The morning came too fast and when the trumpeted call over the loud mega speakers that sat on a tall poll amongst the cabins sounded no one moved. Gramps had even moved the morning horns back an hour to play at 8am instead of 7 knowing the kids stayed late at the bonfire. Even Natsu who would usually jump up before the alarms had groaned and rolled over pulling a blanket over his head to try and shield himself from the morning.

"Get your lazy asses out of bed before I start dragging you guys out!"

Eyes popped open and the boys sat up and jerked their heads to the voice. An excited smile spread across Natsu's face, "What is going on?!"

"How?" Leo asked his eyes wide with shock.

Lyon stood up, "What are you doing here?"

Gajeel crossed his arms over his chest and smirked smugly, "I want my certificate that they give you when you complete the program. I earned that shit so I want it."

"But you are suppose to be resting and recovering. If you remember you almost died," the astounded teen shot back.

The pierced teen rolled his eyes, "Well I didn't die and they gave me more blood at the hospital dumbass. I was really tired for a while but it's getting better and now that the wounds are healing there's not much pain at all."

Freed chewed his lip worriedly, "But should you be traveling and up moving around?"

"I'm not here trying to run a race or lift weights. I'm not doing anything strenuous. Lily got the OK from the doc before we even made the trip. I slept the whole way here. Tsk, I thought you guys would be happy to see me." Gajeel stuck his chin out and turned his head to snub them.

"We are happy we were just worried about you that's all!" Freed pleading.

"I know, I just have to give ya shit. I've been bored out of my mind stuck at home resting for weeks. Beside the calls I got from ya'll and the skyping with Levy and tattoo face so I could complete the program It's been boring. Lily went back to work and before he'd leave he would put the TV on Teen Nick and hide the remote so I wouldn't watch something he deemed inappropriate. When he came home he would bring Disney movies to watch together, it was hell. And I miss the food!" The boys traded puzzled looks, "Lily eats a lot of fish and he has an abnormal obsession with kiwi. He puts it in everything and I am so freaking tired of that stupid fuzzy fruit!" The boys started laughing at Gajeel's plight, "I'm serious between the PG programming and kiwi I was going crazy."

"Oh metal head you have it rough," Leo commented, "So you came to get your certificate and to get away from an overly caring brother?"

"Well I didn't get far he came too and I have to prove to the court I completed the program. I was court ordered here in the first place and once I have that I will be out of the system. It's the last piece of the puzzle Lily already has full custody of me. I'm just ready to give them their proof and move on with my life."

"Understandable, so does Levy know you're here?" Leo asked slyly.

Gajeel chuckled, "Yeah I've been here since 6am so I went to see her after talking with Gramps and tattoo face. I didn't get to see her for very long though. Apparently shorty and hippie girl don't like getting woke up early."

"Please tell me you didn't wake them up like you did us?" Gray asked.

"Hell no, they fell asleep talking or something in the same bunk so I walked up and yanked the covers off of 'em. It was freaking hilarious they both shrieked and jumped up. They were so pissed. Both of 'em were yelling at me while trying to cover up but they were both wearing tanks and shorts so it's not like anything was showing. I asked what they thought they were hiding it's not like they were Lucy or Mira, nothing was popping out and that pissed them off even more. They made me leave and told me not to come back until I learned some manners. As I was leaving though Levy ran up and kissed me real quick and then slammed the door in my face so It turned out good." Gajeel smiled thinking about how cute the short girl had looked pissed off.

"Ok you are nuts," Gray said.

"Yep he's as crazy as the rest of us," Laxus added, "parents are going to start arriving in a few hours and there's a few things that need to get done before that happens right Natsu?"

Natsu jolted up and looked confused, "I got all packed up yesterday, I don't think I forgot anything, did I Zeref?"

His brother shook his head, "No you are all packed but after last night…."

Zeref trailed off as recognition started to show in Natsu's face. The teens voice was unsure as he spoke, "Oh, yeah so um what so I have to do, I mean I wasn't sure what happens next?"

"We are just going to go talk to Gramps about last night and what happens next. You don't need to stress he will lead you down the right path. Gramps has the knowledge and experience and he's gonna know how to adjust your after camp care plan so you will know what to do to keep things moving when you leave here." Laxus waited for the pink haired teen to respond.

After a few moments Natsu gave a determined nod, "Right, he already gave me one good plan and he can whip up another no problem. This is all ok, let's do this!" The teen started for the door.

"Hey Natsu," Gray called after Natsu, "Maybe put on pants because if Erza see's you walking around in your flame decorated boxers she will probably flip."

The pink haired teen turned on his heels, his nerves obviously getting the better of him even though he was trying not to show it, "That's probably a good idea. Pants are always a good idea. I'm going to put pants on, shorts actually." Natsu walked to his bunk and grabbed the pair of shorts he had thrown off the night before and pulled them on. He then pulled on his bright orange socks and then his shoes. "Ok I'm ready."

"Then let's go, I've been waiting." Laxus teased.

"Hey you slept in your pants and only had to put one shoe on so you had a head start."

"You want your brother or anyone to come?" ,the blonde questioned.

Natsu paused for a moment, "I don't know, didn't really think about it."

He looked back at his brother who had already gotten up and threw on some clothes. "I'm coming. If you decide you'd rather talk to Gramps on your own I will sit outside and wait. You have always taken care of me. Waited with me til the crowd died or speaking on my behalf at restaurants so I want to be there for you this time if that's ok. Let me be the big brother for once."

Natsu nodded, "That would be cool."

They 3 left to find the man Natsu needed to see. Gajeel sat on one of the bunks while the boys quickly got ready and they headed to breakfast together.

FTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFT

Parents started showing up at their scheduled times. Every camper had an appointment set with their counselor and parents so they could discuss in depth their progress and aftercare plans. After the appointment the campers would have time to show their parents around the camp, things they had accomplished, and introduce them to their new friends. Finally there would be a small ceremony mainly for show where the camper would get their certificate for completing the program and any other awards they might have earned.

Igneel's elbows rested on his knees as he listened to the information the short old man was giving him. There was a pile of papers with all kinds of information for him to take home on the desk in front of him. Zeref and Natsu hadn't came in yet Makarov had wanted to discuss things with Igneel alone before the boys arrived.

"Are you handling all this ok ?"

Igneel looked up at the old man, "Yes, I'm just letting it all absorb."

Gramps nodded sympathetically, "I know it's a lot and it'll be hard for you to change some habits as well but you boys a good boys. With the right care they will both excel and lead productive happy lives. However if you continue to act as if Zeref's only problem is a lack of confidence and don't take his anxiety and depression seriously as a mental health disorder then I'm afraid he will only close back off into himself."

"I understand."

"Natsu's ADHD can be treated with medications it's a very manageable disorder but the trauma he endured will not heal if you take the easy way out and let him continue to act like it never happened. He can never heal and recover if it is left unfaced and untreated. Just last night he his biggest break through but he will back track if it's not addressed." Igneel nodded. "Mr. Dragneel Zeref will never be outgoing and bubbly but that doesn't mean he can't be happy. Natsu will never learn to sit still, it's not in him, he is not wired that way, he just can't. That does not mean he's not smart or that he won't be able to do amazing things with his life. It just means that he might have to learn a different way and different does not have to mean slower or bad, it's just different. Everything we've talked about is in their aftercare plans. I have pages of numbers and resources I have given you but if you ever have questions or don't know what to do are phone's are working year round, call us. I set up appointments for both boys with wonderful therapists and doctors in your area to take over where we left off. The boys have made amazing progress in this short time, they are good and have the biggest hearts. Please do not let all their hard work go to waste by trying to avoid the discomfort. I know this will be hard at first but I promise you the effort is worth it." Makarov sat back in his chair.

The old man hoped what he said got through to Igneel. Igneel wasn't a bad father by any means but he had ignored the signs and acted like nothing was wrong for far too long. Igneel sat up and ran his hand through his hair.

"I guess maybe I lied to myself enough that I could pretend things were fine. No that's bullshit, I was never convinced everything was fine, I knew. Maybe I was just lazy. That's horrible isn't it?'

Makarov shook his head, "You weren't lazy . You are a single father and you were very overwhelmed. All three of you have been through a lot. Natsu's abduction didn't just happen to him, it had lasting effects on you and Zeref also so please remember that and give yourself a break. Do not forget to take care of your mental health also. You have been fighting a war with no weapons and no troops, just you and the boy on a battlefield and that's scary. But you have the resources and information you need now and those are your weapons and now you have this camp and doctors and therapist ready to join you so you are not alone in this anymore. The dawn is coming I promise."

"Thank You, for the first time in a long time I feel like maybe I'm not going to fail the boys. I'm very grateful."

Makarov smiled widely, "I'm glad and you are very welcomed." Makarov reached over the desk shaking the man's hand. As he did the 2 boys who had been the topic of conversation walked through the door.

Igneel turned and faced palmed, "What happened to your hair!"

Makarov's face went red, "I swear it wasn't like that when I saw him this morning!"

Natsu grinned, "Do you guys like it? Zeref helped me do it as soon as we left your office Gramps!"

Igneel stared at the now rainbow colored hair sticking out all over his sons hair then turned to Makarov and grabbed the papers off the desk and started flipping through them. Makarov gave him a questioning glance. "I'm looking for the resources or tool to help me not kill them."

Makarov reached over a grabbed some of the papers from the man's hand, "Let me help you look."

Natsu looked at Zeref and both boys grinned like cheshire cats.

FTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFT

Leo sat with his parents across from Jellal. The blue haired man was smiling, "So what's the first thing you are going to do when you get home?"

"Get a new pair of shades," Jellal frowned at the boy, "Then find a meeting and get a sponsor."

The smile returned to his face, "Excellent! We've discussed everything we need to and I've given you the lists of therapist so please set Leo's private sessions up and a family session as soon as possible. That is really all I have so unless you have any other questions we are done."

Leo's parents rose and his dad reached to shake hands with the blue haired man. He clasped both his hands over Jellal's, "Thank you, thank you for whatever you guys did here to get through to him. He was an empty shell for so long and now I have my son back."

Leo's mom was hugging him and crying, "You are welcomed but remember he is the one that did all the hard work so be proud of him."

"We are," his mother said hugging him tightly, "so proud of our little lion."

FTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFT

Ur was staring daggers at Gray who was standing on the right side of her. They had finished their aftercare meeting but ran into Erza on their way through the camp. Lyon was standing on the left side of Ur smirking as Erza informed their foster mom of Gray's antics.

"Well thank you very much for letting me know Erza. I will make sure Gray understands the disrespectfulness and severity of his actions." The redhead smiled grimly back and then walked away.

Ur brought both hands up smacking both boys in the back of their heads with a loud pop.

"Ow," Gray whimpered.

Lyon rubbed the back of his head and gawked at Ur, "What was that for? Gray did all that without me!"

Ur turned to Lyon and cocked and eyebrow, "You and I both know damn well you are no angle. I'm sure you did something to deserve it I just haven't found out yet."

Gray was smirking now, 'But that's not fair because I'll just get another smack in the head when you do find out!"

"Life's not fair. Now let's get to the art barn so i can see what pretty things you boys made me this year."

Lyon scoffed, "Who said we made you anything?"

Ur turned to the mouthy teen, "Are you saying you didn't make me something?"

"I did, I did!" Lyon rolled his eyes at Gray and Gray stuck his tongue out at Lyon, "I painted a bunch of winter scenes but I saved the best one for you Ur."

"See Lyon this kid knows when to suck it up kiss ass. I can't wait to see it Gray."

Lyon grumbled and pulled a small notebook out of his back jeans pocket, "Here, take it, it's for you. This is what I worked on most of the summer. I didn't spend a lot of time in the art barn."

Lyon stuck his hands in his pocket and looked away as Gray gave a knowing smile.

Ur was silent as she looked through the little note book.

Day 1 92lbs

1 banana

¼ cup cheerios

Threw up

Orange juice

Cookie

Threw up

Hot dog no bun

Apple

½ cup milk

1 serving of unrecognizable mush

½ cup Milk

Ur was near the middle of the notebook now.

Day 20 101 lbs

½ cup oatmeal

½ cup orange juice

1 banana

1 rice crispy treat

½ ham and cheese sandwich

1 serving potato chips

Grilled chicken breast no skin

7 green beans

Binged on frosted chocolate cake

3 or 4 pieces

Threw up

Day 35 108lbs

2 eggs fired

1 strip of bacon

1 cup milk

1 banana

I cup grapes

1 fruit roll up

1 walking taco no cheese or sour cream

1 cup cranberry juice

I went back for sour cream for the taco

1 serving questionable lasagna

Side salad with ranch

I DID NOT THROW UP TODAY

Day 44 119 lbs

1 pancake with syrup

½ cup blueberries

1 cup milk

1 tuna salad sandwich on wheat

1and ½ cup carrot and celery raw

1 cup orange juice

2 hot dog without the bun

1 smores

2 marshmallows

I DID NOT THROW UP TODAY

Ur closed the book and looked at Lyon she started to talk but couldn't find the words so she pulled the teen into a tight hug as she sniffled.

"Oh my God Lyon! You broke Ur not only is she hugging but she is crying!"

"Shut up dumb ass, and get over here," Ur mumbled and raised an arm to make room for Gray. The raven haired teen shrugged and joined the uncharacteristic display of public affection in the form of a family hug.

FTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFT

Freed smiled at his mom who was sitting in the front row right next to Laxus. After his session he had taken and introduced her to his friends and his Laxus. They had hit it off bonding over how amazing they both thought Freed was much to his embarrassment. All the kids had walked across the camps small outdoor stage and received their certificates already. Now they were posing for a group photo. The photographer finished and they were now waiting for Gramps to dismiss them.

The old man went to center stage milk crate in tow. He sat it down in front of the mic and stepped up. "I know we are all anxious and it's been a long day but I have a few more things before I can let you all leave." The old man turned to the campers, "I want to give special recognition to a few campers who not only made great strides while here but acted in ways beyond their age. I know we called each and every guardian when the incident occurred so you know what transpired. I would like to introduce you all to those campers who went above and beyond and help to avoid what would've been a possible tragedy. So boys please come forward when I call your names."

Gramps called each boy forward one by one lining them up at the front of the stage. The boys were looking around trying to make eye contact with each other. Not one of them had been told about this part of the ceremony but the smirk Laxus had made them think he had known about it.

"Each one of these boys made amazing progress this summer and that alone is enough to be proud of. However when they thought one of their own was in danger they stepped one willing to give their life to save the other if they had too. They face a very serious and adult situation and showed us that they in fact were not children anymore. And even though I could kill the brats for disobeying my orders and their own safety it can not be overlooked that they acted with heart and courage. It should also be know if any of them pull a stunt like that again I'll kill them myself."

The crowd laughed at Gramps and applauded the boys. Gramps left his I'll crate and gave each boy a hug, he had tears in his eyes by the time he reached the last boy who happened to be Natsu. The bright haired kid grinned and wrapped his arms around the old man then lifted him up and swung him around while Gramps yelled for him to stop. Natsu put him down and he glared at the boy, "brat." Natsu just grinned.

FTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFT

The goodbyes were hard. Gajeel was the 1st to leave they had a long trip and he was exhausted. They all waved as Lily drove off the pierced teen had already fallen asleep before they had even pulled out of the lot.

Leo was the next to go and he left with a huge smile. His dad handed him over the keys and asked if he wanted to drive home. He practically ran to the driver's seat. He hadn't been allowed to drive except to school and back since the wreck and it was more than just a privilege earned back. His parents were ready to trust him again and that felt amazing and he also thought he looked pretty good driving his dad's Audi.

Freed left with his mom next the teen was stoic and reserved. The car backed out and started to pull away but then stopped. Freed bolted out of the passenger side door and ran to Laxus shocking the hell out of him. Freed wrapped his arms around the blonde and pulled him into a very intense and passionate kiss before running back to the car and leaving a stunned blonde in his wake. Laxus ran a hand through his blonde hair as his shocked expressions melted into a small smile.

Gray and Lyon left with Ur shortly after that. As they walked away Natsu shouted, "Hey popsicle you better keep in touch and keep your clothes on!"

"You know I will fire breath. Try not to wreck anything."

Natsu grinned and waved them off. Zeref was saying his goodbye Mavis. Their hands were locked and hanging down as they rested their foreheads against each other. He gave her a small peck on the lips then pulled away to join his brother and father at the car. Mavis smiled and waved high over her head as Zeref climbed in and they drove away.

Gramps walked up to the two blondes still standing by the lot. "I miss those brats already."

"Me too," The blondes said in unison.

Gramps patted them on the back. "Come on let's go in town and get some grub and relax. Starting tomorrow we have to get the cabins and other buildings closed up for winter."

"As long as you're paying because I have yet to receive a paycheck for my work."

"You'll get a paycheck when you go a whole summer without almost getting killed."

Mavis giggled, "Well that will be a boring summer."

"That it would." Gramps agreed as they heading off.

FTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFT

Natsu and Zeref were looking out the windows on each side of the care as their dad drove them away.

Zeref spoke up, "Hey Natsu do you think we are all really gonna keep in touch? I mean we will probably grow apart or something right? That's just what happens."

Natsu looked at his brother, "No we had a serious experience together the kind that makes real bonds. 10 years from now we are all going to still be best friends just wait and see."

Zeref smiled and leaned his head back on the window, "I hope you are right."

"Me too," Natsu went back to staring out his window. "Stop the car! Dad! STOP THE CAR NOW!"

Igneel slammed on the breaks and Natsu had the door open before the car even fully stopped.

Zeref looked at his dad and then to his brother running towards the ditch. Igneel was yelling out the front passenger side window, "Natsu what the heck is going on? What's wrong!? NATSU!"

Igneel looked at Zeref, "Don't ask me. I have no clue."

They watched the teen bend in the tall grass to retrieve something then he made his way back to the car. Natsu climbed back in the car and shut the door his treasure tucked and hidden in his folded arms and lap

The teen smiled at his dad, "OK you can go now."

Igneel took a deep breath, "I will son but would you care to explain why you jumped out of a moving car and ran to the ditch? I'm trying very hard to be patient right now."

Zeref was look in Natsu's lap curiously. "Oh you didn't see it when it ran across the road?" Natsu smiled wide and held a small bluish gray kitten up for his father to see. "Isn't he adorable!? Thank goodness he didn't get hit."

Zeref smiled and scratched the kitten under the chin, "He really is cute."

"I know and he was all alone."

Both boys looked up at their father, "Dad can we keep him? Please?"

Igneel's first instinct was to yell and lecture but he looked at his boys both of them were smiling and playing with the little kitten. It had been a long time since he had seen them both smile and look so relaxed and carefree. They both looked happy. "Fine but as head of household I get to name it."

Both boys looked up wide eyed and surprised smiles. Neither had expected to keep the cat without a fight.

Natsu responded, "We agree to those terms."

"What are you going to need him?" Zeref asked.

"Happy the damn things name is Happy," as he put the car in gear and started driving again.

"Well Happy welcome to your new family!" Natsu cheered.