:~:~:~:
He was watching her, eyes brimming with tears as he watched her go. His heart breaking into pieces as he knew she might never come back.
"Gray" she whispered
He tried to call out but the words couldn't come out of his mouth. He reached out toward her but she kept moving farther away. His dark eyes widening in fear.
"WAIT!" he yelled "Don't leave me! Please!"
"One day Gray" she smiled sweetly at him "One day…" her voice trailed off with her fading off into existence.
~:~
Gray awoke with a start, his breathing was shallow and sweat was beading down his forehead. It was two a.m. and he was having a nightmare.
"Ugh" he groaned "Not another dream of her" he muttered wiping off the sleep in his eye. A shine of silver light was faltering through the window, Gray looked out to see a full moon glittering back at him.
He felt a wave of relief after taking in the silent night's beauty. "I hope you're right" he mumbled before going back to sleep.
xxxoxxx
Not far from Gray's room someone was up and about. Lyon was searching through the unpacked boxes, yes at two in the morning he is still unpacking, he can't find his bed sheets and he doesn't want to sleep in the cold. Though he probably has to but it wouldn't be a problem since he likes the cold.
"Seriously did the movers simply misplaced them?" he worried. He did though find some interesting stuff. Like his old rubix cube, his old black belt from when he was seven, and some old books.
His hands glided across the unknown objects while he searched through the dark for his warm blankets. His hand came across a handle with a touch of strings on it; if he strums it he could make a tune. He grabbed hold of the object "What's this?"
He took out the entire object from the box, getting a better view he finally understood what he has found "Gray's guitar? What's this doing here?" he placed the guitar down gently. A wave of nostalgia overcame bringing a smile on his face "I thought he threw it out. I'm glad he didn't"
He yawned "I'll put this in his room later. He'll be glad that it wasn't lost after all" he stood up and yawned once more trudging himself to bed. He felt something touch the bottom of his foot, he looked down squinting, after his eyes readjusted to the light he recognized what he saw. It was his blanket.
"Bloody hell" he muttered "It was under my bed the whole time"
xxxoxxx
"Tadaimaaa!" Lucy ranged as she entered her empty house, she knew no one was home but she couldn't help the habit. Her mother always told her that she should do that when she returns home and her mother will reply "Oukaari" with the same smile on her face.
Oh how Lucy missed that smile. She took off her shoes and headed upstairs passing by the portrait of her family. It was photographed when she was 11; the last picture she had with her mother, before she passed away.
Lucy opened her door that leads to a pink colored room. There was queen-sized bed with a lacey comforter. There was a white night stand next to it. There was a desk crowded with papers on top of it near the window. It was simple but she liked simple. Even if she could afford more that what she has.
It's been a few weeks since they got back at school. With the new classmate that seems to annoy the hell out of her everyday Lucy is beginning to get used to Gray Fullbuster. Not that he needs to know.
"I'm exhausted" she flopped down on her bed and grabbed the book that was messily laid there. She turned to the page where she left off. It was the book that Gildarts-sensei assigned to the class. She had a few notes written down but she was almost done with the book and the festival was only three in half weeks away. She has plenty of time.
"Bored Bored Bored" she muttered before she heard a faint knock on the door.
"Lucy-sama?" asked a small but nice voice.
"Yes Ms. Suppetto?" she asked not noticing the hesitance in the head maid's voice probably thinking that the she is asking her to come down for dinner.
"Your father wishes to speak with you." she deadpanned. Lucy's eyes widened and gulped. Her father rarely sees her unless it's got to do with business. She did not like the sound of Suppetto's voice.
"Alright. Tell him I'll be there shortly."
"Okay Lucy-sama" her footsteps were now running down the hallway. Lucy heaved a sigh before glum brown eyes turned their gaze towards the book now lying down on the floor.
She didn't realize it even fell. She picked it up and dusted off some dirt that was on it "Jane Eyre" she murmured with a sad smile. She couldn't help but relate to Jane in this story.
She threw the book down on the bed before exiting her room quietly.
xxxoxxx
"You wish to see me Father?" the timid girl asked as she pushed opened big mahogany doors that lead to a big office. The man she greeted had a dark stoic expression; not taking his eyes off from the girl that just entered. He stood up from his desk and started to walk towards the window glancing at the estate.
"Lucy" he muttered, the girl winced after hearing the seriousness in his voice.
The man sighed before rubbing his temples; his pride was the only thing on his mind before returning his gaze to his only daughter that resembled so much of his late wife. Well pride and money.
"I have good news and bad news"
Lucy gulped and tried not to fidget as he turned his gaze on her; she didn't like where this was going.
"What's the bad news?" she asked
"My Company…" he trailed off "Is going bankrupt; Love and Lucky. So it's being sold to our competitor Andrew Harris." his voice a bit hesitant, thinking if he word it correctly or not.
Lucy's eyes widened; fury and sadness overwhelming her. She clenched her fists and gritted her teeth. There was good news right? But nothing can make her happy about her father selling his and her mother's company. She knew her mother worked so hard on it; now her years of hard work will be wasted.
"And the good news?" she harshly stated. Her once brown happy eyes now glaring daggers at her emotionless father who seem not to care like anything he will say matter to her now.
He looked back at the window where he was gladly viewing the estate and avoiding Lucy's gaze. He spotted his late wife's grave he made a "Tch" after reverting his gaze from the window to his daughter.
"Mr. Harris feeling a bit charitable offered me to still keep ownership of the company. Well half"
"Well isn't that good fo—"she interrupted but her father cut her off.
"On one condition, He said he didn't want anyone to know that someone out of the Harris' family has half ownership of one of his companies. So we made an arrangement for you and his son to be courted."
"OTOU-SAN" she yelled as the emotions were now overwhelming her. "You don't mean to say that I…I… THIS IS AN ARRANGED MARRIAGE?" she cried in disbelief.
"That is exactly what I'm saying. And don't raise your voice at me young lady. The arrangements are already settled. But seeing as his son goes to school in another part of Mangolia you won't be able to meet him until a few weeks when he is off for vacation."
"But!"
"No Buts! My decision is final! This is the only way I can ensure you will be well provided in your future! I was already making decisions about your future suitor so this was also a good opportunity; killing two birds with one stone."
"But I don't want this! Isn't there some other way for you to regain the money to buy the company back?" her voice cracked as she asked.
"Maybe we can start from scratch maybe we can—"
"Lucy enough! Stop being stupid with thinking that is humanly possible to do! You imbecile! With the money that Mr. Harris earns we will be double rich even with me owning just half of the company!"
Lucy gritted her teeth, as tears trickled own her cheek, now this whole arrangement started to make sense "Is that what it's really about? The money? Is the company really bankrupt or is this some scheme for you to get more money?" she spat out.
Jude Heartfilia fell silent before he turned his back on his daughter; she must have hit the nail.
Lucy was sniffling as the tears came out she wiped them away fiercely before running out of her father's office.
"I hate you!" was echoed down the halls. A door slam and heavy crying was now audible for everyone in the mansion to hear.
"Mother would never approve of this," she said softly as she laid her head down on her bed, slowly drifting to sleep.
xxxoxxx
"Will you cut it out Lyon?" a now irritated Gray was asking the taller young man in front of him who was playing with Gray's hair.
"Ahh but I'm bored Gray-chan" he sang which caused some of the girls around them to giggle. Lyon was visiting his younger brother during the lunch break.
"Gah stop calling me that!" he waved his hands up in the air with a tic mark on his forehead. There was a dust of pink etching its way on his cheeks.
"Mo." Lyon pouted "Call me Lyon nii-chan like you used to Gray-chan" he replied
"You're no fun no fun at all!" he said again still twirling Gray's hair
"Shut Up! Are you calling me boring then? I have you know I'm the most interesting person you will ever meet!" he barked out. Many of the students around them were now focusing their eyes on the siblings. It was interesting.
"Well then.." a knowing grin was now on Lyon's face, he rested his elbow on the desk as he placed his palm under his cheek.
"Then me being related to you and being the oldest that makes me the most interesting person on earth!" he said with a cheeky grin. Gray twitched.
"Stop using my words against me Baka."
"Well you're an easy target and that's why you fall for it" he replied smirking.
"It's hard to believe that you two are brothers" Levy added when she placed down the book she finished reading and was giggling at the two.
"Don't get your hopes too high Levy, I'm still working out this conspiracy that Lyon is adopted and is actually a monkey in disguise" said a disgruntled Gray; he crossed his arms and glared at Lyon who was simply laughing.
"AHAHHA you're still on that? I remember we were six when those ideas creep into your head. Sorry to break it to you Gray-chan but we are related whether you like it or not" he stick out his tongue childishly which caused other students in the class to laugh.
Gray "tch" and turned away; his ears were turning pink after Lyon's remark 'DAMN HIM!'
Levy giggled "Ever since you two transferred here it has become even livelier here at Fairy Tail; all the students like you!"
Lyon wagged his finger "Ah that may be right for me but you forgot that a certain blonde girl doesn't really like a certain Gray-Chan" he chimed.
Levy laughed sheepishly "Ah yes I sort of forgot about those two. Ne Gray it's already been a month why can't you two get along?"
"WHAT? Don't ask me ask Blondie she is the one that starts it!" he barked irritably
"But you're childish enough to fight back" replied Lyon
"Well of course!" he replied "My pride as a man is on the line if I let her have the last laugh. She challenges me, I accept, she is the one who is the sore loser every time I win I can't help that" he said in a huff.
Lyon chuckled "Well I suppose you're right but at some point you have to stop fighting with Lucy-chan"
"Ehh?" he rolled his eyes "Since when did you get so chummy with her? You guys are already on the first name bases."
"Is a certain Gray-chan jealous perhaps?" Lyon grinned, Gray huffed "Really Lyon I'm just wondering why you would side with the enemy instead of your own brother" Gray was clearly ticked off.
"Simple. Lucy's cute." he said smiling. Gray looked appalled "Why do you think a demon like her is cute?"
The class stopped chatting; a deadly aura suddenly surrounded the room but Gray didn't take notice.
"I mean seriously! She has a bad temper, she's bipolar and KOWAII DESU! Why on earth do you think a demon like her is cute? Have you fallen on your head Lyon?"
"Um Gray.."
"She gets mad easily.."
"Gray.."
"She throws tantrums"
"Gray I don't think you—"
"And she's not that good looking either.."
"GRAY!"
Gray stopped and looked at his brother weirdly not noticing the other stares from his classmates or the paled expression from his brother. Or even the deadly aura behind him.
"What?"
Lyon was trembling a bit and couldn't utter a word so he just pointed to the figure that was behind Gray.
'Shit he's gonna get it now'
Now noticing his brother's troubled face he flinched as Lyon's trembling finger that was pointing to something behind Gray's back. 'Crap'
Gray heaved a sigh before he looked at his brother with pleading eyes "She's right behind me isn't she?" he said with much dread. Lyon only nodded.
"Lyon,," he said with much sincerity.
"Yes?" he replied earnestly.
"Tell Ultear….that I'll miss her" he said.
"Will do" and with that Gray bolted out the room with a scary blonde girl chasing behind.
"FULLBUSTER COME BACK HERE!" was heard down the halls "I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!"
Their classmates' sweat dropped at the little scene "This never gets old does it?" said Levy. Lyon nodded with a slight smile placed on his lips "It's entertaining and I'm glad to see Gray-chan worked up like this" he chuckled.
Levy giggled "Yeah same goes for Lu-chan especially this early in the morning". The students nodded their heads in agreement.
"Ne Lyon?"
"Hmmm?" he hummed
"If you don't mind me asking…" she trailed off "Who's Ultear?" she asked timidly.
For a moment Lyon grunted, a frown was shadowing over his small smile "It's a long story do you mind?"
"No not at all. We have time before break is over" she said quietly.
"All right then just don't tell anyone about it or let Gray know that I told you"
"Don't worry I won't"
"Well Ultear...she is someone important to Gray and I."
xxxoxxx
"Is that the best you can do Heartfilia?" Gray asked teasingly as he ran down the corridors of the school with an angered flushed face Lucy trailing behind.
"When I get my hands on you!—"she barked
"If you get your hands on me!" he interrupted with a sly grin
"Why the hell do you have to piss me off so early in the mourning?!" she asked frustrated as she started to catch up to the ever-fast Gray.
Gray only grinned at his latest work; pissing off Lucy without even trying, now that's something that he can take pride in.
"Not my fault that you have anger issues BLONDIE!" he smirked as he rand down a sharp corner hoping that he can shake off the girl that wants to prance him. But to his avail she has quick senses and ran down it with ease.
"SHUT UP BAKA!~" Lucy gritted her teeth, her chest heaving up and down. She is beginning to lose her stamina but she doesn't want Gray to know that.
"Getting tired Heartfilia?" he asked as he turned his head back smirking. Lucy stuck out her tongue in annoyance "In your dreams Fullbuster"
"Well then! I intend to not lose to you!" he skidded across the hall and went straight down the stairs
Lucy started to run down the stairs hastily "Same goes for—"
Every moment in time is somehow recorded in memory, some you get to live it in slow motion as if time itself is frozen. Her last word was cut off to a "WUUP!" as she slipped down the stairs now defying gravity as her body leans forward towards the floor. Lucy shut her eyes and crossed her arms in front of her face in order to cushion the fall.
She waited.
.
.
and waited. But nothing.
It's funny how when you're waiting for something it takes its time to happen. When you're anticipating it it'll try to slow down and catch you off guard even though you know it's going to happen.
It took Lucy a while to figure that she had stopped falling and is in someone's embrace. A strong grip around her waist while her face is pressed against something firm but soft. A faint heartbeat was now audible to her ears. It was racing fast and she almost mistook it for her own. Hers is still beating now due to the rush or maybe because she's in close contact with her savior. Either way it's thumping excitingly causing her to have a panging feeling in her chest. Something she believed that she never felt before.
Lucy looked up to meet Grey-blue eyes staring at her, her face suddenly grew red and her heart beating more loudly, its still ringing in her ears that's she is having difficulty hearing the words being addressed to her.
"Oi Heartfilia!" a voice yelled. Gray looked at her worriedly, he didn't expect the turn of events for this to happen. It was just a friendly little chase because he loved teasing the girl. He didn't think that she would fall down the stairs but luckily he was not too far away and was able to catch her.
Lucy snapped out of it and flinched a bit and was trembling, fear and shock was written on her face.
'How embarrassing!' her face was now flushed pink 'I should have been more careful and out of all people he was the one to break my fall' but she knew that she was grateful for that. It still surprised her that she actually felled down the stairs, she was in a daze during the chase she must admit because of the earlier events at home. If Gray wasn't there who knew how badly injured she could be.
Now Lucy waited, for him to shove her off making a snarky remark like the Gray she knew. Something like 'You're such a Klutz Heartfilia' or 'Can't you watch where you're going?' or what she thought was the worse 'Falling for me Heartfilia?'. She couldn't take the suspense and look down at the floor avoiding his gaze. But what she didn't expect was for him to say:
"You okay?" he asked with concern evident in his voice. He looked at her curiously noticing that she isn't looking at him but he didn't want to question it further.
"Ummm y-yeah" she whispered a bit hesitantly. 'Mo now I feel bad! Thinking he would say crude comments when in reality he was nice to ask if I was alright' she thought with much guilt.
"You sure? Not hurt anywhere?" Gray said, he still had his arms around her but he softened his grip making sure she didn't have any injuries.
"N-no I-I'm fine" she stuttered reverting her gaze from the floor to the staircase and back to the floor again. Making it obvious that she didn't want to look Gray in the face.
'She is so easy to read' Gray thought with much amusement. Gray sighed in relief, when she finally looked up he gave her a small smile making her fidget a bit more.
He arched an eyebrow 'is she uncomfortable? Oh must be because we're kind of in -ahem- intimate position' Gray decided to let her go and back up a bit to give them a space between them. He chuckled slightly.
"You need to be more careful Heartfilia, you could have been seriously hurt", Lucy blinked her eyes processing what he just told her before giving him a slight nod.
'You don't have to be awkward about it' he thought
"Well I guess this ends here class is about to start so I guess we should be heading there now" she only nodded but as soon as she looked up she gave a nice smile, which surprised Gray.
"Un" she beamed. Gray chuckled, he walked up to her and patted her head and then starting to mess up her hair.
"Alright then let's go" before he got the chance to leave he felt a tug on his sleeve, he turned around and gave Lucy a questionably look. She took a deep breath before she started to speak.
"Ummm.." she again looked away which caused Gray to be slightly annoyed 'Why can't she look me in the face?' he felt irked but waited patiently for her.
"A-Arigatou...for saving me" she blushed. Gray's eyes widened in surprise; shocked that Lucy was actually thanking him. He never thought in a million years that this would ever happen but here they are.
'GAHH she kind of looks.." he looked at her again to see a very timid and fidgety Lucy 'Cute' he finally thought which caused him to look petrified at the thought 'DAMN! I'm turning into Lyon! Crap' he composed himself before answering.
"It's no problem really" he slightly smiled. They both started to heading up the stairs not speaking a word but were in comfortable silence.
xxxoxxx
"And that's why we moved back to Magnolia but we never expected to see everyone here" Lyon finally finished with Levy nodding understanding.
"Wow what a long and sad story. I'm glad you two came back you guys have a chance of having a happy ending" she gave him a reassuring smile.
Lyon smiled back now standing up and heading towards the classroom exit. "Well it was indeed a pleasure talking to you Levy." he waved and exited the class "See you and tell Gray-Chan that I left"
She nodded and then heard the bell ring signaling for the next class to start. She noticed Lucy and Gray enter the classroom but was surprised to see them not bickering. What even intrigued her more was the faint blush on Lucy's cheeks.
She grinned deviously and started to wiggle her eyebrows 'Ho ho ho I wonder what happened?'
Love indeed blooms in certain places