A/N: Hello readers! Sorry about the wait for this chapter, but you can thank Nora57 for me posting this chapter tonight. Remember, your reviews are encouraging so take the time to drop a line. A list of my intended pairings: Lucy x Gray, Erza x Jellal, Natsu x Lisanna, Levy x Gajeel, Juvia x Lyon. Hope you enjoy!
Chapter Five:
Lucy tugged at the waist of her form-fitting dress. It was a dark blue chiffon material that matched very well to Gray's dark blue vest and bow tie—he'd decided to wear a tailored suit instead of a tuxedo to their job at the wedding. She wore her keys strapped to her thigh in a functional garter belt.
"Stop fidgeting," Gray admonished reaching over and grasping her hand and pulling it away from her waist-line. She yanked her arm away from him. "Are you still mad at me about earlier?"
"My journal is private. You had no right to share it without my permission." She was mad at him, but not terribly so. Levy and Gajeel had only positive opinions on her songs, but an artist doesn't want their work distributed prematurely. If it had been poorly received it would have been too devastating.
"I'd say I was sorry, except I'm not. Your songs are amazing and they should be shared. And Gajeel can help you flesh them out," Gray cajoled. "We're almost there. I spoke with the father of the bride a few days ago when we accepted the job request. Apparently, his daughter and future son-in-law are huge fans of Fairy Tail. And it seems that our names especially caused a commotion of excitement."
"Good excitement, right?" Lucy asked. Hopefully, this wasn't a big scheme to kidnap her and steal her celestial spirit keys—again. The tips of her toes ached a little bit, but her high-heeled shoes were adorable and a little pain was worth looking top notch.
"Of course, who wouldn't be excited to have us working for them?" Gray answered tugging at his tie. Lucy pivoted to stand in front of him, knocked his hands aside, and straightened his askew tie. "Right, you'll have to make sure I don't strip this evening."
"I'm thinking of summoning Leo, Virgo, and Aries to assist," Lucy said. "Loke will probably help keep you calm and settle your nerves."
"They could be helpful assets," Gray agreed. "Just don't call Taurus or Aquarius—I'd like to avoid disaster."
The sound of rushing footsteps drew their attention. An older woman with hair frayed every which way and a frazzled expression stopped in front of them and put her hands on her hips and took several deep breaths. "Good, you're early. You must be the Fairy Tail mages Reginald was raving about. I'm Katrina." She handed a small binder to Gray. "These are the ice sculptures requested and the locations they need to be. And these," she said handing another small binder to Lucy, "are the song requests and order of the ceremony and reception. The prelude will need to start at five, and the procession will take place half an hour later. The reception starts at six and will last until midnight. The first half of the reception will be classical music—preferably harp or piano. And then the last few hours will be dance music, but we've a DJ for that and just need you for back up."
"Okay," Lucy agreed. "No problem on our end."
"Wonderful!" Katrina gushed breathlessly. "The original sculpture and musician had to cancel last week after a severe accident and we were in a desperate search to find replacements. We advertised to the local businesses as well as to your guild and are so grateful for you!"
"We understand our responsibilities," Lucy reassured her. "Now, you go and get ready yourself."
"Yes, of course," Katrina said patting her hair. "I need to make myself picture worthy."
After Katrina left, Lucy called forth Leo, Virgo, Aries, and Lyra. "Thank you all for coming," Lucy said by way of introduction. "Gray and I have a big job to do today and I need to solicit your help." She started to explain their duties, but paused when Virgo raised her hand as if to ask a question.
"Yes, Virgo?"
"Princess, why did you not come to me for your dress? I could have brought you the most beautiful fashion from the spirit world," Virgo said.
Lucy glared at Gray. "See, I told you!"
"It was my idea, Virgo, sorry. I wanted to take Lucy shopping," Gray explained. The pink haired maid nodded her head in acceptance of his excuse.
"Leo, you help Gray with whatever he needs," Lucy ordered.
Leo straightened the lapels of his suit. "I will help you in any way I can Lucy, my love. Gray and I make a great team," he agreed. He looked over at Gray. "Where do you want me, boss? And I like the suit; you almost look as good as me."
"Come on, Loke, we've got a lot of work to do," Gray said handing the red-head his binder. "Don't give me any flak either."
"Me? Give you flak?" Leo asked tipping his glasses down his nose just slightly to look at Gray over the top of their rims. "Who had Lucy save you from Juvia two days ago? That would be me-that's who!"
"Ah, shut up, let's get started," Gray ordered leading the other man away.
Aries folded her arms across her chest nervously. "And what can I help with, Miss Lucy?" she asked timidly as she watched Leo walk away with Gray.
"You and I are going to help Lyra set up for the musical aspect of this job," Lucy answered. She smiled warmly at her harp-playing minstrel. "I have a list of songs and order for you to perform. They wanted either harp or piano for the ceremony and for half of the reception. We won't be doing the dancing aspect as they have a DJ for that part."
"I can play piano," Aries offered, her cheeks burning pink in embarrassment.
"You know how to play the piano?" Lucy asked surprised.
The shy ram shrugged. "My mistress before Karen taught me."
"I had no idea, that's great! I can play a few songs myself. My mother taught me to play a few works of Beethoven before she died," Lucy said.
"Princess, what will you have me do? Would you like to punish me for my impertinence in questioning your selection of clothing?" Virgo asked prominently displaying her rear for a spanking should her master deem it necessary.
"No! I'm not going to punish you, Virgo! I shudder to think what that sleaze ball that had you before me might have made you do," Lucy said helping her spirit stand straight. "I want you to help with the serving of the food and perhaps you could offer a change of clothing for Aries." Lucy turned her attention back to Lyra. "Your outfit is fine and I want you comfortable for your performance."
"Princess, is there no magic treasure to dig a hole and find? I would be happy to offer my assistance in such a situation," Virgo prodded.
"I appreciate the offer, but not at this time. While Lyra is performing you, Aries, and myself will help the caterers with serving." Lucy flipped through her red binder and found the information on the caterer. "Virgo, I would like you to find Samantha once we finish setting Lyra up on stage and let her relate to you any orders she might have for us."
OoO
Gray looked at the diagram for a life-sized lion and lioness. "Lyon would have fun with this job, he'd have these ice sculptures come to life and chase after the guests." He concentrated his maker magic and produced a pair of the big cats standing side-by-side with their tails entwined in a cute way to imply they were in love.
"Which would certainly make the wedding memorable," Loke agreed. "So…..you and Lucy? What's going on with that?"
Gray started to choke at the unexpected question. "What do you mean?" he asked innocently while focusing on the diagram for the next requested sculpture.
"I mean, you have had a crush on her since she joined the guild. You'll be doing quite a few missions together in the near future without Natsu to run interference." Loke took the binder out of Gray's hands. "So, what's going on?"
Gray took the binder back and started on the next project. "We aren't all womanizers like you, Loke. Sometimes there are no ulterior motives."
"Right, sure, I believe you. Seriously, what's going on? You're my best friend and she's the love of my life whom I am sworn to protect. If anyone needs to know what the situation is—that would be me."
"The love of your life?" Gray asked, face pale and looking directly at the Lion Spirit. "I had no idea you felt that way about, Lucy."
Loke shrugged. "I will protect her with my life. I will never love someone the way that I love her. But don't worry, it's forbidden for a Celestial Spirit Mage to hook up with their Celestial Spirits and I won't risk endangering Lucy's well-being by breaking another taboo. So, just think of me like her loyal guardian lion." He grew quiet for a few moments. "If you had seen it. I was about to be erased from existence by the celestial laws, but she interceded and argued with the Spirit King-he actually gave her an audience! And then when she fought against that celestial spirit mage Angel she offered her life if the other mage would release Aries from her contract."
Gray pondered Loke's words before replying. Was his friend being serious? He knew the man before him was a womanizer while in Fairy Tail—though that was a front to distract himself from his inevitable demise. Could he truly love Lucy? Like love love? Or maybe it was deep friend/family love? When someone offers their life for yours it does make an impact. "Lucy and I have an arrangement for now."
"Ah, until she figures out your feelings are genuine, right?" Loke asked. "I'm okay with the idea of the two of you."
OoO
Lucy leaned against the wall and watched as the guests enjoyed their dinner. The caterers didn't need her assistance anymore and Lyra was just wrapping up the classical music portion of the entertainment. She could see Gray and Loke on the other side of the reception hall in conversation.
Virgo came over toward her with a single glass of water and offered it to her. "Here Princess, you need to drink."
Lucy accepted the water with a grateful smile and took a refreshing sip from it. "Their disc jockey is setting up right now and that will be our the end of our requirements," Lucy said.
"I believe this job has gone smoothly," Virgo agreed. "Though the place would look nicer with a big hole by the sidewalk, but as that was not requested of me I shall resist the urge."
"I appreciate your restraint," Lucy said with a wry smile. She could see Aries helping to serve the bridal cake. It was one of the few times she'd seen the ram spirit at ease.
It wasn't long before the bride and groom had their first dance, then the bride and her father and the groom and his mother. Then the disc jockey became active and the dance floor became crowded with celebratory wedding guests. Loke had asked Aries to dance after she helped finish clearing away the dishes from the tables and they hadn't left the dance floor since. Lyra had gone back to the spirit realm exhausted from performing earlier.
Lucy made her way toward Gray as he stood repairing one of the more delicate ice sculptures that had started to melt. "I like your work, Gray," she said.
He looked at her over his shoulder, dark hair falling over his eyes. "Thanks," he said before turning around to face her fully. "I'd say we've done a good job here. And you got a pretty dress out of it too."
"I didn't do this just for the nice clothes," Lucy said frowning and running her hands across the waistline of her dress. "I must admit, I seem to be cleaner after my jobs with you than with Natsu. I usually end up muddy or my clothes burned to ash when I do work with him."
"Then it sounds like we should do more jobs together." Gray held out his hand. "May I have this dance, Miss Heartfilia?"
"Why, Mr. Fullbuster, I would be honored," Lucy said accepting his hand and letting him lead her to the dance floor. The ice mage rested one hand at her shoulder and the other held her right hand as he skillfully twirled her around on the dance floor. "I didn't realize you could dance."
"Master Ur made sure that Lyon and I knew how to dance properly with a lady-assuming we ever grew up and got the hell out of her cabin," Gray said with a fond smile.
"Your master sounds like an interesting lady," Lucy said thinking about the stories she'd learned about Gray's ice mage master. She was the reason that Gray had the habit of disrobing whenever he became nervous. Lucy would really like to be able to thank the lady for that sometimes! And other times when it was completely embarrassing throttle the woman.
At the end of the song, instead of starting the next tune the disc jockey took the microphone and made an announcement. "Ladies and Gentlement, the new Mr. and Mrs. want to make sure that you are introduced to two very important guests of theirs tonight. Direct from Fairy Tail we have two of the most famous mages-Gray Fullbuster and Lucy Heartfilia!" A spotlight landed upon the two of them.
Lucy smiled nervously while Gray tugged on his tie-possibly preparing to strip. Lucy reached up and grabbed his hand to stop such unrobing progress. "Thank you for letting us be part of your special occasion," Lucy said using her voice projection that she'd learned as a debutant. "I'd also like to introduce a few of my celestial spirits-Lyra has returned for the evening, but she was the lovely lady that played harp for you earlier tonight. And Leo, Virgo, and Aries have been invaluable members of our team tonight!" she said guesting towards her other celestial spirits.
Leo bowed while Virgo and Aries curtsied.
"Sing for us!" the bride shouted.
"Yes, do a duet!" the groom added.
"Um, we don't really sing," Lucy said nervously.
"If the bosses want us to sing, we sing," Gray whispered. "Any particular request?" Gray asked the newly weds.
The groom looked to his bride. "You're the big celestial spirit mage fan, any requests?"
"You've Lost that Loving Feeling!" the bride said with a big smile.
"That seems a bit inappropriate for a wedding," Lucy said frowning.
"Nah, it's a very romantic song if you think about that Top Gun movie. Let's do this," Gray said gripping Lucy's wrist and leading her to the stage.
OoO
They stayed to assist with the reception's clean up. Gray couldn't help but to keep sneaking glances at Lucy. It had been an amazing experience to work with her for the last couple of jobs. She'd dismissed her celestial spirits, though Leo had lingered for a little bit to walk them back to the train station for their journey back to Fiore.
He had never realized what a difference it was to spend time with her just the two of them versus with their entire four-man team. It put things into a different perspective.
"I can't believe we sang a duet!" Lucy said laughing as she stashed her bag above their heads in the luggage rack on their train car. "I could get used to these jobs where our lives aren't in danger."
"These non-life threatening jobs don't tend to pay as much, but it is possible to make your rent without constantly endangering your life," Gray said as he reached above Lucy's head to stash her bag better in the storage compartment and to put his bag next to it. He then sat across from her, close enough that their knees were touching. He reached up to take off his tie and to unbutton his shirt the top few buttons. Lucy's honey-colored eyes widened and he quickly held up both hands placatingly. "Don't worry, I'm not stripping, just getting a bit more comfortable," he reassured her.
"I spent most of my life hiding behind my family's name. I want to be out there helping others now that I have the ability and when I'm with you, Erza, and Natsu I feel like I can accomplish anything no matter the difficulty!" Lucy said leaning back and closing her eyes.
"We have accomplished some almost impossible tasks," Gray agreed. "Are you going to try and sleep like that?"
Lucy cracked open one eye. "That was the plan."
"I have a better idea. Come over here," he said patting the bench he was sitting on. "And lay down with her head on my lap. It will be significantly more comfortable."
"I suppose that would be less likely to put a crick in my neck," Lucy agreed. "What about you though? Aren't you tired?"
"Honestly, I feel pretty wired. There's a thousand thoughts floating across my mind and I couldn't sleep right now even if I wanted to," Gray admitted.
"Are you worried about our next mission?" Lucy asked as she crossed the distance between them and lay on the bench next to him and placed her head upon his lap. Gray had one elbow resting on the window seal and had ran his free hand over Lucy's hair soothing her hair.
"A little bit, we need to talk to Erza in the morning and start planning. We also need to decide on teammates," Gray admitted. He didn't want to expose Lucy to Natsu right now-not when there seemed to be something more to them than pretend. However, he couldn't think of another member of Fairy Tail that he trusted more to have his back.
Lucy shifted on his lap so that she was looking up at him. She reached up and touched his jaw and held his gaze. "What about if we ask both Natsu and Lisanna?"
"Are you sure?" he asked, with his eyes widened in shock at her suggestion. "I thought you didn't want to be around either of them and that was the reason for our whole boyfriend-girlfriend charade?"
"It's just an idea," Lucy said turning away from him and having her face back toward the other side of the car. "And it doesn't have to be a charade," she whispered.
Gray felt his mouth go dry at her words. He wasn't for certain he heard her right, but he wasn't about to ask her to repeat herself in case he was wrong. Loke had practically given him his blessing to pursue Lucy and while they were friends he certainly felt different around her than he did around Erza.
"We'll ask Erza how many teammates she thinks we need. She's the best strategist," Gray said. After a great deal of hesitance, he let his free hand rest softly on Lucy's shoulder and upper arm. The even rise and fall of her chest indicated she'd already fallen asleep. He stared back outside his window at the night's stars. The extended job he'd agreed to help her with was going to be a challenge and would involve a great deal of investigation more so than just fighting. Levy would have been a helpful asset with her analytical skills. If only Mystigan were still around he'd be an ideal teammate-smart, analytical, and not romantically interested in the blonde sleeping on his lap.
OoO
The day had been a total success and Lucy was still on cloud nine. She'd slept on the train ride back snuggled comfortably next to Gray and was happy to say there wasn't even a crick in her neck. Gray offered to walk her back to her apartment. He carried her bag and they walked next to each other in comfortable, companionable silence.
Her happy bubble popped upon seeing the guest waiting on the doorsteps of her apartment.
"Juvia?" Lucy asked somewhat confused by the water mage's appearance. "It's very late," she said aware of her and Gray's fancy attire from the wedding.
The blue-haired woman quickly stood. "Lucy, Mr. Fullbuster," she greeted in turn.
"Mr. Fullbuster?" Gray asked with an arched brow. "What are you doing on Lucy's doorstep, Juvia?"
"The matter does not concern you Mr. Fullbuster," Juvia informed him with narrowed eyes. She turned her attention to Lucy and offered a shy smile. "I wanted to speak with you in private, Lucy."
"Sure," Lucy agreed. "I'll make us some tea and you can tell me what's on your mind, Juvia."
"No," Gray argued reaching out and placing a possessive hand on Lucy's shoulder. "Whatever you need to say to Lucy you can say with me here."
"This is a private conversation meant for two girl friends," Juvia answered coolly.
"It's okay, Gray. I trust Juvia." Lucy gently removed his hand from her shoulder and gave him a look that said You should trust her too.
"Fine, but I'll be right out here. If you need anything just yell," Gray said stubbornly folding his arms across his chest.
"Come on inside, Juvia," Lucy invited taking the other girl's elbow and leading her inside her apartment. She showed her to the dining area. "I'll just heat up some tea."
"Tea isn't necessary, Lucy. I wanted to talk with you, not drink tea."
"Of course," Lucy said forsaking the pleasantries of tea and sitting across from Juvia at her small table. "It's about Gray," Lucy guessed.
"Actually, no. It's about us. You are my friend, Lucy. I have always considered you a rival for Gray's love."
Lucy didn't argue. Previously she'd always protested that she and Gray had anything romantic going on between them, but considering the pact she'd made with the ice mage she couldn't very well deny it now. "It's more of a new development," Lucy said staring down at her hands.
"Maybe for you," Juvia said reaching across the table and squeezing the top of Lucy's hands gently. Lucy glanced up and met her friend's serious eyes. "Gray has always had a crush on you since I met him. I would wear a new outfit and ask his opinion and he'd say 'You look nice.' Then you would wear a new outfit and ask the general group how you looked and he would say 'You look gorgeous, Lucy!' While it may have been subconscious I always knew that Gray held special feelings for you. I had just hoped that our complimentary magic would win him over to me."
"There is more to a person than their magic," Lucy said softly.
Juvia took back her hand and smiled quickly. "Fairy Tail has taught me that as well. Gray will hold a special place in my heart because it was with him that I saw the blue sky for the first time."
'Wow', Lucy thought with her eyes widening at the thought. That would leave an impression. And she would bet that Gray had no idea he was part of something so pivotal for the water mage.
"I know I was just an enemy at the time I met him, but he was so kind and respectful and strong and sweet." Juvia sighed. "I had hoped to impress him and claim him to be my own."
"You're never yourself around Gray," Lucy said.
The water mage shrugged. "I know. Sometimes when you want something so bad you don't stop to think that maybe it's not the right thing for you."
There was a pounding on the door. "Everything okay in there? You're not drowning her are you, Juvia?"
"We're fine, Gray!" Lucy shouted back.
"I know that Gray cares for me, but it's never been like how I care for him," Juvia admitted. "And you are my friend. I know that you have feelings for Natsu—I could always see that too. His engagement must have hurt." Juvia reached for Lucy's hand again. "Don't hurt Gray trying to make Natsu jealous."
"I won't," Lucy promised. "Juvia, I…." she trailed off and looked away. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay, Lucy. I'm not mad at you. I just wish that Gray looked at me the way that I've seen him look at you." Juvia stood and straightened the hat on her head. "I don't know what game the two of you are playing, but I can tell you it is not a game for him. He may act tough, but he's not."
"Juvia…" Lucy said standing as well with her mouth slack and unsure what to say.
"Gray helped me to see the blue sky and introduced me to hope. And, this may be strange, but you are my best friend in Fairy Tail and you have always shown me nothing but compassion. I wish you both well," Juvia said with tears of resolution in her eyes.
"What are you planning to do?" Lucy asked. Juvia never officially joined any of the smaller Fairy Tail teams. She'd hate to think the emotionally unstable water mage might do something stupid.
"It is time I opened myself up to new possibilities. I'm going to be part of a mission with Cana, Elfman, and a few members from Lyon's guild. It will only be for a few days. I want to see what it is like to be chased after. I'm tired of running."
Lucy closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around Juvia in a tight embrace. She could feel her clothes dampen from the contact, but she didn't care. "You're one of the bravest women I know," Lucy whispered. "And I'm proud to call you my friend."
Juvia's arms tentatively returned the hug. "Just remember, if you break Gray's heart I won't forgive you."
Lucy laughed and pulled away from her friend. "I'll be careful. And I'm not doing this to make Natsu jealous. I just wanted to open myself up to new possibilities."
Juvia nodded. "That is what I am intending to try. I am following your example. Perhaps it is worth returning Lyon's affections. I just hope they weren't some rivalry thing between Gray and him."
"You are worthy of love, Juvia."
Juvia started for the door. "So are you, Lucy." She opened the door and Gray fell inside the apartment as he'd obviously been leaning against the door trying to eavesdrop. "Take care of my friend, Mr. Fullbuster."
"I will, Juvia," Gray promised. He stepped inside, set their bags on the floor, and stood next to Lucy as they watched Juvia walk away down the street. "What was that about?"
"I think Juvia just gave us her blessing," Lucy said.
"Really?" Gray asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Though she did promise me bodily harm should I break your heart."
Gray laughed and wrapped his arm casually around Lucy's shoulders and squeezed her to him in a hug. "Right, like that's going to happen. I'll see you at the Guild Hall tomorrow. We should be able to meet Erza and start preparing for the more extensive job."
Lucy nodded her agreement and watched her teammate leave with a confused feeling. Were they still pretending to be a couple? Or was there really something going on between them? Juvia made it sound like Gray always had feelings for Lucy. If that was true, how could she have missed it? She was a writer—known for the power of observation. Surely, she wouldn't have missed out on noticing that one of her best friends had a genuine crush on her.
A/N: Thanks to the readers that take the time to show their support: Kyto Touche, LindyLinn, feathers15, Nora57, LadyWitchita, oishi-.-ME, TopazDRagon. I love you guys!