A/N: Thousand apologies for failing in my promise T.T but this scene was actually the center of my story. Because of this particular scene I decided to write "Path of mending" and I just could not leave it out. I will however stand by my words and bring goodies in next chapter.

Gray's wounds did not stay as they were thanks to Wendy who used her sky dragon healing magic to close them. He was infinitely grateful for what she did as she could walk again and he used his newly returned power to step down into the hall. He was greeted by his team, Lucy rushed and hugged him tight and Natsu simply punched his shoulder. As it turned out, the werewolf they fought indeed was take-over magic wizard who attempted to perform skill far beyond his capabilities and the spell backfired. Fortunately he was being taken care of and would probably have his magic sealed as Lucy stated, handing him his part of the bounty.

"Right, let's get something to eat, I'm starving" Natsu exclaimed as the worry was lift from his chest and he felt the hunger. Gray agreed on this statement as he was also just as hungry and trio sat at the counter.

Doors of Fairy Tail hall opened and man entered, grabbing attention from members who were present and with a valid reason. He was tall man with darker skin and short black hair, neatly brushed and oiled wearing dark blue suit. Quite handsome you would say, one that could easily rival anyone of The Trimens group… well except Ichiya for the well-known reasons. After several moments of looking around he made his way toward the counter where trio was sitting. His hand gently patted Lucy on her shoulder which made her turn and upon inspecting him she blushed slightly Wow, he is cute she thought as he smiled

"Miss Lucy, it is good to see you again"

Uhhh was only thing she could utter as she kept gazing at this man but after short time she quickly shook her head

"Oh yeah… it's been a while?"

"You don't remember me?" Man asked but to his surprise everyone shook head "We met at the Count Balsamico's ball? I proposed to miss Aceto? Velveno?"

Everyone felt as if lightning struck them, this man though was striking some resemblance looked nothing like Velveno they fought at the ball.

"Wait you are that guy? What happened to your face man?!" Natsu was even more shocked as he moved closer to inspect his face

"I had time to work on myself" he smiled "I am to marry miss Aceto afterall… I cannot look just like a common thief now can I?"

"Yea well let's hope you pick sweeter names for your ki-" Natsu started but his ear was pulled by Lucy who though still blushing managed to compose herself

"So what brings you here? Do you have a job for us?"

"Sort of…" Velveno moved hand into inner pocket of his suit and brought out piece of parchment, pink in color and laced with gold lines. Lucy took it and opened but quickly noticed something was missing

"There is no reward" she spoke as her suspicion was confirmed with his nod

"It is not a job, it is an invitation to the wedding" upon hearing the word wedding half of the guild members suddenly moved closer, encircling the group at the counter, most prominent of them was Erza who like angry rhino broke through and stood by Lucy, glaring at the paper with almost sparkling eyes

"I know that you were hired to disrupt my attempts in the past but I cannot forget that it was because of your help that I managed to convey my feelings to miss Aceto. We would be honored if Fairy Tail would to attend the wedding"

"We gladly accept your invitation!" Erza said loud as she snatched paper from Lucy who appeared to be lost in her own little happy fantasy. That was also proven correct as Natsu waved his hand in front of her eyes with no response from her.

"Excellent, there is no limit with how many can come, you just need to present invitation and you will be allowed to enter. All the details are in there" he smiled again at them and moved back toward the exit, leaving Fairy Tail's guild hall.

"Oh wow, a wedding! It's been so long since I attended one I need a new dress, wait we already went on their ball but this isn't ball this is a wedding I need new dress, something white, but what if they mistake me for a bride maybe if I wear blue dress or red no not red maybe baby blue ohhhh… I need to go shopping…" Lucy was rambling one sentence after another without taking any air and she rushed out

"Well we lost her…" Natsu chuckled as he watched his girlfriend run

"When is this gonna happen?" Gray asked Erza who was still enchanted the paper she held

"Hm? Oh, let me see… day after tomorrow" she replied "fortunately I do not need to shop, I have just the dress for such occasion"

"You mean that wedding dress you bought?" Gray asked with wide grin and Erza's cheeks flushed instantly and she looked away

"N..no!" she cleared her throat "I just happened to have found a dress for wedding if one would to come, one must always be prepared"

"Yeah, she bought the wedding dress" Gray grinned toward Natsu as they both nodded with a wink

"Nevertheless, I shall also need a partner to escort me" upon hearing that almost everyone suddenly vanished, leaving only trio at the counter. It was clear choice "Gray" she said his name making him choke on beer he tried to sip

"Wait why me?" he took napkin from the counter, drying his shirt "I wasn't even planning on going!"

"Nonsense, it will be perfect opportunity for you to get your mind occupied" she nodded

"Yea it will be fun" Natsu said, making both of them look at him "I mean there's going to be ceremony…" he continued making both of them glare at him with shock until Gray placed hand on Erza's shoulder speaking low wait for it "Then there is ballroom dance and Lucy likes that" Gray patted shoulder not yet

"Plus there is reception and ton of free food!" he raised both of his hands up, smiling wide

"And there it is! The real reason Natsu really wants to go to the wedding!" Gray laughed

"Bite me ice-breath!"

"Now now, no need to start" Erza pushed Natsu away from Gray's face, standing in-between "Gray you are coming and that's final"

"Ugh… can this day get any worse?" and luck has decided to yet again bite him. Doors opened and two men walked in. Tall bald man with mighty muscular built stood by slightly shorter blue haired wizard. Gray looked over and then looked up "There must be someone out there laughing at me…"

"Master Jura" Erza bowed head slightly, showing her respect to wizard saint "it is good to see you"

"Likewise Erza, it is good to see you in good health as well " he returned the bow of head with a smile "We came here to speak with master Makarov, is he in the guild?"

"Of course, please this way" she showed him and pair walked toward guild master, leaving the blue haired wizard to smile at Gray

"Hey Lyon" Gray greeted Lyon, looking away with arms folded

"You don't look that much pleased to see me Gray" Lyon chuckled slightly "And here I thought after the games you would be bit more enthusiastic"

"Yea yea" It wasn't that Gray objected to Lyon's visit, no… it was the current situation that made him uneasy knowing his affections toward Juvia. It wasn't the question if he will ask, rather when.

"Is that a way to treat older wizard?" blue haired wizard grinned

"Older my ass, you are just closer to the grave than I am" Gray was suddenly feeling slightly annoyed

"Always bitter… However in this case I have also came to visit my beloved Juvia, one whom you continuously keep for yourself"

"No he's not" Natsu took a cookie from a small plate that Mira presented earlier "they broke up about a week ago, she isn't speaking with him"

"Natsu!" Gray suddenly shouted and looked toward him "Not the good moment! Hey where'd he go?" Gray looked but failed to spot Lyon who seemingly vanished. After several seconds of searching with eyes he spotted him, sitting beside Juvia on table, mumbling his sweet nothings to her

"Of course… as if I could expect anything else" he suddenly stood up, placing his hands into pockets and made his way outside of the hall. His wounds were gone and he recovered well but there was still this pressure in his chest, not from the take-over wizard, this one seems to have persisted even after Wendy's magic of healing. This… pain if it could be called that way was a simple jealousy and he knew that if he would to stay any longer in hall, watching Lyon make moves on Juvia, he'd probably either flip out or worse break something. For the moment, he just needed to be away from the guild.

Lucy on the other hand was completely frantic, holding Levy's hand as they rushed from store to store in search for right dress. Usually she wouldn't give this much of attention to event but this was a wedding and she couldn't but become all giddy inside at the thought. Levy poked Lucy's 'bride side' and though she denied at the start she had her own fantasy of being one… only this time she had Natsu to stand beside her as groom. It wasn't a bad thought actually if only she could get out of the head the possible scene of him stuffing his mouth at the reception. She sighed deeply and Levy understood why, still the sight of perfect dress snapped her out of her woeful thoughts and she dragged her best friend. It was perfect in her eyes, a bit expensive but completely worth amount of jewels spent on it. Levy's eyes on the other hand glistened as she spotted another one, built just for her slick and small physique. Happy duo decided that they found exactly what they were looking for.

Natsu had a completely different approach. All he needed was his old suit, which he kept and scarf but he knew that it wouldn't be good enough. Luckily he had a help from the best stylist in town he knew, maestro named Happy. Ten minutes later and they made perfect combination for both of them, after all he cannot go without Happy who intended to ask Carla to accompany him.

On other side of town where certain ice-wizard's house was placed there wasn't as much commotion or thinking. Gray had single formal suit and he hanged it on the door while he was sitting at the bed, looking at him. He didn't know why he bought it or would he ever need it. First time for everything he thought and smirked, falling back on the bed with left hand under his head and right landed on his chest. Wonder if Juvia would come. Wonder if I should ask her.

Big day finally arrived and members of Fairy Tail gathered at the hall thought not everyone decided to go in the end, fair number showed all dressed up. First appeared Natsu in light gray suit with white shirt with long red tie and hair remarkably tidy for him. Holding his hand was Lucy whose smile reached almost from ear to ear, wearing baby blue dress that reached just below her knees. Her long blonde hair was tied into bun and with decent amount of make-up. However one who drew most attention was Erza who had long scarlet dress reaching to ankles, as if no one saw this coming, embroidered with golden thread at the edges that formed flower arrangement. Her hair was loose, left side tucked behind her ear as right fell lightly over her face, covering half of her slightly flushed cheeks. Companion of this unnatural beauty who constantly pulled his tie as if it was choking him had white suit with blue edges. Gray was not very comfortable being buttoned to his very throat or having tie but whenever his hand would try to reach it he would get a small nudge in his side from his escort… the light nudge being sufficient to pump out air from his lungs.

"Erza? Wow you look amazing" Lucy walked over to her, marveling at her rather regal appearance. Erza smiled at her, returning the words as she was amazed at her dress, a bit bold due to the low cut that showed quite a bit of cleavage.

"Thank you Lucy" she spoke but not long after Levy joined them, all dressed up in tight purple dress that Lucy picked for her in order to show more of her qualities for certain someone. The very certain someone appeared in black suit and neatly combed hair, standing closer to Natsu and Gray.

Conversation went on for a little more while until everyone gathered. Aside from mentioned, Evergreen decided to become queen of the ball in her green dress with cut that reached almost to her navel, forgetting it was a wedding and she was not the bride. Her escort was already pre-determined and even he had no choice in the matter. Elfman did want to ask her if she wants to come with him but before he could even muster his inner courage to ask her, she came to him saying "Elfman, you will be escorting me to the wedding, no objections". No one was smiling more in that moment than Mira and Lisanna chuckled with slight blush on her face, teasing him with her singing voice "Someone's got a crush on youuu"

"So how did you two got lured into this?" Gajeel asked both of them

"Well I can't exactly refuse Lucy, she is all excited about it" Natsu said making both Gray and Gajeel snort. Yeah right, it was the free food that got him on that hook but they both suspected there was a good deal of home-fun when they get back. Iron-man now looked toward Gray who instead of answer simply sighed and pointed toward Erza, making both dragonslayers nod in sympathy

"And you? Who are you escorting" Natsu asked and Gajeel pointed over his shoulder with thumb toward Levy

"Did she promised a night passage into Fairy Hills?" Ice wizard asked him teasingly watching every shade of red appear on Gajeel's face

"What? No! Who told you… What? No it's not like… What?" He stuttered at every word. Oh yeah he's gonna be visiting Levy tonight two wizards thought with a chuckle. The light conversation went on but Gray's eyes suddenly caught Juvia, also dressed. She wore long blue dress , reaching to her ankles and revealing that she also wore sandals of same color. The dress itself glittered under light and her sleeves were see-through. As his eyes moved further up he could notice a silver necklace around her neck, reaching down toward the cut of the dress that only barely revealed her ample breasts, hair loose but she had above her ear and light makeup. His heart skipped a beat or three as he watched her in complete awe but had to quickly avert his gaze as Gajeel's eyes were fixed upon him. He knew what Gajeel would say but instead of saying anything he just let out a slight hum.

Suddenly Gray realized, or perhaps more correct would be… a question popped into his mind. If Juvia is here all dressed up then who is escorting her and just as he finished asking himself a hand patted his shoulder. The smirk of the other ice wizard made his eye twitch and blood boil if it ever could.

"Good evening Gray, I see that you haven't forgotten how to properly dress"

"Give me a break will ya?" Gray pushed Lyon's hand from his shoulder "And why are you here?" he asked with same sentence repeating into his head please don't say escort, please don't say escort

"I am here to escort miss Juvia to the wedding" Lyon smiled victoriously as Gray's breath exited lung as if it was being punched out "One can only wonder how long until we get to be the bride and groom instead of guests" Gray's eye twitched even more. Yeah keep bragging and you'll be wearing that suit to your funeral he thought looking at Lyon

Finally it was time for them to go. Erza instructed that everyone should take a hold of person next to him as to create a chain with her at the end of it. She opened the letter and finger placed finger on seal, making small circling motion and after few seconds they disappeared from the hall and instantly appearing before the castle of Count Balsamico

"Wow, teleportation magic" few said as they looked around

"Let us go, we should not be late" Erza looked toward the group and pulled Gray along with her. He managed to catch her pace as they walked toward the entrance where guards stopped them "We are here to attend the wedding, we are from Fairy Tail" she presented invitation and they nodded, opening door of the castle. As they walked in they were in awe, the main room was heavily decorated, ornaments hanging from the walls and balcony with flying platforms that slowly spin around. Illusionary magic created various lights and dancing silhouettes.

Everyone was caught in the sight, indeed it was by far most beautiful place they had seen and only the greeting from Velveno could break their wandering gazes.

"I am glad that you made it" Erza nodded to his statement. Few others who remembered Velveno being different dropped their jaws a bit at how much he changed "The ceremony is about to start"

"Then we should get going" Gray tried toward hall where Velveno went but was immediately stopped by Erza who twisted him enough for him to face her. She touched him several times on his chest and stomach and once on his groin, making him twitch a bit "H…hold on what are you doing?"

"It is an enchantment" she said as she finished touching "I am placing one on each of your buttons so that you cannot remove your shirt or pants. I know your tendencies so let's keep this event incident-free"

"R…right" he said blushing slightly, remembering the last incident of similar sort where he stripped in all girls highschool. That one was embarrassing and almost had him arrested.

Everyone was taking their seats at the other hall. Velveno was standing by the altar along with two more men and two bridesmaids and at the center was priest. They all now waited for bride to come. Girls were particularly excited but only Erza had completely fixed, dreamy gaze as Aceto walked slowly toward her soon to be husband. Her long pure white dress, almost fluffy was waving with each step as she smiled wide. The ceremony went completely without incident save for few silent sobs from girls and Natsu's one loud snore that was interrupted by Lucy's swift punch into his ribs.

The final words, the exchange of rings and kiss and moments later everyone stood up, clapping loud at the newlywed couple. Gray couldn't but smile at Erza's tear but his gaze didn't linger and he quickly looked toward Juvia who was also smiling and clapping. He shook head quickly... why was he suddenly looking at her?

Reception on the other hand went just as expected, the chatter and hearty congratulations, meeting between strangers and few congratulations meant toward members of Fairy Tail on their awe-inspiring performance at the games and of course… how could it be left out… Natsu's raid at the food table, making Lucy chant silently he's a good man he's a good man, he has his quirks just let it slide.

Of course she couldn't stay mad at him since the music started and he dropped just about everything he had in his hands, wiped his fingers and lips and took Lucy by her hand, pulling her toward dancing floor. It was time for dance and that means that Gray had to face the dancing demon. Erza however did not justify her title as she was rather gentle, slow and far less spirited but Gray didn't lead the dance of course.

His eyes however kept wandering from her and she couldn't miss his occasional glance that he tried to hide. Heart clenched and skipped as he did notice Lyon dancing with Juvia, her face was smiling but there was some awkward tension visible that he could not clearly see due to Erza's constant clearing of her throat to remind him where he should look. She suddenly decided to spin quickly along with him, one round, and another before she raised her eyebrow

"I know where you are looking Gray"

"What? I was just noticing the bride" he lied and it was not hard to detect as her arms clenched his a bit more

"It's not going to happen, let it go" she said as her brows slightly furrowed

"I wasn't thinking about that… it's just… it's…" He stuttered noticing how close Lyon pulled himself to Juvia

"It's done" Erza sighed closing her eyes "Just let her enjoy for the evening, don't be near her"

The music changed and some of the guests stopped dancing while others continued. Erza decided to release Gray from her grasp and he sighed slightly nodding toward her "I think I'll go and catch some air outside" he said and she tilted her head a bit, eyes squinted in disbelief "Don't worry, you can look at Juvia if you want I won't come close"

Juvia's POV

Of course she would be happy for the newlyweds but she couldn't stop thinking about Gray either. For so long she dreamed of a day like this that would come where she would be one wearing long white dress. That day now seemed further than ever, even more as she danced with Lyon who kept professing his love and threw one compliment after another, even proposed her once. She blushed, heavily but every time she waved her head.

"Lyon-san is kind but Juvia is not ready for it now. Juvia is grateful for Lyon-san's feelings" was what she said. She could almost hear his heart breaking but that did not stop him from trying again, believing that persistence will unlock her heart and make her understand undying love she has for him…. Well he had right to believe in that. Her eyes glanced occasionally over his shoulder, looking toward Gray but after the song ended she could no longer see him and even Lyon has excused himself for a short while.

Her attention was fixed on Lucy and Natsu who were quite happy as waltz started; even more was Lucy's joy when she noticed that he was not stepping on her toes. He must have practiced with someone but she was grateful he did.

"Forgive for the delay, but may I have this dance, miss Juvia?" Lyon again appeared behind her "It is a shame to be standing with such a beautiful song"

"Oh…" she blushed slightly again at his courtesy. He stood now before her as she turned, right hand on his back and left slightly extended. She took it and he placed other hand on her hip and they began. Her heart started racing, perhaps it was the song, perhaps it was the man before her but her heart was dancing along with the song. They moved with ease around as he led, step, step, step… like water that slid down the smooth ice and for the moment she completely forgot everything around her existed as she gazed up at blue haired wizard. His smile was noticeable, his hand lightly grasped hers but he pulled her closer as the song was nearing its end. Juvia felt her body grind against his and she gasped, silently, barely noticeable to anyone but him and her. This man had great vigor and every step was measured to follow hers, they were completely in sync. The world disappeared around them… platforms, guests, illusions, everything turning black with only light being them.

The song reached its inevitable end and Lyon slightly pushed her away, still holding her hand but as they went further he pulled her back standing dangerously close. She could feel his breath on her lips and she swallowed hard but without a second to miss they connected… lips pressed against each other in soft, gentle kiss. His gentle touch was unavoidable, undeniable, teeth gently bit on her lower lip and quickly released… another kiss fell on them, and another… She could not refuse him, she didn't refuse him… she kissed back, with guilt, with sorrow with pain in heart but she kissed. Lyon pulled himself, looking into her eyes as he whispered "What a fool Gray is" and as he finished he mingled with the crowd, disappearing from her sight again. What just happened?

Even after ten minutes she was still completely shocked, only snapping once Lyon came again to her and her face flushed dark red

"Miss Juvia, is something wrong?" he asked

"N…no… well… Juvia was still thinking about that kiss" she said in shy tone looking away and his face became bright

"Does miss Juvia want to kiss me?" he looked at her taking both of her hands and she was confused. Did he forget what happened just now?

Gray's POV

Lyon leaned against the fence of the balcony. His eyes wandered first and after he noticed that no one was around he looked up at the stars. Lips curved up as his tongue licked them and then they rubbed one against another. His skin rippled, emitting short bright shine and like a glass it broke… returning into his original look… Gray's look. He chuckled

Flashback 15 minutes before current time

"I think I'll go catch some air" Gray said to Erza who looked at him at disbelief "Don't worry, you can look at Juvia if you want I won't come close" he finished and stopped walking turning "but you might want to dance with Lyon, he is Ur's student and even she couldn't keep up with his steps" he lied, hoping his teacher would forgive him but knew that Erza will not refuse challenge of the dance.

Gray searched with eyes and once he found whom he searched for he approached, the man of course noticed and greeted him with smile

"Gray, right?" Velveno asked

"That is right. May I ask you something in private?"

"Of course" they walked just a bit further, standing behind large pillar that supported massive roof "Is there something I can help you with?"

"Yes actually and I am a bit embarrassed to ask" Gray looked away, rubbing back of his head but Velveno interrupted him, reminding him that it was due to Fairy Tail that his life is now fairy tale "Do you still practice transformation magic?"

"Ah, well not as I used to but I am still able to cast it"

"Can you cast transformation magic on me?"

"I can but… why would you need it?" Velveno was confused at this unusual request and Gray's face was uneasy

"Let's say I want to dance with someone I really… really shouldn't" he swallowed hard rock that was in his throat but for reason beyond him Velveno was more than understanding

"Who is the one you need to look like?"

"That guy" Gray nodded toward Lyon

"The one with blue hair dancing with blue haired girl?"

"Yes that one, just one dance" Velveno nodded at request taking one long glance at Lyon and then turned toward Gray. He lift right hand at height of Gray's forehead and left at his abdomen and magical circles appeared. Faint light surrounded Gray and his appearance changed, shifting into image of Lyon, mimicking not only his face but also clothes… all except buttons that still had fairy tail emblem on them.

"The spell will last for 15 minutes" Velveno said as "Lyon" nodded and smiled, thanking him again. He waited just enough until Lyon was grabbed by Erza and pulled into one of floating platform. She danced with him in her full spirit… poor Lyon is going to have dizziness for days but for now… for now he walked toward Juvia

Present time

Gray's hands reached for his face, rubbing against cheeks, eyes, forehead and finally a single finger reached and rubbed his own lips. He waved head as he continued chuckling, stopping at one point to take one long sigh.

"Well shit… I am in love… now what?"

A/N: I hope you now understand why I could not leave this out... it has so much raw power, so much simple emotions but this dance had to happen. Lemon on next chapter and I know you all are waiting for it but I still stand by my statement that this scene had to happen. Thank you all for your understanding