A/N: Hey! This is my first story on here so far, please review and let me know what you think! By the way, I do not have a beta, it's just me. SO, if i happened to miss something while editing, please let me know!

Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail, nor do I earn any money from this story

Leaving the team

"Ugh, my entire body hurts!", Lucy groaned, "Why do I always end up being the one being saved?" Carefully sitting down at the bar, she flagged Mira down to order another of her famous strawberry and cream smoothies.

Setting the smoothie down on the counter carefully, Mira looked at Lucy pitifully before asking if she was going to be okay.

"I will be fine after this delicious smoothie and a long soak in my tub. Hopefully, my team hasn't invaded my apartment again. I would rather not entertain people right now." Taking a careful sip of her smoothie, she slowly added, "why do I have the feeling that I am going to have the entire team in my bed by the end of the night?"

Giggling, Mira responded, "Oh Lucy, if you don't want the extra company, then why don't you change the locks?"

"Because they don't even use the front door! That would be too easy, too normal for Team Crazy!" Rolling her eyes dramatically, Lucy sucked down the last of her smoothie before paying Mira and slowly making her way out of the guild.

Stopping just outside of the guild doors, Lucy took the time to summon Plue to walk her home.

They fell into cute easy banter about candy and tickles that made the short walk fly by. Soon Lucy was unlocking her front door and walking into her soft pink apartment. She could see the sunlight slowly filtering through the sheer white curtains on the window just above her bed, giving the small space a soft warm glow. Surprisingly, her apartment was quiet and her bed was empty. Taking a cautious look around, Lucy nodded in satisfaction before sending Plue home. Slowly peeling off her black V-neck crop top before shimmying out of her red and black pleated mini skirt, she stepped out of the skirt before making her way to her bathroom; intent on taking a hot bath and soaking away the stress and pain of the day.

Lucy turned on the hot water in her tub before grabbing her honey bubble bath and filling the tub with the delicious smelling soap. She slipped out of her lacy black demi bra before sliding the matching black lace boy shorts down her thighs. Taking a deep breath of the now honey scented air, she slowly stepped into the water, sitting down and melting into the warmth surrounding her.

While relaxing, Lucy allowed her mind to wander to the mission her team recently finished. It was supposed to be an easy job. Find the bandits hiding in the old church, take them out with a well thought out plan, call in the rune knights, then collect the reward to finally pay her rent. Sadly, only the first step of her well laid plan went smoothly. As soon as the church came into view and Erza spotted the bandits, Natsu charged in fists blazing. It didn't take long for Gray and Erza to follow, which resulted in the stronger bandits getting the time to prepare for a counter attack. While Lucy was using her Taurus star dress to help Loke take out the few bandits that tried to escape, Gray sent an ice encased air magic user into her back, forcing her to hit the nearest wall and hitting her head off the stone. Before the black took over, Lucy could hear her teammates calling out to her as she went down. At the end of the battle, Lucy woke in Loke's arms while being carried back to the train station.

Getting frustrated with her lack of strength, Lucy threw her hands into her hair. "Ugh! I'm so weak! Why can't I just take one mission with my team without needing to be carried out of town?!" Splashing water out of the tub as her hands came down beside her, Lucy hung her head, feeling ashamed. 'When will I learn? I can't honestly believe I can keep up with those three? Not after I lost Aquarius' Drawing her knees up to her chest, Lucy felt the burning behind her eyes before the silent tears started to fall.

Appearing in a flash of golden light, Virgo was kneeling beside the tub with a comforting hand on Lucy's back, rubbing small circles while trying to calm her summoner. "Princess, neither I, nor any of your other spirits believe you are weak. We are all proud of the progress you have made with your star dress and magic reserves. You are the strongest celestial mage in Fiore and hold ten out of the twelve golden keys. Princess, may I suggest a change of pace to get some time away from the chaos? Big brother believes taking a few months as a solo mage will help your confidence."

Sniffling, Lucy slowly looks up at pink haired spirit thinking seriously about the words she just said. 'Maybe it is time to take a step back for a while? I could take a few weeks to train with my spirits and maybe find some new keys. I won't have to worry about my rent for a couple months either. For once I will be able to bring home the full reward from a job.' Leaning forward as Virgo reached behind her to wash her long golden locks, Lucy thought more about the inspiring words. 'Perhaps I should just leave the team altogether? I'm sure they won't miss me... much.'

Suddenly motivated Lucy sat a little straighter as Virgo rinsed the sweet honey shampoo from her hair. Standing out of the now cold water, she grabbed a towel to wrap around her body before hugging her loyal spirit.

"Thank you, Virgo. Please tell Loke that I will be needing him shortly, I have a few things to discuss with him once I get dressed."

With a bow Virgo replied, "Of course Princess, will I be getting punishment before I leave?"

"No Virgo, no punishment" Lucy laughed as she stepped out of the tub and made her way back to her bedroom.

"Very well, Princess. I will be going now" Virgo said before leaving in a similar golden flash of light.

Lucy quickly pulled out a soft pink tank top and matching shorts for bed before dropping her towel and quickly dressing. As she was attempting the detangle her waist long hair, Lucy felt the familiar pull on her magic and knew her lion had arrived.

"Virgo mentioned you wanted to speak with me, Princess?" Not stopping to ask permission, Loke removed the brush from Lucy's hand and moved to finish brushing her hair before braiding it down her back.

"Yes, I wanted to ask about your point of view of the conversation Virgo and I had earlier. Do you really believe I could make it as a solo mage? I couldn't even avoid sacrificing my oldest friend the last time I took on an opponent on my own"

Kneeling like a true knight before his princess, Loke took Lucy's hand in his before answering "Of course, Princess. I believe your team means well, but they are preventing you from realizing your own strength by constantly hovering over you. Just this morning, you were hit by an enemy Gray defeated because he was too close to you, without knowing how close you were to him. Taking a couple months as a solo mage would allow you to train while gaining the fighting experience you are lacking. I wish to offer my services training you for close combat situations." Looking for any signs of deceit in his eyes, Lucy could not help but notice the sincerity of his words with the amount of admiration Loke was showing her.

Nodding slowly, Lucy quickly made up her mind. She would take a couple months to work as a solo mage to catch up on rent and rebuild her confidence in her abilities. Taking in a shaky breath she mentally prepared herself for the next question to ask her loyal lion. "I do have another favor to ask of you, Loke. I hope it's not too much"

"Whatever you need, my love, it's yours."

Blushing, Lucy quickly shouted out "I NEED YOU TO HELP ME TELL THE TEAM I'M LEAVING!"

"Princess- "Loke started

"I need to do this Loke. No, I have to do this."

"If that is the way you feel, then I shall help you any way I can"

With a beaming smile, Lucy hugged her lion spirit before releasing him and looking him in the eyes adding, "tomorrow, I want to tell them tomorrow before they have the chance to choose another mission"

Getting Loke to agree to her plan to inform her team of her decision was easy enough. Turning out the lights in the room before climbing into bed, Lucy let one final thought cross her mind before sleep claimed her. 'I wonder how the team is going to take this'

The next morning at the guild Lucy was found in an attention worthy situation.

"YOU WANT TO WHAT?!" All three of her teammates yelled before launching into their own forms of venting. Natsu jumped on top of the table, flames dancing over his fists before telling Lucy she can't break up the team.

"I have to agree with Natsu on this one Lucy. We like protecting you and making sure youre safe, how are we to do that if we are not with you on missions?" Erza questioned

Pulling on the bottom hem of her blue cropped halter top, Lucy glanced down at her dark wash denim skinny jeans and black flats before sighing and replying.

"That's the reason I'm leaving the team Erza. I can't expect to get stronger if I am constantly being protected and saved by my team. I need to get stronger so I can pull my own weight in the guild. Not to mention, taking a few solo missions will help me get caught up on rent and possibly pay for the rest of the year in advance." Lucy explained.

Hearing her words, Gray jumped in with a rebuttal "If rent money is what you need, we can ditch ash for brains and do a mission ourselves, Lucy. You don't have to leave the team!"

"Yes Gray, I do. My mind has been made up. I'm sorry but I am leaving the team, effective immediately. I have already informed Master and Laxus about the change. I will be heading to visit my parents' graves for a few days before starting on my training."

At that, Lucy turned around and walked out the guilds front door.

After a week in Acalypha, Lucy was sitting in the back of a carriage heading back to Magnolia. Deep in thought as she stared out the window at the passing scenery, she vaguely remembered needing to take a mission soon to replenish her already low jewel funds. All too soon, the carriage was stopping and the driver announced their arrival to the edge of town she called home. Climbing out while holding her pink suitcase, Lucy started the walk back to her small apartment. Over the past week, Lucy has done a lot of thought about the new changes she has already made.

'I feel like I am starting a new chapter in my life once again. I guess a week of soul searching will do that to you.'

Sluggishly making her way up the steps to her brownstone apartment, another thought crossed Lucy's' mind.

'Maybe it's time I found a new place to live? Especially if I want Team Natsu to give me space while I work on my strength and magic.'

Grabbing the classifieds from the entrance before walking up the stairs to her front door, Lucy tucked the paper under her arm as she grabbed her keys. Unlocking her door and tossing her luggage inside, Lucy kicked the door closed behind her before making a beeline for the kitchen. Setting the paper down on her dining table, she opened the fridge to grab the ingredients for her dinner of grilled lemon chicken with asparagus and a small side of rice. Making her way around the kitchen Lucy hummed the melody of a random song while cooking.

Sitting down at the table with her plate, Lucy began to eat while browsing the classifieds looking at the available apartments for rent. There were a few that were way out of her price range closer to the guild while others were on the outskirts of town for next to nothing. Even with all the options, nothing stood out to her until her eyes fell to the bottom right hand corner of the page. It was PERFECT! Just the right distance from the city lights to be able to see her stars at night, while being close enough to the guild to get help whenever she needed. Just the right amount of privacy with a security net if needed. Picking up her lacrima comm, Lucy quickly dialed the number on the listing and set up a showing for her potential new place in the morning.

After finishing her dinner, Lucy washed the dishes and coasted through her nightly routine. Feeling drained from the lengthy trip back to Magnolia and the excitement of a new home in the morning, Lucy fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

Lucy woke early the next morning with the sunlight filtering through her curtains. Team Natsu has not been by since she left the team and she felt as if her luck were running out. Jumping out of the bed, Lucy headed to the bathroom to get her day started.

Brushed teeth and clean skin and hair left Lucy glowing with confidence as she selected her outfit for the morning showing of her new home. Choosing a pure white lace bra and matching thong set, Lucy grabbed a black mini skirt and white camisole with a burgundy half blazer to wear for the day. Calling out Cancer to style her hair, she went with a high ponytail and simple make-up consisting of mascara, a bit of blush, and pink tinted lip gloss. Grabbing her keys and whip she attached them to a matching burgundy belt hanging delicately around her waist.

Pulling on a set of burgundy flats, Lucy locked her door and headed to the café down the road from her apartment. Greeting the little shop owner, she selected and paid for a simple breakfast croissant and black coffee to snack on during her walk to the other end of Magnolia.

The walk took maybe 40 minutes to reach the front door of the modest cottage style home. It was situated in a small clearing with enough trees surrounding it on three side to grant privacy to the side and back of the house. From the front yard, Lucy could see the porch wrapped all the way around the house and the small garden situated to the right side of the front door. On closer inspection, she would tell the entire right side of the home was a wall of floor to ceiling windows with a sliding door situated directly in the middle. Her excitement rising, Lucy bounced on the balls of her feet thinking of the many nights she could sit and watch the stars out of the windows, even in the cold of winter.

While Lucy was daydreaming, the realtor noticed her approach to the home and quietly stepped out onto the front porch, standing on the first step while patiently waiting.

Clearing her throat, the realtor spoke in a clear and even voice. "Good morning Miss, might you be Miss Heartfilia?"

"O-oh yes! My apologies," Lucy stammered "I just got so wrapped up in the beauty of this home. I cannot believe something so peaceful is situated so close to a town!"

Gaining the strength in her voice, Lucy continued with her right hand extended "You must be Cynthia Lowe. It is a pleasure to meet you!"

Shaking her extended hand Cynthia smoothly replied "The pleasure is all mine, Miss Heartfilia. Now would you like to see the inside of the home?"

Excited, Lucy's eyes lit up and she agreed quickly making her way up the three steps and across the expansive porch. Stepping into the tan colored door, Lucy immediately noticed the rich brown of the hardwood floors, the massive height of the vaulted ceilings accentuated with several exposed beams, making up much of the living room. To her right she spotted the same windows she noticed on her way up the path. So much sunlight was pouring through the windows from the early morning sun, it set Lucy's beautiful blonde hair on fire with streaks of sparkling gold. After spending a moment basking in the sunlight, Lucy turned her attention to the remainder of the first floor.

Leading directly back and to the right of the open concept floor plan, the kitchen was sprawled out along far back wall, separated only by space for what Lucy assumed would be a dining room table, she spotted a large counter height island. Walking through the expansive living room, Lucy reached the kitchen and fell in love. Simple black marble counter tops accentuated with flecks of gold reminded the celestial mage of her beloved night sky. Following the path of the counter, Lucy was met with the soft yellow hand painted tiles of the backsplash before looking at the appliances. Shiny stainless steel. 'Well I guess you can't go wrong with stainless steel for appliances. If the kitchen is this nice, I am dying to see the bathroom.'

As if reading her mind, Cynthia chose this moment to give the basic overview of the home. "This is a three bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom home with 2,000 square feet of space. As you saw on the way in, the tree line gives great privacy for this side of the home with the wall to wall windows. To your left, there is a hallway leading to the half bath, a modest office with plenty of space for books, and a fully finished basement. On the opposite side is the stairway leading up to the second story of the home." Gesturing to her right, Cynthia followed Lucy up the stairs before continuing her tour of the home "Up here there are the three bedrooms, the master being directly to the right and the guest bedrooms and bath on the left."

Choosing to tour the master bedroom first, Lucy turned to her right and opened the only door along the wall. Greeting her when she opened the door was another wall of windows and a small balcony overlooking the garden below. Plenty of space for her bed and dresser, Lucy opened the next door she found in search for the closet. Instead she was graced with an impressively stunning bathroom. Minor details escaped Lucy's focus as she zeroed in on the jetted Jacuzzi style tub and separate standalone waterfall shower, encased in glass walls.

Not needing to see anymore, she turned to Cynthia and immediately claimed the cottage as her own. Cynthia quickly called the landlord to negotiate terms for the bouncing blonde. Surprisingly, the previous owner had no issues with selling over renting and offered a fair price. Knowing she was still short on cash for the moment, they agreed on a rent to own agreement, allowing Lucy to pay rent for the time being until she can come up with the money to buy the home outright. Overjoyed, Lucy headed back to her tiny apartment to begin planning her move and packing her belongings.