Hello folks!

So, here it is, the last official chapter in the story- I have decided to write a prologue in the end though, so it isn't over quite just yet! You have one more chapter to look forward too!

I don't really know what to say, so I guess I will let my chapter do it for me. All I know is, I think it is about time everyone got the ending and answers they deserve. So please forgive me if this chapter is a bit fluffy, but it's how I imagined this would happen

This is a Lucy chapter and the longest one I have written for this story! I wrote it listening to Ben Howard's 'Soldiers' (AN: I do not own this song or any of the lyrics used) which I think is a very nice song and fits the chapter quite well so here is the link if you want a listen -watch?v=bWhm-H7M8Us

Other than that, thank you for the reviews! They are into triple figures! And shadowhunter314, you were the 100th review! Thank you! I really do hope you loved this story since chapter one! :)

Penultimate chapter! The prologue will be up soon!

Enjoy! :3

Chapter Thirty One-
There's fires here to burn, and timbers left to learn in this young heart

"N- Natsu?"

I stutter, almost not believing my eyes. Yet, from the silence which has fallen upon the guild and the sea of eyes which are scrutinizing me and the pink haired man I am looking at, I decide that maybe this is happening. That the man I had found myself worrying about, been thinking about, wanting to see for much longer than just the week he has been away, is now here. He is looking down at me, my body twisting in my seat so I am facing him.

His lips twist into a small, shy grin which causes the heat which had crept up my cheeks when I first met his eyes, to intensify. His tentative behaviour and cute blush which dusts his cheeks ever so slightly making my stomach twist. Gulping, I open my mouth to ask him where he has been, but before I can start, he starts to speak hurriedly. At his words, I close my mouth, and simply stare at him. Listening to his words as they tumble from his lips.

"I am so sorry I have been away Lucy. I'm sorry I avoided you and I can't ever make it up to you for making you cry, but I- I... Arrr."

He rakes his fingers through his messily spiked pink hair- although, he always argued it was salmon- closing his eyes tightly as he does, as if he is in turmoil. At his actions, I begin to worry, an odd feeling filling my chest as I look at the pained expression painted across his face. His body trembling slightly.

Folding the top corner of the page I am on, I close my book. I have always hated dog-tailing the pages in books I read, but I am too worried about Natsu to bother with the condition of the book before me. Standing up from the booth I have been sitting in since I entered the guild this morning, I step towards Natsu, extending my hand tentatively to touch his tinted cheek, trying to speak as calmly as I can.

"Natsu, are you ok-"

"No, Lucy. I need to finish what I have to say before you say anything."

He pulls his hands from his hair and pushes my hand away, his words and actions shocking me slightly. Hurting me that he refuses to let me touch him. At this action, a crazed Rogue's words fill my mind involuntarily, 'He'll leave you again, and again, and again!'

Staring at him I watch as he opens his eyes, revealing his perfectly onyx orbs before they flick away. Gulping loudly, I watch him as he begins to speak again, every word he says speeding up my heart beat but also pains me. What if Rogue was right? No! He can't be right!

Natsu's words are spoken as if he is calculating what he is about to say before saying it, yet there is warmth in his voice. A smile on his lips as he speaks and as he starts speaking he laughs slightly, as if remembering a sweet memory. His eyes downcast.

"When I first met you, I thought you were a weirdo. You moaned and shouted at the strangest of times, you didn't stop talking and I had to save you."

For a moment, his words sting, leaving me to step back slightly and raise my closed hand to my chest. Hoping that the hurting in my heart will stop if I place my hand over it. Natsu doesn't seem to notice, however, but carries on speaking.

"But regardless, you are the most beautiful weirdo I have ever laid my eyes on."

Widening my eyes at his words I breath in suddenly, at the same moment his eyes flicking up from looking at the floor and to meet mine again. His iris' look like a dragons, green with darker green flecks adorning the iris, deep and captivating. I find myself lost in them and his words, no longer feeling embarrassed due to every ones eyes being on me and Natsu. Because of the deep red blush I am sure is colouring my face. My self concious feeling slipping away as he continues, his gaze piercing me. Heart beating like a hummingbirds wings.

"Every time you look at me with those amazing eyes, you watch me with such a quiet sincerity, it makes my heart skip a beat. And every time you hold me I feel like I was born to be held. That in your arms is where I belong, and when I hold you it's just... Right. No matter what bad may come my way, how bad things ever got, you always make me feel better. With you around there is always a silver lining. Since day one there has been hope."

I let my mouth hang slightly agape, my hand placed over my heart clenching tighter as I watch his lips form more words that make my head light and chest warm. Looking into the eyes which aren't leaving mine.

"I'm sorry I left you all alone, when I promised I never would. I just... I didn't know what to do, Luce. I didn't want it to go wrong... But it did."

At the sudden affectionate name he gives me, there's an odd jump in my chest, causing my breathing to hitch. Luce? He's never called me Luce before.

"Just please, don't think I didn't miss you when I was stupid enough to not talk to you. Please don't think that I don't think of you when we're apart, because I do, Luce. I do-"

"Natsu-"

I whisper his name as tears begin welling in my eyes. Under my ribcage, my heart is fluttering, a warm feeling pooling my chest. His words sound so sincere, so real and the way he is looking at me makes me feel as if I am the only person in this room, on the planet. Or at least, the only one that matters.

Before I can't get another word out, Natsu has clamped his hand over my mouth. Not harshly or painfully, but gently. Just enough force exerted to stop me talking. His facial expression is pleading with me to stop speaking. To stop so he can finish what he is saying before he does something stupid like contemplate the words that are passing his lips, and back down due to fear.

"Lucy, heaven forbid, b- but if you don't want to feel like I do any more... I- if this is where is all fails and is meant to fall, then please... Please, just know that, Luce, L- Lucy Heartfilia, I love you. I love with all of my heart."

At that, Rogue's words smash, my worry forgotten. My heart stops in my chest. My breath catches and for a moment, I am not sure if I am even breathing. I am trembling slightly as I stare at him. I stare at Natsu. My mind still trying to work out if I am dreaming or not, if I missed him so much I am playing over in my head everything I have ever wanted him to say to me.

As I take everything in, soak his words up like a sponge does water, I look at him. Just look, admiring what he is and who he is. His lean, muscular arms and slightly tan skin tone. Eyes which are upon me, now as dark as coal. Lips together and looking so inviting. The messily arranged, spiky pink-coloured hair which is falling over his forehead and defying gravity with how it is standing. His kind heart I know lies beneath his skin. His annoyingly destructive tendencies yet contrasting safe feeling while around him. Strange eating habits and need to jump through my window rather than walk through my door. This is Natsu, and maybe some aspects of him aren't as desirable as others, his destruction of towns does cost me my rent half of the time, but I want all of him, regardless.

That's when the last of his words finish being comprehended by my dazed mind.

Natsu loves me...

As I speak this fact over and over in my mind, I simply stand staring at Natsu. My thoughts away from the guild and world around me, but away in my heart. I only snap out of my trance as I feel Natsu's hand lower from my mouth and see a flick of pink as he turns to leave. At his actions, my heart restarts and I start breathing again, panicking Natsu is going to leave me again.

You idiot! You never answered, you just stood staring at him! He'll think you don't love him back!

"Stop, Natsu!" I hear myself cry out, my hands moving at lightning speed and grabbing his toned arm, pulling him back to face me once again. His eyes are shadowed by his hair, bottom lip trembling slightly. I hurt you when I didn't reply, I'm sorry, Natsu. I can reply now, now I believe my head isn't playing tricks on me. Now I know this is real, that you are really here.

Removing my hands from his arm, one of them finds its way to his cheek, lifting his tilted head so he is looking me directly in the eyes again. Collecting every piece of courage I have, pushing away all fears and insecurities of this all being so new to me, I let the words I have kept inside me for so long slip out. Remove the cage I tried to trap my feelings in and let them run free, let them run through my body and into my chest. A feeling blooming from my heart as I look into his eyes, that's when I feel tears rolling down my cheeks.

"Please don't leave again... I love you, Natsu. I always have."

All of a sudden, Natsu's lips are on mine, his hands cupping my cheeks. My heart jolts, but I calm down, closing my eyes and embracing the feeling. His lips, soft like feathers over mine. They are simply pressed against mine, not daring to try anything bolder. I have read books where in times like this, there would be a big dramatic kiss. Tongue's brushing, passionate. This kiss isn't like those ones- it's simple, sweet, loving. Perfect. This is how my first kiss should have been.

Cheering erupts from the guild as everyone registers what has just happened, loud whoops and cheers which would turn my cheeks pinker if it were possible. Natsu slowly pulls away, his hands trembling as he places them shyly on my waist, his forehead leaning against mine. I catch his signature grin, his abnormally sharp canines and a blush on his cheek as the cheering continues, one I copy. I can't help but smile widely.

"That's a man!"

"My, my, you took your time!"

"Aye!"

"And I thought Flame Brain would never admit it!"

"Finally, Salamander. GeeHee."

"What are we all standing around for? Let's drink to Natsu and Lucy!"

There is a louder cheer of agreement, and I laugh as Cana, as usual, suggests drinking. I know that one drink will lead to one of Fairy Tail's well-known all night parties. Music, drinks, dancing, brawls. I take this chance to embrace Natsu before the partying begins. He wraps his warm arms around me, holding me close to his body as around us there is shuffling to the bar, talking, the odd lingering whoop or clap and the sound of drinks being poured.

Natsu's hot breath against my ear causes a shiver too travel down my spine. Quietly, he whispers to me, low enough so only I can hear them. The two words he speaks are simple, but they cause more tears to stream down my face and I smile more, squeezing him tighter.

"Only one."

.

Music blares across the guild as I sit in my booth watching my drunk, bluenette best friend dance with a slightly less drunk Iron Dragon Slayer. Her giggles high pitched as she trips and he catches her. Gajeel rolls his eyes but he's blushing, telling Levy to 'Be careful, shrimp, maybe you should sit down, you're drunk'. Only for Levy to declare 'You are too, you sit down!'.

Not too far from the intoxicated pair, Romeo is hand in hand with Wendy, smiling widely as he twirls her around, earning him a chuckle from the small Dragon Slayer. Vijeeter is breaking out into peculiar moves, a tipsy Laki mimicking his movements. Bisca and Alzack are swaying to the beat of the song while Asuka is being watched over by the Exceed's. Happy offering Carla a fish, which she turns down.

Looking to the bar, I watch as Gray and Natsu are coming close to a brawl. Juvia with heart in her eyes cheering Gray on. She had spoken to me earlier in the evening, hoping I was happy with Natsu and she finally accepts I am not her 'Love Rival'. Lisanna, Mira and Kinana are laughing at the sceptical as Elfman attempts to join the argument, only to be slapped round the head by Evergreen, who's shouts of 'not to be so stupid!' reach where I am sitting. The rest of the Raijinshu are teasing her, which causes her to blush harder and shout louder.

Smiling, I laugh slightly, leaning back into the chair of the booth I am in while looking out onto my Nakama. My mismatched, crazy, disorganized yet amazingly loving and loyal family. Thank you, Natsu, everyone, for everything. For being there for me when I needed you, for being my family after I lost mine. At that thought, my eyes widen suddenly, before I allow myself a small smile. Mama, papa, did you see? Natsu loves me, he really loves me.

Suddenly, Erza's presence breaks my thinking, and I smile to my Scarlet haired friend as she sits down opposite me. In each of her hands is a slice of cake, one of which she places in front of me.

"Congratulations, Lucy."

"Thank you, Erza."

I smile at her as she begins speaking again.

"If Natsu is ever stupid enough to hurt you, come to me. I will put him in his place."

At that, images of Natsu laying on the floor in a battered heap with a dark looking Erza standing above him, eyes glowing red, fills my mind. Laughing nervously at Erza's comment, I nod, watching my friend take a bite of her cake. She seems unaware of my nervousness caused by her statement. I'm not quite sure if what she has just said is a joke or not.

"Thanks." I say more like a question, scratching the back of my head. Looking over to Natsu at the front of the guild. He, as I expected, is part of a brawl. However, as I look at him, he takes his attention away from Gray with his fist glazed in ice, Max and Warren who's fists are both raised, and Loke, who at some point had appeared in a puff of gleaming gold light dressed in his suit and ginger hair wild like a lions mane, to look to me. He meets my eyes, face alight with happiness as he flashes me a smile which causes me to blush, before turning his attention back to the scuffle before he is hit in the face by Loke's glowing fist. "But I don't think that'll be necessary, Erza. I don't believe Natsu is going to hurt me."

To this, she smiles at me.

Cutting a piece of the cake Erza had given me with the side of my fork, I place it in my mouth, the sweetness tingling my tongue. The sweetness can't compare to the sweet feeling in my heart I have been feeling since Natsu had kissed me.

I know Natsu will never hurt me.

I trust Natsu.

I love him.

Look out for the prologue!