Lucy's Promise

Chapter 3 - Babysitter

I stood at in front of the window, watching the raindrops roll down the glass.

I'm a mother...

The thought never settled itself inside me. I glanced over my shoulder at my sleeping guests. The sun hadn't risen yet, but I couldn't sleep. That one thought haunted me. I'm a mother. Well maybe not biologically, but he's my responsibility now.

I can't believe I still don't have a name. I tiptoed to the baby. Tucked away his blonde hair and kissed his forehead. "Luke?" I cringed at the name. "Alexander?" Better but still didn't fit right. I looked down at him. His bright blue eyes fluttered open, and he peered up at me. I smiled.

"Quinn."

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The morning sun streamed through the guild hall. I reluctantly left Quinn to Willow. Probably not one of my best ideas.

I sat on one of the bar stools, chatting with Mira and Kinana before Levy sat next to me.

"Morning, Levy," I greeted.

"G'morning, Lu!"

I took a sip of my margarita. "You seem awfully happy," I observed.

She sighed. "Gajeel and I went out last night. He took me to a fancy restaurant and everything!"

I pumped my eyebrows. "Everything?"

Levy blushed furiously. "Not like that! We just ate, and he walked me home. Nothing major." She peers into my glass. "Alcohol this early? I thought you didn't like booze."

I thought for a minute. "I had a bad dream, and I can't shake it off."

"Oh."

We're silent for a while. I caught Natsu staring at me from across the hall and waved him over.

"Morning, Luce," he said as he took a seat next to me. "How'd you sleep last night?"

I sighed. "Actually, I didn't-"

"We should pick a new job!" He interrupted. "We haven't been on one since we've been back. Haven't we taken a long enough break?" He stared at me with a burning desire in his eyes. "I'm itching for a fight!"

I narrowed my eyes at him. "You're always itching for a fight," I mumbled, twisting the stem of my glass between my thumb and my forefinger. "I'm not in any hurry to get back in the field."

He chuckled evilly. "How are you gonna pay your rent?" He whispered in my ear.

A shiver ran down my spine. I would need money at some point or another. How would I afford to take care of Quinn if I didn't even have a house to keep him in? I stood abruptly, feathers flying in all directions. "Fine, I'll pick a job!" I stomped over to the request board. My wings twitched as I scanned over a particularly interesting job. I picked it off of its pin and brought it to Natsu. "What about this one?"

He skimmed over it for a minute.

It was in a town on the west boarder of Fiore. Locals were worried about suddenly disappearing jewels. Their disappearances were unexplained and they thought that we could unravel the mystery. It wasn't worth much but it was worth enough to split between us. "I think it's perfect!" I smiled at him. He quickly pecked me on the forehead and ran to Mira. "I'm gonna go home and grab a few things." I unfurled my wings and flew out of the guild doors, low whistles following me as I went.

I stepped into my apartment and quickly ran to Quinn's sleeping body. Was it just me or was he bigger than last night?

Willow looked up at me from the arm chair she was reading in. "What's up with you?"

I glanced at her while I picked up Quinn and held him with one arm. He's definitely heavier. I gave her a longing look.

"This can't be good..." She muttered.

I sighed. "I have to go on a job with Natsu," I began.

"What?"

I sighed. "If Quinn's gonna stay in this house, I'll need a larger income. Babies aren't easy to take care of."

Willow groaned. "I don't want to have to take care of a baby! I'm only fifteen!"

I glowered at her. I know I can't leave her here by herself with a baby to take care of. "I'll find someone who'll help you." I don't know who it's going to be...

"But I thought you didn't want anyone to know." Willow cocked her head.

"I don't. Which is why it's not gonna be Erza. I love her but she really can't keep a secret. Mira has that motherly touch, but..." I flopped onto the couch, contemplating my ideas with Quinn nestled on my torso. "Juvia? No, she'd probably tell Gray without thinking about it. I could ask Cana, but she'd probably be drunk before she stepped through the door."

"You got that right," the young dragon slayer muttered.

"What about Yukino?"

"You'd call her all the way from Sabertooth?"

"Touche."

I sprawled out on the couch. This is too hard... Finally, I stood, my free fist clenched.

"I guess Mira is my only option," I concluded. 

Willow sat up on the arm chair. "Are you sure she can keep her mouth shut? You know she has a hard time keeping secrets to herself."

Quinn blinked away sleep from his eyes and cooed happily at seeing me. He's so cute.

"I don't have much of a choice. Besides, a baby isn't an easy thing to keep secret. I can only blame myself if people find out." I set Quinn back in his crib. He gripped my pinkie in his tiny hand, and I relished in the feeling. "I'm gonna run back to the guild and tell Mira after I'm done packing." I pried my finger from his grasp and began rummaging through my drawers. I grab a series of outfits that range from a casual day by the beach to braving the icy tundra. I wasn't sure where we would be going on the western coast.

"Rest assured, Luce. Miyuki and I will do everything we can to take care of Quinn," Willow chimed happily.

I rested my hands on my hips. "Speaking of which, where is Miyuki?"

The young dragon slayer waved her hand dismissively, picking her book back up. "She said she was going with Carla for tea."

I nodded understandingly. I snapped my suitcase shut and waltzed over to where Quinn was playing in his makeshift crib. I leaned down and kissed his forehead. "I'll be back as soon as I can, flower."

He giggled quietly making my wings flutter. I caught willow's gaze and smiled her. "Take care of him...and take care of yourself," I told her. She looked up at me with a warm curl of her lips.

"You know I will. Just come back safe," she warned.

"You know I will," I assured. With that, I wrap my fingers around my suitcase's handle and walk out of the apartment, planning out the conversation I have to have with my guild's barmaid to watch my adoptive son.