Is This Goodbye?

Prompt: She wonders, is this how everything will end?

Age: Nastu-23 Lucy-21

REQUESTED BY: EternalBlaze5...

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"Lucy!"

The blonde haired girl perked at the sound of her name rolling from someone's tongue, the light, slightly higher pitched octave of the voice indicating to her that it was a girl. More specifically, her assistant worker, Kinana.

She was a bashful, yet obedient and hardworking girl, and was just here for short amounts of time during the week as a part time job.

Lucy dusted her hands of slight traces of pollen as she adjusted a vase of flowers, light purple lilacs swishing slightly as she did so. She turned around, her medium length ponytail swaying in the air at the movement.

Lucy walked towards Kinana, before the girl of mention shot up, gingerly running over to the blonde.

"U-Um...Hydrangea were requested, although I'm not exactly sure what those look like…" the purple haired girl muttered weakly, her eyes darting to the side in nervousness as she was sure she would get scolded by Lucy.

Lucy lightly smiled, her eyebrows furrowing in knowing concern for her. "Don't worry, I'll handle it this time around. Just make sure to study up on your flowers, okay?"

"Yes, ma'am!" Kinana bowed before hurrying over to the shelf to pick up an encyclopedia of flowers and the different types.

Lucy looked around the store to find the alleged customers, her smiling in a welcoming manner, as she spotted them standing near the opening of the store. They were currently eyeing the many flowers that decorated the outside.

She walked over in greeting, the couple's attention being caught at the new presence.

"Hello, I'm Lucy Heartfilia, the owner of this shop. Can I help you find anything specific today?" She asked them.

"Yes," The ginger haired, green eyed woman spoke up, the blonde man beside her looking around in familiar curiosity.

"We were looking for Hydrangea...I don't believe they're commonly known, but I was wondering if you sold them here." the ginger told the florist.

Lucy warmly smiled, slightly nodding her head, "I see, is this for someone you deeply cherish?" She flickered a curious eye towards the man, wondering what relationship they shared, briefly.

The women's bright green eyes slightly widened, before her cheeks and nose reddened considerably, her eyes softening as they slowly began to water.

She blinked, realizing her own state, as she embarrassingly looked down and laughed, wiping the tear from her eyes.

"Please excuse me," she softly smiled as she looked at Lucy, her eyes weary with wistfulness, "How did you know?" she asked, slightly bending down as she caressed the bright yellow petals of a daisy.

"Hydrangea typically symbolize deep affection," Lucy explained, concerned for the lady's unplanned reaction. "So I just…"

"Oh, you did nothing wrong. I was just surprised, is all. You see, my brother and I, our grandmother recently passed away." she bit her lip as her expression turned bittersweet.

"She absolutely loved flowers, and for as long as I can remember, I loved roaming through her flower garden, so bright and combustly beautiful. I know many things about flowers, their names, and colors...they were all taught by my grandma, who would have the widest grin whenever she began to explain the long and tedious history of a single flower."

She stood up as she took both of her hands and grabbed one of Lucy's. "It's so refreshing to meet someone with a similar passion."

"It's something I love to do," Lucy reassured the lady, with a smile. She lightly shook her hand, before retreating back into the store.

She picked up a previously assorted bouquet of Hydrangeas, their smooth stems and big leaves rubbing against her fingers. She eyed the many, tiny, petals, the bluish green hue of them being sincerely eye catching, small yellow flowers budding in the center.

She carried the bouquet up to the front, showing the lady and her supposed brother.

A wide, teary smile adorned the woman's face as she ogled the mystifyingly gorgeous flowers, her brother walking up beside her as his leaf colored eyes twinkled in fondness and nostalgia.

"Here you go," Lucy stated, handing the two the bouquet.

The brother reached out his hand, firmly grabbing Lucy's into a sturdy handshake.

The blonde haired woman was surprised by this, yet clutched his slightly rougher hand, attempting the same firmness.

"Thank you, ma'am," he smiled softly, Lucy's heart warming at the gesture.

"The pleasure is mine."

They said their thanks again before Lucy handled the payment transactions and such and such. Her heart bubbled with joy as she did so.

It was smiles like that, that made her love her job so much.

Seeing as business had slowed, Lucy decided to take time to herself, and do her daily check on the flowers.

She wandered outside, as she gazed at the many bunches of flowers lining the front of her small shop.

Business was bustling outside, cars and taxis speeding up and down the street, which was the front yard of her shop. Large buildings stood around her, yet as she gazed at the many flowers that adorned her lot, she couldn't help but feel like this was the most peaceful place in the world.

She walked over to the arrangements, as she kneeled down in front of a set of snowy white, frilly carnations. They sat in a pot, the darkened, nourished soil contrasting greatly with the overbearing petals which resembled matured cotton.

Pure love.

"H-Hey!"

Lucy slowly looked up, not the least bit alarmed by the shout, since she was lost in her own world. She more so looked up on instinct.

The blonde's eyes widened significantly as a pink and black whir blurred her vision, before she heard blatant shattering, her very being hauled off of her feet as she fell, back first, into the hard concrete.

Panic struck the girl's heart as pain struck her nerves, her head throbbing as something big and warm lay on top of her. Confusion was the only plausible reaction in the case.

She heard a grunt from atop her, and slightly opened her eyes to the sound in which she assumed to be coming from a human male.

"E-Eh, sorry!" A sudden burst of apology, before the alleged person sprung off of her body.

Lucy continue to lay there, as she placed a hand over her throbbing head. Just what had happened?

"Are you ok?" A deep voice, laced in thorough concern, sounded. The girl simply responded with a nearly silent hum, to indicate that she at least wasn't passed out.

Suddenly, she felt a warm, slightly roughened hand grab hers, removing it from her face.

She slightly opened her eyes, the sun's bright, golden rays shining directly in them.

She felt a hand inch its way beneath her, before it began to softly push upward, her body slowly being raised off the ground.

Lucy felt her heartbeat quicken, her cheeks heating from the care and gentleness in which this man was treating her with. Maybe the heat from the sun was getting to her?

The man kneeled beside her, bringing her in closer to his chest.

"Hey," he whispered, a hint of panic sounding in his voice as he lightly smacked Lucy's cheek, "You awake? Are you passed out?"

Lucy couldn't help but wonder at the peculiar questions. Who would ask someone that in a situation like this?

She finally was able to open her eyes completely, the sun not being as blinding, and her head not throbbing as much.

She was more than surprised to see bright pink hair, the same color and style of bloomed waterlilies. It was spiky, yet looked amazingly soft and beautiful. His eyes reminded her of the Atlantic's ocean water, light green in color, yet sparkled with a certain beauty she couldn't quite place. His eyes were as sharp as pencil points and his face looked both boyish and masculine.

Suddenly, Lucy blushed fervently, noticing the position they were in, her body in his arms, as his hand still gripped hers, their faces far past the limit of personal space, not even adding the fact that they both had been staring at each other for nearly thirty seconds, not a word being said.

"U-Um.." she wiggled as she struggled to get free, the man letting go as Lucy scurried away.

Her eyes widened as she felt her hand land on something unfamiliarly on the ground, and she lifted her palm only to see scattered white petals.

She finally took in her surroundings, and she gasped in shock as she eyed the fallen carnations, soil, petals, and stems scattered about as the pot lay broken into smaller pieces.

She felt her heart jolt in sadness, as she literally felt her whole demeanor fall.

The man noticed the sudden change in the woman's atmosphere, looking down also and seeing white petals sullied with dirt and scattered amongst the concrete. He realized he was the cause of this damage, and he'd hurt the lady.

Lucy wistfully picked up a stem, preserving the still fully intact flower.

"I'm sorry," The pink haired man apologized, feeling surprisingly bad about himself for what he'd done. "I tripped and ruined the flowers you worked so hard to grow."

Lucy was surprised by this, as she turned to look at the still kneeling man, not expecting to hear an apology from him, and such a sincere one at that.

Her eyes swept over his body, as she saw he wore a plaid, red and black flannel shirt, a black hoodie under it, along with black fitted jeans shredded at the knee, and black, high top converses.

Although, the most prominent feature was the large, black guitar case that sat against his back.

"It's alright," Lucy responded to his apology, with a small smile,"I get a bit distraught when I see ruined flowers, but it's not the biggest problem in the world and accidents happen."

The man sighed in relief.

"Although," Lucy added, "I would like you to pay a recovery fee."

The man's whole demeanor physically drooped, as he stared at the ground, raising his hand as he lightly scratched his head. He made a small grunting noise, before his head shot up, a wide grin adorning his face.

"What if I told you I didn't have any money on me?"

Lucy's eyes slightly widened at the question. "Then...I suppose it'd be alright to let you off the hook, just this once."

The man slightly crooked his neck to the side, Lucy imagining water lilies swaying in the pond as his head followed.

"My name is Natsu Dragneel," he abruptly told her, digging into his pocket as he pulled out a flyer, handing it to her.

Lucy hesitantly grasped it in between her slim fingers, confused as to what he was getting at.

"I have a gig here tonight, the place and time are on the flyer." He grinned, "I'd really like it if you came, my way of paying you back for your gratitude and your flowers."

Lucy gazed at the colorful flyer, reading it over. Would she go?

"What's your name?" Natsu asked, suddenly taking interest.

"Lucy...Lucy Heartfilia," Lucy told him, smiling as she formally held her hand out to shake his hand.

Natsu grabbed her hand, yet suddenly pulled her into his chest, wrapping his arms around her. Lucy's eyes widened at the sudden affectionate gesture, yet let it play out.

"I don't quite understand it, but I do know that somehow, I've become attracted to you, Lucy," he mumbled softly, against her ear.

Lucy blushed as he pulled away and stood up, looking down at her smaller frame. Natsu scratched his cheek as he nervously smiled, waving at her as he repositioned his guitar, darting down the street.

Lucy held a hand against her chest, flustered, and completely taken off guard.

What an unexpected encounter.

xxNxLxx

'This is the place, right?' Lucy pondered as she stood outside of a local pub, music blaring out the open doors of the site, as drunken men and women staggered out of the congested venue.

Lucy inwardly sighed, confused as to why she'd even showed up, or why she'd even bother to stress about it. Afterall, she'd just met the man today, and he'd broken her flower vase, spilled precious soil, and ruined young flowers.

She glanced down at her attire one last time, she'd honestly been unsure of what to wear. So, instead, she just opted for her usual tendencies, a burgondy, layered, mid thigh skirt, chocloate brown ankle boots, and a vanilla bean, graphic tee shirt, with red writing on it. Her hair was down, laying nicely on her shoulders.

Taking a deep breath, she walked forward as she opened the doors of the pub, a gush of wind inviting her to what was dwelling on the inside.

Immedietly, the smell of beer and burgers filled her nostrils, as a loud wave of chattering rolled over her eardrums. She looked around to see groups of friends laughing jubilantly, smiling, and filling their stomachs. People sat at the bar as they ordered drinks, and the lights were dim, yet colorful, everyone being washed in blue, red, and yellow hues. A small stage stood towards the side, a pianist playing a heavy rift of notes as party members jumped onto the stage and danced to the complex beat.

At that moment, Lucy blatantly remembered that places like these were usually meant for get togethers with friends, or dates with a hot stranger. Yet, here she was, by herself, her only point in being there to meet the intriguing man she had encountered earlier that day.

She couldn't help but feel perturbed, the dim lights shielding too much from her view. Not being comfortable with sitting at the bar filled with tipsy people, she opted for a table for two, and simply took her seat without assistance.

Lucy wasn't accustomed to these things, and she didn't have the man, Natsu's number, so she did nothing but sit there, enjoying the music which played around her.

And then almost as if on cue,

Her attention was caught by the sound of the crinkle and pop of ice, as cold, fresh, sweetened carbonation poured into a nearby cup. Her eyes followed the liquid, as it seemingly floated in the air, miniature diamonds glowing on its surface, as the light reflected off it, thin as water.

A step was heard, even amongst the noise. The cladding of shoes, hesistant, yet determined as they continued on their path. The blonde knowingly turned her eyes towards the stage...facing the man who she had bumped into earlier that day. Guitar in hand, and a wide smile on his face as he stood behind the mic, a few steps closer and it would press against his thin lips.

She sat there, with eyes that had yet began to shimmer, anticipation building within her as music began to play in the background, his strong hands languidly strumming a few riffs of his guitar.

Natsu's eyes scanned the venue as his mouth opened, his voice coming out husky and raw, it being sweet, yet soulful enough to make you swoon.

The noise hadn't died down. Even as his arms moved fervently. Even as he payed as much attention to detail as possible; adding vibrato here, or sucking in more air from his diaghram so he could make his lower tones sound rich and velvety.

People continued to eat, and laugh, and talk, with no one sparing a glance his way. This was how it always was, but he believed someday that would change.

Sweet dribbled down his brow, his lips pressing together as he hummed a small bit of the song. The lights above him were bright and blinding, yet for some reason, he still tried to spare a glance upwards.

The pain struck him quickly, but he felt like maybe this was what he needed. Maybe this would cause the emotions he was trying to convey to be more passionate, to come across more efficiently.

He was hurting.

Why could no one see that?

The light lingered in his eyes even as he looked away from them, notes tumbling over his tongue.

The light subsided, the crowd of people slowly began to reform into his view.

And that's when he spotted them. He spotted something that made him so incredibly happy. Something that made him wonder if his vision had gone completely haywire.

Something that made him wonder if the twinkle in a person's eyes could shine brighter than illuminated LED lights.

Chocolate brown, big, and combustly beautiful.

Natsu's lips immediately upturned into a warm smile, as he felt his heart burn. With happiness? Terribly so. She seemed so content, so indulgent. She wasn't stuffing her face with food or laughing with a friend. She was solely focused on him, and him only, and for once, Natsu felt like he was actually fulfilling his purpose.

Lucy, quite startled by the eye contact, very slightly raised her eyelids, before she spared him a small wave, her fingers morphing into a thumbs up, as a bright smile spread across her features.

.

And that, that was how a relationship, which would eventually lead to wild love, shattered hearts, and bittersweet forgiveness, began.

A/N: IMPORTANT!

...And this is as far as I've gotten. Sadly enough, I've been on and off this chapter for nearly a year now. I wanted to post this so you could see that no, I haven't forgotten about you guys, but yes, this may indeed be the last chapter of this story.

Incomplete, I know. I would've wanted to end off with something good, something huge! Something that would make you all happy. I feel bad every single time I read a review asking when I will update, or you all giving requests.

I want to leave you all with my heart. So I've stopped here, because I don't want you reading things in which I've felt forced or pressured to write. Things that are stale, and uncharacteristic to me.

My inspiration has just fuzzed out. My passions have changed, my attention has waned. Honestly, I'm tearing up while writing this but I will miss you guys soooo much. I already have, for this whole year that I've been gone. I'm so sorry to let you all down, but thank you so much for staying with me this long!

If, one day, the spark ever ignites in me, then yes, more one-shots will be on the way. That's why I will leave this story labeled as Ongoing, and this ending open. Once again, thank you all for staying with me, supporting me, and enjoying my stories!

See you again! ^~^