She stood in front of the mirror, slowly brushing her wet hair, thinking about the past three months. She wasn't completely sure how it happened or why it kept happening but she had discovered that she would often find, herself paired up with Gajeel – with Pantherlily occasionally joining them – for jobs. Setting her hair brush down, she pulled her hair over her shoulder and began to braid it.
Another oddity she had noted was the frequency in which she was going on said jobs with the iron slayer. In fact she realized that they had gone on more than she had her own team as of late. Pausing in braiding her hair at the thought of being his partner she quickly shoved that away. Natsu and Happy were her partners with Erza and Gray her teammates. She bit her lip in unease the reality of things began slowly sinking in.
Natsu and Lisanna were together, and with them now being a known item would probably want to go on jobs more to be able to openly spend more time together. Erza was starting to frequently head out on 'special' solo jobs and anyone with half a brain could figure out why. Gray he– well she never knew what that guy was doing but he wasn't at the guild often anymore either. Things were definitely changing and maybe the team wouldn't dissolve and they'd probably still head out on jobs together but the truth of it was that she'd likely find herself without her teammates and alone.
Lucy cringed slightly at that thought as she tied the end of her braid, a soft sigh escaping her. It wasn't like she couldn't be alone; she had gone on more solo jobs than team jobs when they were together but that was mostly for covering rent purposes. Those team jobs had given her something special, irreplaceable memories and – shaking her head of those thoughts she took a deep breath to regain her composure, startling at the sound of a heavy knock on the door.
"Oi bunny! What the hell are you doing in there?!" Lucy sighed heavily and pulled open the bathroom door, giving Gajeel an apologetic smile.
"Sorry, bathroom's all yours." She smiled, stepping out of the way, giggling to herself as he grumbled and slammed the door closed.
Making her way through his house Lucy plopped herself down on the couch, a soft sigh escaping her. "You do that on purpose don't you?" Lucy blinked, looking beside her to Lily a smile creeping onto her face.
"Do what on purpose exactly?" Lily smiled in response, a small chuckle escaping him.
"Nothing, Lucy." She giggled before pulling him into her lap and petting his fur, a smile coming onto her face when he began purring.
"So, what do you want for breakfast tomorrow?" She asked as she shifted on the couch, getting into a more comfortable position.
"Will there be time for breakfast?" He asked and Lucy shrugged.
"Maybe a quick breakfast? I'm sure I can whip up something."
"Eggs sound nice, with kiwi." Lucy giggled.
"I think I can manage that and this time I won't forget to leave the peel on." Lily smiled his tail swaying as she continued to slowly run her fingers through his black fur.
"Thank you Lucy." The stellar mage smiled, watching Lily curl up in her lap. She waited for him to get comfortable before continuing to pet him, rubbing him behind his ears. "You know –I was just thinking." He sighed, softly.
"About what?"
"You should stay the night more often." Lucy blinked looking down at the exceed.
"I should?" He nodded his head, letting out a yawn.
"You make a great breakfast." Lucy smiled shaking her head.
"If you'd like, you could always stay the night at my place when you'd like me to cook for you."
Lily hummed in response and she giggled as he drifted off to sleep. Lucy continued to pet him for a few more moments before carefully picking him up and placing him on her pillow. Climbing onto the couch she got comfortable, pulling the covers up and over herself, a content smile on her face as she drifted off to sleep.
-x-
Lucy shifted in a futile attempt for a little more sleep. Sighing she shifted once more only to let out a yelp as she fell off the couch, groaning as she had fallen yet again off of the darned thing. Gajeel needed to consider getting a place with a guest bedroom if she was going to continue to stay so frequently.
"Are you okay Lucy?" She heard a tired Pantherlily ask.
"I'm fine Lily, go back to sleep I'll wake you once breakfast is done." She whispered, smiling upon hearing him softly purr before sitting up and pulling the borrowed blanket off of her. A heavy sigh left her, as she laid her head on the cushion, not ready to get up just yet. Her eyes drifted close and she had hoped for a moment or two of sleep however her mind brought up Lily's comment.
Due to the frequency of the jobs, she had been staying the night before so they that could get a head start and often she would stay after completing a job, too tired to go home and luckily Gajeel was easily bribed with breakfast – or at least he seemed like it. Shaking her head the blonde stood up and began to clean up, pulling out an outfit she headed to the bathroom to dress and freshen up.
Once cleaned up she made her way to the kitchen and pulled out the carton of eggs, grabbing a pan and a couple other utensils needed. She had breakfast made and served in half an hour, a bowl of unpeeled kiwis for Lily. Smiling she turned to wake up Lily before attempting to wake the dragon, surprised by the exceed's greeting.
"Good morning, Lucy."
"Oh, Lily, you're already awake." He nodded tiredly.
"Breakfast smells delicious." She giggled.
"Feel free to head in and start eating. I'm going to attempt to wake Gajeel."
"Good luck." He replied before making his way to the kitchen, the stellar mage smiling both knowing Gajeel was a nightmare to wake up. Making her way down the hall the blonde gently knocked on the door, calling out to him.
"Gajeel?" She called out once more. "Gajeel" Sighing to herself she took hold of the door handle. "I'm coming in." With that she turned the handle, pushing the door open and entering the room.
The moment her eyes landed on the slayer she covered her mouth suppressing the laughter before it burst out. Clearing her throat she made her way over to the iron eater, gently shaking him. She waited patiently for him to stir however received nothing in response. Shaking him once more the blonde sighed before leaning over.
"Gajeel! Wake up!" She half shouted, receiving a growl in response. "Morning sunshine." She greeted happily, laughing when he glared up at her.
"Go away bunny."
Lucy shook her head. "Nope, breakfast is ready and you need to get out of bed so we can get going on that job." Gajeel groaned in response before turning over, ignoring her. Lucy sighed heavy, her lips parting to yell for him once more.
"Don't you, even think about it." He snarled and she smiled. "And what the hell are you doing waking me up an hour before –"
"Then don't fall back asleep." She quickly cut him off. "Also, there's nothing wrong with getting up early. We can get a head start on our job." She nodded her head before turning and leaving his room. "Don't think about going to sleep Gajeel!" She called as she walked down the hallway to the kitchen, planning to eat her breakfast before it got too cold.
Lucy sat at the table with Lily, smiling as Gajeel came out a little while later, taking a seat at the table and eating his food. He glanced at Lucy and she smiled, knowing he knew she had heated his breakfast up for him. Finishing up her meal she began picking up to clean the dishes.
He had lied in bed, tempted to go back to sleep just to spite the damn bunny girl however he deiced just to get up, not sure what she would do if he did. Running his hands through his hair, he sighed heavily before standing up and dressing, making his way out to the kitchen, he let out a yawn. The scent of breakfast hit his nose and his stomach grumbled in response.
Taking a seat at the table he picked up his fork and began eating the eggs, noticing they were warm. Glancing toward the blonde, in a silent thanks, grateful she hadn't let him eat cold food. She smiled at him response before finishing her breakfast.
The moment she stood and began to clean up he wanted to reach a hand out and stop her, to tell her to sit and just enjoy breakfast with him and Lily for once; however he kept his hands to himself and silently continued eating his meal. He could hear the sound of water run and the scent of soap waft into his nostrils as she began washing. Once he finished, Lucy had picked up his plate and taken it to be washed and he made his way to finish getting everything ready for their job.
As he finished packing he half considered heading back out to help her with cleaning up but shook it away and focused on the task at hand. Pulling his bag onto his shoulder he made his way to the front door waiting for the stellar mage to finish with getting her things together. After she was ready the duo left his home and began their walk, silence ensuing as it usually did.
His wings carried him above his partner and their friend, excited for the job ahead of them. It had been some time since they took a challenging job and he was looking forward to every minute of it. Circling around he landed atop Lucy's head, smiling when she startled slightly before giving him a warm smile. He was silent for a few moments before striking up a conversation with the blonde, curious on her thoughts of the job.
As she spoke he could feel a pair of eyes on him and he glanced toward Gajeel wondering if he noticed it too, only to see the slayer look away from them, the corner of his lips turning upward. His eyes lingered on Gajeel for a brief moment, curious however he turned his focus back the Lucy, apologizing when she had asked him a question he had only heard the end of.
When evening arrived he assisted Gajeel in setting up their tent, and planned to help Lucy as well, however when he made to help, he found her tent had already been set up and the blonde was sitting beside a celestial spirit, cooking dinner for them. Taking a seat beside the iron slayer he waited patiently for the food to be finished and decided to use this time to figure out his partner's reaction to her.
He had seen the slayer smile however majority of it wasn't like what he had seen given to Lucy. He had only seen that smile a few times and it had been when Levy had first come into their lives. He had learned quickly just what kind of person Gajeel was and could easily surmise what it had been like for the iron slayer to grow up and the life he had lived before they had met in Edolas.
Taking the bowl of stew when it was handed to him he thanked the blonde's spirit before he began eating, trying to recall anything that would let him know what was going on in his friend's mind, however unable to find any hint that would point him in the right direction. Putting the thoughts away for now he focused on finishing his food and offering his assistance with cleaning up.
When Lucy brushed the offer aside he bid the two mages good night and entered Gajeel's tent, getting comfortable before curling up and falling asleep.
The stellar mage sat eating her stew in silence; glad Virgo had helped her set up her tent and cook dinner for the trio. Shifting she glanced up at Gajeel, tempted to start a conversation with the man however that thought left her brain the moment she saw his eyes.
It had been like that rainy night several months ago, she had thought it was only her imagination but she was sure this time that his eyes were glowing. Her brows furrowed trying to recall if Natsu's had ever done that or even Wendy but she was drawing a blank.
"What the hell are you staring at?" Gajeel growled out breaking from her thoughts.
"I-your eyes, they seem like they're glowing." She replied automatically, shaking her head and looking away, embarrassed for having stared so long. "I thought maybe it was a slayer thing…" She trailed off briefly. "But Natsu's have never done that, it's just yours." She received a grunt in response before the slayer suddenly stood up, picking up the bucket of water.
"Good night bunny." He said pouring the water onto their campfire and proceeded to set the bucket down before heading toward his tent.
"Wait." She began to protest, standing up. "What do you mean by that? It's not even that la –"He cut her off.
"Don't argue. Just go to bed." Lucy huffed before marching over to his tent and grabbing Lily and leaving, making her way to her own.
"What the hell are you doing with my cat?" He asked incredulous.
"If I have to go to bed early then Lily is sleeping with me tonight." Lucy stuck out her tongue at him before entering her tent and quickly zipping it up before he had a chance to say anything.
She could hear the slayer grumble. "It's just for tonight!" He barked out and Lucy smiled before getting comfortable, letting sleep take over.
-x-
Her breath came out in hard puffs, her chest heaving and her body aching. The fight had been intense and more than she had been expecting but they had managed successfully. Taking in a deep breathe she gathered her composure, glancing over toward the iron slayer she noticed him grinning like a maniac and she couldn't help but chuckle. He was nothing like fighting with Natsu. She stilled at the thought and quickly shaking it from her head before she made her way over toward him, his eyes meeting hers briefly. He turned to Pantherlily, speaking to the exceed for a few moments.
Gajeel looked down at her, his lips in a down turn. "You okay bunny?"
Lucy smiled at him reassuringly, giving a nod. "Yep" He raised a brow; his red eyes skimming her but simply nodded his head before turning his focus toward Lily.
After several more minutes Gajeel waved toward her and they began their journey home, the slayer tossing her a bag. Lucy smiled up at him before putting the money away, deciding to be giddy about it later. Right now her focus was to head home, take a long hot bath and relax.
-x-
Lucy let out a heavy sigh of relief as they finally reached Magnolia, Gajeel and Pantherlily parting ways with her and she slowly made her way home, ready to collapse from exhaustion. Determined to at least get to her bed she picked up the pace and soon was within sight of her apartment. Smiling the blonde moved a little quicker, only to pause when she saw her light on. Reaching for her keys she slowly made her way into the building and to her unit.
Standing before her door she pressed her ear to it, listening intently for any noise, frowning upon hearing nothing but silence. None of her team mates were ever silent and she knew none were likely to invade her home as of late. Grasping one of her celestial keys she pulled it off the ring before inserting her apartment key into the lock, stilling as it clicked open. Taking in a ragged breath she reached for the door handle, startled to see it pull open.
Reacting quickly Lucy held her celestial key firmly in her grasp ready to summon one of her spirits, stalling at the sight of a white haired female.
"Evening Lucy" She greeted warmly.
Nearly dropping the key, she fumbled before quickly putting it back on the ring and tackling her friend in a hug, nearly knocking her down. "Yukino!" She squealed happily. "What are you doing here?! When did you get – how long are you – I can't believe you're here!" She giggled happily, tightening her hold on her friend.
Yukino giggled in response, hugging her back. "I missed you too Lucy and I'll be happy to answer all your questions."
Pulling away the blonde grinned at her friend before removing her keys from her door and closing it. "When did you get here?"
Yukino shrugged. "A little while ago. I had just finished a job not too far and I missed you so I'd thought I'd visit."
Lucy eyed her. "How long is a little while ago?"
"Maybe a couple hours." Lucy shook her head at her friend, slipping off her boots and setting her bag down.
"I hope you weren't alone." She commented and Yukino giggled.
"I wasn't. I actually didn't come alone." Lucy glanced over her shoulder before removing her fleuve.
"I didn't think he'd want to be away from your guild master."
"He didn't and doesn't so…" Yukino trailed off and Lucy smiled, shaking her head. She should have figured that was what would happen.
"Is that a good idea?"
"He thinks so; leaving Sting alone would be a bad idea, who knows what would happen." Lucy nodded her head, turning toward her friend.
"Want to take a bath with me?" She asked her nose wrinkling slightly. "I really need one after my job." Yukino hesitated briefly before nodding her head, the duo walking to the bathroom. "So, how long are you here?" She inquired as she gathered their bath things.
"I hadn't exactly made any plans, it was just sudden." Lucy glanced at her and she continued. "But I was hoping to stay for a few days in the least maybe a week?"
Smiling the blonde reached down and plugged the tub before beginning to fill it with hot water, pouring her favorite strawberry bubble bath in it. "I think a week minimum sounds good."
Yukino nodded in agreement before the pair undressed and hopped into the tub, giggling. Lucy let out a sigh of contentment. "We have a lot to catch up on." The blonde nodded in agreement before sitting up.
"Then let's start your interrogation."