Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail.

Rating: M, for future possibilities.

Warnings: Close to none. Minor descriptions of blood. And bad language. Oh and bad humor.

This is the revised version. I hope you like it C:


Vexing

Chapter One

A Tuesday Night Stir Fry of Trouble


I have a bad feeling in my belly.

And it isn't the kind of feeling you get from eating too much chipotle.

Now it might be my imagination but the eerie dead silence except for the sound of crickets, the chilling brushes of wind howling through the trees, and considering that I'm walking down a deserted road nowhere near civilization in the middle of the night…

What the hell is up with this horror movie scene!? Why am I starring in it!?

I take a deep breath of composure. No, I'm not scared, heck I've been up this path before and fuck it I'm Natsu Dragneel and I'm just way too awesome (which needs no explanation. Its totally obvious) to be spooked by such silly things. But I'll admit that at night this area is hella creepy for my tastes. They don't even have lampposts to light the way! I have to resort to using my cellphone light and whatever the moon can provide me to find my way around here.

But shit, I totally forgot to charge my cell phone this night and there's too many trees overheard, blocking out the moonlight (dammit where's my lighter?)

Double shit, that feeling in my belly isn't going away. Maybe I do have indigestion. I probably did each too much chipotle for dinner. I know I shouldn't have added extra spices and mix my peppers. I made it so hot and spicy that it knocked me out for half a minute (I also remember spending a long ass time in the bathroom. So worth it though).

I stop along the path and briefly wonder how did my train of thought end back with chipotle. How can I be so easily distracted? I really ought to work on that.

There's a rustle in the trees and I take a step back (not jump back five feet) and look around my surroundings. It better not be a some weirdo happily prowling the night, wanting to jump me. I've dealt with perverts before, they'll never pass up the chance in trying to catch my fine piece of ass.

The rustling sounds come back but I remember to Keep Calm and Get Into Fight Ready Mode. I ball up my fists and pull them closer to my face, a standard boxing stance.

That is until I notice a cute oversized squirrel scurrying along.

Wait. That's a raccoon.

I drop my arms and sigh. I can't believe I got startled by a raccoon. I mean I should have expected one in these woodsy parts in the middle of the night, no less.

Huh, I wonder if I'll come across a deer here. That would be so cool.

Okay seriously? Why am I even thinking about this? Aren't I going somewhere? That's right! No more distractions!

All I want to do is get to Fairy Tail. So it shouldn't have to be this complicated. Because I probably should have been there like ten minutes ago. It shouldn't be taking me so long to walk down one simple road. I don't think I can take being out here in the damn cold for another second! It's obviously making me lose my mind.

Dammit to hell, (at least the temperature there wouldn't be below 30°F) and why didn't I at least take the time to change into warmer clothing instead of rushing out in my PJs? My black long sleeve raglan and red checkered pants are definitely not doing their job in shielding me against these winter winds. They're just too thin and weak willed to put up a good front.

Another ridiculously cold breeze hits me and I immediately wrap my arms around my torso because I can't stop shaking. I really hate the cold. Thank goodness I did not forget to bring my scarf and I already had socks on before running out in a pair of Rave Master slides (they're my fave though!). If not for them, I'd be half-dead with hypothermia by now.

I'm surprised it hasn't happen already since I've been walking for an hour now. Its not entirely my fault though. Because the metro is down at this hour, I don't know how the bus system works, and I don't trust cab drivers.

Really, why can't I just be there already?

Probably because I'm stopped by a gated fence. It even has a security post for those coming in and out of the place. It makes this place seem more legit, that's for sure. Then again, Fairy Tail isn't just your friendly neighborhood community center, sure it had started out as such but then over the years the place grew, much like how weeds grow in the summer or tourists during vacation season.

Like how Magnolia grew from city into a metropolis. Crazy fast, let me tell ya.

Fairy Tail is now your friendly neighborhood top tier nonprofit organization. It really is super legit. But it still remains a one of a kind and I hope it stays that way.

Man, I have so much nostalgia and respect for this place. I've been coming here since I was a kid; there was preschool, after school care, camps, youth club, volunteering and a bunch of other things. I basically grew up here in all of their wild times.

Oh, I remember once when we a had a problem with a band of idiots, who were trying to act all tough like a gang, calling themselves 'Phantom Lord', (really how dumb is that name?). They thought it was cool to go around vandalizing buildings and properties.

That is until they try to take a hit at Fairy Tail. Needless to say, it didn't end well for those goons. And I got to be apart of that whole crazy situation. It was a blast.

Yeah those were good times.

But that's old news and Fairy Tail's got tighter security now. Sorta. Considering I'm about to 'successfully' break into this place.

Damn, here I am talking about nostalgia and respect. Am I really about to break into Fairy Tail?

I look up and spot the building. Seeing it makes me clutch my cellphone tighter, reminding me how little over an hour ago I received a call that would bring me back here.

I sigh heavily. Guess so.

I land with an "oomph," the force of the ground against the soles my feet and my ankles leaving a slight dull ache but I ignore it, instead pushing myself into a sprint up the trail.

It actually has been a while since I've been up this way, not since high school (not as though it's been that long. Last year during summer vacation actually).

Nothing much has really change since the last time I've been here—still too dark for me to see though— but I've heard from Erza that the buildings themselves have gone under various renovations and that there were more installments to come.

It kinda makes me sad that I don't get to really be apart of what's going on at Fairy Tail anymore. I feel like a mere passerby, an outsider. Even though I know the people here always welcome me with open arms.

I guess that's life though, it'll move on with or without you. Right, the world keeps turning, life goes on and all that uptown funk. Not sure what I mean by all this but who really cares. What I can do at this moment is to keep pressing forward and stop standing like an idiot in the cold. And I almost make it to the entrance too, that is, until my path is stopped by another fence. But this one enclosing a parking lot.

Ignore what I said about this place. Fuck it all, I'm pissed.

"You've gotta be shitting me." I mutter under my breath, grumbling when I see how the warmth of my breath comes out in white little puffs into the late night cold air.

This is total and complete bullshit, I bet Fairy Tail is laughing at my struggle right now.

Seriously why am I even here? I cry internally. Because it's certainly not for shits and giggles! That's right, I ain't shitting nor giggling but I am sure ready to make these walls bloody because–

Because this is all Gray's fault. The bastard. I think darkly and I immediately scowl at the mere thought of him. It's nevertheless true, he's the reason why I'm even out here.

"Damn you Gray. You shitty roommate," I curse him (to hell and back, then to hell again for shits and giggles). He better have a good reason for this. I should be in my warm and cozy apartment, snuggling up in my fluffy bed. Maybe, I could be making some Cajun chicken stir fry right now—yes, even after chowing down some chipotle. Because sonuva bitch, it's freaking cold out here, and anything is better than standing like an asshat outside while my dick freezes off.

Maybe I should just leave, I think sardonically, completely disregarding the other asshat who's waiting for my help inside.

I groan loudly, letting all my frustration out as I rest my forehead against the cold fence. I take in deep breaths as an attempt to calm myself. It's late, I'm tired and cold, and a little hungry. At this point I just want to go home but that's no reason for me to lose my temper. I nudge my cellphone on and see the screen flash 12:20a Tue, Feb 7. I groan again, this time to let out my vexation before I climb yet again over another fence and make my way towards Fairy Tail. Although I can help but wonder what exactly Gray needs me for at this hour and at Fairy Tail, no less?

After all it's not often that Gray Fullbuster phones me up in the middle of the night asking for my help.

Actually, it never happens. Despite being roommates we're not close. I admit I was first surprised when he offered me the extra room to his apartment. I was sure he and Loke were gonna room together cause they were already friends.

Ha. Friends. Can Gray and I even be considered friends? Does he even see me as such?

When I had first gotten the call, I had initially thought he was pranking me, I mean it couldn't have possibly been anything other than that. I don't know, but, then I remember the weird way he spoke over the phone—in low tones that were almost muted, rushed enough that he didn't even leave enough time for me to ask questions before he hung up. No, just "I need your help. Come to Fairy Tail," and then click. Like what the fuck is up with that?

I grimace as the dread builds after that thought because I know Gray to an extent. We haven't been roommates for long but he never asks for help, especially mine. Hell, we barely talk to each other—granted our schedules don't allow much time for things like that. But for the five weeks I've been rooming with him, he's still acting like the same cold, aloof bastard from high school. Still ignores my existence, still full of icy attitude. Nothing has changed since then…

Dammit, I know this and I know the only reason why I came is because of one other word I swear I have never heard him say.

"Please."

But whatever had happened this Tuesday night, it was me he called, so that must mean something right?

I grab the door handle and to my utter surprise the door actually opens—not gonna lie, I still had my doubts. Except I waste no time in pulling out my cellphone, already dialing up his number, and pressing it up against my ear, hoping for the call to go through— 'cause I'm risking my almost dead battery here. But after two rings and against my better belief he actually picks up.

"You're here? Finally."

And it bothers me, somewhat, just how relieved his voice sounds.

"Soo," I know it's not the most eloquent start, but it's kinda awkward having to talk to him like this. "Why do I have to pick up your sorry ass when it's already past midnight." I meant for myself to sound lighthearted and joking except my voice betrayed me and my words came out in the most stiffest and graceless manner possible.

It's probably why Gray takes a whole minute to answer back.

"Why else?"

I can't help but get snippy then. "Yeah, that definitely explains everything."

"Whatever, I called you asking for help didn't I?" Point. But that doesn't help me understand what the fuck is going on either.

"Still doesn't answer my question but could you at least tell me why the hell you are at Fairy Tail!?" I hiss this time, trying to keep my voice down. Even if it seems no one else is here and my footsteps are already echoing rather obnoxiously against the granite tiles—which must've been replaced recently, I could've sworn they were made out of—

"Listen slowpoke, I'm having a little bit of—dammit— trouble here," the rough voice grounds out from the other line, breaking me from my distracted thoughts. "So I'd really appreciate it, if you could take your head out of your ass. Thank you."

I sort of expected the insult but I am a bit surprised to hear Gray of all people admit that he's having trouble (with whatever this is). Even more so than the fact that's this is the most he's ever spoken to me in half a year. Yet what is more worrisome is how he actually sounds as though he is struggling against something; if the strain in his tone, the occasional grunt, and the side exclamation of 'dammit' are of any indication.

Because then it means Gray's half-assed answers hold a semblance of truth in them. That they could be true and he needs help. But he sill didn't tell me what the hell had happened to him to be in this situation in the first place.

Maybe I can trick him into admitting it…

"Please don't tell me you've gotten drunk." I ask flatly although I can't hide the amusement from making its way into my response. "Seriously, did you get so drunk that you dragged yourself all the way out here?"

Hey, it's a plausible assumption, I may not see much of him but we do live together and I know he likes to have the occasional drink. Hell, the guy even has a mini bar in our apartment.

Not gonna admit it to Gray though, but he can mix some really good drinks.

Well there's that and I've notice that Gray tends to go out and come back ridiculously late, even on weekdays. Which is why I can easily accuse him of this because I know he likes to go out and when he does it's usually to drink. He's can be just as bad as Cana at times, and she's a real drinker. I bet it's with her he's out drinking with on most nights.

"I'm not drunk Natsu." He says but there is a bit of a strain in his tone. And it sounds strange, because it isn't the kind of response I had expected, because it sounds honest.

I decide to not give it much thought.

"Mmhm, so princess just needs prince charming to come and sweep you off your feet, eh?"

"Just shut up and get me idiot!" He retorts, unamused.

"Lighten up," I reply back, annoyed by his sudden attitude but I don't bother to argue further, no matter how much I wanted to shoot back that he is the only one here being an idiot. Because that right now isn't the real issue I needed to deal with.

Gray apparently did something, and it seems pretty bad. And I still don't know what that something even is.

"Or how about you tell me what exactly," I say as I sharply turned a corner —"fuck"—which I just ran into because the hallways aren't exactly lit, only the moon providing a little bit of its light through the various windows. And this whole situation is now starting to get on my nerves. "Okay what the fuck happened Gray? You weren't exactly specific with the details when you called earlier you know?"

I can hear sounds of rustling from the other side before he's back to being a dick. "Poor Natsu, so stupid he can't figure it out himself."

"Fuck you too Gray!" I snap, here I am trying to be a good frie-roommate by helping him out, only for him to find ways to piss me off.

"Just hurry it up and get over here already." Tch, unappreciative bastard.

"Yeah, well if you'd stop bitching like a royal princess then maybe it wouldn't have to take me so long." He doesn't snap like I expected him to, there is only silence. "Gray?" I call out hesitantly, perhaps slight concern and it doubles when he doesn't respond. What if he hung up on me? I couldn't have that, I still haven't found him yet. And the strangest feeling hits me, as if my heart is dropping deep within an abyss inside myself. I check my phone quickly and the horrifying moment passes when I see our call is still connected. Only then does he speak up, his voice cracking around the words, "I normally don't do stupid shit but cut me some slack man, I did what I could!"

For some reason I don't like the way he says that. I can feel my strides quickening. "Alright so you did," I settle on agreeing because I know he still intends to avoid answering what had actually happened. Not that I'll give up though, I'm the relentless type. "But what the hell did you do? Care to enlighten me with that one little detail?"

"Later." Is all he says. Silence reigns between us again but this time I can here his breathing, although it seems to be getting heavier.

"Oi, why can't you just tell me n–" I begin to say until I turn down another hallway and it's where I belatedly realize I have no idea on where I am supposed to go. I growl in frustration, "dammit, exactly where the hell are ya again?"

"Upstairs." He replies before adding, "y'know the room where we couldn't go into when we were kids?"

"Big one with the double doors?" I ask but it must've been that one; when we were younger the two of us and a bunch of other kids would come here to Fairy Tail for after school care. Upstairs was forbidden for us to go (although I remember that jerk Laxus being allowed to) but I also remember Gray and I making a game out of it, sneaking up there whenever we had the chance. It was like an adventure for us, we even made stories of us being warriors and wizards to go along with it.

That is until we got caught and placed in time out by Makarov, that old fart.

I smile at the memories, back then Gray and I were a lot closer even though we fought all the time. Stupid little kid stuff. I can hardly say the same thing about us now.

"Yeah that's the one, now just get here would ya?" he complains, again snapping me back into reality. "And stop spacing out like I know you are."

"Rest with ease m'lady, your knight in shining armor is almost there." I tease, it's beginning to get easier to talk to him like this, and I'm slightly alarmed by the warmth I feel when I think that.

He mutters something but it's too low for me to hear, he probably pulled the phone away from his mouth. But I'm not joking with what I said before, I have finally made it up the stairs, and so it won't take more than a couple of minutes for me to get there.

"Huh, I just realized I never gotten a chance to go in there, what's it like?"

"You'll see." His voice sounding hazier. "Hah–it's nothing special though."

I hum in response, "hmm you don't say… Bummer." To be honest, that is a kind of a big disappointment, considering how big of a deal it seemed to be when we were kids. I guess I'll find out for myself.

"How close are you?" He asks yet again. Geez, is this guy impatient or what? I think briefly, this is like the fifth time he nags me about this. I glance to the side, the room I currently pass is marked 'storage'. "I passed a storage room so I think I'm close." I guess as I stare back down the hallway. Gray is actually a part-time worker here now, so he would know better if I am close or not.

However he doesn't need to say anything because I'm right and it's not another moment before I stop in front of the doorway to the room. "I'm coming in," I say while snapping my phone shut, he probably can hear me just fine through the door. Not that I really care as I kick my way in and watch the both doors burst open. I take a couple of steps inside, fully prepared to start my interrogation. However I don't even bother to ask. The answer is in plain sight right in front of me. And I am so shocked that I don't even feel myself letting go of my phone, only noticing when I hear it crash against the floor. There's probably gonna be some cracks but I can't seem to care right now.

"Natsu, you finally made it!" He exclaims and I see him across the other side of the room, which is separated by another wall, half of it is glass, a window perhaps. The bottom half is normal but it's blocked by some serious technology I don't exactly recognize. A studio maybe? What the hell is a studio doing inside Fairy Tail? When did they make this? Because there's no way it's been here all these years.

"Natsu what are ya just standing over there for? Come in, come in." My attention snaps back to Gray, where he's still inside the smaller room. There's a small door on the left hand side that's slightly ajar. It's probably why I can hear him or maybe it's because even though this glass window looks quite thick, a good portion of it is broken. There are glass shards littering the ground everywhere.

That's not the most troubling thing because I see him just sitting in the smaller room on the ground with his back leaning against the far wall. It's odd how he sounds pretty damn cheery all of a sudden, as if I finally arrived to the party event of the year and he's the host. Fuck him, I am not going to fall for it. I can clearly see how the smile on his face isn't nearly as strong as it can be and how it's painfully obvious that he is shaking.

Although, I'll give him credit for trying.

I take another few steps inside and I cringe when I hear the crackling of glass crunch under my sandals. Another strange thing is how the room isn't well lit like it should be, considering Gray is in here. Instead, all the lights were dim so it's hard to see.

For now I'll have to ignore the fact that there's this small music studio inside Fairy Tail because that's not the weirdest thing. That's why I continue my way in and I try my best to ignore the gaping hole from the glass wall, how it's sharp jagged edges look almost menacing. Ignore the array of shelves in the far right corner with books pulled off and it's pages ripped off, nor the CD's and their casings now on the ground and stepped on. Ignore the chairs that are knocked down, especially the only one that's inside the smaller room next to a stool and an overturned mic that's most likely broken.

Ignore everything because all I can focus on right now is how Gray is still in there, has been for who knows how long, while waiting for me to arrive. How that must mean he hasn't moved from his spot this whole time and I can only question if he even can.

I step in through the door, "Gray…?"

He still hasn't moved. And I'm fighting the waves and waves of trepidation as they hit me in all angles.

"What happened here?"

"Listen." Comes his reply but it sounds pained, "don't worry… about the mess, no one hardly ever goes in… this room." As if I am fucking worried about the mess. This idiot, I'm more worried that he's having trouble in forming a proper sentence.

"Gray, tell me–"

"I... tried Natsu… believe me." He sounds tired and weak yet his words come out a little more steady. "I really– heh but at least I did all that I could right? That's all that matters." It's almost as if he wanted me to reassure him for whatever the thing he did that I still know absolutely nothing about.

My eyes never leave his form and that's when I notice for the first time how he has his bangs hung over his eyes, blocking them from my view, and his body is angled away with his knees brought up close to his chest as well. But I can see how his left hand is pressing on his lower left side and how he is…

"You're shirtless." I note dumbly. Because it's easier for me to focus on something as obvious as Gray being shirtless then on everything else around me, how out of place I suddenly feel, how this makes me more nervous and sick. How the most obvious thing is how something is terribly wrong.

Gray's reply is sharp and very sarcastic. "How very astute of you to notice, Natsu." But he might as well as just say, "way to point out the obvious, dumbass." And he's right but its only to keep my focus away from something else entirely.

"You have any idea where it is?" I ask instead, if only to push away the silence and my attention away from other things.

He makes a strange face and he reverts back to his meek responses. "Yeah… It's right here." True enough, a closer glance at where he is sitting and I see the white t-shirt right by his side all crumpled up. I shake my head, he is so hopeless. I have to ignore the knot twisting in my gut because Gray needs my help, not for me to gape at him.

I move closer to him and towards his right side—where his hand isn't pressing into his stomach—slipping my arm under his and around his back, pulling him up and closer to me until he feels steady on his own feet. He groans and winces when the movement is too sudden but his right arm wraps over my shoulders and his hand grips tightly. He quickly loses his balance once on his feet but he just as quickly regains it except he already tumbles into me. I catch him and we end up in a strange and awkward embrace.

We stay like this for a minute or two and I begin to squirm because Gray's head is next to mine and I can feel his struggling breaths against my ear. It's overall uncomfortable but when I try to move him again Gray intervenes.

"N-no, it's fine. I'll move in a sec." He says, twisting his body a bit to look at me. The room may be dim but there's still enough light and at this close distance between us there's no way I can't see.

He has gotten hurt. I figure as much but he–

"Your head..." I murmur, focusing my gaze away from the trashed room back unto him, "i-it's—you're bleeding." His bangs had hid them well, since it casts a shadow over I most of his face but now I can see the dark red trails that are smeared over his face, starting from above the eyebrow somewhere. And if I remember correctly this wound is around the scar he had gotten from Lyon when they were younger.

I don't know why I am suddenly recalling things Gray told me long ago. It's not as if they are relevant, right?

"Don't worry bout it... It's nothing," he strains to say while he's trying to move away from me to stand on his own at the same time. He winces as he does so, his left hand still clutching his side. Soon enough he's successfully standing, albeit shakily. He turns his face so that he can see me better and boy he is not a pretty sight. "Minor cuts, they'll heal in no time." As if that is going to reassure me.

He takes a feeble step forward but I'm stopping him, gripping my hand hard onto his shoulder. "Gray, do you really expect me to not ask any questions?" It may sound rhetorical because the answer is obvious but I am damn serious too. At first it appears as if he is mulling over what I just said but I know better, he is simply ignoring me. "Gray!" I say, sterner this time and his expression turns into a pained one as my grip tightens on his shoulder.

"Stupid Natsu," he uncharacteristically whines while subtly trying to shake loose of my grip on him. "I'll tell you later, right now I just want to go home! Please!" My grip slackens, there's that word again, and how he suddenly sounds desperate. I never have heard him sound desperate. I catch a glimpse of blood spilling through the cracks between his fingers where his hand clutches his side and this makes me let him g


o.

His wounds are pretty bad. And I know the one on his side is deep. I help him walk across the room and I try to ignore the way his breathing becomes labored with the effort. It looks like he might collapse right back down at any moment if I let him go but I have to, to pick up my phone, but its afterwards when I glance up that I notice he has bruises too, around his chest and ribs.

He really is an idiot, in the back of my mind I know he probably needs stitches for both of his wounds. We'll have to go the hospital. Eventually, because I also know that he won't, at least not tonight.

I know all of that but still–

"Gray I think it would best if we got you to a hosp–"

Like I predicted, he cuts me off in a instant. "I said I was fine. I'll go tomorrow if I have to."

I almost roll my eyes, sometimes he can be such a child. "Alright, whatever you want, but let's at least wash those wounds and get them covered before you bleed out." I try to joke but it's in vain, words coming out stiff and graceless like before. Just looking at his wounds makes me feel ill. It's not like I'm squeamish around blood, it never has bother me like that. Except this isn't a typical scrape of the knee when someone falls, either. He's injured and he's bleeding. A lot. And if I don't do something then he can be at risk of going into shock from too much blood loss, or something.

Who knows maybe he could actually di–

"Fine, there's a first aid kit in the supply closet next to the restrooms downstairs." He says, rather gruffly before passing me out into the hallway while I silently follow him closely from behind.

I'll never let him know this but I'm thankful for him cutting off my thoughts. The last thing I need is to think things like that about the person who I wish to be friends with again.


Thanks for reading!

Take care!

Nova.