Gone For Awhile

Home At Last

(Natsu's POV)

It was great to be home finally! I stretched my arms as soon as I got off the train. My motion sickness was relieved by the thought of a smiling Lucy ready to greet me. But first, I had to go somewhere special. I made my way to the market square and found the jeweler I spoke to almost a year ago. I still can't believe I've been gone for eight whole months. Everybody must've gone crazy wondering about me. I bet Kana started another bet to see how long I would be gone.

I made my way into the shop and walked right up to the counter. The jeweler turned around with a surprise on his face. I'm getting used to it now.

"My, I never thought I'd see you here again. You've been gone for so long." He began. It, not the first time I've heard it; it probably won't be the last. "I kept your ring for you. I always make a copy of my more unique creations. It turned out beautifully if I do say so myself." He stated as he held out a small felt box. Inside, nestled on a satin bed, sat a golden ring in the round shape of a key. The two ends wrapped around and came to meet each other; the blade was shaped like a fairy's tail, our guild insignia, and the handle shaped like a heart. It was perfect for my Lucy, and I knew she was going to love it. I paid the jeweler and took my gift, stuffing it in my pocket until just the right time. 

After leaving the jewelers, I made my way to Fairy Tail. I couldn't wait to see Lucy. I hope she wasn't on the job right now. I don't know if I could wait too long to see her. I smiled as I thought about the different reactions Lucy could have. I was praying she didn't burst into tears crying. Or worse, get mad enough at me for being gone so long she Lucy kicks me out of the guildhall.

As I enter the guildhall, I'm greeted with more shocked faces. I guess Master Bob didn't inform my guild that I was still alive. Great. Now I have to play twenty questions again. I made my way to the bar to talk to Mira, who had come from around the bar to crush me in a hug.

"Oh. My. Goodness. Natsu! We thought you were dead! What happened?" Mira questioned as she choked the life out of me.

"Let him go, Mira, so he can explain himself," Master spoke from the top of the stairs. Mira released me. I managed to get a little bit of air before something came crashing into my back. It was small, so it didn't do anything except knock the wind out of me. I turned my head to look at my back. It was Happy, crying into my back as he held on for dear life.

"Natsu....." He cried. "Where have you been?" He whined out as he sniffled and tightened his grip. I peeled him off my back and held him close to me in a gentle hug as I whispered my apologies to him. We stayed like that for a moment before I looked up at Master.

"Sorry, I've been gone for so long. I got lost." I gave a weak explanation. Master stared down at me angrily. I know I have a lot to explain, I was gone for eight long months, and they had been told that I was dead. 

"We will talk later." Gramps nodded in my direction. "For now, let us celebrate your return!!!" He shouted, raising a mug from behind his back. Cheers rang as I looked around the guildhall. Everybody came up to me to welcome me back, but I didn't see the one face I was looking for.

I turned to Happy, who was still in my arms. "Hey, Happy? Where's Lucy?" He flew from my arms and began leading me out of the guildhall, towards Lucy's apartment. 

As we approached, I got ready to jump up to Lucy's window. Happy stopped me, telling me that we needed to take the stairs this time. So, Following Happy, I boringly climbed up the steps to Lucy's front door. We heard voices on the other side, and Happy quietly opened the door.

"Aries, can you make more of that pink fluff for Lucy to lay on?" A soft voice asked.

"I can certainly try for Miss Lucy." Came a soft response.