Sensory Overload

Chapter 9

The sun was low on the horizon and the sky was a shade of gray that promised snow. The street lights were now lit for the evening. This was one of Meredy's favorite times of day, everything was quiet all around as she walked down the narrow roads leading to the HalfCor Hotel and Bar. She already knew before she opened the door that she was not going to accept the rest of her payment. She had such a lovely evening catching up with friends, it just didn't seem right to her. Opening the door she relished in the wall of warmth she walked into. She scanned the seated area looking for contact. She finally saw the cloaked figure at the bar. She walked up and sat beside them. Looking up from their drink they gently removed the hood "Good evening Meredy!"

"Hello Mira, long time no see." Meredy gave a wide grin and a wink. "Tell me, did it work?"

Mira's smiled deviously "Like a charm! Thank you again for your help" as she said this she slipped an envelope toward the magenta haired beauty "here is the rest of your payment, as promised."

Meredy pushed the envelope back while shaking her head "I couldn't possibly take it. It was my pleasure. It was great catching up with you and Natsu last night."

Mira looked more seriously now "I hired you for this task, please allow me to pay you accordingly."

"Your company is payment enough." she smiled brightly at her silver haired friend. "So, when should we have the link removed."

"I would give it a few more days for sure. I don't think this will be as easy as I initially thought. Lucy seems to be picking up more of Natsu senses and feelings. I was kind of hoping it would be a little more evenly matched."

Meredy thought for a moment "It could simply be that with Natsu being a Dragon Slayer he is more primal in nature. Lucy is a thinker, and does not act on impulse alone which means her nature is more reserved. That may explain why Lucy seems more obviously affected while he does not. Her senses and emotions will not be so obvious on him."

Mira mulled over her observation "I can see that... I just can't wait until they realize how much they love each other! They would make the cutest kids don'tcha think?" Her smile was so infectious that Meredy couldn't help but smile as well. "Ya they would." Meredy's tone suddenly became serious "please make sure they don't go on a job, if something serious were to ever happen to one of them I would feel absolutely awful."

"No worries hun, the request board is dead right now. This is not exactly the busiest time of year for jobs. They will have plenty of time to figure it out." It was now Mira's time to wink at Meredy. "Why don't you give it three more days or so, you can either meet up at the guild or just stop by Lucy's place. Here is her address." Mira slid a slip of paper toward Meredy.

As she pocketed the slip of paper, she smiled again "It was great to see you again Mira! I will keep an eye out to see where it would be best time to release the spell. I will certainly stop in to say goodbye before I leave town." with that Meredy stood and waved goodbye to Mira. Mira returned her goodby in kind.