Icy Love~A Fairy Tail GraLu Fan-Fic

Stay True to Yourself

Lucy's POV

 "He's not here."

One of the boys rather rudely replied to us. He held the soccer ball in one hand, looking at us rather impatiently.

"Do you know where we could find him?" I desperately asked.

"He doesn't play soccer at this time. He comes later in the day. Around night time," the boy replied tersely.

"Isn't it the same group of boys all the time?" I asked warily.

"We have two teams here, and we're versing each other next week. So we need to practice while we have this place..." the boy trailed off, obviously wanting us to leave. I opened my mouth to say something else, but Gray gently tugged me away.

"Thank you for telling us," I heard him say, and he pulled me to the shade of the trees.

"He didn't know anything. We better just wait for him to get here," Gray told me patiently.

"Wait? I feel like Aramantha could be getting further and further away every second we waste standing here," I said, more sharply than I intended to, "are you not worried about her?"

I automatically regretted those words as soon as they came out of my mouth, but thankfully Gray seemed to understand that. He didn't reply, and instead just drew me in for a hug.

His strong, yet familiar arms made me forget about all my worries for that moment. I felt like the entire world was spinning out of control, and the only thing keeping me grounded was Gray's arms. I leaned against him, closing my eyes. Throughout this journey, it wasn't only Aramantha that had learned something new. I had as well.

I had learned to stay true to myself. At the beginning of this journey, I had hated every interaction between Natsu and Lisanna. I despised them, and all the laughs and memories they would spend with each other. Natsu was always with Lisanna, and it wasn't entirely his fault. They were childhood friends. They had a lot of memories already shared together, and more were sure to follow.

But with Gray always there supporting me throughout this journey, I had realized something.

Natsu was never going to realize that what he was doing was slowly killing me on the inside. He was blind to these things - and Lisanna sure wasn't going to tell him for me. He was happy with her, and that's all that mattered to him. He was still an amazing friend, but that was as far as he saw me as.

All those times where I had beat myself up watching the two of them together, was something I shouldn't have done. I should've just accepted it, and moved on. But Natsu was the first person I had met. He had started my whole journey with Fairy Tail. He wasn't someone I could easily forget.

Which was why I knew that deep in my heart, I hadn't forgotten about Natsu completely. He was the one I let in first, and it would take a while for me to let him out.

But now I know that I have someone else in my life, who had always been there from the beginning as well. It was just because Natsu was always blocking the way, that I couldn't clearly see his true colors. But now, this journey had really opened up my eyes to what was reality and what was fantasy.

I had to accept that Natsu and Lisanna were meant for each other. There was no point interfering in something that was just meant to be.

But at the same time, that didn't mean I was left alone and heartbroken. I suppose Natsu had did me a favor, actually.

Because throughout his rejection (unknown to Natsu himself), he had taught me to not be so blinded by only him. To see the others also around me, also supporting me and being there for me whenever I needed it.

And slowly, without me even noticing it, I had turned my attention away from Natsu.

And towards Gray.

Blinking back to reality, I realized that Gray was repeating my name over and over again.

"Lucy, Lucy it's going to be alright. We'll find her, and everything will work out," Gray mumbled into my ear.

I lifted my head, and looked at his steady eyes filled with worry. Who knew how long he had been there for me, without me knowing it? Because I was too blinded by someone else to see it.

But now I'm not blinded anymore.

Now I can see everything crystal clear.

I wasn't sure who moved first, but all of a sudden Gray's hands were cupped around my cheek, and I found myself leaning towards him, his gentle caresses sending chills down my spine.

Our lips met, and I felt a sudden intake of breath from Gray, as if he was taken by surprise. Everything about him was so familiar now, that I wasn't even surprised how natural this felt.

After we broke apart, Gray scanned my face hesitantly.

"Did you.....did you mean that?" he asked, his voice uneven. I was breathing in small gasps, and had no doubt that my cheeks were bright red.

"Yes Gray, of course," I breathed back.

Gray smiled, and took me by the hand, "then are you happy?"

I nodded, words failing me. His smile looked so genuine, I fought the urge to kiss him again.

He squeezed my hand, "good, because then I'm happy as well."

We stood like that in silence, side by side. Watching the boys play soccer, I closed my eyes and breathed out slightly. I wished that time could've stopped in this very moment. Everything seemed so perfect.

"Look, there he comes," Gray broke the silence, pointing at a crowd of boys rushing to replace the current group. I followed his finger, and saw the boy who had started this whole journey for us.

"Are you ready?" I asked him.

"Yep. You?" Gray replied.

"Right back at you."

"Then shall we go? Together?" Gray inquired.

"Together," I agreed.

~~~

I hope you like this chapter!! I had lots of fun writing it ^_^

Thanks for all the support you guys have given me. You have no idea how much the sweet comments make my day. And the number of votes and reads for each chapter? They still amaze me every time I see the numbers

You guys are really the best. I hope you'll still continue reading this story to the end! I promise you that I'll do my best.

I love you guys <3

~Lillianna