FLASHBACK SOUNDS FLASHBACK SOUNDS FLASHBACK SOUNDS

Natsu kicked a small pebble as he and Happy were heading to the guild. His head was in the clouds as he thought about his partner, Lucy. It had been two weeks since the guild had defeated the demons of Tartaros and Natsu hadn't seen Lucy since that party the guild had to celebrate their victory, but even then, he barely remembered it. He missed her deeply.

He had never felt this way about any one before. Lucy was always on his mind and he could never stop thinking about her. He admired everything about her: her beauty, her intelligence, and even if she didn't see it, her strength. A tender smile graced Natsu's face as he thought about his Celestial Spirit mage. He could hear Happy giggling next to him and turned to the blue exceed flying beside him.

"What are you laughing about?" he asked scrunching his eyebrows.

"You're making this really weird face," Happy chuckled, "your starting to become a bigger weirdo than Lushi!" Natsu laughed along with his friend.

"Happy, no one can be a bigger weirdo than Luce."

"Aye, Sir!" Happy cheered. Natsu pushed the new guild doors open as him and Happy finally arrived at the guildhall.

"Hey everyone!" Natsu yelled. He got a few replies as he neared the bar. He took a seat beside his friend slash rival, Gray Fullbuster. Gray was talking with Mirajane about the new renovations to the guildhall.

"Mira, are there any job requests yet," he asked leaning in closer to the white haired bar maid.

"There should be a few. Were you thinking of going on a mission with Lucy," Mira asked, a smirk on her face. Natsu being the dense idiot he was, didn't understand what she was trying to imply and just told her no.

"I was just going to take a solo mission. Lucy is still locked up in her house." Gray had heard everything the two had been talking about and grumbled.

"She's probably tired of seeing that stupid face of yours everyday." Natsu glared at him, banging his forehead against Gray's.

"Are you trying to start a fight Droopy eyes?" Gray pushed Natsu back with his forehead with the same amount of force "Only if you think you can beat me for once Squinty eyes." Mira could tell where this was heading and pushed to two boys apart.

"Guys, Erza is in the guildhall." Upon hearing the Titania's name, the two of them let they're built up anger drop and returned to their own business. Mira turned to the pink haired dragon slayer.

"Natsu, there is some stuff in storage I was wondering if you could move. Elfman hasn't come in yet." Natsu nodded, standing from his seat and walking to the guilds storage room. He found the things Mira was talking about and moved them to their proper locations. When he finished, he was about to leave when he found someone else standing in the storage room's doorframe. It was Lisanna, Natsu's childhood friend. She looked extremely nervous as Natsu observed her fiddling with her orange shirt.

"Yo Lisanna, what's up?" he asked, giving her his famous fanged smile. He could hear Lisanna gulp and wondered if something was wrong. Lisanna's eyes fell on the floor in front of her.

"N-Natsu, can I talk to you f-for a m-minute? I-It won't t-take very long." Natsu raised an eyebrow before nodding his head. Lisanna inched a little closer to him, eyes still on the floor.

"So, what did you wanna talk about, and did we have to talk in the storage room?" he asked. He didn't like spending too much time in here; the herbs and spices were messing with his normally acute nose. He couldn't even pick out Lisanna's scent and she was only a few inches away from him.

"W-Well, yes we do," she said. Natsu could see a large blush appear on her face .He waited for her to continue.

"Well Natsu, there's something I-I wanted to tell y-you since we were young." Lisanna's eyes finally met Natsu's as determination spread through her, "I-I, I love you!"

Natsu's eyes grew larger. He had not been expecting a confession. Natsu believed he understood the concept of love, but now knowing Lisanna was in love with him made him question just how much he thought he understood.

"I have since we were little, an I always hoped we would become a real husband and wife and start a real family. So, I guess I'm trying to say, will you be my boyfriend?"

Natsu didn't know what to say. He never really saw Lisanna as a girlfriend, and strangely, he felt that if he did agree, he would be betraying someone. But Natsu didn't want to hurt Lisanna; they had known each other since they were eleven. He started to think that it might not be a terrible idea to agree, if things didn't work out, he could always break up with her right? Realizing he hadn't responded, Natsu scratched the back of his head.

"Um sure, I guess I could be your boyfriend."

Lisanna's eye grew huge. Suddenly a large smile grew on her face. Lisanna jumped on Natsu, catching him off guard.

"Thank you Natsu! I love you so much!" Natsu felt like he should say that too, but his body wouldn't let him; it didn't feel right. Letting go of him, Lisanna grabbed Natsu's hand and dragged him back into the guildhall.

"MINNA, guess what? Natsu and I are dating!"

A large amount of the guild cheered and began congratulating the new couple, however Natsu could see some people were not as enthusiastic about the news.

The first person he noticed was Levy. She was staring at the doors to the guildhall when Lisanna had first revealed their relationship, but Natsu noticed that after she had said that, a very shocked and distressed look appeared on her face. Why she was distressed, Natsu did not know.

Another person he noticed was not happy with this was Cana. She was sitting crisscross on top of a table, which was occupied by Macao and Wakaba. The two men were cheering happily while Cana was gaping at something in her hands. Upon further examination, Natsu could see they were some of her fortune telling cards. Natsu tried listening to what the small group was saying.

"We won!" Macao cheered throwing his arms in the air. Wakaba turned to Cana expectantly.

"Pay up. We told you Natsu and Lisanna would get together. Childhood friendships always pull it off," he said, however Cana was still staring at her deck.

"How-How's this possible," she asked herself, trembling slightly, "My-my cards are never wrong. NEVER WRONG!" Natsu finally understood that the group had taken bets on his and Lisanna's relationship status and apparently Cana had bet on something else. He was curious as to what Cana believed would happen, but his attention was drawn to the last person who wasn't cheering for him and Lisanna; The last person he ever expected.

Gray.

Gray was leaning up against the bar counter, staring at the couple with a sad look in his dark blue eyes. Juvia was sitting next to him, also noticing his unusual attitude. She placed a hand on his naked shoulder due to the fact he had misplaced his shirt. Gray did not look at her or even freak out that she was so close to him, which concerned the Rain Woman even more.

"Gray-sama? Is everything okay," she asked. In a ghost of a whisper, Juvia and Natsu could hear Gray speak.

"This is wrong."

Gray said nothing more as he straightened himself up and exited the guildhall. Natsu couldn't understand what he meant and he wanted to go ask him, but his new girlfriend was clinging to his left arm, making it hard to escape. Deciding against chasing after him, Natsu tried to enjoy the rest of the day as the guildhall broke into a full out party.

About a week later, Natsu was sitting with Lisanna, Happy, and Gray at the bar. Lisanna was having a conversation with her sister and Happy while Natsu was watching Gray. Since the day Natsu and Lisanna had gotten together, Natsu and Gray hadn't really spoke to each other, or even fought like they normally did. Nobody knew why.

Just then, Erza came and joined the group, tapping the two boys on the shoulders.

"Natsu, Gray, I was wondering if you boys wanted to go on a mission. Requests are coming in and Lucy needs rent money soon."

Hearing Lucy's name came as a surprise to Natsu. Almost another week had passed and she still hadn't come to the guild. She was being an even bigger weirdo than usual.

"Are you sure she'll come Erza? She still hasn't come out of her apartment." Everyone near the bar was surprised when Erza banged Natsu on the head with her metal hand.

"Honestly Natsu, and you call yourself her best friend. Of course she'll come. She told me she would when she came to the guild on Tuesday." Happy, Gray, and Natsu were all shocked to hear this news. None of them were aware she had even come into the hall, however alarm began to fill Gray as he remembered what had happened on Tuesday.

"I didn't see Lushi that day," Happy said looking at Natsu questioningly; Natsu just shook his head, unaware she had come either.

"Well then lets go get her," said Erza. Before anyone at the bar could move, an uncomfortable feeling of dread overcame the group. Erza turned around to find Master Makarov staring at them. In his hands were two letters.

"I'm afraid," he started, taking one of the letters and holding it in front of the redhead woman, "you won't find her there."

Confused by the masters grim attitude, Erza took the envelop from his hand and pulled out the letter. She read it over carefully. All the people at the bar watched as tears began to build in Erza's eyes. Everyone began to grow increasingly worried; Erza Scarlet rarely ever cried. Finally, Erza found her voice as she read the letter to her team.

Dear Erza, Gray, Happy, and Natsu,

By the time you receive this letter, I will have already left the guild and settled down far away from here. I know it's hard to understand, but I cannot tell you my reasons for leaving. You all are my precious, most treasured friends, and I am honored to have been a part of your team. I hope you will all continue to have happy lives and go on plenty more adventures. Gray and Natsu, try not to beat each other up too much and Erza, try to go easy on them when they ruin your cake. I wish you luck Happy as you try to woo Carla. I will miss all of you and you all will have a special place in my heart.

Sincerely,

Lucy Heartfilia

By now, everyone in the guildhall had heard what had happened to their beloved Celestial Spirit mage. Levy was brought to tears as she clung to Gajeel, who didn't argue with her actions. Mira had brought her hands to her mouth, trying to keep a sob from erupting from her lips. Gray had his fist clenched, trying not to punch anyone because of all his built up anger. Happy did not bother trying to hide his tears and wails. Natsu just stood there, trying to process what Erza just read.

"She's lying. S-She has to be lying," he thought to himself. Lucy would never leave them. Natsu was pulled out of his thoughts by the guild masters voice.

"There is one more letter," he said lifting the other letter, holding it out to Natsu, "It's addressed to you Natsu." Natsu's hand trembled as he reached for the letter. He didn't know what he'd find written on the paper, but he knew he wouldn't like it. He slowly pulled the letter out of it's envelope and unfolded it. Natsu read the letter.

Dear Natsu,

I wanted to give you a separate letter from the rest of the team because there are some things I have to tell you that just cannot be shared with the others. I understand if you don't feel the same way, but I cannot let my feelings be left unsaid.

Natsu, I love you. When I am with you, I can't help but feel happy. You helped me find a true home and family and I can never thank you enough for that. I truly do love you.

I have for a very long time, and it's because I love you that I need to do this if it means the best future for the both of us. I hope that one day you will understand. Promise me you won't forget me. I wish you and Lisanna a happy future!

I love you,

Lucy Heartfilia.

A tear fell from Natsu's eyes and onto the paper. His lower lip trembled as he reread the "I love you" at the very end. Natsu rubbed his eyes. How could he be so stupid? The feelings he had toward Lucy were so clear now.

Love

He loved Lucy.

But now she was gone.

"Natsu," he heard Lisanna say beside him. Natsu didn't know if he could take it anymore. Lisanna tried putting a hand on his shoulder, only for Natsu to flinch away.

"Sorry," he whispered, "I-I need a moment." Natsu wasted no more time bolting out of the guild. Lisanna called his name, trying to go after him, only for her to be pulled back. A firm hand was on her arm. She looked over her shoulder; surprised to find it was Gray that stopped her from chasing after her new boyfriend. Gray shook his head, his eyes scrunched as he fought his own tears.

"Don't," he said softly, "Give him time."

Many people in the guild started shouting, saying they had to find their missing guild mate, however, the master silenced all of them.

"This is a journey that Lucy must endure on her own. If you all truly care for her, you will let her go."

There was no more discussion on the matter. As much as they all wanted to run out those doors and look for Lucy, they all knew the master was right. Who were they to decide her fate? The master's eyes fell upon the door that Natsu had just ran out of. He sighed, concerned not only for Lucy's wellbeing, but for Natsu's as well.

Natsu ran through the streets of Magnolia, bumping into people as he tried to reach his end destination.

Lucy's apartment.

When he reached her apartment building, he scaled the wall and climbed in through her window.

"Lucy!" he called out as he entered the bedroom. There was no answer. Natsu began searching the entire flat. All of Lucy's furniture was still there, apart from some of her clothes, the only thing not there was Lucy. Natsu fell on his knees, reality finally coming down on him.

"Lucy," he whispered desperately. Why didn't he realize his feelings sooner? Why did he have to be so dense? Natsu let his body lay on the floor, not finding the strength to stand. There he lay, crying until he soon cried himself to sleep. He was awoken when a thin blanket was placed on his body. It was dark out and Natsu wondered how long he had been asleep.

"I turned the heater off. You'll catch a cold." Natsu turned his attention to the opposite side of Lucy's room. In the corner stood Lucy's landlady. Natsu sat up, eyes on the floor in front of him. "I take it she didn't tell you she was leaving," she said, Natsu nodded.

The landlady sighed, eyes traveling around the room.

"I'm keeping it reserved, just like the last seven years she was gone. And I'll clean it when I have the chance." Natsu found her gesture sweet and kind considering her scary exterior. The woman continued speaking, "Since you meant so much to her, If there's anything in here you think would be better off with you, I won't stop you from taking it."

Natsu looked around the room. Nothing in particular came to mind; however, Natsu found something her was surprised Lucy left behind.

Her mother's letters.

Natsu stood, the blanket falling off him. He inched toward the shelf where the box sat. He took the small box in his hands, finding it heavier than he imagined. Natsu knew how important her mother was to Lucy and he knew she would want these kept safe. Natsu looked over his shoulder to the scary landlady in the corner.

"I'll take these, if you don't mind." The woman nodded in understanding.

"Is there anything else you want?" she asked.

"Yeah, can I have the bed?"

The landlady nodded. Deciding to give him some alone time, she left the room, leaving Natsu in Lucy's empty apartment. He stood in the center of the room, letting the silence envelop him. Finding himself grow tired, he strolled over to Lucy's bed, well his bed now, and laid down on the comforter, not bothering to crawl into the blankets.

Natsu thought of Lucy, wondering if she was okay wherever she was. Tomorrow he would have to take the box and the bed back to his house. Natsu held the box closer to his chest as he closed his eyes. Stuffing his nose into the pillow, he breathed in the vanilla and lavender scent he had grown to love. Natsu soon fell asleep, holding the box of letters, while tears slipped through his closed eyelids.