Gray's Rain

by IWillBelieveIt If I CanDreamIt

Gray has always loved the rain. Would savour every rain drop as it fell against his skin. However, the guild knew nothing of his fondness for it as it was secret he kept close to his chest. Then just by chance, Natsu stumbles across him dancing in the rain, which leads him on a journey to discover things about Gray that will forever change the way he saw the ice mage.

1. Chapter 1

Hey before you read this, I want to make a few facts clear. Now from what I could find out there is no definitive age given for when Gray joined Fairy tale, so for the purpose of this story I have decided he was eight and in present day of my story he's twenty (two years older then was set in the Anime/Manga.) So here is the time line, 6 on his holiday, 7 for the destruction of his village and 8 for joining the guild before fast forwarding to 15 for the prank and then on till he's 20. That's all I wanted to say, so carry on. Also note at the end and I don't own the image, just fell in love with it.

Gray hated large open bodies of waters.

If anyone were to ask, he would be the first to admit that submerging ones-self in water, not being able to touch the ground was the stupidest most uncomfortable thing he'd ever done in his life -which was saying something considering the long list of moronic things he'd done.

He had never been a strong swimmer to begin with, I mean hello, grew up on a snowy mountain here, not exactly known for its ideal conditions for swimming now is it? Not to mention he liked the feeling of something solid under his feet. Gave him the sense that he was in control of things- even if life dictated otherwise.

Another reason he hated going swimming was because he hated getting wet unnecessarily. A shower was fine, it both cleansed and soothed, whilst it also kept him on firm ground. But purposely diving into a river, naked or fully clothed? Absolute madness. Just the thought of doing it made his skin crawl. The knowledge there were the parasites and diseases lurking in the infested water had him instantly against the idea, never mind the predators who lurked in the dark depths.

So it came as no surprise then that whenever the guild mutually decided to go on a bonding vacation to a water park or a lake of some description, a small portion of the water would be frozen over. Allowing Gray to remain within hearing and helping distance of his family, thus resulting in him being able to join in on the fun and games, without having to physically get in the water.

However, like everything in life, there was one abnormally that contradicted the previous statements.

Gray did in fact love the rain.

He loved to stand or sit outside, head tipped towards the sky, eyes closed, feeling at peace with the world for those few short minuets. Sometimes, if he was having a good day, he would even dance in the rain, making a game out of it, leaping from one puddle to the next, incorporating dances moves and making it harder upon himself. Giggling all the while.

He knew it was childish, knew if someone was to see him in his moment of weakness, they would look down at him, would tease him mercilessly until he stopped finding joy in the childish movements. To prevent that from ever happening, he made sure he was away from the town, on his own land in his own field, away from prying eyes.

Of course, that meant the guild knew nothing of his love for the rain. They knew there was something, as whenever someone so much as mentioned it was going to rain, the ice mage would light up like a Christmas tree - something they rarely got to see but wished to have more of - and took off. A lame excuse tumbling off his lips as he whizzed on by, whatever he was working on long forgotten.

They asked of course. Wondering what the ice mage was getting up to in the rain, trying to come up with theory's that fit the evidence they had witnessed. In the early years, when Gray had still been a child, they had asked, badgered him for days until he snapped, snarling that if they didn't leave him alone, he would spear them with his ice. A single look at his eyes confirmed the threat was a real possibility of happening so they backed off, allowing him his secrets, just as he allowed them theirs.

They continued to watch however, keen eyes picking up the smallest of details. Like how the following day he could come back calmer and more relaxed, as if all his troubles had been washed clean. Or the fact it made him smile, especially when he was having an off day, all someone had to was say the rain was on its way and some of that sadness and anger would melt away.

It was decided from then on that even if they didn't know the reason for the peace that settled in the troubled child, they would accept it without question, even if it killed them.

That decision held true right to the present day, some twelve years later.

"Ugh" Lucy flopped down into the seat between Gray and Erza, an air of disappointment around her.

Both wizards raised a quizzical brow at the lacklustre women, a silent question forming between them.

"Why today of all days does it have to rain?" she whined petulantly, crossing her arms across her busty chest, pouting at the unfairness of it all. "I wanted to go shopping but the weather forecast predicted a heavy shower" something she was keen to not get caught in.

"Really?" Gray asked seeming to perk up. His face was still the same, the usual look of indifference but his eyes were different Lucy noticed. A certain gleam entering them, if she didn't know any better, she would have said it was excitement, but she knew it couldn't be. Gray only ever got excited when there was a fight going on or food was involved.

"Yeah, suppose to start sometime within the hour" she nodded glumly, pushing aside the weird thoughts, probably just her overacting imagination she told herself.

"I gotta go" Gray mumbled, getting up from his chair and speedily walking to the exit, vanishing before she could even open her mouth.

"What was that about?" she threw the re-equip mage a bewildered look. Had she said something to offend him?

"Ah I forgot" Erza nodded to herself "You've always been away when it rained here, so you don't know" she mused, almost speaking to herself.

"Know what?" Lucy asked anxiously, leaning forward in her seat, propping herself up against the table as she looked at the women before her with wide eyes. What had she missed while out on missions or exploring the area?

"Gray always disappears the moment he finds out its gonna rain" Titania shrugged.

"Why?" Lucy questioned lost, what was so special about the rain that it had Gray running off at the mere mention of it?

"Dunno" the sword wielder murmured, thoughtful eyes sliding towards the door the resident ice mage had disappeared behind "But we know what ever he does, it makes him feel better, so we leave it alone" she admitted quietly.

"But why? I thought a guild of this size would mean you couldn't keep secrets from one another" Lucy tilted her head. It was something she had picked up on since day one of joining the guild. Everyone seemed to know everything about everyone here. Were all able to anticipate to some extent what the other wanted, she had assumed that was born from the fact there were no secrets between them. She was very surprised to learn that wasn't the case.

"There are some things we don't talk about or ask in detail. Gray and the rain are one of them" she told the blonde, a hardness entering her eyes, making it clear the celestial mage was to respect that.

"O-okay" Lucy agreed nervously, swallowing roughly. She didn't know what put that look on her friends face but she didn't like it.

She turned her head away, thinking the conversation was done, only to snap back to the women when she started talking again. Apparently Erza was in a sharing mood this morning.

"When we were young, we used to ask Gray what he did when it rained." There was a far-off quality to her eyes now, the hardness from earlier gone, leaving without a trace. Lucy found herself relaxing now they were back to normal.

"We knew whatever it was, it made him excited, his whole face would light up" she gave the blonde a soft smile. "He wasn't as good at hiding it back then as he is now" she told her conversationally, voice fond and wistful.

"Whenever he would come back, he would look lighter, like what ever had been bothering him leading up to that point had been taken away. There was a sort of calmness about him and back in those days it was something we hadn't expected to see" a frown tugged at her brows, the corner of her mouth falling down.

"You see when Gray joined us, he was so angry and hurt. It was hard to miss the pain he was in, so many complex emotions being carried in that small body of his, most of them negative" her eyes misted over as she thought of the day they met. It was the first time she had met someone who carried more pain inside of them then her. She hadn't liked the realisation that someone younger than her had experienced worse.

"But whenever it would rain, that just seemed to - not vanish as such but become smaller for a short time, like it was overshadowed by something bigger, similar to what happens in an eclipse. He was almost peaceful, a serene air about him" she picked up from where she left off, not wanting to dwell on the heart-breaking thought too long.

"Of course, back in those days we didn't know it was one of those things best left unasked. We were just so happy to see him okay that we pestered him about it. Asked day and night what it was, guessing what could possibly make a boy so sad almost happy again." She shook her head at how stupid they had been back then.

"It wasn't until a few days later did he snap and threaten to harm us if we carried on. We weren't close at the time you see, so the idea of trusting us had him foaming at the mouth. Since then we – the guild that is- decided that if it wasn't causing him harm then we would leave him alone" Erza didn't tell her that the guild still talked about it on occasion, spit balling ideas. She didn't want encourage Lucy to start poking her nose in where it wasn't wanted. Not that she had anything against the blonde, Lucy was a kind sweet girl, she just tended disregard people's privacy in sedating her own curiosity, and that was something Erza wanted to avoid at all cost. The fall out wasn't worth the answer in her mind.

While Erza filled Lucy in on what she knew, Gray was running across Magnolia, weaving in and out as he dodged passers-by, unable to supress the smile creeping across his face. It had been a while since it had rained, so long in fact that he had begun getting restless waiting for it. To hear it was finally here again had his heart pumping and blood singing.

Turning down an empty ally way that lead towards the woods he briefly looked up to the sky, smile turning into a grin as he saw the dark rain clouds coming to rest overhead. Putting on a burst of speed he entered the forest and followed the path all the way to a field where his log cabin resided, far away from curious eyes.

Just as the last of the sun had been covered over by the clouds, Gray reached his home. Standing at the top of the hill, hands open wide, head tipped towards the sky, looking up at the clouds with awed eyes. No matter how many times he experienced the rain, felt it fall against his skin and watch it descend from the atmosphere, he never lost the awe and wonderment he felt for it.

Normally he went to the back of the house, just in case someone cut across the field, but he didn't do that today. Instead he stayed out front, shifting from foot to foot as he eagerly waited for the first few droplets to appear. He didn't want to miss anything by being in the house to get to the back garden he had fenced off when it starts.

He was glad he had made that call because not even a second after the thought process had finished forming the heavens opened.

At first it was a very fine, light drizzle. Spitting as his mother had once called it. Just a drop here and a drop there, teasing him for what was to come. Without a second thought he stripped down to his boxers tipped his head back and closed his eyes.

As you already know it wasn't unusual for the stripper to rid himself of his clothing unknowingly, usually including his boxers, but when it rained, he did it voluntarily. Wanting to feel the rain drop onto his skin and wash the grime away. He always kept his boxers on though, mainly to keep some dignity but also on the off chance something bad was to happen and he had to take off at a moment's notice.

That had happened once, someone was being mugged while he had been enjoying the rain, they hadn't been best pleased when he turned up to save the day in the buff. Apparently being mugged was better then being streaked by a so-called pervert.

A peaceful smile crossed his lips as the drops became heavier and larger in numbers, soaking him through. Giggling as little drops landed on his nose before bouncing off again, running down his arm as if it was tickling him.

He loved this feeling, to him it was like coming home after a hard day's work and just seeing all your loved ones smiling at you. Privately in his own mind -god forbid it ever slipped out- he thought of the rain as his. Something precious and special that only he could really experience in all its glory. The way Kami had intended it to be.

He'd liked the rain ever since he was a kid. Would watch it for hours as it rolled down their window on that one holiday his parents took him on before the disaster struck. Would lie awake for hours listening to its soft pitter patter against his rooftop window when it was too dark for him to go out.

It had been the first time he had ever seen rain, with it always being so cold where they 'd lived, only ever having snow, hail and a little bit of sunlight for every season. At that time, he hadn't begun training as an ice wizard and although he could weather the cold well, he couldn't really stand outside in it for very long, so even if a miracle happened and it rained at his childhood home, he wouldn't have been able to go out in it anyway.

He remembered the moment he first ever laid eyes on the rain so clearly, as if it had only happened yesterday…

"Gray!" his mother called from another room. He dropped the crayon he was holding and took off in search of his mother. Still not used to the layout of place they were staying at.

"Yes Mama?" he shouted back, running in the direction he'd heard her voice. The apartment was small so there wasn't a chance of him not finding her.

"Come see this!" his mother sounded excited by something and that always meant good things. The six-year-old had sped up at the sound, slowing again as he entered the living room in their rented apartment.

He found his mother sat on the windowsill, face pressed up against the glass, fogging it slightly with her breath. Curious he made his way over and looked out to see what she was seeing. Eyes widening as he saw droplets of water falling from the sky. Instantly he was mesmerised. It wasn't white like snow, and it didn't dance on the air like snow, but made pretty patterns as it landed on the window and ran down it. Looking closer he saw a few bouncing off the wooden sill outside the window, as if they were clear little bouncy balls. The thought made him giggle in delight.

"What is it?" he asked reverently, pressing his face against the glass like his mother, little finger wiping away the mist when it became too thick to see through. He had never seen anything like it.

"Its Rain" his mother told him, speaking so softly that he almost hadn't heard her. "I've always longed to see it" she whispered as if it was a secret.

"Rain" Gray parroted, eyes twinkling at how funny the word sounded. He liked the Rain, it made his mommy happy and made everything sparkly, like snow or ice when it was sunny. He wondered if it was cold like snow. If it was dry like the fresh snow or wet like the old. Was it hard? Or maybe it was soft? He really wanted to know.

"Would you like to go out in it" his mother turned to him with a grin, eyes shining. Her long midnight locks bouncing in excitement.

"Can we?!" Gray shouted excitedly, jumping up and down beside her. His mother gave a single nod.

That was all the little six-year-old needed to grab his mother's hand and drag her towards the door. Her tinkering laughter following them as she allowed herself to be dragged along.

He felt his mother tug his arm lightly and thought for a moment she was going to make them stop to put coats on but all she did was grab their keys before allowing him to start leading them again.

They made quick work of getting out the flat and running down the stairs to the front door, his mother being careful not to let him fall. They stopped just as they got to the door and stared out at the rain. Turning to each other with twin looks of excitement, grins so wide that their cheeks hurt before pushing the door open and braving the outside world.

Immediately his mother gave a little shriek before laughing, pulling him out further into the rain. Gray himself made an odd little noise in surprise at the feeling of the rain hitting his bare skin before giggling too.

It was wet, yet it held a slight warmth to it. It was strange. It was nothing like snow and yet it come from the sky like snow. It was soft but unlike snow it had a weight to it when it hit you. With snow you only knew if it had landed on you if it got you in a ticklish spot or it you had little kisses of cold at random moments in random areas. The rain wasn't like that however.

He could feel it hitting him, but it didn't hurt, it kinda tickled actually. It felt very much like having a shower, just not as hot. It was nice.

"Did you know Gray that snow is just another form for the rain" his mother told him holding her arms wide open. Eyes closed as she tipped her head up the sky. Gray copied her, giggling when a few drops landed on his nose. It reminded him of the kisses his mother gave him.

"Really?" he turned to her, hand coming up to push his bangs out of his eyes as the water made it stick to his skin. It was strange. His hair had only ever gotten this wet in a shower and yet he was outside, fully clothed, feeling them cling to him. It was odd, and he wasn't sure he liked that part, but he could manage. It was really fun being in the rain.

His mother hummed "Yep. This is what happens when snow is warm. It changes shape and colour. It becomes water, much like what happens when we have a sunny day and the snow begins to melt." She told him, opening her eyes and turning to him.

"That's really cool" the child exclaimed. Opening his mouth and sticking his tongue out. Trying to catch one much like he did with snowflakes. His mother laughed before doing it herself.

Unlike snow the rain didn't blow in different directions, it came straight down so it was easy for them to catch a good few on their tongues.

At the same time, they pulled them back into their mouths and turned to each other to hear the verdict.

"It tastes like fresh water" he told his mother happily. "Much like snow!" he chirped as an afterthought.

His mother nodded at his findings "It's quite weird though. Its not as cold as snow but I wouldn't say it was overly warm either" she commented, tilting her head in confusion.

"I know!" Gray laughed "It's nice though. My fingers aren't getting numb like they do when we're out in the snow" he told her, delighting in the fact that for once he could be outside for a while.

He turned to look at the floor, having mainly been looking at the sky or his mother. They had been out for a while and the floor was darker then it had been earlier in the day, before the rain had started. Now the pavement looked almost black opposed to the dull grey it was meant to be. Looking around he noticed a large puddle to the right of him, a bigger version of the ones they got after a sunny day.

Grinning mischievously, he ran over to the closest Puddle and jumped. Splashing water all up himself and the rest of the flooring, not that it made much difference, but it was a nice feeling, so he didn't care. Grinning he looked at his mother expectantly and it didn't take her long to clue in what he was silently asking her.

Soon they were splashing in puddles, chasing each other up and down the deserted street, spinning and twirling as they enjoyed themselves.

But like all good things it came to an end, gradually the rain began to slow until it was only a trickle. Tired and worn out the two trudged back into the inn they were staying, grinning at the man on reception as he gave them a bewildered look before retiring to their rooms to dry.

After the first time it rained, he and his mother had taken every chance they could get to go out and play in it again, but sometimes life got in their way. And they couldn't be outside for whatever reason, so they would sit on that window sill, he in his mother's lap her on a pillow. Holding him close as they watched from the window. Coming up with games to play, betting on which rain drop would reach the bottom first.

However, they couldn't stay on holiday forever and soon they went back to their snowy mountain, his mother promising that one day they would return to that little village and experience the rain again.

That was his first ever taste of rain, even as the years passed and he grew, that fascination never left him, was spurred on after his mother's death to go back to the place she loved and relive that memory, but his love from the rain hadn't started then.

He had certainly liked it and although the memory it held was warm, at the same time it was also painful. It reminded him that she couldn't keep her promise to him. That he was the one alive, experiencing what should have been her experiences.

After that tragic night, he hadn't been able to look or think about rain the same way again, had in fact turned against it and began to detest the very thing his mother loved. That was until one night, when Lyon was fast asleep and his memories kept him awake, Ur spoke to him and since then his likeness for the rain evolved into a love for it, to the point that it was on par with his love for anything cold.

And thus, the tradition was born. Whenever it would rain, no matter what he was doing or where he was in the world, he would stop for a moment and either watch the rain or if he could, go out and stand in it, letting the memories and its teachings come.

While Gray was having fun, walking under the same rain, was a sodden Natsu, cursing his luck.

Natsu trudged along the main road, feet heavy with lack of sleep. It felt like he had been walking for forever and a day. He had been tired before taking the job, but now he was exhausted, having used up the last of his energy dismantling a low-level dark guild. In short, he felt miserable and the last thing he wanted to deal with, was rain. Which of course is when heaven decided to open the flood gates, thus beginning a down pour that would attempt to wipe the human race off the face of the Earth.

He had never liked rain. It was cold and wet and just depressing in general. Made everything dark and dull. Killing more then it saved. He couldn't find beauty in a substance that created illness and ruined family days out. Not to mention destroying his precious fire. It made everyone sad when ever it came, well all except one, Gray. He just had to be the odd one out again didn't he? Couldn't follow the rest of the crowd to save his life that boy.

Gray for some strange reason would light up at the mere suggestion it was coming. Get this funny sort of stride in his step when he saw clouds on the horizon, always forcing them to hurry up back home or running off on his own. Natsu would almost say his walk became a skip, reminiscent to that little bounce children did when they knew something good was coming.

It was strange to associate something so innocent with the indifferent ice mage, especially when the man went to great lengths to make sure he came across as unfeeling, a strong invincible wizard that wasn't affected by the little things. Aloof to everyone he ever met, including the guild.

It made it all the more frustrating when he would remain tight lipped on what he did in the rain, or why he was suddenly a child again. A child they had never got to meet as he had grown up too fast, was a man before the guild had even found him. It made it especially hair ripping when Natsu knew he hated being wet with a passion hotter than his fire. Everybody knew how vocal the dark-haired man was against getting wet, so why was it then that the rain had the opposite effect?

Having so many confusing contradictions made the dragon slayer want to ferret him out and force him to spill his secrets. To meet the little boy, he was sure he would have been friends with if life had been kinder to him. Not that they weren't friends it was just… sometimes he wished they could be closer, more open about their affection for each other.

Even now at twenty they could never admit to doing something nice for the other, it always having to be riddled with back handed insults and fists flying through the air. It wasn't like he didn't like their friendship. He loved that Gray was always ready to fight him, willing to become a challenge and a welcome distraction against the monotony the world presented itself as.

They could read each other at a moment's glance and speak through their fists, asking what was wrong or telling them to hold on. Being able to correctly deduce their next move just by watching the first one and creating the perfect attack to counter act theirs or work in perfect sync if they faced an enemy. It was how they were, but it didn't stop him from dreaming of what their friendship would have been like if life hadn't gotten in the way. If Ur had survived and carried on teaching Gray, stopping the ice bastard from becoming so closed off and unresponsive to anything but acts of aggression.

Okay maybe the last one wasn't fair. Gray was able to laugh and joke around and did respond to pleasantries, it just seemed to be Natsu he was indifferent to. But then again, he couldn't deny that he liked the fire in Gray's eyes, the challenging glint they would possess. That damn sexy smirk and saunter he would do when they were together. Yeah, he didn't mind those, but he would like to be able to curl up with his rival occasionally. Maybe read a book with him or something and just bask in each other's silent company, no fights or words needed, just them and a good book. You know? Have some quite time with his favourite person….

Shaking his head violently, the dragon slayer groaned. Stupid rain, making him think stupid thoughts. It was a momentary weakness on his part, allowing the rain to corrupt his thought and turn them to his rival. He'd die before ever sharing these thoughts, but he couldn't help but wish that maybe one day they would be able to. He and Gray had experienced so much together, had seen and learnt so many things. Exchanged blows, creating new scars. Knowing pretty much every story behind every nick they'd had collectively. Their lives were full of action and drama, going from one enemy to the next, it would be nice change to have a quiet moment every once in a while. Give them a chance to regroup and check in without having to exchange insults first.

Natsu shook his head again "Who am I kidding? Gray would never want something like that with me. I'm the loud-mouthed idiot who isn't supposed to enjoy the quite moments, where he is the brooding silent one, who enjoys his own company. Our personalities would never match, we fight to say hello, there is no way we could do that without a fist or two" he sighed to himself, dark mood worsening. Feeling the urge to growl and claw at the air as the rain pelted relentlessly against his skin. Stupid rain making him think illogical thoughts.

Looking up from his feet he released a tired sigh, hand running through his hair to get it out his eyes. 'Magnolia sure looks a long way from here' he thought to himself. Eyes tracking the path that lead to the town, which would ultimately lead him home.

He really didn't feel like dealing with the town's folks today, either glaring accusingly at him until he walked past their shop or the rabid fangirls that would maul him upon entrance. So instead he veered off left, towards the field and past the woods. Sending silent prayer to whoever was listening that Gray wouldn't be home, that he would be doing what ever he did when it was raining so he could pass on by in peace.

He just wanted to get home, dry off, get warm again, maybe eat something and sleep, plenty of time for them to fight later, when Natsu was well rested and Gray wasn't distracted by the rain. Not that he wanted to fight per say, he just wanted to be in Gray's company and currently that was the only he could be.

He'd barley been walking ten minutes before the field he needed to cross came into view. He sniffed the air wearily, shoulders slumping. In the rain he couldn't smell anything but dirt, every other scent was being washed away. Which was another thing he hated about rain. It messed with his senses, hid peoples identifying fragrances and dampened the noises they made, leaving him vulnerable and open to attacks. Something he knew his rival would exploit mercilessly if he knew.

As he neared the field and began his climb, he spotted an oddly shaped blur at the very top, a little way from the cabin. At first, he'd thought that maybe Gray had set up some training dummy, so he could work on his hand to hand combat, but he discounted the idea when he saw it moving.

He stupidly hoped that maybe it was someone who was lost outside Gray's house and was trying to get some response, but it was a hollow hope. He knew from experience that where the person was standing offered a good view of the town, which in turn would show them the direction they needed to go in. That left only one option, Gray.

He was too invested in the route now to care so he carried on walking. Whatever the ice prick was doing, perhaps he wouldn't notice Natsu sneaking around him.

As he neared, he heard a weird sound. It was familiar but not at the same time. Like a sound that was universally recognised but different, like it had been tailor made for someone. It took him a second of listening, silencing his footsteps so he could focus in on the noise before he worked out what it was.

Gray was becoming clearer now, could make out his figure and see the expressions on his face. He stopped short when he realised what he was hearing. Gray was… Gray was giggling. Heartfelt, soul lifting, childish joy giggling. Not his usual gruff belly barks he gave in short spurts. No Natsu got the feeling this is what his laugh really sounded like and the other was either forced or altered so he felt he wouldn't be picked on.

Natsu felt his heart skip a beat at the sound, cheeks flaming. He really liked hearing that noise coming out of Gray's mouth. It made him feel safe, comforted even. Like everything was right in the world and Natsu could relax and be happy again. He hadn't even known the ice block was capable of making a noise like that.

It wasn't until he'd gotten over the initial shock that he realised exactly what Gray was doing. He was dancing in the rain. He was using the moves he had seen at the winter festival last year when he was skating, but this was different. The movements where different, the feelings it gaveoff were different. At that time, he couldn't feel much coming off Gray. I mean sure he looked relaxed and his performance was damn near perfect with no obvious flaws for him to criticise over, but he never got any real emotions from it. He couldn't tell what his friend was thinking, or how he felt about the performance while he was doing it.

But right here, right now he could feel everything. He could feel the love and the hate, the grief and the sorrow, his joy and happiness. Emotions so strong that it brought tears to the dragon slayers eyes. Gray was laughing and smiling and just enjoying the moment. He looked free, like he didn't have a care in the world, like at any moment he would start flying, the chains Natsu hadn't seen before no longer tying him down.

It made his breath catch, to see the normally reserved man so open and uncaring to anything but the music only he could hear.

It took a while of Natsu just standing there, jaw dropped, unable to tear his eyes away from the breath-taking scene before he noticed that it wasn't so much an unheard music guiding Gray, but the rain its self. It wasn't really something he could explain but it was just a feeling he had, the loose fluidity in his movements, somehow instinctively knowing where the rain would fall, meeting with it in perfect synchronisation.

Watching Gray having fun made the fire mage temporarily forget his previous misery. All senses trained on the man dancing in front of him, eyes unwittingly checking his very male friend out. Licking his lips as he saw the muscles contract and relax with each movement, wanting to lick the rain trailing down the dark-haired man's abs. Feeling a hope he had never dreamed of letting spark form in his chest.

Maybe they could have that kind of friendship after all.

So caught up in the beauty that was his rival, he almost didn't notice the rain was gradually becoming less and less, the dancers movements along with it. At that moment it all came crashing down and Natsu was reminded how fiercely Gray had kept what he did a secret. In that moment he feared that if he moved now, it would draw the others attention and would damage their friendship beyond repair. He couldn't let that happen. So, he stood stock still, holding his breath. Praying that he wasn't seen.

Watching on anxiously as his rivals' eyes finally opened. A peaceful smile sliding across his handsome features. The look in those usually guarded eyes almost had the fire breather gasping. For the first time ever, he could get a proper read on the person behind the wall, could see the soul residing in that battered body. He felt that if their eyes met, he would be sucked in. They were beautiful. Something he'd never thought Gray's eyes as before.

Of course, he knew they were pretty, they were an interesting colour and just seemed to pull you in, challenging you to try and get past his walls. It was what had drawn Natsu to the boy in the first place. He'd always loved a good challenge and set about trying to meet the guy behind the mask, but somewhere between the fights and growing up he forgot that wish.

Now he had remembered it again, had gotten a glimpse of the real Gray under that uncaring façade, he found himself reluctant to go back to his previous ignorant state. Unwilling to let go what he had seen a few moments ago. Now that he knew that Gray's indifference really was a cover, that it wasn't some wistful thinking on his part, he was determined to release that little boy from his self-imposed prison. Suddenly that spark gave way to a roaring flame. He could make this work, it would take time and a lot of effort, but he would do it. He would break through the ice princes impenetrable wall and make it so they could have the quite moments along with the loud. They already trusted each other with their lives, now he just had to build up the trust in keeping each other's secrets and happiness safe to do it.

Aware he was pushing his luck Natsu began to slowly creep along the hill side, keeping his head low and steps silent. He needed to get home, he had a lot to think about, seeing Gray behave like that had stirred up feelings he hadn't even known he had.

It got him wondering though, how much of the real Gray actually managed to slip through the cracks in the mask? Because there was no way he could keep the shields up twenty-four seven.

Once safely out of the danger zone, Natsu sped up. He wanted the next day to come quickly so he could put his hypothesis to the test. He had a plan now. A rough one that he hadn't worked out all the kinks in, but he had one. He would strengthen their friendship and make it normal for them to actually talk and then see where it leads from there. For the first time Natsu was excited about staying home for a change. He had a goal and by golly was he going to complete it. How did that saying go again? What a dragon wants a dragon gets? Yeah, it was about time he started proving that sentiment to be true, starting with Gray.

Ooo0ooo

The next day saw Gray sitting at his usual table, sipping at a strawberry milkshake, at peace with the world around him. Humming softly to himself.

"Hey Gray" Natsu greeted giddily, sitting opposite the ice mage. He'd spotted his friend the moment he'd entered but had deliberated for a second before making his way over, itching to put his theory to the test.

As he'd neared, he'd picked up on the faint sound of humming and had tracked it back to the resident snow queen. 'Maybe I won't have to wait long before I see those cracks' he thought to himself gleefully.

"Hey Natsu" Gray greeted gruffly, humming coming to an abrupt stop, his unfazed mask sliding into place.

Natsu wilted for a second, he had been enjoying the quite humming and the serene look on his friends face before quickly shaking it off. No matter, he couldn't expect Gray to suddenly change his usual mannerisms in one day, especially not without prompting.

"Have a good day yesterday?" Natsu asked conversationally, eyes immediately falling onto Gray's lips as he wrapped it around his straw, cheeks hollowing as he sucked. Quickly Natsu tore his eyes away before his friend could see, confused as to why he had done that. Forcefully turning his eyes back to the ice mages.

He could have sworn that just for a moment Gray's eyes had brightened as the drink hit his tongue before burying the reaction again, the metal bars falling down, preventing anymore from escaping.

If he didn't know any better, he would have thought Gray had a thing for either sweet or fruity things but considering that fact he had only a smoothie to go off of, he didn't have much to back up his claim. Still, he couldn't shake that rather bizarre thought.

"It was good" Gray answered after swallowing, momentarily confusing Natsu before remembering he had asked a question, mentally slapping himself for being so air headed.

"How was yours?" Gray asked politely. He was curious to know but he very much doubted the other would answer.

Imagine his surprise when the Dragon slayer beamed and jumped at the chance to tell him all about his latest solo mission, missing the bewildered look being directed at him.

Gray gave the fire breather a weird look. Natsu hadn't tried to have an honest to god conversation with him in years. He wanted to know what brought that turn around because he would really like it to keep happening.

Don't get him wrong, he loved fighting with Natsu, it gave him piece of mind that Natsu was strong enough to take care of himself. They also conversed through their fights too, using their bodies to tell each other things, which was great but using words was such a nice change too. Something he hadn't even realised he was missing until Natsu started doing it again. They used to talk a lot back when they were children, but gradually, as time moved on and they matured, words became less and punches became more, until they barley exchanged two words of meaning to each other.

"And then this really cool dude stepped out of the shadows as-" Natsu tale was cut short by the arrival of Lucy.

"Hey guys" she greeted cheerily, looking to each of them in turn before settling her gaze on Gray

"You were right! Peach flavoured cake tastes sooo much better than the boring old chocolate one I had planned originally, Thanks Gray" She thanked, pulling out a tissue wrapped item and setting it on the table. "Here try it" She pushed it towards him, hands coming to clasp into a prayer formation under her chin as she leaned forward, watching on with wide eyes as he carefully unwrapped it and took a bite.

Natsu watched Gray's reaction carefully, uncaring that Lucy had ungraciously barged into their conversation and all but ignored him bar the greeting. And it was only because he had been watching the dancer closely, that he was able to spot the minute twitch of his lips and a small happy hum he released that was too low for the human ear. That was another notch in the fruit's column.

"It's really good Lucy. Much better than a boring chocolate cake" He complimented. Wincing when she released a high-pitched squeal and threw herself at him in a boisterous hug.

"Oh, you have no idea how happy that makes me" she gushed pulling away, bouncing off to go tell Mira about her latest success, leaving the two boys alone again.

"Is it really better?" Natsu asked sceptically, sniffing the air. He was no food connoisseur, but he'd always thought chocolate was one of the best flavours you could use.

Gray nodded mutely and tore a bit off and handed it to the dragon slayer, head turned to the side, expecting Natsu to reach out and take it.

Natsu cocked his head to the side, momentary confused by the weird action but shrugged it off and leaned forward and ate the piece from Gray's hands. Lips gently skimming his fingers as he concentrated on not biting him by mistake.

His inner dragon purring at the shiver that went up the arm, catching a brief flash of red across pale cheeks before his bangs fell over and observed it from view.

Absentmindedly he chewed the piece he was offered before swallowing. It wasn't half bad, although he still preferred chocolate, he had to admit the flavour was refreshing, if a little dry.

"It's all right, a little dry though" he commented, sneakily taking a sip of the ice mages milk shakes, humming at the sweetness. His was a lot sweeter then what Lucy usually had which was a strike in the sweet box. It looked like pinning Gray's preferred flavour was going to be tough he mused to himself.

It seemed Gray had yet to notice that Natsu had stolen some of his drink, so Natsu pulled back before he got too cocky – and before you ask there was not a blush on his cheeks, nope, no way. It was just hot in the guild, it had nothing to do with the indirect kiss, none at all!

"When I suggested peach, I meant as more of a cheesecake since it's a delicate flavour as well as it being hard to judge, most end up drying out the cake as the consistency isn't the same as a Victoria sponge, its more stodgy and less airy" Gray explained, turning back to the look at the fire mage, the mask back once again, no signs of his brief lapse of control.

Natsu cocked his head to the side, a smile stretching across his face "I didn't have you pegged as a baker" he commented teasingly, trying for friendly and succeeding.

"Shut it flame brain" Gray grumbled in faux annoyance but Natsu could hear the fondness and maybe a hint of embarrassment for giving away something so private behind those words. He knew he was on thin ice, if he carried on with the normal sketch they did, then Gray might just close up even more to him, something he was desperate not to happen – for reasons he didn't want to look too closely at -so he went for a different tactic.

"If you knew, why didn't you tell Lucy that?" he raised a brow. Normally Gray was one for being scathingly honest. Blunt and to the point, that's his motto. So it was strange to see him go against his very own principle he supposedly lived his life by.

Gray shrugged, eyes sliding over to where Lucy was sharing notes with Mirajane, an air of exuberance about her.

"Because she worked hard to get the recipe to were it is now. I imagine back at home she has a lot of failed attempts of either under cooking, burning or even failing to get the flavour to come through." He pointed out, eyes falling on her hands which she had hidden behind her back, giving them the perfect view. They were covered in plasters and blisters, giving away how much work had gone into making it.

The dragon slayer followed his line of sight, narrowing when he saw the same as Gray. He hadn't even realised this wasn't a one-time thing, that it was something she had been working on over a long period of time.

"I think she deserved the praise for a job well done, don't you?" Gray murmured rhetorically. Natsu studied the man before him, noting there was a softness to his face again, a warmth he'd seen only a handful of times before but had never failed to make him smile.

Gray did a lot for the guild, Natsu realised. He went out of his way to do jobs nobody wanted but needed to be done. He went and talked to every member of the guild each day, so no one felt left out. Listened to their problems and shared his advice. Even kept them cool when the summer months got too much, all without being asked.

Now that Natsu thought about it, Gray was the kindest most hard-working person he had ever met. He always had a plan to help them when stuck on a job, would paint himself as a target when someone needed to blow off steam. Natsu knew Gray saw the guild as family, loved them and cared for them in his own special way, but he hadn't realised the extent he went to show that. Only just picking up on how much Gray noticed about them and then changed himself to meet the need they were unknowingly projecting.

It made him want to thank the mage and give him a big hug, but he got the feeling a thanks wouldn't be appreciated nor welcome, it would in fact have the opposite effect he intended and insult him. So instead he opted to pretend as if he had never noticed in the first place and carried on as normal.

It wouldn't be until a few weeks later that Natsu's suspicions about his preferred flavour being both - a sweet fruity snack - be confirmed.

There are few moments between then and his theory that helped cement the idea though. Like when he found out that Gray carried around cherry lollypops to snack on when bored -something Natsu Jr had found great delight in watching- or when there was fruit growing along the road side, Gray would pick at it as they walked on by. Somehow getting Natsu in on the deal too. Now He found that rather than craving his usual chocolate fix, he'd began to automatically pick up a piece of fruit or a fruit flavoured snack, something that pleased Gray – he would deny that Gray's happy grin at having someone to share his fruit with had anything to do with his switch over.

The confirmation came about on a team mission, Erza had given them one free day to explore the town and since it was a new area Natsu and Gray had decided to pair up for a change.

The first few minutes into their adventure they come across a sweet shop and Gray had all but dragged the laughing dragon slayer in. After a brief few seconds of scanning the shelves Natsu noticed that Gray's eyes skimmed over anything that didn't have any fruit in, they seemed to automatically fall on fruit or fruit flavoured items and completely disregarded anything else that looked tempting. Unsurprisingly Gray ended up purchasing a large pick 'n mix bag of Hi-Chews as well as a mixture of candied fruit. During their shopping trip, Natsu had seen for a brief second that those dark eyes had landed on a more expensive fruit mix and lingered there for a second to long before moving on to look at the rest of the shop.

As sneakily as he could Natsu took the desired treat to the counter and brought it for the ice mage. Giving it to him a little later in their shared room. He would deny till his dying breath that the excited squeal and hug he had gotten had nothing to do with the deciding factor to buy it, and if Gray seemed to open up more towards him and share more smiles when alone then that was just an added bonus.

The final nail in the coffin that proved his assumption of Gray liking sweet fruity treats was when Ezra offered him a choice between a bowl of fresh strawberries and cream or a box of chocolate to say thank you for helping her find a weapon she had been after for quite a while. Gray as Natsu predicted took the strawberry's smothered in cream, a small soft smile on his face as he did so, making Natsu's breath catch. It never failed to make him loose his trail of thought or to forget how to breath when he saw that smile, promising himself to do everything within his power to make sure he saw that hard-earned smile again.

Once he was sure of his findings, Natsu went on to the next secret, trying to suss out everything Gray wanted to hide. What he discovered, or should I say stumbled upon was Gray's weak spot for having his hands and hair played with.

Now you may be wondering how Natsu came across this gold nugget, and for that to happen, we are going to have to back it up a bit, and return to one sunny morning, two weeks ago. It takes place with our two resident heroes pea- "What did you just say?!" Okay maybe not so peacefully camping outside the town.

"Too much ash blocking your ears firefly. Should I knock it out for ya?" Gray Smirked, poking at the fire with a wooden stick, a barely concealed fascination for the flames that licked their way up the wood, head tipped to the side as he listened to Natsu, attention divided. Something Natsu didn't like, he wanted Gray's attention all for himself, he didn't want to have to compete with his fire for it.

"No" Natsu growled "I just couldn't hear you over the stupidity that is your voice" He launched himself at the shorter male, causing them to tumble off the logs they had previously been sat, straight onto the unforgiving floor. Looking pleased with himself when those dark captivating eyes swung to meet his, attention no longer split.

"Oh yeah? Well now you know what I have to deal with every time you open your mouth" Gray fought back, eyes twinkling as they wrestled each other, rolling around in the dirt.

He loved moments like this, where they would play their own version of tag and just let everything go. Testing new skills and ideas on each other until they were perfected.

He didn't know why but Natsu had been acting odd the last month, being more openly affectionate and actually being his friend more then a rival. The amount of fighting they did, had been cut in half, something the guild had been happy about but had worried Gray. He hadn't known what had set the change off and although he could say he enjoyed the treatment, he couldn't help but miss this. The fighting, the testing, of being able to get his hands on Natsu and vice versa.

He was glad to see they could still do this, that no matter how much closer they got, or how their relationship changed, this one tradition would remain the same. He knew Natsu felt the same way by the wide grin and laughing eyes, that thought alone had his heart swelling until he thought it would burst.

"Ha ha! I win" Natsu crowed triumphantly, as he pinned Gray beneath him.

Gray made a pretence of struggling for a little while before admitting defeat, relaxing back into the soft grass. Admiring Natsu's strong physique, eyes illuminated with an unearthly beauty casted by the fire.

He felt his chest tighten at the sight, Natsu looked beautiful like that. Strong and tall, an imposing figure bathed in the element of his control, graze fierce and unwavering.

A delicate blush bloomed across his cheeks, now really wasn't the time to start waxing lyrical poetry for the dragon slayer.

While Gray had a mini meltdown over the direction his thoughts were going, Natsu himself was appreciating a pair of fine eyes and what the beauty of his fire could do for them.

Over the last four weeks he had been paying very close attention to Gray and was only just beginning to notice how good looking the man really was. Of course, he had known the ice mage was attractive, he had too many female followings - and a surprisingly large male one - not to, but Natsu hadn't really seen his actual beauty until he started watching.

At first, he'd thought the ice mages eyes as ordinary with nothing particularly special or anything defining about them, but now he knew the truth. He'd always been told that eyes were the window to the soul, but he had never found that to be true. Someone always had the windows barred and the curtains drawn, much like he had thought the first time he had seen the devil slayer in the rain.

Whenever he looked a person in the eye, he never saw anything, just a reflection of himself and the items around him, as if he was looking at a mirror apposed the window it was supposed to be. However, he had come to the conclusion that the analysis didn't really apply to Gray. While he did have a few defence mechanisms he left his eyes pretty much untouched.

What Natsu had assumed as mental bars trapping the emotions in, he found were actually a contrast in the colour of his eyes. Gray wasn't really trying to hide how he felt when it came to his eyes. He would close his face and body off but always left his eyes open, allowing anyone who was paying attention to see how he really felt. Natsu was beginning to really love looking into those eyes, seeing everything that was Gray. Being able to gaze upon his very soul and know what he was thinking was a liberating experience, one he couldn't help but become addicted to.

That wasn't to say the rest of him wasn't beautiful, Natsu would have to be blind not to notice how fit the snow king was, or how soft his lips looked. He could go on and on about how perfect Gray was. How he liked the feel of his surprisingly soft body, cool to the touch, pressed against his own heated skin. How he found comfort in the familiar wintery scent the other gave off, only feeling like he was officially home when he was breathing in that wintery scent again. How he craved to have those expressive eyes watching his every move. And his hands. God Natsu could talk about those hands for hours, how every movement became majestic and elegant. Hands so youthful, unmarred by the world around them, nails so clean and perfect he thought for sure Gray had them manicured. If there was any part of Gray that portrayed the fair maiden, princess look it was his hands. All Gray had to do was lift a finger and Natsu was instantly mesmerised by them, eyes tracking every movement, getting lost in a fantasy of his own design, imagining how those supple cool to the touch fingers would feel skittering across his body. The contrast of the pale moonlight skin against his own sun kissed one.

Gray truly was a beautiful person, both inside and out. Even if at first glance he came across as cold and standoff-ish, all you had to do was look a little closer to realise how kind and sensitive the man really was.

However, there was one thing he had always wondered to himself in private; Was his hair as spiky as it looked?

Unable to curve the impulse Natsu let go of the wrist he had been holding and allowed it to move until it was hovering over Gray's hair. Having been watching his friend closely, he immediately noticed the way his eyes widened and felt as his body tensed. He quirked a brow, silently asking if it was okay. Waiting for a shaky nod before gently allowing his hand to pet at the inky stands.

The touch was light at first, hesitant and curious. Gray didn't really know what was going on, all he knew was that his best friend had a look of determination upon his face as the petting slowly got more confident, applying more pressure until nails were scraping across his scalp.

Unable to stop his body's natural reaction to the feeling, Gray pushed into the hand stroking him, arching his neck to feel more of those nimble fingers along his stands. Closing his eyes against the embarrassment that rose at the action.

Grinning at the rather needy action, Natsu eased off his friend, secretly delighting at the look of disappointment he got as he pulled away. Quickly he rearranged them, so he was sat with his legs spread out, back leaning against the bark for support. Pulling the person who was quickly taking up everything important in his world, onto his lap, cradling his head against his thighs as he quickly got to work, braiding and upbraiding the hair. Gently tugging on it.

Slowly Gray relaxed into the hold, adamantly refusing to allow his embarrassment and confusion to ruin such a great thing. He really like having his hair played with he found. Eyes beginning to droop at the soothing actions. Body relaxing against his will as he surrenders to the feeling, sleep tugging at him.

Eventually, surrounded by Natsu's familiar warmth and comforting scent, the feeling of his deft fingers carding through his hair, he was lulled to sleep. For once, sleeping right the way through the night, the nightmares unable to get him in their clutches.

Natsu smiled down at the peacefully sleeping popsicle, feeling a sense of calm at the trust shown him. He startled and almost dislodged the ice mage from his sleeping place when Gray's chest began to rumble and the faint sounds of purring reached his ears. With wide eyes he looked down at his sleeping companion in shock before stifling a delighted laugh. He'd always said Gray was like a cat with his ability to fall asleep anywhere and his natural grace, but he'd never expected to be proven right with purring of all things. It made his heart feel like it was about to burst to realise Gray trusted him enough to not only fall into a deep sleep with him, but to purr without restraint, gradually becoming louder the longer Natsu petted him.

He didn't know what was happening to them or what these warm but complex feelings he was experiencing meant. He just knew that that for the first time his eyes were open, and he was being privileged with being able to experience these rare and precious moments.

He could feel with each passing day, as he learnt more and experienced more with the man curled into him, a ferocious possessiveness was forming inside him, wanting to hide him away and protect him from any harm. The knowledge didn't scare him as much as he thought it should.

After discovering Gray's pleasure at having his hair played with, Natsu continued to fawn over it every chance he got, but only when alone, not wanting to share it with anyone. It was during that time that he discovered it helped calm Gray when he entered one of his depressive fits or became clouded over in haze of red on a bad day. All Natsu had to do was run a single hand through his hair once and Gray became limp and subdued, pushing into the hold like a touch starved cat.

Now I would like to say he didn't abuse this power and lord it over Gray, but this is Natsu we're talking about and he defiantly wasn't above playing dirty. However, despite knowing it was a sure-fire way to calm a raging icicle he just couldn't bring himself to do it in front of the guild. Something inside him protested venomously to the idea of others seeing Gray in such a vulnerable position. His dragon snarled at the very idea of people learning about his princess's weakness and using it against him. So Natsu began to look for other ways to get the same reaction from Gray, just in a less noticeable means. Which is how he stumbled across Gray's sensitivity in his hands.

They had been at the guild one day, bored out of their minds, a half-eaten bowl of fruit salad sitting between them. Natsu hadn't thought anything of it at the time and had just casually grabbed Gray's hand that had been resting on the table.

He had gotten used to being able to touch the ice mage whenever he wanted whilst out on missions, knowing that his touch had been welcomed in the past, he had automatically grabbed the hand. Absentmindedly tracing patterns on the back before flipping it over and carrying on, on the palm. Running up one finger and down the another, connecting his never-ending drawing.

It was subtle at first, couldn't feel anything other than the small tremors traveling up Gray's arm. He passed it off as the bioproduct of Gray was swinging his legs minutely under the table and just carried on tracing random patterns. That was until the sound of that quiet laugh he loved so much reached his ears. The noise was much too low for others to hear, but high enough for him to revel in.

He didn't know what had caused it in the beginning, not until his finger slid across the centre of his palm and the laughter rose in volume. Eyes widening when he realised what was happening. Grin sharpening as he applied more pressure, watching with fascination as Gray's eyes drooped and his poster slumped in slightly, a small barley there smile resting on his lips.

'No freaking way' he thought astonished. As an experiment he once again lightened his touch to that of a feather and drew a little circle. Instantly Gray's eyes widened and tensed slightly, biting down on his bottom lip to prevent more laughter from escaping.

With narrowed eyes Natsu again applied more presser and began to massage the palm, the effect was instantaneous, body once again falling limp as peaceful smile surfaced, a dazed haze filling his eyes. The ice mage seemed to melt at the feeling, the tough act he portrayed evaporating leaving the look of a contented cat.

He stopped and linked their hands together, waiting as Gray came back to himself "I didn't know your hands were sensitive" as if to prove a point he lightly grazed the tip of his pinkie, biting down the self-satisfied smirk that was threatening to creep across his face.

Gray turned away, biting his lip, but the smile still shone through, the corners of his mouth tilting up while his eyes smiled for him. An adorable tinge lighting up his cheeks and the tips of his ears.

"Yeah" he agreed softly, nodding his head once.

"Must be driving you insane, me doing this" he lost the battle with the smirk as he brushed past what he was quickly realising was the most sensitive part of his whole hand, the tip of his index finger.

Gray's free hand came to clamp over his mouth, trying to hide the squeak that was threatening to be ripped from his throat. When he was sure the embarrassing noise wouldn't come out, he removed the hand from his mouth, swallowing roughly at the dangerous glint in the others eye.

"I-" his voice cracked, a whimper rising unbidden as Natsu traced a faint circle over his index finger. Turning pleading eyes to his tormenter.

At the look Natsu felt his mouth water and pants tighten, god Gray could get the world given to him if he gave everyone that look. The universe would bow down at his feet and do his biding if he graced the world with such pleading devotion.

Natsu felt a possessive snarl rumble in his chest at the thought. He would never let anyone see the look of pleased but tormented indecision on his Gray's face. He would never allow anyone to see him be torn by his want of something to continue as well as to have it stop. Mercifully, he eased up on his teasing and went back to following the grooves in his palm.

"With the magic I have, I need sensitive hands" he finally got out, keeping a wary eye on Natsu. Natsu didn't take much notice, if Gray really didn't want to be made into a pile of goo he would have ripped his hand away by now.

Natsu hummed thoughtfully, that wasn't the answer he had been expecting "I would have thought it would be the opposite, you know, with the cold numbing everything" he pointed out curiously.

"I can't really speak for other ice wizards, but for me, I use the tips of my fingers to make sure there are no faults with my ice. I also use them to make the finer detail in smaller creations" he gently took his hands from Natsu and held it out while the other began weaving above it, a fine silvery mist forming between them.

Natsu watched entranced as he did his work, eyes narrowing as he noticed the tattoo on his arm beginning to emerge signifying the use of his devil slayer magic.

Once done he pulled it away to show an intricate sculpture of a dragon poised to pounce.

"See" he held it out to Natsu, running the tip of his index finger along his back checking for blemishes "Smoother then glass" he announced proudly.

Natsu held out his hand hesitantly, worried his unnatural warmth would melt the figure. Gray smiled softly for him, eyes full of understanding "Don't worry, it's special, it won't melt" he promised.

Smiling gratefully but still somewhat sceptical he took the offered sculpture, shriving lightly when a chill flittered across his hand before settling again. Smile strengthening when he released it really wouldn't melt.

He ran an experimental finger across the dragons back, mimicking Gray's earlier actions. Astonished at how smooth and soft it felt. He could see the ridges that marked individual scales and yet when he ran his finger across it, he found it to be smooth, no trace of the indentations he could physically see.

"Wow" he exclaimed, laughing in delight "That's so cool Gray" he complimented.

Gray shrugged his shoulders, looking away bashfully, feeling a warmth settle inside him. Natsu had never really complimented his magic before, it made him feel all light and airy. Hearing such praise from his rival strengthened the pride he felt in his magic as well as his confidence in using it.

As a reward for his present, Natsu picked up his hand once again and began to lightly massage, watching with avid interest, as Gray slumped onto the table, resting his head on his folded arm, looking at Natsu with lidded eyes, a happy haze taking over. Not able to find it within himself to be annoyed at such underhanded tactic.

Natsu watched on, keeping an eye on his fellow guild mates to make sure no one spotted their interactions. Pleased at being able to find a method he could use to tame the devil slayer when he went off on one in front of the guild. Unsurprised when soft purrs reached his ears.

It was about a week later did the next scene arose, one that made Natsu very happy.

One of his oldest fantasies when it came to Gray was being curled up together, either in front of a fire place or against a tree with a cool breeze blowing in, reading a book. He didn't know when he first started imaging them reading together or even why that particular activity was stuck in his head, but stuck it was. So he knew if there was one thing he was going to make a reality it was that.

Since the beginning of his 'I'm going to become closer with Gray' idea he had been trying to find a way of doing that, without it seeming awkward. He'd seen Gray numerous times sat in the guild at a table on his own reading, but that was neither the scene he imagined, nor did he want the attention directed at them. He'd known for a long time that while Gray could put up with being the centre of attention he didn't like it one bit and often took drastic action to avoid that happening. It being part of the reason Natsu thinks he's cultivated this cold personality, to keep people who wish to flock to him away.

So he knew that doing it at the guild was out of the question, which was frustrating as Gray only read at the guild. Whenever they agreed to hang out, Gray never brought a book and Natsu never felt comfortable bringing the idea up. Just like Gray he had his own mask that he hides behind, one he had carefully crafted to look like a loud energetic idiot. The problem was that while he knew Gray was aware of this, he wasn't sure just how much Gray knew was a mask and how much of it wasn't.

Which left him with quite the conundrum. With no ideas on how to make it happen he took to asking Gray what he was reading whenever he brought a book out at the guild. In the hopes that maybe he could learn Gray tastes and try and set a scenario up from there. He was pleasantly surprised to learn book wise they had a similar sort of taste. Both he and Gray had a preference to mystery books and the odd occasional fantasy.

While they both agreed on those, he had discovered quite by accident that Gray also liked classic romance novels, stories like Romeo and Juliet or Pride and Prejudice. And while Natsu had heard of them, he had never ventured into that kinda of territory, but since learning Gray's fondness for them, he found he wanted to read them, just so he could see Gray light up as he talked about them, instead of this embarrassed shame he seemed to project when Natsu caught him reading one of them by mistake.

Now knowing what book he wanted them to read – Pride and Prejudice – he was looking for some way to instigate the reading outside of the guild, and bless his little heart Gray offered that opportunity to him on a silver platter.

Natsu had just come back from his latest mission when he spotted Gray on their river bank, propped up against the blossom tree, reading the very book he wanted to read with him. Heart racing, he carefully approached Gray, stopping when he was directly in front of him.

When his shadow fell over the book, blocking the sun light the mage was using to read, Gray looked up with a scowl only for it to melt away into a small shy smile.

"Hey, Natsu. Mission go okay?" He questioned, placing a bookmark into the page he was on and closed the book.

"Yep. Was so easy, turns out the guy was a total wimp, but the town itself is amazing" he grinned "You should come with me next time Snowflake, they have an awesome bakery that specialises in fruit"

"Sounds great. I will look forward to it" Gray laughs, excitement shining brightly in his ocean eyes. A wave of happiness flitting though him at the knowledge Natsu had thought of him while gone as well as wanting to take him there.

"So what'cha reading?" Natsu asked innocently, pretending as if he hadn't seen the title.

"Oh um" Gray flushed trying to subtly hide the book behind him "Nothing you would be interested in" he answered quickly.

Natsu raised a brow at the blatant lie, feeling a little guilty for having to do this, but knowing to get Gray to see it was alright then he would have to.

"Really? I'm pretty sure the spine said Pride and Prejudice" Gray froze at the casual tone, body stiffening, eyes widening in panic before narrowing in a false anger.

"So? What of it?!" He snapped, glaring accusingly at the dragon slayer.

"Nothing" The rosette held up his hands in a placating gesture "I've just been thinking about reading it and was wondering if you think I should?" He told him calmly, shrugging as if it wasn't a big deal.

"You…Do?" Gray asked softly, a lost unsure tone to his voice. Hesitant to believe the dragon slayer wasn't trying to make fun of him.

"Yep" Natsu rocked back on the balls of his feet, childishly popping the P. "I've seen you reading it around the guild a few times so I thought it must be good if you're reading it a bunch of times" he grinned.

"Oh" Gray murmured, that shy smile working its way back onto his face again. "In that case, I highly recommend reading it"

"Awesome!" Natsu cheered "Scout forward then" he instructed, a mischievous gleam entering his eyes.

"What? Why?" Gray frowned adorably confused.

"'Cause I'm going to read it with ya" Natsu rolled his eyes, making a shooing motion.

Stuck on autopilot Gray scooted forward until there was enough room for Natsu to squeeze behind him. A delicate blush rising on his cheeks, feeling in a sort of daze when Natsu sat down behind him, legs spread either side, arms wrapped around his waist as a chin rested on his shoulder. Warm breaths ghosting across his neck, tickling him.

"Now, Lets start" Natsu rumbled, speaking softly into his ear.

Pressed against his chest, Gray could feel the vibrations of the words against his back. Natsu's natural warmth seeping into his cooler body. He waited for it to feel oppressive, to be stifling but that never came. Instead he felt safe, comforted like… like a home. Natsu's heat felt like home to him.

In a daze he pulled the book back open, took out his bookmark and returned to the opening page.

"Are going to read aloud or just tell each other once we've reached the end of the page?" Natsu asked, subtly nuzzling into Gray's neck, giving a light laugh at the shiver the action received.

"Um. I don't know. The only time I've shared a book was when I was first learning to read and mother would read it as I sat on her lap" he murmured back, relaxing into the hold. He didn't know why Natsu wanted to do it like this, but he actually kinda liked it. It was nice being pressed up close to someone, being held. He'd forgotten what it felt like.

"How about we take it in turns to read aloud. You do one chapter then I do one?" The fire breather suggested softly.

"Okay" Gray agreed. He liked the sound of that.

Soon Gray lost himself to the story, reading it aloud softly to the dragon holding him, explaining what certain words meant when Natsu asked. While he read, Natsu closed his eyes and took in his smooth rich like chocolate voice. Committing the sound to memory, enjoying every hitch and rumbled word. He held the image up to what he had imagined it to be like and found that the real-life experience was a hell of a lot better the fake one.

Since then, the two would meet up and read to each other at least twice a week. Sometimes outside, sometimes in, with Gray either between Natsu's legs or sat on his lap. It became their tradition. One that became as precious as his rain.

They still read their own books, ones neither of them had interest reading, but they always made a point of selecting each month's list of books to read together, promising to never read them while separate. Sharing one more secret between them. Gray being a closet romantic while Natsu was a book worm. Not that anyone would ever believe them if they told – which would be never.

Next on his 'Gray isn't an ice block' list, came cute fluffy things. Something that even he hadn't banked on discovering. He had known Gray was putting on a front, that he didn't get annoyed with half the amount of things he said he did and was generally a lot more laid back then he let on – Although he was still the one who was more cautious about life, it just wasn't as anal as he led others to believe. The point was that Gray was a lot kinder than he usually wanted to own up to. However, despite that point, Natsu had never really considered Gray's reactions to mean anything when they came across cute creatures, nor had he thought about the fluffy blankets Gray owned, not until they had gone on a mission with Happy and Gray had offered to carry him.

Now normally the blue cat would rest on Natsu's head when he got tired, but at the invitation to sleep curled up in someone's arms instead of a small head he kept slipping off of he jumped at the chance. That was when Natsu realised that Gray and Happy had a closer friendship then he had previously thought.

During the walk, he and Gray had been chatting while they watched the exceed chase after butterflies until his wings grew too tired to fly anymore.

When that happened, and he slowly lowered himself onto the floor, during which they stopped to make sure he landed okay. Natsu expected him to come and tug on his trousers to be picked up but that didn't happen. Instead he walked up to Gray's and tugged on his pants, looking up with questioning eyes.

Without saying a word Gray leaned down and picked the cat up, cradling him his arms and cuddled him close, tickling his tummy, smiling much like a parent would a child at the giggles he gave.

Happy gave a little yawn and Gray went from tickling to long smooth strokes from chest to tail, smiling at the purrs he received "Get some sleepy Happy, Natsu and I will keep you safe" he promised, turning back to watch the road, knowing his words would be followed.

"I didn't know you and Happy were close" Natsu chocked out, picking his jaw up off of the floor.

"Hmm" Gray hummed, taking a quick look at the sleeping furball in his arms "Happy comes to stay with me when you go on your solo missions. I also keep him company when you have to take care of requests from Lucy" Gray admitted, sharing a smile with the dragon "We've become quite close because of it" he grinned, eyes sparkling.

Natsu found he couldn't really be angry or feel jealous over the look. Gray looked so happy with the result that his heart gave a flutter instead of a pound. His body seemed incapable of drumming up the energy needed to be jealous at how close they had gotten – not that he knew who he was supposed to be envious of. He had a sneaking suspicion that it was Happy it was directed towards, given how his best bud had so much more time then he at learning his secrets and just basking in his addicting company. It not like he had much of a reason to be anyway, it was his own fault for never checking to see who was caring for Happy while he was gone. He'd just assumed Mira took him in as a favour after Lisanna "Died" and since she'd come back it had gone back to normal, with Happy staying in Lisanna's room just like she told him. He didn't know why but he was strangely relieved to hear it was actually Gray who was looking after him and not her.

Walking closer to the mage he wrapped an arm around his waist, hand coming up to stoke Happy's head before resting on Gray's hip.

Gray, long used to the open affection took the move in his stride, steps as steady as they had always been. Although the same couldn't be said for his heart, which was pounding a mile a minute. He knew the touches were friendly, but he couldn't help but wish for something more, only to beat that desire back with a ten-foot poll, afraid of what would happen if he dwelled on the thought too long.

"So what made you become Happy's protector while I was away?" Natsu asked, unknowingly pulling the ice mage out of his head and back into the present.

Gray eyes skittered away, fringe falling over them, mouth turning down at the edges. Natsu had an ominous feeling whatever was going to come out of his mouth, he wasn't going to like it.

"Well Lisanna wasn't… she was─" Gray released a frustrated noise. He didn't want to bad mouth her, not to someone who loved her dearly.

"It's okay, you can tell me" he comforted squeezing his hip.

"But you will get mad" Gray whispered, voice small and cautious.

"Maybe, but never at you, I promise" Natsu swore, keeping his voice as low and calm as possible, pushing every ounce of sincerity he felt into the words. Hiding a smile when he felt the other relax slightly.

"She wasn't very good at looking after Happy when you were gone. She wouldn't let him into her bed or even into her room, something Happy needed" he admitted reluctantly, a bite to his tone. He really hated her for that. It had hurt to see someone Natsu cherished treat what is essentially his child like he was an inconvenience the moment Natsu was out of her sight.

Gray winced when he felt the arm around him tighten, anger radiating off the being beside him "I see" Natsu said in a controlled tight voice, gritting his teeth "I always wondered what set Happy off, why he was always so unsure if he was welcome in the room or my bed" he admitted, his fury at the girl beginning to seep through. To think he had trusted her. Held her opinion above everyone else's. It made him sick. She would definitely be hearing what he thought of her once they got back.

"I'm sorry" Gray apologised, ducking his head. He knew it would upset his friend and yet he went and said it anyway. Made him feel guilty, knowing he had hurt him. He should have just kept his mouth shut.

"Don't apologise, you did nothing wrong" Natsu denied venomously "In fact I should thank you for taking him in and brining her negligence to my attention. So thank you" he thanked sincerely, ducking his head to kiss the ice princess temple on instinct, wanting to comfort.

"I-It was nothing" Gray stammered out, feeling his temperature rise at the action. Tears pricking his eyes as nostalgia swept through him. His mother used to do that too when she wanted to comfort or thank.

It was the little things like that, that people didn't really think as significant but meant the world to those that could no longer experience them. Such as being kissed on the temple, being tucked into bed, being held as you cried. Or even just to feel that affectionate ruffling of hair parents did when they were proud. Having them done to him again made him want to cry, to scream to the world for taking his mother away from him.

"I knew he was important to you and that he wasn't happy, so I wanted to help" he rushed out, pushing everything else back, latching onto the topic with both hands, scared of what might happen if he let the other things through.

He didn't feel he deserved the dragon slayers praise or thanks. What he had done was nothing special, he just hadn't wanted something innocent to be harmed by another's treatment. It also helped that he cared deeply for Happy and wanted what was best for him.

At Gray's admission Natsu felt a ball of warmth uncoil inside his chest. He'd said it before and would say it again. Gray was a beautiful person, who cared for those around him more than anyone could ever imagine. Probably more then they deserved.

"So what drew you to him first" Natsu changed the conversation in another direction. He needed to process what had been revealed to him. He didn't want this put a dampener on their day, so locked the topic away, to deal with in the privacy of his room.

The tips of Gray's ears reddened, pipping the fire mages interest "He's cute and fluffy" he answered meekly, face burning.

"Ah I see" Natsu grinned "You secretly like cute fluffy things, don't ya?" he teased.

Gray held his head high, even though his face took after a tomato, eyes shining in happiness "What's secretive about it?" his teased back before his face softened slightly "At least with you anyway" he admitted voice soft.

Natsu didn't have response to that, so just pulled his best friend closer. Hoping it would convey how much that meant to him.

A few days later Gray found an innocent fluffy teddy version of Happy propped up against his pillow on his bed. Nuzzling his face against it, he found it to be the softest thing he had ever felt, as well as carry Natsu comforting scent.

They didn't talk about the plushie, nor the ecstatic hug and kiss on the cheek he got for giving it the other. Both contents to keep another secret between them.

About a week after the gift giving, Natsu found himself visiting the ice mages home.

It was on one of those rare days off they managed to snag every so often. They had no team responsibilities and everything that needed paying was paid. There was also no special parties or festivals being held at the guild that made it mandatory for them to go, thus allowing them a rare day to relax at home.

Now usually Natsu used this day to go fishing with Happy or search for Igneel, but after The Battle Of Tartaros, he no longer had a need to search for Igneel and Happy was spending the day with Carla. Judging by the excitable babble he had been subjected to the whole night and the bouquet of freshly picked flowers Happy had left with, Natsu assumed she had finally said yes to a date.

He couldn't be happier for his buddy, was in fact silently rooting for him and their eventual relationship, but he couldn't help but feel a small sliver of resentment worm its way into his heart now that he was alone with nothing to do and nobody to occupy his time with.

Now there are two things you should know about Natsu before we continue. Number one; He had to have something to do at all times. Otherwise he became restless and anxious and felt trapped in his own skin, his mind tormenting him of what if's and could have beens. So it was safer for him to have something either occupying his mind or his hands.

Number Two; He did not deal well with being alone for long periods of times. Yeah sure a few hours on his own was nice, a good book or moulding his fire to while away the time made a nice change. But anything more then four hours and he slowly began to lose sight of himself, doubting his place in people's lives. Would wonder if he annoyed people or if they would leave him again, would get stuck in his head fearing what would happen and how people really perceived him, and although he'd never told anyone he'd always assumed Happy knew as when it hit the four hour mark the blue furball would sniff him out and keep him company.

Today however he knew that wasn't going to happen. With little options he resigned himself to going to the guild. Don't get him wrong he loved the guild and they were his family, but even family became to much at certain times. Given the fact he spent every waking moment he wasn't on a mission at the guild catching up, he kinda wanted the day away, to do his own thing with someone.

Without even realising it, Natsu's feet were leading him in the opposite direction to the guild, too lost in his head on who he could nab to spend the day with that wouldn't annoy him in the first five minutes. By the time he'd cleared the forest and was beginning his ascent up the hill, he snapped back and released he was already a third of the way to Gray's.

After a moments confusion he shrugged his shoulder and picked up the pace slightly as excitement formed in his heart. He and Gray had spent a lot of time together lately and had become close. It actually surprised Natsu how peaceful it was being in the ice mages company. Usually spending long periods of time with someone grated on his nerves, they were either too loud or their scent would begin to agitate his nose, thinning his temper. But with Gray none of that happened.

When Natsu needed it quite Gray instinctively knew when to offer his silent support, when Natsu needed things loud and vicious, would offer himself as an opponent Natsu could take and talk all his worries out on with no chance of repercussions. Gray even knew when Natsu wanted things soft, when he didn't want loud burst of energy but didn't want complete silence either. The ice mage adopted a decidedly gentle soft tone, that set what ever was frightening Natsu at ease. Would let himself be held if Natsu felt the need to be protective as well as to protect Natsu in turn when he felt vulnerable.

It was just easy with Gray, they balanced each out and knew what they needed, even If at times they themselves hadn't known what exactly it was they craved. It also helped that Gray smelt amazing all the time, the dragon slayer had yet to find a moment where he didn't like Gray's scent gently wafting through the air.

So while it was a little surprising his feet had carried him here on autopilot it wasn't as shocking as it once would have been. Now days, if Gray wasn't already included in his plans then Natsu would ask him to come along, be it shopping or going home to cook, everything just felt right with Gray, like it was natural to have him at his side or in his arms.

With a nervous anticipation he knocked on the wooden door, rocking back and forth on the heel of his feet, impatient to see his friend again.

It didn't take long for the owner of the house to come to the door and open it with little more force then necessary.

"For the last fucking time Loke, I am not going to some goddamn bar, I know Lucy has let you have the day off but that doesn't mean you should get shitfaced. I wanna sleep damnit!" Gray snarled. The threatening was lost on him when Gray came into view. His entire fact was hidden by a large hoodie and lost whatever effect he was going for and being replaced with a rather adorable image of an irate child in his parents clothing.

"Uh, not Loke?" Natsu laughed nervously, a little annoyed he hadn't caught the lion's scent until it was pointed out. Distantly he thought he was a little jealous, but he didn't know why. Maybe it was because Gray was spending time with people other then him? but that didn't make sense, he spent time with other people and as far as he knew Gray wasn't jealous of it. Maybe he was just being insecure he thought to himself, trying to shake the strange thoughts away.

"Natsu?" Gray squeaked, jerking his head up, releasing a frustrated huff when his hoodie got in the way, having to use his hand to push it back.

Natsu watched the movement, with curious eyes, feeling his mouth drop open part way when he realised the hoodie sleeves swallowed up Gray's hands and hid them from view. It did the job though because as the hood was pushed up it revealed Gray's gorgeous face. Cheeks a pretty pink as a blush lit them, staring wide eyed at the dragon slayer. Embarrassed he hadn't thought to check.

"Can I help you with something?" he asked tipping his head to the side causing the hood to fall forward once again.

Natsu laughed and stepped forward to move the hood for Gray, eyes twinkling as he found Gray pouting up at him, cheeks puffed in annoyance, while his bottom lip stuck out slightly. Looking for all intense and purposes like a ruffled kitten. The rosette couldn't help the swell of fondness that swept through him at the look.

"Was wondering if you wanted to hang out today?" He smiled letting his fingers brush against Gray's cheek softly as he pulled it back, letting it drop uselessly at his side once it had finished admiring the soft skin.

"Sure" Gray beamed taking a step back "Come in"

As Natsu moved to step in his eyes unintentionally fell on Gray's thighs. His unclothed, creamy unblemished skin thighs. He hadn't noticed until that moment that Gray was wearing a hoodie two sizes too big and nothing else. While the sleeves dangled over the hands the jumper itself cut off at his thigh leaving the rest of him from the look of it naked.

Natsu swallowed roughly, suddenly finding it unbearably hot. "Um interesting clothing choice" he managed to chock out, unable to tear his eyes away. He remembered how soft the cheek felt and now he can't help wondering if his thigh was just as soft or more so. Finally, he snapped his gaze away and moved into the hallway and towards the ice blocks room, Gray trailing after him.

The devil slayer looked down at what he was wearing before flushing, the previous blush which had been receding until that point returned full force. "Um, I was planning on taking a nap and I really like how the jumper feels against my skin" he rushed out, pitch raising until it was a squeak, hands coming to pull at the hem, eyes avoiding looking at Natsu as his head fell forward, allowing the hoodie to hide his face completely. Coming to an abrupt stop in his bedroom door way.

"Hey, its okay. I like it. It makes you look really cute." Natsu tried to reassure, feeling a little panicked at the emotions he could smell coming off the other in waves. He could smell fear mixed with embarrassment and shame. He didn't want Gray to ever feel like he had to hide the things that made him comfortable just because he was here. "Plus, it's not like anyone's here to see. I'm certainly not going to judge you. And if it makes you feel better, I've walked through fire nude before just because I like how it feels against my skin too" he placated, allowing his voice and body to show how honest he was being.

"Really? You don't mind me in this and nothing else?" Gray asked looking unconvinced.

"I mean it, wear what ever you want, as long as you are comfortable its okay with me" Natsu told him seriously, ducking his head to look him in the eye. "Now are we napping or not?" he grinned, flopping onto his friends' bed. Quickly toeing off his shoes and flinging off his jacket.

"W-what?!" Gray gasped looking completely lost.

"You said you were going for a nap, I think that sounds like an awesome idea" Natsu chirped, relaxing against the bed, lazily watching as Gray nervously shuffled over, fidgeting at the side of the bed, looking unsure as to what he should do.

The rosette rolled his eyes, having a fair idea what was troubling the other.

Before Gray could react, he snatched his wrist or what he assumed was the wrist it was hard to tell in all that martial and pulled him onto the bed, arms coming around him to trap him in.

"Natsu! I don't have anything on underneath!" Gray yelped trying to wiggle himself free.

"I'm well aware of that" Natsu drawled, keeping a firm grip on his ice mage "But we are sleeping, for that to happen you need to be comfortable" He told him tone leaving no room for argument.

Gray continued to protest silently for a few more seconds before suddenly going slack, admitting defeat. Natsu tried not to let his smugness show as he relaxed his hold a little. He waited a couple of second to see if it was a ploy but when all Gray did was curl in closer he inwardly preened and set about rearrange them.

After a few seconds of moving the blanket up around them and reposition the pillow so they were both comfortable, Natsu curled on his side facing Gray, one arm coming to curl around his waist possessively while the other came to rest between them.

As Gray tucked his head under Natsu's chin, nuzzling against his neck, one of his hands came to rest on Natsu's chest, directly above his heart to feel it pulse, while his other came to lay beside Natsu's.

On instinct Natsu grabbed the hand and entwined their fingers. He tensed slightly once he realised what he had done but when all Gray did was sigh in content he let the worry go. If Gray didn't mind it then neither did he.

Just before he closed his eyes, Natsu spotted the Happy plushie he'd gotten him laying pride of place on the right-hand side pillow part way under the blanket, looking as if he was tucked in. His last thought before he drifted to sleep was of Gray cuddling it as he slept.

Two hours later he woke to find his ice princes laying on top of him, hoodie knocked of letting himself see his precious sleeping face. Gone was his frown lines and scowls, in its place a soft peaceful look he'd only caught a few glimpses of.

The heart melting sight that happened a few minutes later when he woke the other topped it. With Gray sitting up, hair sticking in different direction, face still relaxed from sleep. The blanket pooled around him as he childishly rubbed at his eye with a sleeve covered fist. Natsu couldn't think of a better way to spend the day then with Gray and learning more then he ever thought he could about him.

A few days later when he would ask Gray to nap with him again, he couldn't help but feel vindicated when Gray chose him over the playboy that had been trying for his attention. It was a really nice feeling to know Gray chose his company above anyone else, well perhaps bar Happy, but then Happy was a special case and he couldn't get jealous of his best buds attention, even if it meant his plan to nap was delayed a little while he and Gray caught up. Seeing them interactive with each other was well worth the delayed nap.

It got him wondering though, what else did life have in store for him and Gray?

I hope you guys like it what's happened so far. Originally this was supposed to be a one shot but after it hit 53 pages, I figured I should extend it to two chapters instead. Quick question. If Natsu is the more dominant one. does that mean the ship name changes to Natray from Gratsu or does it not matter?

Dream xx