Leaning back into the tub, Lucy allowed the hot water to ease the tension in her body.
This was the first time she'd been her apartment in 4 weeks.
Team Natsu had just finished a particularly difficult mission and even after subtracting a portion for repairs, the reward money was grand. Lucy made enough money to cover a year of rent, yet she didn't feel as happy as one would expect.
Sinking further into the water, Lucy allowed the warm water to comfort her and her mind to drift. This was her temporary solace and haven away from the world's problems; only in the bath cradled by the warm waters was she left alone to her thoughts.
Lisanna had come back from Edolas five months prior, and outside of missions, Natsu and her were inseparable. Natsu was terrified to let her out of his sights, in fear of losing her again.
The duo spent much time together, the movies, shopping, fishing for happy. Beyond name, they were basically going on dates.
Natsu also stopped crashing by Lucy's apartment. It was only when he stopped visiting that Lucy had not only become accustomed to his constant presence, but came to terms with her heart.
She was madly in love with the fire dragon slayer.
At that, Lucy decided that she wouldn't dwell on the matter for now. She would only feel more depressed and lonely. The bath water had gone cold. Rising out of the water, she could feel droplets running down her back.
Lucy let out a shiver and pulled on a towel. The bathroom door opened and cool air swept over Lucy's skin.
The window in her bedroom was open and the night breeze was gently sweeping in the room. The bedroom lights were off but the moonlight shone into the room, illuminating the drawers and desk covered in scattered papers.
A small snore broke the silence and serenity in the room. Curled up in the middle of Lucy's bed was a small blue cat. His tail flickered slightly in his sleep and his ears twitched as if irritated by some dust.
"Lushi..." The small cat half sleepily whined. Lucy felt her heart warm at the sight and a smile slipped on her face.
The small cat always managed worm his way into people's hearts. Albeit sometimes slightly demanding and playful, Happy was so innocent and very much still a child.
Despite the fact Natsu had stopped staying over, Happy had decided Lucy's bed and arms were more comfortable than anything Natsu could offer.
The small blue feline continued to visit nightly. He wouldn't know but he helped ease the loneliness in Lucy's heart.
After putting on some PJs, Lucy crawled under the covers. Not forgetting about the small exceed curled in her bed, she lifted him and cradled him in her arms.
Happy let out a small content purr. Cuddling, the two allowed the lull of sleep to wash over her.
The next day, the sound of boisterous laughter resonated throughout the whole guild. This was a typical day at fairy tail.
At the bar, Happy continued his attempts to woo Charle with fish. Erza demanded plate after plate of strawberry cakes. With the extra reward money, she had either decided to indulge herself or she was seeking a high-blood sugar induced craze.
Lucy sat at a table with Levy while discussing a newly released novel. Nearby were Gajeel, Pantherlily, Gray, and Juvia surprisingly having a normal conversation.
The guild was operating at normal, yet something was lacking.
Suddenly, the guild doors slammed open. Nastu bursted in with a grin dragging a shy and hesitant Lisanna behind him.
"Everyone! Shut up and listen. I have good news!"
"It better be worth disrupting everyone in the guild for, Flamehead." Gray irritatedly groaned.
"Lisanna and I are now officially dating!"
Upon hearing this news, Mira fainted in happiness.
"I didn't know you had it in you Natsu!" Erza enthusiastically expressed her approval and hugged Natsu to her metal chest armor, effectively gifting him a concussion.
"My boy is all grown up!" Macao exclaimed with a glass of beer in hand.
Screamed of shock followed by support echoed the guild halls with the exception of the table Lucy was at.
Gajeel raised an eyebrow and wondered out loud. "Does Flamehead even understand what dating means?"
"Of course I do! It means spending time with someone important to me!"
Gajeel narrowed his eyes. His intuition was telling him something was not quite right but stayed silent.
At the corner of the room, Lucy quietly sat in silent shock. She should have known this was coming, yet nothing could prepare for when it actually happened. She felt as if razors were slowly sawing at chest and her whole body tensed with emotion threatening to burst out that was held back by a small thin thread.
Her heart ached, yet she couldn't say anything. While anger and happiness always easily flowed out, yet sadness was never quite comfortably expressed. Whenever she felt sad, Lucy always found a corner to cry alone. Furthermore, Natsu was her best friend. She couldn't ruin this for him. Lucy knew all along that she was just a temporary replacement to Natsu. She was there to fill the loneliness until he truly found someone better.
Silently, Lucy excused herself out of the guild. Hiding back the feelings of heartbreak was not easy even if it was an expected outcome. She knew all along this day was going to come.
The moon shone high up in the sky with clouds or stars nowhere in sight. Lucy's walk home that night was especially lonely and sad.