Disclaimer #1: I don't own Fairy Tail, Hiro Mashima does.

Disclaimer #2: The art for my title pic was done by artist AS Daminitri.

Chapter 1: The Seventh Master

"Laxus, we should probably think about heading back to Magnolia, or at least seeking out some of our guild mates"

"I agree with Freed, it is about time"

"Ha Ever, you just wanna get back to Elfman" says Bixlow, earning a glare from Evergreen.

"You guys really think it's time?" I ask.

They smile at me. I knew they missed home, I did too. Training was cool and I needed it, I felt so pathetic when I couldn't save everyone from Tempesta. But everything has limits and we reached ours for training.

Evergreen was the first to jump for joy. "We're going home, right Laxus?"

"Yea, let's go home". Even Bixlow couldn't make a joke; we were all excited to get back to Fairy Tail.

When my guild mates declared I was seventh master of Fairy Tail I couldn't calm myself. When Master Makarov disbanded Fairy Tail I always imagined he'd be here when we reunited. So the role of guild master is not something I had prepared myself for, I was at the very least nervous about the situation.

"Erza.. I mean master, should we begin rebuilding the guild hall?"

"Gray you don't have to…" It seems I have to advise everyone what they should call me. "Everyone listen up" I command loudly. The members quietened and turned to me. "I am very humbled to be appointed guild master by you. I am used to being called Erza. So you have the option of calling me Erza or Master, it is up to you. I would recommend that in the event that we have guests from other guilds or similar that you do call me Master. But while we are like this as Fairy Tail, Erza is fine". The crowd acknowledges with a smile or nod.

"Now as for the rebuild... We need to split into groups… We'll stick to the old groups – this isn't the first time we've had to rebuild". Everyone laughs, recalling the other times when our hall had been destroyed. People pay particular attention to Gajeel, who gets bits of rubbish and leftover food thrown at him which seem to piss him off. Ironic thing was Levy being the first to stand up for him, she might be small but she would not hold back for Gajeel.

"Thanks Levy. Actually I think you should be thanking her" Gajeel commented while glaring at those who threw stuff at him.

"What are you gonna do Gajeel, arrest us?" Gray quickly remarked. Several people burst out laughing. Natsu did his best impersonation of Gajeel as a Council captain. By this time the guild members were in hysterics, even Lily got involved.

"This is not a talent show. Man your posts and get working!" I scold them for getting side tracked. This was typical of my guild mates, but we had things to do. Natsu and the others reacted hastily to my words and work began immediately.

A few days passed by and the reconstruction has moved quite swiftly. By my estimation the guildhall should be finished within a week. I had to go over several management matters, and did so in a small temporary office we built that would later serve as a storeroom when the guildhall was finished. Levy took care of the guild application with the magic council as she worked there through the past year. Lucy lent a hand as an accountant figure. Despite barely getting rent in on time, Lucy had the best mind for business and finance in the guild; she was a wealthy heiress after all. Mira, given her previous work with Master Makarov, also helped sorting out my meeting schedule as master, alcohol and food orders, and how Fairy Tail would acquire jobs.

"We only have one S-Class member available as of right now. We might need to promote someone" Mira states.

"It would attract more jobs, which is something that would provide some financial support" offers Lucy.

"Hmm. Yes but an S-Class trial right now? I don't know. The best way would be to pick S-Class members". I wasn't overly happy with this summation, the situation wasn't so dire that they need avoid trials, but I know that a few are definitely S-Class.

"Members?" Mira queries.

"Yes. I think 3 more would do. I am now master, Mystogan is in Edolas, and Gildarts is rarely around".

"Who?"

"Gajeel was a captain for the magic council and was a double agent for us against Raven Tail. I worked with Gray when investigating the Avatars. Those 2 definitely have the brains and brawn for S-Class. And Natsu… well let's just say on power alone we probably won't have requests that need him. He is stronger than Gildarts".

Mira raised her eyebrows in shock. She did not know of their progress. Lucy on the other hand looked down at the ground. "Yea Natsu is going to be soooo expensive now". We laugh together, then quieten when we realised Natsu could easily destroy buildings before, and it would likely be whole towns now.

"You want me to put those 3 down as S-Class with the guild application?"

"Yes Levy. Thank you very much".

"I'll be on my way to the council to submit then. Ladies" Levy nodded as she left the office room. She was smiling merrily, probably for Gajeel. "Bye Levy" Lucy hugs the little script mage on her way out.

"There's still Laxus" Mira points out.

"Yes. Laxus" I speak in a softer tone. As Mira and Lucy went back to their paperwork I spend several minutes thinking about Laxus. He was the one who was groomed by Makarov to be master. He bears the name 'Dreyar', just like his grandfather - Wizard saint and third/sixth master; and also one of the founders of Fairy Tail – Yury Dreyar. How would Laxus deal with me being master? How could I control someone that is stronger than me and might not necessarily listen to me? It could divide the guild. Am I really fit to lead? I was diverted from my thoughts as my fellow guild members burst into excitement.

"LAXUS!" "FREED!" " BIXLOW!" "EVERGREEN!" "WELCOME BACK!". Cheers went around from the guild members. Work stopped as everyone came to greet Laxus and the Raijinshuu.

I stand to look from the office room window. Mira and Lucy soon join me.

"Freed.." Mira lightly whispered. We weren't deaf and we were close, we heard that.

"What was that Mira?"

"Nothing Lucy. Mind your business!" Lucy laughs at Mira's response.

Despite Mira's denial she never took her eyes off him. It kinda reminded me of my very own feelings I had for Jellal. Had? I still care for him, but I have to move on.

"Well Mira, Freed is looking mighty handsome I'll give you that"

"Stay away from him Lucy" Mira tried to sound like the demon Mirajane, but came off more like a child than anything.

"Haha. First Juvia and now you huh? I won't interfere Mira" Lucy cuddles Mira who returns a smile. "I have Natsu, who I hope realises me soon. But my oh my, Laxus is so hot! I guess that hasn't changed".

"Yes he has always had great sex appeal, with attitude to boot"

"What happened to Freed, Mira?" I speak on these matters for the first time in the conversation, not being a fan of this sort of talk.

"Erza I like Freed, but only blind women don't see Laxus for what he is".

She was right. I had never really pondered the sight of Laxus but he is certainly good looking and has a great body. Looking at men in this way is not usually my thing. I've always buried sexual desires deep within me. I thought I did that because I was in love with Jellal – and that is probably part of it, but in reality it was easier to not be distracted by lust to focus on my magic. Still the thoughts from before his arrival play at the forefront of my mind leaving me in a state of unease.

The guild broke from work early today to party with Laxus and the gang. They were swamped by everyone so it was hard for me to get in. I didn't really push myself to greet them as I was still fighting the battle in my mind about how Laxus would accept me being master. Even the raijinshuu, they would have all been expecting Laxus to be the next guild master. But why should I be worrying about this? For now while everyone is peppering them with questions I'll hang back.

"Hey Laxus, fight me"

"Come on Natsu, why not 'drink with me' instead?"

"Oh since when did you drink with us, Laxus?" Gray replied quickly.

I smirked. I knew what Gray was getting at. Even when I returned from my expulsion I still stuck to my team, so me being more 'social' is unexpected. "Apologies guys. I have just been travelling for the past week, and I'm a bit tired. I'll fight you tomorrow Natsu, I am sure you've gotten stronger" I signal to Lisanna for 3 beverages, one for myself, Gray and Natsu. Lisanna smiles at me and I smile back.

One of the things I missed on the road training was women. Evergreen is like a sister to me, so I don't look at her like I do other women. We trained in secluded locations to avoid risk to civilians. We might get to see a few women here and there, and when that happened it was a fight between Bix, Freed and I to go after this one girl in the middle of nowhere. Even in my expulsion I saw more women. But here at Fairy Tail, even just to look at, the women are gorgeous and in number. I had been spoiled for so long. Mira, Lucy, Cana… man we have some absolute beauties. My attention is momentarily captured by Erza who has glanced at me a few times like we don't know each other, she's still a pretty face but covers up far too much. Lisanna comes back with our drinks, and thankfully she looks more like her sister than her brother.

"Here you go guys" I nod with gratitude.

"Thanks Lis" Natsu smiles and downs half of his drink in a mere second.

We were about to start talking when Gajeel started playing his guitar. Fuck me. No kill me. Now. Thankfully Natsu punches him immediately and they engaged in a fight. Gray and I start to talk about our adventures in the past year, his were quite interesting I must say.

"Hello Laxus. It's been a while". I looked to my right and standing over me was Erza in her standard armour, one hand on her hip.

"Hi Erza. Yes, a while it has been". She looked a little tentative at first but then firmed herself.

"Laxus there are some things I want to discuss with you. Is now a bad time?"

"No Erza, I can meet up with Gray and the others later". Gray nodded and made his way over to Juvia's table, she was ravishing too.

We make our way to the office-like room in the back of the incomplete guildhall.

"So Master –"

"You know?"

I chuckle, "Yea the guys told me when I got here. Congratulations, you have my support".

Erza paused like she was expecting the opposite; she averts her eyes, half turning away. "You're not displeased with me as master?"

I admit "I had always readied myself for the position of guild master, Erza. It was something I strove for". Erza looks up at me. "But my main goal is to be able to protect the guild, my friends, my family. I can do that as Laxus Dreyar the S-Class member, no?"

"Really Laxus? To be honest I've recently thought that it would be hard for me if we were at odds. If what you say is true then I am relieved and also very proud of you".

I give her a wink, "I know I have done things in the past. And I know you're not talking about that, but what I did in the past has shaped me. I am a Fairy Tail member first and foremost". I place my hand right hand on her left shoulder. "Thank you for thinking of me, but I really am fine with you as master". She smiles up at me, her eyes were glazed in appreciation. She lightly pushes her hair covering her face aside, exposing her prettiness in full. Who would have thought the mighty Titania could pull off such beautiful expressions. "Now if there isn't anything else, I wouldn't mind getting back to the party", I needed to say something to break my thoughts. She gestureswith a sideways movement of her head to go to the party.

"Laxus. Thanks. And still please call me Erza, unless –"

"I know, I know, unless in the present of council officials and other guilds etcetera. I used to do the same for Gramps". I leave waving a hand with my back to her.

I smiled for nearly a minute after he had left. He really made me happy just now. All the apprehension I had about being guild master evaporated with his words. Laxus has become quite a man. When he smiled so genuinely in our conversation I thought to myself that I had never seen him so pure and gentle, he looked really beautiful – and those are not words you generally associate with Laxus Dreyar.

A/N - This is my first fanfic, thought I'd give it a go after reading so many great ones. Will be looking to upload every week, probably around 5-8 chapters. Review/rate if you please. I personally do not ship Laxus and Erza but love them both. Thankyou, mynameiz.