The days leading up to the party had Amber doing all sorts of things. One being she used the shopping spree and had Lucy and Erza go along with her. They helped picked out some gender neutral clothing. Because Amber didn't want to know the sex of the baby. Gray was fine with that at the last ultrasound they had when they first came back home. Lucy and Erza also took this opportunity to get her a new dress for the party. They wanted her to look pretty and to feel pretty.
The day didn't end with shopping alone, there where a lot of questions that Lucy was asking her and Erza told her to zip it. Erza knowing all about it but secretly wanted to know more too. This was something out of a romance novel she was reading. A boss falling for the person that was right underneath there nose. Amber didn't want to say anything and told Lucy if she keeps on questioning her she would go back home. Her blond friend stop and continue to shop.
Once the shopping was completed Amber started on house searching. A child shouldn't live in apartment building with no backyard or play set. The challenge was trying to find the right house with a big enough back yard. There were a few she had her eye on, but to pick the right one, had her visiting each listing of house she liked. The rest of the days were spent on house hunting and she ignore the rest. Amber didn't want to speak or see Gray until the party. There were no messages or phone calls from him either. That was alright with her, it had her thinking that he was with Juiva for all that time.
Gray mind was on her for the remaining days after Christmas. Making a the right choice wasn't easy. There would be a breakup and hope that he doesn't get turn down too. That day was slowly approaching on Dec 31st, his deadline. Lyon saw how serious he was taking this after that chat. This is the first time, he has seen his brother do anything of the sort. He did wish him all the best and to settle down with one person.
Then there was Dan, he was in Magnolia hanging out with past buddies. Staying at a cheap hotel and he made a phone call to his parents. They where shocked to hear him on the line. They asked where he was to which he didn't offer it. They didn't need to know unless they phone the cops on him. This trip was taking longer then it should be. One thing that was hard was finding out where she lived. He knew where she was working, so one day he waited for her to come out and follow her home. Rented a car to get him around and to use it when he flee. Mest was called on the next Friday. Telling him a lie he was at home watching it's a wonderful life. As for his girlfriend was being treated in the hospital for defining him. It was her plan to go home and she wanted him to come with her. Out right refused her and when she got mad at him. The fists went swinging, it was her fault for suggesting such a thing.
Now it was the last day of the year and he wanted to ring it in a big way. Everyone was attending the party so with her there he could go to her apartment and destroy everything she owns, it had to make it look like a break in enter. That wasn't the only thing either. There was her car, the same one she drove around in when they were together. Using the knife in hands he used the tip of it to clean out underneath his finger nails. In prison a lot of people taught him to work as if not to be seen. To be seen will be the end game, to be hidden gave him advantage and not let someone know he was coming. The tricks of the trade in being disguised.
Men and women of the companies where dress in there best formal wear. Gray was in black suit with a blue tie and white shirt underneath his jacket. All the women stared at him as he walked in. Juiva had come to the party first, she was not happy that he wasn't falling for her at all. Maybe the new year would be different. The one women for him was her and no others will get in her way. That was her goal to be his. She wasn't looking for marriage or having a kid. It was to be number one and she hated to loose to others.
He was being wave at by two blondes and a pink hair dragon. Walking past a waiter he grabs a glass of wine off his tray and heads for Lucy. "Hi all of you. You ladies are looking pretty." It was a round table that had ten plate settings. There were no name tags place down, so you get to pick where to eat.
"Always a charmer Gray."
"You know me Michelle, how are you?" He kisses her cheek and high five Natsu before setting down next to his former lover.
"I am well, and I am dating fine young man that has ask me to marry him."
"Congrats, happy for you."
"What about you Gray?"
He shrugs not giving her a answer. Asked her a different question instead. "Where is your man?"
"He couldn't make it." Michelle had heard from her sister on what she has seen. Lucy didn't give her the details of Amber's background or how he was the father of her baby. It felt like Gray had a lot on his mind. She was wondering if he was changing his ways for someone that unexpectedly pop up in his view.
"Where is Juvia Gray?"
"I don't know, we didn't come together."
"Are you at that stage of dumping her?"
"I might be. Has anyone seen Amber?"
"She should be here soon. I texted and she was on her way."
"Thanks Lucy." Erza had gone over to her apartment to help her get ready. This was the first year that she wasn't going to be wearing a business suit. The girls wanted her to be dolled up for a certain boy to claim her. They had a inkling something was going to happen tonight.
Juvia sees Gray talking to Lucy and other blonde with Natsu. Not wanting to be on the back burner by them, she makes her way over. "Juiva darling looks handsome tonight." Lucy rolled her eyes at the way she goes up to Gray and sits right beside him at the table and holds on to his arm. Gray pulled back and greeted her with a simple smile not one of his sexy ones with showing his dimple. Tonight he didn't want to be near Juiva he had other important matters. He was waiting for her to show up.
All of them get severed with food and talk among each other. Laxus and Freed also came over to the table. Zeref also attended as well, the only people he really knew was that small group of people. He sat and begin talking to his brother first then moved on to the next person beside him which was Freed. Erza shown up and sat next to Lucy and Natsu. She apologized for being late.
"Sorry guys, the traffic was backed up due to a car crash we had to detour to get here."
"Glad you are here now Erza, and the food just arrived."
"Can't wait to eat, Lucy."
She leans closer to her manger and whispers in her ear. "How did it go? Where is she?"
"It went fine to a degree and she is making her way slowly here."
"Why the hesitation?"
"Not to sure, she wouldn't talk about it. What ever has been going between those too, has gotten her nervous. Besides that I am starved, pass the butter."
Everyone was having a great time when Gray caught a glimpse of her at the other side of the room. He was taken aback by the way she looked, she took his breath away. Wearing a purple empire waist dress that matched her hair but clearly shown that she was pregnant. Her hair was down and not up in a pony tail.
Michelle looked to see where he was looking at. She was talking to him when he turn his head away from her and didn't hear what she was saying. When she saw Amber and looked back at Gray. It's as if she heard a sound of arrow being shot from a bow. "I guess cupid arrow can work on playboys." That was the moment she knew he fell head over in heels in love with his Manger. Patting him on the back and saying into his ear. "Go get her, playboy." Grins at her getting her approval from a former ex.
A server was going around with drinks. Amber was given one as she was talking to a other manger. Binding her time to reach the table and not wanting to make eye contact to anyone there or to meet his eyes. Took a sip and was talking about a project that the manger was having trouble on. When she came into the building with Erza she saw Gray right away. Dress so handsomely that it made her heart skip a beat. Not wanting to go near him this evening she was going to sit at a other table instead of being with her friends. That didn't stop one of her friends shouting at her to come over.
"Amber over here!"
Lucy waved with her hand like she needed to be notice it wasn't that hard to pick out the group. The other manger said goodbye to her and join a table to start eating. Amber wasn't ready to walk over there. With the wine in her hand she take a other sip and walks over to the table. There was one spot left for her to sit at between Laxus and Zeref.
"Hello all." Laxus pulls out the chair for her and she sits down. Looks around the table but wasn't willing to look at him yet. Gray couldn't keep his eyes off her, she looked beautiful. He should of been the one pulling out her chair. Wishing that Juiva could have taken a other seat somewhere else.
"No wine Amber." Reaches over to grab her glass and drinks the rest of it. Places the empty glass on table.
That force her to look at him across the table and watching the wine go down his throat. ''Gray, just a little bit." It was helping to calm her down a little, but now that could be made worse since all eyes where on them.
"Not even a little."
"One wouldn't hurt Gray, let her have some. It's the last day of the year." Lucy wanted to stick up for her, seeing how nervous she was. This was going to be a big night for her friend and wanted it to go smoothly.
The looks he was getting from the group had him holding up his hands. Not wanting to be gain up by the group. "Ok, a little and that is it." Gray tells a near by sever to get her a other glass but put a small amount in.
Juiva wasn't sure as to why Gray would be observing her to what she could have or not. At lest she was the one seating next to him and not his manger. She put her hand on his thigh and gave it a squeeze but that made him remove her hand.
The night carried on and the companies heads made there introductions and discuss the coming year and cheer everyone on. There was entertainment by a local band and mini award ceremony. When you first arrive you were greeted with a piece a paper and you had to cast your vote for each category. It was all in fun, and had many laughs go around the table.
Then as the plates leave the table and people start making there way on the dance floor. Soon it will be the new year. Natsu asked Lucy to dance and Erza asked Zeref. Michelle went to call her husband to be. Juvia grabbed Gray's hand and yank him unto the floor. Not wanting to cause a scene he went along with it until the song stop.
"Amber may I have this dance?" Laxus stood up and offer his hand to her. Freed nodded his head to let her know it was ok. She put her small hand into his and got up.
"I have two left feet Laxus."
"It's a slow song you will be fine." They moved onto the dance floor and he takes the lead. Making sure not to bump into anyone else as they move along with the song.
"You like him don't you?"
"What, is that? I can't hear you!"
"I said, you like Gray don't you?"
"Not you too Laxus. You heard of my past, I can't."
"Your past maybe hindering you, but that doesn't stop him from giving me daggers with his eyes." Her head turns to see where Gray was and by his words it look like he wanted to harm Laxus.
"He is with Juiva."
"So, that doesn't mean anything."
"Laxus can we not talk about this."
"Amber, you are our friend. We want to see you happy, even if it's with the playboy." Lowering his head he says softly. "He is the father."
"Laxus you wanted a dance, don't be asking me these things."
Letting the conversation drop he continues to dance with her. Gray had enough dancing with Juiva. It was time to go over to her and take her out of any other man's arms. "Juiva I am going to dance with someone else now. You go and dance with Zeref, there are other guys here." Didn't let her speak or wanted to listen. Gray wanted to dance with her and only her tonight. Placing a hand on Laxus shoulder and meeting Amber's eyes. "Laxus do you mind if I butt in?"
"No, not at all." The blond steps away and Gray comes forward. Her heart was beating fast and she couldn't be near him. He was about to put his hands on her when she backs away.
"Sorry, I need to use the washroom." Off she goes in the direction of the ladies room. Gray watches her leave, but sees that she doesn't go in. Instead she heads out onto the balcony. That made him go after her. Juiva was let go of her hold of him and was going to take it back when Lucy got in her way. Shaking her finger at her and telling her. "Remember Juiva he is playboy he can have other women on his arm besides you."
"Juiva should be his only."
"Not this time."
Her jacket was in the coat rack not thinking she would be heading out here. The questions that people have been wanting to know, she couldn't give. The group saw her run from him and Lucy wanted to freeze her still. The one person that can catch her will have to be him. Breathing in deep and watching the snow fall she feels something place on her shoulders. Turning around Gray was behind her. "Don't want you to get sick." It was his suit jacket that was given to her.
"I am going home." Starts to walk past him he grabs her arm and pulls her closer to him. He takes her hair and releases from being stuck inside his jacket. This was a moment she didn't want to have him, but here they were.
"You are radiant tonight." Blushing she pushes on his chest and turns back around. Touching her cheeks she felt the warmth in them. This was embarrassing for her, she hadn't a compliant like that in a long time.
He smiles at her seeing her cheeks turn red. "Amber?" Her eyes fell on the fountain that was in the court yard. Dare not turn around and be taken in by his eyes or his charm. Standing there she felt his strong arms wrap around her. The ones she felt from before on Christmas eve in the bathroom after cutting her thumb. This can't be happening again. "Amber?"
"What Gray?"
"Remember our talk while back?"
"Is it about work, can't do anything tonight."
"No silly, I think you know what I am talking about." There was no mistaking of the one he was referring to. The one that will end his playboy ways and be with that said person.
"I believe so."
"I want to take that leap, commitment with one person."
"That is great you found her?"
"Yes right in front of me all this time. These last few months there has been something stir inside me. I keep shaking it off not wanting to adhere to it, try to dismiss it from my mind. How could I when I am with this person the most."
"Gray..."
"Amber fall for me." Kisses her neck and holds her closer to him. Her body was trembling to the motions inside her. It was making her wanting to run to live alone forever. This can't be real her heart can't be fighting against her.
"I can't Gray."
"I think you can Amber."
"You are asking for the impossible."
"I know what I am asking and I am willing to break down every wall you have put up." Tears were flowing from her eyes and they where hitting his arm. The drops were cold from winter touching them. He turns her around to look at him and he starts brushing the tears with his shirt. "Fall for me."
"Gray..no...I can't. I can't go down that road. It's to painful to open my heart to romance. I don't want the same..."
"It will not be the same Amber. What we can have will be ten times better. Give me a chance." Trying to push free again he wasn't going to let her go. "Remember the other thing I said?" She looks into his eyes and his finger brushes across her lips. "I will not ask for permission." He could hear the countdown to January 1st. When he hears the cheers of happy new year he lowers his head and capture her lips with his. Her lips were just as he imagine to be, soft and welcoming. He kisses the top lip first then the bottom rotating back and forth. Then he sips his tongue into her mouth to explore. As the kiss keep going he felt her kissing him back. Is that his answer, is she agreeing to be with him.
Stopping the kiss and rubbing his nose with hers. "Happy new year Amber." Her hands clings to his back, she was feeling weak. No one has every kissed her like that before. It wasn't rush and it felt right. "Gray..."
"Gray!" They both turn to see Juiva had come onto the balcony herself and she wasn't please at the site. She had seen the kiss, and wanting nothing more then to push Amber over the rail.
"Juiva, we are having a private chat. I will ask you to leave."
Stepping towards them and pushing Amber out of the way. Slaps Gray in the face, which forms a hand print on his cheek. "Juiva is Gray's not Amber."
"Juiva!" Amber was able to catch her balance and holds onto the rail. This was a repeat of last time with a slight twist. Not once has she seen a women ever slap Gray. Juiva has always known that his eyes would wander to someone else. For her, it was his manger turn.
"Juiva will not share Gray."
Gray went over to Amber to see if she is alright. He holds her up and checks her over. "I am fine, Gray. You have important matters to attend too."
"That is you."
"No." She looks up at him and with tears falling again and taking off his jacket to hands back to him. "I can't sorry, I don't want to be person that hurts someone else. I am going to go." Going past him and Juiva she heads for the door.
"Amber wait, we aren't done." Juiva grabs hold of his hand before he goes and chases her.
"Your life is still a playboy Gray." Opening the door to run inside and the two of them stay there. This wasn't how he wanted it to turn out. He knew that she felt something in that kiss and now she is out of arms reach.
"Juiva let go of me."
"Juiva must not. Juiva will have Gray."
"I don't belong to you Juiva. You knew what the deal was at the start."
"Juiva is breaking it."
"I think it's time for talk."
Amber sets in the back seat of the taxi and gives the driver her address. Running was the course of action she took. Her girlfriends tried to stop her, but she didn't want to face anyone. She wanted her home, and Happy to confront her. A hand goes over her heart and she feels the beats running rapid. Those few minutes with him had her completely caught off guard. The way he kissed her made her legs turn to jelly, she felt him hold her up. Kissing him back she wasn't planing on doing it. Also, having him ask her to fall for him is a huge thing that she not competent in doing. Scared that her heart will break if something were to happen.
Drive back to the apartment didn't take long. She hands him the money of the fair and steps out into the cold. It was January first and she was ending her night on a low. If this night were any different she wouldn't be arriving home early. The keys were in her hand ready to open her door. She was going to lock her door and shut off the world. If he came or call she will not answer. His option and she hope he will take it, is to find someone else.
The building had few people at home tonight enjoying a smaller gathering or they were single and didn't want to usher in the new year. She should have been one of those people. Walking down her hallway to her door. It was visible from where she was and the door was open. Amber remember closing and locking the door before heading out with Erza. There was no forgetting or baby brain Gray has been calling it. "Why is it open?" The hairs on the back of her neck was standing up. The feeling in the air was unsettling.
Standing at her door and pushing it to revealed more of her apartment had her covering her mouth. The apartment was trashed, it was like a tornado came and turn everything upside down. Taking a few steps more inside it was unbelievable. Everywhere she looked her things were destroy. "How..." Even the boxes that she had started filling where empty out.
Something caught her eye behind her reclining chair. Seeing black hair and blood coming from the person face. "Oh God Rogue." Amber drops her purse and runs over to his side. "Rogue, are you ok?" She hears him moan and tries to turn him over. "Rogue!" There was more blood coming from his arm and look like he was cut. Starts shaking him to arouse him to consciousness.
"Uggghhh."
"Rogue. Come on, come too." He still wasn't moving and Amber needed help. She goes back over to her purse and pulls out her cell phone. "Got to call the police and ambulance." Dialing emergency number she talks to the first responder and gets help coming.
Then looking at her phone she needed to call someone else. Her brothers were not home, they had gone to a cabin to go ice fishing with friends. "If I can't call them, then who." A random number she picks, it will get someone to come or have everyone coming.
The phone was buzzing in his jacket pocket and he pulls it out. "Why is she calling me?" He looks at Freed and shrugs his shoulders. "Hello Amber!"
"Oh Laxus. You have to come, you have to come to my place now. My place is a mess, Rogue is on the floor. I have not seen Happy."
"Whoa whoa slow down. What is going on?"
"I don't know. I came home, my door was open. Someone was here and everything is ruin. Rogue is on the floor bleeding. I called 911."
"Who is Rogue?"
"My neighbour, you meet once with coming by with my brother."
"Right, ok settled down. Call your brothers."
"I can't, they are on a fishing trip might not get through."
"I forgot about that. Ok, we are coming, stay there." He hangs up and looks to his lover. "Freed we got to..."
"I heard, lets get out of here."
"We have to let Gray know. You tell the others."
They both head to the balcony, their group of friends were standing by listening in on what was going on out there. Even Zeref was standing by listening too. He knew of Juiva behaviour when it comes to dating and he did warn her at the begging that she was on a limited time.
"Guys excuse me I got to get through. Something has come up."
"What is it Laxus?"
"You will find out soon enough Natsu."
He was standing firm and looks right at her. "Juiva, I did have fun with you. Now, I am ending this. Fine someone else."
"Juiva wants you only. We can have more fun with each other. You enjoyed having sex with Juiva."
"I did, and also with many other women."
"Juiva sees no problem and being together."
"I do, from the start Juiva I wasn't looking for love. I play around and have fun, all the women knew that from me. They weren't looking for long term."
"Juiva and Gray have been together for awhile."
"Yeah and now I feel we need to end this."
"Because of Amber."
"She is a other women to have on my arm."
The bacloney doir opens and it slams into the wall causing a dent. "Gray!"
"What is with everyone invading?
"Sorry, I wouldn't have come here if it's wasn't serious." Gray motions from him to come closer and he sees the rest of them standing there.
"You all want to hear this too? Since you been there for how long?"
Lucy, Erza, Natsu, Zeref and Freed come out and stand behind Laxus. Michelle went to be with her boyfriend. "I got call from Amber just now and she's in hysterical state."
That got Gray attention really fast. "What happen? Is she ok?"
"I don't know. She says when she got home found her place in a mess and Rogue is hurt."
"Did she call for help?"
"They are on there way and she asks us to come over as well."
"She should of phone me?"
"Gray, she is not thinking right. That does not mater now, we have to go."
"Alright, I am heading there now." Gray didn't give Juiva a final goodbye he leaves the balcony and heads for his car. The rest of them get there things together and be on there way too. Amber was a friend and they wanted to help.
"Ok, I phone help and Laxus is coming Rogue." Kneeling beside him again with a tea towel in her hand she found. The kitchen cupboards were open and food was scatter, the counter drawers were rip off and everything was on the floor. Curtains where cut and blinds hanging with one screws or on the floor too. Her couch and chairs had gouges in it. The Christmas tree on it's side with broken ornaments. A few of her windows where broken and glass outside and in.
Sirens were heard coming and she felt a little relief that he was going to be ok. "I hear them Rogue."
"Ughhh." He moans and his eyes flutter open. "Amber...get out."
"Rogue, I can't leave you here." He tries to roll himself over but the pain in his head and shoulder made him stop. "I'll help you, try again." With her hands on his side he pushes with his good one and rolls onto his back.
"Get out!"
"Why?"
"I think he is still here." Amber stays still and she can feel a presence behind her. Slowly she starts turning her head but she feels a hand on her and pulls on her hair. Gets yank by the intruder to stand up. Then she sees the shine of the blade and the blood from Rogue. The tip of it touches her neck.
In a masked voice she hears him speak. "Bitch coming home early." Her legs started shaking and she wanted to scream but couldn't. This was it for her, this was how she was going to die. By a random act of a robbery gone wrong.
The knife starts to go into her neck more and a little cut draws out blood. "Don't say anything, or I can make it worse." He starts dragging her back by her hair to the door and Rogue tries to get up from the floor.
"Leave her be.!"
The man started laughing and points the knife back at Rogue. "Stay down you dog." Dan didn't have very much time left he can hear the cops. His plan was going good until this jerk shown up and tried to be a hero. Then she had to come home early too. Amber couldn't not do anything to save her life. All the years of being a victim and not getting out sooner. She starts struggling against him to be set free from his hold. He didn't like that very much. He makes a other cut into her neck and makes her scream out. "You are going to make me mad. Hell I am already." He turns her to face him with a mask covering his whole head. She wouldn't be able to give details to the police.
"Please don't hurt me, I am pregnant."
"I like I care."
"Take what you want and leave then."
"It's so much fun to see you suffer." Drips of blood were making stains in her purple dress. The sirens were getting closer. He had to get away and do it now. "I can't have you remember what happen here. Hitting her right in the face and she starts stumbling backwards. He still has his hand on her hair and brings her forwards. "This is going to be fun." The knife goes right into her upper shoulder on her left. Screams out in horror to be victimized again by a man. Then he takes the blunt end of his knife and hits her over the head. He catches her before she falls and lays her down on the ground.
"Amber!" Rogue staggers to get his balance and starts heading towards him. He was seeing double and he had to rescue her somehow. The man lowers himself down and Rogue was going to tackle him.
"Until next time Amber." Dan stands up quickly and he kicks back Rouge in his stomach. "Ha pathetic." Dan runs out of the room and down the hallway. When he gets outside he makes his way over to the bushes not to be seen by the cops that are coming up to the building. "Barely made it out. If not for that guy for busting in on me."
Gray turns down the street she is on and sees the cops and ambulance parked outside. The lights where flashing and a crowd was being station on the other side of the road. A cop waved him to go on through but he rolled down his window to speak to the officer. "I know the person that call for help."
"Hurry park and get inside. She being treated as I speak."
"What happen?"
"Hurry, you are blocking the cars behind you." Gray finds a parking spot a little ways down and gets out of his car and runs inside. Running down the hallway he hears so many people in the room. When he gets to the open door he is halt by a other officer.
"Get out you we are doing a investigation."
"The women would lives here is my manger. I demand to know what has happen."
"Let him through." A other officer beckon him to come inside. The room was in chaos he couldn't believe the damage that was done. Everything she owns was wrecked, the books he got her for Christmas where torn up and pages all over. He sees her on a stretcher with Rogue beside her, but looks like he could not stand straight.
"Officer, I work with Amber."
"My name is Officer Glidarts Clive. I am the head officer conducting this break in."
"I am sorry Officer may I go over to her." A paramedic was putting a bandage on Rogue's arm and he sees the same thing being done to her neck and he sees them putting pressure onto her stab wound. "Amber!"
"Sir you can't get close right now. We have take her to the hospital."
"I want to know if she is alright."
"She was hit over the head really good. So she goes and out quickly." Gray pushes him aside and goes up to her.
"Amber! It's me Gray." Slowly opens one eye and turns to look at him. Her left eye was swollen shut.
"Gray..."
"I am here." He kisses her forehead and takes another look at her. "What in the world happen here? Are you alright?"
"Sir we have to take her now. She has high blood pressure and her baby is distress"
"Is there something wrong with the baby?"
"We will not know until she gets seen by a doctor we have to leave."
"Gray...baby."
"Shhhh don't worry, stay calm." He puts his hand on her stomach wanting to feel a kick and hoping that no harm has come to his child. If it did the person that did this to her will feel his wrath. "The baby will be fine. Take it easy, I am going to fine out what happen ok."
Not able to keep her eyes open she closes them before he finished his sentence. "Take her and get there quick."
"We will."
The rest of the group had also venture in to know what was going on. "Lucy, Erza can you go to the hospital? I want to know somethings."
"Of course, Lucy and I will keep you informed."
Gray turns to Laxus, Freed and Natsu. They could see the anger in his eyes. The way she was treated, Laxus was the one that talked to her on the phone. She was fine at the time, no warning that this was taking place.
"Laxus her brothers can you phone?"
"I will after we find out more. Can't give them a half answer."
Gray walks back to Officer Clive he was in the process of talking to Rogue. "When we are done you can go to the hospital to be checked. Tell us all that you know. Even if you think it's small."
"I was coming back home from a party. I was going down the hallway here, my place is two door down. As I got closer to her door, I could hear noises. I knew earlier from today she was going to be heading out tonight. There was no way she could be home early. The fact that the person that was talking was male. So I open up the door to find out what was going on. Who ever it was had hide when I came in. I started searching her place to see fine the culprit. He had gone thorough each room and made it look like hell.
"Why didn't you call the police before tempting to enter?"
"Amber and I are neighbours, I thought I was doing a good deed."
"Then what happen?"
"I started hearing meowing coming from her room."
"Happy! Where is he Rogue?"
"Mr...what is your name?"
"Sorry, Fullbuster. I am actor."
"Mr Fullbuster please don't speak out of turn and I am asking the questions not you."
"Officer I wanted to know what took place here."
"Let him get through the story. Carry on Rogue."
"I went into her room and found Happy on the floor. He was badly hurt by this guy. I lifted him up to bring him out to call the cops and get him to the vet. I didn't get to the phone, the intruder was all dress in black and holding a knife. He was standing right in middle of the living room. I thought I could defend myself against him. I put Happy down on the couch and went after him. Happy got spooked and jump out the window. We fought for a bit and the next thing I knew I was hit over the head. Then I came to when Amber was trying to wake me up. I told her to get out, thinking he was still here to which he was. The masked man grabbed Amber by her hair and pulled her up from kneeling down. I tried to get up to help her but I was to weak. He used his knife to put cuts into her neck, punched her in the face and knocked her out with bunt end of his knife. He caught her before she fallen down and said something to her.
"What did he say?"
"Until we meet again Amber."
"He knew her name?"
"Yes and she also told him she was pregnant, but he didn't care and she went on to say to take anything and leave."
"What did this man look like?"
"Like I said he was dressed in all black and wearing a mask. I believed he changed his voice too."
"Anything else you can give details on."
"If I see him again, I'll punch his lights out.
"Thanks for all you remember Rogue. We will get in touch with you again. The paramedics will take over now."
Gray didn't like the fact that this guy knew her name, then again he might have read it on a piece of her mail. It was very troubling to know this. Laxus calls her older brother to let him know the story and to get them to come back swiftly. Rogue gets put on a stretcher and heads for the hospital. The cut on his arm wasn't vital but it needed stitches.
"Mr Fullbuster, we will still be here taking pictures and getting fingerprints why don't you head out yourself."
"I have to find Happy first. She loves that cat."
"I will have my men search for her."
"It's a he."
"Ok, and a other thing Mr Fullbuster."
"Call me Gray."
"If you don't know this already about her history. I was the officer in charge of her arresting Dan Straight. To see this happen with her again it's depressing. I hope she doesn't have a set back."
"She has come along way Officer, I hope too that isn't the case. If you excuse me."
Laxus gets off his cell with Jellal and sees Gray looking at her living room. "Gray?"
"This is unspeakable. We just got over the incident with me and this happens. I don't get it and Rogue said this is in every room."
Natsu come picks up a broken photo frame and hands it over to Gray. "This guy wanted something out of this." The picture was of the first ultrasound, he gave her his copy now it's ruin once again.
"What does he want Natsu?"
"We have to figure that out."
"She is going to be devastated."
"We should head on over to her then."
"I got to look for Happy and make sure he is alright."
"Where did he go?"
"Rogue said he jump out the window."
"We will look as well." Taking a last look before heading outside to the side of the building. The men start calling the cat. Gray prayed that the fur ball was alright, but knowing he was hurt. Gave him the impression that this night wasn't going to fare well.
"Happy come on boy. Where are you? Happy!" They keep calling him in different places around the building and there was no sign of him anywhere. "Don't do this Happy, show yourself." Gray was increasingly getting worried for the cat. He has been her companion for a lot of years, and remembers when he first meet him. Amber said he shy away from certain people or even hiss at them when they tried to get close to her. The day they stop over to her place for one of his breaks, he laid down on her bed to rest. Happy jump on the bed looking at him and sniffing. Gray used his finger to get him closer. At first he didn't want to be petted and jump back. Gray waited until he came closer to him again and started scratching behind his ears. Happy melted by his touch and curled up beside him. That made Gray someone who could be trusted and the rest was history.
"If I don't find you cat. Amber's heart is going to break. She needs you." He hears a little squeak underneath a bush on the other side of the private parking lot. Gray yells for everyone to stop and walks over to hear it again. "Happy?" A blue little creature comes crawling out. His back legs aren't working and there is a lot of blood in his fur, he hears the cries of Happy in pain. He kneels down to pick him up carefully. "Got ya boy."
Inspecting him over he finds a knife wound in his side and it looks like his pelvis is broken and there is a gash at the side of his face. "Did he do this to you?"
"Meowwww."
"Laxus, Natsu, Freed I got him." They come running over to him to see how weak Happy is.
"Is he going to be ok?"
"I don't know, Natsu we have to get him to a vet."
"On new years, I don't think anything will be open."
"There has to be a emergency centre somewhere."
"I and Natsu can take care of Happy you should get yourself to the hospital. I got a call from Erza."
"And?"
"She went in for surgery to get the wound closed."
"What of the baby?"
"Keeping a close eye on it. Her doctor Wendy was on call. She told Lucy they don't want her go in premature labour."
"Oh God no."
"Gray her body is under a lot of stress which would be result of her going into labour so soon. Your best bet is get over there pronto. I will call on any news about Happy."
"If she looses Happy it could bring on the baby. I can't have that."
"Then go be with her and your child. We will look after him."
"Thanks guys." Gray runs over to his car and get inside and with the police still there he didn't care if he had to speed to get to the hospital. While he drives he makes a call to Lyon to get him and his parents there. Lyon was just as shock to hear the news and tells his brother that they will be coming. Finding a parking spot wasn't easy. The ringing in the new year had lots of emergencies from people drinking to much or getting into car accidents.
Once he found a space he runs in and goes to the nurses station to ask what floor she was on. He gets told and heads up on the elevator to 4th floor. There he looks around for Erza and Lucy. Erza notices him first and calls him over. "Gray you made it."
"Yeah, found out what happen and then had to find Happy. He is in ruff shape, that bastard attacked a cat."
"Are you postive about that?"
"Erza the cat was stabbed too."
"We can't say anything to her as of yet."
"How much longer is she in there for?"
"Not to sure, it should not be long."
They sit and wait for news. If this didn't happen tonight, he would be with her now. Holding, kissing and feeling the baby move. No, he was stop by Juiva, yeah it wasn't her fault but she held him back. When she comes out of the operating room, he was going to make dam sure she doesn't run from him again.
The elevator doors open up again to his parents and Lyon come running out. They were hosting a party at the house when the call came in. There guests where still there and they left the party. Lyon sees him sitting in chair looking so down cast. His mother goes up to her son and embrace him in a hug. "Son we are here."
"Mother, glad you could come. Sorry to drag you away from your party."
"Gray this is more important then some new years party. She is carrying our grandchild we need to be here together. Can you explain what transpire tonight."
He doesn't tell them what took place on the balcony only from the part she made a phone call to Laxus. Didn't want to give his mother ammunition and be planing a wedding. Then how all of them went to her apartment and was told from Rogue on the mask intruder. Also left out in telling them that the guy knew her name.
"Wow, Son. I am sorry she went through all that, with her previous back ground."
"Father, she let me touch her before she left. I hope that remains the same and not have her freak out on me later."
"What of her brothers are they coming?"
"Laxus got a hold of Jellal should to be here soon. They were ice fishing some where."
"Is there anything we can do? Does she need doctors, plastic surgeons?"
"We are waiting for her to come out. I hope the baby is going to ok."
"The baby will be son. Believe in that."
Erza was hearing all this and she turns to Lucy. This was the first time ever hearing any news of the baby father and now knowing it is his. "Why didn't she tell us?"
"It was kept secret because of the media. She didn't want the news to hinder his career. Opps I wasn't suppose to say anything."
"Wait, hold up. You knew?
"Yeah some of us found out back in Cedar. When the air tanks stop working."
"Who else knows?"
"Ummm Natsu and Laxus. We sort of overheard them talking in the women's change room. I wanted to get closer and they tried to hold me back. When Gray mention it was his baby, I was let go and fell to the floor with them."
"So they have been together all this time. Were we have been getting them together."
"No no, they aren't together. She did it in the way she wanted to, by donation."
"Strawberry shortcake why not tells us we could have understood."
"Erza you were not supportive of it at all."
"Now I am, but you still have to tell me something."
"Like?"
"What Gray was telling his dad, about her letting him touch her and that she will not freak out. What is that about?"
"For that I can't really say. I made a promise."
"Lucy, Amber is a dear friend, what troubles her I want to be part of."
"Erza you might have to go straight to Gray on this."
"Why do I have to go to him and not have you tell me."
"It's a very chilling subject and she had a reason for keeping it to herself for this long."
"My word if you don't tell it to me now, you will be in a bed next to her."
Gray witness the heated discussion and goes over to them both. It wasn't the best time to retell this story but if it's to keep them quiet and not have onlookers stare at them. "Lucy is right Erza it's not the best time to tell you, but it's to shut you up for a bit then by all means take a seat."
"Gray I am not trying to pry, but it's something I can help with I am here for her."
"That is good to know. I am going to be by her side too. What you are going to find out is not something you can spread around. Amber already warn Lucy and lets just say I would hate to be on her bad side"
"I will not say a thing, I swear."
"Fine, will give you a condense version. before Amber came to work with the company and be my Manger she was involved with a guy that hit her. It started when she was out of high school and it lasted for four years. She was afraid for her life and had to watch her back countless of times. The beatings were horrible, she ended up with numerous broken bones, bruises and stayed here in the hospital. Can't stay being in one for long, shines on the memories. There came a day she was leaving him, well it didn't turn out so well. He stabbed her in the back and pushed her down fight of stairs. He left her to be found probably dead. Lucky for her, her brother Mystogan came by and save her life. Jellal tracked down this Dan guy and gave him a beating I am sure he will not forget. There was a trial and he was sent to jail. Because of her being traumatized for all that time, she can't get close to a man or be touched by one. Women are fine around her. Now do you see why we can't share it."
"I did not know, but it does explain somethings. I can't believe she lived through that."
"Neither can I. I have worked with Amber since she became pregnant for me to get close to her."
"Tonight at the party she was dancing with Laxus first."
"He knows of this, her brother told the president which is he grandfather. Then he wanted a other person to know and he picked his grandson."
"Gray will this set her back you think?"
"I honestly don't know."
The operating doors open wide and they bring out a bed with Amber. A nurse wheels her down to her room and all of them had stood up to get by her bed. "Please everyone allow me to set her up in her room, the doctor will be here shortly."
"How is she?" Gray wanted to hold her hand and to let her know he was here for her.
"You will know more from Doctor Marvell."
They had to wait for other ten minutes before they could all go into the room. By that time her brothers had shown up and was asking questions. Gray provide what he could and left nothing out of Rogue story.
Jellal and Mystogan each where holding her hand. She had yet to wake up from being drugged during the surgery. "Why would this guy do this to her and her apartment I have to see this for myself."
"Jellal, the officer you need to contact is..."
"Gildarts Clive. I know Gray, he was at the beginning. I will get in touch with him later. What of Happy any word?"
"None after the last message Natsu sent me. They found a clinic that took emergency cases."
"Let us hope for good news."
A knock on the door and everyone turn to see Dr Wendy Marvell enter the room. She had to clean up after surgery and make herself look more presentable. "Hello all of you. I know some of you. I will have to ask for those I don't know to leave."
"Wendy, they all know Amber. We would just tell them later anyways."
"Are you sure Jellal."
"Yeah it is."
"Ok, I will start, the surgery went very well. I was able to clean and close up her wound. The bruise eye will heal on it's own though."
"What of the baby, my baby Wendy."
"I happy to say that we had no problems. We are monitoring very closely regardless. She is hooked up to that machine for any sign of contractions. When she wakes up, she has to remain calm. No stress what so ever and I mean no stress. I will recommend bed rest if need be."
"What would happen if she did go into labour?"
"We have drugs to stop it, that is up to her body and the baby. If her water broke we would have to delivery."
"Would the baby survive?"
"If the baby is fully developed there is a chance, but he or she may have autism."
"We will do everything possible to allow that not to happen."
"First, limit the people in here. You can stay for now, but when she wakes. Brothers and you to see her ok. The others will have to take turns and short visits. No getting her upset for anything."
"Yes doctor we all understand, right?"
"We do son, right Ur."
"Will do anything for this darling."
The rest of them agree as well. Gray and her brothers stayed in the room to wait for her to regain consciousness. Lyon went to get everyone something to drink and eat. It was turning out to be a long night. Everyone was tried, but wish not to go home. Not until there was sign she will be ok. Gray was holding her hand when his cell vibrated. The screen shown a message from Laxus. Gray taps on the screen to read what the text says. The only sound that was made in the room was his fist hitting the wall. Then the sour news was heard.
"Happy didn't make it."