HI EVERYONE! :D
Yes, XD welcome to once upon a fairy tail Finale! I do hope you all enjoyed our last chapter's devastating cliffhanger. Sorry to be so mean haha. But hey at least I had good intentions. I could have made the last chapter my final without any warning what so ever. But I didn't because I'm actually a nice person.
Anyway- Gee guys I'm really sorry about the long wait!
One of the main reason's I'm so extra late with the last chapter is because I literally went through all the chapters of my story and changed some things around to make it a little better. Actually I changed it a lot.
Sorry but if you don't mind later down the road if you ever come back to this story please re-read the chapters I edited a lot and I think it would be more to you likings now.
But you don't have too just a thought hehe.
Also As you know- because this is my last chapter, I just wanted it to be like the best chapter ya know? Bottom line is I really tried here. Sometimes the words just come to me and sometimes they just don't.
So- Guys- Enjoy!
:D Love you all very much, Thank you once again for being so supportive of this story :) I hope in my future stories I do nothing but please you with thrill- suspense- love- sadness- joy and most of all NALU
Until then my friends.
Once Upon A Fairy Tail. (OMG XD XD XD XD 10,000 WORDS!)
Previously:
Lu-chan! Hey open your door! you better not be in bed still"
Seconds later the door swung open and Levy welcomed herself right in.
"Uh... come on in?" The blonde closed the door.
"What were you doing?"
"Whoa, what's got you all excited?"
Levy stormed over to Lucy's couch and plopped down. "It's the stupid moon festival"
"What's wrong with it?"
"Ugh, it's dumb old Gajeel! he didn't ask me to go with him to the festival!"
Lucy knitted her brows together. "Aren't you already a couple?"
"Yeah?" Levy shot Lucy a so-what look
"Well, since your a couple he probably doesn't feel the need to ask you, because it's already a given that you'll go together."
"Ugh! Now you sound like Gajeel! Who's side are you on!?" Levy hissed.
Lucy smiled as a bead of sweat trickled on her face. "Sorry?"
"No... it's not your fault. I'm sorry to have taken it out on you." Levy exhaled slowly "Actually I just came by to ask you something"
"What would that be?"
"Are you going to the moon festival?"
"Yes, I'm going with Gray"
Suddenly Levy's phone vibrated in her bag and she wasted no time digging it out.
"Eh?"
"What? Who is it?"
"Gajeel..."
"Oh? What did he say"
"He wants to see me... He said it's urgent."
"Oh well you better go then"
Eyes as wide as dinner plates, Natsu paced back and forth in his room- a little panicky.
Okay, he just came to the conclusion that he was, a matter of fact, in love with Lucy. As soon as he accepted the conclusion, everything just seemed to make sense.
Like...
Why he always wanted to be around her, he always wanted to close the space in between them, why he wanted to see her smile more often.
And...
It defiantly explained why Natsu was not feeling like himself when she told him goodbye.
But wait...
There is more to this than just that right? There is something in the way. Much bigger than Lucy's frustration with him, only realizing his feelings now.
What was it?
"As long as you have Lisanna by your side..."
That's it! Lisanna! He has to break up with Lisanna!
Chapter 21 (Final)
Levy raced through Magnolia- rushing to get to the destination Gajeel wanted to meet up at.
Strange.
It was strange of him to call out for something urgent- what could it be?
Levy began worrying. What if he was hurt? She didn't have a medical kit on her.
Should she stop at the store to buy a small one?
Right, first things first- she has to confirm that he's alright.
"Gajeel?" Levy panted while franticly scanning the empty park.
Why was no one there?
Okay, now Levy began freaking out.
Where was Gajeel? This was where he wanted to meet up.
"Shrimp, I'm over here" A raspy voice echoed from the trees.
"Gajeel" Levy strolled towards the voice mortally relived.
Closer, closer. There.
There?
Gajeel... he was standing next to a tall oak tree. In a suit!
A suit! Why was he in a suit? This was not Gajeel.
"It's about time you got here! I was tired of waitin'"
Then again... maybe it was him. Levy slowly paced closer to the man. The closer she got the more relief washed through her.
Well at least he wasn't hurt.
Physically.
Mentally- well let's just say, Levy's still in the process of trying to confirm that.
"Why did you call me here so suddenly? Why is the park so empty so early in the evening?"
"I've got something to ask ya, so I cleared the park"
"You cleared the park to ask me something" Levy lifted a brow.
"Well I didn't want no body watching me"
"Watching you?"
Gajeel swung his arm from behind his back, revealing a bouquet of decorated red and white roses.
"Here" The man jerked his head to the right.
"Wow" Levy's cheeks lit up "They're beautiful!"
"Yeah? Well that's good- they made me think of you"
"Did they?" Levy smiled.
"Only because they're small and stubby- like you"
Levy flinched "Excuse me"
"Well it's true" Gajeel scoffed.
"Tsk is that the only reason why you got them?! To make fun of me!?" Levy puffed her cheeks out.
The tall man jerked his head down to the puffy girl and scowled. "No way shrimp, I have a different reason"
"Well it better be good or you can have these back!"
Gajeel threw is arm behind his head and gently tugged on his pulled back pony tail.
"I wanted to ask you if you wanted to go to the moon festival with me today"
Levy's eyes widened and her mouth dropped slightly- which was quick to get Gajeel's eye to twitch in irritation.
"What's that look for!?"
"Y-You actually asked me!"
Levy's eyes watered slightly as she ran into the man's torso "I'd love to go with you!"
"On one condition though" Gajeel grumbled causing the female to pull away and look at him.
"No more leaving millions of hints- I'm ignorant, but I ain't stupid"
Levy's lips curved into a bigger smile. "I got it"
Gajeel half smiled and bent down to press his lips against the blunette's soft ones.
XOXOXO
Lucy stepped out of the once hot bath; wrapping her cold, curvy body in a white towel, before strolling into her room.
The moon festival was less than an hour away, and the blonde actually decided to look forward to the event. She bought herself a beautiful kimono and she sworn to herself that she would have fun tonight by all means.
Lucy let her towel fall to her feet as she grabbed her Kimono and slipped it on. When the brown eyed girl turned towards the mirror, she was pleasantly surprised. Hours of shopping for the right thing to wear, really does pay off.
The prepossessing, black Kimono fell just at the blonde's ankles. Different shades of pink cosmos flowers decorating the garment from top to bottom. Faded out behind the dominant pink decoration were purple Salvias. A thick baby pink sash snuggly wrapped around Lucy's waist tying into a simple bow in the back; and while most Kimono's were modest, Lucy managed to manipulate the gown to reveal a desired amount of cleavage.
Satisfied with her outfit, Lucy decided she wanted to do something different with her hair. Not the usual, off to the side ponytail with the rest hanging lose look. Too original.
Nah, something cute yet flirtatious.
Why flirtatious? Welp she was just up for the job.
However, deciding what hairstyle would be perfect with her mood and kimono was defiantly a challenge.
She could wear it up.
Nah- too traditional.
Down? Too boring.
That's it!
Tugging at smooth locks, Lucy fixed her hair up into two low pigtails, with just an inch of hair hanging lose in the front.
Brilliant! It was a perfect style- innocent yet flirtatious.
"Now then how about a little bit of lip gloss?" Lucy spoke to herself- getting more into dressing herself up then she should have.
Done.
Stunning, absolutely stunning.
As if on cue, there was a few knocks on the door and Lucy wasted no time rushing over to open it. Swiftly getting rid of the obstacle that was dividing the friends Lucy greeted her guest with a simple smile.
"Good eve-" Gray stopped short. "Whoa"
Lucy flinched and ducked her head into her shoulders, quickly tugging on her loose hair.
"W-What? Is it too much? Maybe I went a little overboard"
"No! No way" Gray waved his hands in front of him. "You... just look really nice."
Lucy blinked a few times and her smile returned. "Thanks"
Gray rubbed the back of his head. "Err, your welcome! Um so... well Levy and Gajeel are already down stairs waiting for you, so um"
"Oh yes! Let's go" Lucy walked out of her apartment then shut and locked her door.
"Ladies first" Gray smiled and let Lucy stroll pass him.
Down the two flight of stairs, Lucy's eyes quickly met up with her bestfriend and the blonde couldn't resist the urge to run up to the bluenette.
"Levy-chan!"
"Lu-chan!"
The two girls trap each other into a hug and pulled away only to shoot out a hundred compliments to each other.
XOXOXO
Afternoon was brisk to fall Natsu's lap. Each second that turned into an hour, made him feel all the more restless.
Why did he feel so anxious?
Well, yeah he did just come to the realization that he liked his best friend.
Okay, Okay...
More like fell in love with.
But so what! She already said she loves him. He wins.
Right?
Now he knows they both share mutual feelings.
So, it should be easy.
Then why the heck is this uneasiness crashing into Natsu's chest like a ton of bricks?
Confusing. All very confusing.
Luckily for Natsu; he like always, didn't spend too much time with his thoughts, due to a repeated knock on his front door.
"Natsu! Are you home?" a muffled voice spoke through enclosed doors.
The pinkette dragged his feet towards the voice and slowly swung the door open. Before he had time to process who was visiting him- Natsu was attacked by two pale arms shooting around his torso, trapping him into an unexpected hug.
"W-Whoa! What the!?"
"Oh thank goodness! You're alright!"
Hey, that voice. Natsu knows it. The pinkette lowered his eyes to rest on the snowy hair color, which confirmed his guess.
"Lisanna? What are you doing here?"
Lissanna leaped backwards making sure to direct a digusted look to the boy. "Natsu..."
"Huh?"
Lisanna pinched her nose together while swaying even further back. "You reek!"
Natsu knitted his brows together. "What?"
"What happened to you? No one's heard from you in weeks, you didn't answer any texts and all my calls went straight to voice mail. When I do finally come to check on you, you're a total mess who smells like three week old gym socks"
Natsu dropped his gaze some where on the ground. "I guess you can say..."
"I was worried" Lisanna interrupted.
"I'm sorry"
Lisanna snaked her sapphire eyes up the man's torso to meet his own hazy green eyes. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah I'm fine" Natsu said quickly.
A little too quickly.
The moment his brain comprehended the words that shot out of his mouth- it hit him. Harder than earlier.
Fine?
Yeah right... Natsu wasn't fine.
He was far from just fine
He was hurt, troubled, and confused.
All the bitterness he trapped inside started to spin around his head, making him very dizzy and hate the world around him. All he ever wanted to do was lay down and forget everything.
But there was just too much to forget, so Natsu was forced to surround himself in his mind.
This definitely was not the same Natsu he knew three weeks ago.
Why can't things just go back to the simpler times?
The days him and Lucy could just sit next to each other and laugh at the smallest things? Why did it have to get so complicated. To the point where it hurts to look, think or even say Lucy's name?
"Are you sure you're okay Natsu?"
Natsu blinked. "Actually Lisanna. I'm glad you're here"
Lisanna seemed to light up. "Oh yeah?"
"Yeah, there is something I want to talk to you about."
"Okay" Lisanna smiled. "Do you want to do it here? Right now?"
"Uhh? I suppose if you want to hear it now"
"Yeah! I do"
"Well" Natsu began, but before he could finish, a large group of teens ambled by instantly catching his attention, causing him to lose his train of thought.
"Where is everyone going?"
"Huh?" Lisanna looked over her shoulder. "To the moon festival most likely."
"Moon festival?"
"OH!" Lisanna turned back to her boyfriend. "Hold off on what you want to tell me until the festival"
"Why I don't want to go"
"What!? Of course we have to go! We got free tickets for everything! This is a once in a life time chance!"
"Still..."
"Still nothing! I will drag you out if I have to! The festival is less than ten minutes away, so go wash up and make it a quick one"
"Lisanna" Natsu huffed.
"Don't make me wash your body for you! I'm not afraid"
"What?" Natsu lifted his index finger, only to be hushed and pushed back into his house.
XOXOXO
"What a pleasant surprise!" A voice hollered in from the left causing the group to cast their attention in it's direction.
"Erza!" Lucy beamed.
"Erza! You came! I thought you had a meeting all afternoon" Levy stated.
"Ah yes, well, Jellal and I decided we would skip out just for a couple of minutes. Take in the sights of the festival."
"Well we're glad you're here to enjoy it" Levy beamed wrapping her arm around Gajeel's.
"Hey shrimp... don't get so clingy"
"I'm not!" Levy huffed.
Gray peered around. "So you came here with Jellal? Where is he?"
"He decided to escort an elderly women to the bathrooms. I was just on my way too look for him now, he told me to meet him at the food stands"
"Wow... so... very nice of him...?" Gray felt a sweat mark appear on the back of his head.
Sorry he asked.
"Well you all enjoy your time! I will be off"
"You don't want to join our group?" Lucy asked.
"I would but Jellal and I only have a few more minutes before we have to head back to the meeting. I should find him first."
"We could walk with you" Levy offered.
Erza smiled. "You girls are very kind. You don't need to worry about me. You just enjoy the festival." Erza began walking away, before she disappeared into the crowd she stopped and craned her head to view the blonde.
"It's good to see you up and moving around Lucy"
"Huh?" Lucy knitted her brow together. Before she had time to ask what she meant, Erza was gone.
"What a shame it would have been more fun if Erza could have joined us" Lucy sulked.
"Hey it's okay, you still got us" Gray patted her shoulder causing Lucy's smile to return.
"Hey Lu-chan let's go on some rides now"
Lucy craned her head to her blue haired friend and her boyfriend. "Actually I was kind of hoping to play some festival games now."
"Oh" Levy pouted for a second. "Well we could play games and then go on rides"
Lucy waved her hand. "No that's alright Levy-chan. Why don't you and Gajeel go on rides, We'll go play some games and meet up a little later?"
"What and break the group? No way!"
"Honesty, we'll be fine Levy. You should enjoy some quality time with Gajeel. Gray and I will meet you near the food stands in a few hours."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm positive"
"I'll take care of her" Gray reassured Levy.
Levy grinned and peered up at Gajeel. "Want to go on the Ferris Wheel?"
"Ferris Wheel's are for saps" Gajeel crossed his arms into his chest.
"Yeah I know that's why you'll fit right in"
"Hey! what's that suppose'ta mean!?"
"Let's go" Levy grabbed Gajeel's hand and pulled him through the crowd.
"Well, looks like it's just you and I now. What game do you want to play?"
Lucy placed her hand under her chin and thought for a few seconds. "Oh I know" Lucy strolled off into a known direction with Gray following.
Juvia peeked beyond the wall and bit her lip in frustration. "Lucy... she's with Gray-sama!?"
XOXOXO
"Well we may be a little late, but at least we're here!" Lisanna cooed while scanning the crowded festival.
Sure was a big crowd; Natsu couldn't help but to feel slightly relived to be around people again.
"What do you want to do first Natsu?"
The pinkette did his best to hide his excitement as he scanned the area. Smells good! There is always amazing food at festivals. Maybe Natsu should try to ease his roaring stomach before anything else.
Before Natsu could make a decision someone crashed into his side causing him to groan and sway to the side a little.
"Natsu! Are you-...? Oh?" Lisanna scanned the women.
"Ouch, ow" The bluenette held her nose.
"You alright shrimp?" Gajeel asked more worried than he let on.
Levy rose her brown eyes up to meet the angered green ones that swiftly turned to shock upon encounter.
"Levy?" Natsu tilted his head.
Levy's eyes widened. "Natsu!"
"Hey Levy! You're here with Gajeel?" Lisanna awed.
Levy stepped back a couple feet. "Um... sorry for running into you like that"
"It's okay" Natsu quickly lost interest in the small girl and began focusing his attention on the crowd behind her.
Levy is here.
Levy is Lucy's best friend.
There's no way Levy wouldn't come without her...
That means?
Lucy is here!
"Where are you two going?" Lisanna asked.
"We're goin to the r-"
"Restrooms!" Levy cut Gajeel off.
Gajeel turned his head to his girlfriend with puzzlement.
"Yeah!" Levy giggled nervously. "We've been here for a little while now, and phew those festival drinks sure can do a lot on tiny bladders am I right?"
"Oh I see, that's why you were in such a rush."
Levy stifled a second laugh. "Yupp"
"Well, Natsu and I will get out of your way. Hopefully after your restroom stop we can run into each other again and turn this date into a double date" Lisanna simpered
"Date?" Levy lifted a brow. "Oh! Date! Yes well we'll see!" Levy grabbed Gajeel's wrist and again pulled him through the crowd.
"Yo shrimp! Oi! Would ya stop with the pullin! It's annoyin! What was all that about back there?"
"Forget the rides Gajeel! We have to find Lucy before Natsu does!"
"Why?"
"No time for questions" Levy's walk speed up.
XOXOXO
"Wow you sure are good at festival games Gray" Lucy complimented.
"Thanks, gotta do what you gotta do to impress the lady"
Lucy smiled and lifted a brow. "Out of character again"
"Get use to it" Gray smirked. "Hey do you want to try? It's on me"
"What oh no! You don't have to! you'll just be wasting your money. I'm bad at these type of games"
"It's okay! I'll help you!"
Lucy blushed slightly and agreed.
"You ready?" Gray lifted a brow.
"I think so" Lucy bit her lip.
"Listen, all you're going to do is take the paper thin net and this black bowl"
"Okay" Lucy took the two objects.
"Now get the bowl in the water and fill it up"
"Got it"
"Take your net and slowly chase the fish around"
"Okay" Lucy gently dragged the net through the water causing all of the fish to swim away.
"Even slower then that"
Slower?
Well, okay...
Lucy glided the net even slower and she eventually trapped a fish in a corner.
With even more caution, Lucy dipped the net under the fish and slowly pulled it out of the water.
She got it!
"Oh my gosh Gray! Gray! I got it! What do I do!?" Lucy panicked.
"Hurry put it in the bowl" Gray laughed at Lucy's awkwardness. "The bowl! The bowl!"
Lucy brought the bowl closer but the second she was about to drop the fish in, the net broke and the fish got away.
"No! No! Oh my gosh" Lucy sulked and turned to Gray. "You saw that right!? I had that!"
Gray laughed harder.
"Don't laugh it's not funny! I even had a named picked out for him!"
Gray wiped a tear from the corner of his eye. "Oh yeah? What was his name going to be?"
"Glubby" Lucy mumbled.
"Glubby?" Gray echoed as a laugh threated to climb up his throat. "Why Glubby?"
"Because he was all fat and glubby like"
The laugh stayed true to it's threat and choked up Gray's throat.
"It's not funny" Lucy smiled.
"Sorry, Sorry! Do you want to try again?"
"No way! if I miss two fish I'll be beyond mad" Lucy stood to her feet.
"Oh come on you almost had him"
"Almost isn't good enough" Lucy fake pouted.
Gray chuckled softly again. "Alright well then how about we go get something to eat?"
"Sure! All this failure makes me hungry"
"You're weird" Gray chuckled.
"Am not"
XOXOXO
"UGH!" Levy hissed. "I can't find Lu-chan anywhere!"
"What's the big deal? Why're ya so worried about blondie all of a sudden?"
"Because Natsu's here!"
"So?"
"So! So, if Natsu and Lucy run into each other it could be bad!" Levy clarified.
"Why?"
Levy slapped her forehead. "It's a girl thing"
Gajeel rolled his eyes. "Well why don't ya just text her"
Of course! Why didn't she think of that! Duh!
Wow, Gajeel actually can be smart.
"Brilliant! Thanks dear!"
XOXOXO
"What do you feel like eating?" Gray asked.
"Hmm good question, I'm not sure" Lucy reached into her small bag to pull out her wallet. However, feeling her phone vibrate, the blonde grabbed that instead.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing, I think I just got a text"
"Who from?"
"Let's see" Lucy clicked the side button. "Oh it's Levy. She's probably looking for us"
"They got tired of the rides already?"
"I guess so" Lucy giggled.
Gray shrugged. "Well, call her"
"Okay" Lucy swiped her thumb to the left activating her phone. Lucy went straight to her contacts and called Levy, figuring her message was a simple where are you.
"Hello?" Levy answered quickly.
"Hey! Are you done on the rides?" Lucy asked.
"Gray! Lucy" A voice called out from the crowd.
Gray craned his head towards the voice.
"No Lu-chan didn't you get my message?"
"Message? Well yeah, weren't you asking where we were to meet back up?"
"No, you didn't read it?"
"Is it that important? I can read it now"
"There's no point, I will just say it."
"Okay?" Lucy found her brow rising.
"Lu, Natsu is here..."
Shock consumed the blonde and she looked off into the distance only to meet her favorite crocodile green eyes.
Her breath hitched and her body froze as a chill ran through her spine.
"Lu-chan?"
Crap... what a strange turn of events. Lucy dropped her arm, holding her phone tightly to her side.
Natsu seemed to ware almost the same expression, to match Lucy.
"Flame-brain, Lisanna, you two came?" Gray continuously peeked at Lucy from the corner of his eye.
Okay now this began to get uncomfortable for Gray. The shocked aura seemed to spiral into an awkwardness that swiftly turned to rage.
Why rage?
"Yeah we made it! We were a little late coming here but that's okay! I'm glad we get to see all the amazing decorations."
"Uh, yeah. They're very nice" Gray tucked his lips together. "Well, Lucy and I were just about to grab something to eat"
"Splendid! May we join you? That's where Natsu and I were headed too"
Gray rubbed the back of his head. "Umm well I don't know"
"No!" Natsu growled coldly getting everyone's attention.
"Natsu?" Lisanna ogled him.
"I don't want to be around these two anomalous losers."
Lucy flinched. "Excuse me!? What did you just call us!?"
Natsu stepped closer to the blonde and snarled even louder. "Why should I have to repeat myself!? You heard me loud and clear didn't you?! Why don't you just go and take your dumb ice-princess and stay out of my way!"
"Hey! Watch it!" Gary hissed in.
"You stay the hell out of this Gray!" Natsu snapped continuing to glare at Lucy.
"How can I do that when you're bringing me into this!?" Gray barked.
"Just shut up!"
Lucy stepped closer, growling just as loud as the pinkette. "What's with this brusque attitude?!"
"I don't know what you're talking about"
"This! This attitude right here! Look I don't know who you are, thinking you can just waltz over here and act like your the boss of everything! Gray and I were doing just fine on our own!"
Natsu leaned in closer to Lucy, inches away from her face he spoke between his teeth. "Yeah? well good for you two!"
Gray and Lisanna do a quick double-take on the arguing pair then to each other.
Lucy's tone was dropped to an angry whisper by the sudden closeness. "What's your problem!?"
"Nothing! I have no problem! Why don't you just leave!"
Lucy clenched her fist and scoffed. "Already way ahead of you!" Lucy brushed past the pinkette and marched to Gray's side.
"Let's go Gray!"
"Uhm, Lucy I..."
"Lucy..." A different voice gathered everyone's attention to the right.
"Juvia?" Gray turned to her.
Whoa, she actually looked stunning. The modest cobalt blue Kimono was the usual ankle length, and while different shades of amethyst crystal's in the shape of flowers decorating the garment from top to bottom. The artic blue sash that tightly wrapped around Juvia's waist giving Juvia the hour glass body look.
For the first time, Juvia ignored Gray and turned to Lucy.
"Juvia would like to speak with Lucy"
Lucy shifted her head to the bluenette. "Juvia is everything okay?"
"Just come with Juvia please"
Lucy looked up at Natsu who glared and shrugged her off.
"Okay" Lucy strolled off with Juvia.
"Where are we going?" Lucy asked.
"Please no questions, just do as Juvia asks."
XOXOXO
"Okay... that was pretty bad..." Lisanna broke the silence. "Ill go buy us all some water"
Lisanna quickly disappeared into the crowd.
"Yeah... that was bad. I think you should go apologize to Lucy you damn pyro idiot.
Natsu instantly swung his body to face Gray. "What did you call me!?"
"A damn pyro idiot!"
"Why you!" Natsu held up his fist.
Gray calmly glared at the pinkette and cut him off. "Me? No, why you! Natsu, you know that Lucy likes you don't you?!"
Natsu flinched and his body stiffened. Well duh, saying she liked him was an understatement. But why does the ice-prick care?
"Yeah, that's exactly what I thought. Then you should know better than anyone else how it makes her feel when you treat her like you have been"
Gray's words pierced deeper than Natsu would ever show. "Why don't you mind your own-"
"Business?" Gray finished. "I can't, because it involves Lucy. In case you haven't realized..." Gray paused and inhaled sharply.
"... I love her too."
Natsu slightly jerked his back in shock, but a scowl that turned into a vicious glare were soon dominate features. "You bastard!"
Gray huffed. "Oh please. Like you've got anything to worry about. I don't stand a chance."
"Of course, next to me there's no competition." Natsu smirked arrogantly
"Not the point Natsu..." Gray lowered his eyes to the floor. "I see the way she looks at you. I also see the way you look at her."
"What..." Natsu jerked his head to the left. "Well I..."
"Oh don't try and deny it anymore loser... It's so blatantly obvious to everyone but Lucy."
There was a long pause and the pinkette used that time to soak in his friends broken features.
Well then... looks like Gray was his rival in more ways than one.
Natsu rolled his eyes and sighed. "You're a bigger idiot than I am"
"What?" Gray jerked his head back to view the green eyed man.
"You honestly think you don't stand a chance?"
"What do you mean?"
Natsu scoffed. "You're going to make me say it? Fine. If I realized my feelings any later, I'm sure it would have been too late for me"
Gray blinked speechlessly.
"If you could have seen the smile she had on just a few seconds before we showed up..."
"That's not-"
"Yeah right... don't try to tell me what I already know. I saw it..."
"I'm back! Sorry I took longer than expected. The lines were pretty long" Lisanna walked up to the two boys with three small drinks.
The raven haired boy lifted a brow to Natsu and then took the cup from Lisanna, popping the straw in his mouth. "Thanks for the drink Lisanna. I'm going to walk around a bit"
"Oh, we'll come with you" Lisanna offered.
"No thanks. I'd like to be alone for now"
"Are you alright?"
"Just fine. If you need me, I'll be in this area" Gray shoved his free hand into his pocket and walked away.
Lisanna lifted a brow. "Wonder what that was about."
Natsu inhaled and sat down on one of the many benches. "Lisanna, we need to have that talk now"
"Talk?" Lisanna faced her boyfriend. "Oh yeah! The one you started at your house. Sure okay"
"I think you should sit down for this"
And just like that, Lisanna's heart sunk to her stomach and she slowly did as she was told.
"What is it?" The girl smiled.
"Lisanna, you're a great girl. You're smart, talented, funny and you're really caring"
The pale girl swallowed. "Natsu... I don't like the way this is sounding"
Natsu pressed his lips together trying to find easy words. There was only one sweet word he could think of.
"I'm sorry"
Lisanna's eyes started to water. "Sorry? Sorry for what?"
"Lisanna, you are an amazing friend, and I'd hate to lose you as one. But there is just no way I can go forward with you..."
"Natsu..." Tears rolled down the girl's pale cheek. "Why are you doing this?"
"You deserve to be with someone who will make you happy. Someone who won't make you cry like this" Natsu cupped her hand.
"I want to be with you Natsu!"
"I'm sorry"
Silence sat with the pair for a while, until Lisanna broke it while holding back her tears to the best of her ability.
"Do you really like her that much?"
Natsu closed his eyes. "I... do"
Lisanna met Natsu's eyes once more.
"What happened to us?"
Natsu opened and narrowed his eyes sympathetically. "That was a long time ago. You moved, my feelings changed and I realized fell in love for the first time"
"So... you never loved me?" Lisanna's eyes fell to her lap.
"I admit, maybe there was a time when I thought it was love. Now I know it was all just a fantasy. Lucy... she's my reality. I'm so sorry Lisanna"
"You're making a big mistake. If you leave... I won't take you back"
"I think I'll be okay with that" Natsu shook his head and reached into his pocket. "The only mistake I fear of making... is if I let Lucy get away tonight."
"I... love you Natsu" Lisanna cried softly.
Natsu pulled something out of his pocket and handed it to Lisanna. What he gave her just made her cling to it and cry harder.
"You know I love you too Lisanna. I still want to be your friend"
"Just go..." The girl sobbed.
Natsu stood up and placed a hand on the snow hair before spinning around and rushing towards the crowd. In less then seconds Natsu disappeared leaving Lisanna wondering if he had just been an illusion.
She knew it was coming.
She had actually prepared for it
She knew it was only a matter of days before she was dealing with this stabbing pain. Lisanna opened her hand and looked at the collar she had made for Happy.
"I guess it really is over. He chose her."
The only thing left for Lisanna to do...
Was be happy for him.
Even if it would take some time.
XOXOXO
"Juvia? Where are we going? We're not even at the festival anymore"
Juvia turned to Lucy and shot her a mournful expression.
What? What was that look for?
Lucy suddenly felt guilty as a thought ran through her mind.
Oh no! could it be... Juvia thinks Lucy and Gray...
How could Lucy have gotten so careless? She should have at least told Juvia, the women who has the biggest crush on Gray, that they were going to the festival together, but just as friends.
"Hey, Juvia. If this is about Gray. I promise you-"
"How does Lucy do it!?" Juvia interrupted.
Lucy flinched and knitted her brows together. "I'm sorry what?"
"Lucy know! Gets Gray-sama to like and talk to her!"
Okay this is the total opposite of what Lucy expected to happen.
Thank goodness though. Lucy didn't want to lose another friend.
"Juvia has tried everything and Gray-sama still refuses to talk to her"
Lucy forced a smile. "Um, I'm not sure"
"Please! Any advice will be helpful to Juvia! Hit Juvia with all you got!"
Lucy oogled Juvia and the determination molded on her face- well how could anyone turn a cold shoulder to that.
"Um, well I guess I can give you advice, but you have to hear me out even if it sounds sort of mean."
"Juvia knows!"
"Okay, well for one thing, maybe you could just start talking to Gray without getting all clingy"
"Clingy? Juvia isn't clingy"
Lucy shot a look to the mendacious bluenette, causing her to duck her head into her shoulders.
"Okay, Juvia won't be so clingy"
"Second, do you see how you are talking right now?"
Juvia nodded.
"This is how you should talk to Gray"
Juvia lifted a brow. "But how will Gray-sama know Juvia loves him?"
"Well for the beginning that's kind of a good thing until you know how he feels about you"
"Juvia doesn't understand"
"Okay put it this way. Don't ambush Gray with talks about the future and how much you love him. Just sit down near him and casually start a conversation. Compliment his shirt or something and then just go about your business. That will lead to a new conversation started by him and you'll get to know more about Gray"
"Oh but Juvia already knows everything about Gray-sama. What he eats, when he sleeps, how long he showers, and how often he-"
"Okay!" Lucy cut her off turning slightly red. "Maybe you shouldn't mention that to him"
"Why not" Juvia tilted her head.
"Let's just say you'd scare him away"
"Scare?"
"Guys are simple minded. Give them to much and they run, give them too little they get bored and leave, give them the right amount and they'll give you the attention you want"
XOXOXO
"Hey shrimp, we've been walking around lookin for Lucy for a while, I'm starving. Can't we eat or something? Just like... the two of us?"
Levy stopped and turned to her boyfriend. "But Lu-chan's not answering her phone and she acted really strange on the phone after I told her Natsu was here. I need to make sure she's okay."
Gajeel sighed and continued following the bluenette.
She'll just find Lucy, confirm that she's alright and then pay attention to Gajeel after.
No harm in that right?
While the two were walking, Levy spotted Gray in the distance.
"Gray!" Levy called out to the friend and ran up to him.
"Oh hey Levy, Gajeel"
"Where's Lu-chan? Is she alright?"
Gray rubbed the back of his head and sipped his straw. "Well right now... I'd imagine she's with either Juvia or Natsu."
"What? Levy blinked.
"Gray-sama!" Juvia ran up to him.
"Juvia?" Gray turned to the bluenette.
"Juvia! You did come! I'm so glad! That means we all got to see the festival"
"Yes, Juvia is more than happy she did decided to come. The festival is beautiful"
"Where is Lucy?" Gray asked.
Juvia turned her attention back to the raven haired boy. "Lucy informed Juvia to come find all of you to tell her Lucy would like to take a walk on her own for now"`
"Alone!?" Gray and Levy hollered together.
"Not to worry Juvia's friends! Juvis has made Lucy promise to stay in a reasonable distance of the festival"
"Still" Levy chimed in scanning the crowds. "I don't feel comfortable knowing Lu-chan is out there walking alone"
"Oh no... did Juvia mess up? Maybe Juvia should have stayed with Lucy?"
"Nah, I wouldn't worry about her anymore. She's a big girl. She can handle herself."
Gray narrowed his eyes to the ground. 'I'm counting on you idiot'
"Well in that case. Juvia is going to enjoy the rest of the festival! Please enjoy your time" Juvia began walking away.
"Hey Juvia, wait up" Gray hollered in causing the blunette to turn around and look at him.
"Yes Gray-sama?"
"Are you here with anyone" Gray almost regretted his words. It wasn't that he didn't like the bluenette. Actually he thought she was rather pretty. He just couldn't stand how clingy and emotional she was all the time.
"No, but Juvia will be fine. Juvia's about to get something to eat"
Strange... He just basically asked to accompany her and she's not freaking out. Maybe this girl wasn't so bad after all.
"Let's grab something together"
Juvia blinked and a blush appeared. "Oh, Gray-sama. Juvia is honored, but Gray-sama doesn't have to... Juvia will-"
"No it will be fine. I haven't eaten and I'm pretty hungry myself. I'll pay for us if you want"
"Gray-sama~" Juvia smiled. Lucy was right.
"What are you two going to do?" Gray asked turning back to Levy and Gajeel.
"Well it is getting pretty late, maybe we'll start heading home"
Gajeel rolled his eyes and scoffed. He asked Levy to this dumb thing so he could make her happy.
Not only that but he wanted to enjoy this event with her. It was the first romantic thing he did with a girl.
Anyone who knew Gajeel outside, knows he's not one for 'romance' but when he goes out of his way, yeah he wants it to be almost perfect.
"Alright well we'll see you later than" Gray waved and walked off with Juvia.
"Well are you ready to go-" Levy turned to her boyfriend but jumped in surprise from the negative energy leaving his body. "Are you alright Gajeel?"
"Fine shrimp let's go home" Gajeel spun around and stormed away with Levy having a hard time keeping up.
"Gajeel? Why're you angry?"
"I'm not angry"
"Do you know you're a terrible liar" The two strolled out of the Festival.
"Yeah so?"
"Gajeel!"
"I wanted it to be nice okay!? I wanted you to enjoy that place with me like you would a date! All you kept doing was worrin about blondie, you weren't even having fun yourself" Gajeel hissed.
"What?" Levy blinked caught off guard.
The two were silent for a little while.
"Is that what you think? You think I wasn't having fun?"
Gajeel grumbled under his breath.
"Well you're wrong. I was having a ton of fun!"
That seemed to get Gajeel's attention. "But you didn't go on the rides you wanted to"
"Does that bother you?"
"I wanted you to have the best time"
"Gajeel, I did have the best time, because you were right by me through it all. It doesn't matter that I didn't get to do what I wanted as long as everyone else is having fun"
Gajeel rolled his eyes trying to force a blush not to show.
"If it bothers you all that much we can always go back to the festival and enjoy it a little longer. I just thought it would be fun to go back to my new place together"
"New?"
Levy smiled. "Yup! I haven't told any one because I wanted it to be a surprise, but I finally got my own apartment!"
"And you want to go there, with me, right now? Where we'd be completely alone."
Levy nodded. "Well I mean not unless you wanted to go back to the festival"
"No it's okay. Let's go to your place. I wanna check it out"
"Uh huh" Levy giggled.
XOXOXO
Lucy wandered up the familiar dark hill. She knew she promised Juvia that she'd stay in reasonable distance of the festival; But the blonde figured this hill was only a little out of the way, so it will be alright. Besides it seemed to be the only thing that brought Lucy comfort, and right now she just wanted to be some place where no one would look for her.
Why?
Well, because she was upset, and she didn't want anyone else to know it.
Once the blonde made it to the top of the hill she plopped down on the full moon, colored grass and gazed up at the sky. It was such a beautiful night. Because the moon was so bright the stars were less visible but even so, it was something wonderful to look at.
Losing control of her eye sight, Lucy's mind placed the blonde under some kind of daze that brought her back to just earlier.
"I don't want to be around these two anomalous losers."
"Excuse me!? What did you just call us!?"
"Why should I have to repeat myself!? You heard me loud and clear didn't you?! Why don't you just go and take your dumb ice-princess and stay out of my way!"
"What's with this rude attitude?!"
"I don't know what you're talking about"
"This! This attitude right here! Look I don't know who you are, thinking you can just waltz over here and act like your the boss of everything! Gray and I were doing just fine on our own!"
Natsu spoke between his teeth. "Yeah? Well good for you two!"
"What's your problem!?"
"Nothing! I have no problem! Why don't you just leave!"
"Already way ahead of you!"
Back into her present mind, Lucy narrowed her eyes to her lap and felt tears beginning their early stages.
"What... What the hell Natsu..." The blonde brought her knees to her chest and buried her face into her crossed arms.
'After you acting like that... I...' Water spilled from the hidden chocolate brown eyes.
"There you are!" A vexed voice hissed into the blonde's ears triggering her to yank her head away from her body and view the boy.
Lucy's eyes widened and she instinctively sprung to her feet. "N-Natsu?"
"Why are you here of all places?" Natsu hissed.
The blonde flinched at the man's anger and tears were soon threating her eyes again.
Why was he still so mad? Although this time he does seem to be angrier than before.
Further inspection of the angry man, Lucy detected that he was seriously out of breath.
Had he been running for a while?
Natsu sucked in more air and began again. "You should be somewhere I can find you without second guessing myself!"
Lucy breathed in and knitted her brows together. "Second? You were looking for me?"
"All over the place! I even went to your damn house!" The boy growled.
Lucy's eyes widened in shock. "How'd you figure I'd be here?"
Natsu jerked his head to the side and glared at the grass. "I... just had and intuition and went on it"
"Why were you looking for me?"
"Nevermind why!" Natsu hissed.
Lucy bit her lip and choked back fighting tears. "Well then what are you doing here?"
Natsu rolled his eyes. Damn, why was it so hard for him to talk to her now. Every word he speaks are lashed out in anger. This was not how he intended things to go.
"Natsu..." The blonde stole all the man's attention again. "There's something I need to tell you"
Natsu blinked and shifted his weight onto one leg, alerting the girl he was listening.
"I..." Tears become victorious on spilling from the hazy brown eyes once again. Of course Natsu was quick to worry over it but he did his best to hide it.
Why is she crying now? Oh Heavens... How the pinkette started hopping and begging internally this wasn't another I can't see you talk.
"I can't do this anymore" Lucy breathed out.
What the hell! Oh man no! Why is this all sounding so familiar.
Please Lucy... anything... say anything... but please... don't say goodbye again.
Natsu parted his lips to say something- anything really, but Lucy beat him to it and he was forced to clam his mouth shut and prepare for he inevitable words he wished to never hear again.
"I considered by saying I couldn't get my hopes up with you, it would make both our lives easier. You wouldn't have to feel guilty about my feelings for you, and you could be happy with Lisanna- as I could do my best to be happy for you too."
Natsu lifted a brow.
"I was wrong... I'm sorry but please... Natsu..." Lucy met up with Natsu's dark green eyes. "Let me love you..."
Natsu's eyes widened and as his mouth slightly dropped open, he could feel his heart leap out of place and fall to the center of his stomach.
W-What? What did... she? Natsu slowly shook his head in disbelief. He wanted to hear that again. He needed to make sure he heard her right...
He needed to... but words wouldn't meet his lips.
Lucy balled up her fists and took another deep breath. "I know I told you I didn't want to see you again... And I know that you're angry because of me. You don't want to be around me... But if you would please... just let me take all that back"
Natsu's body stiffened. Wait a minute... Slow down Lucy...
"I realized something these past few weeks. No matter how much I hurt…In the end, losing you would be far greater than any pain you could ever cause me." Lucy hiccupped and covered her lamentation eyes with her arm.
"I just can't stop loving you!" Lucy cried harder. "No matter what I say or do! No matter how cruel your words may seem, my stupid heart is always going back to you!" Lucy brought her voice to a gentle whisper. "I'm scared Natsu… I'm really scared to want you… I don't want to suffer… but even so… here I am… desperately wanting you anyway"
"L…Luce…" Natsu choked out while his stomach tighten.
"I know it's wrong for my heart to stay near you... but I just don't have the inner strength to stay away from you..." Lucy paused, taking her arm away from her eyes to gaze up at the sky. "Ask me why I keep on loving you when it's clear you don't feel the same way… the problem is that as much as I can't force you to love me, I can't force myself to stop lov-"
Lucy was cut off by the very same, hot lips she desperately longed to feel against her own again. The intoxicating fiery scent mixed with cinnamon finally entered through the nostrils of the blonde causing to slowly melt into the kiss.
She'd missed his smell so very much. Her room use to smell like him from his frequent visits, but eventually, like everything else, his scent slowly started to fade away, until there was nothing left. So the smell, Lucy use to secretly fawn over, reentering though her nose was enough to make a fresh batch of tears fall from her eyes.
The kiss continued as Natsu deepened it; kissing the blonde with more desperate passion.
"Na...ts...u..." Lucy muffled trying to speak through the kiss. "...You..."
"Shut up..." Natsu slipped his tongue out of his mouth and licked the bottom of Lucy's lip.
Lucy's brows lifted into a sentimental expression as she snaked her arms around Natsu's neck. Standing on her tiptoes Lucy gave into the kiss with equal desperation. Allowing her mouth to part leaving Natsu no hesitation to shoot his hot tongue right through the opening and spiral around.
Natsu's right hand hands found it's way to Lucy's cheeks. At the same time Natsu's free hand slithered to Lucy's waist, hauling her into the man's hard body.
Seconds flew by and Natsu pulled away from the blonde to inhale the surrounding air greedily; Once the oxygen freed himself of suffocation the man dove back in for a second attack, startling Lucy a little a first.
Who knew kissing could be so intoxicating, so addicting, and so hard to quit.
Whenever Natsu's tongue would run across Lucy's- the blonde could feel her whole body shiver in delight. If Natsu was easily capable of making Lucy's body hot, she couldn't help but to wonder... what else he was cable of.
Soon the lack of air came into play and again the blonde hesitantly detached her mouth refilling her lungs once again with much needed oxygen.
Natsu opened his eyes and growled impatiently at the sudden detaching of lips.
"Natsu... wait" The blonde leaned her head away when he tried to go in again.
The pinkette cocked his head. "What?"
"We..." Lucy shuffled her eyes from side to side before reuniting them with the dark green ones centimeters away.
Shyly peering at him through her eyelashes the blonde bit her lip. "We... shouldn't... do this"
"Why not?" Natsu licked his lips and glared at the swollen pink ones centimeters away.
"Natsu... Lisanna? What... abut Lisanna? This is wrong..."
"If it's wrong I don't want to be right"
"I'm serious Natsu!"
Natsu licked his lips and let go of Lucy's waist while taking a step back. The sight of Natsu moving backwards only made Lucy's eyes fall back to the grass.
"I suppose I shoulda' started with the basics huh?"
"What basics?" Lucy mumbled refusing to make eye contact.
"I broke up with Lisanna, Luce."
Lucy darted her head back up to the smiling pinkette. "You what?!"
Natsu nodded. "Yup I broke up with her"
Lucy's heart flip flopped.
Should she be happy or worried?
"Why?! Is she okay!?" Lucy spat out.
All in all, Lucy was so relieved.
But Lisanna...
Even if she was the a girl who Natsu liked at one point, they were all still friends. Right? The blonde couldn't help but to feel worried.
Natsu plopped down on the grass. "Lisanna and I had a long talk. You've got nothing to feel anxious about"
Lucy inhaled and sat a few feet from Natsu. "I still feel bad for her"
"You're too kind." Natsu chuckled. "It just wasn't working out between us like she'd hoped."
"She'd?" Lucy turned her head to the pinkette.
"I guess I've sorta known it for a while" Natsu began as his eyes wandered up to the sky. "The moment Lisanna came back... If you ask me if I was happy she was back, I'd say well sure she's a friend after all right?" The man paused. "But I just didn't get as excited as I should have been. Honestly I think even that damn bastard Gray was more excited than I was."
"Natsu?"
"It was just like a friendship reunion. But then I realized something else along the way... When we started dating... I was confused."
"About what?"
"I had no feeling towards it. It felt like it was something I has to do because of a promise I made"
"I'm sorry.. A promise?"
Natsu blinked and closed his eyes. "Yeah... not just any promise. That promise. I felt like had to keep it because it's wrong to break promises. Little did I know that I would be torn away from a special girl who I had fallen for."
Lucy's heart dropped and while all the words she ever wanted to say were lost, she could only shoot the pinkette with a puzzled look.
"I guess I should admit I was a fool. I'm sorry for not coming to the conclusion sooner Lucy. But ya gotta understand. I'm no good at this stuff. Even now the whole love thing doesn't really make sense to me, but if it means being with one person for the rest of my life... well then"
Natsu tucked his lips together and he peered at the blonde with the corner of his eye. He easily detected the flustered feeling mixed with shock the blonde was emitting, and for some reason that amused the boy. Natsu slowly turned his head all the way so he could meet Lucy's sparkling brown eyes.
Natsu could laugh at her right now, that goofy face she makes when she's listening to something so intently. However Natsu knew laughing would make this moment go bad. It just might give her the wrong idea.
Lucy's confessed twice already and Natsu has yet to tell her how he feels. So it's only natural for him to now tell the blonde his feelings.
Natsu sucked in a breath causing Lucy's brows lifted and her mouth slightly hang open.
What... What... please Natsu out with it! Lucy's heart can't take much more of this suspense. She needs to know. She deserves to know..
"How do you feel about me?" Lucy whispered slowly leaning her body closer to Natsu.
It all seems like it's going so well...
Too well actually...
Should she prepare for the worst?
Oh just say it please Natsu!
Lucy can handle it!
Natsu grinned his famous smile. "I want to be in love with you Lucy Heartfilia"
"W-What?" Was the only word Lucy would think to say.
"I'm so crazy in love with you too Luce... I have been since even before you confessed your feelings for me"
"Natsu" Lucy's eyes began to water.
So... all this time.
Lucy wasn't misunderstanding! She thought he felt the same way but she just couldn't be sure.
Natsu leaned his body in closer to the blonde and whispered softly. "Look Luce, I'm sorry for causing you pain. I know now, more than I ever understood before. You are the one."
Lucy swallowed hard as a light blush tinted her cheeks.
"I do need you to know this though. whenever I was with Lisanna I was always thinking about you. Lucy it's always been you."
Natsu blinked and his smile faded. "The day Lisanna told me goodbye, sure I was upset but I quickly bounced back but... The day you told me goodbye Luce... I never wanted to see another light of day. I wanted to stay locked away in my house forever"
Lucy tucked her loose inch hair behind her ear and a tear made it's way down her cheek. "T-That doesn't sound like the Natsu I know at all..."
"No... it doesn't..." Natsu started aggressively. "It really pissed me off, I couldn't understand what was wrong with me. I thought I was going crazy" The boy lowered his aggression to a whisper. "And you know what..."
"What" Lucy whispered gently.
"It was sorta compelling to witness feelings I never thought I could feel. There was a different pain from when my dad died and when you left. My dad died and I was felt lonely... Lisanna came along she left and I bounced back after several months... you came along and left just like that and I felt lonelier than ever."
"Natsu... I-"
"You've changed me Lucy. For the first time I was able to open up to someone who wasn't my dad. Yo-"
This time it was Natsu who was cut off by a pair of soft lips crashing into his hot chapped ones. Startled a little at first, Natsu's eyes widened but they were quick to soften and he threw his arms back around Lucy's waist and hauled her back into his body.
"You talk too much" Lucy smiled into the kiss.
"Isn't that my line?" The boy pulled away and cocked a brow.
"You tell me"
"I love you Luce"
Lucy smiled. "I love you too Natsu"
The couple leaned in for another kiss however before they could press their lips together Natsu jerked his head to the right and pointed to the sky.
"Luce look! The lunar eclipse is starting"
Lucy gazed up at the sky and started to watch the full moon darken behind a shadow.
"Looks like we got to be together today after all" Natsu smiled.
The blonde cupped Natsu's cheek and gently forced him to look at her her.
"What's wrong?" Natsu lifted a brow. "Didn't you want to see the lunar eclipse?"
"I see something better" Lucy pressed her lips against Natsu's hot ones.
XOXOXO
"Hey Lucy" Natsu pulled away from the unclothed blonde underneath him.
"What?!" She breathed out impatiently tugging on Natsu's pants.
"Ya know, because we didn't really watch the eclipse does that mean I get free ice cream from you?"
Lucy knitted her brows together and looked up at the man with hazy lustful eyes. "What are you...?"
"You said if I don't like the eclipse you'll buy me ice cream right? So do I get it?"
"What the hell! Is that really something to be worrying about right now?!" Lucy hissed while shucking Natsu's white pants off and throwing them to lay with the other abandon clothes.
"Hey calm down I was just curious."
"Just shut up and kiss me!"