Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail in any way, shape or form.

Oh my. I think the amount of people who read the last chapter skyrocketed from the first chapter. Thank you so much!

This time round, I'd like to thank KaUiA, Rose Tiger, LiLyRoSe98, vampire-fetish15, NatsuxLucy FTW, XoxoFairyTailXoxo, Bru21, Panchan, Fairy-Tail-Kijitsu, FRefugee, RedRose43, Shana Heartfilia, inukagome9193, urusaii, souleatermerry, Amy Cahill09, KidTantei, Footster26, Tohru and Amaura for reviewing! (A lot more of you than there was last time!) I also want to thank those of you who added the story to their favourites or alerts and read!

I really hope you enjoy this final chapter, and that you enjoyed the story as a whole!

The white dress was ornate – the most beautiful that she had ever laid eyes on. With golden swirls stitched onto the bodice and delicate looking teardrop crystals decorating the lower part of the gown – she was to be the envy of any woman who would see her walking down that snow white aisle that day.

She stared at her reflection in the mirror, trying her best not to think of any narcissistic thoughts. Although, it was extremely difficult. With the dress, her hair knotted into an elegant bun, and her thin lace veil, she believed herself to be too radiant not to be admired.

But it wasn't vanity that occupied her mind as the hours to the even ticked past her. No...

It was him.

The last look that he gave her simply couldn't get out of her mind. A mixture of longing and dejectedness – how it drove her insane. He looked so helpless, standing there as she walked away from him. Everywhere she looked, she would always picture him with that same expression.

She regretted her decision, so deeply.

The grandfather clock rang its bells, and she glanced to see the time it showed. 1:00 – her last moments of freedom had run its course.

With a deep breath, she tore her gaze from the mirror and got to her feet. Wobbling slightly, she caught herself and picked up the bouquet of white lilies from the vanity. Letting go of her thoughts, she walked out the room, headed towards the gardens, where the ceremony would take place.

Just as she reached the front door, she felt a pair of eyes bore into her. She froze, but didn't turn around to see who had been staring at her. Tears did spring up in her eyes once she heard the voice of an old companion.

"Lucy, you look absolutely ravishing," the voice complimented, and from behind the shadows came the mature woman who had acted like a second mother to her in her youth. Lucy covered her mouth to hide her gasp, as the woman came to stand beside her. "As beautiful as your mother was on her wedding day, if not more so."

Lucy locked gazes with her, letting her hands drift away from her mouth. She opened her arms wide to capture the woman into a fond embrace. "Cecilia... How? Why?"

The former maid stroked her cheek endearingly. "Just because I was dismissed all those years ago, doesn't mean that I would miss an event such as this. Surprisingly enough, it was your father who invited me," she explained, and the woman didn't miss the look of surprise on Lucy's face. "Even though you may not believe it, your father still does care for you."

Lucy sighed, taking a step back. She didn't know what to day in reply to that statement. Her father... He was the whole reason she was going through with the marriage, the whole reason why she couldn't escape the night before with Natsu.

"I... I don't know what to say..."

Cecilia smiled, opening the door for her former mistress. The day was perfect, with the sky a striking blue and the grounds in top condition. Down the stairs began the aisle that she would be walking on soon enough. Further beyond, she could see seats arranged in order, and a rose adorned archway standing directly at the end of her path.

Guests were filing into the seats, all of them sparing expectant glances at where she was standing. She gulped nervously and slowly backed away, daunted by how real the situation was all of a sudden. She turned to Cecilia anxiously.

"I-I'm getting married. It just struck me that I'm getting married. The prospect is even more frightening than when I first thought of it."

Cecilia's mouth quirked up into a small, knowledgeable smile. "I can see that darling. I will mention something that may appease you," she murmured, her eyes flickering suspiciously at the guests before turning back to Lucy. "This morning, on my way here, I saw a peculiar young man, who seemed very out of sorts. He was walking alone, his expression and manner a mixture of pure anger and sadness."

Lucy's eyebrows furrowed. "And where is this conversation leading to?"

"Well, I stopped and began chatting with the young man, hoping to get some insight on why he was acting that way. After our little chat, I told him the directions to a stately manor above the town, where a wedding was to be held on the grounds," she replied, a bit playfully at that. Lucy gaped and Cecilia simply smiled. "Close your mouth dear, and hold true to your final hope. As we speak, a fire juggler may be on his way to save you."

..O..

It was hard getting permission for him to have an extra day in that small town. Master nearly had a fit, asking why on Earth he'd want to cause more chaos than what he has already made. Everyone had nearly keeled over in shock from his reply.

"Because I need to take back the girl that I've wanted for nearly a decade. Is something wrong with that?"

Mira had let out a squeal, she being the hopeless romantic. Many others shared knowing smiles, happy that their immature fire juggler finally had someone to take care of him. Levy all but screamed out that she had met the girl, and agreed that Natsu should find her. In the end, they all consented, only leaving him one day to get her back.

Running up the forest road which he knew led to her manor, he realised how lucky he truly was to have met that kind lady in town, as he had tried to think of ways to find his girl.

..O..

He kicked another stray pebble in his path. Frustration was an understatement to him as he wracked his mind, wondering where the young woman could have gone. He needed to stop her before she made any choices that would deter her from him.

He felt broken at the end of their conversation. Long after she had left, he had stood there, dumfounded in all aspects. He had been so optimistic about her – that they would finally be together after so long. Even though he barely knew her, strong feelings had brewed in him for ten years, finally let out once they met.

Someone near him cleared their throat – a woman by the sound of it. He stopped in his tracks, glancing suspiciously at the mature woman that stood beside him, an imploring look on her face. "Young man, may I ask if there is a problem?"

He turned away roughly, beginning to stalk off. "No. No problem at all."

She huffed, crossing her arms at his stubbornness. "Honestly, I wouldn't have believed that a young man capable of a spectacular performance like the one you gave last night would be a very moody chap. Jewel for your thoughts, Salamander?"

He couldn't help but smile at the attitude the lady showed to him. Halting his steps, he turned to her, his moth curving into a fleeting smile. "I don't need the Jewel, but I think that it'll be alright for me to say whatever I need to say."

She smiled back, waving her hand. "Then feel free to divulge fire juggler."

He blew out a breath and leaned against a nearby wall, folding his arms against his chest. Memories of the night before played through his mind, and he knew that if he had to explain, he had to start from their first meeting. He knew that time was running out, so his story telling had to be finished fast.

"Ten years ago, we performed in this town. I was starting off with the circus then, but it seemed that word about my tricks spread fast. On July 1st, the second night that we performed, a young girl caught my eye," he pictured her as she was ten years ago – innocent and quirky. Something about her had grabbed his attention. "She was seated in the front row, and out of everyone in the audience, it was as if she was the one that enjoyed my show the most. To my surprise, she had stayed back to peek at the performers. I asked her to leave, but she said that she had wanted to meet one of the people. I grew excited, wondering if it was me that she had wanted to see. It was a ridiculous thought, but I couldn't have been happier when she admitted that I was the one she wanted to meet. We talked, and even though it was only a short chat, she hadn't left my mind since."

Even though she was familiar with the story, and the fact that she was a mature woman, she was still sorely tempted to sigh dreamily. The story sounded too romantic – every girl's secret fantasy. She thought the girl to be too lucky to have such a fairytale, but wasn't angered in the slightest. The lady giggled slightly, her answer already conjuring in her mind.

He grinned, remembering when he had seen her at the performance the night before – how their meeting was something that neither had expected. "We met again yesterday, July 1st, 10 years since our first meeting. I told the ringleader that I wanted to come back. I promised her that I would. I was going to fulfil the promise last night but..."

"The young woman that you fell for is being wed to another, today in fact," the woman interjected, shocking the fire juggler. He gawked, stunned at the reply. How had the woman known about Lucy? Was she familiar with her? "Believe me; I know the girl is making a dire mistake being wed to that man. A wilful child she always was, yet I could never hold a grudge against her. She's a pure angel at heart."

"Do you know where she could be right now?" he asked quickly, trying not to sound too frantic for answers. She smiled and began pacing, leaving the fire juggler gaping at her moving form. She laughed casually and waved her hand, bidding him farewell.

"I advise you find the stately manor above town, where many be going to see that dear Lucy be wed," she called out once she was a small distance away. She could only hope that the boy had actually heard her. Having a good gut feeling, her smile didn't fade, knowing that her precious Lucy would be happy once more.

..O..

Agitated butterflies fluttered in her stomach as she walked down the aisle, each step leading her to a future that she was very uncertain of. She saw people give slightly awed gasps, captivated by the mere sight of her. The thankful smile that was plastered onto her face behind the shrouding veil was a fake, her thoughts anything but happiness.

She knew it was a fickle hope to think that Natsu would come rescue her. After all, he had practically offered her his entire life, and she rejected it simply because of the wretched loyalty she had for her father. Said man had his arm locked with hers, an enigmatic expression on his face. It was neither saddened nor joyful – the usual expressions that one would see on a father's face as he gave his daughter away. She couldn't decipher the meaning of it, but she knew that he was thinking very deeply about something.

They reached the archway, where her future husband was standing, looking quite arrogant at that. She fought the urge to grimace, knowing that she had to keep up appearances, and her appearance that day was to be compared to an angel's. Her father freely let go of his daughter, touching the small of her back to lead her up to stand directly in front of Bora.

The priest presiding at the ceremony began speaking, and she began tuning out every single word that he spoke. It was hard enough coming to terms that she was actually to be wed. Internally, she cursed at herself for being so naive and stupid. Why again was she willing to do all this – all this for a single man?

Oh yes. To achieve the approval that she had craved ever since she was a child – ever since her mother had passed on to the next life. Never had she wanted anything more than to be accepted by her father. Well... with the exception of the strong desire to attend that fateful show a decade ago.

"... If any man can show just any cause, why they may not lawfully joined together, let him now speak or else hereafter forever hold his peace," the priest spoke out, his words floating above the hushed silence of the crowd. Lucy stiffened slightly, her eyes flickering around to see if that one saviour could still possibly be coming.

It was a silly thought. There was no way...

She froze, clasping her hands over her mouth to hide her squeal. All eyes snapped to her immediately, everyone in the area wondering what had caused the bride to become jumpy. Her father looked expectant and stern, and she knew that she needed to tread over the situation lightly.

But she couldn't have helped it. She had felt ticklish. Some object had brushed up against her leg lightly – something furry.

She remembered the same occurrence explicitly happening to her before, at that particular meeting. If her suspicions were right on the nail, then the incidences were all leading to... her escape.

She glanced down, trying to bite back her forming smile at the sight of a peculiar and familiar-looking blue cat, looking up at her innocently. The cat 'meowed' at her, and she instantly knew that someone was coming for her. She could hear people's shouts, all of them trying to draw her back to her surroundings, but it was much too late.

Looking upwards, she saw a lean silhouette, standing at the other end of the aisle. He was quite far from her, but her cheeks still heated up. Hope filled her – hope that he was still capable of forgiving her. She saw shapes in what she could tell were his hands – his clubs.

And they were lit.

She took a shaky breath as she watched the figure approach. The guests' eyes ripped from her, all staring at what had made her seem so shocked. They all reacted the same way at seeing someone draw near, thinking the person rude to interrupt such a marvellous occasion.

She couldn't think of anything else, of anyone else except him. She was sorely tempted to simply run off from the podium and straight at him, but she was too afraid of what he'd think. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed her father seething, glaring furiously between her and him.

The figure stopped in his tracks, lifting the clubs to his mouth. She gasped, knowing exactly what trick he was going to pull. She looked back at her 'husband-to-be' watching in wonder and terror at the intruder. How... How could she have possibly been wed to such a man, when the one she had always wanted was risking his neck trying to get her back?

And at that single decisive moment, she decided that it was time for her to grow up and move on from her father's wishes.

Decision made, she grabbed the bottom of her gown and began running, not wanting to be caught in the immediate chaos she knew would happen. As a blazing fire enveloped the area, she ran down the aisle, headed towards the one person that she should never have abandoned. As she made her way past, she could swear that a ghost of a smile had flashed across her father's face, but she was probably thinking foolish thoughts once more.

His grin – that infectious grin that could charm anyone from miles away and that she couldn't help but find absolute joy in seeing. She was glad that he showed it to her. His beaming smile sent waves of warmth flowing through her. As she reached him, she didn't stop herself from flinging her entire body onto him, to his delightful surprise.

Since her dress was extremely heavy, they both toppled to the ground, but that didn't stop them from laughing like guffawing jokers. She wrapped her arms around him, embracing his torso tightly. She didn't want to let go. She didn't want to be separated from him any longer. She murmured soft apologies into his chest, fearing that he may never forgive her for her stupid actions.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I should never have left. I should never have left you. I'm so terribly sorry," she muttered, repeating the same phrases over and over again, hoping that they would at least help in her appeal. She felt fingers thread into her hair, letting it loose to stroke the blonde locks. It was comforting – the solace that she needed.

He chuckled, elated beyond words at finally seeing her once more. Even though it had only been less than a day, it had felt longer – much longer. He was just glad that she didn't react badly to his appearance. That was the single point that he was unsure of – whether or not she would be alright with seeing him crash her wedding.

He glanced up and saw the helpful lady smile at him. He returned the action back, glad that she had helped him find the girl he was looking for. Past the lady, a stern looking man stood, watching with an unreadable expression. Even so, Natsu had somewhat thought that the man seemed... happy.

Looking back down at the girl that was crushing him, he decided that it was the best moment to put her out of her gloom. "You can stop apologising now. I've forgiven you for everything! Besides, I promised that I wouldn't leave you, right?"

She shut her mouth immediately to stare up at him with hopeful eyes. "You... You forgive me?"

"Why shouldn't I?" he asked her, as if the statement was clearly obvious. "I could never be angry for that long against you. I don't think I could ever be."

She shook her head, wiping away unshed tears of happiness from her eyes. It was all too much. It was as if she were living in some kind for fairytale. To have someone considerate care for her to such an extent; it was the first time in a long time that she had felt love emanate from herself.

Wait... Love?

Natsu stood up, offering his hand out to help Lucy stand. She looked at it, contemplating whether or not to take it. She knew that if she did, there was no turning back to her life from before, and with her newfound feelings, she didn't know whether going back was an option. She looked back and saw Cecilia smiling encouragingly. A distance behind, she could see her father watching her closely. Even from afar, they locked gazes.

He nodded at her.

Her gaze turned back to Natsu, who watched her expectantly. With a final glance at his open palm, she placed her own hand upon his, lifting her weight up so that she could stand. Natsu comfortably wrapped an arm around her waist so that she was secure. She reddened slightly at their contact, but kept silent.

She didn't fathom how truly close they were until she felt his breath touching her nose. She met eyes with him, and knew that she had made the right decision in the end – the decision to be with her fire juggler.

"Come one, come all. Come to the fantastic circus in the town square. Be amazed, be mesmerized, for I am a part of the Dragon Graciana Circus..." he whispered, letting his forehead fall against hers. He closed his eyes, feeling at peace with the girl he had managed to grab in the end.

She took a breath before replying, their words harmonious with each other - carrying a silent confession that both understood, no matter how cryptic it had sounded. "And only those who see can truly believe its magic..."