Hey, Lucy, it's me. I don't have much time left, so I'm going to make this as short as I can.

We've been through a lot together, haven't we? It's hard to believe this all happened in eleven months.

Thank you for everything. For teaching me little fun facts, for making me realize I love spicy food, for introducing me to video games, for letting me know what rain and snow feels like, and for letting me exist with you. Thank you for letting me experience all these things.

I also want to apologize. I knew that you traded your memories in exchange for me. I knew everything from the moment you ordered me. I was a little confused at first, but I understood it was a mistake you hadn't realized you made.

It was hard not being able to tell you that you were going to forget me after all this time, but it's okay. That's just how deals like this work.

Sorry for not telling you. Sorry for wasting your time like this.

Part of me will always be yours. We'll find each other. If we don't, I'll make it happen. I swear it, Luce. Until then, try and wait for me, okay? Give Happy a hug for me!

Thanks for choosing me and letting me be yours. I hope you enjoyed your purchase.

"What purchase?" I ask incredulously, not understanding why tears have welled up in my eyes. "What is this? Why am I crying?"

I hastily skim through the scratchy handwriting again, none of it registering. Droplets of my tears make the writing even more unintelligible. I can't seem to hold the paper without trembling, so I set it back down on the bed.

I have no idea why I'm becoming emotional at the paper. Is it something I wrote for a story? Did I write it half-asleep last night? Is that why I can't remember any of it?

"This is so weird," I mutter under my breath while sniffing and wiping my tears away. It isn't until I glance at the clock when I leap out of bed. If I don't make breakfast now, I'm going to be extremely late to school.

An uneasy, heavy pit grows in my stomach with each step I take to the kitchen. Not only can I not get the paper out of my head, but the apartment feels eerily silent. It's as if someone should be here with me even though I live alone.

To prevent this feeling from increasing any further, I flip on the TV so there's at least some sound to keep me company. Yet even then, I still feel lonesome. Unspoken words remain in my throat as I eat breakfast.

For some reason, I feel the urge to look over my shoulder as I wash my plate. I'm not sure what I'm expecting to find when I eventually do, only being met with an empty kitchen.

"I-I'm not sure if you snuck in or anything, but if you did, the balcony door is unlocked," I stammer to the cat that won't stop staring me down. He tilts his head at me, a collar glistening with the light. I bend down to read what his name is—my breath stops.

"So you're Happy," I say in realization. "I guess I should give you a hug now?"

Happy simply gazes at me in response. Not being able to fight the impulse, I wrap my arms around the warm feline. There's a familiar scent about him that I can't remember where it's from.

"You can stay inside if you want," I mention, newfound fondness for the animal blossoming inside of me. "It looks like it's going to rain, so try to stay dry."

I reach for my schoolbag and umbrella before ruffling Happy behind the ears and hoping he understood. With that, I unlock the front door and step outside to the humid, spring air. By the smell, I can tell it's about to be summer.

Again, each footstep I take feels strange. Have I always gone to school by myself? Has there never been anyone by my side? Have I always been alone? It's hard to believe it's been like this every day.

I just can't put my finger on it, and it leaves my entire body tingling with restlessness. My pace quickens when I'm close to the classroom, hoping to see that I'm not the only one feeling this way.

"Good morning, Lu!" Levy greets me cheerfully. "How was your weekend?"

"I-It was good," I stutter out. My memory appears blurry in my mind. "How was your weekend?"

"Well, it was Gajeel and I's first anniversary," Levy smiles bashfully. "We—"

"Did nothing," Gajeel interrupts her, placing a large hand over her mouth. "We didn't do anything together."

"I'm sure you didn't," I reply with a small, amused smile. "Hey, have you seen—"

"Lucy, finally you're here," Erza strides towards me. "Do you mind passing out these sheets of paper? I have to go do something, and you're the only person here who knows everyone's name."

"Sure," I nod promptly. Accepting the small stack of papers, I shuffle towards the front of the classroom and place them on everyone's desk one by one. By the time I've reached my row of desks, the first bell rings.

Luckily, my paper is the last one in the stack, so I'm at my desk before our homeroom teacher arrives. Once I'm situated, I pause after noticing the empty desk in front of me. Did I forget a paper?

"Morning, Lucy," Lisanna whispers beside me, taking me out of my thoughts.

"Morning," I respond with my own whisper. "Hey, is it just me or does something feel off?"

"I had that feeling today, too!" she gasps with wide eyes.

A speck of hope surfaces in my chest. I knew I couldn't have been the only one feeling this way. There's no mistake—something is missing, after all.

Lisanna suddenly perks up in her seat. "I think I just figured it out."

"You did?" My back straightens along with hers. I lean forward in anticipation, hanging off her every word. "What is it?"

"Remember the sale we had our eyes on? Since they extended it, we didn't have to look at it first thing in the morning. It felt so good to wake up today without having to look at it!"

That's not it.

"Yeah, it did feel good, didn't it?" I smoothly play along while turning back to the front of the classroom. My eyes fall back on the vacant desk in front of me for the second time. I can't help but turn to Lisanna again. "Where's the person who sits in front of me?"

"Nobody has sat there all semester," she answers with a frown. "Lucy, are you feeling okay?"

"I'm just feeling a bit out of it, I guess," I admit with a soft sigh. I don't get the chance to say any more due to the homeroom teacher entering the classroom. On instinct, I begin to zone out and daydream as I peer out the window.

Strangely enough, there isn't much for me to think about today. My mind feels as if it's been wiped clean by a magic eraser. I can't remember what happened yesterday, last week, or last month.

Why do I feel like this?

I try to stay optimistic about the situation, hoping that my memories will come back. But if I don't remember, then I decide it's surely not that important. If it was important, I'd definitely remember.

With that mindset, the odd feeling that crawls across my spine gradually begins to fade away as the day continues. By lunch, I've completely dismissed everything. I can't dwell on this feeling forever, anyway.

However, once the last bell of the day sounds across the school, the feeling hits me like a sudden slap to the face. I've switched to autopilot while I wave goodbye to everyone.

"You're not coming to Fairy Tail with us today?" Gray lifts a brow.

"Not this time," I shake my head with an apologetic smile.

"She has sales to attend to, remember?" Gajeel remarks with a snicker.

"Come on, Lucy! Just this once?" Juvia sends me a pout.

"I'll have to pass. Sorry, guys," I tell them, taking off before I give in to the peer pressure. I wish I could remember when the last time I went to Fairy Tail was—hopefully not too long ago.

I can't keep myself from shivering because of this aching feeling inside of me. The pouring rain isn't making things any better. Opening my umbrella before I step into the rain, my eyes are withdrawn to watch my slow steps.

I listen to my shoes splashing against the puddles, the low rumble of thunder in the distance, and the rain thrumming against my umbrella. There's a gentle breeze that whispers across my skin, blowing the stray hairs away from my face.

My steps freeze, my arm moving on its own. I blink several times at my extended hand in confusion. I don't notice what I'm doing until I feel rain droplets landing on my palm, biting and prickling my skin.

"N-Natsu," I whisper hoarsely as though I've been crying. "The rain is so cold."

Saying his name is all it takes. Images rapidly flash through my mind, playing like a stop motion film. All of the pictures are Natsu and I smiling, laughing, kissing, playing video games, going to the circus, celebrating Christmas and Valentine's Day—everything we've done together.

I remember everything. I remember the night I accidentally ordered Natsu. I remember all the kisses we shared. I remember the month he became sick. I remember the last night I fell asleep, clinging onto his hand for support.

"So it's been three days," I breathe out. "I slept for three days after the caffeine crash."

I didn't even know it was humanly possible to sleep for that amount of time, but I also wasn't aware that Natsu could leave without leaving a trace. Is it really possible that all he left was a piece of paper?

One moment my feet are nailed to the ground. The next moment I'm sprinting through the rain, completely neglecting to hold up my umbrella and keep myself dry. The rain splatters across my face and blurs my vision.

There has to be a trace. It's impossible for Natsu to not have one. If his creator is the one who took him away, the only place he'd bring Natsu is the place where he initially arrived before my apartment. Since it's been three days, he has to have already been logged into the system.

Bursting into the post office, I drop my dripping umbrella near the door and stride to the front desk. I'm out of breath, but I don't pay attention.

"Has there been a robot here?" I demand, ignoring the receptionist bewildered expression.

"That's classified information," the receptionist answers sternly. "I'm afraid I can't answer that for you."

"You can't just…" My voice helplessly trails off. "I'm not asking for what kind of robot. I'm asking if there has been a robot. Isn't that vague enough?"

"I'm still not permitted to answer that." They shake their head in dismissal. "If you keep insisting on the question, I'm going to have someone escort you outside."

I press my lips together in a tight, thin line. If I unseal my lips, I know I'm going to say something I'll regret. "Thank you for your time," I force out awkwardly before swiveling back around to the entrance.

My knuckles are pale due to my firm grasp on my umbrella. My legs are begging me to have a break as I continue to rush through the rain, but I don't listen to them. All I'm focused on are my thoughts.

There's one more place to go to that will surely do something about a missing person. Robot or not, this place is obligated to do something about it.

"Has anyone been reported missing in the past three days?" I don't hesitate to ask as soon as I reach the police station. The police officers scrutinize at me behind the counter for a few moments before one of them starts to click at their computer.

"No, nobody has been reported missing," he discloses. "Who are you looking for?"

"My boyfriend," I respond unevenly. "Is there any way you can find him even if it hasn't been reported?"

"He can't be found unless he commits a crime, or he brings himself in," he informs.

I bite my lip, fully aware that neither of those things are going to happen. My eyes widen when an idea enters my mind. "What about a picture?" I offer desperately.

"A picture could help," the officer replies.

Rummaging through my schoolbag, I find my phone and hastily scroll through all the photos. I'm able to see the picture Natsu and I took on Valentine's Day so vividly in my mind, I can still hear his voice in my ears. I reach the date in my photo calendar; my heart sinks into my stomach.

The picture isn't there. It's gone.

"Do you have a picture or not?" the officer inquires impatiently.

"I don't," I answer weakly. "I don't have a picture."

"Then we can't help you," he states bluntly. "We'll try and keep an eye out, though."

It's an empty promise—I can hear it in the back of his voice. Regardless, I force myself to nod in understanding. "Thank you for your time."

Leaving the train station, my legs are searing with pain. I finally decide to listen to them as I stumble back home. The rain hasn't lightened any. I limply hold up my umbrella, not caring about the water that has travelled its way into the back of my shirt.

The moment I unlock my front door, I'm met with Happy's eyes piercing into mine. I squat down to his level, gently scratching the back of his ears.

"You remember, don't you?" I whisper. "I bet you never even forgot."

Happy purrs in response. My throat immediately becomes dry at the familiar sound. At least there's one other mind in Magnolia that has the same memories as me.

The apartment has never felt so empty. I'm waiting to hear the soothing music of Natsu's video game though it never plays. I'm tempted to simply turn on the game and listen to it, but I can't. It would hurt too much.

Happy follows me everywhere I go, not allowing me out of his sight. I find it extremely comforting. Despite the unbearable silence of the apartment, Happy being with me makes it a little easier to deal with.

I can't look at the couch anymore. I avoid glancing at it all times, and a part of me wants to throw it out and buy a new one. However, all of the times Natsu and I spent on the couch before his health dwindled down mean too much to me. I could never throw away the couch.

I eventually enter my room and crawl into my bed, allowing Happy to join me beneath the covers. It isn't until I close my eyes when everything begins to sink in. I lie on my back with heavy breaths.

Natsu is gone. Nobody can remember him except Happy and I. The only thing he left behind was the letter he wrote. Everything else about him is nonexistent. Not even his scarf exists anymore. There's nothing. Absolutely nothing.

"I miss you so much already, Natsu," I sigh out with tears rolling down my temple. I don't bother to brush them away this time.

I don't realize how much time I've spent in my bed until I hear several knocks on the door. I get up faster than I should, the edges of my vision blurring. My hands tremble as I swing open the door.

"Are you not excited to see me?" Lisanna frowns at my grimace.

"S-Sorry," I mumble, stepping to the side to let her in. "I was expecting someone else."

"Who?" she quirks a curious brow.

I open my mouth, about to say Natsu's name, but I know it's no use. "I ordered something online," I end up settling with.

"So did I!" she exclaims while making her way into the kitchen. "I think I'm getting out of control with all these things I'm ordering. Anyway, it's my turn to bring dinner, so here it is."

Even though my stomach growls at the chicken Lisanna presents, I don't feel like eating it. Since I don't want to be rude, I make myself eat a few bites, chugging down lots of water to mask the taste.

"Still feeling out of it?" Lisanna asks after a while.

"How'd you know?" I blurt out.

"I can see it," she admits with a small smile. "Do you want to be alone?"

"Yeah," I respond quietly. "I do."

"Okay, that's fine," she assures as she scoots her chair back from the counter. "Let me know if you need anything, okay? I'll be here as soon as you call."

"Okay, thanks." I begin to walk her out. "I don't think I'll be able to go to school tomorrow. Can you tell everyone I just need some time for myself?"

There's a flicker in Lisanna's eyes, but she doesn't say anything. Instead, she sends me another smile. "You got it! Take all the time you need."

"Thanks," I reply in relief.

Shutting the door after she has entered her apartment, I wrap up my half-eaten dinner and place it in the fridge. Then, switching the lights off as I go, I return to my bedroom. Happy's body heat is enough to have kept the whole bed comfortably warm. It makes me sleepy almost immediately.

I'm not sure what time I go to sleep. I'm not sure what time I wake up. I'm not sure what time I eat breakfast or dinner. I'm not sure what time I go back to sleep.

It's like this for a few days. I'm in a constant daze, not wanting to be taken out of it. By the texts I receive from everyone, it appears that this is my first time missing school like this. The month I spent taking care of Natsu and skipping school don't exist anymore. To everyone else, those weeks were just as normal as the weeks before it.

I end up filing a leave of absence for school to keep me safe from getting held back a year. Erza is the first one to find out, the rest finding out shortly after. I'm bombarded with texts which I plainly respond to hours later.

I'm grateful that everyone gives me space. They occasionally text me to see if I'm doing okay, not understand why I'm acting like this. By how focused they are on me and not the person who suddenly became missing, I don't bother to bring Natsu up to them. It'd be too troublesome.

I don't talk to anyone. I don't want to. I need a break just this once.

Home all day with my thoughts makes me realize how cursed I am, being stuck with these memories I'm surely not supposed to have. Sometimes I think it'd be better if I hadn't remembered Natsu at all. But when I read through his letter one more time, I know that I wouldn't be the same if I didn't have these memories. I love each and every single one of them, no matter how much pain it causes me.

I'm sure Natsu doesn't want me to be this way, but I can't stop myself. Sometimes this is the type of healing people need. Nonetheless, I mentally apologize to him for acting this way. I still hold onto his existence.

I keep to myself for weeks and weeks. It's better this way.

I thought I would feel better if I stayed in bed all day and all night, yet I find myself feeling some type of ease when I write in a journal. In the beginning, I write about anything. Then before I know it, I'm writing down every memory I have of Natsu. With this, I'll never forget him.

Once I've finished writing down my memories, I retreat back to writing about anything. This time, I can't help but subtly mention something that has to do with Natsu, like his love for spicy food.

It isn't until the journal I've been writing in is covered with my handwriting from front to back when I decide that it's finally time. It's been one month since Natsu disappeared. It's time to go back.

"Yeah, I'll be coming back to school tomorrow," I tell Levy over the phone, wincing at the loud screeching coming from her end.

"Finally!" she cheers. "I've missed you so much, Lu! All of us have! We've all prepared lesson plans for you so you aren't confused about the stuff we're learning right now. It's all going to be okay!"

"I'm not worried about it," I respond, incredibly touched that they all thought about me this much. "How about we go to Fairy Tail tomorrow to celebrate?"

"Of course!" she gasps. "I mean, if you're up for it. You don't have to force yourself."

"I'm not," I assure. "I know I'll feel ten times better if we go."

"Your wish is my command," Levy declares. "Okay, see you tomorrow, Lu!"

"See you," I say before disconnecting the call. I release a heavy breath, not realizing I'd been holding it in this time. For the first time all month, I start to feel some excitement.

I'm excited to see everyone again. I'm excited to talk to them. I'm excited to hang out with them.

"I'm sure Natsu would be even more excited, though." I pat the journal soaked with my memories, a laugh escaping me. My body becomes stiff at the noise. I don't remember the last time I've laughed. It feels nice.

It's awkward to be going back to school again, since it's really been two months, after all. The weather has changed entirely. We've now reached the best season of the year—summer.

There's a slight ache inside of me since Natsu isn't here to experience it. But I know he's somewhere, enjoying it along with me.

I haven't even taken one step inside the classroom when I'm met with a group of hugs embracing me with all their strength. I'm not able to breathe until they release me.

"Welcome back, Lucy!" the group proclaims.

I cast a look at everyone's faces, noticing that they all have smiles on their faces, some wider than others. All of their eyes are radiant.

"Thanks, guys," I say with a small smile. "It feels good to be back."

There isn't much time for us to say much since the bell rings faster than we expected. It feels oddly good to be sitting down in my seat again. I try not to pay too much attention to the vacant desk in front of me.

"You look better, Lucy," Lisanna whispers to me.

"I feel better," I reply truthfully. Lisanna is the only one who was able to catch glimpses of me throughout the past month. It was inevitable since she felt obliged to bring me dinner at least three times a week.

Despite not being in school for two months, I haven't missed much. I'm already back to daydreaming the instant our homeroom teacher starts talking. The rest of the day passes by so quickly, I'm surprised when it's the end of the day.

"Already?" I blurt out incredulously.

"You can stay here longer if you want," Lisanna giggles. "I'll be at Fairy Tail, though!"

"No way! I'm coming!" I exclaim while hurriedly picking up my things and following her outside. The summer breeze makes me feel alive—more alive than I've ever felt.

"Ah, just one more month left of school!" Levy sighs happily as we're on our way to Fairy Tail.

"Then two free months of online shopping," Lisanna lets out her own dreamy sigh.

"Two free months that Juvia will get to spend with Gray," Juvia chimes in.

"Two free months that I get to spend not seeing you guys," Gajeel states.

"Two free months of summer school if you don't pass your final exams," Erza corrects smoothly.

"Shouldn't I be the one you should be saying that to?" I comment.

"I'm not worried about you," Erza guarantees. "Gajeel and Gray, on the other hand…"

"I guess I have no choice but to tutor you two," Jellal releases his own deep sigh. He crosses his arms as he examines the two boys. "Which one of you is smarter?"

"I am, of course!" Gajeel and Gray proclaim simultaneously, swiftly sending each other a glare. "No, I am!"

I watch the boys in amusement. Soon enough, a twinge of nostalgia surfaces in my chest. Even though this is how it's always been, it's simply not the same anymore. Natsu needs to be here for everything to feel complete.

"You know, I think we need to find another boy for our group," Lisanna points out. "That way, if they have any more arguments, it'll be even numbered."

"I agree," Levy nods. "Having three boys looks odd."

"That's because it is," Erza remarks.

"Hey, why are Lucy's eyes so large?" Juvia questions.

"N-No reason!" I squeak while shaking my head. "I'm just trying to imagine what it would be like to have a fourth boy in the group."

"The time will come when it is right," Erza confirms, sounding ten times wiser than she really is. "Anyway, now that we're here, let's celebrate Lucy's return!"

Although I'm reluctant at first, I've forgotten how much fun it is to eat and drink until my stomach hurts. I'm laughing and smiling so much, I forgot what that was like, as well. Everything that I've forgotten is all coming back to me, brighter and stronger than ever before.

It isn't long until going to Fairy Tail starts to become routine again. First we go there a few times a week, then we're going there every day after school. I'm happier each time we meet. Little by little, I'm getting myself back.

In the beginning, Natsu was in my mind every second of the day. But then suddenly, he isn't. And I'm okay with it. I'm myself again. I'm the me I was before I met Natsu.

After countless nights of going to Fairy Tail and staying there later than we should, I decide that we should probably go home early one of these nights to at least get eight hours of sleep for once. Everyone instantly agrees, especially Erza who has guilt smeared all across her face.

"I thought everyone was getting eight hours of sleep," she admits. "How are you not?"

"Erza, we stay here until we only have six hours left until school starts," Gajeel answers bluntly. "How the hell are you getting two extra hours sleep than us?"

"I know how to sleep with my eyes open," she replies, having all of us groan in response.

"Well, Lucy and I will see everyone tomorrow!" Lisanna begins to wave. When I've waved back to everyone, I walk next to her as we return home. It's always nice to walk beside someone every once in a while.

"I'm going straight to bed when I get home. I'm not even going to look at my phone," Lisanna yawns out, passing it on to me.

"Me neither," I agree, teary-eyed from my yawn. "I don't even remember the last time I received eight hours of sleep."

"It was definitely before we started going to Fairy Tail," she states. "Anyway, I'll see you at school tomorrow. Goodnight!"

"See you." I drop her off at her apartment and promptly enter mine. Even though I said I was going to go to bed, I slightly break the rules by ruffling Happy behind the ears.

"Did you have a good day? Sorry I've been out all day," I tell him softly.

Happy purrs, rubbing the side of his face into my palm. If I have to say what the most comforting thing in the world is, this is it.

I'm already able to feel my legs giving up after I've brushed my teeth and retreated to my room. I fall into the bed face first, eventually rolling onto my back.

"See you in the morning, Happy," I yawn out for the final time before closing my eyes.

Since I'm getting a full eight hours of sleep, I assume I'm going to be waking up feeling reenergized and ready for the day. However, the next morning, I wake up with heavy eyes.

"I need more sleep," I groggily moan out, having pressed snooze on my alarm for the third time.

When I know that I'll hardly have enough time to make breakfast, I heave myself up from the bed and lug myself to the kitchen. This is not what eight hours of sleep feels like.

It appears that I'm not the only one feeling this way because when I arrive to the classroom, there are only a select few with their heads resting on their desks. Lisanna happens to be one of them.

"I'm feeling the same way," I say as I fall into my seat.

"Why do I feel more awake with six hours of sleep?" Lisanna lets out a muffled sigh.

"Erza did this to us," I mumble, taking longer blinks than I should. Soon enough, I'm not able to keep my eyes open. But since it won't be a couple more minutes until the bell rings, I use the free time to my advantage and lay my head down.

I'm far too deep into my power nap to raise my head when the bell chimes throughout the school, so I decide to wait just a couple extra minutes. I'll wait until our homeroom teacher shuts the door after he enters the classroom.

I'm able to hear the clicks of our homeroom teacher's shoes throughout the hallway, eventually sounding inside the class. I wait for the door to close, but it doesn't. Instead, a second pair of shoes click against the floor.

"Today we have a new transfer student," our teacher announces. "New student, will you please introduce yourself?"

On cue, my head flies up in bewilderment. Having a transfer student this late in the year is extremely unusual. My eyes instantly shift to the door, not realizing they are already standing in the classroom. Goosebumps form on my skin as I hear their voice.

"My name is Natsu Dragneel. Nice to meet everyone."

"Welcome to our class. You may pick any seat," our teacher instructs.

I'm frozen in my seat as I watch the new transfer student's familiar eyes scan the area for a desk. My heart leaps in my throat when our eyes connect. I feel my cheeks flush once he starts to step towards me.

Does he remember me? Is that why he's coming towards me?

My eyes widen once he stops a few feet away from me. Time feels to be at a standstill as we gaze at each other. Then, he slides into the desk in front of me.

"Okay, everyone, take out your notes." I hear our teacher say, but I don't pay attention.

My eyes are nailed on the boy in front of me. He has the same voice, same eyes, same hair, same scarf. Everything about this person is identical to the Natsu I once knew. But this time, there's a difference—he has a last name.

Dragneel. It suits him.

"Lucy, you're going to burn a hole in him if you keep staring," Lisanna tells me in between classes.

"I'm not staring!" I defend myself, only to have her roll her eyes at me. Even if my staring is noticeable, that isn't going to be enough for me to stop.

Natsu is right here in front of me. This is all too surreal.

I don't have the patience to wait until the end of the day to introduce myself. I already have all the words rehearsed in my head by the time lunch begins.

"I'll be right back," I quickly tell the girls before leaving the classroom in pursuit of Natsu. He isn't difficult to spot, considering his vibrant hair. Had it always been so bright?

He holds onto something in his hand, and I gather that it's change for the vending machines. Noticing his steps gradually slow down, I figure that he can't find them. I ignore the pounding beat of my heart as I walk up to him.

"Can't find where the vending machines are?" I ask.

"How'd you know?" he spins around to me with a raised brow.

I pause for a second. By his reaction, he doesn't know who I am. But in a way, I don't know who he is either. Right now, we're strangers.

"Lucky guess," I answer. "Follow me, I'll show you where they are."

My stomach flips multiple times as I lead him around the school, feeling his eyes on me. The vending machines are outside in a secluded area, and although it's usually busy during lunch, there isn't anyone today. Thankfully, he doesn't seem to notice.

"You're the one who sits behind me, right?" Natsu remarks while inserting his change into the machine. Pushing two buttons, he bends down and reaches for his spicy bag of chips. "What's your name?"

All of his movements are so similar, I can't help but be mesmerized. I can't believe he's in front of me. Human. I don't realize I'm gaping at him until he waves a hand in front of my face.

"Hello? What's your name?"

"Lucy!" I blurt out. I release a breath, relaxing my tone. "My name is Lucy."

"Lucy?" he slowly tests out the name. My heart feels like it's going to leap out of my chest.

"Nice to meet you," I extend my hand out to him. "Let's be friends!"

Natsu's eyes shift from my hand to my face several times before a grin spreads across his lips. He happily accepts my hand, shaking it firmly. His hands are familiarly soft. "Nice to meet you, Luigi!"

"It's Lucy," I scoff out so naturally, my eyes widen. I'm surprised to see his eyes are the same size as mine. He still hasn't released my hand.

"Why do I feel like I know you from somewhere?" he asks.

"They say that there are seven people in the world that look the same," I reply smoothly.

"Is that so?" he mutters, finally letting go of my hand. Despite it being warm outside, my hand feels cold instantly. "I've never seen anyone like you before, though."

"Is that a bad thing?" I ask curiously.

"No, it's good." He flashes me a another grin. "So, is there anywhere else you want to show me that doesn't have a lot of people?"

"T-This wasn't on purpose!" I stammer out with crimson cheeks. "It's just a coincidence that—"

"I know, I was just teasing you," he smirks. "But really, if there is anything you want to show me, that'd help a lot."

"My friends!" I exclaim louder than I intended. "Want to meet my friends?"

"Are they as weird as you?" he asks while following my brisk steps inside.

I turn to him with my own grin. "Weirder."

Natsu chuckles, making me laugh in response. His laughter is too contagious. I feel the impulse to reach for his hand, but I know I can't do that. Instead, I keep them pressed against my sides as we return to the classroom. I can't help but rush to everyone.

"Natsu, these are my friends! My friends, this is Natsu!" I proudly present.

I view everyone's expressions as they take in his appearance. Of course, the word pink is instantly brought up. My cheeks throb from the permanent smile on my face.

"Looks like the fourth boy joined our group faster than expected," Lisanna grins.

"I told you the time will come when it's right," Erza beams.

"Do you want to come to Fairy Tail with us, Natsu?" Levy eagerly offers him.

"What's Fairy Tail?" Natsu inquires.

"You've got a lot to learn if you don't know what Fairy Tail is," Gray remarks.

I nod in agreement, knowing fairly well how much Natsu will be learning from now on. I don't mind, though.

I don't mind that I have to repeat every single thing with him. I don't mind that things might get difficult again. Because with Natsu, everything is okay.

This is my chance to make things right again—to make things better than they were.

All I hope is that maybe this time won't involve anything like, sensing each other's feelings or having a malfunctioning program.

But if it does, thankfully, I'll know just the way to deal with it—without the devil, of course.

And that concludes this story! I literally wrote this all in one sitting... I'm not okay. Especially because I'm going to miss writing this so so much.

Honestly, I never thought I would feel so attached to this story, but I am. I really feel as if my writing as improved tons over this past year, and it really makes me feel accomplished.

I'm going to miss robot Natsu. I'm also going to miss staying up late trying to think of angst scenes for these two. :-( I'm horrible omg

Really, I need to thank the manga Absolute Boyfriend. Without that manga, this wouldn't exist!

So, what am I going to write next? I'm on vacation right now, and I decided that I'm going to take a break for the rest of July. I still have tons of one-shots I plan on writing, so I'll probably come back with some nice Nalu fluff! I'm not quite sure which multi-chaptered fic I'm planning on coming back with first, but the wait will be worth it, I promise.

Anyway, thank you guys so so much for reading! I hope you guys enjoyed the last chapter to this story! I can't believe that after a year it's finally over. :') This journey has really been a lot of fun with all you guys!

Please, don't hesitate to read my other stories! Feel free to send me messages on my hiatus as well. I love talking to you guys! That goes for tumblr, too! My url is amehanaaa and my blog is a mess but we can be a mess together, okay?

Okay, that's it for me. Again, thank you guys so so so much for reading, reviewing, favoriting, following, and everything else! I really can't tell you guys how happy I am.

Hope to see you again soon. Thanks for everything! Congrats on surviving DWTD!