Even with Lisanna's absence, Natsu came over to eat dinner with a smile. He talked stories with Elfman like nothing happened, and Mirajane and Lucy knew that he was just trying to be strong. Despite his strong looks, they knew he was hurting. But they loved the boy so much that they didn't want him to feel like he didn't belong any longer. He was still Natsu and they love Natsu.
When they were cleaning up, Mirajane was in her room working with a client on her phone. Elfman was cleaning the kitchen table as fast as he could because he had a video game level to beat and after begging Lucy a couple of times to make his lunch for tomorrow, he hugs her and speeds upstairs, loudly shutting the door.
"It's like he didn't even notice I was there," Natsu gasped. "I wanted to know what he was playing."
Lucy rolled her eyes, "you already beat the game twice." She handed him a plate. "And you know what game he's playing."
"True, but I could have helped him beat the level." He wiped the plate and placed it in the dryer. "So that would've made me beat the game... What, thrice?"
"Congratulations," Lucy said sarcastically. "You've officially graduated elementary math."
"Shut it."
"Fine."
"Fine!" Natsu stuck his tongue out, wiping the utensils. "Do you need help making lunch for them tomorrow?"
"Mmm," she thought about it. "Not really, but I wouldn't mind the help if you want to. You can pack them in Ziplocs."
"Sounds like a plan~"
During their lunch in the making, Natsu sat on the dining table, scribbling Mirajane's, Elfman's, and Lucy's name on the white space. Lucy complained about how ugly and lazy his penmanship was, but Natsu could only proudly talk about how the writing was nicer than his usual handwriting. There was a loaf of bread on her mouth while she was putting ham and cheese sandwiches together silently. She was too focused on her goal and she didn't notice Natsu staring at her. Studying her.
"She called me yesterday," Natsu informed her out of the blue. "She asked how I was doing."
"She called you?" Lucy raised her brow. "Are you sure you didn't call her?"
"Nah, I wouldn't call her." Natsu admitted. "I'm too hurt to do it."
"Well I'm glad you're being honest with me. But still... it doesn't change the fact that she called you."
"Does that mean something, Luce?" He asked with a high tone. "Does that mean I have a chance?"
Lucy saw the letter and she couldn't tell him about it. She knew Lisanna, and from the conversation they had that one night, the girl had the firm decision to take him back once she returned from Edolas and that means Natsu is off limits. But what if she was seeing other guys there? She wouldn't would she? Not if she's calling him. Not if she's wondering how he was doing. That meant she still cares. And it stung.
"I don't want to get your hopes up," she says truthfully.
"No, you're right. Thank you." He zips the three sandwiches when he finished putting them in. "Fridge?"
"Yes please."
"Well that's done. I have to start on my research paper, so I'm gonna head home. I'll pick you up at 7:30?"
"Okay. Do you want me to make you a sandwich too?"
Natsu shook his head, holding on to the front door. "I usually eat in the cafeteria so no need. Thank you though."
"Okay, goodnight."
"Night, Luce!"
"Lucy, are you still up?" Mirajane was knocking on her door.
Lucy was about to slip up her pajamas. She peeks out of her bathroom. "I'm up, come in!"
Mirajane sat down with a kind smile. "I talked to your dad this afternoon."
"Really?" Lucy came out fully dressed. She sat down on the bed next to her, "what happened?"
"He said he wants to come and visit before he heads to a business meeting at Edolas." She swipes her phone unlocked. "He's coming this Saturday for lunch and his flight is late that night."
"I see..." Lucy was still trying to process the fact that her dad wants to visit her. "Okay..."
"Can you do me a favor and buy some groceries for me tomorrow?" Mirajane instructs her with a small pleading voice. "I have a nasty client and I'm afraid I'm coming home late."
"It's fine! Can I borrow Lisanna's car?"
"Of course." But then Mirajane paused. "Are you going to be okay driving alone? You should take Natsu with you..."
"It's okay." Lucy reassured her. "What's the use of a driver's license if I can't drive on my own?"
Mirajane was unsure at first, but she nodded. "Alright, I'll text you the list of items I need tomorrow morning."