A Long Mission- Gratsu.

Chapter Six- Acceptance, Feelings and Confessions.

A/n: Sorry for how long it took for me to update, however here it is! Chapter six of 'A Long Mission.' I hope you enjoy! :)

"Okay so listen up boys" Erza commanded loudly, gaining the attention of the two squabbling boys who  were currently, rolling around the floor like a bunch of toddlers. Lucy couldn't help but roll her eyes at the scene, a smile twitching at the corners of her lips at their antics. 

'They'll always be like this. That's what makes their presence so comforting...They'll never change.'

Gray huffed. Slowly rising from his position on the floor with Natsu a vibrant scarlet hue encasing his cheeks as he crossed his arms (across his chest) defiantly. Natsu couldn't help but think the notion was cute- but quickly dismissed it. Gray Fullbuster was not, and will never be-

Cute.

He was a stupid stripper who had ice-cubes for brain cells. He was a hundred per cent sure that was his opinion on the matter. Then why did his body keep betraying him? Why, when he was around did he find butterflies swarming around in his stomach in an endless flight? Why, did his heart accelerate as it collided heavily with his rib-cage at the sight of him? His palms sweaty, his mind racing at impossible speeds as he attempted to figure out the mystery, the true puzzle of who Gray was. He'd seen Gray at his most vulnerable; almost as if he was that small child once more staring up weakly at the powerful demon known as Deliora. But he'd also seen him at his most powerful; his eyes gleaming as if they were ice themselves. His magic pulsating around him in winds of fury and the creation of numerous, powerful ice-make sculptures that brought his enemy down at his knees, at his mercy. However, he also felt as if he needed to learn more about Gray. The true Gray, that doesn't hide behind of facade of happiness, or one that appears to be a mighty warrior. Gray was strong, but everyone had a weakness.

Including Gray.

Natsu, had to admit despite all of this Gray; was undoubtedly handsome. His jet-black hair, that formed small spikes and yet, framed his face perfectly. The pale, pure skin (which contrasted greatly with his charcoal locks that, somehow, made him appear angelic). Natsu resisted the urge to laugh at the thought- Gray angelic was a sight that he was never likely to see- and then pair with those translucent, navy orbs. It was as if he was a painting, painted by an artist to create perfection. And Gray, being the exhibitionist he is with his inability to sustain a clothed form, had his abs on display for the world to see, was well beyond healthy. His muscles spoke for themselves; the hours of work put into training and building up stamina and strength. Sure, Gray was attractive. But he was also his rival. And he refused, at all costs.

To fall in love with his rival. And above all, he refused to allow his emotions to get in the way of a mission. Yet his heart yearned, for that love he wished he could have- but knew he would never receive.

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Gray found himself a little disturbed by Natsu's, lingering stare. Despite how well he knew the dragon slayer, he felt as if this stare in particular was something more. Something more than the usual glare he sent after their small disputes, however the ice-mage ignored it. In favor of returning his attention to the great, mighty Titania who was analyzing the situation carefully.

'It seems even Erza has noticed...At least I'm not paranoid.'

Erza cleared her throat, effectively gaining the fire dragon slayers attention who appeared to rubbing his neck in embarrassment. Gray couldn't help but to take note of the dragon slayers embarrassed form, a rarity for the feisty mage before acknowledging Erza's command.

"You two are going to be prepared for your evening at the nightclub later tonight. You're going undercover, so you have to blend in with the crowd."

Lucy nods her head in agreement. "Yes! We're going to have to go for a quick shop for ordinary clothes for you going. Maybe even get some make up done-"

"No way!" Natsu exclaimed, interrupting Lucy who sighed and shook her head at Natsu's reaction.

"You're really pushing it- I never agreed to getting dressed up!" Gray inputted. His arms still crossed over his chest as he huffed.

"You'll be lucky if I don't freeze anyone alive while I'm there."

Erza's angered aura set both and Gray in a panicked alarm. Who seemed to shrink underneath the mage's glare.

"You will do as you're told; and you will not attack- burn or freeze any people who happen to be there. Tonight is about identifying possible suspects and securing a strong form of communication with our client. Who will be there tonight. His name is Jackson--"

"You're kidding me!" Gray yelled. Lucy was surprised by his sudden outburst and it seemed the rest were in the same boat as the celestial mage.

'What could possible evoke that type of reaction...?'

"That was the dude I met the other night! The one who kept flirting with me and got me drunk" Gray admitted. "He seems innocent, but there's something that guys hiding and he definitely wanted me out of commission for a while." Gray explained, and Erza was suddenly on alert. She had her fair share of suspicious clients in the past- and it never ended well. She wanted to prevent any harm from coming to her teammates -if possible.-

"Did he did anything to you directly?"

"Yeah. He did this." Gray unbuttoned the cuff of his shirt, which Lucy had only just realized he was still wearing, to reveal a large, purple-black bruise on his wrist. Lucy had to stop herself from gasping at the sight. The bruise was clearly still forming, a blackish hue transforming into a saturated purple and the unusual shape (the shape of a hand easily clenching around his wrist) was undeniable. Natsu gritted his teeth. Despite seeing the bruise the day before, he never managed to get a good look at it and it was easily a lot worse than the day before. Whoever this client was, should know never to mess with Fairy Tail. And Natsu would teach him that lesson; it was no threat, but a promise. No one hurts his guild mates. Erza herself was fuming, but hid it well. She would be sure to pay their client a visit during the evening however for now, all they could do was play along.

Gray cringed at the actions of his teammates; who were clearly angered by the revelation. Gray had to admit he wasn't thinking very clearly. Angering fueling his actions like an unknown drug coursing through his very veins. He just hoped tonight, they would get enough Intel, to have a fighting chance against this agency who victimize, those, who struggled against the weight of those critical eyes.

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