Back at home, Lucy debated where to place a book the size of her arm. Knowing how much it meant to Levy, she figured she should keep it out of Natsu's reach. But where the hell could Natsu not get to?

"LUCY!"

Speak of the devil.

"You know," Lucy said, still looking for a safe spot for the novel. "I'm not really surprised by your visits anymore. So no, that didn't scare me."

"Oh c'mon." Natsu pouted, his voice just behind her. "I thought it was scary."

"Good to know the almighty Salamander is scared of himself."

"If I wasn't me, and I saw me, I'd be scared of me, too."

"That might be the least intelligent thing I've ever heard you say." Lucy finally turned around, opting to leave the book on the coffee table.

"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm super-extra smart." Case in point. Natsu smiled at her, and Lucy couldn't find it in herself to stay mad at him. She sighed, walking around him to grab some pajamas from her dresser.

"So what brings you to my humble home at 11:30 pm?" She held up an oversized t-shirt with the words I SURVIVED THE MAGIC GAMES written on it in bold green letters. She didn't remember getting it, but decided to wear it nonetheless.

"I dunno. Felt like it."

This was not a new response. "Are you staying here tonight?" She knew the answer before he even said it.

"Yup."

"Go get your pjs- they're in the bathroom cabinet like usual. And your toothbrush is next to the sink in your red mug."

"Gotcha."

And he padded off to the bathroom, a swing in his step. Lucy lifted her tank-top off, sliding into the green shirt.

When Natsu returned, clad in his sweatpants and Puff the Magic Dragon tank (she would never let him live that down), he gave her an amused look.

"What? Is there something in my hair?" She asked, patting her head.

Natsu chuckled, pointing to her chest. "Nothin', just that that's my shirt you're wearing."

Lucy's cheeks flamed. "How the hell did it end up in my wardrobe?!"

Natsu flopped onto her bed. "Not sure. Maybe you put them into the same wash by accident? You're pretty clumsy, so it'd make sense."

Lucy strode over to stare down at him, her eyebrows raised, cheeks still dusted pink. "Says the boy who destroys everything he touches."

Natsu reached up to boop her nose, giving her a toothy grin. "Not everything."

There was a pause in which Lucy contemplated whether she found him incredibly annoying, or utterly adorable. Currently she was leaning towards the latter.

She clutched her heart and sighed dramatically, falling onto the mattress with a thump.

"Ah! You've hurt me! You're so clumsy!"

Natsu giggled and sat up on his elbows. "You're dumb."

"Nice comeback."

"The best."

She ruffled his hair, always surprised at how soft it was. "You're an idiot," she sighed, scratching his head. He hummed contently, nudging his head into her palm. Lucy thought back to the book. Maybe he didn't act like a dragon, but he often resembled a puppy. Puppy-slayer. The thought made her giggle.

"Weirdo."

She retracted her hand, smirking. "Then no more head-scratches for you." After shuffling under the covers, she heard a whine.

"But Luuuuucy-! Pleeeeease?"

Definitely a puppy.