IMPORTANT Note: There is a song in this chapter called "Shove" by Angels & Airwaves. It's a really great song. Most of their music sounds just like it. I suggest you give the song a hear before you read the chapter. That way you get a feel for the mood. Just youtube it or something like that.
All attention was on the bottle in the middle of the room. Angels & Airwaves slowly played in the background creating an unearthly feel. Their music was like no other. It had a way of making one feel alive yet unreal all at the same time. While the music slowed time for the six teens, their little game continued for what seemed like forever.
Forget the things that you own
And travel almost anywhere you can go
As the bottle turned furiously around the room, eyes danced with a fusion of what looked like hope and fear. Everyone held their breath as it slowly came to a stop. No one dared to look away. Funny the word dare. It was precisely what they were doing. If you haven't guessed it by now, the gang was playing the traditional game of Truth and Dare; cliche for college kids, but surprisingly it was something that they had never done. But their game was with a little twist. To make things fair, they decided to use a bottle and spin it, so that way people were picked at random.
Dance across the tree tips, set them ablaze
Soaking in their pleasant warm summer haze
The bottle pointed at Gazille. Everyone took a breath of relief, well everyone except the lone blonde. Lucy grinned evilly. She was the one who spun the bottle. She was hoping it would land somewhere else but Gazille would have to settle for now.
"Truth or dare" she asked.
Gazille took a minute to ponder which to choose. Either one was torture. That was the lure to this game; making one pick their poison. Admitting to something truly embarrassing or making them do something entirely humiliating. Whichever you chose, it really made no difference. Gazille took a deep breath and finally decided.
"Truth"
And weeping on her streets and school city blocks
And finding streams on her while you're skipping rocks
"Hmmmm..." Lucy placed a finger on her lip thinking of something really good to ask. She wanted to spice things up a little. Everybody was playing it safe so far. And finally it hit her. The perfect question. She knew there was something going on between Mira and iron boy. But it was never confirmed. What better time to ask than now?
And feeding on her touch as it will, barely keep you alive...
"So Gazille, there's been a rumor going around" Lucy started off. She wanted to draw this out as long as she could. Everyone watched on in silence and Gazille raised an eyebrow.
"A rumor about you and Mira" the blond continued. At the mention of Mirajane's name everyone gasped a little. Everyone except Lucy and Erza. If Mirajane's face could get any brighter she would've popped. Erza and Lucy had figured something was going on. It didn't take them long to notice how close Mirajane and Gazille had gotten over the past couple weeks.
"So my question to you iron boy is, is it true that you and Mirajane have something going on secretly?" Lucy finished.
Gray and Natsu were watching on eagerly. Natsu had a humungous grin on his face while Gray watched on coyly. Gazille started to fidget in his seat. He looked at Mira then back at Lucy. He didn't know what to say. It was true that him and Mira were talking a whole lot more and spending a lot of time together, but what they had didn't really have a name. They were not boyfriend or girlfriend or anything like that. So what were they?
She said show me the world that's inside your head,
Show me the world that you see yourself, you could use some help
Cause sometimes it comes with a shove, when you fall in love
"We are two friends who are seeing each other at this moment!" Mira blurted out. She couldn't stand the pressure. If the silence would have lasted any longer she was going to explode. It is true that what she and Gazille have has no label. But if he wasn't going to say one, then she was. He looked on at her gratefully, and nodded. He seemed to agree with her explanation 100 percent, a small blush forming on his face. It was truly a rare sight to see Gazille blush, and the guys weren't going to let him go on this one.
Gray whistled like a wolf and let out a small chuckle. "Gazille you sly dog you, blushing and all that."
Natsu also took on a more childish approach. "Mira and Gazille sitting in a tree, K. I. S. S. I. N-" but before the boy could finish Gazille had lunged on top of him bringing Gray along for the ride as well. He wasn't about to let them get away for teasing him. A good beating would set them straight.
Erza and Lucy were smiling from ear to ear. So their suspicions had been true. Lucy patted Mira on the back while Erza gave her a playful punch.
"Well, let the games continue!" Lucy shouted stopping the boys' reckless behavior before they broke something.
"Gazille, your turn to spin the bottle." With a grunt, he slowly got off Natsu and Gray.
"Alright" he nodded. With one swift motion Gazille spun the bottle and so the eerie silence had begun all over again.
It can be so bold and so cavalier
To reach out to the fire her souls sending here
Natsu and Gray were begging the bottle would not land on them. Gazille on the other hand was wishing it was. He was going to get the two back for teasing him so. The girls were hoping it wasn't them as well. More so Lucy and Mirajane. All game long the bottle was landing on them. Erza hadn't had to confess or do anything at all! It just wasn't fair! The bottle turned and turned and slowly it started to show signs of slowing up. Everyone held their breath and some crossed their fingers. The bottle stopped and pointed directly at Gray. Gazille grinned wickedly and Natsu laughed, full of joy and what looked like relief that it wasn't him. Gray on the other hand was less than enthused. A sheepish grin played on his face as he scratched his head, dumfounded at how stupid his luck was.
"So Fullbuster, truth or dare?"
Now it was Gray's turn to think. Should he pick truth or should he pick dare. Was there really an advantage in picking one or the other? Well... maybe, it depends on what a person values more. If it's truth then he would not have to do anything stupid. But if its dare, then he would not have to reveal anything personal. Gray sat there thinking and finally decided he would rather do something dumb than let go any secret he has. He valued his secrecy more than his image right now.
"Dare" he answered.
It can be like death that blows like a breeze
Making all ones strength go weak at the knees
Gazille's grin could not have gotten any bigger. Truth was great and all, but having someone say dare was much more fun. And he already knew exactly what he wanted Gray to do.
"Well since Gray here loves to model around our dorm in nothing but his boxers, I've decided on making him model for us today too."
Gray laughed. That was what Gazille was going to dare him? Modeling? The teen couldn't believe how easy he was about to get off. He was known as an exhibitionist for Christ sake. A little modeling in his undergarments was nothing. Shoot he'd do it outside his dorm and go to class like that too if it wasn't against school policy. Showing off his body was nothing he was afraid off.
"If that's it then-"
"No. You didn't let me finish. " Gazille's wicked grin did not falter one bit. He had Gray where he wanted him. 'Hook line and sinker.' "You are to model for us, but not in your clothes... in women's clothing!"
Everyone started laughing hysterically. Even the mighty Erza couldn't hold back a light giggle. Gray's face had gone completely pale. He was thrown a complete curve ball. Women's clothing! His entire manhood would be crushed! His face pleaded with Gazille to change his decision but it was already too late.
"Go ahead ladies, get Gray here some clothes."
In a matter of seconds Gray was tossed some female garments and pushed outside the room to change. The group couldn't stop laughing. This was going to be great.
"Good dare Gazille!" Lucy supported, happy things were getting spiced up.
"Yes, good one" Erza added smiling cheekily.
Slowly the door opened and Gray walked in more nervous than a rat in a snake's den. He stood in front of them all, face mixed with what looked like embarrassment and false courage. What little pride he had left was all torn to shreds as soon as the gang started laughing. There he stood wearing Lucy's small skin tight shirt and Mira's hip hugging jeans. And to top it all off, he had on Erza's headband and heels to complete his look. Natsu and Gazille started to whistle and howl uncontrollably. The girls were rolling on the floor. Gray could do nothing but glare and curse under his breath. Humiliated would be an understatement right now. Gray took a deep breath and walked around the room modeling for the group. He always seemed to draw the short end of the stick.
"My Gray, I think being a woman suits you pretty well" Erza teased. That earned her a I'll-kill-you-if-you-say-one-more-word glare from the ice king. The group continued to laugh at Gray's expense until it was finally Gray's turn to spin the bottle.
I hate to feel the shallow ground giving way
I've never let myself fall this much astray
The little plastic object started its journey once again. It spinned round and round until it finally came to a fading halt, stopping at the doorstep of Erza Scarlet. A wolfish grin like no other found its way to Gray's face. No one had landed on Erza until now. The satisfaction of being the first to pick her demise instantly recovered every bit of pride Gray had lost previously.
"Truth or dare red?" he said it with ease. It came off so naturally even. Gray's soul danced with new life as he awaited Erza's decision.
The titania however continued to eye the bottle calmly. She never lifted her gaze once the bottle stopped; as if scolding the bottle for stopping on her. On the outside she appeared cool and collected and this is exactly how she wanted to appear. But on the inside her mind was a battlefield. She cursed the bottle over and over again. What should she choose? Truth? Dare? Does it really matter? She raked her mind to find an answer but she knew there was none.
"Glaring at the poor bottle won't change the fact that it landed on you, you know" Gray teased.
Erza then directed her stare at the messy haired boy. It was almost like he was declaring a challenge, the way he was looking at her. She wanted to wipe that smug look off his face. Erza never backs down from a challenge.
"Dare."
And feeding on her touch is all one, does, to survive...
At this moment, Gray was a picture perfect image of the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. His smile stretched from one end of the face to the other. There were so many possibilities right now. He could make Erza do anything. He had to think this through long and hard. Golden opportunities don't come by like this every day. How could he get revenge for all the things she's done to him? After a moment of thinking long and hard it hit him like a ton of bricks. He was going to enjoy this.
"Red, I dare you to give me a lap dance." The whole room went into complete shock. Then instantly everyone started laughing! Everyone except Erza that is. The idea of it was so crazy. But it was too hilarious all at the same time.
"You can't be serious" Erza threatened, ready to rip his bones from his body.
"Oh on the contrary, I'm quite serious" Gray replied, the smile never fading from his face. This was the ultimate payback. She thought she could ride him as a train, poison his food, boss him around in school. Oh this was so worth it. Plus what man wouldn't want a lap dance from the student president? He was getting both pleasure and revenge all at the same time.
Lucy was clutching her stomach from laughing so hard. She so wanted to see this. This was more like it. This was how truth and dare was meant to be played. "Come on Erza! Show em' what you got!"
Soon the entire room was cheering her on. Erza wanted to kill everyone in there. This was too humiliating. And to do such a thing for that arrogant jerk no less! If she could beat Gray to a pile of dust right now she would. But she had to honor her word. She did say 'dare' after all. She closed her eyes and took a long breath.
She said show me the world that's inside your head,
Show me the world that you see yourself, you could use some help
Cause sometimes it comes with a shove, when you fall in love
"I'll do it..." the room instantly erupted into cheers. But Erza calmed them immediately. "But not in front of everyone. That's too embarrassing. I'll do it... but not with everyone here."
Boo's started to flood the room but Gray was more than happy. He actually couldn't believe Erza was going to do it. In fact he was only moments away from calling it all off and making her do something stupid like the chicken dance or something like that. He shooed everyone out the room and Gray pulled up a chair, ready for a moment he would never forget. He had plenty of girls do this before, but to have Erza Scarlet, this was a whole different ball game.
Now that they were alone Erza glared at him with full power. She has never been so embarrassed in her life! She didn't even know the first thing about giving lap dances! This type of thing wasn't her specialty. Lucy was probably good at this stuff but not her! Why couldn't he just get Lucy to do this! Oh yeah, because of that stupid bottle!
"You're gonna try and burn a whole in my face all day or are you going to start dancing?" he teased. Gray couldn't help but chuckle. She looked absolutely adorable, not knowing what to do. She seemed somewhere between hell bent on stabbing him and utterly embarrassed. He couldn't help but tease her either. She had this coming to her.
"I..." Erza started, playing with her fingers, "I don't know what to do" she admitted. Erza felt beaten. Gray had won this challenge before it even started. He had trapped her. She honestly didn't know what to do even if she tried. She didn't want to humiliate herself like this. Not in front of anyone, and especially not in front of him. She still did not understand why, but she did not want to look like an idiot in front of him. That much she was sure of.
Gray saw the hopeless look in her eyes, and for some reason, couldn't go along with his plan anymore. He didn't like seeing a helpless Erza. He loved an innocent one, a strong one, and yes even the mean one, but not the helpless Erza he saw in front of him. He got up out the chair and approached Erza grabbing her gently by the shoulders.
"You don't have to do anything."
Erza watched him full of intent. Her amber eyes grew wide staring into his and her heart started to run like a million horses. What does he mean 'I don't have to do anything?' Isn't this a dare? I have to go through with it, right?
"But-" Erza began but Gray placed a slender finger over her lips stopping her abruptly.
"No buts." He smiled and flicked her on the forehead causing her to snap out her trance and earning a glare from the red head. He grinned and Erza slowly smiled back. His smile was contagious. "Come on, you'll make it up to me another time" he said and grabbed her hand in his. Compared to Gray's hand hers were so small. They practically got swallowed. He gently dragged her out of the room and made his way to everyone with Erza still in hand.
"So?" they all asked. Gray smirked then winked at Erza causing a wave of heat to rush to her face.
If you're ever alone, then your heart will know
It can call to mine, and I'll be at your side
If you're ever alone, then your heart will know
It can reach to mine, I'll be at your
"She was amazing"
Authors Note: Done! I thought it was kind of Gray to let her off the hook. Just this once of course. Who knows, maybe this act of kindness might cause Erza to open up a little more. Plus Gray did say she would have to pay him back. So let's see what else he has in store for her.
Devilishgiirl: haha. Romantic things will come up. We first have to break Erza down so she can open up a little more. She sure is one tough cookie. Lmaoo. Cheesy I know. Lol
iAtaraxia: Me either! This couple would be so much more fun and interesting that some boring thing he has planned. Haha. Oh wells, we shall wait and see. Maybe he does have something in store. There are a lot of Graza hints.
TetsuHideyoshi: Yes poor him. Hahah. He suffered again this chapter too. But looks like the tables are turning in his favor. Also I see Gray as the type to have a place to go to, to just think things through. He's always so fun and out going but what happens when he needs time to think? I don't see him as the type to open up and just talk about his problems. And so I believe a place where he can just go seems to be the better option. Lol.
Elizabeth Scarlet: Haha. Thank you very much. Woot woot! Facebook lingo, thumbs up. Hahah.
Scarlette Shizuru: Updated! Lol. And thank you. I want this story to be as original as possible. Most of the events in this story are based of my experiences, and I want to keep it as original and unique as I can.
Alessandra Castle: Haha wow. Thank you. I'm glad you feel that way. It means a lot to me as a writer to know that. That's one thing I always worry about when I'm writing. Sometimes I feel restricted, like I don't know exactly which phrase or context to use. But as long as I keep trying, I'll get better =]
Thunder-fiend: Haha no problem bro. I'm glad you enjoyed it man!
Sleepihead: Then I guess this makes me more awesome than you! Ha! Loll
Meowzzzz: Your welcome. Lol. And thank you!
xxGlassRose: Hahah. Thank you so much. And ohh man Sonny with a Chance is hilarious. Their relationship is sorta like the one I'm building in this story. Hahah. Though I kinda hate that they are together. I'm so happy they broke up. I mean I like it, bit it's too soon right now. Hahah. Let that be the end. I love seeing them fight. Lmaoo.
PressTheResetButton: Hahah thank you! You just made my ego the size of the moon. Lmaoo. But all jokes aside there really aren't that much Graza fics out there. Ahh maybe cuzz their just hard to write about lol. Oh wells thank you, and I will be sure to keep on updating. Btw, your name rocks. Haha. Reminds me of a band name. Lol
Soul-of-juju: Haha. Thank you. And I was the same way. The first time I saw them as well I was like this is it! Lmaoo.