Nothing Without It

Surprisingly, they did put me back after 2 weeks.

Well, not like it would feel like that though.

They still hung around with Lisanna, and the only time we get together is when we have a job. After the job, nothing really happens. Honestly, I think they're going to kick me out of the team. But of course, that's just absurd! Right?

A certain pinkhead broke my train of thoughts with him making his way to me. "Hey Luce."

"Oh, Natsu!" My eyes glimmered, obviously waiting for some sort of conversation to happen. "What do you want?" 

"So you know how Lisanna is back and all..." He started. I think I know where this is going. I thought, propping my cheek on my hands. "And we really want her back on the team soo..." I gave a wide grin.

"A new member?!"

"She's replacing you."

We said simultaneously, my smile dropped while Natsu just rubbed the back of his neck while grinning like a madman. "Well, I guess replace ain't the right word,  of course you're still on the team, but like, a behind the scenes member, y'know!" My mouth formed a line. " Who's going to pay for all the destruction we do! We're going to financially die without you, y'know!" He stated, making weird hand gestures in the air.

You literally need me just to fix up all your mistakes? I quirked a brow and started arguing. "You're kidding, right? I didn't even do anything yet I still pay for the destruction you did! And plus, you just can't kick me out of my place like that without the team's consent!" I fumed, crossing my arms and slightly tilting my head, no one seems to notice us bickering, but I guess it is a pretty normal sight. 

"But they already agreed." He deadpanned.

"Pretty sure you're making that up." What the hell has gotten into these people?

"C'mon Luce! Plus, Lisanna's got to train after years of missing out!"

"Don't expect me to pay for your fees."

"Not my fault we got real flashy magic. Must be so relaxing having to depend on your magic all the time." He mumbled before turning away. 

Oh hell no, he wasn't getting away with that.

I quickly grabbed his shoulder and started shaking him. "What do you mean by that, huh?" I angrily inquired, but he just looked at me with confusion spread over his face. "You didn't notice? I mean, all you do is summon your celestial thingies and make them do your job!" 

"B-But that's my magic too! So don't go blaming me!" I argued back.

"Well, Lisanna's wayyyyyyy stronger than you."

"Do you think I care about strength? Can't you just add another member instead of putting me in the back row? I want to fight too!"

"No way. Sometimes you're just a burden."

"The heck did you say?! I quite capable of handling criminals by myself, thank you!"

"Shut up already Luce... I'm tired of your whinin'..."

"Well, you'll be getting a lot more beca-" I was cut off by the sound of Natsu's loud sigh.

"Why not leave the team then? It's going to be much easier for us. And if you were, as you said, perfectly able to handle yourself, can't you go solo?"

"But.."

"I don't want to hear anymore, you're out, Luce." He sighed once again and left for his table.

Hey hey... This is absolutely not happening.

"Natsu!" I ran over to him. "Wait, no! Sorry! Just put me in the team! I'll pay for some of your destruction, I promise!" I begged, taking him by the shoulder and shaking him gently.

"Well, we've got ourselves a deal then!" He said with an ear to ear grin. "Get ready, cause we have a mission in a few days!" Was all he said before he walked off. Again.

"I don't think it can get any worse... Hopefully." I rolled my eyes and sat on a stool, my hands supporting my face as I pondered about what was about to come. 

- FEW DAYS LATER -

'Never mind, I regret everything.'  Was the only thing I was thinking of on the train, while everyone else is taking a nap.

I reached out to my pocket and glanced at my very empty wallet - never more emptier -. I had just paid for almost everything because all my teammates offered me was trash in their clothes and a mere shrug. 

Jeez, I need to go on many solo jobs after this so I can pay for rent. Everything was going fine, until the calming silence was filled with snogs and giggles right behind us, which I knew too well who they came from. Everyone else did not seem to mind and went about, it was a daily occurrence for them, maybe. I didn't really try to think about it that much. Then we arrived at the specific place for the job and went along smoothly until Natsu claimed he saw the suspect, which was actually just a deer and went on roasting everything while the others also went ballistic. And because of the damages we lost 10% of the original pay and I had to pay the rest. With my own money for my personal needs. The only good thing is we managed to catch the suspect who was unintentionally stuck in Gray's ice. After that fiasco, we went home.

I hadn't noticed that Erza was already awake and her sudden voice broke my train of thoughts.

"Lucy, could you go wake the others up?" Why does she speak like the past few years was just a blank? I simply nodded and proceeded to shake Gray. 

After Gray had woken up, I glanced at where Natsu and Lisanna were sitting. Lisanna was leaning on Natsu's shoulders, while Natsu was sleeping on Lisanna's head. "A replacement, huh.." I muttered under my breath and tapped Lisanna on the shoulder, which woke her up easily.

I gave her a small smile while her blue eyes fluttered open. "You're a light sleeper, huh?" I stated, trying to make conversation 

She weakly smiled back and yawned. "Yeah, it kind of sucks, honestly." I pointed at Natsu, telling her to wake him up. Which she did by pinching his cheeks and stretching them, causing the him to groan and drop on the floor. Lisanna tried to pull him up but Erza came closer and kneed him in the stomach. That got a laugh out of everyone except Natsu who was about to puke in pain. 

"We are almost nearing the station, get ready." I stared for a while, and turned.