''That's enough, Taurus! Good work!'' Lucy called to her axe-wielding bull spirit. His hulking, black and white form began to dissipate as she closed his gate, his reply of, ''Happy to be of help, miss Luuucy!'' echoing out across the hilltop on which their battle was taking place. Their enemy, a large bandit group that had caused a bit too much havoc as of late, had, for the most part, been dispatched swiftly, their unconscious forms now embellishing the ground at regular intervals. After Natsu had decided Lucy could handle the rest of the lackeys, he and Happy ran off in pursuit of the leader whom had managed to escape, leaving her with the fifteen or so remaining bandits who were now slowly advancing on her, sharp and deadly looking swords in the hands of each one. The fiery blonde wore a confident smirk as she held up a different key, its golden surface a brilliant flame in the light of the dying sun. The outlaws hurried towards her with a collected outcry of rage as she summoned her most powerful spirit.
''Open, Gate of the Lion!' A new form appeared, immediately tearing into the enemy in a flash of black and gold, earning various cries of pain and defeat within a matter of seconds until at last, he came to a halt. The spirit stood among the limp figures of the bandits, his pristine designer suit somehow still in perfect condition after the brawl. He looked at Lucy with a self-assured grin on his handsome face as he pushed his shades back into position.
''Oh come on, Lucy,'' Leo started teasingly. ''I'm sure you needn't have summoned me to deal with such trivial opponents. Or did you just want to see me?'' He winked at her when she scowled and blushed, but before she could open her mouth to deny it and call him every synonym of the term 'arrogant bastard' under the sun, Natsu reappeared, dragging the inanimate body of the gang leader behind him with Happy flying above.
''You ready to go, Lucy? Next month's rent is waiting for us back in Magnolia!'' He called, grinning. His grin widened as he noticed Leo beside her. ''Oh hey, Loke! How's it going?'' The two friends fell into a conversation Lucy was too drained to pay attention to. Instead she slumped to the floor, absent mindedly picking at the lush grass while watching the last of the sun's rays fade from the darkening sky. She was lost in her thoughts even as a chill crept into the twilight air, nipping at her exposed skin. In the end it was a soft, silky murmur in her ear that brought her back to the present.
''I'll be off now, beautiful.'' Leo bestowed a swift, tender kiss on her cold cheek and disappeared back to the celestial realm before Lucy's outraged fist could hit its mark. Seething and growling, the celestial wizard stood and stalked over to where Natsu was heaving the still-unconscious bandit leader none too delicately into a sitting position to make dragging him home easier. Although her pink haired companion seemed to have missed Leo and Lucy's exchange, Happy, of course, had not.
''He loooooves her!'' He teased, obviously pleased with himself, a wide, smug grin on his blue face. Lucy threw him her best death glare and loudly screamed her defiance. Knowing full well that he was out of reach of Lucy's anger, the tom cat simply laughed and flew about delightedly, making her blood boil even further.
''Stupid cat.'' She muttered heatedly, marching furiously towards town. Natsu made a noise of surprise at their apparent departure and hurried to catch up to his team mate, his bruised and dusty prisoner being hauled unceremoniously in his wake.
Both he and Happy smartly kept quiet on their journey back to Magnolia, and before long Lucy's rage ebbed away to be replaced by thoughts of Leo. Not too much time had passed since her meeting with the celestial spirit king, on the day she saved her friend's life and gained Leo's zodiac key, just a few months ago at most. And of course she was fond of him, as she was all of her spirits. They weren't simply her property or battle tools, they were her friends! Granted she did call upon Leo's assistance often, but not because she favoured his company over her other spirits, he just provided exceptionally efficient help in battle for most situations! A tiny voice in the back of her mind whispered,
''He is gorgeous though...'' Surprised and ashamed at herself, she forcibly pushed her thoughts to the reward waiting for them back home and firmly away from her spirit. She must have been blushing however because she caught Natsu looking questioningly at her. They both averted their eyes quickly and continued on in silence, passing through the grand entrance to the sleepy town. They didn't speak until they reached Lucy's apartment, at which point Natsu offered her a large, friendly grin and thumbs up.
''Great work today, Lucy! You completely obliterated those guys!'' Lucy laughed, relieved to be thinking about something other than Leo, and put her hand behind her head, flattered but embarrassed by the praise.
''Thank you, Natsu, you were great too!'' She smiled.
''Thanks.'' He beamed. ''Anyway, you get some rest and I'll take this asshole to the mayor,'' gesturing to the bandit leader who finally seemed to be stirring. ''I'll bring your half of the reward to the guild tomorrow. See you in the morning, Luc!'' He trotted off towards the mayor's office with Happy gliding sleepily above and the gang leader bouncing along behind. Bidding them both goodnight, Lucy drifted to her room where the promise of a hot shower and comfy bed were waiting, her mind clear of any and all thoughts about her handsome, auburn haired spirit.