Song: Te Extraño
                         By: Jurrivh

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Gray

It was three days before the wedding. Somehow, we all managed to get everything set in a matter of two days' time than what should've been over a month. The bridesmaids had their red gowns as Erza had her white wedding dress. The groomsmen were all prepared just like the groom himself. Some people were arriving to see Jellal and Erza be wedded after we sent the invitations out. There were mages that came from different guilds like Blue Pegasus, Mermaid Heel, and even Lamia Scale. All that was left was the bachelor and bachelorette party for the couple. What Natsu was planning for Jellal, I had no clue.

I was currently sitting outside on the stairway that allows anyone to enter the castle entrance. The cool autumn breeze as the sun bathed warmth across the land made it feel suitable. The only thing that would actually make all of this perfect is if Lucy and Natsu managed to pull themselves out of their depression. It wasn't hard to see they were still mourning. Adroath made an impact on both of their lives for not only helping them learn their true potential but for being an old friend in their past lives. Of course, I was saddened by Adroath's death, but it was different between us and the two lovebirds. Unlike the rest of Fairy Tail, they actually had history. So it's understandable that from time to time, Lucy would doze off in the distance as her dull brown eyes appear to glisten by what were tears. Natsu would one moment just be talking to one of us until he would just shut down. These past two months haven't been kind to either of them.

What's even worse is Lucy's secrets. The way Natsu is acting he still doesn't know. Lucy hasn't told anyone besides me; the guilt of knowing so much was beginning to take hold of me. I can keep secrets with no problem, but again, this was different. What I know and don't know can change Fairy Tail's life. If it's true that the Gods are after Lucy then why haven't they done it? I'm sure they could even if she was immortal! Something isn't adding up, but if I ask Lucy, she'll only push aside my question. Gaining answers from her would do me no good. Perhaps there's someone else that knows the answer about the Gods. Maybe... Hades can point me in the right direction.

"Hey, Ice Princess!" That's a name I haven't heard in a while. I scoffed not even needing to look to know who it was. "Well if it ain't the Fiery Mouth Breather." I sarcastically announced clapping my hands at a slow pace. The pink-haired moron sat next to me after punching my shoulder. "Ow! Hey, watch yourself punk I don't feel like fighting!" Natsu leaned back placing his hand over his forehead to gain shade for his eyes. "Me neither."

"So why call me a stupid nickname if you don't want to start a fight?" I rubbed my shoulder with a tick mark on my head. Natsu took his hand away from his eyes. "Can I talk to you?" I rolled my eyes. "Oh, Gods don't get sentimental on me Flame Brain."

"HEY, I REALLY NEED TO TALK SO SHUT UP!" Natsu griped moving his arms up and down. "Besides, it's actually serious. I hate your guts but I feel as though I can trust you enough to not tell anyone! I'm serious Gray!" Man, this is giving me déjà vu. Not only am I gonna have to keep secrets for Lucy, but now Flame Breath as well!? Do they not know how to communicate?! "Fine, fine I won't tell anyone! And I won't make fun of you since you genuinely look serious." Natsu nodded. "Good. I've been wanting to get this off my chest for a while. It's kind of been a lot for me to even handle, and I need an honest opinion. Please don't think I'm being a cheesy romantic or if I'm going crazy. Just, listen while I explain." Natsu looked like he had a lot to tell, but he didn't even know where to begin. This was the first time I've ever seen him so...exhausted. "Natsu, it's alright. Just tell me what's going on."

Natsu sighed before rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Gods, where do I even start? I suppose it began two months back. When Lucy and I left for Aria, I've been reliving through this dream over and over while I sleep. It's always the same, and ends the same." A dream? Hang on a moment, Natsu is connected to a mystical being that's his girlfriend. Lucy can see premonitions, but only while she's sleeping. Can Natsu see premonitions now that he has a piece of Lucy's soul? "It starts off with me screaming Lucy's name. She's trapped by this void of darkness as I'm trying to reach her in time. I call and beg her to reach out to me. To just take my hand..." Natsu looked down with a sorrowful gaze. "But no matter how hard I try to reach for her, I'm always being held back against my will. Something...or someone, always attempt to pull me away from reaching Lucy. I never know who or what tries to, but they always fail at the end of my dream." The Dragon Mage fidgeted with his hands, scratching his nail over his palm. "I can never tear my eyes away from hers'. When I call out to Lucy one last time, she only closes her dull brown eyes and lowers her head in defeat. The only thing she tells me is that she's sorry...until she's consumed by the void." Natsu let out a shuddered breath. "By the time I free myself I'm too late. She just...disappears."

"Natsu it's only a nightmare. We all know the Gods are up to no good when it comes to Lucy; especially that snake Daniel isn't making our lives easier. So nightmares are a common symptom to stressing over someone you love." The Dragon Mage just sighed deeply. "I'm not finished. When Lucy's gone, I change."

"Change? What do you mean?" Natsu rubbed his hands together while in deep thought. "I change, Gray. I've lived through this nightmare so many times I can tell you that at the end of my dream that I'm no longer myself. I turn into a different person as I become almost... lifeless. Maybe the right term is emotionless? It's so hard to explain because everything just becomes numb as all feelings inside me are just evaporated from existence. It feels like my soul was torn out of me!" That last sentence caught my attention. If what I'm hearing is true, I believe Natsu just told me he becomes a Half-Soul. Other than Lucy, Natsu knows what it feels like to lose a part of your very soul. Somehow, the idiot managed to explain without even realizing the obvious fact. "Natsu, is this true? Has this nightmare reoccur every time you sleep?" Natsu scoffed at me in return. "What do you think I'm lying? I've lost hours of sleep because of this Gray! It's the only thing I watch every time I close my eyes!" So then my theory must be true, Natsu is witnessing a premonition. But I don't understand when it happens, or this 'void of darkness' either. It could be a symbolic meaning, but Lucy can't die! How can Natsu turn into a Half-Soul if Lucy doesn't have to power to lose her life? It doesn't make any sense. "Gray! Are you gonna answer me or not!?"

"What? Sorry I...I just zoned out for a minute." The breeze eventually grew calmer by the sound of the tree branches dying down. Natsu put his hand in his pocket before looking away. "I said my nightmares must be a sign of some sort. Lucy told me that dreams always have a symbolic meaning, so if what I see is me losing Lucy once again, I can't allow that to happen." I nodded in agreement. "That's right, which is why you should always be by her side no matter what. You are her boyfriend after all. Just, stay close to her and I'm sure your nightmares will stop." Natsu lowered his head until his bangs covered his eyes. "No, I think I've decided on something else." Natsu's statement made me confused. "Uuuh...I don't understand." Natsu, very hesitantly, pulled a small object out of his pocket. Just seeing the shape and size my heart fell with a sudden sickness swelling in my stomach.

It was a black velvet box.

'Natsu, don't tell me that's a ring...' My thought spoke hoping I didn't say what I told myself out loud for him to have heard. Natsu didn't say anything but instead opened the velvet box open for me to see. Sure enough, it was a gorgeous engagement ring. The stone in the center was a white diamond that was cut into a star with the band being white gold to make the star cut pop out for appearance. It was very simple, and yet perfect for Lucy. "I'm going to ask Lucy to marry me, Gray." Natsu finally spoke smiling down at the ring in his palm. "What if this nightmare is a sign Gray? If I lose her again... without even popping the question to her, then how can I live with myself? I want Lucy to know that I love her more than anything that can ever be or will be. She's my whole world, and I'm ready to take the next step with her in this game of life." This was my nightmare. I know this is what Lucy has wished with all of her heart. But she has realized she can never have the choice of getting married. Lucy told me herself she can't have anything if it only means it'll be lost by time...

"I don't want to leave Fairy Tail! I want to go on more adventures...I want to marry Natsu...I want to start a family of my own! But how can I have any of that when I can only breathe for eternity?..."

If Natsu proposes to Lucy, I know that it will shatter her already fragile heart. But how could I stop this idiot to ask the woman he loves to marry him? This is something that has gone beyond my control. "Natsu, you've two have only been dating for over half a year. Don't you think it's too soon to ask the big question?" Natsu became puzzled by my question. "Well, I suppose we've only been dating for a small amount of time. However, I've known Lucy for years. I basically know all of her secrets! So, what's wrong asking so soon?" Natsu if only you understood what was wrong about this. "Th-There's nothing wrong! I guess I'm just shocked you of all people would want to get married. Who knows maybe Lucy isn't ready to take that next step yet. Have you both talked about your future together?"

"No, not at all actually. When we first started dating she was still a Half-Soul, so she had a difficult time showing me her affection and support. And then she left for three months to train with Gwen, but after that, we really became close because she could feel emotions again. During the Games we talked a little bit about the future, but not about being married. Then Gwen died, and she was a complete mess after that, but I still stayed by her side. She saved me when my soul was burning by Solantir's flame, and she did her best to try and save Adroath. Regardless of the outcome, Lucy kept fighting for the people she loved even if it meant she was hurt in the process. I don't care if we haven't talked about marriage together. All I want is to be with the woman I love."

This was a completely different Natsu Dragneel. When I first met this moron he was reckless and a complete idiot. But now he's grown into a man that just wants to be with his woman. He seems more agile and open-minded rather than being a battle-craving Mage. Natsu wants to protect the guild because we're his family, but he wants to protect Lucy because he loves her more than anything. He's waited for her which has taught him patience. He's become a strategist in battle so Lucy could stay away from harm. Lucy has changed Natsu and made him evolved into a mature adult. All the while I know Lucy will say no if Natsu asks for her hand in marriage. In the end, everything Natsu has built will only come tumbling down.

"Before you go popping the question let's get through this wedding. It would be rude of you to propose to Lucy during Erza and Jellal's big day. Give it time, and perhaps talk to Lucy to see if marriage is something she wants for the future." I hope what I'm hinting at Natsu actually helps him realize to not go through with his idea. The Dragon Mage was silent for a moment. "Why wouldn't Lucy want to get married? I know she's talked about it so what's so wrong of me asking her?" I unconsciously rubbed the back of my neck. "Well, sometimes people change their minds. First, you want to make sure, right?"

"Yeah, you have a point." Gods, sometimes I have to remind myself that Natsu is still an idiot. "Okay. Don't throw your knee down until after and the wedding and talking to Lucy first. Agree?" Natsu rolled his eyes. "Yes, Gray I'll agree. Though I highly doubt Lucy has changed her mind." I swallowed my throat to avoid answering his question. What I am praying is that he doesn't just walk up to Lucy and plainly asks if they want to get married later in life. Then again, how is he gonna ask if he can't be blunt about it? I've done all I can to help Natsu not push Lucy over, and hopefully, Lucy will try to let him down gently if he ignores my advice and proposes.

It's not fair for either of them. It's especially not fair to that idiot Pyro Freak. If I could just tell him what I know then none of this won't happen, but I swore to Lucy I would never tell a soul and that includes Natsu. However, I want to tell him more than ever so he can avoid this heartbreak. "Anyway," I began after we were sitting in silence for a bit. "what do you have planned for the bachelor party? You know that's your job to do right?" Natsu chuckled waving me off. "Don't underestimate me Droopy Eyes. Tomorrow, we're going camping!" I sweatdropped at his response. "We're camping for Jellal's bachelor party!? That's the most boring thing you can do at a bachelor party!" In return, Natsu scoffed with an appalling face. "I'm the Best Man! So you're gonna suck it up and like it dammit!" I groaned at this idiot next to me.

Camping...oh so much fun...

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To be honest I don't like camping. I'll stay in a log house, but tents are not for me, hehe.
As always... love you all!❤️