Title: Lost in Words

Rating: K

Summary: Gray finds out reading can be fun, even more so with a loved one.

Author's Note: In this one-shot, Gray and Natsu are already a couple. Enjoy!

Gray had been having a peaceful day in the Fairy Tail archives. He hadn't seen many people all day (he and Mirajane were the only people there), hadn't conversed with many people, and had created a record of only 2 stripping episodes. He smiled softly to himself. What should I do? he thought. He had been lost in his own thoughts for a while, and he really wanted to do something, but didn't feel like going anywhere. (Admittedly, the majority of his thoughts had been about a certain Natsu Dragneel.)

Gray looked around for something to do and saw Mirajane on one of the ladders, helping organizing books.

"Hey, Mira!" he shouted. "Can ya help me with something?"

Mira looked down, her usual gentle smile on her face. "Of course! What do you need?" She climbed down the ladder so she didn't have to yell.

"Do you have any idea if there's something I can do around here?"

"What do you mean?"

Gray shrugged. "I'm kind of bored."

"Haven't had many run-ins with Natsu today?" she giggled. Gray rolled his eyes. Ever since he and Natsu had started dating, the girls in the guild wouldn't stop teasing/fawning over them. It was really annoying at times. He knew Natsu felt the same way.

"No, Mira. I have no idea where he even is." Saying the words aloud sparked a small worry in his heart. He really hoped Natsu wasn't off destroying a city. Again. Mira wrinkled her nose.

"What kind of lover are you?" she teased. "Not knowing where your boyfriend is."

"Just because we're together doesn't mean we creep on each other! Anyway, do you have any idea what there is around here to do? Besides job requests. I don't want to go on any quests today."

Mira looked around thoughtfully. "Well, you could always read. There's millions of books here! Plus, not all of them are nonfiction." She sighed wistfully, clasping her hands to her heart. "My favorites are the romances..."

Gray had never hated reading, he just never did it very often. Being a part of Fairy Tail didn't leave him with much pleasure time. Today, however, he wasn't doing anything so he decided that there couldn't be anything to lose from it.

"Yeah, sure, Mira, why not? Do you have any recommendations?" He should have never asked. She squealed and gave him loads of options. He internally groaned. Between her, Levy, and Lucy, he would have enough book recommendations to last a thousand lifetimes. Mira went back to work after giving him a detailed summary of each one. Gray stared tiredly at the stacks of books. He flipped them over to skim over their summaries. Luckily, about five books into it, he found a book he settled for. It seemed interesting; an action novel.

He sat down and started it. Soon, he was immersed in a world of dragons, fairy tales, and adventure. Myth, magic, and mages. It was incredible. The ice mage may have not been a huge reader, but even the most anti-reading person has book somewhere in the world they'd enjoy.

Gray wasn't aware when the door to the archives creaked open. A particular pink-haired dork entered and looked around. Gray was completely into reading as the rosette rested his gaze on him and grinned widely. The fire wizard sat down next to Gray, who was completely oblivious.

"Gray?" Natsu asked softly. He shook his head at the lack of reply. Gray could be equal parts annoying and kind, but he was always adorable (in Natsu's opinion). Natsu rested his head on Gray's shoulder and that got a reaction out of him.

"Who-" Gray began somewhat irritably. He turned his head to see Natsu resting his head on his shoulder and softened. Not much. He couldn't let too much weakness show. "What're you doing here, Flamebrain?"

"What? Is it wrong to spend time with your boyfriend?" Natsu teased. Gray rolled his eyes.

"I sort of want to read, though. I don't feel like going anywhere." Gray was eager to get to the next chapter, things were heating up in the book. Natsu smiled like the goofball he was.

"Then read to me."

"What? Then I'd have to start all over."

"No, you don't. Just read to me." Gray opened and shut his mouth several times before consenting. Fine. It can't be too bad. If I ever want to talk to him about the book, at least he'll know what's going on. Sort of.

"Okay." Natsu took Gray's arm and put it around his shoulders, so Natsu was leaning against his side. Gray sighed and began.

"A dragon swept in, blue fire erupting from its mouth. Hundreds, thousands, millions people were screaming, yelling. Then - eerie quiet. One hero rose above them all, a fire of hatred smoldering in his eyes. 'You are a disgrace, dragon,' the hero announced, poison lacing his words. 'You insult your kind. The dragons are protective; they are family. Yet one bad egg has spoiled their reputation.'"

Natsu didn't really listen as Gray read, he was more fascinated by how far into the role Gray went. Whenever the hero was angry, Gray's voice rose, ice formed on the hand that wasn't around Natsu. He had never seen Gray this animated before.

At one point, Natsu had no idea what was going on, just that Gray looked so excited to be in the story. The dragon slayer felt something stir in his chest as he looked at Gray. Suddenly, Gray shut the book.

"What's wrong, Fire Breath?" he asked. "You look kind of dazed."

"Why'd you stop reading?" Natsu asked, wanting to see that happy look on Gray's face again. "It was good!"

Gray raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? What just happened?"

Truth be told, Natsu hadn't a clue. So, he did the first thing that came to mind. Natsu kissed the ice-maker. Gray leaned back a bit in surprise but did kiss his love back.

They kissed for quite some time before Gray pulled back. "So, what did I just read?" he smirked. Natsu grinned sheepishly.

"Uh..." Now I'm gonna get it, Natsu thought nervously.

Author's Note: Sorry for any OOCness. I thought this was a cute little idea. :) I hope you enjoyed! Reviews are welcome, positive or negative! Thanks for reading!

-A19