Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail or its characters. Those belong to Hiro Mashima.

It was just another day in Fairy Tail, I sat there at the bar, sipping my strawberry milkshake. My wandering mind, brought up a topic that had been bothering me since the Nirvana issue. That person, who came into my life briefly (even if it was for a valid reason), then was gone once their task was complete.

But, first impressions last a lifetime, as they say.

Even after seven years, all these thoughts raced through my head. We had met again briefly, in a similar encounter, though this time it was my past catching up with me on the burning rooftops of churches.

I let out an exasperated sigh, because it always came back to 'him' and my damned near insatiable curiosity. That man, in seven years, had not changed much at all. He still looked much the same, his growth showing in subtle ways. He had gain muscle, enough that even his council robes did little to hide them from view. His face had become more defined, with masculine angles that still were soft.

His hair was still held up in the same fashion, making it easy to tell that he had allowed it to grow out. The loop, held by a simple barrette that gleamed like polished black walnut, was larger and healthy (proof of meticulous care).

Pursing my lips, I let my thought continue down the path they were traveling. I felt a small twitch under my right eye, the need to know becoming unbearable, like an itch that you could never reach. Something in me snapped, causing my person to become flooded with the fires known as determination. A dark smile curved my lips.

Slamming my hands on the bar top, I stood too quickly, causing my stool to fly backwards. With a loud bang, it toppled over. A cackle of glee escaped me as I spoke, "That's it. I'm done. I have to know. Be prepared, because I'm coming for you!" I growled as I turned away from the bar.

My mind barely registered that the guild had become silent. I was to focus on my goals to care as I marched through the doors. The itch that I needed to satisfy, my curiosity, it was being coming an all-consuming obsession. I no longer felt the need to concern myself with the things around me. Already, my battle plan was forming in my head.

I was a Fairy Tail mage and nothing stops us when we have a mission or goal.

Meanwhile at the Magic Council building...

A pair of brown eyes shot wide open, a sneeze resounding through the office, just before a shiver visibly ran down Lahar's spine.

"Catching a cold?" The office's other occupant asked, a teasing tone in their voice.

Pushing his glasses back up his nose, Lahar gave a withering glance at his fellow council member and friend. "No, Doranbolt. Rather, a sense of foreboding."

A week later...

She stood outside the reformed Magic Council building, a dark smile gracing her lips, again, unaware of the little fires burning in the depths of her brown eyes. Lucy's only thought, 'Today is the day my curiosity will finally be satiated'.

Rubbing her hands together, she gave a giddy giggle, earning a questioning glare or two from those around her. Ignoring it all, she started walking up the magically manufactured road toward the main entrance.

The moment her feet crossed the threshold into the building, Lucy schooled herself, placing a mask she had perfected while growing up, securely on her face. Becoming every bit the heiress she once was, Lucy made her way to the singular desk in the lobby. Stopping a few feet short, she offered a polite smile, eyes demurely set on a spot just out of eye contact with the desk clerks, all the while waiting to be noticed and called forward.

It wasn't long before the green haired clerk spoke up, "Miss, I can help you now."

Letting her smile widen as bit as she stepped forward, Lucy came right up to the counter, halting her process only once it was pressed against her abdomen. "Thank you! I appreciate this so much, it means a lot to me."

The clerk blinked, then gave a smile of encouragement to urge Lucy to continue speaking. The fires of determination flared, making the light in the blonde's eyes shine a bit brighter. "I'm here to see one Lahar, Captain of the Fourth Enforcement and Detention Corps." Lucy informed in her sweetest, most demure voice, keeping her gaze fixed on the counter. "He is the only person I know that can help me with my problem."

A soft gasp came from the green haired clerk, drawing Lucy's gaze up to see the woman's brown eyes, now wide with shock and surprise. Lucy had to fight to keep from bursting out into a fit of laughter.

"Oh... uh... um... Captain Lahar is a busy man. He usually doesn't see people without an appointment, Miss..." The clerk informed, her tone becoming very serious. "All I can do is give him a call and see if he is willing to take time to see you. May I inquire your name?"

Letting a faint blush dust her cheeks, as if she was feeling a bit ashamed and embarrassed, Lucy let her gaze shift to the side while she spoke in a softer tone. "Lucy Heartfilia of Fairy Tail, ma'am."

A cough sounded from the woman standing in front of Lucy, poorly concealing a startled gasp, making the blonde school her expression into one of concern, her dark eyes misting over for dramatic effect. The desk clerk flushed darkly, embarrassed by her slip of professionalism. Quickly covering her initial reaction to Lucy's name, she pressed her hand to a Lacrima screen to make the call.

In a matter of seconds, Lahar's voice steeped in irritation came from the device. "What do you need? I'm busy at the moment, so make it quick."

Keeping her mask in place, Lucy watched as the clerk got flustered by the tone of voice Lahar was using. The poor woman opened her mouth, but it seemed as if the words died in her throat, earning a hiss of annoyance from Lahar.

"S-s-sorry, Sir! I have someone here at the front desk, who specifically asked for you… by rank and title, Captain Lahar." She finally choked out.

Silence followed, making Lucy wonder if Lahar had simply canceled the call, only to hear a sigh before he spoke. His tone was resigned this time, the words almost demanding. "Just who would ask for me like that, and why?"

The clerk seemed at a loss for words once more, swallowing nervously before she managed to answer. "Uh… Lucy Heartfilia of Fairy Tail. She claims you are the only person who can help her with her problem, Sir."

Again silence met the woman's words. Lucy sucked her bottom lip into her mouth, to keep from laughing aloud at the situation, all the while feeling as though she were standing on pins and needles waiting for his response. Lucy's eyes scanned the perimeter, taking all the factors into account as she prepared herself. Come hell or high water, she would satisfy her curiosity today, even if she had to fight her way in.

"Fine, Have Miss. Heartfilia wait by the elevators. I'll be right down." Confusion and annoyance colored his voice. The woman behind the counter nodded with a tight smile before relaying the information to Lucy.

The Celestial Mage let her relief show on her face, as the clerk pointed out where she was to go and wait. Lucy was going wild on the inside, her excitement on the verge of explosion. Maintaining her clam exterior, Lucy murmured a genuine thanks to the clerk, before turning and swiftly making her way to the elevators.

Not long after she arrived at her destination, a small hum of magic crawled over her skin, preceding a soft ding as a magic circle slowly floated down towards the lobby floor. As it got closer, Lucy observed that Lahar was not along, he was accompanied by Doranbolt, and an older gentleman in a purple cowboy hat with whom she was unfamiliar. As they stepped out, Lucy tilted her head in acknowledgement, receiving a similar greeting from both Doranbolt and the older gentleman (both sporting a rather bemused smile).

"It isn't every day that I'm asked for by name, let alone rank and title. And absolutely never have I been asked for by a Fairy Tail Mage." Lahar spoke, drawing Lucy's attention away from his companions. His voice was dark, his eyes narrowed in wariness, radiating suspicion. "So, what is this problem that 'only' I can help you with, Miss Lucy?"

As she listened, Lucy allowed her heiress façade to drop. With a dark smile returning to her full lips, Lucy stepped right up to Lahar, her chest almost brushing up against him. She lifted her face, meeting his stern gaze head on, the intensity in her large brown eyes exceeding his own. She watched carefully as his body stiffened, ever so slightly, causing her to narrow her eyes. Her smile spread wider, before she intentionally brushed her breasts against his chest. The action forced a rather charming light blush to rise on his cheeks.

It was in that moment that she acted. Slowly raising her arms up, hands moving with an amazing amount of dexterity, (gained from the constant need to rescue her personal belongings from her curious teammates) she plucked his glasses from his face. While her other hand snaked around to the back of his head, tugging the barrette from his hair. Her eyes followed its path as it cascaded down his back like a magnificent black waterfall.

Lucy was so focused on what she was doing, that she barely registered the words that Lahar's companions were shouting. Doranbolt's voice was so near, yet faded into the background, the notes of panic completely lost on her. Her gaze was riveted to the sight before her, a pleased hum resonating deep in her throat. However, it wasn't enough; she wanted to see it all, so she stepped around Lahar, who was standing as if he was frozen through and through. Her eyes took in the sight of his dark locks, as they hung past his firm rear.

Unable to help herself, in the pursuit of her curiosity, Lucy came to a halt behind Lahar. She skillfully transferred the black barrette into the hand that was holding his glasses. Shamelessly, she reached out her free hand and slid it through his hair. Marveling at how soft and silky it felt, she let out another pleased hum. Once her hand was done running through the length of it, from shoulders till the end, she brought herself to stand before Lahar once more.

Taking three measured paces back, so that she was well out of Lahar's personal space, Lucy looked up into his face once more. The blush on his cheeks had darkened considerably, as confusion and a sense of wonderment clashed in his dark eyes. Please with herself, as well as his reaction, Lucy let her smile soften, a certain softness reaching up to her eyes.

Suddenly she bowed down at the waist, her hands thrust out toward Lahar, offering his effects back to him. Softly, and politely Lucy spoke. "Thank you Lahar, for helping me satiate my curiosity."

She felt his fingers brush the palms of her hands for a brief second as he retrieved his items. Lucy stood up, her normal cheerful disposition back in place as she continued to speak, while Lahar returned his glasses to his face. "That has been bothering me since the first time I met you, a little over seven years ago. You remember the incident with Nirvana, and Jellal Fernandez. I have been constantly plagued with this need to know what you look like without your glasses on, and your hair down."

Lahar's jaw had gone slack, a strangled sound emitting from his throat. Lucy simply blinked as the sound of smothered laughter came from Lahar's side. Turning her head toward the sound, Lucy found Doranbolt with his hands over his mouth, his eyes watering from his obvious amusement. Lucy turned her head to the other side to find the elderly man with the purple cowboy hat, simply staring at her as if she had grown a second head.

Shrugging her shoulders, Lucy looked back at Lahar, who still seemed to be in a state of shock. Feeling a tinge of sympathy for him, Lucy reached up and patted his shoulder. Then without a second thought, she turned and walked away. The blonde surveyed her surroundings, taking in the fact that several people had their hands over their eyes (all of which were female) as she headed for the exit.

Lucy scrunched her nose at the silly antics, rolling her shoulders as she continued past and out of the building, practically skipping in her elation. Now that her task was done, she wanted to get back to Fairy Tail and take on a mission with her teammates, so she could pay her rent. They were going to pester her about her whereabouts over the last two weeks, but it was so absolutely worth it.

MORALE of the story: Never, ever underestimate a woman's curiosity. It can be your downfall.