7 Days of the Week

Monday - Paperwork - LaLu

Laxus realizes just how dead wrong he was about Lucy; paperwork, coffee and a sex soundtrack?

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"Fucking paperwork." Laxus groaned as he noted the time. Mondays in the guild sucked, paperwork from the weekend destruction would pile in. No matter how hard he worked to keep up, Mondays meant no sleep.

He pushed back his chair and let out a stretch. Mira was gone for the day so he'd either have to run out for coffee or make it himself. Not wanting to bother with it, he grabbed his coat and ran out to find some. There was one little all night coffee shop nearby and he'd be able to enjoy a quick break.

He walked into the shop, immediately he was assaulted with the smell of various types of coffee. Laxus actually loved coffee, finding himself to be a bit of a connoisseur. Scanning around the place he was surprised to see one of his guildmates sitting in the corner.

If not by smell he'd recognize the hot celestial mage anywhere. She wasn't difficult to find, sunlit blonde hair, voluptuous body, tight mini clothes and a smile that melted anyone. Hell, even he was affected by her but he'd be damned if he told anyone. Mira would just become a nightmare, Bix would endlessly tease him, Natsu would be more up in his face and Erza would murder him.

She looked up at him and smiled, but the smile seemed to lack its usual luster. In fact, she looked worn out and he had no idea why.

"Evening Laxus, what can I get you?" Mary the barista asked. He'd been here so often on Mondays that they were on a first name basis.

"The usual, one for here and a large to go."

"Paperwork madness again?" she asked as she rang up his order.

"Every motherfucking Monday." He replied, scrubbing his hand over his face in annoyance.

He pulled out some jewels and as he leaned over to hand it to Mary he whispered. "What's up with sad Blondie over there?"

"Lucy? Yeah, she's had a rough day. Guess her latest mission didn't go well and she'll be late with her rent. When that happens she's usually here drowning her sorrows in a double chocolate mocha." Mary said handing him his change.

Laxus felt the frown on his face form. He knew damn well it was because Natsu couldn't control himself. Natsu was also the source of most of his troubles and paperwork. Yet until Mary said something he didn't realize the additional effects of the fire dragon slayer's wanton destruction.

The lightning slayer felt bad for Lucy. Everyone knew she traded in mass piles of money to be here and she always seemed happy. It really didn't dawn on him that she was struggling to make ends meet; she never showed it.

"Hey Mary, how about a double chocolate mocha for my friend?" He asked. Mary smiled at him and ran the order.

The large mage considered his options and decided to go over and talk to her. As the future guild master, he should get used to being there for his guildies. So, he grabbed is coffee and hers and made his way back there.

"Lucy?" He whispered and noticed how she tensed up. He could smell the salt of her tears but somehow, she managed another halfhearted smile at him.

"Laxus, I didn't expect to see you here." She said as she pushed her empty mug to the side.

"Monday paperwork, needed a coffee break. Here." Not bothering to ask, he pulled up a chair after sliding her another coffee.

Lucy gave him a real smile, "thank you."

"Want to talk about it?" Laxus asked as he took a sip of his dark roast.

"It's okay, I'll be fine. Thank you though." Lucy said her voice laced with sadness. He knew she was trying to put on a brave face and not look sad but he wasn't buying it. The celestial mage always wore her emotions on her sleeve and if not, his dragon slayer senses could denote all the physical effects of various emotions.