True to her word, Erza-nee found me an apartment. She even went so far as to pay the first and seconds months rent to make sure I used it. The place wasn't bad or anything. My emotions are twisting and turning in uncertainty about not travelling as much. Being at a place with no where to do hard core research. It's completely life changing and my emotions isn't letting me forget it.
I had equipped all my kitchen ware and was waiting on Taurus and Virgo to bring some furniture down from my room in the Celestial Realm. Thankfully, the apartment came with a dinning table.
I have the veggies near the cutting board along with three pounds of lamb. Knowing how Fairy Tail is, I wouldn't doubt that some would show up eventually.
"What are ya cooking, Luce?"
What the hell?
I turn to see Natsu and Happy standing right at the entry way of the Kitchen.
"How in the hell did you get in here? I didn't hear the door open."
"The window was quicker." He replies as if he just didn't break into my new apartment. I couldn't refrain from face palming my forehead. These two might be bigger idiots than I expected. "So, what'cha cooking?"
"You do realize what you two did is considered breaking and entering?" He tilts his head as he crosses his arms in front of his chest.
"But it's your apartment and we're partners. I don't see the problem besides the fact your ignoring my question." He explains as Happy flies over to inspect the insides of my fridge.
"Fish!!"
"Can't you wait till food is ready and we can all eat together?" I ask. Happy turns to me with teary eyes.
"But I'm hungry!" He whins before flying back into Natsu's chest. "Natsu! Lushi is being mean!" He cries his crocodile tears. I roll my eyes at the scene before turning back to start dicing up the lamb.
"Why are you being mean to us today, Luce?" Natsu asks as he take a seat at the table, while petting Happy.
"I'm being mean? Here I am cooking us all some Lamb and Beet Stew while you two broke into my apartment!" I argue, pointing the knife at them. Natsu grumbles under his breath as he scratches the back of his head. It almost sounds like 'I still don't see the issue.' I sigh, placing down the knife and turning back towards them. "What if I was changing, Natsu?" A shock look flashes across his face before he looks away blushing lightly. He obviously didn't think about that. Looks like I'm going to have to change in the bathroom for now on. I sigh again before turning back to cutting up the food.
"What's Lamb and Beet Stew? I've never heard of it." Natsu asks, changing the conversation to a lighter one.
"It's the oldest recipe in the world, dating back to four thousand years ago. I found it one day while researching. It's one of my favorites." I smile.
"Woah! That's awesome! It's like we're time travellers or something!" Happy cheers. Natsu and I chuckle at the thought.
"Did you guys want anything to drink while we're waiting on the food?" I ask as I turn on the stove to bring the meat to boil with the beets and broth. I bring the kettle to the stove and get Happy a glass of milk.
"You know, that technically makes you a treasure hunter." Natsu comments. "You discovered to oldest recipe on earthland!" He boasts. I burst out laughing. His childish behavior made it all that more adorable.
"I never thought of it that way." My smile doesn't waver. I stir in the rest of the ingredients before heading over to sit at the table with them.
"Hey Luce? Can I ask you something?" Natsu asks, his voice was filled with uncertainty. I raise a brow to him. "Did you really think I could win against Erza?" I tilt my head at the question.
"Why would I lie about that?" I ask. His head fell forward. His hair blocking my view of his face.
"To encourage me?" His voice slightly above a whisper. Happy just sits silently, watching the both of us. I roll my eyes at him.
"Quit being an idiot, Natsu." His head whips up so fast, I'm shocked he didn't give himself a whiplash. "Erza-nee wouldn't have asked for your help, nor would accept the challenge if she thought you wasn't strong enough. Quick fucking doubting yourself. It's weird." I cross my arms in front of my chest.
"She's right!" Happy agrees. "She's never accepted a challenge from you before!" His tone lets me know that he was just now realizing it. A small soft smile came to his face.
"Besides, your completely unpredictable. It would have gave you an upper hand." I add. His smile grows a little more. I smile back at him. This smile wasn't like his other ones. It was softer, almost as if he was showing more emotions than normal. It causes a feeling in my chest to swell, and not in a bad way.
"You liiikkkee eaaach ooootthheerr~!" Happy sang. I swiftly give the cat a glare as the kettle starts whistling. I hear the front door slam open.
"Do they really?! Oh Mavis, your kids will be adorable! When did this happen, Happy?" Mira. It just had to be fucking Mira.
"Since the day they met!"
"Shut it cat! Quit insinuating shit before I rip off your tail!" I yell at Happy. Natsu doesn't seem bothered by it. He's still watching me with that smile on his face. "Stupid cat. I can't wait for the day I get to do it back to you." I grumble under my breath as I make Natsu and I tea. "Would you like some tea?" I ask Mira.
"Sure!" I place Natsu's tea in front of him before turning back to make Mira one.
"You have to stay for the food Mira!" Happy shouts, bringing Natsu attention back to the present. I give Mira her tea and sit down.
"Yeah! She found a four thousand year old recipe and she's making it for us! It's one of her favorites!" Natsu boasts. I smile while rolling my eyes. Those two and their love of food.
"Oh! What is it?"
"Lamb and Beet stew!" Natsu answers before I could open my mouth.
"You're going to eat vegetables?" Mira gasp. I look at Natsu with a raise brow. Now she mentions it, he actually doesn't eat anything else but meat. Not even sweets. I glare at Natsu for not taking better care of himself.
"But it's Luce's favorite food. I have to try it once." Natsu pouts. "She's had the flamin' chicken you make me. It's only fair." Mira swiftly looks to me with a shocked expression.
"I don't remember you freaking out?"
"Why would I freak out?"
"Usually anyone else that tries it can't get past the spiciness." Happy explains as Natsu tries to hide his laughter. Happy soon follows after. They must do it on purpose. I shake my head at the thought.
"It's actually pretty delicious." I compliment honestly. "I never thought to add so many spices together."
"Thank you. I have to say, it's kind of weird to hear it from someone else than Natsu." She says as she scratches her cheek. I can smell the food is done, so I get up and take it off of the heat. I could hear Happy and Mira talking about us again. I roll my eyes at the conversation. I grab Natsu's and Mira's bowl, as I turn around, the first thing I notice was Natsu staring at me again with the same smile from before. I tilt my head at him as I give him his bowl. His smile turns into a grin that gives off a different vibe than normal. It's mesmerizing. I couldn't refrain from smiling back before handing Mira her bowl. Mira starts squealing.
"That moment was adorable!!"
"It's because they liiiiikkkkkkeeee eeeaaaacchh oooottthhhheeerr~!"
"Zip it cat or no fish!" I threaten.
"NOO!! LUSHI!! IM SOORRRYYY!!!" He turns towards Natsu. "Lushi is being mean again!!!" His crocodile tears are back in full force. Mira starts giggling at the scene playing in front of her.
"Luce. He apologized. Give Happy his fish." Natsu starts playing along. I give Natsu a playful glare.
"He's has to start being nice to the person who is feeding him." I argue, crossing my arms in front of my chest. I turn around and open the fridge to get the fish. Placing a few on a plate.
"You two would make wonderful parents!!" Mira cooed. I roll my eyes as I bring Happy a small bowl of Stew and his fish.
"Mira, we literally just met a couple of weeks ago." Natsu grumbles. I grab my bowl and my tea before sitting back at the table. I start eating before anyone else. Natsu is soon to follow before Happy and Mira tries it. "This is amazing! Erza was right about your cooking!" Natsu compliments before his normal eating habits kicked it.
"You have to give me this recipe! It feels like I'm eating something exotic!" Mira compliments.
"It's delicious but not as delicious as fish." I roll my eyes at Happy's comment.
"If you ever found anything more delicious than fish, I'll probably die from shock." I tease, making Natsu and Mira chuckle. "Surprisingly enough, all older recipes kind of make you feel that way. I just think it's because they use herbs differently than we do." I tell Mira. She humms in agreement. We all eat in silence.
"You know, this is the first time I've seen you eat without being told to." Natsu teases between bites. I pout at the comment while shoveling in another spoon full.
"As long as you give me the recipes, I'll start cooking more things like this to make sure you eat more." Mira tease as well. I playfully glare at the both of them, causing everyone else at the table to softly laugh.
"You don't have to worry about that Mira. I'll make sure she eats anyway." Natsu says, giving me a mischievous smirk. I stick my tongue at him in response. Mira and Happy giggles at our interaction.
"Well, thank you for the food, Lucy. I expect a recipe when you come by the guild." Mira thanks as she stands up. "I got to head back and make sure no one has destroyed the guild while I was gone."
"I'll be sure to write you a few recipes." I laugh. It was nice to know someone who is just as into making food as I was. She waves as she exits out of the apartment. Natsu and Happy share a mischievous look as Happy flies over and locks the door. "What are you two planning?" They only grin at me innocently as Happy flies back over to the table. Without hesitation, Happy pulls out a scrolled up piece of paper out of his sack. I raise a brow as he passes it over to me.
'S RANK MISSION
Galuna Island
Reward: One million jewels. One golden celestial key'
"I thought only S class mages could do missions like this?" I ask. Natsu starts scratching the back of his neck.
"Well, yeah. But what better way to prove that we could do how strong we are than to show them?" Natsu states.
"Think of all the fish we can buy with that?" Happy cheers, drool falling from his lips.
"Do you ever think about anything else besides fish?" I ask. My question doesn't seem to phase his fantasies if constant mumbles of 'fish' is anything to go by. He truly is an addict. I roll my eyes at the thought as I smile. Why am I so shocked that these two would pull a stunt like this?
"So are you in?" Natsu asks.
"Won't we be in trouble for doing this?" I pause for a second. "Well, technically you two since I'm basically not a part of the guild."
"If we can start doing more S class missions afterwards, then it would be worth it!" He smiles his million watt smile.
"Alright then." I say as I place the dishes in the sink. "Race you to the docks!" I shout as I make a beeline to the window.
"Hey! Wait!" Natsu shouts as I dive through the window.
"Wait for me!" Happy shouts as Natsu and I race down the canal. A bubbly feeling engulfs my chest, yet I feel lighter than air.
"Hurry up!" I shout while looking over my shoulder to them. I don't think anything could erase the smile off of my chest.