Csilla: This chapter is 95% fluff~
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Chapter Nine: Freetime
Staring out at the vivid blue before him, Gray inhaled the earthy aroma surrounding him in a gentle embrace before tensing to the sound of a branch breaking behind him. Staying silent, he could only come up with one person to find him in such a place beyond all the trees and growth: "Thought I'd find you here," A wide grin was clearly heard in his words as the raven turned to glance over his shoulder at his roommate, Natsu.
The rosette approached him, wearing normal street clothes of a young adult that surprised the other for a moment but pushed that aside when Natsu added with a chuckle, "Saw something that might interest you,"
The way that was said screamed 'HIDDEN MEANING' to one onyx-eyed adult, who chuckled as his roommate sat down on a rock beside him: "Oh really? After the show I got waking up this morning, what else could there be to show?"
At the upbringing of their morning events the rosette tsk'd, "Not my fault that you woke up when I stepped back into the room," as he fought a losing battle of not grinning.
"Naked," The raven deadpanned.
"I was wearing a towel," The rosette retorted in mocking offense.
"No, you were holding a towel in front of your body"
"..."
Moments of birds chirping and water running before Gray asked, "So what is it?" getting back to the original point.
With fake hurt, Natsu pouted: "I don't know if I wanna show someone who can't be grateful they got to see such an amazing sight,"
Turning to face his roommate, the raven bowed slightly muttering: "Yes, Natsu-sama's ass is what every man dreams of waking up to" in the most monotone voice he could muster without cracking up laughing.
A howl of laughter ripped from both of them before the rosette handed over a folded piece of paper to his comrade, "H... Here," chuckles still evident in his voice. Onyx eyes gave the slip a quick once-over before raising an eyebrow in mild confusion; "So... we're going out?"
"Uh, yeah" His partner replied like it was the most obvious thing in the world before grinning: "C'mon~ let's enjoy this nice day with an all-expenses paid meal!"
Gray sighed before staring at the water; his old life seemed so distant, almost like a dream. He had been living here for quite some time and had noticed a few things:
First that Loki was 'whipped' to drop everything on a dime for this girlfriend (although Lucy never seemed to abuse his affection towards her)
Second that Levi was in love with Gajeel; the raven had accidentally caught a glimpse of the info broker wiping away tears as she stared at the photo of the missing member one night.
Third that he should avoid any area where Lucy, Ultear and Meredy are in one place together - one incident lead to the poor raven getting handcuffed to the rosette until they repeated everything that those three devil spawns said. And they meant everything.
And finally that all three of those girls might be onto something, onyx eyes glanced over at his oblivious comrade; the former doctor could feel something more than friendship between them but he always pushed it aside with the excuse that it had to be the adrenaline talking. Not his heart. And not his brain. When curious cobalt met dazed onyx, raven hair shifted uncomfortably when its owner realized he had been caught staring at Natsu by said rosette!
Darting his attention anywhere else, Gray pushed himself up onto his feet; "W-Well, l-let's g-get g-going t-then..." mentally cursing for stuttering as he headed for the house with his comrade in suit behind him.
Once inside Natsu took the lead and headed for the garage; climbing into a bright red jeep that appeared well-taken care of, Natsu sat in the driver seat as he pulled car keys from the pockets of his jeans. The raven hadn't thought of the possibility that anyone other than him actually owned their own car! Scolding himself for jumping to an unlikely conclusion; after all, his comrade had mentioned he pretty much grew up on the streets before being taken in by the Organization.
"I guess you already got permission to borrow one of the cars, huh?" Gray muttered as the car pulled off the driveway and his gaze fell on the 'outside world' that he often forgot even existed.
Snorting attracted onyx eyes as Natsu replied, "Actually this is my car," feeling the waves of disbelief, "I'm serious... of course, this baby wasn't all that appealing when I first got him... it was a gift from Gildarts," smiling, "I fixed him up to what he is now~"
Beyond that, the drive was peaceful; a smile played the raven's lips as he simply stared at the window to the slightly blurred scenery. It seemed that they were talking more and more but Gray always enjoyed the content silence that followed next more than anything. Onyx eyes wandered over to his companion; he had never actually seen Natsu in anything that wasn't sweats or various other outfits - never anything normal. The rosette wore slightly loose form-fitting jeans, a white t-shirt hidden beneath a form-fitting grey jacket; shifting uncomfortably in his seat, the raven forced his attention back to looking beyond the window.
Finally after thirty minutes, "We're here," Natsu announced, pulling into a quaint cafe; the two stepped out before stepping inside the cozy atmosphere within.
"Just two?" The waitress behind the counter asked; Natsu called back 'yeah' and soon the two were seated in a booth towards the back. Menus were placed in front of them before the pink-haired waitress introduced herself: "Hello, my name is Chelia~ Can I start you two off with a drink?"
"Raspberry tea for me," The raven spoke as his eyes scanned the menu for something to eat; he didn't want to spend too much on something that was going to leave his body later.
Swiping the laminated papers from his companion, Natsu made his order (and Gray's): "I'll have strawberry lemonade and we'll be doing the two for one deal," handing over a slip of paper.
Pink dusted across the girl's features as she asked, "Did you guys want the chicken or the fish?"
"Is chicken okay?" The rosette turned; obviously wanting Gray to also have a say in their meal. The raven nodded his head as Chelia scribbled down their order and excused herself. Once the girl was out of hearing range, the raven leaned in questioning: "So what's this 'two for one' deal we're getting?"
Cocking his head to the side, Natsu sighed: "Basically according to the intel I got, its two entrees for one price..."
"Hn," Sipping his tea, they chatted about various topics that had nothing to do with their job as they waited for their food to arrive; the atmosphere around them reflecting the playful one that had earlier at their spot.
Laughing, "So wait, Luce really said that... oh god-damn, I gotta Loki when we get back" the rosette couldn't believe his ears if what the raven was saying was true then - He couldn't wait to hold this over to the slightly tsundere blonde's head. Despite the surprise, he could imagine those two settling down with a family and away from the dangers this job brings to each of them. On a side thought, would he find someone to make him want to leave this lifestyle behind?
Grinning, "Yeah... I was surprised as well," Natsu would never really admit it out loud but there was something about his partner's smile that made him feel human again. That he wasn't simply a killer but he could be someone's best friend. Or-
"Alright~ here you two are!" His thoughts cut short when Chelia magically appeared with their food on a tray; with quick 'thank you's they were left again.
The food was beyond amazing; the rosette would have to thank Meredy for the coupon next time he saw her and the best part was that he was able to hang out with Gray outside of missions. And that house. The raven seemed to be enjoying himself that it almost made his breakdown a month prior seem like it happened ages ago. When Chelia came back asking if they wanted dessert, Natsu nicely declined saying they were ready for the check and when Gray went for his wallet - it was instantly shot down.
"No, I'm paying..." The rosette stood his ground; he had dragged the other out, after all - it was only fair.
Sighing, "...now this feels like a date..." Gray breathed out almost inaudible, which thanks to years of training - Natsu heard, much to the raven's dismay if he knew.
Their check came and before his comrade could make a dive for the piece of paper, the rosette swiped it off the table and out of pale hand's reach with a triumph grin. When Gray sat back with his arms crossed, cobalt eyes scanned the slip to find the price; Meredy had said it was a 'deal' but she never mentioned how much it cost.
"That's weird..." Natsu's voice trailed invoking some curiosity to spark inside the raven as he muttered, "what is?" before taking another sip of his drink while the rosette explained, "They charged us as a couple..."
Raspberry tea flew out of Gray's mouth as he choked on his drink; tapping repeatedly on his chest, the raven's coughing settled as he croaked out: "W-What?"
Handing the paper over, "Yeah... see... it says 'couple two-for-one deal' on our receipt,"
Onyx eyes narrowed, "Who told you of this deal?"
"Meredy..." Cocking his head to the side, Natsu felt confused when the raven's head dropped to the table at the mention of their pink-haired comrade; sure the girl was a little strange but she meant well. For the most part.
Groaning, "Natsu... she basically set us up on a date..."
The rosette laughed but internally he was a little embarrassed; he didn't bother asking questions when he was given the coupon from Meredy - she seemed sincere when she handed it over. Natsu wouldn't lie to himself - he had grown fond of his roommate, especially their conversations. Like the one this morning. The playful banter was something he could get used to if it meant Gray would stay by him as his partner.
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Csilla: Okay~ well I couldn't help myself... this story needed a chapter full of fluff mainly because the next chapter is... DUN-DUN-DUUUUUUUUUUN... the climax of story ;D
p.s. thank you to everyone who has waited patiently for this chapter (the next won't be as delayed!)