Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail or any characters.

Chapter 2

"Gray, is that you?"

"N-Natsu?"

"I've missed you, Gray…"

And then he was on me.

25th December

"Gray…" Natsu said between kisses, "I've missed you… So damn much!"

"Natsu," I gave a simple but meaningful reply.

"Gray," he repeated, trailing kisses across my collar bone, and then guiding his lips to meet mine. He gazed into my eyes for what felt like a blissful eternity, gave me a long, sensual kiss, and then a brief one, after I asked for air, and gasped, "Damn, you are addictive to kiss".

I responded, "and you're a great kisser," to which he smirked.

After a moments silence, I asked, "So what now?"

"Hm?" he gave me a cute questioning look.

Before I started to explain, however, he said, "I know what you mean, silly~ Why even ask? I already consider us to be dating~!"

I blushed. Just like before, Natsu was so cute, playfully aggressive, and when it came to count, we were two halves of the same whole.

"You okay there, Gray~?" Natsu teased.

"Natsu…" I replied, drawing in for another kiss. Natsu hadn't been like this when I met him, but I converted him to my side. We became one; once, separate, then never to be separated again; eternally connected. Our meeting was sensational.

The club, where I met him. Fairy Tail.

"Would you… Would you say we're dating?" I asked nervously, "I mean, we've only known each other for a few days; just because of the mutual breaks from work and college we've been given. I think I-I may love you"

Natsu gulped. "Gray… I–"

He never said it back then. I ran out, predicting rejection. Of course I guy I just met wouldn't say we're dating. There's no way. What sort of fortune would that be? Didn't stop him from being on my mind though. I always looked out for him, after that, and constantly faced disappointment. That was, until now.

"I guess that answers your question from that time, huh?" Natsu teased.

"Y-yeah" I stuttered.

Natsu and I had met multiple times during a single week, in April. Our first meeting was pure coincidence. I was in the Fairy Tail club, after being recommended it by a friend, Eve. I ran into an old classmate, Gajeel, and he wanted to introduce me to his "reckless" and "fiery-natured" pal. I stopped when I saw the pink hair; purely out of surprise, not judgement. Gajeel told me that his pal got that a lot. I, along with others, assumed it must be dyed. It was completely natural, Gajeel assured me. That pink hair, that I was initially surprised by, grew to be the thing I loved the most.

It happened suddenly. No warning at all. He talked to me; greeted me and I felt my face heat up. I didn't understand what had happened. I mumbled out a response, and turn-tailed.

Gajeel texted me, him receiving my number when we re-encountered, and questioned where I was, and that Natsu was looking for me. I didn't respond, but Gajeel send me another message in quick succession, saying that he gave my number to Natsu. Before I had any time to prepare, Natsu called me and asked what was up. Due to my reactions when facing him, I thought that I may have the start of a crush on him, though I wasn't sure. I didn't want to say that though, so I said that I couldn't tell him as I didn't want to mess things up, especially as we'd just met.

We met at the club the next day, after Gajeel persuaded me to face Natsu, claiming that I'd be a "shrimp" if I didn't. I didn't know until later that that was his pet nickname for his girlfriend, and if he used it on anyone other than her, which was rare, he was deadly serious in what he was saying and would be intensely angry if it didn't work out. Considering how intimidating I knew Gajeel could be, after going to school with him, I fretted to sort things with Natsu.

I sought Natsu out after the conversation with Gajeel, but didn't get far before I was stopped by the crowd. He saw me amongst the crowd, however, and pulled me out. It seemed that he had been searching for me since what he felt was an unfulfilled conversation.

I was torn with guilt, that he'd been searching for me since our first meeting, and vowed to apologise properly.

I took Natsu by the hand, to a secluded, well, as secluded as you could get, part of the club. He must have noticed my intention, as he gave me a quick wink and smirk, which may have caused me to blush intensely, before pulling me to the pool section of the club; a section for those who wanted a bit of quiet from the roughness of the main dance area. Fortunately, he didn't ask me to discuss with him over a game of pool, as I knew that I would lose, due to my habits of being bad at the game, and my predictions of his skill in it.

After settling down, Natsu asked me what I wanted to talk to him about. I assumed he knew, but I think he was playing a teasing game in which I had to actually say it. I suppose I deserved it.

"So Gray, you wanted to talk to me about?" Natsu let out a light laugh to accompany this.

"U-um…" I stuttered, gazing up at him, seemingly almost for reassurance.

"It's about the other day, isn't it?" Natsu eventually started me off, hiding his intentions within a serious tone.

"Y-yeah…" I sighed.

Natsu gave me an imploring look.

"Okay, it's like this," I began, not willing to look Natsu in the eye. "I'm sorry for running off the other day, I just… It's like I said on the phone. I was unsure of myself?" I phrased it like a question, unsure of how much I could reveal to him.

"Uh, huh," Natsu gave a stifled and generic reply, eyebrow raised in what I hoped wasn't slight annoyance at my vagueness.

I always had issues with being vague. Actually, with expressing myself generally. Especially when… When? I got into situations like this. Where I haaad to speak.

"I'm only joking around," Natsu chuckled. "Anyway, I see I'm putting you in a constricting spot; you are clearly nervous, and I don't want to make you uncomfortable, how about we do this–"

My thoughts wandered through his monologue, focusing on about Natsu's wonderful and amazing characteristics, him acting so nice in the face of my anxiety-based difficulties, with the social pressure of a one-on-one confession.

"Us two. We… We'll go see a movie or something? And then grab a bit to eat. How about we cuddle on the sofa afterwards". He winked at me again, leaving me gaping at his boldness.

"Y-yeah, um–"

"Awesome," a beautiful grin graced his face, "it's a date. I'll see you tomorrow, at 5PM; we'll go from there."

Natsu waved and left the room, leaving me speechless and alone with my thoughts. Well, what thoughts I could hear under the pounding of my heart.

I realised it at that point. I had fallen for Natsu.

Having been offered a date by Natsu, I pretty much shut myself in my room for the rest of the evening, after leaving the club in a hurry. I then huddled and may have let out a few uncharacteristic squees of excitement.

The night felt as if it was taking forever to pass, so focused on Natsu, were my thoughts. All my mind could process at the time was the date, though it took me a while for that particular thought to process, yes, date, the next day.

After distracting myself for the remainder of the evening, I finally got to sleep, albeit a restless one, and from the second I woke up, I was waiting eagerly, but anxiously, for the bells to chime five in the evening.

During the 16th hour of the day, I was fairly lost in my thoughts of Natsu, only moving to rehydrate myself and the like. At half past, I decided to select what I hoped was an attractive outfit, in preparation of the evening's events. It wasn't too cold, or warm out so I chose a simple but nice button-up shirt, being a combination of dark blue and black, but more-so black, and some unimaginative black chinos. I feared the thought of dressing too formally, but didn't want to be too informal either, so settled on this.

After I dressed, I settled down on the sofa, albeit nervously. It was an amazing fortune that I was alone at the house this week. I had just began to relax when my phone went off, startling me, despite having a quiet and toned-down ringtone. I guess my nerves were that strained in anticipation.

After performing a mild juggling act with my phone, I finally caught it, and without looking at the caller ID, I responded with a meek, "hello"

"Hey. How are you babe?"

I was again struck silent by Natsu's boldness. We weren't even dating and he was calling me 'babe'? But then, maybe that's just his general personality? Opposite to mine, safe to say, in terms of relations with people, and being open with them.

We met up at the cinema and Natsu, the moment he saw me, tackle-hugged me, causing me to blush, both at his tender actions and also at the fact that we were in public and attracting the gaze of on-lookers.

I stood up abruptly and pulled him up with me. I then dragged him to the pay desk, refusing to look at him out of embarrassment, but stopped half-way after he said he pre-booked the tickets, and couldn't let me know what movie we were going to watch, it being a nice surprise, he claimed.

After that was done with, I continued to pull him along with me, ignoring his cute cries of protest.

We eventually got to the screen, after going through all the cinema necessities, but before we entered, he pulled me aside, and asked me playfully, if I had forgiven him yet. I stated that there was nothing to forgive, as I was purely embarrassed, due to the on-lookers. He gave me a soft hug in response, saying that he hoped that we were cool. I petted the top of his head, what I thought was a reassuring response, and he then nuzzled into me, purring? I at that point, realised what we were doing, and pulled away slightly in surprise, while attempting to ignore his painfully forlorn expression.

I hurried into the movie screen and gestured for him to follow. I was too flustered to speak.

After the movie had finished, we left the main cinema, and starting walking anywhere. I was pleased with his excited chatter about the movie, and he seemed to be fine with my quiet companionship. While I was mentally reviewing the movie, I realised something which I must have been too excited in Natsu's company, to comprehend earlier. While being a romance/action film, it had two male protagonists. This caused me to wonder if Natsu was being suggestive. This thought led to another, and I poked Natsu softly, implying that I wanted to speak.

"Yeah~?" Natsu asked softly.

"Um… I was just wondering. This may seem random but–"

"But…~" he said playfully.

I cleared my throat. "Basically, am I wearing something good?!" I squeaked, nervous, causing him to chuckle quietly, before developing into a full-out laugh.

"Hey!" I pouted.

"Sorry, it's just…" Natsu gasped for air, wiping tears away from his eyes.

I grew concerned. Was it seriously that funny?

"You're fine! How you're dressed… it's fine. No, it's great! You look handsome," he grinned at me, causing my face to heat up for the hundredth time that day.

"If anything," he continued, "I'm touched". He paused at my questioning facial expression, requesting explanation, which he proceeded to give. "You were clearly worried about your outfit, if you gave any hints successfully; I'm touched because you fretted over it, when you didn't need to. I wasn't expecting you to be overly formal, but am pleased that you dressed in a way to suit both formality and informality. I mean, look how I'm dressed!"

I pouted. He was still able to fit teasing into his words, no matter how reassuring. He was right though. I looked at his body from top to bottom, attempting unsuccessfully to ignore his poses at my analysis. I hadn't processed his outfit until now, too distracted by the man himself. He was wearing a simple outfit: a dark red shirt and black jeans. He was also wearing a scaly scarf, that accentuated his outfit. I pondered on it for a moment, before realising it may be a personal item, similar to my pendant, with a history behind it.

"See!" he gestured to himself, noting that I had finished with my analysis, "there was nothing to worry about! If anything, you put more effort in than me," he ended with a smile.

I smiled back, before switching topics, "A-anyway. Food."

This caused him to chuckle softly. It wasn't like I was subtle about it.

"And before you say anything," I continued, acting as if I didn't notice he wanted to speak, "I'm paying. You paid for the cinema tickets; it's only fair I pay for the food," I stopped him when he started to protest, "plus, I want to treat you," I smirked, leaving him gaping, but with a mouth transforming into a grin. He slapped me on the back and sang, "Thank you~"

We discussed what to eat for the evening meal, and decided on a simple but delicious pizza. I was initially disappointed at the lack of a romantic meal, but recognised that perhaps that was expecting too much, considering this was a first date, and he'd already treated me, and hey! Who could complain at pizza? Besides, I was the one paying for it, I remembered, shortly after cringing at the amount he ordered. I learnt the hard way. He would cost me a lot in food, if our relationship was to progress any further.

Just before we separated and retired for the night, Natsu kissed me on the cheek, saying that he had a good time, hoping I did as well, and that he hoped that I would let him take me out another time. I wasn't sure what to think of this, as it was such a new sensation.

The following day, I met Natsu at the club and he acted friendly enough, but not revealing any implications that could suggest that he wanted us to be more than friends. We were hawked the entire time, that day, by Gajeel and co. so it was understandable that Natsu didn't necessarily want to tell his friends any 'juicy,' as Gajeel's friend, Erza, squealed, details on our relationship. It took all of my skill to remain calm. My pessimism wasn't exactly a quiet force within me, due to occurrences in my life. The day was largely uneventful, though Natsu and I did manage to sneak back to the pool table room, with evening upon us before we had time to realise. I guess I was having that much fun with Natsu and the others.

During the remainder of the week in which Natsu was available at the club, we sneaked into the pool table room, for peace and quiet in the otherwise rowdy club. Gajeel did catch me leaving the main area once, but saw that I was with Natsu, so grinned and clapped me on the back, wishing me luck. I never questioned him about that. Natsu and I went out a few more times, though for brief periods, just for the desire to be alone.

Everything was great until the last day before Natsu had to return to work; my family was also to return to the house the next day, which I was dreading. This was the point where I confessed to Natsu and ran. Since then I hadn't been able to sleep properly, wishing dearly that the circumstance had been different. I believed nothing was going to be good again… Until now.

"Gray~"

Natsu.

"Gray~?"

Natsu… Are you there? I love you. I can say it now. My fear has dissipated.

"Gray!"

Huh?

"Gray, where have you been for the last ten minutes?"

"Natsu?" I questioned, slowly being brought back into the present, by his realistic voice.

But that means–

"Natsu!" I yelled happily, leaping into his arms, "You're back!"

"Gray, seriously, you zoned out and now you're acting as if you've only just seen me? Explain please."

I blushed in embarrassment. "Was I really out for that long?"

"Well, maybe ten minutes is exaggerating a bit, but you certainly zoned out, at least briefly. What were you thinking about anyway?" Natsu asked.

"I was… I was thinking about when I met you. It all just came rushing back to me," I cringed in anticipation of what I thought would be a weirded out reaction.

"Aw Gray, you're so cute! Seriously, come here~"

I gazed up at Natsu in a daze as he leaned in to give me a quick kiss.

"Natsu, I–"

"I know, Gray," Natsu interrupted, "I love you too."

This caused my face to heat up even more, as I stammered for a response. He merely shushed me, by holding a finger to my lips and smiled.

He then continued to speak, "you know? I was hurt when you left me that time. It's okay now though. I kind of guessed some things in relation to your extreme pessimism, and the fact that you cared enough to worry about my feelings, if anything, was touching. It was all okay; even if you left me there. I knew I'd see you again."

I flinched at the reference to when I left him. How he could be so kind and forgiving when I acted that way, I don't know. I'm grateful that he is though.

I rushed in to embrace him, yet again. I couldn't get enough of Natsu.

"Ah! Mama, that's the man Number One wants to have thirty babies with!" I heard a familiar voice squeal. Natsu broke off from me, laughing softly, "what?"

"U-um," I stammered, trying to think of a response. When I couldn't, I instead opted to glance over at Ultear and Meredy suspiciously.

Ultear returned my look in kind and started to gush, "Is this the guy? I-I mean, return home!"

I shook my head. I should have known. While Juvia may be a big influence on Meredy, nobody could beat Ultear. That's where she gets the fangirling from. I sighed, but in an amused way.

She coughed, almost too wildly to be legitimate. She proceeded to speak, after clearing her throat, "Please return home; it's not the same without you…"

I ignored Natsu's questioning look. "I can't… Not with Lyon being…"

I must have sounded upset because Natsu gave me a reassuring pat on the back, causing me to look up and smile softly at him. He leaned in for another kiss. I guess he finds our kisses just as addictive as I do. It was as if we were in our own world. No one could intervene; we were in a lone environment, surrounded by nature, the sun beating down on us, the river flowing smoothly to our side. It seemed almost surreal. "Natsu…"

"SEE!"

I grasped my ears, feeling intense pain.

"THEY ARE SO IN LOVE!" Meredy shrieked, completely ruining the moment for the kiss I was to share with Natsu. Natsu and I looked around bashfully, anywhere but into each other's eyes. It seemed that he had also forgotten that there were other people present.

"Gray, please," Ultear pleaded, "Lyon's been talked to. You know how scary our mother can be when someone threatens any aspect of her children, regardless of who did the threatening."

I blanched. That I knew all too well. I'd often witnessed the verbal fights between Ur and Silver. There was no way I could have slept through them.

I cast my gaze downward. "But whose to know he'll be accepting of Natsu? I don't want to leave him… Nothing will make me leave him," I said firmly.

"Lyon…"

I looked up at Natsu, shocked. I had momentarily forgotten he was there when I said my inner feelings. I flushed.

"Lyon. He works here," Natsu said solemnly. "I don't know everything about him, but I can guess some of his aspects from what you said. He… He seems vulnerable, more than anything. I'm sure that he needs some form of assistance. Please, don't give up on him Gray."

Before I could express myself, Natsu continued, "And I'll never leave you Gray, so don't worry about anything. I love–"

I pressed my palm to his mouth, to stop him from finishing. "Please not in front of my sister."

He grinned under my palm, silent amusement dancing in his eyes. He mouthed, I love you.

Ultear looked at us, lightly amused and clearly happy.

I glanced over to Meredy, despite Ultear's slight warning not to, after she noticed the direction of my gaze. I wish I heeded her warning. Meredy was laying on the floor comically, screaming, "the blood loss! This nose bleed! I SHIP IT!"

Ultear smiled, "let's return. Natsu, you're coming with us as well, if you're free," to which Natsu nodded.

We walked slowly back to the house, Ultear almost having to lovingly drag Meredy behind us because of her current state.

I shuddered in dread.

This talk with Lyon is not one to be looking forward to.

Author's Notes: Thank you all for reading; I really hope you enjoyed. ^^

My intention for this, initially, was for it to be a one-shot maybe, but I got really into writing this; I'm really enjoying it. ^^ It will end up being a couple more chapters at the least.

The chapter with reference to New Year's will end up coming out after the actual date, but hey, writing isn't always in complete accuracy with RL time. XD But regardless, I'll try to get the next chapter up ASAP.

Oh, as an explanation, as I don't know when if I'll reference this specifically. Gray's pendant was given to him by Silver; when Silver acted like a proper father. Gray keeps it as a memento of family.

Near the end, there will be a specific explanation, as to what the twelve days are. Hopefully that will make things clearer.

If you have any questions, please PM me, or leave a review, and I'll respond as soon as I'm able.

Regarding response to follows, I'd like to thank VampiressWolf for following. Thank you so much! I really appreciate it. ^^

~'Kay, I'll see you next time. ^^ Please follow/favourite/review; I'd really appreciate it. ^^

See ya~ :3