Gray's POV:

I wake before dawn, feeling empty without Violet in my arms. She has rolled away from me and snuggled up with Seb and Frosch. Heh. So cute. Well I can't sleep. I guess I'll train for a while.

I pick a spot by the stream. I can't seem to turn my mind off as I put my body through the motions, I remember Warren's warning. "If you bond yourself to each other and she has another love... It will be bound to hurt even more." Not if she chooses me! I move faster and harder through my emotions. But that isn't the way training is supposed to go. I try to clear my head.

"Gray? I'm sorry, I didn't know you were here." Lucy is carrying a towel and a change of clothes.

"It's okay, I'm done." I start to walk off.

"Gray, look out!" Shadows start attacking from everywhere, there's no end to them.

"Gate of the water bearer Aquarius! Gray, unison raid! We have to end this."

I remember the unison raid that Juvia and I used against the dragon lady's minions. Yes, that should work. We will freeze them all. Lucy and I work our way toward each other and lock hands. Everything seems to go according to plan... and nothing happens. The shadows start to overtake us more and more, and we are running out of power. "Lion Brilliance!" The shadows all dissolve and a hooded figure retreats.

Leo turns to Lucy. "You are so cruel. You never summon me. What's more you are stupid and reckless. I am your most powerful spirit, but I can't watch you every second. Why won't you let me protect you? Why do you hate me so?"

This is what rejection is like. I think, and an ache forms in my heart.

"Are you hurt my love?" Says Leo and scoops Lucy into his arms, looking her over. Even after her cruelty, he is still her champion. No, that's not how it is with Violet. She wants me...

"Put me down! I am fine!" says Lucy and sends Leo back through the gate.

Violet comes running into my arms. "What happened?" She asks. "It's my fault isn't it? It's my fault. I need to put an end to this."

The others are all behind her. "Come on, let's go back to camp."

When we get to camp I make sure that Violet is busy with Wendy and waste no time in finding Warren and Erza. "We tried a unison raid. It was water and ice. It should have worked."

"Gray, you idiot." Erza spits at me. "It isn't the type of magic that is compatible, it is the people."

"What? But water and ice. It works so well with Juvia?"

"You think?"

Erza is no help, and why is she so angry. I look at Warren for an explanation. "A successful unison raid is very rare. It takes someone very compatible to pull it off. Either that or a special bond. Without years of training, usually only husband and wife manage it."

"So that means..."

"It isn't the water you are compatible with, it's Juvia."

Juvia?... A bond? We work well together don't we Juvia...

What am I thinking? I made a promise to Violet and I am not going to break it.

"Gray, you do know it is possible to love more than one person. Love isn't so mysterious. We have a choice. Sometimes in that choice there is always someone who will be hurt."

"What are you not telling me Warren?"

"I know it is possible, as I've been there myself. I am sorry, that's all I can say."

Violet, do you really have someone else? Is Ryos really more to you or is it someone else from your past?

"Gray?" Violet's voice cuts in to my thoughts. "You left and I am lonely." She attaches herself to me again, running her hands up and down my arm. She feels like she was meant to be there, attached to me, and I want more of her. Warren's words come back to haunt me once again. If you form a bond... Violet obviously wants more too. Not happy with my arm, she turns and presses her whole body against me. I'll just hold her and enjoy the moment.

Erza frowns at us and walks away. I don't need your disapproval Erza. . What do want from me anyway?

Natsu yells over to me, "Hey loverboy, we're going on a hike. You coming?"

Violet perks up. "I love hikes! Frosch, Seb... Let's go!"

"Let's stop here, and have the picnic that Wendy and Violet made this morning!" says Lucy. She and Wendy happily start arranging everything, Violet smiles and starts to help.

Seb grabs Violet's hand and he and Frosch exchange glances. "Um, Violet, Fro wants to talk to you. Fro really likes you Violet, but Fro misses Rogue!"

Violet looks scared too death and rests her head against my arm. I put my other arm around her protectively.

"It's okay," I murmur to her. "He won't be back today. Leo scared him off. He's probably planning a way to avoid Lucy."

Seb cuts in. "He says he came with us in order to get Rogue back, Violet, but it's like you don't want to anymore."

"Fro thinks so too!"

"Don't worry, Frochan, I am sticking to Warren's plan," she says and gives Fro a hug. "and I like you too. I am so glad you are here."

She seems to be getting stronger. I am glad.

Violet's POV:

"Don't worry, Frochan, I am sticking to Warren's plan," I say and give Fro a hug. "and I like you too. I am so glad you are here."

Fro feels like home too. He wants Rogue back. Ryo-kun, I will see you soon. I join the picnic, trying to distract myself from my feelings. Fear and longing war in my heart.