Happy Valentine's Day Everybody! You're my date today along with some sleep, wifi, fanfiction, anime and other things that make single people happy! Lol.

Oh yeah, I also have my chibi Natsie-kun with me. You should buy one too. Hahaha. A seventeen year old girl sleeping with a FT stuff toy beside her. Yeah. That's so me. XD

BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY LHEAN! MY FRIEND, MY CO-FANGIRL, MY NALU-SHIPMATE, I LOVE YOUUU!


Previously:

"I'm sorry, even in my imagination, I'm still hurting you. I didn't mean to, I love you. I really do. But, I'm so happy to see you here. Even if you're not real."

He soon closed his eyes and his grip slacken. Lucy tugged her hand free and lifted his head from her lap. She grabbed a pillow and placed it under his head. She hastily wiped her eyes and covered her mouth as more tears poured out.

She wiped it all with the back of her hands and rushed to the door. She turned the knob and exited without saying goodbye.

Screw getting found out. She needed to get out of there.


Chapter 7 (Let Her Go)

Natsu groaned as he felt someone lightly tapping his shoulders. He opened one eye and saw a striking blue hair and brown eyes.

"Jel?"

"Natsu, wake up, you need to eat."

Natsu nodded and stared longingly at the pillow under his head. So, she really wasn't real. He forced a smile and smelled the food.

"Smells good. You really are the best cook, Jellal."

"Right, who else would cook for you guys? Now, eat up."

"Well, definitely not Gajeel. I bet he didn't even know how to use salt.", he took a sip and scrunched his nose. Carrots.

"Jel, I hate carrots."

"Oh? It's healthy though, so try to eat it."

"Don't wanna..."

"Alright, just leave it there."

"Jel, I saw Lucy in our couch. She was so close and I felt happy to see her. But she was crying, Jel. Even in my hallucinations she's crying. I really messed up didn't I? All I do is make her cry. I promised her... I promised her a happy future yet I'm the one who ruined it."

"Natsu, you made your choice didn't you? You said you'd make it up to her. You said you'd do everything to make her happy, again. And you know, moping around, because of the past you can't you change, isn't going to do anything except bring you down.", Jellal said softly.

He can almost see himself in Natsu when he was younger. When he messed things up and didn't know what to do to fix everything. When he was lost and didn't know how he'll even convince himself that things would get better. And he remembered Natsu kicking his ass to make him snap out of it and try to move on little by little.

Well, he wouldn't kick Natsu's ass to make him snap out of his depressed state but maybe some food bribe would do the trick.

"So why don't I cook you your favorite meals until you get better? Then you can go back to making it up to Lucy."

He placed a comforting hand on Natsu's shoulder and smiled a little as his friend cried while finishing the bowl of soup. His thoughts went back to his blonde friend.

She definitely knows something.


Lucy ran through the streets, tears streaming down her face as she tried to maneuver her way out of the sea of people. Her eyes were blurry and she could feel a lot of people staring at her but she didn't care. Her breathing quickened and she felt short on air. She wiped her tears with the back of her hand and ran up the stairs of a small apartment.

She clenched her fist and banged on the door, unable to produce a coherent sound except for her deep short breaths.

"What do you- Lucy! Lucy what happened?!"

"Need... breathe..."

"Come in first. Where's your bag? Calm down okay? Here sit on the sofa."

She handed her a small shoulder bag and the woman quickly rummaged through it. She brought out a small inhaler and sat beside Lucy.

"Calm down. Here, inhale Lucy.", she ran her fingers through the blonde's hair and smiled a little when she stopped shaking, taking a deep breath as she had instructed.

"Okay, breathe out."

They did this for a while until Lucy calm downed and her breathing evened. Her eyes still had some fresh tears and she quickly wiped them away.

"Thank you Ev- ", she was cut off when the woman lightly hit her with her fan then opened it while exaggeratedly fanning herself.

"Don't thank me! You almost gave me a heart attack! And are you... sweating?", her eyes widened as Lucy flinched under her stony gaze.

"You know you shouldn't-"

Lucy smiled sheepishly and rubbed the back of her head.

"Yeah. Sorry, Ever."

Ever raised a brow and stopped fanning herself. Releasing a huff of air as she placed her hand on the blonde's cheeks.

"Honestly, be careful you brat."

"Yes, mom.", Lucy said with a smile.

"Who are you calling your mom?! I'm only a few years older than you!"

Lucy laughed, and soon it turned into coughs. Ever stood up to get her some water which Lucy drank greedily.

"Lucy, what happened?"

She released a shaky breath and tried to even her breathing as she recalled what happened earlier.

"I just, don't want to feel this way anymore. I want to forget this feeling."

Ever wrapped her arm around the blonde and squeezed her a little.

"It's alright, Lucy."

"Yeah. It's alright. I'm alright.", she strained a smile and flinched when Ever huffed and called her smile ugly. Soon, she found herself giggling and feeling a little better. She was happy to have a friend like her. Her eyes widened when her eyes caught something shiny on the woman's ring finger. She grabbed Ever's hand and stared at the diamond ring.

"D-Did Elfman...?"

Ever blushed madly and raised a hand before Lucy could scream.

"He didn't. I saw the box on his pocket when I was doing the laundry. That stupid lug. I knew he had this all the time. This better not be intended for another woman."

Lucy laughed a little. Ever probably wore it because she was already tired of Elfman being a coward. Her laughter died down though when she remembered her own wedding.

"Lucy... I was going to ask you if you want to be one of my bridesmaid... If I ever get married, that is."

"Ever, I'd love to, but..."

"Don't answer now. I understand that you don't like weddings but think about it for now, okay?"

She didn't answer, but instead, nodded her head while pushing away the memories of that day. She just wished, that the pain would go away.


Four days passed and Natsu continued to try and win Lucy. Somehow, she was acting a bit weird, like flinching when he gets near her or laughing nervously and changing the topic whenever he asked something about the "new" her.

He took a deep breath and stared at her house. It was still early morning and it was still a bit dark outside. He had hot chocolate and some donut in his hand and was hoping that she'd finally accept it.

Levy said that Lucy was going to have an early photoshoot of a family reunion today. He had no idea why Levy was helping him but he was grateful for it.

.

.

.

He moved his legs a little and exhaled warm air to his cold finger tips. He was holding something so he couldn't really rub his fingers to make it less colder. It was already 8am and he had been standing there since 5am.

Levy told him that Lucy was leaving really early but he guessed that he got too excited that he went there at 5.

He looked at the cup in his hand and sighed. It had been long since the cup had lost its warmth. He looked at the sky.

He wonders what time Lucy would get up.


"Levy, you shouldn't have done that.", Lucy groaned in her bed. She grabbed a pillow and covered her face with it.

"What? I didn't know he'd get here that early. And that's not so bad. He waited for three hours, so what? It's not a big deal.", she said with a shrug.

She leaned closer to the window when she saw him moving and squeaked before quickly sitting down when he looked at her direction.

"What?"

"He looked this way."

"He knows we're awake, Levy. I'm opening the door."

"Wait! No! Just stay there!", she stood up once again and peeked through the gap.

"He's gone."

"He is?"

"Yeah. Asshole. Can't even wait for you. Oh well, get up Lucy!"

Lucy groaned and rolled on her bed. She suddenly felt deflated at the news that he was gone.

"Not yet."

"Suit yourself.", Levy said then left her room. Lucy removed the pillow from her face released a breath when she heard her door closed. She sat up on her bed and bit her lip. She looked at her window and slowly left her bed.

She peaked through the window and found that he was really gone.

"He's not there.", she mumbled to herself.

"Told you didn't I?"

She screamed when she heard a voice talk behind her.

"I wasn't checking if he's still there!", she blurted out and turned red the moment she realized what she had said.

"Right, that is so not a good sign. But go take a bath and I'll prepare breakfast.

"Wha-"

"Lu, just do it."

"Fine."


Natsu looked at the cup once again then turned to Lucy's window. He shrugged then drank it, cringing a little at how cold it had become. Though, it was still sweet nonetheless. It looked like she was still sleeping so he might as well buy her a new cup of hot chocolate.

He took a step, looked back again and went to a sweet shop a few blocks away from Lucy's house. He rubbed his nose a little at the sweet smell accompanying the shop. It reminds him of Lucy.

Lucy used to wear those sweet-smelling perfume when they were younger. That was why he liked following her and burying his nose in her hair or in the crook of her neck where her scent was the strongest. He was snapped out of his thoughts when he heard a cough.

He looked up and was greeted by an old lady.

"Welcome again, young man."

"Yeah. Hi again."

"You look tired."

"Nah. Okay, maybe a little. So can I have a hot chocolate again? ...And some donuts.", he was getting hungry after all.

"Coming right up."

He nodded and the older woman went to get what he asked. He eyed the counter and found a cupcake designed with a yellow star. He smiled and remembered how they fought over with the last star cupcake when they were younger and how it ended up with Gray eating it and them, well, they ended up in a hidden corner, kissing and whispering sweet nothings to each other.

"Oh, I know that look. For 50 years I have held that look while looking at my husband. I still do. I still do.", the woman laughed a little and shook her head.

"He said he loves it when I look at him like that. I really miss those times.", she smiled softly and looked a little sentimental for a second. Natsu smiled back and his eyes found the golden ring on the older woman's fingers.

He wondered what could have happened if he didn't ran away. If Lucy and him got married and maybe had some kids. What would have happened if he wasn't such a coward...

"Is he... you know, still alive?"

"Oh. Oh! Yes, haha. He's just getting older and his memories get a little mixed up most of the time. But I still love him. Even if he couldn't remember me sometimes, I still do. In fact, we're having our golden anniversary later along with our family reunion. Maybe you can come too."

"I'm happy for you! And yeah, sorry but I'm waiting for someone today."

The woman laughed and her eyes twinkled with mischief.

"I see, I see. You must be waiting for a lovely lady. Well, I don't want to keep you here, go! And good luck!"

"Yeah. Thanks!"


"Lu! You done?"

"Yup. You sure you can't come?", the blonde girl asked. She had worked a bunch of times without Levy before but she felt a little uneasy.

"Yeah. Juvia said she needs some help and I really can't say no."

"Well, that is Juvia. But yeah, say hi to her for me."

"I will! Bye Lu!", she pouted and watch as Levy slowly close the door while waving at her.

"Yeah, bye Lev-"

"Hiya Lucy!"

"Eeep! N-Natsu! Don't scare me!"

"Haha! You just easily get scared."

"Am not.", she said with a huff and crossed her arms on her chest.

"Are too."

"Am not!"

"Are too!"

"Am n-"

"Ehem. Somebody's going to be late if you don't stop arguing now."

Lucy froze and her eyes widened. She argued with Natsu on impulse because he scared her a lot before too.

"Right. Bye Levy."

"Yeah, be careful on your way there."

"I will, thanks.", she said and Levy gave her a pointed look before closing the door. Lucy sighed and was about to grab her bag but Natsu swiftly took it away. "And here's for you.", he said with a grin and offered her a cup of hot chocolate and some donuts. Lucy sighed and grabbed the cup of hot chocolate.

"Donuts?"

"No. Too much sugar."

"Oh.", he said.

Well, at least she accepted the drink.

"You here for a while?", Lucy asked casually.

"Nah, I just arrived."

Liar.

She raised an eyebrow but didn't comment further.

"So, where are we going?", he asked. His feet bouncing a little in excitement.

"Crocus Park.", she answered, not bothering to make him go away. She slowly ran her thumb on the cup of coffee and noticed how it was still hot even if Natsu already had it that morning.

She looked at him as he grabbed one donut and munched on it. She wanted one too.

"You want?", he said offering the half-bitten donut.

"No."

"Really?", he raised an eyebrow and smiled. He bit on it once again and hummed.

"Fine. Just one."

"Haha. Sure."


"Hi, Bisca!"

"Hi, Lucy! Thank you so much for coming!"

"I'm glad I came! This place is so great!"

"Yup! Crocus lake just opened last month, it's a man-made lake but when we went here we just knew that we have to held our family reunion and our parent's golden anniversary here."

"Golden... Anniversary?"

"Oh yeah! Sorry, I didn't tell you earlier. But it would be just one big BBQ party."

"Oh." I don't want to do it. I hate weddings. I hate weddings.

"Who is he?", Bisca asked. Pertaining to Natsu who was setting up.

"He's... an old friend." Bisca smiled knowingly and nodded her head.

"Yup! Of course, a friend."

"He is!", she insisted.

Her attention got caught with a curse coming from Natsu's direction.

"LUCEEE THE CAMERA WON'T FIT!"

"You're going to turn it, you idiot!"

She crossed the distance between them and smacked Natsu on the head.

"Awww. Don't hit me.", he whined then pouted. Lucy grabbed the camera from his hand and showed him how to place it correctly.

In the distance, Bisca watched them with a faint smile on her face.


"Heya Juv-woah! What is it?", Levy said as Juvia grabbed her arm and pulled her in her hotel room. She watched as she locked the door then sighed.

"Wha-"

"Gray-sama's following Juvia."

"He what?"

"Gray-sama's following Juvia."

"Seriously?", Levy asked. Her eyes widening. That was kinda weird, even for Gray.

"Gray-sama is following Juvia! Levy-san! Gray-sama is following Juvia!"

"I know! You said that a bunch of times already! Then why did you call me here? And why did you look like you're hiding?"

"Because! Juvia is freaking out!"

"Want me to get rid of him?"

"No! Wait, yes. Uh..."

"Uh-huh. You said you would stay away from him until they resolve the problem?"

"Yes. Juvia did say that. But she wants to know why Gray-sama is following her."

"How?"

"Juvia has a plan..."


"Say Osprey!"

"Osprey!"

Lucy laughed. She just learnt that Osprey was actually a famous thing for the family and they often say it when they take pictures or win a game. They were all fun to be with and she felt a little jealous because she didn't have any family left and that they were a small family to begin with.

"There they are! Grandma! Grandpa!", a little girl shouted as she ran to her Grandmother's side. Behind her, Bisca's husband, Alzack, was smiling and quickly went to welcome the married couple. "

Asuka!", the elder woman said and bent a little to hug the little girl. She also smiled at her son and gave him a kiss on his cheek.

"Who is she?", the elder man asked while looking at Asuka.

"She's our granddaughter, John."

"She's very pretty, Nita."

"Hi grandpa John!", Asuka greeted.

"Hi little girl. How about him? Who's he?"

"I'm your son, Alzack, dad."

A few feet away, Lucy watched the married couple nervously. She tried not to think of what happened two years ago and instead, focused on her work.

"Hey! That's the woman in the sweet shop earlier!", Natsu exclaimed.

"Oh, mama loves sweets so she usually stay there every morning to help her friend.", Bisca explained with a smile.

"Oh. I thought she owns the shop or something."

"Nah. But most people tend to think that way. Anyway can we take pictures now, Lucy?"

"Ah? Oh! Yeah. Yeah. Pictures. They dressed up?"

"Yes. Mama insisted they dressed up for the occasion."

"Oh.", she replied and her eyes flickered to Natsu. He was watching the married couple and his expression was a bit solemn.

"Can I take a break for a sec?", she asked as she felt her chest tightened a little.

"Are you okay, Lucy? You look pale.", Bisca said worriedly.

"Ah. It's nothing. It's probably just because of the heat."

"Luce?"

"Natsu. Get my bag."

"O-Okay."

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine, Bisca. Just give me a minute."

"Sure. I'll get you some water."

"Thanks.", she said as Bisca left and went to the tables where the rest of her relatives were chatting merrily.

"Are you okay, Luce?", Natsu asked as soon as he got close to her. He gave her a small bag and fanned her using a piece of cardboard he found.

"Yeah. Just a bit hot.", she said, feeling a little better at the feel of the wind on her skin.

"You're always hot.", he said with a teasing grin as he saw a bit of color returning to her skin.

"Oh, shut up."


"Why are we here?"

"Shhh. Just enjoy the food Levy-san."

"Where's Gray?"

"Gray-sama is hiding in a pillar three meters away from us."

"Wow, you're right. How did you know?"

Juvia smiled and her eyes softened.

"Juvia used to be in the same spot for years, Levy. If it wasn't for Lucy, Juvia wouldn't have had the courage to finally talk to Gray-sama."

"Juvia, you're a sweet girl to begin with. I bet we would have liked you from the start."

"Yeah. Juvia hopes that Levy would still like Juvia after today."

"What are talking abou-?"

"Shrimp?"

Well, shit.


"Say Osprey!"

"Osprey!"

Lucy strained a smile for the 5th time that day and never had she hated her job as a photographer. She pretended to look at her camera for the pictures taken but her mind was flying in different places.

She hated it. She really hated it.

The two elder Connells had such a sweet story and they had been married for 50 years.

She wanted to be happy for them. She wanted to be happy for all those happy married couples around but she can't.

She felt so bitter. She felt so envious of the happiness that they had. She felt so sad.

She wanted a family too.

But most of all, she felt so angry because the man who stirred up all these feelings in the first place was standing near her while holding the reflector in his hand. It even turned out that he knew the elder woman and was talking comfortably with her.

How could he... How could he look so happy seeing other married couples after he ruined what could have been theirs?

"Natsu.", she called out. Her hands shaking and her eyes a little moist.

"Yeah?"

"Move backwards."

Natsu's brows scrunched up at the weird request but did what she said. He moved two steps backwards and held the reflector high in the air.

"No, move backwards Natsu.", Lucy said. Her voice cracking a little and tears welling up in her eyes.

"Huh?"

"I said, move backwards!"

Natsu stared at her back for a second and moved further.

"Go further, Natsu."

He didn't say a word and continued walking further until he was meters away from them.

"Does this still work?", he shouted.

"It does!", she shouted back. Lucy sniffed and smiled at the couple. Blinking her tears away.

Even if you're far away. It still hurts.

.

.

.

"It's a wrap everyone. Thank you so much Lucy!"

"It's okay. I had fun too.", Lucy said with a smile.

"Thank you too, Natsu!"

"Nah, it was great being with you guys."

"You want to ride home with us?", Alzack said while carrying a sleepy Asuka in his arms.

"Ah, I actually wanted to see this park more so I think I'll stay for awhile."

"Okay, Lucy. Just don't stay for too long. I think it would rain soon."

"I'll keep that in mind."

"Bye Lucy! Bye Natsu!"

"Bye! See ya guys."

She waved and sighed the moment the Connells disappeared from her sight.

"You tired?"

She flinched. Oh, right. Natsu's still here.

"I... just need to be alone for awhile.", she mumbled and grabbed all her things. Natsu didn't say anything and used his one hand to snatch her things away. He pursed his lips and grabbed her hand before she could say anything.

"Where are you taking me?", she demanded but Natsu continued dragging her away.

She sighed. Too tired to argue and just let herself be dragged away. She was surprised when Natsu stopped infront of the rental for swan paddle boats. He squeezed her hand a little and paid for the rent and stopped infront one of the boats that was closed and had a backseat.

He placed Lucy's bag on the back part of the boat. He looked at Lucy and smiled softly at the tears forming in her eyes.

"Come on."

"But you have mo- ", Lucy froze and put a hand in her mouth. Natsu just smiled and tugged at their intertwined hands.

"Let's go, Lucy."

Tears fell from her eyes and she nodded her head.

.

.

.

"Do you feel better now?", Natsu asked. A few minutes had passed since they boarded the Swan paddle boat. They had spent the time in silence with Natsu paddling.

"Yeah, sorry."

"It's okay."

Silence engulfed them once again and Lucy tried to dry her tears away. Maybe she should tell Ever that she really can't attend her future wedding. Just seeing a happily married couple was already bringing back a rush memories to her.

"You know, we had a school trip once and one of the destination was this beautiful park with a lake just like this.", she looked at Natsu and found him staring ahead.

His eyes softened and his hands were laying on his sides.

"You said you wanted to ride a boat like this. You begged me, but I said no.", he smiled sadly and looked at her.

"I regret that. I regret that I was selfish and put myself before you. I regret making you sad. I regret being scared that I'll get motion sickness. I regret... not being there by your side and missing a chance to make you smile."

Lucy couldn't help but look away. She remember that day too, she just didn't know that he made a big deal out of it. Sure she wanted to ride the boat but that was just so she could have some alone time with Natsu.

"There's a lot of things that I regret. But I guess what I regret the most was letting you go."

He stopped paddling and he looked at her.

"I'm sorry, Lucy."

Lucy looked at him and her mouth felt dry.

"You have motion sickness?", she replied.

Cringing at how badly she tried to change the topic. Natsu smiled before it turned into a full blown laugh. He paddled once again and looked straight.

"I said a lot of things and that's what you noticed? Well, you always were a weirdo."

"Hey! I'm not weird!"

"Haha right. You're really weird!"

"Am not!"

"Are too!"

"Am not!"

"I miss you, Lucy."

She stopped mid-talk and closed her mouth. She looked away and crossed her arms.

"Where did that came from?"

"From my heart.", he said with a cocky smirk that Lucy wanted to wipe off his face.

"S-Shut up!"

.

.

.

Only know you love her when you let her go

And you let her go~


Let Her Go - Passenger (but I used the Rock Cover)

Honestly, I planned to reveal the 'reason why Natsu left' in this chapter but this happened. Haha. It got too long and I just have to cut it.

I'm planning to change my name from CrimsonLightKey to CrimsonLightFairy. Because Light is the meaning of my first name and Fairy is the meaning of my second name. I only used Key, because of, well, Lucy duh. But I guess I want a little more originality now. I'll still check if somebody else already has that name but just a heads up, I guess.

I know you're tired of this but: I'm sorry for not updating lately.

I just met the biggest bitch of my life and it's kinda hard since now, I'm always left out with news. Apparently she has little minions everywhere and now they won't talk to me, but it's okay. I'm glad that I knew their true colors as early as now. It sucks that there's a lot of drama though, I hate the attention they're giving me. She even lied about the submission of our group project making me stressed out last week because I need to finish that report and a narrative report along with two more reports for Economics and Finance.

But hey, thanks to her I finished everything, even if the submission is probably weeks from now. Sucker :p You can't drag me down. Ha!

That aside. I'm so happy that you are still reviewing for this story. What I noticed though, is when my story reaches the tenth chapter, the reviews suddenly decreases.

I don't want that to happen to this story.

I have 227 followers as of now, and I only wish at least 10 percent of those people to review.

So, REVIEW TARGET: 22! And I'll update on Feb. 24 or Feb. 20 if you're lucky ;)

I don't know about you but I'm feeling 22
Everything will be alright if you keep me next to you~

Lol. Love ya all! *wink wink*

Next chapter: 25 Minutes