CHAPTER FIVE: CHALLENGE ACCEPTED


Gray's POV:

It was 9:30 in the evening when I finally decided to get my indolent bum up and also to get myself ready to hit the clubs tonight. Like I said before, I absolutely cannot go without partying, after all it being my number one source for distractions since I needed to get my mind off of unnecessary things anyway and what better remedy than for me to go clubbing and getting laid? Getting a one night only was without a doubt normal to me I'd say plus it was certain that Loke would turn up at the night club as well. Every single night without fail, the guy would be spending his time hitting on any girls that suited his taste- hot chicks. And so on, you can guess where that'll lead to, yes, casual sex unquestionably.

Although, I'm not as into it as Loke is but it's either a game or a form of entertainment for me and certainly it worked like magic every single damn time.

Putting on a long sleeved gray sweater and a black leather jacket together with a pair of jeans which matched perfectly with my top. I put on my shades and was ready to hit the road with my bike.

Fifteen minutes into the ride and I could already see neon lights flickering the club's sign and motto "No pressure, no pleasure" as I pulled over my bike to their nearby parking lot while removing my helmet in the process. As usual, since it being a Friday night, many other vehicles were seen to have filled the parking area.

The club was well-known for its strong alcoholic drinks and beverages which comprised of various shots such as the Devil's Prada shot that leaves you intoxicated just by consuming it only once. (Even Cana wasn't able to handle it either) Also, the club was popular due to the fact that it has 'make-out' lounges that were situated at the back of the club which by the way was only available for usual clubbers like myself, Loke and of course Jellal. You could say that this was our secret spot we'd like to hang out and have a couple of drinks together. It was definitely a concession I couldn't go without.

Ruffling my now messy hair, I pulled out the engine key and got off my bike at the same time fixing my crooked jacket along the way towards the club where I could already hear dub step track mixes blaring from the building that was packed with people. I smirked to myself upon reaching the entrance before pushing it open as rainbow disco lights greeted my eyes, my senses tingling. I sure as hell would be enjoying myself tonight.

As usual, the dance floor was filled with people danci- no wait or should I say grinding onto each other seductively to the upbeat tempo of the song being played. As soon as I got used to the atmosphere of the club, I made my way through the massive crowds of people. Ugh, I never liked this feeling of sweaty bodies rubbing against one another. After getting myself seated on one of the bar stool, the next thing I felt was an arm being thrown around my shoulders from behind.

"Yo." It was Jellal as he took the seat that was beside me, ordering a drink from the counter as well.

"What's up, Jellal? What brings you here?" I couldn't help but ask since he hasn't been here for awhile now but I might have an idea for his reasons as to why.

"Same old, really. I was stopping by is all?" he replied.

Well, if there was one thing I knew about this guy was that he's practically the worst liar on the planet if not THE most horrible liar on the planet. None of us guys ever just 'stop by' a club like this, Jellal I swear you could come up with something better than that.

"…"

"Okay, fine Gray. I just needed to clear my head. There's nothing bad about that, right?" he said as he took a mouthful from his beer, before gulping it down.

"And?" I persisted.

"And I did the deed last night w-with… Erza. I-"he stopped half way, giving me a somewhat confused or rather a guilty look at that.

I had nearly choked on my own drink upon hearing that ridiculous sentence of his. What the fuck did he just say?! Jellal did… what to Erza? I knew the two of them had a 'thing' going in the past and it's kind of thorny right now but who on Earth would have thought that Jellal would screw his ex girlfriend again? Furthermore, they did it just the night before? Well, looks like I wasn't the only who had plenty of fun last night huh? I thought mentally.

"Hnn. Trust me when I say this but I wasn't expecting that from you at all, Jellal" I told him.

"Neither am I, Gray. I didn't know what I was doing and then I was just caught in the moment you kn-"

"Jellal, do you regret it?" I asked him, cutting him off through his explanations.

"Yes and no." he muttered under his breath.

"Yes, because I knew we weren't even together anymore and it might have been a mistake last night and no because part of me still… has a thing for her. It felt great." he confessed.

"God, Jellal. I don't exactly know what happened when the two of you split up but know this, don't hurt the girl anymore. I think she's been through enough if you know what I mean. She can change you, Jellal. Don't break her." I said, giving my best advice possible.

To be honest, that was the least I could do for Jellal for the time being, well having my own problems at hand, I cannot get myself too involved with their much complicated relationship right now when I'm still having my own issues here and there.

"Thanks, Gray. I hope I know what's best for Erza. Loke is in the back by the way, says he wants to talk to you."

"You mean our usual lounge?" I asked just to make sure and he nodded.

"Jellal, just don't do anything stupid okay?" I added in one last sentence before giving the guy a slight hand gesture as I faded into the crowd of people.

Well, this isn't all that surprising of a sight to see from Loke at our longue. He had two girls that were beside him with both his arms around their shoulders and furthermore, he was lip locked with one of them, wasting no time at all while he was at it. Moving his hand down the blonde girl's waist, she gave a pleasurable moan while kissing Loke and I could barely see their tongue movement from where I was standing, leaning against the door. I watched as she was already grinding his manhood, ready to rip his jacket off him while pressing their bodies together. And as for the other girl? Heck, she was already eyeing me with much flirtatiousness from her seat beside him. I could've sworn Loke was oblivious to my presence in the lounge while he was busy sucking the girl's face. I've known the guy the longest and he is still the same Loke as always- surrounded by girls for sure.

Slowly he trailed his hand up her cropped top but before they could reach their destination, I cleared my throat audible enough for them to get the message. "Ehem." I coughed and without delay the blond shot herself up from Loke's lap, fixing her short see- through skirt in the process. Her face still flustered.

"Why do you always have to interrupt me, Gray?" he pouted.

"Hnn, it's not my problem. May be you should get yourself a proper girlfriend, about time right?" I teased him, as I took the vacant seat on the other side of the longue.

"Very funny, Gray. Love your sense of humor," He said with much sarcasm in his voice. "Well, you could say so yourself about having a proper relationship."

"Hnn, alright then maybe I should get one." I joked.

See this is why I love hanging around here not only because of the undivided attention from girls roughly my age but also with these fellas. They're able to get my mind off things you know one of which includes that.

"Anyway, why does your hair smell like strawberries anyway? That's rather strange, don't tell me you've turned into some pussy," I asked, and I could see the girls giggling silently away at my comment.

"Oh please, Gray. It was a long story." He sighed.

I managed to get out a laugh or two out of that because he always says that whenever he got rejected by a girl. I guess some things are nevertheless the same, unchanging.

"So who was it this time, huh?"

"Luce" he quietly mumbled to himself.

"Say what, Loke? I didn't catch that name right."

"I said Lucy! Damn you, bastard." Cursing, Loke shot me a glare.

"I was just messing with you, damn it haha."

"How did it happen?" I asked, wanting to know more.

"Basically, ikissedheronthelips ((I kissed her on the lips*)) and she dumped strawberry shake all over me. Hence, the fruity scent." He quickly gushed out his words as he vaguely told me what happened. Clearly he was displeased with what happened earlier as anger began to fill his voice.

"Hmm, okay. Do you like her? Luce I mean," I questioned him with a smirk.

"Nope, not one bit I'd say. Why would I like her? She's a Celestial mage and I disgust them so much," Loke reasoned coolly. Oh my and here I thought he always had a thing for that blond mage even though he doesn't admit it. Well, guess I was wrong?

"All I did was to try and hit on her but it obviously failed so I could say that she pretty much turns me off." He continued. "Anyway, I wanted to talk to you about something. Its favor I'd like to ask you actually."

"What is it?"

"Well, could we do another bet again?" he asked me seriously.

"I don't know, Loke. After that Lisanna bet, I'm just not in the mood at the moment." I mean you can't blame me for not feeling too good about it right? I mean I did do the deed with the girl. I thought Loke gimme a break.

"Will you hear me out first?" and I nodded in reply.

"I want a payback for my humiliation at the guild today. I can't stop thinking what how it would ruin my image and reputation around here so please, Gray. I'll make this the last bet you'll ever do." He pleaded me; desperation was heard from his tone as he emphasized on the word.

"So what do you want me to do, Loke?" I asked, raising a brow.

"It's the same old routine, pal. Make her fall for you; sleep with her then dump her. That's what we always do or have you forgotten, Gray?" Loke chuckled before giving the blonde girl a peck on the cheek and he blushed at the contact.

"What's in it for me, Loke? Or have you forgotten about it?" now I was the one who's smirking.

"Five hundred thousand (500 000)jewels." He simple stated the reward, "together with two exclusive tickets to Akane Resort and Spa. Rest assured Gray, all these will be yours if you win the bet and if five hundred thousand isn't enough I'll even raise it up to a million. It'll help you with that issue you've been facing for past five years. Hitting three birds with one stone I'd say."

"Hnn, three birds you say?" asking as I leaned back to the sofa.

"Yeah, one you get to sleep with a chick. Two, you get the reward then three; you'll be problem free afterwards. Don't fret, she'll get over it eventually, you know what I mean Gray." This guy sure can convince people huh, I thought wordlessly.

"Now you're talkin', Loke."

"So challenge accepted, Mr Player of the guild?" he asked reaching out a hand towards me.

"Challenge accepted."

As I grabbed his hand, taking a firm shake he leaned in and muttered a word of thanks. Heh, if anything, I should be the one thanking Loke instead but anyway, my last and final bet is on its way.

To be continued~


Author's note!

And ONE NIGHT is officially off from hiatus which means weekly updates are back on! It's been a while hasn't it guys? GOMEN NEE! but i missed all of you and i really appreciate all the love and support that has been given to this fic so far! **muacks* Well what do you guys think of this do drop a review giving me suggestions and pairings too!;) To be honest, i really enjoyed writing each of the characters' POV more than the normal POV, what do you think? haha See you again!