The fight against the seven dragons and their hatchlings was one of the toughest challenges that had to be completed by a guild.
But by joining forces, they succeeded to preserve Fiore before its complete annihilation. It was not only an ultimate battle for survival, because new friendships were made.
Once considered as enemies in the Grand Magic Games, the members of Sabertooth stood side by side with the Fairy Tail members, to eliminate the threat.
To express his deepest gratitude and to celebrate the completion of the Grand Magic Games, the king of Fiore, Toma É Fiore, decided to organize a grand ball. This way he was able to gather all heroes from the battle, to thank them personally and also this was a good opportunity for the once foe guilds, to toast for their new friendships. Everything could be so beautiful now that the world is peaceful again.
At first glance, anyway.
You noticed a change in your boyfriend’s behavior for a long time. Your boyfriend, Gray Fullbuster, rarely smiled anymore. When he spoke, his voice was emotionless except for coldness and unfriendly stuttering.
Also he seemed to kept distance from everyone in the guild, especially you and that worried you. Because you weren't able to get close to him anymore. You couldn't even made out what he was thinking. That scared you the most.
You searched for advice from Makarov, the guildmaster, but even he was was unsure of Gray’s behavior recently, even if he noticed his changes. Mirajane wasn't a help either; she only smiled sweetly and said: “He's only stressed. Hang on there, it will be fine. Give him time, it happens a lot”. Well she wasn't wrong at all, but still the time went by and you got the feeling to lose him with every passing day more.
On the evening, right before the ball starts, you and the other girls made quick last preparations with make-up, hairstyles and outfit. Even the princess, Hisue, was present. She didn't looked happy either, because she awaits punishment from her father for took action against his orders.
On the other side, Millianna seemed sad too and looked to the ground. Lucy noticed that thick atmosphere and sighed, as she saw three of her friends mentally away. Hisue was nervous and dropped several things down she wanted to use. Millianna was sighing heavily every now and then as you sat near the window and gazed into the moonlight.
“Guys... What’s the big deal with your sad faces? Today we want to celebrate and hey... How many times do we have the opportunity to eat and dance in the royal palace? So drop your upset faces and just smile! Right Erza? “, Lucy said and turned to the redheaded Titania beside her, who was currently pinning her hair up.
“Lucy is right. Nobody knows how long we will able to have fun until the next danger. So just try to have fun and enjoy the evening.”, Erza smiled. Millianna, Hisue and you looked up and forced a unison fake smile, while you nodded.
During the ball there were many people laughing and clink glasses. Even the dance floor was full and you couldn't walk at least one metre without crashing into somebody else. You hoped you could use a dance or something to get closer to Gray again. So you searched him between all the guests. When you found him, you were not surprised that he was with Juvia. From a distance you overheard them.
“Gray-sama, I have changed! I am not the same anymore! But my feelings haven't changed... I love you!“ , she screamed and were about to jump him, but he dodged her. Turning his back to the water mage he sighed. “No thank you. I changed too, and if anything pissed me off, I say so truly and directly.“ You froze at the coldness in his voice. It sent a cold shiver down your spine, as Juvia bumped into you and muttered a teary apologize, before the headed towards Lyon and his comrades.
“Gray... that was cruel. Juvia’s behavior isn't new at all. But you were never that cold and gruff to her.“, you said as you approached him. Gray looked at you with a cold glance in his eyes, you stopped in your tracks and froze.
“You should be thankful, that I refuse her without beating around the bush. Weren't you mad or jealous every time she clung onto me?“, he asked. His stern voice let your guard break and you averted your gaze. “I… I wasn’t mad, because I trust you... But... Gray, that isn't you anymore...“, you mumbled.
He raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me? Who do you expect me I should be?“, he asked uninterested. You bit your lip, before you inhaled deeply and put your guts together. You were determined to speak with him now about the things you wanted to talk since weeks.
“Gray, you’ve changed a lot. You stopped smiling and your mood isn't the best either. It seems that you have hardened your heart against your friends... Against me... When I hug you, you just stand there doing nothing. When I look into your eyes then, they seem empty, as if you don't be aware of what’s happening right now. You keep distance from me with every passing day. And this distance is causing us to get further and further away from each other. I don't know what I have to do to make you happy again!“
Gray remained silent. You thought he was thinking about how to respond. After a short silence he sighed. “You can't expect me to be happy and lovey-dovey all the damn time. To say the truth, sometimes you are just too clingy and I feel pressured. It's more frustrating than being stalked by Juvia.“
Those words hit you like a knife that aimed your heart. He spoke without grimacing and his cold glare made you uneasy. “B-But... If I trouble you that much, why are we still together?“, you asked, but you were afraid to hear the answer.
“I don't know.“
“You... Don't know? Don’t you love me?“, you plainly asked. Gray sighed. “See, that's what I mean. You keep asking and that’s tiresome. I just don't know why you keep bugging.“
“Gray, please. Just answer this question. After that I’ll stop bugging you. Do you love me?“
“I don't know.“
That answer was enough. You bit your lip to suppress the tears that wanted to stream down your face. Then you turned away from him. “I see. So I guess our relationship is over now.“, you muttered. “If you say so.“
You shook your head sadly, before you went to the other side of the hall and sat on a chair. Whilst the other guests enjoyed themselves and partied, you looked at your lap and tried to hold back your tears. Gray seemed pretty unaffected by the fact you just dumped him. Why was he so cruel?
The only thing that prevented you from breaking down was a sentence you heard from someone:
“Rather end the terror, than terror without ending“ (Sounds weird, it's a german phrase I guess)
You laughed bitterly at that. That someone who said that, may had never experienced such a feeling you were feeling now.