Natsu and Gray were waiting by the door dressed sharply in suits. They looked very handsome but Natsu had never been one to enjoy the expensive tailored style type.
"I look ridiculous." Natsu complained. "I don't understand why we have to wear these monkey suits."
"Because you are attending an event where all the guests are members of high society." Erza said. "Meaning you have to look the part of a high society member. Now stop complaining and wait here. I'm going to check on the girls."
"Please be long." Natsu said which earned him a glare from the red head before she ascended the stairway.
"For once Natsu can you not be difficult?" Gray said.
"I am not difficult. I just don't like wearing fancy suits like these. They're so stiff and tight."
"Don't be such a baby. It's only for one night."
"Oh like you've never complained about wearing certain clothes for an undercover job."
"I haven't."
"Oh no? What about that time Erza made us dress in drag to infiltrate that coven of witches?"
"That's different. She had us in dresses, make up, and wigs. That's just flat out demeaning. I can handle a mission but I still have my dignity."
"You're such a hypocrite. You're all for doing whatever it takes to do a successful job unless it involves cross dressing."
"Well of course you wouldn't have any qualms about doing that. After all you are half woman."
"I am not half woman! I can just turn myself into one!"
"Whatever you say he-she guy!"
"Ugh! How many times have I told you not to call me that?!"
"He-she guy, he-she guy, he-she guy."
"Shut up!"
Natsu tackled Gray and they began to attack each other like two savage wolves fighting over a piece of meat. They even snarled and growled. Luckily though, Erza managed to rush back down stairs and break up the fight but giving them each a nasty blow to the head.
"Enough!" She said. "Can't you idiots act like human beings for one night?!"
"He started it!" They both said pointing to the other.
"I don't care! It is important that neither one of you louse this up! Because if you do then I will be very angry." She seized them both by their left ears and twisted them firmly.
"Owww!" They screeched.
"And you both know how bad things get for you two when I'm angry, right?" She said.
"Yes ma'am." They said.
"So no fighting tonight?"
"No ma'am."
"Good."
She released their ears and turned her attention to Lucy and Juvia who had entered the room. They were both undeniably stunning in their evening gowns and with their hair styled elegantly but Gray found himself completely awestruck by the bluenette's appearance in that moment. She was as beautiful as an angel. The way she wore her hair, the gown she was dressed in, without that veil he could really see her face better and he couldn't help but think that it caused Juvia to look more and more like her.
"Oh hi Gray." She said nervously when she felt his gaze on her. "Is there something wrong with how I look?"
Her gloved hand moved to the pearl pendent and that's when Gray finally noticed it. He slowly approached her and moved her hand away from the necklace. The sight of it made his face turn dark.
"Where did you get this?" He asked her.
"Excuse me?"
"Where did you get this? Were you going through my stuff?"
"No. I..I..."
"I gave it to her to wear." Lucy said interjected. "And I got it from Erza's safe. She said we were welcome to use any kind of jewelry in there."
Gray turned his gaze to Erza.
"A word please." He said to her. "In private."
The devil and his contractor went into the drawing room to talk. Everyone was left worried and confused. Especially Juvia who didn't want to upset Gray for any reason.
...
"What the hell was that necklace doing in your safe?!" Gray asked Erza angrily. "What have I told you about going through my stuff?! We agreed years ago that you would respect my privacy!"
"I'm sorry. I didn't know it was yours. The necklace was brought to me by one of the staff members who had cleaned your room. He didn't say where he found it, I assumed there was a mix up or something, so I just put it away for safe keeping. If I had known where it came from I would have given it back. But since when do you own jewelry?"
"That's none of your business."
"You know that necklace looks to be antique. In fact it looks like it belongs in a museum."
"What's your point?"
"Did you steal it?"
"No. I bought it centuries ago."
"Why?"
"Again none of your business. Remember my contract comes with a privacy clause."
"Calm down will you. I just want to know why you're so upset about this. But if you'd rather not say then I'll respect that. If you want I'll ask Juvia to take it off and wear a different necklace."
"Never mind that. I don't want to have to explain myself. Especially to her. I'll get it back from her later."
"Wait a minute what is that supposed to mean? Especially not to her."
"It's...It's nothing. Forget it."
"Gray what is your problem with Juvia?"
"My problem is not with her. It's the fact that you put her in charge of my trigger."
"Oh no that's not it. It's personal isn't it? You know ever since she's come into the picture you've been getting a lot more emotional lately. Why?"
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"I'm talking about you almost breaking your trigger twice in the same month and she happens to be present during each time that happened. Coincidence? I think not."
"Alright so aside from the fact that she now basically controls when I use my powers, she also happens to be a nun and you know how nuns feel about devils."
"Oh please, you and I both know that Juvia isn't one to judge or shoot first and ask questions later. That's why I chose her to be your partner because I knew she would be open minded to befriending you. What's this really about?"
"I don't want to talk about it okay? Besides we don't have time to have a long conversation about my issues, so can we please just drop it?"
"Very well. But this isn't over. We're going to continue this eventually."
He just rolled his eyes and left the room. Erza didn't like the look in his eye. She was partially worried that disaster was near tonight.