Chapter 7

By Faralyne

"Ack!"

Natsu tumbled off the bed and crashed onto the floor, successfully being torn from his meat-filled dreams. He clutched his abused stomach, head scanning the area in a daze. "Huh, wha? What're ya doin'?"

"Who the fuck are…" the threatening voice trailed off into incoherent words. Gray dropped to his knees, eyes widening in shock and confusion. "Fl-flame Brain?"

Flame Brain? Why's he callin' me that? Unless… Natsu examined his body in a hurry. Excitement bubbled out of him in the form of loud laughter and shouts. He jumped up to his feet, pumping both hands into the air. "Yes! I'm normal!" he cried, nearly tearing up at the lively sound of his own voice. Just to check, he engulfed his fists in bright flames, pounding them together.

"Oh yeah, I'm all fired up!"

Gray's face scrunched up, the confusion only amplifying. "Wha?" The returned dragon slayer beamed him a toothy smile, crossing the room and jumping onto the bed next to the ice mage. He gripped Gray's bare shoulders and pulled him back into his chest. Gray's arms flailed, nonsense spluttering from his mouth.

"Wh-whoa, Shitty Flame! How—no, why—no, what are you doing?!" the dark-haired man stuttered, pushing Natsu back. He tried to cover the red flooding his cheeks but failed. And when he noticed the lack of clothing covering the pinkette, his eyes swirled dangerously. Hastily, he wrapped the white sheets around Natsu, his hands clutching the material closed. "Are you trying to give me a heart attack?!"

"Oh, right! I forgot I left my clothes behind when I transformed. Haha—oh no." The words slipped from the dragon slayer's mouth before he could stop them.

Gray froze.

"Transformed?"

The pinkette stepped back from the bed, securing the sheet tightly around his waist. He scratched the back of his head nervously. "Um…" He was going to explain, but the ice mage's mind beat him to the conclusion. The lack of a little red dragon lying in bed was a dead giveaway. I was supposed to leave before he woke up! Shit, he won't be mad, right?

"Natsu." The calm voice calling his name did not deceive him. Gray was furious. He remembered how deathly calm the ice mage was when those brats were pushing his dragon self around. "Get out."

Natsu blinked slowly. His brain ignored the words tickling his ears. "What?" Gray took his time crawling out of the bed as he made his way over to the dragon slayer. And snatched his ear. "Ow! Oi, Ice Block! What the hell?"

"I said, get out!" Gray snapped, dragging Natsu to the door. The pinkette struggled to see the other man's face. Gray's dark hair shielded it. However, his reddening ears stood out prominently. Natsu grabbed Gray by the shoulders again, spinning him so they were face to face. Gray kept his head down so his bangs covered his eyes. His mouth was stiffly pressed into a line.

"What the hell, Gray? Hey! Look at m—mmphf!" A hand grabbed his jaw and shoved him out the door.

Slam!

Natsu stared at the closed door in shock from his seat on the ground. Random passerby murmured around him. Was it really that weird to get thrown out of an apartment in only a bed sheet? Now what? Why's Gray so pissed off? And why'd he throw me out?! Bastard! The pinkette grumbled in his head, dusting the sidewalk off his sheet as he stood up. I guess I'll just go home…

"LIKE HELL I WILL!" Natsu yelled in irritation. He smashed his foot into Gray's door, watching as it collided with the opposite wall. "Get your ass out here, Ice Princess!"

Gray was laying face first on the sofa until the sound startled him off and onto the floor. He coughed at the wood and dust clouding the air, his mouth gapping like a fish. "What's your problem, Natsu?!" he shouted, staring at the cracked door stuck in his wall. "You're paying for that, you damn lizard!"

The pink-haired boy stomped right up to the ice mage, getting straight in his face. He scoffed, "Me? What's your problem?! You're actin' all pissy, kickin' me out and all!" Gray looked as if Natsu asked the stupidest question in the world, the way his jaw dropped to the floor and his eyebrows furrowed. Natsu swore he heard the ice mage thinking it. What? What did I do so wrong?!

"You're kidding! You've been in Magnolia all this time while everyone's been worried sick! Oh, but that's not the worst part," Gray chuckled resentfully at the end. He turned away from Natsu and started pacing. "No, the fact that you made me care for your sorry ass the entire time is the worst! What? Did you have fun looking into my private life? Got enough dirt on me? Gonna blackmail me now?"

Natsu was speechless. Did Gray really think he planned all this for a laugh? No way! Well, before, maybe I would've done it to get dirt on him, but that's not the case this time! "Gray, hey, quit pacin'!" Natsu tried, entangling his fingers with the ice mage's and pulling him in. Even in all his anger, Gray's face still managed to flush against his will. Natsu grinned.

"I swear that's not it! I ate this weird fruit and it turned me into my favorite animal—a dragon! And I couldn't talk the whole time 'cause I wasn't old enough or somethin'? And then Gramps found out, but I didn't want him tellin' anyone because it was too late and you would've beat me up! But also… you-you wouldn't 've said all those things if you knew it was me! …I liked livin' with you. And it was nice to listen to ya loosen up instead of always being so cold and all. I didn't want it to end… so yeah."

Natsu felt the heat tickle his cheeks as he finished his rambling explanation. He found it particularly hard to look into the wide azure eyes staring him down. He snapped out of it when Gray groaned, smacking a hand to his face.

"God, I could say those things because I didn't know it was you! Damn it, Sulfur Breath… you especially weren't supposed to hear them," the dark-haired man mumbled, his voice sounded edgy and defeated.

The pinkette cocked his head to the side, obliviously innocent, "Why not? I wouldn't have found out you like me so much, haha!"

Gray paled.

And that large distance seemed to push in between them again. "I-I don't know what you're talking about. Quit being so goddamn self-centered! And let go of me—why are you being so clingy?" Gray stumbled over his own words, snatching his hand out of the dragon slayer's grasp and moving back more than a couple steps. His heart was beating rapidly, Natsu could tell. Why's he actin' like I discovered his deepest darkest secret or somethin'? He subconsciously reached out his hand until he noticed it. Fuck, I'm just used to touchin' you! Why's that a problem now?

"I don't like you."

Gray glared straight into Natsu's eyes. But this time, Natsu wasn't going to be fooled. Gray was always good at hiding behind those icy masks. And Natsu couldn't understand why he'd say some of the things he did. But not this time. Because Natsu was really looking at him. He'd been observing the ice mage for a week—even his instincts knew Gray was lying.

"Yes, you do."

Gray gritted his teeth. "How can you tell me how I feel? No one's that conceited. Oh, I guess I stand corrected then." Natsu snorted. He crossed his arms, taking a step closer. Insultin' me isn't gonna work… But it's still irritatin'.

"Because I've been watchin' and listenin'. So yeah, I think I can be a little conceited or whatever," Natsu nodded his head triumphantly, expecting Gray to give it up by now. What he didn't expect was the icy fist smashing into his face. He fell back, toppling onto the coffee table. It shattered under his newly acquired weight.

Gray clenched his fist, frosty mist seeping from it. "This. This is what we're like. This is how it's supposed to be between us." Natsu growled, shooting up from the shattered glass and tackling the ice mage. They rolled along the floor, yanking and clawing at anything they could get their hands on. Gray's back slammed into another wall. He kneed Natsu in the stomach, successfully pushing the dragon slayer back. But Natsu was quick. The pinkette grabbed a fist full of dark hair, jerking Gray up to his feet. And he connected a fiery fist to the man's face.

"Heh, maybe you need some sense knocked into ya then," Natsu snickered; the thrill of fighting with Gray again sent shudders down his spine. The ice mage spat out the blood pooling in his mouth, his cheek already swelling red. He glared and swiped Natsu out from under his feet.

"Ice Make…" he gritted through bloody teeth, Natsu already blocking with fire-engulfed fists. "Hammer!" The large ice hammer dropped down from the air, smashing onto Natsu. Even as the slayer blocked the attack, it still hurt like hell. Fine, two can play that game!

"Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!"

Natsu rammed his flaming fist into Gray's stomach. The ice mage's eyes bulged as his body lurched backwards, crashing through the kitchen wall. And before the smoke could clear, the dragon slayer was hovering over him, pinning his arms and legs down.

Natsu grinned, "Dude, I've got a week's full of magic just waitin' to be used. Give it u—FUCK!" Gray's forehead collided into the pinkette's, sending waves of pain through his head. It took all of his control to not let go of the ice mage and care to his head-butted, bruised forehead. "You cold-hearted asshole!"

Gray grimaced, averting his eyes and turning his head to side a bit. He was pouting. Gray was actually pouting! Natsu wanted to laugh at how cute he really looked (minus the swelled cheek) rather than angry. He lightly pressed his forehead against Gray's to get his attention.

"Yanno… I don't even remember what we're fightin' about."

"…"

"…"

"Pfft!" The uncontrollable snort that forced its way from the ice mage's mouth shocked Natsu. It quickly turned into a laugh, shaking his entire body.

"Huh? What? What's so funny?" Natsu asked, confused.

Gray just shook his head, trying to calm himself down. Tears prickled his eyes, the laughs still bubbling out from his clamped mouth. Gray smirked. "That's so like you." Natsu blinked owlishly as his mind tried to process the words. A nasty blush rushed to his face. He coughed, turning his head completely to the side.

"R-Right."

Gray seemed to notice his change in demeanor and bothered his lower lip. "Yeah, well, get off." Natsu quickly stood up, Gray following. "You should still go."

Natsu furrowed his eyebrows, "But—"

"—Go see Happy. He could really use his best friend. And Lucy and Erza deserve some sort of apology," Gray said, a little too fast. The pinkette could tell he just wanted him gone, but at least he gave some damn good excuses. An apology… Does that mean Gray needs one too?

"Erm, okay…" Natsu trailed off, walking back to the door—or where the door used to be. The air felt so awkward. Gray trailed a few steps behind, hands stuffed in his shorts. "Then, I'll be at the guild, err, after I get some clothes… And, Gray?" The ice mage's eyes flickered his way. Natsu grinned his usual toothy smile.

"I'm sorry."

.

'Look more sincere, then!' Who does he think he is?! That was a sincere apology! Shitty Ice. Natsu grumbled in his mind. When he reached his home, there wasn't a blue cat in sight. The pinkette could only hope he was at the guild so he could apologize to him. Swallowing nervously, the fire dragon slayer pushed open the large guild doors.

"Hey everyone! Haha…" he chuckled awkwardly. Any talking or fighting stopped, all heads craned in his direction. The packed-and-ready group surrounding Erza had their backpacks thudding to the ground.

Cue dramatic waterworks. Oh, wait. No, those were upset waterworks and imaginary pitchforks.

"NATSU!"

"You asshole!"

"Did you have a good vacation, huh brat?"

"Natsu! I'm so glad you're back!"

The pinkette sighed. At least the last one held no hard feelings. He laughed as his best flying friend collided onto his head, fat tears streaming onto his face. Natsu rubbed his nose in embarrassment. Even he had some tears to hold back. "I missed you a lot, buddy. I'm sorry for leavin' you behind. I'll never do it again!"

He jumped at the growing, murderous intent thickening the air. Eek! Reluctantly, Natsu turned his head towards the enraged Titania and fidgeting celestial mage. Quickly, he raised his hands in surrender. "Erza, I can explain!"

"Shut up." Tough armor encased him in a painful, but warm hug. Red hair tickled his nose. Ow! It hurt, but Natsu wouldn't dare push her away.

"Welcome back, Natsu," Lucy smiled, its brightness lighting up her dim face.

He grinned, "I'm home."

They all sat down, the whole guild crowding around their table to hear Natsu's story. Drinks and music danced their way around the guild. The liveliness cheered Natsu up. He talked animatedly about the quest and the fruit, how Gray picked him up and the meeting with Porlyusica. Though he deliberately left out anything related Layla and Hiroto. Gray probably wouldn't like that. He earned some hefty punches, but it was worth it, being around his family as himself.

"Wow, to think fruit had such magical properties!" Levy exclaimed, intrigued but not enough to visit the scary guild medic for more information.

"Yeah… How did Gray take all of this?" Lucy asked, frowning when Natsu tensed up. "He does know, right?"

"Oh, he knows all right," Natsu mumbled. "But he didn't take it so well."

Gajeel snorted, "Gihihi, ya got some good dirt on him after spendin' all that time together, right? I'd be pissed."

Erza gasped and smacked Natsu on the head once again. "Natsu! What did I tell you about fighting? You two are best friends!"

"A-Aye…" the pinkette replied, his head dropping. "But we keep tryin' to tell you, 'best' is a little…"

"Huh?"

"Nothin'."

Lucy chuckled in amusement, stepping in to help her friend. "Well, you'll have to apologize then. I know you didn't have bad intentions, Natsu. You were depending on Gray a lot, right?"

"Haha, right! Wasn't he always snuggling in Gray's lap and tackling him?" Levy giggled. "It was so cute!" The fire dragon slayer could feel the steam oozing from his ears, and he jumped onto the tabletop to veil his embarrassment in anger.

"I was not!" he pouted. He crossed his arms. "And I already said sorry."

Even Wendy looked mildly shocked. "Natsu-san, you apologized to Gray-san without Erza-san or Lucy-san telling you?"

"Is the world ending already?"

"Are you really Natsu?"

"O-Oi! You bastards!" Natsu huffed, turning his head from the laughing guild.

.

"Natsu, listen up," Erza demanded. The fire dragon slayer complained, lifting his head from the table; only to plop his chin back down. They partied until the sun retired and the moon illuminated the night. Regardless of how much energy he had just waiting around, the guild's parties always wore him out in the end. Though it would've been more fun if a moody Popsicle showed his face at least once. He puffed his cheeks. "I'm thinking of taking a quest tomorrow. Of course, with all of you as well; Lucy, Wendy, Happy. Gray too."

Lucy perked up a bit, still woozy. Even though she mostly sat at the bar with Levy and Mirajane, she was still tired out. Wendy was passed out, snuggled up to Carla and Happy. Most of the guild had slipped into unconsciousness by now. "Eh? But Natsu just got back—err, returned to normal! Shouldn't he rest for a bit first?"

The pinkette shook his head, "Nah, I've been restin' at that Shitty Ice's apartment. I could use it—the bad guys'll never know what hit 'em!"

"Yeah, well, don't eat anymore weird things, and we should be fine," Lucy smirked, resting her chin on the palm of her hand. Natsu stuck his tongue out at her, but tensed when a particular scent travelled to his nose. He's here! The pinkette was about to turn his head until something soft was plopped onto his head. He scrunched his eyes up, grumbling and pulling the materials off his head.

"My muffler! And my money pouch," Natsu exclaimed, turning to face the ice mage. Gray rolled his eyes. He wasn't looking at the dragon slayer again—and it was pissing Natsu off again.

"Don't leave your shit at my place. It's not like I can use it," Gray muttered. He stuffed his hands back in his pockets, already looking at the door.

"Gray, pack your things. We're taking a quest tomorrow morning. Meet at the train station," Erza informed him. Gray sweat-dropped.

"Don't I get a say in this?" he said to himself, but Natsu's keen hearing picked up his voice. He scratched the back of his head. "Uh-huh, whatever. See yah tomorrow."

.

A/N: Hey-yo! For some reason this was really hard to write after the morning scene, haha. Plus, I kept getting ideas for stories after this one stuck in my head!