Chapter Text
Chapter I:
Run.
She kept telling herself that as she ducked branches and jumped logs.
Run!
The voice echoed loudly in her head. Fear plagued her eyes, her heart beating erratically.
"Princess!" Loke called as he ran behind her. Lucy glanced over her shoulder at the spirit, her brown eyes trying to hold back the tears she wanted to cry.
"Loke!" Lucy yelled in return. She tripped over a grounded root, falling forward onto her palms and knees. She hissed as she slid on tiny rocks but wasted no time meddling with the sting. Loke helped her stumble up as they started to run once again.
A roar faded in the distance as Lucy put space between her and Natsu. Natsu made her run, and get the hell out of there. They had just finished their job when they got ambushed. Natsu was trying to hold off the other mage so Lucy could escape.
Run.
"How far is far enough?" Lucy cried. Her legs were going numb, her lungs ached as she continued running, not stopping to catch her breath.
There was an eerie silence as Lucy noticed the calm air and the silence of the swaying trees. She slowed to a stop, raised her arms to clasp her hands on her head, and glanced around in a panic.
"I don't like this," Loke said as he stepped beside Lucy. A twig crunched under his glossy, polished shoe as a golden hue light formed around his clenched fists.
"Natsu…Happy," Lucy whispered, bringing a hand down her chest. She was nervous for them and worried. She knew Natsu was more than capable of handling himself, but even so, he wasn't invincible—Dragon Slayer or not.
"Something isn't right," Loke said with slight panic. "Princess, we have to run." Loke grabbed her by the arm and forced her to run more. Her lungs screamed as they weren't ready for another round of exertion.
"Loke, I can't," Lucy cried. She was exhausted, and her body could not take it anymore regardless of her adrenaline rush.
A branch broke and sailed to the ground with a loud thud as it kicked up dirt making Lucy gasp.
"RUN!" Loke urged Lucy.
"I can't. I'm so tired of running, Loke," she whispered smiling at him as she leaned against a tree. She certainly wasn't giving up like the look on Loke's face thought she was. "We fight. I can't run anymore. I'm pathetic for running and abandoning Natsu."
"Hardly," Loke said quickly, disagreeing. "We fight then if that's what you want." She didn't particularly want to fight. She never wanted to fight, she just wanted to save and help people.
Lucy pushed herself from the tree and stood on the path with her hand over her whip and keys. She took deep breaths to calm her nerves so her brain could calm the fuck down. If Cobra were there, she would probably make him want to gouge out his good eye.
"I hear something," Lucy mumbled. Another fiery roar sounded but closer than the last. They were gaining on her, but at least she knew Natsu was still going. She glanced upward, a hand to her forehead as she tried to find Happy and Natsu.
"Princess, incoming," Loke warned as he yanked her out of the way. Happy and Natsu came crashing down, barely missing her.
"Natsu!" Lucy yelled as she ran to him, Natsu sat up, holding his head. Lucy didn't miss the red liquid covering half of his face, the gash in his arm. He was missing a sandal, and his trousers were ripped.
"I told you to run damn it," Natsu grunted as he swayed to his feet. Lucy reached out for him, but he waved her off. She could tell he was mad that she was still there.
"Natsu, do you know how far we are from the nearest town?" she squeaked.
"Are we done dancing?" A voice asked startling Lucy.
"Lucy, run. NOW!" Natsu roared, his fire growing hotter by the second as sweat beaded Lucy's forehead and she was forced to step back.
"I'm not running again, Natsu. Lisanna will murder me if I leave you and I won't be able to live with myself," she said. "Let me help." She swallowed the fear lumped in her throat and tried to surface bravery. She could tell he wasn't happy and didn't want to. She watched as he closed his eyes, the quietest sigh releasing from his gaped mouth, giving her a nod.
"Let's kick his ass, Luce," Natsu said, pounding his fists together. "There's a fire in my belly."
Lucy grinned. "Right." She called forth Virgo, appearing on the other side of her as Loke was on the other.
Lucy limped as she tried to support herself and Natsu as they slowly walked. They won, but barely. Lucy was in so much pain and could only imagine how she looked. She gave it her all, just like Natsu. Happy was unconscious as she had him tucked on her free shoulder in the crook of her neck.
"I'm sorry." His head was bowed, staring at the dirt terrain.
"Why are you apologizing? It should be me. I shouldn't have run away," Lucy said. "That makes me a coward." She felt him tense against her side. She didn't think she was weak but also wasn't the strongest. She was working on getting stronger and that's all she could do.
"I told you to run," he said.
"And I shouldn't have listened."
They finally hit the edge of town. The sun was setting on the horizon in hues of reds and oranges with Cirrus clouds. Natsu's feet started to drag, making Lucy trip over him, and fall to the ground. Happy flew off her shoulder, sliding across the ground as Natsu landed on her.
"Natsu?" Lucy called as she tried to move under his dead weight. "Natsu, come on. Natsu!" The way they landed put her at a real disadvantage as he was lying across her back. She curled her hand into a fist and pounded the ground. "Damn it."
She tried to shift again, making it worse on herself as something stabbed her in the hip, making her uncomfortable. She heard the quiet snore coming from Natsu as he passed out from exhaustion. Lucy sighed as tears brimmed her eyes. A shadow loomed over her and she turned her head the best she could to see long legs come down in a squat. She recognized the black-clad boots.
"Lucy?" The deep voice asked. The weight from Natsu's body lifted off her as she sighed in relief. Heels clicked on the cobblestone as a woman in a green dress kneeled to scoop Happy up.
"Thanks," Lucy said as she sat up, a hand going to her head.
"What happened?" Freed asked as he kneeled to examine her. She swayed a little lightheaded; the adrenaline started to wear off as the exhaustion hit her like a sack of potatoes.
"Let's get them to the guild," Laxus grunted, shifting Natsu onto his shoulder.
"Can you walk?" Freed asked and offered a hand. Lucy nodded as she grasped her hand into his and he hoisted her onto her feet. She silently trailed behind Laxus and Bickslow as Evergreen and Freed walked beside her.
"We got attacked by someone unrelated to our job," Lucy said to them, but no one pried as they continued walking in silence and the only noise was their shoes clunking against the stone.
The guild hall came into view as what little daylight dissipated and stars twinkled brightly in the sky. Laxus stopped as Bickslow opened the door and they all filed in. It was relatively quiet, not many occupying at this time of night which Lucy was grateful for. She mumbled to Freed that she needed to do something and veered from the group. He knew what she needed to do. She walked into the kitchen in hopes Lisanna was still there as she usually performed the night cleaning with Kinana. Lucy sighed in nervous relief when she saw the petite woman wiping a counter down and humming.
"Oh, hey- oh gosh what happened?" Lisanna dropped her rag and rushed to Lucy. Lucy waved her off, her lips remained in a frown.
"Natsu's in the infirmary. He's okay, tired, but he's asleep. He needs to be looked over by Wendy," she said.
Lisanna's eyes widened before she rushed past Lucy letting the door swing shut behind her. Lucy followed after a moment, really wishing she could head home to take a hot bath and soak her aching body. Freed and Laxus were waiting for her as she exited the kitchen area.
"Let's go talk to the old man," Laxus grunted as he pushed from the wall where he leaned against while he waited.
Lucy nodded and bit her lip. They climbed the stairs to the master's office and the door shut quietly behind them. Master Makarov sat in his chair, rubbing his tired face as a stack of papers were disheveled on his desk. Lucy noticed the hard wrinkles around his eyes and mouth, lines she never paid close attention to. She realized he let his guard down in the safety of his office where no one saw him.
"Laxus?" Makarov's rough voice asked then glanced at Freed and Lucy. She hid slightly behind Freed to hide. "What do I owe this pleasure so late at night?"
Lucy noticed the confusion in the old man's eyes seeing her with Laxus and Freed. It didn't matter, though. Freed it wasn't unusual for her to associate with, but Laxus- Lucy hardly hung around Laxus.
"The job that Natsu and I took, a mage attacked us that wasn't part of the job. We had just finished wrapping up our job when the guy attacked us. We defeated him, but it took a huge toll on Natsu. He's in the infirmary."
She glanced away and grabbed her arm with dejection. She heard Makarov hum.
"And you, my dear child?" Freed stepped away so Makarov could see her.
Lucy raised her hands, waving and shaking her head.
"I'm okay. I just have some bumps and bruises. Natsu did most of the fighting," she said, her voice trailing. She was proud of how well she stood beside Natsu, fighting her heart out. Her spirits made her more proud in every battle they did together.
"Do you know what their intentions were?" Makarov asked.
Lucy didn't miss the glance Makarov gave Laxus as he shifted behind her. Lucy shook her head because she truly didn't know.
"He seemed a little out of his mind honestly, but after that, we ran into no more issues which I was quite happy about. Carrying Natsu is no easy task," Lucy mumbled.
"I bet Princess Hisui knows," Laxus grumbled.
Makarov nodded as he jumped up onto his desk and whacked Laxus on the head.
"Ignore him. But erm... right--well why don't you go home and get some rest? I'll see to it that Wendy takes a look at Natsu. If I knew any better, that boy would probably be his normal self tomorrow. It's a wonder what sleep does."
"Right, thank you, Master." Lucy smiled forcibly and turned for the door to leave.
The door shut quietly behind her as she descended the stairs and left out the main doors. The streets of Magnolia were quiet as little people occupied the streets. She called forth Plue as the small spirit appeared beside her feet. He shook vigorously as he greeted her. She was so tired, she didn't even attempt to walk the canal ledge like she normally did. Her big, brown doe eyes looked up at the sky, seeing the stars smiling down at her.
Lucy groaned as the light shining through her sheer curtain over the window finally woke her. Her entire body ached, and a headache throbbed menacingly through her head. She rolled slightly and covered her face with her hands. All that running she did yesterday, forcing herself to push well past her limits, wore on her more than she realized it would.
"Lushy?" A voice groaned.
Lucy's eyes widened as she sat up quickly and instantly regretted it."Happy?" she asked. She turned to see the blue exceed tucked under the cover beside her. She glanced around looking for Natsu, but like every morning when Happy sneaks into her bed, he was alone. Natsu stopped coming over once he and Lisanna became more serious.
"I wanted to make sure you were okay," Happy said as he flew up. "Lisanna is with Natsu." Happy's eyes widened as he looked at her, seeing the bruises and the scabbed-over scratches. She needed to talk to Wendy about healing her so she didn't get funny looks.
"How's Natsu?" she asked, making a W with her legs as she shifted on the bed.
"He's fine. That's Natsu for you," Happy said.
Tears brimmed her eyes. She sniffled and used the back of her hands to wipe her eyes before tears could stream down. She chuckled a little, happy that Natsu was fine. She knew he would be fine, but that was one hell of a beating that he endured.
"Let's get you to the guild hall and have Mira make you a nice fish," Lucy offered. She forced herself from her bed, cringing as her muscles screamed in protest of her stretching. Happy started flying in a circle excited about the fish Lucy was going to buy him.
She dressed in her signature blue halter top and an off-white skirt. She tied off the sash on her hip after she shimmied the strap to her hip bag through. She left her hair down as she leaned over and slipped on her thigh-high boots. She needed to remind herself to clean them when she had the chance.
"Princess," Loke said materializing in the room. "Happy."
"Loke." Lucy smiled at him. "We're heading to the guild. Want to come?" She tilted her head at him, her hand on the door handle.
"Yeah, come with us, Loke," Happy said. He flew over to Lucy for her to carry him in her arms. She wrapped her arms around him, his fur soft against her skin.
"Sure. I came to check up on my favorite lady," Loke said.
Lucy snorted. "I thought Aries was your favorite lady." She loved teasing the lion spirit after his confession about being in love with Aries was announced.
"You're both my favs," Loke said with a wink. Lucy rolled her eyes at him as she shifted Happy to open the door.
"Nice save," Lucy commented.
They stayed quiet for a little bit, Lucy jumping onto the ledge of the canal, while Loke walked beside her on the ground. Normally, she would out-stretch her arms to help her balance, but with how many times she had walked it, she could do it in her sleep. Even if she did fall, thankfully the canal wasn't very deep.
"I probably don't need to ask but how's Natsu?" Loke asked as Lucy jumped down as the ledge ended on the bridge.
"Like he never fought," Happy chirped. He wiggled out of Lucy's arms and stretched his wings, gliding between them.
"Go figure," Lucy sighed. "And here I am, internally crying because I'm so sore."
"You're not a dragon slayer. Food and sleep restore them like nothing happened at all," Loke reminded. Lucy knew that, but it still sucked for her. Happy flew ahead of them laughing excitedly as the guild hall appeared. He cheered about his fish and Lucy couldn't help but smile widely at him.
"Happy, if Carla is there, don't ask her if she wants to share. She hates fish," Lucy reminded as Loke reached out opening the door for her and Happy.
"Awwwe," Happy whined. Lucy chuckled at him as he soared across the guild to the bar where Mira was humming. Lucy weaved through tables as Loke veered off to talk to Gray sitting at the table with Wendy.
"Hi, Lucy," Mira greeted but paused as Lucy sat on the bar stool. "You're hurt." It wasn't a question, but rather a statement.
"I'm okay. I need to talk to Wendy here in a bit. I promised Happy I would get him a fish first and I wouldn't mind a strawberry smoothie if it's not a bother to make."
"Not a problem, Lucy," Mira said, her eyes softening. "Anything for you." Lucy propped her elbow onto the bar top, leaning her head into her hand as she watched Mira move around with her order. "So why is Happy with you and not Natsu?" Lucy glanced at Mira's back.
"Not entirely sure. He snuck into my house, at some point, and said Natsu was with Lisanna. Are they not here?" She asked straightening her shoulders. Mira shook her head as she placed Lucy's smoothie down and then started working on Happy's fish.
"Lisanna and he left this morning from what I've gathered," Mira said. Lucy glanced over her shoulder, biting her lip as she watched Happy talking to Carla, rubbing his forehead coyly.
"Well, looks like Happy will be with me until they return," Lucy shrugged. It wasn't uncommon that she was stuck with Happy often. Lisanna and Natsu are taking many personal time nowadays. Lucy only got annoyed with Happy when he would call her fat or whine about how he missed Natsu, although she did feel bad that Natsu was ditching him a lot.
Mira placed Happy's fish on the counter. "I appreciate it, Lucy. I'm sorry."
"No need to be sorry. Happy is my family." She placed her lips around the straw and took a huge drink of her smoothie.
"I'm fearing that Team Natsu is breaking up," Mira admitted as she leaned onto the counter watching Lucy.
"We're not breaking up. Just taking a break. Erza is meeting up with Jellal, Gray has been working on his relationship with Juvia so they have been taking jobs together, Wendy has been going to Lamia Scale to see Sherria, and then Natsu and Lisanna. I mean, Natsu and I just went on that job yesterday. Not that it had the greatest ending," Lucy explained. She did feel a little left out at times since she never had anyone to take jobs with anymore but how could she complain? She was just happy to see her friends happy and that is what mattered to her.
"But are you okay?" Mira asked, staring at Lucy.
Lucy sighed but smiled at her friend.
"Yes, I am okay. No need to worry, promise. And I'm never alone, remember that. I have my spirits." Happy flew behind her, her hair swaying with the slight wind from his wings.
"And me," Happy said before inhaling his fish in one bite, the tail of the fish hung out between his lips. Lucy scrunched her nose at the sight but was not surprised.
"See, Mira. I'm okay and will be okay," Lucy said.
"If you say so, I just worry," she said holding her cheek.
"If I weren't okay, I promise I'll say something but right now, I'm pretty content. Celestial mage promise," Lucy said smiling. "I'm going to go see Wendy about healing these bruises."
Lucy left Happy to his fish as she walked over to the table where Wendy and Gray were sitting.
"Hey guys," Lucy greeted as she slid beside Wendy, noticing that Loke was gone. "Do you mind healing me, Wendy?" She asked turning towards the teen girl. Wendy glanced Lucy over with a frown.
"What the hell happened to you?" Gray asked as he stripped his shirt.
"The job Natsu and I took yesterday. Well, it wasn't the job itself, but we were ambushed," Lucy explained again. Wendy held her palms out as light illuminated them. Lucy could feel Wendy's healing magic as the bruises and scrapes disappeared, even the aches and pains disappeared.
"There, that should do it," Wendy said as her hands fell to her lap. "Do you feel better?" Lucy rolled her shoulders and giggled.
"Yes! Thanks, Wendy. I appreciate it." Lucy leaned on the table.
"I see you that you have Happy again?" Gray noted leaning back in the chair with his hands behind his head.
"Seems so. It's okay, we keep each other busy," Lucy stated.
"Yeah, it's never boring with Lushy," Happy agreed. Lucy grabbed Happy from the table and squeezed him between her breasts in a hug.
"I appreciate that Happy, really," Lucy said quietly.
"I can take a job with you if you want," Gray offered and dropped feet to the floor with a thunk, his pants now stripped. Wendy glanced away with rosy cheeks as Lucy rolled her eyes.
"Gray, your clothes! I really really don't want Juvia coming after me for your stripping habits," Lucy shuddered. She had to constantly reassure Juvia that she had zero feelings towards Gray, although Lucy had a feeling her words went over the water mage's head. Lucy's feelings toward Gray were platonic, like a brother she never had.
"Seriously?" Gray glanced down at himself. "Damn it, not again. I really need to stop doing that," he grumbled as he shoved his feet back into his pants and pulled his shirt back over his head.
"Thanks, but I think Happy and I can just do a simple job together. I'm pretty sure I saw a super simple one on the wall," Lucy noted, pointing behind her where the board was.
"I can go with you," Wendy offered. "I can tell Sherria I'm coming a day late."
Lucy shook her head. "Thanks, guys, I really appreciate it, but I'm okay. Don't alter your plans just for me." Lucy didn't miss the look Gray and Wendy shared, but she ignored it.
"How about when I get back we go on a job?" Wendy offered. "I miss you, the team." Lucy smiled at Wendy, her heart thumped with a sad throb. Lucy admitted she missed the team, but didn't hate the freedom of doing her own thing.
"I'd like that. I'm going to get that job I was referring to. Thank you again, Wendy. Wendy tell Sherria and the others at Lamia Scale I said hello and Gray, stop stripping. Tell Juvia I said hi when you see her," Lucy said and stood.
"Sure. See you later Lucy." Gray nodded at her.
Lucy leaned down and hugged Wendy before she bounced to the board with Happy flying around her as her eyes scanned the pages. She tapped her chin with an index finger and sucked in her cheeks until her eyes caught the one she was talking about.
"Ah, ha." Lucy yanked it off the tack as she read over it. "What do you think Happy?" she asked showing him.
"What does it say?" He asked.
"It's a waitress job down at the 8-Island restaurant. Yajima is hosting a fundraiser and needs the extra help," Lucy said, scanning the paper. "It's for tonight." She bit her lip. It was still early so she could definitely make it in time to have a crash course in serving.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Happy asked.
Lucy and Happy entered into Hargeon without trouble. Mira had told her that the Thunder Tribe would be working tonight as they volunteered to help Yajima on their down days. That made Lucy feel slightly relaxed knowing that a few others from the guild would be there.
"This is one job I wish that would last forever," Happy daydreamed. "Give me all the fishies in the world."
Lucy rolled her eyes dramatically. "Keep in mind you bottomless pit, you can't just eat for free."
Hargeon bustled with people and Lucy shouldered her way through the crowds as the restaurant appeared into view. She resorted to putting her hair up in her famous side ponytail to cool her neck down. She reached for the handle and pulled the door open as a wave of cool air slapped her, the door slammed behind her. There were only a few occupied tables as she glanced around to search for Yajima.
"Lucy?" Evergreen called her name. She glanced up to see Evergreen walking from a table where she prepped silverware. She smiled and half waved at Evergreen.
"Hey, Ever. Do you know where Yajima is? I'm here to help for tonight." Lucy pulled the folded paper from her right breast and showed Evergreen.
"Ah. Yeah, we need another hand for help. Here, I'll take you to him," Evergreen said and beckoned Lucy to follow.
Lucy followed behind as Happy landed on her shoulder. She noticed Freed at the counter with a clipboard, mumbling to himself and Bickslow was in the kitchen with his totems as he prepped. Evergreen stopped before a door and knocked.
"Mr. Yajima?" She called through the door. A moment later, the door opened revealing the shorter, older male with arms crossed behind him.
"Lucy is here about the help for the night," Evergreen announced and moved to the side so he could see Lucy.
"Yes," Lucy said with a nod. "I'd like to help for tonight if you still need the help."
"Yes, yes. More the merrier. Maki's people are always the most helpful," Yajima said. He shut the door and walked past the women as they filed to follow.
"Lushy, don't forget about the fish," Happy whispered loudly in her ear. Lucy shushed him and gave him a death glare.
"Guessing Natsu dumped Happy on you again?" Evergreen asked, bluntly.
"It's really no big deal," Lucy said truthfully. "Not sure why everyone thinks it's weird. As long as Happy isn't bothered by it, I'm not."
"Sorry, I didn't mean it like that," Evergreen apologized quietly. "It's just happening more frequently it seems."
"So tonight we are having a fundraiser to help raise funds to expand my restaurant to Magnolia. Evergreen can explain to you what I expect if you don't have any experience. Freed will be running the register and helping Bickslow as needed while Bickslow will be in the back cooking. Do you have any questions?" Yajima asked as he stopped at the counter where Freed did a double look at Lucy.
"No sir. If I do, I'll ask Evergreen. I'm a fast learner. Thank you for letting me help," she said bowing. Yajima patted her arm with a smile and turned to head back to his office. Once he was gone, Freed set the clipboard down.
"Hello, Lucy. Well, this is a surprise," Freed said.
Lucy waved at him. "I had noticed the paper the other day and was excited no one had taken it. Me and Happy are doing this together." Freed hummed as he eyed the exceed.
"I see. No Natsu?" He asked looking around in case he had missed him.
Lucy shook her head. "No, not this time. I haven't seen him since yesterday. Lisanna and him were gone before I got to the guild this morning." His face wore a frown but Lucy didn't think too much into it.
She felt like too many people were starting to question why she had Happy so much and for some reason, true to the color of her hair, it went over her head. She didn't think Natsu was abandoning Happy. Happy would never in a million years allow that and knew Natsu better than that. Lisanna and Natsu just enjoyed alone time, but Happy was Natsu's family and hers. Lisanna and Natsu hatched Happy from an egg if Lucy remembered correctly, but Happy also avoided talking about his time with Natsu. She respected his silence and made sure he enjoyed his time with her.
A little while later, the restaurant was ready for dinner service. Lucy wore a burnt orange, strapless uniform as her hair flowed down her back in waves; matching Evergreen as she carried a tray of plates. The first rush was decent, as she laughed and chit-chatted with customers who recognized her from the games.
"I need two more Holly Soda's and a Beast Man Curry," Lucy read off to Bickslow as she placed the ticket.
She fanned herself as it was a little warm she glanced over the crowd. They really could have used one or two more waitresses but she admitted she and Evergreen worked great as a team and killed it. She could always call out Virgo, but then shivered, abandoning that idea. It sounded good at first but the more she thought about it..she shook her head. Asking each customer for punishment may leave an awkward impression.
"You okay, Lucy?" Evergreen asked as she stood beside her, grabbing her fan from her cleavage, expanding it, and waving it vigorously.
"Yes, actually, I'm having a lot of fun," she said as she held the tray against her stomach.
"It's not bad once you get into a groove," Evergreen agreed.
The bell over the door grabbed both of their attention as Laxus walked through with his coat hanging off his shoulders and his hands dangling at his side. Lucy leaned over toward Evergreen.
"Is he helping?" She pointed at Laxus curious.
Evergreen snorted a laugh. "Hardly. Laxus is just moral support."
Lucy made an O with her mouth as one of her customers signaled her over. She smiled at Evergreen as she departed. After she jotted down what her customer wanted, Lucy glanced up catching Laxus's eyes. He raised a brow at her in curiosity and she winked at him. She turned around quickly, embarrassed that she even had the guts to do that.
"Lushy, can I have fish yet?" Happy whined as she walked back to the counter. She rolled her eyes as she glanced at Bickslow.
"Hey Bicks, can you make Happy a fish when you are free? I'm paying for it," she asked fiddling with a strand of hair. His totems danced in a circle chanting yeah as he yelled yeah at her. Freed made his way back there and started working on cups of Ruby Parfaits.
An hour later, the crowd lessened and business started slowing. Lucy helped Freed at the register, separating tickets and comparing them to the clipboard as Evergreen swept the floor. Bickslow was in the back trying to sing and making noises as he drummed utensils. Lucy noticed Laxus had taken comfort in a booth in the corner, his sound pods over his ears with his eyes closed and arms crossed. She watched as his finger tapped in rhythm against his forearm to whatever he was listening to.
"Lucy, did you hear me?" Freed asked.
Lucy jumped as Freed startled her out of her daydream."No sorry. What did you say?" She asked and glanced down at what he pointed to. She answered his question and noticed Happy sleeping beside her, mumbling fish in his sleep every so often.
Yajima paid them and Lucy waved goodbye as she carried a sleeping Happy in her arms. The night air was cool, making her shiver. At least it was a short walk to the train station she told herself.
"Hey."
Lucy stopped and glanced over her shoulder, as the Thunder Tribe and Laxus came from the building.
"Yeah?" she asked turning around to face them.
"Are you staying or going home? If you want, you can bunk with me tonight. It's kind of late," Evergreen offered. Lucy was taken back by the offer, taking a glance at Happy and then back toward the group.
"Oh, su-sure. If you don't mind?" She answered as goosebumps covered her arms. She wasn't expecting it to be that cold, but she didn't take in the fact they were by the ocean so of course, the temperature would be lower than that in Magnolia.
"Well, I wouldn't have offered if I did," the brunette said fiddling with the arm of her glasses.
Lucy chuckled nervously and squeezed Happy a little tighter for his fur to keep her warm. There was a grunt and sigh as something heavy landed over her.
Laxus Dreyar just loaned her his coat and she wondered if the world was finally ending.