Shit! I can't believe he's home already. I starred into his dead black eyes and routinely began to shake. This was all my fault. I got so caught up with Natsu's foolishness that I lost track of time, I'm such an idiot! I turned my gaze towards the closet. I can see Natsu's eyes starring at my father. I had no idea what he was thinking but I had to make sure I defused the situation before it turned into a bad one again.

"S-sorry sir. I was doing my homework and lost track of time. I'll go do everything right now." I stammered. I felt so weak and helpless it made me feel like shit. I know what my father does to my mother and I was wrong but we had no strength to fight back. I tried getting up but he kicked my chest and sent me flying into the wall. My Dad was a jock for his entire life. I have no way to defend myself or even possibly hope to win in a fight with him. I held my back in pain. I was terrified but also confused as to why he hit me. He usually only does it when he's drunk or enraged.

"You lying li'l dipshit! You call this bullshit homework?! You're fucking drawing like a dumbass when you had stuff to do all day." He yelled holding up Natsu's notebook. I had nothing to say. I couldn't say it wasn't mine. He would for sure kill me and I couldn't bring Natsu into this mess as much as he forced himself here.

"I'm sorry sir, please don't be mad! I'll buy you something tomorrow on my way home from school!" I tried to bribe him but he punched me in my face. I felt the room spin. It's like my brain bounced inside the walls of my skulls.

"You stupid brat. I'm the one who has to give you money! If you're going to buy me something with the money that comes out of my pockets it's pointless. You think that half ass-ed attempt of bribery is going to get you anywhere in life?! Hurry up and go finish the shit in the kitchen, I'm sick of looking at you." My dad almost spat on the floor in disgust. He slammed the door behind me and as soon as he did I fell to my side in pain and fear. I heard the closet door slide open and Natsu ran to my side trying to hold me up but I pushed him off me.

"Please, just get off me. I told you I didn't want you to come over!" I was angry. I warned him and he knew exactly why I didn't want him to come and he came anyways. I glanced over to look at him but his expression wasn't sad at all, he was angry.

"Gray, I'll kill him right now." He growled low. It was like watching a German Sheppard protecting his owner. I held onto him and pulled him down.

"Please. Go home. You'll make it worse please!" I had to beg him. His body was hotter than usual and everything on him was tense. My father left my nerves frantic but Natsu had me fear for my life. I chanted over and over for him to go home.

Eventually I felt Natsu relax and he slowly pushed me off of him. "Fine." He got up and I led him out the backdoor downstairs. I had to pretend like I was taking out the garbage which worked since my Dad had already begun drinking and watching TV like usual.

As I led Natsu down the driveway I couldn't help but notice his silence. I was trying not to talk myself since the pain in my stomach and head were killing me I didn't realize it until I calmed down. I wanted to break this silence.

"Hey um, please don't tell anyone it still happens." I yanked on the back of his uniform. "Please."

He didn't say a word to me he just walked down the street without even saying goodbye. I wanted to call out to him but I had no words I could've said to him.

Was he mad at me?

Was this all too much for him?

Did he feel guilty?

All these questions were spinning inside my head and I had no idea how to answer any of them or for that matter even begin to find reason behind them. Natsu was pushy to come over and I did say not but I also caved. I was hopeful for even just a second I was happy that I could invite a friend over. I was happy it wasn't Lucy for once that I can relax with. I was just happy. I always forget that no matter how much I think life is going to get better it doesn't there's always an obstacle, an ugly obstruction or something about yourself that will forever hold you back. And I had too much of them. Why would he want to deal with all that?

Hot tears started to roll out of my eyes. I wanted to run so far but I couldn't move. My mom was here, Lucy was here, Natsu was here too. The one thing I wanted right now was just a chance to be happy. To at least have a chance of being able to feel like I didn't have to be so weak or feel like I wasn't hated.

I leaned on the fence and slid down not caring about what I was sitting on. My body felt heavy and my mind was blank. There was no desire to move or to even find a reason to move.

I finally carried myself back inside after laying there for an hour. I had to go back in my dad came outside looking for me. I had to sneak back in and act like I was doing another chore to please him. He was drunk, his vision was distorted. He was in the most manageable state right now. My mind went back to Natsu while I was cleaning the dishes and praying my father wouldn't beat me again. If he were here right now with me how would I feel or rather how would I feel if my dad hit him instead of me. I think I'd be crushed. I'd blame myself for it would be my fault and mine alone.

I finished up and went upstairs. It was now 10 o'clock and I wanted to just lay down and not think about anything. Just pretend like I'm a rock with no life. Just imagining that I had no problems or dreams or a future made me relax. It was sad to think that this would never happen and I'll always be trapped in this hell hole. I calculated the years and as bad as it is to think so It'd take my father a while to die. He's in prime shape for a 40 year old man. He'll probably live to see 90. Is it really wrong that whenever I think of my father not being around it makes me relax?

When I walked into my room I noticed my phones notification light was blinking. I had one new text from Natsu. Curious at to what it would be and slightly relieved that I seen him contact me I opened my phone.

I'll get stronger and protect you someday-Natsu.

My eyes began to blur again but this time I was crying, loud. I pushed my head in my pillow so my father wouldn't hear it since I couldn't stop it. I haven't realized it until now but I know what I really want.

I want to be saved. I want someone to save my since I can't save myself.

I promised myself that when I wake up to see the sun tomorrow. I will give Natsu Dragneel a chance. I don't care what he will be in my life as long as he's in it that's all that matters.