A/N: I know, I know...a new fic! Truth be told, I am loving these short stories. They're so fun to write!

Enjoy - and please make sure to leave a comment.

Gray watched his girlfriend from the hallway as she stumbled inside the small apartment's door, tripping over the coffee table. She swore loudly, then slumped against the couch, clearly unsteady. He found himself wondering if she'd only been drinking that night. The way her eyes were dilated, he couldn't be sure.

"Gray!" Cana drawled as she hiccupped, "I dinna see ya there. Thought you'd be asleep by now."

Gray bit his tongue to keep his temper in check, "I was asleep… but I got up with the baby because he was having a bad dream. He was crying out for you. Where the hell were you, Cana?"

She waved a hand at him, "Don't be such an old man. Mommas deserve to have fun too."

"This is the third time this week," Gray growled, "Are you even going to be able to get up for your classes tomorrow?"

"So what if I don't?" she challenged, "I'm nailing that class without studying…I can skip a day."

Gray shook his head, turning to go back into the bedroom. She could stay on the couch for all he cared.

Cana heaved a sigh, then pulled herself to her feet, wavering for a moment while she fought her inner turmoil. Taking a deep breath, she stumbled down the hall. She pushed the door to their son's room to listen to his soft breaths for a moment. A tear rolled down her cheek as she closed it again, then turned to the room that she and Gray shared…sometimes.

"Sleep on the couch," Gray muttered. He had just taken off his shirt, chucking it into the laundry basket, "I don't feel like sleeping with vodka tonight."

Cana watched him shimmy his jeans down his hips, exposing his black boxer briefs. He didn't look at her as he slid into the bed, turning his back on her.

"Gray…" she said softly, "We need to talk."

"I really don't want to talk to you right now," Gray murmured, punching his pillow.

"I'm leaving," Cana stated.

She suddenly sounded very sober. She stared at him with a somber face. He could feel her eyes on his back, boring holes.

"Bye," Gray stated wearily.

"No, Gray," Cana said again, "I'm leaving."

He turned over, watching her face. It was only slightly visible due to the darkness of the night, but he could see the shine of tears rolling down her face.

"I'm not ready for this, Gray," Cana whispered, "I can't be a good girlfriend or mother right now. I want to finish school. I want to see the world before I settle down."

Gray was quiet for a long moment before sitting up in the bed as he studied her face.

"You're drunk, Cana," he said finally, "You don't know what you're saying. Look…I'll share the bed with you tonight and we'll talk about it tomor—"

"I'm serious," Cana interrupted, "I can't do this, Gray. I thought I could. We tried…it's not working."

Gray could feel the anger surging through his blood.

"When I found out I was pregnant," Cana whispered, sitting on the edge of the bed, "You were amazing. You stepped up. And you've been there for me every step of the way…the labour…the midnight feedings…all the diaper changes…but that's just the thing. Other than the labour, it's been all you. I don't do much for either of you."

"Cana…" Gray started to say, getting out of the bed, "You don't know what you're saying. You –"

"I am not the mother Silver deserves!" Cana interrupted again, "Don't you see it, Gray? I can't give either of you what you need. I love Silver…but I don't feel the attachment to him that you do. I'm not ready for it. I'm not ready to be the partner you need. We don't love each other…we had a one-night stand and got pregnant. You'll be better off without me."

"That's bullshit!" Gray stated, his voice cracking slightly, "You say you're not the mother he deserves…so you're just going to leave Silver without a mother at all?"

"I'll visit sometimes," Cana choked out, shamefaced.

Gray was fuming, "We need you – we're a family. And I love you. Silver loves you! We'll go to counselling and…"

His voice trailed off as he stared at her. She wasn't crying anymore. Her face was expressionless.

"You're that unhappy," he stated.

She nodded, her expression sorrowful but firm.

It was true that he did most of the parenting, but it had never occurred to him that Cana had been so completely unsatisfied with the life they were trying to build together.

"I'll be gone by morning," she told him, turning on her heel, "I'm sorry, Gray."

Gray was completely stunned, staring at the doorway long after she'd disappeared.

When he woke up the next morning from a fitful and restless sleep, he and Silver were alone.

5 Years Later...

"Silver!" Gray called, "Did you get your lunch out of the fridge?"

"Got it, Dad!" Silver stated as he opened his backpack to put it inside.

"You remembered your toothbrush, right?" Gray asked.

Silver rolled his eyes, "Yes, Dad."

"And don't forget to bring home your jacket this time! It's cold in the mornings, even if you don't need it in the afternoons!"

"Okay, Dad!" Silver sighed, grabbing his jacket.

"And do your homework this afternoon," Gray reminded him, "That way, you'll have all weekend to play and when you get home Sunday night, we can do something fun."

"Right, Dad…homework this afternoon," Silver repeated.

Gray got down onto his knees, straightening out Silver's jacket collar, "I love you, son…have a good weekend with your mom."

"Love you too, Dad," Silver threw his arms around Gray's neck, "It's gonna be awesome!"

Gray tightened his grip, giving his son a quick kiss on the top of his head just as the doorbell started to ring obnoxiously.

"Dad…let go…Uncle Natsu is here…and you're going to be late for work."

"Fiiiine," Gray sighed dramatically, ushering Silver toward the door.

"It's about time!" Natsu huffed when the door opened. He turned to Silver, "Dude! What's going on with that girl at school? You proposed to her yet?"

Silver high-fived Natsu, passing through the door, "Naw. We broke up. She's hanging out with Regan at lunch hour now."

"Tough break, kid," Natsu hummed, "But don't worry – there'll be other girls. Next time you come over, I'll teach you some more pick-up lines."

Gray rolled his eyes, "Silver, what did I say about talking to Uncle Natsu…ever?"

Silver grinned, but didn't respond.

"Silver's not going to be like you," Natsu announced loudly, "He's a chick magnet!"

"He's seven!" Gray retorted, "And I've never had a problem with the ladies."

Natsu snorted.

"Whatever, Flame-Brain," Gray spat, locking the door behind them as Natsu guided Silver to his car, "Seeya at work. You start in an hour, right?"

"Yup!" Natsu agreed, getting into the driver's seat, "Seeya there."

"Bye Silver! Remember to –"

"Yup, Dad," Silver responded, getting into Natsu's vehicle, "I'll see you on Sunday."

Gray nodded, going straight to his clunker of a vehicle. It was an older Dodge pickup, but it seemed to be working well for the moment. He was making pretty good money at his job working construction, but funds seemed to get sucked away as fast as he brought it in. Between keeping food on the table, Silver's needs, and his student loans, a decent vehicle would have to wait for awhile.

Still, Gray couldn't complain. Life was pretty good. Except when Silver went to Cana's.

He sighed, watching Natsu pull out of the driveway, singing obnoxiously with the kids to some rock song on the radio.

He hated Cana's weekends.

About 6 months ago, she had settled into Magnolia again. She had finished her college degree and was successfully planning blueprints for buildings now. She showed up like she usually did – out of the blue – and asked if she could take Silver out for ice cream and then to the park. Her face had been clouded and then she'd asked Gray if he'd come too. Gray had felt his heart thump out of his chest. She had never asked him to join them in all the years that she randomly appeared. He still felt the attraction to her…the way her brown hair framed her face...

Ice cream had been a fun affair. The three of them talked and laughed like no time had passed at all. It was always like that when Cana came to visit…fun…exciting. Sometimes after Silver went to bed at night, Cana and Gray spent the night together. It was like they were a real family. Gray craved it. Even after all these years, he still missed her.

At the park, however, once Silver was playing out of earshot, Cana's demeanor changed.

"I'm moving back to Magnolia, Gray," she'd said in low tone, "I got a job making blueprints for Blue Pegasus."

"That's amazing!" Gray had exclaimed, "Blue Pegasus is the second biggest construction company in Magnolia! You'll be making the blueprints, and I'll be building them!"

Cana looked down at her fingers, "I want to see Silver on a more regular basis…"

"Of course!" Gray agreed immediately, "Our house isn't big, but we can make extra room. You can move in right away!"

Cana shook her head, grasping Gray's fingers as she made direct eye contact with him, "I'm not moving in with you, Gray. I love Silver, but I was thinking more along the lines of every second weekend than full-time."

"Oh…" Gray nodded, "Okay! Maybe we can start with dinners and stuff."

Cana sighed, "Gray…I've made a lot of mistakes over the past several years. And maybe…I've been giving you the wrong idea."

Gray froze, his eyes widening.

"I don't love you, Gray," Cana told him, "We've always had fun together…and you're great in the sack…but that's all it is…fun."

Gray cringed at the memory. He'd found out a month or two later that Cana had a steady boyfriend. He didn't stay while Silver was at her place and the bottom line was, Silver cherished his time with his mother. No matter how hurt Gray felt, the time Silver was getting with Cana was important and necessary.

He hated her weekends with Silver. He hated that Silver looked forward to them so much. He hated that she got to be the 'fun' parent while he was left with all the responsibility. But most of all, he hated how empty his house became when his son left.

Gray sighed heavily, backing out of the driveway. He might as well start his work day. At least he wouldn't have time to mull things over...

...that is, until tonight.

"That was really awesome, Lucy," Gray grinned at his blonde-haired friend as she took his plate.

"Thanks, Gray…new recipe!" Lucy beamed.

"I'll do dishes," Gray offered, heading to the counter.

"I'm on bath detail!" Natsu yelled.

"I don't want a bath," four-year-old Sadie complained, "I had a bath two days ago."

"And then you played in the mud," Lucy reminded her.

"Uncle Gray and I made patty cakes," Sadie told her with wide eyes, "We had to use mud!"

Gray smirked, shrugging his shoulders innocently when Lucy glanced at him. The truth was, Sadie loved her Uncle Gray almost as much as she loved her Daddy. Both men were horrific influences on her.

Two-year-old Clive threw his peas on the floor, rubbing his eyes as he cried out. Lucy sighed, turning to her young son.

"Someone is tired!" Lucy cooed, picking up the pink-haired boy.

"He can have his bath first," Natsu suggested, "Sadie and I can go for a walk."

Lucy nodded, glancing over to Gray at the dish counter.

"Don't worry about the kitchen, Luce…I've got it," Gray assured her.

Lucy nodded, picking Clive up and heading for the bathroom. As goofy as her men were, she knew she could trust them to do what was needed. She could leave it with them and concentrate on her tiny son.

Two hours later, Natsu wrapped his arm around his wife, pulling her back into his stomach as he kissed the top of her shoulder blade, "The kids are asleep."

"And Gray?"

"Asleep on the couch," Natsu told her, immediately adding afterward, "It was late…he'll be here first thing in the morning anyway…so I said he might as well just stay. We promised the kids we'll make a cardboard fortress tomorrow."

She smiled, lifting her head so he could kiss her again, "You're the best dads ever."

He hummed softly, "That's not what you said the other day."

"Well," Lucy surmised, "That was the other day. Currently, you are not trying to teach them to fly off of roofs with umbrellas. Instead, tonight, I listened to you and Gray take turns telling them a story from when you were kids. It was very sweet. Bottom line is...you're a really good dad. And Gray is a really good friend."

"I know, right?!" Natsu exclaimed, "Of course…I have you to thank you for that. We have a good life, my beautiful, sweet, wonderful wife."

They relaxed into each other's arms, contented for the momentary silence.

"Hey Luce?" Natsu asked after a long moment.

She hummed in response.

"Gray wants to know if you can pick up Silver from school on Monday."

"Sure," Lucy murmured, relaxing into the pre-deep sleep stage.

"And he's coming for dinner tomorrow night," Natsu added, also feeling the lull of sleep calling to him.

Lucy frowned, "Again? Isn't Silver still with Cana?"

Natsu nodded into her shoulder, "He's going to be bored. He wants to do poker. We'll call the guys and hole up in the man cave if you don't mind. And he has laundry that needs to be done."

Lucy went rigid, slowly turning in Natsu's arms until she faced him, "Natsu...we're going to a hotel tomorrow night. It's our Anniversary. Asuka is already lined up to babysit."

Natsu froze, his eyes bulging open, "I totally forgot!"

Lucy sighed, "I feel bad for Gray. I know it's hard to be alone, especially when he's used to having Silver full-time, but he can't depend on us to keep him busy while Silver is with his mother. He and Cana have been broken up for 5 years now...he needs to move on sometime…he needs hobbies. Maybe it's time for him to have a relationship of his own."

"What does he need a relationship of his own for?" Natsu exclaimed, "He's got you – you're more than enough wife for both of us!"

Lucy's brows twitched, "Natsu…"

"Just any woman won't do for him, Luce," Natsu said seriously, "Gray has been really hurt. He trusts us. We're his family now. We're all he has."

"I know," Lucy admitted, "And I don't want that to change exactly…I'll always want Gray around…it's just that you are my husband…and sometimes I want to spend time with you and our kids as a family. Gray and Silver…as much as they're part of our family... they need to be a family on their own too. If Gray needs companionship on the days that Silver is with Cana, he should start dating again."

Natsu went quiet for a long moment, mulling over Lucy's words.

"So... what do you suggest?" Natsu asked, "Gray is my best friend...I can't just ditch him."

"Then maybe his first date should be with us," Lucy sighed, "I'll talk to him…see if he's open to meeting some of my friends."

Natsu cocked his head, eyeing his wife suspiciously, "Which friends?"

She laughed, "Don't be skeptical! I have friends that would get along with him. I'm sure I do."

Natsu nodded, "Okay. First date can be with us. Just be careful with who you set him up with."

Lucy kissed his nose, "I promise. I wouldn't let my 'other husband' get into a relationship with just anyone."

"I appreciate this, Lucy," Gray grinned at his best friend's wife as he picked up the folded laundry basket, "Work has been crazy lately. I just haven't had time to do anything."

He started for the door, turning slightly when Lucy's hand caught his forearm, "Gray…would you like to sit for a minute?"

He smiled, putting the laundry basket down immediately. He wasn't ready to go home yet and was thankful for the excuse to stay. They each took a seat at the table. Lucy pulled a pitcher of iced tea from the fridge, pouring a glass for each of them.

Gray tapped his fingers on the table nervously, noting Lucy's piercing gaze. Generally, he, Lucy and Natsu had a very close friendship. Natsu had been his best friend since childhood. Regardless of the fact that they fought - pretty much constantly - he was Gray's rock…and Gray tried to make sure that he did as much for Natsu as Natsu did for him.

While it was true that in their younger years, Gray had his eye on Lucy, it was no surprise that she eventually chose Natsu. They were perfect together in every way. There was still a part of Gray that was attracted to her, but generally, he was thankful for her friendship and valued her advice and opinions.

However, her gaze now showed that she had something heavy on her mind…and that made him nervous.

"Did I do something wrong?" he asked tentatively, running a nervous hand through his dark mane.

She shook her head, putting her hand over his reassuringly, "No. I was just realizing that this is around the time that Cana left you. I think it's the 5-year mark…am I right?"

Gray lost his smile, glancing down to where she still squeezed his hand. He nodded hesitantly.

"How are you doing, Gray?"

Gray offered a feeble smile, "Silver brought home his report card the other day – only one C. The rest were B's."

"That's a good report card," Lucy hummed, "But I didn't ask about Silver. How are you doing? How are you handling your weekends without him?"

Gray looked very uncomfortable. He shifted a bit in his seat.

"I've been thinking," Lucy continued, not waiting for an answer, "You know you're very special to me and to Natsu. We've been through a lot together. You and Natsu have been best friends and rivals since childhood…but I can't help but notice how lonely you seem to be these days. I think it would be good for you to spend some time with us when Silver is with Cana."

"Spend time with you?" Gray asked, an eyebrow raised, "Isn't that what I do now?"

"Yes," Lucy confirmed, thinking to herself how true that statement was, "But I think you're ready to switch things up a bit. I'd like to take you on a date."

Gray's eyes widened, "Lucy…I know Natsu's an idiot and all, but I could never do anything with you! He's my best friend! You're a beautiful woman and of course I'm attracted to you…but I could never –"

"You dunderhead!" Lucy yelled, ripping her hand from him, "That's not even remotely what I was suggesting!"

Gray turned red, dropping his eyes to his hands.

"It's a date with both me and Natsu, Gray," Lucy groaned, "My God…where are your thoughts?"

Gray stared at her for a few long moments, unsure of how to respond.

"Again…" Gray murmured bashfully, "I value both you and Natsu as friends…but I'm really not sure what Natsu would think about the three of us…"

"Oh dear Lord…you really need to get laid," Lucy dead-panned, "Natsu mentioned you wanted to come for dinner tonight. We have plans for our Anniversary…"

Gray gawked, "Natsu is okay with this?"

"He's fully behind this," Lucy informed him, "The purpose would be just to let loose a little…and I want to observe what you like. Maybe, if you're willing…"

"Natsu would share you with me?" Gray's jaw dropped, "I mean, Natsu - he's always saying how you're practically my wife too, but I didn't think he meant we could–"

"GRAY!" Lucy thundered, "I'll be bringing a friend! For you, you freaking pervert! A double date!"

Gray felt his face turn crimson, "That's a big step, Lucy...it's been a long time for me and I'm really not sure I'm ready for that."

"For what?" Lucy asked, confused. Suddenly her eyes widened as the light dawned, "OMG GRAY! Not the FOUR of us! An actual DATE - NOT-OMG! The date would be for you – and I'd be with Natsu! You're such an idiot!"

"I'm such an idiot," Gray groaned.

He was running on the treadmill, Natsu on the treadmill beside him. Both were sweating, but not winded.

"It's kind of funny," Natsu chuckled, "You know Lucy and I are there for you, right? But as I much as I tease you that she's your wife too, I'd definitely have to kick your ass if you looked at her that way."

Gray laughed too, "Agreed. I'd kick my own ass! You're my family."

"So, what do you think?" Natsu asked, slowing the treadmill to a walk. He wiped the sweat off his forehead, then his body, completely oblivious to the girls on the Stairmasters across from them who stared point blank at his bare chest.

Gray slowed his treadmill as well, "About what?"

"About dating," Natsu prodded, "Maybe meet some of Lucy's friends."

"I dunno, man..." Gray stopped his treadmill altogether, waiting for Natsu before heading to the weight benches, "I don't think I'm ready yet."

"It's been 5 years," Natsu told him, "Cana's not coming back to you. She's moved on."

Gray sighed, not answering his friend as he began curling the dumbbell with his arms.

"She's always going to be there for Silver," Natsu continued, "But the two of you are done. Seriously Gray...don't you want someone to hang out with? Laugh with? Love?"

He paused, chuckling out loud.

"Not to mention, you're seriously uptight..." Natsu added, "...you need sex so badly."

"What the hell, Natsu?" Gray hissed, alarmed as a woman at the next station audibly gasped, then made sure both men could appreciate her stretching figure.

Neither man was looking.

"What? It's true!"

"I don't need sex!" Gray whispered in a low voice, "And I don't need you spreading it around that I've been...lacking recently."

Natsu snorted, "Lacking? I doubt you've had a good lay since Silver was conceived."

"That's not true!" Gray barked, "Silver was about 2 years old when Cana left! And there were…visits."

Natsu shook his head, "And that's enough for you? To wait until Cana needs a roll in the hay? Silver's 7 now, Gray...and you haven't been out with anyone else at all."

"So I haven't dated!" Gray barked, moving from curls to leg presses, "It's not a big deal! You're as bad as Lucy...and I KNOW she put you up to this."

Natsu shook his head again, "Only to a point, buddy. I see it too."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Gray demanded.

Natsu was notoriously oblivious to detail... even Natsu admitted to that fact. If he'd noticed something on his own, it meant the problem was rather serious.

"I mean Lucy's right," Natsu said in a low voice as he assumed a crunching position, "You're at our house all the time, but when Silver's gone, you pretty much live with us. It's not that we think you're taking advantage of us... you even pay us to look after certain things and you help us out in other ways like the yard work. And we don't mind at all - don't get me wrong! We love having you over..."

"But..." Gray sighed, knowing full-well what the next words out of Natsu's mouth would be.

"But you need a life outside of us and Silver," Natsu said finally, both pausing their work out, "You're young, Gray...too young to resign to being alone for the rest of your life."

"I'm 27," Gray spat, "I'm not going to get old anytime soon."

"So your plan is wait until you are?" Natsu shot back.

"My plan is to be the best parent I can be for my son!" Gray jumped at how loud his own voice was, once again drawing looks from spectators around him.

"He's 7, Gray..." Natsu said pointedly, "You can still be a great parent and find some hobbies or a new friend. Plus, think about what you're teaching him. Cana is great with him, but she has a life outside of him. He is a high priority, but not the only priority."

Gray couldn't deny that. Silver was his only priority. When he was gone with Cana, Gray really didn't know what to do with himself. At all.

He sighed, slumping his shoulders, "Fine. Tell Lucy I'll go on a date with a friend of hers. ONE date. That's all I'll promise."

Natsu's face broke out into a wide grin, "She's already called her to join us tonight. You won't regret it."

Gray resumed his crunches without answering.

Somehow, he had an inkling that he would.

That's the end of the Prologue/Chapter 1. Tomorrow night, I'll post the first date. Any guesses on who it will be?

Love you all!

~Shana~