DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN FAIRY TAIL.

Previously:

Natsu & co. destroyed a mountain on their mission, which led to Lucy's silent lament about her once again severely delayed rent.

Chapter 2

{Lucy's POV}

'Baka Natsu! Why must this happen every single time?! Can't you learn to control?!'

I was not in a good mood. Because of one stupid flame- breather, not only did we get our reward severely cut, but we were also going back to the guild with a formal request from the Magic Council to the Master. A request for a formal written explanation. Erza was tremendously unhappy about this, and an unhappy Erza equals trouble for us.

I glared at the baka in question, only to see the very person slumped on the seat. Ah, the train has always been Natsu's greatest enemy. Good, at least we'll get some peace and quiet on this trip home. Not that I'm looking forward to the homecoming. My landlady and the Master will both be giving me long lectures. In fact, I don't even know which one I dread meeting more! They can both be extremely terrifying if they want to.

Mentally, I went through my financial issues. Thanks to the highly destructive idiot who was trying very hard not to throw up, my rent would require my participation in another mission. Then I'd need money for food expenses, perhaps some loose change for shopping (very light shopping), and maybe have some extra for my favourite dessert…AHHH! My brain was NEVER going to solve this! Why, oh why must I be dirt-poor when I actually need the money?

-Fairy Tail's Guild-

WHEW. I got off easy compared to Natsu and Gray. Thankfully, Erza had always been incredibly truthful thus when she told Master that he should blame the duo instead of me, he believed her right away and let me off the hook with just a warning that I should never ever pick up this destructive behaviour from them. Oh, and he threw in a very scary glare too.

'Poor guys…' sighed Mira as she polished her already shiny countertop.

'Poor them? They deserved it.' Erza was not the least bit sympathetic. After all, she hated any sort of disturbance when it came to her rules. And Natsu's behaviour was definitely not Erza-approved.

'Still…they could use some help, Erza,' said Mira. 'Master usually listens to you. You could've gotten them off the hook.'

Erza ignored Mira and went off to find Pantherlily. No doubt looking for another round of dangerous brawling. I shook my head at her before turning to Mira-san, who had -finally- stopped countertop-polishing.

'Ne, Mira-san, do you have any simple missions that I can do alone?' I was eager to start a new job before I get evicted out of my home.

'Hmmm…' Mira put a finger to her chin, lost in her thoughts for awhile. 'Aha! There's a waitress job that no one has taken yet. It's on an island though, so you might need to travel. Do you want to take it? It'll take a week to complete.'

I agreed to take it on the spot. After all, I can do something as simple as waitressing. I just hope that nobody (for example a brainless Dragon Slayer) would turn up and cause havoc. A peaceful job and easy money wouldn't be too much to ask for, would it?

{Loke's POV}

Watching Lucy cringe at Master's fierce glare was rather disturbing. A part of me wanted to step in front of her and cut off the eye contact that was obviously distressing my lovely Lucy. Another part of me warned me from doing anything reckless in case someone wonders why I care so much about her. And that would be the last thing I want because the Spirit King would then know about my love for her.

So I stayed behind. Luckily Lucy didn't seem to need me there anyway. I sighed in relief just as Aries approached me.

'Leo, are you watching Lucy-sama?' Aries asked.

I nodded. Aries would never figure out my feelings because she was way too innocent, so it was okay for me to be slightly more open about my attention towards Lucy. In one way, it was nice, not having to pretend all the time. On the other hand, I still have to be careful with my words. Hints may not trigger realization in Aries (or Virgo, for that matter) but even a fool would understand if I say it directly.

'Huh. Why would anyone bother watching a brat like her?' grumbled a very unwelcomed voice.

I groaned inwardly as I saw Aquarius. The narcissistic, mean mermaid must have heard Aries and decided on her own that everybody liked hearing her voice. Sometimes, I don't even understand how Scorpio stomachs her. Then again, her attitude does a complete 180 around him, so I bet he doesn't have a clue about her real personality.

'Well, someone has to do it. How else would I know if she does need help?' I replied, trying to act as nonchalant as possible. 'If you'd like, you can swap with me.'

Aquarius instantly glowered at me. She hated being called out by Lucy, let alone spend time watching Lucy. I smirked as she left me, grumbling about 'stupid brat' and 'rather watch Virgo ask for punishment'. I looked back at Lucy, noticing that she was talking to Mirajane. Ah, beautiful, lovely Mira. Such a figure…but unfortunately she pales in comparison with my beloved. I thank my lucky stars that it was Lucy I loved and not Mira. Satan Soul is NOT worth the beauty Mira has. I imagined her going Satan Soul on the guy who broke her heart…poor fellow, whoever he would be.

'Leo, Lucy-sama is taking a job,' said Aries, pointing at the screen.

'A waitress job?' I remarked, incredulously. Lucy as a waitress? She had always been the ojou-sama, so would she know how to serve others? What was she thinking? Not to mention, the guys gawking at her with less than pure intentions would no doubt be numerous. Oh dear, I don't think I like this at all.

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