Be sure to read my one-shot Christmas story if you haven't done so. It's called "Natsu's Twelve Days of Christmas." Come on, you know you're curious about what a Fairy Tail rendition would be like. I promise it'll make you laugh, if only because of Gray's reactions to it.

Thank you, Carla the Wizard, who had left some very nice guest reviews.


Hours into the evening, just as the party was getting under way, Erza surprised Gray with the announcement that it was time for their team to leave. It was good timing. All of them could see how his comfort level's been falling with each increase in the volume of sound and people. His endurance was also flagging, and they didn't want him to tire himself out.

But he also didn't want to pull anyone away from the party just to stay with him.

"There's no need for you all to leave. I can find my own way home."

"You'd want to be home alone?" asked Erza.

As much as it pained him to admit it, he definitely didn't want a repeat of last time. But still...

"Don't worry about us. We already planned something else for tonight. We're having a private party at my apartment!" said Lucy.

That was an interesting idea. It was a far better alternative than spending the evening here, that's for sure.

"So come on! What are we waiting for? Happy and Carla are probably already waiting there with Joy!" said Natsu.

!!!

"You kidnapped my cat?!"

"Invited," he offered back.

Wendy spoke up. "So, what do you think? I think it'll be a lot of fun, but if you don't want to, it's okay. We won't be disappointed ..."

One day he'd have to teach Wendy how to make her lies more convincing. But he gave them a relieved smile, nodding. It's been a while since they'd all spent an evening at Lucy's place. Plus, he'd be able to unload the rest of his satchel while he was there.

ooooo

"How much longer do I have to keep stirring?"

Dinner was a nice, simple affair, with memories and laughter filling the apartment. Everyone was gathered around the table in Lucy's living area, with Gray sitting reclined on her bed at the threat of her crying if he didn't comply. These women knew his weaknesses all too well. Had they started with tears from the beginning, he would have agreed to come over way sooner.

Wendy sat criss crossed at a corner of the bed, helping Happy and Carla keep Joy entertained with the basket of cat toys and treats that had been waiting there when they'd all arrived. She was running around the bed spread, chasing after a laser that Wendy was moving back and forth, highly amused at the kitten's rambunctiousness. Gray would chuckle whenever she jumped over his outstretched legs, or when Wendy paused the laser over his hand or across his lap, and he'd learn of this only after Joy had pounced on him unexpectedly.

With Cana spending Christmas with her dad, Loke had been snagged by Lucy to spend the evening with them. He now sat against the headboard next to Gray, suit jacket off and tie loosened, watching the cats be cats. If Gray could see the glazed look in Loke's eyes as he, too, followed the laser across the bed, the lion spirit would never hear the end of it. He's had to more than once resist the urge to paw at that enticingly bright red light. 'Resist! Resist! Resist! Don't make a fool of myself. Not in front of Lucy. Resist!

Erza had made a comment about needing something warm and sweet to finish the meal off, but Lucy hadn't thought to buy hot chocolate mix when she went shopping for the party. Instead of sending someone out, Gray asked if she had some ingredients, which he then listed off. She actually did have those items. So now, Natsu, standing a good distance away and forgoing the stove, simply held the pot in his hand, having been put in charge of simmering and stirring all of the ingredients for Isvalan hot chocolate, while Lucy added each item to the mix.

"Let me know when you can no longer tell one ingredient from another."

"This is so slow! I'm a freakin fire dragon. I don't do low heat! Why can't I just boil it?"

"Because you'd scald the milk."

A few minutes later, Natsu announced the ingredients were all melted together.

"It smells about right. Lucy, slowly add the cream."

"Oh my! That looks very rich!" said an excited Erza.

"Turn off the heat, and add the last thing. Stir it really well. It's ready."

Another reason they stood so far away was because of the final ingredient: salt.

Gray was proud that he could think about salt in small amounts without having a panic attack now. So long as someone else added that seasoning, and only enough to enhance the flavor without leaving an actual taste of it, he had no problem eating food that contained it. He still wasn't going to touch it, though.

Mugs passed around, everyone got to experience the chocolate ambrosia. Simply bliss in a mug.

"Gray, you need to stop keeping secrets. First the food you made with Loren, now this? Where did you learn to cook?"Erza asked.

"...Just some family recipes I remembered. It was something my...parents really enjoyed. Cooking together. It was something to do when the cold weather kept us indoors... It's one of the last things I really have of them," he shared as he sat Joy on his lap, scratching her chin.

Everyone was a little nervous at this statement. Talking about anything from Gray's past was strictly forbidden, especially about his parents. He could sense their unease, and said, "It's fine. I brought them up. These are happy memories I don't mind sharing. It's...nice to remember them with you all."

The girls were touched, and Natsu tried and failed to hide the fact that his eyes were tearing up, which caused a round of good-natured laughs all around.

Checking the time, Loke got up from the bed, grabbing his jacket as he announced, "Well, everyone. It's been a nice evening, but I have to get going. I've got a date with Aries tonight." He couldn't help but to wink at Lucy at that news.

"What?! With Aries!? When did this happen?!" cried Lucy.

"I do have a life outside of Celestial World duties, you know. It's been my pleasure."

Before he could vanish, Gray snapped his fingers while pulling his satchel off the floor. From inside, he pulled out a wrapped gift box, distinguishing it from others by either the size, weight, or texture of the paper used to wrap it. He tossed it to Loke.

"It's for you. But you have to let Aries open it."

"Why? What is it?"

Gray just smirked so proudly, folding his arms across his chest and giving Loke a knowing look.

Loke's eyes widened, before he said, "You're forever first in line to be named godparent. Good night, everyone!"

He disappeared before anyone could comment on the notion that, as far as anyone knew, Golden keys didn't procreate.

"What the heck did you give him?" Natsu wondered.

"Sorry. I'm invoking Bro Code."

"That's not fair! I'm a bro!"

"Maybe when you're older."

Wendy was blushing.

"Wait! How did you know about him and Aries?!" demanded Lucy.

...

...

"... Bro Code."

She just threw her hands up, smiling none the less.

Her boys.

Erza was already trying to picture what their children would look like.

"Such an adorable couple. Who would have imagined a lion and a lamb coming together?"

"...yeah," Gray sighed, burying that bittersweet thought for a later time. This was a time for cheer, after all.

Grinning, he emptied out his satchel, standing to pass the rest of the presents out as he felt them. His friends were all pleasantly surprised that he came bearing gifts. When had he originally planned to give these out, if he wasn't planning on staying at the guild party? He definitely hadn't known about coming here tonight.

"Gray, I thought we agreed no gifts this year," Erza said. In reality, they just didn't want him to feel obligated to get them anything.

"Not a big deal. Most of them were free or hand made anyway."

Lucy wondered why he had them with him.

"I brought them with me this morning so Cana and Bisca could help me wrap them. I couldn't tell which paper was what, you see. I was going to give them to you during the guild party, but this was better," he grinned, "What are you waiting for?"

Standing on no ceremony, they all ripped into their presents at once. Their pleased and/or surprised gasps made up for not being able to see their faces.

"Dried fish!" cried Happy. He's always easy to shop for.

"This is a very find brand of Darjeeling tea. Thank you, Gray," said Carla.

Wendy opened a box containing several small envelopes of herb seeds.

"Gray-san, what are these?"

"I thought you'd like to grow your own medicinal herb garden. This should get you started. I also have space in my yard for you to plant them, since I know you can't use the land around Fairy Hills. You can come over anytime you want."

"This is a wonderful gift. Thank you!"

"There's more"

Confused, as all she saw were the packets of seeds, Gray indicated for her to empty the box into her hand. Doing so, she found a piece of paper underneath all the packets. Turning it over, she saw it was simply a series of handwritten numbers.

"I don't understand. What is this?"

"I needed an upgrade to my com lacrima, since my old one wasn't blind-accessible. It was still relatively new, so I had Warren erase it and reprogram it with a new number, before I gave it to Lyon. He took it with him to Margaret Town... He should have given it to Chelia by now."

It took less than a second for Wendy to understand where he was going with this. Eyes wide, she exclaimed, "You mean...?"

"She's waiting for your call," he grinned.

With an excited gasp, she leaped off the bed and reached for her own com lacrima, dialing the numbers she was given, and waiting in anticipation. The call was picked up before the first tone finished sounding.

"About time you called! Merry Christmas, Wendy!"

"Chelia! This is awesome! We can talk whenever we want, now!"

As the two teens talked, all the young adults in the room giving indulgent smiles, Natsu was pulling the lid off the box containing his gift.

"You made me my own dragon egg?! Awesome! It even has a baby fire dragon coming out!" he yelled. He held a clay figurine of said fire dragon, much like the one Gray made for Asuka. Romeo was happy to help him fire off this one. There was a flame design surrounding the shell, and a horned, smiling dragon peaked its head out, a small puff of flame rendered in very thin clay sticking out of its mouth. Gray wondered how long it would take for Natsu to notice the X-shaped scar he'd carved over the tiny mouth. He'd have to turn it just right to see it...

"Oh my God," cried Erza, "You got me tickets to Grimm? That musical sold out months ago."

"Did a job about six months back for some guy involved in the production. Pretty sure he wrote it, actually. Gave me those tickets as a bonus."

"I love them!... Do you think...you'd go with me?... You don't have to, but...I mean, they were yours, and it is a musical, so... And it's only right—"

"If you really want me to go with you, it's fine. They're private box seats. Let's just go early to avoid the crowds, yeah?"

"That's perfect... Lucy, what did you get?"

They all looked towards where she sat, hand to her mouth as she read what was in her hands, eyes wet.

"Lucy, are you okay?" asked Happy.

With a promise to talk again tomorrow, Wendy ended her call, and was about to thank Gray again for her gift when she saw the mixed emotions on everyone's faces. She quickly zeroed in on Lucy.

"Lucy-san, why are you...?" she started

"What the heck you do to make her cry?!" Natsu cried in panic.

Gray just continued to stare in her direction, his face calm and stoic, so no one knew what he was thinking. He was waiting, hoping he hadn't overstepped his bounds.

"Um... This is...a copy of a letter that Gray sent to a literary agent, including the detailed review that he wrote about my manuscript. And also a response from that agent, saying that, because of that review, he's interested in meeting with me to talk about my novel, and possibly signing a representation contract. Gray, this is... How?"

"Loren helped me write the letters. As for specifics, the same guy who gave me those tickets is also well connected within the publishing world. We got to talking during my mission, and he told me most publishers won't even let a new writer through the door unless they have an agent. He called in some favors."

"This is just...I'm speechless. More so by your review. I mean, I love what you did with the agent, but what you wrote about my novel..."

"One thing that stuck with me about that job was something my client said: that a writer thrives on the support from their readers. I love your novel. It's a story that deserves to be told. I just told the truth from my heart. You're a brilliant writer, Lucy."

Lucy was half crying, half laughing, and almost lost herself when she went up to Gray, intending to hug him, but stopped short. He sensed her nearness, and went rigid for a moment, caught by surprise. But he forced himself to calm down, waiting.

"I'm...I'm sorry. I forgot. I was just..."

He sighed and relaxed, opening is arms just a bit. "It's fine... It's just you," he grinned.

With a broad smile, she agreed, stepping into the hug, delicately wrapping her arms around him, and whispering, "It's just me." And even though he still trembled a little, and even though it took a moment for him to return the hug, and even though she could tell he was fighting back against the fear, he breathed out a sigh, and wrapped his arms in a loose grip. And Lucy knew without a doubt, that all her guilt and insecurities she'd still been harboring since her betrayal all those weeks ago had been for naught. For in all that time, she truly had been forgiven.

That night, though they hadn't planned to, they all settled down for an impromptu sleep over when Gray fell asleep leaning against the head board, Joy on his lap. After carefully maneuvering him to lie more comfortably on his side, Joy curling into a ball at his face as usual, they all made their own sleeping arrangements, bedding down for the night.

It was the first full, peaceful night's sleep Gray's had since his whole ordeal began.

To all a good night indeed.


Christmas morning came. Erza sent Wendy and Carla to Gray's house to meet Lyon, to tell him everyone would be over soon, and to finish the final preparations for Gray's gift.

Knowing that Gray would want to spend Christmas morning with his brother, they offered to join the merriment, and started on their way. It was cold out that morning, but not wet enough to snow. Gray carried Joy in his shirt, much like he had when he'd first brought her home, though one couldn't tell with his coat wrapped around him. The streets and sidewalks were mostly empty, so it was a quick walk to his house.

Lyon and Wendy met them at the door, Carla waiting in the dining room with breakfast served. Reindeer-shaped pancakes with little chocolate chip eyes and whipped cream "snow" all around were the main course that morning. Lyon hid a chuckle when Gray actually took the time to feel the shape of the reindeer, smiling alł the while. Of course he ate the antlers first.

When everything had been cleaned up afterwards, Gray revealed to Lyon that he had a gift for him. Didn't that work out, as Lyon had one for him as well. Still sitting around the dining room table, Gray pulled this item from his cargo pocket, kept separate from his friends' gifts from last night. Handing it to Lyon, he sat back in anticipation. Lyon pulled off the twine and paper, revealing an old journal. He opened it, and found written within years of notes, diagrams, theories, spells, and experiments conducted in Ice Make magic. Static Ice Make, to be precise. All written in Gray's compulsively neat handwriting.

"You'd always regretted not keeping to Master's teachings as thoroughly as you could have. Ur never kept her own notes, and the books she had were just the basics, except for...the one with that one spell... These are the notes I've made since I was young, as well as any discoveries I made in the art since we separated. It's everything I know about Static Ice Maker magic. I wanted you to be able to master it, if you wanted to."

Lyon was amazed that Gray would gift him such a valuable book. There was living history in these pages. Chances were, this could be one of the most tested and researched treatises on Ice Maker Magic, period. Could he really accept this?

"Gray, I can't... What about your magic?" If he was giving this to him because he'd given up on ever practicing magic again...

"It's fine. I had Levy make a copy for me, using one of her archival tools. It looks old and worn, but it's brand new, and the writings will never fade. I still have the original... I still have many more pages to fill," came his subtle promise to continue his studies in magic.

Lyon was touched. He wasn't sure if he could top this gift. Well, if it were anyone but Gray, maybe not.

"I have a gift for you, too. Hold out your hand."

When he did as asked, he could barely discern a small crystal placed in his palm. It was round and thin, lying flat. He knew it was a recording lacrima. Gray looked up curiously, wondering what Lyon was trying to show him.

"I had planned to give this to you when you returned from your S-class trials, as a celebratory gift. But then, you all disappeared, and in those seven years, I'd put it away and forgot about it. When you returned, things were just hectic, with one crisis after another. But I'd remembered it recently, so when I went back home a few weeks back, I found it again. You're right. Ur never wrote anything down. When she lost Ultear, she saw no reason to. To whom would she pass her magic on? But then we came along, and she found new reason to preserve her knowledge... She never got the chance to really start. Her time with us ended so suddenly."

At this, he paused, quickly assuring, "It wasn't your fault. Deliora was ravaging every village it came across. It was only a matter of time before she would have gone to face it, and who knows how many more lives would have been ruined before then."

Gray merely nodded, so used to the self-flagellation that usually came with these memories, and bade him continue.

"Like I said, she never got much accomplished in recording her knowledge, but what I found was just as valuable. Here." As he said this, he touched the crystal, infusing just a spark of ice magic, the only kind of magic that would unlock this lacrima.

As soon as the lacrima was activated, an image appeared over it of a young woman, short dark hair framing her face, smiling like a proud mom.

Ur had recorded herself. Gray wasn't aware of it until Happy exclaimed that a pretty lady appeared on his hand, and his eyes widened. It couldn't be.

And to add to the awe on his face, she spoke.

"Just like all maker magic, Ice Maker magic requires you to master two powers as one. The element of ice is beautiful, but deadly. It does not forgive mistakes easily, but if you can learn to control it, it's a marvelous thing to behold. And I've told you this before, but Maker Magic truly is the magic of freedom. Anything you can accomplish is limited only by your imagination. And I know you two have so much creativity inside of you. Lyon, Gray, you are my cute, precious students. You both make me so happy, and you give my life fulfillment. I hope these recordings will help you in your studies, but more so, I hope you both grow to become strong, happy, caring men, who will never forget the bonds we share, or the memories we make. I've learned so much from you two, more than I'd ever taught you, I think—"

The recording was interrupted by the sound of a door opening, and Ur looking at something off camera, smiling at whatever she saw. Gray, along with everyone else, could here soft mumbling sounds in the background, words completely indistinguishable, but the tone suggested the voice of a young, excited boy.

"That's wonderful, Gray-kun. Great job. I'll come see it right now."

The sound of shy shuffling before the door was closed followed, and Ur looked back to the recorder.

"There's my little artist, now. I guess I'll continue this later... I'm so proud of you boys."

Ur then reached towards the viewer, and the recording ended.

Gray sat motionless, digesting what he'd just heard. He had just heard Ur's voice for the first time since she defeated Deliora. She sounded just as caring and nurturing as she had so long ago. Lyon slowly closed Gray's fingers over the crystal, and it was like he woke up from a spell, now fully aware of his audience. Before Lyon could pull back, Gray rose and pulled him in as tight a hug as he'd been willing or able to give in so long. Lyon was shocked at the unexpected contact, but pleased and excited at the fact that Gray had initiated it. He returned it firmly yet gently, always mindful of his still healing wounds. He didn't worry at the obvious signs that his brother was crying. He new why those tears fell. He felt the lone tear falling down his own cheek, which he did nothing for.

"You're welcome," Lyon smiled, happy to have witnessed all the emotion behind his gratitude.

Gray pulled away, wiping his face on his sleeve as he went, returning the smile.

"So that was Ur? She was really pretty!" said Wendy.

"Yes she was." replied Lyon.

Gray took his gift and placed it in his shirt pocket. He'd be sure to put it somewhere safer when he had the opportunity. He then said, "I guess if gifts are done, we can go to the guild now. Or just hang out here if you want. I don't really have any plans for the rest of the day," he gestured, grinning and rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

Erza answered, "Well, actually, we kinda reneged on our 'no presents rule' as well."

Bringing his hand down, he raised an eyebrow, gesturing, "Big surprise. Now I know you planned all this. Don't tell me you all hid everything here. Just because I can't see doesn't mean I wouldn't notice a tree tucked away in a corner somewhere... Oh, please tell me you didn't hide a tree in here."

"Nothing like that. In fact, their present to you wouldn't have fit under a tree anyway. Natsu, turn it on."

On Lyon's cue, Natsu hit a switch by the back door that hadn't been there until yesterday, the team's "last minute Christmas errand." Suddenly, the sound of flowing water could be heard from outside, followed quickly by a soft splashing sound.

Gray stood in shock, knowing what he heard, but not quite its source.

"What is that?" he wondered in awe.

"Come with us. We'll show you," Lyon said as he offered his arm to guide him to the back yard.

Everyone gathered outside, making room for Gray to stand before his gift. His reaction was priceless.

He turned his head this way and that, listening to the water's flow, and for the source of the splashing sounds. Just listening, feeling the serenity that came with these natural melodies. He could smell the water, as well as the many different plants that surrounded it. There were flowers. They'd managed to find winter blooming plants here?... Wait... He knew that scent.

"Snow drops," he mouthed in wonder.

Lyon beamed. He knew he'd recognize that smell. These were plants that grew abundantly in their homeland. With all the other kinds of foliage and flowering plants placed around the pond, he'd have different colors and scents to appreciate all year round.

Using his cane, he stepped closer, finding the edge, and bending onto his knee to feel what was there. There were smooth stones placed around the pond, and he brushed his hand across several different plants, finding the snow drops. He took a moment to just feel the soft petals, using first his fingertips, then the sides where they weren't scarred. They were velvety soft and delicate.

Feeling along the stone border, close to the edge, the back of his fingers brushed against an upright piece of stone. He explored it a little, and smiled almost childishly when he discovered it was a small cat statue. Wendy couldn't hold in her pleased giggle when she saw that delight on his face.

Finally moving his hand to the edge, he dipped his fingers in the water, enjoying the feeling of the coolness against his scars. It wasn't as cold as he'd expected. Was the water heated? Why would they—

A nibble

Gasp!*

'Flo?!'

If his silent screams were the most heartbreaking sounds any of his friends had ever heard, then his soundless laughter was the most beautiful.

He laughed; such a joyful, surprised, tear-filled laugh, that it caused everyone's hearts to melt.

"My...my fish?... Why did...?... You... You found my plans. How... When did you...?"

It took him a moment to remember that he should look up as he spoke, so Natsu or Wendy could see his face. He slowly and shakily stood up, standing his cane upright so he could grip it with both hands, just to have something to do with them. He was without words to say, even if he could speak. He was so humbled and amazed that they would do something like this for him. Of everything they've done. He looked up towards where he knew they stood. He really had no words for this.

Except

"Thank you."

The depths of emotion they could see and feel in those two little words were worth everything to them.


The fluff. Oh the fluff, it's more than I can handle. Hope you enjoyed it while it lasted, cuz there's not gonna be that many light hearted moments for a while. Things start to get real, really soon.

I wasn't planning on a Christmas chapter. But the story setting started off in late August. With how long injuries like his take to recover from, we were going to hit the holiday season eventually, so why not give them a break. I thought you needed one, too.

Reindeer-shaped pancakes are a Christmas tradition in my house. Just draw the head in the pan with batter, flip, plate, add the chocolate chips. It's fun and cute.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Next Chapter: Gray makes progress, though not in all the right directions. And Erza remembers a deal she made with herself.