Chapter 1

AN: ONCE AGAIN, I repeat, I don't own any of the characters or canon places created by the creator of Fairy Tail. I only own my O.C.s.

Lucy's P.O.V.

I sat at the bar, sighing and drinking orange juice. Lisanna and Natsu had just walked in and were now kissing at the table Levy usually sat at- that was becoming somewhat of their make-out spot. Macao whistled. Romeo grimaced. Cana drank boos from a barrel. Same old same old. Thanking Mira for the orange juice, I finished and paid for it, handing her the glass.''Where are you heading off to Luce? You've been back for like five hours.'' Master complained. I smiled.''To the request board.'' At this point Gray and Erza came up. It had been a month since I saw them. I stayed gone all the time.''Lucy! You're here!'' They both exclaimed, hugging me. I returned the hug and said hello.''I'm actually just getting ready to leave so-''''Luce, don't go again. You, me, and Erza need a girl's night!'' Squealed Lisanna, walking up with Natsu. I grinned.''Sorry. I am going to beat my record this month.'' Yeah. Another thing about me now, I hold the record of most jobs in a month. Last month I went on twenty-seven. This month I had been on twenty-four. I had eleven days until August- eleven days to do four or more jobs. She giggled. I don't know how I could even consider hating her. She really was amazing.''Luce, you go on too many jobs.'' Natsu said. I felt a pang in my chest, seeing as I couldn't remember the last time he and I had spoken. He was always busy- I was always gone. The only time I saw him was when he came to the guild, then I would leave for another job.''And that is why I afford to live in my place. Happy tends to eat lots of fish.'' I pointed out. His smile faltered. Happy and him as I mentioned before no longer remained together constantly, and therefore they hardly talked.''How has he been?'' Natsu asked quietly.''Last time I saw him, he was munching on a fish saying 'this is good fish'. So I guess good.'' Lisanna laughed awkwardly. I knew she blamed herself for the separation of the exceed and dragon slayer. I changed the topic. ''Worried I'll get in for the S-class wizard exams and you won't?'' I teased. He cracked his knuckles and shook his head.''I have no doubt you will be elected for them- I just hope you and I get a chance to fight. I need an easy win.'' He teased back. I pushed him playfully.''Don't make light of me, Salamander. I'm not a damsel in distress you can save or spare anymore.'' His inner light seemed to go out. Lisanna laughed at the joke, though a part of me meant it. Natsu hurriedly tried to hide the change in himself.''We'll see.'' And then nodding, I said bye to everyone and headed to the request board. Master and them followed.''No seriously, don't go. I want all my brats here tonight. I'll through a party.'' Master said. I shook my head and laughed.''This guild is a party.'' Erza pointed out. I grabbed a request for capturing a couple of rogue wizards and turned around.''Ain't no party like a party don't stop!'' I exclaimed recalling the last party he threw. I then added, ''just don't try to out drink Cana again and you should not need Erza and Gray to protect you.'' Master puckered his lips and grabbed my leg like a small child.''But she goes around them. She only stops if you're there.'' I grinned. Cana and I were like sisters as much as we hung out. Every time I was at the guild, we ended up sitting and talking for hours.''Then. As I said, don't challenge her.'' I said firmly, picking up the old man, making him release my leg. ''But-''''No 'buts'. Or you will be at her mercy.'' He pouted as I handed him to Erza, who sat him down abruptly. They all stared at me. I had changed a lot.''Then, how about we go on a job together?'' Erza suggested.''Yes!'' Gray practically screamed. ''it'll be just like old times. Better because you are funnier now.'' I pushed him lightly, but ended up putting him to the wall.''Correction: funnier and stronger.'' Erza smirked helping Gray up after he fell on the ground. I noticed Natsu was staring at me. I held up my selected job.''I'm going to do a solo. But next time for sure.'' I said to them. Gray and Erza grabbed onto me.''Don't leave us, Lucy!'' They both whined. I pried them off of me. They grinned evilly. Natsu looked confused. Lisanna and Master backed away- and I ran. The whole guild watched as I ran and dodged Gray and Erza's attempts to catch me. Gildarts laughed hysterically.Everyone cheered. I jumped into the air, levitating. I've learned how to do some awesome things.''Lucy! We command you not to go on a job.'' They said in unison. I shrugged and landed on the second floor, sitting cross legged and the banister, happy I was wearing tights.''Sorry guys. A wizard has to earn their daily keep somehow.'' I said quoting Nab. Erza threw cake at me.''Please.'' Lisanna laughed, grabbing onto Erza's arm. Uncrossing my legs, I jumped off, landing on my feet in front of them.''It will only take a day or five.'' I pointed out. Gray took the opportunity to try for me, but I easily side stepped and walked out of the guild. Cana, Wakaba, Macao, and Gildarts came out after me.''Hysterical!'' Gildarts said doubling over. Macao and Wakaba acted out Erza and Gray as Cana reminisced about the old me.''You really are different now,'' She said grinning. I nodded.''Just think of me as... the new and improved Lucy.'' I said grinning. We all laughed together before everyone went back inside. I was about to go home and grab my bag when Team Natsu came out.''Are you really going to leave again?'' Lisanna asked, frowning. I hugged her. She worried since an incident two weeks ago. I fought some mages from Quattro Cerebus, them starting it while in a drunken state. I won- but they still got me pretty good. I mean, four guys verses one girl. Unless she is Erza, you know a girl will have some cuts and bruises.''The issue with Quattro was an accident. They were drunk. Its all good Liss.'' I promised her. I guess the others had not heard.''What are you talking about?'' Natsu asked, looking like he could hit someone. Odd. I shrugged. ''Nothing.'' I honestly didn't think it was a big deal. Lisanna, on the other hand... I listened as she leapt into the story, telling it exactly like how I told her- she never dressed things up for interest. By the end of it, all but her were ready to storm Quattro and fight. Sighing, I helped calm them down.''Chill, guys.'' When no one listened, I began walking back to my house. They came with me, all piling into my house. It recently had been renovated, and the apartments were bigger. My house was like a condo now, completely decorated to my taste. I whole room decorated like a boat. Blue walls, tan floors. A hammock. A fridge full of fish... Happy's room."I see why Happy lives here.'' Lisanna said in awe. "It looks amazing Luce.'' I thanked her. Natsu stared at the hammock. An exact replica of his.''Ah. That. Happy won't sleep without it.'' I explained. Natsu smiled. I could tell he missed him terribly. I was in a good mood.''Hey Natsu.'' I said. His head shot up and they all looked at me despite me only addressing him.''Yes?'' He asked. His voice sounded so upbeat when he talked to me. Proof we were best friends, though we weren't close anymore.''Happy left two days ago. He'll probably be back today. You guys are welcome to stay and wait for him. He usually comes straight in for a nap.'' Natsu's eyes watered slightly as he nodded. Then he unexpectedly hugged me.''Thanks.'' He murmured. I patted his back and he pulled away, allowing me my personal space. I went to my own room and grabbed my bag. On a board was every job I had taken since we got back. Erza and Gray instantly pointed, while Natsu and Lisanna had hung back in Happy's room.''Those are from the past six months.'' I explained. Their eyes grew huge. Then, they got serious. I knew it was coming.

''What is going on?'' Gray asked. Erza nodded.''First, you leave the team, saying Lisanna should join. Now, you are never at the guild. You love the guild- you used to want to be here 24/7. Is something wrong?'' I listened as they both listed all the changes they recognized in me. Then, answered.''Look. I miss being in team Natsu. Really. But we were growing apart anyways. You guys are a better team with Lisanna, and I am a better wizard when I don't have you guys to save me. It forced me into becoming stronger to protect myself. I am finally worthy of being called a Fairy Tail wizard. I started at the bottom. I'm working my way up. Nothing is wrong besides being lonely.'' The last part was something meant to stay in my mind, not be spoken. They basically fell over themselves next.''Join team Natsu again, then!'' Erza screamed. Gray nodded. I smiled and shook my head.''I don't belong in your group anymore. I'm a solo now.'' And I walked out of my room. Out of my house. To the train station where I climbed aboard and headed for my new job. And for the first time in the six months we had been back, I allowed myself to cry. I told myself I did not belong with them anymore. If it were true, why did it feel like I was home when we were together?

Natsu's P.O.V.

I had not seen Lucy in what seemed like forever. I wanted to say so many things to her. But how could I? If I am being honest with myself... I knew I was not in love with Lisanna. I had fallen in love with Lucy. Lisanna was that friend you've had forever, and you think you owe it to yourselves to see if you could be more. Then you realize its just not passionate. I was someone who wanted love to be like fireworks- beautiful and breath taking. Lisanna was like a best friend- a best friend who I kissed and who lived with me. I took pride in knowing she and I had never had sex. I am what you would call, old-fashioned. I believed in waiting until marriage. And until I was in love with someone. I wanted so badly to be in love with her. But Lucy was the only girl on my mind. When I was around her, it was like it was easier to breathe. She felt like home to me. And I knew why. As it was explained to me by Igneel, she was my mate. The only girl who would truly make me happy. How was I supposed to tell Lisanna I was in love with someone else? How was I supposed to tell Lucy she was born to be my wife? That's not exactly a normal conversation. I kept thinking about it, and then, somehow, everything in me changed. I told Lisanna I would be right back, that I was going to ask Lucy more about Happy, and went to her room. Still in the same place, still the same. I smiled to myself at how some things never changed. I saw Gray and Erza sitting on her bed, looking stunned. I got worried really fast.''What's wrong guys? Where did Lucy go?'' I asked them sitting down. Gray's shoulders slumped and he sighed. Woah. He looked crushed. Erza was the one to answer.''She even admitted she was lonely. That she missed being part of the team... and she still left! It's like she doesn't want to be happy since the stupid games! Saying she is now worth... Fairy Tail.'' Erza growled. I could tell it was out of frustration rather than anger.''Tell me what happened.'' I said grabbing her hand and giving it a squeeze before letting it go. Taking a deep breath, Erza began to explain everything that went down. Five minutes later I was on a war path. Pacing around the room, I resisted the urge to break things, keeping in mind this was Lucy's house.''Lucy should know she is a member of Fairy Tail by now. She should know she has always been worthy! And if she is lonely, she should just swallow her pride and say she wants to be on our team.'' I shouted, clenching and unclenching my fists. I had not felt anger like this in a long time. I missed this fire. Lisanna emerged from the room upon hearing the commotion. They caught her up, and with that, not waiting for anyone else, I tore out of her house, to the train station.''Where are you going, Natsu?'' Lisanna asked sweetly. Determined, I stated my intentions.''I'm going to get Lucy back.'' I ran as fast as I could, and made it. Made it a moment too late. The train started up, and I caught a glimpse of Lucy. Something was weird about her.... then I realized what it was. She was crying.''Dang it.'' I muttered out loud. ''I'll have to wait until the next-''''Natsu?'' A voice said behind me. My eyes prickled. I knew that voice so well. I whipped around to face him.''Happy.'' He paused for a moment. He and Carla were on either of Wendy's shoulders, her with a bag. They had just gotten back. The next second he was flying into my arms. I hugged the furry blue exceed to my chest.''I missed you so much.'' I murmured.''Aye!'' His voice quivered.''We should never stop hanging out again!'' I shouted. ''I need someone to help me eat two of everything out of the diner. And someone to fish with. And-'' He cut me off with his paw.''I know, Natsu.'' I had been so caught up with our reunion I forgot about Lucy briefly.''Happy. I need you to fly me to the train station this train is heading to. It's Lucy-'' Before I finished, I was lifted into the air and we were flying max-speed, beating the train's miles easily.''What about Lucy?'' Happy said as we slowed slightly. And so I explained everything. Once I had done that, I decided I wanted to tell Happy my darkest secret.''I'm not in love with her.'' I said softly.''Not in love with who?'' Happy asked, confused.''Lisanna. I love her, but not in a romantic way. More like a best friend way. I love someone else. My mate.'' I grinned.''Who? WHO!'' Happy demanded excitedly. I smirked.''I think you know who.''''The diner lady?'' Happy said. He sounded so serious, I knew he truly thought that. I laughed.''Lucy. I'm in love with Lucy.'' He stopped flying and we hovered mid-air.''What?!'' He exclaimed. I nodded, feeling hot for the first time in my life.''Since when?'' Happy asked,  a little more composed. I thought about it.''Since I've known her. I did not realize it until five months ago though. When she went on her first solo.'' Happy sighed in content.

''About time.'' He murmured.''What do you mean?'' I asked, dumbfounded.''It's just that-'' He covered his own mouth. ''Never mind.'' He shot out.''No. Tell me.'' I complained. He glanced at me. ''Natsu...''''Tell. Me.'' I interrupted. He rolled his eyes, but I could tell he was happy to tell me.''She is in love with you, too.'' My heart felt like it would explode. She loved me? She loved me. And I loved her.''How am I going to explain things to Lisanna?'' I asked him wistfully. He shrugged. He always seemed to take tension from me with the most idiotic things. A second later we were flying again. I moment later, I saw the train stopping. Saw people get off. Then, Lucy stepped off of the train. Taking deep breaths, I told Happy to drop me down there. Grinning, he did so, and I landed in front of her. She didn't look fazed, but she raised a brow.''What are you doing here, Salamander?'' Ouch. She sounded as cold as when Gajeel said it. Happy was no where to be seen. I told myself not to chicken out. This was Lucy. Lucy and I were so close before Lisanna. We could be that way again. No, we could be better. I knew we could. Once I confessed, she would say she loved me too and everything would work out. I made up my mind.''I came here for you, Lucy.'' I smiled at her. She rolled her eyes.''I'm busy. Go do your own jobs Na-'' I grabbed her and kissed her. I felt disappointed when she did not kiss back, but told myself she was too stunned to react.''What the-'' She cut herself off. I crossed my arms.''I came here for yo-'' She punched me. Hard. It wasn't enough to hurt me bad, and I moved my jaw back and forth, testing it.''What was that for?!'' I exclaimed.''You kissed me, jerk!'' She roared, scrubbing at her mouth. Pft. As if she didn't love it. A thought crossed my mind.''If this is about Lisanna...'' I trailed off. She laughed coldly.''You chose her once. You broke my heart. You didn't tell me to leave the team, but you ignored me and you all just talked to Lisanna. Lisanna this. Lisanna that. And she is really nice. Honestly, one of the best friends I have. But then you go and kiss me. Don't toy with me, Salamander.'' I saw her eyes were red and puffy. I was taken back her words.''You didn't tell me!'' I screamed at her, not meaning to be so harsh. She flinched but held her ground.''What? And ruin you and Lisanna?! You... you both looked so happy.'' She looked down at the ground. I went to touch her, but she was already moving away.''I have work to do.'' And Lucy just walked away from me. I hung back, watching her grab her duffle and head off in the opposite direction of me. I shook my head and ran after her.''Can we talk?'' I asked her. She shook her head.''Go back to the guild, Salamander.'' I really hated her calling me that. She had always called me by name... until here recently. Though we really didn't talk much anymore. Lucy stayed gone from the guild more than she was there, and often Lisanna and I would be out on a job when she dropped by the guild to get another job and say 'hi' to everyone. She'd changed. A lot. I decided to try another method than talking. I grabbed her by her shoulders and spun her around."We're talking." I stated, no longer having enough self control to ask."Oh, so now you control me? I'm not weak anymore, Natsu. I can take care of myself. I make my own decisions." Lucy said, her voice sounding a little high-pitched. Paranoid, even. I tried to utter a reply, stunned at her behavior."I-""Bye, Salamander." She shoved me back a little- a little being five feet. I was impressed. Since when had she been strong enough to do that? Oh, right. Since I started dating Lisanna and we all pretty much forgot about her. I ran a hand through my spiky salmon hair, watching as she no longer walked, but ran towards a small cluster of trees that led to a forest- a forest known for the worst rogues. A dark guild, Black Stallion (I know, weird name. Accept it peoples), used to have their guild hall in the center. Rumor has it that they still did. I clenched my fists. I couldn't just let my old partner run in there and get destroyed. Taking off in the same direction, I found her scent fairly easily, following it until she was but a mere twenty feet away from me. I stayed behind a tree, watching as a scene folded out before me: Lucy, summoning stars and comets to her hands, fighting on about seven rogues, all summoning shadow magic and shooting it towards her. Every time one came towards her, she held her hands up and the area was immediately lit by a  blinding white light that propelled them back. That is, until an eighth guy came out of nowhere and plowed into her from behind. The light was extinguished, and Lucy was sprawled on the ground before these bastards. I had a mind to run out there and kick their-

My thoughts were cut off when Lucy jumped to her feet and opened not one, not two, but three gates. Aquarius, Leo, and Virgo appeared. Together, they quickly demolished the enemies. I stared, gawking, and gave away my hiding place."Ah, Princess. Punishment time?" Virgo asked, smiling. The three celestial spirits all hugged her. Laughing together, I went unnoticed."You don't hardly ever summon us anymore, girl." Aquarius reprimanded. Lucy shrugged."You guys deserve some free time. Especially after all that you did for me in the games. Think of it as my thank you." Lucy replied smoothly. Loki shook his head, giving her a stern look."Luce, we want to be summoned. We enjoy being with you." Lucy smiled fondly at him, and nodded."I promise I'll summon you guys a bunch from now on- like, even for just killing bugs and-""Don't get too key-happy girl." Aquarius warned, though it sounded much more playful. How odd. She didn't summon them a lot anymore... what magic could she do besides that (not taking into account the small things like levitation)? The image of bright light in her palms came to mind, and I couldn't go ignored any longer. I came out completely. Lucy didn't seem to notice, but Loki did."Yo, Natsu!" He exclaimed, raising his arms. I chuckled, but choked and became quiet as Lucy looked at me, her expression unreadable. Pushing back the disappointment welling up inside me, I plastered a smile on my face and approached. Loki and I did an awkward dude hug, and after asking if Lucy needed anything further (which she said no to, and thanked them) Aquarius and Virgo left to have a girl's day. That left Lucy, Loki, and I. "How've ya been?" Loki asked, tossing Lucy a look, as if to say "when did you guys start working together again?". She shook her head, confirming my guess. My shoulders slumped. "I- well, good." I scratched behind my head. I don't know how Lucy did it. She stood there, calm and collected. She'd changed so much... it was mind baffling."You and Lisanna, huh?" he smirked, elbowing my arm. I shrugged, and looked down at my feet.

"Uh, that's not gonna work out..." Lucy's head snapped- even without seeing it, I felt her usually warm but now cold eyes glaring at me."Why not?" she barked. She sounded offended for Lisanna. "She hasn't done anything.""Yes, I know that!" I snapped, looking up. Loki studied the two of us."Oh- did you finally confess to Lucy, Natsu?" Loki flashed me a devilish grin. I rolled my eyes, but nodded."Yeah, thanks for the heads up. Everyone seems to know how I feel before I do myself.""You're welcome buddy." Yeah, screw you too Loki. I thought to myself. Lucy seemed to tense up at this, and without warning, she hugged Loki."Stop by the guild more. Just let me know and I'll open your gate so you can stay without getting drained." He looked at her worriedly."With all the jobs you take? Pft. I need to stay energized in case you need me.""I'll be fine.""What about that giant python that came at you in Alcalyphia?" Loki shot back. Python? Alcalyphia? What in the world..."Yeah, that sucked.""You got eaten!""Yup... thanks for coming to my rescue." he shook his head in disdain."Be more cautious, Luce. You're gonna give me a heart attack one of these days.""What happened to Loki the stud?" Lucy smirked."What happened to the old Lucy?" he shot back. Her smiled faltered."She got stronger." she whispered back. Loki looked mortified. Clearly, he'd treaded on forbidden territory. Then, Lucy was smiling again at him."I mean it, though. Start coming to Fairy Tail again. We miss ya.""We miss you, too." I murmured, earning a dirty look from her. I shot it back to her. I couldn't stay quiet."Natsu, tread carefully..." Loki muttered. I was too fired up, and we both knew it."Lucy, how can YOU tell him to come see the guild? That we miss him? You're never there to know, and news flash: we miss you. I miss you." I ranted. She stood a little taller, and curse my hormones. I found it extremely sexy."You know what? Maybe I was sick of feeling useless! Maybe, just maybe, I didn't want to stick around and be forgotten. Or be the fricking third wheel." she shoved me- note to self: don't stand too close to her, she shoves me way too often. "Where are you getting that whole 'useless' crap from, Lucy?! Do you know how pissed I was when I walked into your room and found Gray and Erza without you? Do you know how much it enraged me to hear them say you had said you were lonely, and that you were 'finally worth Fairy Tail'? You should already know you're worth Fairy Tail!" I growled, grabbing her and pulling her to me despite her protests. "You've never been seen as weak to us." Loki cleared his throat, awkwardly."Well, I'm gonna let you two work this out... bye!" Poof. He vanished. And then there were two. It came to my attention that she hadn't pulled away. That she was letting me hold her. I grinned to myself, thinking I'd made her see the truth. I closed my eyes and breathed in her scent, everything inside of me calming. It was like all my worries faded away when I was with her. Holding her had given me a sense of relaxation I hadn't had since I started dating Lisanna those many months ago. Guilt washed over me for a split second, but then I told myself that it was Lisanna. She'd understand, if I explained the dragon slayer-mate thing. She was the first (aside from Lucy) to understand what it meant when Gajeel and Levy announced they were mates to the guild. Did that mean Lucy would understand me, too? I took a deep breath, and was about to speak when she pulled away, and walked over to the rogues she'd just defeated. Sniffling, she wiped her eyes. For a moment, I saw the Lucy I'd always known. Then, just as quickly, it vanished as she slung their unconscious bodies over her shoulder, huffing.

"What're you doing?" I asked softly. "Why were you crying?" She scowled."It's nothing, Salamander. But since you crashed my job, help me lug these scum bags to the jail." Sighing, and understanding the argument was done for, I did as she asked and followed her. After we'd dropped them off, she got the reward and handed it to me. 200,000 jewel. Dude. "Um... Lucy, what is this for?" I asked, dumbfounded. Why'd she give it to me? Shrugging, she placed her hands on her lips."I'm gonna get another job when we get back, so you can keep that for helping me carry these guys." I stared at her. I hated this feeling.Like we were ONLY co-workers. Not even that on most days. I tried to hand it back to her, but she refused it."Considerate it payment. I would have to get help to bring them back here from Loki or Tarus if you didn't show up." This coldness left me feeling empty and sad. I wanted it to be like it was before."I'll accept it... on one condition." I spoke, licking my lips. Lucy raised her eyebrows at me. I held my hands up."So... there's a CONDITION for me giving you 200,000 jewel?""Well when you say it that way I sound dumb..." I mumbled, pouting. She smiled for half a second, before it vanished."What's your 'condition'?" I perked up instantly."I want you to go on a job with Gray, Erza, Happy, and myself.""Don't forget Lisanna." She said, crossing her arms. The only way to make her understand was to just come out and say it. I gulped."Lucy... I have to tell you something. It'll explain why I can't be with Lisanna." She sighed, but nodded.

"Might as well get it over with." she stated. I took her hand and tugged her to a private place. Blowing out a breath, I began."Okay. So you know how Gajeel and Levy are mates?" she nodded."I assume she explained it to you, am I right?""Yes, she did. I don't get where you're going with this, though." Lucy said, scrunching up her eyebrows."Well..." I can do this. I can sooo do this. "You're my mate." She went still, for about 5 seconds. Then she totally freaked out on me like how she used to when I would come into her house through her window. This lasted for a while, until I couldn't take it any more."Are you going to reject me?" I asked quietly. Lucy went still, quiet."I- Natsu..." her eyes softened slowly. I closed my eyes, letting her voice wrap around me. She'd finally said my name. "This is- I don't- you have to give me a minute to think." She struggled. Her voice sounded near to tears. My eyes flew open, and sure enough, she had big tears in her eyes. My own widened, and I pulled her to my chest.

"Hey, don't cry... oh gods don't cry, Lucy." I whispered in her ear. She shook a little as she fought them off."What am I supposed to do?" She whispered. In that moment, I wanted to die. Her voice sounded so full of pain, so sorrowful. 

"Well, if you're asking me... I'd go with not rejecting me. Just a suggestion." I said lightly. She didn't laugh. Instead, she stood straight up, wiped her tears away, and she hardened her expression until it was stone cold. 

"I'll take accepting this into consideration," my shoulders instantly fell, and for the first time in my life, it's like all the fire had went out of me... 

"What did you expect?" Her voice was harsh.

"I EXPECTED you to accept me," I shot back at her. Lucy clenched her fists. 

"You don't get to do that." I stared at her like she'd suddenly grown two extra heads. "You don't get to tell me and make me choose. I have to think about it." 

"What's there to think about?" I asked, grabbing for her hands. She jumped backward. 

"If I want to be with you. Forever. If I want a relationship period."

"... so where does this leave us?" I asked.

"I agreed to do a job with Team Natsu, but this doesn't change a thing. You and I are comrades, members of the same guild." No air. At all. 

"Nothing else?" She hesitated before answering. 

"Nothing else." Pressing her lips into a firm line, she turned on her heel and continued towards the train station so she could return to the guild. I followed silently, dreading the ride. Stupid dragon slaying motion sickness. I was about to purchase a ticket when Happy flew out of nowhere offering to take me back to Magnolia. Just then, the train pulled out of the station. I just nodded and let Happy fly me there. Halfway, he asked me the unavoidable question: how'd Lucy react?

"She... she didn't reject me, but she didn't accept me either." That's all I could really say, because up until that moment, I hadn't faced the wonder plaguing me. What was I going to do? 

"Lucy'll come around. You don't know how many nights the dreams of you. Tosses and turns, and-" 

"And what?" I asked, biting my lip. 

"Crying." I felt a pang in my chest. She'd cried for me? I thought about all the nights I'd laid awake thinking about her... but never having the guts to go to her. Instead, I'd started dating Lisanna, ignored Lucy to make the doubts stop (I was unsuccessful), and let the chips fall where they may. 

"I screwed up." I muttered in disappointment. 

"Aye." Happy submitted. 

"Don't give me 'aye'!" I exclaimed and went silent, keeping my eyes peeled for Magnolia.