Disclaimer: I claim no rights over any of the characters portrayed in this story. They belong to Hiro Mashima and I am merely borrowing them for a while. I promise to give them back.

Chapter 27

Selective Mutism

"Ugh"

Natsu turned his head to see the person slumped on the table beside him. It was Lucy. Of course it was Lucy because Kami hated him and liked to see him suffer.

"My rent is coming due soon." She grumbled. "There's no way I'll have enough."

Here was a perfect opportunity, Natsu realized. All he had to do was say the words. Just say them. Say them now…

Nothing.

'Dammit.'

"So do you want to go on a mission together?" Lucy finally prompted.

Natsu was so relieved that he couldn't speak. Mutely he shoved the paper into her hands.