Chapter 32: Graduation

As soon as the sun came out, Lucy's family started preparing for the day. That day was no ordinary day, it was graduation day and every graduating students were all looking forward to this day. That would be the end of their high school life, but a new chapter awaits them after that day and yet again they are all waiting for that day too.

When Layla and some maids have set the breakfast for the small family, Layla came out of the kitchen and went straight to her husband. The older blonde wraps her arms to the blonde man's neck from the back and whispered softly
"It's time to wake up our daughter…" Jude then glances at his smiling wife, "Isn't it too early for her?"
"Nope, you know our daughter, she would love to prepare herself for a long time for this occasion."
And with that, Jude nods at Layla who unwraps her arms after. Soon, Jude descended upstairs and headed straight to Lucy's room.

With soft knocks on the door, Jude slowly turns the doorknob and enters the room. As soon as he slips inside, Lucy began to stir in her bed and start stretching in her bed. "Good morning my sunshine…" Jude coos as he gently sits down at the edge of the bed.
Blinking at the sudden light of the room, Lucy tries her best to focus her vision to the older man. When her morning daze has dispersed, she slowly smiles back at the man.
"Morning papa…"
"Time to eat and prepare. It's graduation day…" Jude began to caress the shoveled hair of the younger blonde making Lucy just smile wider as she nods before sitting up in her bed, "Alright, papa."
"Me and your mom will be downstairs waiting…" And with that Jude stands up and began to head towards the door when Lucy suddenly calls her father, "Papa?"
"Yes, dear?" Jude half way turns to glance at his daughter
"I love you papa, you and mama, very much…" Lucy softly smiles at her father making the older man step closer to her again and gives a crushing hug. Lucy couldn't help but giggle at her emotional father after realizing that in few days, she would be moving out soon.
"We love you too, my sunshine…" Jude whispers before giving a kiss to Lucy in her forehead. Looking at her daughter one last time before a single tear falls down across his cheek, he couldn't help but give one more hug. Returning the gesture, Lucy hugs her father as tight as his.

After the father and daughter moments, Lucy was left alone in the room to ready herself for breakfast. Lucy slips out of her bed and fixed the blankets and pillows. When done, she slips on her bunny bedroom slippers and heads to her closet to bring out her graduation dress. She brought out the peach colored A-lined sleeveless dress, which had silver rondelles beads in the waist cut of the dress. She closely puts the dress in front of her as she walks towards her long mirror and stare at her image. As she plays an imaginary scenery in her head, she smiles to herself and softly mumbles to herself, "End of a chapter but a start of a new one soon…" Lucy then nods to herself before she walks back to her bed and lays the dress on it.

When Lucy descends downstairs, the younger blonde was quickly greeted by her mother. "Good morning my dear!"
"Good morning mom…" Lucy replies as she kisses her mother in the cheek, then next to her father before running up to her seat, in front of her mother.
"So, are you nervous?" Layla inquires as she looks at her gleeful child
"Actually no but there still a hint of nervousness," Lucy states before grabbing an egg "After this day, in a matter of days, it's college days…"
Softly smiling at her daughter, Layla suddenly remembers that Lucy would be moving out because she would be staying in the dormitory close to the university she would be going to. "I'll miss you by then…"
"Mom, every weekend I'll be here and besides there still more than a week before I head to Fiore University."
"I know, it's just, it's getting too fast…You're growing up too fast" Hearing her mother's comment, Lucy pushes her chair and sprints to her mother to give her a hug from behind, "But I'll always be your baby girl…" Lucy then smiles at her mother then next to her father who was sadly smiling back at her.

Lucy couldn't help but feel sad seeing her parents being sad as well about her departure. College life is going to be different for everybody because that chapter requires independence from them. Lucy is sure excited to experience independence, but she would never trade a time to be with her love ones. "I'll miss this…" Lucy began to feel her eyes to sting, making her teary eyed but father quickly made it stop as he gently brushes his finger under her watering eyes.
"No need for tears…as you said, we still have a week." Jude then grasps Layla's hand and gave a squeeze while glancing at his wife and daughter
"Papa is right mama…we still have a week." Lucy whispers to her mother who nodded in agreement while softly caressing her daughter's wrapped arms. "Right, a week."

"Natsu! Wake up now!" Grandine shouts as she places the last dish in the table followed by the maids in the house

Hearing no response, Grandine just shrugs off as she walks back to the kitchen to place the apron back to its place. When the blue-haired woman steps back to the dining, Wendy was seated already in her place, rubbing her eyes awake.
"Morning…" Grandine coos as she walks closer to her daughter and give a good morning kiss when suddenly a muscular arm wraps to her waist making the older woman surprised to the sudden contact. Standing up straight and turns to glance at the person, she was greeted by a smiling red-haired man.
"Morning my love…" Igneel greeted when he leans down to kiss his wife when suddenly Grandine shoves his face away and steps away from his grasp, "Morning Mr. Dragneel"
Stunned to his wife's action, he gawks at the blue haired woman who just walks past him and took her seat next to the front chair.
"Wha-what did I do to not deserve a morning kiss?" Igneel raised a brow at the woman but quickly puts it down when Grandine raised her brow at him, "Take a seat Igneel" following his wife, he took his usual seat with no complain.

Soon, the three began to eat their breakfast when Wendy realize she was eating alone on her side. She glances the dining only to notice that a pinkette is nowhere close. "Mom, where is Natsu-nii?"
"I don't know, I called him though…" Grandine said back before glancing at the open way to the dining. When Natsu was not appearing, Grandine suddenly looks at her husband and signaled him with the use of her eyes to wake up his son. At first, Igneel was not getting the idea when suddenly Grandine widens her eyes making him realize her point, and with that, he quickly stood up and heads to the stairs.

When Igneel was in front of his son's door, he gave a hard pound of knock before turning the knob. But to his disappointment, the door was locked. Left with no choice, he knocks on the door once more as loud as the previous, "Oi, brat! Wake up! You have a graduation to attend!"
Hearing no response, Igneel was about to pound again when he suddenly hears a groaning inside indicating he was stirring in bed. "Oi, Natsu hurry up and have breakfast with us!"
Groan
Exhaling deeply, Igneel just shook his head before turning to head back to the dining. When Igneel reaches the dining, he instantly felt Grandine's gaze following him until he sat down. "Where's my son?"
"Stirring in the bed…"
"Dad, oni-chan will be late if he won't wake up now…" Wendy comments making her parents glance at her, "Wendy's right Iggy, make him step out of his room and have breakfast with us."
"His door is locked" Igneel reasons before bringing the spoon close to his mouth when Grandine suddenly lowers it and looks at him, "Please, again…"
Exhaling exasperatedly, Igneel pushes his chair backward for the second time and heads to the stairs once more to wake up his snoozing son. But before he goes up, he snatches the keys of the whole household to open Natsu's door.

When he stood before the door, Igneel slips on the key and turns it. Soon the door opens revealing a snoring pinkette who was about to fall with his blanket caught tangled to his legs. Smirking at his son's position, Igneel knows that with a sudden pull of the blanket, Natsu is sure to fall off the bed. So quietly stepping closer, he slowly grasps the end of the duvet then quickly pulls it. "Ha!" Igneel cheers to himself when Natsu suddenly falls face flat to the floor making the teen groan in pain.
Natsu quickly holds onto his nose that hits the floor, "WHO THE FUCK DID THAT?!" Natsu bellowed as he sits up and rubs his sore nose
"HA! Serves you right!" Igneel points at Natsu who was scowling, before laughing hysterically
"Shut up old man!" Natsu barks back, pouting at his father's childishness
"That's what happen when you're a heavy sleeper." Igneel then extends his hands which Natsu took without hesitation. As Natsu stands up from the floor, Igneel then places his hand to Natsu's shoulder, "it's graduation day and time to eat."
"Yosh! You could have said that first thing!" And with that Natsu walks past his father and began to greet everyone downstairs with his boisterous voice. Meanwhile, Igneel twitches in annoyance at his son because he has been waking him up with a bribe of eating then all of a sudden Natsu was going to say that. Exhaling tiredly, he walks out of the room and follows his son back to the dining room.

"Lucy, are you done? We have to go…" Layla inquires as she peeks at Lucy's room who was about to finish tying the bow of her dress. Quickly stepping inside to help Lucy, she took hold of the ribbon from the back making Lucy thank her. After Layla flattens the ribbon at the back, she glances at her daughter who was smiling softly at her own image then to her. "Thanks, mama…"

"No problem…" Layla then leans to Lucy's cheek and gave it a chaste kiss before turning away to leave

Once Lucy was alone in her room, she nods to herself and mentally cheering herself up. When she finds herself all set for the event, she grabs her purse laying in her table and turns to leave her room.

As she walks down the hall, she brings out her phone and glances at it to check if there was any message. To her disappointment, there was no message, even from the pinkette. Quickly locking her phone once more, she returns the gadget back to her bag.

"Alright, let's go!" Jude calls as he stands by the front door and waits for the ladies of his life to pass him and enter their vehicle.
"Okay!" Lucy states back once she stood before her father who was sending a smile back at her. Soon the Heartfilia was at the vehicle and left for the school.

"Igneel, wait up…" Grandine suddenly grasps the red haired man making him halt from his walk, then walks in front of the man and fixes his necktie, "Always fix this…" Grandine flattens the tie before glancing at her husband's eyes, "Yes, I will…"

"Good" Grandine then leans up and gave an innocent kiss to her husband before walking past him to grab her purse.

As Wendy descends down the stairs, Grandine smiles at her daughter before extending her hand to walk with her towards their ready vehicle. For the last time calling, Grandine turns and calls Natsu, "Natsu! We're leaving! Are you done yet?"
Hearing no response, Grandine was about to head upstairs when Igneel stops her, "Grandine, we'll meet him there. We need good seats, come on." In doubt, at first, Grandine glances once more at Natsu's closed door before turning away and heads to the opened door vehicle.

When the Dragneel family arrives at the parking lot of the Fairy Academy, Grandine and Wendy quickly steps out of the car. As soon as the two blue haired ladies were out, Lucy was able to spot them instantly and quickly runs up to them.

"Auntie Grandine!" Lucy calls as she hugs the older bluenette then to the younger one
"You look stunning my dear…" Grandine compliments as she steps back a bit to look at the blonde, "By the way, where's your mom and dad?"
"Oh, they're inside. I'm just waiting for Natsu" Lucy then began to glance the place but only notices a red-haired man walking up to them, "Auntie Grandine, where's Natsu?"
"Oh, we went ahead of him. He's probably on his way here." Grandine then genuinely smiles to assure the teen. When Igneel came next to them, Lucy bows to the man before giving him a hug
"Lucy, we'll step inside now so that we could have a good seat to take pictures of you guys."
"Alright, I'll just wait for Natsu here…" Lucy smiles at the family before they headed inside the auditorium of the school.

As the Dragneels walk towards the auditorium, Grandine looks down at Wendy and whispers, "Call your brother…"
Without being told twice, Wendy brings out her phone and began to call her brother. After a few times of ringing, Natsu finally answered. "Oni-chan?"
"Hmm, Wendy…why did you call? You could have just knocked on my door…" Natsu replies, still sounding sleepy
"Natsu-nii, don't tell me you fell asleep after eating breakfast…" Wendy then bits her lower lip as she feels the gaze of her mother
"I actually did…where are you by the way, why is it noisy there?"
"Natsu-nii we are at your school already…We thought-"
"What?! You left me, guys?!" Natsu shouted at the speaker making Wendy cringe as she pulls away the phone away from her ear
"Well, we thought that you were dressed already and that you will be on your way" Wendy replies shyly. While waiting for a reply, Wendy couldn't hear Natsu at all except for ruckus of things, "Hello Natsu-nii?"
"I'm broshing my chees aredy!" Natsu states back with panic in his voice
"Alright! Brush your teeth faster and get here!" Wendy cheers before ending the call to let Natsu do his things

Once the call ended, Wendy looks up at her mother who was sending her a message mentally. Just looking at her mother, Wendy was able to decipher the question, "Natsu-nii is still at home, brushing his teeth…"
"Oh my goodness," Grandine suddenly hits her forehead with her palm before glancing at the curious red-haired man, "Your son is still at home, brushing his teeth…"
"Hehe, well then, what are we doing here? Our son would definitely be missing his own graduation." Igneel replies as he shakes his head in distress.

Meanwhile…

"Fuck! Where is my leather shoes?! Mom! Fuck there not here anymore!" Natsu shouted as he continues to rampage his room. He has been like that since he discovers that he fell asleep too long to the point that he was left behind by his family for his graduation.
"Shit! Where is the pair of this socks?! I was just holding it! AH there!" Natsu dives to the floor as he grabs the missing sock to wear it.

Running towards the tiled living room to check where his shoes were, he almost slips as soon as his foot lands to the tiled flooring. "Shit! That was close!"
"Natsu-sama! Please be careful!" One of the oldest maids shouted when she witnessed the young teen to slip, "Why are you even running in socks?!"
"Tomoko-san! Did you see my leather shoes?!" Natsu runs up to the elderly maid, slipping somehow, "I need it, but I can't find it anywhere"
"Natsu-sama, your shoes is under your bed…" The elder maid smiles genuinely when Natsu quickly dashes off back to his room. As soon as she hears the cheer of the teen, the elder turns her back and heads back to the kitchen.

Once Natsu wears his shoes, he dashes back down carrying car keys and dashes to the garage to start his dad's personal car. Natsu loves his dad's red dodge challenger and he secretly made a duplicate key of the car since his dad would never let him borrow it. So now, the duplicate key was his savior enabling him to use his dad's car to arrive in school in no time.

Back at the school

"Natsu where are you?" Lucy mumbles to herself as she stood by the parking lot waiting for her boyfriend who was running late. "I can't believe you're late for your graduation…"

As Lucy waited for 10 minutes after seeing the Dragneels arrived, the ceremony was about to start in five minutes. So soon, Erza walks to Lucy and taps her by the shoulder, "Lucy, we've got to go. We need to get in position…"
"But Erza, Natsu is not yet here…" Lucy says before turning around to glance at her friend
"I know and I'm planning to kill him since he is running late…" Erza and Lucy then smile to each other as they try to stifle their laughter
"Come on, we don't want to be late for our graduation as well…" And with that Erza turns to walk back to the auditorium

Hesitating to leave, Lucy for the last time glances at the place only to meet an empty lot. So, Lucy turns and starts to head to the line, where her schoolmates formed as they readied themselves to walk inside.

After 5 minutes of waiting, the line was starting to move indicating that one by one the students were walking inside now. As Lucy patiently waits in her position, a hand suddenly covers her eyes. Lucy was taken aback at first, wondering who it would be until she realizes it could be Natsu. Holding on to the hand, Lucy quickly turns to look at the person.

And as expected, it was Natsu. Natsu was grinning widely as he stood before the blonde, "I made it!"
Not replying, at first, Lucy just suddenly punches the teen in the chest making Natsu recoil as he steps back, "What was that for?!"
"That was for being late!" Lucy puffs her cheeks in annoyance
Seeing Lucy red in annoyance, Natsu couldn't help but find it cute that Lucy was worried for him at the same time mad at him. So in a swift move, he steps closer and levels his gaze to her eyes and gave a sweet smile. "Sorry if I worried you…"

POINK!

"Ow!" Natsu steps back as he places his hands to his inflicted forehead, "Now what was that for?!"
"Do you think you could just act cool after what you did? You wouldn't get me with your cheeky smile" Lucy then turns and faces the auditorium. When she realizes that last names with D would be starting soon, she glances at Natsu once more only to notice that his tie was disheveled. Stepping out of the line and quickly stand before the teen to pull his tie.

Natsu was taken aback when Lucy suddenly pulls his tie. He thought at first that his girlfriend was going to strangle him, but then Lucy began to loosen her grip and began to fix his collar then tie. Blushing at her action, he couldn't help but imagine her doing the same thing once he starts working and call her, his wife.
"This won't happen again, okay?" Lucy instructs unaware of the gaze Natsu was giving her, so when she looks up she was stunned to how Natsu was so close. Without hesitation, Natsu captures her lips making the blonde surprise at first before returning the same pressure in the kiss.

Soon, the two pulls away when one of their schoolmates calls onto the pinkette. Once they did, despite their blushing faces, the two acted as if they didn't do anything. Lucy flattens Natsu's tie once more before glancing at him, "Good luck, go now…"
Natsu then smiles at the blonde when he was about to leave. He took some steps at first before he decides to retract his steps to steal one more kiss which Lucy didn't expect. Lucy wasn't able to react anymore because once his lips touched hers it left soon and the teen began to sprint away to take his place in the line. Biting her lower lip to suppress her growing smile, she realizes that if she would rank the kind of kisses she had with Natsu, that latest kiss would be one of the top ten because it was just too pure and innocent. Plain, Natsu style.

After all the graduating students walked the aisle of the auditorium, the students took their seats. The Dragneel and Heartfilia family took their seat close to the stage, knowing that their children would be receiving awards. Along with the other family friends like the McGardens, Redfox, Fullbuster, Lockser, Scarlet, and Fernandez, they sat close to one another with the same intentions.

Once the ceremony started, the school directress, Mavis Vermillion gave her congratulatory speech to the students for surviving the four school years in high school despite the different challenges they have experienced throughout their life. Mavis expressed her happiness knowing that the school has prepared a body of students who is willing to take the challenge of college life. Ending her speech, she thanks the students for being part of the Fairy Academy history and that she will always be grateful to meet these students.

"Thank you, Ms. Vermillion, for your heartfelt congratulatory speech for our beloved students. Now, may we call on Mr. Makarov Dreyer our Vice President for Academics to announce the name of the students who has earned their academic titles" Bisca Connell, the master ceremony of the event said before stepping backward to give way for the VP.

Soon, a small old man made his way up the stage. At first, everybody was whispering about how the vice president will be able to reach the podium with his height. When suddenly, a five-step stairs were rolled in and the old man stood on it. And without a doubt, the old man was able to reach the microphone.

"It is my honor to announce the name of the students who has earned their academic titles. Many of them worked hard for this title and they well deserve what they have earned. They have shown dedication and perseverance to achieve their goal. Without further ado, let me start my list." Makarov then clears his throat as other school faculty pushes a cart full of medals.
"For our Second Honor, Mr. Natsu Dragneel" Soon, loud applause were heard within the students and parents. Even for some, they were howling when Natsu began to stand from his seat and heads to the right side stairs of the stage. Playful as ever, Natsu began to raise his both arms as if telling them to make their howling even louder, which the students did.
Walking in front of the school directress assisted by the vice president for curricular activities, Natsu smiled at them and sends off a vibrant aura. Once Natsu stood before Mavis, the teen had to bend to let the directress clip on the medal to his toga.
"Our First honor is Ms. Lucy Heartfilia" Makarov announced and just like the previous, a loud applause was heard. But among the loud cheer, Natsu's howl was heard the most because he is indeed a proud boyfriend.
Just like what Natsu did, Lucy walked towards the directress and waited to be pinned of the medal for the first honor. Once done, Lucy shook the other blonde's hand and walks towards Natsu, who stood at near edge of the stage for a group picture with all the honorary students.

"Now, for our Salutatorian, Congratulations to Ms. Levy McGarden" Makarov announced next, making the proud parents of the short bluenette cheer as loud as possible. Gajeel, on the other hand, started to howl before shouting out loud, "That's my Shrimp!"

Blushing at Gajeel's remark, Levy couldn't help herself to cover her face as she heads towards the stage. The applause and cheer were then accompanied by sweet laughter as the witness the interaction of the couple.

"For our Valedictorian, let as give a round of applause for Ms. Erza Scarlet. She will then give the batch's farewell speech" Makarov then claps before stepping down and takes his seat at the front row

Just like the rest, Erza received a loud applause from her schoolmates, teachers, and parents. But what surprised her is when Jellal walked up to the stage to hand a bouquet of red roses and carnation flowers. Erza least expected this gesture from Jellal since he is the type of guy who would keep things in private. So, seeing the blue haired teen stand at the end of the stage waiting, not caring if the whole school body would see how cheesy he is acting, Erza couldn't help but blush. Added to the fact that her parents and his are actually witnessing this romantic gesture made Erza, even more, flushed as she stood before the blue-haired teen.
Thinking that she will only receive the flowers, Erza shyly accepts the bouquet before stepping back. When she did, she didn't expect Jellal would be stepping forward to give a kiss, in her cheek. Speechless to the teen's gesture, she just slowly watched Jellal step back with a red face then headed down the stage. Feeling the sensation of the kiss in her cheek, Erza unconsciously runs her fingers to the spot when suddenly Levy clears her throat, making the scarlet haired teen snap out of her trance. Erza quickly clears her throat before laying the large bouquet in the podium.

As soon as she lays the flowers down, she held the microphone and began her farewell speech. She began her speech from the day that they started their high school days. She recalled every moment that each student could have experienced, from failing in their class, having conflicts with one another to becoming friends with one another. Then in the next year, their bond, not just as school mates but as friends and second family, she reminded that they stood next to each other fighting through all the differences. She reminded them all that their feelings for one another were their way to overcome the gap they had. Erza began recalling the day that she was elected as part of the student council when they were in the third year. There she mentions the promise she made when she accepted the position and that promise was to protect her nakama because they were her life, her source of strength and courage.
"Now, that we are all gathered here for our graduation, saying goodbye is going to be hard for each one of us. We may never be school mates or classmates for our next journey but I know within our hearts, we carry our memories together that one day we will recall all together again. Long live Fairy Academy batch x784"

Everyone started to cheer, louder than before. Not only students but parents and teachers began to cry as well for they were moved by the farewell message they heard. Soon enough, the academic awardees took the front stage and their photo was taken, then after they all went down and returned to their seats.

Awarding continued as Gildarts Clive, the Vice President for Curricular activities announced the next recognitions. Among all the sports presidents, Jellal and Juvia lead the list for the outstanding sports affiliated presidents, wherein Juvia is for swimming while Jellal for the baseball. Next award was the best players for each specific sports. Loke, Sting, Gray, and Natsu was awarded best players for basketball while Gajeel and Jellal for the baseball. Then Juvia and Lissana were for swimming while Erza for the Katana sports. Then a special recognition was given to Lucy, Levy, and Cana for individually winning in the National Higher Education English competition.

After the awarding, they went on with the usual process of graduation. Doing their school pledge, giving of the diploma then towards the end, Mavis stood at the podium and called the attention of the graduates.
"Graduates, please transfer your tassels" Mavis then smiles widely as the students did what they were told. Once everyone was done, they all tossed their caps and cheered indicating that they have finally finished their ceremony.

"FAIRY TAIL!" the students shouted in unison as their parents took their photo outside in the school's park. Once done, each parent smiled widely as their children approached them carrying their diplomas.

"Congratulations!" Layla shouted as Lucy runs up to her and give a hug. The hug was then joined by Jude and soon Natsu, who surprisingly hugs the Heartfilia family. When they all pulled away from one another, Jude and Layla laughed as Natsu sheepishly steps back to look at the family.

"Congratulations to you too Natsu, you did very well in school" Jude then taps the young teen's shoulder
"Thank you Uncle Jude, but I wouldn't get these awards without Lucy's help" Natsu then glances at the young blonde who hid behind her mother

"Lu-chan! Can we have a photo?!" Levy exclaims as she sprints towards the blonde teen
"Of course!" Lucy answers as she meets the bluenette half way
"Oh! Mr. and Mrs. Heartfilia! Ohayo!" Levy then bows making the parents smile at the respectful blue-haired teen

When Lucy and Levy were taken a photo together, Levy quickly pulls the blonde far enough from Natsu who was talking to the other parents of their friends.

"Lu-chan, so what's your plan? In two day…you know" Levy then bits back her tough as she quickly felt guilty asking the blonde
"I don't know Levy-chan…We'll just have to let it be…" Lucy's face suddenly drops being unable to hide her sadness. So as quick as possible, Levy hugs her friend to cheer her up.

After the graduation, everyone celebrated. The family of Lucy, Natsu, Levy, Gajeel, Juvia, Gray, Erza and Jellal, gathered in one of the hotels in Magnolia to celebrate the occasion. That was the first time that they have fully met and introduced one another.

Time flew by quickly for everybody. Because the next thing they realize, one of their friends is about to leave. Two days has gone by, everybody busied themselves with their next journey, especially Natsu because the next thing they know, he is loading his car to leave for MDFU.

"Dude, good luck" Gray says as he stands behind the pinkette who was loading his last boxes. When he was done, he looks at his friend/ enemy with a skeptical look, "Are you turning gay for me?" Natsu then laughs boisterously earning a smack from his friend, "Hey what was that for? Do you wanna go?!"
"Oh, I won't hesitate to give you a black eye!"
And just when Gray and Natsu was about to punch one another, a certain voice freezes the two. "Are you two fighting?"
"NO ERZA! We are best friends!" Gray and Natsu unison exclaims as they drape their arms to one another's shoulder
"Good to see you two getting along…" Erza comments as she stands before her friends.
When the two finally separates, Gray looks at Natsu seriously this time and gave a small smile, "But seriously man, good luck."
"Thanks." Natsu simply replies as he stands before his closed vehicle. Soon all of his friends and family approaches, but quickly notices that his best friend/ girlfriend is behind Juvia who was trying to comfort her.
"This is weird, seeing you all send me off…" Natsu unconsciously began to fidget with his scarf feeling nervous and scared all at the same time, "We are all going to college, it just so happen I need to go first…"
"We'll miss you Natsu…" Lissana remarks before she hides her face to Sting's arms
"I'll miss you too Lis…I'll miss you all. We'll keep in touch guys-" Natsu was then tackled by his friends, even the guys who felt weirdly emotional to see their friend to leave first. It was going to be the first since they almost grew up together and it's hard for them to see someone go. When the group pulls away, they all parted and gave way for Lucy who was now crying.

When the day started, Lucy quickly came to the Dragneel residence and she was there when Natsu was double checking his things in his room. When Natsu began to load things in his car, Lucy became erringly quiet. Natsu tried to make Lucy laugh which he did, but the laughter never lasted the way it did before and Natsu couldn't blame his girlfriend because he is leaving her.

Seeing his girlfriend cry, he couldn't help but feel broken seeing Lucy like that. Unconsciously, he opens his arms as if waiting for Lucy to run into her arms. And when he did, Lucy quickly runs up to him and hugs him by the waist and sobbed to his chest. Natsu returned the gesture and hugs Lucy by the waist. He began to smoothen the golden hair and gave it a kiss when he felt her trembling.
Trying his best to show that he is in control, he leans down and softly whispers to Lucy's ear, "Just tell me not to go and I won't go…"
Lucy quickly pulls away and gave wide eyes to the pinkette, "No…" Lucy shook her head in disagreement before she began to continue herself, "This is your dream school and stopping you from going there won't make things better. You have to go…"
"But Luce"
"No Natsu, I don't want you to sacrifice your dream school just to be with me. We can still be together, we'll find a way…right?" Lucy then tries to smile despite the pain in her chest
Natsu then nods firmly before he pulls Lucy for another hug which Lucy reciprocated. The hug was tight enough to make them feel assured that everything will be fine.

"Natsu, it's time to go. You'll reach there late if you don't leave now…" Igneel suddenly reminds as he held his wife who was crying as well seeing her son leaving.
"Yeah, dad…" Natsu replies as he tightens his hug to the blonde was sobbing, even more, hearing that he should be going.
"Luce, I love you…remember that. I'll call you when I get there." Natsu whispers to Lucy who nodded as a response.

Soon Lucy pulls away, still tears rolling down her cheeks, "I love you Natsu, I'll see you soon" and with that Natsu leans down and captures the trembling lips of Lucy. The young teen quickly wraps her arms to Natsu's neck as she deepens the kiss before pulling away and pushes him inside the car. "Go"

And with that, Lucy turns away and runs up to her friends who were comforting her. Natsu was broken to see Lucy cry and for him to leave his childhood friend/ best friend/ girlfriend. Knowing that if he stays, he might not leave and turning down the opportunity would just make Lucy feel even worse. So, steps inside his car and quickly he dash off. But as he drives, he rolls down the window and shouts all to them, "See you guys soon! I love you mom, dad, Wendy! I love you, Luce! See you soon!"

And with that Natsu's car disappears in the next corner.

Hearing the last call of Natsu, Lucy pulls away and stares at the disappearing vehicle. She knew that this was not going to be easy, but she knows that her and Natsu, everything will be possible because they were a team. They are partners…

"See you soon Natsu-baka…" Lucy mumbles to herself before she waves goodbye to her love

The End…

HEY GUYS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Sorry guys if it took me so long to update and sad to say my update would be the end of this story. I read your reviews and some of you want me to continue and some don't. SO, I thought I'll end it but I'm planning of creating a sequel to this story which would be titled "Our College love story". I have plots already just not yet written, hope you guys look forward to it.

Anyways, that's it! THANK YOU FOR YOUR REVIEWS, FAVORITES, AND FOLLOWS.

Love,

FairyTailxNaLu

PS.

See you guys soon to my next story!