Chapter Text
They bolted through the brush, coming to a stumbling stop just before a dirt path. Their team had reconvened there, with bad guys in tow and were currently waiting on them. Well, on Lucy anyway. A nervous excitement buzzed through their body, a wide grin bursting out of them. They were going to be so surprised! Taking a deep breath, they jumped out onto the path, landing in as showy a pose as they could manage with a bad guy under each arm.
“Hey guys! Sorry to keep you waiting!”
They beamed, ready and excited to see what reactions they would garner. The seconds trickled on however and worry started to creep in. When they glanced at their friends, they seemed confused and suspicious. Hurt made their blood run cold and they somberly slumped, dropping the bandits. What had they done wrong exactly? What could they-
Oh! The figurative lightbulb went off when they realised they hadn't properly introduced themselves. They'd been far too excited to.
“Hello everyone, the names Lenna, your newest favourite fusion”
They winked for good measure, doing their best to show that they were harmless. Thankfully, the others did seem to be relaxing now, so the lack of introduction was the issue, not the fact they felt Lucy and Loke shouldn't be fused. They let out a sigh of relief, hand coming to their chest as they relaxed. Their movement automatically caught Erza's eye, who paused and frowned slightly.
“Wait, that guild mark… has Lucy finally been able to fuse?”
Oh thank the stars above for Erza! They were back on track and hope was starting to return that this would all turn out good. But wasn't it obvious? That they were a fusion of their dear friends? They hadn't really thought about what to do if they weren't instantly recognisable. Perhaps that was also the cause of the initial suspicion.
“Yes she has! I'm one part Lucy Heartfilia, so you can relax. I'm on your team, I promise”
Thankfully for their heart, their friends did finally lower their guard, but they didn't relax, rather the group's excitement rose to meet their own. Natsu was the first to bounce over, energetic and eager, probably to meet a new friend.
“Lucy! This is awesome! Look at you! How cool is this?! Did you beat those bandits like this?! How strong are you?!”
“We should fight to see!”
Leave it to Natsu and Happy to immediately go to power levels. They could feel their Lucy half sigh in resignation, but they also were clearly happy to see Lucy accomplish this, so that was something. Carla snorted, shooing Happy out of their face.
“Give them some space. I'm happy for her, but the last thing Luc- uh Lenna needs is this”
“You were a bit rude Carla…but you're right. How are you feeling?”
Ah, small voice of reason Wendy. Glancing at her, they felt a strong sibling love for her, a desire to protect her from all harm. The fact that Loke and Lucy were surprised the other felt the same, and as fiercely, was more than a little bemusing. They couldn't stop their grin at the emotions blooming inside them.
“All good, she's a little preoccupied at the moment”
Wendy hummed, looking at them thoughtfully, perhaps she didn’t know Lucy was currently being teased, but given that she’d had dragon slayer fused with Natsu, she was probably used to being distracted during a fusion by your partner. They didn’t know that fusion personally, but they had a basic understanding from Lucy’s glimpses of them. They seemed rather animalistic and chaotic, two dragons rampaging for the sake of their guild. They heard a small hum and was pulled back to the present.
“If one part is Lucy, who did she fuse with? We’re all accounted for”
They could practically feel Loke pouting, disappointment rolling out in waves inside them. They found it hard to disagree, surely it was obvious given their lion motif?
“Come on now bro, surely it's obvious who else made this perfection”
They straightened their back, tail flickering behind them as they tried to show off for their friends, but for Gray especially. It didn't take too long for the ice mage to clock what was going on, a lazy smile creeping onto his face.
“Ah, hello Loke, I bet someone's having fun hm? Though I pity Lucy having to put up with your over the top behaviour in all possible ways now”
“ Rude!”
A deep blush assaulted their cheeks as Loke's insulted exclamation shot through them and out their lips. They weren't used yet to unbalance between Lucy and Loke, that had clearly been his words not theirs, given the strop Loke was currently in. The fact that they could speak through them or override the other if their emotions were strong enough was going to take some getting used to. They worked the best when everything was in harmony, but getting used to being off balance in a harmless situation like this was a blessing. Thankfully Gray didn't seem to mind.
“He still takes the bait I see. Are the cute little ears and tail him too?”
Their ears flicked instinctively at the mention of them, their tail curled slightly. They hummed, speaking without thought.
“Lucy likes them, it was her influence actually”
Mortification bloomed up from one half of them, confusing them as to why Lucy was freaking out.
Why did I let him know that?
Awww, Lucy, you think I’d be super cute as a catboy?
…I need to stop giving you ammunition, but everythings going to be shared eventually huh?
That made sense, they think? The information that Lucy liked the idea of cat ears on Loke came to them almost automatically from outside prompting, but if they were given time to create a proper conversation, then a full information share would be possible right? Which only told them that they still had room to grow, which was thrilling.
“I feel like you’re forgetting something, Lucy can fuse with spirits?”
They paused, focused more on the soothing energy coming from Lucy, it was like she was hugging Loke, calming him and them by proxy, it felt nice, warm. They answered Gray distractedly, enjoying the relaxed and joyful conversation they were having, a conversation that was a part of them.
“Right, it seems like she can fuse with spirits instead of humans. She fused with Loke, the first time for both by the way, creating the fabulous fusion you see before you”
They patted themselves on the back for being able to give a coherent answer and end it so confidently, it seemed the right response, well Gray was enjoying it anyway.
“The first fusion for the both of them…Well I could think of worse first partners, congrats guys”
“Yeah this is great news! Your first fusion is amazing, it can't be explained”
Wendy beamed up at them, her eyes shone with genuine joy and care. Yeah it made sense that Wendy was happy for her two dear friends, but it still warmed their soul to be accepted by her. And she was right, being them was such a strange experience, but it was a good strange, something that could become addictive if they weren't careful.
“What about you, Lenna? How do you feel about this fusion? About you?”
Huh? Erza was asking them? The rest of the team seemed so focused on Lucy and Loke, rightfully celebrating their achievement. To have someone focused on them…it felt nice. There was silence, inside and outside of them, as they pondered the question. The world came to a halt as they got their words in order, finally speaking up after a few long moments.
“I love it. I'm the combination of Lucy's love for her spirit and Loke's love for his mage and both of their strong desire to protect the other. I am all that and more of course, but to have that as the reason I'm here…It feels good” They glanced at their feet, suddenly very shy. “It feels great even, I want to run and laugh and just have fun. I want to experience so many new things as me and I know they do too”
Erza nodded, patting their shoulder. She wore a soft, proud smile and they felt all gooey inside. She wasn’t just proud of Lucy and Loke, but of them, of what they were. They hadn't realised it was something they’d desired so heavily, but now that they had her acceptance they never wanted to lose it.
“Then that's all I need to hear, I'm sure Lucy will tell me all about it anyway. Or Loke will talk our ears off. All that matters is that this new experience of yours is a good one. When we get back to the guild you should head to Fairy hills and run around for a bit…or whatever it is you want to do”
Anticipation lit up like a fire within them, their whole being in agreement that they wanted that very much. A moment of relaxation, of just them, to fully figure themselves out and just be? It sounded heavenly. They must have looked dorky since they heard a few giggles but they didn't care. Their veins were buzzing with excitement and a need to know; of Lucy and Loke's elated chattering. They were practically vibrating from the combined anticipation.
“Really?! Thank you!”
Perhaps they got a bit too close to Erza in their rush to thank her, but she'd just gifted them an afternoon of bliss.
Well an afternoon with Lucy is only ever going to be a good time.
Oh, stop being so silly…but I do want to just explore this new bond too.
Their agreement cinched it, though they also apologised to Erza for being a bit too eager. Erza coughed, stepping back with the tiniest of pinks dyeing their cheeks.
“Of course. Fusions usually happen for the first time during fights for guild members, but you're not just a tool or weapon, you deserve time to find out who Lenna is”
“And we're all here if you need us! I'll answer any questions you have the best I can!”
They had no doubt Wendy would be incredibly helpful, but they wanted to be on their own for the first time properly focusing on being Lenna. They were about to respond just that when they were rudely interrupted.
“And if you need help figuring out how strong you are in a fight-
“I think they're fine without you bothering them idiot” Gray pointedly ignored Natsu’s retorts, continuing on like he was even speaking. “If you need us to leave you alone, then we'll understand that too”
Gratitude swelled up within them, no doubt intensified by Loke’s love for his brother in arms. Memories of Gray helping him to breathe when he felt trapped or surrounded by too many people, suddenly flooded them. Their own opinion of Gray went up in response and they could feel Lucy appreciated all he’d done to support her spirit before she’d come along, it was disgustingly soft but they loved it. They wanted to hold them all in a large hug, wanted to squeeze them all to pour this burning platonic love they were feeling into them. They rocked a little on their feet in a desperate bid to rid themselves of this excess energy.
“It's alright Gray, I don't mind your company at all. But I may take you up on that offer, just so that we can get used to this constant information sharing”
“It can be very overwhelming at first, especially when random things prompt information sharing. You can learn to create walls to close off certain things if you don't want to share them”
An intense disgust soured their mood. There was something inherently wrong with shielding themselves away, with hiding their true selves. Bar any surprises they want to give the other, why should there be any secrets? Loke was predictably upset, stating rather confidently that he won't hide away from Lucy. She was in firm agreement, believing this to be a chance to fully know and share herself with her spirits. They weren't fully sure how to vocalise this, but their upset frown seemed to be enough, as Erza backtracked.
“Of course you don't have to hide a single thing. If you want an open partnership then that's for you to decide, as long as you're comfortable. I'm here to support you and answer any questions either way”
It was an attempt to placate, they knew that, but they didn't want to be annoyed with her anyway. So they took it. The offer to learn was too good to pass up, they'd be doing themselves a disservice to deny her.
“Thank you, I'll take you up on that offer. It honestly means so much to me that you even accept and like me”
“Of course we do, you're our friend”
Ah, the urge to hug Gray was rising to almost uncontrollable levels, he was too good a friend, they could just cry.
He's always been softer than he lets on. At least he was with me anyway.
They're all like that I think. Our friends are all far too much.
I don't think you of all people can say that princess.
A warm mirth filled affection for his mage covered them like a cosy blanket. Lucy's embarrassment further stained their cheeks. They really needed to learn from Loke how to be so smooth in conversation. Though Lucy was adamant that wasn't a skill they should use often. They heard movement and noticed Wendy had snuck closer, concerned and confused.
“Are you alright? Your face is red”
They nodded, they hadn’t meant to worry her, Lucy and Loke’s memories of her were slowly melding together into a sweet image of a caring girl who was strong and brave, which had caught more than a few people off guard. It was unwise to write her off, this little dragon who was constantly fighting to improve herself. A deep part of them related to that last part.
“I’m alright. Loke’s teasing Lucy” There was a round of ‘aahhs’ and general acknowledgement. It seemed their back and forth was a regular thing? Yet they didn't sense any true annoyance with it, from anyone. Hm, interesting. “We should probably get going right?! I want to surprise the guild next!”
That lightened the mood once more, they knew that the looks shared between Gray and Natsu only spoke of mischief, but if playing with the guild was an option…they’d play along. They lowered themselves to pick up the bandits at their feet. They stood tall, happy and bubbly now that they’d gotten their dear friends approval and love. Now it was on to surprise the guild! They heard a small hum of approval from Erza, accompanied by a nod.
“Right, we need to prepare a celebration. It's short notice but I'm sure we can manage it.”
She started to stride away, like what she'd said made the slightest bit of sense. Their team quickly packed up to follow her. They were in a daze for a moment, watching their friends go for a moment, before mentally starting back up and rushing forward to catch up with them.
“A celebration? What are we celebrating?”
There was a moment of confused silence as they caught up to Erza, slowing down to walk side by side with her. Erza glanced at them, tilting her head as the gears in her brain turned visibly, before a lightbulb seemed to go off in her mind.
“Oh! I apologise, I got carried away. Obviously we must celebrate two things. Firstly, our newest guild member and team mate, and secondly, we must celebrate Lucy managing to accomplish something so special. The fact that this is Loke’s first fusion too suggests it’s not all that common for a celestial mage and spirit to fuse. So the fact Lucy worked out how to do that should be commemorated.”
True. Lucy is perfect, intelligent, gorgeous and amazing-
Don’t need your running commentary Loke
Lucy was grumbling, but she couldn’t hide how flattered she was, silently thanking Loke and Erza. Unfortunately for her, Loke and Lenna could both hear it. Agreeing with Loke and his increasing joy heavily, they grinned, a spark of mischief igniting within them.
“Lucy says thank you. It should be noted however, according to Loke, this is the first time a spirit fused with a mage. So she deserves a lot of praise”
“ THE FIRST?!”
There was a loud, excited response from their team, no surprise really. They straightened up, pride emanating from them.
“Of course she did. Her and Loke are both members of our team! They’re the best of the best”
“It’s more cause to celebrate then really, should we get cake?”
“Of course we should get cake, that's a silly question Wendy”
“Right, who knows how many more fusions they'll be?”
Eager chatter surrounded them, plans being made to encourage and spur on Lucy, and Loke too. They decided to just take in the atmosphere around them, listening to the pleasing sounds of their friends' voices. A sudden sharp buzz inside them alerted them to Loke's growing worry. They felt Lucy tentatively prod at him, prompting him to open up.
When you fuse with the others, even if you become stronger with them than me, you won't stop being Lenna with me, right? I… I want to keep doing this, but I wouldn't force you.
No sooner had he asked than the fear struck them cold. Obviously they wanted Lucy to be happy but… they didn't want to lose this indescribable completeness, this fulfilment they feel. Thankfully, Lucy was incredibly understanding, her care wrapping them all up nice and safe. It brought up the image of Lucy pulling Loke tightly into a hug.
Oh Loke, don't be so silly. If my spirits want to spend casual time with me fused I will always try my best to make the time, and who knows who'll be the best for whatever fights we're in? Also I enjoy being Lenna too, I don't want to give this experience up either. So you've nothing to worry about, I won't replace you.
She'd somehow struck straight at the heart of the problem, though she'd been able to read Loke well before being able to fuse with him. Love bubbling up through their veins, an eager energy that didn't want to stay still.
Thank you Lucy, my beautiful diamond.
Yes, yes, you're great too. If not a bit ridiculous. Imagine thinking I'd ever forget about you, I don't think that's possible.
Love and euphoria burst open inside them, fizzing and exploding in their veins. It was joy distilled into its purest form, it was magical. They'd lightly brushed upon the strong emotions stirring inside them before, but now it was like some of it was leaking out regardless, some of Loke's unchecked adoration seeping through and sickly sweet.
“Lenna, are you alright? You're shimmering”
They were shaken out of their daydreaming by a concerned voice. They blinked, looking down at their arms. A faint glow outlined their hands, had their magic activated in reaction to Loke and Lucy coming to an understanding? Well, it had been a strong reaction and it’d only strengthened their trust in each other, as they just knew the other was being truthful. They hummed, nodding their head.
“I’m perfectly fine. In fact, I’m the best I’ve ever been ” They giggled, thoroughly pleased and happy with the situation. Their heart thrummed in their chest, they were filled with energy that needed to be spent before it broke through their skin. “Hey, do you all want to race? Last one back to town pays for drinks!”
They broke out into a run, this high they were on pushing them to run faster. Their ears flickered as they heard yells of protest at their headstart. Thudding footsteps hammered behind them and they knew that Natsu and Gray had taken the challenge at least. They were being egged on by inner selves, competitive nature overtaking anything else. Laughter spilled from their lips, secure in themselves, in Loke and Lucy and in their friends. Their future visit to the guild and Fairy hills was going to be so much fun! But for right now, they had to focus on preventing Gray from overtaking them!