It had been hard lately, mostly due to the lingering enthusiasm the Grand Magic Games had brought. Missions had been put aside, partying had reigned supreme, and Lucy's rent was due. She had attempted to find a mission that wouldn't require too much effort, but it seemed as if they all called for the demolishing of a dark guild or a far away escort, neither of which she felt capable or comfortable doing on her own. She had tried talking to Natsu, Erza, and Gray, but had received the same response each time: "Chill out, Lucy. Take some time to enjoy our victory!" That was how she found herself absentmindedly stirring a vanilla milkshake at the bar alone, feeling like the loneliest person in Magnolia.

"What's wrong, Lucy? Why do you look so down? Aren't you supposed to be celebrating with the rest of the guild?"

Mira had, at some point, come back behind the bar and propped her chin up on her hands to better level herself with the slouching blonde. Lucy let out a deep sigh.

"Oh, Mira, I'm celebrated out. I need to take a mission but there's nothing I feel safe doing alone and no one will go with me. Any suggestions? I'm open to anything."

Mira stared at the gloomy girl, wondering why this would even be a problem in the first place. Had Natsu really left her so alone and not noticed. Stupid, dense, unromantic boy. Lucy was suffering so he could have a good time. This had to be stopped right away if their friendship was going to survive, let alone a possible romance.

"How about you come and live with me for a while, Lucy? I know you love your apartment, but I'm sure your landlady will agree to hold it for you until you can pay the rent. In the meantime, you can live in my apartment at Fairy Hills and I can go on a mission with you as soon as I can get this place in some sort of order. How's that sound?"

Lucy, for the first time that day, allowed a glimmer of hope to shine through her depression. Even though, as Mira said, she loved her apartment; her current financial state did not support her lifestyle. Mira couldn't be a terrible person to live with considering her organization around the guild. Natsu would be upset because he couldn't invade her apartment anymore, but this was about her. Maybe she needed to stop thinking about her team over herself.

"Mira, that sounds wonderful. Are you sure you don't mind having a roommate for a while? I promise I will raise enough funds so I can get out of your hair as quickly as possible."

"No need, Lucy; please take your time. My only condition is that you come help me set up the guild in the mornings and do some work around here until we can go on missions. You will be paid for this, of course, but I will need the help. Sound good?"

"Yes! When should I move in?"

"When is your rent due?"

"A week from today."

"Move in tonight then. Go home and pack your stuff; I'll make sure the place is ready. I will send Natsu over to help you move in."

That last bit made Lucy hesitate. Natsu had been so aloof lately, and she honestly felt as if the space between them wasn't all that bad. She hadn't been truly independent since the first day she joined Fairy Tail, and hadn't that been what she'd wanted when she ran away from home? She was 18 now, an adult, and independence sounded like a really good idea. If she wanted to learn to take care of herself, both in everyday life and on missions, she would have to do things on her own more.

"That's okay, Mira. Loke and Virgo can help me move my stuff. I wouldn't want to inconvenience Natsu when he's having such a good time. Can you just let him know that I'm moving in with you tonight? I'm going to go pack now; I'll see you later! Thank you so much, Mira!"

Lucy hugged Mira across the bar and ran out, a new spring in her step. Mira watched her go, wondering what was going to happen now. She let her eyes stray to the fire dragon slayer, currently having a drinking contest with Gray. This could not go on. At this rate, Fairy Tail's strongest team was going to lose their most valuable member before they even sobered up. Mira debated how to get Natsu's attention despite his completely drunken state.

"Hey, Natsu! Get your ass over here!"

She shot him a glare, glad she hadn't list her S-class stare. Natsu gulped and set the drink down before slinking over to the bar.

"What's up, Mira?"

"How drunk are you?"

"Really, really, really drunk."

"Are you going to remember what I tell you in three hours?"

"Maybe, if it's important enough."

"Lucy's moving in with me tonight and unless you want to be arrested for trespassing, you shouldn't go to her apartment anymore. Got it?"

He nodded slowly and passed out cold on the floor, snoring obnoxiously. Mira smirked, understanding that Natsu would not be moving from the guild tonight. Oh well. Maybe a bit of separation would do the partners some good. Perhaps Natsu would remember why he had Lucy on his team for more than just eye candy. Gray and Erza were down for the count as well; they would remember a lot more quickly than Natsu. For now, Mira would keep the smart blonde for herself.