Author's note: Hello everyone. Merry Christmas! This is the final chapter of this story. I may end up writing a bonus chapter before Christmas, it depends on what you guys think and how I feel. I hope you guys enjoyed my story. Thank you all for reading and sticking with me. Thank you for all the reviews and support. I'm not gonna lie, you people are fantastic! Anyway, as always I don't own anything except the computer I used to type this up on. All credit goes to Hiro Mashima. If you have any requests/suggestions please send them my way and I'll start working on them. I already have one story that I want to give a shot, but I'll take more. I hope you enjoy the story. Thanks for everything!
Figures there would be a blizzard today, Jellal thought to himself as he looked out the window from Erza's dorm room. He sighed. I need to be able to meet with them tonight….
"Are you headed out? It's still early." Erza said from the door of her bedroom.
"I didn't mean to wake you."
"You didn't. I've been up for a while. You mentioned that you had to meet with someone about Crime Sorciere, but do you have to go now? The weather is terrible outside." Erza looked out the window in her living room and looked to the couch where Jellal has spent the last couple nights. Even if she loved him, she still had to act properly as matron. "You are welcome to stay a little longer, I imagine whoever you are meeting will understand with the storm and all."
"I can't. I'm sorry. The location of the meeting is a journey in good weather, let alone in the snow." Jellal smiled at her. "I'll be fine, and don't worry, I'll be home for the guild's celebration."
"Who are you meeting with anyway?"
"I can't tell you, but depending on how it goes, it could bring good news to several people."
"Are you sure it's safe? I could come with..."
"No." Jellal interjected. "I need to do this alone. I'm very sorry, but I will be back tomorrow so don't celebrate Christmas without me."
"To be honest, it never really felt like a true Christmas without you." Erza pecked him on the cheek and blushed. "Please be safe." With that Erza turned and went back to her room.
I wish I could stay, but what I'm about to do is important. Especially if Crime Sorciere is going to become an official guild. Jellal put on his head scarf and left Erza's room as "Mystogan" for hopefully the last time.
That afternoon, Lucy braved the snow to go to the guild to find Natsu. She didn't sleep very well the previous night and was wracked with guilt from their fight the previous night.
Lucy realized that she was being too hard on Natsu and instead of assuming she should have talked to him about how she felt. She also realized that she wasn't being fair about the mission, either. The mission could bring them a step closer to finding Igneel, but she was too busy being selfish about the holiday. So instead she would apologize to him when she got to the guild and ask him if she still wanted to go on the job, which he would. If he forgave her they would go on the mission together, if he didn't…..she didn't want to think about what would happen then. The bottom line was that Lucy realized she loved him and so long as they were together, she would be happy.
When Lucy arrived at the guild, she discovered that it was pretty packed even with the storm and the fact that it was Christmas Eve. Apparently nothing could cause the Fairy Tail guild to slow down. Lucy scanned the guild for her pink-headed partner as she made her way to their usual table. She didn't see any sign of him nor Happy, but she did find Erza, and Juvia at the table.
"Hey guys. Have any of you seen Natsu around?" Lucy asked hopefully.
"No I haven't seen or heard any sign of him today. Why? Is something wrong?" Erza replied with concern in her voice.
"No – Yes – I don't know." Lucy plopped down on the bench next to Erza. "Natsu and I had a fight last night and I'm looking for him so I can apologize."
"What happened?" Juvia asked. "Do I have to worry about you becoming a love rival again?"
"No" Lucy replied with slight irritation. "Natsu wanted to go on a mission that is far away today and with the storm I thought it would be a bad idea. There was a big misunderstanding, we argued, and I left. I was being a jerk and now I feel awful."
"Don't worry, he felt bad too." Gray said as he walked over to their table and sat down next to Juvia. "When I last talked to him, he wanted to make things right, too. Didn't he come and see you last night?"
"No, I haven't seen him since I walked out last night. When did you last see him?" Lucy asked while looking intently at the guild doors hoping for Natsu to walk in at any minute.
"Last night, a little after the two of you argued. He and I talked, said that he had an idea on how to fix things between the two of you, grabbed a job, and left. I figured he was going to your place to apologize and that you two would be out on a job today." Gray scratched his head. "You mean to tell me that you haven't seen him at all today?"
"No. Do you know what job he grabbed?" Lucy asked suddenly, getting up from the table and running to the request board.
"No, I didn't bother checking. Sorry." Gray replied while following her to the board.
Lucy scanned the board for the job that Natsu wanted to take the previous day. She found it in the same spot the request was in on the previous day.
"It doesn't look like he took the job we argued about. Let's check with Mira." Lucy then turned and hurried over to the bar where they take-over mage was serving Laxus a drink. "Mira, do you happen to know what job Natsu took last night?"
"No I don't. He didn't check in with me when he took it, so I don't know where he's at." Mira explained. "Why is something wrong?"
"No, thanks anyway Mira." Lucy sighed and went back to their table where Erza and Juvia were still sitting. "No luck. Apparently he left in a hurry last night and didn't check in. I hope he's ok."
"This is Natsu we're talking about." Gray replied. "As much as I hate to admit it, that fiery bastard can handle himself just fine. He'll be back soon, so don't worry. Just enjoy the peace and quiet while ya can."
"Gray-sama, your clothes." Juvia poked Gray's shoulder.
"Damn it!"
"So Lucy," Erza cut in, "What are you going to do?"
"I'm going to hang out here and wait for him to come home. I need to fix my mistake, I need to make it up to him." Lucy replied with conviction. "Mira, can I get an apple cider? I may be here a bit."
Lucy's hunch was right and she did end up hanging out at the guild all day. She helped the guild with the last minute decorations and watched their small celebration, but she didn't really get into it. Something important was missing and unfortunately, that something never showed up at the guild that day.
Christmas Day rose to be bright and chilly. When Lucy woke she looked out the window to see a beautiful winter morning. The snow had stopped and the streets were mostly clear, perfect weather for a Christmas Day. Unfortunately, there was no sign that a certain pinkette came by, but Lucy was still hopeful that he would be back. Even though they fought, he still said that they would celebrate Christmas together. He always kept his promises.
Lucy checked her communication lacrima to see if there were any messages and found one from Erza. It read:
Come to my dorm room around 2:00. Levy, Juvia, and I were going to help each other get ready for the party tonight if you want to join us.
Lucy checked the clock. It read that it was noon.
Sure. I'll be over to help. She replied, I just hope my possible date is around and forgives me.
"Hold still, Gajeel. I have to get the tie right. I thought all guys were supposed to know how to tie a tie?" Pantherlily grumbled while trying to help Gajeel with his suit.
"You know I don't do monkey suits. This isn't exactly something I do often or like doing." Gajeel growled back. "And it's your fault that I'm going to this thing in the first place. If you weren't black mailing me, then I wouldn't be dressed up in this stupid thing." He pulled at the collar of his dress shirt.
"Gajeel, if I didn't black mail you then you'd still be pining after Levy at the dance instead of taking her." Gajeel opened his mouth to argue, but Lily cut him off. "Don't deny it, you would. Now stop being a chicken and hold still, I have to put the boutonniere on your coat."
Gajeel grunted, but complied. He couldn't help that he was crotchety, it was because he was so nervous and afraid that he was going to screw this up. After what felt like forever, Lily moved backwards away from Gajeel.
"There, finished. Was that really so bad?" Lily asked, exasperated. He took Gajeel in and smiled. "Go look at yourself in the mirror. She's going to be impressed."
Gajeel turned and looked into the mirror. He only vaguely recognized the man who stared back at him. His hair was calmed and pulled back into a pony tail. His suit coat was black and his vest, tie, and boutonniere were peachy-orange. He looked incredible.
"You clean up very nicely." Lily smiled up at him. Lily, himself, was in a charcoal tuxedo and tie. He didn't have a date, but he didn't mind dressing up, especially if it would help Gajeel.
"You too, cat. And uh…thanks for all your help." Gajeel mumbled, winning him an even bigger grin from Lily.
"What did you say? I couldn't hear you." Lily grinned smugly.
"I said thank you, ya pain in the neck!" Gajeel nearly yelled. "Jeeze!"
"You're welcome Gajeel! I'd do anything to help a friend. Do you have her present? Good. Now come on, we better leave if we want to be on time to meet Levy."
The walk to Fairy Hills seemed very short and altogether too long for Gajeel. When they arrived Gajeel rang the bell that went up to Levy's room and waited. It took everything in Gajeel not to tap his foot in nervousness. Finally the door to Fairy Hills opened and she stepped out.
Levy was in a peachy-orange dress that almost went to the ground. Her make-up was done so that her hazel eyes were accented, but not overdone. Her hair was lightly tousled and framed her face. Gajeel couldn't help but stare. She was beautiful, and she was his.
"You look beautiful." Gajeel told her softly.
"You don't look half-bad yourself." Levy teased lightly and blushed a deep crimson.
"Uh, you ready to go?" Gajeel asked blushing.
"Yeah." She shivered. "It's a bit chilly out."
"Here." He draped his jacket over her shoulders. It was big on her, but it was an adorable look for her. "Ya seem a bit taller. Are you wearing heels?"
"Yes." She huffed, sticking her tongue out at him and laughed. "Apparently it's part of the girl code to wear heels whenever you go to a party like this. Unfortunately, they never made a heel that is comfortable to walk in."
"Sorry shrimp, we're almost at the guild now." He chuckled. Gajeel would have carried her if she asked. He was so happy she was with him.
After a few more minutes of walking, they made it to the guild. When the walked it, it was almost unrecognizable. There were Christmas lights up around the ceiling of the guild and going up the stairs to the S-class floor. A large, brilliantly decorated Christmas tree stood in the corner of the room. Boughs of holly and wreathes were found placed in the rafters. All of the tables were covered in a red table cloth and set. People were sitting with their friends and guild mates drinking warm cider or egg nog while (im)patiently waiting for dinner to be served.
"Where do you want to sit?" Gajeel asked, even though he could already guess that she would want to sit with her friend bunny girl.
"Do you mind if we sit with Lu-chan with the others? If not, we can sit anywhere, I'm fine either way." Levy rushed
"We can sit with them." He smiled. He was doing his best to behave. Gajeel wanted to make this night special for her.
"Thank you."
Levy lead them to the table where Lucy, Gray, Juvia, Romeo, Wendy, and Carla were sitting. Everyone was dressed well, but no one was looked as good as Levy, at least according to Gajeel. Levy went over to Lucy and hugged her along with Juvia and Wendy. The girls exchanged gifts while the boy just watched their dates from where they were sitting. Gajeel wasn't exactly uncomfortable, but he didn't feel completely at ease either. This "family" dinner thing was a new concept for him, but he was trying to get used to it. Erza came in and not long after, "Mystogan" joined them at the table, leaving only one spot open, which Gajeel imagined was left open for Natsu. More and more guild members kept coming into the hall, but much to bunny girl's disappointment, the flame-brained idiot never showed. Eventually Master Makarov climbed up to the second floor to make his speech and everyone took their seats.
"Well my children. It has been another exciting year in Fairy Tail. We have gained new friends and family. We have found family that were once thought to be lost to us. We have had many adventures and challenges. We've had our triumphs and we've had our falls. We've definitely had more than our fair share of destroyed property fees. If that keeps up, then I'll never be able to retire. But on a more serious note, this has been a great year and I would have never given up one moment for anything. There may be some of us absent from this meal and celebration, but we are the Fairy Tail guild. No matter where we are or how far apart we maybe, even if I can't see you I'm always looking your way!" the Master made the Guild's hand symbol. "Enjoy the feast everyone!" He jumped down from the banister and walked to his seat.
Plates of food began floating from the kitchen to the tables all around the guild. Hams, turkeys, stuffing, mashed potatoes and boats of gravy. There was enough food to feed an army, which could describe Fairy Tail. The guild was filled with the sounds of people enjoying a well cooked meal. Everyone ate their fill and had a wonderful dinner as a family, but as soon as the plates were cleared, the party was ramped up to their usual style of insanity.
The tables were cleared and music was put on for people to dance to. It was a combination of both Christmas music and regular music. Most of the couples went out to dance. Gray and Juvia were goofing around on the dance floor. Erza was spinning "Mystogan" and having a great time. Bunny girl and Levy was out dancing to all of the fast songs and laughing at everyone else. All the while Gajeel hung back with Lily and sipped spiked punch. Soon a slow song came on and only the couples were left on the floor. Levy and Lucy went for a drink break.
"You better ask her to dance to at least one slow song." Lily said from beside Gajeel. "If you don't then I share those photos."
"I will. I'm just waiting for a good one." Gajeel grumbled and Lily glared at him. "Ok, I'm going, I'm going, damn cat." Gajeel crossed the floor to find Levy.
She was sitting with Lucy drinking some punch. He watched her as he approached. She was swaying to the music so he listened to the song and to his amusement, the song was "Yellow". It would make sense that she would like that song. Gajeel came up behind her.
"Would you like to dance?" Gajeel asked softly while putting his hand out for her to take.
"I would love to." Levy replied just as softly.
Taking his hand, he led them out onto the dance floor. They began moving slowly to the music in a small circle. He held her closely and he began singing along to the music.
"Your skin, oh yeah your skin and bones, turn into something beautiful. Do you know I love you so? You know I love you so." He sang softly.
He knew he couldn't sing, but he was doing his best. It worked because she looked up at him, smiled, and rested her head on his chest. He looked to Lily and grinned while he sang. Lily grinned back and gave him a thumbs up. When the song ended, they slowly came to a stop. This was his moment, he led her to one of the empty tables.
"Levy, I'm very happy you came to this dance with me. I got you something." He pulled out his gift and gave it to her.
"You didn't have to, but thank you."
"Open it." Gajeel grinned.
She carefully undid the wrapping paper and gaze at the gift in amazement.
"You got me a new copy of 'Beauty and the Beast'! You remembered that it's my favorite! Thank you, this is amazing." She hugged him tightly.
"I know I've been a beast before, but you've seen the person inside. I want to be that guy for you. God that's cheesy, but it's the truth. Will you be my girl?" Gajeel blushed fiercely.
"Of course I will." She kissed him. "Cheeseball. Come on. Let's head out and go back to my place."
"Don't you want to stay with Bunny Girl?" Gajeel asked confused. "Not that I'm complaining."
"I'll check in with you later, I've got a feeling something good is about to happen to her too." she said while pointing towards her friend.
Lucy watched as Levy and Gajeel danced. She was so happy for her best friend, but she felt a twinge of sadness while watching them. She really messed up. When the song ended she watched them walk away and listened for the next song. It was "Your Guardian Angel". Another great slow song. She was singing along to the music when she felt a tap on her shoulder. Lucy turned to see Natsu.
To her amazement he was dressed in a charcoal tuxedo with a dark grey tie. His coat seemed to be a bit wet along with his hair, but overall, Natsu looked beyond handsome.
"Would you like to dance?" Natsu asked while giving her his signature grin.
"Natsu I…yes, I would." Lucy took his hand and followed him onto the dance floor. They began rocking back and forth to the music.
"Natsu, I want to apologize for being such a jerk. I should have been understanding about the mission. It's just I wanted to celebrate Christmas here at the guild and go to this party, but it was wrong of me to get so angry. I should have just told you how I felt." Lucy looked away and blushed. "It's just I really like you and I want us to be, you know, a thing. But that doesn't excuse my actions. Will you forgive me?" Lucy then looked to his face and saw no anger. In fact he had the biggest grin ever.
"Of course Luce! I'm sorry I got angry too. I should have told you that I was already planning on celebrating Christmas with you. I wanted to surprise you, but it didn't work out that way. The truth is, I like you too." Natsu grinned. The song ended and a new faster song began to play.
"You do?!" Lucy half-yelled, both surprised and ecstatic.
"Why don't we go outside and talk?" Natsu suggested as he lead their way out of the guild. When they were outside they began to talk again.
"I like you too, a lot. After you left the other day I was really angry and hurt. I didn't understand your anger, but some ice queen helped me figure things out. I wanted to surprise you, so I took a job that was easy and would get me a lot of money. I went out and got this tux and had all intention on showing up at your place this morning, but the snow storm shut down the trains. So instead I ran all the way here." Natsu smiled at her. "I understand how you feel now. So I wanted to ask you" He reached into his pocket and pulled out a box "will you be my girlfriend?"
Inside the box was 'The Girl's Heart' necklace. He took it out and held it up to her.
"I saw you looking at it the other day in that shop. It looked like you really liked it, but for some reason you didn't buy it. I over-heard the story behind it and I figured it would be a great Christmas present. It just so happened that I'm also asking you out with it."
"Natsu! Of course!" She hugged him tightly, he looked down at her and saw her tearing up. He wiped her tears away with his thumb. "This is amazing."
"Can I kiss you?" He asked. She looked at him in complete shock and nodded. He leaned in and kissed her softly. "Thank you. Why don't we head back to your place and enjoy the rest of our evening together?"
"Wait. Why don't we take that mission to find the dragon? It could be your dad!" Lucy replied
"Are you sure?" Natsu scratched his head. "Don't you want to celebrate some more and relax?"
"I'm fine, as long as I'm with you. We just have to stop by my place before we leave so I can get you your Christmas present. Oh and we have to get Happy, too! It won't feel right without him."
"Sound like a plan." And he kissed her again.
Erza and "Mystogan" were sitting at a table watching the other couples dance.
"So when do you have to disappear again?" Erza asked, while looking at her drink.
"I don't." Erza looked up to see Jellal looking back at her smiling.
"What do you mean?"
"I'm a free man now. The people I had to meet were Doranbolt and Lahar. I was pardoned by the magic counsel and am now working with them to help keep dark guilds at bay." Jellal laughed at the shock on Erza's face. "I don't have to hide anymore. We can be together now." Erza didn't respond. "Aren't you hap…."
Erza full on kissed him and then smacked him.
"Don't you ever keep anything from me again, do you understand?" Erza growled.
"Yes ma'am. Come on. We have to go inform Meredy of the good news." Jellal took off his mask and they left the guild together .
Mira sighed as she watched her favorite couples finally, finally get together. Jellal was pardoned and free to be with Erza. Gray and Juvia were finally dating, along with Natsu and Lucy. Gajeel and Levy were now official. It was like a Christmas miracle all around.
"Nothing like a Christmas romance, eh, Master?" Mira smiled.
"Nope, it's nice to see my children grow and flourish." Master sighed contently.
"Now the question is. Who is going to end up married first? Anyone want to place their bets?" Cana asked. "My money is on Erza and Jellal."
"I don't know Natsu may figure it out quickly and they could be married pretty early." Happy replied.
"I don't think so, Happy. Look at these pictures, it'll obviously be Gajeel and Levy." Lily bragged while handing the pictures to Mira, who slipped him 300 Jewel.
"Ya never know, Gray and Juvia might surprise us all." Gildarts laughed. "Gray can be pretty determined and if he wants something, he won't let it go."
"Looks like we have a pool going. Who will be the first couple married? Erza and Jellal, Natsu and Lucy, Gajeel and Levy, or Gray and Juvia. Place your bets now, things are gonna get interesting.
Author's Note: Merry Christmas! I hope you guys enjoyed it and fangirled/fanboyed while reading it as much as I did while writing it. If I do a bonus chapter it will be a Gruvia date since they didn't get a lot of "screen time" in this fic. Sorry about that. Let me know what you guys think. Until next time.
-Jay