Hurt so good •Nalu•

5

Happy the cat and I finally make it to the cafe of lounge area. After about an hour of glancing at a few sections of the library, the lovely smell of perfectly brewed coffee called my name.

"Morning Lucy!" Mira calls out from behind the counter. "Morning!" I reply. Seeing a familiar raven haired guy sitting at the counter finishing off his breakfast. I set down a stool over from him. "Morning Gray." I say placing Happy to the floor, Gray glances over from the corner of his eye. "Morning Lucy, I see you've found the flaming Idiot's mischievous cat." 'Huh?'

Mira giggles, while placing a plate of fish down for Happy and Gray slightly grins. She washes her hands then turns to me. "What would you like?" I think amount, "I'd love some coffee, it smells absolutely superb!" I say with delight and she giggles. "Coming right up!"

While I'm waiting for my coffee Gray advises me to try what he had. A fluffy egg sandwich with spinach leaves. So I take him up on the recommendation and order the same. Mira places my coffee in front of my then disappears to the kitchen to cook.

"So Lucy, do you start work today?" Gray asks. "Tomorrow, actually. I was just checking out the library." I say before taking a sip of my warm coffee. "Well, if your feeling tense, how about coming by my bar?" I think for a moment.. 'The most luxurious Hotel Blue Pegasus! I've heard Dad mentioning it before..' "I'll make you one of my famous drinks, I'm sure you'll love it." He adds, I happily accept the invite. "Can I bring Levy?" He nods and says of course.

~•~

Later on Levy joined me at the bar after work. We're on the highest floor of the Blue Pegasus Hotel. The place is surrounded by huge windows that offer a spectacular view of the city bathed in the soft orange glow of the setting sun.

Taking our seats at the bar, "Evening Gray." We say in unison. "Evening Ladies." He reply's and sits a drink in front of the two of us. "I already had something in mind for ya. Lucy you drink alcohol, right?" He asks as he's mixing another drink. "Yes, but not much."

He nods, then excuses him self as he heads to the back of the room to deliver another customers drinks. Levy and I start talking about different books as a song starts playing that we both seem to know. We then talk about music as we hear Gray nearing with another set of foot steps. The unknown man pays for his drinks, I notice him glance over towards Levy. She's gushing over the main vocalist for the band. The man raises an eyebrow as he sits at the end of the bar as him and Gray still seem to be talking, in hushed voices.

"Their vocalist's voice powerful, yet ephemeral, joyful, with a hint of sad.. The man's got charisma!" Levy says sighing with contentment. Suddenly the unknown man starts to chuckle and so does Gray. We're both left confused, Levy puffs out her cheeks. "What's so funny?" She pouts. "Ha ha, it's not that," Gray says waving a hand. "It's just that the charismatic vocalist your gushing over is this gentleman."

My eyes widen as do Levy's and her cheeks light up as she finally notices the other person at the counter. The man leans his head on his right hand with a grin. Levy then mumbles "N-no way! It's G-Gajeel Redfox!?"

"The one and only." He says adding, "I'm not so sure on the charismatic part, though." Gray then adds that he's a regular here. As I finish my second drink I'm feeling pretty good, not wanting to push it I announce my leave. Levy tells me to take care as does Gray. 'Levy seems to be hitting it off with Gajeel, I don't want to stand in her way.' I think as I'm heading out of the elevator and into the lobby to exit the hotel. On my way out of the fancy glass entrance doors I'm bumped into. "Sorry, excuse me ma'am."

"No problem." I say out loud while looking up, only to see no one near me. Just the lingering smell of smoldering embers..