Heeeeey Minna! I've got an update for ya! Even after sooooo long! Well, for those of you who don't know, a few weeks a ago, my motherboard was crashing and I had to get that fixed, which took forever. But I'm here now, and I've got a long chapter for you all! ^^

Anyway, DISCLAIMER! I do NOT own Fairy Tail! All those rights go to Master Hiro Mashima! And the plot idea goes to Jigoku-no-Hana! Enjoy!

Chapter 7

All was silent as Ultear wrapped gauze around Natsu's wounds. I glanced over to the still form of Jellal on the couch, still trying to figure out what exactly happened. I wasted no time in getting him and Natsu into the house, screaming for Ultear to get the first aid kit. Seeing him like this made me angry. Whoever attacked Natsu would definitely pay.

Ultear finished bandaging Natsu then moved on to Jellal, replacing the rag that was earlier placed on his head. I looked over to Lyon, who stood against the wall. He had a distant look on his face as he stared blankly at Natsu. I sighed. The silence was getting too heavy.

"So, what happened Natsu?" I asked.

He jumped slightly, snapping out of his dazed expression. "Er, we kinda got attacked by some big guys." I stood up straighter.

"Attacked?" Lyon suddenly jumped in.

"Yeah, I think there were four of them. One guy held me and Jellal took on the other three. I took down the guy holding me and Jellal was able to knock down two of the others. But he collapsed before he took down the last guy. So I took care of him and started wandering. I recognized your house when I came to a clearing, so here I am," he explained.

I was shocked to say the least. Anger overrode me and I was about to jump on Natsu and demand he tell what the assholes looked like so i could find them and make them wish they were never conceived.

"Yes, here you are. Who are you again?" Lyon asked. That's right. I didn't tell him about Natsu yet.

"I'm Natsu Dragneel, a friend of Gray."

Lyon's expression changed to one of deep concentration. "Where have I heard that name before?" he mumbled to himself. I raised an eyebrow at him, but he wasn't looking at anything anymore.

"Did you see who it was?" Ultear asked in that annoying mother tone of hers.

"No, it was too dark," he replied.

"Well, what street were you on then?" she inquired.

"Um, I think it was on Sakura Lane…. Crap! Jellal's car is still there!" he exclaimed. He fisted his hair and squatted down.

"That's a very bad area. There are a lot of gangs. No wonder you were attacked." She turned around and went into the kitchen and came out with her purse. "I'll go with you to get your friends car. Gray, Lyon, stay here with Jellal and text me when and if he wakes up before we get back." She grabbed her keys and headed to the door. A surprised Natsu followed her, giving me a confused look. I nodded toward the door and gave him a smile. He gave me his most adorable smirk and left. Then he came back and patted Jellal down until he found a set of keys in his back pocket. Then he left for good.

I looked to Lyon, but he was still staring blankly at the wall. I sighed and went into the kitchen to find something to eat. I looked in the freezer and found a pint of cookie dough ice cream. I took that and went back into the living room with two spoons in hand. I poked Lyon and held out one of the utensils. Still looking distracted, he took the spoon and dug into the open box.

After a few minutes of silence, I finally asked, "So who's this Juvia person?"

Lyon almost seemed to choke on his spoon when I said this. His face reddened into a dark blush as he looked away, swallowing.

"Just someone," he responded vaguely.

I waited a few second before I asked, "Care to expand?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "I've hooked up with her a few times, but she doesn't seem to want a serious relationship. Or she thinks I'm another one of those guys. The ones where you date with lots of sex and then two weeks later, you completely ignore them."

I shook my head. "That doesn't sound like you at all."

"I know right! And I keep telling her that, but it's like she's not listening."

"How can you blame her? Who wants to listen to you?" He hit me upside the head while I tried to smother my laughter.

"What does she look like?" I asked a few minutes later.

"Well, she has curly blue hair, beautiful blue eyes, ivory skin," he listed.

"Her breasts big?" I asked.

He looked at me annoyed. "Not that it matters, but yes. D-cup I think." I whistled and he hit me again.

"Well, I've told you about my love life, what about yours?" he asked, now looking all interested.

"Not much has happened really," I responded. This was true. I haven't gotten together with anyone for a few months.

"I'm sure something has come up. Someone special?" He nudged me a few times in the ribs with his elbow. I shoved a large bite of ice cream in my mouth to try to avoid answering. It was only a year ago did I realize my sexuality. Lyon was barely home then and soon enough, he left for the next six months. Ultear found out when she caught me shortly after Lyon left. I had a guy over when she came home from work early. It wasn't until after he ran out the door that I found out Ultear was fine with it.

But I never got to tell Lyon. He's completely isolated in snow where he's working, so he seldom calls. And whenever he does, I could never bring myself to tell him, especially when he complained to me one time about having a coworker who was gay. After learning his distasted, it's become harder and harder to come out of the closet. Ultear has offered to do it for me, but I just wasn't ready.

"Gray?" I looked up at him blankly.

"Hm?" My mouth was still full of ice cream.

"I said are you ok? You look pale." He turned his entire body toward me now, looking concerned. I swallowed quickly.

"Nah, I'm fine. Aren't I always pale?" He gave a humored, half smirk. That's when we heard a moaning.

Jellal was starting to stir. Lyon took out his phone, probably texting Ultear. I went over to the bluenette and replaced the rag on his head with a fresh one. He opened his eyes slightly and moaned again.

"Mm, where am I?" he whispered.

"You're at my place. Natsu told us you guys got attacked near Sakura Lane. Do you remember anything?" I asked. He looked to me confused.

"Gray? Is that you?" he asked, looking closer. I smirked and nodded; surprised that he even remembered my name.

"Where's Natsu?" he asked, sitting up.

"He went with our sister to get your car," Lyon suddenly jumped in. "You should be grateful he was able to find us. You're in really bad shape right now". I looked over my shoulder and saw he was leaning over Jellal like I was. Jellal looked to Lyon in surprise.

"Who are you?" he asked.

Lyon draped his arm over me and said, "I'm Gray's older brother."

"Oh," was all he said as he lay back down. He closed his eyes and sighed.

"We're back!" a voice yelled out. We all jumped from the suddenness as Natsu came bounding into the room with a wide smile on his face. His smile widened even more when he saw Jellal, who was still lying down but looked wide awake.

"Hey Jellal, how's your head?" he asked walking over to the couch. Jellal sat up, smiling genuinely.

"Better, thanks to you," he replied.

"Actually," Ultear interrupted. "It was thanks to me. Natsu brought you here, but I was the one who nursed your sorry ass back to health." We all turned to her. She had an annoyed, yet amused look on her pretty features. It was amazing how much she looked like mom when she did that. I looked back to Jellal and he looked surprised. I was too. I've never seen her act out on strangers like that…..ok maybe I have, but this was different. I mean, this was Jellal.

"Excuse me for intruding," Jellal replied after a moment, actually looking guilty. "I'm sorry for causing you trouble."

"You should be," she responded right away. "Going on Sakura Lane. Are you trying to get yourself killed? Don't you know anything about that area?" Jellal, surprisingly, looked even guiltier.

"I didn't know we were there. I just wanted to be alone," he responded quietly, gazing to the ground. Ultear looked at him longer before softening her gaze.

"You have minor damage. You're going to get some serious bruises, but there're no broken bones. I would suggest going to a doctor to see if you got a concussion, but otherwise you should be fine," she informed him. Jellal looked up to her and nodded.

"Anyway, it's late. I'll get some blankets and you and Natsu can stay the night, or you can take your car and go home on your own. Tomorrow's a weekend, so it's you choice." With that, she left the room. All was silent as I glanced around the room, waiting for their answers.

"Do you mind if I stay over Gray, Lyon?" Natsu asked. "I don't really want to go home yet."

"Of course," I answered immediately.

A throat was cleared and I glanced over to the source. Lyon was looking at me skeptically. I guess he didn't quite trust Natsu yet. Typical of him. I gave him an innocent look, silently begging him to approve just this one night. It's not like I would do something he wouldn't approve of. I mean, would he think to not approve of some little kisses exchanged if he doesn't know I'm gay?

He sighed defeated. "Yeah, you can stay here. You can too Jellal, if you want."

Jellal in turn, shook his head. "No thank you. I think I should probably head home. You said you brought my car back?"

Natsu nodded. "Yeah, it's out front. Here's you key." He took out the small set out from his back pocket and tossed them to the bluenette. He caught them and stood up.

"Thank you for helping me and Natsu. See you tomorrow." And then he left, the door closed quietly behind him.

"I've got blankets." Ultear came into the room with an armful of blankets, breaking the growing silence.

"I'll bring those up to my room," I told her, taking the bundle from her arms. I then took Natsu's hand and pulled him up the stairs, wanting to get away from the awkward silence.

Lyon's POV

I kept trying to think of where I heard the name Dragneel as I watch gray drag the other teen up stairs. It sounded so familiar, but I couldn't quite place my finger.

"He was very nice in the car," Ultear sudden spoke. "A little uncomfortable, like he was sick, but otherwise, he was talkative and upbeat. I like him a lot. I can see why Gray likes him too."

"Yeah, he seems nice. How old is he?" I asked, still a little distracted.

"Um, I think he's a senior." I shook my head. Of course he would get into trouble like that.

"What?" she asked.

"Eh?"

"What's with that look on your face? You don't like him?" I shook my head.

"I just wish he would hang out with kids his own age." I sighed.

"He does," she assured. "Erza, Lucy, Loke…"

"Yeah, but he always finds himself with older people at one point or another."

"Stop complaining. Just be grateful he actually makes and has friends," she snapped. Then she smiled.

I returned the smile. "Yeah, I guess that's the important thing. But it's just that his name….it sounds so familiar and I don't know if it's a good familiar or bad."

"Don't be too bothered by it. Let's just go to bed. I'm tired, you're tired. My bed is calling me," she responded.

"Yeah," I replied. I stood there a little longer, looking at the room I haven't seen for a long time. At the same I pondered what the look Gray gave Natsu every time he looked at him. It almost looked like adoration or something…

Gray's POV

Once Natsu was in my room, I was suddenly very conscious of how much smaller my house was compared to the mansion he lives in. I looked over to him, seeing him look at some of the stuff on my dresser. I dropped the blankets on the floor and began making a bed for him with them.

"Who is this?" Natsu asked after a few minutes. By then I had finished making the bed for. I stood up and went to see what he was looking at. It was a picture of my mom and siblings. We were posing for a picture at an apple orchard. I had a similar picture in my wallet.

"That's my mom and us," I told him.

"Where is she?" he asked innocently.

"Gone," I answered simply. He didn't press further, to which I was grateful for. He only looked at me and to the picture a few times before placing it back where it was.

"Sorry, he said after a respectable silence.

"Thanks. Anyway, do you want a pillow?"

"Nah, I'm fine without one. But I'm going to need pajamas." I looked at what he was wearing and saw he was right. He was still in his school uniform. It was all wrinkled and muddy. I'll have to ask Ultear to wash it for him.

"Yeah no problem," I answered going into my drawers getting something for both of us.

"Just a shirt is fine. I usually sleep in boxers and a shirt." I nodded and gave him a tight fitted shirt.

"Thanks."

"I've also got some extra toothbrushes in the bottom drawer in the bathroom if you want to use one," I told him, taking off my clothing. It was starting to get a little uncomfortable.

"Thanks," he said again, walking into the bathroom.

"And give me your clothes when you're changed. I'll have Ultear wash them."

"Ok."

Soon enough, Natsu came out. I was right….that shirt does make him all the more sexy. I took his clothes, trying not to look too obvious as I admired the way the shirt clung to his well-toned muscles. And he showered too, so the water from his hair dripped onto his neck, making it glisten just the slightest. I slowly made my way out of my room and to Ultear's.

I knocked on her door quickly and quietly. A few second later, the door opened and there was Ultear, half her hair up in curlers while the other side laid flat. She looked annoyed. That's what stopped me from bursting out into laughter. When she looks annoyed or anger or any of those emotions, you know not to mess with her.

"Well, what do you want?" I snapped out of my thoughts.

"Natsu's clothes need to be washed," I told her, holding out the bundle to her. She looked at it for a second before taking my wrist and pulling me inside her room.

"What the hell Ultear!" I exclaimed. She took the clothes from me and threw them in a random basket on the floor.

"You haven't told Lyon right?"

"What are you talking about?"

"You're being gay." Oh.

"No."

She crossed her arms. "It needs to be done and you know it."

I looked away, feeling, for the first time, ashamed of my preferences. "I know, but you know his mindset."

"You want me to tell him?"

"No, that wouldn't be right. Plus it'd be embarrassing."

"It has to be done. He was asking about your friends earlier and it looks like he doesn't like Natsu."

"He doesn't?" A wave of disappointment and sadness overcame as I stared at the sympathetic Ultear.

"Well, more like, he doesn't know whether or not to trust him." That calmed me down a bit. Then all I would have to do was to convince that Natsu was good and trustworthy.

Lyon's POV

I'm not much of an eavesdropper, but when Ultear and my walls are as thin as they are, you can't help but over here some interesting things.

SOoooooo, sorry about not being able to update for a while! But anyway, please, please, PLEASE leave a review! I know it's been a while and you're probably mad at me and won't leave a review, but please do! It helps me keep going, saying whether it's good or not or just giving me constructive criticism. Until next chapter, Scarlet out! Loves y'all!

Review Responses:

dust diamond: I hope this was a decent reaction for you!

Crystalangel554: That's true and it's a sad thing that that happened to them. And I wonder the same thing on why someone would just go walk into some dark woods at night. It's so weird! Anyway, I hope you enjoyed Gray's reaction, even if it wasn't the best. But hey, his siblings are around and one of them didn't know much about him and Natsu ;)

PianoNL: Thanks ^^ I'm glad you're enjoying this! And naturally Natsu's the uke! I mean, he's so adorable! Anyway, I would take you're Juvia idea, but she works with Lyon remember? But that doesn't mean I won't use her ;) SO if you have any other ideas, don't be afraid to say so! I'm open to to anything! :)

darkhuntressxir: Ultear help Gray... ;)

YaoixJoe: Thanks ^^ and that's true, you just can't get around the fact that bad things will happen to everyone XD I hope you enjoyed this one too! :)

xXGraTsuLOv3rXx: JellalxNatsu really can be great, a lot of different couples can! They're very sexy But i agree with you! Gratsu/Natray all the way! Thank you! :D

Guest: You have that feeling too!? Where you secretly want the other guy to get the main character!? Anyway, thank you! That really means a lot to me! I'm happy you enjoyed it and I hope you like this one too!

Guest: I have brought more!