Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail. If I did, NaLu would've already happened.

Not your cliché story of 2012, just an average story of 2016.

Chapter 1: Awareness

I don't understand what made her so special. Was it because I was never there for him? Never around?

I guess it just never matters; at least not until it's all gone. The way he looks at her, that used to be me. Now I'm just a nobody on the sidelines. Levy understands me the best. The only one who appreciates my existence, the only one who still makes me mean like something.

For the first time in forever, his onyx eyes glanced towards my way. Churning with mixed signs of regret and joy, I didn't know what to expect. Did I finally mean something again? Was I no longer invisible?

His stiff movements as he brushed his hands through his salmon hair made a sinking feeling at the bottom of my stomach appear. "Hey Luce, do you mean if you know…take a break for a few weeks? Lisanna said she wants to join our team for a bit, just as a catch up for all the years we missed out on."

If there were any words to describe the way I felt after he said that shitty was the most accurate. It was like Gajeel beating me all over again, except it was stupid Natsu and his bright smile that shone like no fucking tomorrow.

"Lucy, you can get money for your rent by yourself and train at the same time! It'll just…be a little bit lonelier"

Stupid cat, you're not fooling anyone with that damn stupid grin. Happy, I'm glad to know and understand that you're willing to fake a smile to make me happy. I mean, there's a reason why you were named Happy right?

"Yeah sure, I mean it's only for a few weeks right?" Trying not to cry proved harder than finding something to write when writer's block came every time I wrote 2 new chapters. "Have fun on your mission guys…"

"Lucy, are you sure about this? I mean if you feel uncomfortable, you're welcome to join us on the mission." Blue eyes glanced my way; no malice came from them. Only the kindness that stung me despite the lack of motive.

Sometimes I wished Natsu wasn't as dense as he was. I wish he realised the way my cheeks burned whenever he smiled; the way I always became flustered and foolish around him; the reason on why I always let him in my room.

Most of all, I wish that damn dense salmon haired brick would realise the way I felt for him after these 2 years. I guess for people to realise what they had, they'll have to lose it.

A nod of my head seemed to suffice. With a blink of an eye, they were gone. If only my issues could disappear that fast, if only my feelings for him could vanish just like that.

The cool liquid that trickled down the back of my throat made me come to a realisation. There was a way it could all disappear. The feelings, the hate, the jealously.

The stairs that creaked beneath my feet reminded me of the way my life had been. Noisy, loud, and maybe it's finally reaching the final step before it's going to go quiet as I move onto another phase of my life.

"Master? Are you here?" My words were met with the face of the very confused old man. His appearance managed to fool others, but not me. Despite the fact he was old as heck, he was one magical father figure that I'll always rely on.

"Child? What are you doing here? Has Natsu managed to burn down another town and make you do all the paperwork? Seriously, when will that meat head come to appreciate you?" Master always made me grin, always when it was grim. Everything I felt up until that moment came rushing out of me. The way his eyebrows furrowed, mouth dropped, I've never felt so apologetic before. "I…I understand. Come here, I'll do it for you. If you ever feel alone, don't forget. Fairy Tail is your family and home, we'll always welcome you no matter what and where you are."

The poignant moment we had came to an end as I let go of his warm arms. The way the droplets fell on the ground, I'll never forget the moments that came after that. I said my partings to Levy, whispering soothing words into her ears as we shared a sisterly embrace with her bawling all over my tank top.

With my luggage packed, I glanced once more at my apartment. I thought about all the times Team Natsu left in this apartment. The time we all got drunk on Christmas. The time Natsu brought the Sakura tree outside my window. The time they first came to visit when I bought the apartment. I guess it's time to love and let go. I placed my final letter on the table, not looking back once the door was closed.

Plue always knew what to do to make me smile. The way his little snowman-snowdog figure shook and danced whenever he saw me in this state. I hugged him and held him in my arms as I set out on a new path, a new path to rediscover myself.

It'd disappear with me.

The train station wasn't crowded, just a little busy after midday. I bought the first ticket available to the Yuru Turu forest and sat down in the seat next to the window. The serene scenery and rocking of the carriage soothed me into a sweet sleep.

That was until a familiar voice rung out and ruined the sweet silence.

"Lucy?"

Disappearing was a simple trick, just that it was a shitty one.

Feel free to review, positive and negative reviews are both welcome.

For those of you who were previously following my story and are feeling a little confused, I've decided to replace all of the previous chapters. I was feeling very unsatisfied with the quality of work put out previously. The same storyline and idea, just all written differently.

-Identify