Awkward First Meetings AU
"My cat steals underwear and I come home to find you chasing my cat to get your underwear back."
"Hey, cat! Come back!"
It would have made a great picture. There she was, a blonde in nothing but a towel, chasing after a blue cat in a stranger's garden.
"Oh shit, Happy did it again."
Natsu Dragneel dropped his shopping bags and started sprinting towards where he guessed the evildoer must be. And indeed, he managed to cut his little friend off.
"Happy!"
His voice was stern, and the cat came to a halt upon hearing it. And as he had imagined: a little piece of cloth was dangling from his muzzle. Natsu crouched down, disappearing behind the hedge. He extended his hand.
"Give it to me."
But it would never happen. Not because the cat did not obey, but because Natsu was thrown face first into the ground as someone crashed into him.
"Kya!"
They both groanded upon landing in the grass, and Natsu watched the blonde struggle to keep herself covered as she wriggled about in front of him.
"Oh dear, I'm so sorry. I was just chasing-"
Then her eyes fixed themselves on the cat that was sitting in front of her calmly.
"You!"
She reached out, and looked very surprised when the cat didn't even flinch. Natsu knew he would not move; he had done it himself many times. Quickly, she took back her panties, tugging them under the towel. Only then did she look back at him, and judging from her expression he must be a very confusing fellow.
"Is something wrong with me? Is it my hair? Damn, I knew I should've used my usual shampoo."
"W-what? No, your hair is fine. I mean, it's ok. I'm just - uh."
Slowly, she got back up, and he mirrored her movement. She seemed intent on ignoring her lack of clothes, but the blush on her cheeks betrayed her.
"I'm sorry."
"For what?" He eyes grew wide. "I mean, it was me who basically ran you over."
"That's - that's my cat."
"What?!"
"Yeah. For some reason, he likes to steal underwear. I swear, I have no idea where he picked that up." He laughed, scratching the back of his head in embarassment. "And this is my place. Well, you know, flatshare."
"Um, hi, then, I guess?" She gave him a little smile, and he noticed how much he liked it. And how pretty she was. "I'm Lucy."
"Natsu. And this is Happy."
They watched as the feline strolled past the, not even sparing them a glance. It seemed his mission was done.
"He's nice, I swear!"
Lucy giggled at his desperate expression. "Ok, I believe you. As long as he doesn't break into my room again, I think we'll get along. I shouldn't have left the window open after all, huh?"
Relieved, he smiled at her.
"It probably wouldn't have stopped him."
Now they both laughed, and he almost forgot that she still was half-naked. Almost.
"Don't you wanna get dressed?"
"Ohgod." Lucy paled, as if she had become aware of her attire only now. "Damn."
"What is it? Did he steal the rest of your clothes too?"
"No, it's just… my flat is a few blocks from here. I kinda got.. into the chase."
Despite her furious blush, he couldn't hold back his laughter.
"Oh man, at least you didn't give up easily! I never saw anyone track Happy so far, or even reclaim their underwear. You should be proud."
A fond expression crossed her face.
"Well, thanks for that at least."
"You can thank me for more in a moment. Come on in! You want something to drink? Must be exhausted."
He flashed her a grin as she followed him inside without hesitation.
"You can have one of my shirts, alright?"
It would become her favourite to wear, even long after they had started dating.