Being a Chang

Chapter Twelve

There was so much that I hoped to change when it came to what was coming. I had a large amount of hope that with me around, and as the bond between Laxus and I grew, there would not be a battle come Fantasia.

Not that I could really focus on that now considering we were dealing with the aftermath of the fight with Phantom Lord as Lucy took off to confront her father.

Only this time I had her inform her team so they would not freak out.

"Gajeel," I breathed out when catching sight of him outside of my house after returning from spending the day at the guild. "What are you doing here?"

I had not been expecting him.

Part of me wondered if he was here because I was his mate or if he was here for some other reason. Another part of me was glad that Laxus had headed back out to take the Thunder Legion on a couple S-rank jobs.

Otherwise, this could have ended horribly.

Especially since I knew that Laxus still felt like he had not given the other much of a beating due to Makarov being ambushed by Aria from Phantom Lord.

Something I had remained silent on.

"We need to talk," answered Gajeel with a slight frown as he shifted from where he was leaning against my front door. "Can I come in?"

"Sure," I answered with slight hesitation as I walked forward to unlock the door before walking further into my home with Gajeel following. "What did you want to talk about?"

Because while I might have had an idea, that did not mean I was fully sure that this had to do with me being his mate. I also was not just going to automatically assume that I knew what he wanted, considering before this he had originally become a member sometime around the whole Fantasia arc considering first was the Tower of Heaven arc.

Where we would see another side of Juvia in fact.

Not that I had any true focus on that since I was not going to be involved in it.

"I didn't want to believe it," started Gajeel as he began to pace back and forth in front of me as I settled onto my couch. "Metalicana hadn't mentioned that it would feel like that."

"What do you mean?" I questioned as confusion began to fill me.

"You're my mate," answered Gajeel before scoffing as he ran a hand over his face before moving to sit beside me as my eyes remained locked upon him. "It wasn't obvious at first, not while we were fighting. Or it was and I hadn't wanted to believe it."

Coming to terms with the fact that his mate belonged to the guild that his own was going to war against could not have been easy. It was also obvious that he was not in a good place currently, which could also explain some of the things he had done.

Not that it excused him.

Nor did it make up for the fact he had permanently marked me with his iron either.

"Everyone deserves a second chance," I began slowly while reaching out to place my hand over his own shaking one. "So, please don't mess this one up."

Gajeel did not seem to know what to say as he watched me before nodding as he got to his feet and took off out the door. I did not have much of a chance to worry about it as Natsu came rushing in while taking in a deep breath before looking me over for any wounds.

Well, any new ones anyways since I was still healing.

He had caught Gajeel's scent.

I was not sure if it was because I was closer to Natsu than in the original world, and with the original Levy, but Natsu had not taken things lightly concerning Gajeel.

Meaning his fight against the other had also been more brutal as well.

"You alright there Natsu?"

"Yeah," answered Natsu before shaking his head as he sent me a large beaming grin. "Remember how you promised to go with me on a job the next time I asked?"

"Vaguely," I stated slowly starting to gain a horrid feeling only to yelp as Natsu tossed me over his shoulder and hauled out of my house. "NATSU PUT ME DOWN!"

He did not listen, only laughed aloud, and continued down the road.

I knew here soon they would be leaving for that trip which ends with Erza being kidnapped, I just could not remember where they had gone to originally.

But because they had gone on a job taking out some thieves, before going to a hot spring resort area, that had Lucy meeting up with Loke right before he takes off, I figured it would all work out.

Well, I did not think I needed to worry anyway.

"You promised," sang out Natsu only setting me down once we had reached the train station where Erza, Gray, Happy, and Lucy were already awaiting us. "Plus, it's a simple job in taking out a guild of thieves."

"Yeah, even Lucy can do it," agreed Happy before whining as Lucy reached up to pinch his cheeks in revenge. "Ouch, Luce!"

"You sort of deserved that," I teased Happy before grinning as Natsu groaned when we settled into a compartment on the train. "Not feeling well there Natsu?"

He did not answer, only sent me a pouting glare before turning green as the train began to move. I only laughed softly before leaning back after tucking my feet under me.

Thankfully, I did not have to worry about losing, or forgetting, my keys considering they resided inside the mark Kronos had given me. Something I was thankful for.

Though poor Lucy did not have that option.

Nor did she know any requip magic.

"Does it hurt?" wondered Lucy after catching a glimpse of the dragon placed low upon my hips as my shirt shifted up.

"Nope," I answered honestly, hand moving down to trace over the detailed design. "Can't say I wasn't a bit pissed at first, but Laxus got even for me when they went to attack Phantom Lord the next day."

There was also the fight between Natsu and Gajeel as well.

"That's very mature of you," praised Erza with a small smile. "Many wouldn't be able to push it aside as you have done, especially as you will carry the mark with you forever."

"I don't think Gajeel is that bad," I began slowly only to hold up my hand when Gray went to speak up after scoffing. "He stopped by my house to speak with me about what he had done, and while he didn't apologize aloud. Well, I can tell he regrets it."

"I'm with Levy on this one," agreed Lucy surprising me considering he had also beaten her to hell and back. "He wasn't enjoying what he did to me on Jose's orders. I could see it in his eyes that he was conflicted."