Despite the fact Fantasia had finished the night before, there was still a buzz in the air, lighting up the world around him, or perhaps that was just him. He was as high as a kite, his heart beating in a new way.
Loke strolled into the guild with confidence, he had to stop himself from skipping in and he only just managed that. He leaned on the table with his friends, his team, mouth hurting with his grin. He saw bemusement in his friends' eyes and also their curiosity. It was Gray who finally popped the bubble and asked the question.
"What made you so cheerful?"
He sighed, soft and love filled. He was on the clouds, lost to this mortal realm.
"I'm in love"
"Ah, more girlfriends for your fanclub?"
He glared at his so-called best friend, hoping he felt his disappointment in him.
"No! You know I disbanded that after I met...her"
He sighed again, butterflies fluttering in his stomach. He melted into his chair, chin resting on his hands as he stared off into space, into his past. When he'd decided to join the guild, to actually do something of value while still rebelling against his controlling family. The moment he saw her, he was gone, though he hadn't known at the time. He'd thought they were hitting it off, she'd been very welcoming of him to the guild. But the moment she'd found out his magic she'd avoided him like the plague. He knew why now, but at the time he thought she'd been rightfully disgusted in his playing around with women, with his using them to upset his parents. It was time to stop that, so he'd disbanded his group, cut down on his flirting and yet she still ran away from him.
It had puzzled him why he was even going to such lengths for her, but then she saved him from that group of thugs she'd been hunting down and deep inside he knew he'd follow her everywhere. Yesterday these hidden feelings had burst out of him in a torrent of love and respect. He couldn't even pretend anymore.
"Her?"
"Yeah. Fighting together yesterday proved it to me, she's the one for me"
"Wow, I'm impressed you're taking this so seriously"
"Love is a serious matter Gray! Oh, I can't just sit here talking about her, I have to see her"
Before anyone could react, though no one would stop him, he reached into the pouch on his hip and pulled out a certain golden key. His joyful energy must have reached her because her key glowed in response. She was ready to be summoned. He stood up, thrusting the key into the air.
"I open the gate of the lion, Lucy!"
There was a shower of gold in front of him, before she blessed this world with her presence. She looked professional, in a fitted black suit and pants, with a red tie resting on her shirt. Her golden hair was tied up in a high ponytail, out of the way of her face and revealing that her ears were pierced. A golden stub in each. Her gaze searched the hall, before finally resting on him when she was satisfied he was safe.
"Hello Loke, are you alright?"
So thoughtful, so caring, even to those who'd hurt her. She was a treasure he was blessed with knowing.
"Yeah! I'm mostly healed up now"
She offered him a small, sincere smile as she relaxed.
"Good, I'm glad to hear that, don't push yourself ok? You didn't get blasted pretty badly, even before I showed up"
"I know, but I wanted to thank you properly for yesterday, without you I'd be trapped in a doll"
She blinked at him, baffled. She soon regained her composure, but her cheeks were a rosy pink.
