Well, I'm glad that you guys are liking this story. Oh, I also made it a bit easier to tell when the scenes change.

I don't own Fairy Tail or any of its characters, and I do not own this plot. This belongs to CrAzY-SiLLy-Me, whom I thank very much for allowing me to use her plot to make more GraLu stories.

~Say It Again~

Chapter 4

February: Sweets for My Sweets

"Say it again for me, 'coz I love the way it feels..."

Well, this sucks.

I mean, I had no idea that Gray wouldn't even talk to me, unless he needed to. How was I to know that he'd be hurt from what I said last New Year's Eve? It's been a month and two weeks, and he still won't talk to me like he normally does.

I sighed and continued to stare at my mobile phone, waiting, hoping, and wishing that he would answer my messages. I feel like some kind of desperate girl! I think I've sent him over fifty messages! Maybe even more!

"I wonder if he's getting annoyed...?"

It was tempting to just call Gray and hope he picks up, but I doubt he would. It was bad enough that I thought he had a girlfriend, and it was embarrassing that I pushed him away, only to actually want him near me.

I feel so stupid, despite getting honors back in high school. What's the point of graduating college with high grades and great awards if my brain is a failure when it comes to life? Ah geez.

"Lucy?"

My room's door opened, and I turned to look at my mother who just entered, dressed in an elegant off-white dress.

"Do you need anything?" I asked, sitting up.

She smiled at me and went to sit next to me. "Why aren't you ready for dinner?"

"Um...is tonight that special?"

"It's Valentine's day Lucy." She smiled at me. "Your father and I decided to spend this day with you."

I smiled gratefully, since mom and dad always spend this day of the year together, while my ex and I were always having those rare expensive dinner dates. But since I'm currently single, I'm really thankful for my parents deciding to stay with me, but I didn't want to spoil this special day for them.

"It's alright mom, you and dad can leave for Valentine's you know." I grinned sheepishly. "Besides, this day means that girls are the ones who should give and spend, and I wouldn't want you to spend on me too."

"Don't worry, your dad and I set up a double date."

"Huh?" I blinked. "Wait. You mean...?"

"You're coming with us with another boy to escort you."

"But-"

"We already asked him, and we insisted. He's with your father right now, downstairs, waiting for us to finish up."

I sighed, and smiled weakly. "Okay, I'll got get changed." And as soon as mom left, I suddenly realized, while I was putting on my baby blue spaghetti strapped dress, that I forgot to ask who my mother set me up for. Shrugging it off, I struggled a bit before managing to zip up the dress's zipper on my back and lastly, I did some double-check on my attire before smiling in satisfaction.

This dress was one of my favorite clothes. It somehow sparkled when a light would be directed at me, and I can feel myself glowing.

Heh.

Anyway, I decided that a little make-up wouldn't hurt, and I didn't bother to fix my hair so much, I just decided to hold it up from behind with a clip, leaving my bangs to frame my face, and then I headed for my room's door.

"Hmm..." I glanced at the necklace that Gray got me last Christmas, and decided that it wouldn't hurt to put it on tonight, so I did. "I guess this should do." I murmured, slipping on my high heeled sandals, before exiting my room and climbing down the stairs.

But as soon as I reached the living room, where my parents and date were waiting, I suddenly wished I pretended to be too sick to go out, because apparently, my date for tonight is Gray, and he didn't look too pleased at the idea.

"Mom..." I hissed, making sure that she and I were the only ones who can hear. "You did this on purpose!"

She smiled innocently, but I knew better.

"Of course not, how was I to know that you and Gray weren't in good terms? Besides, he didn't look like he was annoyed at the idea."

"Duh. He wouldn't dare tell you and dad that he's mad at your only daughter."

"We're here anyway, so just make-up and have fun."

I gritted my teeth when she pushed me lightly towards Gray, who had a blank expression on his face, and it was unfair that he gets to look good in any facial expression he makes, while I need to keep note on how I always look.

I felt my heart beat a lot faster than ever when he took his right hand out of his pants' pocket and offered his right arm to me. Sighing, I took it, my face turning red when I touched him, and let him lead me to our table.

My parents planned this whole thing, I'm sure of it.

"Sorry."

I blinked, not quite sure if I heard him right, so I looked up at Gray.

"Pardon...?"

He sighed, and turned to meet my gaze.

"I said I'm sorry."

"...For what?"

Because, seriously? I really had no idea why he was apologizing. He didn't do anything wrong.

So...why?

"Last New Year's Eve," he murmured. "I should have understood what you were feeling at that time."

My brows furrowed, and he raised a brow at my sudden action.

Gray continued to stare at me with questioning eyes, while I studied him for a bit, before opening my mouth to say something.

"Just who the heck are you?"

"...What?"

It was his turn to be confused, but I was still puzzled at his behavior.

"I never thought of you to be the first one to apologize over something that isn't even your fault."

"Hn."

Gray suddenly grabbed my hand and pulled me to the dance floor, and I felt my face flush.

"It takes two to tango, Lucy," he whispered in my ear, wrapping one arm around my waist in order to hold me closer to him, while his other hand held one of my own in a tight yet gentle grip. He started leading the dance, and I followed, my mind wandering to another daydream, until I almost tripped.

"Sorry. I'm not a very good dancer," I muttered in mortification. "And also for...yelling at you when you were just trying to help."

"Forgiven," he said, smirking slightly. "And...is my apology accepted as well?"

I smiled sheepishly. "That depends."

"On what?"

"I'm not that easy Gray."

"Hn." He stopped moving, took a few steps back, and then bowed down a bit to me, one arm extended towards me as he looked up and, for the first time, gave me a tiny smile, yet it was a sincere one. "Will the princess be willing to forgive me if I ask her for another dance?"

I couldn't help but giggle at him, but I ended up accepting his offer. He was charming that way, and pretty cute, so I just couldn't resist.

"I'm still waiting for an answer."

I looked at him directly in the eye, allowing myself to drown in his deep pools of ebony, and boldly placed a hand on his cheek, pushing some of his bangs away. "You're forgiven."

"Yes, Mira, we're about to head home now, and my mom is insisting him to stay for a cup of coffee." I laughed a bit at Mira's hyperactive voice from the other line. I was currently in the powder room, freshening up before meeting my parents and Gray outside to prepare for our way back home. "Anyway, I have to go now. I think they've waited long enough."

"Alright then, enjoy Lucy! Sorry that the girls and I had other plans..."

"It's fine, I understand," I said with a smile. "You're all in love, I'm happy for you and the others, so, it's okay."

"What about you?"

"...I've got a great friend, Mira. I'll be fine."

"Hmm...you sure you don't plan on confessing to Mr. Rawr...?"

"Mira..."

"Just asking." I giggled; that was Mira for you. "Alright then Lucy, see you tomorrow at work!"

"Hah! As if you'll be there!"

"Hm. True."

We both laughed and bid our farewells, and I finally stepped out of the powder room and apologized to my parents, and to Gray, for keeping them waiting.

They just shook their heads, and my parents led the way back to the car, while Gray offered me his arm, which I did not hesitate to take.

So, yeah, we might not be lovers, but I guess I can live with just being friends – it's a lot better than not talking to each other.

"Are you sure you're alright?"

I blinked, and then turned to Gray to give him a smile. "Yeah, don't worry, I think it's time I seriously forget about my ex and move on."

"Hn." He looked away from me, but somehow, I think I saw relief in his eyes. "I'm glad," he murmured, and I felt my face turn red, hoping that what I heard actually meant something.

"Why?"

Gray looked at me with a raised brow.

"Why are you glad I mean..."

"Well," he trailed off for a while, and I waited for his answer. "I know that you're always getting hurt whenever you remember him, so by moving on..."

I didn't bother to listen to the rest; it's just like me to think that there was something to what he said, but still, it looks like Gray and I will be just friends.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay for coffee or tea?"

I sighed. My mom is pretty persistent, but as what Gray said, it was getting late, and that he should get going.

"Oh, alright, some other time then?"

It was tempting to pull my mother away from Gray – I'm starting to feel embarassed.

"Oh, wait!" I called him back when mom and dad headed upstairs.

Gray stopped to turn back to me, as I rushed to the kitchen and grabbed one of the two neatly wrapped boxes from the counter. I giggled a bit, much like how a high school girl would when she spots her crush, and instantly ran back to where Gray was.

"Happy Valentine's Day," I said with a smile, handing him the box.

At first, I had this feeling that Gray wouldn't want to take it, but when he gave a small smile and accepted the box, I felt my face turn red, my lips form a big grin, and my heart fluttering. What was strange about my reactions is that when I was with Dan, I did not experience this kind of feeling.

"Thanks," he said. "Night."

"N-Night," I stammered, holding in my girlish squeal. As soon as Gray took off on his motorcycle, I started acting like a teenager who just got asked out by a guy she likes. It was so tempting to call the girls, but I kept reminding myself that what I gave Gray was a box of chocolates meant to be given to friends.

With a small sigh, I headed towards the kitchen to get a glass of water. Upon arriving there, I saw my mom holding another box of chocolates while searching for something.

"Lost something mom?"

"You could say that," she said, eyeing me. "Did you give the chocolates to Gray?"

"Yeah, why?"

I saw her eyes widen.

"Lucy! You gave him the box that I was supposed to hand to your father!"

"Wait, you mean, I gave him the Honmei-chocolates?!"

Oh shit.

Honmei-chocolates are meant for a serious relationship – or rather, it's like a sign that I'm confessing my love for Gray! Damn it! Crap! Hell no! The Giri-chocolate was supposed to be for him as a way of thanking him for everything! Shit!

"What're we going to-"

Before my mom could finish, I sprinted out of the house, glad that I was able to change into a pair running shoes and jeans, with a loose white long-sleeved button-up shirt. However, it's just my luck that the weatherman is right today; it was really a downpour!

"Agh! Screw the rain!" I yelled, my mind set on retrieving that Honmei-chocolate before Gray opens it. But what the heck am I thinking?! He's probably seen it by now! I mean, my place isn't near his, but he didn't go back home on foot! Shit! Gray! Please don't open that box!

But as I continued running, I kept thinking of the what if's...

What if he's seen them, how would he react? What if he rejects me? What if he can't because he doesn't want to hurt me? What if...what if...

I had no idea that I was already banging on his front door. And as soon as it opened, it felt like time stopped when our eyes met.

"Lucy?!"

He looked at me with surprised eyes, and I don't blame him...

"I..." ...have no idea what to say.

"What're you doing here? Get inside!" he said urgently, pulling me in and closing the door, leaving me standing there for a moment, only to come back with a towel. "Here, dry yourself first, I'll get you some change of clothes..."

"Gray..."

He stopped in his tracks and turned to meet my gaze. I held the towel close to my chest, my head was lowered, and I felt really embarassed to be standing there in front of him, soaking wet at that. Not to mention, my top was white and drenched – he could practically see my bra, and that thought alone is making my cheeks flush even more.

"We'll talk later," he told me, and he made a dash towards the stairs to get me some spare clothes.

As I waited for him to return, I tried to calm myself down, since I could hear my heart pounding, as if it's about to come out of my chest. Even though a girl was standing before Gray, a girl who got caught in the rain, a girl who's wearing a white top that looks see-through, a girl who has a fully-developed body...

Gray didn't look at me the way Dan did when he attempted to take my virginity away. He still had that concerned look I always see in his eyes.

"Here."

I hadn't realized that he was back, and I absent-mindedly took the clothes from him. He led me to where the bathroom was, but I did not enter, and just remained standing there, staring at him, and he looked back at me with a confused expression.

"You'll catch a cold that way, go get changed."

He didn't sound demanding, he sounded more like a really caring guy, and that was what made me forget what I was supposed to tell him.

"Lucy, hey!"

I felt Gray grab my shoulders, I felt him shake me out of my trance, but I still could not look away from those dark eyes of his. It's the first thing I noticed and felt attracted to when I first met him, and even until now, whenever I'd look into his eyes, I seem to forget where I am, and could care less if I drowned in those deep pools of ebony.

"Lu-" Without thinking, I cut him off when I tackled him to an embrace and buried my face on his chest, my fingers gripping the fabric of his shirt, refusing to let him go, forcing myself to believe that he was mine – not just a friend, but someone whom I will love, someone who would love me back and never hurt me.

"I..."

Damn it! Why is it so hard to say what I feel? Why can't I tell him?

"Lucy, please," he said, and I think I felt my heart stop for a moment, since he sounded like he already knew, and was about to reject me. "Go get changed first, I don't want you to get sick."

I had no idea that I just let out a breath that I have been holding...

Silence engulfed us both as we sat beside each other on his couch, a few inches away from each other, with two cups of steaming hot tea on the center table to keep us warm. The rain did not go away, but rather, it poured much heavier than earlier, leaving me stranded here, alone with Gray, whom I feel I'm bothering.

"Sorry," I mumbled, causing him to blink and turn his head to me. "I'm probably a bother to you right now," I said, sticking my knees together as my fingers curled up, clutching the fabric of the loose shorts he lent me.

I can feel his eyes on me, but I had my long hair hide my face from his view, so that he won't see my blush, or notice my discomfort.

"You're not being a bother Lucy, why would you think you are?"

"Just a feeling, you know," I confessed. "You could be doing other things than sitting here and waiting for me to go home."

"Hn. I've got nothing better to do."

"You're just saying that."

"No, I'm serious."

"So..." I guess I should just get this over with. "...Did you open the box?"

"Aa."

Shit.

I glanced at Gray, glad that he had his head turned elsewhere.

"And...did you...taste it?"

"Aa."

"I thought you didn't like sweets?"

I watched as he closed his eyes and leaned back. "I don't, but you gave them to me."

"You don't have to force yourself."

"I'm not," he said bluntly. "It's just that...I didn't want to not eat at least one, it's like I'm treating what you gave me as trash if that's the case."

I managed a small smile, but it soon faded as I felt that I had to bring the truth out now, to let Gray know how I really feel. I can't tell him that the chocolate was meant for my father, so I had no choice but to tell him the truth.

"Was it...good?"

"Yeah," he murmured. "It's been a while since I had one actually."

"Honmei...?"

He looked at me when I said that, but I did not attempt to correct myself, because I knew that he was waiting for me to admit it. Gray is smart, I know that, and he won't play dumb for long.

"No," he said, eyes still looking into mine. "The taste."

"I'm glad you like it."

And once again, silence became our other company, but his eyes were still locked onto mine, and I did not make a move to turn away.

"Will you just tell me the truth?" Gray's brows did not furrow, but his eyes were slightly narrowed.

I couldn't find my voice, I just stared back at him, unsure of what to do, of what to say...

"Are you in love with me?" he asked.

And I couldn't help it when my eyes grew blurry, and when tears just came out.

"I...I have to go." I got up from the couch and rushed towards the door. I felt pathetic for crying in front of him, as well as for struggling to twist the door knob to open the front door.

"Lucy."

I froze when Gray held my hand that was on the door knob. He was directly behind me, and I could feel him towering over me, and if he'd want to, he can corner me easily.

"Don't go." He paused for a moment, as I remained silent. "It's still raining outside, wait for the storm to pass."

I got mad at him for that, since I thought he didn't want me to go because he wanted me to stay here, as in, in the romantic way I mean. But I can't snap at him, it was my fault this whole thing started...

"Just let me go," I whispered, turning around to face him, raising my head to meet his gaze. He wasn't surprised to see me silently crying, but I could see how his brows furrowed at what I said. "Let me go," I repeated, meaning it literally, at the same time, telling him to just forget about me and move on, because I really can't stand being here anymore, I'm afraid that I might break down if I stay too near him.

"Tch." I saw Gray form a glare, and I flinched when he slammed one hand against the door near the side of my head. I glanced at his hand for a moment, before my eyes widened when he leaned down, his eyes in level with mine. "No," he said firmly, leaning closer, and I swear my heart pounded so hard.

"I won't let you."

"Then say you love me!" I cried out, desperate. I knew from the very beginning that I was falling for him. The moment our eyes met on that day, the day he saved me from Dan, I knew that he caught me, I knew that he was the one whom I would fall in love with. I tried to pull way, forced myself to remain as just friends with him, but at the same time, I didn't want to ignore what I feel for him. "Say...that you want to be with me..." I said, barely above a whisper. "Tell me that you care for me, more than a friend, that you've fallen for me, that you're returning my feelings..."

"I can't..." he said, sounding as if it was painful for him to admit it.

"Why can't you?!" I yelled, fists clenched. "I love you Gray! I love you so much!"

"Lucy, I...I don't..." It was the first time I saw him so confused and unsure of what he was about to say. "I can't."

"It's just four words Gray! It's so simple!" I grabbed his shirt and pulled him down for a kiss, but as soon as our lips were so close, I stopped and pulled back, feeling weak all of a sudden as my back hit the door behind me, as I felt my knees beginning to shake and give away.

"I don't want to hurt you." My eyes widened, and I couldn't help but let my tears fall. He saw that I was crying, and he quickly pulled me into his arms. "Just let me go," I said to him. "No. I won't." And I wish he'd say it again.

"Please," I begged. "Spare me from this." I turned my head away, refusing to return his warm embrace. "Just let me go home, and I'll forget about this."

"I said I won't," he repeated, his hug tightening.

"You're hurting me Gray...you're hurting me the way Dan did..." I pushed him away. "You're both the same," I murmured. "In terms of breaking my heart."

Gray was taken aback from what I said, and I took this as an opportunity to open the door and to run back home; this time, not holding back the remaining tears I have yet to shed.

I wanted to be with him, I saw the possibility of us being together for an eternity, because I felt it – I felt that he was the one, I really did, and I've never been so sure in my whole life, until I met him.

So close yet still so far...

"When you're telling me that I'm the only one who blows your mind."

Hope all of you like the drama!

Special thanks to the reviewers, followers, and favoriters :D