Chapter 10- The Mission.

Lucy POV:

"I shouldn't have said that, sorry." I turn to leave

"Whoa, whoa, you can't just say something like that and leave?!"

"It's not like it affects you."

I bite out embarrassed

"It definitely affects me if I'm responsible!"

I didn't think it would turn out like this. Sure, Levy and I had the story set up. But I've mostly told him the truth already. Should I stick to our plan or some version of the truth?

I sigh "There was a problem with my lease renewal, the rent was doable. But without that job I'm screwed."

There, some version of the truth.

"And you don't have anyone who can help you out? What about your family?"

"My father's not supportive of my career choice.. asking him is pointless." I say honestly

His voice is truth serum.

"You don't think he'd help?" He frowns

"He's made it very clear he wouldn't."

"Why?"

"He thinks I should stop playing and come home to work for the family."

His jaw clenches.

I then see Levy coming around the corner.

"There you are! I was starting to get worried."

Her eyes dart to Natsu then me.

"Is everything okay here?"

I step back just realizing how close we really were.

"We were just on our way back to the table, right?"

"I'll be right there." He goes to the men's room

"Did he say anything to you? Are you really okay?"

"I'm fine, he just confronted me about kissing him back."

"Say what now?" Levy stops walking

"Don't worry he apologized, I think."

"Well I'd hope so. But why would he accuse you of kissing him back?"

I suddenly get very interested in my nails.

"Lucy..?"

"Did you kiss him back?"

"Well.."

"Lucy! You didn't even know him!"

"I was caught off guard! Plus he's an amazing kisser! Come on Levy, you've seen him! That man has it all!"

"Sometimes I worry for you Lucy. I didn't even know Natsu was your mystery kisser, but this might actually be perfect."

"Well it's been perfectly humiliating so far."

"Just, let me work my magic now Lucy." She winks

"That's exactly what I'm afraid of.."

We return to the table and Rogue looks annoyed. I assume it's because he's annoyed he can't hear the sound of his voice talk about himself.

Once I sit, I notice my meal gone.

"Did you have my meal packed up?"

"Packed up?" His nose twitches in disgust

I'm pretty sure he thinks leftovers are only for the dogs.

"Yes, Rogue. To take home."

"Why would you do that?"

"Because I hardly touched it."

"I thought you just didn't enjoy it."

He smiles at me then Levy like he's done nothing wrong.

I'm trying so hard to mask my annoyance.

"It's no problem Rogue." I give him a strained smile.

"Why don't we order dessert?" Levy suggests

"Are you sure you want to do that?" Rogue asks her

Oh hell no! If he's implying that Levy needs to watch what she's eating. Then he needs a huge wake up call, preferably a slap or punch..with brass knuckles..maybe below the belt? Yes, and I'd be more than happy to oblige.

Levy is stunning! She's a petite girl with a very fit body that she maintains with regular visits to the gym.

"Well I don't know about anyone else, but I'm really looking forward to dessert."

Natsu just saved his cousin from his doom.

Levy orders a chocolate cake and latte. Natsu orders a pumpkin pie with cinnamon spice coffee. I go for a tea and strawberry gelato. Rogue orders a black, no sugar expresso... like his heart.

"So Natsu, you fly out this weekend right?"

Here we go.. that's Levy's devious face on.

"I do, you're still fine with taking care of Happy and Sally."

"I just have to feed them, right?"

"And change Happy's litter a couple times a week." He says

Levy makes a face like the idea of changing litter is repulsive.

"I.. think I can do that."

"I also have a list of instructions that should help make it easier."

He's messing with his tie, a nervous habit perhaps?

"I'm sorry I'm asking you to do this but I can't use a professional pet sitter."

"And I just have to stop by a few times a week?"

"Well um, Happy needs some more attention than that.."

"What kind of attention? Should you come with me, in case I have a reaction or need help?" She turns to me

Although Levy maybe acting right now, she did have a dog before. They then found out she was allergic and never let her near it again.

"If you want me too?"

Levy should've been a actress with this performance.

"Lucy is great with animals! She could've been a vet!"

Totally untrue, I'm horrible with blood.

Natsu studies me for a moment then.

"Have you ever owned any pets?"

"Not since I moved to New York, but I grew up with ten of the oddest animals because of my mother."

He looks around and voice lowers "Was one of them an exceed?"

"You have an exceed?" I ask him

So much for a rabbit Levy, I give her a glance and she shrugs.

Luckily, I have taken care of an exceed, but it was due to my time working at an animal sanctuary, I loved it!

"Yes, I also have a salamander."

"Wow, those are unique."

"Are you afraid of amphibians?"

"Can't say I am."

I don't have a lot of experience with them, but I know I won't scream my lungs out when I see one.

"She's harmless, if you know how to treat her."

"I've never held one before."

"Well, we'll have to change that. Won't we?

He gives me a warm smile that makes my cheeks feel warmer.

"You're really okay with..unusual animals?" Rogue asks

"I wouldn't call them unusual they're just a little different. Besides I used to volunteer at an animal sanctuary when I was in high school, I've seen plenty."

"Really? How would that benefit your resumé?" Rogue asks

"I volunteered because I wanted to."

It also gave me something to do besides spend time at my fathers office.

"Lucy, how would you feel about taking care of Happy and Sally?"

"Happy's the exceed and Sally's the salamander huh." My smile forming.

Natsu's cheeks turn pink

"Yeah.."

"I can't wait to meet them!"

I'm not lieing either, I'm actually really excited about this and them!

"You know, it might be a good idea to have someone around them on a regular basis." He says

"I can alternate with Levy if you think that's better?"

"I was thinking a little more..involved?"

"Involved?"

"Well, you need a place to stay, and I need someone to take care of my pets."

Levy's plan really is working like magic!

"— So I think it's best to have someone there full time."

"What a great idea!" Levy claps

"You want to move Lucy into your apartment to take care of your pets?" Rogue asks in disbelief

"Would that be okay for you?"

Natsu asks me

ABSOLUTELY! YES!

"If you think that's best." I say calmly

"Extremely." He smiles again

"I'll be gone for five weeks, is that okay for you."

"Okay for me."

"It's settled then! You'll move in." He grins

Yes! Mission don't end up homeless: Complete

End of Chapter 10.