Angel Rose

Chapter 18

"Are you even trying, Angel?" Natsu asked, stopping mid punch before he connected with my stomach. I coughed and stood up straight to look into his eyes.

"Sorry,  Natsu. Guess I'm a little distracted. Come on , I'll try to focus. You deserve that much." The fire in Natsu's eyes dimmed and he lowered his fist.

"No. We're not gonna fight if you can't be all in. There's no point unless we're both trying our best."

"Are you sure? You love fighting?"

"Not when my opponent isn't in it. There's no fun in that." I dropped my shoulders in defeat.

"I'm really sorry, Natsu. I wish I could have been a better partner for you."

"Don't sweat it. There'll be more chances to fight."

"That was really mature of you." I complimented.

"Shut up. I'm not an idiot. I just act like one."

"So you really do intentionally let people underestimate you. And Laxus had the nerve to say I'd end up getting hurt fighting you." Natsu deflated when the words left my mouth. "Oh, no. Matsu, he wasn't saying you'd hurt me on purpose. He was mainly saying I'm not strong enough to fight you."

"Of course you are. I wouldn't ask to fight if I thought you couldn't take me." I rolled my eyes with a chuckle.

"I know, Natsu. Come on, I'm starving. Let's go get some breakfast. I'll buy." I offered.

"Natsu! Lucy's being mean to me!" Happy cried, flying into Natsu chest when we entered the guild hall.

"Hey! Where were you guys?" Lucy asked when we joined her, Wendy, and Erza at the table.

"I couldn't give Natsu a proper fight so we went to breakfast." I answered.

"Angel loves him." Happy sang.

"Happy, it wasn't a date. It was breakfast."

"Date? No. You two can't date."

"Jesus, Mira!" I jumped, falling over in my chair when Mira popped up out of no where to complain. "Ow..." Erza reached down her hand to help me but I waved her off and stood up n my own. "It was just breakfast. Natsu and I are not into each other. And what have I told you about popping up like that? You scared the hell out of me."

"Good. Don't let it happen."

"It's not gonna happen and you know it. Is Tiger here? We have to go house hunting."

"No. Gajeel and Levy took her and Lily to the beach earlier. Oh, and I found one for you already. Furnished and all."

"What's the catch?" I eyed Mira suspiciously.

"No catch. It's perfect for you. Ever helped me find it. She'll take you there. The realtor is waiting, too."

"This place is amazing, Ever. How did you and Mira manage to find it/" I asked, sitting in the living room with her after I'd signed the paperwork.

"We both wanted to help. The whole guild did. So we went through everything on houses when you were off on jobs. Gajeel even built your fence. And Freed put runes up."

"But how'd you know I'd take it? What if I hadn't?"

"We may have snooped through your collection of house clip outs." Ever whispered, avoiding eye contact.