Last chappie, yay?! Or no? I was kind of no. But kind of yes too! Because now I'm going to be a bit less busy so I can focus on other things. Like a new story, maybe :P. Besides, A MILLION THANKS TO EVERYONE! People who reviewed, favourited and followed this story (or rated a part as 7/10. Thanks, Jerz.) ^^ Also a HUGE thanks to those who PMed me with ideas or were just awesome. That's everyone, even if you were a silent reader. EVERYONE helped with this, especially those who voted for the pairing at the beginning. Again, sorry I couldn't do everything.

I love you! ...I'm really emotional ;_;

Enjoy~

"Beat you!" Takumi grinned. She crossed her arms cutely. His eyes softened, and he lifted Lucy up and gave her a kiss. She pouted but accepted the kiss, hugging him around the neck. She stared at him affectionately, resting her forehead on his.

"Not fair," she whispered, sighing, "You distract me."

He raised a brow, smiling, "And you think I wasn't distracted either?"

"Aww," Mira exhaled from the entrance, interrupting them. Lucy shrieked in shock and Takumi placed her down quickly. They both blushed at being caught displaying public affection. Mirajane giggled, "So cute. Did you two do well on your mission?" She paused and thought about it, "What was it anyway?" Mira was curious. It had caused Lucy to growl at her.

Lucy blushed and stuttered, "S-sorry, Mira. Master told us not to tell anyone."

"Why not!?" Natsu kicked the door open. Lucy and Takumi stared as the door swung against the guild's walls and slammed back. He demanded, "Is it a secret?"

"Tell us, tell us!" Happy sang, flying out of the guild. He was holding a fish against his chest and was gnawing on it. They shook their heads obstinately.

"I'll give you a fish!" he bargained, flying to them both, holding another out. Lucy and Takumi shook their heads and he protested, "B-but, it's a fish!" The exceed frowned. Lucy patted his head but Happy didn't lighten up. "What about 2 fish?" At Lucy's look he reconsidered, "2 fish each?" His ears drooped, "Are you sure?"

"Yes we are. We don't want any fish at all." Lucy smiled jokingly. "Thanks though, Happy."

"Tell me!" Natsu shouted. They glared. "Why not?" He crossed his arms, "If it's a secret, you can tell me, I won't tell!" At the shakes of their heads, he protested, "But we're nakama!" He frowned, "Fine then, when I find out, I'm telling everyone."

"Natsu," Makarov appeared in the doorway. He was calm but as soon as Natsu turned around, the old man screamed, "What did you kick the door for, huh?! We just fixed the guild!" A giant hand smacked the boy across the face. "Do it again, and you're off missions for a week!"

"Master, isn't that a bit much?" Lucy asked.

Makarov reconsidered, "No, not really." He changed his expression to cheerful, "So you two," he turned to Lucy and Takumi, "How'd the mission go?"

"Master knows!" Natsu shouted, "Why can't I"-

"He issued it to us," Lucy told him bluntly. "Natsu, shut up." She turned back to Makarov. "We failed!"

"You two?" he gaped, "Fail?" he drooped to the ground, "But you're like, a tag team! Your magic wouldn't end as long as you kept making Spirit! Who were you fighting? I'm gonna beat him up! I bet I could do it! Then maybe I'll be an S-class mage, like Erza!" He grinned triumphantly.

A hand picked Natsu up, and flung him to the back of the guild. Makarov nodded, "Ah, much better, silence." He smiled at the two, "That's good. Any complications?"

They flushed, "Uh, no." They suddenly couldn't face each other, eyes flying everywhere else. Makarov's eyes twinkled knowingly.

"Anyway, Takumi, when you were lifting Lucy, didn't you think she was heavy?" Happy asked cheekily. The blinked, they'd forgotten he was still there. "I think that when I'm carrying her." Lucy's face turned red in anger and she shook a fist at the exceed.

Takumi shook his head thoughtfully, "Actually, no, I didn't. She's pretty light." Happy and Lucy looked at him disbelievingly. "Really," he nodded.

"I don't believe it!" Happy cried, only to be sent flying by a Lucy Kick.

"How did it go?" They had sat next to Erza, who was very curious about the mission.

They grinned, "We failed!" Erza blinked.

"Wait, what?" Gray was puzzled. "You guys failed?"

They all burst out laughing, Erza included. His forehead creased in confusion. Takumi clapped him on the back, "Don't worry, the dude wasn't evil. Just... misguided." He frowned, "But apparently, I was jealous."

This time, Gray laughed, "Haha, Takumi, you jealous idiot. What did the poor guy do? Did he look at her? Or even worse, he... talked?"

He crossed his arms, "Both."

"You did everything but kill him, didn't you?" he joked, elbowing the black haired mage. "Poor guy."

Erza was alarmed, "What did he do?"

Lucy shrugged, "Oh, you know, the usual. Threatened to kill me, used a bind snake and erm..." she decided not to mention the 'holding' of hands. "He asked for you," she changed the topic.

"Really?" Erza inquired energetically, "You're not joking, are you?" Lucy shook her head and Erza sat down, composed, but smiling, "Very well."

Gray raised a brow, "Wait, the guy knows Erza?" he pondered, "He likes Erza?" They all sent him a look and he shrugged. Gray took a few seconds, "Then," his eyes lit up, "It's Jel"-

"Yeah," Takumi cut him off, seeing Natsu was listening on their conversation. Gray was shocked. Takumi shrugged, "We went easy, all right? Don't go ape like Natsu will."

"Oh, Natsu's listening, isn't he?" Gray sniggered. Gray grinned happily and leaned back in his seat, "No wonder you guys would've lost. That guy is seriously strong. Everyone in the guild against him might've been a challenge, even. Erza would have trouble too!"

Dragon Boy snapped.

"Why won't you tell me!?" Natsu shouted angrily, kicking a chair. "Snowman knows!" he broke a table, "Secrets suck!"

"I am not a snowman!" Gray jumped on a bench, "And maybe I do know, they like me better than you!" he pointed angrily at the dragon slayer, "Volcano!" Erza cleared her throat, impaled a fork into her cake and chomped on it happily. She had not meant anything by it, but the two were looking at her in fear. Shakingly, they descended from the tables.

"And seven years later, I still don't get why they fight so often," Lucy mumbled. "Maybe it's their magic."

"That's like saying I should be cold to everyone," Gray muttered. "I'm not." They all stared at him pointedly. "What?" he questioned. "I'm not." He frowned. Lucy and Takumi started to cough out a water mage's name.

Tears pricked at the corner of Juvia's eyes, "L-Lucy-san? Is Gray-sama... is he perhaps infatuated with you?" She started to sob, "B-but Juvia thought you and Takumi-san were together"-

Lucy leapt up and nodded, "We are! Don't be mistaken, we are. I'm just proving that some people have specific traits that match their magic."

"I would be hot, for example," Natsu gave them a knowing look. "And I am." He winked obnoxiously.

"Congratulations of saying a three syllable word. Go away, Flamebrain," Gray sighed. "This conversation is for the intelligent. Meaning-not you."

"Wanna say that again?" They had gotten back on the tables, and the rest of the guild was hastily clearing the area, getting rid of anything that might break or serve as a weapon. Just in time, they grabbed a chair each and had thrown it at each other. The two chairs had collided and the legs had splintered, not to mention they'd broke off completely.

"Why?" Gray shouted, "Are you deaf?"

"There they go again," Takumi mumbled, wincing from the noise. "It's late," he changed the subject, "Shouldn't we be going home?"

"Shouldn't he be finding his own home?" Lucy said sourly, her expression quickly changing, "My apartment is full enough without people attempting to sneak into my bed." Mirajane giggled, no doubt thinking what everyone else did when Lucy mentioned 'sneaking into beds'. The blonde mage was already standing. "Anyway, let's go?" Lucy questioned. "Unless you want to stay here?"

He stood next to her, "Yeah, sure." He continued, "And the only reason I crawled into your bed was because you were cold and shivering." Takumi answered her statement with his standard answer.

"Normal people would get me a blanket," she retorted, already outside the door and waving the rest of members bye. Takumi stayed silent, frowning. Lucy smile was wiped off her face, "What?"

Takumi stepped forward, Lucy stepped back jokingly but was eventually pushed back into the guild's wall. She looked her side, but saw an arm on each side of her body. Takumi smirked, finally trapping her.

"Normal, huh?" he smirked. "Should I be more normal then?" His ears pricked and he turned his head quickly, and focused on a green plant next to the guild.

The shrub rustled, and Takumi swore he saw a hint of blue as well. He smirked.

She, not noticing, flushed in embarrassment. Lucy turned her head to see if anyone was coming up the path that led to the guild. Unfortunately for her, her view was blocked by a specific black haired mage who was invading her personal space. Stammering, she tried to push him aside, "Kumi... N-Not here." Takumi's attention regained and he realised her blush, smirking. He stayed planted to his spot, much to her annoyance.

Lucy's heartbeat pounded faster.

"Not here... So anywhere else?" he asked hopefully.

"No."

"Too bad then, we're staying here," he replied. "Until you answer the question," his lips touched the corner of hers, "Luce." He smirked against her mouth, knowing she couldn't fight back. Takumi licked her lip teasingly, "So?"

Lucy shook her head. He put his arms down, but Lucy pulled him closer. She whispered, "You're perfect." She traced his mark with a finger. Lucy blushed as she looked up into his blue eyes. She was surprised to see that his attention had been drawn away from her.

Takumi shook his head at her, "You're right though, we can't stay here." This time, he pushed her back. She gave her a hurt look but he only smiled, "Come on, let's go home." As they walked on the lane, Takumi nodded at a shadow in the bushes. Yet again, she didn't notice.

"More normal?" Lucy asked, quoting what he said earlier, "Should I be more normal?"

"Shut up." He shot back, "I'm perfect, huh?"

"Not anymore, you aren't."

Jellal shook, nervous. How was she going to react? After 7 years... Why did Ultear and Meredy make me do this? Why did I agree to it? Why did I tell them in the first place? I don't have to go. Why would I have to go? No one's forcing me. Well, except Ultear and Meredy, but they're not important. I don't have to do this.

Jellal shook his head determinedly.

He teleported to Fairy Tail guild, in thorny shrubs. He hissed but quieted when he saw people just outside. Jellal's eyes widened and he realised it was his two 'capturers'. Making out.

"No way," he muttered. "I knew they were dating." Jellal wasn't surprised at that, but how public their displays of affection were. He wouldn't particularly mind on a normal occasion, but he was about to do something serious, and they were swapping spit. But he was glad, that he had seen a couple just before he was about to do the scariest thing in his life, especially if they belonged together.

The way they acted around each other, especially how possessive the Dragon Slayer was (he knew all about that side of mage), was perfect. They knew each other for a long time, and while their relationship wasn't perfect, it was extremely close. As soon as he'd thought that, Takumi turned around and stared at the bush where he was hiding. Jellal shrunk back, sheepish he'd interrupted. But Takumi turned back. He and Lucy exchanged words, and kissed a few times before they'd quietened.

Jellal saw Takumi push her back. Was something happening?

But then they'd walked off, not even fighting. What had happened? Takumi nodded. Jellal didn't miss the twinkle in Takumi's eyes when it happened.

When they'd gone, the tattooed mage shrugged and untangled himself from the vines, sitting up. Jellal walked nervously to the door, Don't quit now. What's the worst that could happen? He rested a hand on the door, ready to push.

Just push it, Jellal! he shouted inwardly, God, you were a Wizard Saint! And now you're afraid of meeting girl? A strong, powerful girl, yes, but you were a Saint... he realised he was getting carried away.

He pushed it open.

Natsu was not what he was expecting.

"What are you doing?" Takumi confronted Lucy when he'd come out of the shower. Lucy was going through a bag and saw a shirtless, not completely dry Takumi looking at her expectantly for an answer.

Lucy looked guiltily at him, "Looking for the third book?" It came out like a question.

"And you think that my bag will have it?" he was amused. She looked down and bit her lip. Takumi chuckled, "Well, it's not in there, if you're wondering." He crouched next to her and rummaged through his bag.

"I thought you said it wasn't there," she stated, puzzled.

"They aren't," he said simply. "But I am still half naked," Takumi pointed out, taking a shirt and standing up properly, "I have to change." He stopped, "Unless you don't want me to?" he smirked.

"Change," Lucy blushed and busied herself with his bag.

He chuckled and reminded her, "It's not in that one."

"Oh yeah," she flushed, embarrassed. "So it's in another?" she realised excitedly, holding his only other bag.

He grinned, "Maybe." Winking, he walked past her and fell onto the couch, her novel in his hands. "Oh, and I've read some of this before. For an avid reader, your writing is not that great, you know." She looked up, hurt. Takumi shrugged, "Writing's not really my thing. It's still pretty good though. Maybe you should fix it up? It has potential." He stole a pair of Gale-Force reading glasses from her table and wore them.

That was a compliment coming from him. Lucy chuffed, "Well, of course it does." She tried to ignore how good he looked in glasses.

He shook his head, chuckling. "But that's not being conceited." She stared at him strangely. He looked up from his book, "I know you like me, but you don't have to worship my body. Stop staring."

"Are you self-conscious?"

"No. Stop staring."

"Then you shouldn't mind."

He used her words against her, "Then take off your shirt and see if you mind when I stare at you." She screeched and wrapped her arms around herself protectively. Takumi smirked, "See?"

"Well, you said you were going to put on a shirt earlier," Lucy shrugged.

He grinned and went back to reading, "I know you like me like this."

"I don't."

"You don't mind me like this though. You haven't complained," Takumi pointed out. "Which means you like it, right?"

"It means I'm used to seeing naked guys," the blonde replied. She saw him chuckle and she covered her mouth. "Oh, that came out wrong."

"I guess I can stay like this then. You so obviously like it," he teased.

"Jellal," Erza stood rooted to the spot. "What are you doing?" She shook her head, "I mean, why are you here?" She corrected herself, "I mean, it's not like you aren't allowed to be here, but I thought"-

Jellal looked up to her, and his mouth widened into a smile. "Erza," he whispered, already walking to her. They met with an embrace, the entire guild still frozen. But of course Natsu was the first to recover.

"Oi, Jellal!" he shouted, jumping on yet another table. "Fight me!"

Gray yelled, "Don't interrupt them, you idiot! Do you want to be decapitated? By both of them?"

Jellal chuckled, "I'm afraid I can't fight you now, Natsu. Maybe later, after I get something done." His lips met with Erza's after he'd finished the statement. He whispered, "Erza..." And curled a lock of her hair around a finger.

Jellal separated from her, "Okay, Natsu, I'm done. Let's go!"

"Alright!"

"Go to sleep," Takumi groaned, trying to cover his eyes. Lucy was at her desks with the light on, at 2:00 in the morning, reading her newly found book. Meanwhile, Takumi was regretting ever giving it to her.

"1 more chapter," she requested, not even glancing at him. "I'm at a good part."

"That's what you said 2 hours ago," he snapped, a yawn finishing his statement. "And you've gone through half of the book already." Lucy frowned and tapped her foot impatiently.

"Are we doing anything important tomorrow?" she asked.

"Come on, Luce," he whined. "I wanted to do a job. You can read it on the train. Or something. I feel like Vulcans."

"Weretigers."

"Vulcans."

"Weretigers."

"Vulcans."

"Wyverns."

Takumi sighed, "Fine." Lucy grinned but Takumi's eyes narrowed and he grumbled, "Now go to sleep." She gave in and put down her book. She collapsed in her bed and pulled up the duvet.

"Also," she added. "I propose a competition tomorrow. Whoever defeats the most wyverns gets something from the loser."

"Nnngh, fine, shut up," he groaned. All was silent. She sniffed. "Luce?" Takumi spoke up. Lucy moaned, already tired. She asked him what he wanted. Takumi mumbled sleepily, yawning, "It's really uncomfortable on the couch."

She giggled. "You're not coming in," she regarded the bed as a house. "I'm warm enough."

He stared longingly at the bed. Wistfully, he sunk into the couch, still eyeing her bed. "You're shivering," Takumi pointed out, swinging his legs to the side of the couch.

"No I'm not," Lucy deadpanned, feeling quite warm in her cocoon of sheets. She pursed her lips, curious as to why he was so persistent on sleeping on her bed. But he didn't stop there.

"You're cold," he stated defiantly. She raised a brow and looked at him. She repeated her previous statement. Takumi faltered but he spoke again, quieter, "I'm cold."

"Wear a shirt then," she shot back, trying not to belt out a laugh. "No one told you to sleep shirtless."

He rolled his eyes. "Sleeping shirtless is a sign of a man," he stated. "...I sound like Elfman." Takumi shook his head, focusing, "No, I'm cold and I refuse to put on a shirt."

Lucy huffed. "How can you be cold though?" She protested. "You have muscles"- she caught herself. He smirked, knowing she was blushing and that she couldn't back out now. As he'd guessed, Lucy stuttered, "F-fine." He bounded up happily and slid under the sheets.

"Abs, huh?" he grinned, already snuggling up with her.

She glared and replied, "Cold, huh? What a manly man." That shut him up.

"11!" Lucy shouted. "Beat that, Kumi!" She attacked a wyvern with a series of punches and kicks, its eyes rolling back. "Make that 12!"

"15, Luce!" he yelled, "Haha!" he laughed. She glared and took out her whips, both her normal and Fleuve d'étoiles. The manipulative whip curled around 3 of the Wyverns and Lucy struck them with the other. She had continued to do this until she had taken down another 5.

"19!" she screamed triumphantly. Takumi casted a worried glance, frantic that she was so close to his score.

A wyvern was consumed in Spirit, "21!"

"22!" She yelled, her competitiveness showing.

He frowned and took a breath, "Spirit Dragon Slayer's Roar!" Spinning while the attack flew from his mouth, he managed to take 10 Wyverns down. Lucy gasped before quickly swallowing the Spirit that was about to hit.

"That could've killed me," she said, annoyed, licking up the remaining Spirit from her fingers.

Takumi laughed, "Just checking you were still up to scratch. You are, but maybe your reflexes could improve." He shrugged, "Anyway, I've got 32. Think you could beat that?"

She crossed her arms and smirked, "I'm sure I can."

"I seriously think we've either defeated them all, or scared them off," Takumi stated. "But it's probably the latter."

"You always beat me," she pouted. "It's not fair." He raised a mocking brow but she changed her expression. "59 wyverns! 5 900 000 Jewel!" She shuddered, "The client might actually kill us."

"Why the rush?" he asked lazily, lying on a frost covered rock. "They gave us as much time as we want."

"Why do you want to stay here so much?" Lucy asked, but lay down in the snow nonetheless. "What are we doing?"

Takumi murmured something incoherently. Lucy raised a brow. He shook his head, "Are you cold?"

Lucy stopped, "No, not really." She shivered, "Actually, yes." Lucy whined, "The snow's melting and getting into my clothes." She grumbled, "I swear you did this on purpose."

"Here," as she expected, a jacket was thrown at her.

"You know," she started. "You should just give me it, you know? It's not like I ever see you wear it."

He grumbled, "I wear it all the time. You just never notice until I throw it at you." She laughed, agreeing. After several minutes of just lying there, he announced it was time to leave, much to her annoyance. She started to complain. "Too bad," he chuckled, standing already. He shoved his hands in his pockets and started walking down the mountain, intending to walk all the way back to the guild.

"What made you go into a strict mood?" Lucy muttered, following him out. "I'm cold and wet." She tried to swipe the snow of her pants.

Takumi softened as he lifted the hood of his jacket over her head, "Nothing really." His statement was quickly shadowed by a sarcastic one, "I just didn't get much sleep last night," he teased.

"Oh shut up." But she was grinning. "You were the one who got me the book."

"And I am regretting it now," he joked, only to be pushed aside by Lucy. She elbowed him, frowning but it soon turned into a grin.

"Takumi, you seriously don't know how wrong that sounds do you?" Loke pushed up his glasses. Lucy spun around quickly to see the orange-haired Spirit, grinning behind them. He quoted, "I didn't get much sleep last night."

Leo winked flirtatiously. The lion smirked, "Hello, Lucy." He lay an arm over Lucy's shoulders, "Is this idiot treating you right? Because I'm still willing to prove you are much more suited for me than him."

"What did you come for?" Takumi snarled, not appreciative of the comment. Things were still rocky between the two. Loke had not forgiven Takumi for bringing Lucy to the Celestial Spirit World without telling her the conditions 7 years ago.

"I'm here to win her back," Loke announced, tugging Lucy closer to him, "Come on, Lu-cy~"

She laughed, "What's the real reason, Loke? Don't play around."

Loke frowned, "What makes you think that isn't my reason?" Lucy crossed her arm and he pouted, "Fine, fine. I just wanted to say..." He paused, "Why haven't you been calling me out lately, Lucy?" he whined. "I wanna get out!"

"You can come out whenever you want to," Lucy told him, amused. He stopped, not considering that, and then smiled, thanking her with a hug, which lasted much longer than Takumi would've preferred.

"Hold on," Takumi snapped. "Not 'whenever' you want. Back off on the nights, alright?" He crossed his arms and muttered, "If I had my way, Luce wouldn't even allow you to come out without permission."

"Jealous, much?" Loke smirked. Takumi rolled his eyes.

"Speaking of nights..." Leo's eyes gleamed, "I do not approve of what you're doing with my Princess. Sneaking into a lady's bed is unsuitable, especially if that lady is my master. And especially if you aren't wearing a shirt." Loke growled, "You will stop it, now."

Takumi's anger flared. "And if I don't want to?" Takumi asked, purposely edging the lion on.

Loke threatened, raising a fist, "I'll make you."

"Thank you, Loke," Lucy pushed him back. "But Kumi's going to find his own apartment soon, so I've allowed him to stay in mine until he finds the right one."

"He's never going to find the right one," Leo said dryly. "He's going to stay with you until he lives there."

"And he can, if he wants to" Lucy reasoned. She continued, "Loke, he can stay as long as he wants, until he finds his apartment, okay? Please stop."

The lion tensed up and then relaxed. Sighing, he crossed his arms, "I just... don't like that he's in your bed each night. It's inappropriate."

"Says the one who has slept with every woman in town," Takumi shot back. "I don't really think you can judge, supposing that you're trying to get her to date you, when Lucy's already my girlfriend." Loke growled and, not being able to reply, he disappeared, leaving to the Spirit World. Lucy sighed tiredly, whacking Takumi lightly on the arm. He pretended to wince, "Ouch. Lu-cy~"

That earned him another hit, "If you call me that again, you'll earn a lot more than a punch."

Takumi laughed and ruffled her hair affectionately, "So what, Loke's only allowed to call you that?" His eyes narrowed, "I don't like him."

"Yeah, and I didn't pick on that," she replied, voice coated in snark. "If you mention him again, Kumi, I swear..." she threatened. "This was way too much action for today. I'm tired..."

They were silent. Takumi tried to start the conversation again, "So... I beat more wyverns than you. Doesn't that mean I get someth"-

She snapped, "Shut up."

"According to the competition rules, the winner gets something from the loser." He smirked. Sighing, she asked him what he wanted. Takumi's eyes widened innocently and he shuffled closer to her, "Oh, nothing much." He wrapped a hand around her waist, "Just your bo"-

"I swear, Takumi, if you say 'your body', you won't be able to speak anymore after that," she frowned.

"But it's part of the rules," he pouted, crossing his arms. After about a minute of receiving a glare, he relented, "Fine. I wasn't going to say that anyway." Takumi hesitated before a smile crept on his face, "What made you think I was going to say that?" He grinned, "Maybe you wanted me t"-

"You really have turned into Loke, haven't you," she remarked. "Those lines are almost exactly like his."

"Why would I want to become like Loke when I'm perfect now?" Takumi laughed.

She Lucy Kicked him for that.

Mirajane smiled, "So, who defeated more wyverns, you or Takumi?"

Lucy groaned, "Thanks Mira, I just got him to forget about it."

"Oh, that's right, Lucy. You still owe me something, don't you?" he smirked. "Why did you make me forget?" Takumi walked up next to her and leaned down, whispering into her ear, "Were you scared?"

She felt a smirk on his face. "As if!" Lucy shouted, kicking him into a guild wall. "Go away!"

"But Luce~ You still do... Don't go back on your promise," he frowned. "That's unfair." A dark aura replaced his usual one, "It's fine... If you don't want to, you don't have to, you know?" He brooded in the guild's corner. Gajeel, who usually stayed here, gave the Dragon Slayer a pat on the back.

"Fine!" she snapped, and his dark expression turned into a happy one and he chuckled happily, hugging her even though she wasn't as overjoyed. Lucy cursed, "You did that on purpose, didn't you? To guilt me into saying yes. You idiot."

"Maybe." He smirked.

"So what's your wish?" Lucy asked, dramatically giving him a bow. "I will do anything to fulfill it. Everything in my power, that is."

Mirajane and Levy squealed as Takumi sat down on a barstool and pulled her into his lap. He played with her hair, snickering as she blushed. The Dragon Slayer hugged her from behind, buried his head into her neck and muttered, "I want to stay with you forever."

Lucy turned red. He grasped her even tighter, "You're cute when you blush." She didn't answer. The Spirit Dragon Slayer looked concerned, "Luce? Are you okay?" He snickered, "Are you embarrassed?" He lowered his voice and said slowly, "I meant every word, you know." She straightened and jumped off his lap suddenly.

"Hey, Kumi," she said, a vein throbbing. "This isn't just some sneaky way to stay in my apartment forever, is it?" He froze.

"Kind of..." Lucy glared. Takumi offered her a weak grin, "I love you?"

"Nice try," she was unimpressed. She hopped off his lap and shrugged, "Well, if you were that desperate, sure."

"What, really?" Takumi asked excitedly, eyes wide. "I didn't think you'd agree." His face split into a grin, "That's awesome! Thanks!"

"It'll be troublesome though..." she mumbled, stress already in her eyes. "You'll pay the rent too, right?" He nodded, agreeing. She grinned, "Well, that's half of the problems down then. You're buying a new bed too."

"Aww, do I have to?" He whined.

"If you want to stay in my apartment, then yes. You can't stay in my bed half the time."

"Fine," he grumbled. "What else?"

Mirajane stifled a giggle and told Levy, "I can't believe they're talking about their sleeping arrangements. Sleeping arrangements! Oh my god, it's so exciting! We have to help them in any way we can! This is so exciting! New curtains, wallpaper...I like the colour blue. What about re"- Levy covered Mira's mouth with a hand.

Lucy pondered for a moment, "Uh, you'll also need...pillowcases, sheets, everything with the bed. We'll need to talk with my Landlady as well, to see if she's fine with it. And you need to help me pack as well. And then you're helping me m"-

-"Pack? What do you mean?"

"You want my apartment, right?" she said, eyes wide innocently. "I'm moving to Fairy Hills then. I'm sure there are still some rooms left. And, hey, at least now I can afford it, with all these special jobs from the Magic Council." Lucy grinned widely. "I guess your closeness with them is useful sometimes."

"Lucy!"

"What?" Lucy asked, eyes bright. "Aren't you fine with this? You wanted my apartment?" She crossed her arms. "Find your own apartment, smartass."

He frowned, "It's my wish... No fair, Luce."

"Maybe you should've specified it," Lucy shot back, sipping a drink. He pouted and Lucy gave up, "...Fine. You can stay as long as you want. But not in my bed."

"Deal." Takumi smiled wryly, "But I'm sure you'll relent soon." He snickered quietly. Lucy punched his arm and he winced, saying, "I regret ever teaching you to punch, you know."

"But then you wouldn't have met me," she replied. "And I'm sure"- She stopped to yawn

"You're tired," he rolled his eyes. "And it is pretty late." He picked her up, ignoring her screams and began to walk out the guild's door, waving to the remaining members with one arm. She quietened when he threatened to drop her.

"Can you please let me down?"

"No," he said bluntly. "You'll just run off to Mirajane and complain, and then call out Orion and say I've kidnapped you again. Which I haven't, by the way. I'm taking to your apartment."

"Without my will," she whined but a yawn escaped.

"See? You're tired," he pointed out. "I'm just helping you."

"Doesn't change the fact that you're kidnapping me," Lucy frowned but Takumi noted she'd relaxed. "I'm not sure if you know this, but you should by know that kidnapping's illegal. I'm pretty sure that the Council will be upset that you've started to kidnap innocent pretty girls."

"Pretty," he would've almost laughed if not for the glare she gave him. "Beautiful?"

"That's better," she nodded. "Hey, Kumi..." he raised a brow. She buried her face in his neck, and he could tell she was blushing, "You don't mind if I sleep now, right?

"Would it mean you'd stop talking?" he asked skeptically.

"That's kinda what sleeping means."

"Well then, sure, stop talking," he shrugged. "Since you've given me full access and all, would you mind if I slept in your bed?"-

"Yes I would," Lucy interrupted. "Don't sleep with me." She elbowed his gut, "That is so not what I said, you bastard."

"Then too bad, I'm still doing it. And besides, you have given me full access to your house and everything in it," he teased her, laughing.

"I have a talent of reading between the lines."

She didn't bother responding. They stayed silent, Takumi trudging on the streets of Magnolia. Lucy got used to the rhythmic bump, and it became something that helped her sleep. Takumi smiled down at her and she mumbled something he had to strain his ears to hear, "Did you mean what you said earlier? 'I love you?'"

His face went steely, but he admitted it proudly, "Yes."

She smiled, on the edge of sleep, "Me too." Silence followed and Takumi exhaled, grinning proudly. Lucy closed her eyes, amused. The blonde's breathing was deep, showing she was ready to sleep. His arms were starting ache though, and they weren't that close to her house, unfortunately. He sighed and started to drag his feet.

"Do you think you could walk on your own now?"

"No. Walk properly."