Author Note: After reading the first chapter myself, I thought it was way too short than what I usually write so here's a longer chapter for your enjoyment.

Title: I Was A Fool

Rating: M

Warnings: Gray x Natsu

Disclaimer: Fairy Tail and its characters do not belong to me.

Gray's POV

It was raining; hell, if that's what you even call it. It was more like winds at 50 miles an hour with the addition of heavy rain and super dark clouds that it would seem as if god himself was crying. And that's exactly what Gray Fullbuster was thinking as he sat in his private office. He sighed out loud as he stared at his laptop, pondering whether or not he should bother inputting some weird commands to see Natsu's location. Another sigh left his body as the memories from the day before flooded into his mind.

Flashback

"I'm going away to oversee a personal matter. I should be back in a week so if you need anything, just ask one of the butlers or maids." Gray said as he finished sipping the last of his latte.

"Yeah… sure." Natsu was oddly quiet that day but then again, he's been like that lately. However, Gray didn't seem to notice the lack of sleep he's been getting as well as his weight loss. He didn't even finish his breakfast too. As the raven placed his suit jacket on and proceeded to exit the kitchen, two of his bodyguards started to follow suit, which caused Natsu's eyes to rest on his lover's back.

"I'll see you soon all right?"

"Ok… see you later." Without even a kiss goodbye, Gray left the vicinity as a short sentence left the rosette. "I'll miss you." However, this wasn't left unheard by the maids, butlers, or bodyguards in the estate who could only feel sorry for his situation. They actually tried to make the situation better by trying to convince Gray to spend more time with his husband instead of always going away on "business" to spend time with some whore. Expectedly, Gray would have none of it and threatened to fire them if they didn't stop poking their noses in places where it didn't belong.

End Flashback

Suddenly, his fingers were on the laptop inputting commands to trace Natsu's whereabouts and when his location came up on the screen, Gray couldn't help but feel a little bit guilty. There he was… at the beach where the two would-be lovers would spend most of their day chitchatting, swimming, eating, and whatnot with their friends.

"Gray?" He immediately closed his laptop as the door to his office slowly opened revealing a pale-skin woman with blue hair. "Are you coming to bed?"

"I'll be there soon dear." She nodded her head and closed the door as silently as possible. Gray quickly looked at his watch and saw that it was currently 23:00 but for Natsu, it was 8:00. He also wondered if the weather was just as bad over there or was it actually sunny? He didn't give anymore thought to his husband as he left his office and headed to the bedroom where his infidelity continued with a woman named Juvia. Today was Monday, March 1, 20XX, which marked their one year anniversary of marriage.

Natsu's POV

9 Months Later

"So here are the numbers we're projected to make through the Christmas weekend. Read it back to me so I know you have it right."

"Well, from what I'm reading from your memo, it should be the following:

Monday (December 21): $10.5 M

Tuesday (December 22): $10.8 M

Wednesday (December 23): $11.2 M

Thursday (December 24): $14 M

Friday (December 25): $0

Saturday (December 26): $9.8 M

Sunday (December 27): $10 M

Is that correct?"

"Yes and please, make sure you enter it right this time. I don't want to be chewed out by Lyon later."

"Yeah, yeah I got it Natsu. Don't be such an ass."

"Well, Hibiki, the last time this happened, I got an earful from him and I don't want to hear it especially when we're nearing the holiday. I'll talk to you later." I took off the headset and loosened my collar as it felt like my own suit was choking me to death.

"Excuse me sir, I've come with your strawberry latte."

"Come in Sting." As the door slowly opened, Sting came right out from behind with a smile on his face. "Finally! I've literally been waiting for this the entire day!" The blondie gave a small laugh as he elegantly placed it on my desk.

"Sir, you do realize you only asked for this a half hour ago right?"

"Well, that's a long time for me! And for the millionth time, stop calling me sir! We're friends so call me Natsu." I took the glass cup from the desk, took a small sip of it, and couldn't help but make a noise of satisfaction. It was soooooo good!

"Sounds like you're happy." I gave a smile as I took in what Sting was wearing. He was wearing his normal black suit attire but his tie was… not what he usually wears.

"Why are you wearing a pink tie?"

"So everyone knows that we work for you! I even got Zeref one but it's hard trying to convince him to do anything out of the ordinary." That's when a devious smiled formed on his lips. "Natsu, could you perhaps ask him to wear it? We would match perfectly with your pink hair!" Lo and behold, Zeref was now standing next to Sting with a glare on his face.

"You realize I'm only outside of the door right?"

"As if that's going to stop me from asking Natsu to have you wear this awesome pink tie!" As soon as our onyx eyes met, I could feel the dread coming from Zeref.

"Sir, please don't have me wear this. I have the utmost respect for you but a pink tie? I know Sting is heads over heels for you so him I can understand…"

"Hey, that's not fair!" That's when Zeref shot another glare at the blondie to shut him up.

"Guys, just work it among yourselves but I actually like the idea. It's like we're our own team!"

"Hah see! Natsu loves my idea!" When Sting stuck his tongue out, only one response was heard.

"I will kill you." Both of my bodyguards continued their little conversation as I stood up from my chair and looked out the window behind me. It was a full-scale window, which was basically one of the "walls" of my office. As I peered onto the bustling street below, I couldn't believe how I found myself here. When a white spot fell within my vision, I felt the kid in me come out.

"It's starting to snow!" When I turned back around, Zeref had Sting in a chokehold while the latter was pulling the raven's hair. As soon as they noticed me staring, they immediately pulled away from each other and straightened their suits up.

"Ahem, sir, if I recall correctly, you have a certain dislike for the cold don't you?" asked Zeref as he was straightening his black tie.

"That's true but for some reason, I love the snow."

"Aww, you're so cute Natsu!" Zeref quickly elbowed his peer reminding him that they were in front of a superior. "Oh stop it. Natsu isn't like the other bosses we've had before, don't you agree?" That's when I became a bit confused.

"What do you mean Sting?"

"Well, when we used to work for other people, they always demanded that we act professional 110% of the time and not speak unless spoken to… but you're different. You treat us like equals even though it's our job to protect you from harm. That's why Zeref and I respect you. Wouldn't you agree?" As he looked down to his raven partner, I was a bit surprised to see him agreeing.

"Thanks guys, I really appreciate that."

Ring-ring!

"And now we'll leave you to work. Just call us if you need anything." I nodded my head and watched my two personal bodyguards leave my office. I sat down back in my chair and found a comfortable position before picking up the phone.

"Sir, you have a phone call on line 10 from Jellal. Would you like me to patch you through?"

"Yes please."

"Of course sir and just as a reminder, the board members will start arriving for their meeting in about an hour. It's been advised that you exit the building after your phone call."

"Thank you for the reminder Lucy. I appreciate it."

"Anytime sir. Patching you through." A couple of seconds of silence passed before I heard another voice on the line.

"Hey Natsu. Are you busy right now?"

"Not at the moment - I just finished my projections, why?"

"Lyon wants us to meet up in his office. Shall I meet you at Lucy's desk?"

"Sounds good. I'll be there soon."

"See you." I became a bit annoyed when I had to tighten my collar again but was pleasantly surprised to see a pink tie sitting on the far side of my desk. I wonder how and when Sting managed to place that there. I took the pink tie as I stood from my chair and quickly exchanged my black tie for the pink one. I also had to mentally prepare myself for any meeting involving Lyon. He wasn't an asshole or anything but when it came to running his corporation, he's not one to easily forgive mistakes. I grabbed my strawberry latte and made my way outside of the office making sure it was locked behind me.

"Hah! I told you he would wear my pink tie! Aww, you look so cute in it!" Sting was giving me a huge grin while Zeref only rolled his eyes.

"Sir, where are you heading? Isn't it a bit early for your lunch date with Jellal?"

"For the last time Zeref, please call me Natsu. And I'm meeting Lyon but I'm not sure why."

"We'll be right behind you as soon as Zeref puts on the pink tie." While the raven was putting the pink tie on, he mumbled and grumbled about choking Sting to death soon. I guess they made a bet or something. I began walking down the marble hallway, which reminded me of Gray's estate… Gray… I wonder what he's doing now. When I made another turn, Jellal was already waiting for me who seemed to be entertaining himself with Lucy.

"So do you have any juicy gossip for me today?"

"You have no idea but I'll tell you afterwards since your date is here." Jellal's eyes fell on us as he gave a soft smile.

"Nice ties guys."

"Thanks!" Sting quickly responded while Zeref was still annoyed at the whole situation. When I was finally in front of my best friend, his smile never went away.

"Are you ready? You know Lyon doesnt't like to wait."

"Yeah, yeah whatever. Let's just get this over with." He nodded his head as we walked side-by-side with both of our bodyguards following us. I didn't like the silence between us as we made another turn passing a couple of high-ranking officers in the company. "So do you know what this is about?"

"It must be important if he's calling us right before a board meeting. You know how stressed out he gets before one of those meetings."

"I can imagine." I shivered at the thought. "Being in front of people like Erza or Mirajane…" I could feel the goosebumps running through my body and I wasn't even the one to see them today.

"Yeah but today is a special meeting." When Jellal read my confused look, he began to explain more in-depth. "You see, I heard that this board meeting will actually consist of board members from other companies within the industry."

"Really? All those chief officers in one spot? Why?"

"I think it has to do with one of the companies merging with another company or something of the sort. You know I don't pay attention to these politics."

"Oh that's right, you prefer surrounding yourself with cables and wires in that high-tech office you have."

"At least they don't talk back." Jellal gave a small laugh at his own joke as we finally reached Lyon's office. There were about ten bodyguards wearing sunglasses protecting the room as they bowed their heads when they took sight of us. After they raised their heads, two of them opened the doors while another two escorted us into the room when we suddenly heard the chief executive officer himself.

"What!? You cannot be serious! He's on the helipad!? Why is he here so early?" Jellal and I were both ushered into his office while our personal bodyguards remained outside with the others. "Then stall him! Do not let him access the top floor!" When Lyon slammed the phone down, Jellal and I looked at each other as I was pretty sure I could see a vain popping out from the white-haired man. When his eyes fell upon us, I felt my hair start to stick up all over my body. "You two need to leave the building immediately."

"What's happening Lyon?" asked Jellal as I too was curious at the situation and couldn't help but feel some sweat form on my forehead.

"Mr. Fullbuster has landed on the helipad. We need to get you both out of here." If I felt goosebumps before just talking about Erza and Mirajane, I felt 3x as much now. He's here? But why?

"Come on Natsu - let's get the hell of here." Jellal quickly grabbed my wrist but before we could even take a step, Lucy's voice boomed through Lyon's phone.

"Sir! I can't stop him! He's already in the elevator heading your way!" Lyon made his way to the exit and opened the doors with so much force that it had hit the walls on the opposite side.

"Follow me! We're escorting Natsu and Gray out of this building! Do not let Fullbuster take note of our presence! Delay him if necessary!" In just a second, a formation was made in the following manner: five body guards in front, with Lyon following, myself and Jellal following with our personal bodyguards behind us and the other five at the rear.

"Lyon, explain what's happening! Why is Gray here!?" Jellal demanded as my heart began to race at the thought of seeing him again.

"Listen, he was supposed to be here anyway for the board meeting but…" Lyon was cut off as we made a turn to the VIP elevator. "The bastard decided to come earlier."

"Any reason why?" Lyon shook his head.

"No and that's exactly why this whole thing is fucking annoying." Lyon's personal cell suddenly decided to go off.

"I'm busy! What do you want!?" Once we made another corner, we were right in front of the elevator. "Ah Mr. Fullbuster I apologize for the disrespect. I heard you just landed on helipad correct?" We all waited as one of the bodyguards pushed the button for the elevator to arrive. Suddenly, Lyon turned and faced us with widened eyes. "I'm sorry sir, did you say you were in the VIP elevator on your way down?" He swiftly gestured everyone to turn back around and mouthed the words 'Get to the public elevator! I'll stall him here!' Without another word, we reversed our formation with three bodyguards in front, Jellal and I right behind with our personal bodyguards, and two of Lyon's bodyguards bringing up the rear, which left five of them to remain with Lyon.

"This is actually kinda exciting. Gets your adrenaline pumping!" When I looked back at Sting with a questioning look, he just gave me the biggest grin.

"Shut up. We need to make sure Natsu gets out of here without getting caught by Mr. Fullbuster." On the other hand, Zeref doesn't look too pleased with the whole situation but then again, he never looks happy with anything.

"Will you two pipe down?" When I looked up at Jellal, he had a very serious expression on his face but when he turned to face me, it became soft. "Don't worry Natsu, we'll get you out of here. We just need to get to the other elevator and we'll be all right." I nodded as we all made another turn passing by the other workers who were now staring at us. As soon as we approached the elevator, the doors opened revealing a rather tall individual.

"Well, well, if it isn't Jellal." The entire group stopped as a woman with long, black hair stood in front of us. "So this is where you've been… I didn't know you started working for Fullbuster."

"Ultear, a pleasure to see you again. However, I do not work for Mr. Fullbuster but for Mr. Vastia." That's when she gave a small laugh.

"Working for Mr. Vastia means that you're indirectly working for Mr. Fullbuster. And it looks like you're in an awful rush to leave. Why don't you stay and chat for a little while before I attend the board meeting?" Jellal quietly clicked his tongue in annoyance as he turned back to Zeref and Sting.

"Please take Natsu back to his private office. Ensure that no one enters." They both nodded as they intertwined their elbows with my own and began walking me back to the office leaving Jellal to deal with that woman.

"It's just one thing after another isn't it?" asked Sting as we were already back at my office right before all this chaos ensued. All the while, my heart kept pounding… a part of me wishing to see Gray and another part who wanted him gone from my life.

"Natsu, we'll stay out here and make sure no one enters. Please, feel free to make yourself at home. It'll be all over soon." Sting said with a smile before he closed the door leaving me in my office. But as fate would have it, it would seem the day isn't quite over yet as my phone started to ring. I quickly went over to my desk and picked up the phone.

"Yes?"

"It sounds like you made it back to your office without incident." I sighed before responding.

"Yes Lucy, why?"

"Well, Lyon wanted me to let you know that he and Mr. Fullbuster are heading your way. Apparently, Mr. Fullbuster wants to know what Lyon has done with the formerly empty space that is now your office. I suggest you hide under your desk and use your headset so you could listen to what's happening outside. You know the numbers?"

"Yeah, thanks. Appreciate it." I hung up the phone, placed the headset on my head, and situated myself comfortably underneath the desk. I can't believe I would have to go this far to hide. My hands was shaking a bit as I inputted the numbers on the headset, which connected me to Sting's microphone and speaker.

"I heard Mr. Fullbuster is on his way here."

"Then we'll just have to keep him outside of the office."

"With what excuse blondie? You know we can't disobey him."

"For Natsu, I'll disobey Mr. Fullbuster anytime."

"There you go again professing your love. You need to keep that out of work you know. Wait… ssshh quiet! I think I hear them." I soon heard a couple of footsteps and voices coming within range of my office.

"Sir, you really don't need to see the office." Sounds like Lyon is outside as well.

"Lyon, I don't think it's up to you to decide what I need to do." My heart skipped a beat the moment I heard… his voice. "You spent quite a bit of money for this empty space and turned it into an office for no one to use." All of a sudden, the footsteps stopped and my heart just kept racing faster and faster. "Why are you two wearing pink ties? You know that's not proper procedure."

"We apologize sir. In light of the holiday coming up, one of the receptionists here had given it to us as a present to wear until the holiday was over. Again, we apologize and will gladly take them off if you wish." Wow, I'm surprised Zeref actually said all that.

"No, that won't be necessary. It's an odd color for a tie but… I like it. Just be sure to take it off once the holiday has passed."

"Thank you sir. We appreciate your kindness."

"Lyon, why do you have bodyguards posted here if no one is using this office?"

"I… well sir, our chief analyst actually uses this office. You know, the one I spoke highly about?"

"You mean the one that has been accurately forecasting your projections for the past six months? Well is he in right now? I would like to meet him."

"Unfortunately, he is out on lunch for the time being."

"I see. Would one of you open the door? I would like to see it." Moments of silence passed before another word was spoken. "I will not repeat myself. You have five seconds. 5… 4… 3… 2… 1…"

"Sir! Do you really need to see the office?" Without another word, I heard the door open into my office as a couple of footsteps made their way in.

"Lyon, you know I hate repeating myself. This is the last time I will say this to you: do not question what I need to do."

"Yes sir." I began to hear footsteps walk around the office and I could feel the sweat form at the palms of my hands. Shit, he's going to see me!

"Who designed this office?"

"Well, we had a number of people do it but our chief analyst had the final say in everything."

"It's a nice office… it seems oddly familiar." A couple of seconds passed before I heard Gray spoke again. "Anyway, that's wasn't so bad was it? Now let's head back to the main conference room for our board meeting." I mentally sighed out loud as I heard their footsteps start to recede.

"Um, excuse me Sting." My heart jumped for the nth time at the voice that made itself known. "Is Mr. Dragneel in right now?" That's it, it's all over. Done and done.

"Uhhh… who's that?"

"What do you mean 'who's that'? It's the guy you work for silly. The one with the pink hair." Wendy, please just shut up! "I believe his name was Natsu."

"Lyon," Gray's cold tone sent shivers down my spine and I immediately felt bad for Lyon. "Don't tell me you've had Natsu here all along?"

"I… yes sir. Mr. Natsu Dragneel is my chief analyst for this company." That's when I heard someone fall on the floor suddenly. "You're lucky a punch to the face is all you're getting. Gajeel, get me my phone."

"Yes sir. Here it is."

"This is Gray Fullbuster. I want this building on full lockdown. No one is to leave or enter until Natsu is found. And reschedule the board meeting to tomorrow. This needs my attention." Just a couple of moments later, Lucy's voice was soon heard on the intercom.

"Attention: this building is now on lockdown; please refer to your supervisor for any questions."

"Mr. Fullbuster, I think you'll be surprised to see who I found."

"Ah Laxus… and I see you've brought Jellal with you. Why don't you take a seat?" A soft thump was soon heard on the couch. "I'll skip the introductions; where's Natsu?"

"Hah you're asking the wrong person." Gray soon clicked his tongue in annoyance.

"If you weren't so close to Natsu, I would beat the answer out of you. Lyon, sit right next to him. Sting was it? Please take that package from that girl and enter with your partner. Laxus, search the building for Natsu. Gajeel, ensure that none of these hooligans try and leave."

"You won't find him you piece of shit. I don't even know why you're even trying when he's not even in the building." My mind kept racing in worry for the safety of my friends. I don't think Gray was that type of person to do harm but who knows? I mean, I haven't seen him for the past nine months… maybe I should give myself in and just end it all.

"We'll see about that." The door clicked shut as I heard Gajeel begin to laugh.

"I don't think I've ever seen Mr. Fullbuster be so passionate about finding someone. The last time he did that was when he literally hired search teams to find Natsu a couple of months back. Helicopters, ground teams, you name it - it was all there."

"Gajeel, why would Mr. Fullbuster even search for Natsu? I mean, didn't you hear the story back at the estate?" asked Sting. Wait, what story?

"Who hasn't? There were some rumors flying around that Mr. Fullbuster was fooling around with some woman named Juvia Lockser. I actually felt bad for Mr. Dragneel… that is, he did change his last name back didn't he?"

"Yeah… he did."

"You should have seen it when Mr. Fullbuster found out about the name change. Let's just say we had to rebuild a couple of things here and there around the estate. But it looks like you guys slipped up big time revealing Natsu's presence."

"We didn't expect him to arrive so early." Lyon spat out.

"Well Mr. Vastia, you should learn to expect the unexpected. That's how Mr. Fullbuster has made his fortune. Take a look outside the window if you will… right about now, he probably has everyone looking for Mr. Dragneel. It's only a matter of time at this rate."

"Gajeel, do you think Mr. Fullbuster should even find Natsu?" That's when he made a loud whistle.

"You have some nerve saying your superior's name like that Zeref."

"He gave us permission."

"Is that so?"

"It is."

"Well then, it doesn't matter what I think."

"It does. How would you feel if you were cheated on by the person you love most for ten months and endured it without saying a word? If you agree, please… help us protect Natsu." My eyes widened at what I heard. My friends… they're really trying to protect me.

"I'm sorry but like I said, it doesn't matter what I think. In fact, I'm pretty sure Mr. Fullbuster is listening in on our conversation so I suggest you tell us the location of Mr. Dragneel."

"Oh that bitch is listening in is he? Well Gray, you can FUCK OFF AND LEAVE NATSU ALONE!" Jellal… why would you do that? The door clicked open and a pair of footsteps walked in.

"Gajeel, please escort everyone out except for Jellal and Lyon and come right back."

"Understood sir." Two pair of footsteps began to walk out of the office and the door was shut once more.

"Listen, Jellal, Lyon, why don't you just tell me where he is? You know how important he is to me."

"Oh shove it up your ass. He wasn't important to you as you slept with that filthy whore! He wasn't important when you left him behind to do 'business'!"

"Is that all you're going to do today? Spout nonsense at me? If you're unwilling to speak, then I'll just ask my subordinate. Lyon, you've done an excellent job hiding him from all the visits I've made. I wonder how you managed to do that within my own company. Tell me where he is and I might reconsider firing you."

"Don't listen to this piece of shit! Don't forget the day you saw him at the beach! Do you want him to endure all of that again?" I wiped my eyes using my sleeves as I felt old memories and feelings start to swell up.

"Jellal… don't you think that maybe Natsu should decide for himself?"

"He did decide for himself Lyon! To leave this bastard and be happy again!"

"Are you sure you're not just overprotective?"

"I can't believe what I'm hearing. Are you actually considering his proposition?"

"I'm not considering anything. I mean, think about it rationally. If Mr. Fullbuster really didn't care, would he really be trying this hard to look for him? Maybe they should talk it out with each other."

"He's only doing this because he's crazy and a stalker who wants nothing but to hurt him." Before Lyon could even respond, Gray immediately started to speak.

"Jellal, do you remember that week when you took Natsu away from me? I remember it clear as day when my people brought me his burnt jacket from the beach. The patch was the only thing that remained from the ashes… the symbol of fire and ice. I carry it with me everywhere I go… see?" Gray… do you still love me? No, you couldn't… if you did, you wouldn't have gone to bed with anyone else but me. "I'm mad at myself for letting you take Natsu away from me but most importantly, I can't even forgive myself for hurting the one I love." Before I knew it, my heart started to hurt again like it used to do in the past… I even felt tears fall down my face.

"Lyon, what are you doing?" I could hear footsteps quickly come around the desk as I wiped the remainder of my tears. "Please, don't do what I think you're about to do." And that point, Lyon's legs were right in front of me. Was he… going to reveal me?

"I did this as a favor to you Jellal but the game is up. Wouldn't you say we did our best and we've lasted longer than I thought, which was only a month at most. Besides, we have no right to interfere in people's love lives do we?"

"I take it you're going to tell me where Natsu is then?"

"There's no point in telling you when he's right here." Suddenly, I saw Lyon's hand in front of my face gesturing me to come out from my hiding spot. "Don't be afraid… Jellal and I will be with you every step of the way. That's a vow I promise not to break." When I saw his smile, I couldn't help but nod my head and slowly take his hand. With some force, Lyon helped me up from the desk as I could hear my heart beating in my ears.

"Na… tsu?" When I turned around to see him, as my onyx eyes met with his cobalt, I somehow couldn't find my voice.

Author Note: How was the longer chapter everyone? Let me know what your thoughts are through a review!