Author Notes:
Warnings: Swearing - Sexual themes/Content
Genre, in depth: Male/Male Romance, also known as, Yaoi.
Story Cover Art: The Amazing Astrovique.
Beta Reader: The one and only enjoys literature.
Disclaimer: Dear reader, I'm not the owner of Fairy Tail's characters. If they were mine, Gray and Natsu would be boyfriends.
O.o.O The Final Chapter O.o.O
"Mom! Mo-Mom! You gotta stop."
"I can't. At least answer one or two of my questions."
"They're violations of privacy."
"HUH? Privacy? That doesn't mean shit for me."
"…" Gray tapped his foot on the balcony's marble tiles, irritated and ruffled.
"Ok, but you had sex, right?"
"FOR THE LOVE OF—Look here! He's happy, I'm happy, it's cool, isn't that the IMPORTANT part?"
"Yes, it's important. But the action side of the relationship is AS equally important."
"You old-graaah! Will you stop it?!"
"I'm so relieved. Your vehement evasion to my inquiries proves you did it as Milliana early Christmas present call conveyed. Baby… you had me worried you were impotent for a while there…"
"…"
She teared up, her voice choked with sobs, "This relationship working is… something big, you know. It took a toll on you for too long, and I can see the beautiful change in your tone—like, your snarky-self is back, full power, and it's awesome."
Gray gritted his teeth, rubbed his hair as the breeze went by, and resisted throwing his phone from the sixth floor on a random passerby. Looking beyond the balcony's glass, his boyfriend was stuck in another phone call, his cheeks ablaze as he did something funny with his face at Gray. Something like: Save me~~~~ (Insert a crying emoji).
That… unfolded the crease in his forehead and curled his lips in a fond smile.
"Natsu has always been a powerful part of my life. Shoving it away didn't work."
"Yeah… I wanna visit you boys, but you tell me when! Don't wanna interrupt the official/REAL/AMAZING honeymoon!"
He wanted to laugh, but didn't. Seriously, this bitch.
"Hey mom, gotta go, someone's calling."
"Take care you."
"Will do, you too."
Ur disappeared and Gray picked up the other call, "Gray's speaking."
"You did it you dog! Finally!"
Gray rolled his eyes and thought of hanging Milliana from the sixth floor, place a group of rabid hungry dogs underneath her (since she hates dogs), and watch her scream for a month, "You allocate a slot for my love life at your work in the Japanese government?"
"I couldn't resist. Lucy told Erza. Erza told Gajeel. Gajeel told me, then Lucy told me. You know how the cycle goes."
"So you're telling me, half of the army, half of airport security, and half of defense intelligence know about my physical relationship progress."
"Basically. We have a chat group, created a month ago, your mom's the admin and it's called: The Angsty Gays in Our Life."
"WHAT THE HELL?!"
"Erza was stocking up grenades and ordered airport security to standby when we read about Natsu Dragneel's romantic involvement with Mest Gryder. Man, haha, she's so protective of you."
No. she's just crazy.
Not. Like. It's. any. Of. Her. Business. In fact, it's not ANYONE'S business, not the Japanese government, not his mom's, or the FUCKING neighbors. Why don't you make a novel out of this while we're at it, assholes?!
"I. Hate. All. Of. You."
"No, you don't bro!" Loke laughed, "So how was it? Feeling all loosened up?"
"Do I call you when you bang every slut at your workplace or hospital? No, I don't."
"…Anyways! Congratulations and enjoy the honeymoon!"
"We're not married-fuck, he hung up on me…!"
Gray thought it'll be the last call he receives, and boy was he wrong.
"Gray's speaking." Gray snapped and the pigeon that just have landed on the balcony rail, flailed and fled.
"I've heard good news. Congratulations."
Gray's cheeks burned, "Not you… man, not you."
"Yes. Me. What's wrong with me congratulating you?"
"…" Gray stuttered, "Nothing, Major."
"How did you do it?"
"Pardon?!" Gray aspired to disappear from Japan. Maybe he'll migrate to Alaska.
"How did you get to open up and be closer? I can't believe I'm asking a kid for advice…"
"Advice?" wait a minute (Thank god he wasn't asking about how Gray spread Natsu's legs apart and take him the night before. Phew…), "Don't tell me…"
"…"
"-You like a guy?"
"Something like that, yeah."
BEHOLD. Lightening hit Gray's skull and shattered it to small pieces. Laxus Dreyar, the Major, the Beast, likes a guy? In what screwed up universe did that happen? (And who is his beauty btw?)
"YOU?"
"So annoying. I don't-"
"-Oh no hey! It's surprising that's all—who's the lucky guy?"
"A co-worker and none of your business."
Gray sat in the balcony and hummed, "So, are you guys dating?"
"NO!" Laxus was being out of character, "Are you insane? We're in a strict working environment. Feelings are… they obstruct duty."
"Ahhhhhh." Gray understood, "Listen, Sir. You're going stage one. Basically, five years ago-me. Do you want to spend five years till you get to stage five, which is happiness?"
"… Five years?"
"Sounds not cool, right? Be honest with yourself and determine what you want. Once you've done that, you go grab it and never let go." Gray sighed, "You're more mature than I am. You're trying to do something about it, so I'm optimistic… by the way boss, I'm the last person you should seek dating advice from."
"According to The Angsty Gays in Our Life-Group chat, No. You certainly don't qualify."
Gray slapped his forehead, "How in the hell are you an entity in this Group?!"
"Your Mom let me be co-admin. I had no choice but accept."
"Right." He'll ban his mom from all his social media accounts, then move out to Canada, "She let you be Co-admin."
He heard Laxus sigh and then shifts his tone to its original form. The strict, bossy one.
"… Have you had the time to think about Hibiki's offer? Or are you still fooling around?"
"… Shit. You just reminded me, he emailed me, but I didn't respond yet."
"You should."
"Yeah, will do—Ah, sorry, I'll call you back, have another call on hold."
"Nah, I'm busy. Just wanted to appreciate your progress for a second."
"Thanks boss."
Gray was tired, "Gray's speaking."
"I must say, well-done."
Speaking of the devil. Why didn't he remember a million dollars instead?
"Hey, Hibiki."
"Hey, Hibiki? No honorifics? Oh. What has become of me?"
"Your tone's way too fake. I'm not touched, asshole."
"You're running away from me, aren't you?" He sounded teasing, but impatient.
"That's bullshit, why would I run away from you?"
"Gray, you just repeated my question, which means, you are, and it's because you haven't discussed it with Natsu yet, plus it's a tough life decision that you're procrastinating to take."
Ok, busted. He was conversing with an emotional intelligence professional, and the head of the defense Intelligence department. Good luck, Gray Fullbuster.
"Uh-oh, is that a sigh I'm hearing?"
"I wanna be on board, ok? It's Natsu that I'm concerned about. We argued about this before, and frankly, he has a solid point."
"So wait. YOU don't have a problem with it?"
He sounded crazy to be accepting that offer and worrying about Natsu's opinion. Gray's head sunk into his palm. "I'm a psychopath."
"Great news!" Hibiki chuckled, "Be sure to talk to Natsu. Also, check your mail, Gray."
"Yeah…"
"Sorry-Ah, for ruining your moment there."
"It's not your fault-well, it is, but you get my point."
"Perfectly do. But until you tell me off, I won't stop."
"…"
"Have a good day."
Gray peered through the glass. Natsu hasn't finished his phone calls yet, a bashful smile plastered on his face. The more they became closer, the more dread settled in Gray's stomach. How… How is he supposed to convince Natsu?
Gray walked into the living room as Natsu finished the calls and clung to Gray's chest playfully.
"I'm beat… Gray, do something."
Gray draped his arms around the tight, warm body and pulled hard to his chest, taking pleasure in it.
"So, who was it?"
Natsu whined, "Erza, Lucy, your mom, and this girl… Mirajane."
"Mirajane?"
"Yeah, the platinum head."
Platinum head? "Oh. The hot girl with the big tits whom you flirted with while pretending to have a fever?"
Natsu went still in the hug. "…"
"You think I didn't notice?"
Natsu slumped, "She's too motherly, and if you were in my place, you'd do the same thing, or rather done."
"Yeah? Refresh my memory?" Natsu's hair smelled flowery.
"Evergreen? DUDE, she touched your abs! Right in front of me!"
"I admit I was aroused and crept out at the same time."
"Screw you." Natsu pinched the arm around his waist, "Let go."
He wasn't bothered, and his laughter demonstrated it. He was too deep in Natsu's warmth to let go. He pressed an open mouth kiss on the boy's cheek, then added more, closing in on his mouth. And he didn't have to hold back. There was no reason to.
Natsu's mouth welcomed him, almost too eager, despite the verbal fight they had earlier.
No matter how many times they kissed, Gray couldn't get over their Kisses' flavor. When their tongues licked, teeth bumped, and breaths ran out, they pressed closer, and Gray's palm went under Natsu's shirt, tasting the heat and smoothness of his back.
Gray found Natsu's lips delicious and himself impatient.
"Bed?"
The pink haired nodded, willingly.
Gray could get used to this.
Seriously.
He was lucky. Natsu was sickly affectionate, and Gray was tangled delightedly in his love. Sounds so cheesy, right?
But. Shit's been stressing him out for days, and today was the day.
He wished he didn't have to bring the subject to life. Gray remembered the deadline Hibiki sat for him, and he had to abide by it. It was hard discussing it with Natsu, however, he had to man up and face the music.
Gray flopped on the living rooms' sofa next to Natsu who battled online for a hidden treasure.
"Stay away, I'm in the middle of something—fuck…"
"We need to talk."
"Uh-oh. Right now? Really?"
"Yes to the two Rs."
Natsu chuckled and nodded, "Gimme a min."
"Gonna make a cup of coffee. You better be done by the time I'm back."
"Aye sir."
His stomach did a double flip as he thought about dropping the whole thing and spoiling the carefree atmosphere.
'Shit's gotta be discussed.'
He placed the cup on top of the coffee table, as Natsu stuffed his face with Oreo Cookies.
"So that's… where they disappeared."
Natsu snickered, and offered some from the packet, which he accepted. Natsu had his laptop laid aside for Gray's favor—how obedient. If such a horrible subject wasn't going to be about the end of them, Gray would've taken his Oreos from Natsu's messy mouth.
'Next time, definitely.'
"Hibiki sent an email."
Natsu stopped chewing for a second, then resumed slowly, releasing a deep-throated grumble, his eyes rolling. He fetched one more Oreo cookie and munched.
"Sho?" Natsu's mouth barely had space for words.
"Wait. I'll read it." Gray scrolled through his phone's content to find the latest in the thread of demanding emails, "When will I get a straight answer out of you? I have an upcoming meeting with our director. If you're uncertain, I understand. Inform me whenever you can. I hope you're enjoying the honeymoon. KR, Hibiki Lates."
"Ok." Natsu cleared his throat, "You're gonna reply saying this: Hibiki. Go fuck yourself. KR, Natsu Dragneel and Gray fucking Fullbuster, the two normal civilians."
He resisted holding the area between his eyes in agony. Expected, nonetheless, difficult to hear.
"What? No really, what?"
Gray's glare offended Natsu. "Natsu-"
"—Do you know what this feels like? I'll tell you." Natsu interrupted, "This feels like… I'm your dad or something, and I'm telling you to refrain from playing with your gangster friends, you know? But you, being the rebellious son, you just don't give a shit!"
"Can I speak now?"
"—Do you wanna be a superhero? Are you THAT selfless? We finally have it, a normal life!"
He jolted up and held Natsu's wrist, dragging him to his room. Natsu protested against the rough treatment, but Gray wouldn't have any of it. They faced Gray's chest of drawers. He opened it and started throwing its items around.
A gun, another gun, a rifle, a Taser.
"Look at this. Look at all of this, not enough, huh? Come here."
In Natsu's room, he opened his closet and got the same weapons from underneath Natsu's clothes.
"Is ALL of this not enough to change your perspective of a normal life? I don't know if you have an idea, but no 'normal fucking civilians of japan have that much weaponry under their underwear!"
Hurt and anxiety masked Natsu's green eyes, forcing him to shut up.
"No…" Natsu pushed Gray out of his room, locking it afterwards, "No, no, no, NO!"
"Can you be decent at having an argument? Open this door now!"
He got no answer.
"Natsu!" Gray yelled, "So when I discuss my future with you, that is what I get. You're better than that!"
At the unlocking click, Natsu shook the door open and held Gray's collar, pushing him back up the wall of the corridor. He winced at the contact between his body and the wall, but held Natsu's wrist to stop him from further abuse.
"You're not discussing your future with me!" Natsu barked, hands shaking and voice failing, "You're discussing your end! Why can't you get that?! I told you before, and I'm telling you again, I saw your end once, and I don't wanna see it again! What's wrong with that? Tell me! You prick!"
Fair enough. Except that Natsu forgot something important. He waited until Natsu regained control over his breathing, his hold on the boy's wrists softening.
"You're right." Gray sighed, "I know you are. But… much earlier, you asked me about what I really wanted. You're all I ever wanted. Us, living together, and I don't wanna compromise that, however… I love my work, that's all."
Natsu looked at him with disbelief. He released Gray's collar and rid himself of Gray's hold.
"Do you expect me to be supportive? Do you want me to say ah-yes-go and fulfill your dreams, knowing that you could be killed? Do you expect me to be that kind of maniac?"
"What's life without a risk is all what I'm saying. You went to-"
"-You went to Guinea, you worked in the mines where accidents happen, heard that shit before, and we both know that this isn't like that."
"At least you get the gist of it."
"No, I DON'T." Natsu argued, heading to his room. His arms pulled Natsu's back to meet his chest and held him tight. The natural high heat of his partner's body never seized to amaze or gnaw at his insides.
"Just what the hell are you thinking?" Natsu inquired, pained and frustrated. "Of all jobs on the planet that you can do…"
"I mean…" Gray sighed into Natsu's neck, "… I won't do it if you can't stand it, but I'll have you know that I'm ordering a Pilot's uniform, and I can call it off anytime." He added with a sly snicker.
"Bastard…" His comment flustered Natsu's cheek, but maybe he was just pissed off, "You KNOW that I won't be able to stand the guilt of keeping you away from something you want… you're, without doubt, the worst."
"Thank you, Nat. You know what they say, love is all about compromises."
"Fuck you." Natsu untangled himself and stomped off.
Small portion of guilt jabbed at his heart, but knowing that he's gonna be a part of something bigger bashed that guilt out of the window.
And Gildarts? He'll have to mention that later in time, no worries.
"DON'T SAY THAT I DIDN'T WARN YOUR ASS!" Natsu yelled out from the living room.
Hibiki's building intimidated him. It wasn't a skyscraper, but it held an air of authority that Gray didn't get over even after visiting it the past month.
The discussion of working with the Japanese government consumed a lot of time. Natsu discussed it with him during breakfast, lunch, dinner, and before sleep. Gray's apartment was far from where he was supposed to work, and they needed to shift. Natsu became a little less irritated whenever the subject was mentioned, and that was a good thing.
When Hibiki had scheduled an interview with him at his building, his anxiety surfaced.
Before exiting his apartment, Natsu had stood, crossing his arms with a scowl on his face. This was it. There was no going back.
Gray smiled, ruffled his hair, and said a few comforting words, like it's gonna be alright, which saddened Natsu more. Gray adopted his previous cold teasing system and laughed it off.
"I'm not going to the army you know."
Natsu hugged him tight, and wished him good luck.
When Gray asked Natsu why he'd caved in despite of loathing the concept, Natsu had answered with this:
"Love is all about compromises… that, and I can't make my man choose between me and his career... It's not a fair choice. I'm not childish, Gray." That was the answer.
"Yeah? You're crying, how's that not childish?"
"I can't help it jerk!"
Natsu is sweet all the time. He was thankful he was his partner. They kissed a see you later, and Gray was gone.
He hadn't expected this turn of events when they first told him about his friend's arrest in the airport. With the sun so high, beaming and illuminating the building, a swell of excitement aroused with the thrumming of his heart. Fear and thrill clutched his entire being. He climbed two and sometimes three steps at a time until he reached the secured building's entrance.
Hello Future.
Ooooooooh holidays!
He's gonna fix that broken drawer in his room, isolate himself in the virtual gaming world, and watch all the movies he'd missed.
FREEDOM BABY. In fact, he had a freedom song playing in the background as he made himself breakfast, marveling at the relaxing pool's blue sapphire. He'll do lots of swimming too! HOORAY TO HOLIDAYS. What a beautiful morning. The cool air on the porch revived him.
Laxus, the lunatic, was probably killing other trainees with his doom exercises to reinforce his power, masculinity, or… you know, whatever. It was time for Sting and Gajeel's lunch too as they bitched to one another about the world they live in.
He moaned in delight at the way his muscles stretched. Gray will be cooped in his workshop, being bossed around by Gildarts as he bossed Levy, losing his youth. Gray had a beard and a fat mustache for, like, two consecutive months… the period before one of his demented deadlines.
And one day, he freaked the shit out of Natsu when (at some point) he woke up early and shaved all of it. Natsu thought a sexy stranger has trespassed their house and had the audacity to goof around with a bath towel only. The sexiness didn't make up for the fact that he was a stranger in Natsu's eyes, and Natsu, being a part of the most ferocious unit of the law enforcement regiment, had (guns) and was about to blow Gray's brains out. Sexy or not.
"Alright! Let's fix that stupid agonizing drawer!"
He sang along the stream of loud metallic songs that filled the entire villa. And it continued for hours till he made himself lunch.
"What the…?"
Natsu squatted on the kitchen's floor, opened the white cabinet and fetched his gun (He liked to keep them around for crucial moments), and instead of going off recklessly, Laxus's annoying voice struck him to assess the situation.
There were drones… roaming everywhere. Two in the living room, two in the outdoor swimming pool area, and three in the hall. There was a ninety percent chance, these were Gray's drones and ten percent an unknown party. Gray is at work and no way in hell he'd be able to pull-off a prank as he's chasing another freaky deadline. So, his options were:
A: Some remnants of the Ondrej organization he had crushed six months ago.
B: The syndicate that fell in love with Gray's booty (not really, just his smart brain)—what were they called? Tar—tab-fuck it. He forgot. Fuckers, they destroyed three of their previous houses, and Natsu really, really liked it here, motherfuckers. (Let's be honest for a second, Natsu got reckless with the grenades and because of him, their house was indistinguishable. His "Uh… Oops…?", didn't produce the effect he was hoping it would, and Gray kicked him out of their hotel bedroom for a week).
C: Another syndicate that wants Gray…?
He was running out of patience and ideas. Does he go with his so-called nickname "Salamander" on those drones, or should he stand by and observe? He planned an aggressive sex night with Gray in the weekend and he… didn't want to slim his chances. Because you know, Gray's hot when he's sweaty, passionate, possessive and—Natsu was blushing furiously in the middle of "questionable danger less than a meter away".
Inhaling and exhaling, Natsu leapt on the kitchen's Island and pointed his gun at the two drones in the living room, his finger itching to shoot when one of them made a sharp contact with the bubble chandelier.
"Woah! Dude! Stand down!"
"What…?" Natsu maintained his attacking-stance, even when Gray showed up in bright casual clothes.
"Wow Natsu. Do you really hate having sex with me?"
"… Why are you out of work? And why are your games in my house?! Didn't we discuss this shit before?" Natsu hopped off, dropped the volume of the music and glared at his boyfriend, "Also, I'm cancelling the aggressive sex night because of your false claims."
There was about eight meters separating them. Gray's face scratches were fresh and healing. Whenever Natsu saw them, he had the urge to go abuse his kidnappers all over again in jail.
When Gray didn't react to Natsu's threat, and remained calm with a kind smile on his lips, Natsu sighed, "WOW Gray. I didn't think this was your goal all along. Fuck you. You're the one who hates having sex with me."
A drone made it above Natsu whose scowl deepened.
"Will you cut it out?"
The drone descended to Natsu's eye-level with a closed package mounted on it.
Gray's eyes said, 'Check it out.'
He grumbled, pulling away the package from the irritating small drone. He imagined it'd be heavy, but it wasn't. Unboxing was fairly easy. A deep indigo gift bag appeared, startling him for a second.
"What's…?"
"-Open it."
"But it's not my birthday… right?"
"Nope. Open it."
Despite of being too pissed at Gray's show-off, his heart fluttered. He searched for a reason behind it in his "special occasions" record, but found none.
It smelled super nice too. Natsu laughed inside at the image of Gray spraying it with perfume. Like, really? That's hilarious.
'How unusually sweet.'
There was a box of… jewelry(?), and at that point he stared at Gray, questioning, but got no response.
He held the small royal green box with a million thoughts. No fucking way, right? When he gathered enough courage and opened it, his grip on his gun loosened significantly, and it ended up clinking on the marble floor.
His entire system was alert.
A platinum ring with exquisite carvings shone in the bright daylight with pride. 'Marry me?' was a small note next to it.
'I'm sleeping… wake up, wake up now!'
How come? Why him? Shit, what's he supposed to do?! The easiest way out of this was to laugh, nervousness taking over, "Are we in April? Oh my god, fuck! You're so hilarious, well-done!"
Gray's glare penetrated him for a minute.
"…" Natsu's laughter stopped awkwardly, "What?"
"Dumbass." His boyfriend shook his head and approached him until an inch separated them, "How can I ever joke about something like that?"
"I-I don't understand, it's, I don't understand…" Yeah… was Gray serious? Was he still not waking up? What the HELL was happening?!
"What's not to understand?"
"Gray," Natsu calmed a tiny part of the full-blown panic spreading in him, "Last week's wedding definitely did something to you. Calm the hell down and-" Natsu closed the box, returning it to the bag, however, Gray held his wrist.
"So what if it did?" Gray's tone was gentle and coaxing, "Gimme this."
Gray took the box, and plucked the ring from its bed, "You're mine anyway. This won't make a difference, just a formality. So, are you gonna say yes, or are you still having qualms about my commitment to you?"
He urged his cheeks to calm the blood rush. His stomach almost hurt from the flutters and excitement blossoming and-this was a foolish fantasy of his. Otherwise, why would Gray want to marry him? This was sudden and unexpected and unreal.
"… Why?"
"Easy. Because I love you, and I can't make it with you not around."
'Oh my god. I need to get a grip, I really need to. Do holidays produce hallucinations?'
"Are you… really here?"
"For god's-sake, snap out of it." Gray sighed.
"…"
"You know what?" Gray rubbed the back of his head, "You're not… ready. I'm rushing things, forget it happened."
"HOLD ON A MINUTE!" Erza (?) barked.
Great, he was hearing things, AND fantasizing about Gray proposing to him—except that maybe he wasn't. Erza Scarlet appeared in the sexiest sleeveless black dress and heels—and she terrified Natsu with her unforgiving glare.
"I know now why this relationship dragged for over five years. GRAY! I bought this fantastic dress for today and I'm not going home empty-handed, neither do any of us!"
Us?
Their hall spilled Gray's mom, sheepish Lucy and Levy, smirking Loke, longsuffering Laxus and Sting, and—woah. Natsu's vacation is gone.
"You've seen his reaction! I have the ring right here, got on one knee or whatever-"
"-You didn't get on one knee though…" The words were out of Natsu before he could rethink his statement.
Erza and Ur didn't speak, but their strong red gaze promised he'd be kneecapped if he didn't obey their silent order.
"Hai, Hai." Gray sighed, getting on one knee, "What now?!"
"Ask again, romantically, because I'm shooting a video for your wedding." Lucy held her camera like her life depended on it, "Embarrass him and yourself a bit, please."
"I feel bad for Natsu-san..." Sting and Laxus shared the same sentiment.
"… No, I think Gray's the one to be pitied." Levy made sure the distance between her and Erza is a good three meters before she drops the comment.
"DO IT." Erza ordered.
Gray rubbed his hair, then sighed, looking up to where Natsu froze.
"I…" funny that Gray was nervous, "… told you before. This is a formality. I have pictured the rest of my life with you, so even if you don't accept and Erza kills me, I'll stay by your side, and won't allow you to leave. If you feel pressured, I understand your rejection, but if you want this as much as I do… It'll be my greatest honor to be bound to you forever."
Gray took his hand, and rubbed soothing circles with his thumb.
"I love you, no matter what you choose."
Natsu kneeled, hugged Gray, and smiled fondly at him. For a long while, they stayed in that position. Because… Natsu has searched for all the replies and things he can reciprocate with, but fell short. This, without doubt, was the moment Natsu felt so fulfilled.
Gray was stiff, yet gentle in his hug. It took him a while to hug back, afraid to ask Natsu again. But before anyone said or done anything, Natsu cut the hug, grabbed the box from Gray's hand, and slipped the smooth metal in his finger. He nodded at Gray, caressing his cheek with his thumb.
"What did I miss?" Lieutenant Freed Justine panted as he entered the room.
"Your hubby's late, Major." Sting teased Laxus who ignored him.
"Nothing. I got it on video!" Lucy grinned at Freed.
"Nice!" Freed high fived Lucy, then smiled. Natsu and Gray had both stood up, hands linked. They didn't speak, but they could guess what transpired between their minds.
"You scared me shitless." Gray scowled, "I thought you'd go to Nigeria next."
Natsu's shy smile was cute. The peppery red face was worth Gray's humiliation this afternoon. He hadn't spoken since Gray's proposal. Everyone turned on the music and had a mini celebration by the pool. His mom, being (Magically) sure Natsu would take Gray as his future husband, planned the whole evening's drinks, food, snacks, etc.
Gray's arm was around Natsu's waist as they sat on the pool's lounge chair.
"You went all mute there… everything ok? We can always call it off… don't let Erza or mom scare you into marrying me, this isn't what-"
He got smacked.
"…" Gray held the back of his head and shot Natsu a glare, "I won't hit back because it's a special moment."
Natsu sighed and hugged Gray from the side.
"There's… nothing left to say. I just love you really." Natsu's hair smelled like strawberries and sunshine.
Gray kissed his forehead as their faces reflected the caustics of the pool's water.
"I know you do. You risk your safety for me every day. You put up with Laxus's hellish training. You put up with me." Gray chuckled, "I think you've proven your love plenty."
"Sometimes…" Natsu trailed, staring at the girls' antics on the other side of the pool as they stole images of the newly engaged couple, "… I look at myself and... You're an obsession, Gray. I just… don't think you know how much I…"
"I do." The warm bubble in Gray's chest kept getting warmer, "Trust me. I do."
He held Natsu's hand and promised silently not to let go.
The End
A/N: Yes. Imagine? I can't. Hahaha, I've been working on this project for a very long time and only got to publish it last year. It's been... a really interesting journey of learning about writing and a lot of other things.
My Dear Beta Reader: Without your support, this wasn't gonna be possible. There were days that I'd slack off and then you'd encourage me to keep writing and get me back on track. You've been amazing. And I couldn't ask for a better editor to correct my work.
My Reviewers: Guys... you're the best. A lot of you may know or not know this, but reviewers are the Authors' most treasured beings. You encourage us to write and update and give us the source of energy that we need to produce creative work. Thanks for all those who reviewed, you're very appreciated.
To all: I'm available in this website... probably till I'm in my 60s or something. If you wanna just chat or ask me anything, go ahead!
Well. It'll be probably a long time ahead until I decide to write something else, but... see you in the next project ^.^
Love,
Flame-Belt