Gray and Erza stared at a gloomy Natsu, wondering what the hell had gotten into their crazy friend. Was he depressed over Lucy? Natsu could feel their stares, but he chose to ignore them. He needed to find out why Lucy was going to leave the team, and he needed to know NOW. By now, the guild had filled up with all the usual members, although the partying hadn't quite begun yet because it was still early. Around two in the afternoon, the guild would be packed, and that was when Natsu assumed he would find out Lucy's reasoning. He pushed his unopened beer back across the counter and decided to go fishing with Happy to clear his mind.

"Happy, let's go fishing!"

"Aye, sir!"

Lucy watched the two race each other out of the guild, laughing the whole way. Maybe he would take this better than she thought, but that just seemed foolish. Natsu hated losing friends, and that was exactly what was happening right now. In two hours, she would be announcing her departure, a trip that represented more than miles between them. A hand on her shoulder startled her, eliciting a sharp gasp that prompted a chuckle from the owner of the hand.

"It's okay, Lucy. He'll be alright. Maybe you should just tell him, though, that was he has time to handle it before the entire guild wants to see his reaction. It's only fair."

As usual, Mira's words were wise. However, another idea crossed her mind at the same time. She had a week, right? That was more than long enough to do one last mission with Natsu before they separated. If she left right now . . .

"Mira, are there any short missions on the request board right now? Ones that could be completed before I leave?"

Mira grinned and pulled a mission out from behind her back.

"I had a feeling you would need this one way or another. Go get him, Lucy!"

Lucy tore her apron off and ran out the door, feeling for the first time in two weeks like she was alive.

Natsu cast out, sitting in silence next to his best friend with a frown on his face. All that filled his head was Lucy, Lucy, Lucy. What the hell was going on? After thinking for a while, he realized he hadn't been a good friend these last couple weeks, but couldn't they have talked about it before she went ahead and quit the team? Weren't they supposed to be best friends, too?

"Natsu, are you thinking about Lucy?"

"Yeah, Happy."

"I think you should talk to her. Lucy can't leave the team! She's the smartest one!"

Natsu felt like yelling at him, but it was true; Lucy was the smartest member of the team. Without her, most of their missions would have gone up in smoke. Literally. She was always the one that held them back and told him he didn't need to destroy everything to win the fight. She had saved him, restrained him, and helped him whenever he needed her. What had happened, then?

"NATSU!"

He spun around in time to catch Lucy's flying tackle hug, only to have them both get launched into the pond. Happy squealed with laughter, unable to get enough of the surfacing, soaked mages. Lucy's cheeks were read as she climbed out of the pond, words stuttering from her like a broken record.

"I am so sorry, Natsu! I guess I didn't realize I had so much momentum, I just meant to hug you, I'm so so so sorry-"

Natsu laughed at her efforts. He hugged her softly, giving off enough heat to dry them both. Her cheeks grew even redder, whether from the heat or more embarrassment he wasn't sure. She looked so cute with her cheeks red like that, he almost wanted to hug her again. Lucy backed up a bit, and held up a saturated piece of paper.

"I found a mission we should go on. It's easy, but it pays good. We just have to go kill a witch two towns over; it should only take a day or two. Want to?"

"But I thought you were quitting the team and going on missions with Mira. What happened?"

She bit her bottom lip, chewing on it gently as she seemed to struggle with her words. He wondered what had worked her up so bad.

"Natsu, I've been asked to go on a year trip to represent Fairy Tail at a guild conference overseas. Master was the one who asked me, so I really couldn't say no. I'm leaving at the end of the week."

Shock. More shock. THIS was what she had been hiding? THIS was why all this had come crashing down so fast?! STUPID GRAMPS! HOW DARE HE TAKE HIS PARTNER AWAY!

"Natsu? Say something, please."

Her partner just stared ahead, eyes wide and mouth gaping. The great Natsu Dragneel was speechless in response to her news. She could already feel the tears starting again. He finally twitched, a sign of life!

"Natsu? HELLLOOOOO?! SAY SOMETHING, IDIOT!"

And just like that, he smiled and laughed, just like his normal self. He ruffled her hair affectionately, receiving a blush in exchange.

"There's the Lucy I know. There's my partner. You haven't been yourself today; I didn't know how to handle it. Sure, let's go on the mission."

"We have to take a train."

He instantly turned green and collapsed on the ground. Lucy sat down next to him and stroked his hair before taking his hand.

"You can use my lap if you like."

"You're the best, Lucy! Let's go!"

Natsu grabbed her around the waist and threw her over his shoulder, twirling her around as she screamed and laughed hysterically. Happy stood by and wondered why Natsu had always failed to see how perfect they were for each other. Lucy was the only person that could make Natsu happy; wasn't it obvious?

I know this seems slow, but I'm afraid to move it too fast because this is my first fanfic. I've honestly never written anything that other people have read! So please be forgiving, and I hope you enjoy the story. Things start happening in the next chapter!