Author Notes:

Warnings: Swearing - Sexual themes/Content.

Genre, in depth: Male/Male Romance, also known as, Yaoi.

Story Cover Art: The Amazing Astrovique.

Beta Reader: The one and only enjoys literature.

Disclaimer: Dear reader, I'm not the owner of Fairy Tail's characters. If they were mine, Gray and Natsu would be boyfriends.

O.o.O Chapter Twenty One O.o.O

Narita, Japan – 11:00 AM – Kameda Medical Center

"Were you ever introduced to the word gentleness?!"

"How about I give away your dick and balls to a man who deserves them?"

"Shit!"

"We're almost done, you're being a big baby."

"You said the same thing ten WHOLE minutes ago. You have a grudge against me, God knows why!"

"I'm doing my job. No one forced you to commit a half-assed suicide. You reap what you sow."

"Thank you for confirming my suspicions. Are you finished? Please say yes!"

"Don't cry now."

"Haha, funny."

"Cleaning is done. I need a minute to close up."

"A minute…? No. NO!"

"I'll make it 40 seconds…? You're making it worse for me every day."

"I'M SO SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE!"

"Are you guys done?"

"… I need a minute. You can talk to him if you want; he's as energetic as always."

"Heeeello there~~"

"Hello my foot! Hey! You just said you'll make them 40 seconds!"

"Hoooo. He IS energetic."

"She's a lunatic, you're a lunatic. Man, how I wish I had committed suicide!"

"-I'm here to-"

"-Spare me. I'm so sick of seeing your uncooperative face! I'll recuperate soon. And when I do, I'll look for the idiot myself. You and your subordinates including Gajeel Dick and Erza Shitty Scarlet can kiss my ahh-hhs!"

"First of all, if we rewind the events, you won't find a more tolerant and cooperative person than kind 'me'. Still am."

"This is Natsu I'm talking about, Hibiki-san. It's Natsu. I left my life behind to help him… you think I'll let him slip away easily? THINK AGAIN!"

"Natsu Dragneel wants it this way. And when your friend wants something, It's scary. Plus, don't you think he got you waaaaaay too involved? He solved it. You're better off now."

"Lemme tell you a cute short story. I've tried living without him for-for three years. It was awful, I've tried to pull through, and it was a failure, and now that I met him again, I sure as hell won't do it all over. I'll do anything and everything to find him, DO YOU UNDERSTAND ASSHOLE?!"

"…"

"Cool, I'm done. Next time will be in two days. Remember, don't wiggle."

"Ah… God… thank God…"

"You're welcome. I'm awesome that way."

"No comment!"

"Stop being difficult, ok?"

"Get out—"

"—listen. Put yourself in my shoes. I witnessed this nonsense corrupted drama from the beginning till the end—and god knows, it's far from ending. Anyhow, the source of your inconvenience is… vanished. He wants you to get a job, start a new life, and move on. None of us is blind to the attraction you have for each other. I'm not a homophobe, but it's unhealthy with the situation at hand, I concluded. Plus, he's brave and smart to come up with such a practical solution."

"You have no fucking right whatsoever to conclude anything that's between me and him. You don't know shit in the pile of bullshit! He belongs to me, and I'll get him, and that's the way it's gonna be. If you refuse to help me so much, then bear the consequences, 'cause guess what! I can create badass weapons now."

"Is this a threat?"

"HELL TO THE YES."

"This is so boring. Aren't you people bored repeating that talk? Hey man, look what I brought."

"Oh… thanks, I need it with ALL the bullshit I'm going through."

"You're welcome. How did things go today with the doctor?"

"Awful like always. I want it to be over."

"We've been told you need three more weeks or something…"

"You heard right. Any progress with Loke?"

"He's gonna be alright. He was flirting with the nurses. That's why he elongated his stay, nothing more, nothing less."

"I never thought I'd say this, but fuck, I'm glad."

"That shows you're maturing. Hibiki-san, shall we? Gray needs to rest."

"Right. We'll visit again."

"Next time, you visit with Natsu's location for me."

"Then I won't come."

"Then don't."

"How're you feeling?"

"Beat. She sucked my life force in the morning, gave me a pain killer. I'm a bundle of complicated mess... sleepy all the damn time."

"That so…?"

"You don't have to visit… I know how busy you guys are."

"Don't say that. I haven't met someone like you in forever. It's been a pleasure working with you, and the mere thought we were gonna lose you…"

"Don't tell me you've got a crush on me."

"Idiot! I'll have you know I have a boyfriend!"

"Phew. To be honest, you're cute, and I was looking for a gentle way to turn you down."

"Oh my god. What kind of pills are you taking?!"

"Apple tastes nice."

"Good. Did they mention when will you be released?"

"Like in three weeks, if everything goes well."

"Do you have any plans?"

"I have one solid plan for now."

"Oh, that's-"

"—getting my asshole friend back. After that… I don't care."

"Is the General still adamant?"

"Fucker came this morning, and we fought. His attitude is impossible."

"Your friend has taken Hibiki-san's assurances. His situation's tough; he can't break his word and simply tell you."

"...I can't rest knowing there's a slight chance Natsu's back in Guinea. If I must travel to Africa, so be it-"

"-But he's got the Guinean passport revoked."

"Huh…?"

"He asked Hibiki to do something about it, and they succeeded with the ambassador-san's help."

"Fucker. He… didn't tell me…"

"Maybe he forgot. Honestly, Hibiki-san's like the queen of bees and you're always busy fighting with him."

"…"

"Are you alright?"

"Huh?"

"I'll leave you to rest. If I can, I'll drop by tomorrow."

"Do you know Natsu's location?"

"…Yes."

"But you won't tell me."

"I'm sorry. It's not my place… I-"

"-It's fine."

"Is it true he's gotten his Guinean passport revoked?"

"Brat, why question it?"

"Tell me."

"… It's true. You need to focus on recovery. I told you that before."

"I can't... this is-"

"-I'll help you."

"…"

"You don't believe me."

"… I thought Erza would-"

"-Erza is different. Her position, her name, her career… they were questioned. Now that she's trusted again, she won't do anything that'd jeopardize anyone's safety."

"Come on, it's Natsu we're talking about-"

"—Yeah, the one who Ondrej is chasing after. You think she'd tell you where he is?"

"And you would?"

"Yeah. Not now though. You'll break out the minute I do."

"Why tell me?"

"Because you've helped us a great deal. That's not the way we repay you. You and your friend are the only ones to decide your own paths. What Hibiki has agreed on is fundamentally wrong… that and your friend is a coward."

"You're such a wise man. Why don't you knock some sense into the stuck-up dipshit?"

"I know what you mean."

"Thank you. If you help me… I'll be eternally grateful."

"Don't doubt me. Did they say anything about your release date?"

"You're the third person to ask…"

"Well?"

"Three weeks… more or less, depending on how fast it heals."

"A little bit is left, I'm sure you can take it."

"I'm running out of patience... need to punch Natsu so bad."

"What are you doing? Excuse me? I had to cover your ass out there! Hey man."

"Ah… Hello."

"How's that injury doing?"

"It's okay."

"That's a relief. How much time is left?"

"… Three weeks."

"I have to say I'm impressed of how you changed our Major. Even I couldn't do it. Last time I got injured, he lectured me for two hours straight, and then stomped off as he released his tantrum on the poor nurses."

"I've always been special, right?"

"YOU ARE. I can't believe what you and the other guy did with our weapon. That was… memorable."

"That's the least I could do. Give me more time and resources and behold, the biggest villain on earth."

"… if my director listens to any of this, he's not gonna let you go."

"…"

"We don't want that, right?"

"Jeez… I hate this place already."

"You don't hate this place, you miss your friend."

"That too."

"ALRIGHT, enough chit-chat, let's get back to work. You'll be fine on your own, correct?"

"Yes. Thanks for the visit."

"Come on! We won't abandon you. We'll visit again!"

"I didn't complain!"

"You look like it."

"I DON'T."

'I have to see him. I have to. I'll get him, and when I do, I'll KILL him.'

Whenever the gruesome doctor poked and prickled the flesh of his injury at his waist's left side, he would end up gritting his teeth, gripping the sheets so hard it hurt, and perspiration covered his body. But those words he repeated helped him overcome the agony.

Natsu's image, sitting on the bed's side, with a smile on his face, holding the steamy beverage Gray made for him to fight his cold. This visual helped too. That was the last time he had spoken with his stupid friend.

Also, after proving himself as a prodigy (arrogance aside, he IS), the justice agents he loathed at first sight became the best regular company he could ever ask for, and that made it easier. They all felt responsible, including Hibiki Lates. Though, he hasn't heard shit about Gildarts Clive's status. And they refused to answer this question.

Gildarts Clive could go to hell for all he cared. The problem at hand was Natsu.

The first time he got shot by Gildarts Clive, he spent in the hospital a month and a half. This time he was in it for three months. He had minor fractures in his ribs, and a huge gash on the left side of his waist. So after the heartless doctor discharged him, he was over the moon.

He would be allowed to breathe the fresh air outside, but would visit the medical center every other day for the next two weeks to give the wound the medical attention it needs, and that was fine, as long as he sleeps in a normal bed. No nurses disturbing him, no beeps of his heart's status, no needles stuck into the face of his hand.

Freedom.

His mother has taken a long leave from work and stayed with him at the hotel nearby the medical center. Her existence with him the past two months was crucial, and he needed that. A family member or a close friend. Sure, the guys he fought with appreciated him, especially Major Laxus Dreyar, but Ur there, that was different. She was one of the reasons his mental condition was stable.

"Gray. Gray."

"Hmm?"

"… Ok." Ur sat next to him, biting her lip, "We… have to talk."

"About?"

"The weather. Typhoons are coming."

"…"

"You. What else? You… How are you feeling?"

"What do you mean?" Sometimes his guardian loved to ask dumb questions.

"Gray… you barely eat and you really need to. When I talk to you, it's like I'm not there, or you don't understand."

'Hmm…'

"What are you thinking of? Tell me. It'll help with whatever—shit is going on in there."

"Huh? Sorry, what's that?"

"…" Ur tightened her hold on his hand, her stooped posture noticeable, "God…"

"You're upset…" He didn't like it, "Did I do something? Sorry."

"Tell me please. Please… what's on your mind?" Her fingers removed strands of his black hair to clear the vision to his eyes.

"I was on an airship… I fell off a long… long way, and I thought I died."

His mind did that thing, where it replayed the scene he almost froze to death, black spots tainting his vision as he fell to an assured death. It haunted him in dreams, in awake, and he'd be left speechless, trying too hard to catch his breath. What a chicken. Gray never thought a mere memory will rattle him to the point of almost hyperventilating.

His mother's concerns were valid, but Gray knew he was getting better. He knew.

"Miss, I assure you, what's happening with Gray is perfectly normal. He was pressurized badly, and he has been through an experience-"

"-you don't understand!" Ur almost banged on the doctor's desk.

"I do. The shock is dawning on him, and it's not uncommon. He'll be fine."

"I keep telling her that." News flash: He's 24.

"I will give him anti-anxiety pills which will help him in the coming phase."

Gray waited until they reached their hotel room after collecting his medicine.

"Can you stop nagging and leave me the hell alone? I told you I'm fine! This time I went because you were freaking out, but you heard! I'm ok."

"DON'T USE THAT TONE WITH ME!" She pointed her fingers at him, throwing her bag on the sofa across the room, "You have no clue about how I feel! Try seeing your own son suffering then come back to me!"

He persisted, "Look Ur. I can't say I'm perfect, but… I'm fine."

She let out a bottled-up heated breath, held her head, then her waist, "What else is bothering you? Other than the 'experience' you've been through? If you don't tell me, I won't know."

"I want pasta… suddenly."

The doorbell rang. Erza and Lucy came in with an ice-cream cake (Gray's favorite), and Lucy questioned, "We heard loud voices. What're you guys doing?"

"Pasta." Ur answered.

She did art, not pasta. The steamy red sauce, the meat balls and basil leaves topping the spaghetti-WOW. It evoked his taste buds, and the girls praised their visit's timing. Surely, Gray delighted Ur with his request since he didn't eat like normal human beings after that incident.

He made her happy, and he was famished. That recipe was so old school that he scoffed at himself for dreaming about it at a random moment.

Erza and Lucy?

Erza has resumed her Duty at airport security after saving a hell a lot of asses in the mini war, and Captain Lucy had a leave until they disturbed and called her back, which could be at any minute of night or noon. From their constant visits to the hospital, they met his mom and somehow… a weird friendship formed.

Half of the force (Hibiki Lates included) had friendly chats with Ur.

"Thing is…" He chewed on the tender minced meat, "I want to see him more than anything you know."

"I know." Ur smiled as she chewed too.

"We know." Lucy and Erza said simultaneously.

He kicked Lucy's foot under the table when she squealed and faked dreamy eyes.

"But…"

He was scrutinized by the three ladies.

"… never mind."

"NOOOO!" Ur encouraged putting her fork down, "Go on!"

"Do you think he wants to see me? Especially now that my situation is fucked up. What if he learns about it, he freaks out, and..."

They stared at him before they snickered, and Lucy had spaghetti dangling from her mouth as she did.

"… What?" That was offending.

"Well…" Erza smirked, "We assumed you're the man of the relationship, but now… we're rethinking it."

They were a bunch of insensitive lady bugs. Lucy's dangling spaghetti jumped back on the plate as she laughed. Ur clapped her hands and gave Erza thumbs up while laughing along with the blonde.

His face drained from emotion before he stood to leave the table. "Cool, goodnight."

"Wait, wait, wait!" Erza dragged him from the hem of his shirt; Ur did the same from the back of his pants that she almost stripped him.

"You've become too sensitive." Erza said.

"Fuck you, you're being too insensitive right now." Gray glared.

"Come on! Sit!"

He snatched the fork and stuffed his mouth.

"You two like each other, right?" Lucy asked.

"I think… I dunno."

"Pardon?" Again, the two girls asked in unison.

Aw shit. He has fallen into the trap.

"I'd assume so."

"Assume? I'm sorry, did I miss something? Why are we in the world of assumptions?"

Ur answered Erza's question, eyes twinkling that she's explaining the history of her useless son and his dumb best friend, "It's complicated. He has never expressed any of his feelings to Natsu, me, or even himself, I believe. I almost swallowed my toothbrush in the bathroom when he told me they made a move on one another. Like, HOW? If you girls hadn't confirmed it, I'd have never believed him."

"What does that mean?" Erza asked as Lucy listened to the mom while chewing pasta.

"They're each other's first love, but they're too cowardly to make a move… and yeah, they continue to live in the emotional and sexual frustration."

"That was such a crappy explanation of the predicament!" Gray objected.

"… What the fuck?" Erza's fork fell.

"You explain it then!" Lucy scoffed, "How does he know that you like him?"

Gray sighed, then rested back against the chair.

"We're both guys and adults. There's no point saying it… he and I can feel it, okay? Back then, the situation was against us, so why say it? That hasn't changed until now."

"Wow…" Erza held a glass of water, "This is… heavy. This is, Wow."

"Oh gosh. Oh gosh, oh gosh, how I took Loke's confessions for granted, and made fun of them... oh gosh, I feel like a criminal." Lucy held her temples, "Forgive me, Loke."

Erza nodded, "You're a criminal."

"I wanna hug Natsu right now…" A depressed aura covered Lucy, "Poor guy… he endured a lot of heart ache. Good thing he vanished from your life."

"…" Gray glared at her, "I'm aware the lack of communication between us is a problem, but it's not like I could throw irresponsible confessions in the air, ok?"

"So you're a coward." Erza concluded, "You were a coward then, and a coward now."

"… What?"

"When will you make up your mind and confess? When he gets married for real?"

'Huh…'

The mere thought of Natsu with someone else electrocuted his heart, but marriage…? That was a deadly gunshot.

"That's-"

Ur interfered, "You think he cares if your situation is fucked up? You're blind, haven't you seen the way he looks at you? You're so lucky, yet, your insecurities are blinding you."

His mother always liked to cheer him up, "Ur. We're-"

"—don't you dare. We saw that too. He's so head over heels for you that it's sickening." Lucy hushed him, "Reverse your roles. If Natsu was the one with the mental issues, what would you do? Would you freak out or think he's not good enough for you?"

"Shut up. Are you crazy? Who would-"

"-See?" The ladies agreed with Lucy with their excessive nodding, "These imaginary feelings you're talking about need to solidify, alright? You lost him once, and who knows? Maybe he's with someone right now. And let's be soooooooo realistic for a moment, ok? If you're back in his life, why would he abandon a person who shows how much he likes him for you? What are you offering him?"

"Wait a minute-wait." Gray chuckled, nervousness creeping up to his voice. He laid his back on the dining chair and swallowed the rest of the pasta. Man, not again.

Post the tough incident three months ago, his breathing remained unstable and came close to minor hyperventilation sessions whenever he felt anxious, nervous, or any emotion that stressed him. Not serious, but freaking annoying, because it showed what he was feeling.

"Are you on my side or against it?"

Ur grumbled and let go of her food to stab him with a first-class glare, "Stop being such a slimy bastard. I've said the same thing a million times in the past, and Lucy repeating it proves it's common freaking sense. Doesn't matter if you're a guy, a girl, an alien, we all feel insecure in our relationships and we need that assurance. I'm not only talking about Natsu. You're insecure about this relationship too, and you need the assurance he's in love with you as much as you're with him. After all these years, I'll be a grumpy ass bitch if you discover he wasn't. I'll shoot you first, then him."

It was his turn to be a grumpy ass bitch, "I thought Lucy said he's head over heels for me."

The three ladies slapped their foreheads. Erza patted Lucy's shoulder and sighed.

"He's… not getting it." Erza said.

"WE KNOW." Lucy growled, emphasizing her point with her two hands on the table waving around, "Don't YOU wanna know?"

"You said there's no such thing as invisible, so how do you know?"

Lucy muffled a scream, "Do I have my rifle here somewhere? PLEASE TELL ME I DO!"

"It's in the car." Erza stood and snatched the car keys, "I'll go bring it."

"…" Gray rubbed the back of his head, "Shut up, I'm messing with you, fuck. You officers of the law are impossible."

"Oh don't you dare talk about who's impossible!" It was Lucy's turn to kick his leg under the table.

"I get it." Gray leaned forward as the abstract painting of pink on the wall distracted him for minutes, "He's the life of me, honestly. I'm suffocated when he's not around and I miss him and wanna be with him—and there's just a ton of other things, and you're right, I wasn't brave enough to spill my guts. Although I have seen death, this is still harder."

"Oooooh. Progress!" Ur rubbed his back, "Ladies, he finally admitted it for himself AND others! BANZAI!"

Lucy and Erza had a large sweat drop falling over their heads, "Greaaat. Now, tell him the same thing. It's not so difficult; learn a thing or two from Loke." Lucy said.

He didn't state that this was Natsu's fault partially, since the fucker never did the same for him, but he treasured his life because then Erza will get the rifle for real.

Speaking with the major was his top priority the day after. Although he believed he wasn't good enough with his predicament, he was selfish to want Natsu to know how much he likes him.

Wow, a random chat can change a lot.

"A week of recovery is still ahead. Our agreement was different."

Gray nodded. Their agreement terms stated full recovery, but he fascinated himself and others when he waited two months and some before he goes: Fuck the agreement.

"But you aren't giving me a chance to refuse."

"Exactly."

It turned out, Major Laxus and the other militants he fought with weren't part of the Blue Pegasus base. Even Loke. They were like Erza Scarlet who's originally based in airport security. The others were tiny Erzas. That's right. Laxus's team belongs to SAT.

So when uptight Major Laxus Dreyar wasn't busy leading and operating full-blown wars, he sat in his neat office, sipping on green tea with an unclenched jaw, reviewing reports, waiting for his next mission. As Gray shot the Rubik's cube on the Agar wooden office-table an analyzing gaze, the Major shot him the same, before he rested his back on the grand executive chair.

Uffff, his waist hurt.

"Your friend lives in Georgia."

That info needed to sink in as Gray made a funny face that said: Horseshit info alert.

"Right under the Soviet Federative Socialist Republic." Major Laxus assured him with a stoic face that said: Dead serious here baby.

What was in Natsu's head? A brain, or a box of Jelly-cola? So he tried Africa the first time, and when it didn't work out, he banished himself from Japan, all the way next to Russia? When they fucking told him Natsu had left Japan's premises, he thought: He might be in Hawaii because that's so bright, cheerful, and so Natsu-like.

He went to the Caucasus Mountains of cold? Was he insane?

"Quirky choice," The Major tapped on the table, "But well. That's what he wants."

"That's a polite way of putting it. I think my friend has reached a higher level of insanity."

"Laxus, I didn't understand your ballistic-"

Lieutenant Freed Justine froze at Laxus's office doorstep, exchanging stares with Gray from a six meters distance. As usual, Freed's light aura collided with Laxus's uptight one in the spacious, monotone themed office, and it helped making it brighter.

He rubbed the back of his Mohawk green filaments of trimmed hair, chuckling, "Gray, I didn't see you coming into here. Apologies for the interruption."

"Nah. It's fine. Is the Major giving you a hard time?" Gray grinned while noticing Laxus's eye-brow raising.

"The usual, right?"

"I'm still here," Laxus cleared his throat, "Wanna come in?"

Freed shrugged, "If it's personal-"

"-Come in. Sit."

Lieutenant Freed Justine and Major Laxus resembled General Hibiki Lates and the Ambassador Jellal Fernandes. Each badass boss had a badass sidekick who's also a dear friend. Although in the Major's situation, Freed's existence felt crucial.

Freed kept him in check, made him revise his extreme decisions without interfering too much with his authority extension. And for a hella weird reason, Laxus let him in. And Laxus doesn't let anyone in.

Except that recently, he let Gray in.

Freed sat opposite to Gray and laid the papers he had on the desk.

"Gray's ready to travel to Georgia." The Major rotated the seat sideways and earned a hum from Freed.

Freed's eyebrow raised in an inquiring fashion, "Isn't the Scarlet Titania back on the gates?"

"She is." Laxus sighed.

"Guys, what are you saying?"

Laxus shared a knowing look with Freed then explained, "Let's say you're all packed up, ready to go. You're travelling from Narita's international Airport, or any other terminal, you'll find yourself wrapped up in aviation security… because Erza wouldn't let you fly anywhere unless the destination is within Japan."

It was a miracle he didn't burst or fume. All credit goes to the pain killers and how they relax you.

Ok, breeeeeeeathe.

"The General's blackmailing her? Seriously?"

The Major didn't scoff, but Gray heard his need to, "No, she's doing her job."

"But… we had this conversation yesterday and she-"

"-doesn't matter. She won't let you past the first checkpoint. She wants you to find a way to do it."

"…" Gray liked Erza, but then he wasn't sure.

"I've been monitoring your condition in the Medical Center for more than a month, and the doctor confirmed you're on anxiety pills."

"Yeah… I'm getting better… slowly though."

"Your condition must worsen."

"… An elaboration will be nice."

Laxus and Freed smiled.

"Let's push the General to the edge."

"…Hai?"

Tokyo, Japan – 11:45 AM – Johohonbu (Defense Intelligence Headquarters)

A card hung just before Gray's waist, bearing the words: "VISITOR'S PASS – GRAY FULLBUSTER". He, fresh out of recovery Loke, Lucy, and Major Laxus waited in a vast reception hall filled with high heels echo on the polished marble floor, and various elevator ringtones.

He has heard about Johohonbu from different parties, being there in person felt unreal. The place resembled a God-owned station, a space that's not for plain humans.

Strip lights penetrated bulky timber blocks. These fascinating cuts of timber joined with glazing, aluminum structures and trusses in a triple height volume that rendered him and his worries inane compared to the formally dressed people rushing on multiple escalators.

Hibiki Lates was so goddamn nice to allocate a slot for them to meet. If it wasn't for Gray's high-profile company, which is the Major, the pressure would have been tremendous.

Major Laxus's Special Assault building was grand, but this? This instigated his hyperventilation problem.

"Major!"

Gray whipped his focus from the bubble chandeliers to Jellal Fernandes.

Lucy greeted the ambassador with stuttering words and nervous bows. After bowing then shaking hands with Gray, the ambassador smiled and pulled him into a hug.

"Nice to see you in one piece, you crazy."

Gray allowed himself to accept the tough pat on his back from the ambassador, and the chuckles of the rest. And the hug was unexpectedly warm, it made him flushed for seconds.

"Likewise. You're walking." Gray returned the tough back pat, both pulling away and laughing off their internal injuries and struggles the past months.

The Major smirked, "To see you here, luck must be on our side."

"… I'm flattered." Jellal hugged his blue folder of documents, "I'm flying back to NYC, came to say goodbye. How can I be of service?"

The ambassador wanted to be of service… Gray had his doubts about Jellal's nationality, but whatever country had him, they were fortunate.

Laxus Dreyar used Jellal Fernandes as an ally, and the ambassador didn't disappoint Laxus's expectations. Jellal proved to be less strict than Hibiki with public affairs, and he was one of those special people Gray was honored to meet and interact with on a personal level.

After formulating a conspiracy with no guilt in his belly, the squad of five people walked to Hibiki's office, floor 9.

Upon seeing the blue-haired ambassador, the pen in Hibiki's hands fell, and he jolted from his seat.

"What are you doing here?"

So that's where Levy McGarden worked. She bowed, and excused herself out, knowing what kind of topic they'd discuss from her conversation with Gray on the phone the day before.

What a coward.

"That's a big office…" Gray's comment was a slow muse, winking at Levy who hurried to exit.

Hibiki's office was even bigger than Laxus's (And Laxus's office was fucking grand). His place flowed well with the timber and aluminum language of the building, and lots of day light.

"We want you to do us a favor." Jellal replied.

"I have a good idea since Gray's here." Hibiki sighed as he ushered them to sit on the 12-seat meeting table. They each took their seats, the last one being Hibiki said, "Jellal, lo siento in advance. No can do. Anything but that, and you know how I'd give up my life for you."

Gray wanted to stuff Hibiki Lates in the paper shredder so bad. In order for their conspiracy to work, he had to control his facial expressions and body language like he never did before. Lucy had placed her hand on his clenched fist under the meeting table to assure him everything was gonna be fine.

Patience.

"Of all things, Hibiki-san, I didn't expect you'd neglect a sensitive subject."

Laxus passed Hibiki a piece of an officially signed report, "I'm sure you're aware of this."

Hibiki flipped the pages, understanding, "It's severe, I know. I Kind of expected this to happen after seeing him multiple times the past month."

The report was Gray's medical record in KMC.

"He's getting worse and you can't do this anymore. It's not our place to interfere, Hibiki-san," The ambassador held the report and waved it around, "His situation comprises of anxiety and light depression. Later on, it'll be severe depression, and you're aware of what follows."

Suicide.

Hibiki leaned back, fingers tapping on the table.

"But there's hope for him left. He has one wish. You damn well can't deny him that."

"This is the worst way we let him end after all what he did to help." Loke nodded.

"Guys, aside from the emotional extortion you're trying to achieve, not really." Hibiki lectured them, "It's to have him targeted his entire life. You have seen for yourselves the true colors of señor Ondrej. Getting Gray reunited with his friend is a catastrophe cocktail. He's safer this way."

"Do you know what is your worst trait?" The Major interjected, and 'what's the worst?' game begins "You think too much even when the situation doesn't demand it. We have had worse enemies and they're all caged. Ondrej Jeremiah isn't exceptional. You're using him as an excuse not to break a promise, fine we understand. But did you make the right one?"

"Major-"

"-Guys…" Gray cut in, face painted in pale terror, "There's… a chopper, outside…"

Their gazes followed Gray's pointed finger, Loke nodding, "There are visitors who come like that all the time."

"It's close." His arm shook, "Does it have to be close?"

The chopper's whirring heightened as it closed in on the building to land.

"Can you stop it? Can anyone stop it?"

"What's wrong?" Lucy was alarmed as Gray shook, "It's just a visitor's heli."

But that didn't sooth Gray. His breathing sped, eyes never leaving the chopper. When it was five meters away from the building and the 9th floor in seconds, he jerked to his feet, chair falling behind him, as he retreated to the wall, skin turning whiter.

"Who the hell is navigating this?!" Hibiki jolted standing with the others, "They don't do that! No one does that!"

The Major was the first to sit and cross he legs and arms, "General." His tone commanded Hibiki to direct his attention towards the actual problem.

That Gray was terrorized to death, glued to the wall of his office.

"I hope you recognize the criticality. There's no point being stubborn because it'll only backfire. You'll regret it for life, and then the guilt will consume you till it leaves your heart charred and hopeless."

Hibiki Lates gritted his teeth, visibly resigning, "You all didn't come for negotiations, am I right?"

"Nope. We came here for your cooperation. We're sending him on his way to recovery and nothing, not even you, will stand in the way." The Major stated.

"Lieutenant, well-done. Excelente!"

Gray displayed a triumphant grin. This was the coolest shit he has done in his life, and Vance doesn't measure up to this.

Freed Justine, the chopper's pilot, shrugged as they clanked their soda glasses. They exited Hibiki's office and now, in a restaurant 10 kilometers away, they were having lunch and celebrating their crushing victory against the General.

"Gray, were you scared for real?" Loke questioned, not avoiding "The Gray's mental state" subject like others, and he appreciated Loke's transparency. After all, they shared an experience together. And Loke saved his life so he accepted uncovering his soul for this guy.

"I was. Not so horridly as you guys saw, but I can't deny it. It's difficult now."

Jellal Fernandes chewed slower, dejection written all over his face.

"I'm fine. Getting better. I appreciate what you've done for me, all of you. The doctor too. I thought she was torturing me for her own joy."

Lucy laughed as she sliced through her creamy chicken breast, "She's like that with everybody. But issuing a forged medical report for your comfort, means that she has taking a liking to you."

"Tough love." Gray grunted as he wiped his mouth, "Major-"

"-This is why I didn't want to help you." Laxus heavily sighed, drinking his soda.

They chuckled as Gray pouted.

"You don't even know what I'm gonna say."

"I'm not an idiot. You'll go through a lengthy gratitude showing talk, and I don't need it. Save it. You got what you should own, we did nothing. You helped protecting us, so this—hm, it doesn't measure up to what you have done."

Gray admits, his breath was taken for a minute. How lucky was he to have met all those people and made friends with them?

"Thanks. I really appreciate it. We haven't started on good terms, but... I'm glad we came through, I'm glad to have known you."

Loke snickered, "That sounds like a love confession. I thought you were in love with Natsu."

Loke wished to go back to the hospital where he should lie in a coma for several days, yet again.

Gray closed his suitcase for the seventh time.

"Did we forget anything?" Ur asked while pacing around the room.

"Can we please leave?" Gray said between checking out his watch and a constant shifting on his feet, "You and your paranoia."

Loke's leave from the base extended for three more weeks because of his medical situation. So what happened to the poor bastard? Major Laxus Dreyar assigned him to babysit Gray on his small trip, and he accepted with nothing better to do. He had one assignment: Guard the civilians on their way back to Japan.

Since Loke bruised his own ass saving Gray's life, their relationship has strengthened. If three months ago Gray knew about it, he'd have shot offensive glares to whoever claimed that fact. But, here we are, what a strange world. Sergeant Loke leaned on the exquisite black Infiniti and flirted with a foreigner lady, looking handsome in his black coat. Why don't you give it a rest buddy? Did Lucy take this guy's confessions seriously? The girl needs to reconsider.

Loke dropped Ur at her terminal where they said their goodbyes. She was going back to Kyoto, and he was glad to get rid of her nagging company sooner than he had expected. There comes a point in every man's life where he loves his mom, but then, they love breathing oxygen more.

"So you'll do this thing for me?" He hugged her.

"You leave it to me and go get him."

"Perfect. Not too tight, not… too tight."

"Are you okay?" She pulled, guilt lacing her voice.

"All good."

He held his side in pain as he headed out the terminal to ride with Loke.

"Are you going to last at this rate?" Loke shook his head as they finished their flight check-in procedures.

His doctor's instructions were to be in KMC as soon as he lands in Japan, or he risks an infection that leads to complications. When Gray answered with nothing but a strained face, Loke retorted, "Cool."

Georgia's Visa procedures were convenient for Gray. He breathed when they reached their terminal and as they checked in, Gray was in for a surprise.

"What's this?" Gray took off his sunglasses and laughed, "What… don't you girls have jobs?"

"So rude…" In her formal skirt and blouse uniform, Erza's high heels added more to her bossiness. His comment made her eyebrow twitch, and that wasn't a good sign.

Levy bowed, then ran behind Erza, "So the big guy came through."

"Let's say I'm glad I didn't have to fake suicide."

"Remember to be more transparent with your boyfriend this time." Erza instructed.

Since Lucy had nothing to brag about, she bragged her best friend's capabilities, "Otherwise, Erza can always stop the flight."

"Ladies, don't be hard on him now." Loke defended.

"Shut up you!" The three girls yelled in his face.

Gray has faced death before. Meeting the expectations of those girls was scarier.

"I'll do my best…"

Erza helped Loke completing travel procedures in no time. As Gray walked into the transparent concourse, he took a minute to stop.

Memories of his teenage days manifested on the glazing. When they laughed together, when they fought against one another, when looks of longing were stolen, and that terrible night of separation. He wanted to thank Ondrej. If it wasn't for him, they wouldn't have crossed paths, and the hole in his heart would've expanded, tormenting him for life.

"Sir? Boarding pass?"

This time… being a coward wasn't an option.

Tbilisi, Georgia – 5:43PM – Daniel Avto Street

The love triangle. Gray has a brand-new definition for it.

The chocolate triangle, the cherry syrup triangle, and the apricot glazed triangle, all next to each other behind that bakery's glazing.

Now that, is love.

"I think I'm gonna change the plan and live here with Natsu."

"Why not? Place's cheap, you can find lots of brainless jobs, and they celebrate all year around. Suits you both."

"Right? I know. Why didn't we book a one-way ticket again?"

Loke's fist bumped against Gray's shoulder, "Hurry and pick. I'm a Sergeant… stop downgrading me."

"Will standing next to a cinnamon roll downgrade your masculinity? If that's the case, don't come near the strawberry croissant, you may never come back."

Loke rolled his eyes and checked his phone.

"It's a mystery Natsu's able to tolerate your company... let alone be in love with it."

"Don't be so jealous now. I thought we went over this."

"Hurry."

"Right… Oji-san, two cinnamon rolls, two apricot triangles, and the meat pie."

The baker behind the display stared, baffled.

"Shit. Mr. Translator?" Gray tapped Loke's shoulder, "Please?"

Loke translated Gray's Japanese gibberish to Georgian. The baker relaxed, nodded and hurried to prepare their order.

Gray gave him a thumbs up, "Thanks. It's convenient to have you around."

"Don't mention it, asshole."

"Which apartment again? I forgot."

"You've stood next to those triangles for a long time… I'll tell you when we're outside so that you're less brain washed."

Gray grunted, received his goods with eagerness, and left with Loke to the building next to the bakery.

"Dude, I need to consider living here."

"Stop the gay tourist act and listen up."

"Go ahead." Gray munched on one of the cinnamon rolls.

"The Ap-"

"-Apollo building, I got that first time."

"… third floor, 301."

"Perfect."

"When both of you get your shit together, contact me. Here's the key."

Loke waved at Gray as he drove his rented car into the city. The box of pastries occupied Gray's hands as he watched the car disappear.

Purple and orange nostalgic colors painted Tbilisi's sky as the sun bid the city adieu. Gray headed with a mouthful of cinnamon pastry to the remarkable old Arminian building. He earned looks of bewilderment because he was a foreigner, he had a suitcase, and he munched on a cinnamon roll in public.

Gray waited for the elevator's island to descend. The large steel grill door screeched open, and he entered with a bunch of native people. One started talking to him in Georgian and he understood nothing. He regretted not learning the language's basics. In his defense, his mind was busy with evil schemes of retrieving his best friend.

He used the key Loke gave him to enter Natsu's apartment.

Careful not to hit the mini-tower of sealed boxes next to the desk, he tiptoed around the cloths thrown on the floor, and why did the hamper exist underneath that window if the clothes were thrown around... same goes for the trash basket.

There was nothing right about that apartment except for the double window on top of the double size bed. The view rendering the city below was exhilarating, it distracted him from the eyesore of the well-organized room.

When he retreated to lock the door, his foot hit an open drawer. That shit could increase Gray's blood pressure. He grumbled and kicked the drawer shut and walked. Curiosity got the better of him so he retreated and checked out the chest of drawers' contents.

Many items were interesting; however, a silvery gun in the second drawer snatched Gray's attention.

Ok, dangerous stuff. He pretended he saw nothing and moved on to close the door, but he couldn't because it opened. The pink haired appeared, his scarf wrapped well around his neck. He moved with a downcast gaze to take his shoes off.

Then their eyes met.

Then Natsu tripped on his shoes, fell, and hit his head against the door.

To Be Continued...

Next Chapter Release: Next week, Wednesday, 10th June.

Hey Guys!

This chapter was released earlier a day because tommorow, I have a lot of work coming up. So I didn't wanna postpone it.

Special thanks to: deboome (Thank you! I know, Gray did things he shouldn't have done, but meh. Story development needs it hahaha), Kori No Koibito (Then I'll join you and be crazy too. I love interesting relationships between adults and kids... i know how that sounds... I mean ignore it, but i think it IS cute.), JO (He did! Gray's always surprising I love him.)

Thank you ALL for reading. Feel free to share any comment, inquiry, or advice. I'd love that. AND stay safe, stay home.

Alright, till next time!

Looooooove,

Flame-Belt