X791 - Pre Tartaros

Hiro Mashima owns Fairy Tail

KEY TO HIS SOUL

Freezing, that was the only way to describe the air, and her body trembled as Lucy walked toward the guild hall; even in the denim jeans, knee high boots, leather jacket, and turtle neck shirt...she was still cold. The blond rushed through Magnolia, heading for the guild hall, and grunted as she collided with a hard body when rounding a corner. "Ah, shit!" The hands that steadied her were large, easily closing around her waist, and Lucy looked up into covered eyes.

"Thanks, Bickslow, sorry about that." He released her, once he was sure she could stand on her own, and his mouth curled into a smile.

There was something about that smile Lucy couldn't help but get moony over, he was a very handsome person after all and with only being able to see his strong jawline it seemed to amplify his smile. "No problem, Cosplayer, where you headed to?" He noticed her shivering and draped his cloak over her shoulders without much thought to the action.

A blush stained her cheeks as the much large cloak enveloped her, his warmth soaking through the fabric, and she tried to be discreet as she raised the cloak to her chin and sniffed. His scent made her think of fir trees, wood polish, and the outdoors; she'd always enjoyed catching the barest hint of it before, either in passing or when he got involved in the brawls and his scent rubbed off on the others.

"The guild hall, Natsu wanted me to pick a job for us, what about you?" The Seith Mage extended an arm and Lucy blinked before wrapping her arm around his. The man began guiding her toward the stone and wood building they called home.

"What a coincidence, I was too, I shall escort you." The Seith Mage was playing up the gentlemanly act, earning a giggle, and Lucy fell into a comfortable silence as they walked up to the hall. Bickslow didn't bother untangling their arms as they entered, Lucy didn't try to either, and few people seemed to notice them as they were too busy restraining Gajeel so he didn't try to sing more Christmas carols.

"Thank you, Bickslow." He blinked as Lucy untangled herself from his side, smiling with an adorable red hue to her face, and he blinked as they heard a squeal. "You're under mistletoe!" Mirajane shouted, making all eyes land on the pair, and Lucy rolled her eyes before stretching up slightly.

"Wha-" He wasn't prepared for the kiss on the lips, he'd imagined she would choose his cheek or something, but her soft lips pressed to his and he had no time to return the kiss as the blond pulled back. Her eyes shimmered with confusion, no doubt wondering why he hadn't returned the kiss, and Bickslow scowled before grabbing her shoulders and leaning down.

He kissed her as if he planned to eat her, a dark part of his mind reminded him of his infatuation and just where he'd really like his mouth to be, he plundered her mouth with his tongue and felt her knees weaken. His hold on her was keeping her up, he ignored the cat calls, and as he pulled back from her mouth he could see something in her eyes that made him aware that she wasn't all that innocent.

Brown eyes were dark, like black coffee, and he could see the wanton glow to her face; he ached to drag her home, to make her his, and before he could do that he was deflecting a fist coated in flames as Natsu attacked while a sword came flying at him from the insane redheaded monster known as the Titania. "Oi oi!" He shouted, hands raising in a peaceful gesture, and Lucy moved between them.

"Guys, stop, it was a kiss." Erza's face flushed red as she shouted about defending Lucy's virtue. Natsu on the other hand was glaring with murderous intent, the Fire Dragon Slayer had a very special place in his heart for the blond and to watch Bickslow just randomly kiss her had set his blood boiling. "Natsu, chill." Lucy commanded, arms crossing under her bust, and he growled in reply before stalking off to the bar.

Lucy turned to look at him and Bickslow was reminded of why she was off limits, Natsu's expression had cemented it in his mind that the Fire Dragon had prior claim, so the Seith Mage chuckled. "You didn't have to step in, I can take those two. But thanks for the concern, Cosplayer." He teased her, it was the only way to get out safe, and Bickslow walked over to Laxus' table and sat down. Lucy trudged to the request board.

"You're wearing his cloak." Gray's voice was detached, bored even, and Lucy felt the softness of the liner as she turned her head to look at him.

"I know." Her reply was gentle, relaxed, and she smiled as Gray gave her a knowing look; he'd confessed to having feelings for Juvia, even if he was creeped out about her over-the-top love displays, so Lucy had fessed up about her crush on the Seith Mage.

Gray smirked and patted her on the head before walking away, knowing she'd pick a good mission, and Lucy could feel the eyes of the Raijinshuu settled on her back. The blond resisted the urge to flash them a cheeky grin and instead snatched a paper from the board and walked over so Mira could approve it.

The blond decided that she'd be less likely to relinquish this garment unless directly asked by the owner.

It was when the war started that she had Virgo keep it in the spirit world for safe keeping.

I left this one short and sweet, this will tie in with tomorrow's theme very closely. :)