The hit anime Fairy Tail is a dream fest for canon vs fanon idealists. This comes down to the difference between real events and those the fans wished happened. This is especially true when it comes to pairings, and even more so when it comes to the many beloved characters of the Fairy Tail guild.
With guild members operating in groups, taking requests, and adventuring together, it's no surprise that fans would pair their favored characters together, even if it contradicts the main storyline. Let's take a look at the pairings that sustained the fans and those that kept the story alive.
10 Wanted: Cana And Bacchus
Fairy Tail's ultimate drinker, Cana, is rarely ever seen without a barrel of liquor or beer at her disposal. She's the perfect definition of a high-functioning alcoholic, and she may have met her match in S-class mage Bacchus of Quatro Cerberus.
When these two mages meet up it typically ends in a drinking match; however, Cana has yet to best Bacchus when it comes to drinking. He tends to have a little bit of a perverse personality, especially when he takes Cana's bra as his prize for besting her. Even with that, the pair both enjoy drinking their fill and enjoy each other's company.
9 Got Instead: Gajeel And Levy
Gajeel and Levy became a pair further into the show and after various misunderstandings. Their romance was slow to bud, but once it bloomed, it created a warm and fuzzy atmosphere between them. Although, that doesn't prevent Gajeel from teasing Levy at every turn.
Even if this pair fell into the canon, fans rooted for their relationship as it became clear that their friendship was crossing the line into something more. This beloved pair is one that clearly feels for each other, and one that was hoped for among the main characters.
8 Wanted: Romeo And Wendy
Wendy and Romeo, although a part of the same guild, rarely spend time together. After the incident on Tenrou Island, Wendy returns with not having aged a day. On the other hand, Romeo is now closer to her in age and has increased his magic abilities.
It's not that the two don't get along, but that they don't run in the same group within the guild. They care for each other as guildmates should, but their friendship thin and their interactions even thinner. This pair would provide an interesting dynamic within the guild as they grow into their powers and venture off on quests.
7 Got Instead: Erza And Jellal
With their history and constant coincidental encounters, it's no wonder that this pair continually think of each other even when far apart. Jellal became Erza's savior when she was a child forced into servitude. After his betrayal at the Tower of Heaven, Erza continues to wish the best for him, even though he had planned to end her life.
When he's back to normal and rid of the demon using him, Jellal prepares to live a life on the run and pay for his many crimes. By doing so, he ends up pushing Erza away, even though their chemistry is off the charts.
6 Wanted: Mirajane And Laxus
Mirajane and Laxus have little interaction throughout the show; however, they became one of the more rooted for pairs in the series. When diving into the backstory of the main characters, Laxus and Mirajane often hang around each other.
Their interactions usually include bickering with Mirajane providing him guidance or scolding him. Yet, one can't deny that the two would make an excellent pair. They both fall into S-class with Laxus in line to become the next master and Mirajane helping run the guild as the barkeep.
5 Got Instead: Elfman And Evergreen
Evergreen is a part of Laxus' team within the guild, but as the series progresses, Elfman comes to care for her and vice versa. Like Gajeel and Levy, the two are slow to realize their affection for each other. Not to mention the fact that Evergreen is a complete tsundere character, which makes their progress towards love all the more daunting.
As they continually find themselves in dangerous situations together and, as Fairy Tail members, support each other in battle, it's no wonder that the two begin to form a romantic bond.
4 Wanted: Lucy And Gray
Together in Fairy Tail's strongest team, Lucy and Gray were fated to become friends. However, fans of the show admit to shipping this pair together. Although the two remain as friends, it's not as though they haven't been in a compromising position a time or two.
That said, this couple is one that never had a chance to take root or cross the emotional line past friendship. Not to mention the fact that Gray does not show an abundance of outright affection for Lucy other than as guildmates of Fairy Tail. Even so, this pair has found their way into the hearts of viewers.
3 Got Instead: Juvia And Gray
Juvia fell in love with Gray at first sight, but Gray feels nothing more than friendship, the same he feels towards any guildmate. Ever since she joined Fairy Tail, Juvia has worn her heart on her sleeve and freely expressed her feelings for him.
Juvia makes her feelings well known and views other females as rivals when they get too close to Gray. On the other hand, Gray has done his best to deflect her advances and doesn't admit to feeling anything more for Juvia until the final arc of the series. It's as though all the love Juvia has shown Gray has finally paid off.
2 Wanted: Lisanna And Natsu
Lisanna and Natsu were best friends during childhood and even ended up becoming a make-shift family when they found Happy's egg. Together, they warmed the egg and waiting until Happy hatched. During this time, Lisanna and Natsu grew close, and they even made a promise to get married once they're older.
When Lisanna passed away, she became a scar of the past, until they find her in the parallel world of Edolas. When Fairy Tail returns to Magnolia, Lisanna returns with them and reunites with her family at the guild. It's hard to reconcile the past with the present, and although she's back at the guild, this pair sticks with their friendship.
1 Got Instead: Natsu And Lucy
Natsu and Lucy were a fated pair from the onset of the anime. They support one another in tough times and work towards a bright future time and again when facing end of the world situations.
It's clear that Natsu doesn't know a lot when it comes to love, but he does care for Lucy. It's evident that she cares for him too, even if the two don't outright express their feelings. At the end, it's implied that Natsu had hoped to verbally express his feelings, but instead pulls Lucy headfirst into another adventure.