Minna! Gomen! This is super late, but I had a massive writer's block .

This chapter was sloppy, and I'm not quite sure what to make of it. I just needed to fill in for the future chapters, and I finally found some inspiration to continue. I just need this chapter to fill in for the turn of events. Sigh. Gomen.

I am terrible. Forgive me xc

Chapter 8

Laxus rubbed his swollen cheek, pushing himself upright. To think that one of his childhood friend was friends with Lucy (and Sting the bastard), and to make it worse, it had to be Erza. She was glaring at him dangerously, a murderous aura surrounding her form. She had walked through the hospital doors with a katana from her collection of weapons. Fortunately for both him and Sting, the security guards confiscated it before she could use it on them. Instead, Erza greeted Sting and him with jaw cracking slaps across their cheeks.

"I swear, you two are so much worse than Natsu. Explain yourselves you fools!" She sent them a threatening glare. At that same moment, the doctor stepped out of the operating room. The three rushed towards him, asking about her condition.

"How is she?" Sting was the first to speak.

"She will be fine. You got her here on time. All she needs is rest, and preferably away from fights." Laxus and Sting both looked down in shame at the doctor's words.

They were seated at the waiting room while Lucy was transferred to a private room. It was awkward. Erza glaring at the men throughout the whole time while she lectured Evergreen, Bixlow, and Freed for even allowing their boss to have a gun. She finally returned to the two blondes, "Speak. What happened?"

Laxus glared at nothing in particular. If Erza wasn't so scary, he wouldn't be answering to her. "She came into my office asking for Freed's help on something. Whatever that is, I have yet to know."

"I was worried because my driver mentioned Fairy Tail. I knew Laxus was dangerous and I didn't want her getting hurt." Sting refused to look at anyone. He had a feeling that whatever Lucy needed help with had something to do with her plans for his family. It was beginning to annoy him to no end. She was so secretive. He just could not trust her.

"Good that you know. Now stay the fuck out of my way if you don't wanna get hu—Ow!" There was a loud thud as Laxus fell on the ground. Erza standing over him. "That wasn't necessary. Shit!"

"Argue one more time and I will make sure neither of you see Lucy ever again." Her threat had them remain silent, which had Erza smirking in triumph. Something about Sting's last statement caught her attention, "Laxus, how do you know Lucy?"

Sting's head turned their way. How did Lucy know Laxus? Maybe an answer from him might just give him a hint as to who exactly Lucy Heartfilia is, and what she is after.

Laxus shrugged, "Went to school together for a few years." His eyes flickered to Sting, who he knew was listening intently to their conversation, "We had a thing for a while until her brother sent her back here." A smirk curled on his lips as Sting's hands clenched into fists.

"You forgot the part where you imagined it all and Lu-chan rejected you," a small voice interrupted what would have been a physical fight. Levy walked down the hallway, Loke, Juvia, and a few others following behind her. They all had worried looks in their eyes, oblivious to the tension in the room. Everyone in the group but Levy and Loke ran up to Erza to ask how Lucy was doing.

Before Laxus could react, Loke grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and pushed him against the nearest wall. Everyone froze and watched as Loke landed a fist on Laxus' cheek. "You bastard!" No one failed to notice the tears that were trailing on his cheeks, "How dare you hurt Lucy like that! I've done nothing but protect her my whole entire life and you make it all seem worthless!" His eyes were glazed with anger.

"Loke, calm down!" Erza placed a hand on his shoulder, but Loke shrugged it off. As if with no effort, he threw Laxus on the ground and turned to Sting.

"I knew someone like you could never protect her. I'm taking back what was never yours to begin with." He began to walk away, towards the room Lucy was currently resting.

Sting growled, "I'm well aware, but you will see soon enough just how much impact I have on her. You're just jealous because now, she's mine."

Before anyone else could blink the two were on each other, fists landing on faces. Loke was continuously punching Sting on his abdomen, while Sting was strangling Loke with the space between his chest and his arm. For a moment, everyone was too stunned to move, until Natsu and Gray pulled the two apart, who were still resisting and trying to attack each other.

"Bastard!" Loke struggled to break free from Gray's hold.

"Enough!" Erza stood between the two men, who were still glaring at each other. "You two are to not speak to Lucy until you settle your differences!"

They looked at her with wide eyes and disbelief. Natsu pulled aside, while Gray took Loke outside to get some fresh air. When they were out of sight, Erza rubbed her temples with her thumb and forefinger. She did not know Lucy too well, but she still valued her as a friend. It was obvious she was getting herself into trouble after watching three men argue over her.

She sighed, her eyes flickering to Levy and Laxus who were suddenly conversing with each other. About what, she did not know. She wasn't particularly close to the bluenette and only recently met her at Juvia's party. However, Lucy and her were very close. It was obvious from the way they spoke and interacted at the party. The housemaid certainly had many successful friends who also came from wealthy families.

Loke paced back and forth, Gray standing on a wall just outside the hospital. His eyes followed the irritated man's movement, unsure as to what exactly was going on. It was understandable that Loke would be upset that Lucy was hurt and it has become apparent that his friend held strong emotions for Lucy, but his argument with Sting left him wondering.

Lucy claimed to be just a simple housemaid. She had no work experience and according to Rogue, had very little background. She was hot, smart, and friendly enough. He doubted Sting when he first claimed to have run into her at the club dressed in a little black dress that juxtaposes everything Gray thought of her. He was also more than aware of the attraction Sting had for her, which only left him doubting his words. However, when she showed up at the restaurant and claimed to now be his girlfriend, and when she attended the party in a little black skirt and bandeau, the female blonde was becoming more of a puzzle that she appeared to be.

"Loke, what the hell is going on? Be honest with me, who exactly is Lucy?" Gray watched as Loke paused in his tracks, hesitating. "We've been friends for so long, so why is it that I have never heard of her once? Is that why you disappeared in the middle of our second year? You suddenly transferred to another middle school and not once did you contact me and only briefly when our parents met to collaborate on projects."

Loke sighed, conceding, "Lucy and I have been friends since we were kids. I have always been there to protect her, Gray. You would never understand just how much she means to me. So when I found out she was being harassed by...by someone, I had to go to her. Ever since her mother died, I've always been the one to protect her."

The raven haired teen was speechless. He did not think that Loke and Lucy were far more than acquaintances. "You're upset now because she has Sting. You can't have all these girls, Loke. She made her decision and it's time for you to accept that and just support her."

Loke growled, "You're wrong. She will never be his. Ever."

Her eyes opened to a brightly lit white, hospital room. She sleepily opened and closed her eyes until her vision adjusted to her surroundings. How long she was unconscious, she did not know. The last thing she remembered was the painful tug that shot into her skin and through the back of her shoulder. When she closed her eyes, she remembered two blue eyes filled with concern before she lost consciousness. She took a breath and once again, opened her eyes. She looked to her right only to be surprised.

Sting was fast asleep on a chair right by her bedside. He looked peaceful, but there were dark circles under his eyes that made it obvious he lacked sleep. One hand was holding onto hers, while the other was used as a pillow for his head. He looked like a vulnerable child and for a moment she was struck with guilt. Her heart was racing in her chest, unsure why.

"You're finally awake," His deep, throaty voice from a tired nap almost broke her heart to pieces. He was innocent and yet, she was determined to use him against his family. His hand squeezed hers tightly. "I was so worried. You've been unconscious for three days. Lucy, I'm sorry. This is all my fault. That bullet was for me."

She looked into his blue orbs, until she forced a small smile on her lips, "It's fine. I'm okay and you're okay, that's what matters. I can't possibly let anyone die in front of me again. It's too much."

Another squeeze at her hand before she felt his lips press against hers. Her eyes grew wide, feeling the blood rush to her cheeks. When he pulled away he frowned, "I can't let you die on me either. It'd be a waste." His endearing smirk graced his lips as he jokingly eyed her body before a soft pillow hit him square in the face, followed by a pained groan. Lucy winced as pain shot through her shoulder.

"You shouldn't move. Your wound isn't completely healed yet."

"No way. I didn't notice," the blond female replied in a sarcastic tone.

"Still as bitchy as ever," Sting rolled his eyes, but his annoyance did little to keep the smile from tugging at his lips. He wished moments like these would occur more often between him and his mysterious girlfriend. "But, I owe you my life, Lucy. And that is something I can never repay."

Lucy's chocolate brown orbs widened. Her lips parted, unsure of what to tell him. Saving him from that bullet was nothing compared to how much suffering she wished upon his family. She looked away, trying to push away the doubt that suddenly surfaced in her heart. Why was she hesitating? It was always her plan to use him for revenge, but why was she second guessing herself? "You can start by getting me out of this room. I want to be discharged today."

Sting looked incredulously at her, "I refuse. You are not allowed to leave until you completely heal."

Lucy glared at her boyfriend, "I am not a child, okay? I can get better outside this hospital."

"He's right, Lucy," The two blondes stopped their argument. Lucy's eyes widened at the familiar voice of her brother. "You know, I've been trying to reach you via cell phone to get you to come to the launch of the new branch of our company, but then I found out you 're at the hospital." Rufus was leaning against the now closed door, his arms crossed. He had a frown on his face, while his dark green eyes were fixated on her chocolate brown ones. He was angry, she could tell.

"Rufus, please, not right now," she begged.

"Not right now?! Look at yourself! I promised father that I would take care of you, but no matter how hard I try, you're always doing everything in your power to hurt yourself! Move on, Lucy. Instead of wasting your time, just come home. Help me show the world our parents' legacy," Rufus walked up to them, his gaze moving from his sister to the blonde male standing sitting beside her bed. "Sting Eucliffe. What brings you here?"

Although confused, Sting managed to respond, "I'm here to watch over my girlfriend. Who are you?"

"Rufus Lohr. Your father and I are currently collaborating on a project," He did not bother to comment on the fact that his sister was currently in a relationship with him. He knew how much hatred she had towards his family and, although disappointed, he knew she was scheming something. He would have to deal with that later. "You must be aware how important my sister is. She is the heir to the family business. She is the representative and future model of the Lucky L. Company. Her well-being is my utmost priority. And yet, I find her here, wounded. I've heard of you, Eucliffe. You're known to take to bed a different woman at least three times each month. You ignore your responsibilities for your father's company, though you will be the next to inherit his legacy. I have no trust towards irresponsible men like you, especially when it comes to Lucy."

"Enough, Rufus!" Lucy glared at her brother, but her expression grew worried at the suddenly silent Sting sitting on the chair beside her. Her brother was ruining all of her plans. He was exposing the truth about her identity towards the man she was supposed to be deceiving. When he looked up, his aqua blue eyes were a shade darker, and his eyes narrowed towards her.

He stood up, turning to face Rufus, "You don't have to worry. I have no trust towards women like her either. I apologize. I wasn't aware she was someone important. I was only told she was nothing but a housemaid. I was terribly misinformed." He did not look back at Lucy, hands clenched tightly. "You don't have to worry. We will never cross paths again."

Lucy watched with wide eyes as Sting walked out of the hospital room. There was a pain in her chest that she could not explain. He never looked back, not even before the door shut slowly behind him.

She did not know why, or how, or when the tears began to fall, but they did.

"Let's go home, Lucy. You're better off not having anything to do with their family." He placed his hand gently on her head. "If you come home, I promise, I'll help you get what you want most." Her eyes widened at her brother's words, "I'll help you seek vengeance from Jiemma."

Please Review. Inspire me?

Thank you! :D