I feel like its been forever! *sob* I'm sorry! T^T Anyway, sorry again and please read on. This is sort of a filler chapter, (I'm not sure why it took me so long), so sorry if not much happens. The next chapter, though. It's going to be exciting! I already have it planned out. Is it bad to get really excited because of your own story?

~Abigail~

It was dark out and it had been for a while. Luckily for me, though, there was a full moon out tonight. I could see well enough by the moonlight to make my way through the alleyways. I hadn't seen anyone else out, which was good. I didn't need anyone asking me why I was out and about in the middle of the night. There was only one person who needed to know why and I would get to him soon enough.

I ran quickly, surefooted and swift. I leapt over obstacles that would have blocked someone who was less agile than I was. Soon enough I spotted his house. It was small, but homey. I loved it there. I loved his family, too. They were always so kind to me. His parents had just had another child, also. Sometimes they would let me hold him. The best thing about his house, though, was that he was always there.

I glanced around to check if anyone else was in the streets. For a brief moment I thought I saw a shadow move in the darkness, but I soon realized that it was just my eyes playing tricks on me. I stepped out of the shadows and strode towards his house. My plan was to throw a pebble against his window. He'd surely hear me then. Little did I know that I'd never get a chance to do that. I'd never get a chance to tell him.

I heard thundering hooves in the distance. I froze and turned to my left. The first thing I was aware of was the faint hint of smoke that reached my nose. The second was the glow in the distance. The third was the man who was riding towards me. His face was covered in dark cloth and he carried a black sword. His horse was dark as the shadows that surrounded us. I could have sworn that its eyes were glowing a terrifying red.

I screamed. I would have run, but I couldn't force my legs to move. I stood there, screaming and hoping against hope that someone would save me from the monster that was charging towards me. Tears slid down my cheeks and I fell on my back. The horse skidded to a stop next to me and let out a terrifying screeching sound. Its hooves barely missed my head as they pounded against the cobblestones. I lay there, staring up at the man. A pair of red eyes stared back at me. He slowly unwrapped the cloth covering his face and I was able to see the rest of his face. Long, dark hair fell down his shoulders. He was somewhat handsome, but in a terrifying way. He smirked and I caught sight of a small scar on the left side of his mouth.

"What is a beautiful girl like you doing here with these idiotic country fools?" he questioned. His voice wasn't out of the ordinary, but the way he said those words made me shiver. He sounded young. I would guess him to be about my age. His dark hair fell over one eye as he leapt from his horse. He knelt down beside me and stretched out his arm to touch me. I slapped his hand away and he looked surprised.

"What? No one's ever denied you anything before?" I spat.

He stared at me, shocked. Soon, his lips curled into a smile, "You're interesting."

"Get away from me, you bastard!" I shouted. He grabbed me and held me tightly. I struggled against him, but it was no use. He was much stronger than I was. I didn't care, though. I kept fighting.

"Stop or I'll kill you," he hissed into my ear. I felt his sickeningly hot breath creep down my neck along with the cold metal of his knife against my throat. I froze. He slowly ran his cold fingers down the side of my face and caressed my hair. He inhaled my sent and I whimpered.

Suddenly he bellowed and was ripped away from me. I immediately crawled away, desperately trying to distance myself from him. Hands grabbed onto me and I screamed against, attempting to free myself of them. Hot tears continued to fall.

"Abigail!" shouted a voice. I froze. I knew that voice. I turned around and realized that I was looking into Jacin's blue eyes. I fell against him and sobbed. He held me protectively and whispered over and over into my ear that I was safe, that he wouldn't let anyone get me. I leaned up and kissed him passionately. It was a rough and violent kiss and he kissed me back just as hungrily.

"I'm so sorry," he whispered in between kisses.

"It's alright," I replied, "I'm just glad you're here."

"I should have been here sooner. Did he do anything to you? I'll kill him," he said, his fury showing in his voice.

I held his face, "I'm fine, Jacin. Don't kill anyone. We need to help the others. There are more of them. Look," I said, pointing to the sky. Smoke was billowing over the town and sparks were flying upwards. The glow was brighter than it had been before. I glanced behind me at the unconscious man as Jacin pulled me to my feet.

"Is everyone alright?" I asked.

"My family is fine," he replied. I hid my face in his chest and he held me. We stood there for a while in silence. I closed my eyes and relished in his proximity.

I released him and took a step back. He smiled at me and I smiled back. "I came here to tell you that—"

Jacin's eyes went wide. I stared at him in disbelief. I just stood there numbly. Jacin's face contorted in anger and fear. I didn't feel anything other than the unending love that I had for him. "Jacin," I said quietly before I fell. I heard a sickening crunch as the blade slid out of my back. The man stood over me with a cruel grin, "Silly girl."

I shivered and felt my fingers start to tingle. I coughed and tasted iron. "Abigail!" Jacin screamed. He rushed to my side and pressed his hands to my stomach. It was too late, though. There was no way he could stop me from bleeding. I was dying. I reached up and put my hand on his cheek, "Jacin, I love you." Tears slid down my face, "And I'm sorry."

"No! Don't say you're sorry! I won't forgive you if you die!" he shouted. He held me tightly and hovered over me. He looked horrified and hopeless.

"Please, I want you to be smiling the last time I see you," I said. With that my eyes faded and slid shut. I heard noises of a struggle. I was faintly aware of cold arms wrapping around me. That was the last thing I remembered.

~Lucy~

I peeked out shyly from behind my eyelashes. Luckily, Natsu was still fast asleep. I exhaled softly and opened my eyes wider. Truth be told, I was wide-awake. Even though I was fully conscious, clearly Natsu was still half-dead. Somehow last night we'd ended up falling asleep together. I guess I'd been so tired out after crying that I just passed out and then Natsu, being the wonderful best friend that he was, decided I'd be better off if he stayed by my side. I doubted he would ever want to leave me alone when I felt like this.

Like this…what exactly was this? It's hard to describe how I felt. It was sort of like a constant ache in my chest. When I started to really think about Jacin, about what he'd said to me last night, a lump formed in my throat. My eyes stung but I determinedly held the tears back. I scooted closer to Natsu and his my face in his chest. He mumbled something, but remained asleep.

He rolled over and his arm fell over me. My body stopped trembling and I took a deep breath. I felt safe in his arms. I knew that he would protect me. Part of the problem, though, was that I didn't want to have to be protected. I didn't want Jacin to lash out at me like he had. It hurt. I hated it. I inhaled deeply and, strangely, smelt something that resembled campfire smoke coupled with the smell of a forest. Natsu had his own smell and somehow it, too, comforted me.

Natsu's arm suddenly moved and his hand came to rest on the side of my head. He brushed some of my hair out of my eyes and didn't stop stroking my hair. "You alright?" he whispered.

I nodded weakly, "I can't stay sad forever, right?"
"I don't think you could if you tried," he said with a smile. His eyes were still closed and his head still lay on the pillow.

"You're so weird," I mumbled, curling up in his arms. He hugged me in return.

"I am, am I?" he questioned.

"You always know just what to say," I said, "And you can always cheer me up, even if I've just been harshly rejected."

Natsu stiffened, "Speaking of that, do you want to skip going to the guild today?"

I sighed, "No. I don't want him to know that his words felt similar to being stabbed in the heart repeatedly. I should still go."

Natsu smiled, "I figured you'd say that."

I sighed, "I still feel…" My voice trailed off. I didn't want Natsu to know how afraid I was. I didn't want my best friend, who was always so brave and strong, to know that I was the exact opposite.

"You feel what, Luce?" he asked, sitting up. He looked down at me and noticed how hesitant I was. His look softened and his took my hand, "You know you can tell me anything, right?"

I smiled as his thumb stroked the back of my hand, "Yeah, I know." Just like that all my worries about the matter were alleviated.

"Then tell me what's on your mind," he said. I sat up and tucked my legs under each other.

"I'm scared," I said quietly.

"Of what?" he asked softly. He held both of my hands to comfort me as I spoke.

"I'm scared to see him again," I said, looking down, "I don't want him to look at me again like he did last night. Even worse, I don't want him to just ignore me. That would hurt more. But that's not it. I'm afraid for him. He's so scarred…so broken. I'm scared that he'll stay that way forever." Silent tears had begun to fall as I spoke those words. Natsu released one of my hands and tipped my chin up, forcing me to look at him. I tried to look away, but he wouldn't let me.

"Lucy Heartfilia," he said, "Don't be afraid of him. You're stronger than that. But you're not just strong; you're compassionate and caring. The fact that you still care about him, still love him, even after what he said to you…" his eyes darkened, "I couldn't do it. I wouldn't do it. Still, I admire you for it."

"Admire me?" I asked.

"Yes, but I'm also angry. More like furious. I don't want you to go back to him, to let him string you along more. Thinking about that…it makes me hate him even more than I already do." I saw a fire in his eyes. It was the same fire that I'd seen when I'd been kidnapped, when I'd almost died. He wanted to protect me, and anything that would hurt me made him furious.

"Natsu," I said softly, placing a hand on his chest to calm him down. I felt the rhythmic beat and gained strength from it. "Don't be angry. He doesn't deserve it. He didn't mean it." I felt like, by saying those words, I was trying to convince myself more than I was trying to convince Natsu.

He narrowed his eyes in defeat, "I can't promise that…"

"Natsu," I said, a warning in my voice, "If you hurt him I won't forgive you." Apparently I'd read his mind because the next thing I knew he was arguing with me.

"I can't just let him say those things to you and get away with it! He deserves to be—"

"Natsu!" I shouted. He fell silent and stared at me. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to calm myself down, "Just…don't, ok? I can't just stop loving him in one night no matter what he said to me." He stared at me for a moment and then slowly nodded in consent.

"I just don't want you to be hurt any more than you already have," he said quietly.

I smiled and got to my feet, placing a hand on either of his shoulders, "I'll be ok. You'll see, Natsu. Aren't I always?"

"I guess," he said skeptically.

I frowned, "Let's just go, ok?" I didn't really know what I was going to say. There was one thing I was sure of, though. I was determined. I wouldn't give up. This wasn't over yet. I was terrified, but I promised myself that I wouldn't let him suffer.

~Jacin~

There were people bustling around the guild. Various members shouted occasionally. Others just sat quietly and consumed alcohol. Somehow, even though it was the exact opposite, the guild seemed empty. Whenever someone opened the doors of the guild to join the rest of the members my heart would skip a beat and I'd feel something strange in my chest. I was a bit afraid, I suppose. Every time someone walked through those doors I knew that it could have been Lucy.

I didn't want to face her. I'd said something so horrible to her. I couldn't help it, though. I'd just gotten so angry. She'd kissed me. I was utterly shocked. I didn't know what to do. Then I realized something. I'd liked it. That fact made so many emotions well up inside of me. Shock, fear, anger…and something else. The reason I was angry was so confusing. I was angry because…I felt like I'd betrayed Abigail. Abigail had died because I couldn't help her. I'd told myself, when I lost her, that I wouldn't let her memory go. Somehow, though, that promise suddenly seemed a bit less important. Even doubting my loyalty to Abigail for a moment stung, and now I felt something else. Regret. Guilt.

The doors opened and those very same emotions welled up inside of me. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up, and I knew for sure that it was Lucy who had just walked through that door. I didn't doubt that she would show up. She was a strong person, far stronger than I'd ever be. What I'd said to her, however horrible it was, wouldn't stop her from facing me. I clenched my jaw. I knew that I had no right to do this, to feel like a victim. I was the one that hurt her, and I was the one who was going to suffer because of it. I wouldn't blame her if she hit me.

"Mira! How are you today?" called Lucy's voice. I knew she was smiling because I could hear it in her voice. I didn't dare turn around. I know this sounds like I'm acting as a martyr, but I felt that I didn't even have the right to see her smiling.

"I'm excellent. And you, Lucy?" Mira asked.

Lucy hesitated, "I've had better days, but I'm alright."

Mira suddenly sounded concerned, "Something's troubling you?"

The smile was back, "Nothing that I can't handle."

"There's an awful lot that you can handle, Lucy. If you need my help with anything, just tell me," Mira said. I could have sworn that I felt Lucy's eyes on my back. She was definitely glaring at me. That was good. I deserved to be glared at. I turned around in my seat to see that glare; I wanted her to know that I acknowledged myself as the villain. I met her eyes and she stared at me. Her eyes were calm and her gaze was steady. I couldn't detect any hostility. That made me feel worse. I wanted her to get mad. I wanted her to hate me. That's what I deserved. But…did I really want that? I suppose that I was so afraid to see her because I hadn't wanted to see the glare. I hadn't wanted to feel the pain in my chest that I knew would come with her hatred. I was torn.

After a few moments of staring, someone else joined her. She looked away. Natsu stood beside her and draped his arms over her shoulders. I felt a pang in my chest. It bothered me that he was with her…that they were so close.

"I kept Luce company last night. She's fine," Natsu said with a grin. That seemed to ease Mira's worries. I clenched my fist and narrowed my eyes.

"Shut up, Natsu," Lucy jested.

"You would have been lonely without me. Admit it," Natsu chimed. He rested his head on her shoulder and she smiled.

"Damnit," I breathed and crossed my arms. Why had I done that? If I was just going to regret it this much, why had I said those things? And the things I'd said…they were horrible. Why hadn't I just accepted it? No, I couldn't accept it. I wanted to stop arguing with myself, but I couldn't.

I stared at the ground and mumbled to myself. This wasn't ok. I didn't know what to do, though. Should I tell her the truth? Could I trust her with that? The weight of what I had to tell her might crush her. I didn't want that. But…she'd told me the truth. Even though it hurt her, she'd told me about her painful past. Was it only fair for me to repay her with my story?

"Jacin," said a voice. It was emotionless rather than bright and cheerful as it usually was, but I was still able to immediately recognize it. Every muscle tensed and I closed my eyes. "Jacin," she said again.

I raised my head but kept my eyes closed. Slowly, slowly I opened them. She was so close to me, only a foot away, and she was staring at me just as she had before. My heart pounded and it felt like a knife was stabbing into my chest. I furrowed my brow and looked away. I couldn't look at her. I felt her gentle fingers on my chin, turning my head back towards her. I resisted and then gave it.

She stared into my eyes and I couldn't look away. Her brown eyes bore into mine and I was mesmerized, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you like that."

My jaw dropped. Sorry? She was sorry? Why was she sorry? I'd gotten angry at her for no reason, or at least a reason that she didn't understand, but it wasn't her fault. She turned and walked away. My body moved without me realizing it and I snatched her wrist, "Lucy."

She froze and turned to look at me. I couldn't think of anything to say. Tears welled up in her eyes and my words didn't come. I desperately searched for them, but they were lost to me. The tears began to fall. I dropped her hand and she clutched it to her chest. A lump formed in my throat. There was one thing that was clear to me at that moment: I'd ruined us.

Lucy looked at the ground and hid her face from me, "I'll…I'll fulfill my promise to myself." With that she turned and left. The last thing I saw were Natsu's arms wrapping around her shaking shoulders.

What have I done?

So, are you guys looking forward to the next update? I am. Oh yeah! I forgot to tell you in the first A/N! The answer to the question I asked you! It turned out that more people wanted to keep the story strictly Jacin x Lucy, (which actually surprised me). I do plan on having some great moments with Natsu, but no romance there. Sorry everyone who didn't get their wish! I love you, too!

Thanks for reading and remember to write me a review! ^_^

OC List:

Jacin - Lucy's dream guy. Two years older than Lucy. Celestial wizard with both platinum and silver keys. Some troubled past that led to his little brother and himself living on their own. Looking to join Fairy Tail.

Roawin - Jacin's little brother. Four years old. Bubble magic.

Abigail - A girl that Jacin loved and lost. (You'll find out more eventually)

Jacin's Spirits:

Rouge - Platinum celestial spirit. Able to change her size at will.

Fleure - Silver celestial spirit. Flower magic. Is fond of Roawin.

Agwo, Fuegia, Terro, and Cilo - The four elemental spirits, (silver keys).

Venra, Shiea, and Exxos - The three platinum key fox spirits.

Mayla and Diedos - The twins, platinum key.

Grentha - The Grim Reaper, platinum key.

Lupiyah - The Wolf-Woman, platinum key.

Gallego - The Gearmaster, platinum key.

Crossman - Also called Cross. Nice and strict. Platinum key.

Brezza - The Strong Woman, who is pretty scary, (well, Jacin thinks so). Platinum key.

Othos - The Blindman. Caused Lucy to faint. Is actually blind, but able to 'see the truth'. Can read memories and thoughts. Special to Jacin because Othos was his first spirit. Kept around Jacin's neck on a necklace. Platinum key.