The Bet

An Evening In

After the dinner shift:

"Thank you ladies so much for helping out again!" Yajima said, bowing to the girls. "Here's your cut," he said, handing each of them a small bag.

The girls bowed, then walked out of the restaurant together.

"Looks like you get to keep your uniform after all," grinned Levy, poking Lucy on the arm. "I think Natsu has plans for it!"

Lucy rolled her eyes. "Didn't you hear what Gajeel said he'd do to yours? I wouldn't talk there, Gale!"

"Oh, you want to play it like that, Nalu!" teased Levy right back.

Mira hummed happily, walking along and listening to the two girls. Lisanna touched her arm. "Hey big sis, didn't you say something about after work?"

Mira smiled. "Ladies, I have the terms of the bet, but I'll reveal them tomorrow morning at the Guild, since we're all tired and I for one would like to get home and rest! Be there at 9 tomorrow for more details!" she sang out happily.

The girls parted ways and each went their own way - Lisanna and Mira to their home they shared with Elfman, Levy to Gajeel's apartment, Lucy to her own place (where Natsu most likely was waiting on her), and Juvia and Erza to Fairy Hills.

Gajeel was waiting for Levy, leaning up against the wall not too far from his place. He knew Levy would be along soon and decided to surprise her. He chuckled to himself, thinking of how to scare her so that she would jump into his arms. He liked playing the damsel in distress game with her because in real life, it really didn't happen.

He hid in the shadows and saw her walking along, her nose in a book. She had a magical light - probably provided by her script magic - hovering over the book. This was too easy, Gajeel thought.

He jumped out at her and gave a loud yell. Instinctively, she took her book and smacked him with it.

"Ow!" he cried, more out of surprise then pain.

"Gajeel! You scared me! What the hell do you think you're doing?" Levy asked irritably. It had been a long dinner shift and she was tired. She had decided to try to finish her book before getting home so she could go straight to bed.

He rubbed his arm, irritated at first, then chuckled. "I think I'm rubbing off too much on you - instead of being scared, you immediately went for the attack!" He patted her on the head while congratulating himself.

"Look," she said irritably, her eyes narrowed, "I'm tired and I just want to get home and go to bed!"

"Tired, huh?" He grabbed her and slung her over his shoulder. "I can help with that!"

"Gajeel!" She pounded him on his back, but it only made him laugh harder.

"Keep it up, Shrimp. I'm getting a nice view every time you wiggle around!"

Levy's face burned, grateful they weren't out in the daylight. Gajeel carried her into his place, made his way to the bedroom, and threw her gently - for him - on the bed.

He joined her, grinning. "Tired, huh?" He ran his hand up her stockinged leg and carefully started peeling them down from her thigh. "I can help with that," he said softly, giving her a look.

Meanwhile, Lucy had made it back to her apartment and saw a light burning in her window. Yep, she thought, he's there. Most likely with Happy. Man, I could use a snack before bed, she thought as her stomach growled. I wonder if those two have left me anything? She mentally started making a grocery list, wondering if she could get Natsu to foot the bill. After all, he and Happy ate most of her food!

As she got to her door, it opened, an arm snaked out, grabbed her, and pulled her inside.

"Natsu!" she cried, startled, as he hauled her up to him. He looked at her and grinned. "Good. You wore the uniform home! I have plans for this!"

"Natsu," she began, trying to push him away. "I'm starving - at least let me get a snack first!" she groaned, knowing that once he got started, she wouldn't have a break for awhile.

"Oh come on, Luce, you left me waiting long enough," he groaned, kissing her neck and letting his hands wander. "Can it wait . . ."

She found the spot she had discovered earlier - the one that no matter what mood he was in never failed - and poked it. Immediately, he let go of her to cover it up, laughing. "Stop! You know that tickles!"

Smiling, she stepped away from him. "Yep! It's your weakness, Salamander," she teased, heading for the kitchen. "So let me have some food or it won't tickle next time," she warned.

"Fine," he grumped. He then brightened and followed her into the kitchen. Might as well have a snack, too!

"Natsu! What happened to all the apples I just bought?"

"Oh, sorry. Happy and I ate them."

Lucy rummaged through her cabinets, drawers, and fridge. "Damn it, Natsu! I swear I'm giving you a list to go grocery shopping tomorrow, with your money!"

She finally found some crackers and cheese and took them to the table with her. Natsu reached out to grab one and she smacked his hand. "Mine!" she told him. "You've had enough!"

"Fine," he sighed. "We'll go grocery shopping tomorrow. You done yet?" He scooted closer to her and started running his fingers up and down her thigh. "You look so hot," he said, his voice husky.

"Damn it, Natsu!" Lucy said again, giggling, not really meaning it. She let him help her out and lead her to the bedroom.