It was graduation day and there was only an hour left for Lucy to get ready and head over towards the stadium where the graduation would be held in but she was still in bed, staring at her ceiling. Everyone was probably at the stadium grinning and laughing about how today was their last day of high school while she was moping around in bed. She was thinking about skipping graduation and going back home immediately but she really wanted to see Natsu for the last time...

But getting up means going to graduation. And graduation means wedding and she wasn't ready for the day to start, yet.

Groaning, Lucy turned to her side to stare at her small alarm clock which said it was barely eight in the morning.

Can she just turn back time?

Suddenly, her room door slammed open and she jumped in her spot, her eyes wide as she looked over to see Gray and Erza standing by the door-way.

"Rise and shine, it's a new day and it's also graduation!" Gray shouted, trying to sound enthusiastic about it when he was all choked up about it, too. Erza was just silent as she offered a smile as she entered the room, making Lucy gawk at her two friends who just barged into her apartment.

"H—how'd you guys get into my house?!"

"We took Natsu's key to your house." Erza replied as she sat down on the edge of the bed as Gray leaned against her headboard, the two smiling at the blonde. "We're here to pick you up."

"W—why?"

"Because, silly!" Gray slapped her shoulder in a playful manner but it was more forceful than expected. "We were just passing by and you don't even have a ride there!"

"Natsu was supposed to—"

"Oh well, we got here first." Gray cut her off as he helped her sit up and pushed to the side before sitting down next to her making Lucy get squished in-between the two. She awkwardly sat in place as the two hugged her tightly, the blonde flushing slightly. "Erm, guys? Uh... what's going on?"

"We're going to miss you, Lucy." Erza suddenly spoke, her voice low as their arms tightened around her making Lucy tense up and the lump return. Her eyes got all hot and watery as she realized the two came to say their fair share of goodbye. Since Natsu was the only one who didn't know what today actually was, she was forced to act all happy only in front of him while she secretly cried with everyone else.

"I wish... I wish I can stop this somehow," Gray muttered against her shoulder as Lucy sniffled. "I wish... I wish we can stay together forever..."

"Gray..."

"You gotta tell flame-head."

"I can't," Lucy choked as she wiped the hot tears away with the back of her hand as Erza and Gray pulled away slightly for her arms to have some room to move. "I can't tell him." She repeated making the two frown and watch how she cried. "You have to, Lucy... you can't just leave."

"It's best. You guys can tell him once I'm out of here—I don't want to be here when you break the news."

"He'll want to speak to you."

"Tell him no. I'm sorry, but really... I can't tell him." Lucy sobbed as she placed her hands over her face and cried into her palms making Erza rub her back as Gray watched her cry miserably. It broken him in the inside as much as it did to her or anyone else who knew. It hurt him most since he could have made up some plan to get her out of the stupid marriage but he couldn't.

Cursing loudly and punching the headboard that was attached to Lucy's bed, Gray made a huge hissy-fit as the trio was washed over depression.

"I really wish I could do something to stop this."

"I'm sorry... my father—my father is..." Lucy choked as Erza wrapped her arm around her shoulders and pulled her into her chest, trying to calm her down as she shed some tears as well. "I'm sorry."

"Lucy, let's forget about this for now. It's graduation and right now, that should be the only thing going through your mind."

"Yeah, c'mon, Lucy. Let's get you dressed and get you in your cap and gown."

"You guys..." Lucy whimpered out as Erza and Gray forced a smile and pulled the blonde up to her feet to get her ready for graduation. "You go shower and I'll get your outfit ready!"

"But—"

"No buts! Now, hurry and go shower because we only have a certain amount of time." Gray scolded as he pushed her inside her bathroom as he shut the door right behind her, turning around to look at Erza who was drying her eyes with a tissue she pulled out of her cleavage.

Even though it was real painful, he had to pull through.

—X—

"Where the fuck are they?" Natsu cursed as he hissed through his teeth, looking around frantically for Lucy, Erza, and Gray.

Gray called him an hour ago that he and Erza are going to pick Lucy up and made him come to the graduation all alone but now that he was there and it was almost time to start, they still weren't present and it made him worry. And of course since he just wanted this to be over with and get the hell out of there, he was real impatient.

"Calm down, Natsu. I'm sure they'll arrive soon." Lisanna reassured as she placed her hand on his shoulder, the taller male turning to look at her. He made a face and furrowed his brow as he noticed the multiple strings on her shoulders. "Why do you have many cords? Why do you have cords in the first place? I didn't get any."

"Because my dear Natsu," she said as she played with the yellow cord around her neck. "it shows off how smart and amazing I was in high school."

"Oh ha-ha." He laughed in a mocking tone of voice making Lisanna frown at his mocking tone of voice. "It's true!"

"Wait, you're serious?"

"Yeah! This yellow one is because I was in the honor society and this purple one is for my G.P.A being always being above a three and this red one is because I was in that other honors club and this green one was because—"

"Alright, nerd. At least I can say I graduated high school as someone cool." Natsu interrupted the silver-haired high schooler who gawked in offense as Natsu went back looking around for the said three people. Finally, his dark eyes spotted a flash of yellow and red and he made his way to the three who was pushing through the crowd of seniors.

"Lucy! Erza! Gray!"

"There he is!" Erza said as she pointed at the pink-haired male who was making his way towards them making Lucy's entire face light up.

She pushed through the crowd to run into her boyfriend's chest, the couple holding onto one another tightly as they rocked back and forth. Erza and Gray eventually made it out and watched the couple.

"Luce, what took you so long?"

"Well you see, Gray thought it was going to be smart to park all the way in the back when there were perfectly good spots up front." Lucy shot Gray a look making him shrug. "I told you, it's going to take longer when it's over and we try to get out since people are all filing out."

"Excuses, excuses." She clicked her tongue in disapproval as Gray rolled his eyes and ignored the blonde. "Did the graduation start?"

"No, you guys are just in time. Hurry, we gotta get to our spot of the principal will throw a fit." The male flashed a face-splitting grin as he grasped the hand of the blonde and tugged her gently. "C'mon, Lucy."

Smiling brightly at her boyfriend, Lucy only saw the pink-haired senior through the sea of people.

—X—

"Will the class of twenty-fourteen please all rise?"

All at once, the seniors all dressed in red gowns and caps stood making a sound of shuffling. Most of them had grins and smiles on their face as the principal spoke, a hush silence filling the air as it was finally over.

"Congratulations, seniors, you are all now graduates!"

Cheers, screams, and cries were heard all around the stadium as red caps flew in the air making the audience rise and clap. The students then all filed out and the families followed suit—most of them getting ready to take another round of pictures with their flowers and diplomas while others said goodbye.

"Natsu! Come take a picture with me!" Lucy cried out as she grabbed her boyfriend's arm as he was in the middle of thanking a teacher. "Hurry!"

"Ah—alright, alright! Geez, calm down! You're acting like you're in a hurry and you're never going to see me again." He laughed making Lucy force a smile and swallow the thick lump in her throat as Gray punched the arm of the male. Natsu yelped in surprise and pain as he rubbed the place her punch, glaring at his friend. "What?"

"Nothing," he spat as he held the camera up. "c'mon, let's hurry and take this picture."

"Say Fairy Tail!"

"Fairy Tail!"

With a quick flash, the photo was taken as Lucy threw herself on the taller male making him yelp in surprise once more, his entire torso pulled down so he was bending down. "Luce, you okay there?" He chuckled as Lucy hugged him even tighter. He had on arm wrapped around her back as his other hand held his diploma and flowers. "Luce?"

"I love you, Natsu." Lucy suddenly whispered in his ear making him grin and hold her even closer towards his body. "I love you, Lucy."

"Promise me you'll never forget me?"

"Lucy, what is with you?" He laughed, trying to get rid of the heavy atmosphere that was surrounding them. "Just because we graduated doesn't mean we're not going to see each other again."

"Alright!" Gray suddenly shouted, getting in-between the couple as he realized where this was heading as he grabbed the blonde's shoulder. "Lucy, take a picture with me, will you?"

"Y—yeah, sure thing, Gray." Lucy muttered as Gray handed Natsu the disposable camera. "Take it for us, will you flame-breath?"

"Yeah, sure." He agreed as he kept eyeing the blonde weirdly, stepping back to get a good view of the couple to snap the picture. "Say Fairy Tail!"

"Fairy Tail!"

Another flash appeared and the photo was taken, the blonde now grinning widely as she had photo with every one of her friends in that one disposable camera. She was going to print them and keep them forever as her friends lived their life and she lived her shitty life.

Suddenly remembering the time, Lucy looked at her phone clock and gasped as it was finally time to go.

She grabbed Gray's arm and pulled him close, tugging on his gown as he leaned in and allowed her to speak in his ear. "I have to go. Distract Natsu for me."

"So soon?" He frowned as the blonde smiled sadly and nodded. "Can't you stay at least for a couple more minutes?"

"No, I'm sorry, Gray... I gotta go and get ready for the wedding."

"What are you two whispering about?" Natsu scowled as he came over and pulled Lucy into his arms and away from Gray making her giggle and Gray glare. "Excuse you, you rude flame-shit. Lucy and I were in a middle of a conversation."

"Excuse you, you icy-bastard. Lucy is mine and the only guy she's allowed to speak with is me." He smirked as he held Lucy close by, looking down at the blonde who rolled her eyes and had a sly smile on her face as he snickered. "So please, step away from the blonde with the boobs."

"You're an idiot, Natsu." Lucy sighed as she went on her toes and kissed his cheek. "That's why I love you."

"I love you, too." He grinned widely as he leaned down and locked lips with her, his fingers getting tangled in the sea of golden locks as they made-out right in front Gray who gagged mockingly.

"C'mon guys, can you guys not suck face in front of me?"

"If you have a problem, go away."

"Well, I was here first. Lucy and I were talking." Gray hissed as he grabbed Lucy and pulled her away, head-butting his friend slash rival as he gave the signal for Lucy to hurry and leave. Lucy gave a thankful smile and placed her palm on his back once more before flashing her boyfriend a look.

She really didn't want to leave and she felt like shit just having the thought of marrying someone not Natsu.

Having tears appear, she quickly turned away and walked away before anyone else stopped her from leaving. At this point, she had no other choice.

—X—

When almost everyone was gone to some graduation party or home, Natsu's entire group re-grouped back in front of the stadium dressed in their regular clothes with their caps and gowns in their bag which they brought. Everyone seemed a bit depressed since they just found out Lucy had left and hoped Natsu would take the news, well. He was the last one to come out from changing as he had a large grin on his face, the pink-haired graduate approaching the group.

"Hey, we should totally go to that new restaurant that opened and celebrate! Someone could go buy some cake and we can have some kind pf party!"

"Sounds great." Levy said, trying to brighten the atmosphere as everyone awkwardly shuffled. "We should get going. I'll go buy the cake."

"Wait," Natsu said as they all were about to leave. "where's Lucy?"

At that, everyone stiffened and the air became so thick it would suffocate one. There was a heavy silence filling the air and Natsu felt utterly confused and Levy burst into tears making Gajeel take her back to the car while Lisanna started to cry as well.

"Why is everyone crying? What's going on?" He asked in pure worry and confusion as Gray stepped forward and placed his hand on his shoulder. He had a look of sadness on his face and at this point, Natsu was freaking out. "Where's Lucy?"

"Lucy... Lucy, she went home."

"Home? Why'd she go home so early?"

"No... Natsu, she went home-home. As in... her original home." He spoke as his voice trembled slightly making him quirk his brow, still not getting the idea. "Why?"

"She... she, uh," he swallowed thickly as he glanced over at the others to refused to look at them. "she's... getting married today."

"She's what?" Natsu asked, trying to see if he heard that correctly as Gray finally broke the news. "Did you say she's getting married?"

"Yeah..."

"What kind of sick joke is that?" He laughed, wondering why everyone was acting so weird. "Why would she be getting married?"

"Natsu," Erza said in a stern serious voice making his grin drop and his eyes shift towards the red-head who looked drop-dead serious. She shook her head to indicate that Gray wasn't joking and at this point, all the joke and happiness disappeared from his body and he looked utterly worried and scared as he looked back at his best friend slash rival. "What's... what's going on?"

"Natsu," Gray said in a form of choked sob as he wiped his nose with the back of his hand. "Lucy... when Lucy came here, she came here with a consequence. Her father agreed to let her move here and join us for senior year if she... if she..."

"If she what?"

"If she marries this guy of his choice when she graduates."

"Marry?"

"Lucy is getting married, today. She's... she's not going to be with us anymore... she's gotta... she's gotta continue the Heartfillia family and... and go on living her rich girl life and," Gray paused as he started to break down, tears rushing down his face as a sob erupted from his mouth. "she left us!"

The color in Natsu's face drained out completely and his eyes widened so wide, the others thought he went into shock. He clutched his keys tightly in his hands as he looked utterly broken and shocked, everything now processing in his mind.

"You... you can't be serious... you must be joking, right?" He scoffed, trying to see if this was a joke but now Lisanna was crying loudly and Erza was, too. "You're joking! Tell me you're joking!"

"Natsu..."

"Don't fucking Natsu me! This is a joke! A fucking joke! You're bullshitting me because—because of some reason!"

"Natsu, please—"Lisanna cried out as she tried making him stop but he reeled back and jerked his arm away before she touched him. "Don't touch me! You guys are fucking sick for lying to me about this! I'm going to Lucy's and I'm going to tell her how fucking obnoxious you guys are and—and—"

"Don't you get it?!" Gray snapped, reaching forward to grab fist-full of his shirt as Natsu stared at him with wide eyes. "Lucy's gone! She isn't here anymore!"

"Fuck you!" Natsu yelled as he shoved Gray away making the two stumble away from each other. "I'm leaving!"

"Natsu!"

"Natsu, get back here!"

"Fuck all of you!" Natsu shouted right back as he made it to his car to open his door. "This wasn't funny at all!" He said before jumping in and starting his car. Soon, he drove away making everyone watch his car disappear down the hill.

"Gray, what are we going to do?!" Lisanna asked as he sighed and stared down at the spot where he stood earlier. "Gray!"

"Let him... just leave him be... he'll... he'll notice once he gets to her apartment."

Meanwhile as Natsu drove to Lucy's house, all these weird thoughts started to swirl in his head.

What if what Gray said was true? What if she was really gone? Why would she go? Why didn't she tell him? Why was she getting married? Why? Why? Why?

Arriving at her apartment, Natsu jumped out of his car forgetting about locking it as he fumbled with his keys to grab the correct key Lucy had given him way back. Shoving the key into the keyhole, he threw the door open to run inside, his heart thumping loudly and expecting to see the blonde there as usual.

But she wasn't.

"Lucy!" He cried out as he now realized the place was bare and empty making his heart beat faster and his eyes widen. "Lucy!" He shouted once more, panicking really badly as he twirled in a full three sixty circle, trying to find where she was. "LUCY!" He screamed, tears coming to his eyes as he now realized that this wasn't a joke and it was real life.

He looked left and right for one sign from her but no matter where he looked, it was all empty. Bare, cold, lifeless, and empty. Just like how he felt.

Suddenly, his eyes caught something that was on the desk where it was hidden underneath the vase of flowers which he remembered he gave her just yesterday after their date. He rushed to go snatch it and read it as he forgot about everything else, unfolding the piece of paper to read with his blurry vision.

Dearest Natsu,

I'm sorry to say but I... left. It's time for you to forget about me and it's time for us to grow up and live our lives, separate. We're now high school graduates and soon, I'm going to be a married woman... we weren't supposed to meet, Natsu. You and I are two different people living in two different worlds. I don't belong in your world and you don't belong in mine. I don't know how we ended up clashing but this is where the line is drawn and I leave. I love you and I always will, even though I'll be a married woman. How could a woman marry another when she loves another? I'm such a selfish person... Aren't I? But I can't help it... I love you so much. Camp was where I met you and fell in love and I would give up anything to go back in time and re-live everything... I wish we could go back to Camp Dragneel and I wish I wouldn't have ended up falling in love with you... I'm sorry I'm so selfish and I'm sorry it has to be like this...

I love you.
Lucy H x

"Fuck!" Natsu screamed as he read the letter with trembling hands, tears rushing down his face as he now processed everything in mind. "Fuck, fuck, fuck!" He kept cursing as he couldn't believe what was going on. "Fucking hell—shit, no, this isn't real, Fuck! Lucy!"

Salty tears painted the letter as Natsu furiously wiped the tears away with his sleeve and hand, his mind jumbling up in a huge process making his head throb.

Looking down at his phone which was being blown up by his friends, Natsu quickly grabbed his keys and took the vase of flowers along with the letter back to his car. He safely strapped the vase down with the seat-belt and put his seat-belt on before pulling out his phone to find the Heartfillia residence.

He wasn't going to let her go that easily.

"Miss Lucy, you look so beautiful!"

"You're the most beautiful bride out there!"

"That man is so lucky to have you as a bride!"

Smiling sadly at her reflection as her maids right behind her praised her, all Lucy could think about were her friends and Natsu. She knew they already broke the news to Natsu since graduation ended just an hour ago and even if he came, it would be too late anyways. She just wished she could have done something so she didn't have to marry.

"Lucy, is everything alright, darling?" Mrs. Spetto asked in a hush whisper as Lucy looked down at the older woman who acted like a mother to he during her mother's absence. She looked utterly concern and the only thing Lucy could do was smile. "Yes... it's just... I just..."

"I understand," she said stopping Lucy from voicing her thoughts as she noticed the tears threatening to fall out. She handed Lucy her handkerchief and made Lucy wipe the tears away so her make-up wouldn't get smudged. "I'm sorry it has to be like this, sweetheart."

"It's alright... it's not in your power to stop this, anyways." Lucy sniffled as she carefully wiped the tears away. "I just wish it wasn't like this."

"I know... the world is very unfair and it's always cruel to the good ones." Mrs. Spetto offered a smile as she rubbed Lucy's back to sooth her as she brought her over towards the door. "But everything happens for a reason, dear. C'mon, compose yourself, the wedding is about to start."

As if it was on cue, the music started to play and Lucy's heart stopped as she realized that it was really starting.

"Come, Lucy, it's time."

Accepting her fate, Lucy slowly nodded and following her out the door and to where her father was waiting to finally send her off.

Why is it me?

—X—

Thirty minutes in the wedding, the Priest was just about done with his long speech as Lucy stood next to her short and ugly suitor. She had the look of dread and pure regret as the male next to her was playing with his small stubby fingers.

"As a closure of the wedding... if anyone objects to this wedding, speak now or forever hold your peace."

Lucy turned around to see if anyone had the heart or eyes to see how much she was suffering to speak out but as the time ticked by, nobody said anything. Her heart sunk in her chest like the titanic as tears started to appear in her eyes once more, her mind screaming for help as her lips were pressed in a tight line.

"Since nobody objects... I now pronounce you husband and—"

"Wait!"

Gasps and shuffling was heard as the large double doors opened and a sweaty, out of breath pink-haired graduate came stumbling in. All the guests were horrified looking at the wedding crash-er but Lucy was over the tops happy that he actually made it on time.

"Natsu..."

"I object to this wedding, damn it!" Natsu shouted once more as his breathing return and he looked up, his dark eyes immediately locking with Lucy's as she gasped once more.

"Hey, you're not even supposed to be in here—!"

"Shut up!" He hissed at one guy who tried taking him out of the place who quickly reeled back in fear as Natsu shot him one of his death glares. His attention shifted back to the beauty in the white and he started to walk down the aisle, his eyes burning with intensity that Lucy was almost too scared to have him close. "What the fuck, Lucy?!"

"Hey, don't swear!" Somebody shouted from somewhere making Natsu brush it off. "Lucy, seriously, what the fuck?"

"Natsu, I—"

"No, don't you dare give me some bullshit excuse because I expected better from you." He cut her off mid-sentence as Lucy shut her mouth and watched as he approached her even closer. "Lucy, just why? Why didn't you tell me? I thought what had was special but then it's graduation and I turn my back for a minute and you're gone getting married to—to whoever the fuck this guy is!" He shouted as he pointed at the groom who was too caught up with the stain on his shirt that he didn't even notice. "Why didn't you tell me anything?"

"I—I couldn't, Natsu. I just—I was afraid."

"Afraid of what?"

"Afraid you might hate me. Afraid to see your reaction and afraid to see what'll happen if you knew."

"So you decide that telling everyone else but me will solve this? That you think running away and ignoring me forever will make me forget about you just like that?" He questioned as Lucy stood there silently, staring down at the space between them as she had no words. "Well, you're wrong."

"Natsu, please, this is my—"

"I don't give a shit! I'm here to take back what's mine and I swear to fucking god, if anyone objects to it, I will deal with them personally!" He barked as he turned around and faced the entire chapel. "Does anyone object to that or forever hold your fucking peace."

The place was dead silent as Natsu nodded in content, turning around to face the beautiful bride who was now crying tears of joy.

"C'mon, Luce, let's go home—"

"Wait a moment." A new voice joined in making Natsu whip his head around and his eyes search for the person who objected. When he did find the person, he was a tall blonde male dressed in a fancy suit. He realized it was Lucy's father and his expression turned dark. "I don't believe you have a right to object to this wedding."

"And why not?"

"Because this is arranged and Lucy promise me she will marry. She should know her manners and keep her promises."

"She's only eighteen! She is still young! And forcing your daughter to marry because of some stupid business you have—you're sick!" He snapped as he took a step forward and shot the taller male a murderous look. "If you want your daughter to marry so badly, I'll marry her."

"You?" Jude scoffed as he looked at the pink-haired male who holding his ground firmly. "You're going to marry Lucy?"

"And why not? I loved her like none other and I'm pretty sure I can treat her better than you have in your shitty years of fathering."

"And what do you have to give Lucy? Do you have the money? Do you have the responsibilities? You're probably going to put her through hardships as well. Why not just let her live her rich life so she doesn't have to?"

"What's so fun about sitting around and letting other people do your work for you?" Natsu smirked, as he brought Lucy over to his side to hold against his chest as Jude stare at the lovely couple. "You said Lucy had to marry when she graduated, right? Fine, okay, I'll marry Lucy and support whatever fucking business you have with my Camp. But just so you know, don't expect me to be nice about it because you're a fucking dick to me and Lucy. Just give us a couple years and I'll have her name changed to Lucy Dragneel but I hope your business fails before our wedding date, dad."

Jude stared at Natsu in disbelief as he was too shocked to even utter a word, Natsu grasping Lucy's hand tightly in his to grin and kiss them gently.

"Let's go home, huh?"

"Y—yeah..." Lucy offered a bright smile as she held his hand back. "Let's go home."

"Lucy!" Jude shouted as Lucy was about to leave with Natsu making her turn and look at him as Natsu held her protectively. "Do you dare disobey your own father?"

"Yes," Lucy finally said making Jude reel back in surprise as Natsu snickered. "I decided I'm old enough to make my own decisions. I don't need money or clothes or jewelry... I just need Natsu and my friends. Goodbye, father." She said as she grabbed her heels and tossed them to his feet making him look at them in shock. Flashing a wide grin towards his way, Lucy lifted her dress up and ran out the place with Natsu, laughter filling the air.

notes: to a sad opening to a happy ending! yay! now, this story is coming to a end my dear fans. after this chapter, the next chapter will be the last chapter. sorry to say it but it will be. :') x

thank you all for the support and leave a cheeky review!