The final chapter! I am so happy with how this story turned out and I hope you are too. There is just something about Natsu's character that can't be beat, no matter who he's with. So, enjoy this final installment!
~NLNLNLNLNL~
Lucy wasn't sure when she had locked hands with Natsu but she didn't mind, his warm, calloused fingers squeezing her tight as she led him slowly through the cemetery. It was quiet, almost as if even the birds knew better than to sing in a place like this; not that it was particularly gloomy. The sun was out and warm, catching the bit of morning dew still on the ground in its light and causing the grass beneath the two mage's feet to glitter slightly. There was a spring breeze that was slowly tickling Lucy's cheeks dry, occasionally making Natsu's scarf dance behind him.
Finally, Lucy came to a stop before a grave. It was large and ornate, the statue of a woman towering over the pair, her sad, marble eyes smiling down on them. In elaborate, swirled letters the base of the stone read 'Layla Heartfilia'. Old flowers lay before the grave, and white candles were placed all around the stone. Lucy looked over the scene silently a moment, before hesitating.
"I forgot to bring matches-…"
She looked up at her friend for help, and Natsu offered her a little nod, crouching down to carefully light each candle with the tips of his fingers. Lucy knelt down beside the fire mage watching him light each candle. The fire began to reflect against the white marble, casting the lettering in golden light. Lucy slowly reached out and brushed her hand across her mother's name, the stone cold beneath her hand. Natsu watched her carefully, feeling unsure of himself. He looked into the flames he created as they flickered and danced in the cool breeze.
"Do you want to know one of my favorite things about fire?"
Natsu was nervous to break the silence but he knew he should say something. Lucy didn't lift her eyes from her mother's name, but he continued.
"Even when you can't see it, fire can still keep you warm. You may be staring into the dark, but there can still be fire there, warming your back and giving you the strength to go on. Your mom's kinda like that, right? Even if you can't see her, she's never far away. She'll always be there to watch over you."
Lucy peeked up at the boy, who was staring into one of the candle's flames, eyes distant.
"I see Igneel in my fire, and know that as long as I have that he will always be with me. No one can ever take my fire away, so they will never be able to take Igneel away either. You and your mom share a birthday, right? No one can ever take that away, so embrace it! Birthdays are to celebrate another year of life- so don't be sad today, but go and celebrate the life your mom gave to you. As long as you live, your mom will never die."
"Natsu…"
A few tears escaped down her cheeks, but this time, they were happy ones. She offered the boy a watery smile.
"Thank you so much…"
Natsu hastily wiped a stray tear from his own cheek, before offering her a smile back. He had never shared something like that with anyone before, but somehow it seemed easy with Lucy. She was his closest friend, and he would do anything to make her smile like that. He stood, and offered the girl his hand.
"Come on, let's head back to the guild."
The blonde nodded, taking his hand and letting him pull her up. She gave the grave one last look over before they both turned away, the connection between their hands lending them strength as they slowly made their way back to the guild. Lucy felt elated, as if a huge weight had lifted off her shoulders. It was hard to open up so much to a person, but after hearing Natsu's words she knew it was worth it. She didn't have to be sad when he was around, because he would always find a way to make it better.
The pair walked together in content silence, each seeming to have enough to think about on their own. When they finally reached the guild though Lucy hesitated at the doors, unsure if she could face the rest of her friends. Natsu saw her uncertainty and gave a little squeeze of her hand, offering an encouraging smile before releasing her hand to push open the heavy doors. With the usual grin on his face the dragon slayer bounced into the guild with Lucy slowly following, calling as he went
"Hey everybody! I have crazy news!"
Gray, Erza, and Happy all looked up from their seats at the bar along with several over guild members. It was a confusing scene- here was Natsu, beaming like an idiot, with Lucy close behind him looking sheepish. Had they not just had a huge fight? What was going on here? But Natsu was unfazed by the all the questioning stares.
"Lucy was pulling our leg the whole time- she isn't angry at all! It was like a reverse surprise party- it's her birthday!"
He threw up his hands in excitement, but everyone just seemed more confused.
"That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard, Flame Brain- a 'reverse surprise party'?"
Erza leaned over to peer at the blonde mage behind Natsu.
"Is this true, Lucy?"
She rubbed her arm sheepishly, looking around at all her friends. This explanation of Natsu's was just so silly; she couldn't help but giggle a bit as she nodded.
"It really is my birthday today, guys- sorry for deceiving you…"
The three blinked at her in surprise, as Natsu slung an arm around her shoulders with a grin.
"You don't gotta apologize, Lucy, it's your birthday! It's time to party!"
Erza stood up, planting her hands on her hips in a heroic stance and announcing
"I will get the cake!"
Gray stood up as well, looking equally valiant.
"And I-"
Suddenly the boy realized there was a draft and, looking down, saw he was only wearing boxers. With a curse, he turned and scampered off.
"-will go put some clothes on!"
From behind the bar, Mirajane raised a glass, flashing a radiant smile at Lucy and Natsu.
"Let's all raise a glass to Lucy, and help her have the best birthday party ever!"
All guild members raised their mugs and cheered, ready to start partying with their friend. Natsu raised a fist too and cheered along with the rest of them as Lucy looked over at him in wonder. His smile seemed as warm as his fire, and she felt her cheeks going pink with the excitement he seemed to spread so easily. He was right- it was her birthday and she should spend it having fun with the people she cared about.
As he released her into the crowd to be hugged and wished a happy birthday by all the guild members, her best friend's words echoed through her head and warmed her heart.
As long as you live, your mom will never die.
And although it was true she shared her birthday with her mother, Lucy was now even happier to think that she could share it with Natsu, too.