'I'm so tired,' Gray sighed.
The ice wizard had spent a few hours sitting under a tree in the park by the guild. He had watched the sun cross the sky and people come and go. He was glad that no one had come to him. Gray wanted to be alone today, so he went to the last place his friends would search for him.
He wasn't feeling up for a job, so Juvia was not best pleased when Gray 'abandoned' her. She ended up going with Lucy, Natsu and Happy instead. Gray was glad she didn't go on her own. He was also relieved that he had some quiet time for himself. He wasn't in desperate need of money either, so he could comfortably go the day without a work. It meant that he could sit and sort through his thoughts and emotions.
'Hey, Gray,' a voice pulled him from his thoughts.
'Huh? Natsu?' Gray glanced up from the grass he had been staring at. 'I thought you were doing a job with Juvia.'
'We were. I beat the bastards up,' Natsu beamed.
'Ha,' Gray chuckled. 'Figures.'
Natsu tilted his head at the blue haired wizard. It wasn't like him to be this quiet.
'Are you okay?' Natsu asked as he sat next to Gray, his mind reeling, trying to figure out what could be bothering him.
Gray furrowed his brow and looked away. He wasn't in the mood for company right now.
'I'm fine.'
'No, you're not. Talk.'
This was unusual for Natsu, Gray thought. The Dragon Slayer didn't do conversation. He did brawls and weirdly inspiring speeches in the middle of battle. Talking about things was not normal behaviour for him.
'I don't need to talk.'
'I know what day it is, Gray. That's why I came to see you.'
It was the anniversary of the death of Gray's parents. It was still a raw subject for the wizard and something he remembered on his own every year.
'If you know what day it is then you know to leave me alone, Natsu.'
'You need a friend on this day. The loss of parents is something we all know in some way,' Natsu looked to Gray. 'We're your family now. We're here to help you.'
Gray was taken aback at Natsu's words. The two weren't the best of friends but had been through so much together. They were as good as brothers and always fought as such. Warmth wasn't always a part of their relationship. This was a new step for them both.
'You're right,' Gray smiled sadly. 'I've been on my own with this for so long that I don't know how to let anyone in.'
'We don't need to talk. I can just sit with you for a while.'
'Thank you, Natsu.'
Natsu slung his arm around his friend's shoulder, pulled him into a headlock and ruffled his hair. He laughed as Gray gasped and struggled against him.
'I know better than to hug you, Gray. But I'll look after you. You're my friend.'
'Natsu! Get off!'
Gray struggled against the fire wizard and broke free. He was met with a dazzling grin and he chuckled.
'You're an annoying kid, Natsu,' Gray side. 'But I appreciate this.'
'I'm not a kid!'
Gray laughed again and shoved Natsu's shoulder. He looked up to the sky and leant back on the tree. His parents would be glad to know he wasn't alone and that he had found his place in the world. He had friends that were as good as family.
He wasn't alone anymore.