A/N Yo everyone! Time to torture Gray from here onwards… *evil chuckle* Special thanks to Bareerah123 for this beta'd chapter. :D I would also like to thank those who listed this story on their alerts and fav's, the silent readers and those who reviewed. I love you all! :)


Chapter 12: TIDES ARE TURNING

"Bosu-sama?" Juvia answered her phone, "Did you get the pictures Juvia sent you?"

"Yes," the man on the other line answered, "Weren't you supposed to stalk Lucy? Why are these pictures all Gray?" he said calmly.

"Eh? Juvia is sorry… It's just that… Gray-sama is so handsome and Juvia can't help but –"

"–I am not paying you to stalk Gray! Better do your job properly." He said, making the blue-haired girl wince.

"G-gomen ne, bosu… Juvia promise to do her job accurately… But why is bosu interested in Lucy-san?"

"You don't get paid to ask questions. Just do your job." Then the line was cut off. Juvia stood, staring at her phone with a blank expression on her face.


Lucy waved her hand to hail the 8th cab that had passed their way. As usual, the cab would slow down and check on them, but as the driver would notice they're dripping wet, it would speed up like they were never noticed. "Damn these cabs! You should work hard to get ourselves a car, Gray."

The raven-haired boy ruffled his wet locks with his fingers. It had been a couple of minutes yet their clothes were still wet. The dropping temperature wasn't helping either. "Yeah yeah." Gray retorted submissively, tired of arguing with the blonde.

Lucy shivered, her teeth now gritting, "Its g-getting cold, maybe we should j-just walk…" she suggested, controlling her voice firmly.

Gray took his white coat off and threw it straight at the blonde, who caught it just in time, "Wear it."

"This is still wet, you dimwit!" Lucy said. Although she was moved by the bastard's gesture, she tried her best not to let it show.

"At least it'll cover your unattractive body sticking out with those wet clothes of yours," the boy said coldly.

Damn it!Lucy wasn't in a place where she could argue with what the bastard said. Though the unattractive part pissed her off to no end, she still put the coat on and covered her exposed shoulders. Feeling better, her cheeks turning a bit red, "Thanks…"

"Aren't I cool?" Gray blurted out proudly as he unconsciously took off his shirt.

Public Scandal. Lucy sighed, how the hell was the Gondola romantic? And this day, for sure, wasn't very desirable. "Whatever. Don't just strip anywhere, pervert!"

Just then, another cab passed their way. Desperate as Lucy was, she hailed and as the car slowed down, she jumped in front of it, ran to its side and hopped in, giving the driver no choice but to drive them home.

Gray of course apologized, a bit surprised at Lucy's measure. Good thing the driver was kind, saying, "It's alright, sir. The cab needs a car wash anyway."

And then off they went…


Lucy's POV

At home…

I rubbed my wet hair with a dry towel as I watched Gray walk out of the bathroom in only his bathrobe. I mentally slapped myself as I realized I was admiring his bare chest. I'm starting to think being a pervert is contagious. Shit. I sneezed. Damn it! I have a bad feeling about this. Not a cold, please!

His hair was all wet and down, droplets of water dripping teasingly to his chest. I gulped. I wanted to thank him for today, but I wasn't sure how.

"What?" the bastard snapped, "Are you getting turned on? Don't drool." He mocked, as he returned my stare.

I rolled my eyes in disgust, "Don't be too full of yourself." I said, eyes now focused on his face. "How's your phone?" Did he really think I would drown? He was so stupid to jump in the lake without even taking his phone out!

"Still wet." He answered, frowning.

"Sounds like trouble. Will it still work? Does it need to be repaired?" I asked, now throwing the towel into the laundry basket.

Gray turned his back and rummaged through the closet for some dry and comfortable clothes, which I thought was useless since he'd strip all the way later and would surely end up in only his boxers tomorrow. "I don't know." He said, voice hinting exhaustion.

"Uh, Gray…" I called out, as I set myself on the bed.

"Hm?"

"T-thank you for today." I mumbled shyly, almost inaudible, but I'm sure he heard it.

He jerked his head to look at me, "What?"

I blushed, I couldn't muster enough confidence to repeat it. "I won't say it again."

The boy smirked. Of course he heard it. "Are you falling in love with me now?"

I felt the corner of my lips twitch at what I just heard, "With you?" I raised both hands, "No way that'd happen."

And then there was an uncomfortable silence. He turned around and put on his clothes. I was wondering as to why I was bothering to watch him do this.Damn it, Lucy! You're being a pervert!I mentally yelled.

"I'll sleep on the couch tonight." Gray said as soon as he finished putting on his shirt. He hooked the bathrobe behind the door and opened it wide.

I didn't know exactly what to feel, honestly. I should be happy that I get to enjoy the bed alone tonight, but the gesture also kept me wondering as to why the arrogant bastard who never knew the words 'give up' had decided to sleep on the couch. He absolutely detested sleeping there, as far as I could remember. "Oh, giving up the bed? Acting all gentlemanly now, eh?"

Gray let out an obviously fake laugh, "I want a break from you."

What was that supposed to mean? I tilted my head slightly to the side, raising a brow in the process, "Huh?" a huge question mark hung animatedly above my head.

Gray sighed, stepping out of the room, "Ahhh, whatever." And then he went out, closing the door gently.

Weird. Really weird. I don't get it. Why was he acting like that all of a sudden? Was it because he got himself embarrassed at the cinema? Or was it because his vain effort to save me in the lake went to waste and even got his phone all wet? Was he blaming me for the damage of his phone? Well, I'd admit my clumsiness had gotten me in trouble, but I didn't ask him to jump in after me.

I found myself chuckling lightly as I recalled that stupid dramatic jump he made. It was really funny.


The next morning, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't dismiss this crazy dream that had been teasing me ever since I opened my eyes. In it, Gray had come to me in the middle of my sleep and kissed me.

I unconsciously touched my lips. The dream had seemed so real that I felt the urge to ask Gray. No! That's impossible! I mentally cursed myself. I was really infected by Gray's lewd thoughts now. I decided that my subconscious was just playing with me. Waaaah, I'm such a pervert!

I stood up and went out, wanting to check up on Gray, who was nowhere to be found. I checked the time on the wall clock. It said 10:24. Ah, I had overslept again. "Where did he go?" I asked more to myself. Noticing the dining table, there was a meal prepared and a little note beside it.

'Brat, I'm off to somewhere. Make sure you wash the dishes after you eat. Don't attempt to cook, I made your lunch already. It's in the fridge, just re-heat it. And I'll be back to make dinner. If you want to make yourself useful, do the laundry or clean the house.'Said the note.

"Damn that bastard!" I gritted my teeth in irritation, but somehow I felt warm inside. It was as if I found another Loke in Gray, just more arrogant and less of a womanizer.


Gray's POV

Why the hell did I do that? I let out a tired sigh as I brush a knuckle beneath my right eye. I looked like a raccoon. Thanks to my senselessness last night, I wasn't able to fall asleep.

I crossed my legs as I sat more comfortably on my seat. With thorough thinking, I decided to join the Fairy Tail Association. And here I am, at their office, waiting for Mr. Reedus Jonah.

I cursed. I couldn't shake the thoughts of what I did last night out of my mind.


FLASHBACK

"Ahhh, whatever." I sighed as I stepped out of the room and closed the door. As soon as I realized I was out of Lucy's sight, I tugged my hair. Why is my heart pounding so hard, damn it?

An involuntary shiver crawled up my spine. I leaned my back against the wall, one hand clinging tightly onto the door knob. Lucy was inside that room, in her night dress, it was long enough, yes. But not long enough for me. I cleared my throat as I made my way to the couch. Shit! I even forgot to get a pillow and a blanket.

I shook my head, determined to ignore the urge to go back to the room and get the necessities. I should take a break from Lucy. Something feels wrong.

With my hair still wet, I lay down on the couch. I really hated sleeping on the couch, so why am I doing this?

Every time I would dare to close my eyes, I'd always catch myself smiling as I remembered the date me and my wife had earlier. Wait! Did I just call her my wife? I sat up, shaking my head vehemently this time. I had to snap out of this. I felt like a dirty old man fantasizing over his virgin wife. How pathetic!

Yep, that was exactly the reason why I needed to take a break from her. I had come to the conclusion that my body with its fickle male hormones was betraying my logic. I ruffled my hair with both hands, leaning both arms against my legs as I hung my head in between. This was so frustrating!

Unable to resist the temptation any longer, I found myself drawn to the wooden door leading to our room. The only light turned on was the small lamp on the bedside table. I stared at Lucy's sleeping figure as I slowly crept beside her, careful not to wake her up.

Her blonde hair was fanned out across the pillow, her lashes were so long they nearly covered the shadows beneath her eyes. She must have been really stressed out. Her lips were parted sweetly, and one hand was tossed above her head while the other was clutching the covers at her chest.

I never took the time to observe her while sleeping. I couldn't resist the urge to reach out and caress her silken locks which curled around my fingers as if they had a life of their own. Nor could I resist the urge to drop a single kiss on her parted lips. She stirred, surprising me a bit. I held my breath for whatever reason and was able to let go when she murmured, "Gray's a bastard…"

I couldn't help but let out a light chuckle, "Always thinking about me even when you're asleep, huh?" I whispered as I fondled her cheek with my palm, and then there I was, stealing a kiss from a sleeping brat.

I am such a dirty old man!

Yet it took every ounce of self-control I had to make myself leave her alone in the room. I even considered sleeping beside her but realized it would make everything harder for me.

When I crawled into the couch a long time later, I released a weary sigh. I took another cold shower to ease the emotions. These damn emotions! That's when it hit me. Am I… falling in love with her? NO! My head screamed out, "Not possible…" I laughed forcibly, "It shouldn't be like that…" I said out loud, talking to no one but myself. It's driving me crazy, really. I cursed myself over and over. How could I fall in love with a no-good brat? It made no sense at all. She's the total opposite of my ideal girl.

These thoughts never left my head all through the night. I realized it was almost sunrise. I had to find a way to keep myself away from the brat. And that would be… a job! I'd take the slot in the Fairy Tail Association.

But… aaaah! I'll just make breakfast.


Back at the present...

"Mr. Fullbuster. What a surprise!" a voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

I instantly stood up formally, "Mr. Jonah," I greeted, "Good morning."

The guy went straight to me and sat on the seat across of me, "I thought you'd take your time. Have you made a decision?"

"Yes, I'm joining." I said straight to the point, "About the conditions, I'll compromise. Teaching my talent for free wouldn't kill me, though I'm not confident with my interaction skills. I'm not a people person, but I guess that'd be your problem, right?"

Reedus smiled warmly. I could tell he was pleased with what he heard, "Very smart decision, Mr. Fullbuster–"

"Just call me Gray, no need to be formal." I interrupted.

"Ah, Gray. You're timing's just right. There was a client who was in need of an ice sculptor." He continued, "Anyway, before we negotiate with the client," the man stood up, "I'll introduce you to the rest of the members."

I nodded. Right, at least I was lucky to find a client immediately.

As soon as Reedus and I entered the room, I instantly noticed the artistic atmosphere among the people present in the room. "Good morning everyone, we have a new member here…" Reedus announced, all eyes on me. "Mr. Gray Fullbuster from Magnolia. He just moved in recently."

I bowed slightly, "Pleased to meet you all." I said, coolly.

"Waah, Magnolia? Wow!" a blue-haired girl wearing a bandana squealed in excitement. "I've only read about it in magazines…" she ran towards me and extended one hand, "My name is Levy McGarden, nice to meet you."

I responded with shaking her hand, "Nice to meet you too. Just call me Gray."

A few others walked towards me and introduced themselves one by one. I'd admit this association was pretty welcoming and most members were pretty friendly. Well, except for a few, yeah.


A/N Can you guess who is "Bosu-sama"?