Happy zipped out of Lucy's apartment ahead of the two mages onto the streets of Magnolia, eager to get to the guild soon.
"Whoa, buddy, slow down," Natsu called out, his voice filled with amusement.
Lucy grinned as she watched Happy race ahead, wings flapping furiously. "He must really be that starved or excited to see Carla."
"Probably both," Natsu chuckled.
Lucy shook her head. "I swear, sometimes he's got more energy than both of us combined."
Natsu's grin widened as he stretched his arms, falling into step beside Lucy. "Well, maybe if you spent more time with me, you'd get some of that energy, too."
Lucy raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Oh really? I don't know if I need that much energy in my life, Natsu."
He shrugged, still grinning. "Guess I'll just have to find another way to keep you entertained then."
Lucy laughed softly. "We already spend so much time together as it is! Maybe that's why I'm so tired. You boys are hard to keep up with."
Natsu gave a mock pout. "Hey, I'm just trying to keep you on your toes!"
As they walked further down the street, Natsu's eyes suddenly narrowed, his gaze shifting to the jacket Lucy was still wearing.
"You're still wearing that?" Natsu's voice had shifted, the playfulness fading for a moment.
Lucy looked over at him, a little confused by his sudden tone. "What, this? It's warm, besides it was a nice gesture."
"I guess," Natsu muttered, clearly not convinced. "Didn't you bring a sweater?"
Lucy blinked, looking up at Natsu before looking down at her bag slung over her shoulder. "I'll change when we get to the guild. Unlike you, Natsu, I don't run hot all the time."
Natsu's grin widened. "I could keep you warm if you wanted."
Lucy raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Tempting offer, but I'd rather not risk being burnt to a crisp." Said as they walked further down the street.
Natsu laughed, "I'd never do that… on purpose."
Lucy shook her head. "I'm not taking that chance, thanks."
As they neared the guild, The two noticed the usual lively chatter, the clatter of mugs, and the sound of laughter—it was all strangely absent. Natsu's steps slowed, and Lucy looked over at him. They both exchanged a quick, curious glance.
Natsu raised an eyebrow, his voice light. "It's quiet today, huh?"
Lucy nodded, glancing around. "Maybe they're out on a job or something."
Natsu nodded thoughtfully, but the curiosity still lingered in his expression.
Lucy pushed the door open and stepped inside first, her boots clicking softly on the wooden floor. She glanced around, the crowd was unusually small. As they stepped further in, Macao waved from a nearby table, his grin wide as he called out to them. "Hey, you two! Glad to see you made it back."
"Hey, Macao!" Lucy replied, her voice light.
Natsu gave a nod, his tone casual but still tinged with curiosity. "Quiet day, huh?"
Macao leaned back in his chair, scratching his head. "Yeah, Seems like most of the guys are taking it easy today. You just missed Gray though! He just took off. Think he went home."
Natsu glanced around, wondering where everyone else could be. "Huh. Weird."
Romeo grinned at Natsu, his fist bursting into a bright blue flame. "Looks like you missed all the action. I've been holding down the fort for you, Natsu."
Natsu laughed. "Can't help it if I bring the excitement wherever I go."
Lucy scanned the room once more. In the corner, Mira and Evergreen were talking quietly, and Reedus was sketching something in a notebook, the silence between them all almost palpable.
They both made their way further in, greeted by the few members present—Makarov, Laxus, Freed, Bickslow, sitting at the bar.
Mira's laughter rang out from the bar as she and Evergreen exchanged a quiet joke.
As Lucy, Natsu, and Happy grabbed a seat at a nearby table, the quiet murmurs of the guild continued around them. Happy immediately hopped onto the table, flapping his wings excitedly as he settled down.
As Lucy slid into her seat, she shrugged off Gray's jacket and reached into her bag for her sweater. She pulled it over her head, smoothing it down before draping Gray's jacket over the back of her chair. She'd have to return it to him another time, she figured.
Natsu's eyes flicked to the jacket briefly, before leaning back in his seat, his left arm stretched out to rest over the seat next to him.
Mira approached them with a soft smile. "Hey, you two," She greeted them warmly. "How did the job go?"
Natsu stretched in his seat and flashed a wide grin. "It went fine, but we're starving! What's for dinner tonight, Mira?"
Lucy rolled her eyes. "They only broke a bridge this time."
"Hey!" Natsu exclaimed, almost insulted by Lucy's revealing honesty. "I fixed it before we left."
Mira chuckled.
"You have a nice fishy on the menu tonight?" Happy asked, his eyes lighting up.
"Of course!" Mira chimed, flashing a smile. "I'll be right back, you three." She spun on her heels and disappeared into the kitchen.
Natsu smiled, knowing Mira always had something hot and delicious ready for them at the guild.
It didn't take long for Mira to return with a spread of food. Happy immediately hopped with excitement as she placed a large, raw fish in front of him, just the way he liked it. For Lucy and Natsu, there was a hearty rice and meat dish, with an extra helping of meat for Natsu.
"Thanks, Mira," Lucy said, smiling gratefully.
The boys, however, barely let her finish before they dove into their meal, too hungry to wait.
"Can I get you anything else?" Mirajane asked, looking towards Lucy.
Lucy sighed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Actually, I was hoping to ask the girls if they would have space to put me up at Fairy Hills for a couple of days. My heat's out at the apartment, and I could really use a warm place to stay."
Mira's expression softened, her smile faltering slightly. "Ah, that's unfortunate, Lucy… but, actually, all of the girls at Fairy Hills are sick right now. They're all down with something. It probably wouldn't be wise to stay there right now."
Lucy's face dropped a little, disappointment creeping in. "Oh no, that's not good. I was really hoping to crash there for a while… I hope they get over it soon."
Mira paused, her eyes flicking between Lucy and Natsu. A mischievous glint sparked in her gaze. "Well, maybe Natsu could help you out?" she suggested with a playful smirk, giving Natsu a knowing look as she walked away.
Natsu raised an eyebrow, his eyes widening before a grin tugged at his lips. "Yeah, why not, Lucy? You know I've got plenty of room."
"Well, I guess I don't have a choice," she muttered to herself.
Natsu's ears perked up. "Hm?"
Lucy gave Natsu a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, Natsu."
Natsu grinned playfully, the usual mischievous spark in his eyes as he dug back into the meal before him.
As she began to eat, her gaze drifted to him. She couldn't help but think, His place is probably a mess… She sighed, recalling the last time she'd been there. The place was a disaster zone. She tried to shake the thought, hoping she wouldn't have to scrub too much when they got there.
As the last of their meal was finished, Natsu pushed his empty plate aside with a contented stretch. His hand rested on his stomach, His food baby noticeable, before letting out an impressive belch. Lucy stifled a laugh. Normally, she'd be grossed out, but by now, she was so used to Natsu that she actually found it kind of funny. He flashed her a grin. "Ready to go?"
Lucy nodded, giving him a small smile. "I'm ready." She stood, gathering Gray's jacket and draping it over her arm before picking up her bag from the chair and adjusting the strap.
"Thanks Mira" Natsu said as he dropped some coins on the table, covering dinner for the three of them, leaving a little extra jewel for Mira's impeccable service.
Lucy waved as they stepped out of the guild, giving Mira a smile on their way out.
Natsu led the way, chatting about random things as they walked to Natsu and Happy's place. Lucy's mind kept drifting to the mess she might find waiting for her. At least it's temporary. she reminded herself. Just a couple of days… I can handle it.
Hey guys! Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed Chapter 2! I figured I'd drop it right away while we're on a roll. I'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback—so feel free to leave a review or send me a DM. Chapter 3 will be coming out very shortly, so stay tuned for more!