Lucy stood on the street in front of a building, triple-checking that the address, the name, all matched the words her secretary had written down for her earlier that morning. "4895 Guild Street…Magnolia Books" she read aloud. Everything matched, but Lucy still had a hard time believing this was the place she had her secretary cancel all her meetings for. It was a small two-story house constructed with fading red brick. The front door was painted green, but most of the paint was peeling away from the wood. There were three windows facing the street, two on the second level, framed by pale, fading white shutters, and the one on the first level that took up most of the exterior wall. Yet, the four gold numbers that hung on the door matched the address she was given, as did the name scrawled on the window situated to the left of the door. It looked so out of place compared to the sleek modern skyscrapers that surrounded it. She knew New York City was home to many "hole-in-the-wall" places, but this store just seemed unbelievable. Shaking her head in disbelief, Lucy climbed the four stairs to the door and went inside.

As soon as she entered, a cheery tingling sound echoed throughout the room. The bell announced her arrival, bringing a cheerful man walking towards her from around a counter situated to her right.

"Hello welcome to Magnolia Books," he greeted. "My name is Winston. How may I assist you today?" Winston's hands were clasped together in front of him as he spoke and the skin around his eyes crinkled when he punctuated his greeting with a bright smile. She had never met a happier-looking stranger before in her life.

"Hello Winston. My name is Lucy Heartfilia. I believe you spoke with my secretary earlier this morning about some books I'm looking for." She said, trying to keep her eagerness in check. At the mention of her name Winston's smile widened, crinkling the skin around his eyes even more.

"Oh yes!" He exclaimed. "Your secretary said you were interested in our rare books collection. If you follow me to the back, I can show you where we secure them." Turning promptly on his foot, Winston began to lead Lucy to the back of the store where a staircase led up to the second floor. The stairs squeaked and groaned under their weight, the old wood complaining about its age. Once they ascended, Lucy noted a drastic contrast between the two levels. The first floor was completely crammed full of books. She had to weave around giant towers of them as she followed Winston to the back. If they were organized in any direction, she couldn't tell. However, the second level was neat and tidy. The books stood promptly in glass encased shelves, their spines as straight as soldiers. Winston guided her to a table by one of the windows and motioned for her to sit. There was a laptop already stationed on the table, and moving his finger over the cursor, he awoke the technology from its slumber. The screen was black, with a small, white rectangular search box in the center.

"Okay Miss Heartfilia. Here at Magnolia Books we pride ourselves in being able to cater to the needs of a wide variety of book lovers, book collectors, book enthusiasts, etc.! I've developed an inventory system for our books, so just type in the book you're looking for and I'll go grab it for you." Winston slid the laptop over to Lucy, still smiling.

"You managed to inventory all the books in this store?" She questioned, arching an eyebrow in disbelief. Remembering the chaotic towers and piles on the first floor, the thought seemed near impossible. Her question made his ever present smile falter a little as he replied.

"Oh I apologize. I should have been more clear. I've only managed to catalog the French garden…err…that's what I call the second level. I haven't done the English garden yet. I'm only a third of the way done, since we get new shipments in all the time. But, since you're interested in our rarer books, if we have it, it'll be up here."

"In the French garden." She mused.

"Exactly." Winston smiled returned in full force, and Lucy couldn't stop herself when she returned it. His smiling was becoming infectious.

Lucy turned to the screen and typed in the name of the books she was looking for and pressed searched. The system pulled up a screen, with a number that read: 148-63-A. Winston clasped his hands together as he stood and disappeared around a corner. He returned shortly with a medium sized bundle, covered with a red cloth. He placed it on the table in front of Lucy as she moved the laptop away.

"I believe these are what you were looking for. You certainly are interested in rare books if you asked for these. The Iron Maidens are the rarest books we have in the store." He said.

She couldn't respond. Her mind was focused on what Winston had just procured for her. She touched the red cloth gently, as she pulled it away from the surface. Removing the cloth revealed a medium sized box made completely from iron. It was decorated with intricate designs that covered every inch of it. It was absolutely stunning. She fumbled with the clasp, hardly able to contain her excitement as she lifted the lid. And there they were.

Three small leather bound books laid in a row were resting at the bottom of the box. Winston grabbed one for her, and opened it. Inside there were beautiful words she couldn't even begin to understand scrawled elegantly on the pages. She couldn't believe it. She had found them. It had taken her nearly 1 year to track them down, but now, they would be hers.

"Winston," she finally managed to say. "I would very much like to purchase these."

"Of c-"

The cheery, tingly sound of the bell at the front of the shop announced the arrival of another customer. Winston placed the book back in the case and covered it with the red cloth once more before picking it up again. "I apologize Miss Heartfilia. I will happily sell them to you, but transferring ownership of such a valuable object takes a little bit of a process. Allow me to see to the needs of this customer, so that we may continue this transaction. Until then, I'll have to secure these once more."

"I completely understand. I'll just take a walk through the English garden while I wait."

Winston smiled his eye crinkling smile at her when she adopted his terminology, before disappearing around the corner to secure the books. Just a little longer. She thought. Then I'll have the perfect wedding gift for my best friend.

Lucy climbed down the stairs, the steps still groaning. She managed to make it back to the front of the store, without tripping over a pile of books or knocking over a tower. Her plan was to look around in the front area so she wouldn't get lost and Winston could easily find her.

"It's about time," a voice complained as she stepped around the last tower.

"Excuse me?" She said affronted by his tone.

A man with spiky, pink hair and olive complexion leaned against the front counter, glaring at her. Well, Lucy assumed he was glaring at her, by his tone and his posture. He was wearing black sunglasses that completely hid his eyes, so she couldn't be 100% certain. His arms were crossed against his chest, revealing the definition of his lean muscles under the plain black, V-neck t-shirt he wore, complimenting his dark jeans and black boats. The man straightened as he stepped away from the counter, walking towards her.

"Oi. Is this any way to run a shop?" He said as he looked around the store. "I've seen pig stalls better kept than this."

Lucy just stared at him in shock. Who is this guy? She thought. Yeah, she had to admit that he was attractive, but his rude attitude was completely repulsing her.

"Hey blondie!" The man leaned over her, lifting his sunglasses so she could see he was indeed glaring at her with his onyx colored eyes. The motion caused the rings he wore on his left hand to catch the sunlight that was streaming into the store, to flash in her eyes. She squinted, trying to block it out. "Are you deaf? Can't speak? I'm talking to you." His voice held the irritation Lucy was feeling. "I'm here to buy the book we talked about."

"Who the hell do you think you are?" Lucy said, her annoyance level had exceeded its limit. The man blinked, a shocked expression on his face. It was either from the fact that Lucy could indeed speak or the tone she used to speak to him, or both; she didn't know and didn't care as she continued. "You don't come barging into a store acting like you own the place, criticizing it, barking demands at someone, and expecting someone to fall all over you to get what you want. You can take your self-righteous, Gothic ass right out the front door with that type of attitude."

She crossed her arms against her amble chest, punctuating her sentence with a glare that matched his own. Most of her life, Lucy had dealt with people like him. The people who thought they were better than everyone and looked down on others. For the longest time, she quietly lived in that world, accepting it. When she finally managed to break free, she swore she wouldn't hold her tongue again. The man opened his mouth to respond, but a voice behind Lucy cut him off.

"Ah, you must be Mr. Dragneel." Winston appeared behind a tower of books, his hands still clasped together, and his smile always intact.

"Natsu." The man corrected, still glaring at Lucy. Natsu held her gaze for a measure longer, before positioning his sunglasses back over his eyes. Turning towards Winston, he spoke again, but, Lucy noted, his voice was a shade less demanding. "I spoke with someone here about some books I'm looking for. The Iron Maidens. I'm here to buy them."

Winston's smile disappeared for a moment as his eyes widened. He looked at Lucy, then at Natsu as he realized he had two people interested in the same rare books. Lucy felt smug as she realized Natsu was in for some disappointment.

"The Iron Maidens aren't for sale." She said, flipping her long blonde ponytail back over her shoulder. Natsu looked at her again, noting her smug tone.

"And why not?" He asked, slightly turning his head towards her.

"You're looking at the person who just purchased them." She replied.

"What? You?" His eyebrows lifted above his sunglasses in disbelief.

"Well technically she hasn't purchased them yet. I was about to draw up the paperwork for Miss Heartfilia." Winston corrected, sheepishly.

"Whatever amount she promised you, I'll double it." Natsu offered coolly. Now it was Lucy's turn to stare at him in shock. Double the amount? The Iron Maidens were already extremely expensive. Her eyes cut to Winston, who was wearing a similar shock expression. Lucy quickly composed herself. Winston had already promised them to her, so she had nothing to worry about. Right?

"Don't go whipping out your checkbook now. Winston has already promised the Iron Maidens to me Mr. Dragneel. You'll have to find them somewhere else." Even as Lucy was saying it, she knew he couldn't purchase them anywhere else. She had already tried. The Iron Maidens were a set of three books that were handcrafted by an ancient civilization she couldn't pronounce the name of. They had valued craftsmanship and only the best at their craft were allowed to work on them. Each page held a labor of love, pride, and dedication. Even the case they were contained in was handcrafted. The iron workings were expertly designed, the techniques used still haven't been reproduced by modern hands. Technically, it was a priceless piece since only 10 Iron Maidens existed in the world. 6 were in museums around the world, 2 were in private collectors' hands and one was at a university. The last was recently donated to this obscure little shop in the middle of New York City, by someone who obviously didn't realize their worth.

"Triple." Was Natsu's only response.

"You can't be serious." Lucy responded. There was no way this vamp-punk wannabe could have that much money. Lucy lived comfortably and could afford the finer things in life, by sheer hard work and effort. Yet, there was no way she could throw around that price without thinking twice about it. Who is this guy? She wondered.

"I'm quite serious. Whatever price you offer him, I'll make sure mine is more. I'm all fired up to spar with you all day, but I'm sure you'll break your bank trying to keep up with me." Natsu smirked and lifted his sunglasses once more, staring steadily at Lucy. "Blondie, I'm leaving here with the Iron Maidens and that's a promise. And I always keep my promises."

Lucy just stared. The look he was giving her made her believe every word he said. She just couldn't believe this was happening. She had spent a year, tracking and researching the movements of the Iron Maidens. They were going to be the perfect presents for her best friend, but now this pink-haired-boy-band-dropout was going to ruin everything. It wasn't fair. It just wasn't fair. She wanted to scream at him, smash his glasses against the counter, kick him with one of her infamous Lucy-kicks, grab the Iron Maidens and run. She was imagining the entire scenario in her head when she heard Winston give a little cough. He looked at Lucy, his eyes questioning whether her wallet would accept Natsu's challenge, but she could only look away in defeat. He gave her a sad smile before unclasping and re-clasping his hands.

"Miss Heartfilia," Winston said after a long moment. "I apologize, but it would appear that the Iron Maidens are no longer for sale. I would be happy to show you any of our other rare books we have in stock." He tried giving her one of his eye crinkling smiles, but the glare she gave him made him look away. "Mr. Dragneel-"

"Natsu" He corrected Winston again as he settled his sunglasses back over his eyes.

"R-Right. Natsu if you would be so kind to as to follow me. I'll show you to the Iron Maidens and we'll start on your paperwork and discuss your method of payment." Winston turned smartly on his heel once more, though Lucy noticed a little faster than before, weaving effortlessly through the piles and towers of books. Natsu started to follow him then stopped, turning towards Lucy.

"I'm curious," he began. "How did you know the Iron Maidens were here? You even beat me to this weird store and that's quite impressive. That's never happened before."

Lucy rolled her eyes. She couldn't believe this guy. Not only did he just come here and steal the Iron Maidens from her, now he wanted to gloat about himself at the same time belittling her, thinking no one could beat him. He is something else. She thought annoyed.

"Are you always like this Mr. Dragneel?" She questioned.

"Natsu. Call me Natsu. And like what?" He placed his hands in his pockets, feigning ignorance.

"Self-absorbed, egotistical, rude, impertinent, narcissistic jack-ass that throws his money around stealing wedding presents someone worked a year to track down and save for just to say that their yours. Yeah, like that Mr. Dragneel." She spat back. His eyebrows knitted together, obviously annoyed by her comments, but she didn't care. Lucy was beyond annoyed herself.

"I said to call me Natsu. I'm not-" He started, but she cut him off before he could finish.

"I don't care what your name is or to know what you are and what you are not. Quite frankly I don't care to spend another minute here talking to you. I promise I will never see you again."

"Hey just wait a minute." He ripped his sunglasses off again, and glared at her. His onyx eyes flashing. "You can't-"

"And like you, I always keep my promises Mr. Dragneel." Lucy cut in before walking out the door.

Two weeks later Lucy was hurrying out of a cab, taking the stairs two at a time towards the doors of a church. The heels she was to wear and the hem of her dress were clutched in her left hand, while she carried a small box in the other. The doors creaked opened as she entered, running down the hallway to the left, before climbing yet another set of stairs to the second floor where the rest of the bridal party was finishing getting ready.

"I'm back!" She called as she opened the door to the bridal suite. As she entered a blur of blue hair and white satin came hurling at her.

"Thank the stars, Lucy you saved the wedding!" The bride hugged Lucy, staring up at her with wide brown eyes.

"Don't cry Levy, you'll mess your makeup up." She chided loosening herself from Levy's grip. "Sit down so we can finish getting you ready." Lucy guided her friend back to her seat, setting the small box on her lap. The hair dresser came forward, with the veil in hand. He was a tall thin man, with dark skin and dreadlocks that stuck out from his scalp.

"Don't go anywhere Lucy. All that running around has messed up your hair, so you're next." Cancer gave her a stern smile as he finished Levy's hair. He had pulled her thick blue hair back and into a neat braided bun. The veil comb was fastened into the top of the bun, the sheer fabric tumbling down her back. Standing, Levy stood in front of them, looking rather nervous.

"So how do I look?" She asked, rubbing a part of the veil between her fingers.

"You look beautiful," Another bluenette gushed. She was dressed in a pale pink satin dress, with a white sash around the middle that tied into a bow at the back. Her blue hair was split into twin tails that stopped at her sides. A flower crown kissed her brow, giving the child an angelic appearance.

"Thank you Wendy," Levy replied smiling warmly.

"Can you believe it? Soon we're going to be sisters!" Wendy gushed some more, practically squealing in delight. Wendy was the sister of Levy's fiancé, Gajeel. In the two years that they've been together, Wendy's and Levy's relationship had grown very close.

"That's right!" Levy giggled, hugging the girl. "And it's all thanks to Lucy for running out and grabbing Gajeel's ring. I can't believe I forgot it at the apartment."

"It was nothing." Lucy shrugged. "You really do look beautiful Lev'" Lucy said, staring at her friend. Levy was dressed in a simple, but elegant sweetheart neckline, mermaid styled dressed. It was made out of pure white satin that clung down her body, flaring out just below her knees, the fabric spooling onto the floor. Once she turned around, the matching pure white satin buttons fastened down her body until the fabric flared out, giving the dress a dramatic appeal. Levy looked stunning.

"And you look like you just wrestled a pig." Cancer wagged his comb at Lucy as he motioned for her to sit down. Everyone laughed as Cancer undid his early morning creation, combed her long blonde hair and swept it up into a lovely low side bun. He let a few tendrils frame her face, before situating a pale pink flower in her hair that matched her long satin dress. "There," Cancer said as he finished. "Now you look like the maid-of-honor."

Lucy stood and checked her reflection. Cancer truly was a genius when it came to hair. He was the only person in all of New York City who she would allow to do her hair. He had agreed to help the girls with their hair for Levy's wedding as a favor to Lucy. He was normally booked solid, but he always made time for her.

"Thank you Cancer." She said smiling.

"Alright ladies, I'm off to my next appointment. Don't you dare mess up my creations until after the wedding pictures. My babies need to be seen in their full glory!" He mused as he hugged everyone before leaving.

A knock on the door sounded, and Lucy opened it, revealing Jet and Droy on the other side; Levy's older brothers. They were in their tuxes, both looking strangely comical in the formal attire. Poor Droy's suit looked like it wanted to escape from him. One button was desperately holding the two sides of the suit together over his wide expanse of a belly.

"Levy, we're ready for you when you are." Jet said, smiling in awe at his younger sister.

"Oh my God," Levy shouted.

"What!" Lucy, Jet, Droy, and Wendy asked together in unison.

"I just realized I'm getting married," Levy replied and the four of them sighed together in relief before laughing.

"Alright well let's get you married then Levy." Lucy said, pulling Levy's veil over her head and handing her, her bouquet. She grabbed Gajeel's ring and stuck in on her thumb, as she grabbed her own bouquet. Wendy picked up her basket filled with flower petals, and smoothed down the front of her dress. Lucy looked around, her mind checking all the necessities off and making sure they weren't forgetting anything…again. Satisfied that they were ready, she nodded to Jet and Droy.

"Okay, so I'll walk down and take my place at the alter which will start the procession. Wendy will follow once I get halfway down. Once she makes it to the alter that will be the organist's cue to start the bridal march. Wait 2 beats and start walking Levy down on the third. Any questions?" Lucy said, relaying the motions once more that they had practiced at the rehearsal dinner. She was confident that it would go smoothly, since everyone in the bridal party had shown up. Well, almost everyone. Gajeel's best man's flight had been delayed so he wasn't able to make it. However, all he had to do was stand next to Gajeel and hand him Levy's ring when the officiant asked for it. Simple, right?

Jet and Droy nodded they understood, reassuring that they'll expertly guide Levy down the aisle. Satisfied, Lucy turned to Levy.

"I'll see you at the alter then Lev." She said hugging her best friend once more. Levy only nodded, but her eyes said it all. If any of them said any more, they both would be bursting into tears.

"Alright Wendy, let's go." Wendy and Lucy exited the bridal suite and headed to the front doors of the sanctuary. Lucy gave a nod to the organist as she appeared at the opening to the room. Everyone was seated and chatting amicably, but when the music changed slightly a wave of silence hushed the crowd. Lucy waited the appropriate 2 beats before walking down the aisle. She smiled at familiar faces, nodding to others. She looked up at Gajeel and they both smiled at one another, nodding their acceptance of the other. Lucy's eyes drifted to the left of Gajeel, to get a glimpse of the mysterious best man and stopped for half a beat.

"Y-You-" She started, but thankfully her years of draconian styled etiquette training kicked in, keeping her from further losing her composure. Gajeel raised one eyebrow at Lucy, and turned to stare at his best man.

A shock of spiky pink hair, hard onyx eyes, and a toothy smug grin filled her vision as her eyes widened in disbelief. HIM? Lucy's mind shouted as she continued to make her way to her spot near the alter. The cotton-candy-haired-hipster…he's Gajeel's best man? Natsu ignored Gajeel's questioning look, watching Lucy the entire time. Lucy remembered the last words she said to Natsu and inwardly cringed. She wanted to throw her bouquet at him and wipe that stupid smug grin from his face. Her hands gripped her bouquet tighter, at the thought.

Wendy had just finished dusting the aisle with pale white and pink rose petals and the organists changed to the bridal march. Natsu and Lucy broke each other's gaze to watch Levy make her entrance. All eyes looked towards the opening of the sanctuary, where the bride had finally appeared.

Lucy had only just left Levy, but the few minutes that they had been separated drastically changed the young bride. She had already looked stunning, but now she looked dazzling. It was like the love she had for Gajeel wrapped around her, causing her to glow. Tears pricked Lucy's eyes, as she watched her best friend walk down the aisle. Not even her two clowns for brothers on either arm diminished her beauty. If anything, they added to it in some weird way. Droy and Jet gave Levy to Gajeel and took their seats. Levy handed Lucy her bouquet, joining hands with Gajeel as the officiant started the ceremony.

Lucy felt like a horrible best friend. She had schooled her features to wear the appropriate smile, but all she could think about was the idiot standing next to Gajeel. Why was he here? Had Levy met him before? Is this who Gajeel hangs out with? Lucy had only met a few of Gajeel's friends when Levy invited her to their parties. She had only gone to a few of them, since running your own business didn't allow for much free time. The friends that she was introduced to were nice, but Natsu had never been there. Her mind was pondering all of this when she heard Levy clear her throat. Blinking to clear her thoughts, she realized that Levy was holding out her hand. It took Lucy a moment to realize that now they were exchanging rings. Her eyes widened as she hurriedly took Gajeel's ring off her thumb and handed it to Levy. Levy smiled and thanked Lucy, and turned back to Gajeel.

They spoke their vows, exchanged rings, and the officiant called for the kiss. Gajeel took Levy into his arms and dipped her tiny frame into a deep and passionate kiss. Lucy locked eyes with Natsu, who was still smirking at her. Did he ever stop doing that? She wondered. Gajeel and Levy straightened and the officiant introduced the newly married couple to the gathered audience.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in congratulating the newly married couple. Mr. and Mrs. Gajeel Redfox!" The crowd burst into applause, hoots and shouts were heard all around. Lucy returned Levy's bouquet to her, before Gajeel led her down the aisle and out of the sanctuary. When the couple disappeared, Lucy stepped down and away from the alter as fast as she could. Raising her voice, she addressed the guests.

"Ladies and gentlemen, can I please have your attention." She started and the jovial guests turned towards her. "Cocktail hour will be held in the adjacent manor. Please follow the path lined with yellow roses that will lead you to the venue. There will be cocktails and light refreshments before the reception. If you have any questions, please ask one of the staff members. They are there to see to your needs. The bride and groom will join you after the wedding pictures are taken. Thank you" Lucy finished her speech and the promise of food and drinks quickly emptied the church.

"We get to take pictures now, right Lucy?" Wendy appeared at her left, looking up at her excitedly.

"That's correct. We need to meet Levy and Gajeel in the gardens. The photographers should have already directed the love birds over that way."

"Yay!" Wendy yelled. "Natsu you're coming too right?"

Natsu came towards them, his hands in his pockets. He was wearing a tailored tux that made him look even more aggravatingly attractive. Whereas Droy's suit wanted to escape, Natsu's looked right at home. He flipped one of Wendy's tails over her shoulder and smiled down at the child.

"That's what Gajeel told me, but you're going to have to show me the way since I have no idea where to go."

"That's alright, Lucy will show us. She knows everything!" Wendy chimed.

"Does she now?" His gaze drifted up to Lucy, his smirk returning. "Well then miss maid-of-honor, please lead the way."

This is for Levy. This is for Levy. This is for Levy. She repeated to herself over and over again in order to keep from smacking the smug faced bastard and storming away. The trio made it to the gardens where Gajeel and Levy were being directed to pose in all sorts of romantic ways. The two did look great together.

The photographer wasted no time in shuffling them around to take the bridal party pictures. Lucy smiled and posed and adored over Levy as she was directed to. It was almost over when the photographer moved Natsu in front of Lucy to get the best man and maid-of-honor picture. She cringed again as he directed her to act as if she was straightening the pale pink flower on his lapel. He made her hold that pose while he snapped pictures of them at different angles.

"So," Natsu whispered close to her ear as the photographer kept demanding different poses. "I thought you said you always kept your promises." He chuckled softly at the memory of her from before.

Clenching her teeth together, she tried to ignore him. She tried to pretend he was just some stranger, or that this was a horrible nightmare. Yet, his stupid smirk kept irritating her more and more.

"I'm sorry have we met before?" She said simply. His brows knitted together for a moment in confusion, temporarily removing his smirk.

"I'm the so called "self-absorbed, egotistical, rude, impertinent, jack-ass" remember?" He quoted her, rolling his eyes at her past insults.

"You forgot narcissistic." She corrected. Lucy used that time to break away from him, signifying the end of the pictures. He opened his mouth to say something, but Lucy quickly spoke to the photographer.

"Cocktail hour is about to end and the guest should be making their way to the reception hall. Take about 5 more minutes to get last minute pictures before making your way over there with the bride and groom. I need to make sure everyone is seated at their tables, before they make their grand entrance." She instructed the photographer who nodded in understanding.

"Wendy make sure to bring them over in 5 minutes, okay?" She whispered into the little girl's ear. The photographer seemed to be really into taking pictures and would hold Levy and Gajeel hostage for the rest of the day. The young girl nodded, happy to be given a job to do.

"Okay Lucy!"

"Great, and make sure you keep the best man here so he doesn't get lost." She added. Wendy smiled and nodded again. With things in order, Lucy started to head towards the manor to check on the progression of the events.

"Just a few more hours," she muttered to herself. "And I will keep my promise. That's for sure."