Courage (Bickslow x OC)
I had always admired him.
His outlandish mage talent and how openly he displayed them despite his obvious insecurities regarding it. It made him a powerful mage. Someone who didn’t hide or run but fought -facing his greatest weaknesses- like most in Fairy Tail. There was something extra special about Bickslow; his loyalty. For Laxus, he gave up everything. He risked being disowned by his family, the first family that had loved and accepted him AND his magic. I know I should hate him for conspiring with Laxus; to dismantle the guild but it only makes me respect him more (not that I ever held hostility towards anyone in the thunder legion). No other mage would risk so much in such a way, yet he did. Then when he suffered the great loss of his leader's banishment he never once stopped being carefree and mischievous. All to keep Freed and Ever smiling.
How could I not adore him? Somehow one glance at him sent my stomach in a flurry. I wanted to laugh so hard I cried with joy and barf from the nervousness I felt when he was near. There was not a moment he wasn't plaguing my thoughts.
My gaze always wondered from the guildmates I was helping Mira serve to the table on the second floor. The table the Rajinshu always occupied. I gazed at him in his visor, I’d seen his face a few times before. Though I hoped I'd be lucky enough to see it again. His magnificent green eyes made my body trembly and his tattoo had begged me to trace it. How badly I wanted to touch it, to touch him. Feel his warm puls thud under my fingers.
Most of all, I wanted to know if his eyes ever wondered down to me. Some days I daydreamed about melting that stupid visor.
“Hey Soli, can you make Lucy’s usual?” Mira asked from the other side of the bar (hands stacked with trays of beer).
I nodded, never trusting my words.
I don’t know how Mira manages the bar alone, between all the guild fights, old drunkards hollering about more booze and Cana, I wasn't sure how she coped. Maybe it was somewhat endearing but it was busy work, and she did it everyday without being completely overwhelmed. I helped a couple days a week and it was dizzying..
Lucy was chatting with Levy when I handed her, her usual. I placed it silently in front of her and turned to get a start on Natsu’s Lunch.
“Hey Soli, do you mind if I asked you a question?” Lucy inquired, I turned and shrugged, indicating I didn’t mind. She was still kind of the new to the guild so she was probably had a few questions running loose in her mind, while trying to get fully attuned to Fairy Tail.
“Are you a mage?” she questioned innocently.
I couldn’t stop my jaw from going slack, I doubt Levy could either. No one had ever asked me that before. I was sure I didn’t need words to communicate I was strong, guess I was wrong.
“umm, Lu-chan, can’t you feel her magic presence?” The small blunette mumbles still slightly shocked.
“I guess so, but there are so many mages here I figured it was someone else. I mean I’ve never really seen you go on a job and I guess I was curious as to why. I thought that maybe-” Lucy rambled nervously. I shrugged and sent her a smile, dismissing her nervous ramble and getting back to work.
Natsu’s lunch was a bit of a hassle but that's nothing new. We have to keep feeding him though, his worse off when his hungry.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you," Lucy continued from her barstool. I shrugged, it was curiosity, it couldn't be helped. Much like I couldn't help my eyes from flicking up to Bickslow.
"If you don't mind, may I ask you a few more questions?" Lucy asked again. I looked over my shoulder shaking my head and smiling, indicating I didn't mind before getting back to work.
Getting on my tip toes to grab a bottle paprika, I noticed it was our last bottle. I would have to stay back a bit later tonight. We were running a bit dry on some other herbs and spices anyways. It would only take me an hour or so to replenish our stock.
"I'm guessing this might be a sensitive subject for you, so by all means just ignore my asking but can you talk?"
I flicked a finger in Levy's direction by means of getting her to explain while I turned the stove lacrima on.
"It's a bit of a complicated question. But yes, technically she can talk."
"Then why doesn't sh-?"
"Her magic." Levy answered simply but there was a finality in her voice, preventing more questions on the subject. My shoulders sagging in relief. Lucy wasn't going to push the subject and risk annoying Levy. I made a mental note to make an extra order for books on runes to the guild this week.
There was a short pause before Lucy changed her line of questioning.
"Are you part of a team?"
Once again I relied on Levy to explain. She waited for my nod before answering.
"No, she doesn't. But as I'm sure you've observed she spends a bit of time around the thunder Legion."
"I did notice that, but I also noticed that you weren't a part of the Fantasia incident." Lucy commented, shivering upon remembering being in a stone state.
"Well it's not Laxus' affections she's after, so they didn't involve her." Levy chimed.
My face flushed as I added onion and garlic to the now heated pan. I resisted the urge to shoot her a glare and embarrass myself even more. What if Bickslow was watching and saw me act harshly towards her friends. What would he think of me?
More parts to come
