Hey again everyone! Actually updating in a week! WOO! High five! *high fives self* So this chapter has a lot of swapping POVs so sorry if you don't like that.

Disclaimer: Hiro Mashima, he's amazing, he owns all the characters and brings us joy and angst.

Enjoy!

Four months since Lucy left.

~Natsu's POV~

I raced to the guild, adrenaline fuelling my muscles, Happy was speeding along beside me. Massive grins covered our faces. I'd almost forgotten how to smile it's been that long. Today was the day, finally, all my waiting was over and now it was really here. Nothing could upset me today, nothing at all.

~Lucy's POV~

I stared at the figure in front of me, always in awe though now I was somewhat irritated with him.

"One day, yes?"

"One day is all I ask, that is correct. It will aid you greatly should you accept this offer."

I grumbled slightly, still annoyed that he would even suggest this. I was due back today, I should be on the road. I couldn't send him away though, that's possibly the worst thing I could have done. I was so excited this morning too, finally going home. To see my beloved family, to face Natsu. I let a small smile grace my lips as giddy feeling bubbled inside me. The four months had done nothing to suppress my feelings towards the pink haired dragon slayer, in fact they had only intensified. But now I was just excited to surprise him with my skills and I wanted to do that today.

I frowned up at him, a war going on in my head.

~Natsu's POV~

I burst through the guild doors, my eyes immediately sweeping over the entire guild. When no flash of gold and scent of wild roses and starlight greeted me my grin slipped a little. I shook my head. Of course she isn't back yet, it's like seven in the morning, she probably won't be back until the afternoon, probably early evening knowing her. I sat down at my usual spot in the middle of the guild hall, yelling out to Mira for some breakfast. As I waited my leg bounced impatiently, the adrenaline from my excitement still coursing through me.

~Lucy's POV~

"You do realise it will actually end up being three months right? I don't think I could do that to everyone."

"Yes, I am aware. I feel this is crucial though. Learning this spell will save your life, I'm sure of it. Also, if they get worried they'll come looking for you, yes? Especially the dragon slayer. Please consider it."

I huffed, I didn't like this idea one bit. It meant leaving Natsu and the others for another three months and that was just cruel. I had already abandoned them for four months. I clenched my fists and gritted my teeth. If I left now they might think I was never coming back. That would be hard on everyone but especially Natsu, it would feel just like losing Igneel all over again. And yet, if I learnt this then maybe I wouldn't be such a drag on the team, they wouldn't have to worry about me so much, right? And besides, I promised and Natsu knows I never break my promises. Right?

I hung my head and moved my mouth to form the words.

~Natsu's POV~

It was already afternoon and there was still no sign of her. Everyone was starting to lose hope but I kept looking at the doors.

She'll be back, she will. I know it.

I replayed these words in my head like a mantra, making sure I never lost hope. People tried to approach me and tell me she might come back tomorrow or her train probably just got delayed. I always answered the same. I would turn to whoever addressed me, look them dead in the eye and say,

"She will come back. She promised. She'll be home tonight."

But as time wore on and the doors stayed closed, my resolve slowly faded.

~Lucy's POV~

The familiar magic swept around me and I calmly welcomed its warmth. I closed my eyes and when I opened them again I was looking at the enchanting scenery that now surrounded me. I looked back up at him and glared playfully.

"You know you could have just sent Loke, you coming down to Earthland was a bit extravagant."

"Hehe, yes perhaps but you're here now. Shall we begin?"

I nodded stiffly at the Celestial King and followed him, sending silent apologies to all my friends.

~Natsu's POV~

As the sun set and the guild slowly emptied I stayed in position, watching the door for just a hint of gold. None ever came. When everyone left they would pat my back and sigh. It was hard to see them all look so down. Especially those she was closest too. I could smell the salty tang of tears on them as they whispered their goodbyes, even the Ice Princess.

As midnight came around and Mira forced me out, cradling a sleeping Happy, I finally let my hopes fall. This was it, she wasn't coming back today. I let the tears fall freely, not caring who saw because, all of a sudden, I was suffocating under that choking feeling I felt the day I woke up to find a red fire dragon, missing.

~Lucy's POV~

I was ready for the intense training I was going to endure today. To master a spell this intricate and physically taxing would take extreme concentration and intense focus. The Celestial King watched on as I finished reading and prepared myself for my first attempt of many. Before we started I asked for the time and knew by then that a day had passed. I was with Capricorn and Loke now, harnessing the magic energy needed for the draining spell and ensuring I had the chant ready, when the first tears fell.

I'm sorry Natsu. I'm so sorry.

I could only hope that his hope had not diminished. But I knew that that was wishful thinking by now.

Like the ending? I do. This was hard to write as well actually. I feel so bad for putting Natsu through this. You're going to hate me next chapter. Which you won't get for a week, haha, SUSPENSE! MWAHAHAHAHA! Yep. Please leave a review!