A/N: Takes place in the Fairy Tail Universe! Enjoy! Please read and review! Also, feel free to send requests!

Disclaimer: Don't own Fairy Tail or any of its characters. If I did, GraLu would've been endgame.

• Red String of Fate •

Finally

"You clean up nice."

The comment had Lucy pause her enthusiastic chewing of a triple chocolate layered cake she found at the buffet table moments ago. In her peripheral, she saw Gray, handsome as ever. He was dressed in a crisp, all-black suit, black undershirt, and black tie. His hair was gelled back with one rebellious strand. As per usual, butterflies in her stomach surfaced, and she hastily chewed and swallowed before turning to him in acknowledgment.

"You too," she replied, hiding her mouth behind her hand to hide the possible chocolate smeared over her lips and teeth. He smiled at her and glanced at the crowd in the banquet hall, so she took that chance to quickly take a sip of the celebratory champagne, swish it around her mouth, and wipe her lips with a napkin.

Hopefully, that did the trick, Lucy thought helplessly.

"Not going to lie, I'm pretty relieved I found you," Gray admitted.

Her heart fluttered. "Oh, is that so?"

"My social battery is pretty much dead."

She chuckled lightly. "I feel you there."

The fact that she was the daughter of Jude Hearfilia, the owner and founder of the Hearfilia Kozern business, a Fairy Tail celestial mage, and now a best-selling published novelist, she had loads of strangers come up to her during this banquet to chat and even dance, as well as sign autographs. A small blush graced her cheeks as she took another sip of her champagne, realizing the ice mage was comfortable around her. It was a warm feeling.

"The sad part is, it's not even close to the end of the night," Gray grumbled, tapping the whiskey glass in his hand.

"Well, it is the Grand Magic Games victors' banquet plus the third anniversary of the victory over…you know…" Lucy trailed off. She didn't really know how to sum up that part of her life. Her future self traveled back in time to prevent disaster and died by protecting her. It was a jarring experience.

She easily downed the rest of her fourth champagne glass, noting that she should probably cap it at five.

"Yeah…" was all Gray could respond. His eyes seemed to have a far-off look as well. One that probably mirrored her own.

Music filled her ears. She turned to see the royal palace's orchestra set themselves back up to play. It was a sign to everyone it was time to dance yet again. Just thinking about it had Lucy's feet aching. She could already feel the hot spots where blisters were for sure to be by the end of the night. But…

She glanced at Gray once again through her lashes and looked away before he could catch her staring.

Lucy hadn't danced with him yet. As a matter of fact, she had not seen him for the entirety of the night until just now. So, she decided to take the chance. Maybe it was the champagne getting to her head, but she'd like to think it was her own courage.

The worst thing he can say is no, she consoled herself.

"Dance with me."

Lucy blinked, inwardly surprised at her own forwardness and cursed herself. She schooled her features into a smile. Lucy, what in the Mavis was that. It was supposed to be 'Want to dance?' or 'Shall we dance?,' not a bloody command.

Gray's eyes widened in slight surprise before his features settled into a warm smile. "Lead the way."

Lucy grabbed his hand without a second thought. As she turned and started heading to the center of the banquet hall, her cheeks flushed a deep red, realizing exactly what she just did. The fact Gray didn't withdraw his hand had her heart racing. She focused on walking but took note of how cold his large hand was compared to hers and much, much rougher with callouses from years of training and fighting.

Before she knew it, they were in the center. Lucy gave a small wave when she saw Levy and Gajeel but could only sweatdrop when Mirajane wiggled her eyebrows at her and mouth finally. Lucy rolled her eyes before turning back to Gray.

"I should warn you – I'm a terrible dancer," Gray said, as he gave a slight bow.

Lucy giggled, curtseying gracefully. "That's good to know."

"I don't think you understand the gravity of the situation," Gray deadpanned. "I really don't know what I'm doing."

She laughed. "Then why didn't you say no?"

He slightly blushed, looking away to the side. "You didn't really give me the opportunity."

"You're not wrong."

Gray's eyes met hers. "Even if you did though, I still would've danced with you."

It was her turn to blush.

She cleared her throat before flashing him a confident smile. "Well, don't worry, you're in good hands. One hand here and here…" She positioned his hands accordingly.

"Like this?"

"Yes, stop looking stiff!"

"Hey, it's my first time! Be gentle with me."

The joke startled a small laugh out of her. "I'll take care of you. Promise."

Gray chuckled. "All right, don't make me regret this."

Before Lucy could say anything else, the royal orchestra officially started playing their classical music. The musical notes harmoniously filled the banquet hall, and she let it guide her and Gray. Lucy held his gaze, smiling, as she got lost in the night of his eyes. They seemed to twinkle like the stars.

Gray was in awe of Lucy, as he usually was.

Her hair gleamed gold in the light, and her midnight dress sparkled like a clear night sky filled with constellations. He held her gaze easily. Her joyous smile was contagious, so he couldn't help but smile back, albeit a little shyly.

He followed her lead, and they floated across the dance floor effortlessly. Almost like they've danced together before. For some reason he couldn't fathom, Gray really believed they had.

Much to his disappointment, the music slowly died down, and they came to a stop. Rounds of applause sounded off as he bowed and she curtsied.

Lucy grinned. "Told you you'd be fine."

Gray rolled his eyes playfully. "I didn't doubt you for a second."

"Thanks for dancing with me, Gray," she beamed. "That was fun!"

He felt his face heat up. "Sure thing."

"Don't move – I'm going to use your shoulder for a second."

Wordlessly, Gray let her use him to balance herself as she slid off her heels with sighs of relief. He noted the angry red spots on her feet and wondered how she managed to dance without flinching. With her aching heels off now, Lucy stood three inches shorter, and Gray almost forgot how small she actually was.

"Thanks," she mumbled. "Mavis, that feels so much better."

He chuckled. "I'm guessing no more dancing tonight."

"My feet would be obliterated," Lucy deadpanned. "But I wouldn't mind dancing with you again," she added sincerely.

Gray knew that for the rest of the night, his cheeks would most likely have a permanent shade of red, and he would easily blame it on the amounts of alcohol and hard liquor he'd consumed over the night. But, who was he kidding? Lucy just had that kind of effect on him.

He cleared his throat. "Drinks then?"

"Say less," Lucy smiled.

Gray got another shot of whiskey while Lucy merrily grabbed some more champagne with her heels dangling from her hand. The ice mage quietly laughed at the bizarre glances she received from the palace help and some old nobles. She didn't even spare them a glance as she led them outside to the large balcony overlooking the royal garden. She sat down on the marble bench with a sigh, her smooth, porcelain leg peeking out of the slit of her dress.

Fuck, Gray thought.

He ripped his eyes away from Lucy and absently stared out into the darkness of the garden as he went to lean over the stone railing and clear his…thoughts. But he felt hot, and the summer heat hung in the air. So, he downed his shot of whiskey, happily welcoming the burn of alcohol down his throat and rid himself of his suit coat, loosened his tie, and popped the first few buttons of his collared shirt. He ran a hand through his gelled hair with a sigh. Like always, that rebellious strand came flicking back down.

Gray risked a glance at Lucy. His breath got stuck in his throat when his eyes clashed with hers. Her eyes lit with slight surprise and embarrassment. Blushing, she whipped her head and suddenly found the ground very interesting.

His own surprise melted into realization – that maybe it wasn't just him who was attracted.

Gray slowly smiled.

Lucy stared at the ground in mortification, face completely flushed.

Well, shit, she thought exasperatedly. He caught you staring.

Not like she could help it. The man just looked…so hot while stripping down like that. Mavis, she forgot how built he was. Yes, yes, he had that stripping habit, and she had seen him naked plenty of times (with her screaming and looking away), but it wasn't until recently that she really appreciated…how he looked.

The rest of her thoughts were indiscernible as they felt like someone was randomly typing on a keyboard and spelling utter nonsense: asdkfjaionefoaeiutdhbfo. She wasn't sure she'd able to function properly the rest of the night.

Lucy's hand slightly shook as she downed the rest of her champagne, enjoying the slight burn of the alcohol, as well as the buzz. The glass clinked against the marble as she set it down with utter focus to get her mind off the ice mage.

"Can I sit with you?"

Gray's smooth, deep voice sent chills down her spine. Mavis, why did she have to be so easily affected by him?!

"Y-Yeah, go ahead," she squeaked out.

Oh my fuck, Lucy. Act normal. It's fine. You're fine. You'll be fine.

Lucy cleared her throat as she felt his presence beside her. She didn't even have to look to know that Gray was sitting right beside her. She could smell his cologne – not too strong but pleasant and very masculine. She breathed in a sigh, relaxing on the marble bench, and mentally steeled herself to look at him without making a fool out of herself more than she already had.

The breath she took died in her throat when her eyes met his. That look. Gray looked at her intently, as if he knew every part, every curve, and every depth of her. Her heart accelerated as if she ran a sprint relay. He was so close. She could see the faint silver line of the scar on his forehead highlighted in the moonlight. She also noted his arm casually draped across the bench behind her, stretching his shirt over his pecs and really emphasizing his muscular build. Her throat became dry, and she couldn't help but avert her gaze to control the sinful thoughts that rapidly went through her mind.

He chuckled. "You can keep looking at me. I don't mind."

If Lucy wasn't tomato red, she definitely was now. "I'm sorry." There was no point in trying to hide it now. He caught her staring – not just once but twice. She focused her gaze on him shyly. "I couldn't help it."

Gray seemed utterly amused with her behavior, maybe even smug, and Lucy couldn't help but cry inwardly because this bastard knew exactly what he was doing.

He hummed. "To be honest, I couldn't keep my eyes off you all night. So, I guess it's only fair."

Of all the things Lucy could have said, her smart reply was: "H-Huh?!"

Gray laughed softly. "Do I need to be more straightforward?"

Was he teasing her?

"Straightforward?" Lucy echoed, feeling absolutely dumb. She blamed the alcohol.

He reached forward, brushing a loose strand behind her ear. But instead of retreating back to his original position, Gray stayed, his cold hand now cupping her cheek as if she were the world. His eyes held hers easily with a certain affection. Oh…oh Mavis! She was internally screaming at the closeness.

"Can I kiss you?"

Lucy's mind went blank, short-circuiting. "Oh," she responded, eyes wide like a deer caught in headlights.

Gray raised an amused brow. "Oh?"

"Oh," she said again, a tone of realization as it dawned on her. She didn't even have to think twice, so she easily followed with a breathless, "Please."

Gray kissed her, and Lucy happily responded. It was simple – tender and sweet, but there was a promise of what could be, and it was intoxicating. Her hands fisted into his dress shirt while he cradled the back of her neck and secured an arm around her waist as the kiss deepened. When he pulled back, she almost whined but instead demanded with a whisper.

"One more."

She felt Gray's smile against her lips as he kissed her again. She couldn't help but smile too because – finally.

Fin.

A/N: Yee, yee, yee. Stay tuned for more oneshots! Any suggestions or whatnot, just PM me please, or you can leave it in the comments (no guarantee I will see it though). Thanks :)