Hey everyone I hope you enjoy my newest fanfic! It's my first one with Fairy Tail! This idea just kind of came to me one day and I just had to do it. So I hope you like it.

Who put that rock in your chest, won't you tell me?
If I said I wished you the best, I was lying
Waking up just brings me down, down
Cause every morning, you are nowhere to be found
Nowhere to be found

Lovesick fool-The Cab

What Once Was

Ch. 1 Hello Again

Lucy stepped out of the cab and stared at an unfamiliar Mediterranean house that belonged to one of her childhood friends. It was larger than she expected with a huge fountain placed in the center of the front yard. She noticed the three car garage and could only assume that there was a pool in the back yard. The house was on the edge of town, the neighbors were not just right next door like most neighborhoods. Plus the gate provided more privacy than most. She could only imagine the type of backyard this home had.

"Well I guess this is where a model is expected to live," she sighed, adjusting the hat that covered her blonde hair. She removed her sunglasses and stuffed them into her purse. "I just never thought Magnolia had such a home besides that house. It has been awhile since I've been here, so of course things have changed."

"Ma'am, shall I help you with your bags?" the cab driver asked wearing a friendly smile on his face as he stared at the blonde.

Lucy turned to him and smiled; she opened her mouth to answer him, but didn't have the chance to speak.

"That won't be necessary, she's got an extra set of muscles right here."

Lucy's smile widened as she heard the voice of one of her best friends, and also one of the reasons she had returned to this town. She knew his voice. She turned back towards the house and spotted that dark haired male, standing with his arms crossed, and a smirk on his face.

"Gray!" She beamed before throwing her arms around him, in a tight hug.

"Good to see you too, Lucy," the man responded. He was none other than Gray Fullbuster, friend of Lucy's for the past twelve years. "I see you brought your whole closet with you…I wonder if the bedroom we picked for ya will have enough space for all this crap."

Lucy released him from her hug just to smack him good on his muscular arm. "Oh shut up, you should be happy I even made it. I've been really busy at work and all. I'm surprised I was allowed the vacation."

He chuckled. "I don't think you would miss this if your life depended on it, however, I'm happy that you cleared a space in your busy schedule for me," he grabbed hold of her large suitcase and threw a duffle bag over his shoulder. "Now shall I show you to your room for the next eight days?"

Lucy grabbed the bag containing her makeup and another bag containing her jewelry and lastly she grabbed onto her smaller suitcase that was full of her shoes. "Lead the way my good sir!" she giggled.

They both headed toward Gray's home after paying the driver and thanking him for his services. Gray looked at Lucy and sighed. "You know, you don't have to pretend you're not nervous. I know you Luce and I would also like to inform you, you are the only person here so far."

Lucy's smile softened a bit before she took a deep breath. "You don't need to worry about me, I'll be fine. I know I said I would never return to Magnolia, but really it's okay. It's kind of nice to be back. I sort of missed this town just a tad."

"If it's too much, ya know I can…"

"Stop right there, Gray Fullbuster. This next week isn't about me or my problems. They are about the next chapter of your life and I am here to show my support. I'm here as your friend and I would never let a friend go through this without me. Remember, we all made promises that we'd be here when it mattered and trust me, this matters more," she firmly stated with her head held high as they walked up the stairs.

Gray smirked and nodded. "Alright, princess, whatever you say."

"I told you to stop calling me that!" Lucy bellowed. "If I didn't have my hands full, I'd punch your teeth out."

Gray chuckled. "Oh don't I know it." He opened the door and dropped the items of hers he was carrying in the middle of the room. "Well what do ya think?"

Lucy looked around the room; it bigger than her room back at her apartment in Crocus, the capital of Fiore. She dropped her bags instantaneously and stood amazed. "Is this the master bedroom?! This should be your room!"

"No, this isn't the master bedroom," he snickered. "It's just a regular bedroom. I'm kinda surprised you're so impressed, this isn't bigger than your bedroom back at your dad's."

Lucy ignored him and continued walking toward a pair of doors; she opened and saw it was the walk in closet. "This will do just fine." She smiled and turned back to her friend. "But where is the bathroom?"

"Sadly, there isn't one attached to this room, it's in the hallway to the right…about that actually, you'll actually be sharing it…" Gray paused to wait for her reaction.

Lucy looked at him unaffected. "Oh well," she said before going to her bag to start unpacking.

"Luce, I'm serious, if this is a problem, let me know," he demanded as he leaned down to be eye level with her.

"Gray," she started, giving him a stern look. "I told you. This is not about me."

"I know, but I'm still concerned," he admitted with a shrug. "I told you I would make sure that you don't experience anything unpleasant during your visit, and I meant that. If it's too much, let me know. We'd be happy to adjust the 'living' arrangements."

"I am NOT going to be the reason you have to change all these pre-made plans," she declared standing up. "I told you, I'll be fine, I pinky promise!"

Gray joined her in standing, arms crossed. "Do you think your old man will bother trying to contact you while you're here?"

"Not likely," she snorted. "We haven't spoken in years, why start now? Besides I'm sure he is well aware of my life back in Crocus. He probably has people watching my every move. There's no doubt he knows I'm here. And I'm sure he is too busy to make an appearance, make a phone call, or even write a letter."

"And to think you were never going to set foot in Magnolia again," he teased while ruffling her hair. "I remember that whole dramatic speech before you boarded that train five years ago. And look, here you are. And just for me? You shouldn't have Luce."

Lucy huffed in air, her cheeks puffing up in annoyance. She narrowed her eyes at him. "Just remember you are not the only reason I am here!"

"That's right Gray-sama."

They both turned back to the doorway where a beautiful woman with long wavy blue hair with big matching blue eyes stood with a huge smile on her face.

"Lucy-chan is also here for Juvia!" she spoke before running to embrace Lucy who waited for her hug.

"Juvia!" Lucy called out as tears formed into her eyes. "I'm so happy for you! Thanks for inviting me!"

"Juvia, how many times do I have to tell you to drop the 'sama'," Gray groaned at his fiancée.

"That's right Juvia, you two are going to be married in eight short days, AND you're still adding that stupid 'sama' at the end of his name? You're about to be husband and wife, I think you have the right to be a little more formal. And drop the 'chan' from my name! We've been friends for how long now? Five years! That's how long!" Lucy lectured the woman known as Juvia Lockser, the woman who was her college roommate.

"Juvia apologizes, Juvia simply forgets!" the blunette giggled wiping tears from her eyes. "Juvia is so happy to see Lucy. How was the trip?"

"Well the plane ride was alright, and the cab ride over here was decent. Saw familiar places as we drove by and such, brought back some bittersweet memories," Lucy answered.

"Lucy, are you sure you're going to be okay here?" the concern was obvious in the Juvia's voice.

"Jeez, what is up with you two? I swear I am going to be okay! It's not your fault I tried booking my hotel too late and it isn't your fault your kind enough to lend some of your rooms to your wedding guests. I am more than happy to stay here with you two and be able to be a part of every moment of this special event," she claimed with a groan. "Are you two sure you want me here?"

"O-of course!" Juvia beamed looking back at Gray.

"Of course we want you here Lucy, we're just making sure you are comfortable since we are putting you through what I'm sure is going to be an uncomfortable situation. But we'll stop asking. just make sure to tell us if anything is up. Ok?" he wraps his arms around both women, and smirks.

"Hai, hai, will do," the blonde stated before nudging her friend off of her. She looked at the couple beside her, a frown on her face. She had one question to ask. One question she needed the answer to. She needed to prepare herself. It has been five years and to say she was nervous was an understatement. She had no idea how she was going to act, was she going to act like nothing happened or was she going to act cold and distant? She sighed, well this was it. She had to know. "There's just one thing…" she mumbled, biting on her lower lip.

The couple stared at her, waiting for her to go on, both wearing serious expressions because they both knew where this was leading.

Lucy looked at her feet, dreading the words that were about to leave her mouth. "When is he going to arrive?"

He stood staring at the piece of paper in his hand with an address on it. He looked at the numbers on the mailbox and nodded his head. "Well this is the place," he stated before whistling. "The freakin' stripper owns a dumbass mansion. Well I be damned…guess that stripping habit pays the bills after all."

The man scratches the back of his head as he glances at a gigantic fountain that sat in the middle of the front yard. "What's the purpose of this dumb thing?" he questioned as he walked past it. He looked down noticing his reflection. He took note on how his normal messy pink locks where messier than usual. Patting his hair to tame it slightly, he looked over himself once more. He looked presentable for a person they haven't seen in years. But there was no way he was about to miss out on Ice Princess' wedding, even if he personally didn't know the unlucky bride.

"I'm sure Erza is going to kick my ass for stayin' away for so long," he groaned. He pounded his fist into his other hand. "Yosh! Let's get this over with." He walked up to the door way and pressed his thumb onto the door bell.

He lifted up his hand to check his breath. It was still minty fresh from the pack of gum he nervously chewed through the whole trip back. He swung his bag of clothes and other items over his shoulder as he waited. He took a deep breath, there was nothing he was scared of, but for some reason he couldn't calm his nerves. Was he worried he would have to look into her brown eyes and explain himself? Was he terrified of her reaction? How was this going to go?

"Right now would be a great time to predict the future," he grumbled to himself.

He saw a shadow figure approach the door and heard them turn the lock and seconds later the door was opened revealing his childhood friend/enemy and the groom to be.

"Well look at what the cat dragged in, didn't think I'd see your stupid face for a couple more hours," Gray chuckled. "Come on in."

Gray stepped aside and his visitor followed him in. "Welcome back to Magnolia and welcome to my home."

The pink haired man nodded and then observed Gray. "I'm surprised to see you're wearin' a shirt stripper."

"Nani?" Gray huffed, and the two pressed their skulls together like they did in the past. "What did you say, flame-brain?"

"Ya heard me, Ice Princess."

"I believe you are my guest here, you don't want to piss me off so soon, Dragneel," Gray hissed.

"Challenge accepted Fullbuster," the man before Gray smirked.

"Oh Dragneel-san! Juvia sees you have arrived!" a voice calls from the top of the staircase. Juvia rushed down to greet her newer guest. "Juvia Lockser, Gray-sama's bride." She extended her hand out to him. "Juvia has heard many stories about you! It's a pleasure to meet you!"

"Err…same here," he took her hand, shaking hers firmly. He glanced back at Gray, pointing his finger he started to laugh. "Gray-SAMA?! Bahahaha…."

Juvia looked over at her fiancé confused. "Did Juvia say something funny?"

"Juvia, how many times am I going to have to tell you to drop 'sama'?" he responded groaning, slightly blushing in embarrassment.

"I'm sorry, that was rude," the pinkette stated regaining his composure. "Thanks for havin' me. So where will I be stayin'?"

"Oh, your room will be upstairs, Juvia is more than happy to take you there. Right this way," Juvia claimed pointing toward the staircase she had just descended from moments before.

"I'm going to prepare some snacks," Gray stated before heading towards the kitchen. "And drinks. Lots of drinks."

Juvia lead the man following her up the stairs and down the hallway to his door. As they had walked down the hallway she couldn't help but glance at another door worryingly. "Well Dragneel-san, this will be your room. Juvia hopes it is to your likely. Please let Juvia or Gray-sa…Gray know if you need anything."

"Yeah thanks," he nodded, she was about to turn away before he stopped her by speaking. "By the way…is…Lucy here?" The expression on his face could only be described as completely serious, but deep in his eyes the nervousness he tried bury was showing.

Juvia looked back and smiled, nodding her answer. She knew he would eventually ask her about her blonde house guest. "She arrived an hour or so ago."

He didn't have time to ask her another question before the door down the hallway opened up, and said blonde stepped out.

"L-Lucy," he stuttered out her name. It was not like him to stutter or be nervous; however, they both knew this wasn't going to be the easiest reunion.

She faced them, eyes closed and a smile on her face. "It sure has been awhile. How many years has it been now? Doesn't it feel good to be home? Jeez I'm rambling. But anyways, welcome back, Natsu."

Young Lucy sat on a swing at the park, far away from her home as she could have gotten. She had to get away so she ran as far as her feet could take her. She sat with her hung and tears pouring from her eyes. Her father had sat her down in the family room about an hour ago and informed her that her mother was deathly ill. When those words escaped his lips Lucy broke and took off, not knowing what else to do. How was an eight year old suppose to take that kind of news? Her father didn't chase after her, he knew she didn't some space.

That was Lucy's reason for being at a park at eight o'clock at night, with the sun slowly disappearing. "I'm going to be all alone," Lucy cried, "I'm all alone."

"Why are you cryin'?"

Lucy's head snapped up to see who owned the voice that had just spoken. She saw a young boy around her age bending down to look at her; his dark onyx eyes were full of confusion as they stared at her. He had pink hair that was rather messy, he was covered in dirt, and his clothes were torn. He noticed her looking him over and gave her a toothy grin. Lucy couldn't help but notice he was missing one of his front teeth. Lucy bit her lip and bowed her head once more.

The boy's smile instantly dropped. "Why are you cryin' blondie? Where are your mommy and daddy?" he questioned her.

"M-my name is not blondie! I-it's Lucy!" she snapped back at him, trying her best to wipe away her tears.

The boy's head tilted to the side. "Luigi? That's a funny name!" he started to giggle as he pointed at the girl before him.

"Not Luigi! Lucy!" she shouted at him, standing up on her own two feet.

The boy contained his laughter. "I'm sorry," he rubbed the back of his head, smiling once more. "Why were you cryin' Lucy? Ji-chan always says pretty girls shouldn't cry."

Lucy blushed at his words, looking away from the strange boy. "My ma…my mama is very sick, and I'm sad," she mumbled, tears once again formed in her brown eyes. "I don't want my mama to leave me. I don't want to be alone!"

The boy grabbed hold of one of her hands. "You'll never really be alone, your mama will always be right here," with his free hand he pointed to where he believed his heart was. "Ji-chan tells me that's where my mama is. And don't worry, I bet your mama won't leave you because she loves you too much!"

Lucy looked at the boy. His eyes were so sincere, more than anyone's she had ever seen before. "Papa said Mama is very sick and that she might be going to heaven soon…when that happens I will be alone. You wouldn't understand." Lucy removed her hand from his. "I'm going to end up all alone." Lucy couldn't stop the tears from coming.

"Then let's be friends," he urged, "that way you'll never be alone Luigi!"

"Friends?" Lucy questioned, completely surprised by the boys forwardness, almost forgetting the fact he said her name wrong once again."And for the last time it's Lucy…"

The boy nodded as he rubbed the back of his head. "Uh huh! You will never be alone as long as you have friends."

"B-but, I don't have any friends," Lucy whispered sadly.

"You have one right here!" the boy claimed smiling. "So whaddya say?" He extended out a hand to her.

Lucy looked at his hand as if it were something suspicious. She had never had any friends; she has never even played with anyone her own age. It had always been her, her father and mother, and the maids and house workers. She couldn't help but wonder why this boy would want to be her friend when he didn't even know her. As she stood there observing him, he stood in the same position; hand extended and a friendly smile on his face. Lucy couldn't help the small smile that was starting to form on her own face. This boy had been nothing but kind to her, what was the worst that could happen? He wanted to be her friend and Lucy deeply wanted to have friends.

Lucy nervously lifted her hand to meet his waiting one. They met and held onto each other, both smiling. "S-sure!" she beamed happily.

The boy gave her hand a firm shake. "I'm Natsu! Natsu Dragneel! Nice to meet cha Lucy!"

"N-Natsu?" Lucy couldn't help but giggle on how girly it sounded, however, it did match his pink hair. "Pleased to meet you, Natsu Dragneel .I'm Lucy Heartfilia." That was how Lucy met her first friend, and on that fateful day Lucy's life changed.

Where'd you go?
You said you'd never leave me
All alone, my heart is barely beating
Like a ghost you haunt everyday that you're gone
I'm not the same
Now something went missing

What did you think so far? Nay or yay?

Please review! Thanks so much for your time.

Cookie-chan91