DISCLAIMER: I do not own Fairy Tail; not its characters, the settings or anything—Hiro Mashima-sensei does. The only thing I do own is the plot of this story. Either ways, please respect our works.

-CHAPTER TWO: IF ONLY-
"But all of those weren't even close to being the most painful part…"

He had remembered when he eavesdropped on the two girls' conversation. He remembered the blond squealing like a sissy schoolgirl at the thought of her first date. But instead of being jealous, he supported her. If only he had told her then, would it be the same?

When Natsu asked him to escort her, he gladly accepted (although the Salamander had run off before he could say 'yes'). He reached her house on a "rented" motorcycle and very carefully snuck inside to give her a surprise; and he didn't fail. She was still had her "you're trespassing" kind of look but that wasn't what made him fidgety: it was the fact that she looked extremely stunning (a word which he didn't find strong enough to describe her glorious beauty that night). He needed to act casual so he feigned a calm composure and led her out the door. If only he stopped her from going on that date, would things have changed?

The full six minutes, twenty-seven second duration of their motorcycle hell ride (yes, he counted) had been the best he's experienced yet. He purposely drove like a madman in the night so that she would tighten her grip on his waist—which seemed to work. If only he'd taken her someplace else, would she allow him to be her date?

And then when she didn't show up at the guild for a few days, he volunteered himself to check up on her. If only he didn't, he wouldn't hear her ask about Natsu, what a lucky flame freak!

Then, a few weeks later, when Natsu had forgotten all about his and the girl's monthsary, he had to teach him a trick he'd been saving all his life—a kiss (so yes, he has never been touched, never been kissed). He did this because a) the dork looked extremely hopeless and b) he couldn't bear to watch the blonde get depressed and risk her not going to the guild for another century or so. Later on that afternoon, Natsu declared in front of everyone that she was his and his alone. The black-haired mage remembered how many vodka bottles he had glugged with Juvia that night and how he almost (note, almost) had a one-night-stand with her. If only he didn't say the other girl's name instead of Juvia, he'd probably made the biggest and grandest mistake of his life (much to Juvia's dismay).

But all of those weren't even close to being the most painful part—no, no, no, no! It was spending every single day seeing those two together saying what if's in his head and cursing every single night he wanted her—but couldn't have her.

The boy sighed, rubbing his temples. He laid his head back on the chair while remembering those heart-aches. The rain still hadn't stopped since last night and it was nearly twilight, he thought while looking at a certain stellar spirit mage who lay on his bed.

This seemed to be a perfect way to take advantage of Lucy—but he couldn't. Why? Because even if he loved her so damned much, he didn't want to force her into something one-sided. Yes, it hurt, but patience has always been a Gray Fullbuster virtue.

So now, like a coward, he was watching the girl jerk once in a while; laid on his bed, burning with fever.

"Mmmm…" Lucy's discomfort can be heard in her groaning.

Should I be turned on? Gray thought, but knew better.

"Mh… M—utsu…" What did she say?

"Mh—Natsu…" Oh…

"Lucy…." Gray said sternly.

Lucy opened her eyes slowly. "Who—are you?" she croaked. "Natsu?"

Damn. "No, it's me, Gray." He replied without moving from his seat.

"Gray?" he nodded coolly.

He didn't know why but Lucy suddenly sobbed, which turned to crying, then wailing. Lucy sat up, cupping her head in her delicate hands.

What a melodramatic girl! Gray thought as he rubbed circles on Lucy's back with one hand.

"Oh, Gray!" It was then that Lucy hugged Gray, who was conveniently close, by the waist. Her damp face rubbing against his well-toned abdomen.

"What happened?" he said monotonously. "Tell me everything."

Outside, the rain continued to pour. It didn't seem like the sky would stop crying soon, and so would Lucy.

If only you'd seen me, Lucy. Gray thought as he listened to Lucy's muffled sentences. You wouldn't be crying now.

YAAAAAAAAAY! So it was Gray after all!

Everyone who knew it was him, say "Aye!"

"AYE!"