I own nothing But the plot. Sucks.
Story Title: Bouquet of genuine Love
Rate: T
Pairings: NatsuXGray (and who fucking knows?)
Warnings: Shounen AI, Yaoi
Beta Reader: gothpandaotaku, Yay for me :)
O.o.O Bouquet of genuine Love O.o.O
Chapter 4:
Unfair.
Gray huffed, once again. He stood there, in the flowers stand, waiting for Natsu to come back so that both can go to the 'dinner' in the client's mansion, but it has already been half an hour, and Gray couldn't imagine what Natsu was doing at all. Finally, he decided that he should go check on him. It's not like he would lose anything, and if Natsu comes, then he should go with him because it was the same path. With that thought in mind, Gray closed the glass door behind him and shoved the keys in his pockets as he walked towards Natsu house.
He passed by the small stream and smiled at a few kids who were playing ball. When the ball came his way, he smirked and tried to annoy the little squirts a little, playfully tossing the ball then catching it again not allowing them to play with it. Unexpectedly, they laughed and giggled when he returned the ball and waved goodbye, paying attention to his destination.
It was very… quiet. Gray was baffled by the calmness that surrounded Natsu Dragneel's house. Even if there was nobody with Natsu, the dumbass usually made strange loud noises. Had Natsu already left?
Gray shrugged and went to see for himself. The door was opened, so he didn't need to knock (Not like he was going to when he has his foot to kick the door open). It was dark, and ok, maybe Natsu left a while go. Gray prepared himself to leave, but when he heard a faint rustling inside, he halted and turned around. Strange.
He crept in again and walked inside, forgetting where the light switch was, and ignored it while searching for… something. Anything.
Then he stopped when his foot stomped on something. He looked down and touched the ground where he placed his foot and found… flowers. With a closer look, he noticed that they were the same flowers from the bouquet he had just given to Natsu.
'What the…'
Then he remembered that Natsu was a messy person. And although he knows Natsu is a jerk, he couldn't believe that he would throw a gift like that. Maybe Gray was really annoying to the idiot.
"Hey Natsu! Show yourself or I will come and fetch you myself!"
Gray's ears picked up frantic footsteps and shook his head, heading for the small room that brought the noise. "Natsu."
He entered the room and recognized it as Natsu's bedroom. The windows brought maximum moonlight inside, and he managed to see the messy sheets of the bed, in addition to many broken objects on the floor. The place was a total mess. It was like entering a beast's den.
Faint gasps for air caught his attention, causing him to look back and gasp, surprised.
"Shit… don't scare me like that! What the hell are you doing there?! Come on we have to go."
Gray saw Natsu's blue jeans and bare feet on the ground behind the huge chest of drawers in the room and what looked like… a blanket tangled with a leg, with Natsu's body concealed behind the drawers.
"Out… h-home…. Out…"
Gray didn't notice the slight shiver that climbed up his spine as soon as he heard that rough rasped voice that made no sense.
"Natsu…?" He took a few steps closer to the drawers but a growl stopped him.
"OUT! OUT! No… Look…"
"HEY! Stop the freaky shit, will you?! What the hell is wrong with you?!"
"G… Ray… O-OUttt..."
"Natsu? Natsu, what is it?!"
When Gray tried to come even closer, several objects came flying his way, trying to stop him from approaching the other. Gray's anger rose up, and he quickly made his way through the objects, only to find Natsu hiding inside the blankets on the ground. "You! Are you playing hide and seek or what? Get your ass up, we'll be late!"
He heard a few desperate gasps, and Gray began to think that there was something seriously wrong with his friend and tried to yank the blankets, but Natsu was gripping them tightly around his figure and Gray's eyebrow twitched, while trying to pry the silky fabric off, only to face fierce rejection from the other's side. "THE FUCK?! NATSU!"
"S-Stop… O…ut…"
"I CAN'T UNDERSTAND YOU MORON!" Gray finally grabbed the blanket and succeeded in uncovering the human underneath, and with a victorious smirk, Gray turned around, just to-
-Be horrified.
"…" Gray's eyes widened and immediately turned the other way gasping as his heart seemed to be beating a thousand times in a second.
"Tell me now… WHAT THE FUCK HAS HAPPENED?!"
"O-Out… OUT!" An object came flying to hit Gray's head and it hurt the dumbfounded teen.
In the second that he managed to see Natsu in it, honestly, he was… scared, no, freaked out. Natsu's skin was so dark, and he assumed in the light it'd look red, and several veins were brutally bulging out on Natsu's agonized face, and body. The pink-haired's eyes were glowing green, with a pained twist and gritted teeth and he looked… destroyed. Gray couldn't bare to look a second longer, and that's why his back was turned on his friend.
"G… ray… Aggh… O-Out…"
"Idiot! You need help!" When Gray finally could take a breath, he spoke while kneeling down, "C-come. I will take you t-to Porlyusica-san! There is no one in the guild now, but she will do the job."
"Out… o…ut…"
"STOP IT AND RIDE ON MY BACK!" Gray shouted, half-panicked because Natsu's voice sounded horrible, and the other half panicking because he didn't know what was wrong with his friend.
As soon as those shaky hands touched him, he tried to hide how he was startled by such heat. Natsu was… burning hot. Gray stepped forward out of an instinct, and missed Natsu's hold.
"Oh my god!"
"Out… O-Out… OUT!"
"Alright! Alright! I am sorry! I was just surprised! I won't do it again, ride on my back."
"NO… OUT!"
Gray breathed and breathed and finally he closed his eyes, turned around, and with a swift motion, he carried the boy on his shoulder, hissing at how burning it felt, however, he forced himself to endure. This was Natsu, and he'll be damned if he left him to die or whatever because he couldn't take any of the dumbass's heat.
"G… ray…"
"It's fine! I am fine… You are going to be fine… just hang in there."
"… G… ray…"
"You are going to be fine. I promise!" Gray winced again because of the scorching heat and instead of letting go, he held on Natsu's body tightly, and ran like a mad man, trying to reach Fairy Tail's medicinal advisor desperately.
"You are going to be fine!"
There was an uncomfortable silence between both Jellal and Hibiki while they sneaked into their way to Christina Junior. Jellal's blue head was so familiar, and that's why, Hibiki's suit was on top of his head, and the boy couldn't be more irritated. He didn't want to go to this cursed dinner, so why were they making him? Just being with this man made him messed up in the head. And it was enough! Seriously, what was Erza thinking of?
"Waaah! Isn't that Hibiki-san?" Hibiki cursed under his breath and turned around shielding Jellal with his taller figure and smiled widely.
"Hello~ Oh my, you are all beautiful tonight~!"
Jellal's eyes widened while being back to back to the blonde who was covering up for both. Something just snapped. He felt his body slightly trembling, and even though they were just girls, Jellal's hands were shaped in fists, ready to strike because of pure fear that he didn't know where it came from.
"Hibiki-sama, can you sign for us here?!"
"Sure~! I will do anything for you!" The blonde smiled and signed ruffling some hairs and kissing some hands proudly.
"Say Hibiki-sama, who is that with you?"
Jellal's balled fists seemed to be getting tighter with sweat trickling on his forehead. A girl's voice or not, he felt that he heard a hint of evil and maybe he was going insane, but he couldn't help it as if in the back of his mind, a strict voice kept giving him one order.
Kill them.
"That's my Date for the night! But you know, she's very shy!"
The girl's pouted. "Nooo! Hibiki-sama!"
"Later Kittens!" Hibiki said as he grabbed the other's wrist and ran.
Damn.
Gray sat on a rock outside Porlyusica's house. He was still trying to calm himself down and recover from the shock of seeing his friend in such state and mostly, trying to cool his arms which were still really hot.
"H-Hello…"
Gray flinched, looking back to find Natsu standing with some damp towel over his head. His face was wet, and still red with terrible large size rashes and veins that seemed hurtful.
"Damn, stop sneaking up on me like that!" Gray yelled, looking the other way, trying to get rid of the Natsu's earlier unpleasant image in his mind. Although less scared now, Gray wasn't ready to look just yet.
"Too… ugly, huh?" He heard that rasped voice talk with a hint of sadness in it.
"It's… it's… not that. You just surprised me that's all."
"Sorry."
"Don't apologize idiot. It's not your fault."
"… Gray… if you want to go now, then it's fine. I… guess I will be staying with the old lady till tomorrow."
"… No, I will be staying for a while."
"…"
Silence dominated the air, and Natsu stood still in his place, not wanting to make Gray uncomfortable by sitting next to him or even expose himself more to Gray's view.
"It was the flowers, wasn't it?" Gray suddenly said.
"H-Huh?"
"The flowers I gave you. They did this to you right?"
"I-I don't know what you are talking about!"
"Don't play dumb. I remember now when Gildarts shouted telling us to keep you away from a certain kind of flowers. Although I don't remember which, but it must be one of those I gave you… right?"
Natsu rubbed his wet face with the towel and shrugged. "Yeah, so?"
"Why did you keep them? Why didn't you say anything that time?"Natsu looked at Gray's back and shifted then returned the towel on top of his head.
"I… didn't pay attention."
"Liar."
"Wha-Gray stop it alright?! I don't have to explain myself to you!"
Gray stood up, and with enough courage he faced Natsu who turned around, not wanting the other to look at his face.
"Idiot, look this way!" Gray snapped.
"I don't want to."
"Why?!"
"Because you don't want to!"
"Yes I don't want to, but I can't talk to you like that!"
"Then don't talk to me! I told you I will be fine, go home!"
"Natsu, please. Look this way. It's not like this will affect me more than… than that…"
Natsu sighed and turned. "Happy now?"
"No shit, you look horrible."
"Thanks." Natsu said looking to the ground.
"Stop acting so weird and just tell me why you didn't dispose of those flowers the minute you saw them."
"I couldn't…" Natsu stated while gluing his gaze to the ground, not wanting to meet the other's piercing glare.
"Why not?!" Gray sounded irritated.
"I just couldn't. It's a present from you so… I couldn't."
"What…? Help me to understand here! Them being a present from me is an enough reason for you to just burn them!"
Natsu's eyes finally met Gray's and Gray was speechless. Those eyes were still radiating emerald green, and that face just as… 'not' normal as ever.
"Go home."
"No. Spill! Or I might just ruin the rest of your face!"
Natsu sighed. "If I told you, you will freak out."
"No I won't!"
"Yes you will!"
"NO! Don't speak on my behalf when you don't know anything about it!"
"I know!"
"Prove it then!"
"I will!"
Natsu threw the towel and marched angrily towards the black-haired who stumbled backwards, but couldn't go that far. And in a minute, Natsu hugged him tightly.
"N-NATSU?!"
"Gray, I like you."
Natsu then pulled back and smirked at Gray's dumbfounded face. "See? I told you. You might want to run away now."
Natsu turned and before he walked away, Gray grabbed his wrist. "Is that… true?"
"Damn right it is. I wouldn't joke about something like that."
Gray quickly let go of the hand and looked to the ground, with a pale face. "Is that why…"
"Yeah. It was difficult for me to be around you when there is just so much in my mind… Listen…" Natsu turned around with a heart full of pain when he saw Gray's troubled and uneasy expression, "I am not asking you to do anything… Just leave for now."
Faint wind was all what Natsu could hear, and it was hard. He assumed that Gray would be shocked, and yeah, he was very. Natsu didn't imagine that he'd just blurt out what has been in his heart for weeks, but now that it came out, he felt… guilty as he saw the other's reaction.
"This didn't happen." Gray calmly said. "This conversation didn't happen. When tomorrow comes, let's pretend that none of this has happened."
"A-"
"-Do you understand? Am I clear, Natsu?" Gray didn't give any room for discussion with a stern tone, but Natsu wasn't going to argue. If Gray wants things the way they were until today, then he had no problem with it. In fact, he was slightly relieved that Gray didn't run away until after he spoke those words.
"Very clear."
"Good. You think you will be able to put up with that old woman alone?"
"Ah… Yes."
"Ok, see you tomorrow then. Take care." Gray patted the other's shoulder briefly before he leaves a very complicated 'thing' behind.
Natsu sighed. He felt like he screwed up and was sure that he hadn't wanted any of this to happen. He wasn't expecting Gray to welcome the idea, yet he couldn't help but to feel a pang in his heart as he watched Gray's back getting further and further. Natsu knew this wasn't going to be easy.
On Christina Junior, things were rendered by terrible silence.
Hibiki was somehow nervous and irritated at the same time. He looked to the right to see Jellal leaning on the ship gazing at the sky with a blank face with Hibiki's suit unconsciously placed on his shoulders (Which made the blonde proud for no reason). The blue-haired guy scratched his neck tensely underneath his dark rolled sleeve shirt and sighed as the gentle sky breeze ruffled his hair.
Hibiki didn't know what to do (Mainly because Jellal kind of looked… attractive when sad? No, he's just stupid AND cruel). When they were standing on that street, he felt the other's cruel intentions towards those innocent girls, and that's why he hurried and guided him to the ship. It was different than being in the flower stand. Jellal looked harmless back then, somewhat cheerful, and fairly friendly, however, outside he seemed to be all tense, nervous and surrounded by this fierce killing aura which by the way, was kind of creeping him out. It sucked to be not as strong and capable as the other.
Sighing again, Hibiki left Christina in auto mode, and walked slowly towards the other teen who was staring at the city underneath them like it was something he longed to reach, but couldn't.
"Am I interrupting something?" Hibiki asked grabbing the other's attention who turned his face to look at him, then shrugged.
"No, not at all."
"Something wrong?"Hibiki noticed the unconscious nervous twitch in Jellal's fingers, but didn't say anything.
"Not exactly…"
"Well, you know? I always hear about you from different people, Jellal, this cruel criminal, but when I actually got a chance to have a direct interaction with you, I wasn't expecting things to be like that. I think you are kind of unique." Hibiki smiled, "I would like to know more about you. Tell me, what happened back there?"
Jellal chuckled. "Ah, I am flattered…? However… I am not really sure you should be involved with someone like me."
"Why not?"
"No particular reason. I think it's better that way. To begin with, I have no intention of joining your guild if you are thinking of offering, and well, I don't think you would be cool to be involved with a criminal."
Hibiki glared, then pinched the other's cheek, causing many groans of pain. "You should talk to your elders with respect, brat. I never thought of you joining my guild, don't get too arrogant!"
"Ah, sorry, can you p-please let go?!" Jellal tried to sound polite. Truth to be told, He saw Hibiki before too, but he didn't imagine that he'd be dealing with this kind of personality, especially with how he saw the other always throwing cheesy and romantic lines to any girl in general. And how Hibiki was so known for being an-arrogant-sexy-hot-cheap-sleazy-man-charming… shit, he couldn't even describe the guy.
"Tell me. What was it?"
Jellal rubbed his red cheek, then crossed his arms over the ship with a wistful expression painted on his face. "I thought that by creating Crime Sorcière… and by receiving help and support from Fairy Tail, I would become a better person. That I will redeem myself and be stronger for those who need help, but in the end… I can't. As long as I am with people I know, I feel safe. But when I am alone with other people, all I feel is that they want me dead for the crimes I have committed. That I have to fight. That I have to… kill. I don't feel secure in this world on my own, from myself which wants to just destroy, or from the souls that I brought misfortune upon. Earlier too… I could have attacked those girls if it weren't for you… thanks by the way."
Hibiki listened slightly surprised. He wasn't expecting that. In fact, when Hibiki first saw the other, he didn't see uncertainty or hesitation. He saw confidence and marvelous strength. "This is nonsense."
Jellal quickly looked at the other, shocked. "…"
"Have you ever looked at yourself before? Well, I didn't. But in one day, I was able to tell that you are one of the most powerful people I have ever seen. You have many great traits, and you certainly are not a killer. You shouldn't let the past control you, but let it shape your future. There are people who care for you, and who are waiting for you to become the person they always wanted…"
"E-Erza…?"
"I don't care who it is. All what I am saying, is that you shouldn't think about stupid things, and should just look to the future." Hibiki squeezed the other's shoulder reassuringly, "And… I want you to know, that if you ever wanted a friend to depend on or… anything, I will be here. My personality is just as awesome as that."
"Th-Thanks… Um… I just feel that I can't go back to the way it was back then. The sin of taking an innocent soul is just… I wish I could die instead of being among the living with so much to bear."
"Well my friend. Fate makes your life miserable sometimes, but look at the bright side. It has given you a new chance. So don't waste it. If you are sincere enough about not taking another innocent soul away, then you can keep on living. I think it's what you are doing now with your private guild."
Jellal buried his face in his arms and released a long hot sigh. "I know that I am a fool, but, thank you. Even if just for a little bit, I am relieved I could get this out without anyone misjudging my intentions."
"Ah, I am now thankful for the blessing of not knowing you so well."
"That's so cruel." Jellal snickered not able to get mad.
"No, it's not. It's also a blessing to see the good in someone which is you know-"
"-I don't know."
"What the hell?! Neither do I, brat!" Hibiki gently nudged the other's shoulders.
And hell yes, he is starting to get deeply in love with that smile on Jellal's lips.
"Thank you."
"Welcome." Hibiki wrapped his arm around the other's shoulder and got a faint laugh from the other.
"Hibiki-san, you should let go. I am not a girl, therefore, that will not really please me."
"Really? Then how should I please you?" Hibiki whispered planting red on Jella's face as the warm brown eyes stared at him shocked.
"Haha… please, stop fooling around…" Jellal stuttered looking the other way when he sensed some seriousness in Hibiki's eyes.
With one final kiss on the aquatic hair, Hibiki left the boy and went to control Christina… being ignorant of how Jellal's eyes widened so much that they went over their actual size, or how his face was drowned in red, or how his heart created pained rapid regretted it. He wanted to be a friend… really. But as he sees the other's eyes, or sniffs his glamorous exotic scent, his intentions become wild.
No, not just a friend. And the blue-haired man surely got the message now.
'Damn it. Why am I such an idiot?!' Hibiki sighed.
Gildarts wanted to shoot Gray in the head the next day. Unfortunately, Gray was kind of not in the guild, so he couldn't. But it was very clear that if Gildarts saw him, he would crush him. Why? Because he's a big jerk, and he gave Natsu the deadly flowers. Both of the mages missed the party the day before, and god only knows why Jellal and Hibiki weren't paying attention at all to the dinner while acting like stupid kids that they ARE, but it was a pity.
Natsu really liked food. And this was a golden chance that stupid Gray Fullbuster had to mess up.
With that thought in mind, Gildarts gathered his 'Stuff' and went for another new mission. UN-expectedly, no one really tried to wave goodbye or even faked missing him, and sadly, his only daughter was glad that he'll finally go away with his evil schemes and destructive power.
Natsu Dragneel sighed while Lucy patted his back when he was sprawled with his cheek glued to the table. "That feels so good, Lucy."
"R-Really? I am glad."
Natsu smiled and closed his eyes enjoying the special 'treatment' of his friend which was offered when she saw him suffering. His face still hasn't recovered, and he felt so tired and itchy, however, he tried not to scratch too much because it was a real pain in the neck.
"You never told me what happened yesterday." Lucy looked a little bit curious.
"Oh nothing. The stupid jackass just took me to the old lady where I was treated after she nearly strangled me for approaching the thing again."
"H-Haha… that's expected from her. Did you and Gray have a fight or something? He looked so damn off this morning. And he won't even look your way or initiate a fight."
Natsu's stomach clenched in pain. "Ah, he probably feels guilty for this." Natsu pointed to his face demonstrating his point.
"Are you sure? Normally, he'd feel victorious if not overjoyed that you are suffering because of him."
Natsu faked the shrug and grin. "Forget about that asshole. How was dinner last night?"
"It was just great. Gilbert-san gave us a tour in his library first-"
"-EEEH? So boring…"
"Shut it empty-head." Lucy smacked him lightly on the forehead. "Then he showed us around the house, and we had dinner and it was great! Erza kept yelling at Gajeel and Elfman for fighting, Laxus simply ignored the rest with the Raijinshuu and Jellal… Oh, Jellal was weird. He was staring off into space and I could've sworn something was going on in his mind."
"Hmm… Too bad he left. I wanted a challenge after the food yesterday. Stupid Gray!"
Lucy rolled her eyes. Typical Natsu. "Anyways, what are we going to do now? Should we pick a mission?"
"Lucy, you ARE so cruel. I can't go on a mission now. I feel so drained."
"Idiot, I am not forcing you. Let's relax and do what you want to do today."
"I want food…"
"Gah… Anything but that…"
"Stingy!"
It was getting so annoying for everyone. Their Fairy Tail routine was destroyed by Gray and Natsu. Those two morons usually fought whenever they got the chance for the littlest idiotic things, and yet, it has been a whole week that they didn't speak to each other at all. It was ANNOYING.
Erza and Lucy decided to investigate, only to come out empty handed. Neither Natsu nor Gray wanted to admit that they had a fight or anything. ANNOYING, AGAIN.
"Hey! I am bored. Lucy, let's go on a mission." Gray Fullbuster grumbled and sat himself next to the blonde who was discussing her piece of art novel to Levy.
"Ok. As soon as you make up with Natsu."
"I TOLD YOU before, there is nothing wrong between us, and it's getting ridiculous with all this fuss you and everyone are making."
"Well, I will have you know that I am busy with Levy-chan now, and I might knuckle sandwich your face because there is something between you two and you know it. If you don't want to tell me or Erza anything, Fine, it's up to you, but fix it. FIX. IT. Because it is so ANNOYING!"
Levy nodded. "I agree. So ANNOYING."
"ANNOYING!" Everyone in the guild said in unison and Gray sweat dropped.
"Fine. I will go get him. If he agrees to go on a mission with us, then you'll go, right?"
"Yeah, sure. It's not like I don't have a rent to pay."
Gray stood up and-
"-Gray. Boxers, pants, and shirt." Lucy said, not so red as she finally got used to Gray's irritating habit.
"Hey MORON. Will you do me the great honor of going on a mission with me?" Gray asked, Clearly irritated as he saw Natsu devouring some chicken while sitting in an open food stand with Happy.
After a whole week of being apart, Natsu didn't expect Gray to open his mouth with those words.
"Ah, I am kind of busy here."
"AYE!" Happy was devouring a fish.
"AGGGH! Why does everybody say that today?!"
The piece of chicken was hanging in Natsu's mouth as he looked to the other with a pure shock that Gray Fullbuster showed up and initiated a talk with him. So… casually.
"Natsu, stop eating and let's go on a mission. I am bored."
As if nothing has happened.
"No, thanks. I prefer eating. Go alone."
Gray's eyebrow twitched, outraged. "Fine. I will go alone."
Natsu banged his fist on the counter, surprising Happy, and cursed. That… bastard. It's true that Natsu wanted everything to return the way they were before, but… he knew that it was impossible. How could Gray pretend to be so ignorant and careless about his feelings? If he decided to talk to him, at least he didn't have to be so casual about it so that Natsu would feel that something actually happened.
"Gray." Natsu called and the other turned around slowly.
"What?"
"…" Natsu forced a smile. "Be careful."
Gray stood in the train station annoyed. If no one would go with him then he'd go alone. Like he needed them! Stupid idiots.
He stormed to the train, not wanting to stay much longer in the dreadful noise, and walked to find an empty space. When he found one and sat down, carelessly throwing his backpack… he got a complaint.
"THAT HURTS YOU-" The person who had Gray's backpack abusing him stopped for a while then blinked. "YOU?!"
Gray was going to apologize for hitting the guy with his backpack, but stopped. "It's you huh…"
"Don't give that BULL-Ah, I mean, Ahem, don't be so rude to your elders." A certain blonde said.
Gray glared as an annoying blonde sat in front of him, who is also the member of the stupid Trimens team of Blue Pegasus. "Hello to you too. This will sound rude, but what is the great Hibiki Lates doing here without the rest of the womanizing men of his great team?"
Hibiki grunted looking the other way. "I wanted this beauty to be exposed alone away from the blinding light to-"
"Alright, sorry I asked. Won't happen again."
"It's okay if you understand. Where are you going?"
"Westgold. A city full of idiots who were robbed and guess what was robbed from them?"
"Dunno. Underwear?"
Gray's eyes bugged out. "How the hell did you know that?"
Hibiki sighed. "I got the same mission. Must be a mix up in the flyers or something."
"Well, looks like I got myself a partner, no wait. Get off this damn train now."
"No way. It's you who should be getting off, brat."
Gray scowled. "We will not get anywhere with this. So I guess I will make you my partner."
"You are so arrogant, you know that? OH YEAH, what happened to YOUR so called Fairy Tail team?"
"Taking a break from them."
"You mean they are taking a break from you, right?"
"No one likes a smart-ass."
"Shut up Fullbuster."
"Ok, seriously, why are you so out of character today?" Gray crossed his hands over his chest with a concerned face.
Hibiki faked a few tears. "Th-That's what happen when someone as young and beautiful and gentle as me finds love only to watch it slips away. No one can understand how burning and painful that feels." And he sniffed. "Ah love… come back to me."
Gray's face was blank. "Right. Sorry for asking again."
"You are such an insensitive brat you know that? I am serious here. If you loved someone and they just… I don't know. LEFT you, you'd be as hopeless as I am, well, right now at least."
"Don't worry. I am sure you'll recover soon, but who is the girl who dared to refuse YOU?" Gray tried to sound like he gave a damn. Hell, he was bored, it didn't matter anymore.
"… Ah. It's a he, mind you."
Gray's face returned blank. "Right. Sorry for asking-"
"HEY! I ANSWERED THAT CORRECT!"
"I will pretend that I didn't hear that YOU love a male, but anyway, I actually have a REAL question for you. How do you do that?"
"Do WHAT?"
"Love a 'Male'."
"Oh…" Hibiki shrugged. "I don't know. It just happened."
Gray looked to the ceiling trying to remain calm, then asked again. "Explain please?"
"Well… He's JUST charming. When I see him, I feel that I want him to be with me, and wish that he just looks at me. AND do all the 'stuff' with me, what part of it exactly don't you understand?"
"You understand that you are talking about a male, right? I mean he has basically the same anatomy, and there is nothing as attractive as a woman's package, you feel me?"
Hibiki blinked then laughed. "Y-Yeah. But… Although I love women and appreciate their beauty, he's just… Ah, I can't explain it. It feels exactly like your heart has been stolen. Even though it really hurts, you don't regret giving him that. But yeah, it hurts. So much, I just want to be with him."
"Stop crying on me!" Gray yelled as another wave of fake waterfalls filled the train. They both sighed and Gray mumbled. "So partner… Westgold."
"Hell yeah…" Hibiki, for the first time had a serious sad face while looking at the nature outside the window.
"Idiots."
They both said in unison, then laughed afterwards.
'Sorry… Natsu…'
Natsu sat at one of the guild's tables in the hall and gave off a mysterious aura freaking out all those who watched. To just imagine that Natsu is thinking…
No way right?
"Hey Natsu. What's on your mind?" Lucy asked nervously as she sat joining her friend.
"Not much. Did Gray mention when he'll be back?" Natsu questioned trying to look not so interested in knowing.
"Ah, no. Why are you asking?"
"Oh just wasting time."
"Natsu…" Lucy sighed, "Would you just tell me why are you so upset these days?"
Natsu chuckled. "How did you know I was?"
"I am your friend. I just know."
Natsu smiled and rested his chin on top of his slumped forearms. "Let's just say, I feel like my heart is broken. Not that it is, just a m-m… What do they call it?"
"Metaphorically speaking?"
"Ah yeah-"
"-Fear not, I know what you mean my friend." Loke said suddenly appearing behind Lucy.
"L-Loke! What are you doing here?" Lucy jumped out of her seat from the surprise.
"Nothing princess. I sensed someone who is as miserable as me, and thought I would console." Loke smiled his magical smile, but Lucy remained neutral.
Natsu laughed. "And what are you exactly miserable from?"
"You don't know?! Look at how she keeps rejecting me every damn day. I prefer killing myself than listen to any more of her useless excuses." Loke 'Humphed' and looked the other way earning a slight growl from Lucy.
"MAYBE YOU SHOULD DIE!" She exploded.
"Yeah I know how you feel." Natsu nodded understandably.
"NO YOU DON'T!" Lucy smacked Natsu.
"Ahem. So Natsu, you are so upset, huh?" Loke asked avoiding the subject because Lucy looked so scary.
"Yes. And I want to just stop being so upset, but I don't know what to do."
Loke thought about it for a while and Lucy almost slapped her forehead. "Natsu is not having love problems Loke! He said metaphorically speaking, and knock it off with the thinking face because it's bad luck!"
"I know!" Loke had a light bulb on his head. "Why don't you go on a date with me, Natsu? We'll have fun, and it's just to cheer both of us up, what do you say?"
"ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME?!" Lucy yelled.
"…" Natsu laughed nervously then his chest felt a bit lighter. "… I don't see any harm done. It's just a friends date right?"
"DON'T ACCEPT SO EASILY!" The blond almost pulled her hair out.
"Yes! Just us friends. I will pick you up at seven thirty. Make sure to wear something nice-"
"-W-why?" Natsu almost groaned.
"BECAUSE. You'll be walking with me, and I like elegance. Got me? I don't want to see your eyes half opening because of you just waking up or anything of the sort."
"Alright…"
"Trust me. Do as I say and I will give you the greatest time of your life." Loke ruffled the pink hair and Natsu looked a bit doubtful. "Now do we have a deal?"
"Yeah alright, I will do it."
"Excuse me then. I am going to prepare for our big night."
Loke returned to the spiritual world and Lucy was left dumbfounded. This wasn't a friendly date by all measures, and Natsu was stupid not to figure it out. Lucy shook her head with red cheeks for the mere thought of Loke and Natsu actually… bonding.
'Natsu doesn't have a love problem, dammit Loke!'
Your heart skips a beat.
Loke heard that term before, but never actually felt it himself except for the time he was saved by Lucy who looked just like a magical Fairy. And now it's the second time as he stands in front of Natsu's door steps (eyes wide, mouth open, mind blank) with Natsu on top of the stairs looking as cute and as beautiful as ever while being illuminated by the faint light coming from his house.
The younger Fire mage was dressed in a very faint green dress shirt with the wrist ends bend the other side showing a darker green color, with the top buttons were unbuttoned as the unique scarf hung extra loosely around the tan neck showing the black necklace underneath, his lower half elegantly contained within a creamy colored pants with a brown belt, and fine dark blazer on top as the final touch.
Loke laughed as he saw Natsu's red cheeks.
"Wh-What is so funny?!" Natsu's cheeks got redder.
"No it's just that you are nervous even though you are the one who is upstairs."
"That's because you are giving me this look."
Loke adjusted his glasses. "Sorry. Never knew you could dress that well."
"Shut up, what did you expect?"
"Ah… Let's just say not that well."
"Well, I asked Lucy to help me."
"Oh… Why?!"
"I don't want to look like a fool in front of you." Natsu looked to the step and cursed under his breath.
'Waah, too dangerous...' Loke thought with a slight chuckle. "Don't say such cute things or else."
"Should I burn you and call this date off?" Natsu glared.
"No. I wouldn't like that. Let's go young prince." Loke raised his arm so that Natsu could hold on to it.
"Really, Loke? That's so embarrassing. People might think weird stuff."
"So what? Let them think. Today I just want the both of us to forget everything and enjoy ourselves as much as we can." Loke smiled as Natsu gave in and held his arm smiling as well.
"Where are we going?" Natsu inquired.
"We are going to a very magical place where you will be treated by me to dinner. After you missed that dinner with the client, I thought you deserved better."
"Food… food… food… should I consider taking you as my permanent date or what?" Natsu laughed. "Thanks man."
Loke patted Natsu's glowing peach pink hair with his free hand. "Nah, don't mention it. Anything for you beautiful."
"Loke. Your catchphrases with girls will not work with me."
"Right… Sorry."
Dinner was magical. Loke took Natsu to the celestial world where a very… enchanting atmosphere was created, with Lyra singing quiet calm notes somewhere that couldn't be seen so that both could be granted privacy. Natsu was tense, but Loke's words of comfort helped in relaxing him a little bit and eventually the boy did nothing but talk with Loke who proved to be able to tolerate Natsu's idiotic topics.
Everything was delicious and that was a plus. After finishing dinner, they both went on a walk watching stars and other unknown spirits floating in the fascinating atmosphere. Lucy's Celestial world always helped in calming Natsu's heart and soul, however, Loke assured Natsu that in that exact dimension, time didn't change as much in the real world. So Natsu didn't have to worry about going out and see a year has passed for a single date.
Time passed real fast and Natsu found himself standing in front of his house with Loke in front of him, giving one of the most dazzling smiles of his.
"Thank you Natsu. I really enjoyed our time today."
Natsu looked sad, but smiled warmly. "I too… I enjoyed it. And thank you for your patience with me."
"Well, there is this thing though…" Loke adjusted his glasses, "You were not thinking about me and that hurts me." He faked a dramatic atmosphere.
Natsu's eyes seemed sorrowful as he looked down. Loke sweat dropped. "Ah! I was kidding I swear."
"No, No. You were right. It's not fair to you, I am sorry."
"It's Gray isn't it?" Loke sighed.
"…" Natsu seemed surprised as a red blush covered his cheeks.
"I kind of figured out from your facial expressions that day in the flower stand. It was so obvious."
Natsu looked slightly angry. "It doesn't matter, it's all over. He told me to forget it and I did!"
"This is not something to be so stubborn over, Natsu. It's okay if you can't. No one actually can forget someone they loved so easily, and Gray is a total jerk if you asked me, he doesn't know what he's missing." Loke took Natsu's chin in his hand raising the younger's face so that they could establish an eye contact, sending tingling vibes through Natsu's spine. Loke has always been good with words and it wasn't fair.
"What do you think yourself doing?"
The fire magic user and Loke looked shocked as they saw Gray Fullbuster standing aggravated with several bandages with an extra layer around his head about five meters away. For a minute, Loke could feel a glare that could tear him apart.
"LOKE!" Gray launched his fist to hit the lion spirit only to faint abruptly and fall dumbly on his face.
Natsu blinked then looked at Loke who adjusted his glasses and trembled.
"W-well N-Natsu… It's been nice, see ya!"
"Hey Loke!"
Too late. Loke has already returned to his world leaving Natsu with the… jerk face Gray Fullbuster.
Natsu watched as Gray Fullbuster groaned while being on his bed. The pink haired boy sighed and took his blazer and scarf off going to get a glass of water as he waited for the ice-mage to gain consciousness once again.
He smiled while replaying the night's pleasant event. It was one of a kind and Natsu didn't remember having so much fun in a long time. Very refreshing indeed. Until that bastard showed up. Couldn't he read the atmosphere and just stay put? And why the hell would he punch Loke?
Natsu shrugged, then shoved his hands in his pockets going back to his lit room to see if the Jackass has woken up. He wanted him out of his house already.
"Oh boy… That fucking hurts…"
Natsu thanked god. Finally.
"Took you long enough." Natsu mocked.
"Shut up. If you were in my shoes it would've taken you longer."
"Yeah right." Natsu whispered to himself. "Listen um-"
"I am not going to get out." Gray replied instantly adjusting himself into a sitting position on the bed. "Get me a glass of water."
"I am not your servant."
"Do it."
"Fine."
Natsu cursed as he went to fill a glass with water then returned giving it to Gray who drank it in one go and when Natsu wanted to get out the room…
"Stop right there."
Natsu felt sweat forming on the back of his neck.
"What were you doing with Loke?"
Natsu turned around as he crossed his arms on his chest with arrogant confidence. "We were having a date until you butted in."
"Oh. Very sorry. So when you couldn't have your way with me, you just searched for another guy to satisfy your whatever?"
Natsu glared. "It was a friendly date."
"Yeah right. You call two guys almost kissing a date?"
"We weren't going to do anything. And what's your problem anyway?! I don't see why you keep asking me these questions!"
"I don't have a damn problem! Do what you want!"
"GOOD. I WILL! Now get the hell out of my house!"
"FINE!"
"Fine!"
Gray tossed the covers and stood up (Missing his shirt) and went to get out of the room leaving Natsu panting with sadness darkening his face.
"AH DAMN IT!"
Natsu was surprised as he was roughly pushed from backwards onto his bed. And when he turned to curse the hell out of the bastard he sensed violent lips covering his.
The shock and heaviness of the situation made him forget that he had powerful arms that could crush the other's head.
Gray Fullbuster is so cruel.
The blue eyed male pulled back, only to stare irritably at the dumbfounded fire mage underneath with strong piercing eyes while Natsu looked at the other with wide eyes as if Gray has just committed the biggest crime. After five more seconds, Gray was kicked harshly against the wall, and Natsu stood up quickly wiping his mouth from the sickening pleasurable wetness on his lips.
Gray remained on the ground, back resting against the wall as he watched the enraged pink haired boy.
"You… Ah, I don't know what to say. Get away from this place, and I might not add more injuries to the ones you already have!" Natsu yelled.
"I am sorry."
Natsu was stunned.
"I am sorry I was too harsh on you. And that I didn't give you any chance, but… I am willing to try. I am willing to give this a chance."
Natsu's eyes stung and his lips trembled as he covered it with his arm with a lost look on his face and a burning sensation in his chest. When he remained silent, Gray stood up and approached his friend slowly treating Natsu as a butterfly that could just fly if approached in a brash way.
"Why the sudden… change of heart?" Natsu asked looking as confused as ever.
"No reason. This trip just made me realize how badly I treated your feelings, and how I never gave you a chance… Or it might be that you look nice tonight."
Natsu wasn't able to glare as much as he looked at the other with a clueless puzzled expression with a hint of wetness concealed within those green eyes.
"So… Will you accept me again?" The great Fullbuster asked earning a hesitated look from the other boy."Natsu?"
"… You are so unfair, you know that?" Natsu spoke with words hardly coming out from his throat as pink colored his cheeks.
"True. And I just found out that you are actually deeply in love with me."
"Shut it." Natsu growled.
Gray smirked pushing Natsu towards his chest as he gave the pink haired a warm hug, making Natsu release it all. The love, the longing and the tears that has been bubbling up for the past two weeks.
Lucy was frustrated the next day. Loke refused to show up as long as Gray was around and she was very ignorant of the reason behind that. What made her more frustrated, is when Gray asked for Loke's key to destroy it into little tiny pieces and earned a smack on the head from Natsu who looked very revived as the grin and happiness returned to his face.
Ah, she was also confused as to how those two made up, but she didn't mind as the guild's usual atmosphere returned. Ezra nodded in approval and congratulated both mages on being so understanding and cooperative.
Lucy, Erza, and everyone in the guild was also ignorant of how those two rival mages glanced at each other with a deeper hidden meaning, but it wasn't a big of a deal.
After all, they both were waiting to see if their second chance is going to work or not. However, Natsu was positive about this as Gray smiled genuinely towards him carrying an elegant bouquet of flowers claiming that he's sorry for the other 'deadly' one.
No one could know about the future. Especially when it was the future of two helpless rivals who lacked the romantic aspect.
"By the way… what happened in that mission? Why were you so badly injured?" Natsu looked curious.
"About that… I underestimated the underwear thieves these days."
"…"
"Go ahead and laugh."
And it was exactly what Natsu did.
…. The End…
A/N: So yeah. This is the end people.
BUT: If you are crying your eyes out, which I pretty sure is not the case, there are two more extra chapters to come out for those who are interested in knowing where is Hibiki and Jellal going, and another for those who are interested in Where Gray and Natsu going. So for HIbiki/Jellal people, wait for the next chapter. I AM not promising that it will be that good, but… It's something right?
Also: Thanks for Sonadow1111 for drawing the cover and a frame drawing of this fic. I can't believe that someone actually did that for me! I am so super happy. Thank you so much!
If you are interested, you can visit this page to find out more about how this girl is really talented(Hugs my friend!):
sonadow1111 .deviantart art/ Bouquet-of-Genuine-Love-385777446 (Add slash and dot com before art, and Http before sonadow1111 and remove spaces.)
This is a sneak peak at chapter 2 as well: sonadow1111. deviantart art/ BoGL-Sneak-Peak-385778402 (Do the same as the up link.)
If you faced any difficulties with the links, please contact me.
Thanks to: All the reviewers. And those who added this story to their favorites or alerts. I love you all. And I really appreciate all of your interest in my stories. Even those who don't review at all, I get the message from you simply by adding all my stories to your favorites and I am so crazy happy right now.
See you in another story everyone!
To my reviewers:
Akii Knight
"Oh I smell a cliffhanger... Lol
This was a great chapter, I look forward to the next one."
Isn't this Akii night? Hehe, thank you. This is the end, but I liked the fact that you have taken interest in this story. And thank you so much for reviewing, it's kind of an honor to have you here. *Waves!* well, goodbye my friend, and see you in another story.
donotinquire
"I am addicted to Magnolia's Shonen Ai, and your new story, but if you don't mind, please, end this one before updating the other fanfictions."
Yes my prince. I have fulfilled your wish and there you go. The ending chapter. I hope it wasn't too disappointing for you. I have two extra chapters in my mind but still, this is the END. Thank you very much for taking interest in my other stories as well, and I hope you enjoyed this one to the end! *Hugs!* Thank you.
oOAnriOo
"Awww, this is such a funny story ! I wish there were more chapters ! Please update the story !"
Thank you very much. It's nice to see that someone is interested! I am sure you didn't read this on a regular basis with the timing of my updates, but I really appreciate your found excitement within the story. And I will hug you for that! oh, and if you are disappointed beause of the ending, then wait for the next two extra chapters. Not that great, but something. Thank you Anri. I hope you had a good time with me.
EllieGymGirl
"No I could never tell you what to update! Update whatever you want whenever but just remember your reviewers are sitting here (not-so-patiently) waiting! XD jkjk thanks for the update the story is awesome!"
Well thank you. I really feel pressured when people force something on me to update because I kind of go with what my mind wants instead of the readers want. Bad habbit I must say, but really, I can't help it. Thank you very much princess for reviewing all the chapters. And if you want, you can read the two final extras as well. And I want you to know that I really admire your enthusiasm for my poor stories. It makes me feel high on something!
*Hugs!* Thanks!
AsDarknessSpreads
"natsu ran off? why why why? how how how! what way why! nani! ooooh!"
Wow, I kind of feel the confusion… Well, that's solved my friend! At least I hope so. Thank you very much for reviewing all the chapters of this story, I really liked how funny your comments can be. And you call me funny? Not as close as you! Well, the next two extras are coming too, so if you are crying your eyes out now (which I know is not happening!) heheh, know that the end is not there yet!
Thank you very much!
Crystalangel554
"And wtf Gray! If someone blush when you give them something, they like you! Even I know that! And we're talking about ME here! XD"
Haha oh my. Let's just say that Natsu is the cute idiot, and Gray is the perfect asshole. That's how I imagine it anyways. But you learned that by now of course from my emotionally messed up stories. Yep.
Alright darling that was the end, except that there are two more extras to go and then it's yeah… the FINAL official end hehe. If you suffered from anything while reading this story, be sure to tell me, but I am not responsible for any mental or psychological injuries. Deal with it girl :)
theabridgedkuriboh
"Ahhhh Natsu got those flowers again from Gray. If he dies he is so dead. And Jellal/Hibiki is growing on me. It's so kawaii."
Weee. Haha, no you know how the flowers thing turned out. Pretty damn disasterous huh? I admit that I was kind of cruel in some parts but hey… it's for a somewhat cheerful ending! Oh right! I am excited to learn your reaction after the ending! Hehe. And if you are starting to love HIbiki/Jellal, then wait for the next 'extra' chapter please. Soon… I think. It's kind of… nice to know that this pairing is not a complete failure haha.
Thank you so much for reviewing all of the chapters. Kind of brings me joy! And I will see you in another story!