Anime: Fairy Tail

Requested by: @Gray243

(A/N): I'm terribly sorry for doing this so late, please forgive me. I know you wanted a story but I didn't and still don't have enough time to organise a full story. Again, I'm really sorry for the inconvenience. But please enjoy this oneshot.

Avery's POV

I quickly averted my gaze from the raven-haired wizard that stood before me. His radiating warmth of familiarity and kindness contradicted his piercing cold aura that was the core of his magic.

I wanted to be held in his warm embrace, if only he returned my deep affections. But I was afraid that I was one-sided in this so-called love of mine.

"Hey Avery, what are you staring at? Let's get going. The resort's not going to wait for us," exclaimed Lucy.

"Huh? Yeah, okay. Let's go."

"*laughs* Avery's in loooove-"

"Shut it, cat."

I smirked as a look of fear graced his rounded face. It wasn't until I had bumped into Gray's back when it was finally time for the cat to smirk. I glared at his knowing smile before muttering a quiet apology to Gray.

"Don't worry about it, Avery," he replied with a carefree grin.

"Love rival!" yelled Juvia.

I ignored her remark and brushed past her shoulder. It was tiring to keep up this act. I had wanted to end this tiresome game of pretend. It was surprisingly difficult to act as if I had no feelings for the raven-haired mage.

"Avery, wait up," Gray called out as he caught up to my side.

I immediately felt a blush creep up to my cheeks as he took my hand in his and led us toward the others. My overwhelming nervousness was enough to make me ignore Juvia's burning glares.

~At the hot springs~

"Ugh, I am never riding a train again!" Natsu exclaimed sickly.

"Well, too bad. We have to ride one to go back," replied Lucy.

"Why is life so hard?..."

"*smirks* Oh, can the 'almighty salamander' be defeated by a powerless train? How lame," Gray commented mockingly.

"What was that, you idiotic ice cube of a boy?!"

"Huh? What?! Say that again, I dare you!"

"Gray, Natsu, break it up. Erza's coming."

The two boys quickly jumped back and looked the other way, desperate to stay on Erza's good side. I felt myself smile at this, it was somewhat cute in a way.

Before I realised it, I was being dragged away by Lucy and Erza, who had stated that we needed to get ready for the hot springs that they had looked forward to for the whole week.

I could only sigh in defeat as I let the two girls do their magic, and prepare us for the hot springs. Well, to be honest, I had no idea what they were doing. There really was nothing you could do before entering a hot spring.

After what felt like hours, we finally let ourselves into the long awaited relaxation that we had desperately needed. But without warning, a certain water mage pulled me up by the arm and slammed me against the wall.

"What the hell is your problem?!"

"Juvia should be asking you that! Stay away from Gray-sama!"

"*sigh* Listen, I don't intend to interfere with your relationship, seeing as how he doesn't feel the same way about me-"

"Who said?"

Juvia and I turned our heads towards the source of the voice. I immediately blushed a dark shade of red and covered my body with a towel. What the hell was Gray doing here?! And Natsu as well?!

"Gray-sama!" squealed Juvia.

He simply moved to the side to avoid her hug before coming over to me. I looked away from his sharp gaze and tried to find something of interest that would attract my attention.

But that was impossible, because the boy in front of me had stolen every bit of heart. I was soon forced to look into his eyes when he lifted my chin up.

"Hey, didn't you hear what I said before? I like you so don't you dare try to convince yourself otherwise. You're mine now," he exclaimed.

"*blush* G-Gray-"

He cut me off with a kiss, leaning in more when I wasn't doing anything, causing me to kiss back. I felt my legs wobble and collapse but I was soon caught in his strong embrace.

"You idiot! Why are you and Natsu in the girls' area?! And who says you can make our precious Avery a blushing mess?! Get the hell out of here before Erza personally kicks you out!" Lucy yelled.

"L-Lucy...your clothes..."

She looked at me before looking down. Her face blushed tomato red in embarrassment. I couldn't help but laugh as she hurriedly went inside the building.

Erza had dragged Natsu and Juvia out along with Happy, leaving Gray and I alone under the moonlight. I realised that I was still in his arms before pushing him away.

"S-sorry!"

"Avery!"

Before he fell into the pool, his fingers wrapped around my arm, pulling me in with him. We were both soaking wet by the time we resurfaced. I glared at him and wrapped the towel tighter around my body.

What the hell? He, at least, had his pants on while I was plain naked if I didn't have the towel. He seemed to notice this before a smirk appeared on his face.

"Don't you dare..."

"*laughs* Avery, I'm just kidding. Why would I do that to you, or anyone for that matter?"

Gray's POV

She just pouted and looked away, a slight blush on her cheeks. Damn, she was too cute for her own good. I pulled her closer before lifting her chin up to kiss her again.

I smiled into the kiss, making her pull away. She looked up at me with her head tilted to the side. Geez, she had to stop doing that...

"Hey Avery?"

"Yeah?"

"Want to do something tomorrow?"

"Like what?"

"I don't know, go on a date?"

"*smiles* I'd love to."

She looked at the starlit sky, while I continued to stare at her. Since when did I start falling for her?

~Flashback (two years ago)~

A girl with long, scarlet hair and a cute smile walked into the guild. Everyone stopped and turned their heads to look at the mage who had just walked in.

I couldn't help but stare as she walked past and up to Gramps. She was beautiful and I hated to admit it, but I was pretty sure everyone else thought so too. I...wanted her for myself.

"I would like to join the guild," she exclaimed in a melodic voice.

"Sure, what's your name?" asked Gramps.

"Avery."

~Some time later~

Lucy had invited her over to our table. She sat between Erza and I. Now that I actually think about it, they looked similar in terms of appearance. Were they related?

"So what magic do you have?" Natsu asked while gulping down his fried chicken.

"I have (magic type) magic," she replied.

Erza introduced us all before Avery finally turned to me. She smiled and held out her hand. I grinned back and shook her hand.

~Flashback end~

"Hey Gray, what are you thinking about?" asked Avery.

"Huh? Oh, I was just thinking back on the time when you first joined our guild."

"Even though it wasn't too long ago, it feels like I've been here for ages..."

Before I got a chance to reply, Natsu suddenly appeared out of nowhere and invaded our privacy. He cannonballed into the hot spring, making the water splash everywhere.

"You flame brain, what the hell are you doing?!"

"What does it look like I'm doing, ice popsicle?!"

"Oh I don't know, causing a ruckus?!"

"Natsu! Gray! You two aren't fighting again, are you?!" asked a drunk Erza.

Oh no...I looked over at Avery for help but she had already escaped back into the inn. She just grinned cheekily before disappearing from view.

Ugh, damn her! I did not want to die today!