The room was awfully silent for awhile, no one spoke. Mystogan had left to tell the news to those waiting outside. It was bittersweet to hear that Happy didn't survived. That made keeping that news to themselves and not telling Amber anything. They needed her to be stress free, nothing could temper her off. Laxus and Natsu came later after dealing with the final details related to Happy. Laxus paid for him to be cremated and put into a small urn for when she was able to hear the sad news. All of them now waited, just waited for the girl with storm eyes to wake up.
The hours ticked by as people stare at the wall, read a magazine, talked quietly or fallen asleep in the chair. Gray was still awake and not wanting to leave her side for a break. The first day of the new year turn out poorly. Will this set off a chain reaction for the months ahead? He gravely hope that it didn't.
"Come on son, let me take over for you?"
"No father, I want to be here, need to be here. How could I step away if she wakes up."
"Gray, you will not be far. A five minute break to walk around, have something to drink."
"No, thanks anyways. I want to stay. Tonight started off so well and look to what it has become. I wanted to dance with her Dad. She ran from me and went to the balcony, I follow her. I was making the first ever step towards something I have never wanted in my life, not until she got pregnant. I want to be with her and her only. I don't want any other women, and she was right underneath my noise never saw it."
"Son..."
"I kissed her at midnight and she kiss me back. Then Juiva walk in on us. That made her flee and you know the rest."
"Gray, didn't know you felt that way towards her."
"Came as shock to me too. When I first saw her tonight, the wind was knocked out of me. I was floored by her.
"Your feelings are strong for her?"
"You can say that, yes. I have no idea how she feels about me. I want to torn down all the walls she has build around her. I want to replace the bad with me."
"What took place tonight, you have a long journey Gray. Will you be able to do what you say and not go for someone else who is available? Like this Juiva women?"
"I have given this a lot of thought and if I have to swore on a stack of bibles Dad. I want her."
"I see. All the best to you, my son. I will not say anything to your mother you know how pushy she can be with your love life."
"She isn't the only one?" Gray looked at his father and to remind him of the times he has tried to get him hitched or take over the company.
"You can say that of me as well. I have realized that I can't control my own sons life. We have to learn and make mistakes. I am sorry for what we put you through all these years. On a side note and don't tell your mother this. She has all of your movies, she will watch them periodically. Even when she thought that show business wasn't for you."
"Dad..."
"We may have our differences, but we still love you boys so much."
"And we love you both as well." Sliver puts a hand on his son's back and to give him some much needed strength. If what his son has told him is true, he will be glad to see Amber on his arm.
"I am going to take your mother home for now. Be back later."
"Alright and thanks for being here."
Sliver leaves him to stay with the women that has caught his eye. Ur gives each of her boys a hug and wishes everyone else a goodnight and tells them to get some rest. The look on each of their faces shown how tired they all where, but she knew they wouldn't leave yet.
Gray to was trying to keep himself alert and not wanting to fall asleep. He didn't want to miss his chance for when she woke up. So when he was about to fall asleep again he almost missed hearing her moan. Bolting right up in his chair he leans closer to her. "Amber, wake up sweetheart."
"Uggghhhh.'
"Come one lets see those eyes of yours."
Her brothers wake up from sleeping in their chairs to come over to the bed. They watch as she slowly opens up her one good eye. The eye looks at them and scans the room. Trying to get her bearings and clear the fog from her mind.
"Sister, we are here."
Jellal wanted to hug her and let her know everything was going to be fine. They waited to hear her speak or say something. Those first few words would be a test to see where her mind was at.
"Amber!"
"Gray...where am I?"
"In the hospital."
"What of Rogue?"
"He is fine, he was able to go home."
"Sister, Mystogan and I came down from the cabin." She turns to look at her older brother and sees the hurt in there eyes."
"I am sorry, so sorry."
"Hey no need to be."
"I wanted to run but I couldn't move. Rogue told me to go but I couldn't leave him."
"He is fine, you heard Gray say he went home."
"I was hit again and my shoulder was stabbed. I was trying to protect my baby."
Mystogan gabs his brother at the side and whispers into his ear to keep her calm. Then he leaves to go in search of Wendy.
"Amber, sister it's ok you are safe. You got help and everything is good now. Don't worry about anything else."
"The knife, the knife he had. It was Dan's knife."
Jellal looks over to Gray and turns back to his sister to hear more of what she is saying. Why would she think that it would be the same knife. Is she mixing up her past with her present.
Gray sits on the bed beside her and puts his hands on her shoulder, she turns to look at him. He wanted for her to keep calm he had saw the spike in the monitor. "It's was just knife Amber."
"No no, you don't understand Dan had a very unique knife it was custom made. There are a handful made in world." He frowns and looks to her brother and Jellal shrugs his shoulders. He never heard of this before didn't know that a knife was like that made.
"Ok, the knife was similar to his, but for right now you need to stay calm."
"Gray, I can't get it out of my head."
This wasn't good if she starts thinking about tonight it might bring on the baby. He had to keep her focus on something else. "Jellal can you go and get her some water. I would like to talk to her?"
"Gray I don't think you should mention..."
"I am not going to say anything about that. Go, please."
"Very well, but yell if you need help."
"Sure thing."
Jellal went to get her some water even though there was pitcher in the room. If Gray had a plan to still her movements, it was best to let him handle his sister. What trouble him the most was her talking about the knife. He remember seeing it at the trail and it was very different. Maybe it was time for him to phone up Officer Gildarts Clive.
"Amber listen to me please. I didn't think it was necessary to talk about this, but given you are hooked up this machine you have to know." Points to the one that is beside him and pulls down the blanket and lefts up the hospital gown to show the band that is wrap around her stomach. He places his hand on her bare skin he can feel the activity from the baby. "You go to sleep little one."
"Gray what are you trying to say?"
"Amber you can't get upset, be stress. Wendy said if you do you could go into premature labour."
"What? No that can't happen the baby is so little."
"That is why I wanted to show you, let you grasp on the seriousness. If you continue to spike more you might start feeling contractions."
"No labour. The baby has to stay in me up to nine months."
"Then do what they say. Please."
"Gray, I am scared." A other spike went up and Gray gets closer to her. Cups her face into his hands and looks right at her.
"I will do everything in my power to see that you will not have the baby now. I want you to put all those fears onto me. Ok, can you try?"
She nods her head. "I will try."
"That is my girl." He smiles and leans in and kisses her black and blue eye. "Take it easy Amber, lean on me."
"Gray...about tonight at the balcony." As much as he wanted to talk about that and to continue that kiss. He had to hold off on it for now and get her stable and out of the hospital.
"That can wait. No worries, we will get back to that soon. You and the baby are more important then getting you in my arms."
"Gray..I."
"Amber, the only thing that I will say on this matter is everything I told you is true. We can go deeper into that other time and day."
"That sounds like a plan to me and it will help my patient to recover. Amber turns and sees Wendy standing in the doorway with her two brothers behind her. "Can I check her over Gray?"
"Yes certainly. I should stretch my legs. I'll be back." He starts to get up from the bed and Amber reaches out for his hand. He looks back at her with a questionable expression.
"You will come back?"
"I will camp out here, until you leave. Not going anywhere." Amber didn't want to see him go, but he probably needed that break away for short time. Wendy examine her over and told her like Gray did to stay calm and try not to get upset. When the doctor told her she will be placing her on bed rest if it get worse the thought of staying put and not doing anything made her a little upset. That was going to be so hard not to do. With her hormones making her cry at the slightest thing or getting her angry. It will be a challenge to maintain. There was her apartment to consider, to clean it up and pack what was not broken and to move. The thought of the worse thing happening, she could have lost her life for the second time. By a robber that got found out by her neighbour. That person to carry an identical knife like what Dan had, it was frighting feeling.
Her brothers got their turn to be with her and talk about their fishing trip. It was to help keep her mind off things. They where not to sure if it would do the trick. If it was for the safety of the newest member of their family it was a must they had to do. Amber laughed when Mystogan told her that he lost his rod in the water. He wasn't paying attention to the catch on the line. The fish got away with brand new rod. He had his old one to finished off the day of fishing. Jellal told her he will bring over some fresh fish for her to eat. She will be looking forward to it.
When there turn was up it was Lucy and Erza next. They didn't bother to mention the party or anything that can trigger a spike. They promise to take her out shopping again and it will be on the both of them. Amber agreed for them to pamper her when she will be in her new place. Lucy hugged the life out of her before they left to go home. She had to pat her on the back to be able to breath again. Erza hit her over the head and almost knock her out.
The last group came in, Laxus, Freed and Natsu. She felt very overwhelmed by everyone that stay behind to see her. Seeing how they all were tried from a long night. If only she could make it up to them somehow. There was one thing she wanted to know and have yet to ask anyone about it.
"Laxus?"
"Yes, do want a nurse, water, a other pillow." Chuckles at how sweet he was being. Freed was one lucky guy to snatch him up. "I can go and get Gray?"
"I am good. I want to ask you about something. I should have asked my brothers, but they said they came straight here from the cabin."
"Sure, hope I can answer it for you."
"Happy, is alright? I didn't see him in the apartment. Probably got so scared and hide underneath my bed. I could not search for him because of Rogue being hurt." Laxus looks towards the other the guys in the room. It was the one thing he could not answer. It would cause so much pain for her when she is already dealing with so much. How would one go about this and prevent and unavoidable situation. He had one alternative to make, and that was to lie to her and he would take the blame for when she finds out the truth.
"Not to worry. We found him and he is at the vet."
"Good, was he hurt?"
"Yes, uhhh his pelvis somehow got broken. Rogue said he jump out the window, he might have gotten hurt then.
"Ohh...Right, the window was smashed out. At lest he can heal, can't wait to hug him." When she finds out the sicking truth, a part of her will be forever crushed. "He can be such a big baby at times and wants to snuggle. If you give me the vet number I can let him know."
"Well...I can do that for you. You know, me and Freed will watch over him for awhile until you completely recovered."
"But Freed is allergic to cats."
"Amber, I am fine with it as well. I can take pills for the reaction or stay clear away from him."
"I can get Mystogan to look after him."
"Your brothers will be looking after you more then the cat. It will be our pleasure to help in anyway."
"Thanks Freed, Laxus you guys are gems."
"What about me? I am leading man in action movie and I beat my partner in race."
"If I remember correctly you tried to cheat in that race." Gray comes in with a tray of food and motions Natsu to leave his chair.
"I wouldn't have to cheat if you where not so fast."
"If you want a rematch I will take you up on that."
"Bring...it...on."
She begins to laugh and the men are glad for the distraction. If they had to make some stuff up or tell funny jokes. It will be better to see the look on her face then a sad one. "I have some food for you to eat. Wendy wants you to keep up your strength."
The look of hospital food wasn't to pleasing, it kind of made her gag at looking at it. Her morning sickness should be over with, but maybe not. "Gray I don't think I can take that."
"Why?"
"I look at it and I get sick to my stomach."
"Do you want something else?"
"Pizza with pickles." The words came right out from her mouth with out even thinking about it. That was what she wanted at the moment.
"Pickles on a pizza?"
"Yeah a whole jar of them." He gives her a strange look and turns to his friends for advise. They were not sure how to respond either.
"Are you having cravings?"
"Huh, I guess so." Her hand lays on her stomach and her face lights up when she feels a movement.
"You should follow through on that Gray."
"At 6 am in the morning Natsu. There are no pizza places open or stores."
"There is the 24 hours 7-11 on 3rd street by the Wendy's. They have those ready to eat pizza's and they might have pickles."
"Is that what you really want?"
"Uh huh, a large."
"I don't want to leave you."
"Pleassseee." She gives him puppy dog eyes that makes him smiles at her. He couldn't say no to her. Puts the tray down on the overhead bed table and picks up his jacket.
"Be right back."
"Thank youuuu"
"What I am going to do with you." She grins at him and winks. They stare at each other and Natsu clears his throat.
"We can stay until you get back Gray."
"I was going to ask anyways, but thanks guys. I don't want her to be alone."
Gray comes and kisses her forehead before taking off. She rubs her fingers over where he kissed her. "You could of just kissed me." Whispers to herself. Natsu heard her say that due to his superb hearing. He will keep that little info for himself. It might cheer up Gray for he saw how close they have been getting. She may not be ready to dive into a relationship, but for her to say that. There is a hope at the end of the rainbow.
"Anyone have cards. Can play blackjack."
"I not betting with you Natsu."
"Come on Laxus all in fun."
A nurse was asked if they could have a set of cards and the time was spent watching Freed win all the games and seeing Natsu loosing his money. They didn't expect the green hair lover of Laxus be a good card player. Gray came back with three pizzas and a jar of pickles. The men watch how she put the pickles onto the pizza and ate it as is. It kind of turn their stomachs off in not wanting to eat pizza again. When they finished eating all three men decided to leave their fair maiden. They will come again later and bring her goodies.
The food she ate made her full and also made her sleepy. She covered her mouth with a yawn and try to stay awake. "You're ready to fall asleep."
"No I am not. I just yawn."
"I can tell when you are tried. You been up for some time now. It's best to rest when you can."
"That goes for you too. Been here all night, you can go home."
"I don't want to leave you here. I know you don't like hospitals."
"I'll manage. Have no choice but to cope somehow."
"I will ask a nurse for blanket and sleep in the chair." Starts going for the door and she calls out to him
"Gray, there is room on the bed. I don't want you to get a stiff neck or back."
"No you need your space."
"We have slept in a bed before. See I can move over." Does so and pats down beside her. "You are trying to get the girl right. Listen to me."
He raise a eye brow at her and put his hands on his hips. "Using blackmail?"
"Will it work?"
"No puppy dog eyes this time."
"Aww darn." Snapping her fingers and repositioning the bed to lay it down. "I tried." Turning on her side she closes her eyes and wonders what he will do. It doesn't take her long to feel him lay down beside her and warp his arms around her.
"Temptress."
"Go to sleep."
"You first."
"My eyes are closed."
"Then shhh." Pulls her closer to him and lays a hand on her stomach below the band that is around her. He looks at the machine and sees nothing out of the ordinary which is a good sign. Amber felt very content right now. To feel his arms around her and being pulled in close to him. It doesn't take her long to fall asleep. "I know I wasn't going to talk about us Amber. I will not, not yet. I want you to start thinking of me, the same way I think of you. Fall for me."
He kisses her cheek and rubs around the side of her stomach. "You stay in there ok, come out later. Behave little one." Pulling the blanket over her more then him to make sure she will not feel cold. "Sleep well Amber." Laying his head down he was already asleep too.
The time she's in the hospital was for a few days. Observation only and to make sure she didn't go into early labour. Gray was glad that didn't happen and she maintain her emotions and didn't get upset. When Laxus visited again he told Gray about lying about Happy. Understood why he did it, now it was to keep up the lie until they told her the truth. When that would be, who knows.
"Lucy thanks for getting me clothes. I can't wait to go home, even with the mess there."
"Do you really want to go home?"
"I have too, I was in the process of packing. Need to finished so I can be in my new house."
"I can help you move."
"Actually Lucy you will not be here. You are set to return to work the day after tomorrow. I will still be packing as you are flying over."
The bag gets packed with her dress and make up that Lucy gather from her apartment. The place had police tape at the front door and the windows where still broken yet to be replace. When Lucy went down to her room to get her things and go into the bathroom. Shutter at the thought of being here when that masked man descended on her friend.
"I would have loved to help you decorate your place. I know Wendy told you to take it easy now until you give birth. It's bummer that you can't come back to the movie set."
"I am not liking it either. I want Gray to stay focus on the movie and not having to worry about the side stuff that I deal with. I have my laptop if it's not already broken, I can work remotely from my couch."
"You are going to still work?"
"I am planing on doing it at the new place. You have to see it before you go Lucy. The view is incredible, and I have huge back yard."
"I'll try to squeeze it in."
Amber puts on her winter boots and jacket and does it up. It was check out time and she was glad to be out of this room. Gray wanted to stay with her for the whole time, but all their friends came up with a time table and they switch around. Making sure he eats, sleeps and showers. She had 24 hour visitors up to Lucy. Heading out of her room and not wanting to take a last look back she heads to the elevators. Wendy had drop by with her discharged papers and said she was free to go. She was going to see her again at her next appointment in two days time.
The women head down to the main floor and venture out into a cold winter's wind but the sun was up and beaming it's rays. Gray wanted to pick Amber up from the hospital and to bring her home. He didn't want her to come home to how her apartment looked. Not taking any chances of her getting upset and get resent to the hospital. Lucy was more then willing to pick her up by his request.
"Is there any place you want to go too?"
"I would love to see Happy can we stop by Laxus place?" Lucy bite her tongue, she should have got in her car and just head for her place. Not even thinking she would want to see her dear cat.
"We could but can't?"
"Why not?"
"We are heading back there soon and Laxus had things to do at the office before he goes and Freed is working too. No one will be at home."
"Well, there place is on the ground level could see Happy through the window." Lucy wasn't very good at lying and trying to fool her might be not work.
"You know I remember that Gray told me to bring you right home instead."
"He did? You just ask me if there was a place I wanted to head to first?"
"I can take a rain check, lets get into the warm car and we can talk about the baby."
"Alright?" Amber had a confused look on her face. Yeah the baby will make her forget or do other things, but she was unsure of Lucy behaviour. "Can we make on additional stop? I am in need of ice cream."
"Craving again?"
"No just want it."
"Let go get it."
Inspecting the place over once more before she comes home. Gray, and everyone else pitched in and remove all that was damage. The couches and chairs were not able to be sit in again. Her curtains and blinds where all taken down. They tree was thrown out with ornaments taken off. Even her bed had big slashes in it from the knife he used. All her bedding and bed are all gone.
Amber told Gray where she was moving too and he stop by to take a look at her place. He liked the area and it would be a further drive to his place and she wasn't close to work anymore. What he wanted more and if it could happen, to have her stay with him. His home was bigger then her house and he had the back yard and the rooms. They were not even at that point yet or much less together. Gray had to give her all the support he can offer and put his feelings for her on hold. Can he really do that knowing what he feels for her. He didn't really what to think about that.
"Thanks guys for helping me out here. Lucy should be bringing her back here now."
"No sweat man. I was fired up to come help."
"You are always so gun ho about everything Natsu."
"I would do the same for anyone of my friends Laxus. Even you and Freed."
"Just keep that energy level of yours down when she walks in. Don't want her to go backwards."
"Like everyone here, I will do my part and keeping her calm."
Gray picks up a other piece of broken glass off the floor and puts into the bag. They had big garbage bin from the dump parked outside. They had clean most of her place before she arrives. He wanted it to be less stressful for her when she enters. Mystogan as also there helping out along with Natsu, Laxus and Freed. Jellal had to go someplace else before heading over there. Gray's brother was going to stop by later after work and Erza couldn't make it.
"I hope she doesn't mind us doing this when she sees her couch, chair and bed gone."
"Natsu, I had to do something. With us going back to the location soon, I can't let her deal with is."
"Gray, as her brothers we could have taken care of it."
"I am sure you could Mystogan. The way I feel towards her and my child is in her. I had to take action."
"I am glad she has all these friends to help her."
"Lets carry on, we are almost done."
The office door was closed and the room felt cold. The noise outside of the room is still filtering in. Drug addicts, criminals line the walls waiting to be processed. Police officers and other agencies roam the halls. He had call Gildarts the other day and here he was sitting in a chair facing him over his desk.
"That is what she said?
"Yeah, she believes it was the same knife used."
"But your sister also said there where more then just the one made.?"
"Yes, five other ones to be exact. I have been doing some research on the type of knife this is."
"Why would you go search?"
"My sister would never make something like this up. She dealt with the man personally for years who had the same knife."
"The possibly of someone owning that knife in the same town. The odds would be to high."
"That is why I think it's a little strange."
"How so?"
"I don't think this was a random break in. From what I could tell, they didn't take anything. She told the guy to do so and leave."
"He was stopped before completing his job, that is why nothing was taken."
"The knife is the factor. Like you said the odds someone else having and breaking and entering into my sisters home. It doesn't add up."
"There are things call coincidence and they do happen. It's a small world that this person came to her house and she recognized the weapon."
"There is one thing I am leaving out."
"That is?"
"When I heard the full story from her neighbour Rogue. Something very unsettling happen after he stabbed her and knocked her out."
"Go on?"
"Rogue said, he bent down and said into her ear. Until next time Amber."
Gildarts stop taping his pen on the day planner and laid it down and dragged his chair closer to his desk. Remember that was spoken by Rogue and at the time he wrote it down not paying much attention. Why would a robber know the persons name who they are going rob. Unless they already know who they were going to target. The small note book he used for the investigation was grabbed by his computer. Flips the pages to the last unknown page he used. There in quotation marks was what Rogue said.
"It was a long day for me and it didn't even register to what he said. Here it is all blank and white. Shit, I am getting old."
"Now do you see why I don't think this was random thing."
"I am getting the gest of it now. You are thinking that one of his pals or family members is getting revenge for him."
"That could be the case, but the knife. There is no way it was release after the trail it would be locked up. So this person could not use the same one."
"Maybe a buddy and him bought them together?"
"True, but I was thinking of something else?"
"What is your theory?"
"What if and I mean if. That this guy was Dan. Somehow he had escape from jail."
"Then there would of been a news bulletin or we would have gotten word of it down here. Then she would have been place into protective services."
"I have a strong feeling that it was him."
"Your spider man senses could be wrong?"
"If I am, I am. The safety of my sister and her baby are important to me. If by chance this guy did get out someone how. The second beating will be much harsher."
"I will do some digging."
The ride back home took them on a detour to McDonald's hot fudge sundaes. Even on the winter day it was still enjoyable to eat. Licking off the remain ice cream from the spoon Amber puts the container in a plastic bag.
"That was good Lucy. Thanks for buying it."
"At lest you didn't order something weird. I heard about the pizza."
"Haven't had any other cravings since then."
"At lest I wasn't a witness to it."
Lucy turns to her street and they see the huge garbage bin out front. Both women didn't have to guess who's apartment it was for. They saw Natsu coming out with a box and dumping it into the bin.
"Amber are you going to be ok?"
"Lucy I have to come to terms with the break in or there is no moving forward."
"I am here for you my friend."
"Thanks."
They both get out of the car and head inside. The thought of stepping into her apartment scared her a little and seeing the mess once more. But she didn't want to be in the hospital again not until the baby was ready to make it's appearance. Lucy walks into her place first before Amber.
"We are here!"
"Lucy thank you for picking up Amber."
"Please, it wasn't any problem for me Gray. We did what mostly all women do and talked. Is that right Amber." Lucy turns to see that she didn't follow her in. Stepping back out into the hallway she sees her walking towards Rogue door. "Umm Gray?"
Closing her eyes and knocking on his door. She wanted to see him, talked to him, makes sure he was alright. The latch was heard coming off and the door open. A smile on his face as he steps back and allows her in.
"Hi Rogue."
"Hi, back home I see."
"Just got released."
"Come and sit down. How is your shoulder and your eye?"
"Painful and I can see somewhat again. It's blurry, been through this before."
"Before?"
"I wanted to explain myself. I know there were times that my bad side has come through."
"No, I haven't seen anything thing like that from you. I have caught you sleeping in your car, that is it." Taking off her jacket and being careful with her injured shoulder, she puts it down on the back of the couch.
"Rogue, don't say you didn't see anything strange with me. I have yelled at you to stay back from me and not get close."
"I scared you that time. It was natural and I should been more up front back then."
"That is why I am here. I want you to know something. I have told a few people so far. I think now is the time to tell you. Also in a few days I will no longer be living here."
"You are moving away?" He looked so down cast at her, it pain his heart to know that she was going.
"I have bought a house, on the outskirts of the city. It's called a Terrance lane. A great community and the house is a prefect for me and my baby." Amber never mention to him she was pregnant, he only recently saw the baby bump. Haven't seen the father come over yet. It wasn't his place to ask about her love life. His feelings for her have not wavered in knowing she was going to have a child. The thought came to him, that if there was no father, he could be one. A father and a husband to her. Maybe it was a good thing she shown up at his front door. This day could make him extremely happy.
"That is awesome you found a place for your family."
""Yes, it is and I can't wait to move. I wanted to see you and to talk."
"You have the floor. Do you want some water first?"
"That is ok, I'll try and not take to much of you time."
"Wasn't doing anything anyways, but proceed."
"That day so many months ago before I got pregnant. I yelled at you for touching me. I am sorry for that. You see Rogue, my life hasn't been the greatest. The rationale for that is from a former lover, boy friend."
Not saying anything at the moment he lets her continue her story. Whatever she was building towards had impact on her life and what took place the other day to make her come to see him. Taking yet a other deep breath before other pair of ears hears her plight. "I was abuse Rogue for many years before living in this apartment complex. I was so fearful of being touched by any man, I put defence around myself."
"A protective shell?"
"It was automated generated flinch that had me jumping out of my skin. The feel of someone touch backfired, made me remember the times of being beat. It gets my heart going and my memories."
"I wouldn't have hurt you in that way."
"That is why I can't get close to anyone Rogue. I haven't dated or went looking for a man. I put my life into my career. You say that you will not hurt me. A part of me is untrusting of those words." Amber gets up from her seat and walks around the room to tell him the rest of her life story. As the story unfolds Rogue now understood to why she didn't want to start anything with him. She didn't include to her having a child. If she can't get close to anyone, how did she conceive. Now it was his turn to strike and be someone worthy for her.
"Your life has had upsides and downsides. And you have wither it all. There are guys out there that aren't like your ex."
"I know that."
"I am one of those guys Amber. I can't imagine hurting a person I fell for. You need someone by your side. A rock that you can hold onto and be there through all the hardships." Rouge stands from his chair and walks over to her by the window. Very gently he takes her hand into his and looks directly into her eyes. With seriousness he puts his heart on his selves. "I have known you for a couple years now. I came home from work one day and there you where inside the front entrance. A beauty before my eyes. You greeted me with a warm smile and a handshake. I will always remember that day. I know I can be the right a guy for you. Be someone to lift you up on your darkness of days."
"Rogue...I"
"Wait let me finished. I heard your story, and we can go as slow as you want. I want to be with you and your child Amber. I want to be a stable foundation in your life. I would fill the role of being your child's father. I ask that you give me a chance."
"That child already has a father and that is me." Rouge turns his head and sees Gray at his front door. Moving at lighting speed and stands next to Amber and removes his hand from her.
"What?"
"I am the father. This child is mine."
Gray puts a arm around her shoulders and puts a hand on her stomach and glares at him. The room went down a few degrees. Rouge had a muddled look on his face. He shook his head and begin to speak. "Gray is the dad? Didn't you say you can't get close to men. Does that mean you two are together?"
"He is the father Rogue, but we didn't have sex. I went to a clinic. There is no us, we aren't together."
"This makes no sense. He is touching you now and you aren't even freaking out."
"Rogue...There is..."
"Amber I can take over from here. You see Rouge, she has my trust and we have know each other longer then you have with her. I donated my sperm for her to have a baby. I don't think you need to know that. What you do need to know is that I am here for her. I'll be her rock, someone to lean on."
"I see, so you want to be with her as well."
"I told her how I felt on New years eve. No more details to be said of this. I am taking her with me. She needs to stay calm and to rest." Gray holds onto her hand and starts taking her over to the door.
"Gray wait." Unable to break free from him she stands where she is and looks back at Rogue. "I am sorry you got hurt. Want to thank you for being a hero. I hope you find a wonderful women that brings love and joy into your life. I am not capable of that, it's not me. Find happiness." Gray walks her out of the room and closes the door.
"I was dump. Goodbye Amber. The way Gray was glaring at me, I say you have that special someone. I too want you to find love."
"Gray you are moving to fast and you are hurting my hand."
"You just got out of the hospital and here you are telling him about Dan. This is not good."
"I am fine. You were listening?"
"When you didn't follow Lucy in. She saw you head this way. I stood at the door and listen. If it was going to get bad. I would enter like I just did."
"I was in control, my heart isn't going haywire." Gray stops walking and puts her by the wall next to her door. His hand goes onto her stomach again and a hand goes on her cheek.
"Don't make me worried."
"But Gray..."
"Amber please. I wanted you to come home and ease you into the room. Coming back here might not been a such a good idea. From this moment on, I want you to follow my advise." She puts a hand over top of his and nods her head.
"You agree then?"
"Yes."
"Good, lets go in." Dropping his hand from her cheek and stomach. It was time for her see her place and he was going stand beside her through it all. Going ahead of him and seeing her living room there was a huge empty space where her future was no longer there. There friends where standing watching her come in. Her eyes look to Lucy and Natsu, sees her brother, and last but not lest Laxus and Freed"
A finger goes up and she moves it around. "Aren't you two suppose to be working? Lucy said, I couldn't come over to see Happy because of work." Gray puts a hand to his forehead and everyone was in a state of thinking of the next lie. Laxus jump right in to answer that question.
"Lucy was correct, but we got off work early to help with what Gray was doing. Didn't want you to lift anything. This needed to be done with more people."
"Ok, I see, thanks for helping. How is Happy, can I come over to see him?"
"Not today Amber. I want you resting after this in your new place."
"In my new place? I was going to do that while you guys are at location."
"You can't do a move like this on your own. Your bed is no longer here but in the bin. Today will also be moving day and tomorrow."
"Gray, I was already starting to pack before the incident happen."
"Now it will go a lot faster."
"I think doing it slowly is best."
"Amber must I repeat what I said?"
"Fine. I'll be in my room."
Walks past everyone and goes down the hallway and slams the door shut. They look at Gray and seeing how she reacted. It wasn't a good start. Now that she was mad, it will be awhile for her to cool down. If she does or a ambulance will be called.
"Mood swings? A minute ago she was all nice."
"That maybe be true Natsu. I will see to her in a bit. Lets start packing."
It took a few hours for all them to pack everything into boxes. Gray went and got a moving van and Lucy and Natsu got more boxes. They knew and Amber as well too why Gray wanted this done. It was all for her well being. To stay in this apartment now or even for a night would bring on the baby. That didn't stop Amber from thinking about it. The first load was put into the moving van and Amber was going to go to the new place and instead of remaining here.
This was the place she picked after being with Dan. It was her fresh begging, of going back to school and finished off college. Then seeking out that first job, but didn't fine anything. Then Lyon came to her and told of a job with his brother. From there to now, there has been lots of memories. Days ago change her of being back in her once sanctuary. It was time to let go of here and start anew.
"Ok first load ready to go. Amber are you fine with driving your car there?"
"Yes I am, Gray. Don't worry so bloody much." Her mood didn't change yet and everyone stayed clear of her. Their hopes was that her smiling face would appear when she got to her house. "I am going to my car. I'll see you all later." Amber walks away from the group standing outside. Lucy and Natsu was going to stay to keep on packing. Laxus and Free was going to unload the van with Gray. He got a call from Lyon saying he wasn't going to make it because of work. The company was in throws of expanding. There was a lot to do and not single minute to waist.
"I am going with the van and you two I will be right behind me." Gray starts heading towards the van. Laxus and Freed went straight to their truck. When they see that Amber was standing by her vehicle and holding out the key to unlock it. A bizarre feeling washed over them all. Gray sprinted over to her and that cause the others to do the same.
"Amber what is wrong? Is it the baby? Are you having contractions?"
"No Gray...my my car. Look at it."
Why no one notice it before, but her car was vandalize. The driver side window was smashed in, her seats where cut up. There were groves on the car's door, hood and top. Then they see that her tires were all flat because of they were slashed. Gray sees something on the seat of the driver side. A note that had a few words on it. He picks it up and reads it. "You are mine!" He couldn't cripple it if he wanted too. It was evidence that the police needed.
This wasn't what he wanted to do today. It pause the move, but that didn't mean for her to stay here. The police can be called and someone can take her to the house. "Freed get Lucy. I need her to take Amber away. We will deal with this."
"I am phoning Gildarts Gray."
"Good idea Laxus. Because her apartment and the car are connected."
"Gray, let me take her."
"Mystogan, you have to get a hold of Jellal. Amber will be alright with Lucy. You know that."
"Ok, I am on it."
When Mystogan called his brother he was still with Officer Clive. They both head over to Amber's place right away. Urgency in his twin brother voice had him thinking that what he was telling Glidarts was right on the money. Jellal was going to make sure he will gets his hands on this guy first.
Gray couldn't get Amber to move, it was like she was locked in place looking at her car. "Amber don't do this?"
"What do you mean by connection?"
"No, you aren't getting involved in this."
"I am involved, it was my car and my apartment."
"Lucy take her now and see to it to phone Wendy."
"It will be done." Gray sweeps her up into his arms and carries her over to Lucy car. She ran ahead and had the door open for him to place her inside. Kneeling beside her and holding on to her hand.
"Do not think about any of this. Let it be on me ok."
"Gray...Why are these things happening?" Tears well up in her eyes and now her mood switches to this. There were no answers to give her, he had to collaborate with the others to come up with something.
"Amber, I don't know yet, but I will find out."
"I want to stay with you?"
"Not now, I will come to you after this."
"Gray...let me stay?"
"No, sweetie." He kisses her hand and puts the seat belt on her. "I'll be with you soon and the baby." Lucy gets into her car and speeds off heading to her house. Amber looks back at Gray and sees him running back her car.
"Lucy I want to see Happy."
"How about you see my cat instead. We can swing by my place and pick up Lilly."
The police officers where taking pictures of her car and examining the inside for fingerprints. They also had the note concealed in a plastic bag. All the men where in her apartment being question by Gildarts.
"When do you think her car got ran shack?"
"I believe it happen the same night that guy enter her place."
"Maybe it was two people. One dealing with her car and the other took upon himself to rob her."
"No it was one in the same."
"You know that how, Gray?"
"To many things have been going on. I get the strong impression it's all by the same guy."
"What other episodes have there been?" He tells Gildarts of when the light came down on Amber on the set, how his trailer caught on fire and when the air tanks had no air."
"So you believe this is due to a stalker? One of your fans?"
"I do tentatively, but I found this note in her car." Hands over the note in a zip lock bag to Gildarts. Maybe by some fate they will get some prints off it. The guy is good, they didn't find anything in her apartment, who's to say that the car will be successful.
"I'll have the CSI guys check this over. You're the only one that touch it."
"Yes, I made sure she didn't see it."
"Why isn't she here?"
"Her stress levels are quite high and if she is subject to this it might bring on premature labour. As the father, I will not let her be near this."
"Fair enough for now, but I might need to question her later."
"Glidarts as her older brother and head of the family I am on Gray's side on this. I don't want my sister to be involved. Your intimidation could site what he says."
"I am not that bad of a guy and when I saw her a couple months ago she was very pleasant when I gave her speeding ticket."
"That was you, I had to give her pills for her headache and she needed coffee."
"Mr Fullbuster, everyone here. I know of her past, I was the one that arrested Dan and stood by her hospital room for a few days. That girl has picked herself up, dusted off and able to move forward. Most women aren't so fortunate in their abusive relationships. Some end up dying by the abuser hands or they kill themselves. I am will aware that she was headed in that direction herself at one point. She turn it around and is surround by all of you. That makes her brave and strong. I will be taking this and see if we can narrow down to who this person is. If anyone of you have anything to offer. I give you my card."
Gildarts hands over a card to everyone and heads back to the police station. Gray locks up her apartment and they all choose to head over to the new place. The van still needed to be unloaded for the next load for tomorrow morning. They had one more day to get her settled in before returning to finished making the action movie. The one draw back to that is she will be here and Gray will be there. He knows that her brothers will keep a eye on her, but he wanted to be by her side.
The sun was going down for the night, the evening star illuminated in the west. The air was feeling crisp after having the sun shining all day. Gray turns the van backwards and pulls it up to her front door. Laxus opens the back and boxes start coming out. With the name on the box where it needs to go unloading will be faster then packing.
Gray walks into the front entrance before he does anything else he wanted to check on her. He searches her out and finds Lucy first. She was in living room and had started a fire in the fire place. There where logs left over by the original owners of the house.
"Hey Lucy how are things here?"
"Not bad, took awhile for her to settle and I did call Wendy as well."
"And?"
"Her doctor wanted her to come back in, but she refused."
"Oh no."
"It's ok, Amber was able to calm down on her own."
"That is good, where is she now?"
"In her room, the new bed arrived. She is testing it out."
"Testing?"
"I think she wanted to jump on the bed to see how bouncy it was?"
"Lucy!"
"I am kidding, I think you need to rest as well. You are too tense."
"Can you blame me. New years, the break in, hospital stay, it's overwhelming. What more can happen?"
"A few things."
"What to elaborated on that?"
"You know them already. If you didn't I would be hinted at you to pursued. Amber is almost in your arms. In may you will be welcoming a baby. Maybe wedding bells in post future."
He shakes his head at Lucy, she was unbelievable even now she is trying to get them together. There was no need for outside help. With his stance on women, he can make Amber fall for him. Not in seduction way, that was out the window. It will be a whole difference experience for him too. Since his high school days of only wanting sex and fun and not being tie down to one person. Amber was proving to him that there is something more then sexual desire.
"She has been in her room for awhile with Lilly."
"Lilly, your cat?"
"She wanted Happy."
"This isn't going to be easy."
"When are your going to tell her? Can't keep this from her for months. Laxus will be back in Cedar and Freed could lie all the time, but she going to find out. We aren't going to be here."
"You say she has Lilly?"
"Yeah, I did."
"I'll go see her then."
Lucy watches him go down the hallway to the end. This was the master bedroom. Tapping on the door with his knuckle he doesn't get answer back. Opening the door up a crack he looks in. Sees her feet first and pushes on the door. There she was laying on a uncover bed sleeping. No pillows, sheets or blankets. Carefully closing the door and walking over to the bed. Lilly was curled up right beside her sleeping too. The cat got attached to her pretty fast when Lucy handed him over. Lilly could sense that this human needed to be cared for. It was his job to comfort her. So when she took him to her room and laid down on the bed. He instantly snuggle with her and it ease her down and she feel asleep.
Sitting down on the bed and watching her sleep. Gray didn't have the heart to wake her. If it was him telling her about Happy maybe it will go better then he is hoping. Touching her arm he starts calling her name.
"Amber, wake up."
"hmmm."
"Sleepy head."
"Five more minutes."
"If you don't wake up, I am going to kiss you." Popping her eyes open she looks at him and she rolls on to her side.
"Gray, you are here."
"Said I would be."
"What is the verdict?"
"The police has to do their thing so we wait. I see you have a new companion?"
"I wanted Happy."
"I know you do, but I have some news. That I have put off telling you because of the situation from that night. This cat here might be more of comfort then me." Amber sits up in bed against the headboard. Gray holds onto a hand and doesn't meet her eyes.
"When you went to the hospital, we had to search for Happy. I heard him meowing in a bush on the other side of the parking lot. There was blood, and he was hurt. Laxus and Freed took him to the vet, but..." Hearing her sniffling he raises his head to look at her tears. The pain in her eyes where like daggers in his back. "Amber...I..He is."
"Gray no, do not say it."
"He was badly injured because of the intruder."
"Nooooo nooo." Lilly arouse from his sleep and crawls on her legs. Walks up her body to her chest and starts licking her face. The human was in pain and he can feel her vibes in her body.
"I am sorry Amber."
"Nooo Happy, can't be gone Gray. I need him."
"Amber I know this isn't safe to tell you, but with the majority of us leaving I had to say something."
"I have had him since he was kitten. How can this man hurt something I love."
"Shhh take easy, alright." Lilly gets snatched with her hands and she holds him tightly.
"Happy...Happy.." Cries harder and the pain is to much. Losing her support animal was the worse thing that could ever have happen. "Gray hold me." He comes around to the other side of the bed and he takes off his shoes to get on the mattress. Then he takes her into his arms and soothes her pain away.
"I am so sorry Amber. I know how much you love him. When the police finds this guy, I'll make him pay."
Lilly wasn't in the best position and he knew this person was suffering. So he was going to bare though it. And let her do what she needed for now. Amber lays her head on Gray's chest and hears his heartbeats through his shirt. She understood why he it kept from her, but it still hurt. His shirt gets wet by her tears and he continuously rubs her back in circles. It could end up being a long night of her crying over her precious pet.
He watches her closely as she cries for any sign of distress and will have him rushing back to the hospital. "I got ya. Let it all out." After awhile her cries lessen and Lilly was let go of her hold. Stretches and lays right next to her for a cat nap. Gray seen her eyes closed and the last tears shed. She had cried herself to sleep. "Sleep you will need." Without waking her he puts her next to him. "I'll check on you later." Placing his jacket on her upper half and one more look at her, he bends down and kisses her cheek. The light gets turn off and he steps out of the room. " I have to let the others know."
Hearing the click of the door and she opens her eyes. Looks over at her door. "Thank you Gray." Her hands hold onto his jacket tightly and she smells in the scent. As Lilly finds a different spot on the bed to sleep. Amber goes back to sleep too. The next while is going to be hard. He will be gone and she is left to rest at home. What is going to happen when they are going to be far apart. Will any more incidents take place again? This is what he was thinking for the rest of the night.