "Laxus?"

"Why are you with me?" he choked.

Lucy's face softened and she smiled at him. "Because I deserve someone who actually gives afuck about me." Laxus opened his eyes and looked up to see her smirking. "I'm tired of trying to make everyone else happy just to be left behind."

Her hands slid from his face and to her sides. "Lucy?" he asked.

"When you woke up and told me that you didn't remember me, I half expected you to leave me too." Laxus reached up and placed a hand on her cheek. Lucy leaned into it. "But you stayed, Laxus."

He had so much to say to that but all he could do was stare into her eyes. He wanted to stay with her for as long as she'd have him and hoped that it'd be long enough for him to find the words so he could describe the feeling in his heart. For now though, she'd have to settle for another kiss.