Sparks Fly - Laxus Dreyar

5. Home

On the ship back home, Aria had five people questioning her about what she believed to be nothing. Evergreen, Warren, Mira, Wendy, and Carla, although Carla was mostly there with Wendy all sat around her.

"Well, I think you would be cute together, at least," Wendy said. "From what Erza said, Laxus is just shy with his feelings, and hides how he really feels."

"I don't care," Aria sighed.

"Well, from the way he comforted you during that little episode you had at that one point," Evergreen singsong-ed, "I think he likes youuu."

"I was having a panic attack," Aria deadpanned.

"Yeah, but this is Laxus," Evergreen said. "Laxus doesn't do that for just anyone. Especially not after just meeting," she emphasized.

"You know, Aria, if I read his mind I can tell you if you're wrong or not," Warren said.

"That's an invasion of privacy," Aria glared.

"Since when did you care," Carla questioned.

"I never said I cared, I stated a fact," Aria sighed.

"Well then you won't mind if I do it then," Warren asked.

"Not at all, go ahead," Aria yawned. She had to admit that Laxus was very attractive, but that didn't mean they had to like each other right off the bat.

"Okay, here goes," Warren smiled.

"What does he think," Ever demanded immediately.

"Well," Warren started, "he's not thinking about..." Warren trailed off. "He's not thinking about Aria."

"So what is he thinking about," Wendy asked. Usually, she wouldn't care for stuff like this, but she had to admit she was curious.

"He's wondering what we're talking about," Warren said, but it was an obvious lie.

"Oh, okay. I'm gonna see if there's any food." Wendy and Carla walked away.

"So what's he really thinking about," Evergreen questioned.

"He's wondering about when you and Elfman hooked up," Warren said.

"Bahahaha," Aria laughed. "I told you! Alright, I'm going to join Wendy, food sounds great." As Aria walked away, Ever was still shocked.

"Tell me you're joking," Evergreen growled.

"Okay, I lied," Warren waved his hands, trying to get away from her scary glare. "First he was thinking about the expulsion of the guild, then his thoughts drifted to Aria. He's remembering how they got pushed together by you guys and he's remembering that moment when he looked into her eyes..." Warren trailed off.

"Well," Evergreen smiled, "that was all part of the plan." Then she got up and walked away.

"Crazy women..." Warren trailed off, continuing to tap into Laxus' thoughts.

She's just so stunning...god, kill me now.

Warren left Laxus' thoughts, not particularly wanting Laxus to find out somehow.

-

The returning Tenrou team kicked open the doors, only to see the remaining members of their guild being harassed by the nasty Ogre guild. Natsu and the others didn't hesitate to kick ass as their guild mates looked on with shock all on their faces.

"We're home," Natsu smiled.

"How is my favorite guild," Aria exclaimed, holding her arms out for hugs.

-

The return party that night was spectacular. Aria and Cana were drinking up a storm, and Laxus watched from across the room as the Rajinshu was all over him.

"So, Aria," Cana slurred. "How's about a bet?"

"Hmm, maybe," Aria giggled. "What kinda bet?"

"If I win...ask sparky pants on a date," Cana bopped my nose. "If you win, you choose."

"I'll think of something for my win," Aria snorted into her mug. "I have no intentions of askin' out someone I barely know, even if he's fuckin' hot," Aria nearly toppled over the stool, and many of the guild members watched on with amused faces. Aria could give Cana a run for her money with her drinking, so she wasn't too worried about losing, and even less in her drunken state of mind.

"Ahaaa, so you ad-ad," Cana stumbled out, "admit!  You admit he's hot."

"I'm not blind, Cana baby! Maaaaaaaaybe a little druuuunk," Aria dragged out her words. "Oi, oi! Mira," Aria latched onto Lisanna. "You've gotta tell us about this bet tomorrow, unless Cana wins," the girl giggled to Lisanna. "Waaaait a minute, who are you?"

"Aria, I think you've drank too much," Lisanna smiled. "I'm Lisanna."

"Ohhhh, Lisanna! You can tell us about the bet tomorro', then," Aria hugged the girl, before chugging her drink. "I think the mug is empty. And no way am I gonna stop until Cana is down down dooooown! We gotta celebrate," Aria paused, her heart clenching for a second, "being home. We made everyone wait for so long, and now it's gonna be like we never left." Aria's lip wobbled slightly, but she stopped that in her tracks and she got distracted by Cana behind her.

"Yeah," Lisanna whispered. "It's good to be home."