"Are you ready?" Lucy turned, heart in her throat as she smiled weakly at Erza. The scarlet warrior grinned in return, stretching her hands out to hold Lucy's. Erza searched Lucy's face, her smile growing and eyes glistening. "Oh. You're so beautiful."
Lucy sniffed, biting her lip to keep the tears in her eyes from falling. She and Mira spent too long on her makeup to ruin it before anything actually started. She squeezed Erza's hands, words unable to make it past her lips.
In just an hour or so, Cancer worked his magic. Simple silver and gold branches of metal and diamonds stood against a backdrop of blonde hair which curled and twisted and turned, pins and magic locking every strand in its place at the back of her neck. A single lock fell against the side of her face, curling against her chin and ending against the golden necklace she loved. And her sheer veil was pinned into place by her hairpiece, the translucent material falling into place around her nervous frame.
Lucy pulled her hands away from Erza's, sniffing hard again and dabbing a finger against the bottom of her eye. Her other hand came to rest on her waist where her keys lay, silver and gold perfectly matched by the piece in her hair. Erza laughed, her hair long and curled against her back. "Only a few more minutes."
"Yeah," Lucy breathed, turning back to the mirror, hands shaking as she smoothed out the minuscule wrinkles in her veil. Wendy came up from her other side, smiling at their reflections and straightening out Lucy's train.
Although she had left behind the life of Lucky Lucy Heartfilia many years ago, she looked like a princess. The sleeveless dress clung to her figure, the sweetheart dipping down two inches past where her pendant lay. Simple white tulle wrapped around the bodice of white satin in overlapping layers before spreading out over the ballgown skirt, the gown simple yet elegant and cinched at the waist by a liquid strand of gold holding her keys at her hip. The train, however, was a different story. A sea of blooming white flowers covered several inches on the front of the skirt before draping out and falling down the sides until it hit the ground. The back trailed on the ground behind her, a few petals already scattered by her feet. That had been Droy's gift to her, these beautiful flowers that would remain fresh and alive for the rest of the day. With that simple gesture, her dress had gone from stunning to absolutely perfect.
"You're so pretty," Wendy gushed. Lucy took her hand and reached back with her other one for Erza. The three women stood before the mirror, dark purple behind pure white. Erza's clung to her form and left plenty of her skin on display, beautiful and deadly like the scarlet warrior. The fabric flowed loosely around Wendy, a flower drifting in the wind.
"I still can't believe you cut your hair again," Lucy managed, nerves still pulsing through her veins and combating the exhaustion that had prevailed for the past couple weeks. Wendy laughed, her free hand running through the blue strands brushing against her shoulders. "It looks great, don't get me wrong. I just can't believe it."
"Thought it was time for a change." Wendy shrugged before leaning forward to press a soft kiss against Lucy's cheek. "Now, come on. Evergreen's on her way."
Lucy took a deep breath and one last look at herself in the mirror. Her hair, her veil, her dress. Everything was set. Everything was ready. All that was missing was that second ring on her finger. Well, that and her fiancé.
Linking arms, the three left the small room, the hallway stretching out before them until it joined the double doors at the end. Evergreen stood there grinning, emerald gown low and tight until it ended by her knees. In the small part of her mind that wasn't extremely anxious, she wondered where Elwin was. Likely between Lisanna and Elfman, if she had to wager a guess.
"Well, don't you look just marvelous." Ever clapped her hands together, beaming at the young woman. Lucy blushed, eyes drifting past Evergreen to catch on Levy. The short blue-haired woman pressed her hands to her chest, heat burning in her eyes.
"Oh, Lu!" Levy stepped forward, arms outstretched until she engulfed her best friend in a tight embrace. "Oh, he's the luckiest man alive."
"Screw him," Cana said, draping her arm over Lucy's shoulders. "I've never seen a woman look so sexy."
"Sorry, Cana, but you should have told me sooner. I'm getting married in a few minutes, and not to you." Lucy grinned as Cana laughed, the brunette pressing a wet kiss against the blonde's cheek. "Where's Mira?"
"Oh, she and Laxus had a talk earlier about realizing when she's pushing herself too hard, and she was very sorry to say that, even three weeks later, she still doesn't quite feel like herself yet. So she and little Xavier will be sitting with Laxus and her siblings. She's awfully sorry, really." Evergreen eyed the Celestial Spirit wizard, waiting for a reaction.
Lucy's gaze dropped for a moment before she smiled. "Oh, that's okay. She's still here, isn't she? And she really has been pushing herself far too much. She never knows when to stop, does she?"
Erza snorted, smacking her hand against Lucy's shoulder. "Like you're one to talk. You and Natsu both. I've never seen a couple more in need of constant activity." Lucy stuck her tongue out, fingers wrapping around her pendant.
The doors behind Evergreen and Levy swung open, revealing another blue-haired woman garbed in loose purple. Juvia blinked, vision adjusting to the dimmer interior of the garden house. She smiled, stepping to the side to hold the doors open. "It's time, darlings."
Lucy swallowed, anxiety shooting through the roof. Levy slipped her hand through Lucy's, lips turning up into a smile. "Don't worry. Everything's going to be so wonderful."
"Yeah." Lucy rolled her shoulders, other hand brushing over her keys. "Yeah," she repeated, smiling at her friends, her beautiful, brilliant friends. "Why am I so nervous?"
Evergreen laughed. "Oh, you should have seen me. I just about tripped down the aisle. Thank the heavens for Laxus keeping me on my feet."
Lucy smiled tightly even as Levy guided her out the door, the others close behind. Stepping outside, Lucy tilted her head back, enjoying the sunlight on her skin. Juvia took her other hand for a moment, squeezing tightly before letting her go. Distantly, almost as if from miles away, she heard music begin to swell, filling the fall air with the chords and strains of a song familiar to all those present. Nothing was beginning, and yet it was oh so close.
Ahead, several men waited. Cana whistled, drawing their attention. Gray was the first to turn, and his face immediately broke into a grin. "Damn, Lucy."
The other three faced the women as well. Gajeel raised an eyebrow, looking the bride up and down briefly before returning his attention to his wife. Jellal smiled at Lucy, giving her a brief nod. And Romeo flushed, looking back and forth between all of the assembled women. "You look really pretty, Lucy." Then he finally realized what was so different about Wendy and couldn't help but stare at the Sky Maiden and her shoulder-length hair.
The blonde grinned, anxiety rushing through her veins and forcing her hands to tremble and smile to waver. "Thanks." She pressed a hand against her chest, fingers wrapping around her pendant. "God, I can't believe this is really happening. I feel like I'm going to throw up."
"Did you eat breakfast this morning?"
"Not hungry. Besides, I'm too anxious to eat anything."
With a brief glance at Juvia first, Gray stepped forward, wrapping his dear friend in a hug. "Come on, don't worry so much. You love him, he loves you. I've watched the two of you for the last two years. It's the best day of your life, remember that."
Lucy squeezed him back, resting her head on his shoulder. "And remember that I love you too. We both do, even though he really doesn't show it." She pulled back before pressing a kiss to his cheek. "You're the brother I never had."
The music changed, and Evergreen recognized it for what it was. She pressed a light hand against Lucy's back before clapping quietly, drawing the attention of all those present. "I'm going in now. Remember the order, everyone smile, and nobody forget that today is a good day no matter what happens." She blew a kiss before turning, heading off through the park, heels sinking only slightly into the dirt.
Lucy took in a shaky breath, much more nervous than before. Gray moved his hand from her waist to her forearm, giving her a wink. "You could fall down the aisle and mess up your vows, and he wouldn't care."
"Yeah," she agreed, winking back. "You're right. As always." He grinned before stepping away. Juvia joined him at his side, pulling him into a brief kiss. She couldn't help the small pang of jealousy, even as they were moments away from Lucy's wedding to another man. Hopefully, after the next six months, she would be able to force her thoughts to realize that Gray wasn't going anywhere.
"Lucy!" Asuka came flying out of nowhere, a basket of flowers clutched in her hands and a deep purple gown loose against her long legs. She ran into the Celestial Spirit wizard's legs, looking up with shining eyes. "You look so pretty!"
Lucy laughed, clutching the girl tighter. "You do too, sweetheart."
Happy swooped in after her, slamming into Lucy's chest with a hug. "Lucy!" The blonde's other hand moved to rest against Happy's head.
"Hiya, Happy." She smiled, the appearance of the Exceed and the girl cutting through the tension in her muscles. The blue cat looked up, and she was shocked to find tears in his eyes. "Oh, Happy! Don't cry!"
"I'm not crying," he lied with a sniffle, hiding his face against her skin again. She brushed the back of his head, smiling over his head at her friends. Romeo gently pulled Asuka away, grinning down at her.
"You ready?"
"Oh yeah," she cheered, long braids swinging against her back. "I love weddings!"
Levy laughed, remembering the girl's role in her own wedding several years prior. "And you're very good at what you do. But come on, we have to get in position." Levy offered her hand to Asuka as Lucy managed to pull Happy away, fighting back a yawn even as she did so. She had no idea how she still felt so tired even as her body thrummed with the nervous energy shared by brides across time.
The men stayed back as the bridesmaids closed in around Lucy Heartfilia for the last time, holding her close and wishing her well.
XXX
Natsu shifted at the base of the tree, scarf seeming to grow tighter around his neck as he waited. The music was so loud, slamming against his eardrums and drowning out the rest of the world. In a way, he was grateful, for it meant that he didn't have to listen to what everyone was saying. He hated standing in front of everyone as they all waited, collar growing hot as more and more eyes focused on him.
"Calm down, my boy." Natsu glanced behind him, all of his senses narrowing in on Makarov. The old man sat in his chair, looking to the world like the epitome of peace. If Gray and Juvia's wedding was anything to go off of, the eighth master would likely break down as soon as the ceremony ended, but Natsu was glad for the serenity Makarov exuded. "Everything will be just as it should be."
"Yeah, Gramps. Still anxious. Why does it have to take so long? I've been here forever!"
"It's only been a couple of minutes, child. Take a deep breath. You're going to want to remember this."
Natsu turned toward the aisle, eyes darting from one familiar face to the next. The entire Fairy Tail guild was here, even Gildarts, whom Cana had threatened relentlessly until he promised to come, as well as many of their friends from distant guilds. He recognized Minerva and Rogue sitting next to Sting and Yukino, the white-haired woman's hand resting against her swollen stomach. All of the companions they had made during their battle against the Oracion Seis and the fight at the Eclipse Gate were scattered throughout the crowd as well, Jura and Shelia and Leon and Hibiki and Ichiya and Kagura and Millianna and Queen Hisui. He could go on naming people in his head forever (the most surprising thing was that he actually remembered so many names), but then they appeared in a flash of golden light at the back, underneath one of the many sakura trees. Not all of them had come, but Natsu made out the distinct forms of the Maiden, the Goat, and the Water Bearer. The Fire Dragon Slayer grinned, knowing their arrival would make his fiancée's day that much brighter.
And the music changed again, Mira sitting at the piano as her fingers danced over the keys. Laxus sat nearby, his infant son resting happily in his lap with one tiny hand nearly completely wrapped around Laxus's index finger. The babe was healthy and happy, as was his mother, but that didn't stop Laxus or Porlyusica from worrying. The ninth master was glad his wife had chosen a different way to participate in the ceremony, especially since this didn't require too much energy.
Mira looked up from the piano, making eye contact with the Fire Dragon. She smiled brightly, the simple gesture helping to cut through the tension in his muscles as the first group arrived at the far end of the aisle.
Gajeel started down the aisle, Juvia on one arm and Cana on the other. Although his face remained in a pissed expression, Natsu knew the Dragon Slayer too well to be fooled. Juvia was smiling, tears welling in her eyes, and Cana was grinning, throwing Natsu a wink as they approached. Natsu smiled back tightly, letting the piano overwhelm the pounding of his heart.
As soon as the trio reached Natsu and peeled off to either side, Wendy and Romeo made their way down the aisle. Natsu blinked, unable to comprehend the new length of Wendy's hair. She smiled at him and raised her free hand, moving the limb in small circles. A breeze began to blow, loose petals slipping from the trees all around and falling down on the ceremony. Murmurs arose in wonder as the pink petals descended, falling like a graceful snowfall in winter.
Erza and Jellal appeared in the midst of Wendy's show, Erza stretching out a hand to catch the petals in her palm. She tossed them gently at Jellal, the Heavenly Body mage laughing as they hit his cheek and neck. As they arrived at the front of the aisle, the Requip wizard pulled away from her boyfriend to pull Natsu into a brief hug. "Proud of you," she murmured against his ear. She leaned away and adjusted his scarf, pushing away tears from her eyes. Then she took her place, looking back down the aisle as the best man and maid of honor joined the ceremony.
Levy and Gray walked arm-in-arm, both slightly overwhelmed by pride and joy for their best friends. Levy was already crying, grateful for her decision to wear no makeup beyond a light dusting of eyeshadow as tears carved tracks down her cheeks. She squeezed Gray's arm when she met Natsu's gaze, heart swelling as the Fire Dragon grinned down at her. She glanced to the side briefly, finding her daughters sitting happily with Jet and Droy. Gray followed her lead, searching for the twins he knew were in the care of the youngest Strauss sibling. They sat on her lap, hiding the bump she had only recently begun to show.
Levy and Gray reached the end, Levy pulling away to stand by Erza's side on the right of Makarov. Gray passed in front of Natsu before coming to his other side, bumping his shoulder against the pink-haired man. "You ready, man?"
Natsu took a deep breath as Asuka and Happy appeared beneath the arching branches of the trees. The ten-year-old giggled as she tossed white and purple petals into the air, the new colors mingling with the already falling pink. Happy soared above her, a small pillow clutched in his paws containing the simple rings the engaged couple had picked out last month. "I've been ready for a long time. Still nervous though."
Gray chuckled, dropping his hand onto Natsu's shoulder. He would have said more, but the music was changing yet again. The gathered crowd rose to their feet and turned, attention trained at the entrance to the ceremony. And the world faded away as the final members of the wedding appeared, the two trees on either side forming a natural arch of fluttering pink petals.
Lucy and Natsu locked eyes instantly, the crowd of friends and distance between them nothing to the couple. Natsu's mouth grew dry as he took his fiancée in, her massive gown sliding over pink petals and green grass, her own train shedding some of its white flowers with every step forward. She was the most beautiful thing on the entire planet. And she was about to be his for the rest of time.
He was so focused on the Celestial Spirit wizard that he almost missed the Celestial Spirit walking her down the aisle. Loke grinned despite the tears streaking down his face, Lucy's arm wrapped tightly around one of his. The Lion met Natsu's gaze, silent words passing between the two old friends. And then they were only a foot away from Natsu, and the Dragon Slayer forgot how to breathe properly.
Loke let the blonde go, pressing a kiss to her cheek as he gave her away. She returned the gesture, as she whispered a quiet and tearful, "thank you." She turned, finding her fiancé's gaze one more as she stepped forward and took her place across from him. Silently, Natsu reached forward, taking her hands in his and finding them as shaky as his own.
I love you, Natsu mouthed.
She smiled, tears shining in her eyes. I love you too.
The couple was so absorbed in their bubble of love and admiration that they forgot to pay attention as Makarov began the ceremony. They only returned to the world several minutes later when Makarov cleared his throat to remove the lump forming, looking up at two of his children as they tore their eyes from each other to look down at the eighth master. "I believe you have both prepared your own vows?" Lucy nodded as she bit her lip. Makarov smiled, clasping his hands in his lap. "Lucy, please begin for us."
Lucy inhaled deeply, holding her breath for a moment before releasing it along with all of the worry in her bones. She returned her gaze to Natsu, finding her vision growing blurrier by the minute. She had to hurry if she wanted her voice to remain strong.
"Natsu, you've been my best friend for so many years now. You've saved me countless times, and I don't just mean all of the times you have rescued me in a fight. You were there for me when I needed a friend most, and you guided me through the darkness and into this beautiful guild we both call a family." She paused, casting a glance out at the guildmates watching her. Mira waved from the piano before wiping away lines of silver. Behind Lucy, Erza and Wendy held each other's hands tightly, silent as tears slipped down their cheeks.
"This may mark the moment we are forever promised to each other, but we've belonged together for a long time already. You are the love of my life, and today, I vow to return all of the love and loyalty you have shown me since that first day we met. I vow to show you how much you mean to me. I vow to make you smile on our darkest days. And I vow to never let you forget that you deserve the world. Natsu Dragneel, I see you. I've seen all of you. And I love you all the more for it."
Even if she had planned to say more, the lump in her throat and her stuffed nose made it nearly impossible to breathe. So instead she laughed and lowered her head, focusing her attention on their intertwined hands, trying her best to keep from sobbing.
"Now, Natsu?" Makarov turned to the pink-haired man, his own tears glistening his eyes.
Natsu cleared his throat. After Lucy's vows, all he wanted to do was kiss her right then and there. Those last words were meant only for him, reminding him that when she had rewritten his book those years ago, she had seen and understood and accepted every aspect of him. No one else could claim to know him as well as the woman before him. But he'd spent too long figuring out the best thing to say to just skip past it. He squeezed Lucy's hand until she looked up, silver drops beginning to stream down her cheeks.
"Luce…" He cleared his throat again. "Luce, I love you. I've loved you for a long time. And, when I was trying to figure out what I wanted these vows to be, I realized that there's only two things that I could possibly say."
His crooked grin returned, strands of pink hair falling against his forehead and catching a multitude of soft petals. "For the past two years, you've asked me like a hundred times to tell you why I left after our fight with Tartaros. And, now is as good of a time as any to tell you." Lucy's mouth dropped ever so slightly, unbelieving. His grin widened even as his eyes softened. "I know that I can't protect you from the world. You're too stubborn and powerful to sit back and let me keep you safe." Loke scoffed from his seat, knowing the truth behind Natsu's words all too well. Lucy shot him a quick glance, sticking her tongue out at the spirit.
Natsu kept going. "But that's all I could think about. You saved every single one of us that day, and, in order to do that, you sacrificed something you loved so dearly. Which hurt. And I never wanted you to feel like that again." Natsu braved a look at Aquarius, the Water Bearer pretending like she wasn't crying. "That's why I left you behind. Because I wanted to be so strong that no one could ever hurt you, no one could ever make you cry."
He squeezed her hands again, a single tear slipping down his face before melting into his scarf. "I've been falling for you for a long time, Luce. I realized it when we were all here, playing games and laughing, and you were stuck at home with a cold." She snorted, remembering the day well. And yet her heart pounded and her eyes burned. He'd never told her either of these things. She had been asking for so long, and yet he had treated it as some big secret. To know that he'd been falling for her only months after she joined the guild…
"You're my life, Lucy Heartfilia. I love you. I have for a long time. And I will for the rest of our lives." She smiled at him, he smiled at her, and everything was right in the world. Not a single eye in the crowd was dry, not even Capricorn's.
Sensing that both vows had come to a close, Makarov proceeded to wrap up the ceremony as well. He motioned for Happy to join him. The Exceed placed the pillow on the old man's lap before perching himself on the back of Makarov's chair. "Now, for the rings." The eighth master drew the attention of the couple with a smile. Both took the other's ring from the pillow, the simple bands of silver engraved with beautiful designs. Lucy had thought a simple ring would be a much better fit for her in their profession, since fighting would be a hassle if there was a rock on top of her finger.
"Natsu, repeat after me," Makarov said. The Dragon Slayer nodded, as serious as anyone had ever seen him. "With this ring, I thee wed."
"With this ring," Natsu murmured as he slid the ring into place against Lucy's engagement ring, "I thee wed." Lucy sighed happily, a tear sliding down her nose.
"Lucy, repeat after me." Makarov turned his attention to the young woman. "With this ring, I thee wed."
Lucy swallowed hard. "With this ring, I thee wed." And the ring found its home on Natsu's hand.
"By the power vested in me," Makarov said, holding the sobs at bay, "I now pronounce you husband and wife." The crowd burst into raucous applause, whooping and cheering and full of joy. "Please join me in welcoming the Mr. and Mrs., Natsu and Lucy Heartfilia-Dragneel!"
The newlyweds smiled in disbelief and love. Natsu pulled his hands away from Lucy's in order to cup her face. She raised her chin with a sob, and then they kissed for the first time as husband and wife.
XXX
The door clicked closed behind them. The Heartfilia-Dragneels laughed, hands clasped together as they had been for the last several hours. Natsu grinned, leaning down to kiss his wife again. He couldn't get enough of it, just as he couldn't get enough of calling her his wife. He'd waited so long, and it was just as magical as he always thought it would be.
"I love you," he whispered against her lips.
"I love you too," she murmured back, free hand coming up to curl around her pendant. Then she sighed, finally able to relax for the first time all day. "God, I don't think I've ever smiled so much in a single day. My cheeks feel like they're on fire, I mean it."
Natsu laughed, pulling away from the door and making his way to their kitchen. This house had become theirs only a few weeks ago, about two months exactly. That was his favorite part of every day, closing the door behind him and knowing that he was at the home he shared with Lucy, that he would go to bed each night with her by his side, that he would wake up each morning with her in his arms. And he had done exactly that every day since they had moved in.
Lucy rolled her eyes, moving the multitude of layers out of the way as she searched for her heels, feet aching to be free. "How the hell are you still hungry? You ate enough for an army at the reception."
"Yeah, are you sure you're okay? You've barely been eating recently." Natsu's voice was muffled by the open refrigerator door, the Dragon Slayer rummaging through the half-empty containers and random assortment of vegetables. "Don't chalk it up to nerves either, cause when you published your book you were a mess and pretty much couldn't stop eating."
"Oh, shut up, don't remind me." Finally pulling her shoes off, Lucy chucked the heels off toward the side and massaged her foot. "Tell me, why didn't I take these off hours ago?"
"Cause you wanted to be as tall as I was," Natsu reminded her. "When you took that giant-ass train off before the reception, Levy said you should take the shoes off too, but you refused."
Lucy grumbled, not wanting to admit he was right. "I'll meet you upstairs, kay? There's still a few things I gotta pack." She heard a sound of agreement from the kitchen. She smiled, rubbing the back of her neck with one hand and taking a handful of her skirts with the other. "Go ahead and eat whatever you want, cause we won't be back for a while, and we certainly don't wanna come back home to a pile of spoiled food."
Using both of her hands to hold up her skirts now, Lucy made her way up the stairs, tulle and satin sliding against the bare walls as her bare feet moved up the scratchy runner they'd put down to cover the rough wood beneath. She hummed to herself, exhaustion weighing her down yet elation bringing her back up again. The pair of rings on her left hand were warm against her skin, similar to the bright feeling she got from her pendant whenever Natsu was throwing himself in danger. She smiled, pushing her way into their bedroom.
They could have found a house much bigger or grander, and yet the minute they had walked inside, they thought it perfect. Just the right home to start a family in. She reddened at the thought, glad that Natsu was downstairs and nowhere nearby at the moment. Not that she was embarrassed. But he would tease the living shit out of her.
Lucy kept humming as she moved around the room, searching for her brush even as her hands began to undo Cancer's hard work. She'd taken the veil off at the same time as her train so she wouldn't be encumbered during the reception, but the piece still remained in her hair, holding the twists and curls in place. She hovered in front of the mirror, skirts preventing her from taking her usual place at the bench.
The pile of pins on the vanity was massive by the time the door shut behind Natsu. He grinned wearily at her as he kicked his own shoes off, tie loose around his neck. He plopped onto the end of the bed, running his hands through his hair. "You missed one."
"I missed a lot," Lucy shot back, fingers finding the specific one her husband had pointed out. Which, of course, was the last one. He laughed as her hair tumbled down around her shoulders. She stuck her tongue out at him as she reached for her brush, hairspray keeping her hair in odd angles and kinks.
"When do we leave tomorrow?" He asked, fiddling with his bracelet as he watched her battle the aftermath of her hairstyle.
"Early."
"Not an answer."
"Hm."
"Luce…"
"Train's leaving at eight. Oh, don't complain, you can sleep on the way."
"I hate trains," he grumbled.
"I'll have the medicine Anna made. And it's only a few hours. Then we'll be able to relax at the beach for two whole weeks, no worries in the world." She finally put down the brush, hair soft and smooth against her back. He smiled at her, leaning back on his elbows as he watched her.
She made her way toward him, skirts still brushing against the cool wooden floor. Lucy stopped before him, his knees on either side of her waist. She smirked down at her husband, twisting slightly to the side and pulling her hair away. "Undo the belt, will you? I can't figure it out."
He pushed himself up with a grin, hands landing on her hips and pulling her ever closer. "Whatever you say, Mrs. Heartfilia-Dragneel."
"Oh, I don't think I'll ever get used to hearing that." Her hands began to run through his hair, gentle motions to soothe the tension that still remained in her husband. He leaned into her touch and hummed, the melody the same as hers from earlier. His fingers deftly worked with the metal belt holding up her keys, determined to undo it as quickly as possible. They might have to leave the house early the next morning, but he had plans for tonight, plans to show her just how seriously he was going to take the vows they made to each other.
And yet, as the belt finally fell away and she reached over to lay her keys on the nearby dresser, Natsu frowned. Something was off. Not wrong, but weird. It was obvious, and right on the tip of his tongue, yet he couldn't figure it out.
"Natsu? What's the matter?" She looked down at his frowning face. She moved to step back, but his hands tightened on her hips, holding her in place. "Natsu, talk to me. Are you okay?"
"Something's off…" he murmured. "I can't…"
Then it clicked.
Natsu's face dropped in shock and surprise. He pulled her even closer, pressing the side of his head tight against her stomach. "Natsu?" Lucy whispered, heart beginning to race. "What's going on?"
He shushed her, shifting his head. Her hands remained motionless in his hair, trembling ever so slightly. After several long moments, she gave up, unable to stay silent any longer. "Natsu?" She repeated.
Natsu looked up, eyes wide and full of surprise and wonder. "I… there's no reason for you to have suddenly grown another heart, huh?"
A laugh burst from Lucy's lips. Her hands slipped from his hair as she sank to her knees, thick layers of her wedding gown keeping her from feeling the pressure of the floor. "You, you hear another heartbeat? I've got two?" He nodded soundlessly, and she let out another laugh. "That means-"
"Yeah," he agreed, his own laughter bubbling in his chest. His hands cupped her face, eyes searching hers as tears started to pool for what felt like the hundredth time that day. "Oh my god. Luce. Oh, Luce!" He pulled her up into his arms, the newlyweds falling back onto the bed together as they clutched each other tightly. Lucy laughed and buried her face in his neck. Her skirts covered nearly the entire bed, and yet he managed to hold her even closer, legs tangling with hers.
"Natsu," she breathed, hot tears burning down her face as she fully came to terms with what they had just discovered. "Natsu, oh, my Natsu. My husband. My Natsu."
"My wife. My Lucy," he said back, hands in her hair and lips finding hers. Oh, their little family was growing before his eyes. This was by far, the happiest day of his life.
I thought you all should know that I completely based Lucy's dress off of the one that Taylor Swift wore in her newest music video for the song "I Bet You Think About Me" because that dress is absolutely gorgeous and amazing and I am in love. Anyway. So sorry it took me literally all day to write this, but when today started, I was only 1,000 words in, so I think I did a pretty good job :) Oh, I love this couple with all of my heart. Again, I hinted at several things that are to happen, but most of them will be revealed next chapter, don't worry. Last chapter. Wow, this is crazy. I've worked on this for so long, and it's almost been a full year since this started. Thank you to all of you who have been with me since the beginning! I really love you all.
I hope you all enjoyed this! Until next time!