Mest writing a few notes down on paper while having his weekly meeting with Dan. It was going to be the last one before the new year. Though he would have prefer to work during the holidays didn't want to give any of his ex prisoners a chance of doing something stupid. If they did it was one less person for him to see and keep a eye on them. Lifting his head to look at the idiot in front of him, he was going to emphasizes how important it is of staying in town. "You do know that you still can't go anywhere and I mean anywhere."
"For gods sake you have told me for the million time already. I can't go home, I can't tell my folks that I am out or anyone else that I know. I am being keep here under lock and key. I am underneath a magnifying glass."
"You aren't being burn by the sun of as yet. I can give you as many warning as I see fit. Lots of morons think just because it's a seasonal holiday that they can be free. They aren't free not by a long shot. So what are you planning on doing and if you think for moment of defying these orders."
"Nothing, I'll stay here. Be content in my new digs."
"Found a new place?"
"Earning good money and run down hotel room was the pits."
"Give me your address I'll add it to the computer."
"Why?"
"Why, to make sure you aren't jumping the country. If you don't want to give me your address there is a jail cell waiting for you."
"You are such loser."
"No losers are you who get sent to prison for stabbing there girlfriend and leaving her for dead."
"Whatever."
Throwing a pen at him from his desk. He points at it with his finger and tells him to write it down. He was going to play hard ball if he needed too. If threatening him with a padded cell so be it.
"It takes a phone call Dan and they can be here in 20. Do not underestimate me and what I can do. I could leap over this table and hand cuff you to the chair. I have skills that your little mind would dream of having. You think those cell mates of yours that beat you up are dangerous. They are 1/4 of me and my background is wider then there pin dot. Most of those men haven't seen the light of day. Been in there since they were in there teens, all they know are those walls. Do you really want to be apart of that, even though I really don't care."
"Fine I'll write it down." Once he was done he toss the pen back to him. Didn't want this bastard to know everything he was doing or what he was planing on doing."
"Good, you will be getting in touch with me every Friday until we are back in the office. Don't do anything stupid."
Dan was ready to kill the guy. When he meets him each week it's the same speech. Getting really tired of it. Not really interested in his said background and how much experience he has. It was smarts over muscles anyways. Dan has been really careful to what he has been doing. To find out about Gray being stuck in the car and not able to remove his seat belt, there was no need for the o2 tank. It work out better then he would have plan. A added a bonus for a job will done.
The meeting was going to wrap up soon. He had a airplane ticket and his bag pack ready to go. Going home and do some more damage there, it will make his Christmas. This joker in front of him will not figure out his plans. You can't cozy up to a man like Mest, the way around it was to work in his shadow.
Christmas music fill her apartment as decorations were starting to get hung in different places. The last day of shooting didn't end very well, but for three people they didn't want to get on Amber's bad side ever again. Reamed them out for listening and made sure they don't exposed the baby to the media.
When the dust settle down from her rant Gray wasn't pleased as well. The aggressiveness in her voice and the demand she placed on them to keep silent had him trying to hold her back in his weakened state. Her strength was stronger then his and she left the change room in a thunderous mood. Sting and the crew meet the end of her lightning strikes.
Finding answers to the empty air tanks had Jim wishing he could run and hide. He knew how women get when they are expecting, his wife gave him three children and it change her personality completely. It was best to stay out of the unbalanced hormonal behaviour. What he knew is that Danny gave him the tanks and they were check over by him. Sting wanted to question him, but no one saw Danny. He only stop by to see the stunt being made and they asked him to work a little.
With production being wrapped up until the new year, Sting figured he went home. It will take extra time to locate him and ask then. There was small problem no address was on file or phone number.
That made him call Cobra and he didn't pick up the phone. Leaving him a message to call back pronto. His hands were tied after that.
"Jingle bells jingle bells jingle all the way. Christmas Happy is one of my favourite times of year. I get to spend it with you and my brothers."
"Meow meow."
"You think so too?"
"Meoooow."
"You are just to cute."
Happy has been by her side since she got home from the airport. Not seeing her all these months had him missing her to much. The last break she had was a few days. He was sad to see her go. Mystogan would play with him when he could come over to be fed. Didn't like to be alone at all.
"Can't wait to get a Christmas tree and have the smell of pine fill the room. Happy next year will be different the baby will be here you will be a big brother. I have already started searching for a new place. A baby can't live in a one bedroom apartment."
The blue feline rubs against her leg and purrs his response. He would go anywhere with her. The day he was picked out at the shelter was last day of watching other cats get to go to there forever home.
A set of lights were in her hand to be strung up along the window. Her brothers were working so they couldn't help. Wasn't about to call Gray, he would be busy with Juiva. There was Rouge only a few feet away. That might trigger him asking her out again. The guy really needed to fine someone else to fall for. Even telling Rouge she was pregnant didn't turn him off. When she came home he gave her the mail and told her he kept a eye on her place. Offer thanks in return nothing more.
"Hmmm I think this is the right place to put them up." The phone started to ring and she had to put the lights down and answer it.
"Hello!"
"Amber it's so good to hear your voice been ages."
"Loke? You are back?"
"Right I am been home for a few weeks. Missed home and good people. Being a renowned photographer has it's disadvantages, but got to take some awesome pictures."
"You have a discerning eye. What can I do for you?"
"What no chat?"
"My day can't be spend talking to you for hours. What is it?"
"No fair, but you are right like usual I need help. I am doing a magazine shoot today at the last minute. The person they had for the job came down sick. We have some models and I am calling for more. This is where you come in."
"The answer is no Loke not getting in front of the camera."
"As I would love to take pictures of you, I need Gray. Can you get him to come down to my studio."
"I'll give him a call there is no guarantee that he will do it. We are off now until the new year."
"Yes yes I understated that but you wouldn't leave me hanging would you?" The day was meant to be indoors getting into the festive spirit. Not going out for more work. There were still emails she needed to reply too. It feels like her work was never done.
"I'll phone him and text you back?"
"Sounds good later."
The strain of lights stays were it is and she dials Gray's number. "Maybe I should text him instead." Ride coming back had her not talking to him or anyone else. Everyone was on the same flight back home. When she left the airport it was Laxus that took her home. Asking him as soon they touch the ground not wanting to be in close proximity of Gray. It wasn't his fault that he said his child it was the fact that someone heard it. Having to explain to why the baby was his.
"Fingers cross he doesn't pick up and I'll message him." Holding up her hand she did just that and welling it be so.
"Hello Amber."
"Dang it didn't work."
"Pardon me?"
"Nothing nothing. Loke just called, there is a photo shoot he wants you to be part of. It's up to you if you want to do it."
"What kind of shoot is it."
"Forgot to ask, oh bother. It is at his studio."
"Baby brain again."
'"Cut that out. It was the slip of the mind."
"I'll do it. I can be at your place to pick you up." There goes the rest of her day, but depending on how long Loke takes with it. Might be possible to finished decorating later.
"I'll drive myself and get there before you. Aren't you with Juiva?"
"No, I am not was doing some things around the house." Not wanting to tell her he was been thinking of her and what his future holds. He was taking this very seriously and he was giving up his playboy ways if he decides in a yes.
"I am going to text Loke back. See you there."
"Wait I can come and get you."
"I have to pick up somethings anyways. Go to go bye." There was a click at the other end of his phone before he had a chance to rebuke her going on ahead. They always go together, is what happen on the last day of filming bothering her that much. Yeah a few people know about him being the father. It was matter of time before someone did find out. His mother wanted to tell the rest of the family. She wants Amber over for Christmas and start planing the nursery. When he told her that might not be possible with her spending the holiday with her brothers. Ur said for all of them to come over.
"I guess I'll get my keys and head on over."
The loft he was using as studio was on the top floor and of course the elevator wasn't working do to a malfunction. At lest it was four floors and Amber could climb them all. When reaching the top stair the door to his loft was open. Walking inside and seeing all the people that were going to be in front of his camera.
There were a few people she did not know but some recognizable faces. Lucy was there with Natsu and Juiva was there too. When Juiva saw Amber walking in she looked behind her to see if Gray was following her in. To her disheartment he wasn't here. Juiva walked over to her to know where he was.
"Juiva's Gray isn't here today?"
"He is coming in his own car, I took my own. I live closer to Loke then he does. I had something to do before arriving here." It was a lie she has now told twice. She wanted that distance away from him. If it was for a sort time knowing he would insist otherwise.
"Well Juiva can't wait to see him."
"Please excuse me Juiva I need to speak to Loke if I can."
Going around the other women she goes straight for Loke but gets stop by Lucy. "Hey you are here too?"
"Loke call not to long ago and Gray wanted to do it. I have to find out what he has in mind."
"Oh it's a summer edition for next year. We are going to be bathing suits. There are a few more people coming. The men have to be pair with women."
"I see, thanks. I will still talk to him." About to continue on Lucy stops her again. The last time they saw each other. Amber blew up in front of her and Lucy felt bad for eavesdropping on them.
"Amber I am sorry. I will not say anything to anyone."
"I am not going to talk to you about this now. Many people around to over hear." This was stressing for her, it would have been better if it was unknown sperm donor. There was job that had to get done and Amber wanted to be back home soon.
Out of the corner of her eye she sees Gray walking in. Juvia goes running over to him and plants a kiss on his lips. Then she hears her talking to him. Juiva was pairing herself up with Gray for the pictures.
"Okay everyone thanks for coming on short notice. I know most of you now and we are waiting on a other person. We will get started here, so we aren't wasted time. Please models and actors head over here to wardrobe for fitting." Loke was a great organizer he would have everything set up and ready to go before the first person was called. That is why he was one of the best photographer in the world.
Everyone looked good in there bathing suits. It was the new summer tread for next year or what the fashion experts believed. Lucy was in one piece suit and Juiva was in a two piece one. Gray was in bathing shorts along with Natsu and the model was in speedos. Amber has seen him in magazines but hasn't meet him yet. He was a tall brownish blonde hair man name Max Alors. A very friendly guy who greeted everyone in a well manner way. Most models she has meet were stuck up thought they were better then their counter parts.
His introduction towards Amber had her watching his every move. It was common for her to do so. Not wanting to be surprise by a sudden touch by a other male. Didn't want to cause a commotion and having to explain.
There wait for the other women model to come was taking longer then need be. Loke had to make a call to her manger to see where she was at and be given the eta on her arrival. When he found out she wasn't coming due to car not starting. Loke had to think up something fast. The person he knew wouldn't go for it he was staring at her as he was on the phone.
"Thanks for letting me know what was going on. She should have gotten a hold of me herself. Don't worry I'll get it covered."
The looks of people wanting to know what was going on had him explaining the reason for the delay. There was no way he could get everyone else here on a different day. There was no time and the pictures had to go to the printer soon.
Snapping his fingers prompting his two assistance over and motion them towards Amber. Aquarius and Aries stood right on either side of her. "Amber, I need your help?"
"What?"
"My two lovely ladies here will take you into the dressing room to fit you for swim wear.
"What? No! Loke I have told you I will not pose for you."
"Amber you are the other option I have right now. This is a deadline and it ends today, it can't be postpone. Everyone shown up here today to get it done on my behalf. Please I beg of you do this."
"No no. I can't. I have my phone with me I can make a call to someone more accommodating and be here in a jeffy. Let me see here and scroll through my cell."
"No time Amber. I have no time. Ladies if you well please." Amber was taken by each arm and hulled to the back dressing room. She was kicking and trying to get free but it was no use. Her clothes felt like they were ripped off her. Aries was putting her into the two piece bathing suit and Aquarius was fixing her hair.
"This is so un call for. I will not go through with it. I demand to be back in my clothes." Aries took her clothes and left the room and Aquarius made sure the bathing suit looked right. It was strip blue and white one that had the top tie at the neck. The bottom piece were tied at the hips. "Aries don't follow your boss for this. I want my clothes."
"Sorry, I have too. You look great."
"I am not leaving this room, forget all this."
Loke and the rest was hearing her shouts and knowing this will be a long wait. Gray knew how she didn't want to be put in front of the camera by Loke or Midnight. A job had to get done and there had to be away for her to do it.
Walking away from Juiva to go in the back room and tap on the door. "Loke I am not coming out."
"Amber it's me."
"Gray I am not coming out."
"Heard you the first time. We need to get this done."
"To bad not doing it."
"Why not?"
"I can't, I just can't."
"That is not a good enough answer I am coming in."
"No don't. Don't come in Gray."
Ignoring her warning he opens up the door and walks in. She was in the corner using a chair to protect herself. It was one thing that in the room she could use to cover herself up.
"Amber what is wrong why can't you get in front of the camera?"
"I have a very good reason. I don't want people to see me."
"We are use to being in bathing suits."
"You don't get it Gray. I don't want to my body to be seen."
"And why?"
"The scar that I have on my back from being stabbed. I don't want it plaster in magazines."
"That is what is worrying you, Amber. Loke can photo shop that out. It's a quick fix."
"I can't take that chance."
"I will talk to Loke and make sure it gets done. If he agrees will you do it."
"Gray there are other people out there that will see it. I am not going to explain myself to them."
"You don't need too. We can make something up." He moves the chair out the way and sees the two piece she is wearing. She looked really good and it expose her baby bump. His hand reach out but he had to pull it back but took her hand instead. "Loke will abide by your wishes."
She looks back at the room as she is being pulled out by Gray. Her sanctuary was gone and she is being force to do this. With everyone looking at her she removes her hand from Gray and tries to shield her body with her hands.
"Loke she will do it under one condition."
"What is that?"
"She has a scar on her back from a time she was small. Doesn't want people to see it. Can you cover it up?"
"We can use makeup concealer and I can photo shop it out too in editing. If that is what she declares I am willing to do it."
"That will make things easier." Gray looks back at her and she looks like a frighten cat again. "Amber he said yes. Will you do it?"
"Fine, but as soon as this is over I want my clothes back."
"Time for clicking, everyone come over here. Natsu and Lucy you are together. Max and Amber you are here and Gray and Juiva take this spot. Now I want you guys to embrace each other in laughter. As if you are hearing a joke being told."
It was so not what she wanted to do today. To be standing next to a guy she did not know and to be held by him as well. Max put his arm around her and she shifted right up and trying not to jump backwards. "Are you ok Amber? You seam tense."
"Don't like my picture taken."
"Just relax piece of cake."
Gray was watching the two of them and his hand balled into a fist. He didn't want this model holding the person he is interested in. Plus to see her not freaking out was not like her at all. He can tell she wasn't like this at all.
Loke started taken pictures and was advising Amber to loosen up a little. The pictures were not turning out to what he wanted. "Amber come on act more natural."
"I am doing the best I can. If you don't like it, I can leave." The rest of the group wasn't have any trouble taking what Loke wanted. It was like they have been doing this for years and with ease.
"Ok for the next picture. Max I want you to put your hands on her stomach. This would be good for a women health magazine I'll be doing next month. Have a endearing look or one of pride. Your the father waiting patently for your child to come into this world."
That didn't please Gray all. To have someone else feel her stomach when he has gotten to do it twice. He removed Juiva from his waist and walked over to Amber and Max. "You know since she uncomfortable with you. Lets us trade partners Loke, mix it up a bit. Natsu you go to Juiva and Max, Lucy."
Loke didn't disagree with it and thought maybe he will have a better luck this round. "Okay take your places." Amber looks up at him and he smiles down at her. Took charge of the way they would be position. Gets down on the floor and holds out her hand to come between his legs. Lucy was eyeing them together wondering what was going to happen next. She could tell that Juiva was hoping mad to be replace by someone else.
Her heart began to race as she leans against his chest. Then she watches as his hands lay on her stomach. She wanted to move one of them in a different spot. Placing her right hand on top of his and moving it to where he will get a surprise. Unable to look at him in the eye to tell when he felt the kick.
Watching her move his hand he was curious to know why. His eyes grew big as he felt the kick in his palm. "Amber, that is the baby kicking?"
"Yes."
"Is this the first time?"
"No, started almost a week ago."
"For a week! Why didn't you tell me?" Thinking back a week ago he remember that she came out of the bathroom at the hotel room. He never gotten to ask what she wanted. It made sense now that it was this. "You lie to me that day when I asked you. That morning was the first time."
"It was, I couldn't tell you with Juiva there."
"Amber you could have, but I am not mad. I am feeling for myself now. This is incredible, the kick is strong." His hand remains there and they both soak up the moment. "Thank you."
"Your welcome. You can feel more from now on."
"Really?"
"Yes."
He smiles big and Amber lays her head back on his shoulder. Loke takes pictures of the two, Amber was acting different compare to Max. Each pose they took together it was if they were in there little world. Gray couldn't get enough of feeling her stomach. It made his day and now he can do it whenever. This was a big step for her too to be touched like this.
Loke could feel the intimacy between the two. Lucy pick up on it as well. It was like no one else should be in the room. If they clear out now would they even know. "Doing great you guys one more picture. I want each of you facing each other do what you feel like in that moment."
"Here I can take the lead on this Amber." He turns her around and her heart was ready to burst. Her eyes looked at his masculine chest and she wanted to touch him. It was like a switch was flip up, but it could be how close they have been the last 15 minutes. Adverting her eyes and turning her head to not look at him or look up either. "Amber, look at me."
"No a far away look is good to." A finger goes underneath her chin he lifts up her face. Her eyes get glued to his. He rubs his thumb on her cheek and lowers his head.
"Amber may I."
"May what?"
"May I ki..."
Amber was shoved away by Juiva and she almost loses her balance but Natsu catches her. She receives death glares from her and she swore a hissing sound was heard. "Juiva belongs to Gray." Lucy wanted to smack the women of ruining a prefect moment that all of them would have witness. Right on the money she knew there was something going on. Figuring that Amber wasn't really aware of it yet but Lucy thinks that Gray is on the right path. Asking him would he denied it?
Natsu was grinning and Lucy saw the look she tap him on the shoulder. "What is up with you?"
"Nothing, seeing a friend follow his heart."
"Do you know something?"
He lowers his voice so no one could hear him. "Gray wants to be with someone, and not be a playboy."
"What? Kidding right?"
"Nope he said he was going to do something thinking. There is no confirmation about it though."
"What just happen is a confirmation. I say it's about time too."
"Shhh I don't think Amber notice anything."
"She better, knowing how Gray has gone after women. He went for my sister, she said that when he is focus watch out."
"He is thinking on it, can't push him."
"We could try."
"No Lucy, no outside interference. They need to come together on their own."
"Erza said the same thing. They need a little help." Natsu watches Gray move Juiva away from Amber and Loke comes over to her to see if she was alright.
"I don't think they would want it. Lets be observers and if anything blocks their path we will step in."
"You want to be match maker partners?"
"I'll be watching on not setting them up. "
Lucy had to be content with that. She didn't want to be on Amber's bad side again. Natsu was also getting what she has been seeing. If anyone gets in these two way she will interrupt the other person action. There was a person that she had to be on look out for...Juvia. Come rain or snow and day or night she will see to it that her friend finds happiness. Juiva will be left in the dust.
"Amber are you alright?"
"Is the shoot done now Loke?"
"It is I got what I need. Are you okay?"
"I am, I want my clothes now."
Snapping his finger Aries brings over her clothes. She grabs them from her arms and makes a dash to the dressing rooms. It was a good chance to escape and not be around anyone. It perplex her to know what Gray was about to do. In the last few months he has gotten closer to her when she was in his arms. Didn't pay any attention to it or was blind to it all. Did she hear right was he about to ask to kiss her.
"Juvia you don't push Amber away. She is pregnant you got to be careful."
"Juiva doesn't want a other women to get close to her Gray."
"Well I say who I get close to or not. You have no say Juiva, knowing what I am. My life is my own, you are girl I am seeing for fun nothing more or less."
"Juiva likes Gray and Gray should like Juiva back."
"A nice girl you are Juiva but that is a far as it goes."
"But Gray, Juiva has been with you for months."
"I can stop it when ever. Don't think this is going to lead anywhere. You were made clear of that at the begging."
The dressing room door opens up, Amber runs out all ready to go. She goes over to the door and takes a look back at Gray. He shook his head at her and wants her to stay. There was no stopping her and opens up the door and leaves. Lucy chases after her going down the stairs. "Amber wait!"
"Lucy leave me alone. I need time to myself."
"Listen to your heart Amber. He is the one for you."
"Can you stop. I am not going to be with him or anyone."
When she gets to the bottom floor she goes out the door. Lucy wouldn't be able to follow her. She shouts out to her. "Are you going to the new years end party?"
"It's part of my job I have to be there." Few of companies would come together to host a new years party. Showing casing the best they have in entertainment. Amber didn't want to go now, but she was a manger.
"I'll phone you and we can go shopping." Lucy and Erza haven't gone with her for maternity clothes yet and this would be best time to do it.
"Bye Lucy."
She goes back up the stairs and Gray was dress in his clothes and putting on his jacket. Loke was shutting down the studio and everyone was getting dress to head home. "Gray, she is a little upset. Why not let her be alone for now?"
"I can't do that Lucy. I'll see ya later."
Then she watches him go down the stairs. If she could be a fly on her wall when he comes knocking it be worth to see and hear. "They better get together."
Kicking off her shoes as she enters her place and throwing her jacket down on the couch. Happy comes out from where he was having a nap and runs up to her meowing. "Hey you I am back." She picks him up and he snuggles into her neck. "I am glad I have you Happy. I don't need a man to be by my side."
With the photo shoot done she could carry on what she was doing before Loke's phone call. It will keep her mind off the events that took place. Wanting it all to go back to normal. Can it go back to normal. The strain of lights get picks up and she goes over to the chair she was going to use to put them up. She wasn't one for being scared of heights and climbing up the chair with no problems and starts decorating.
Her decorating ends as soon it begins with someone knocking on her door. Jellal told her that he was going to stop by earlier. "Brother the door is open come on in." Still putting up the lights she hears her door being open and close. "Hi brother I'll be done in a second."
"What the hell are you doing on a chair?!"
Snapping her head around she sees the man that she left back at the studio. Can she get a break when it comes to him. "Gray..."
"Get down off the chair now!"
"I been on the chair for numerous reasons. I am putting up my Christmas lights. I do it every year." Gray comes over to her and takes her into his arms. "Put me down."
"I'll put you down some where alright." Wiggles in his arms to be set free. "Stop!" His commanding voice startles her. Looking up into his eyes and he was looking down at her. "I did raise my voice at you. Why are you a stubborn women that will not allow someone to help her?" Puts her down on her feet but keeps her in his arms.
"Because I have suffer to much by the hands of a man. Why should I comply to what a male wants."
"I am a man, but not him."
"A man you are yes and I will ask you to leave. Don't need to be told what to do in my own home."
"I am not telling you. You are carrying my child I have to right to watch over you."
"Gray, leave please."
"Is the closeness bugging you."
"No."
"Lair. We share a moment back there Amber."
"I let you feel the baby move, that was all." He brings down a hand and lays it on her stomach to feel a other kick if there is one or the baby is sleeping.
"No something more was there."
"You are over thinking it. I have things to do...just go."
"What if I don't want too."
"My brother Jellal is stopping by. I don't want a battle in my apartment that could make me not get my disposit back when I move."
"You are moving?"
"Can't raise a child in a single bedroom, need more space." There were newspapers on her table to pages on houses. She was looking for a place with a closed in back yard and at lest three bedrooms.
"I can help you?"
"I don't want it...go. Go back to Juvia." Dejected at her words and knowing he can't do anything right now. He was looking at her lips and wanting to suck on them until she melted in his arms. If he was going to pursue her Juvia will have to be dump.
"Fine I'll go. No getting up on that chair." He didn't want to let her go but she pushed on his chest to be free. Walking over to the door that he didn't want to go through. "There is one thing I will tell you before I leave."
"What is that?"
"The next time I lower my head I am not going to ask for permission." She felt her heart skip a beat. What is wrong with her? There were never fast heart racing, about to get kiss or now a missing beats. This was all Lucy fault for telling her to start looking at him, really looking at him.
He kisses her forehead quickly and leaves before she does or say something. Why she didn't tell him to stop doing that as well. She locks and leans on door. "Dam you Lucy. What are you making me feel."