Credits to the owner of the NaLu image that I used to edit the cover!

Happy Valentine's Everyone!

'And with that, we ran, hands clasped together as we create a new chapter of our lives.'


STORY OF US


LUCY

It's another ordinary day at the guild—well, scratch that. 'Ordinary' is not a word that one should use when describing a normal day at Fairy Tail.

Natsu and Happy are currently busy playing with our other guildmates...How? Well, chairs and tables are sent flying, falling down and breaking, charred and icy flooring, loud bantering, clothes scattered everywhere courtesy of a certain Ice make mage, a splatter of cake's icing on the floor—I cringed at that, shaking my head. So, that's why it started to become so violent— and a brawling group of people scattered around the guild...If those were all a result of a game then yes! They're playing...

I sighed, turning back and looking longingly at the blank notepad in front of me!

Argh! Why can't I write anything?! Where are all those juicy bits that I'm excited to write after getting some inspiration on the cute couple—enjoying their stroll around the city—that I passed by earlier?! Now that I want to write about them, I suddenly realized that there's nothing really special about what I saw... They were just a normal couple, on a date. Nothing more, nothing less...

Perhaps that can be used as a nice basis on a dating scene in a story but what I need is a story line! A unique one at that! A topic!

Clenching unclenching my pen in my hand, I quickly finished the strawberry milkshake I ordered earlier.

I need some inspiration! Anything!

"Lucy? Is there something wrong?" A soft melodic voice called out. I looked up and sure enough, Mira's standing in front of me, face a mixture of curiosity and worry.

I shot her a small sheepish smile, a little embarrassed that someone saw me getting crazy over writing other than Natsu and Happy.

"It's nothing really...You seem busy Mira, I don't want to impose or anything." I replied, eyeing the people calling out for the Take-over Mage's attention for their orders.

Mira just shook her head, giving me a pointed look. "Nonsense! It's not nothing if you looked so stressed out about it! I can let Kinana or Lisanna take over me, don't worry...You look like you need someone to talk to!" She stated firmly before looking for Kinana or Lisanna to handle things while she talks to me.

I frowned, not wanting to make such a big deal out of this.

While I wait, I focused my attention to what is currently happening in the guild, moving my head on the side when I saw something blue fly out of nowhere. Casting it a glance, despite being down, I can't help but let out a small smile at the blue feline huffing from his slumped form on the ground. As if nothing had happened to him, Happy quickly shot up to the air, snickering as he flew towards where Natsu is.

Natsu, who noticed that his partner had returned, flashed him a grin. Suddenly distracted, my gaze traced the Dragon Slayer's form as he turned to reply whatever Gray said about him.

With his soft disheveled salmon locks which I would certainly like to run my hands with...

His valuable scarf winded around his neck, the end flopping up and down alongside his every move... The way he treasured it, like how he prioritizes his family—the guild—is something I really admire ever since knowing what it meant for him...

His boisterous laugh and energetic movements... He may be reckless and obnoxious at times, but at the same time, there's this aura about him...

Innocent and pure.

Fierce and confident.

Loving and thoughtful.

He has such a certain effect on people. His presence wriggling or has the capability of forcing his way into people's life even without permission...He's even oblivious about doing it!

Like what he did to me. I mused before eyes once again wander over his physique and form.

Tanned lean muscles contract as he ducked an incoming punch from Gray and turned to deliver a kick of his own. Gray retaliated by hitting him with his elbow, catching him off guard. Movements agile as he lowered himself down to the floor, he then tackled Gray as a way of payback.

From my place, I can see his glistening skin because of the accumulated sweat from his brawls...He panted, movement being followed by my gaze unconsciously as he takes a hold of the end of his scarf and wiped some on his face. He raised an arm, ruffling his hair, pointed teeth visible as he smirked at his long-time rival.

Like his element, I have no doubt he is the personification of Fire. Warm, restless, adventurous, hot—literally and figuratively—lively...and many more.

Suddenly, as if he can feel someone watching him, he turned to face my direction causing me to widen my eyes and almost fall from the chair where I sat, save from Mira's support. I gave her a thankful smile before casting the Dragon Slayer a glance.

Oh my gosh! Am I checking him out?! Yes! God's, I hope I'm not that obvious!

His head is tilted, as if confused but I can see him chuckle at my almost fall. I blushed, looking away.


If only my gaze on him settled a few more seconds, I would've seen how his eyes widened at a realization before looking away himself, face flushed at the realization that I was—am— ogling at him!


Face still flushed, I gave Mira an awkward smile to which she only giggled at.

"I saw that..." Mortified at being caught—though I didn't really hide what I am doing...you know, ogling at your best friend! —I stuttered a response.

"I-Uhm...It's not what it looks like! Promise! Miraaa" I whined, the sound could probably attract a certain Dragon Slayer to make his way over here—but I didn't care! Wanting to at least defend what's left in my dignity.

"Alright, alright...I won't say anything else..." I was about to thank her when she continued, "other than you guys are really meant for each other, trust me! You're soulmates!!" She squealed.

"Mira!" At my pleading tone, she relented and toned down her giggles into a soft smile.

"Kidding aside..." She sat on the chair beside me.

"Are you okay Lucy? You look so down and stressed earlier...Is there a problem?" At her question, I suddenly remember my stress and disappointment from earlier.

"I'm just disappointed that I can't seem to write anything! I thought I got some inspiration from a couple I saw before going to the guild, so immediately ran towards here to write the details of it but nothing! Because when I was about to write it, I suddenly thought 'what's so special about the couple that I saw? They're just going on a date! Is that fact story material?' and after that, there's nothing... It's like I'm stuck, and I don't know how to get out of it..." I answered, looking down.

It's normal for me to stressed about writing but it's a first that I was able to share it with someone other than Natsu and Happy.

"I'm really serious about writing, it's basically one of my dreams! But seeing as my novel is put on hold for my mental block, and here I am wanting to create some short stories to somehow appease my disappointment in myself but was unable to, I can't help to think that maybe I don't really have what it takes to become a writer? T-That I'm just convincing myself that I can but it's time to face reality of how I can't? "My voice broke at the end as I whispered it, heart clenching at my thoughts. I can feel myself slowly tear up so I burried my face on my folded arms resting on the countertop of the bar, to hide my tears from anyone.

"I'm overreacting aren't I?" I mumbled out, it was muffled but I'm sure that Mira heard it.

I can feel Mira patting my back in a comforting manner. She didn't say anything at first, just letting me finished first before talking.

"Lucy, don't say that...And you're not overreacting! There's nothing wrong about feeling that way." She murmured from near me, voice soft and comforting. "You're an amazing writer! Even if I didn't get the chance to read your works, I can tell that Levy's really enjoying them and are fascinated by them... Levy's really honest you know, especially with books. She'll give you her honest opinions and criticisms. And you know yourself how eager she is to read your works right?That says a lot about your writing, Lucy." Even without seeing her, I can tell that she's smiling.

"Don't put yourself down just because you found yourself trapped. It's normal for writers to feel like that...Its the same with how mages sometimes have their moments of weakness when they compare themselves with other people! I even experienced something like that when...you know, we thought that Lisanna's dead. I felt like I was trapped, stuck with no means of escape. That time, I thought that her death is all my fault, well I think it's still is...If I didn't take that S-Class mission..." She trailed off before continuing, "I suppressed my magic, something that I've learned to be proud of and a part of me, because of guilt... thinking 'How could I call myself a S-Class if I can't even protect the ones I love from getting hurt?'. To be honest, I was ashamed of myself so I stopped using it. For years, I lived like that...until that time when I fought Freed during the battle of Fairy Tail. I was afraid, afraid of using that magic but I stilled myself to protect my loved ones...I thought I can't do it. That history would just repeat itself but I was wrong. I can. The realization that I used my magic to protect allowed me to use it again. Because of the guild, I once again learned how to love the other side of myself... Embracing it, and I felt whole." Her voice quivered, as if she's suppressing the emotions brought by reminiscing those memories. This made me sit up and stared at her.

She offered me a smile, her hand moving to hold mine. "What I want to say is, there will come a time where you feel that you're stuck and alone...but we shouldn't let that get to us. We can. You shouldn't be afraid, like I was. Don't waste your time thinking of the what ifs as the time passed, just believe in yourself Lucy. Like me, who was able to get out from being trapped by my need to protect my loved ones, you should look around you. These people, Fairy Tail, will always come to your aid and tell you how amazing you are as a writer! You say you need some inspiration? We can help you! We know how protective you are of your works but we can still give you some ideas you know? This is your dream and the guild will love for you to achieve it!"

"Thanks, Mira!" Is all I managed to say before hugging her.


THIRD PERSON'S POV

The pair wasn't aware of the sudden silence around them...Well, it started when Natsu stopped fighting as he listened in what Lucy is saying. At first, he doesn't really want to...but the realization that his best friend is heatedly observing him earlier, got his attention. It's normal that she's acting weird but he's still curious of what she'll tell Mira.

When he heard what she said, he can't help but get closer, clenching his fist. A part of him want to comfort the blonde but knowing that Mira's there and is handling it really well, he stood still.

At his sudden stillness, Gray stopped, curious. He then went near the Dragon Slayer and was about to say something when he heard what the two women are talking about, causing him to stay silent and listen.

Like a chain of reaction, Happy followed, flopping himself down his partner's hair. Elfman then joined, seeing as it involved his older sister. Kinana and Lisanna stopped from serving, attention focused on the pair. This was followed by Erza, who demanded to know what is happening to Gray. Juvia also turned her attention to the pair by the bar, Levy casting a worried look to her girl best friend, Gajeel was quiet as he was able to listen to the conversation without a problem, which is the same for Wendy who was already teary eyed and is being comforted by Charle and Romeo. Cana took a sip from her beer, silent as she also payed attention. Makarov, who is beside her, wore a serious look on his face.

Soon enough, all Fairy Tail members are quiet as they mulled over what they heard.

As if on cue, they looked at each other.


LUCY

Eyes with a hint redness, I smiled at Mira brightly.

"Thanks Mira!"

"You're always welcome! And I'm glad to help! Remember what I said alright? Oh! If you want I can even give you some ideas now!"

"That sounds wonderful! Wait..."I said before getting my notepad and readied myself to write.

She giggled at the eagerness. "Hmm...a story about family! Like how someone found a family when she least expected to!"

"That's great! Thanks Mira!"

"LUCE!" I was startled at the sudden call of my name but calmed down when I saw that it's Natsu.

"Sooo I heard what Mira said..." He trailed off then grinned widely. Looking at him, I suddenly remembered what I did earlier.

I checked him out! I internally exclaimed, face flushing red.

"And?" I questioned, prompting him to continue despite my current state.

"I think it'll be awesome to add Dragons or Fire Dragon Slayers to it! Like Igneel and I! A girl finding herself a family, and one that goes into several adventures with her friends! Also make her as someone who treasures those who are dear to her...A personification of hope and light even in the darkest times! She's optimistic and selfless...a bit narcissist but she's smart, caring and kind. She's not judgemental, and a really good person that her best friend can't help but be quite smitten with her!Hell, add the fact that she's a badass! It's gonna be adventure with action! That'll be great a great story for sure!" I raised a brow at how detailed he is...He's even using some deep words that he doesn't usually use!

Okay, Hmm... A bright personality for the heroine huh? And this best friend Natsu is talking about can be a potential love interest!

Despite the oddity of his ideas, I just nodded, delighted at his help...Their help! Peeking a glance at his grinning face, I can't help to think how his famed toothy grin is so adorable! Oh, geez...I snapped out of it, reprimanding myself. Focus and keep your attention to move the pen Lucy!

But wait...did he specifically say a Fire Dragon Slayer? And a girl? Huh, that's weird.

Why does that sound familiar?

"I think a guild for a family will also be a good idea! Like ours, they make a living by completing requests from the people. And I agree with what pyro said...The heroine should be someone dependable, able to take care of her responsibilities well. She's mature at her age and a worrywart! A bit of a weirdo but those only made people love her more! But nah, you should add an Ice Devil Slayer like me!They're much cooler than Fire Dragon Slayers! I'm much cooler than Flamebrain here!" Gray argued causing loud bantering from them.

"Of course you're cooler you bastard! You're an ice princess yourself right?" That's the last I heard from Natsu before I tuned him out to focus on what Juvia is saying.

"If Gray-sama will be at Love Rival's story, then so should Juvia! And about the story, Juvia thinks the heroine should have a positive outlook to life and that she's always smiling! Regardless of her problems, she always forgives! She is quick to let go of her anger... That's what Juvia admires—Oh, Juvia meant that Juvia will like that characteristics for the heroine!" She exclaimed before continuing, "Love rival should also write about a winter prince and a mermaid! Then they'll get married and live happily ever after!" Juvia proposes before getting lost in her thoughts.

"Lushii, add me and many of my fishes in your story! And as for the main character! You should also add that even though she's mean at times, I really like hanging out with her—oh, right, not me but the Happy in your story!" Happy suddenly exclaimed, flopping down my arms. I wrapped my arm around him, chuckling before writing his idea.

"I think it will also be nice to add some dark backstory, like a problem or a secret the heroine carried! There are some battles she'll face alone but with her determination and courage, she'll come up a victor. Also add that even though sometimes, she may think that she's weak, the people around her don't think so. They thought of her as brave and a beloved part of their family...Include that." Erza chimed in, nodding at what she's saying. She then continued, "It will also be great to include a woman warrior! She'll make such a great character in a story, Lucy. Just talk to me and I'll tell you how to write her and her weapons!" Erza finishes, giving me a smile which I reciprocated with one.

"Love will also be a brilliant genre for a story! Like she found love! Oh, also a character who is able to shape shift like me is a sure plus!" Lisanna interjected, followed by Kinana who said, "I propose that the guy who will be her closest friend to be her primary love interest! Even better if that guy is the one who served as a bridge for her new family...Like he's the reason why she gain herself a family and a place to belong to!"

"Well, strong villains will also make it pretty interesting! The heroine should also be someone fearless even if in the hands of danger... Displaying hope even if it's the situation is already hopeless Gihee I don't know if I'll call her an idiot from doing that or what!" The Iron Dragon Slayer chuckled but one sharp look from a bluenette shut him up.

"She also forgives easily and even make friends out of her enemies...Just make sure that she's all that! Gihee and if Salamander's going to be in it, then so am I! And I'll add Lily to the mix!" Gajeel stated to which I just nodded at, focused in taking note of them.

Despite being overwhelmed, I really appreciate their help so I won't turn down their ideas! I thought, determined, before writing them.

"I think mystery is also a great genre! Like solving crimes or finding masterminds! The heroine and her friends takes down evil guilds and groups to save people! If you want Lu-chan, I'll certainly offer my help to you! You just need to ask!" Levy added cheerfully.

While writing, I cast her a glance. "Thanks Levy-chan!"

And after that, various ideas are being shared to me, one way or another;

"Some booze will surely spice things up! Ooh~ Lisanna suggested love right? Then I propose a love scene! Hic!" Cana slurred. I blushed at the thought of making such a scene. But it's a challenge I'm willing to take! Even if I got no experience from such a thing.

I just hope I won't unconsciously base anything about a certain fire mage!

"I think the heroine making friends on her adventure is a nice idea! She should be kind and understanding...Oh, what else? I guess they've already said it all! And if you don't mind, since Natsu-san and Gajeel-san's going to be in it, I hope me too? Oh! And Charle!" I giggled at Wendy's eagerness before agreeing.

"A capable woman taking care of herself and her friends! That's what you call a man! You should also include a manly man protecting his sisters!" Elfman added.

"Hmmp! I guess the heroine should not let anyone stop her from achieving her dreams! Also, its better to write about a fairy! A gorgeous fairy just like me!" Evergreen flipped her hair, walking past Elfman who followed after her.

"A girl who has no qualms on whoever she befriended cause' she never judged! Ooh also a story with sexy ladies! That'll be a sight!" Macao and Wakaba synchronously added which gained a few glares their way. I laughed at that before focusing on others.

"I think a story without any idiots will be an interesting one..." I heard Laxus stated from where he's resting on the second floor's railing.

"HEY LAXUS! What d'ya mean idiots?!" Natsu yelled which I once again tuned out as Master Makarov talked.

"A story about a family who will stay right by each other no matter what happens. Though they might not be family by blood, their bonds are strong enough to be able to overcome any challenges that may come their way..." His eyes roamed around the guild as he went near me until he settled on the counter top of the bar near us. He continued, " A girl who unexpectedly made a family, go on adventures, met new friends, learned new lessons and even grew into such an amazing woman! Does the plot we all made together seem familiar, my child?" He smiled at me, eyes soft and seems like trying to tell me something.

At what he said, I widened my eyes in realization before staring at each and everyone's smiling face.

Tears crept down my cheeks at the realization.

"You guys!" Is all I managed to say before settling myself into the opened arms of Natsu, who just grinned at me.

"So, Luce! How about a story about your adventures?" He exclaimed, looking down at me from his embrace.

I smiled back at him. Happiness welling up inside me that I didn't even try to stop myself from closing the gap between our faces; lips pressing into his.

I saw his eyes widened to which I only giggled at. I smiled at the kiss and after a few seconds, he pressed back, applying just enough pressure before letting go.

"Yes, that will be great!" I replied, smiling happily at him before glancing at the cheering crowd around us. He moved which made me turn to look at him, only to see him lean closer until his forehead rested on mine.

"I'm all fired up! Cause' were always going to be together now ain't that right?" He said to which I only replied by humming in agreement. I vaguely heard Happy exclaimed "Aye sir!" since a voice suddenly overpowered all of the noise.

"And that's the romance Lisanna's been talking about! Oh my gosh! I can't believe my OTP's finally together!!" Mira squealed, followed by her younger sister. We only chuckled at her before turning to look at each other.

Cana, chose that time—much to our embarrassment—to say, "How about my suggestion? Are we expecting some love scene from you guys sooner or later?" She said, wiggling her eyebrows towards us suggestively.

We both flushed red, the teasing and R-18 remarks of our guildmates are too much! And we only just kissed!

From somewhere I can hear how our friends reacted at the remark;

"Pfft! Pyro? I'm not sure if he even knows what a love scene is!" Gray cackled before his laugh dies out when a soft body clings to his naked torso.

"Juvia knows what a love scene is! Does Gray-sama want a demonstration? Juvia can show him!" Juvia exclaimed cheerfully. The raven haired mage blushed, coughing in surprise. The water mage smiled at the reaction she got before grabbing Gray's wrist and walked away.

I gaped at that. Who knew Juvia can be so assertive? I just wish them the best! Gray's slowly warming up to her so I'm not surprised if one of these days, they will be together.

"Gihee, the stripper's right! Doubt Salamander knew anything about it!" Gajeel chuckled which stopped when Levy hit his arm.

"Be nice, Gaj! How many times do I have to tell you not to judge a book by it's cover?!" Levy exclaimed.

"How he is a book? Geez shrimp, just get to the point will ya?"

"Argh! Just, just don't assume things about someone if you're not even sure about what are you saying!"

"Huh, so Salamander may or may not be knowledgeable about it?" Red eyes gaze the bluenette, mischief evident on them. "Just like that time you surprised me when you knew th--" His mouth was suddenly covered by Levy's hand whose face is red.

"Gajeel! Shut up!" She exclaimed before dragging the Iron Dragon Slayer off.

Oho...Levy got some story she needs to tell me! I mused before my attention diverted to Erza.

"Make way! I'll teach Natsu how he should treat a woman properly!" The red head demanded but was stopped by a smiling Mira, whose expression contradicted the aura emitting from her. The Dragon Slayer behind me gulped at the sight, taking me with him as he took a step back.

He's not wrong...This is such a terrifying sight!

"Let them figure out what to do, Erza... Don't get in the way of my OTP!" She exclaimed, tone deadly.

Erza however took this a challenge as she raised her eyebrow at the bar maid. "Oho, is that so?"

The guild avoided getting near the two, afraid to be involved.

Natsu tugged my arm. When I looked at him, he winked. "You wanna get out of here?"

I giggled at his antics. "Great idea, I'm in!"

And with that, we ran, hands clasped together as we create a new chapter of our lives.


AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Hope you enjoyed it! I would love to hear your thoughts all about it so feel free to leave a review!