Lucy sat in the park, staring blankly at the paper in her hand. All of her dreams and hopes were dashed with a few simple words. She'd had a feeling that it was coming, but that didn't stop it for hurting like hell to find out that Natsu had left her behind. After Tartarus, Natsu had been quiet and distant and now he was gone. Tears trickled down her face as she allowed the note to fall from her hands onto the ground.

"Cosplayer," Bickslow's voice had little effect on her. "What are you doing out here? It's freezing."

Lucy turned to stare at the Seith mage, the same dead look in her eyes that she had when she was staring at the paper. Bixlow looked at her in concern as he picked up the paper, his frown deepening as he read it. He didn't say a word as he wrapped his cloak around her, just allowed her to cry into his shoulder while he held her. He'd always known that Natsu was an idiot, but it surprised him that he was stupid enough to leave his best friend behind.

When Lucy had finished crying she pulled away and gave him a watery smile.

"Sorry about that," She said quietly, staring at the ground in embarrassment.

Bickslow shrugged, "It happens."

The blonde nodded, but didn't respond as she pushed her feet so that the swing began to sway back and forth. The two Fairy Tail Mages sat in silence for a while, Bickslow sitting on the swing next to Lucy, watching as she rocked it. Lucy lost in her thoughts, wondering how on earth she was going to get through the weeks ahead without the one person she'd come to view as her rock and anchor.

Natsu was an idiot, but he was still her best friend and without him, Lucy felt a little lost. Already she could feel the ache and listlessness settling in. She knew she had others in Fairy Tail that she could hang out with, but something about Natsu had always make him different from the rest and she was starting to realize what it was. She loved him.

Bickslow was lost in his own thoughts as he stared at the Celestial Mage. He knew, probably better than anyone not of her team, that Lucy cared deeply for the Dragon Slayer. He also knew that Natsu's leaving felt like a betrayal to the blonde. He gritted his teeth at the thought, pulling her closer to him as he cleared his throat.

"Look, Cosplayer, I know I'm no Natsu. I know I have a lot to make up for still, but if you give me a chance I want to try to fix that broken heart of yours," Bickslow said, staring straight ahead.

Bickslow was nervous. He couldn't bare to look at Lucy in case she was looking at him with disgust. The silence grew between them until he couldn't take it and he glanced at her, wondering what she was thinking. He was surprised to see her smiling at him.

"Do you really mean that?" She asked.

He nodded, "If you'll let me, I'll fix everything that's broken and protect it until you don't need me anymore."

Lucy eyed him for a moment.

"Even though you know I care for Natsu?"

He shrugged, "I don't care. I just want to see you smile again so even though you love Natsu, I will always be here, waiting for you with open arms."

Lucy bit her lip, wondering why he would let her use him like that before she finally nodded.

"Natsu's gone, who knows if or when he's coming back," She reasoned out loud. "So yes, Bickslow. I will give you a chance."

He smile, kissing her forehead, "I'm glad."