Perks of being Homeless

Going Homeless

To say that I am mad would be a grave understatement. I am in a murderous rage. If only Erza wasn't here, I would've ripped him in half.

You might be wondering why I am in such a hateful state. Well, anyone would be if one afternoon you were alerted that your house is on fire and the one who burned it down is standing at the middle of the rubble, grinning as if nothing happened and even challenges you to a fight. If you wouldn't be mad at this, then you must be an extremely kind person or just plain stupid. I'm neither of those two.

I'm sure you have already guessed the name of the bastard who burned my house down. If not, then I will tell you. It was none other than the world's greatest idiot- Natsu Dragneel.

Surprise!

Who else would be dumb enough to burn someone else's house for no reason? Who else would be dumb enough to challenge someone to a fight after he burned that certain someone's home?

The answer? Natsu. And Natsu alone.

Sometimes I really couldn't help myself not to be amazed by the guy's sheer stupidity. It's either he's just pretending to be stupid (which is extremely doubtful) or his stupidity level is out of this world. I prefer the latter.

"It's popsicle's fault." Natsu plainly said, using one of the names he uses to insult me.

Those three words just made me angrier. "How the hell is it my fault?!"

The bastard then looked at me, crossed his arms and spoke like he's some kind of a genius. "Simple. You wouldn't fight me so, I fought your house."

What? That's his reason?

"My house is not a living thing, you idiot!", I shouted.

"It smells like you so, it still pissed me off." he replied.

That's it! That last reply just turned on my murderous rampage! I'm gonna kill him and I don't care about the consequences anymore.

I stood up and grabbed the bastard's scarf. I pulled him down and slammed my head against his. It made me dizzy. No wonder he's so hard headed, this guy's head is as hard as a rock.

I was about to punch him again when a hard metallic punch sent me flying- literally. It was Erza.

"Stop it! We'll settle this like civilized people." she stated.

"Civilized? I wouldn't call him- I pointed at Natsu- civilized."

I could see that this insult pissed him off. "What did you say, Ice freak?" Natsu shouted.

"I said that your idiocy knows no bounds!" I shouted back.

"SHUT UP!" Erza bellowed. She was clearly mad as well. "I'm tired of your childish acts!"

She then used her titanic strength to grab us both and slammed both of our heads together. When both of us were down she stomped on our heads to ensure that we won't be standing up.

"I have made a decision!" she stated. "Natsu will pay for the reconstruction of Gray's house."

"Wha-why?" Natsu complained.

"I said, shut up!" Erza shouted once again as she stomped on our heads stronger this time.

"As for you, Gray, you find another place you can stay at while waiting for your house to be reconstructed! I want those terms to be accomplished! Am I clear on that?"

There was no sense in denying Erza's will, unless you want an early death sentence. "Yes, ma'am!" both me and Natsu chorused.

She then removed her armored boots that pinned both me and Natsu on the floor. "Good. If I hear fighting again, it'll be me who you"ll have to deal with." she said. She then walked out of the guild leaving me and Natsu cowering in fear.

***

I sighed for the nth time that day while thinking about my predicament. I just couldn't find a house to stay at. Most of my savings were burned along with most of my clothes. I'm broke and all I have with me are four jewels and the clothes I am wearing today: which is my black boxers. Nothing more, nothing less.

I am totally screwed. I might end up on the streets begging for spare jewels with dirt and grime on my face. Just thinking about it made me shudder.

"Hey, Gray!" Lucy skipped in with her usual bubbly demeanor.

I really am not in the mood for casual conversation. Don't get me wrong. I like talking with Lucy. She's the only one sane guild member I enjoy talking to. It's just that my current dilemma is more than I could handle.

I looked at her and gave an unenthusiastic nod. "Hey." I replied.

"What's wrong? You seem down." she said as she scrutinized my face, bringing her face closer than comfort.

I could smell her strawberry shampoo. As I looked into her chocolate brown orbs, I began blushing madly. I gulped as she continued to scrutinize me openly. "I...I...umm..." I couldn't speak properly with her this close.

Lucy sensed that she was getting closer and I was getting uncomfortable. She then backed away while blushing herself. "S-sorry about that." she stuttered.

"So...what's wrong?" she asked, trying to shake off the awkwardness of the previous encounter.

I sighed once again as I relived the problem that has haunted me the entire day. "You don't know? Well, I recently just became homeless." I stated. "Because of a certain jerk ass who decided to burn my house for fun. You probably know who I'm talking about."

She nodded. "I'm sorry to hear that." she replied. "What will you do, now?"

I sighed out of desperation. "Honestly, I really don't know. Maybe, I'll end up on the streets, sleeping on the cold ground while I find some way to fix this."

"You could stay at my place while you are still finding ways." Lucy proposed.

I was taken aback by her suggestion. Is she serious? If she is, then why the hell not? However, I decided to play it safe for now.

"Are you serious? Wouldn't it be much of a bother?" I asked.

"Bother? You tresspass on my apartment without wearing any clothes and you use my shower without my permission, and I'm going to be bothered now?"

"What can I say? Your place is really comfy. Also, I get to read your novels which keeps me from getting bored." I explained.

"You're hopeless." Lucy said as she sighed. "So, what's it going to be?"

"Of course." I replied gleefully. "I have one more question though."

She faced me again with curious eyes.

"Err... you don't happen to be keeping some of my spare clothes, do you?"