I'll keep this brief...A longer A/N will be posted on the bottom.

Anyway, DISCLAIMER! I do NOT own Fairy Tail! All those rights go to Master Hiro Mashima! I only own the plot! Enjoy!


Chapter 7

Gray's POV

I sat in the dance studio, tying on my point shoes. I stood up and did a quick releve before turning around to look in the mirror. I saw myself, beautiful and smiling, Natsu and the rest of my friends gathering behind me, grinning just as warmly. Lucy and Natsu came forward and took each of my hands and gave reassuring squeezes.

However, those happy faces quickly turned cold and distant, and suddenly everything turned inside itself and I fell through the floor. All my friends disappeared, Natsu being the last I see before I'm dropped in a hall of mirrors around me. I'm completely naked, which I try to cover up. However, that is not what disturbs me the most. It's what I look like in the mirrors.

I'm huge and round and ugly. I scream and fist my hair and turn away from the hideous reflection. But I couldn't escape it. All around me was a mirror showcasing me. My entire dancing career destroyed, my lifestyle thrown away. I couldn't stand it.

The setting turned red and I began to cry. I ran up to the glass and punch it, but it was no good. I just fell through into another room of mirrors, only this time in the background was my friends laughing at me. I sobbed harder and yelled at them to stop, but it was useless. I began to hyperventilate. Suddenly a knife appeared in my hand, burning my palm, but I gripped it like my life depended on it. I raised it up to my face and then looked at my friends. They were no longer there now, just a bunch of white masks still making fun of me. One of them started to burn my point shoes. They kept goading me to use the knife. I began to tremble.

Everything started spinning and I felt sick and dizzy. The knife grew a face and started laughing at me too. My eyes watered with fresh tears and I screamed, slashing the knife into the mirror, right where Natsu's face began to form again.

It was dark after that, nothingness spread out in front of me. And I just sat there, crying my eyes out, looking down at my fat body. I squeezed my eyes closed and fell onto the ground, utterly defeated.

My eyes flew open and I gasped from the memory of the nightmare. My heart pounded in my ears as I glanced around, trying to get my bearings back. When I realized it wasn't actually happening, the dream began to fade into the back of my mind. The more I tried to remember, the less I could recall. When the only thing I could remember was the pain of loneliness, I just let the memory go and lifted myself to a sitting position on the bed. Or…pull-out couch from the looks of it. I glanced at my surroundings and remembered that I was at Natsu's place. I sighed and plopped back down and turned to my side. That was when I saw the alarm clock millimeters away from my face. It was half past ten.

Judging from the little clock that was blinking in the top right corner, it looks like Natsu set the alarm to wake me up at a certain time. Although I was thankful for that, seeing how close it was to my head I realized that he probably wanted to scare me awake and make me go half-deaf.

I huffed in annoyance and lifted myself from the mattress and went to the bathroom and decided to take a shower. I pulled the nozzle and adjusted it so that the water went on the cooler side. I always enjoyed a cold shower. Quite relaxing, in my opinion.

I was stripping down when I heard my phone chime from the front room. I scowled and walked out of the bathroom to where You Belong with Me, by Taylor Swift was singing. Damn Natsu must've changed the ringtone when I was sleeping.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Gray?" was the reply. "It's Alistair. The newspaper review came in. I need you at the studio now. Get dressed in I don't care what, but come at once!" And then he just hung up. Typical. Either way, I disregarded the shower and just threw on my clothes from last night, collected my things, raked my fingers through my hair and left into the wintry morning. The Magnolia Post was far more important than me smelling nice at the moment. I just crossed my fingers and hoped it was good. Hearing Alistair's tone of voice, it was difficult to say.

….

"Finally you're here!" Alistair exclaimed when I walked in. I gave him my trademark grin when I saw that he didn't look too angry at my lateness. "Now all that's left is Mia." We waited in silence for another five minutes until she arrived, covered in snow.

"Sorry I'm late!" she exclaimed, removing her winter wear.

"Never mind that," Alistair answered coolly. "Gather around…the Post went up early this morning and I have been eager to let you all know." He took a pause as he lifted a newspaper from the table he was sitting near. He opened the parchment and slammed it down on the table top. He then gave us all an impassive expression as he stepped away and motioned us to read it. Everyone swarmed to it but me and Mia. She shuffled closer to me and hugged my arm and squeezed my hand. Looks like she was nervous too.

Hibiki was the first to straighten after reading the article for a few minutes. He made his way out of the crowd and came over to us, face an emotionless mask. He came to stand in front of us, just staring. My heart pounded in my chest and my breathing hitched in anticipation. My palm began to sweat…oh wait, that's Mia's hand.

"Well?" she demanded. She was actually quite adorable right there that I had to laugh. Her lower lip protruded out slightly in a small pout, and her blue eyes shining in annoyance. A strand of hair fell out of place, of which Hibiki noticed and tucked behind her ear with a charming smile. Mia's eyes widened suddenly at the touch and she blushed.

His smile quickly then turned into a grin. "They loved it. Your portrayal of Odette was, quote, stunning and passionate, and the prince was, quote, heartfelt and charming. The performance was an ideal love story."

My heart sored and my smile widened as I listened to the dancer rave on with what the reviewer wrote. I glanced down to Mia and saw she had a similar reaction. She looked up to me and smiled wide and hugged my arm harder. Suddenly, a hand clapped down on my shoulder, startling me. I looked over to see it was Ren, giving me one of his rare smiles.

"I didn't get to say this last night, but, nice job," he congratulated.

"Thanks," Mia and I said simultaneously. Surprised, I glanced down to her again and grinned.

"Oh, Alistair," I called, remembering what happened last night. "Can I talk to you?"

He looked up from where he was sitting, clearly not listening to the excited chatter that had begun to grow louder as the rest of the dancers finished the article. "Hm?" was his gruff reply. "Sure. Come to my office." He stood up and walked to the spiral staircase that led upstairs. I detached myself from the blonde and followed him, ignoring her lingering hold on my hand.

"What?" he asked when I shut the door.

"I need another pack. My friend took mine away," I told him. He scowled before turning around and rifling through his drawers.

"And I assume it was your pink haired friend?" he asked, clearly annoyed. I didn't answer, just waited patiently. Though it was hard, as since Natsu is in fact my best friend of sorts.

"I don't like him," he continued and I ground my teeth, though quickly paused when he gave me a questioning glance. By then he stopped going through the drawer and held up a new pack. I smiled at him in thanks and reached for it. Instead of letting me have them, however, he drew his arm back, a mischievous gleam in his eye. I frowned.

"What?" I asked.

"Remember yesterday the first pack was free? And I told you the rest you would have to pay a price for?" he reminded me. I thought back to our conversation we had and how he did say that. I didn't like how he explained it though.

"…Yes?" I answered reluctantly. "What kind of price?" His smirk turned more sinister as he took a step forward. I crinkled my eyebrows together and took a step back.

"Just come here and I'll show you," was all he said as he turned on his heel and strut back to the desk. He sat down on the edge and crooked a finger toward me.

My mind spun in several directions as I watched him. I really didn't like that look he gave me. It made me shudder and gave me the urge to wrap my arms around myself. However, I also remember how he said that smoking will help my…situation. I bit the inside of my mouth. I could, after all, get my own pack but that requires money that I don't have. Alistair hasn't paid us yet, and won't do so until after the shows have been performed. I needed it now.

It was then that Alistair started to look irritated. "If you don't want it, fine. I'll just give it to someone who actually cares."

…That did it.

I strode over to him, grabbed his wrist roughly and gave him a determined look. "What price am I paying?" I asked. He was clearly startled by my openness, as since very few had the courage to stand up to him like that. He recovered quickly, though, and grabbed my other wrist and guided it down somewhere…new. Now it was my turn to be shocked.

"Wait!" I exclaimed when I finally found my voice. He stopped, scowling.

"What?" he snarled. It kinda freaked me out now, but it didn't stop me.

"Why are you doing this? The hotel and now here…are these the prices I have to pay?" I demanded.

"Last night you were extremely distressed. I simply gave you assurance in the best form I could think of. As for the hotel room, well, I was feeling a tad lonely myself. You understand I'm sure." The worst thing about that statement was that I did.

Three years ago, Alistair's ex-wife left him, and he has since never been the same. A few months after the official divorce, he had been getting…friendly with a lot of the dancers. Knowing him and his insane tendencies, we just took pity on him and let it go, as since he never took it further than a kiss. I guess it was just my turn to take the fall of his loneliness. Of course last night, he got a bit too carried away since he had been drinking after all. And now I realize, I suppose I let myself fall into it as well since I have been more sensitive about my weight and Alistair might've pushed it a bit. I sighed internally. I guess I was lonely too to be swept off my feet by a crazy ballet instructor. A tug on my wrist pulled me out of my thoughts.

"But now, this is the price you will pay today," he continued.

I stood in the bathroom, washing my hands. Thoroughly. That kind of payment was…unexpected. And maybe a little…disturbing. Though I can't say I didn't enjoy it since he also… helped me along when it became problematic. Nevertheless, I got the pack, which was now sitting in my pocket, along with the lighter Alistair had given me. Luckily that didn't cost me anything. For now though, he had told me eerily. Anyway, I was told to do at least two smokes then sleep and come back to the theatre at call time.

As I was drying my hands, my phone rang again, playing You Belong with Me. So all my contacts have that stupid song…. Two can play at that game. If what Natsu told me last night about coming to the show again was true, he was going to get it. I flipped my phone open and held it to my ear.

"Hello?" I answered, a little more than peeved. Usually I used caller ID with the ringtones, but since Natsu changed them all...

"…What was that?" came Erza's dark reply. My blood suddenly went cold and my body ridged. Ah crap…I immediately started trembling,

"E-e-e-erza? I-I-I'm sorry. Natsu changed my ringtones! I didn't know it was you!" I quickly explained hoping against hope that mercy was on my side today.

"OH! Well, in that case! What was my ringtone?" she asked cheerily. I slumped against the wall in relief, though slightly confused. How Erza went from demonic to fairy-like in just a matter of seconds was beyond me.

"U-uh, does it matter?" I asked nervously, rubbing the back of my head.

"I guess not… Where are you? Are you busy?" she asked, her voice taking on a more serious tone. I didn't like this one any more than Alistair's when he criticized Natsu.

"A little. I going to sleep before the call time," I told her.

"Ok, I'll pick you up after the show." And just like that, my Saturday night plans were made as I listened to the drone of the phone after she hung up. I hit the off button and began to pull on my winter wear.

"You're leaving already?" I heard Eve ask. I turned around, finding him standing right behind me, staring at me with those wide, boyish eyes. "I'm sure Alistair wouldn't mind you coming to get something to eat with us."

"Yea Gray, we want to celebrate yesterday's premiere our way," Ren purred next to me. I shivered and looked up to, stepping away a second later from his proximity.

"Well, where are you going?" I asked, though not exactly excited about the prospect of food.

"There's this nice Italian restaurant down the street. A bunch of the other dancers are coming too," he explained. "We're treating everyone, so you don't have to worry about paying. Just a fun pasta party!"

I hesitated. At first I wondered where they got the money, then remembered they also worked part time at the Taco Bell on Main Street. Now I just wondered if it was worth losing sleep over and time alone to get used to smoking.

"Come on Gray, we hardly get to see you," Mia jumped in. I looked away from Ren's expectant gaze and saw Mia standing next to Hibiki. She gave me a small smile and a hopeful gaze. For the smallest second, I actually considered going with them, all because of that look. However, during that moment, I thought I saw her glance down to where the cigarettes were in my pocket, a look of alarm passing her features.

But just like that it was gone.

And it pissed me off.

"You see me every day during rehearsal," I replied, trying with everything I had in me to keep the malice from being noticed in my voice. "And you'll see me tonight. Right now I gotta go and get some shut eye."

"Come on Gray!" Eve pleaded. Now he was hanging on my arm, giving me that damn puppy-dog look, just begging me to come. "You get to see Mia every day, but the rest of us don't get to work with you as often. We want to get to know you more." I swear, I thought I saw flowers and glitter floating around his head as he gave me a sweet smile with his eyes sparkling like the dang stars.

…And just like that, my resolve was shattered. By a girly boy.

A cute girly boy, a small part of me added, but I quickly brushed the thought away. Like heck I would think of Eve like that.

"Sure," I finally agreed, giving him my warmest smile. He returned it with one of his own sweet-as-candy ones, even giggling as he did so. A pat on my shoulder made me look up to Ren's smile as well.

"Good, because we already added you into the group's reservation," he told me. I tried not to look too annoyed at that.

As we were leaving, I snuck a glance up to Alistair's office that over-looked the entire studio. He had a grim expression on his face as he watched us carefully. I frowned up at him before leaving beside Hibiki.

"So Gray, what has been going on with you and Alistair lately?" said man asked.

"What do you mean?" I replied, giving him a surprised look.

"I don't know. It's just that lately, Alistair has been giving you these looks," he explained. He adjusted his scarf around his neck as he did so and then glanced back at me expectantly.

I didn't know what to say. I haven't noticed anything odd about Alistair other than his usual antics. Like watering his fake plants or yelling at a garbage can when he bumped into it. But giving strange looks…that's new. Of course, it just might be because he's worried about me. After all, he and I have been working on my weight for months with little progress. I just can't seem to lose the last ten pounds I need to impress Alistair. Normally I would be fine at a hundred pounds, but Alistair just wasn't having it.

"What kind of looks?" I asked.

"Just…really intense ones. I don't really know how to explain it. Did something happen at the party? Because he's never looked at you this way before. Even that last look he gave us before we left was different from his usual expression of annoyance." I laughed at that.

"Well, I don't know. I haven't caught him staring at me more than necessary. Maybe you're just imagining things," I replied.

He chuckled. "Yea, maybe." It stayed silent between us the rest of the way. The others were a few feet in front of us, chatting away plans for after the show as well. A few minutes later, we arrived at the restaurant.

"We have a reservation, under Lates," Hibiki told the maîtres'd.

"Yes sir," he replied politely. "This way." We followed him into a separate dining area with a large table set up. It was a very nice restaurant, with its sleek wooden table and intricate center pieces. Even the chairs had a comfortable plushness to them as I sat down near the head of the table, where Hibiki took his seat. The other two Trimen, as us dancers like to call them (they're always together after all), sat across from me, next to one another and Mia took her place next to me. The rest of the dancers lined up along the table and sat down, conversation never ceasing. I just sighed and looked at the table top where my silverware lay, bundled together in the napkin. I unrolled this and lay it on my lap then leaned back into my chair, closing my eyes. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. I was beat.

"I hear Alistair is planning to do Romeo and Juliet as our next ballet," Hibiki suddenly said, making me jump slightly.

"Oh really?" Eve asked. "Another tragic love story?"

"I was rather hoping for something a little more cheery," Mia commented. "Like The Nutcracker, maybe."

"No, I hear we are supposed to be doing The Nutcracker this time," another one added. I think his name was John.

"But that wouldn't make sense," someone argued. "The Nutcracker is more of a Christmas Special, and we're doing Swan Lake for that." They then began to bicker about the topic. I smirked. They reminded me of Natsu and me for some reason.

"Hey Gray, are you busy after the show?" Hibiki asked. I looked away from the argument to the dirty blond.

"Err, yea, Erza is picking me up from the show and we're going to hang around," I replied, giving him an apologetic smile. He looked slightly troubled by this, but didn't press further.

"I'll be right back," he said, dismissing himself. "Just order me the special with no garlic with the soup of the day and a coke." And he was gone, just like that. Minutes later, a server came by and took everyone's orders, Ren giving Hibiki's when she passed his seat.

"I'm surprised you ordered so little Gray. With how much you work out, I would figure you would have the three course meal," Mia joked, but I saw the seriousness in her eyes. And it annoyed me like no other.

"Nerves," I replied coolly. "I can't risk throwing up if I eat too much." She gave me an unsure look before averting her eyes. Seeming to sense the tension, our side of the table stayed quiet until Hibiki returned.

"Gentlemen and lovely lady, we're going to Another Round. That includes you and Erza, Gray. I just talked her into it," he told us. I raised my eyebrows. "Oh, and Erza told me to tell you that your siblings are coming to town, Gray. They'll be joining us too." My eyes widened at that.

"I-Is that so?" I asked. By now the waitress with the drinks had arrived, setting down the beverages. When she gave me mine, I downed half of it quickly then stood up.

"Excuse me," I said, making my way to the bathroom.

When I arrived, I stood in front of the sink and took a few deep breaths. Lyon and Ultear were coming. LYON AND ULTEAR ARE COMING! I haven't seen them in months, since Halloween. Unlike my friends, they weren't so keen on me becoming a dancer. They didn't refuse to see me, since we visit each other occasionally, but every time we do, my career always comes up. This was not good. I ran the cold water and washed my face and the back of my neck with it. I took another few deep breaths and looked in the mirror. And I saw another problem. My eyes had bags under them. I knew I should've just gone home. I looked at my watch. It was noon. I could call a cab and get plenty of sleep. That is, until I heard and all too familiar voice.

"Gray, are you ok?" Hibiki called. I stood up rigidly. I grabbed some paper towels and wiped down my face and neck.

"Yea," I replied. "Just a little sick. I think I should head home."

"Are you sure? Can I help?" he asked, concern clear in his voice, but I shook him off.

"No, I'm fine. Go back to the table," I told him. I tried to make my way around him, but he stopped me, putting his arm around my waist.

"No. As a gentleman, it would be unwise to let a damsel in distress travel alone," he said. I swear I thought I saw sparkles suddenly appear around his head.

"But I'm not a damsel," I muttered. However, he still guided me to the front entrance. He briefly sat me down on one of the waiting benches to go and retrieve our winter wear. I got a few strange looks, but I ignored them. My need for sleep was catching up to me now and by the time Hibiki returned, I had begun to nod off. Hibiki tried to help me, but I brushed him off and put on my own clothing. I wasn't helpless.

"Taxi!" I called when I was outside. The yellow car quickly screeched to a halt in front of the restaurant and I climbed in, Hibiki following close behind.

"Where to?" the driver asked.

"2645 Alanwood Lane," Hibiki answered. I looked back at him, stunned. That was Hibiki's house.


Whoooweeee, that was a long chapter in my opinion. Almost 5k words, I just had to stop it there! No, I don't think I'll ever post another chapter this long, just staying around my usual 3k, but this just kinda...happened. Can't say I didn't enjoy it though and I hope you did too. I must say, some of the stuff Alistair does is actually based off of my art teacher in junior high. Wow she was crazy, but she knew what she was talking about when it came to art.

Anyway, I wanted to clarify something. I know I mentioned Gray to be a hundred pounds... well considering I'm American, I go by a different metric system than some of you readers. However, I looked it up and to save you the trouble of looking it up if you don't already know, a 100 pounds is about the equivalent of 45.3592 kg. Like I said, I'm American, and from my experience, and research, anyone outside the US goes by the actual metric system. Correct me if I'm wrong though, I don't want to give out false information! Please!

Anyway, sorry to leave you with such a cliff hanger, but I swear to you, I'll try to update as soon as possible. I've got ideas flowing through like no other! I'm trying to get in as many updates as possible before the end of summer, maybe even finish this! NO GUARANTEES THOUGH!

Anyway, I should probably put a disclaimer on the Taylor Swift song. DISCLAIMER! I don't own anything of the Swiftiness, it was just mentioned. And one more thing, Hibiki's address was just made up from my mind, it's no actual address I know of. Same thing with Another Round. I just came up with it! If it actually is real though, do tell! I shall make a proper disclaimer!

Anyway, time for reviews! There were quite a few of you! Wow! But anyway, for those of you who don't know or haven't read Love's Freedom, I've decided to just PM the review responses to those who have accounts to be on the lookout for my name to suddenly pop up if you review. Otherwise, anon's will be answered on the chapters. This one will be the only exception though since I'm letting some of you know now!

skrgrl13: Sorry about the oh so long wait again. To be honest, I was actually considering it...but then I got a better idea (wink wink) But now, with Lyon and Ultear, considering how Gray described his siblings, maybe it may not be such a good idea after all ;) As for the fluff, hopefully that'll be soon, maybe within the next two chapters ;) ;)

darkhuntessxir: I do too. It was a pleasure to add ^^ And I agree. Sometimes I can't even stand writing him

TheOneGirlYouDontKnow: I agree completely. But first, we must plot ways before initiating said killing ;)

theabridgedkuriboh: I know right! It's just so sad and he doesn't seem to be listening to Natsu! (shakes head sadly)

MyMusicEscape-DemiGodSlytherin: Your update is here! And yes, we all want to kill Alistair! As for the siblings... we'll just see what happens ;)

Netherius99: Aw thanks! And I'm sorry about the mistakes, I don't always proof my stories thoroughly enough, so those things tend to slip through, especially since I don't have a beta. And this is a horrible thing. I've had friends who have had these things happen to them :'( As for Alistair, I'm still trying to figure out what to do with him, but sure enough, it'll make him pay for what he's doing to Gray! I hope this chapter was to your liking. I'm planning to have some fluff soon, so look forward to that!

Blackened Ice: Haha I hope this makes up for the wait! It was very long after all. As for the siblings... I'm sure you can make your own deductions ;)

nazurath92: I love Erza too! She's such a fun character to write! And I understand, no one likes Alistair. The question is, what to do with him...

DreamscomeTRUEE: Aw thank you so much! It makes me SO happy that one of my favorite author's takes the time to read my stories ^^ I'm glad you're enjoying it! I hope this makes up for the late update!

Luvscookie: Alistair's name is, honestly, derived from Harry Potter's, Alistair Moody. His name idea was from that, but the character otherwise is entirely my own! it just popped into my head when I was watching the movie while I was mulling over the story idea in the first place. :)

nori of the sea: Yep, I hear ya! I, along with everyone else, loathes Alistair with a passion! It just nothing but a big mess of confusion and deception! But hopefully Gray will get it through his thick skull of what Alistair is up to ;) I know it's been a long time since the last update, but hopefully this makes up for it :)