Okay, so I began writing this a while ago... like three months ago. Now that I'm posting it however, I realise that it doesn't match with the canon story line (at least the first two chapters anyway). I won't say why, because I want to avoid spoiling it for people who watch the anime. But if you're up to date in the manga you'll understand what I'm talking about. Despite the inaccuracy, I still wanted to post this story.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this slightly angst, slightly funny, fluffy ball of drama that I've created about our favourite salamander and celestial spirit mage.

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN FAIRY TAIL, IF I DID ALL MY SHIPS WOULD BE CANON.

Chapter 1: Goodbye

"Drink up!" Cana yelled, downing another barrel of sake.
Lucy looked on in awe, it never ceased to amaze her how much some of her guild mates could drink in one night. Especially the Card Magic mage that sat on one of the tables laughing heartily.
Despite the occasion, Cana seemed happy enough, maybe she was just happy for the excuse to celebrate and drink. Lucy decided it didn't matter. Everyone was having fun and that was what was important.

The entire guild was alive with laughter and music, Wakaba and Macao were joking together, Gajeel sung on stage while Levy tried very hard to pretend she wasn't staring like a love-sick school girl, Natsu and Happy were dancing on the tables, and everyone was genuinely having a good time.

"Can you believe it?" Lisanna asked Lucy, who sat beside her at the bar.

Lucy couldn't help but smile to herself, truthfully, she did. And, looking at the colourful banner that now hung above them, she had to admit that she'd believed it all along.
But, she knew that wasn't what the petite, white haired mage had meant, so she shook her head.

"It's not what you'd picture those two celebrating," Lucy replied. Because looking at the rosy-haired mage bouncing from one foot to the other, a toothy grin plastered on his face as he danced with his blue best friend. You'd never guess that it was that guy they were celebrating. Nor would you guess, that he'd just become an S-Class Wizard.

"I'm happy for him." Mira-Jane commented, as she washed dishes behind the bar, "Natsu worked very hard for it."

Lucy nodded in agreement, recalling the weeks of vigorous training and solo missions with Happy that Natsu had started as soon as Makarov announced that after seven years, they would be resuming the S-Class test.

"He sure did, I hope it doesn't go to his head though." Lucy sighed, as Natsu reminded Erza again of how he'd beaten her in one of the challenges.

"I'm sure he won't, it's Natsu after all." Lisanna said.
"Don't worry Lucy, I'm positive Natsu won't stop going on missions with you just because he's S-Class now, if that's what you're worried about." Mira added, giving Lucy a worried look.
Lucy fought back a blush, "w-why would I be worried about that?!" she said hurriedly, not looking at either of the blue eyed sisters.

"Why act so defensive Lucy?" Lisanna asked keenly, Lucy, afraid to answer was saved when Makarov's voice came booming through the guild.

"Mina! Quiet down, we have some words for our newest S-Class mage!" Their master shouted, the guild settled down as Erza took the stage.

"I always looked on you as a younger brother, someone I needed to protect. Over the years it has become clear that your strength would someday surpass mine. Many times, you have been the one protecting me, I look forward to seeing how much further you can succeed." Erza finished proudly, before handing the mike to Grey.

"Congrats flame-head, even though I'm pretty sure you cheated." Grey began, which warranted a shout from Natsu "as if pervert!"
Grey ignored him, "I am glad for you. But you just wait Natsu, next time I definitely won't lose!" Grey promised and Natsu smiled in agreement.

Next was Elfman, but he really didn't have much to say except the usual "Well done, no you're a man!"

After a while Makarov returned to the mic. "Fairy Tail!" He cried, causing everyone to turn their heads. "Today one of our children has grown up," He said, turning to the fire dragon-slayer, "Natsu, I've always had the most trouble with you. You're destructive, impulsive and you've been a giant pain in my-"
"Master!" Mira cut him off.

Makarov continued "Neck, I was going to say neck!" he shouted, "now where was I? Oh, yes Natsu, even though you cause so much trouble, I always knew you were a good one. And today, proves it not only to me, but to everyone of those council rats who ever doubted a mage of Fairy Tail!"

The entire guild shouted in reply, a roar of excitement and pride echoed through the halls. "Ha! You're alright yourself Gramps!" Natsu called out before lighting his fists on fire and joining the crowd.

Lucy smiled as she watched her fiery partner celebrate. She was extremely proud of him, he'd wanted this more than anyone and he'd worked so hard for it too.
The truth was, Natsu had inspired her over the last few weeks. And, Lucy had started to think, maybe if she worked hard enough, she could make her dreams come true as well. Lucy thought of the un-finished novel sitting in her desk draw.

The past month had also opened Lucy's eyes to something else. Something that had taken her a while to come to terms with, but now had settled enough for her to actually consider it as a possibility.

It had started some weeks ago when Natsu began his training, he'd been doing laps around the town with weights tied to his belt all day. Lucy could tell he was tiring but he didn't stop, he kept going. Even though it was clearly painful and sweat was streaming off of him in rivers.

For some reason it pricked something in her mind. And, Lucy began to recall all the times she'd been in danger. Every single memory was accompanied by one of Natsu, just as he was now, strong and determined not to give up.
Lucy thought about that day a lot and came to a realisation that she really had been taking Natsu for granted. And that, she somehow couldn't imagine herself without his strength beside her, helping her to go on.
Lucy didn't want to imagine it either.

Following this realisation, came many more. It was like she'd opened a flood gate to a vault of emotions she hadn't even known she'd been carrying around. It scared her at first, to think that these new feelings for her best friend could strike her so suddenly. But after a while, Lucy felt more at ease with them. Once she noted that they hadn't been sudden at all, that her feelings for Fairy Tail's Salamander had been building since the first time he'd taken her hand and brought her home with him.

Now, all that remained was the question of what she should do about them. A question she was having a difficult time answering.

Lucy knew she should tell him, but she had no idea how simple, platonic Natsu would react to her confession. Lucy had been going to wait, let him consider her a friend a little longer. And, when he was ready for something more, she'd be waiting.

But, Makarov's speech had made her reconsider. Did she honestly believe her relationship with Natsu would change if she remained quiet? He'd already grown a lot since she first met him. And, they wouldn't stay kids forever. One day, Natsu would be ready and if Lucy didn't let him know now that she wanted more. He might just continue to see her as a friend and choose someone else. The idea hurt more than she expected and so Lucy decided then.
She wouldn't wait to let him know, even if things became weird, she wouldn't regret being truthful to someone she cared for.

Lucy smiled as her thoughts were interrupted by the subject of them.
Natsu crashed onto the stage, bruises from a recent fight with Grey already purpling on his arms. "Mina! I have an announcement!" he shouted excitedly, taking the mic from Gajeel, interrupting his song.

Everyone turned their attention to the Fire Mage, wondering what his announcement could be.

"Now that I'm S-Class, I know I'll find Igneel for sure. So, tomorrow I'm leaving to search for him!"

The entire guild was silent apart from the crash of a glass as it fell from Mira-Jane's surprised hands. Natsu grinned from the stage obviously expecting his friends to be as excited as he was. But no one could find any words. They knew he would want to look for his dragon step-father sooner or later, but just a day after he won the S-Class exams?

"Good for you Salamander." Someone congratulated and everyone turned to find that the comment had belonged to Gajeel. "Tell me if you find anything of Metalicana while you're gone."

It seemed natural that out of everyone, Gejeel would support Natsu's plan. After all, they were in the same boat. Either way, Gajeel's enthusiasm seemed to break the spell that Natsu's speech had cast on the crowd. Everyone began to clap and shout out their encouragement.

Everyone that is, except for Lucy.

Lucy remembered when her governess had explained to her that her mother was sick, that she would not be alive for very much longer. That her beautiful, kind, loving mother would look as if she was sleeping, but everything she was would be gone. Leaving just an empty shell that resembled her. Lucy had felt like she couldn't breath, like the world became detached and hazy, closing in around her and feeling utterly surreal. That was the first time she'd felt like that.
Now, hearing Natsu's news, the dreaded feeling struck her for a second time.

On the way home, Lucy felt numb. The rest of the party had passed in a blur, she remembered Natsu coming over to greet her and she hoped her smile had been convincing. Lucy herself couldn't remember, she'd been trying too hard not to cry. Now, as she walked the familiar path to her apartment, she had no control over the tears that rolled down her cheeks.

… … …

A hot bath helped to untangle Lucy's thoughts. And, by the time she dressed and sat down at her desk, she had stopped crying. Lucy pulled out a piece of paper and tried writing to her mother, but all that mustered was this,

Dear Mama,

He's leaving... What should I do?

Putting the pen down and throwing the abandoned letter in the waste basket, Lucy almost didn't hear the window open as Natsu and Happy slipped in.

"Yo, Lucy!" Natsu said smiling as if he wasn't leaving in less than 24 hours.

"Stop breaking into my house!" Lucy shouted half-heartedly, they went through the same song and dance every day, but tonight it just seemed pointless.

"Oi, Lucy are you okay?" Natsu asked. "Yeah Lucy, you look weirder than usual", added Happy.

"I'm not weird!" Lucy retorted, secretly glad that the blue exceed was here to provoke her. Lucy conceded that as long as she stayed angry, she wouldn't have to be sad.
"And I'm perfectly fine, Natsu." She said giving him her best attempt at a genuine smile.

Natsu either bought it, or caught on that she didn't want him to linger on the subject of her being okay, because he dropped it and asked something else. "Tonight was fun, huh?" He said happily "everyone had a good time I reckon, I can't wait to tell Igneel all about it."

Lucy flinched a little at his mention of Igneel,

so he really is going then, Lucy thought.

But listening to Natsu's excited chatter, Lucy couldn't help but be happy for him. Even if it hurt her to admit it, she knew there was no way she could tell him now. Not when he was about to attempt something so important to him.

Lucy realised she must really love him if she was willing to put his happiness above giving hers a chance to surface.

"I hope you find him Natsu," Lucy said, and it was truth. She couldn't tell him that she was happy he was going or that she didn't want him to stay. But she could admit that she was genuinely excited for him to be reunited with his father.

"Me too." Natsu said, grinning. Lucy noticed some relief in his eyes and realised that without intending to, she'd given him her blessing. Which he'd apparently been waiting for.
But now that it was given, Lucy didn't mind. She was just touched that he'd considered her at all when this journey concerned something as important to him as Igneel.

"You'll find him for sure Natsu!" chimed Happy.

"Of course! I'm S-Class now after all." Natsu beamed. And, despite the pain in her chest, Lucy grinned along with her two team mates. After all, they wouldn't be together like this for a while and she wasn't about to ruin it with tears.

Before they left, Natsu turned to her once more. "See ya Lucy, I'll miss you." He said, and Lucy kept her voice even when she said "I'll miss you too." Hard as she tried, she just couldn't say goodbye.

A moment later he was gone.

… … …

Lucy didn't go with the others the next day to see him off, it had taken most of her energy just to get out of bed. She felt terrible, knowing he was there expecting a goodbye from her while she hid beneath her covers like a child. But whatever super human strength had possessed her last night when she'd smiled and wished him luck had completely disappeared by morning. Now the miserable reality struck her with such ferocity, Lucy feared she may actually drown in it.

When night came, her tears seemed to run out. And, when she heard her window open her heart caught in her chest for a brief moment, until she recognised the familiar blue shape and felt a synchronism of disappointment and comfort.

"Happy?" Lucy asked, "I thought you left with Natsu?"

Before Lucy received an answer she felt Happy's soft face hide in the curve of her shoulder.

"Luuuccyyy!" Happy sobbed despondently, "that jerk Natsu!"

"Happy! Happy what happened?" Lucy asked stroking his fur, trying to comfort him best she could.

Happy looked up at her then, big eyes wet with tears "he waited till the last minute to tell me that he was going alone. I can't believe he went without me!" Happy cried, "he said he had to go alone to find Igneel."

"Happy, I'm sure he just didn't want you to have to leave Carla." Lucy said soothingly.

"Why did you tell him you wanted him to find Igneel! You should've told him to stay when we came over last night."

Lucy didn't know what to say to this at first, but eventually she spoke "Happy, I know you don't mean that. Natsu has wanted to find Igneel for a long time. Even when he had us around, Natsu's always been lonely. The type of loneliness that comes from missing someone you love very much." Lucy didn't know if she was referring to how she felt about her mother and father, or about how she felt right now. Either way, she understood why Natsu left and hoped that Happy would too.

"B-but, we've always done everything together.." Happy mumbled into Lucy's pyjama shirt, his voice was still sad but his tears had stopped. "Lucy?" he asked a while later.

"What is it Happy?" Lucy asked softly. "Could I sleep here tonight?" Happy questioned, looking up at Lucy, her own loneliness reflected in the small exceed's eyes.

"Of course Happy." Lucy said tucking the small cat in beside her as she lie down on the bed.

"He'll come back Happy." Lucy whispered, not entirely sure if it was to comfort Happy or herself.

"I know," Happy replied already half-way asleep, "it's gonna be okay isn't it Lucy?"

Lucy swallowed, "yeah.."

But Lucy wasn't okay, not even a little bit.

Because just a little while after realising she was in love with her best friend, he was suddenly leaving for who knows how long. And, the only one who could possibly come close to understanding how upset this made her was the little blue exceed curled up in her arms.

Lucy prayed for happiness to appear in her life and that she might stand a chance of forgetting about her feelings for her rosy-haired dragon slayer before she broke completely.

Well there you have the first chapter. I really love Happy and Lucy's relationship, it's one of my ultimate BROTP's.

Hope you enjoyed the first chapter of 'Things Left Unsaid' - despite the crappy title.
Please review, I'd love to hear what you thought!

See ya tomorrow with Chapter 2.