"Natsu," Lucy choked out, lifting her hand to touch the young man's face. She was shaking uncontrollably but hoped she could keep things together to say what she needed to say.

"I want you to know that no matter what, even if this is how it has to end…I…I love you."

At these words Natsu's snarl slowly disappeared.

And at that moment the locket in Lucy's pocket began to glow.

It's light surrounded the two, flowing all throughout them.

The fire forming in the Dragon Slayer's palm evaporated, as his grip on the girl below him became loose.

Lucy saw the red in Natsu's eyes slowly fade, returning to the deep brown that she had known so well.

Then the light was gone, leaving a dazed looking Natsu.

0o0o0o0o0o00o0o00o0oo0o00o

"Lu-Lucy?" Natsu whispered, his features confused, "What…I…"

Natsu didn't know what to say but in seeing his hands on Lucy, and the bruises beneath his fingers, he quickly let go and jumped off the young girl.

"Did…did I do that to you?" Natsu's eyes were wide; a look of horror spread across his face.

Lucy sat staring, unsure of what to say and incredibly relieved that Natsu was back.

"I…it wasn't you, it was Laxus using you. I'm okay though." Lucy allowed a small smile to grace her lips as she slowly sat up, scooting closer to Natsu.

"Your leg!" Natsu pointed to Lucy's burn, still fresh and bloody.

Lucy looked down, "Oh that…it's alright it doesn't hurt too bad anymore besides-"

"And your face! God…tell me I didn't do that." The blood on Lucy's face hadn't even begun to dry and already a black bruise was forming around the young woman's right eye.

Lucy looked down and back up only to be met with Natsu's horrified eyes.

"Holy crap…" Natsu muttered, casting his gaze downward and putting a hand to his unruly locks.

"You didn't know, you couldn't help what happened." Lucy said, reaching out her hand to Natsu's shoulder.

"Lucy, don't…don't come near me." Natsu continued to look down while moving his body away from his friend's.

Lucy's face fell, "Natsu…it's okay-"

"No it's not!" Natsu shouted, startling the girl across from him, "Look what I did to you! I nearly killed you!"

Lucy was both shocked and heartbroken to see Natsu's eyes become glazed over with water.

Never in Lucy's life had she seen Natsu cry.

"Natsu it wasn't you. It's alright now; Laxus doesn't have any more control over you." Lucy said gently and once again sat herself next to Natsu.

Lucy reached out her hand to touch Natsu's face, causing the Dragon Slayer to flinch.

"It's all okay. You're back, that's all that matters." The young blonde embraced her best friend in a crushing hug.

Natsu slowly lifted his hands around the young girl and allowed himself to return her gesture.

"But look what I did, I-"

Lucy cut Natsu off by putting her finger to his lips.

"You didn't do anything Natsu, it was Laxus."

Natsu's eyes looked down.

Lucy frowned but then allowed herself to smile a bit.

"Some mess, huh?" The young blonde giggled.

Natsu looked over at his friend incredulously: how could she be so light hearted?

Especially after everything she had just went through? After what he put her through.

"Too soon for jokes?" Lucy questioned a small smirk still on her lips.

"Could be." Natsu replied with a frown.

Lucy smiled flicking Natsu's nose before resting her head on his shoulder.

"I'm just glad to have you back." Lucy sighed.

Then suddenly, without warning, Lucy shot up remembering something.

"Laxus!" She exclaimed. In all the commotion she had nearly forgotten about Laxus and his army!

Natsu immediately sat up and rushed for the door, with Lucy limping behind him.

After fumbling with the door a bit, Natsu finally decided to just blast the damn thing.

Just as the dragon slayer was about to send his fire magic whirling, something else started pounding on the other side of the door until…

*BOOM*

The door burst open, causing Natsu to fall backwards and Lucy to jump in surprise.

"What the-" Natsu began but was cut off by a squeal.

"Lucy! You're alright!" Mirajane rushed past Natsu, covering the damaged blonde in a hug.

"Mira!" Lucy laughed, returning the hug with just as much enthusiasm.

"Mirajane?" Natsu questioned, "When did you-"

"NATSU!"

The pink haired fire breather looked up in disbelief; he'd know that voice anywhere.

"HAPPY!" Natsu leapt up, scooping up the blue feline in a bone crushing embrace.

"Happy!" Lucy cried out, as both she and Mirajane joined their fellow guild members in a group hug.

"Well, looks like they're alright after all."

Lucy looked up to see both Erza and Gray standing in the broken doorway.

"Erza, Gray!" Lucy rushed to her feet tackling her two friends, nearly to the ground.

Natsu soon followed along with Happy, as Mirajane laughed at the reunited group.

"I was beginning to think we'd never see you guys again!" Lucy said beaming as tears ran down her cheeks.

"We were starting to think the same." Erza admitted, her eyes holding a hint of moisture.

"Aye! But here you are!" Happy chimed in, nuzzling Natsu who laughed.

"Yeah, looks like everything turned out alright." Gray said, a smile curving on his lips.

Lucy's smile suddenly faded, "Wait a sec, what about Laxus? And his army?"

Just as Gray was about to answer, Makarov cut in.

"They're gone Lucy, defeated."

Natsu turned in surprise, "Gramps!"

The dragon slayer presumed to pick up the petite man in another of his tight embraces as Lucy giggled.

"Let go you damn fool! I can't breathe!" Makarov gasped to which Natsu let go of his grip on the older man.

"Wait did you say defeated?" Natsu questioned, as Makarov straightened out his clothes.

"Yes." Makarov looked down with a sad smile.

"How? You guys were able to beat them?" Lucy asked, looking to the Master with concern.

"Well actually," Makarov began, "we all had a part in it."

Lucy looked confused to which Makarov chuckled.

"Lucy," Makarov said, "I think you and I need to have a little chat."

Lucy nodded, still confused, "Alright…about what?"

"Who you really are." Makarov cleared his throat as Lucy waited anxiously for what the old man had to say, "You see Lucy, as I assume you know by now, there was once a great king of Liceria: Sebastian Grandium and his queen Clara Grandium."

Lucy nodded as Makarov continued, "Well I'm sure you've heard of how the queen was murdered and shortly after the king died of heartbreak."

"Yeah, Natsu told me." Lucy said, nodding.

"Well at any rate," Makarov continued, "before the queen's death the king had given her a locket with the initials C. G. carved on it, the locket contained a powerful magic that only royals could use. After the queen's death it was said the locket was lost, never to be found again."

Lucy shifted her feet uneasily.

"Well something commonly known is that the king was not a mage, however what many people didn't know was that the king was not from Liceria at all, he was from Earth." Makarov continued, "Even more uncommon knowledge is that before King Sebastian met his queen he had loved another, one from his own land."

"In his time before coming to Liceria, Sebastian had met a woman with beautiful golden hair and lustrous aqua eyes. The two had fallen madly in love and it wasn't long before they were wed. As one might assume it wasn't too much time before the woman had birthed a child from their love." Makarov cleared his throat before continuing, "Sebastian was overjoyed with his new son but it would not last. Soon after the woman became very ill and died. Overwhelmed with grief, Sebastian left, vowing to forget the woman and his son who reminded him so much of her."

"Well the baby did not die, a few nuns dropped by the home to clear the dead body and were shocked to find a little boy left behind. He would be brought up in their orphanage and would go on to have a legacy of his own."

Makarov took in a deep breath, and said, "He took his mother's last name, having never known his father. The name of Heartfillia ."

Everyone's eyes doubled in size. Happy nearly fell off Natsu's shoulder where he was perched while Erza and Gray could only stare.

Lucy could feel her body shaking as she opened her mouth, "Wh-what are you saying?"

Makarov knew the young girl would need help digesting everything and calmly spoke, "The baby would be Henry Heartfillia, your great, great grandfather. Making you a decedent of the King and by right a royal."

Lucy couldn't believe what she was hearing.

A royal?

The school teacher who ate noodles?

How could she be a royal?

"That's why you accepted her…" Erza spoke, as sudden realization hit her, "that's why you accepted her into the academy. You knew all along she was the King's only living heir."

Makarov nodded his head, "I have known who you are Lucy. I needed to tell you at the right time…now seemed as good as ever."

"So wait a sec…if she's the King's great, great...well really great granddaughter, that must make her a…" Gray trailed off as he looked to Lucy in shock.

"A princess." Natsu finished, his face was set in disbelief and yet total acceptance, as if he had known all along.

Lucy looked from Natsu to Makarov, her eyes wide.

"Th-that's impossible! I can't be a princess! I'm just a schoolteacher! An underpaid overworked normal woman!" Lucy was shouting, and upon realizing it she suddenly stopped.

Makarov smiled, "Lucy you are a princess and not just that but the only heir to the throne of Liceria. I know this is a lot to take in but, it's true."

"You have power now Lucy." Mirajane said her eyes soft, "You can change Liceria for the better, the people no longer need to live in fear because of you."

Lucy could feel herself getting dizzy.

This was all just too much.

But now that it was happening it felt…right.

As if somewhere deep inside Lucy had known she was destined for great things.

"Besides, you're not just a normal woman," Natsu spoke, his voice gentle, "you're Lucy. You've made it past werewolves, witches, and vampires. You've walked miles, never losing hope in your quest or those who accompanied you. You saved me..." Natsu trailed off, trying to find some way to say just what he was feeling, "You're amazing Luce."

Lucy could feel tears in her eyes as Natsu finished.

Everyone was staring at her, smiles stretched across their faces.

Never in her life had she felt more accepted or loved.

Lucy jumped into Natsu's arms, letting her tears flow freely as she grasped her best friend for dear life.

Natsu returned the gesture as the rest of the group looked on, smirking at one another.

After a moment Lucy loosened her grip and looked up at the dragon slayer.

"This has been one hell of a journey, huh?" She said, her face rising into a smile.

Natsu let out a chuckle before running his thumb along Lucy's cheeks, removing her tears, "You might say that."

Lucy rolled her eyes before adding, "And it's not over yet."

Lucy let go of Natsu and walked to Makarov.

"There's something I want to give to you."

Makarov's fuzzy brows rose as Lucy placed her hand into her pocket.

Lucy gently pulled the locket into her palm, holding it before the old man.

"Wh-what are you doing?" Makarov couldn't believe what he was seeing.

"This is for you." Lucy said, her face set in a calm smile, "I don't know the first thing about ruling, well anything. It wouldn't make sense for me to take the thrown but you, you're a natural born leader and you deserve your place as Liceria's true King."

As Lucy finished these words she lowered herself on one knee, bowing.

Natsu immediately followed then Happy, Erza, Gray, and Mirajane.

Makarov looked around with amazement, his eyes filled with tears.

"Lucy...I don't know what to say...are you sure this is what you want?"

Lucy rose, her smile still present, "I've never been more sure of anything."

Makarov wiped the tears from his eyes as Lucy held out the locket once more.

"No," Makarov said, pushing the locket away, "you hold on to that. It's yours after all."

Lucy nodded and leaned down, embracing the older man.

Everyone stood watching the two and never had they been surer that peace was finally achieved.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

"Natsu! Hurry up! We're going to be late again!"

Lucy stood waiting impatiently, her black heels clicking as she hopped from foot to foot, ready to sprint at a moment's notice.

Her hair was down in wavy curls and she was wearing her favorite black dress and peacoat.

"Don't worry Luce, we won't be late, I just gotta find it..." Natsu stood crouched down in his apartment frantically searching for his black beanie.

He always had to wear that thing to these damn open house nights that the school held.

Tsh, parents and their unapproving ways, since when was it a crime to have pink hair?

"Ah-Ha!" Natsu shouted, finally getting hold of the little cotton devil.

"Good, good, now let's go!" Lucy called as she rushed down the stairs of the apartments.

The two got into Lucy's car, and dashed onto the street.

Lucy put on her cherry lip gloss as best she could with Natsu's reckless driving.

The two hit a bump and a bit of Lucy's gloss smeared onto her face.

"Oh crap." Lucy muttered, rummaging through her purse for a napkin.

"No need for that, I'll get it." Natsu said with a grin and leaned towards Lucy's face before she promptly pushed him away.

"Eyes on the road, cheeseball." She giggled as she wiped the gloss away with a tissue.

When the two finally arrived at the Academy, Lucy dashed out of the car and to her classroom.

Natsu did the same, going to his own class.

The two did the leisurely hellos to the parents that entered the room, answering all questions about class schedules and homework.

When the parents and students finally left, Lucy began to organize her desk once more, placing all the new flyers and papers into carefully labeled folders.

"Knock, knock."

Lucy looked up to see Erza and Mirajane standing in her doorway.

"Oh, hey guys." She smiled, "How did open house go for you two?"

"Same old, same old," Erza replied, "parents were of course concerned with my strict code of punishment but once I explained how effective it was, they began to see things my way."

"You probably frightened them to death." Gray spoke entering the classroom.

Mirajane nodded in approval as Erza shot Gray a glare.

"How'd it go for you Lu?" Mira said, taking a seat on one of the student's desks.

"Really good actually," Lucy shrugged, "No complaints here."

"I'm so glad this night is over." Natsu's voice sounded throughout the room as he entered, rubbing his neck in exhaustion, "Parents are the most annoying part of this job."

Gray rolled his eyes, "You mean they make you uncomfortable."

Natsu shot Gray a look, "You wanna start something?"

"Bring it on, pinky." Gray said, as he began to take off his shirt.

"C'mon you two, let's not do this, and for God's sake Gray! Leave your clothes on!" Lucy shouted, tossing Gray back his shirt.

"Fine." Gray grumbled, puffing his cheeks.

"Well I'm going to head home now." Mirajane spoke, sliding off the desk.

"Yeah me too." Erza said with a yawn.

"Well if everyone else is leaving I suppose I'll head out too." Gray said, slipping on his coat.

And so everyone departed, leaving only Natsu and Lucy in the classroom.

"Man I'm beat." Lucy said yawning, "Lets head back."

"So soon?" Natsu questioned, sliding his hands around Lucy's waist.

"What do you mean so soon?" Lucy countered, letting her hands rest on the mage's chest, "You just said you wanted to go."

Natsu shook his head, "I said I was glad the night was over, as in the night spent with those parents."

Natsu gave a smirk before saying, "Our night is just beginning."

Lucy returned Natsu's smirk before wrapping her arms around his neck, "What did you have in mind?"

Natsu let out a chuckle and said, "Well this and that."

Lucy smiled as she reached her lips to meet her boyfriend's.

The two crashed against each other, slowly working their lips over one another.

Lucy sighed as Natsu opened his mouth, and ran his tongue across hers.

Lucy reached up and removed Natsu's beanie before running her hands through his messy pink locks, as Natsu pushed her hips against his.

Every time they did this it still felt new.

As if it was that first time, almost a year back now.

Lucy smiled at the memory as her and Nastu continued kissing.

0o0o0o00o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

It had been a couple weeks since everyone had gotten back to Earth.

Makarov had stayed in Liceria, repairing the land step by step with overwhelming support from the people.

Since Laxus's defeat everyone was in high spirits, always smiling and willing to help out one another.

The same went for the mages that returned to the school.

Students were thrilled to find that even the strictest of teachers had suddenly turned a new leaf of a happier mood.

This meant less pop quizzes, less homework, and best of all more A's.

Yes everyone was in a cheery mood.

Well everyone that was, except Lucy.

Since returning to Earth she had hardly seen Natsu.

He was always busy working late and never had time for anything, including Friday Night Gradings.

Worst of all Natsu had said absolutely nothing about Lucy's confession in Laxus's castle.

It was she had never said it.

Lucy supposed it was possible that Natsu didn't remember her proclaiming her love: after all he had been under a spell.

But if he hadn't heard her then what reason did he have for avoiding her?

There was none, so he must have heard her. And if he had heard her and hadn't said anything by now then it must have meant...Lucy hated to even think of it but she couldn't deny what was most likely the truth: Natsu didn't love her back.

After all, what other reason would he have for ignoring her confession?

And what else could explain why he suddenly started avoiding her like the plague?

After spending much time stressing over these thoughts, Lucy finally decided to just let things go.

There was no point in pursuing someone who would never, in turn, pursue you.

Lucy sighed as she dived into yet another batch of chocolate ice cream.

Eating chocolate seemed to be the only thing Lucy could do to keep from going crazy (well that and watching cheesy romance movies).

Her hair was up in a messy bun as she sat Indian style in front of her tv, wearing a large white V-neck and pink mini shorts.

Lucy could feel the tears brimming in her eyes as she watched Noah confess his love to Allie.

"We're gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, you and me, everyday."

Lucy let her tears flow freely now.

If love wasn't in her future at least she could watch others enjoy it, even if it was through The Notebook.

As Lucy continued to sniffle and shove down mouthfuls of ice cream the doorbell sounded.

Lucy nearly jumped out of her skin at the sudden ring.

She immediately collected herself and paused her sappy movie.

Lucy wiped her eyes as best she could before opening the door.

Lucy's heart did a double flip as she saw Natsu standing before her.

Curse her for not looking through the peephole!

Natsu shuffled his feet as he stood hands inside his red hoodie.

"Hey." He said, after a moment of uncomfortable silence, "Long time no see, huh?"

Lucy blinked at the sight before her. Was Natsu really making a joke of this?

"I guess not." Lucy replied, trying to not sound terribly depressed.

Natsu cleared his throat, "So, could I come in? I kind of need to talk to you about something."

Lucy shrugged before opening the door wider, allowing the pink haired teacher in.

What could he want to talk about? It's not like there's anything worth gossiping about at the school...

Lucy snapped out of her thoughts as she realized there were tissues and empty bowls lying all over her apartment.

She quickly started removing the embarrassing items and hoped that Natsu wouldn't question them

"Have you been crying Luce?"

Oh crap.

"Uh...well yeah." Lucy struggled, putting the last of the bowls in her sink, "I've been watching The Notebook. You know how those movies get to me."

Lucy gave a nervous laugh as Natsu looked upon her in confusion.

"Yeah I guess." Natsu replied, still looking around.

"Um, anyway, what did you want to talk to me about?" Lucy asked, desperately trying to change the subject.

"Oh," Natsu said, his cheeks turning pink, "I uh...well that is...maybe we should sit down."

Lucy nodded as she took a seat next to Natsu on the sofa.

What was he getting so worked up about anyway?

"So Lucy, I wanted...well I wanted to talk to you about...crap." Natsu scratched his head, his face feeling boiling hot.

"You wanted to talk about crap?" Lucy questioned feeling rather confused.

Natsu waved his hands in defense, "No, no I just meant...oh never mind that. What I wanted to really say was...um it's about something you said."

Lucy nodded, "Yeah?"

Natsu sighed before continuing, "Well you said this thing and...I just wanted to know if this thing that you said was what you meant to say or if you didn't really mean what you said, you just said it and now the thing that you said wasn't really the thing that you meant and...and..." Natsu stopped for breath and looked up to see Lucy's utterly dumbfounded face.

"Natsu," Lucy spoke, placing an exasperated hand to her head, "just tell me what you're talking about, slowly, and in plain English if you don't mind."

Natsu nodded: when Gray had told him he needed to confront Lucy he hadn't explained just how difficult it would be.

Damn that ice bastard.

"Okay." Natsu said at last, "I'm just gonna come right out and ask it...okay...right..."

Lucy nodded slowly, "Okay then...go ahead."

Natsu let out a sigh as Lucy began to wonder just how long this whole thing was going to last.

"Here we go..." Natsu almost whispered then suddenly blurted out: "Did you mean it when you said you loved me?"

Lucy's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets at Natsu's words.

Never in a million years had she expected him to ask her that, not after how he had been acting.

"I...well I um..." Lucy looked all over her apartment in a desperate attempt to avoid any eye contact with the young man beside her, "You see the thing is I um..." Now was Lucy's turn to avoid answering as Natsu looked on nervously.

Lucy continued, her face crimson, "Well I...y-yes, but I understand if you don't feel the same way, really! You don't have to apologize or anything, I...oh God."

Lucy shut her eyes as tight as they would go after saying this, oh the humiliation!

To profess her love yet again and be met with rejection!

Lucy prayed to God that he would just strike her down now and get the whole damn thing over with.

"Luce?"

Lucy didn't dare open her eyes, even at the sound of Natsu's voice.

"Lucy why are you closing your eyes?"

Lucy could feel tears forming, even with her eyes shut and quickly covered her face with her palms.

"Because," Lucy's voice came out muffled and timid, "it's all so humiliating."

Natsu's brows rose in confusion, "Why?"

"Because," Lucy could feel her lip shaking, "you-you don't love me back."

Lucy could feel Natsu scoot closer to her and resisted as he tried to pry her hands away from her face.

"C'mon Luce."

At the gentleness in Natsu's voice, Lucy finally allowed him to take down her hands.

Lucy could feel Natsu touch her cheek and slowly opened her eyes.

"Why would you think I don't love you?" Natsu asked his features soft.

Lucy was shocked by this question, "Because...you haven't even said so much as a hello since we got back from Liceria."

Natsu looked down at this, "Oh that...listen Lucy it's not what you think. I haven't been avoiding you because of well...that, I just..."

Lucy stared at Natsu in confusion as the fire mage tried to find the right words.

"I've been avoiding you because I didn't know if you really meant what you said or if you were just feeling so emotional and blurted something you...well that you didn't mean."

Lucy blinked stunned, before saying, "I...I meant it Natsu."

Natsu looked up to find Lucy in tears again.

"Lucy," Natsu said, touching the young woman's cheek, "I came here because I wanted to tell you...I've just been so scared but I...I love you too Luce."

Lucy could feel her heart threatening to burst out of her chest, was this really happening?

Did Natsu just say what she thought he had?

"You-you what?" Lucy questioned, eyes wide and wet.

"I love you Lucy." Natsu repeated, trying to sound as confident as he could with Lucy staring at him.

Lucy continued to stare and Natsu could feel himself getting dizzy.

Hadn't Lucy just said she loved him?

Was she second guessing things?

Why wasn't she saying anything?

"Why didn't you tell me?" Lucy said at last, somewhat to Natsu's relief.

"It's like I said," Natsu explained, feeling oh-so very nervous, "I was scared. I didn't know if you really meant what you said. I mean, the circumstances weren't exactly ideal or anything."

Natsu looked up to see Lucy smiling.

That was a good thing...right?

"Natsu," Lucy giggled, tears flowing yet again, "I never meant anything more in my life."

At these words Natsu felt so relieved he could have cried.

But of course he wouldn't, being the dragon slayer he was.

No, he'd settle for something else instead.

Lucy barely had time to think before Natsu's lips crashed into hers.

Lucy had never felt so short of breath, yet so full of life at the same time.

Their lips moved against one another and Natsu couldn't help but wonder how Lucy got her lips to be so damn soft.

Natsu opened his mouth and Lucy eagerly did the same. Their tongues danced in passion and Lucy couldn't help but let out a small moan.

Natsu felt his chest swell with pride: he had caused her to make that sound.

The two continued their kissing, even as Natsu gently pushed Lucy into a laying position.

Natsu ran his hands all over Lucy's curves, lingering on her voluptuous chest as he hungrily sucked and nibbled her lips.

Never in his life had he felt so full of want, of absolute need.

Lucy let out a moan as Natsu trailed hot open mouthed kisses along her neck, nipping at her collarbone.

Natsu allowed his hands to travel lower down Lucy's shorts as he caught her lips yet again, swallowing yet another moan.

He didn't know how he could have denied so long what he knew to be so incredibly true.

He loved Lucy.

With every fiber of his being, he loved her.

Nothing was more important, not magic, not training, not the school, or even the two worlds in which he inhabited.

Lucy was all he wanted.

Lucy sighed as Natsu slid off her shirt, the only time they dared to break their kiss.

Lucy could feel her body being lit on fire and wondered why she hadn't initiated this sooner.

God, had she been missing out.

As Lucy and Natsu continued to feel and move into the night, Lucy knew what was and always would be true in her heart: she was in love with the clumsy and amazing fire mage known as Natsu.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

As Lucy thought back she suddenly broke her kiss with Natsu.

"What's wrong?" The fire mage inquired huskily, feeling almost drunk.

"I just...I just wanted to say I love you." Lucy spoke, her lips swollen.

Natsu smiled before whispering against Lucy's neck, "I love you too Luce."

Lucy sighed as the two picked up where they left off.

She didn't know what the future held or how she would handle it, all she knew is she wouldn't face it alone.

And for tonight, that was all Lucy needed.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

AN: Here it is, the last chapter! I hope everyone enjoyed it and was happy with the way things ended:) This story has been so fun (and difficult at times haha) to write, but nothing has made it more enjoyable than all the wonderful reviews I've received:) Thank you so much to everyone who reviewed, you guys made the writing worth all the time and effort it took:) I write for fun but also to bring joy and a good story to those who want it, that's what makes writing so wonderful:) So to all of you who gave me such lovely reviews I say THANK YOU SOOOOOO VERY MUCH:))) And for anyone who read the story and especially for those who hung in there even through my (at times) ridiculously long periods of not updating I say THANK YOU:)) Thank you everyone who read this story, it has been great writing it. Maybe I'll do some oneshots in the future (hopefully) but I think my story days for fanfic might be over (for a while at any rate). But thanks once again for reading and sticking in there. You guys really are the best 33333

-Elselbellkell