Hey guys! New chapter, woooooh! So this is going to be the second to last chapter I've decided. I do not own Fairy Tail or the characters used. Enjoy

Natsu was a mess. One that couldn't be cleaned up. He was lying in his own filth. Waiting. Waiting. Just waiting for his day. Gray is lying with him, sticky and wreeking of the stench Natsu has been in because Gray has been staying so close to him lately. His fingerprints imprinted on Natsu's shoulders, lips stain Gray's body like lipstick marks. Gray has gotten used to the smell now, he had to if he wanted to care for Natsu and show him enough love to keep him away from the outside. Natsu stayed at Gray's house for now, he told Zeref it would be better, he needed the company. While he was lying in Gray's bed one night, he wondered if Zeref was alone. Was he getting used to the quietness the darkness held? Could he get used to the static noise dead air held? Natsu did feel bad for Zeref, but this was only temporarily. After the interview he would be back home. Home to his tapes and papers and pain and pills.

Gray stroked Natsu's hair slowly, seeing if he could count every last strand that wrapped around his finger. But he kept losing track and decided to stop. They lay in bed naked, warm with Natsu's skin baking under the blanket. Natsu's cheek rested on Gray's chest, listening to the beats of his steady heart. It sounded like sloshing eyes were closed and Natsu would occasionally kiss his chest. To heal the pain he had cause weeks earlier. To make up for what he put Gray through during his detox, through his mood swings, everything. Natsu had tore Gray up on the inside. Gray didn't let it show, but Natsu could see he was hurt. Knowing your boyfriend picked drugs over picking up the phone to call you, was a pretty swift blow. But Gray hid it through smart remarks and smiles.

Natsu's arm was still bandaged. Natsu was sure that was where the stench came from. But no one could smell it so Natsu was never able to explain it. Under the wrap was a dark red and purple bruise. A small puncture wound in the center of the marked skin. Just below the other scar. Battle wounds. Natsu smirked at the thought. A battle within himself. How stupid. That's what everyone at the hospital said that happened to him and why he did such a thing. Because he was in a war, one looming inside of him and all the soldiers were clones of his himself. There were bombs made of stomach acid and bullets made of heroin. Natsu was also the battlefield. Getting hurt throughout the roughage.

"You sleepy, baby?" Gray whispered, kissing his ear.

Natsu shook his head and nestled closer to him, "No, I'm still awake…"

Gray kissed his cheek and down to his neck, "Your trip is in two days," Gray muttered, "You still okay?"

Natsu sat up and groaned. He sat up on Gray's hips, "When have I ever been okay?" Natsu sighed and kissed Gray, "Let's not talk about the trip."

"But-"

"Nuh-uh"

Gray kept his hands at Natsu's lower back. This was always Natsu's new scapegoat from talking about the trip. Just jump to sex and no one would talk about it. Gray was getting sick of it. Of the not talking part, not the sex. He would always kiss Natsu back still. Every time to show his interest. Natsu licked Gray's bottom lip and bit down gently. Gray smiled, grabbing Natsu's ass.

"You wanna go again already?" Gray asked

Natsu nodded, "Mmmhmm," Natsu hummed, "You were so gentle last time. Maybe we can go a little rougher, huh babe? I know you like to be rough with me."

This was how Natsu didn't have to talk about his problems now. He started to sound sexier in bed to get Gray going so he would stay going. Talk to him dirty, that would do it. Lower his voice more, that would drive Gray crazy would t it? Grind his hips on his and wiggle his ass like he wanted it, Gray would have him wouldn't he?

Gray sat up and nipped Natsu's neck.

"You want it harder, baby?" Gray asked, slapping Natsu's ass, "I can do that for you."

Natsu giggled and bit his lip.

Gray pushed Natsu on his back, moving between his legs and lifting them up. He pressed his lips against Natsu's harshly. Natsu closed his eyes and softly moaned. His lips parted as Gray slid his hands down Natsu's legs. Natsu ran his fingers in Gray's hair as Gray moved to the nape of his neck and bit down. He started to suck and chew while his hips rocked against Natsu's ass. Natsu shivered, tipping back his head. He was still somewhat sore from earlier. Sometimes his little runaround didn't work. See, he pretended like he wanted it now when he could have waited a few hours. But in those hours Gray would have wanted to talk about the trip, something he hasn't let Gray talk about at all.

So Natsu sucked it up as let the tenderness of his entrance and crotch be swollen up. Gray could see the stress in Natsu's face. He licked Natsu's throat to his chin. Gray started to moved down and pick up Natsu's legs. He kissed his inner thighs, leaving small marks on his skin. Gray teasingly licked the tip before moving to Natsu's entrance. His tongue flicked over the hole and circled. Natsu put his hand hovering at his mouth, his breathing hitched. Gray's hands gripped his legs tightly as his tongue licked and tease. Natsu whined, he shuttered, his cock had no attention and that's how Gray wanted it. Natsu grabbed Gray's hair, latching on tightly.

Gray pulled back and licked his lips.

"On your knees, baby," Gray said, starting to sit up, leaning over for lube, "You're already so hard for me."

Natsu blushed softly, moving on his legs and turning around. Gray kept giving Natsu's ass nice slaps and squeezes. Natsu's hips would always jerk slightly from each grab or hit. Gray poured the lube in his hands as he started to stroke his cock. Natsu curled his toes and ducked his head down as Gray pressed in.

"Nuh-uh," Gray yanked Natsu's hair and picked his head up. Causing Natsu to grunt, "Keep your head up and your back straight for me."

For me. That was Gray's favorite phrase to say when he was like this. Like Natsu was all for him. Not anyone else could make Natsu do this. It was all for Gray. Natsu nodded, anything for Gray so he would keep his mouth shut. Gray leaned back, keeping a clump of Natsu's hair in his fist. He started to thrust deep and slow to warm Natsu up. Natsu closed his eyes as he neck arched back, panting softly with small whimpers. Gray started to pull Natsu's hips back with the thrusts, picking up speed. Natsu started to moan, gripping the sheets. He lowered his head and bridged up his back. Gray pushed Natsu's head against the bed, Gray his Natsu's high ass, earning a small squeak.

"I said keep your head up and back straight," Gray gritted, moving harder and deeper, "Now you get to keep your head down."

Natsu whined, "Yes, okay, okay, I'm sorry."

Gray leaned over and kissed Natsu's back, trusting in deeper. The piercing hitting Natsu's sensitive prostate. Natsu gasped and moaned loud, tightening around Gray's cock. Gray groaned, squeezing Natsu's ass and moving to his ear.

"I'm gonna come." Gray mumbled.

"Me too babe, come soon. Please come." Natsu moaned.

"Oh you want me to come inside you? Is that it?" Gray smirked.

Natsu caught his breath, his eyes rolled back, "Yes, fuck yes come inside me."

Gray breathed out, he started to play with Natsu's nipples. Pulling on the silver bar bead and receiving whines.

"What has gotten into you lately?" Gray whispered.

"Can't…. Can't say."

"Is it you can't or you won't?"

"Maybe both," Natsu paused briefly to moan, "Maybe it's fear."

"Fear of what?"

"Fear of feeling regret."

Natsu lifted up his head and came. His body spasming as Gray thrusted a few more times before coming inside. He rolled Natsu on his back, pinning his wrists by his head. He panted hard, hovering above Natsu.

"No more messing around. I know what you're playing at now," Gray said, "You never want to talk about the trip. It's so close and you never want to talk to me about it."

Natsu groaned, "What's there to talk about? It's just a trip, I'll be gone on a week fucking trip in California away from all of you. And maybe I might stay there."

"That's the fear part isn't it?" Gray mumbled, "That's always been the fear part. You're still scared of leaving when you shouldn't be. We'll all still be here for you, Natsu. You aren't leaving us."

Natsu clicked his tongue and turned his head, "Shut up."

"No, I won't shut up," Gray's grip got tighter. There was no way Natsu could distract him now, "You don't think I'm scared?! I'm frightened as hell, not because you're leaving but because of what you'll do up there without me. But I'm letting go and you can't accept that. You don't understand that I don't want you to go, I know you should go. That scares me. The moment I got the scholarship here, I fucking took it. Wanna know why?"

"Don't fucking compare me to you."

"I took it because I wanted to make something out of myself and thing was my chance. The universe was saying 'Hey, you've gone through a lot of shit in your life, it's time to take a chance for once,' and I did. I got a job, an apartment…. And I found you. I was given you," Gray licked his lips and nuzzled his head in the crook of Natsu's neck, "Now i'm willing to let you go for the universe to give you your chance. Please, Natsu. Talk to me."

Natsu swallowed. He shook with cold anticipation. The feelings he had kept in his rib cage and under his heart. He didn't want to talk about it, but he couldn't keep it balled up inside. Natsu closed his eyes.

"I'm petrified, Gray," Natsu breathed, "I'm scared out of my mind. I keep wondering if I'm stable enough for this. Will I have enough Xanax. Is this a waste of my time because they won't let no goddamn junkie in their school. What am I going to do to fuck this up and come home as a failure, Gray? I can't do that, I'll spiral, I'll fucking spiral."

"Don't you talk like that," Gray held Natsu's cheeks, "You're thinking too negative. Think of the better worries. Like how am I going to tell Zeref I got accepted. How am I going to feel about my new roommate. What am I going to wear the next time Gray visits me. That, that's what you should worry about."

Natsu bit his lip. His eyebrows scrunched together, "But the bad outweighs the good… It always outweighs the good," Natsu buried his face in his hands, "I'm sorry, Gray. I'm sorry I can't think that way, Dammit! Why am I like this?!"

"Because you've had to grow up by yourself," Gray said, "You've had to learn to love everyone else who came into your life before yourself. You're too afraid of yourself screwing everything up before you think about succeeding. That's your problem. You've never known how much everyone loves you and thinks you're amazing. This is all new to you and it scares you to death. You don't think you deserve it."

Natsu's jaw trembled as he started to cry. He sniffled and wrapped his arms around Gray. Sobbing in his shoulder while Gray squeezed him back. He did deserve love, lots of love. But Gray's love came on thick and heavy, it always had. Natsu really never noticed love from anyone so strong. A bond so strong that he thought could snap but never would. Natsu felt tears fall on his back. Gray had started to cry as well.

"You need every ounce of love, Natsu. And I'm trying my hardest to give what you deserve."

Natsu's nails dug in Gray's back, "I know that… I know you have. And I'm just draining you dry of it…" Natsu pulled away, he wiped Gray's eyes, "Maybe we need sometime. Sometime to refuel… For me to work on myself."

Gray swallowed and sniffled. He didn't want to understand but he did and he nodded. He rubbed his eyes one last time and started to sit up.

"Yeah… Yeah maybe… That's what the trip is for, think of it like that… A place where you can patch yourself up. And I'll still be there for you, whenever you need me I'll be there."

Natsu sadly smiled, "Yeah, and we'll still talk even if I get into the school," Natsu kissed Gray's cheek, "No matter what, I will love you Gray Fullbuster… Till the day I die and the universe takes me."

Gray grinned and kissed Natsu deeply, "Maybe we'll go to the universe together. How fucking cool would that be?"

"Or depressing."

"No, not depressing. I plan on seeing you when you have white hair and saggy skin. I want to be old with you when we see each other in the universe."

Natsu cuddled into Gray chest and closed his eyes, "Now that is a lovely thought."

"We're still together right?" Gray asked.

"We'll always be together. Until the day we both say we're not. We just need space."

"Like, out of this world. Yeah?"

"Yes, baby. Out of this world."

Natsu started to pack his bags. A day before the trip and already he was suffering from airplane sickness. The shear thought up being up in the air thousands of feet above ground, that was enough to make himself sick. He stuffed in duffel bags and messenger bags clothes and cassette tapes. A few art supplies such as colored pencils and paper went into his bags. He kept scratching at his bandage. He felt like a dog with one of those comes around his head so he wouldn't pick at the wound. Gray lingered around the house. He himself was going to go on a trip after Natsu was shipped out. One for hockey and another one for the band. Gray had a hockey tournament in Kentucky and right after that the band would play at a bookstore.

Gray put his bass in its case and sighed. He walked over and wrapped his arms around Natsu. His head buried in his neck, kissing slowly. Natsu smiled small and ran his fingers through his hair.

"You almost packed up?" Natsu asked.

Gray nodded, "I just have a few things here and there I'll pack up tomorrow," Gray muttered, "You almost done?"

Natsu swallowed and folded up a hoodie, "Almost. I feel sick to my stomach."

"What's wrong with your stomach, baby?"

Gray put his hand on Natsu's stomach. Like he was seeing if a little person was going to kick inside but he never felt it. He felt the anxiety.

"Anxious I guess. I don't know if I'm ready yet," Natsu sighed and turned around, "Hey, let's have some fun tonight, huh? Just me and you. We can have a few drinks, eat some food. One last night before we both go."

Gray smiled, Natsu's arms wrapped around his neck as his own hands fell to Natsu's hips. He kissed Natsu.

"Okay, yeah, we can go out. Let's have a few beers."

Natsu pulled back and zipped up his bag. He threw on a jacket and they both put on their shoes.

"There's a club not too far. Maybe ten miles down the road we can go to." Natsu said.

"Alright. You'll be my co-pilot."

Gray grabbed his keys and Natsu grabbed his hand while they walked through the living room. Lyon was sitting on the couch watching Pretty Women.

"Hey, here are you two going?" Lyon asked.

"Just out for awhile," Gray replied, "We're gonna have a few drinks."

"Don't come back too late now. We have to get up by ten tomorrow. Bus leaves tomorrow at noon."

"I know, I know. Coach will have my ass if I'm late. See yea, Lyon."

"Bye. Bye, Natsu."

"Peace." Natsu called before closing the door.

It took about thirty minutes to get to the club and about twenty minutes for the boys to have two drinks. They sat at the bar area. Occasionally coming down to dance for a few minutes. They didn't grind on each other like usual. Or wrap their legs around another. They just let their arms hang around each other's neck. Swaying slowly while others jostled around them. Gray kept kissing the top of his ear while Natsu nuzzled against Gray's shoulder. Inhaling the scent, he smelled new. Not dirty, but of the pine forest scent he fell in love with was returning. He wondered if he still stunk.

After a few drinks on an empty stomach, they were ready for something to eat. They didn't notice they left the club at one in the morning. Gray was moderately buzzed but since Natsu weighed less and hadn't eaten in a while, he was more on the side of being drunk. Gray was still good to drive, but Natsu kept his arms tight around Gray's forearm.

"Jesus, I'm fucking starving!" Natsu exclaimed, "Let's stop somewhere for a bite, pleeeeeeease?"

Gray chuckled, "Okay hot- head, where do you want to eat?"

"The next food place we see that's where we're going."

"You better pray it's not some five star restaurant. All we're having there is bread and water."

"I don't care, I just need carbs in my body."

A bright yellow sign came up. Hope rose in Natsu's stomach and a wide grinned appeared on his face.

"Waffle House!" Natsu yelled, laughing and shaking Gray's arm.

"Okay, okay, calm down you're gonna make me crash."

Natsu smiled and kept giggling, pretty much hopping in his seat. Gray rolled his eyes and turned into the parking lot. Beside the Waffle House was a small tattoo shop. The outside decorated in neon lights and bright paint that said The Lion's Den. Beside that was a nurse shop that sold scrubs. Natsu opened the door and got out, Gray followed behind and grabbed Natsu's hand. Only a few cars were in the lot. That's what the boys expected at a Waffle House at one in the morning. It was almost a cliche that people who had been drinking to stop by a Waffle House. Natsu dragged Gray along inside, the door jingled as they walked in. A small girl with short blue hair smiled over at them. Her name tag said Levy on it.

"Hi, how are you two doing tonight?" Levy asked, starting a pot of coffee, "Coffee? Brewing already, it's easier for me."

"Please, and fine how are you?" Gray asked while Natsu slid down and picked a booth.

Levy came over and dropped two menus, "Sleepy, but thanks for asking. You guys need a minute?"

"Just a few, thanks."

Natsu was already reading the menu when Levy walked away. His eyes looked like they were traveling at a million miles and hour.

"I think I want some eggs, bacon- oh shit I gotta get some cheesy hash browns- and maybe a chocolate chip waffle or two."

"Christ, that's a lot of food don't yea think?" Gray asked, chuckling.

"But I'm starving, Gray. Literally my stomach is eating itself. It's crying for cheesy hash browns." Natsu said, dramatically.

Gray leaned over and pecked Natsu on the nose, "Alright baby, we'll get you some hash browns."

Natsu kissed Gray's lips, "Cheesy hash browns."

Levy came back with mugs and a pot of coffee. She poured them a fresh cup before pulling out her small notebooks and clicking her pen.

"Ready?"

"Mmmhmm, can I have two eggs over easy, bacon, two chocolate chip waffles and cheesy hash browns."

"You want toast and jam with that?"

"Fuck yeah."

"Natsu, watch your mouth around the young lady."

Levy giggled, "My fiance curses like a sailor. He's fine."

"Strawberry please." Natsu said.

"Sure thing,hun. And for you?"

"I'll just have a philly cheese steak. No onions, please."

"Can do, I'll put that in for you guys."

Levy winked as she took the menus. He shouted out their order which cried out in the whole restaurant. It was empty except for the two of them while some Johnny Cash quietly played. Natsu played with Gray's fingers while Gray sipped his coffee. Glancing out the window while he played footsie underneath the table. They felt like little children. Constantly playing games with each other and giggling up a storm over stupid small things. But they guessed that's what they needed. They needed these games as a distraction from their separate trips. Natsu hummed.

"I like nights like this," Natsu muttered, "When it's late and it's just me and you… That'll be one of the things I'll miss of I actually get into the school. No more diners late at night."

"No, we'll have late nights again, all the time I'll see you, remember?"

Natsu smiled and held Gray's hand, "Yeah, I remember you will."

"Good boy," Gray smiled and leaned back in the booth, "You can't be so scared that I won't be there for you, Natsu."

"Yeah, I know… But it's just always in the back of my mind. I guess I just gotta see it to believe it," Natsu sighed, "You know Zeref is gonna set me up with a bank account? And he told me some good ways to get a job? I feel like I'm growing up in just one week. It's weird."

"At least you have someone who's already a grown up teaching you this stuff," Gray laughed on the rim of his coffee cup, "When I tried making a bank account I walked into the bank with a wad of cash and asked them to put it in for me. You don't even know how hard it was to actually rent an apartment."

Natsu hummed, "Seemed like you had to become a grown up alone…"

"Well yeah, I didn't keep the friends I made at the shelter. And the foster homes I got shuffled into after Ur didn't work out. So Lyon and I had to learn ourselves. We had to grow up alone or else we wouldn't have grown up at all."

Natsu licked his lips and squeezed Gray's hand, "I guess Zeref has always been there for me in a way then… I never thought about it before."

"Sometimes we take shit for granted."

"Sometimes shit is what we're granted."

There was a brief pause and a small glance before the both of them blurted out in laughter. Laughter that masked sadness brought up from the pit of their stomachs, but somehow awkwardly erupted out of their lungs; laughter. Natsu sighed and laid his cheek on his hand. Gray's thumb skid across Natsu's skin.

"I'm gonna miss the hell outta you." Natsu muttered

"You know whatever happens, I'll be with you no matter what." Gray whispered.

"And why's that?"

"Because I'm in love with you."

Natsu smiled. Levy came out with a tray or plates. She sat down the food with a warm grin, she pressed the tray to her tiny breasts and looked at the boys.

"Everything look good? Need anything else?" Levy asked.

"No, no, I think we're fine, thank you." Gray said with a nod.

Levy walked away and Natsu started to pour syrup over his waffles. He snacked on bacon while he cut his waffles.

"God this is so good," Natsu moaned, "I've never been so happy in my life."

Gray laughed. He was going to miss that about Natsu. How his love for food showed in choking down and swallowing chunks. Gray always feared one day he would choke, but he always downed it with some kind of drink. Natsu was a pro binger but a horrible purger, and that was something Natsu was amazing at. Gray liked seeing Natsu eat so much, because it meant he was taking care of himself. Eating more than enough.

They both started to eat, exchanging giggles and small chat. Feet still moving beneath the table, tips of shoes moving up shins. They were spending time together at two in the morning, the time when only lovers and artists were up. And sometimes both. Levy kept glancing at the boys, sighing softly, maybe waiting for her own love, she kept looking at the door like he would come in any minute now. The bells rang and Levy shot up, she ran out from behind the counter to the man that walked in. He was tall, long black hair tied back wearing a vest and jeans, he had many facial piercings, he caught Levy in his arms and spun her.

"Gajeel! Finally!" Levy called.

"Hey, baby girl," Gajeel said and sat her down, "I missed you.

"I was just next door," Levy laughed, "Are you off yet or just visiting?"

"Visitin'. Boss hasn't let me go yet," Gajeel kissed Levy's cheek and moved to her ear, " Wanna give my a quick blow job in the bathroom?"

Levy blushed brightly, "Gajeel!"

"Come on, just like last time, little girl."

" There's people in here!" She pinched his cheek.

Gajeel snickered and picked her up again. They kissed. Natsu could tell that was his thing, picking up her small body and just holding her in his big arms. Like how Gray's thing was playing the guitar from Natsu at night. Or kissing his face all over. Or slapping his ass during sex. He never noticed every couple had their own thing. Maybe he had his own thing. Like taking Gray's clothes. Or maybe dancing close to Gray at clubs. Natsu wasn't sure, he swallowed a chunk of waffle.

"They seem cute." Natsu said

Gray nodded, "Adorable." Gray muttered, chewing his food.

"She's so itty bitty," Natsu laughed, "He's such a big guy. What do you think their sex life is like?"

"Kinky."

"How kinky?"

"Like BDSM shit I bet. With a guy like that he's probably into it. She probably gets destroyed."

"You serious?"

"No, I'm not fucking serious. I don't think about other people's sex life, perv."

"Uh, hey!" Natsu shouted," I'm not a perv!"

Levy and Gajeel looked over at the boys. Natsu shrugged up his shoulders and blushed. He ran his fingers back in his hair while Gray just smirked.

"When do you have to go back to work?" Levy asked.

"I got ten minutes. Drunks usually come by the shop by this time lookin' for a tattoo. You know how it is. I'm so bored though, I wish they'd come in sooner."

"They'll be coming in soon."

"Um, hey, I don't mean to interrupt but I have a question?" Natsu asked, slowly standing up.

"Oh, you need some more napkins or something?" Levy asked.

"No, no, it's more for your boyfriend. Gajeel, yeah?"

"Yeah, watcha need?"

"You work at that tattoo shop next door?"

Gajeel nodded, "Yeah, what of it? Thinkin' about gettin' a tattoo?"

"Well, maybe, if I can see your work."

"Oh yeah, Levy, pull up your shirt, let 'em see my work."

"Oh God, Gajeel. Can't you take them to the shop or something?" Levy whined.

"I gotta show them my best work," Gajeel smiled, "Besides, they're fags anyway."

"That is true, girls are not our thing. Don't be embarrassed."

"Yeah, we're straight up gays." Gray called, holding up his cup, "Can I get some more coffee too, dear?"

Levy sighed and untucked her shirt out of her pants. She unbuttoned a few buttons and showed off her tattoo. It was a book opened with a rainbow of colors and text pouring out on the side of her stomach to her hip.

"Ten hours in the chair for each session." Levi said and covered herself up.

"And she was a trooper, my little girl was," Gajeel kissed her cheek, "What do you think?"

"It's nice work, really good," Natsu flagged over Gray while Levy filled his cup, "Gray, take off your shirt."

"For?" Gray asked.

"Just do it for me."

Gray shrugged and took off his shirt with ease, taking a sip from his cup. Natsu pointed at his tattoo.

"How much would it be to do this? Same size but a different color."

Gajeel hummed, "For you I can probably do it for fifty bucks. Won't take long. But you're not old enough are yea? See me again in two years pal."

Natsu took out his wallet and showed him his fake ID. Gajeel nodded, "When you want it done?"

"Now. Right now."

"Excuse me?" Gray questioned.

"Well, you wait till I'm off my break and I can do it for yea." Gajeel said, lighting a cigarette, "I'll give you a damn fine tattoo."

"Hey, you said you'd quit smoking." Levi scowled.

Gray grabbed Natsu's forearm, pulling him to the side.

"What the hell are you thinking?" Gray whispered, jerking his arm.

"I'm thinking about getting a tattoo like yours. Duh."

"Just out of nowhere? What's Zeref gonna say about this?"

Natsu shrugged, "Why would he care? It's my body not his."

"When you ODed that was your body and I hope you're glad he cared."

Natsu rolled his eyes "It's just a way that I'll be reminded of you when I go," Natsu put his hand on Gray's peck, "I'll have a little piece that will make me always think of you."

Gray released his grip and sighed, "You got the money on you?"

Natsu nodded.

"Think you can endure the pain?"

Natsu nodded.

"Then go for it."

Natsu smiled and kissed Gray, "Hey, at least I'm not getting your name- hey, Gajeel, I'll wait for you!"

"Gotcha, loud mouth. Meet me next door in ten."

The smell of ink and blood trailed on Natsu's skin. He decided his shoulder would be the least painful, but Gajeel told him wherever he would pick would hurt. Natsu had bitten his lip to death, and his hand staying in a fist the whole time. Gajeel kept a cig hanging out of his mouth while he worked. Gray stayed at Waffle House with Levy, sipping coffee and chatting. Levy stood behind the counter on a small stool while Gray stayed at the bar top.

"So that tattoo place, that's where you met Gajeel?" Gray asked.

Levy hummed on the rim of her coffee cup and nodded, "Yeah, when I was waiting for them to give me an application here, I went to the shop to waste some time and Gajeel wouldn't let me go until he made me at least look tattoo's. Then somehow he just talked me into actually getting one. That's when he asked me out right afterwards," She laughed and twirled her finger in her hair, "I was crying like a baby."

"Love at a tattoo shop."

"Well you met Natsu at a coffee shop, yeah? You found love in a coffee shop."

"Mine is a little more cliche than yours, doll."

Levy giggled, "Are you sure you're gay? You're rather charming to women."

Gray shrugged, "I always just went after what I wanted. So I just was what I needed to be. So far it's just been gay. Sometimes I've been with women. Nothing more than a stand or a one month girlfriend."

"Weird how some people work. Usually I would never be with a guy like Gajeel. I mean, he's huge and intimidating, and tough," Levy smiled, "But once I cracked him I found out he's funny, kind, and loving… He's really sweet."

Gray swished his coffee around in the cup. He sighed gently, "Yeah, I guess that's like a lot of people."

Levy nodded, Gray sighed, "So how many weeks along are you?" Gray asked.

"Five. Five weeks," Levy smiled and rubbed the back of her neck, "I'm hoping for a baby girl."

Gray smiled, "She'd look a lot like you. Beautiful."

Levy giggled, "Don't let Gajeel catch you saying that."

"I think about that a lot. How babies would look. I think if me and Natsu could somehow have a kid it would look like me and act like Natsu."

"He'd be a hungry baby if he acted like Natsu."

After an hour, Gray came into the shop. It smelt like a doctor's office with Wild Thang playing over the speakers. There was art filling the walls with pin up girls and uncreative tribal tattoos. A girl chewing bubble gum with white skin sat in a rolly chair behind a jewelry counter. She didn't say anything to Gray. Gray just walked over and tried to find Natsu. He heard the buzz of a needle and followed it into a white room.

Natsu was sweating, his head low while he licked his lips. Gajeel was wiping away blood while he colored in a new kind of red. He was almost finished with coloring in the tip of the tattoo.

"Hey, I'll only be a second longer." Gajeel informed.

"Oh thank you sweet baby Jesus." Natsu breathed.

"God, you're such a little pansy."

"Fuck you, dude."

"Watch it, I'm the one here with a needle, kid." Gajeel warned.

Gray snickered, he leaned against the wall, crossing his arms.

"How's it feel?" Gray asked.

"Like a fucking bitch, how do you think?" Natsu spat.

Gray smiled and shook his head, "You said you could handle the pain."

"I can. I just don't want to."

With a final wipe, Gajeel was done. He pushed back from his rolly chair, "Alright, we're all done. Check it out."

Natsu walked over to the full length mirror. He lifted up his sleeve more and looked at the tattoo. His eyes looked light and airy.

"It looks just like yours…." Natsu trailed, "It's awesome."

Gray leaned down and kissed the fresh ink. Natsu seethed but let him do it. Gray turned up and kissed Natsu deeply.

"Alright lover boys, let me patch 'em up before you go making out in the shop. I can get sued if you get an infection." Gajeel said.

Natsu smiled, their noses pressed against each others. The two inhaled each other. They smelled pure, like nothing. Like air. They looked in each other's eyes.

"We're gonna be fine." Gray mumbled and kissed him again.

Natsu closed his eyes, "I know… I know."

So I hope you enjoyed. Review, favorite and follow if you did. Helps me out a lot. See you next update