A/N: Wow. All I can say is wow. One chapter and I already have at least 50 followers. You guys are so great! I can't believe how well people are already receiving this story! Hopefully you all enjoy what's to come in the future!
Now, without further a due, the next chapter of From Across the Hall!
I don't own Fairy Tail nor it's contents.
From Across the Hall
-O-
Chapter 2: Hope for Tomorrow
"Mommy, can I have some juice please?"
Lucy Heartfilia felt a tugging at the side of her shirt as she was unpacking one of the many boxes in the apartment kitchen. She looked down to see her four-year-old daughter looking up at her with her bright, blue eyes that had carried such innocence.
She smiled down at her daughter. "Of course you can, honey."
The blonde haired child smiled enthusiastically.
"What type of juice would you like?"
The young child put a finger to her chin, something that Allison very much so picked up from her mother, and jumped when a decision came to mind.
"Orange please!"
Lucy gave a small smile in return. The love her daughter had for orange juice was quite the obsession. Allison Heartfilia could out drink most adults in orange juice, that was a fact.
While her daughter hummed to herself, Lucy gave herself this opportunity to relax.
The move had certainly been an arduous and tiresome process. Yes, packing up one's life and moving across the country was exhausting. But, doing this with an energetic four-year-old made the process that much harder.
Lucy could still hear Aquarius' lecture replaying in her mind.
Never mind that, Lucy thought to herself.
The matter of fact was that she made it to Magnolia in one piece. She and her daughter had made it safely and that's all that Lucy really cared for. Allison was Lucy's first priority in her life and she would make sure that her daughter was given the best that she could provide.
Speaking of her daughter and providing…
"Honey, why don't you go and put some shoes on?"
Her daughter's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. "Are we going exploring today, mommy?!"
The bright, blue eyed child jumped from her seat and was bouncing in her step. Lucy often wondered if she was as rambunctious and energetic as Allison is when she was a child. She could hardly keep up with her daughter at times.
"Yes, we are." Allison cheered as she ran towards her room with her arms open wide like an airplane.
Yeah, they were going exploring alright.
Lucy needed a job.
What money she had saved up this last year wasn't enough to make a living off of. In the city of Magnolia, where the cost of living was much higher than that of Hargeon, her savings would only last at least 3 months.
And because she couldn't just leave Allison alone and didn't have the money for a babysitter – not that she knew anyone yet anyway – her daughter was going to join her.
"Okay mommy! I'm ready!"
Lucy looked over her daughter and gave her the nod of approval. That sweet, sweet smile of hers was bright and curious as she was about to enter this new world that she had never experienced before.
Walking out of the apartment together, Allison was anxiously waiting to get a move on with the day. As Lucy locked the apartment door, her eyes shifted over towards the door of that of her new neighbor.
After her daughter insulted the color of her hair, Lucy was sure that he would scorn her and make living here most uncomfortable.
But, he merely shook off her insult and took it like a man. If anything, he played along with Allison. That settled the anxiety that was building within Lucy. But not only was he being a good sport about it, he was kind.
He was also kind of hot.
She could feel her cheeks warming up immediately at that thought. No! Bad Lucy! Bad! She wasn't supposed to think that her new neighbor was hot! Men, no… boys, were off limits. This move to Magnolia was set to focus purely on Allison and herself.
While Hargeon had been lovely, she was just content with the life of the trader city. Lucy was itching for something more, for something new. While it may had been a quaint town for Allison to grow up in, the blonde knew she could provide her daughter with more. She was determined to give her more than a small cottage on the outskirts of a trader town.
"Mommyyy! Let's gooooo!" At the sudden shrill of her daughter's voice, Lucy quickly regained her composure and reached for her daughter's hand.
"Right. Let's go, sweetie."
-O-
The morning had been a long one as Lucy and Allison made their way throughout the city.
Magnolia was beautiful. It was such a diverse city that held such history. The culture of the city was ever changing and it was different everywhere they had went. Unlike most cities, Magnolia's people were helpful and welcoming. It was transparent that the blonde pair was new to town as they had gotten lost quite often. People were more than happy to guide her to different places across the city.
As welcoming as the people of Magnolia were, the job search was much more difficult then she had imagined. Not many places were hiring, and if they were, they were looking for someone who had a college degree.
Lucy never finished college as her pregnancy took precedence over her own future career. It wasn't that Lucy didn't want to finish school either. The blonde haired woman loved learning and had wanted to pursue a writing career. Throughout high school, her short stories and some news articles she had written for the local paper had been highlighted to the student body and the town she grew up in.
Never mind that, she thought. That was in the past and Lucy was looking forward from now on.
She had filled out applications for several places, but her main concern was where her daughter would stay while she was at work. Lucy had looked into daycare centers, babysitting jobs, and other child care related occupations, but they all required a degree in child education in some sort. Something that Lucy lacked.
People were understanding of her situation and guided her to other places that could help her situation. But, Lucy was still stuck. Who would watch her daughter while she was at work? She didn't have enough money to pay a baby sitter, not that she knew one in Magnolia. Sure, people in this city were awfully nice, but this was her daughter. She wasn't going to trust just anyone with Allison.
Maybe she could ask her neighbor?
Lucy laughed to herself. What a stupid idea!
No, absolutely not. He probably had a job of his own that took too much of his time.
Never mind that! She didn't know a thing about the stranger – No, Natsu Dragneel – across the hall! He could be a psychopath killer for all she knew!
"Mommy" The small blonde haired girl said, "I'm getting hungry…"
The oldest blonde looked down at her daughter and smiled tiredly.
"We have been working hard all day, huh? Why don't we go grab a bite somewhere?" That was a suggestion that the young Heartfilia would agree with. Her smile split her face in half as it broaden over her entire face.
"YAY!"
Now, where to go?
A recommendation that was highly popular was the famous Fairy Diner, which wasn't too far from the apartment complex she lived in. Lucy decided it wouldn't hurt to give it a try and grabbed her daughter's hand as they made their way over.
When they arrived, Lucy cocked her head to the side, taking in the outward appearance of the highly recommended diner. There was a line outside the door and she could hear the chattering from the restaurant outside. As the day dimmed away and a night air settling over the city, Lucy decided that this would be the place to eat.
"Wow, Mommy! Look at how many people there are! This place must be really good, huh!" Her daughter commented and Lucy merely nodded.
"Let's go on in." But Lucy found herself being dragged inside as their daughter ran forward towards the door.
"We have to wait our turn, sweetie. There's a line. We have to be polite, remember?" As soon as those words left her mouth, Allison followed with a pout and sad eyes.
Oh no. Lucy was not going to fall for the sad eyes. There had been plenty of times where Allison had gotten away with things she shouldn't have due to her sad eyes. Lucy would not fall to them. No, she would not.
"Nice try, young lady. But those eyes will not work on me." This encouraged the child to try even harder.
Lucy sighed. "Allison, no."
But to no avail, the child continued with her fierce pout.
Oh, for the love of…
"You know; it might be better that you go inside then wait out here."
The voice was low, rough, and when Lucy turned around, wasn't surprised to find a dark haired man with dark, almost raven colored eyes staring at her. There was a fading scar lined across the top of his left eyebrow.
Lucy couldn't help but blush at the sheer attractiveness of the male to her left. While his eyes seemed dark and broody, he was quite the looker.
"Ex-excuse me?" Lucy could have died in humiliation with the strangled words leaving her mouth. Allison looked at her in confusion.
"This is the to go line. It might be better for you and the kid to eat inside. This line takes just as long as waiting inside." There was a smirk playing on his lips now and Lucy laughed nervously.
"Oh? Is that so?"
Allison cheered, tugging on the sleeves of her mother's shirt.
The raven haired titled his head in gesture to follow him inside as they left the line and instantly were met with the cozy warmth of the infamous diner. Lucy's eyes went wide as the place was a total commotion.
People loitered the four walls of the diner, with people yelling obscenities, laughing boisterously, and causing ruckus. Lucy had half a mind to grab her daughter's hand and escort her out the doors they had just walked through.
"WHOA! Mommy! They have a playground! Can I go play, please, please, pretty pleaseeeee!" Immediately, Lucy's grip on her daughter tightened. She looked down at her daughter and shot her a dismissive look.
Allison calmed immediately.
"Er, it's not as bad as it seems. I promise." He had her follow him to the bar style tables and offered a sheepish smile. "I've been coming here since I was a kid so, I think I would know."
"It's certainly has its… charm." Lucy said as she took a seat next to the stranger and pulled her daughter at the seat next to her while a man went flying on the other side of the restaurant.
"Oh Gray! You're back! The usual for you?"
Gray? Lucy thought to herself.
The stranger – Gray – nodded as he passed the menu over towards Lucy. Lucy eyed him suspiciously, but not before her jaw practically dropped to the counter of the bar.
The snow white haired woman in front of her was stunningly beautiful. She was practically shining within the dinginess of this restaurant and her aura was practically screaming. Now only did her hair look white as snow, but her blue eyes were so bright and vibrant and the complexity of her skin made Lucy feel very insecure.
"Wow, lady! You are so pretty!"
Oh no…
Allison had voiced her thoughts as she was standing on her seat, her eyes wide as saucers in adoration. The beautiful woman on the other side of the counter was at first shocked, obviously. It took her a moment to register what had just happened. Her eyes went from the stranger's next to her, then to Lucy, then to the child.
The white haired maiden smiled. Lucy practically swooned herself in the sweetness of this woman's smile.
"Why thank you, sweet heart! You are such a cutie yourself!"
Allison blushed and Lucy laughed nervously.
"What do you say, Allison?" Lucy wouldn't allow her daughter to be without manners. While she had grown up in a life style where prime and proper were without a doubt the importance in a life of wealth, Lucy promised herself she would not subject Allison to that type of social pressure and mental strain. That didn't constitute that her daughter would not learn proper manners though.
"Ah, thank you pretty lady."
The beautiful woman on the other side of the bar giggled. "You can call me Mira."
Mira then turned her attention to Lucy, who blushed instantly as those light, blue eyes bore into hers. Such gentleness, Lucy thought.
"Hi! My name is Mirajane Strauss, but like I told this cutie pie, you can call me Mira!"
"Mira, don't scare the poor girl." Lucy had almost forgotten about the brooding stranger to her left and turned her eyes to him. He smiled as raven connected with brown. "The names Gray Fullbuster, but you can call me Gray."
"It's nice to meet you both. My name is Lucy. And this is my daughter Allison."
The young blonde child grinned like a child on Christmas when Lucy introduced her. Mira squealed.
"Oh aren't you too cute!" Mira was practically swooning and Lucy couldn't help but laugh. Allison surely had that effect on people – the ability to make people fall in love with you on sight… Loke had said it was something that she inherited from herself, though Lucy didn't think so.
"And wow, I wouldn't have even imagined she was your daughter! You two could be sisters!"
How many times had she heard that one before?
With a strained laughed, Lucy thanked the snow haired maiden- Mira.
"She does look exactly like ya. Only difference is the blue eyes." Gray added his input and Mira smiled sweetly, nodding her head in agreement.
Allison had striking similar features to her mother. Both Heartfilia's share the shimmering, long blonde hair that settled over their shoulders and the slightly angled chin with a slim figure. Of course Allison had yet to hit puberty – Lucy shuddered at the thought – but if the Heartfilia genes passed down as they had from Lucy's mother to herself, then Allison would be blessed with a model figure.
Looking at a picture of Layla Heartfilia, one would think her and Lucy were twins without fault. Looking at baby photos from both woman, one would think that they were one of the same. It could also be said about Allison, except for the fact that instead of the soft, chocolate brown eyes that had been passed down for the last few generations in the Heartfilia blood line, she was blessed with striking, electric blue eyes.
Eyes she had inherited from her father nonetheless.
"Yeah, but they suit her well." She rubbed her daughter's head.
"Are you new to town, Lucy?" Mira asked as she placed two waters in front of the newcomers. Lucy nodded with a smile.
"Our second day here. We just moved from Hargeon."
Gray whistled. "The trader town in the East? Geeze, you two came a ways away."
The blonde shrugged her shoulders, but her smile never faltered. "It was time for something new, right honey?"
Allison nodded with that childish grin still plastered on her lips. "Yes! I like Magnolia so far! It's so big and pretty!"
Gray and Mira laughed at her response and Lucy reached for her water.
"Well, welcome to Magnolia! I can say that you've come to the best place in town." A wink followed suit. "Now, I'm sure you are both starving. So, what can I get you two?"
"Oh, waffles! Pancakes! No, no, eggs and bacon! Ohhh, cheeseburgers!"
Lucy laughed nervously as her daughter's appetite was definitely abnormal compared to other children, especially young girls her age. It must had been something from her father's side as Lucy's appetite was that of a size of a fist. Mira and Gray shared a quiet stare and then broke into bits of laughter.
"An appetite like that puts the damn pyro to shame."
Pyro…?
"Well, how about some mini cheeseburgers? As long as it's okay with your mom."
And that's when those electric blue eyes that were filled with childhood innocence and general curiosity sought to hers. If there was one thing that Lucy had learned in her short time of motherhood was that children who looked up to you with big, doe eyes and a pouting lip are easy to succumb too.
"As long as you eat some veggies…"
Oh Lucy, you really need a stronger back bone.
"YAY!" Allison cheered in victory.
"We have broccoli. I'll be sure to have our boys in the back put it on the side." Lucy mouthed a quick thank you. "And what about you, Lucy? What will you be eating?"
"You can never go wrong with chicken club. It's always a solid choice." Gray offered his input as he pointed at the menu item. A chicken club did sound pretty appetizing at the moment.
"Or even the steak, if you're into the whole meat thing."
Lucy giggled. "How about I just take your Fairy burger?"
A nod and Mira was off to the kitchen, running down the bar table to greet her other customers- no, her regulars.
"Mommy? Can I go play at the playground please?" Allison asked with her bright blue eyes, and dammit Lucy! Be stronger than the kid!
"… Don't go where I can't see you."
"YAY!" She ran off and Lucy watched with a keen eye as her daughter barrowed her way through the groups of people at the diner. Soon enough, she joined in with the other children, who welcomed her with open arms.
Kids were lucky in that way. She had taken advantage of her innocence and the realms of her childhood. Children didn't need to care about the what ifs and the what's next. They're only concern in life was getting away with stealing a cookie before dinner.
"She has you wrapped around her finger, doesn't she?"
Lucy put her chin to the palm of her hand and turned briefly towards the attractive stranger – Gray – sitting next to her. Her eyes felt droopy as the day's wear began to overcome her.
"Children tend to do that. Especially cute ones like her. And believe me, she knows she's cute." Gray followed with a chuckle.
"They also seem to tire you out. You alright? You look like you could use a nap."
The concern in his voice was quite the comfort. Lucy didn't even know this man, this Gray Fullbuster. But, the sincerity in his voice was enough to allow herself a moment of weakness. Tiredly, she relieved herself of a heavy sigh.
"You sure you want to hear the complaints of a stranger?" Shrugging, this guy was always shrugging his shoulders. That was then followed with a smirk.
"I don't think your so much of a stranger then you are a friend now." Lucy was touched. Surely, not everyone in Magnolia could be this kind and accepting?
A smile graced her lips. "I'd say acquaintances is a better term."
"You don't make friends too often, do you?" He arched a brow. It was her turn to shrug her shoulders.
Truthfully? No, Lucy didn't make friends often. In her world, the word 'friends' was used loosely. A more common term was asset. In her world, where money and stature ranked your worth, friendship was based on how valuable you were to someone. And once your worth was no longer needed, the asset was no longer required to be around.
So no, Lucy did not do friends.
The only friends she had ever known were the ones who helped her birth and raise her daughter.
Lucy's reply ended with a short smile, and he nodded, almost understanding her gesture.
Right. Personal. He got it.
"YOSH! I AM HUNGRY!"
The doors swung upon with such vigor as a loud, boisterous sounding voice echoed within the walls of the restaurant. Most ignored the dramatic entrance, while others lingered the gaze on the individual at the door. Lucy jumped in surprise, not helping the need to turn around and feast her eyes on the owner of the voice.
"Mira! One Fairy Platter plea- OI! ICE PRINCESS! You're in my seat!"
Eyes as wide as saucers, Lucy recognized the man who was suddenly marching with angry eyes at the man that was sitting next to her- wait, what did he mean by his seat?
"Oh for the love of, THIS AIN'T YOUR SEAT YOU DIPSHIT!"
He didn't even seem to recognize her as he threw a punch towards Gray. Lucy released a small eep! before lunging away from the fight that had broken out right in front of her.
"I ALWAYS sit there! Tell him, Mira! This is MY SEAT."
"STOP ACTING LIKE A 5 YEAR OLD! And dammit Natsu! You reek! Don't you ever shower, you damn pyro!" At this point in the conversation, Natsu and Gray had locked arms, again. The angry veins in the middle of their forehead were pulsating as their eyes fixated on a glare.
Oh for the love of… they were adults! Why were adults fighting in the middle of a restaurant!
"Hey! It's Mr. Pinky!"
The moment those words came out of Allison's mouth, the two men – tch, more like boys – stopped their grappling. Both raven colored and dark onyx eyes looked for the source of the voice. They both looked down at Allison and Natsu went wide eyed.
"Pft, Pinky?" Gray untangled himself from his entanglement and began to snicker. Natsu shot him a glare.
"Shut it." He seethed under his breath, trying to keep his voice low for the sake of the four-year-old girl.
"Hi, Mr. Pinky!" Lucy was in fact surprised by the sudden eagerness in her daughter. She was all but shy when she had met their neighbor yesterday.
The frown was replaced by a grin as he kneeled down to her daughter's level and ruffled her hair. Allison puffed her cheeks in annoyance as he chuckled. A child she may had been, but Allison was still very much a young girl and her hair was very important to her.
"What up, squirt?" She crinkled her nose.
"You smell funny." Lucy went wide eyed at her comment and Gray burst into fits of laughter.
Natsu's eyes went blank as he registered her statement.
"Allison!"
The child played nativity, spearing confused by the words she spoke. Natsu then proceeded to laugh as he fell back against the floor of the diner, tears kissing his eyes as he wiped them away.
"What? He does!" The young blonde whined.
A stern look from Lucy was all it took to make Allison shift her gaze from the pink haired man to the floor. Guilt ridden and apologetic for her choice of words, the blue eyed child apologized for her offensive words.
"Ara, ara it's no big deal!" He stood up from his spot on the ground and went on eye level with Allison. "I do smell kind of funny, huh?"
"I really wish you wouldn't say that." The oldest blonde muttered as she put a hand to her forehead, releasing an exasperated sigh. But, it seemed like Natsu heard as he threw her an encouraging grin.
The grin caught her off guard and she found herself turning red and her cheeks burning. What was wrong with her? Sure, Gray Fullbuster had that mystery vibe with cool, edgy eyes. But there was something about that childish grin on Natsu's face, even if it was smeared in black…
Speaking of which, Lucy finally paid attention to detail and noticed that the smell emitting from Natsu was none other than that of a thick, melted paint and scorched fire that left a bitter tingle in her nostrils. His attracti - tanned – face was smeared in what she assumed was ash and one of his hands was bandaged.
Fire… He had a brush of death with fire.
Pyro…
"Lucy! Foods up!" Mira sang.
With all the commotion within the last few minutes, the blonde had almost forgotten that she and Allison had even ordered food. The grumbling in her stomach was a grave reminder of the starvation.
Her daughter cheered as she ran towards the bar stool and struggled to climb up onto the seat. But before Lucy could help her up, Natsu grabbed her by the waist and hauled her on the seat.
"Oh, cheeseburgers huh? Great choice! Sounds like something I would eat!" Natsu commented as Mira placed her food in front of her. The side of broccoli followed right after. The pink haired man crinkled his nose at the sight of the veggies.
"My mommy makes me eat vegetables… I don't think they are very good." Allison pouted as she pushed the broccoli away from her. A laugh ensued from the man smeared in black ash.
"I don't like vegetables either, but... let me tell you a secret." He reached down to her level again and Lucy shared a look with Gray, who smirked. "My dad made me eat lots of vegetables even though I didn't like them and I grew to be pretty strong."
"Really, Mr. Pinky?"
Oh for the love of…
But Natsu didn't seem bothered by the nickname as he grinned, giving her a thumbs up. "Yep! So listen to your mom when she tells ya to eat your veggies, alright squirt?"
She nodded her head in reply and looked towards her mother. Lucy smiled as she took a seat next to her daughter, mouthwatering from the delicious smell that arose from the burger. Allison dug into her meal and left the adults to their conversations.
"Er, I guess it's not too late to say hi!" Natsu took the seat next to her, that once belonged to Gray too.
She found herself laughing again. It had to be a record for how many times she found herself laughing this evening.
"Hi Natsu."
"Wait, you two know each other?" Gray stood behind the two as his eyes shifted between the two adults. Natsu grinned as he put a hand on Lucy's shoulder.
"We're neighbors. I just moved in across the hall." The blonde answered. The pink haired man merely nodded.
"So they finally filled in that vacant apartment… about time. Weird that a place like that was empty for so long." Gray commented and it left Lucy apprehensive.
Was there something wrong with the apartment she lived in? She hadn't noticed anything in the last two days. She made a mental note to check for any abnormalities tonight.
Natsu scoffed, glaring at his friend. "Don't scare her off, you idiot. No, Lucy! There ain't anything wrong with your apartment! It was just empty since I moved in a little over a year ago."
Apprehension was still playing in her eyes, but Natsu's bright grin somehow managed to rid of her anxiety about Gray's comment. It honestly freaked Lucy out how easy going this man's personality and demeanor was. She hadn't even talked to him for more than an hour and he had somehow put her at ease.
"Here you go, Natsu!" Mira had made her way back to the trio including her daughter and placed a plate full of food in front of Natsu. Natsu's eyes lit up like Allison's did on Christmas morning. If there was one thing they shared in common, it was their appetite.
"Thanks Mira!" And no second later, Natsu ravaged the food on the plate.
Slightly put off by his awful eating manners, Lucy turned away from Natsu and back towards her daughter. Of course all that was left was one mini cheese burger and her broccoli.
"You almost done, honey?" Allison smiled as she nodded.
"Yup! Mommy, when I'm done, can I go back outside and play on the playground again?" Lucy wanted to say no with the dark sky hanging over their heads, but those damn eyes!
"Once you finish your broccoli. But again, only where I can see you okay?" Allison nodded with a bright smile and proceeded to fish for the broccoli on the plate.
"Ah, looks like I gotta get going." Gray inserted himself as he reached in between Natsu and Lucy, grabbing his keys off the table. Natsu muttered something incoherent and Gray scowled, muttering another insult his way.
What gives anyway? Are these guy's friends or do they hate each other?
"It was nice meeting you, Lucy. Hopefully the idiot over here doesn't drive you insane and run you out of town." He offered a small smile, something she felt like Gray didn't do often. "Let me know if he causes you any trouble. I'll be sure to help you out."
Natsu shot a fierce glare, mouth full of food.
She giggled in response. "Likewise, Gray. And I think I can manage, but I'll keep that in mind."
Gray walked out of the restaurant after waving a quick goodbye to Mira and Natsu huffed.
"Good riddance. Stupid ice princess annoys the hell out of me anyway."
"What is it with you two, anyway?" Were they friends? Rivals? Sworn enemies?
"Oh, don't pay too much attention to it, Lucy." Mira said with a smile. She arched a brow. "Natsu and Gray have been like that since we were all kids. Even though they act like they hate each other, they are actually best friends."
That left her stunned as that was the last guess she would have had. Those two? Best friends? In what reality?
"Tch." Natsu replied. Mira shot him a knowing look.
"Mommy! I'm finished! Look! Look! Can I go now?" And surely enough, Allison had cleaned her plate. It still amazed her how much that child of hers could fit into that tiny body of hers.
"Sure, sweetheart. Remember, where I can see you!" But Allison was already off, finding her first friend on the playground.
"Kid's got spunk." Natsu said in between bites.
Was that a compliment?
"Umm, thanks?" He swallowed and offered a toothy grin.
"And you're not too bad yourself!" Jaw dropping, Lucy felt a heat rise in the back of her neck.
"And what's that supposed to mean!?" Oh Lucy, watch that temper of yours. Remember, you are an adult now. An adult with a child nonetheless.
He laughed. "Ara, ara! Nothing bad, Luigi!"
"My name is Lucy!"
A mischievous grin reached his lips almost knowingly. Was this his way of making friends? Because if it was, he could use some special lessons in manners!
"Natsu, stop teasing the poor girl. She's new to town!" The snow haired beauty gracefully made her way over and scolded him.
He pouted. "I know that! Her and the squirt moved in across the hall from me!"
Mira's eyes lit up. "Oh, is that so?"
"Yes. We met outside my door when Allison so rudely called him out because of the color of his hair. Which, I'm still really sorry about. I'm afraid she's developed no filter in her thoughts." Mira giggled and Natsu chuckled.
"Tellin' ya! Kids got spunk!"
"It's nothing that Natsu hasn't heard before, though. The color of his hair attracts a lot of attention."
"No kiddin'." He bristled as an annoyed frown settled. Lucy was sure that the ridicule he may have received as a child was probably a hardship. Especially being a boy and having pink hair? The nicknames must had been endless.
Check list item 1: Make sure Allison stops calling Natsu, 'Mr. Pinky.'
"I think you wear it rather well." Before Lucy could stop herself, the words rolled out like vomit. Her eyes went wide as a red hue appeared on her cheeks instantly. Natsu blushed instantly and Mira snickered.
"I mean! I have a few friends who have pink hair and they uh, they can't rock it all too well! I mean, they can, but it just doesn't look natural like it does on you?"
Oh wow, Lucy. What a blubbering idiot you are! She babbled like a school girl with a crush, which she certainly wasn't! There was an awkward air and Natsu coughed. She couldn't even look at him.
"Err, thanks!" Lucy looked back at him and he offered a smile while scratching the back of his head.
"Uh, yeah. You're welcome."
Silence ensued and Lucy cursed to herself. What an idiot! Her eyes trailed off towards the playground, spotting her daughters bright, blonde hair immediately. She was talking to another little girl who was wearing a cowboy hat and making the shapes of guns with her fingers. They seemed to be getting a long fine as they fell to the floor laughing.
"Was it a big fire?"
"Kind of. Nothing our unit couldn't handle though. Haru's smart ass went in with low oxygen though so we hand to get out of the building a lot quicker then we wanted too. He just had to double check the building was clear!"
"Natsu, that's quite hypocritical of you, isn't it? You have a tendency to jump in without thinking. It could possibly be something that he gathered from you."
Lucy caught the tail end of that conversation as she tuned back in. She had heard something along the lines of fighting fires and something about some dangerous tendencies. Somehow, that didn't surprise her too much.
"Are you a firefighter, Natsu?" Lucy asked when Mira stepped away, not wanting to be rude and interrupt the conversation. It explained the dark smudges on his cheek and the reeking smell of ash and the bitterness it left in her nose.
"Yep! For two years now!" His grin was filled with so much pride.
Speaking of jobs…
"Pretty dangerous, huh?" She eyed the bandaged hand that she hadn't noticed yesterday.
He chuckled with embarrassment as he reached for his hand and rubbed at it. "Yeah, it definitely can be. Fire is a very dangerous thing."
Lucy casted a look over towards the playground, finding Allison still with the young girl that was sporting the cowboys hat.
"Yet, here you are." She entertained and he smirked.
"We all have our own reasons for being here." His eyes danced with a light orange flame that almost seemed warm and collected.
Interesting as fire was uncontrollable and fierce. It ravaged all that it touched, leaving nothing but crippling ash and a bitter taste.
"Right…"
Reasons…
Lucy suddenly groaned as she realized her true reason for sitting at Fairy Diner in the first place. Right, job hunting was her sole reason for ending at this boisterous and lively place that had earned great rapport across the city of Magnolia.
"What is it?" Curious as he was, Lucy appreciated the concern in his voice. He sounded genuine in his ask of worry.
"I don't think you really want to hear my lamenting about the struggles of my current predicament." Brown eyes looked for blonde as she casted them towards the playground. Allison was found.
A toothy grin that he wore so well settled on his ashy face. "Try me."
Cheeky… Lucy thought to herself. What an enigma this Natsu Dragneel was. They hadn't even known one another a day and already he was keen on making his presence known. Was this the start of a friendship? She was lacking in the friendship department. Having some friends would do her well, especially in a city of this magnitude.
"As exciting as starting a new adventure may be, there are direct consequences. And fall backs that really hurdle the excitement of the journey." Natsu offered an ached eye brow as his initial response.
"Such as?"
"A job, Natsu. I can't possibly think to support Allison and myself on the savings I've put together in the last year. I need a sufficient income."
Opening his mouth, but no words to say, Natsu formed a thin line on his lips. A surly smile made way to the corners of Lucy's lips. Granted it had only been one day, but the urgency in this situation was precedent. She could not afford to be as irresponsible as she was in the past, especially with Allison relying on her for support and stability.
"A job, huh?" He scratched the back of his head, as if he was putting in some thought.
"You say you're looking for a job, Lucy?"
Said girl nearly jumped out of her skin as Mira's timely appearance scared her half to death. The waitress, who had disappeared for the conversation, had so conveniently made her way back to the duo.
Sighing, she nodded.
"Say, Mira? You know anywhere hiring?"
Was it wrong for Lucy to hope for something as Natsu posed the question. But hope was fickle as Mira shook her head. Well, so much for that.
"Wait… now that I think about it…"
Mira's words caught both hers and Natsu's attention as they shared a questioning glance.
A rather elated and euphoric smile had reached the pale lips of the snow haired beauty as blue eyes glossed over with a jubilant gleam. Normally, Lucy would be put off by such an extreme change in behavior. Smiles that expressive usually meant trouble from where she came from.
"Oh yes! It's perfect!" She clasped her hands together, tilting her head to the side as the smile grew wider than she thought possible. Even Natsu, who had apparently known her the entirety of their lives, was questioning her actions.
"What is, Mira?" Natsu voiced her questions.
"Lucy will work here at Fairy Diner!"
Jaws dropped to the counter as Mira squealed in delight.
"Lucy… working here?" Natsu repeating Mira's proposition made it seem like a dream almost.
Mira steeled herself in absolute as a furrow in her brows expressed her seriousness in the idea. "Of course! Heaven knows we could use the help! Between Kinana, Cana, the boys in the back, Laxus, and myself, we could use more hands to run this place."
Two fingers arose from Mira's hand and she winked. "It is a proposition that benefits us both. So what do you say, Lucy? Will you help us?"
Lucy didn't know what to say as her brown eyes shifted between Natsu and Mira. Her mouth was parted open slightly as she her mind moved through the advantages and disadvantages of this suddenly offered proposition.
"Hold on, Mira! Will Laxus be okay with this? I don't want him sending Lucy away just because you came up with the idea sporadically. I don't care if you're his wife, Laxus is a prick and does what he wants. I ain't letting you subject Lucy to that cruelty!"
Natsu's words left her stunned as she didn't know whether to be touched or suspicious of his sudden protectiveness with her.
Also, this Laxus character seemed like a real charmer…
"Oh hush you! I will deal with Laxus and that foul attitude of his. Don't you worry about his say. Besides, do you see him out here, catering to the needs of our guests?"
A blank stare and Mira huffed. "Exactly. Laxus knows to trust my better judgement. And my better judgement tells me that Lucy will be the perfect addition to our little family here at Fairy Diner!"
Family?
She admired Mira's confidence and he ability to be so sure of herself. It was something Lucy hoped to grow on as she didn't always have the utmost confidence in her decisions. Now that she was living and providing for two, her decisions were much more cautious.
Allison was still playing out in the playground, running around the obstacle course with her hands stretched out wide as the young child with the cowboy hat was reaching for her.
Lucy felt scrutinized under the gazes of her two new… friends? Would Natsu and Mira be considered friends? She did say she could use all the friends she could get. Her list of companions ended at one line.
"So Lucy? What do you think?"
She opened her mouth again, and it did seem like an appealing offer… It was close to their apartment and while the pay may have not been very much, taking money home every night through tips would be convenient. Paying the bills and providing for her daughter would come easier.
Speaking of Allison.
The weight of her hanging head felt heavy on her shoulders. Dejection hit her as her predicament with her daughter weighed on what would have been a rather easy decision.
"What is it, Lucy?" There was that over concern from the man that she had just met. Lucy wondered if it was in his personality and moral to be as concerned as he was for a mere stranger.
A sad smile and Lucy spoke. "I truly do appreciate the offer Mira. It is most kind of you to offer me a job on the spot without even looking into my credentials and experience."
"But, it's impossible for me to have a job as I don't have anyone to watch after Allison while I would be away at work. I don't have the means to pay for a babysitter or daycare at the moment. And she's still too young for school." Natsu frowned, crossing his arms in his seat. He looked whimsical almost, as if to find a solution to her problem.
Mira's eyes found Allison at the playground and then turned back to Lucy. Her eyes were unreadable as a thoughtful look crossed the shadows of her countenance. She narrowed her eyes slightly, tapping a finger to her chin.
But no sooner, the tapping at her chin stopped as her eyes glowed under the dim lighting of the drafty restaurant and a grin that rivaled her daughter's on Christmas unveiled.
"I have an idea!" Lucy leaned in, "Bring Allison with you!"
Umm, what?
Mira giggled as she saw through the confusion that overtook Lucy's demeanor. "Yes, you heard me correctly. Bring Allison with you!"
"To work?" The blonde asked, in a shocked whisper.
Which was followed by a strong nod. "Yes! We have a diverse group of employees here and I'm sure they can all help in the future! Most of our employees are rather good with children."
Natsu followed Mira's statement with a snort. "Do you not remember Cana's tendencies with Wendy? She practically scarred the poor girl! And one look at Laxus would send the kid screaming."
That wasn't quite promising.
A glower from Mira had Natsu quiet his tongue quickly.
"Ignoring Natsu's contest, yes, bring Allison! Obviously, it will be until you find yourself with enough money to provide a babysitter for her, but until then, you can bring her! She seems to be a fan of the playground and we have plenty of kids that come through Fairy Diner, even some regulars! She would make friends very quickly!"
The offer was tempting, Lucy thought. Though, Natsu's side tad bit about this Cana person made her wary. And this Laxus was revealing to be a more troublesome person than she hoped.
"Hey! I'm not saying I'm against it!" He argued, surprising Lucy. "I think it would be pretty damn awesome for her to work here! I just don't want you promising her anything without knowing in confidence that she will be given what you promised."
The heat crawled back to her cheeks and now the back of her neck.
"What I say goes. Laxus be damned." Such confidence. "So, what do you say, Lucy? Deal?"
To her left, Allison was running around the playground without a care in the world. Her kindness and strength proved to be her strongest traits so far in this journey they have encountered so early in her childhood.
To her right, the irony of the onyx colored eyes gleamed in anticipation. The warm fire that seemed so controlled danced with a sway as it burned to a brighter red. His zeal and charm uplifted his already vibrant personality and gave Lucy hope. It was strange to think, but this man with a carefree and rather reckless spirit had given her not only hope, but ignited that resilience in her.
And to the front of her, a gentle soul with kind, blue eyes that offered her, her first opportunity to make a living for not only herself and her daughter. She didn't think about it until now, but Mira's presence had made Lucy feel like home. She wasn't sure if it was the motherliness in her personality or the kindness she so easily gave, but it felt like home.
It was then that Lucy realized her answer.
"When do I start?"
A/N: Sheesh, this definitely wrote itself! This was definitely supposed to be a lot shorter than 17 pages, but with the content of the chapter, it warranted this length. Most chapters will definitely not be this long! I'm planning on making them 5-7 pages each. 10 my maximum.
This chapter was very much Lucy centric and delved into the thoughts of our favorite celestial mage! You're going to see a lot of back and forth between Natsu and Lucy, and eventually see POV's from other major characters that are taking a large role in this story. Though, it is mostly focused around Natsu and Lucy.
Anyway! Onto the chapter, Lucy has made her official introduction to the story. Like I said above, this chapter wrote itself. I really wanted to focus on the inner monologue of Lucy and her cryptic thoughts on the journey she was heading too. I really love the brotp of Gray and Lucy, hence why it took a significant part of the chapter up. That relationship is going to be important in this story, so if you're a fan like I am, more is to come! Of course NaLu will be the main pairing, but that doesn't discredit the other relationships I want to develop in this story.
I hope you are all liking Allison Heartfilia so far! In creating her character, I tried to balance the personality mostly on Lucy's part, but also incorporate some of her father's traits, despite him not being around. Why is he around? Well, I guess you will just have to find out, won't you? Are there guesses yet on who the father is? I'm curious to see if your minds are already thinking that far ahead!
More than anything though, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! The amount of support I have received so far is overwhelming and I hope I can continue to deliver in a way that is satisfying to you all. Please review as they encourage me to really write this story. Whether it's a comment, question, or just something you noticed, they are all appreciated!
Until next time!
Dark Waffle