Reaching for a glass of orange juice and taking a sip of it before putting it back down again. It was not the sensible thing to have Gray at her house for the past week and half. Every time she went to do something he was right there. Not able to leave the couch or bed for any short of time. Right now she has a little break from him. Laxus picked him up in the morning for some work. Enjoying not being hover over or told to take it easy.
"Can I get you anything?"
"Please Lucy, I can do it on my own."
"I have orders to make sure you don't do anything."
"My word, has he talked to everyone?"
"I am not to sure? When I phone you the other night and say I was coming over with Natsu, afterwards I got a phone call and a text from him."
"The guy will not stop."
"Gray is only making sure you are alright. Right Natsu?"
"Yeah, told me the same thing. There is no harm in keeping a eye on you, when soon you will be delivering."
"Not for awhile yet?"
"It's coming up fast Amber."
"Lucy I know when my due date is believe me."
"Do you have a bag ready to go?"
"No, I have my clothes in there. Still choosing on the baby clothes."
"You will wait until the baby is born to find out what it is?"
"I was leaning more to a boy, some days I think it's a girl."
"Maybe it's twins?"
"Most differently not."
"Awww come on, two little girls that look exactly like you or boys that look like Gray."
"If it were twins Lucy I would be bigger then this." Lucy watches as her friend rubs around her big growing bump. How happy she was for her, and seeing the smile on her face. Something was a little off with her though. Was not to sure if she should ask. Gray did explain to her about the pictures that shown up at her place and take things easy with her. Not to mention Happy at all.
Today was the day that she choose to come over to pick up Lilly. When she went to pick him up from the floor he hissed at her and scrambled away over to Amber. Jumped up on the couch and hide between her and the mattress. Natsu was over by the window looking outside. Gray told him to watch over her while he was not there. Did not like the thought either that this Dan guy was working along side them. Scruple enough to plan everything out like he did. He wasn't going to allow a friend of his get hurt, not after seeing Gray loosing his life almost twice from his antics. Having Natsu there under false pretenses, it did not matter to him. If he didn't have to come with Lucy he would have shown up on his own.
"I wish you where having twins Amber. You are going to be a good mom."
"I think one is enough for me Lucy. Thanks"
"One? You aren't going to have more?"
"I would have to go through this process again."
"No you don't."
"Lucy whatever you are going to say, stop."
"Amber you have a handsome, sexy man, underneath your roof that in my view would do anything for you."
"He volunteer himself for this, asked if I could carry a child for him. This was all for convenience sake. A share responsibility to raise a child, with no strings."
"Ha! How can you stay that with straight face."
"I just did."
"No no, something more is going on here."
"Reading into something that is not there."
"That is bull."
"Lucy please, I have had enough of a debate with Lyon, my brothers, and you. Even Erza put her two pennies in. I can't get involved with him."
Siting down in the coffee table to look her dear friend in the eye. This was a time for some hard truth wither she was ready to hear it or not. These past months she has seen a change in her, even with her holding back. Even remember that time in her trailer, before she heard what happen in her past. Maybe talking in a clear voice she will listen what is meant to be said.
"You like him, Amber. Do not kid yourself with your feelings. Over the course of this pregnancy you two have grown closer. You have a bond with him that no women has even attempted to get with him."
"We are manger and actor, that is the relationship."
"It was at one point, not now. I have seen the way he looks at you. When you walk into the room, he will stop talking to whoever and his eyes are glue to you. Just like that night on new years eve. You kissed him that night too. Do you not see it."
"All of you is hoping for the impossible."
"It's not impossible, if you let your walls down. It will be sooth sailing."
"More like the ship will sink Lucy."
"Amber, tell me. It's me and Natsu here and I doubt he will relay anything of this back to him. What is really holding you back?"
"Can't we let this go? I surely haven't forgotten when you blab about me being pregnant to everyone. I can show you the baby names I have picked out."
"I have learn my lesson from that time. I can look at the names later, I want to know."
The look Lucy was giving her, she can tell that this will not stop ever. Shaking her head and not ready to share any information with her. Not having the same conversation over and over again will finally end.
"It's my past Lucy, you know that. I want someone to love, and having baby will provide that for me. I do not need a man, even if it's Gray. Dan did what he did, and I am paying for that. That is the reason for not wanting to be with someone."
"I can understand that. Love from a wonderful man will bring down your past. Why not start letting it go."
"ENOUGH!"
The shout from her, had Lucy almost jumping up from the coffee table. Even had Natsu turn his head to look at her. Lucy was coming on hard, but he knew she wants the best for her. That didn't stop her from asking her one more question.
"Do you like him or not?!"
That had Amber get off the couch and walk over to her patio doors opening them up and saying her final word to her. "Yes!" Closing the screen door and having the two cats following her out before it shuts. Lucy and Natsu look at each other. It was an answer she was looking for.
"Going a bit far with that Lucy."
"It worked, you heard her. She likes him."
"Gray wanted her to be mellow not worked up."
"A little push will be fine."
"Tell him that when he gets home."
"Tell me what when I get home?"
Both of them turn to see him walking into the room with out no crutches and cast on his leg. Gray walks over to the coffee table and puts his keys down on them. Laxus had dropped him off at his house to get his car. Being driven around stopped this afternoon when he had a doctor's appointment to have the cast remove.
"Your free buddy."
"I am Natsu. What were you talking about?"
"Oh it's nothing really. Having a little talk with Amber, and made her not happy."
"What did you do? I asked both of you not to set her off."
"I was over here by the window, it is all on Lucy." Putting up his hands showing it wasn't his doing. "I am a innocent party in this."
"Lucy want to tell me."
"It was girl talk, simple as that."
Gray wasn't buying that for a minute, but he was more concern for Amber then a little chat they just had. Seeing that she wasn't in the room, means she was standing up somewhere. "Where is she?" Natsu moves the blinds from the sliding doors and points with his finger.
"Out there."
"Great you two, I didn't want her moving around."
"Sorry, it was my fault Gray."
The two cats where down at her feet. Having their fur rubbing against her skin. They have been getting along pretty well since Gray gave her Carla. It was going to be sad to give back Lilly though, he was good replacement for Happy in the time she needed him. "Can't believe I said yes. What was a thinking you two."
"Meow."
"It's good thing you agree Lilly what about you Carla."
"Purrrrr."
"That is your answer?"
A pair of arms goes around her waist and she is pulled back into the person chest. "Talking to cats again or the baby?" With one hand still around her waist a other one goes onto her stomach.
"Why are you here? Do you not have work?"
"Everything is done for today."
"Can you let go of me please."
"No, You are worked up. I told those two."
"We have to talk about that Gray and what you tell people. I am fine." Pushing on his arms doesn't free her from his hold, it only makes him turn her around to face him.
"Easy, we have audience." Moving her head to look back at her house. Lucy was at the door, giving her a two thumbs up.
"Unbelievable." Rolling her eyes and looking away and wanting to be someplace else right now. Her heart was beating a little fast, being in his arms. There were times he bugged her so much, there were moments when she found herself staring at him. A few nights ago, he walked out of the bathroom only in a boxers. He caught her staring at his chest, her cheeks went like a tomato. A part of him enjoyed seeing her flush and the way she made small glaces at him. Hoping that she was doing it unnoticed, he knew. Always was watching her first.
"Do not mind her, come inside now."
"Gray I am coop up. Give me a few seconds out here."
"Ten more seconds."
Snapping her head up at him and giving him a angry look, this is why he needed to go home and leave her be. Gray was staring down at her with intensity. Has she not realize that he was not in no cast or the crutches were gone. Placing a thumb on her lips and wanting to suck on the lower one. What he said about carrying her bed after he could walk better again, he meant it. With the way she is now, might blow up in his face. "Your cute when you are mad."
"Of course I am mad can't do what I want."
"That will change soon when he or she comes out. Let me take you in."
"I am fine out here, I can sit in my patio chair."
"Amber, be good or I will carry you to your bed. I have my mobility back as you can see, right?" Moving her eyes to look down at his leg and it was gone, his cast is gone. A flash of what he said to her about taking her to bed to make love to her. It made her heart race more and she pushed on his arms to step away from him.
"I...that will not happen."
"Not today because of your stress levels. I will take you there soon." Holding some of her hair into his hand and bringing it up to his lips to kiss it and lets it fall back down. Watching her as he did so, he could see her hold her breath and her eyes change softer from what they were. He was getting to her, but for how long will she guard herself. "Soon Amber, soon."
"I have to take Lilly, time for him to go home." Bending down to grab him by her feet and putting him into her arms. The cat was going act as a protector, for Gray not to try and do anything. The last thing she wanted was to be sweep up in his arms. Lucy would have a filed day with that and her assumption would ring true. Taking the first few steps towards the house had Gray say into her ear.
"Lilly can't protect you anymore, remember that when you return him."
How could he read her mind like that. The notion that he has integrated his life with hers, and knows what she is thinking. For so long has she kept herself at arms length from any man that tried to get close to her. Here he is basically at her hearts door, ready to knock it down. It scared her a little to see this happening.
What could she reply back to him. If she said anything, he would know it would be a lie. Holding Lilly close to her and keeping silent she went inside the house. Her friend was all smiles when she step into the house.
"This is great."
"Lucy, I think you should take Lilly home now. You two have missed each other very much. I'll will gather his things for you."
"I will do that Amber, you lay back on the couch." Gray stood right behind her and she felt the touch of his hand on her lower back. It was a warning if she wasn't going follow on what he said. Always made sure she did as instructed to do.
"I will do this small task Gray."
"Yeah you are still getting over your cold. Now be good and listen or I'll do what I said out there." If she could storm away she would, but being pregnant had her not moving fast enough.
"Here Lucy, take him. I'll need to use my bathroom. The baby is sitting on my bladder." Not turning back to look at anyone, she hurry along down her hallway. Gray heard the loud slam of the door.
"I'll get his things for ya."
Lilly didn't want to go back to that lonely house. His owner was away to much and didn't give him the attention he require to have. When she came home he would hide because she would hold him to much and demanded to play on a whim. This place was way better. Could wander where he wanted to, sleep everywhere and the cat food was to good. It was the delicious wet stuff from a can, not the dry yucky hard as rock pieces that look like dog bones. Squirming in her arm had made it so she would let go of him. Jumping down onto the carpet and running away. "Lilly get back here." Carla went chasing after him down the hall into the bedroom, where he was going to hide underneath her bed. Lucy and Gray went after him, leaving Natsu to stay in the living room.
"I am not going back to that house." The snarls and the hissing that can be heard coming from the bed. Lucy kneels down to look where he is.
"Lilly come out from there."
Carla lays beside him watching what is going to happen next. They have gotten along very well. Even though he was going to be leaving, she did not wish for it. Maybe she can help with giving him a little push."You should go back you know."
"No, I like it here. I have the freedom to be a cat and Amber needs me."
"I am here to comfort her and be her protector."
"Staying right here."
"Your outcome might not come true, this is not your home."
Lilly looks over to the female cat. Felt hurt by what she said, he was the one that shown her around. Tell her all the things to do to make Amber happy. Told the story of how she loved her beloved cat not to long ago. Moving away from her and curling himself into a ball.
"Can you reach him Gray."
"Trying to, he has picked a good spot to not be touched."
"Then get Carla first, maybe he will come after her." The chances of that happening was unlikely, these cats were not fools. Carla swipe at Gray's hand for trying to get her at the scuff of her neck.
"Ouch that hurt."
The ruckus could be heard in the bathroom. Amber wanted a moment peace, used the excuse of the baby to flee for a short time. Washing her hands and then splashing some water on to her face. Taking a towel from it's holder and looking into the mirror. "I can't fall for him." Drying her off her face and placing back the towel. It was time to come out now. "Should have said that I would have a bath."
"Lilly, out now!"
"Lucy yelling at him will not help."
"He is being impossible Amber, he even scratch Gray's hand." There was line of red on his hand she can see. Right now she can't be concern about that. It was to the fact that two people were intruding into her room to get Lilly. There were things in her room she did not want them to see. Like the clothes on her floor, or her journal she has been writing in. A book that no one should touch.
"Let me see if I can get him."
Using the bed to help herself to knees on the floor and take a peek underneath. The two cats where not beside each other. The glowing of their eyes can be seen. "Lilly come here, it's all right."
"Meows."
"Do not be shy of Lucy, you know her."
"Meoooowww."
"Now that is no way to speak to me, come here." Crawling a little closer and looking at Carla to see a big smile on her face. Lilly could never say no to her, she was to nice. Only stopping from popping his head out. Amber reach in to pet him behind his ear. "Out you come." Lilly crawled a little bit more and was lifted into her arms. "I have him."
Putting a hand on the bed to stand up, had Gray come over to help her. His hands goes on to her waist to easy her up and to steady her from falling forward. "I could have gotten him."
"Well you didn't." The cat buried his head in the nook of her arm. Smoothing him with petting his fur and to soften his beating heart. "I think he will be alright now Lucy." Going back into the living room and having the both of them coming too. Amber turns to hand him over again. "Lilly thank you for staying."
"Meow." Tears where going to fall from his eyes. This was not a goodbye, he did not want to leave her. Lucy holds him in her hands, it cause him to wiggle free again. Dropping down onto the floor and going behind Amber's legs.
"I see he does not like me."
"Lucy it's been awhile, a few months at lest. You two need to reconnect, that is all."
"He likes you more then me. Never get a kind reaction from him. My career intervenes with raising him."
"Can take him with you where ever you go?"
"It would be the same for him being alone at home."
"Can get a new friend."
"Have two animals not like me. No, I think he would prefer to live here. Amber you have given him what I couldn't. Be his mom, as you are going to be to this one." Lucy puts a hand her stomach and smiles down as she feels a kick. "Active, can't wait for me to hold your special one."
"Lucy are you sure?"
"Yeah, even by me saying so, he is already purring down at her feet."
"They will not leave my side."
"Animals can sense a new life being born. Will become territorial, until birth." Gray offers that bit of information and Lucy grins up at him.
"You been reading?"
"Of course, want to know everything." Lucy walks over to her jacket to put it on. One of his hands replaces hers on the stomach. "Seeing how the baby has grown all these months away and being able to feel it more. Can't get it enough."
"A doting dad?"
"I will be Lucy." Taking Amber's hand into his and walking her over the couch. Motioning for her to sit down. "I'll see you two to the door. Amber needs her rest." The cats jumps up on the couch and cozy in beside her.
"That is our cue Natsu."
"I can see that Luce." They both come over to her to say there goodbyes. "Thanks for the piece of pie."
"You ate half it Natsu, had to get you to stop to save a slices for me or Gray. I'll make sure there is a whole one for you next time you stop in."
"Good, I'll bring my own fork." That got her to laughing and shaking her head at him. If he wasn't acting he would be eating everything in sight. The man had a bottomless pit for a stomach, and yet he stays very fit.
"Maybe you should be a judge in those cooking competitions on the food network."
"Can always ask Laxus."
"Do that." Natsu goes to put on his shoes and Lucy turn to say her farewells. They had a good afternoon with her. Even though Gray wanted them to be there encase she does something rash and have extra strength if Dan shown up.
"Amber I am sorry about before. I know and can see it. I am sure it will not take him long to figure it out."
"Shhhh. No Lucy, please."
"You would be so good together. One of the hottest couples in the entertainment business."
"Can you stop."
"Probably not."
With the two women still talking it gave Gray this chance to speak to Natsu alone over by the door. "How did it go?"
"Did not see anything out of the ordinary. Macao is out there in his car."
"Thanks for being here. I worried that he is going to do something else."
"Gray, you have a little army looking out for her. If he is smart enough he will not come near her."
"If he did, I will put him in hell."
"Jail will be hell for him. I have your back, call again if you need me."
"I asked Laxus to cancel some of my acting jobs. Amber had those line up before coming home, I can't work knowing she will alone here by herself."
"Fret not to much buddy. Or she might kick you out."
"Not getting rid of me."
"If you crowd her to much she could."
"I am getting to her in a different way."
"What way is that?"
"I can tell I have affect on her, her walls are coming down. I will have her in my arms."
"You did have her in your arms outside."
"A small portion of what I want. Still resits but will kiss me back."
"Ohhh she will kiss you."
"If I start it first."
"She response to being kiss."
"At lest that is something." Lucy comes over to the both of them as she holds her keys into her hands. Throws them over to Natsu to catch, they used her car to get here. "You can drive me home. I'll cook you supper." Pats him on the shoulder and goes for the door.
"Lucy has Amber said anything about me." If he could, he would push her to tell him. Lucy would fold like a wet blanket. There have been so many times that the gossip she has heard would rain like cats and dogs from her lips.
"Nothing to me."
"Yeah right do not by that. Women talk to each other, share everything. While I was there was no talking of me." The corner of her mouth turns to a slight smile, Gray could tell there was more to this.
"Well?"
"If this was a game Gray, I would say you are winning."
"Really."
"I can't say more then that, Later."
"Leave me hanging like that."
"Yep later. Lets go Natsu."
They head out the door and Gray closes it. Leans against the door for a moment before heading back to the living room. "Winning, I am winning. She is a prize that I want." With a big smile on his face he goes into the living room. Those few minutes of being away had her falling asleep on the couch. Lilly and Carla had crawled up on her stomach was laying there having there own naps. "Come on you two, get down."
Picking her up carefully in his arms to carries her to her room. "I do want to carrying you like this when you finally fall for me." Covering her up with her blankets and brushing the hair from her face. Lilly and Carla had found there homes on the bed. "You are beautiful." Stealing a kiss from her while asleep. Gray leaves the room and shuts the door.
Her eyes open to the dark room and seeing the light underneath the door. "I am falling for you, can't say it."
Down the street from her house at a corner of a four way stop. A man was chewing on a bite of his burger. The empty wrapper gets thrown into the near by gutter. Every day he has been here trying to get a glimpse of her or see when she will be alone. "Shit, I can't get close. Why is this actor staying with her." Dan was back at home, and wanting to see the look on her face when he stands in front of her. "Not only does she have someone living with her, there is also a car down the street." It didn't take him long to piece the two together. When she left the house, the car would follow and come back. "What kind of plan I can think of to get him and the car away from her."
Taking a left to head back to his car. All of his friends refused to let him enter. They got introduce to his parole officer. "Tisk, if only Mest didn't stick his nose in. I hate sleeping in the car." There is one place he could go to and will head there soon. Juvia was busy with work and had not seen her yet since coming back. The airplane was a bust they had to detour back from a man having a heart attack. This had him ended up travelling all the way here. "Her last phone call said I could show up at this time. Probably have to sleep with her, not a bad lay. Boy can she go on forever."
Stopping at the same intersection as before, he looks back at her house. "They would not know what car I drive and I have change my appearance a little." Seeing his face in the rear view mirror, he had gotten a hair cut and dye his hair. There was a barber shop in a town he stop in. "I don't want the chance of being seen. Not by anyone else yet. Only Amber, she will be wanting me as a guest." Pushing on the gas pedal he drives past her house. Takes a quick peak at the lay out. "Easy enough to get in. Have to deal with the problems first."
The threat that has been creeping his way back and ready to strike at any notice. Having him drive by and be so near. It was like he could reach out and touch. There were to many things he wanted to do with her. It made his smile turn evil. "Payback is really going to hurt."
"Any luck on your end Mest to finding him." Jellal, his brother, Mest and Gildarts were all seating down in his office. Mest has been there a week, keeping tabs on the airlines and bus routes. Nothing was turning up so far. He feared, that Dan is out there somewhere, waiting for his next move.
"No luck, his friends were of no help. No hideouts of any kind in this town. Even the last job he had here the owners knew nothing, Jellal."
"We have to find him, before it's to late."
"Tell me about it. I been taking these tums to stop the sicking feeling I been having. Whatever Dan is or what he is up to is not good."
"There is warrant out for his arrest. If there is so much of a ding on it, we will know about it Jellal. We are doing everything we can."
"I know you are doing your best Gildarts. I want my sister safe and with the baby arriving soon it's all more imperative that we catch him."
"You are anxious and so are we. Be impatient for a little bit more."
Jellal gets up from his seat and paces the room. Not one word of his where abouts. It was very stressing for him. Are there hands tie to something more they can do. Talking to his sister the other night on the phone. Made him worry, but knowing that Gray was there put some of his mind to rest. The up coming birth of his nephew or niece was approaching and he wanted that time to be filled with happiness and congratulations. Hopefully they will not be side swipe by Dan at some point. The nuisance will be caught and hand over to the police. Not before he takes a round at him. Dan should remember the last beating he got from him.
"In the next month guys we have to find him, put a end to all of this. If we don't, something tragic will happen."
"I swear on my duty as police officer, justice will prevail, Jellal."
"I should have dealt with him a long time ago. Never liked his sorry ass to begin with."
"Mest you are doing your job now."
"A little late I say Mystogan."
"No it isn't."
"I will slap handcuffs on him myself and haul him back to jail. Lock him up for good, not to see the light of day."
"Who ever gets to him first. Will be the last person he will ever get to see. Isn't that right big brother."
"Dam sure it is, brother."
