Natsu woke up at the crack of dawn as was his usual but, he knew that there was something different. He could feel it.
There was a certain wellness that seemed to be enveloping him.
Natsu cuddled further into it, letting himself stay between the states of wakefulness and sleep for a while longer. Happy was a comforting weight against the side of his leg but on the other side there was more too. That loosened the grip sleep had over him, like tendrils that were dissolving into thin air.
Natsu opened his eyes and saw that he was all entwined with Gray; his head was resting on his arm and he, himself, had an arm thrown over the other's torso and their legs were all jumbled together – with Happy resting against Natsu's leg that was in a more outer position.
There was a sense of peacefulness and contentment that Natsu hadn't felt in a long while.
Alas, he glanced at the time and with an almost inaudible groan he slowly started extricating himself from Gray's embrace. He had to get going because he was opening the coffeehouse once again. It was quite the hard feat though.
Fishing for a paper, he quickly scribbled a note and left it on the bedside table by Gray. Hopefully he would see it.
Then he had to quickly get dressed and out the door because while the weather conditions had improved and the works to reopen the road had to be at an end, people still counted on the coffeehouse being open early – if one waited for the teahouse to open, they would be disappointed because Freed usually just opened it in the early morning. And, it usually wasn't a problem for Natsu but in this one day, it was really hard. Natsu looked inside his room one last time and seeing Happy now resting against Gray made him smile. And then an alarm sounded from his phone and he was running out of the house.
Lisanna was already inside and starting to get the space ready and she had a small teasing smile on her lips when Natsu walked behind the counter.
"Did you have a good night?" she said in a tone that dripped with innuendo.
"It was very good, thank you very much." Natsu raised the innuendo with innocence.
"Awww, you're not going to tell your good friend about being so buddy-buddy with our new friend…" she patted Natsu's hand and batted her lashes at him.
"Hell no!" Natsu removed his hand. "I know how you are, Lisanna Strauss…"
"An angel and a magnificent best friend?" she flashed her innocent megawatt smile.
"You wish." Natsu nudged at her shoulder. "But, it was a calm night. Gray met Happy."
"Ooooh, that is important…" Lisanna waggled her eyebrows meaningfully.
"Shut up, you perv'. Ah!" Natsu let out a huff. "I'm surrounded by perv's now."
"You love it."
"Yeah, yeah. Let's just get to work because the crew should be getting soon."
And they set to work.
It didn't take long for team Oración Seis to get there and for noise to fill the coffeehouse. Natsu could hear Lisanna grumbling about how they could be so energized this early in the day and he couldn't help himself from laughing at her. But when Levy arrived, Lisanna perked up and Natsu knew that it meant trouble – especially trouble for him.
"Good morning Levy. What can I get you?" he said cheerfully.
"I dunno…" Levy said after a large yawn. "Maybe you could tell me everything you talked about with your dear friend Gray?" her sleepy demeanour had instantly evaporated and she was leaning forward on the counter, eyes nearly sparkling – and it was noticeable even despite the bangs that fell over them!
"I told Lis already. There's nothing to talk about. We… talked about lots of things. Books," he waved at Levy in a "there you go" motion. But his friends weren't fooled, unfortunately.
"You're not telling us everything." Lisanna said in a dramatic tone, nearly draping herself over Natsu's back. "How mean."
"Pfff. Go get the coffee and the sandwich for Levy. You girls are insufferable." Natsu said as he shrugged Lisanna off.
"Now imagine how it'll be when Lucy catches you." Levy said with a hint of an evil tone in her voice. "She still remembers."
"Oh yes she does." Lisanna sing-songed. "And it's payback tiiiime~!"
"Shut up!" Natsu said in mock-outrage but thought to himself that it was just better to steer away from his blonde friend for the time being. "Also, I wasn't the only one in on the plan!"
"But you're the only one we can do something about now." Levy said with a cheeky smile.
"You guys suck." Natsu grumbled, crossing his arms in front of himself and pouting.
"You love us." The two said in unison.
"As if." Natsu stuck out his tongue. "Enough talking. We should work, not be on the brink of a food fight."
"Erza would skin you alive if you dared doing that to her works of art." Levy said seriously.
"I think the coffeehouse would stop existing if such a thing happened." Lisanna added.
"True…" Natsu said with a contrite expression.
"You better pray she doesn't even dream that you ever dared to suggest that." His best friend said.
"Yoou…." Natsu said, affronted. He pouted once again but had to stop doing so when customers started coming in. Levy sat down at her customary table, reading something on her phone at times and scribbling furiously on a small notebook she always carried with her. And Lisanna and Natsu worked together, everything going smoothly like the well-oiled machine they were.
At around ten in the morning, a still bleary-eyed Gray got in and ordered coffee. Levy had been long gone but the trio behind the counter and in the kitchen had had a busy morning.
"So, Gray. Did you have a good night?" Lisanna said in her sneaky-yet-innocent-sounding voice at the same time that Natsu was thinking of which way might be better to avoid what would happen next. Lisanna was just like that.
"Yeah, it was quite nice." Gray paused to yawn. "But now I need to go talk to Lucy and Levy. We kind of arranged a meeting."
"Mmm, that's nice." She said. "Anything to eat with the coffee?"
"Lis…" Natsu hissed.
"No, thanks. I don't usually eat much for breakfast." Gray answered but he was a bit more awake and looking from Natsu to Lisanna and back again, definitely picking on the weird atmosphere. "Is something the matter?"
"No, nothing." Natsu said with finality, glaring meaningfully at Lisanna who just rolled her eyes and snorted. "Here's your coffee, don't worry about paying. Now go. Save yourself!"
"Okay, that's weird. And I won't accept not paying for my coffee." Gray stated, getting his wallet out. "I may be dating you but that's not how I roll."
Natsu could hear the noise of excitement that was coming from Lisanna, hoping she would stop.
"Okay, you'll pay me later. Now go before it's too late." Natsu said forcefully.
"Fine. See you later then. I'll text you." And with that, Gray picked his cup, gave a wave with his free hand and left.
Natsu let out a relieved huff but then Lisanna's hyperness returned. Not that it had ever left, to be honest.
"I knew it. You two are just cute together."
"If you say so…" Natsu rolled his eyes. "Now, let's work, yeah?"
Gray left the coffeehouse and wondered about the weird antics of the pair. He might not have been totally awake but he sure could pick up something strange happening. But he had other things to think about at the moment. Like Lucy and Levy. Gray sure felt like he had struck gold by finding these two writers.
He'd been able to read snippets from both their works and he was impressed. And that was the reason to their meetings. But first, he had to contact headquarters.
Can I call?
He sent that to his family chat. Both Ur and Lyon were probably up and about and could talk. And it was important that he talked about business but also to catch up with his family by, at least, sight. He knew that Ultear would probably not answer, as she was still out of the country.
His phone started ringing and Gray walked into a calmer area where he could talk with more privacy. He answered the call.
"Hey, Lyon," he said but was surprised to see both Lyon and Ur sitting at the breakfast table. "Oh, hi Ur." He gave a little wave. "How's everything in the civilization?"
"You ask us that? You're the one who's been excommunicated from the civilization and you have the gall to say that?" Lyon asked in outrage.
"Lyon." Ur admonished, frowning. Lyon looked to the side, unamused. "How are you Gray? Has everything been going well, despite being stuck in that place?"
"Everything's fine. More," he nearly started to bounce excitedly, "I think I met some interesting writers that would be a great addition to our roster."
"How's that possible?" Lyon scoffed.
"You don't know where you'll find the talent to write, Lyon." Gray retorted in mock-patience. It was a well-used jab between the two.
"Hey, you two aren't going to start fighting on the phone in the morning, are you?" Ur said, rubbing the bridge of her nose already.
"No." They said in unison.
"Good." She seemed placated. "But have you just been looking for new things to work on over there? I thought you would relax a little for a few days. I know you've been much stressed."
"We've all been much stressed. It's the end of the year." Lyon grumbled in the background. Gray rolled his eyes.
"So good thing the Holidays are coming." Gray noted in his "duhh" voice.
"Since when do you care about the Holidays?" Lyon asked in surprise. Ur's expression also denoted surprise.
"Huh," Gray blinked his eyes a few times before shaking his head, "me? Caring? I don't." He denied with shifty eyes.
"You're not a very good liar, Gray…" Ur chuckled. "Did something happen? We read that Magnolia Town is famous for its Christmas celebrations. Doesn't that bother you?"
"Actually, it seems to be bothering me less now." Gray said thoughtfully. "It's kind of weird."
"So, does that mean that we can count you for the Christmas party?" Lyon asked, suspicious.
"Possibly…" was the answer. It made a slight weight lift from his shoulders, seeing the pleased smiles on his family's faces. But then, a notification – an alarm – appeared on his phone. "Oh damn, it's this time already. I have to hang up. Have a meeting."
"Haha, go get 'em, Gray." Ur said with a laugh.
"Good luck, dumbass." Lyon said.
"Have a nice day, idiot." Was the retort. And then Gray was turning his phone off and hurrying to the bookstore.
Inside, he was greeted by Lucy.
"Good morning, Gray." She was moving books to and fro on a half-empty bookshelf. Around her piles of books were towering on the side table.
"Good morning. Isn't Levy here today?" he asked politely looking around.
"Oh no. She was up until the wee hours, went to get some coffee, came back and wrote for another couple of hours before crashing for the morning. But she'll probably wake up by lunchtime."
"That's the civilized schedule." Gray said in a serious tone.
"Are you serious?" Lucy laughed. "I didn't know we had another night owl here." She gave a small punch on Gray's shoulder.
Gray just huffed.
The bell above the door rang and the two turned to look at the newcomer. Juvia.
She strode inside, head held high and haughtily. She didn't say anything, just stopped and leaned against a bookshelf.
Lucy looked at Gray confusedly. In turn she only got a shrug. Gray didn't know what game Juvia was playing.
"Good morning Juvia." He said politely. But, beyond a frigid glance, he was ignored. But, that was fine with Gray. "I just wanted to give you a heads up. When do you think that Levy might come downstairs?"
"In half an hour or so. It's around the time she set her alarm to," Lucy replied with a wink.
"Okay, that gives me some time. I'm going to get some papers and will be right back." Gray said before walking out the store.
As he got back, Levy was already downstairs, though the air was slightly tense.
"Oh, good. You're here. Shall we talk business?" he asked with slightly more emphasis and enthusiasm than usual, if the surprised expression on Juvia's face was something to go by.
The trio discussed plenty of point, pausing every now and then to go help the customers that got there. And before long, it was lunchtime.
"Should we go have lunch?" Levy asked suddenly. "I'm kind of… fasting."
"Oh, yeah, certainly. Let's go. To the restaurant, right?" Gray asked, standing and starting to put some order on the scattered papers. "Juvia, will you also be coming?"
"Yes." Was the reply.
"You can leave it all there, Gray." Lucy waved at him and the table in general. "We'll come back to this after lunch."
"Let's go then."
The group went to the restaurant and food and conversation flowed easily. The relaxed air seemed to even start making Juvia start to return to her usual, slowly clingier form. Lucy and Levy seemed confused at that but Gray just did his best to ignore her – not that she was making it easy on him.
They returned to the bookstore and the meeting continued, and it was going really well too. At last, the business talk came to an end.
"Whew, that went longer than expected." Lucy said.
"It can get longer," Gray corrected, "I think that this now is just a beginning. There's still a lot of work to be done."
"But that work can be done another day, right?" Levy asked as she stood and stretched. "What do you think about going to the teahouse?"
"To be fair, I haven't been there yet." Gray mused as he was ordering the files.
"Oh, you have to try it. There are so many different kinds of tea and they mesh together so well with Erza's pastries… oh," she stopped herself and grinned a bit sheepishly. "It's good if you like tea, of course."
"I don't mind it." Gray said.
"Juvia doesn't mind either." Juvia finally said something. She's been mostly silent since they came from lunch, behaving with a mix between coldness and clinginess. It was confusing.
The four went to the teahouse and spent the rest of the afternoon in there. Gray, Lucy and Levy got caught in the discussion of several books and plot points. At some points it became slightly heated but there was no harm done.
The sun set and plunged the outside world into darkness.
"It's dark already," Levy said. "Maybe it means that it's already open."
"What's open?" Gray inquired.
"The Christmas market. It started today and will be there for the next two weeks, until Christmas." Lucy supplied. "It's a lot of fun and you can always find something interesting and out of the ordinary in there."
"And sometimes you can find rare books in there!" Levy clapped her hands in excitement.
"That sounds really great." Gray admits. "Maybe I should go there…"
"Juvia will go with Gray-sama." Juvia said, brushing against Gray's right arm – she had gotten that close to him suddenly.
"Hm, no," Gray waved her off. "You don't have to come with me."
Juvia was about to reply but Lucy beat her to the punch.
"You're going to invite Natsu, aren't you?" she asked cheekily.
"That's none of your business." Gray said, the tone of his voice with slight offence and finished ordering the papers. "And so, I might see you later." He strode from the bookstore.
The three women stood still in astonishment for a beat before Juvia scrambled after Gray while Lucy and Levy sat at one of the seats and started plotting.
Gray had quickly gone to his room at the inn and left the work things there, thrown onto the bed. He hurried out, knowing that Juvia was bound to go after him, as she really had come back to her clingy form. And he wanted to catch Natsu soon. Hurrying to the coffeehouse, managing to go check on his car, mingling among the crowd and nearly jumping through an open window like a character from a movie, Gray managed to get to his destination. And right on time, it looked like the shift had changed and Natsu was about to leave.
"Natsu!" Gray said to the door that led to the kitchen. The bored-looking man sitting behind the register rolled his eyes.
"He's probably leaving through the side door."
"T-thanks!" Gray said as he rushed out. And right on time, Lisanna and Natsu were talking to someone inside the building. Gray walked to them. "Hey."
"Hi Gray." Lisanna said, smiling.
"Hey." Natsu added.
"Not to be rude to you, Lisanna," Gray started saying to her before turning to Natsu, "but I'm here to ask Natsu if he would like to have dinner with me."
"Dinner?" the word seemed to make the pink haired perk up.
Yeah. Gray mouthed at him.
"Oh, don't worry. Good thing, you can pay for that bottomless pit's stomach. I'm out. See you lateeeer." She waved before scampering off.
"That was odd…" Gray commented with a frown.
"It can get worse. But," he paused and walked closer to Gray, "you said dinner?"
"Come on." Gray held Natsu's hand and started walking to the main street. "Food first and then we can plan things."
"What things?"
"I heard that there is a market."
"Oh, we should totally go there. To have dessert."
"You really are incorrigible…" Gray said fondly.
"You don't mind." Natsu teased back.
After eating, it didn't take long for them to reach the large space that now held the Christmas market. Gray was really surprised at the amount of people and decoration and nearly everything that was in there. There were so many booths and people that it seemed like rush hour had just started in this one place.
"Wow, this has more people than I imagined." Gray said in amazement.
"We told you, our town really likes Christmas." Natsu replied with laughter in his voice. They were holding hands and Natsu gave a firm squeeze. "But let's go look for dessert. There is plenty of food for sale. And we can also look for gifts or something."
"You haven't bought all your presents yet?" Gray teased.
"Huuh, not really? There are a couple that are missing still." Was the slightly quizzical answer. "How about you?"
"Hm, you know my not so good relationship with Christmas. I don't usually buy things and I already bought some things to my family." Was the careless reply.
"Oh. Right. I'm sorry…" Natsu said, contrite. Then he gave another squeeze to Gray's hand and started walking to where the food booths seemed to be. "Anyway, let's look at things!"
They walked unhurriedly, dodging people here and there. And then, familiar faces came in sight.
"Lucy! Levy! You guys are here!" Natsu said in delight. "Where are the others?"
"They're still on their way here." Levy said, unsubtly looking at their joined hands.
The pair let go, pretending nonchalance.
"But we had arranged to meet around the food area so I don't think they'll take long to appear." Lucy added.
"No-one can resist the food." Natsu said as he was looking at the food. He walked into the booth where churros were being prepared.
Gray grabbed his phone and pointed at it, seeing that Lucy had noticed it and disappeared into the crowd.
When Gray returned, Lisanna and her siblings as well as Erza were with the group, exchanging sweets among themselves and teasing each other. When Natsu noticed Gray, he arched an eyebrow and Gray just shrugged and smiled. He walked to where Natsu was and stole one of the sugar-coated little balls that were in the box Natsu was holding. The dismayed noise Natsu made at the theft made his friends snicker.
It was fun and, despite the coldness of the night, it was also very warm.
And then, Gray went back to Natsu's house to spend the night. Happy came to the door to greet them and ask for cuddles, which were promptly granted.
Natsu led them to the living room, to the sofa. And they just flopped unceremoniously onto it, laughing when Happy decided to lay half on Natsu's, half on Gray's thigh.
"Looks like he likes you." Natsu noted.
"Good thing I like him too," Gray said as he gently scratched his chin. "It was a really nice evening."
"It really is." Natsu acquiesced.
"You have nice friends." Gray remarked. And then he let out a yawn.
"Okay, looks like it's time to sleep." Natsu stood, gathering Happy into his arms and extended one hand to Gray. "Up you go."
"Pffft," Gray snorted but did extend his hand, taking Natsu's.
They climbed the stairs and soon they were asleep in Natsu's bed once again.
The next morning came and Natsu found himself entwined with Gray and with Happy leaning against his legs once again. Despite it being the usual wake-up time, Natsu let himself relax for a while longer. He'd asked Lisanna if she could open the coffeehouse that next morning, as he really wanted to spend a little more time with Gray, and she'd accepted. With a lot of teasing involved but Natsu had the morning – at least the early morning – mostly off.
It was still immensely comfortable and grounding to be where he currently was. Embracing Gray. But it shouldn't be. It couldn't be. Natsu was perfectly aware that this thing currently wasn't real.
And the problem?
The problem was that Natsu, deep down, realized that he could be really falling for Gray. This person that had fallen into his life in such a way.
Carefully, Natsu slipped from the bed, from both Gray and Happy and saw how Happy, once more, chased the warmth and ended up leaning against Gray's legs.
It was cute. It was familiar. And it was something that might as well go up in smoke before his very eyes.
He couldn't let himself do this.
Quickly going downstairs, Natsu sat on the sofa. Mind in turmoil.
He got his phone and after looking at the time and doing some math, he pressed call.
"Natsu? Is everything alright?" the voice held some worry.
"Hi dad." He replied in a meek voice. "How're you?"
"I'm fine, son. But did something happen? We were going to videocall tomorrow." The worry still hadn't lifted.
"Oh, right. Sorry, I forgot that you were going to speak at the conference today." He said in a self-aggravated tone.
"It's not a problem. I still have some long hours before it's my turn. And I was just looking at my notes." The warmth in the voice, as well as the run-of-the-mill situation put Natsu more at ease. "But you have something in your mind. I can tell."
"Does it show that much?" was the scoffed answer.
"Mostly to those who know where to look. You calling this early and outside of the usual – not that it's a bad thing, mind – makes it look like it's important."
"I… I don't know about the importance…" Natsu said with a sigh. He leaned back on the sofa and ran a hand through his dishevelled hair. He glanced towards the stairs before staring at the ceiling. "See, something happened and I think that you're the only person I can talk to."
"Very well." Igneel was waiting, patiently. "Feel free to talk, then."
"Okay. So, you remember when I told you that two city strangers got stuck in the town, right?" he waited for the agreeing hum. "It's this guy, Gray, and the assistant, Juvia. But the other day Gray suddenly dropped the bomb that we were dating. And, the idiot looked like he really needed the help so I agreed with his story. And so we started dating," he put emphasis in the last word, a mix of laughter and contempt. "And we did come to an agreement and we have been playing the part but…" he paused, with a sigh. "It's being really fun and I don't know? Today I realized that I might actually be falling for him." He let out a mirthless chuckle. "I do know that this has no logic and is fake and he's such a dumbass and sometimes I want to just punch him in the face and yet… and yet I also feel otherwise." Natsu closed his eyes, tight. "I don't want you to tell me this or that. I just… I needed to say this out loud. But can't say anything to my friends because I'm lying but at the same time it's not a lie and I can't tell Gray this because it will be awkward."
"Son…"
"This is a jumbled mess, I know. I'm just…" Natsu let out another chuckle instead of finishing his thought.
"It's not that. Natsu, I'm not there with you but I do think that you need to think and decide what you want to do. What is best for you." The voice made Natsu want to reach out and be hugged by his father.
"But I don't know yet-" he began.
"That is why you need to look at the situation. And, maybe talk to Gray."
"I won't do that now." There was a certain fluster to Natsu's voice.
"I didn't say that. But, from this afar I can't do much." Igneel now seemed sad and there was also a slight edge of self-recrimination, something Natsu had heard before.
"No, no. Don't say that." Natsu admonished. "What you're doing is important. And I really wasn't expecting you to come with a solution for this. I just, I needed you and you really came through on that, dad. And I do miss you but maybe one of these days I can come to visit. And we still have tomorrow's videocall."
"Natsu…"
"Don't worry. I'll keep you updated okay?" Natsu was beginning to rush. "I hope your lecture goes well and we'll talk tomorrow. Love you."
"…" there was a slight pause before Igneel replied. "I love you too, son."
And the call was over.
Despite everything, Natsu felt slight better.
The rich scent of coffee and food – delicious food – roused Gray from his deep slumber. He sat up on the bed, eyes half-open and one hand instinctively reaching for the fur ball that was resting against his leg.
Food. He thought, eyes closing once more, before he let himself fall back onto the bed. Damn, I could get used to this life. To this warmth… he thought with a contented smile. He stretched while lying on the bed and yawned. Feeling unusually relaxed.
That relaxation was short-lived because suddenly the fire alarm started blaring.
Gray was out the bed and downstairs in the blink of an eye, by the kitchen door, wide-eyed and breathing a bit heavily. He did not expect to see Natsu, on the phone and apparently talking to Lisanna on the phone while he pushed an extremely burnt toast out the window, holding it with the salad tongs. It was slightly ridiculous, to say the least. Gray started laughing, making Natsu notice him. Gray waved at him before heading upstairs to get dressed.
When he came back, Natsu was waiting for him.
"I guess it's better to have breakfast at the coffeehouse." He said finally as he offered Gray a cup of steaming coffee. "Though you can have some coffee to go."
"Thanks." Gray smiled tightly.
They eat in the booth Lisanna had already prepared for them. The air was slightly odd, almost as if a collective breath was being held, before it was released.
News travelled fast in Magnolia Town. And so it didn't take long for them to reach the coffeehouse.
"Looks like the road's open." Lisanna told them when she went to get their dishes.
The falling expressions at reality's call didn't go unnoticed by her.
"Looks like this is it, then." Natsu murmured and that got a small nod from Gray in response. Lisanna heard the exchange and tilted her head to the side, questioning.
That was the moment at which Juvia entered the coffeehouse, walking as if she owned the place. Haughtiness oozed from her.
"Gray-sama, it is time to go back. Juvia has heard that the roads are open again." She paused near the table where they were sitting. An imposing statue that demanded attention.
"I heard that too, Juvia. And yes, it's time to get going." Gray's words came stiffly and both him and Natsu could easily read what was going through her mind.
Juvia was delighted for separating Gray from Natsu.
Her expression was mostly neutral but there was a malicious smirk tilting the corners of her mouth at moments and it was just wrong. It didn't sit well with Gray.
Still, Gray had to go with her.
"Thanks for everything." Gray said as he stood and walked behind Juvia, out the door. He tilted his head in thanks towards Lisanna but not to Natsu.
No.
Gray didn't look at Natsu or turned back to take a last glance. He and Juvia went to the inn, got their affairs in order and before long they were on the car and leaving.
And then Lisanna, who had dragged Natsu by an arm to go see Gray and Juvia departing, and Levy and Lucy were looking incredulously at Natsu.
"What?" he finally asked.
"What?" the three asked in unison, with a long of blinks, weird facial expressions and Lisanna's nails plunging into Natsu's forearm uncomfortably.
"What the hell happened here?"
"Why did he go?"
"Why did he go like that?"
"Gray didn't as much as glance back. Did something happen?"
The questions were shot in quick succession. It was slightly overwhelming. He raised his hands, trying to calm them down slightly.
"Well, something, did happen." He started but nearly took a step back due to the intensity of their stares.
"What happened?"
"Spill."
"Tell us."
"Gray and I broke up." Natsu said with a shrug.
The girls' jaws fell to the ground.
"You what?!"
Gray had returned to the bedroom to get dressed. Being in just his underwear was pretty common to him, and something he did at home all the time but he'd felt something strange for a beat, standing in the kitchen nearly naked while Natsu looked at him.
Gray hoped that Natsu would finish his call in the meanwhile. As he got ready to leave the room, and after petting Happy, Gray got the flat package that he'd gotten the previous night. Descending the stairs, Gray headed to the Christmas tree and placed the package in there. He paused to look at the whole thing before taking a deep breath, squaring his shoulders and heading to the kitchen to meet up with Natsu.
"Sorry for the rude wake-up call." Natsu said as soon as Gray entered the room. "It looks like we might want to have breakfast at the café." He finished with an amused smile.
"Looks like your talk is over too. Was it the reason for the rude wake-up call?" Gray asked as he sat down in front of Natsu at the table.
"Haha, how did you know?" Natsu laughed sheepishly.
"Figures." Gray smiled before his expression became serious. "Hey, Natsu. I think we need to have a talk."
"I imagined." Natsu replied sombrely. He leaned forward, crossing his arms on the table.
"You might've guessed it. It's time for this relationship to end." Gray stated plainly. "The roads will open soon and we have to part ways. But how should we do it?"
"I dunno." Natsu huffs. "I imagine that we would be friendly but distant?"
"Can you even do that?" Gray asked with a challenging smile. He flickered out to seriousness quickly. "It has to be how we from now on behave."
"Of course." Natsu straightened and looked at the other. "I can be polite too."
"I guess that this is how it goes." Gray leant forward and extended his hand.
Natsu looked down at the hand then up at Gray, mouth working, as if wanting to say something but no words came out. Then, with a furrowed brow he clasped Gray's hand and shook it.
"I guess it is." He affirmed.
The handshake went for a long while, both parts unwilling to let go.
But Gray finally extricated his hand and placed it back on the table.
"So…" Gray said at last, fingers drumming on the table. "About that snow globe… did your wish come true?"
"Oh, that thing. No, it hasn't." Natsu scoffed at the idea before making a slightly guilty face. "Then again, I never really made a wish, you know?" he scratched at his cheek self-consciously.
"Ah! So you're selling that thing yet never tried it for yourself? For shame, Natsu, for shame." Gray said in a teasing voice.
"Hey, it's not my thing." He shrugged before getting up. Gray did the same.
"I guess it's better to have breakfast at the coffeehouse." Natsu said as he offered Gray a cup of steaming coffee. "Though you can have some coffee to go."
"But, it's okay, don't worry." He told the girls, in a placating tone. "I'm okay." He smiled at them before glancing at the road Gray had just taken. "It was nothing much, after all." He mumbled in a low voice, barely heard by the girls.
But still, he was heard.
The girls exchanged glances. Not convinced in the least that this whole thing had meant as little as Natsu was trying to make them believe.