Okay, sorry for the break. Seriously, this has to be the longest one yet. I just didn't have much time. But, Chapter 13 is here. And we're almost out of the non-magic world. Isn't that weird? Already 13 chapters in and Natsu is still trying to bring Lucy back. Author's Notes on the top means no spoilers for the chapter. Sorry, but if there's content related stuff and it's urgent, I'll put it at the bottom, otherwise no.

And I don't know about you, but having them basically agree to stay together forever after three weeks was too fast. But still, it's sorta essential to the storyline, so I needed it to be done. In future stories however, I'll definitely wait longer than three weeks. Their relationship status stuff will be cleared up in this chapter, so I guess that's that. Either way, Natsu and Lucy are together forever. The way it should be.

It was now Christmas Eve and Natsu and Lucy were currently spending time together in their (really Lucy's) apartment. Natsu hasn't been to his in the longest time, preferring to stay at Lucy's, which Lucy didn't mind that much. In fact, Lucy enjoyed the company enough to invite him over a few times. Although it surprised the dragon slayer, he was content nonetheless about visiting his mate.

It was late at night, almost time for them to go to bed. They had spent yet another day together having fun and talking about random things that the both of them were extremely tired. When they got back to the apartment, Natsu ran to the couch and jumped on it, and as he stared at the ceiling, he began to think about going back home permanently. While he was thinking, the room was extremely quiet, neither of them saying anything. They were both really tired.

"Say Lucy, when do you think we should go back to Fairy Tail?" Natsu asked, breaking the silence.

"Umm, I don't know. Probably on or after New Year's Day though. I want to celebrate it here, one last time." Lucy said.

"You make it sound like a permanent goodbye. It's not like we'll be prevented from ever returning though." Natsu said.

"Yeah, but please, I want to stay here for New Years. I don't plan on returning here later because there's no one I'm going to miss." Lucy said.

"Alright, we can stay. Though only until New Years, then we're going home, okay? The people back at Fairy Tail miss me and I'm sure they can't wait to meet you!" Natsu said with a bit of longing for his home.

"But what if they don't like me though?" Lucy asked nervously.

"They won't like you! They'll love you Lucy!" Natsu said confidently.

"If you say so." Lucy said smiling at Natsu's enthusiasm.

"Hey we should probably go to bed. It's getting pretty late." Lucy said.

"Alright fine. I'll be there in a minute."

Lucy got into her bed, followed by a pink haired dragon slayer. She didn't bother complaining about it now that they were what he called 'mates'. She still didn't know all the things about it, other than that she was bound to him forever. Though she thought she was hasty in the decision, she didn't doubt that she and Natsu were meant for each other. Thinking about their future home, Lucy drifted off to sleep.

When Natsu realized Lucy was asleep he got out of bed and headed for the door...

When Lucy woke up, she was in the arms of her loving dragon slayer. Natsu was dead asleep, breathing down Lucy's neck. The action sent shivers down her body, but she found herself enjoying it. Soon enough, Natsu woke up too.

"I'm sleepy Lucy. Do we have to wake up now?" Natsu asked, nearly begging Lucy for sleep.

"Oh come on! It's 9:30 in the morning and we went to bed at 11:00 last night! That's plenty of sleep." Lucy argued.

Natsu grumbled a few things about not being asleep the whole time while Lucy walked out of the bedroom. When she looked at the tree, she was in shock. Her reaction only made Natsu smile while he put an arm on Lucy's shoulder.

"N-Natsu? W-what's all this?" She asked.

"Umm, your Christmas presents." Natsu said bluntly.

"All of them? You bought all of these?" Lucy asked.

"Actually, I didn't. They're from people in the guild." Natsu answered.

"The g-guild? B-but how'd they know about me. I haven't been there once!" Lucy said.

"Yeah well I told them all about you. And they said they were eager to meet you!" Natsu said happily.

"When'd you meet them though? Weren't you here the whole time?" Lucy asked curiously.

"A few days ago when you were asleep, I snuck away to the guild to tell them I was okay, and to tell them to get you presents." Natsu answered.

"You told them to get me presents!?" Lucy shouted, surprised. She didn't want people to feel inclined to get her gifts.

"Well yeah! They're your family. And a family would be terrible if they didn't get each other gifts!" Natsu said defensively.

"But how, how'd you get them here?" Lucy asked again.

"It's a long story." Natsu answered, before he began to explain.

Flashback

Natsu had stayed awake a little longer than Lucy so that she'd go to sleep. Today was December 19th, so Natsu had four more days to get Lucy a gift. He thought a while about what Lucy might like. Then it hit him. Why not get the entire guild to give her presents? She's always wanted friends so it'd be a great way for him to help.

He got up that night, and walked to his apartment. He was seriously hoping that when he got to the portal that it would open without Lucy needing to be there. Thankfully, he was in luck and it did open. Once he got back to his world, he made a straight dash to the guild. They seemed to be having some sort of discussion. Natsu listened in.

"Okay, Gray you look in this area for Natsu." Erza directed, pointing to a map on the wall.

"Levy, you'll be responsible for the downtown area." Erza said pointing to Levy.

"Happy, I want you and Lily to search near the valley." Erza said again.

"And you!" She said, pointing to Natsu who had just revealed himself. "I want you to..." She said, trailing off before realizing it was him.

"NATSU," she screamed, happy to see him again.

"E-erza?" Natsu said in shock, scared she might punish him.

"I'm so glad you're back. But where were you? And why'd you leave without notice!" Erza said. "You had everyone worried sick!"

"I can explain that." Makarov said, interrupting the conversation. "You see, I sent the boy on a mission. Well, he didn't know he was on one. It looks as though he failed it, since he didn't bring the girl back."

"Oh you mean Lucy?" Natsu said casually.

"Lucy?" Makarov questioned.

"Yeah, the girl you wanted me to find. What about her?" Natsu asked.

"You were supposed to bring her back! You idiot!" Makarov shouted at Natsu.

"Well I'm not going to yet. Actually, I came back because I wanted you to do me a favor." Natsu said, turning to the guild, who was completely focused on Natsu.

"What's that?" Makarov asked.

"Well you see, they have this holiday and you give people gifts. So I was wondering if you could give Lucy some gifts. She won't mind much. She'd probably just be happy you put thought into it."

"We need to know her before we give her gifts though." Erza said.

"Alright then, I'll explain." said Natsu. Natsu went on to describe all the things that Lucy enjoyed and didn't enjoy, including her interests and her disinterests, her hobbies, her favorites, and her dreams. The whole guild was astounded that Natsu knew so much about a person. He never really learned much about anyone, especially not the enemy. He often mixed up names because he didn't really care.

"Wow Natsu, you sure know a lot about her." Gray observed.

"No shit Gray, Salamander basically gave us a damn biography on this bunny-girl." Gajeel said.

"Just because she likes bunnies doesn't make her a 'bunny girl', Gajeel..." Gray said, rolling his eyes.

"Of course it does, besides I need something to call her." Gajeel said.

"You could call her Lucy... Kinda like how you call me Gray." Gray deadpanned.

"Yeah but Natsu already took all the good nicknames, that's why you're just plain old shitty Gray." Gajeel retorted.

"You trying to start something?" Gray said angrily.

"Only if you want an express to the infirmary." Gajeel said.

"Guys, guys, come on. You gotta get them before the 24th. I'll be here the 25th to pick them up." Natsu intervened. It was probably the first time in Fairy Tail history that Natsu broke up the fight instead of adding onto it.

"Jeez Salamander, we get bunny-girl a gift before the 24th. Yeah yeah yeah. Whatever." Gajeel said uninterested.

"You better not get her shit or some metal, Gajeel. You know it's gotta be something decent." Natsu growled back.

"Fine, fine. I'll get her something decent. Just stop bitching." Gajeel said, just as bored.

"I think it's nice that Natsu's trying to get his friend a surprise. It's rather thoughtful." Erza complimented. "So YOU TWO better not screw this up, or there will be hell to pay. UNDERSTOOD?" Both boys gulped as Erza lowered her sword at Gray, attempting to attack him first.

"Yo Erza, it was just Gajeel man. Gray didn't do shit." Natsu said, defending Gray and shocking the guild. Natsu defending Gray... Something that hasn't happened in the longest time.

"Alright then Gajeel, it's just you against me." Erza glared.

"Thanks Natsu." Gray said before whispering, "Yo dude why'd you bail me. I know you weren't doing it out of the kindness of your heart." Natsu carefully whispered back, "Because I want her to get some good things, and I trust that you will. If Erza went after Gajeel, he'd pound in the lesson twice as hard," to which Gray just nodded and thanked Natsu again.

A little while after Gajeel got pummeled in by Erza, Natsu went to sit at the bar. The way he was sitting, he was facing the barstool to the left of him, with his right arm on the bar. He stared off into nothing before Mira spoke up.

"Hey Natsu you and this Lucy girl sound so cute. You have to have feelings for her. Oh my God! I'm going to make you another couple, and you're going to go on romantic dates and say cheesy things and get married and make me a godmother and I'm have thirty children and and and..." Mira completely lost in her own world, didn't notice the mate mark on his arm until she finished her speech. At which point she said, "Natsu? What's that?", pointing to the mate mark on his wrist.

"No way, did Salamander get his mate. How the hell!?" Gajeel said frustratedly, while appearing out of nowhere.

"M-mate?" Mira asked, confused.

"You know? A dragon's life partner. Basically his wife." Gajeel said, as if it was the simplest thing ever.

"W-wife? Who's your wife? Is it L-Lucy?" Mira asked surprised. Three weeks gone and Natsu has a wife.

"Yeah it's Lucy, and we think of each other as more of fiancé/fiancée than married. More of like a we're going to have a wedding but we've already agreed to stay with each other forever."

"YES! OH MY GOD YES! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH NATSU! TELL LUCY I LOVE HER TOO! THANKS SO MUCH!" Lisanna said running to Natsu, throwing him into a bone-crushing hug. "OH MY GOD THANK YOU SO MUCH! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS HAPPENED! SUCK IT EVERYONE! I WON THE BET AND NOW I'M RICH! I DON'T HAVE TO TAKE A JOB FOR TEN YEARS! FORK IT OVER EVERYONE, I JUST MADE MILLIONS!" Lisanna screamed to everyone.

...and just like that... the whole guild was depressed. The mood just tanked. Unbelievably quickly. Why you ask? Because everyone except for Mira and Elfman lost 200,000 Jewels to Lisanna.

"I can't believe this. I can't. I'm rich. So much money. You guys should never mess with drunk Lisanna 'cause she knows all." Lisanna said. "I'm going to buy Lucy the best present ever as a thank-you for making me rich." She said to Natsu.

From that day on, nobody made a bet against Lisanna ever again, especially not when she was drunk.

"You're telling me that the whole guild made a bet to see if you would have a girlfriend? And no one bet in favor of you? Jeez that's harsh." Lucy said compassionately.

"Eh whatever. I don't think anyone else has seen this side of me too much though. Only in desperate situations, but most people overlook it. They knew I care about my guild mates with all my life but they don't know that when I'm calm I can care too. They think I'm an idiot over there." Natsu said a little downcast.

"Aww... Come on I'm sure you're not a total idiot." Lucy said sympathetically. "It's not like they thought you didn't know what love was."

"They did think I knew nothing about love. Everyone except for Lisanna. She and her older sister taught me all about love when I was younger. I never really paid attention because I thought it was stupid, but I knew what it was and how to do show affection." Natsu explained.

"Haha wow. So you're saying that so basically everyone lost 200,000 Jewels, which I'm guessing is a lot, to Lisanna?" Lucy asked.

"Yeah, nobody knew never to bet against a drunk Lisanna. She has crazy enlightenments when she's drunk. She hasn't lost a bet while she was drunk yet." Natsu explained.

"Wow, that's insane. Thanks for warning me. No way I'm betting against her." Lucy said.

"I don't think anyone will after what happened with the last bet." Natsu said.

"Well she said she got me something nice, so I'm excited to see what's inside!" Lucy exclaimed, walking over to the gifts.

"Alright this is the first one..." Lucy said, "from Er-za, Erza? That's how you say it right?" Seeing the nod from Natsu, she opened up the gift and saw a sword. A sharp one at that! It was real. On the sword was a note that read: "Dear Lucy, Congrats on your relationship with Natsu. Please tell me if he hurts you so that I can punish him so hard that he'll be barely able to walk if he's lucky. Merry Christmas, from Erza." When she looked at Natsu confused, all he said was, "Erza uses re-quip magic. It lets her switch her armor and weapons out on command."

"Ooooh! This one is blue! I'm going to open this one next." Lucy said excitedly. When she opened it, it was an ice sculpture of the guild hall. It was cold, but it didn't seem to be melting anywhere even though the apartment was 40 degrees (Fahrenheit) above the freezing point of water. There was a note attached that read, Dear Lucy, from what that idiot fire head said, you seem like a nice person. So I got you a frozen statue of the guild hall. My magic, Ice-Make, lets me make any inanimate objects out of ice and the one you have there is permanently frozen. Merry Christmas, Gray. She looked at the note and saw the P.S. at the bottom that read, also please don't tell a girl named Juvia I got you a gift. She'll freak out and declare you a love rival even if you're engaged to Natsu. Also tell him thanks again for helping me out with Erza the other night. He seriously got me outta some deep shit. Gajeel broke his right arm and left leg. Thankfully Wendy was there to patch him up.

"That one over there! I'm gonna grab that one!" Lucy said excitedly as she picked up a gift wrapped in yellow. When she picked it up, she noticed it was unbearably heavy. When she opened it, she found tons of brand new books, fairy tales to be specific, from Earthland. The note left on top of it read, Hey there Lu, Natsu told me you liked reading books, especially fairy tales. I absolutely love reading, so I can't wait to meet someone else who shares such an interest. I'm a solid-script mage, but I'll show you more once you meet us. Can't wait to see you, enjoy your fiancé. Merry Christmas, Levy. She took a few books out, eyes widened. They were completely new stories from the ones she had read in the past. It was like a whole new adventure, it was indeed a whole new world of books to explore. New authors and new stories excited her and now she had an entire civilization's worth to explore. She had always loved reading as a kid, ever since she found her father's library. She didn't have much to do and her father never let her leave the house so she spent most of her time reading. She read almost every single book in the library before she decided to run away.

Lucy opened even more gifts. Though the variety of gifts was indeed large, the heartwarming messages in each of them were very similar. Each message described how they were looking forward to getting to meet her, and each spoke of her as family. It was truly a loving sight to behold. She couldn't wait to actually meet them so she could personally thank them.

In one of the last two presents under the tree, Lucy found something extraordinary. When she opened it, she found two bracelets, both white with a message left behind. They weren't cheap at all, and even though fancy things were nothing special for Lucy, it made her smile so much. It was the note that said everything, the note that made her smile. Dear Lucy and Natsu, Merry Christmas. I hope the two of you enjoy your new relationship. For you guys, I bought these bracelets. They are two of a kind and are designed to be worn by lovers. Every time you see this bracelet, it should remind you of your significant other. Best wishes, Lisanna. She took out the two bracelets and gave one to Natsu, who happily complied, seeing as though it wasn't girly like he had originally feared.

When Lucy got to the last present, she was expecting something from one of the guild members, not from this person. The giver of this gift actually did happen to be in this room, in fact it was Natsu. She was surprised he actually got her something considering he got all his friends to give her things. But he had gotten her a present himself.

"N-natsu, you didn't have to get me anything yourself. Having the guild get me presents more than I could have asked for." Lucy said.

"But it wasn't me giving you those gifts. It was them. They agreed wholeheartedly without bribing." Natsu responded.

"Okay then." She smiled while saying, "I'm going to open it then." As she unwrapped the gift and opened the box it was in, she saw a set of strange looking keys, potentially made out of gold. She saw some silver ones too, but she didn't know what the difference was. She actually was confused about what was in this box.

"Hey Natsu, I don't mean to be rude, but what are these?" Lucy asked.

"Well you weirdo, didn't you read the note. It's only right there." He said, pointing to the note.

Hey Lucy, you're probably wondering just what the heck these keys are. They're a special form of magic, known as Celestial Spirit Magic. That night you took me to see the stars and told me about your mother being an astronomer made me realize that you should definitely be a celestial mage. Well weirdo, you gotta make these contracts or something with spirit guys. Then they help you by fighting with you. I don't really know how it works so we'll probably hold onto them until we go back home and someone there can teach you. Though each of them were excited to meet you. So I'm sure you'll be a great friend. Merry Christmas, and much love, Natsu.

"N-natsu, so you mean? I can be a mage? For real?" Lucy said excitedly.

"Of course Lucy! And you and I are going to be on a team! We'll be super awesome. Of course Happy will be on it too because he and I do everything together really." Natsu said smiling. "And we'll take jobs and we can use our magic to successfully do requests. We'd live together and make money together and since we'd live together we'd have shared expenses and it'd be so much fun!" He was basically daydreaming at this point.

"That sounds great Natsu." Lucy said smiling. "But how are we going to get these celestial spirits summoned so I can make contracts?"

"Actually, that I don't know. What I do know is that there are ten zodiac keys there, in all there are twelve, but the guild only had ten. After I explained your love for stars, Gramps was totally chill about letting me have them, so here you go. The silver ones are more common, but they're also pretty useful."

"Thank you so much Natsu." She said hugging him. But then she realized she didn't have a gift for him so she felt really bad. Natsu noticed his mate's sadness so he asked her what was wrong.

"What's wrong, Lucy? Aren't you happy I got you these things?"

"Of course you idiot! But..." she trailed off and said in almost a whisper, "I didn't get you anything, because you were around me all the time. I'm so sorry Natsu." At which point Natsu began to laugh really loudly.

"You thought I expected you to get me something? If I did then I wouldn't have been around you all the time all day. Plus you agreed to stay with me forever, after knowing me for only three weeks. That's more than I could ever ask for Lucy!" Natsu said smiling.

"Oh, okay then Natsu. I'll guess I'll just make it up to you by doing this." She said smiling before pulling him into a sweet and passionate filled kiss.

Flashback (basically a continuation from above)

Natsu had just gotten up from the bar. He walked over to the door before a great idea struck his mind. "HEY GUYS!" he screamed. "I GOT AN IDEA! Why don't you get Lucy something related to your magic! She'd love that!" He said cheerfully. Everyone couldn't help but agree that it was a great idea. So they began to get to work getting presents.

"Alright guys, I'll be back soon. When I come back on the 24th to pick up the presents, I'll tell you when I should be back for good. It shouldn't be more than two weeks." He said. People again gave him some goodbyes, before he left out the front doors.

"Doesn't that idiot know we celebrate Christmas here too?" Gray asked.

"He'll figure that out eventually." Mira said while looking to the door.