Author's note: I am currently working on other stories, so updates will be sporadic for anything other than The Meaning of Family. Hope you all like this chapter. :3

Chapter 2

Leftovers

(Lucy pov)

I awoke to the dull ache of my body. I rolled over and groaned as my skin throbbed in pain. It took me a second to orientate myself. That's right. Sunday morning. I was at the club all night. Today is a day for healing and pampering. I pulled Virgo's Key from my Key ring and called her name. She appeared with a bag in her hand, brimming with special creams and lotions to speed up my healing and better my skin. I got up from bed and stripped to my birthday suit. I started a nice, hot bath. I took a jar out of the bag and sprinkled a small amount of the vanilla scented crystals. I slipped into the tub and moaned as my muscles relaxed deliciously. I washed my hair with strawberry shampoo and conditioner. I washed my skin with almond sugar scrub and simply soaked until the water grew too tepid.

Virgo helped me out and handed me two warmed towels. I dried off and prepared for the weekly skin treatment. Virgo proceeded to slather my skin in Celestial concoctions that would heal my bruises in a matter of minutes. I was grateful for Fairy Tail's newest party. Knowing my Team, they'll either be splayed out on the Guild floor with a killer hangover or they'll be bashing a few heads in for daring to do so. This gives me the time I need for revitalization without questions about where I got my injuries from. The last thing I need is three powerhouses roaming the streets and sniffing out those who touched me. Natsu would have no problem there. No telling what my fire-breathing partner would do to the poor sods.

Cancer was putting a wonderful leave-in conditioner in my hair when my window slid open. A small blue cat flew in followed by the larger form of his 'father'. Natsu shut the window behind him and flung himself onto my bed. "Hi Luce! Can we hide here for awhile? Erza is super scary today."

"No."

He and Happy frowned. He pulled something out of the cat's bag. "We brought the new Weekly Sorcerer from your mailbox."

"Make yourselves at home."

Natsu grinned and tossed the slightly crinkled magazine and made his way to the kitchen. I flipped through the pages, skipping over the quizzes and articles to get to the good stuff. My photos. I had done two other photo shoots for Weekly Sorcerer, but this one is extra special. This is not just a simple Q & A article. I am the number one bachelorette in Fairy Tail. Next month, when the votes were tallied, I would know if I was one of the top five bachelorettes in Fiore. I am practically bouncing in my seat with excitement to see my pictures.

I was not disappointed.

I looked gorgeous!

Genine made me look like a goddess. This first set of pictures were of the cream-colored ball gown. I looked like a lonely princess, locked away in a tower. The beach scene was perfect. My skin looked flawless (it is) and my blush was toned down to make me look cute. The last picture was an interesting mixture of sexy and innocent. All in all, I mentally praised Genine for her flawless pictures and eye for detail.

Then came the pairings.

Erza and Juvia's pictures with all three men looked good. It showed them to be their equals, if not more powerful. The only picture that showed any hint of romance was Juvia and Gray's picture. Both wore whites, blues and purples that showcased the nature of their power. Juvia had a beautiful blush on her face as Gray held her close to his chest, clothed for once. Juvia's picture with Gajeel flaunted their friendship that stemmed from their first Guild, Phantom Lord. While Gray and Gajeel's photos with Juvia were sweet, her rivalry with Laxus all but radiated off the page. The way she glared at him left no questions that she still blamed him for his ill-fated plan to take over Fairy Tail. Laxus showed no emotion, but I could see the regret in his eyes.

Then there's my photo spread.

My pairings with the top three bachelors of Fairy Tail were sexy and provocative. They suggested an underlying relationship where there was none. Gray's was probably the most tame. Our friendship was obvious, but she used the pictures of us hugging. It almost looked like there could be more than just companionship. I prayed that Juvia would be too pleased with her photo spread with Gray to pay ours any mind. My photos with Gajeel were… dark. Captivity came to mind as I stared at the way Gajeel held the chain attached to my cuffs in one hand and had the other planted on the curve of my waist. His teeth, bared in a grin, were very close to my neck. I remember sitting on his lap and the burning sensation of the blush they had edited out somehow. It looked like he was claiming a possession, asserting his dominance over his treasure.

Nothing prepared me for Laxus.

My spread with the Lightning Dragon Slayer went beyond provocative. This was clothed porn! My face heated as the image burned itself into my brain. The last photo we took together seemed to be the star. My blush was toned down from a blazing scarlet to soft pink. Laxus and I looked like lovers caught in the act of foreplay and I didn't like it. Mira hounded me enough. This will provide her a new OTP and ammunition for her endless teasing. I loved Mira like a sister, I truly do, but she is more excited about my love life than I am! Or lack of one, I should say. I think it's because she said I work well with everyone so she can't help but picture me with multiple men. At the same time.

A loud bang came from the kitchen. "Natsu? Is everything okay in there?"

"Yeah. We're good!"

Something told me they weren't. "What are you two doing?"

Silence. "Nothing."

"If I get up and walk into my own kitchen, will I scream?"

"No."

"Are you lying?"

"... No."

'Can I catch a fucking break?' "I'm going to finish my magazine. When I finish and get up to eat my breakfast, my kitchen had better be spotless."

"Gotcha'!"

I picked up a pen and turned back to the featured quiz, 'What does the opposite sex love about you?' I answered the questions and tallied my answers. "'Your personality! Though you're easy on the eyes, it's your sunny disposition that keeps their attention. You're always positive and a very generous. You a keeper and everyone knows it.'"

I smiled sadly at the ridiculous result and flipped to the exercise section. The words started to blur as I thought of my standing with men. They didn't view me as a keeper. I was just a piece of eye candy. If I was so special then I wouldn't be single. I bit back the tears that burned the back of my eyes. Please. I know what everyone thinks of me. I know because I hear the whispers they try and fail to hide.

I am weak.

To my friends and family, I am the weak link in Team Natsu. I wouldn't get kidnapped or beaten down so many fucking times if I wasn't! To my friends and family, and all of Fiore, I am a pathetic excuse for a Mage. A snooty, little heiress playing dress-up is what the world saw me as. Fairy Tail might say otherwise, but I know what they really think.

If they knew about my secret weekends, what would they think of me then?

I scoffed. Probably think me an attention-seeking whore. A little wannabe that was pretending to be something she wasn't.

Whatever.

Who gives a shit about what they think?

Not me.

Because they won't have anything to think about.

It's my secret! My passtime. My hobby besides writing. This is something that I love and I refuse to let my family soil it with their whispers and condescending looks.

I love my family. I really do. But they would trample all over my sanctuary if they ever found out. They would crush it and scold me for doing such things.

I would lose my escape.

"Lucy! Breakfast is ready!"

I snapped out of my thoughts and set the magazine down. "Coming."

I sprinted through the giant Hall, dodging fists and projectiles. I reached my destination and sank into it with a heavy sigh. "Strawberry milkshake and breakfast."

Mira giggled, "Are you okay, Lucy? You look a little green."

I grimaced, "Natsu and Happy made me breakfast this morning. I need a milkshake to wash away the taste of fish pancakes."

"Aw, poor baby. Give me a second to whip that up and I'll start on your breakfast." In no time at all, a fresh strawberry milkshake was in front of me and Mira was in the kitchen. I happily sucked down the dairy treat, washing away the horrid aftertaste of failure in the form of fish-flavored burnt pancakes. I had gone through the entire milkshake when Mira emerged with a plate of pancakes. Chocolate chips, whipped cream, with a strawberry flower resting on top. I scarfed it down as quick as I could, hoping to keep myself from hurting best friend's feelings. I had popped the last bit of delicious pancake in my mouth when a hot arm fell on my shoulder. "Het, Luce! I found us a mission! Let's go right now!"

I plucked the paper from his other hand and read through the request. It was a simple mission to escort a Lady to her wedding and serve as her bodyguards for the party. The trip would take three days, but the train ride to the town would take a day in and of itself. Two more days for the party and then the ride back. We'd be gone all week, but I'd be back by Saturday. "Yeah, this sounds good. Is it just us, or is Team Natsu handling this one?"

Gray popped up on my free side. "Me and Erza are coming as well. This woman seems pretty important. And the reward is high."

"Awesome. Let's go pack and meet up at the station in twenty minutes."

Gray nodded and went to fetch Erza. I paid my tab and summoned Plue to walk me home. Natsu and Happy followed diligently.

"Hey Luce! Guess what!"

I balanced on the ledge of the canal. "What is it, Natsu?"

"Sting and Rogue will be coming here on Friday and they'll be staying here all weekend! Us Dragon Slayers are gonna have a get together and talk about our dads and stuff we've learned."

I waved off the boatmen's warnings. "Ah, trading secrets, are we?"

He nodded excitedly. "Even Orga is coming to talk with Laxus!"

"That's great, Natsu. So what, are you going to teach the boys some new tricks?"

"Yeah, and hopefully they can teach me a thing or two. Sting also said something about a rematch! I wish you could come and watch me kick his ass again, but we are going to be talking about Dragon Slayer stuff. It's top secret and I can't tell you."

"That's alright, Natsu. I understand. Just have fun, okay?"

He followed me into my apartment and collapsed in my bed. "Hey Luce, what are you going to do Saturday? Are you going to hang out with Erza?"

I began packing a suitcase for the trip. "No, I'll just stay in and work on my novel."

"Are you sure, Luce? I don't want you to get lonely."

I smiled warmly at my partner. "Don't worry about me, Natsu. I always stay in and pamper myself on weekends. Now go get your bag!"

Natsu snapped to attention. "Aye, sir!" He jumped out the open window and took off towards his house. I giggled at their antics and ran a hand through my hair. It's softness made me grin. "Thank you, Cancer. Beautiful job as usual."

The Crab Spirit poofed into my room. "Thanks, baby." His sunglasses glinted in the light. "Hey, baby…"

"Yes, Cancer?"

"I think you should cool it with the club. Me and the others are really worried about you. I know you love it, but you're friends are bound to find out at some point. What would they say?"

I began searching through my closet for a suitable outfit for a wedding. When I couldn't find one, I made a mental note to talk to Virgo. "Tell Loke to calm down. No one is going to find out. For one, I only go on Saturday nights. Usually the Guild is too busy getting drunk to pay attention to my where abouts, especially when they think I'm home alone writing my book. Secondly, nobody goes there. Even if they did, I wear my hair up in a bun and wear a mask and I don't speak at all except when I'm singing. No one in the Guild has heard me sing. I think my secret is safe. Unless a Dragon Slayer were to show up and sniff me out, no one will even know that Lucy Heartfilia is there."

Loke appeared next to Cancer. "Lucy! Please, just find another hobby. I'll settle for anything at this point!"

"Loke, I love my weekends. I love going there once a week and releasing all my pent up frustration at Team Natsu. I'm not going to stop simply because you don't like it."

"It's dangerous!"

I shot a glare at the Spirit. "And so is walking on the ledge of the canal! I don't see you complaining about that!"

"That's because it makes you smile and I know I can save you if you fall."

"Exactly! The club makes me happy, Loke. And ever since day one, you've been accompanying me there. You are there to help me if anything goes wrong. Even if you know I can deal with the situation." Loke huffed and crossed his arms. "Loke, this is good for me. I've learned a lot of things there that I can use on missions. I may have to come up with an excuse when my Team asks about it, but they'll believe what I tell them. Please don't ask me to give up something that I love."

Loke sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "Alright, Lucy. I won't get in the way, but I will continue to join you everything Saturday to keep you safe."

"Thank you, Loke."

"Be careful, you heathen! Haven't you ever handled designer luggage?"

Gray, Natsu, and even Erza were ready to strangle the stick-thin heiress. She was just like every other aristocrat I've met. Unfortunately, she recognized me from many years ago and took that as an invitation to talk shit about my 'vulgar' Team mates and babble on about insignificant crap and superfluous bullshit. It's been a while, but I'm used to this. I've lost count of the hours I spent with a gaggle of girls dressed in expensive, itchy dresses, talking about rich bachelors and how to sink their claws into them.

We were sitting in a carriage, two days into our trip, when the anticipated attack came. Team Natsu, the overprotective friends that they are, ordered me to remain with Rowena. I wasn't surprised, but it's extremely frustrating being restricted to the sidelines when I had skills to offer. Rowena and I watched as the large group of bandits were taken down and tied to a tree. We continued on our way, with me feeling a little less peppy.

Finally, after a long night of complaints about wildlife and nature plus several hours of travel, we reached her fiance's mansion. Terrance greeted us with haughty disdain. That was until his eyes landed on me. His mood shifted dramatically and he became much more hospitable. He led us throughout his mansion, pointing out the pricey paintings and statues. He showed us our rooms, four separate ones with me in the farthest suite. Apparently, all the other rooms were reserved and heavens forbid we share a room.

Team Natsu convened in my room and discussed the plan for the wedding and the unplanned bachelor/bachelorette party. This put me in a rather bad mood. Hopefully, I'd be back home before it gets too late. I know Natsu was looking forward to his Slayer party. I suggested we leave after the marriage was final. The others seemed okay with the idea. We'd be back home by Friday evening.

And so commenced the festivities. I assisted with the decorations all to Rowena's liking whole Erza directed the workers. Last I heard, Natsu and Gray were coordinating with security for the love birds' utmost safety.

Finally, we all went to bed after a delicious dinner with less than desirable company. I had to endure Terrance and his boasting. If it weren't for the large sum of jewels I'll be getting after the wedding and Natsu's bright smile, I would have jumped over the table and strangled the pompous peacock. Then beat his oblivious wife-to-be with his rotting corpse. Did I mention I hate the upper class?

It felt as if I had been asleep for a mere hour when the lights were flipped on and my nice, warm, cozy blanket was ripped off. "Good morning, Lucy! It's time for the bachelorette party!"

I bit back a growl and crawled off the soft cloud.

Erza was ordered to patrol the grounds with the rest of Team Natsu while I was sentenced to join the women.

How I wish I could have joined my friends.

From the very beginning, Rowena's so called friends bad mouthed the employees that worked hard to keep them happy. Since I was born into this life, they included me in their conversation and asked questions about my childhood. Due to my heiress training, I managed to at least appear as if I didn't want to bash their ribcages in with the golden busts of Terrance's ancestors and several heroes of legend. They gasped when I mentioned my prior engagement to Aaron Chrysthia. "You were engaged to Lord Chrysthia? He is so handsome and his family is filthy rich, second only to the King! Third to the Heartfilia Konzern before it was bought out from under Jude, no offense. Why would you ever run away from a match like that?"

I sipped my margarita, hoping that there was enough alcohol to get me through the damn party. "I prefer the life I have now. Much better than it would have been if I had married that stuck up prick. I enjoy my freedom."

"How could anyone enjoy being a Guild Mage? You have to travel all over Fiore and fight those vile Dark Guilds. How is that in any way more appealing than being the wife of that hunk?"

I nearly laughed at their description of such a man. "A fight against the Dragon Twins is more appealing than a marriage with Chrysthia. I'd rather have Orga go all out on me than tie myself to a man I do not love."

One of the bridesmaids squealed at the Lightning God Slayer's name. "Oh my god, you've met him?! I'd do anything just to touch him! What's he like?"

"Arrogant and crude. However, he is quite charming when he talks about his music. The way his face lights up when listens to his favorite band is kind of adorable. Don't tell anyone I said that. It will get back to him and he'll kill me."

The maid of honor, a spiteful bitch, eyed me over her glass of overly expensive champagne. "So Lucy, do you fancy any of your fellow Mages? It sounds to me like you have a soft spot for the God Slayer. Do you have a thing for uneducated heathens like that… darling partner of yours? What was his name again?"

"His name is Natsu, and I would appreciate it if you didn't speak so callously about my friend. He has saved my life several times over in the time we've been together and he is worth more than a thousand of you." Unfortunately, that was all I could say against the Lady's 'friends' without losing reward money or worse. I still took pleasure in the dumbfounded look on her too-narrow face.

"Together? So you and Natsu are a couple!"

I blushed and shook my head. "No, of course we aren't together like that! He's just my best friend! That's all!"

Another bridesmaid lept into the conversation. "Really? Weekly Sorcerer claims that you two are together so often that there has to be something going on."

Rowena added her two cents and started my personal Armageddon with two simple questions. "So who are you interested in, Lucy? As the commoners say, what is your type?"

All eyes were on me and the attention was starting to wear on my nerves. The girls were eerily silent as they waited for my answer. I gulped and hoped that my voice would come out smooth and confident. "Well, I never really thought of it. I'm much too busy to worry over boys and nonsense like that."

Rowena giggled and thumbed her glass. "Oh come now, Lucy. There must be someone that has caught your eye."

"Yes yes! You did speak quite fondly of Orga. Is it possible that you enjoy the company of large, cocky men?"

The women began to gossip behind their glasses and fans about my nonexistent love life. They were just as bad as Mira! "No! I don't like him at all! Fairy Tail and Sabertooth has never really got along and even if I did like him, there's no way my family would let me date him!"

"So you do like him?"

My face grew hotter with every passing second. "No, I don't like him!"

"Why? Is it because he's too muscular?"

My lady bits tingled at the memory of Orga's ripped form. After making a comment about his impressive physique, he grabbed my wrist and ran my hands over his abdomen. The feeling of his smooth, hard flesh was forever etched into my mind. "N-No, I love a well-built man…"

"Do you prefer a clean cut man like me?"

I shuddered as my mind recalled the photoshoot with Laxus and the mouthwatering scruff that lined his jaw. "Actually, I find myself drawn to rugged men."

"Is arrogance a turn off for you?"

Warmth flooded my veins as I pictured Gajeel's confidence. He came off as cocky, but he definitely has the skill to back it up. "Cockiness can be very sexy as long as it's not misplaced. Take a look at Laxus for example. He is the quintessence of arrogant, but he has earned it through years of training. If you were to challenge him to a fight, he would utterly destroy his opponent without breaking a sweat."

"So you like Laxus?"

I choked on the icy alcohol at Rowena's excited question. I was saved by a knock on the door. A maid let in a group of very good looking men. Rowena's maid of honor smirked and stood to introduce the strangers. "Rowena, you only get married for the first time once." The girls snickered while I glared at her in disgust. "To make this your best bachelorette party ever, I have hired the best male entertainers I could find."

One of the men, a drop-dead gorgeous blond, peered at me with his calculative blue-green eyes. Those bright orbs brightened in recognition. "Hey, I know you! You're Lucy Heartfilia!"

Just like that, I was surrounded by male strippers. Each one was either stroking some part of my body or asking questions about my life and magic. When a black haired stud got a little too frisky, I jumped from my cushioned seat. "I'm going to check on Erza and the others. Makes sure that everything is going according to plan. Don't wait up!"

I booked it out of there as if Mira wanted to talk about my future wedding to one of the suitors she picked out for me. I greeted those I disturbed in my rush to get as far from the party as I could. I sprinted through the endless halls until I spotted the familiar head of scarlet red hair.

"Lucy? What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be with the women?"

I gripped her shoulders and stared desperately into her eyes. "Take my place!"

Erza blinked. "What?"

"Please take my place in that party! I can't take much more of the giggling and the gossiping and the endless questions! I swear I'll be your slave for a month if you sit in on the girls!"

The S-Class Mage nodded. "Alright, Lucy. Just keep patrolling the perimeter. If you see anything, ring the alarm and wait for backup. Do not face an unknown opponent by yourself."

Any trace of my good mood faded. My shoulders fell with the weight of all my failures. "Right… don't worry. I promise I'll be careful."

Erza have me a hard part on the back and started for Rowena's room. I gathered all my sadness and self-loathing in the pit of my stomach and breathed it all out. Honestly Lucy! You know what they think of you! Why are you so surprised?

Still, knowing what my own family thought of me… it hurt like hell. I don't think anything will ever make the pain go away. The only thing that comes close to numbing the pain is my weekends. Nothing like physical pain to block the emotional kind.

I resumed Erza's job and began walking around the building. I kept both hands on my Keys and whip. After an hour of eventless walking, I began to relax. I still maintained complete alertness, but I allowed myself to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Say what you will, aristocrats are elegant in their designs of their home. Some go overboard and flaunt their wealth while others are more classical in their interior and exterior design. Though Terrance was an ass, his gardens were perfect. There was a lovely stone patio overlooking a stunning hedge maze. I remember my mother leading me through a maze like this. We would pack a picnic and get lost for hours. My mother always told me that a hedge maze was the perfect place to meet with a lover. I never understood what she meant, but getting lost in a hedge maze with the one is on my bucket list. It most likely won't happen, but I could dream.

The day came to an end and Team Natsu was sent to bed. We convened in my room once more to go over battle plans for the wedding. The perfect time for an attack would be during the ceremony beforethemarriage was official and the document signed. Erza and I would remain in the building and keep an eye on the guests while Natsu and Gray would patrol the perimeter with the rest of the divided security not occupying the first ballroom. After our plan was firmly set, we went to bed.

From the very second we got up to the actual wedding, the mansion was in a state of chaos. The ballrooms were finished and decorations perfected. Erza never lost her can demeanor, ordering about the staff in charge of set up. The same could not be said for everyone else. The maids and servants were completely frazzled and rushed to fulfill the demands of the guests they'd been ordered to serve. No one was more frazzled than the bride herself. I was condemned to watch over her while she and the bridesmaids got ready. I was radiating murderous intent, seriously thinking about ways to kill and hide the bodies of these chatting tramps, by the time the head butler peeked in and said every bride's most dreaded and anticipated words.

"Show time, ladies!"

Rowena's bridesmaids left to line up, leaving poor Rowena in my care. For that, I shall kill them. Kill them with fire. And sticks. And fiery sticks. "Relax, Rowena. You'll smudge your makeup."

She sniffled. "Oh Lucy, tell me that everything will go perfectly. Tell me that this will be the greatest day of my life."

I kneeled in front of the curled up woman. "I can't say that because I don't know what the future will bring. My mother once told me that the best day of a woman's life is not the ceremony that binds her to the man of her dreams, but bringing a new life into this world. Before my mom died, she looked me in the eyes and said that I was her greatest treasure. Though I cannot promise that this day will be the one you hold closest to your heart, but I can promise you that your wedding day will be perfect. I swear."

Rowena choked out a laugh and threw her arms around me. "Thank you, Lucy."

"Think nothing of it, my Lady. Now get up. It's almost time." I patted her back and helped her to her feet. She dried away any spare tears with a silk handkerchief. She offered me a watery smile and looped an arm through mine.

"You will make a good bride to a very lucky man one day."

I snorted in disbelief. "That insinuates that a man wants me for the rest of his life."

Rowena clung to me as we neared the ballroom. "For one so wise, you can be rather blind. I'm sure several men are vying for your attentions and you don't even notice. I wonder how many hearts you have broken with your obliviousness."

I scoffed at her ridiculous claim and handed the bride to her father. He was a handsome man, if a little aged. He looked happy for his daughter and that's all that really mattered to me. I envied her a little for having a loving father, but I can't change the past. Well I could, but it could kill me so that was off the table. Besides, I have Fairy Tail now. Sure, they aren't fancy or well educated, and their manners definitely left more to be desired, but they love me. If need be, they would lay down their lives down to save mine just as I'd do for them. Even if I am the weakest link.

I watched the doors and windows throughout the ceremony, scanning the area for any intruders. Virgo and Capricorn kept their sharp gazes on the guests. If anyone made a move to harm a single person here, they would eliminate the threat. Thankfully, everything went off without a hitch and Rowena was a happy woman. We collected our reward, plus the lacrima 'numbers' for the male entertainers (just for me. Aren't I a lucky one?), and we were off.

None of us relaxed until we had settled on the train.

"Ugh! Man, that was the boring mission we have ever taken!"

I giggled at Gray's groan of annoyance. "I wouldn't say that. Remember that request in Clover?"

The Ice Mage shuddered. "Don't remind me. Okay, this was the second most boring mission we have ever taken."

Natsu moaned in agreement.

"Alright, here are your cuts. I also want to say how proud I am off you all. You all behaved and we received the full reward. I'll be sure to tell Master Makarov of our job well done."

I grinned mischievously. "I wonder how he'll react to the news."

Gray cackled. "He'll probably cage us and demand we tell him where the real Team Natsu is and what we've done with them."

I stuck my tongue out at my close friend. "He'll lock you three in a cage! I don't wreak havoc everywhere I go like the rest of you."

Gray and I began to banter while Erza looked on in amusement and Natsu moaned in nausea. The argument turned to reminiscing on old missions. Erza talked about an S-Class mission she was planning on taking for me. The reward came with an unknown Silver Key and she knew how much I loved to make new friends. Finally, we reached Magnolia and ate lunch together before heading back to the Guild. Of course Natsu made his trademark entrance.

"We're home!"

We were greeted with cheers and questions about the mission. I abandoned the boys to complain about the lack of action and watched as Erza climbed up the stairs to give a detailed to report to Master Makarov. I took my usual bar stool and ordered a strawberry milkshake.

"Hello Lucy. How did the mission go?"

I beamed with pride. "We got the whole reward! No destruction whatsoever!"

"Wow! This deserves a celebration! How about you try one of my new drinks? On the house."

I perked up. It wasn't common knowledge that I loved good alcohol. "Yeah, I heard you were taking bar tending classes. Alright. Show me what you've got!" Not too much though. I don't want to have a killer hangover weighing me down tomorrow.

Mira smiled and pulled out a small glass. She poured a series of drinks into the cup and set it in front of me. "This is a really sweet one. I think you'll like it."

I kept the smile on my face through sheer will alone. "What's it called?"

"Angel's tit."

I nearly spat out the drink in surprise. Mira giggled as I choked down the drink. "Wow, that was really sweet. A little too sweet for my taste, but it was good."

Mira set another in front of me. "How about this one?"

"What's it called?"

Mira's grin darkened. "Screaming Orgasm."

"Thank you. Just wanted to get that out of the way before I go putting it in my mouth." I picked it up and slammed it back. Sweet coffee lingered on my tongue while the burn of vodka was noticeably present in my throat. "Oh, I like this one. I demand another Screaming Orgasm!"

"Name the time, place, and how many you want."

I swiveled on my stool to greet the familiar Iron Slayer. "Hi Gajeel. How about fuck you o'clock at the 'you couldn't if you tried' hotel at the corner of 'I'm not impressed' and 'you have a needle dick'."

The Iron Slayer backed away. "That's cold, Bunny."

Gray saddled up beside him. "You should see how she treated the male strippers that were hitting on her before we left."

Cana slid across the bar. "Did you get their numbers?"

I rolled my eyes and pulled the wads of paper from my backpack. "Have fun."

Cana grinned mischievously. "I'm so going to call them and say that you need a good time."

"You wouldn't!" I hissed at the Card Mage. She cackled evilly and returned to her barrel. I shouldered my pack and paid my tab. "Whatever. Tomorrow is Saturday and I don't want to deal with this bullshit. If you need me, don't."

Mira collected the stray cups along the counter. "Working on your novel?"

"You know it." I called over my shoulder. After a very close call with Natsu not long after I started my weekends at the club, I quickly established a strict me-time in the Guild. Everyone now knew that to disturb me Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings would end in swift and legendary punishment. Gray was the first-and last-to intrude on my me-time. The following week was pure hell for him. Lyon still blushed around him, refusing to get any closer than five feet.

I happily balanced along the edge of the canal, daydreaming of my plans for tomorrow night. My song was sure to rile the crowd.