Title: Ten Seconds

Pairing: GraLu (Fairy Tail Fandom)

Summary: As he lay in silence, he closes his eyes and starts to count their memories together.

Rating: T

Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail.

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The hall is silent and only a small patch of light illuminates the entire desolate place.

Lucy could feel the emotions rushing through her veins – pain, anguish, sadness, and fear. Her face scrunches up in disgust as she smells the metallic aroma of blood drenching her skin and clothes.

She doesn't know whether she would cry or scream in agony, because there is only one thing in her mind right now – and that is to save him.

Her hand trembles as she struggles to pull out the blade embedded inside Gray's chest. It hurts her to see him like this, but it hurts her even more to know that she's the reason why he is suffering.

She winces in pain when the sharp edges of the blade graze her palm. He seems to notice her discomfort, as he tries (desperately) to cover her hands with his own to stop her movements.

She couldn't stand all of this.

She didn't want any of this to happen.

But it did.

Gray is dying.

And it's all because of her.

"Lu-cy." he says in staggered breaths; blood trickling down his chin.

Drip.

"Gr- Gray, I... I didn't"

Drop.

"Shh, it's okay, there's..."

Drip.

"Gray -" And she feels a drop of blood rest on her pale cheeks. "- I'm sorry."

He shifts his hands as he tries to pull the sword out from inside of him – but to no avail. It has pierced his vital organs, and he knows it's only a matter of time before he passes out.

But it's okay.

He knows it is for the best.

He knows it is for her.

(Because in all honesty, his life is hers and will always be hers.)

"Luce, look at me."

His voice is desperate, with the need to see her one last time - yes it is selfish, but a dying man could care any less.

Lucy tries to move her body but finds herself glued on the spot - like a lifeless puppet submitting to its master.

It is because of her weakness that they got into this predicament, and it is because of her that Gray rushed head on to a battle by himself.

"Lucy."

Finally, she wills her head to look at his face. Her chocolate orbs fill with unshed tears as she sees his dull midnight eyes.

"Gray, please, don't do this to me."

He tries to smile (despite how much his body aches) as she tries to mumble out incoherent thoughts about how she'll hunt him down if ever he dies.

"Gray, please."

He feels every inch of his body burning up by the second, but he pays no heed as he slowly lifts his bloodied hand to brush away the crimson liquid off her face.

"Blood doesn't suit you Lucy."

"Y-you think so?"

He nods back.

"Then the more rea-" She stops and her mouth opens in a silent scream. Her body stiffens for a second; making her loosen her hold on the blade. Then, with a heartbeat, she closes her eyes and slumps her body forward onto Gray – the blade piercing him deeper – as he also fell on his back with the added weight.

She never got to finish her sentence.

It's like watching an old movie, where the world starts to turn slowly and all he could hear is loud laughter resounding in the hall.

"Useless pieces should die, right?"

He wants to kill the man, wants to tear him from limb to limb, but before he could even muster the strength to call on to his powers, the hooded figure disappears from their sight – and only the sound of retreating footsteps could be heard as he takes a piece of Lucy's self with him.

- her heart in his hands.

And for the first time in his life (because his motto is to 'never give up'), Gray losses all of his will to live.

None of this would have happened if he got here on time. None of this would have transpired in the first place if they weren't together. He knew his life as an S-class mage would lure out some powerful enemies, but he never thought his relationship with Lucy could lead to this.

He wants to feel the regret of falling for her, but knows in his heart that he could never do such a thing.

His time with Lucy has been the best of his life.

- and regretting all of it would make him a living lie.

"Lucy?"

He tries to shake her (pleading her to come back), his hands now free as he no longer cares about the blade stuck inside of him.

Silence.

"Lucy?!"

He shakes her again, roughly this time - tears flowing from his eyes.

"LUCY!"

He shouts, but only an eerie silence answers him back.

"LUCY!"

He could see the hole inside her chest, and he cries harder.

She's gone.

She's gone.

She's... gone.

"LUCY!"

Finally, after the heavy reality sinks into him, Gray succumbs to defeat.

She's gone.

He lies still on his back to try and clear his thoughts from revenge – because Fairy Tail would surely take care of it for him – and any other thoughts, but her.

"Gray."

He imagines their home, their bed, her in his arms (squirming as he holds her close) –

"Catch me if you can!"

Gray closes his eyes and hugs Lucy as close to him as possible.

(Soon they will meet again.)

Ten.

Gray knew she loves roses; he gives her a red on Mondays, a yellow on Wednesdays, a white on Fridays, and a bouquet on Sundays.

Nine.

She's laughing beside him as they form snow-angels under the cold winter night. Her mere presence gives him a thousand reasons to look forward to tomorrow.

Eight.

On one summer night, as he suffers from an insanely high fever, her warm hands became his source of protection and comfort.

Seven.

She told him a year ago to not strip anymore. He told her she's one selfish and possessive girlfriend.

Six.

He asked her out on the first day of autumn for their first date - only to have their night jeopardized by Erza and Mira.

Five.

On nights when Lucy couldn't sleep, she would gently sweep away his bangs to see his slumbering face. And then, she would bend her head down (slowly) to plant her lips on his.

Four.

She came back from one of her solo missions bloodied and injured. He remembers how his blood boiled at the sight and how she only smiled at him to soothe his raging emotions.

Three.

He was in the market when he saw the perfect ring a few months ago. He still has it inside his pocket until this day.

Two.

She always says I love you to him, but he never told her he did. He thought actions speak louder than words.

One.

And right now as he kisses her forehead for the last time, he wants to shout 'I love you' so badly, but dismisses the thought right away.

Perhaps in the afterlife-

(Because there was silence and darkness.

And then, there was none.)

Thanks for reading and I'm hoping to hear your wonderful feedback/comments/criticisms/thoughts.

hugs and kisses,

Fia