Hello, my lovely fanfic readers! Laceycrumpets here, and I just want to let y'all know that this is how I am developing the plot. Don't get confused, Gruvia is a definite. I want to give a special thanks to Frigid Flames for being so kind and reminding me that this is in fact my story and I will write it how I want. Oh, and remember when I said slight GrayLu? WELL HERE IT IS. Let me know if y'all need me to shoot flares next time, sheesh. I promise Gruvia will probably be in the next chapter and OH HO HO the next chapter is going to be JUICY! So enjoy, leave a review and have a lovely day!
-Laceycrumpets
Juvia's P.O.V.
Strangely, I wound up at the dock that night, unable to control my desire to see the stars and stay away from the hustle and bustle of the town. The air was brisk but smooth, filling my lungs with luscious gusto. It was odd, to be alone. Generally there is people all around me, talking, laughing. Oddly quiet. Oddly, normal for me, as I'm now always lonely. The idea of my lost nakama never ceased to leave me and the flames of his memories still lick the sides of my mind. Disgruntled with my inner thoughts, I swayed my way into the direction of the town when I remembered something peculiar about tonight. "Shit", I whispered to myself. Tonight was Seera's performance and I'm about to be late! I dashed across the boardwalk, receiving a few glances. I didn't care, tonight was Seera's big night and I wasn't going to miss it for the world.
Gray's P.O.V.
"Gray. Tea, now." She spoke sternly, her eyes never leaving the pages of work on her desk. "Would it kill you to say please?" I sauntered back at her. "Would it kill you to move any faster?" She snapped back, her attention still affixed onto the stack of paper. I shrugged off the idea of smashed her desk in half and continued with my daily work of serving this witch. The first month wasn't easy, being bossed around and having to wait on her hand and foot. Meeting her husband was a different story, a very rich fat old geezer with at least twenty gold rings wrapped around his pump fingers. He was brutal, cocky, distasteful. Anything you would stereotypically imagine for a douche bag millionaire. He treated Jenna like shit, tossing her around at his pleasure, ragging on her any chance he got. I found her one night, on the balcony bawling her eyes over a cigarette. She clutched onto me like some type of savior. I pitied her so I let her lay on my shoulder and smother me with her tears, attempting to comfort her with empty words and phrases. After that time, she told me if anyone were to know about this, I would apparently "disappear". I didn't take my chances, besides who was there to tell? I observed the tea pot, noticing the tea leaves were missing. "Oye, Miss, there's no tea leaves." "They're in the cabinet over there." She said pointing with pen, still not looking up. I walked over to the small cabinet, squatting down to open it. As I did, a medium sized picture flopped out, making a thud on the ground. I slowly picked it up and observed it. It was of Jenna, the jack ass millionaire and some red haired beauty. Both women were on either side of the douche bag, looking less than pleased as himself. "Hey, who the red haired beauty?" I asked raising the picture for Jenna to see. She looked up at last, cocking an eyebrow. "Ah, the little devil herself. That, is my step daughter, Seera." "Step daughter?" I asked, shocked. "Yes, her and I had a rather.. rocky relationship. That blood red color, just like her mother, always smelling of raspberries. She ran away about two months ago. I had to act devastated since my husband was heart broken. Sort of glad she's gone anyway." She murmured the last part. "However," She continued. "My husband sent out multiple search parties, attempting to find her. Hell, he even sent fliers out to guilds, offering rewards to find the little witch." I cocked my head to the side, looking back at the picture. "Reward, you say?" I saw her nod her head from the corner of my eye and then resume her tasks. "Who's to say, you of all people, find her?" Jenna stopped for a second and looked at me with a baffled stare. "What? I mean, your husband would be hella pleased with you. Plus, you can send her to some boarding school or something.." Jenna didn't answer, she just looked forward and considered the fact. She rested her lips onto her folded hands in front of her, contemplating her next words as if they were life or death. "Gray.." She said slowly after a few short minutes of silence. I looked at her questionably and she bored her eyes into mine. "Bring her to me."
Natsu P.O.V.
Typical day. Nothing out of the ordinary. Sitting at the bar, everyone looking dead as usual. Mira trying to be as cheery as possible while serving, to no avail. I hadn't spoken to Lisanna in a week, I hadn't spoken Lucy in at least two. After that night with her, I completely avoided the entire situation. I had woken up in a daze, however had an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of my stomach. Sitting up. I gazed over her form, all the way to her beautiful pale face. She was awake, breathing unsteadily and staring blankly at the ceiling. Lucy's hair was all tussled and her delicate arms were resting above her head. She didn't dare look at me as I stared at her restlessly. Thankfully the rest of her was under the blanket as of now, at least. My movements were slow and restrained, I didn't want to leave the warmth and comfort of her bed. I had almost reached the edge of the bed to get up when she grabbed my arm desperately. I looked over my shoulder, seeing her eyes still averted else where, her other hand clutching the blanket to her chest. She met my burning eyes and hesitated before saying, "Forget this." I was taken back. Why? Was this forbidden or unwanted by her? I seethed for a second and violently relieved myself of her grasp, shaking her off completely. This surprised her a bit, as she reclined onto her elbows, watching as I dressed. I left, without another word or glance, allowing her to sink into the silence. I heard a few murmurs and gasps around the guild, pulling me out of my trance. It was him, that bastard had his guts to show himself here. I stood up, unable to control my anger as I spat his name.
"Gray."
Gray P.O.V.
The entire guild gawked as I walked into, obvious murmuring and whispering insolent things about me. I look for the pink haired idiot as I needed him and his keen smell to find Seera. Her strong scent of raspberries could be easily traceable, Jenna gave me her scarlet red scarf as a gateway to the smell. "Gray." I heard him growl in a low voice. "Natsu." I replied back in a stern voice. "What hell are you doing here, ice shit?" Ignoring the lowly insult, I stood before him. "I gotta favor to ask out of you." He laid back onto the bar, still sitting on the stool. "And why the hell do you think I would ever help your sorry ass out?" He hissed back, wincing a bit. "Because I came here to civilly ask you for help, I do really need your help." I grew desperate but I never revealed it on my facial expression. He chuckled. "You don't belong here anymore, jack ass. Ain't no way in hell I'm helping you. Get lost." He turned back toward the bar and I grimaced, losing my temper. "You son of a bitch." I snarled at him, balling my hands into fists. With that, he swiftly grabbed a bar stool and slammed it onto the side of my head, causing me to fly through the guild and crash onto a bench. I grabbed the side of my head quickly, as it throbbed with mild pain. He was soon towering over my laying figure. "No one here, is willing to help you. Get the fuck out." He said sternly. I sat up to observe the guild, looking for the other dragon slayers that could possible help me. Gajeel was leaning against the wall, arms crossed, glaring in my direction and possibly restraining the urge to kick my ass. I caught sight of Wendy, but was quickly averted when Erza stood in front of her defensively. I aggressively stood up, taking one last look at Natsu before storming out of the guild. I stomped all through out the town, too angry to have a destination. I reached the river, seething with rage and vigor. I slowly glanced around but suddenly something caught my eye. I was standing in front of a familiar apartment building. I smiled.
Lucy's apartment.
Lucy P.O.V.
I didn't want to say it. I just thought it would be easier to cope with if I just told him to forget about everything. It was never my intention to completely deteriorate our relations, or hurt him. Again, all this is all I could think about for the past two weeks that we haven't even spoken one word to each other. Rocking back and forth in my rocking chair at home, sipping on my tea seemed to calm me down. My fuzzy blanket gave me sanctuary from the bitter cold. I needed time I guess, just to cope with everything that's happened. Lately, no one has been able to fill in the gaps of loss, as everyone is dealing with their own demons. I heard a soft knock on the door. My heart jumped. Perhaps it was Natsu, finally coming to talk this whole thing out. I stride upward from my rocking chair and wore the blanket like a cloak around my figure. I waddled over to the door, heart in hand. Taking a breath, I softly unlocked the door and swung it open. I was startled at the sight. "G-Gray?" I spoke with anticipation. We just stood there, staring for a moment before he broke the silence.
"May I?" His voice reassuring. I nodded, opening the door wider and inviting him in. He looked around for a second and found a spot on the sofa, plopping himself down. I returned back to my rocking chair. The silence was agonizing, as both of us wanted to speak but had nothing to say. Where was he? Where had he been all this time? Was he ok? We looked at each other, then away, then back at each other. "Uh.." He spoke with some hesitation. "You look thinner?" We paused for a brief moment, then burst into laughter. "I should say the same for you, Gray." It was nice to have a good laugh with an old friend. Gray had always been like a brother to me, a cool older brother that I could just talk about anything with. I even talked to him about my love struggle with Natsu. I tried to ignore the current situation with the guild and Gray, perhaps I'm trying to grasp whatever is left of our normality at the moment. "How've you been, Luce? You should eat something." He spoke softly, his mouth and eyes smiling in coordination. I chuckled. "I've been better, Gray. What I'm concerned about is you." His eyes grew hard but he continued to smile. "You haven't been around the guild.. and it's just been.. different."
"Hmm." He replied back as he rested his elbows on his thighs, slouching forward and placing his chin on his hands . I bit my lip. "Are you okay, Gray?" He flashed a look of sorrow and irritation my way. I held my breath. He abruptly got up. "I shouldn't have come here." He murmured angrily. As he took a step forward, he just suddenly fell over onto the carpet, barely conscious. "Gray!" I yelled as I knelt next to him, unable to understand his condition. "Can you stand? Please Gray, look at me. Gray?" I was exasperated. He groaned and sat up, holding the side of his head. I can't believe I hadn't noticed how swollen and red it was earlier. "Your boyfriend did me this courtesy." He growled as he caught me staring at it. I grimaced. "Get up. I'll walk you over to bed, you need rest." He began to protest but let it go. I slung his arm over my shoulder and led him to the bed, slowly allowing him to sit down. "You should lay down." I spoke concerned. He glared at me, being stubborn. I put my hands up in defeat as I walked to the kitchen. "At least let me get you tea and painkillers."
Making my way to the cupboard, I pulled out some pills I usually take for my underlying headaches and cramps. I also grabbed a crimson red mug to pour the already made tea in. Balancing a small tray of meds and tea, I make my way to the bed to see him with still sitting on the edge of the bed, slouched over with his hands covering his face. I placed the tray on the night stand and tapped him on the shoulder. "Gray?" I said softly, attempting to comfort him. He didn't move. I stood in front of him, and grabbed his shoulder lightly and began to shake him. "Gray?" Everything began whirling at that moment. I hadn't even know how I'd gotten under him, his movements were way too fast. His hands pinned my wrists with such brutal force that it actually began to throb. I attempted to wriggle out however the more I tried the tighter his grip became. Gray hovered over me with a blank expression, I was unable to make out his face. "Gray." I spoke grimly and sternly. "Let go of me." He snapped out of his trance, staring uncomfortably into my eyes. He then chuckled darkly. I shivered, I tried to reason with him again, clearly he wasn't in the correct state of mind for me to argue or get angry.
"Gray, stop this. This isn't you." He laughed again, looking in another direction. "Yeah, it isn't me. However, it's the only vengeance I have against that pink haired son of a bitch." I gasped. "Gray, you know there is nothing between us-" He laughed even harder that time, still not looking at me. "Then, poor little innocent Lucy, tell me why his absolute favorite scarf is laying on your chair." My stomach dropped. "You know," Gray finished. "He doesn't take that scarf off for anything, therefore you guys have had to been doing something that requires taking your clothes off." His voice grew so cold and was dripping with pure sarcasm. "You're his weak spot, so unfortunate." He drew closer to my neck, slowly brushing his warm lips against my cold skin. I couldn't move, I was gasping for air. All I could do was cry and keep telling him to stop. He then bit down my neck with such force that I was forced to let out a curling scream. I could feel the blood gushing out of his bite mark, and his lips were spotted with red. All he could do was smile, as he slowly made his way to the other side of my neck. This was torture, I was so afraid. The tears were strolling down, I couldn't do anything. Worthless, useless. Damsel in distress.
Gray grabbed both my wrists in one hand with quick movements and let his icy fingers trail up and down the side of my body. Oh God, this was torture. He was a cold blooded killer indeed. He finally finished with a trail of kissing following my throat and around the bite mark. He made eye contact with me, such an empty look he had. He abruptly pressed his lips to mine with more force than needed, his thumb brushing my hipbone. My eyes closed without warning, without my consent. I prayed that he would stop, but then I prayed he wouldn't. My emotions burned inside my head like an angry swarm of bees trying to break free. Suddenly, the kiss broke and I felt lighter. I heard loud crashes noises, followed by growls and snarls that I couldn't make out as words. I quickly sat up and looked over in time to see Natsu and Gray in their fighting stances. I began to snap back to reality as finally tuned into their conversation. "Because I knew you'd come, you always do fire breath. Especially if its Lucy we're talking about." Gray chuckled victoriously, as he glanced over to me. "YOU BASTARD!" Natsu roared as he sent an inflamed punch toward Gray as he easily dodged it. I sprawled from the bed to get to them. "Natsu!"
I screamed as the two kept sparing. Natsu was finally close enough for me to grab him behind the waist and concur the entire situation. "Lucy?" He had tried to speak to me in a calm manner. "Lucy.. He tried to-" "Gray, go." I spoke, my face covered by Natsu's back. I felt Natsu tense up. "Lucy.." Natsu breathed my name. "We can't just let him walk-" "No. Gray, please just leave." I watched Gray hesitate, then wince and walked toward the door to swing it open. "Oye, Lucy, that little mark is something to remember me by." Gray said before closing the door behind him. Natsu bellowed as he had just missed Gray by a millisecond, as my door was now scorched and burnt. I let go of Natsu, and fell to my knees. He whirled around and grabbed me in his arms. He picked me up and carried me to bed, whispering reassuring and kind words along the way. Natsu sat down, still holding me in his arms and placed me in his lap. I buried my into his chest.
"Natsu, don't ever leave me."
QUICK DISCLAIMER: ahem, Gray did that to Lucy in order to GET REVENGE ON NATSU, NOT FOR SEXUAL PURPOSES. GET YOUR HEADS SCREWED ON CORRECTLY.