Fairy Tail 1. Chapter 1

Author's Note:

This is an AU version of my story Dragon Season, which was requested a while ago (unfortunately I have lost the message so I can't remember who asked for it – if it was you please pm me!). This first chapter is partly the same as the one for the main story. There are probably two or three more chapters to come for this one.

I don't own Fairy Tail I am only playing with it, I promise to put it back when I'm done.

FTFTFT

It was a perfectly normal day at Fairy Tail - perfectly normal that is, if you could ignore the deep growls rumbling forth from the two male dragon-slayers at random intervals.

"What exactly are they growling about?" Lucy whispered to Erza and Mirajane as the three girls stood at the bar watching the two dragon slayers warily; the stellar mage had arrived late and in the middle of a particularly vicious snarl from Gajeel which had sent her scurrying to Erza for protection in case he exploded.

"No idea," Mira said anxiously, eyes moving from Gajeel who was currently slouched in a corner his red eyes moving around the guild with an irritable expression on his face across to Natsu who was sat on the other side of the guildhall staring blankly at the table in front of him seemingly unaware of the frequent growls he was letting off. "They don't seem to be growling at each other though," she added thoughtfully, and indeed the two seemed to be completely disinterested in the other – which was both strange (given the growling) and a relief (for the sake of the guild hall).

The rest of the guild were slowly moving away from the two, sensing the potential for an explosion and being all too aware of the destruction that both mages were capable of. Even Happy who had been sat with Natsu had moved away to sit with Cana, eyeing his oblivious partner with concern and confusion.

"Wendy!" Erza called in relief as she spotted the youngest dragon slayer entering the hall with Carla, as they watched the girl froze for a second sniffing the air before glancing at the two other dragon slayers curiously. After a second she nodded thoughtfully before heading towards the mages gathered at the bar, the white exceed following with a stern expression on her face.

"Do you know what's wrong with them?" Lucy asked as soon as the girl reached them, gesturing at the two growling mages.

"They're in season," Wendy explained seeing the questioning expressions on the groups' faces. "Gajeel's about the right age, but I thought Natsu-san would take a bit longer but maybe its from having two of them in such close proximity," She said thoughtfully staring from one dragon slayer to the other with a slight frown

"What do you mean?" Lucy asked curiously, although silently wondering if this was something she needed to know more about… in season? That wasn't usually something you thought of in relation to people she thought, however, as the growls rang out again she decided that in the case it might be more fitting.

"Male dragons generally stay away from each other, especially in mating season as they can set one another off. And if they both want the same mate it can lead to fatal battles," Wendy said softly before looking around at the suddenly worried faces of their guild mates and realising what they were thinking. "That's not the case here though, look at how they're staying away from one another," she added hurriedly, and the others nodded in relief at that… the battle between the two during the Phantom Lord troubles had been explosive enough, the thought of an all-out, to-the-death battle between the two was simply put…terrifying.

"So why are they growling?" Erza asked anxiously, Natsu's growls seemed to have grown in volume and were nearly continuous at this point although his attention still seemed to be fixed on the table in front of him. Gajeel's growls were more spread out, but equal in intensity when they did ring out and it was making her nervous.

"To warn people away from their mates," Wendy replied innocently, seemingly unaware of the shocked expressions around her as people stared at the two dragon slayers.

"Mates?" They all jumped as Gray joined the conversation not having realised that the ice mage was there, but they all looked at Wendy expectantly causing the girl to sigh realising that she was the only one with the slightest clue as to what was going on. Silently she wished that Master Makarov was around, after all he seemed to know most things and would've been better suited to answering their questions; but the guild-master was currently away on a conference so she guessed that she was responsible for explaining what was happening.

"Dragon's mate for life and dragon slayers are just the same, once they fall for someone it's that person and no one else," Wendy said softly before gesturing at Gajeel and Natsu. "When Dragons or dragon slayers go into season they have about a week to claim their mate; if they don't or the one they've chosen rejects the bond then they will never bond with anyone." Her face grew sad at this, Grandine had been rejected by her chosen mate and her foster-mother had always seemed lonely, the pain of it never leaving her. "It's a lonely life it that happens," she added pensively.

"What about if they haven't found a…mate?" Lucy asked with a faint blush – seriously she thought, this was way too much information. She did find it odd though to think that Natsu – one of the most oblivious boys in the world was going through this; he always seemed so unaware of stuff like dating, romance etc.

"Then they will just be really irritable for the week, and they will go into season again every year until they find their mate," Wendy replied with a shrug, before smiling happily. "But from the way both of them are acting, they've both chosen someone." As if to emphasis her point another series of growls echoed through the hall, causing the other guild members to shoot slightly nervous looks at the mages and to increase their distance from the two volatile mages.

"Well Gajeel's choice is obvious enough," Erza said smiling at Levy who'd moved across to listen after being worried by Gajeel's strange behaviour, causing the little solid script mage to blush wildly and to wave her hands in nervous denial.

"What do you mean?" She asked nervously and Erza smirked before reaching out to push Gray closer to Levy, at once a loud growl rang out from the iron dragon slayer. Seeing the crimson eyes fixed on him Gray immediately backed away from Levy, shooting a glare at Erza as he did so and getting nothing but a small smirk for his efforts.

"He growls every time a guy gets close to you," she explained with a smug smile and the group sweat-dropped, only Erza would manage to notice that detail so quickly. "Besides you've been going out for a while haven't you?" She asked casually with a quick smirk as a brilliant blush spread across the other girl's face.

"H..Yes," Levy admitted not wanting to know how the requip mage had found out as they had been keeping it quiet. With a small smile and a very big blush she got to her feet, glancing at Wendy as she did. "Once in a lifetime chance?" She asked and the little dragon slayer nodded nervously a faint blush appearing. Squaring her shoulders Levy marched across to the growling iron dragon slayer and gave him a quick fierce kiss, halting his growls immediately as his eyes widened. Throwing a cheeky smile at the stunned group the solid script mage held out her hand, pulling Gajeel up when he nervously took it and leading him out of the guild hall.

"Well that's one way of doing it," Lucy murmured shocked by the usually shy bookworm's boldness, but eager for the gossip she knew she'd get at a later date; she had to bite back a grin though as Jet and Droy were gaping after their team member in shock before darkly murmuring about what they would do to the Iron dragon slayer if he hurt 'their' Levy. She hoped for their sake that they would never feel the need to try and carry out the threats they were making, Gajeel would make mincemeat out of them.

"But what about Natsu?" Erza asked turning her attention to the pink haired boy, whom was seemingly wrapped up in his own world although an almost continuous stream of growls was escaping him. "He's not seeing anyone is he?" She looked at Lucy as she said this, eyes curious.

"Eh? Why are you looking at me?" The stellar mage demanded seeing the glance and blushing wildly as she noticed that the others were looking at her as well. "We're just friends. What about Lisanna?" She asked thoughtfully glancing at Mirajane who shook her head with a small smile.

"She's not here," Mira pointed out. "She went off on a quest with Elfman the other day," she added in explanation and the others sighed – Lucy and Lisanna were top of their list of people whom Natsu seemed even vaguely interested in. Vaguely being the world – to be honest before this they had all presumed him to be completely unaware of girls, or at least unaware of them in that sense.

"Wendy?" Cana suggested looking up from her tankard for a moment, and grinning when the young dragon slayer squeaked shaking her head violently; but then choking when someone suggested that it was her.

As the girls whispered various names, trying to work out who Natsu's growls were aimed at they all failed to note Gray slipping out of the guild hall with a disgruntled expression on his face; all except Mira who noted his departure and the sudden cessation of growls that came with it. She smiled slightly to herself as she glanced across at Natsu, noting the way his head had finally come up, his eyes focusing briefly on the exit before he slumped back in his seat. Although part of her wanted to squeal with delight she figured that this probably wasn't the best time to interfere, so with a secretive grin she turned back to the discussion – shaking her head at the obliviousness of the boys' best friends.

FT

Natsu could hear the debate ranging around him, and it irritated him that no one seemed to have a clue about how he was really feeling…and who he was feeling it for. It didn't help that he was aware that Gajeel had acknowledged his chosen, and she had accepted – it only helped to highlight that his situation was completely hopeless. Irate he got to his feet and headed out of the guild, unwilling to put up with other people whilst he felt like this and reluctant to risk losing his friendship with his mate. He would just hide out at home until the week was out, then they could go back to how it was…and how it would always be.

FTFT

The Next Day:

"Natsu? Natsu let us in!" Erza called banging loudly on Natsu's doors, frowning in concern at the lack of response. Glancing across at Lucy she went to reach for her sword, determined to break down the door if she needed to; they had been slightly alarmed when he had disappeared from the guild but they had decided to give him the day to hopefully cheer up…and stop growling. Now, however, that concern was growing as they stood ignored at his front door.

"Go away!" The sudden cry startled her and she froze, glancing incredously at Lucy who looked equally stunned; Natsu never denied Erza…never! Even Gray had rebelled more than the dragon slayer in front of the red-haired girl's wrath.

"Natsu…" Lucy started and there was snarl from inside the house which caused her to back away slightly fearfully, eyes growing wide as she stared at the door. This wasn't the Natsu she knew.

"I said go away," his voice was more of a growl now and they were stunned by the raw emotion in his voice, looking at each other uneasily. "I don't want to see anyone," he added a moment later and then there was silence, followed by the sound of a door slamming somewhere inside as he clearly moved away from them deeper into the house.

"What are we going to do?" Happy asked unhappily as he hovered above the two girls, his eyes fixed on the door barring him from Natsu. The fact that Natsu was even ignoring the little exceed, being of even greater concern than him ignoring his human friends.

"I think we should tell the master," Erza said thoughtfully as she released her hold on her sword, clearly bursting in on him at the moment wasn't going to help matters. "He might know how to help Natsu," she added hopefully; after all Markarov had been the first to know about and believe in Natsu's dragon-slayer magic, so maybe he would have some extra insight to this than Wendy. After all Wendy was a) a girl b) barely in her teens and 3) was relying on information learnt years ago from a now vanished dragon. They would have asked Gajeel but he and Levy had yet to reappear, and they had the sense to not try and interrupt them at the moment.

"I'm going to stay here in case he comes out," Happy said as he settled himself down on the door step, the picture of feline concern. Nodding Erza shot him a comforting smile, she knew how concerned the little exceed was – it was practically unheard of for Natsu to shut the cat out, even their brief spats never lasted more than a couple of hours.

"I wonder why Natsu won't let on who his mate is?" Lucy asked as the two girls headed away from the house, waving at the lonely figure on the doorstep.

"No idea," Erza shook her head with a sigh. "But Natsu's always been shy about stuff like this, so maybe it's just that?"

"Shy?" Lucy asked disbelievingly thinking of all the times that Natsu had climbed into her bed, or had walked in on her and seen stuff he most definitely shouldn't have seen. He had always seemed oblivious and she couldn't recall him blushing or being awkward about it – even Gray showed more awareness than the dragon slayer and he was the idiot that went around seemingly unaware of Juvia's complete infatuation with him.

"He doesn't like to talk about emotions or relationships and stuff," Erza smiled glancing at the other girl. "Most of the time he is oblivious." Lucy sweat-dropped at that – how had Erza known what she was thinking? – then again it was Natsu they were talking about and they both had plenty experience of his denseness. "But I think mainly its because he's scared of admitting how he feels in case the other person leaves; he has no idea what happened to his real parents, and Igneel left him – it's a fear that's never really left him despite how close he is to Fairy Tail."Lucy nodded thoughtfully, a sad look on her face as she considered what her best friend had gone through in the past – but still she couldn't really understand not wanting to pursue the person you wanted to be; maybe she was just overly romantic or maybe it was her inner novelist but she would never ignore an event like this.

FTFTFT

Four Days Later:

Natsu groaned as he dragged himself towards the kitchen in search of something that would cool him down. He had been feeling increasingly ill over the last few days, but today was the worst; he felt like he was burning up… a strange experience as fire never normally felt hot to him. He knew it was because he hadn't been near his mate all week, but he couldn't risk it – he'd rather endure this than risk losing the other mage's friendship. Losing Igneel had hurt, but he had managed to move on – but if he lost the other, he knew that he wouldn't be able to move on.

Shakily he staggered towards the sink, however, the room was starting to spin round him in crazy circles and he ground to a halt as he tried to get his bearings. Slowly the world began to right itself and after several minutes he felt safe to move again, however, as soon as he moved his legs gave way beneath him and he slumped to the floor with a cry. The floor felt cool against his burning skin and he lacked the strength or will to get up again, so wearily he let his eyes flutter shut.

FTFT

The guild was practically dead when Gray slipped inside, and he frowned at the unusual atmosphere and lack of people. Glancing around he spotted Gajeel and Levy tucked away in a far corner talking quietly, and he groaned as he recalled the debates from the previous days over whom his flame-brained rival was romantically interested in. Hastily he made his way to the request board, determined not to be dragged into yet another pointless discussion on the subject.

Mira glanced across at where Gray was stood in front of the job board, frowning slightly at the sight of him searching for a job. Had his disquiet over the discussions about Natsu's mate been because he was annoyed, rather than reciprocated feelings? Remembering Wendy's words she prayed that it wasn't the case, she didn't want Natsu to suffer.

"Have you tried visiting Natsu?" She asked as she moved across to join him, the ice mage starting slightly before turning to glance at her in bemusement. His expression did little to settle her worry over whether he could or would return Natsu's feelings, but she knew that she had to press on.

"Why would I?" He asked with honest confusion, blinking as a look of disquiet flickered across her face and noting how Gajeel had straightened slightly and was now watching them intently.

"He's you're nakama isn't he?" Mira asked cheerfully, not about to push too far to fast in case he ran off before actually speaking with the dragon slayer. "Lucy and Erza have gone to see the master, so he has no one to turn to at the moment." A flicker of guilt passed across the ice mage's face at the gentle question, before he carefully blanked his expression again but the knowing expression on her face told him that he'd been caught out.

"Fine I'll go and see him," he muttered running a hand roughly through his hair, wondering why it was just as difficult to hold out against Mira as it was against Erza. He was rewarded with a dazzling smile from the take-over mage, before she gently ushered him towards the door and he sighed as he realised that she wanted him to go right away.

FT

Gray grumbled softly to himself as he made his way out of town and towards Natsu's house, not for the first time wondering why the sociable fire mage insisted in living out of town. Reluctance slowed his steps as the house finally came into sight, and eventually he drifted to a halt, staring at it with a wide-eyed expression. He could count the number of times he had gone to Natsu's house on his own with the fingers of one hand, and he'd never come here of his own accord.

He'd just about talked himself into turning around and slipping away on a job before Mira could catch him, when there was sudden shout and a blue blur shot towards him.

"GRAY!" He blinked in surprise at the loud shout, finally realising that it was Happy soaring towards him, a combination of worry and relief written across his expressive face.

"Happy what are you doing out here?" The ice mage asked, he'd thought that the exceed would've been cooped up inside with Natsu.

"Natsu won't let me in," the Exceed said sadly as he hovered in front of Gray. "I've been keeping an eye on the house," he added twisting his head to stare back towards the house.

"Have you seen him at all?" Gray asked anxiously, the idea that the dragon-slayer would keep even Happy away from him finally making him realise how serious the situation was.

"Not since the day he left the guild, he just growls at me to go away," Happy said, his wings drooping as he gazed sadly at the house.

"It's okay Happy," Gray said reassuringly to the Exceed (only wishing that he believed that) before heading for the door. Pounding heavily on it he waited for a response, head craned as he listened for any response… after a few minutes of silence he repeated the action and once again waited. "Fine, if you want to play it that way," he muttered in irritation reaching out and placing his hands on the door handle/lock and summoning his magic, smirking as ice spread over the wood. Glancing up at the watching cat he stepped back slightly and lashed out to kick the frozen part of the door, his smirk growing as the ice and wood shattered under the force.

"Gray…" Happy protested weakly but in truth he was happy that they would be able to get inside and check on his friend (truthfully he had expected Erza to break down the door days before!).

"Come on," the ice mage ordered as he moved forward, he still wasn't sure that he was the best person to be confronting the dragon-slayer but he had to admit that even he was a bit concerned by this point.

FT

"Flame-brain?" Gray called as he stepped cautiously into the house followed by an uncharacteristically quiet Happy, absently he noted how tidy the place was – remembering his surprise the first time he had been here. The house remained silent and he exchanged a brief worried look with the Exceed before moving forwards. The living room was empty, however his eyes widened as they fell on a pair of feet protruding from the doorway leading to the kitchen darting forwards he found himself staring down at Natsu's crumpled form.

"Natsu," slight concern blossomed into full-blown fear as he took in the pitiful state of the collapsed dragon slayer. Natsu was pale, a light sheen of sweat covering his face and he seemed to be panting for breath, an expression of pain etched across his face. The ice mage moved swiftly to his friend's side, dropping down to feel the other mage's forehead and recoiling slightly at the heat coming from the other. Natsu always felt unbelievably hot to the ice mage, but this was overwhelmingly hot and Gray felt the stirrings of fear.

"Natsu," he called gently as he shook the other mage watching hopefully for a response of some sort, when there was no sign of any response he sat back on his heels as he tried to think of what to do, wishing yet again that Mira had sent someone other than him.

"Go get Wendy," he ordered after a moment, looking up at the frightened exceed who nodded before springing into the air and heading back out the door. Cautiously Gray scooped up the unconscious dragon slayer and carefully carried him through to the bedroom, frowning at the lack of reaction that the movement brought as he covered Natsu with the blanket. Sighing he sat on the edge of the bed and reached out to place his hand on the fevered brow of the other mage, ice forming around his fingers as he tried to bring the fever down.

"Gray," the weak murmur startled him, but a quick glance showed that Natsu was still out of it, although the fire mage unconsciously lent into the coolness. As he fought the fever it occurred to Gray that he had never seen the dragon slayer ill before – motion sickness didn't count as it was only temporary (and happened all the time!) -, injured certainly but never ill and he found it somewhat disturbing to discover that the other boy could be laid low by illness.

FT

"Gray-san? Natsu-san?" Wendy called as she entered the house followed by Happy and Carla, her nose twitching slightly as she tried to locate the two boys in the unfamiliar house.

"Here Wendy," Gray called, swiftly moving his hand away from the dragon-slayer and ignoring the small whimper that the movement caused. She followed his voice to the room, her eyes widening with concern as she took in Natsu's state. "He's burning up and he hasn't woken up since I got here," he explained urgently looking at her hopefully, surely she would be able to help the idiot and then he wouldn't feel so bad about getting out of here – he really wasn't cut out for being a nursemaid, especially not to his friend/rival.

"Natsu-san," Wendy called softly not really expecting a response as she moved to stand beside them, however, after a long moment a low growl escaped the unconscious dragon slayer. Wendy and Gray exchanged startled looks and Gray glanced at her wondering if the earlier guesses that she might be his mate were right.

"Can you help him?" Gray asked completely oblivious to the surprised looks she was sending the pair of them, or the sudden realisation that spread across her face.

"I don't think so," Wendy said nervously waving a cautious, glowing hand over Natsu and blushing wildly when he growled again. "I think it's a reaction to not letting himself go near his mate. Grandine said that just being near the mate would help stabilize them during the mating season, even if nothing came from it," she explained and Gray sighed, running a hand across his face as he stared down at Natsu curiously– the flame brain was making himself ill? Why? The ice mage wondered what could be so bad that it would prevent the other boy from seeking out his mate.

"So we need to work out who it is?" He asked with a sigh, this was not going the way he wanted and although he knew that Natsu was unwell, he couldn't help but wish he'd gone with his original plan and just gone on a job. Now it looked like he was going to be roped into the guessing game of finding out just who Natsu had chosen as his mate.

"Um…" She hesitated and he turned to look at her questionly and she blushed even more; this was definitely not a situation she had envisioned finding herself in and she wished that Erza or Lucy were here as they would probably have caught on by now and would know how to explain it to the ice mage.

"What?" Gray demanded, anxiety and stress making his voice harsh as he turned to stare at her – ignoring the annoyed huff from Carla at his tone of voice.

"I think… I think it might be you Gray-san," she blurted out finally turning bright red and he gaped at her, ignoring the gasps from the two exceeds standing in the doorway as he stared wide-eyed at her for a moment.

"Me?" Gray asked disbelievingly glancing at Natsu – there was no way the flame-brain would like him in that way? Was there? He couldn't see it, and couldn't help but wonder what had put such a though in the youngest dragon-slayer's head. "There's no way, we're team-mates and rivals nothing more," he said with absolute certainty, and she shook her head at his words.

"It is you Gray-san, that's probably why he's stayed away and made no attempt to claim you," She said, and he swallowed hard as he saw the sadness in her eyes before it was replaced by an almost expectant look. "The only one who can help him at this point is you."

"Me? What can I do?" He demanded really not liking where this conversation was going, or the expectations that he had a feeling she was busy placing on him. Suddenly he scowled as it dawned on him just why Mira had sent him here, although he couldn't for the life of him work out how she'd known.

"It's up to you to choose what happens," Wendy replied softly. "Natsu's in no condition to make that choice, and he wouldn't anyway. The choice is always in the hand of the one that has been chosen," she added with a gentle smile at the wide-eyed expression on the ice-mage's face. Gently patting his arm and grinning at the growl it provoked from the unconscious dragon slayer she moved towards the door and gently shooed the two exceeds out ahead of her, leaving the confused ice mage alone with the dragon slayer.

FT

With a muffled groan the ice mage sank onto the edge of the bed, carefully making sure that he wasn't touching the other teen, before burying his head in his hands. This was not what he wanted, and he knew without doubt that he couldn't be what Natsu needed or wanted. There was no way he was ready for commitment of this type, and he just couldn't see Natsu in that way – the dragon-slayer was a good friend and an annoying rival and that was all.

"Gray," the whisper startled him out of his thoughts and he jumped slightly; turning he realised that Natsu's eyes were slightly open although barely more than slits. Relief rose in him at this sign of awareness, perhaps Wendy had been overly worried about his condition.

"Hey Natsu, how are you feeling?" He knew that it was an inane question, but there was no way he was going to broach the main issue. For a long moment Natsu stared at him and he had to fight the urge to shy away from the searching gaze.

"I'm fine, you can go if you want," Natsu replied at last in a deadened tone before he slowly turned over, presenting his back to the ice-mage. Gray sighed as he realised that Natsu knew or at least guessed what his response was going to be, and he knew that he had to tackle the issue if the other wasn't.

"It's me isn't it?" He asked solemnly and the violent flinch that went through the dragon slayer was confirmation that his guess had hit the mark. With a sigh the ice mage sat back, his hands clenching into fists as he considered this new development.

"I'm sorry," Natsu whispered after the silence had dragged on for several minutes, although he made no move to turn around – his gaze remaining fixed on the far wall. Gray winced at his friend/rival's voice, at the mixed sound of regret, yearning and fear and his eyes narrowed as he noted the tremors now wracking the fire mage's body.

"I…" Gray trailed off not sure what to say, this was a situation that he could never have imagined even in his wildest speculations over who Natsu's mate was. Wearily he ran a hand over his face as he tried to work out what he could do…or say to make things easier on the dragon slayer.

"It's alright," Natsu's murmur made him glance up and he was startled to find that the dragon slayer had rolled over to look at him, although the pain and longing in the expressive olive eyes cut him to the core. "I knew you wouldn't feel the same," he continued with resignation in his voice, and Gray felt as though he had been punched in the gut as he saw the moisture forming in his rival's eyes.

"Natsu," he said in alarm, there was no way he was ready to deal with the fire mage crying. Briefly a vague memory of a young Natsu crying in the forest because of something he'd said flashed back through his mind, and he closed his eyes. He had sworn back then that he would never make his nakama cry again, and yet here he was doing just that – and he didn't know what to do.

"You should go," Natsu said dully even as the tears began to fall, first in a trickle but then increasing in intensity as the ice mage stumbled to his feet. Gray hesitated by the bed, knowing that he couldn't do anything to help unless he accepted and returned Natsu's feelings (part of him wished that he could, if only to help his nakama) but equally reluctant to just turn his back.

"I'm so sorry," he whispered at last and felt his own tears forming as Natsu flinched violently at his words. Unsteadily he headed for the door, pausing in the doorway to look back at the dragon slayer, sorrow flooding him as Natsu rolled over to face away from him.

Soundless apologies flew through his mind as he silently moved away from the room, heading out of the house with his head bowed. Outside he nearly glanced back, but taking a deep breath he forced himself to keep going – heading back in the direction of the guild. He would grab a job and head out at once, knowing that the others wouldn't be happy with his rejection of Natsu's choice – and that Natsu was going to need some space from him.

FTFT

Despite the tears already flowing down his cheeks, the dragon-slayer managed to largely hold himself together until he heard the door close quietly behind the ice mage. The soft thud of wood against wood, rang in his ears like a death knell and the last thread of control he had snapped – an agonised noise, neither human nor animal escaping as he curled into a ball. Violent sobs shaking his entire body as a deep void opened in his chest, as the faint hope he'd harboured that maybe, just maybe Gray would accept him withered and died in the face of the other teen's rejection.

FTFT

Gray could feel the eyes that bore into him as he entered the guild, and a quick glance showed that Wendy and Mira were watching him with hopeful expressions whilst Gajeel was glaring at him with fury in his eyes. Silently he shifted his gaze back to the two girls and shook his head, flinching as their expressions fell and tears formed in the little dragon slayer's eyes, from the side he heard an angry growl and he forced himself not to flinch.

Gritting his teeth and trying his best to ignore them he made his way to the job board, grabbing the first request he spotted that would let him get away for a few weeks. Without a word he made his way over to the bar and handed the sheet to Mira, who accepted it with a trembling hand.

"Gray…"

"Please don't," he pleaded as the sight of a weeping Natsu instantly flashed through his mind, and reluctantly he glanced up to meet her gaze. Her eyes widened at whatever she saw in his face before silently she nodded, the job request crumpling as her hands clenched automatically.

"Be careful," she said sadly and he nodded before heading for the door, desperate to get away from the sad and accusing eyes watching his every move. And praying that this time away would let him get his head together, and hopefully give Natsu some time to recover.

FT

"Natsu-san," Wendy whispered sadly as they watched the ice mage all but run from the guild. Her eyes were full of tears as she turned to look across at Gajeel, watching how the dragon slayer wrapped his arm possessively around Levy. Glancing up he met her gaze, and she could see the anger and the sadness in his eyes – and the desperate relief that Levy hadn't rejected him. Neither could imagine the pain that their fellow dragon slayer must be going through, and Wendy dreaded seeing the same melancholy that had haunted her mother in Natsu.

"Wendy is there anything we can do to help Natsu?" Mira asked softly and Wendy turned back to look at the take-over mage, the older girl's eyes were full of guilt and sorrow and the dragon slayer quickly reached out to place a comforting hand on Mira's arm.

"You're not to blame for this," she said her voice wavering slightly. "You couldn't have known that this was going to be Gray's decision."

"But I sent him to see Natsu because I guessed that he was Natsu's mate."

"And if he hadn't gone the end result would have been the same," Gajeel spoke up and the two girls started, realising that he and Levy had come across to join them at the bar. The solid-script mage looking just as upset as the other girl's as she clung with something nearing desperation to Gajeel's arm, not sure if she was trying to reassure him or herself. "As for the Salamander, we just have to leave him be until the end of the week. Between Gray's rejection and the effects of the mating season, he won't be able to cope with visitors."

"And after?" Levy asked softly and he glanced down at her, crimson eyes dulling slightly before he glanced back up at Wendy.

"He won't be the same," Wendy said softly and this time her tears escaped, trickling down pale cheeks as Mira reached out to offer the girl comfort.

FTFT


	2. Chapter 2

Wow, thank you for the amazing reception to this alternate version of DS. Your reviews, favourites and follows always make me smile.

Disclaimer: As always Fairy Tail and it's amazing, lovable characters don't belong to me I'm just playing with them.

FTFT

Three days later:

Natsu sighed with relief as he felt the intense heat and mating urges of his season disappear, his exhausted body sinking limply into the bed as the strain drained out of it. Unfortunately the loss of the physical symptoms left him with no choice but to confront what had happened, which he'd been frantically trying to push aside since the moment that Gray had practically fled from his house. At once he felt himself tearing up again, and hastily buried his face in his pillow to drown out the noises as sobs began to rock his body.

He had known all along that Gray wouldn't return his feelings, but he had at least hoped to keep their friendship intact. It was why he'd chosen to hide away rather than running the risk of giving in to temptation. But then Gray had actually sought him out, and for one shining moment he'd actually allowed himself to hope that maybe just maybe the ice mage would be able to feel the same. As soon as Gray had spoken though he'd heard the fear and regret in the other's voice and that spike of hope had become a cold ball of dread in his stomach and now everything was ruined.

Sniffling he eventually pulled his head away from his pillow, his tears beginning to dry as an empty hollow feeling took root in his chest. He could still feel the pull towards Gray, the need to protect; but his draconic part was mocking that pull telling him that he was too weak to be able to protect the other teen. Why else would he have been rejected? He wasn't good enough to protect Gray, to give the ice mage what he needed or wanted.

His gaze drifted across to where his scarf sat folded up on the bedside table, and his mind drifted back to when Igneel had first told him about how dragons and dragon-slayers went into season. It was nearly a year after Igneel had found him and taken him under his wing, when with all the innocence of a child he'd asked whether dragons could get married like humans could.

_FT_

"_Igneel," he asked his nose scrunched up with thought as he gazed up at the dragon from his current nest in Igneel's curled up tail._

"_Hmm?" The dragon hummed curiously, glancing down at the sleepy child with a fond expression on his face as he watched Natsu struggling to fight off the pull of sleep._

"_Do dragons get married too? I 'member my parents were married so does Igneel have a wife?" Natsu asked, filled with innocent curiosity. He'd never encountered another dragon, but he just knew that there had to be female dragons as well and his daddy deserved to have a wife. The large dragon blinked down at his young charge, startled by the sudden question and wondering just how far he should take the conversation that would ensue if he answered it. After all Natsu was still very young to know about such things, however, a sense of unease made him hesitate and realise that at the very least he needed to give the child the basics._

"_Dragons don't get married in the same way that humans do," he said at last and Natsu looked up at him curiously, all traces of sleep disappearing as he realised that Igneel was going to give him a proper answer to his question. "Every dragon, and Natsu this applies to dragon-slayers like you as well," he added, noting how Natsu scowled at the 'dragon-slayer' part – his adopted son didn't like the idea that his powers could be used to hurt Igneel or any other dragon for that matter. "Has a mate, someone out that we are drawn to above all others."_

"_So we don't get to choose?" Natsu asked, wrinkling his nose at that thought and Igneel huffed a small laugh at the reaction. _

"_No we don't." he agreed softly bringing his head down to be on level with the child. "But believe me Natsu that is not a bad thing, the person that is our mate will be the only person that we will ever truly feel drawn to. They complete us in a way that no one else could."_

"_Do you have a mate?" Natsu asked tilting his head to look up at the dragon, hearing the warmth and fondness in his father's voice._

"_Not yet, unfortunately I have yet to find my mate," Igneel said softly and for a moment there was sadness in his voice, but then it faded as he glanced that his tiny child – having Natsu in his life made up for the loneliness he'd felt in his unmated state. He felt a soft touch on his tail, and glancing down he found Natsu was stoking his tail clearly in an attempt to comfort him and he bared his teeth in a draconic smile. "Natsu there will come a time when you are older when you will find your own mate, but when you do you will need to prove to them that you are the best one for them."_

_Natsu tilted his head at that, not particularly liking the idea of having a mate of his own, it sounded like more trouble than it was worth, but he couldn't completely suppress his curiosity._

"_Why? I thought you said that mates were meant for each other?" He asked in confusion and Igneel sighed, he knew that this was too much for someone Natsu's age and that he would have to tell the boy more as he got older._

"_They are, but sometimes the mate doesn't return those feelings and if that happens," Igneel trailed off sadly, his thoughts turning to Grandine, remembering her sorrow and loneliness when she'd been rejected by her chosen._

"_What happens?" Natsu asked, noting the sorrow on his father's face and frowning at the unusual expression. For a second the dragon seemed to hesitate and then his expression cleared and he gently nuzzled the boy._

"_Nothing that you need to worry about now. I am certain that when the time comes your chosen will return your feelings," Igneel said, deciding that he wasn't going to burden a child with the consequences of a failed mating, besides he was certain that his child would not fail. Natsu smiled at the certainty in his father's voice and nodded confidently before snuggling back into the curled tail, finally ready to doze off._

_FT_

Natsu shook himself out of the memory with a violent shudder, the certainty in Igneel's voice only driving home his failure. It had been several years later Igneel had eventually explained the consequences of what would happen if Natsu was turned down by his chosen mate, but even then the dragon had spoken of his mating with hope and confidence. He'd always hoped that he would succeed and that when he managed to find his father he'd be able to introduce his mate to Igneel, but like everything that future had disappeared.

"I'm so sorry Igneel," he whispered to the empty room, wondering if wherever the dragon was he was able to see what was happening. He desperately hoped not, not able to bear the thought of his father seeing what a failure he'd turned out to be despite being told what the consequences would be.

Shuddering he felt a fresh river of tears running down his cheeks. Abruptly he rolled over so that he was facing away from the scarf unable to bear the sight of it, felling the vast emptiness that had opened in his chest when Gray rejected him trying to swallow him whole. For a brief moment his old stubbornness welled up and he tried to pull back from the approaching void, but then his mind flashed back to Gray's face as he fled the other night and his defiance died. Closing his eyes he let himself be dragged into the void, seeking the relief that the emptiness would give him, even if it was short-lived.

FTFT

It had taken all of Gajeel and Wendy's efforts to prevent their worried nakama seeking out their fellow dragon-slayer, especially when Lucy and Erza had arrived with a grim Makarov in tow. Fortunately the old man had recognised that when it came to draconic issues they were more knowledgeable than he was, and had sternly ordered his other children to listen to them. However, it had alleviated the worried tension in the guild – especially as the other dragon-slayers were walking around with grim expressions (even Gajeel's joy at his own successful season had been lost in the face of knowing that the Salamander was going through).

Erza had been furious when she learned that Gray had taken off – she was willing to accept that the relationship wasn't something that he wanted, but to run away rather than facing Natsu just riled her. It had taken Mira and Lucy many hours to convince the warrior girl not to go after Gray, and whilst she had finally agreed, she still tended to adopt a murderous expression whenever the ice mage's name was mentioned.

Lucy on the other hand had spent the rest of her time trying to comfort both Mira and Wendy. The former still blaming herself for sending Gray to see Natsu, despite the fact that both dragon-slayers had already said that the ending would have been the same regardless if Gray hadn't gone. Wendy was just as inconsolable, of all of them she was the only one that truly knew how being rejected would affect a dragon or dragon-slayer – and that knowledge was haunting her.

FT

As the days went on the guild grew more and more restless, worry constantly filling the air of the oddly quiet guild hall. Every member realising just how much the hot-headed teen contributed to even just the everyday atmosphere of Fairy Tail, and increasing their dread at the changes that the other dragon-slayers were warning them they would see.

Lucy and Erza had taken to heading out on short jobs, never staying away more than a day or two, but unable to hang around with the unknown hanging over them. Occasionally Wendy would go with them, but her heart wasn't in them and more often than not she could be found in the guild, never far from Gajeel and Levy. The two dragon-slayers were adamant in their orders for no one to disturb Natsu until he was ready to come back, Wendy had even gone so far as asking Carla to lure Happy back to the guild, knowing that when he did emerge the last thing he'd want would be for the excitable exceed to be all over him.

From his office on the second floor Makarov watched over his guild, the heavy atmosphere and worried expressions on his children's faces only serving to exacerbate his own concerns. All his parental instincts were urging him to go and see Natsu, to see for himself that the dragon-slayer was alright… or as alright as he could be given the situation. But he trusted that Wendy and Gajeel knew what they were doing when they ordered everyone to leave him be, knowing that the latter had even gone so far as to physically stopping a few of the brasher members that had tried to ignore the injunction to stay away from Natsu. He just hoped that fire mage remembered that he still had a family waiting for him.

FTFT

Two weeks later:

With trembling hands Natsu pulled on his clothes, carefully settling his scarf into its customary place, trying in vain to push back the thought that he no longer had the right to wear Igneel's last gift to him. For a brief second his hands tightened on the material as though to yank it off, but taking a deep breath he forced them away – he had already lost enough, he couldn't….he wouldn't give up this precious link with his father. His draconic side protested at his defiance, and he staggered slightly as he turned and headed for the door, only sheer will power giving him the strength to step outside for the first time since the day he'd gone in season.

He was surprised but relieved to find that there was no-one keeping an eye on his house, even Happy seemed to have finally given up on his wait. It gave him extra time to gather his courage for what he'd no doubt face at the guild. If it wasn't for the fact that he knew his nakama would be worried, he would probably have remained hidden from the world for much longer. Although as his stomach rumbled softly as he slowly made his way down the path, he had to admit that supplies would have become an issue, even with his small appetite nowadays.

As he reached the outskirts of town he had to fight the overwhelming desire to retreat back into his isolated solitude, sinking in on himself as people called out to him with cheerful voices. Still he kept going, keeping his eyes firmly on the ground so as to avoid being caught up in conversation; he wasn't sure if he could handle his nakama, let alone complete strangers who thought they knew him because he was the Salamander.

In his distraction he was startled to find himself outside the guild much quicker than he was anticipating, and he found himself frozen as he stared up at the familiar building. The void in his chest ached as he was overcome with memories of him and Gray, from the time he joined the guild to the morning when he'd gone into season. There were just too many of them and he felt himself beginning to shake, this had been a bad idea, there was no way he was ready for this and what if Gray was there? That thought sent a pang of longing through him and he took an unsteady step forward before staggering back, no, he had no right to approach the ice mage, not now.

FT

"Natsu-san!" The high-pitched cry startled him out of his whirling thoughts, and he had enough time to blink before a blue-haired missile hit him, wrapping her arms around him in a desperate hug. Startled he glanced down in bemusement at Wendy, wondering how he could have missed her approach.

"Wendy," he said softly as he felt her beginning to tremble as she continued to hug him as tightly as she could, and after a moment she pulled back to look up at him. Brown eyes widened at whatever they saw in his face, and he began to pull back realising that she more than anyone would understand his situation now. However, he froze as he saw the tears beginning to form in her eyes and she took advantage of his hesitation to wrap her arms around him once more, clearly not about to let him escape.

"I'll be okay Wendy," he said softly as he stroked the youngest dragon-slayers head, feeling her tears soaking into his clothes as she mourned in a way that he couldn't. Hearing his words she pulled back to glance up at him with tear-filled eyes, and seeing this he forced a smile onto his face. "I promise I'll be okay," he repeated seeing the doubt in her eyes, knowing that she would be able to see through his fake smile but silently begging her to accept his word.

"I know Natsu-san," she said softly seeing the unspoken plea in his deadened eyes, but the fake smile scared her, she knew that he was going to use it stop them seeing how he was truly feelings. And she feared that at some point he would use it to hide something even more serious. "Come the others will be glad to see you," she added as she fiercely wiped away her tears, after all what right did she have to weep when he didn't.

"Let's go see them then," he agreed, gently squeezing the hand she slipped into his in gratitude, knowing that he would never have found the strength to step inside without her. The memories that had overwhelmed him only moments before welled up again as she led him towards the day, and he braced himself as she forced the door open. As though sensing his struggle she paused to glance back at him, an all too knowing look in her eyes, and he sighed as he followed after her.

FTFT

One month later:

Gray stared at the guild door with a sense of impending doom, dreading what he might encounter when he summoned the courage to actually step inside. He knew that it had been a cowardly thing to do, taking off after hurting Natsu so badly, and that knowledge had made him stay away longer than he'd originally planned. In fact, if it wasn't for the fact that he needed to pay his rent and pick up another job, he would probably have stayed away for longer. Shaking his head at his own cowardice, he gritted his teeth and forcing himself forward he opened the door with a trembling hand.

Schooling his face to blankness he stepped into the guild, noting how silence instantly spread as the members turned to look at him. Briefly his eyes flickered around, noting the surprise and disappointment and in some cases anger in the faces watching him. Taking a deep breath he stepped forward, heading for the job board with grim determination, now focused on getting out of here as swiftly as possible.

He'd just reached the notice board when the guild door slammed open once more, and a shard of dread pierced him as a familiar voice rang out.

"We're back," to anyone that didn't know Natsu they would have thought that he was genuinely happy, however, even before he'd turned around Gray knew that the happiness was fake. There was a flattened edge to his voice that cut him to the core. Slowly the ice mage turned around, knowing that he had to face the other mage now.

The ice mage had to bite back a shocked gasp as his nervous gaze fell on his friend/rival (if he still had a right to call the dragon slayer such). Despite the smile on his face, Natsu still looked as though he had gone through hell…his skin was pale, and his clothes hung off him showing just how much weight he had lost in the past month and a half. But it was in his eyes that Gray could see the worst change – the olive eyes were dull and they looked old and weary, untouched by that terrible, fake smile that he'd managed to force onto his face.

At that moment the fire mage noticed him, and Gray flinched as olive eyes locked with his. Natsu's smile faltered instantly as he stared at the ice mage, what little colour he had fading as he seemed to shrink in on himself.

"Nat…" Gray trailed off not sure what he could say or if he had the right to speak to the other teen, his gaze drifting to the floor as he saw the suspicious glint of moisture in those pained eyes.

"You're back," Natsu said flatly and Gray looked up again, only to find that the fire mage had averted his gaze off to the side.

"Yeah."

"You didn't have to stay away for so long," Natsu continued and he glanced back up to meet Gray's gaze and there was a slight softening of his face as a small but true smile touched his lips. "Fairy Tail is our home, regardless of what happened." Gray felt his knees weaken at this sign of absolution from the nakama that he knew he'd hurt beyond all belief, but before he could summon any words to try and further mend the bridge between them, Natsu turned and headed back out of the guild.

"Let him be," a low voice growled as he made to follow Natsu, and blinking he found himself staring into Gajeel's angry crimson eyes. The iron dragon-slayer's face was impassive as he stared at the ice mage for a long moment. "You saw the difference in him?" It wasn't really a question but Gray nodded anyway – after there was no way that anyone who knew the fire mage could've missed the changes in the dragon-slayer.

"That was the first time he's smiled properly since you left," Gray blinked as Wendy joined them, seeing the sorrow in the girl's eyes as she stared at the doors that Natsu had just left through. "But I think it's worse than seeing the sorrow."

FTFT

A/N:The guild's reaction to Natsu's return will be in the next chapter as a flashback.

Thank you for reading.


	3. Chapter 3

Wow I am amazed by the reception you guys have given DS: Rejection – thank you so much for all the reviews, favourites and follows!

Disclaimer: Alas Fairy Tail and its wonderful, loveable characters doesn't belong to me, I am only borrowing them.

FTFT

_The entire guild had fallen silent as Wendy led the clearly hesitant Natsu into the building, no one knowing what to say now that they were faced by the reality of the changes in the fire mage. There was no hiding from his deadened gaze, and the paleness and heavy shadows under his eyes showed just how much he was suffering. But what scared them the most was the strange, fake smile that he had on his face as he allowed the smaller dragon-slayer to pull him over to where the rest of their team were sat with Levy and Gajeel._

"_Salamander," Gajeel greeted quietly, his voice uncharacteristically soft as he noted the tight hold that Wendy had on their fellow dragon-slayer's hand and guessing that it was the only reason he was staying put for now. Dead eyes flickered across to him and there was a flash of pain in the haunted gaze as his eyes strayed down to where his hand was entwined with Levy's._

"_Congratulations, "Natsu managed to force out past the lump that had formed at the sight before he glanced away, and whilst the congratulations were genuine they could all hear the agony and longing in his voice. Wendy tightened her hold on his hand as she felt a shudder go through him, feeling her reaction he glanced down at her and forced himself to relax outwardly at least. With a watery smile she gently led him to a seat beside Erza, sharing a glance with Gajeel as both dragon-slayers marvelled at the strength it must be taking Natsu just to remain in the guild _

"_It's good to see you," Erza said softly as he sat down, her eyes concerned as she noted how he hunched in on himself at her words, although he nodded slightly to indicate he had heard her. Biting her lips she shared a quick glance with Lucy, noting that the Celestial mage seemed close to tears before shooting a heated look at the rest of the guild who were watching the awkward scene in complete silence. Seeing the threat in her look they all quickly busied themselves with other activities, and slowly a low hum of conversation began to build up again and Natsu seemed to relax slightly._

"_Are you hungry?" Happy asked as he moved across to sit next to his partner, his ears drooping slightly as he met the dragon-slayer's gaze and finding no trace of the fire that usually burned in them. Noting the concern in the Exceed's eyes Natsu nodded silently, and the cat brightened instantly before hurrying off to get food from Mira, leaving the dragon-slayer to hope that he'd be able to choke down whatever they gave him. _

_Now that he'd looked up he allowed his gaze to flicker around the guild, carefully avoiding meeting the worried and curious eyes still watching their group, before turning back to his friends with a slight frown._

"_Where's G-Gray?" He asked, flinching as he stuttered over the ice-mage's name, a now familiar flash of pain and shame going through him as his thoughts turned once more to Gray. At once the group seemed to freeze as they all exchanged uneasy glances, and Natsu glanced around worriedly – surely something hadn't happened to Gray since that night? "He's okay right?" He asked unable to keep the concern out of his voice, even though he had no right to be concerned over the ice-mage anymore._

"_He went out a job just after he…" Levy said softly, trailing off unable to voice the fact that Gray had rejected Natsu, knowing that there was no way the dragon-slayer would forget that fact and unwilling to remind him. _

"_I see," Natsu muttered before shifting his gaze back down to the table, it hurt to know that Gray had practically fled the guild to get away from him, but at least nothing untoward had happened to the ice mage. Even in the darkest depths of his sorrow and anger he had never been able to find it in himself to hate the other teen. He hadn't even been able to summon a spark of anger; and in his desperation he had tried, If only so that for a second he could forget the pain._

"_He ran away," Erza ground out angrily, if it wasn't for the efforts of the others she would have gone after the ice mage and dragged him back to the guild to face the mess he'd caused. That urge was nearly overwhelming now that they were faced with the reality of the changes Wendy and Gajeel had been warning them about, and she clenched her fists in an attempt to stop her magic overflowing with her temper._

"_No," everyone gaped at Natsu as his voice rose slightly, mixed emotions flashing across his face as he raised his eyes to look at them. "It isn't his fault!" _

"_But…"_

"_I don't want you to blame him, or be angry at him," Natsu said softly, and everyone apart from the dragon-slayers stared at him in astonishment unable to believe he was forgiving the ice mage so easily. He'd managed to hold grudges against Gray for months before, and that had been for offences much less serious than this one and yet here he was dismissing what Gray had done as if it was nothing. "If…When he comes back, treat him just like normal…please…"_

FT

"He said that?" Gray asked incredulously as he stared at the dragon-slayers in sheer disbelief. After stopping him from following Natsu out of the guild they had dragged him into a quiet corner of the guild to tell him what had been happening with the fire mage since he'd taken off. It didn't help thought that he could feel everyone staring at him, and he had seen the murderous glint in Erza's eyes when she'd spotted him.

"Natsu-san still cares for you," Wendy said softly and he blinked at her, how could Natsu still hold any positive feelings towards him? Not only had he rejected Natsu as a potential mate, but he had rubbed salt into the wound by running off.

"Part of it is because he doesn't have a choice," Gajeel said bluntly seeing the question in the dark eyes and refusing to sugar coat the situation. "Just because you rejected him and his season ended doesn't mean that his attraction, or his instinctive need to protect you has disappeared."

"You're saying that he'd being compelled to forgive me?" Gray demanded, horrified at the thought that Natsu was being forced to forgive him. He'd much rather have the fire mage's hate and anger than something that was forced, especially because Natsu had every right to hate him after all that happened.

"In part," Gajeel said ignoring the slight noise of protest that Wendy made, but then he sighed and his eyes softened slightly. "If he truly hated you he could've fought the pull and not spoken up in your defence. At least some part of him, separate from the dragon was willing to forgive you."

"I think Natsu-san always intended for you to remain friends," Wendy spoke up now, her voice hesitant as she glanced between the pair but gaining confidence as the older dragon-slayer nodded in agreement. "I think that's why he hid away rather than trying to pursue you. If you hadn't gone to see him then the week would have ended with a failed mating, but he wouldn't have had the pain of being outright rejected."

"If I hadn't…" Gray trailed off before his gaze darted towards where Mira was quietly tidying up behind the bar, noting that she seemed more subdued than usual.

"Mira-san blames herself for sending you to see him," Wendy whispered following his gaze. The take-over mage had been nearly inconsolable when she'd realised the role she'd played in Natsu's pain, and the state the dragon-slayer had been in when he returned had reduced her to tears.

"No," Gray said softly shaking his head. "She was only trying to help him," it would be so easy he thought, to blame her, but he had already taken the cowards route once by taking off. He wasn't about to try and hide from this, especially as they were both watching his reactions carefully and he got the sense that had he responded in that manner he would have quickly ended up in a world of pain. "What happened after that?" He asked, not entirely sure that he wanted to know, but also realising that it was better for them to tell him than for him to put his foot in it later.

FT

_The conversation after Natsu's plea had been stilted and confused, with the rest of his team unable to fully understand why he was being so forgiving towards the absent ice mage. It was also clear that it had stirred up his emotions, and no one knew what to say as they saw the growing redness around his eyes. In the end the dragon-slayer had got to his feet, gently shaking off Wendy's hand as she tried to stop him leaving._

"_I'm going home," he said quietly glancing down at her and reaching out to pat her on the head as he saw the concern in her eyes, carefully avoiding everyone else's gazes he headed for the door, slipping out without a farewell._

"_Will he always be like this? Or will it get better?" Lucy after a long moment of silence, her eyes shining with unshed tears as she gazed after her best friend before she turned back to the other dragon-slayers._

"_I don't know," Wendy whispered as she stared at her hands, aware that it was only her hold on him that had made him stay as long as he had._

"_I'm surprised that he came back so soon…I don't think that I would have been able to," Gajeel said his own gaze fixed on Levy as though he was trying to convince himself that she was really there. Seeing the anxiety in his expression and feeling the tension in his hand the solid script mage gently rested her head against his shoulder, and smiled as she felt him nuzzle slightly against her hair. After Gray had taken off he had become very clingy, even after the end of his season and even now he was reluctant to stray too far and she knew it was because he feared what had happened to Natsu._

"_Natsu I brought…where is he?" Happy asked reappearing with an overflowing plate of food, the hopeful expression on his face quickly fading as he realised that the dragon-slayer had gone. _

"_He wanted to go home," Erza explained gently to the Exceed. "He wasn't really ready for the guild yet." The little cat sighed placing the food dejectedly on the table before settling back into his seat, trying not to feel hurt that Natsu hadn't even waited to say goodbye._

"_He'll be back soon Happy," Lucy said softly unable to bear the sadness on his face, and needing to try and convince herself of that fact as well. "After all the guild is his family."_

"_Aye Sir," Happy agreed weakly and managed a weak smile for the Celestial mage, and the sight helped bolster all of their spirits. _

FT

"It has got a little better," Wendy said picking up from Gajeel, knowing that even now he found it hard to talk about what was happening to Natsu as it brought up the fear of Levy abandoning him, even though he and everyone in the guild knew that wasn't going to happen. "It took another couple of weeks, but now he can spend more than half an hour at a time here, but the slightest pressure to talk about what happened makes him run for the hills."

"The job he just came back from was the first one he's taken since then, it took a lot of convincing from the girls to get him to go," Gajeel added and Gray frowned, that more than anything showed how much the situation had affected the dragon-slayer. Natsu loved going on jobs especially with his friends, so the idea that not only had he not gone on one for a month and a half, but that he had needed to be convinced….it left a sour taste in his mouth.

"You should go and talk to him," Wendy spoke up interrupting his whirling thoughts and he turned to stare at her, after their intervention he'd thought that they'd wanted him to stay well away from their fellow dragon-slayer and he couldn't blame them for that. Gajeel tensed at her words but he didn't protest which made Gray realise that she was serious. "He needs to know that you want to remain friends at least," she explained seeing his confusion.

"But.."

"He thinks that you don't even want to remain friends because you took off," she explained fiercely and he blanched, he'd known from the start how cowardly his actions were, but it still hurt to have it put so bluntly. "You need to let him know that's not true, it's the only way he'd going to be able to calm his draconic side. Unless you don't want to be friends?" She asked with a challenging look that was completely out of place on her face, but there was no give in her eyes as she stared at him.

"I…Of course I want us to be friends," he protested at once, and it was true, the thought of losing Natsu as a teammate and friend left a hollow feeling in his stomach. But that was part of the issue, surely that was something he deserved after what he had done.

"Then tell him that! It doesn't matter what you think you deserve or don't deserve," Wendy was adamant and he was surprised at hearing her speak so bluntly, especially as she was expressing exactly what he was feeling. "It's about what Natsu needs, and what you owe him."

"Alright," Gray caved, not that he had wanted to protest further, and after all she was only telling him to do something that he wanted to do. Seeing the expectant look in her eyes he got to his feet and with a silent wave he headed for the door, carefully avoiding looking at the table where the rest of their team was sat, although he distantly heard the creaking of metal and knew that Erza was struggling not to come after him and he sighed with relief when he made it outside without incident.

FT

The walk to Natsu's house had been harder than he thought, memories of his last trip out here had dogged his steps, as had the fear that maybe he was just going to make things worse. Several times he'd nearly turned back, it was only Wendy's last words to him, and the fact that Natsu had told the entire guild not to blame him that kept him moving forward. But it was the fact that the dragon-slayer had actually welcomed him home that gave him the strength to knock on the door when he reached it.

"Natsu," Gray called as he stared up at the house, wondering if the dragon slayer was even home, or whether he was just ignoring the ice mage. "Natsu, please if you are there I just need…want to speak to you." He knew that he really had no right to ask anything from Natsu, and even after what the others had said he wasn't expecting his pleading to get him anywhere. Therefore he was stunned a moment later when the door slowly creaked opened, his eyes widening as he met Natsu's gaze as the dragon-slayer hesitated in the shadow of the hallway.

"Why are you here Gray?" Natsu asked when it was clear that Gray was too startled or distracted to say anything, and growing uncomfortable under the intense gaze fixed on him. He was struggling to keep his face impassive, and it didn't help that he could see the guilt and concern in the ice mage's face, whilst his scent was making his inner dragon howl in anguish.

"I…" Gray hesitated unsure of what it was that he wanted or needed to say. The prospect of talking to Natsu had seemed so much simpler when he was back at the guild, but now standing in front of the other teen, with the stark evidence of the damage his decision had caused starting him in the face it was impossible to formulate the words he wanted to say.

"You should go, I'm not very good company at the moment," Natsu said softly his voice beginning to waver, and Gray could see the torment written in the olive eyes and he had to blink back tears as his own eyes began to sting.

"I'm sorry," Gray blurted out, knowing that it couldn't fix the situation, but needing the other teen to hear the words. Natsu stiffened and the impassive mask he'd been clinging disappeared to be replaced by an expression of pain, one hand instinctively rising to clutch at his chest as his draconic side went into a frenzy. It was impossible to ignore the pain in the ice mage's eyes or the desperation in his apology, and Natsu wanted to cry at the knowledge that even now he was causing his chosen one pain.

"It's fine," Natsu whispered finally when he was sure that he had the dragon contained at least for now, the last thing he wanted was for Gray to see him in total meltdown. Slowly he raised his eyes and with great difficulty met Gray's gaze head on. "You have nothing to apologize for Gray, I never expected you to feel the same way." Hoped? Oh yes he had hoped and prayed to whatever Gods there were that somewhere inside the ice mage would harbour similar feelings, but his rational side had always known that it was a lost cause, that just like their elements there was too much distance between them.

"But I hurt you!" Gray said, still unable to believe how easily the other was trying to absolve him of any crime even when he was hearing the words from Natsu's own lips. "And…and then I ran away leaving you to deal with everything."

"It doesn't matter," Natsu repeated stubbornly even as he staggered under a fresh assault from his dragon, flinching back as Gray automatically reached out to steady him. At once the ice mage snatched his hand back, a look of self-loathing flickering across his face at seeing the reaction he'd received and the dragon-slayer wanted to howl at seeing such an expression. "Please Gray," he whimpered out his own eyes filling with tears. "I don't blame you for this, I never have and I never will."

"But…"

"If I hadn't been a dragon-slayer this would have been nothing but a crush. Or maybe not even that. All of this is because of a screwed up bit of Draconic magic," Natsu said fiercely, and Gray was startled to hear the loathing that was directed towards Natsu's magic, the other teen had never once been anything but proud of his unusual magic and to hear the change was more unnerving than anything else he'd seen or heard since returning. "We are nakama Gray, teammates and rivals. I didn't want that to change and that's why I stayed away, I wanted to at least hold onto that."

"That's…that's what I want too," Gray whispered and the Dragon-slayer's expression softened slightly although the pain remained, and slowly he reached out with a trembling hand to brush against Gray's Guild mark. The ice mage held his breath at the tentative touch, absently noting that he'd stripped at some point, but unable to look away from the olive eyes that were fixed on him.

"Then stop apologising," Natsu ordered softly. "I won't always be able to be around you, but I want us to stay the way we were as much as possible. So please," his tone turned pleading at the end as he slowly pulled his arm back, desperately fighting to hold back the tears that were still threatening to fall.

"A-alright," Gray agreed softly, seeing the pain and raw desperation in the other's face and realising that it would only be selfish to push this out any longer. He might not think that he deserved what Natsu was offering, and he was fairly certain that their friends agreed with him on this, but he had no right to hurt the other because of his own guilt. "Nakama," he added and Natsu relaxed slightly, slumping against the door frame for a second as the turmoil in his chest lessened slightly.

"Nakama," he echoed wearily.

"Will you come back to the guild? The others were worried," Gray asked quietly, sensing the need to move onto a slightly safer topic as the other teen looked utterly wrung out.

"Not now," Natsu shook his head and tried not to look at the disappointed expression on the ice mage's face, knowing that he needed some time alone to try and soothe his inner dragon, otherwise they would all be witness to his meltdown and that wasn't something he wanted them to witness. "I'll come tomorrow," he added hoping to cheer up the ice mage and relieve some of the worry in the onyx eyes.

"Okay," Gray said sadly, realising that Natsu wanted or needed to be alone for now. "I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Yeah," Natsu said softly, and the ice mage turned quietly and began to head back towards the town. It took all of the dragon-slayer's strength to resist the instinctual desire to stop him leaving, the crushing knowledge that he didn't deserve to do so hitting him once more as he watched the other leave and with trembling movements he quickly stepped inside and shut the door behind him, throwing the bolt across as an extra measure.

FT

He leant against the door for a moment, his sharp ears tracking the sound of Gray slowly walking away from the house, a pang going through him as he detected the heaviness in the ice-mage's tread.

"Gray," he whispered softly, his breath hitching as the increasingly familiar pain shot through him and he slumped limply to the ground as the tears he'd been holding back tracked their way freely down his face. Sobbing he rocked himself slightly as he tried to convince himself that the fact they were able to stay as nakama despite the fact his plan had gone to hell was enough for him to survive on.

Unfortunately in the silence of his home, with his inner dragon railing against him for his failure it was a lot harder to believe in than it had been when Gray had been in front of him.


	4. Chapter 4

Sorry for the long wait folks! A couple of manic weeks followed by being ill the second I actually get time off , but I'm back up and running so stay tuned.

Thank you for all the reviews, follows and favourites!

Disclaimer: As always I don't own Fairy Tail or its characters, I'm just borrowing them.

FTFT

Four Weeks Later:

Natsu staggered wearily back towards the dingy inn that he was currently staying at, wincing as his battered body protested the movement. What should have been a relatively simple job of retrieving some stolen items from a group of bandits had turned out to be anything but, for one, there had been nearly twice as many bandits as the job request had stated. And secondly his magic had been acting peculiarly, sometimes lashing out with double the strength he intended and other times barely responding when he tried to attack… hence his current condition.

Ignoring the curious looks that came his way as he entered, he quickly made his way across the bar area and up the steps to the tiny room that was his current home. Shutting the door firmly behind him he quickly flopped onto the bed, closing his eyes as the room span for a moment as the movement jolted his body. He knew that he should take care of his injuries, especially as a couple were deep enough to need bandaging but he couldn't summon the energy or the desire to take care of himself.

Originally he had come on this job to try and settle his inner dragon, three jobs in a row with the rest of his team had meant almost three weeks constantly in Gray's company. To be so close to his chosen had been both a blessing and a curse, and he'd hoped that some time away would settle the constant whirlwind of emotions in his chest. Instead he found himself longing for Gray more than ever. With a sigh that was more of a sob he rolled onto his front and buried his face into his pillow, feeling the all too familiar burn of tears in his eyes.

FTFT

Natsu groaned as he slowly woke up, realising that he must have dozed off at some point. He frowned as a wave of nausea hit him, dizzily he sat up noting as he did that the space where he'd been lying was damp with blood and sweat. His nose wrinkled at the smell, and as he raised an uncoordinated hand to rub at it he felt the extreme heat coming off his skin, eyes widening in concern. He never felt hot, but even he could tell that the heat he was letting off was more than his magic produced.

Weakly he forced himself to his feet, swaying so much that he had to reach out to grab the bed post to steady himself. He knew that his injuries weren't enough to cause this even if he had lost more blood than he should have by not tending his wounds at once, and he groaned at the thought of being ill – there was nothing he hated more, although at least there was no one here to fuss unnecessarily over him.

Ignoring the way the room was spinning around him he slowly made his way to the tiny bathroom in the corner of the room, blanching as he caught a glimpse of his reflection in the window. His face had lost what little colour he'd managed to recover since his Season and there were dark bags beneath his eyes, so dark in fact it looked like he'd been punched and there was a sickly flush to his cheeks. Turning away he fumbled in the cabinet for the few medical supplies he'd bothered to bring, after all he hadn't expected it to be much of a fight.

With uncoordinated hands he pulled off his tattered clothes, dumping them unceremoniously on the floor as he turned his attention back to his reflection with a wince. His entire torso was a map of bruises and cuts, and he ground his teeth – there was no way he should have had this amount of trouble with some bandits. _But you were not strong enough to claim your mate? Why would you be strong enough to handle bandits?_ His inner dragon asked, its insidious whisper echoing through him and he clenched his fists tightly as he snarled at his reflection, unable to find the words to argue back.

Slowly he began to clean the worse of the cuts wincing as the dried blood pulled against the wounds, knowing that he was looking Erza wasn't around as she would have brained him for leaving them in this state for so long. Carefully avoiding his reflection he bandaged them as soon as they were clean, biting back a whimper as he had to twist to reach some of them, pain spiking through him at his efforts and by the time he was finished he was breathing heavily.

Scooping up a mouthful of water he quenched his thirst as he pondered going downstairs to fetch food, his stomach rolled at the thought and he sighed with resignation as he turned and headed back to the bed. It took more effort than it should these days to get food, and he knew that it was showing, but even when his friend's harassed him about it he couldn't do much against his non-existent appetite. Silently promising them that he would eat something after he'd slept for a bit more he slipped back into the covers with a grimace – really they needed changing but that would require effort and at the moment all he wanted was to sleep. Curling up he buried his head into the pillow and let his eyes drift shut, desperately tuning out the continued taunts from his draconic side as he fell into a restless sleep.

FTFT

Two Days Later:

"Where's the Salamander?" Everyone's heads swivelled around as the gruff voice rang out over the guild hall, eyes widening as they took in the sight of Gajeel leaning heavily on Levy an expression of deep concern on both their faces as they searched the guild hall for the familiar head of pink hair.

"He's away on a job," Lucy was the first to respond, glancing briefly at Gray who sighed and glanced away. They had come back from a team job a couple of days ago and Natsu had promptly taken off on a solo job, it had become a familiar pattern even though none of them liked it. Gajeel growled at the response and as they watched his left arm seemed to twist into the start of his sword form before Levy's hand swiftly clamped down on it, and after a brief moment the shift reversed and he let out a sigh of relief.

"You need to go after him," the iron dragon-slayer once his arm had settled, crimson eyes fixing on Gray who looked startled at the sudden command. After all they spent most of the time making sure that he was giving Natsu the space he needed, so he was suspicious of the sudden change and the concern in both their faces.

"Why?" He asked at last, finally finding his voice.

"Gajeel has come down with Dragon Fever," Levy spoke up feeling Gajeel shaking next to her as his magic strained against hers trying to escape the tight hold she was keeping on it and him. "It affects the magic of mature dragons and dragon-slayers."

"Natsu-san," Wendy whispered in alarm as faint memories of Grandine teaching her about the various maladies that affected Dragons and Dragon-slayers came back to her, frantically she met Gajeel's gaze and he nodded grimly as he saw the realisation in her expressive eyes. "A mated Dragon or Dragon-slayer needs their mate's magic to help keep there's in control during Dragon Fever, otherwise it can run out of control destroying the one whose ill. We know you're not mated, but your magic might be able to help him," she explained whirling to look at Gray with something akin to desperation in her eyes. It wasn't fair that Natsu was going to have to rely on the one who'd hurt him to survive this, especially when there was no guarantee that the bond that remained between the two would be strong enough to help him.

"And if my magic doesn't work?" Gray demanded seeing the doubt in her eyes. There was no way he wouldn't try, he was always aware of the debt he owed Natsu even if the Dragon-slayer insisted that there wasn't a debt between them, but he needed to know just what he was getting into.

"I don't know," Wendy admitted reluctantly before gazing at Gajeel hoping that he might have more information than she did.

"I'm not sure," he said hesitantly glancing down at Levy. "Failed matings are fairly rare, and I only know what Metallicana told me which isn't a lot." Gray tried to hide the flinch that went through him at the mention of failed matings, before frowning in concern, he didn't like the idea that everything was riding on something that had a good chance of failing but it didn't seem as there was much choice.

"Mira which job did Natsu take?" He called getting to his feet and glancing across to the take-over mage, wishing that he'd paid more attention when the flame brain had taken off, but he'd wanted to give Natsu some space.

"It was the bandit job out near Oak Town," she said with a frown glancing towards her pile of accepted jobs, the request itself had been rather sparse on details and she'd tried to convince Natsu to at least take Happy with him but the fire mage had been adamant about going on his own. Gray bit back a curse, it was going to take at least a day to get there and that was if he got lucky with the trains.

"Should we come as well?" Lucy asked glancing at him with worried eyes, and he could see Erza watching him intently and wondered what she was thinking as for once there was no simmering anger in her gaze.

"No, Natsu doesn't like lots of fuss when he's ill," the re-quip mage said at last and her gaze softened slightly as Gray turned to look at her in surprise, he'd fully expected her to insist on coming to supervise. Of all of them she had taken the longest to soften in her attitude to him, and he knew it was only Natsu's continual appeals on his behalf that had soothed her temper. "It'll be hard enough for him to accept Gray's help without the rest of us fussing around him."

"Is there anything else I need to know about Dragon Fever?" He asked at last turning back to glance at the two dragon-slayers.

"You'll have to use your magic to drive his back into his body, the longer he's alone the worse it'll be and it will fight you," Gajeel said with a wince as more metal flickered into life along his arm, and at once Levy moved her hand to press against it, her mouth set in a grim line as she used her own magic to quell his.

"You can't hesitate or hold back," she added grimly never taking her eyes of the flickering metal and Gray nodded even though she wasn't looking. He could see the faint lines of exhaustion on her face, and the way she was having to grit her teeth as she fought Gajeel's magic and it gave him a good idea of just how much magic this was going to take…and he just hoped that his was strong enough to do the job.

Feeling a soft touch on his leg he glanced down to find Happy clinging to his trousers, tears in his expressive eyes as he stared desperately up at the ice mage. Unable to stand the expression on the Exceed's face he carefully knelt and rested his hands on the cat's shoulders, meeting his gaze with quiet confidence as he pushed his own doubts down and out of sight.

"He'll be alright Happy, I'll make sure of it," he said softly and the cat sniffled before nodding as he heard the promise in Gray's voice.

"Bring him home," Erza said softly and he shot her a startled look before nodding seeing the acceptance in her eyes, maybe this would be the turning point in their relationship. He certainly hoped so, and he knew it would help relieve some of the pressure on Natsu if they were able to get along better.

"I will," he said simply, patting the Exceed on the head before getting to his feet and heading for the door. As he passed by the pair in the doorway he felt a gentle touch on his arm, and looking up he met Levy's warm gaze with surprise.

"You can do it," she said softly, shooting him a small smile which he returned hesitantly. Of all of them she had been the most understanding of the situation he'd found himself in, and even before Natsu had insisted on everyone treating him normally she had promised herself not to treat him differently. With a last squeeze she let him go and without hesitation he took off at a run, this time he wasn't going to screw up.

FTFT

Natsu whimpered as he twisted restlessly on the narrow bed. The heat had been growing over the last couple of days, and nothing he did seemed to help in the slightest and he'd run out of medicine the night before. Logically he knew that he should go and find a doctor or some more medicine, or ask someone to get one for him, but he couldn't find the energy or motivation to leave his room. He'd already paid for the room for a couple of weeks so no-one was going to be hounding him for rent, and he'd kept to himself since arriving so no-one was going to seek him out for company.

Dazed olive eyes blinked open and he stared up at the ceiling for a moment, feeling nauseous as his magic swirled uneasily in his chest. Flames flickered into life against his fingers and he turned to glance at them with a confused frown, he was fairly sure that he hadn't meant to summon the flames. Narrowing his eyes he tried to banish the flames and almost perversely they seemed to spring higher, and he realised with a wave of fear that he wasn't controlling the fire.

"Go away," he whispered hoarsely staring at the fire, hearing his inner dragon mocking his efforts as he tried to regain control of his magic. "Ple…" His pleading trailed off as the nausea rose and at once he stumbled from the bed, staggering unsteadily into the bathroom and dropping down beside the toilet with a broken sob. He had a brief second to realise that the flames had vanished again and then he was retching violently, sobs and shivers rattling his body as he curled helplessly around the toilet.

FTFT

Gray glanced anxiously at the clock before returning his gaze to the passing countryside with a sigh. Luck had not been on his side and his first train had been delayed by a malfunction and now he was definitely going to miss his next train, which meant he was going to be stuck until morning. Scowling he clenched his fists, hoping that Natsu had somehow managed to escape the Dragon Fever – after all he hadn't spent that much time around Gajeel and Levy recently so it was possible…He knew that he was being overly optimistic, luck never seemed to run their way and the thought of Natsu suffering on his was haunting him the longer the train ride took.

FTFT

Somehow Natsu had managed to make it back to the bed, but the effort had drained what little strength he had and now he was lying sprawled limply on the bed; his head drooping over the side from where he'd been unable to make it back to the bathroom. He was faintly aware of the smell of vomit, but he couldn't even summon the effort to shift away. The heat flooding his body had reached unmanageable levels and it felt like he was slowly being consumed by his own fire.

"Gray," he whispered weakly as he stared through slitted eyes at the wall, his mind filling with memories and images of the ice mage and he found himself reaching out as though he could touch the other. Fresh tears trickled down his cheeks as he grasped thin air, and he willingly allowed his eyes to drift shut, desperate for even a short reprieve from the pain.

FTFT

The Next day:

Gray muttered a curse as he burst off the train, ignoring the protests as he shoved his way through the crowd. His bad luck with the trains had held on and he'd missed all but one of his planned connections, and now it was approaching mid-afternoon when at the latest he'd hoped to arrive was morning. Muttering expletives to himself he finally found himself outside the station, his eyes instinctively shooting to the magnificent building that had once housed Phantom Lord – it was hard to believe how long ago the two guilds had fought. Shaking his head he pulled himself back to the present, wondering just how he was going to track down Natsu when there was going to be at least a dozen places he could be staying.

With a sigh he buried his hands in his pocket and set off up the main street, eyes constantly scanning for the familiar head of pink even as he sought out every possible place that the dragon-slayer could be staying. Usually the dragon-slayer would go for somewhere central to stay, but the whole point of this trip had been for Natsu to get away from everything so it was likely he would have found somewhere out of the way.

FT

After several hours of fruitless searching he finally got lucky when he stumbled across the trial of some of the bandits that Natsu had gone off to catch. He'd nearly bypassed the crowd gathered outside the courtrooms, but thankfully he'd overheard people discussing who was on trial and the moment he'd heard bandits he'd joined the crowd. It had taken a lot of pushing and shoving to get through to the front, and thankfully he was able to quickly snag an official looking man and pull him to one side despite his protests.

"I'm looking for the mage that helped catch the bandits," he explained shortly, not bothering with any pleasantries as his concern for Natsu was growing the longer it took to find the hot-headed mage.

"What do you want with him?" The old man asked suspiciously, and with a roll of his eyes Gray lifted up his shirt to reveal his Fairy Tail mark, ignoring the outburst of excited chatter at his actions.

"I'm from the same guild."

"I believe he said he was staying on the outskirts of town," the old man said eventually after examining the mark closely, and seeing the worried gleam in the onyx eyes. "There's an inn on the road coming in from the direction of Clover, it's not the nicest of places but it's the only one out of town."

"Which way?" Gray asked urgently, not likely the thought of Natsu staying somewhere described as 'not the nicest of places' especially if he was unwell. The man pointed up one of the side roads, and with a muttered thanks the ice mage took off, ignoring the protests as he roughly shoved his way back through the crowd. Breaking through of the heaving crowd he took off at a run, ignoring the odd looks that were sent his way.

FT

His heart sank at the sight of the inn, even from the outside it looked dingy and run-down and he wondered what on earth had possessed Natsu to choose such a place. Even if he had been planning on staying for a few weeks, after the last few jobs he would've had more than enough to stay at somewhere nicer. Shaking his head he headed for the door, silently hoping that the inside of the inn was going to be in better than the outside indicated – if not he was determined to get the flame brain to a better inn.

Cautiously he opened the inn door and stepped inside, his nose wrinkling as it was assaulted by the smell of beer and stale sweat. Schooling his expression into blankness he closed the door behind him, glancing around at the dark room filled with miss-matched furniture and a few men in various stages of drunkenness.

"Do you have a pink-haired mage staying here?" He asked stepping across to the more and glancing at the bulky figure of the bar-tender, onyx eyes narrowing as the man staggered slightly as he turned to glance at the ice mage, growing more and more determined to get Natsu and find somewhere else to stay.

"Oh the pretty-faced fire mage?" The man slurred and Gray bit back a growl, seriously Natsu had to have been out of his mind to choose this inn. He resolutely squashed the voice in the back of his mind that suggested this might be another way for the dragon-slayer to punish himself over his perceived failure, shying away from the guilt that thought produced. Refocusing on the man he nodded silently not willing to engage in unnecessary conversation. "He's up in the end room, just turn left at the top of the stairs."

Without a word Gray turned and headed for the stairs, frowning at how easily the bar-tender had given up the information, it was a good thing he was out to get the dragon-slayer. Quickly he made his way upstairs and turned left, eyeing the end door with more than a bit of trepidation, unsure of what he would find or what his reception would be. After all Natsu had taken off to get away from him, and yet here he was chasing him down. Reaching the door he knocked softly, tilting his head as he listened hopefully for a response, still hoping against hope that the fire mage had somehow escaped coming down with dragon-fever.

After a moment he knocked again, his frown deepening with concern when there was still no answer and summoning his courage he reached out and tried the handle. It opened easily and he tried not to think about what could have happened if someone had tried to come after Natsu, as he quietly pushed the door open.

"Natsu?!" He called warily, not wanting to end up on the wrong end of a flaming fist if he'd just caught the other having a nap. But there was still no response and he stepped into the darkened room, gagging as the smell of vomit, sweat and singed wood hit him along with a wave of hot air. However, what alarmed him more was the sense of malicious magic lingering in the air and his hopes fell flat as his eyes finally fell on the limp form sprawled on the tiny bed. "Natsu," he whispered, horror and fear filling his voice as he stared wide-eyed at his nakama.

FTFT

A/N: I was originally going to skip Dragon Fever in this one, but someone asked about it and inspiration struck.

I'll try and update sooner this time, but next week is going to be manic at work so I can't make any promises. Anyone waiting for updates on the other stories, they should mainly be up tonight or tomorrow.


	5. Chapter 5

Sorry for the delay everyone, I have been away at Hyper Japan this weekend so somewhat behind on chapter updates. Thank you for bearing with me

Thank you for the amazing reviews, follows and favourites.

Disclaimer: As always Fairy Tail and its characters don't belong to me, I'm just borrowing them.

FTFT

Natsu looked almost dead in the feeble light provided by the open door, and it took all of Gray's courage to actually step forward and check on the dragon-slayer. _Please don't be dead!_ He thought desperately as he stretched trembling fingers out towards Natsu's neck, however, the gentle sensation of air against his arm made him freeze. His eyes widening with relief as Natsu stirred weakly, although his concern rose as he noted how laboured his breathing seemed to be

"Natsu? Natsu can you hear me?" He called urgently as he gently shook the dragon-slayer, fighting the urge to recoil from the sheer heat coming off the fire mage as he felt the magic in the air around him shift threateningly. "Natsu please," he pleaded as he started taking stock of the other's condition, noting with a concerned frown the poorly bandaged injuries. Although worrying in light of Natsu's usual conscientious approach to dealing with injuries (courtesy of Erza literally beating the habit into him), they paled in comparison to the condition the fever had left him in.

Normally tan skin had paled to the point that it was nearly translucent, which only highlighted the deep red flush colouring his cheeks. Dark shadows surrounded his eyes, and it was only closer inspection that confirmed that they weren't in fact black eyes. His entire body was covered in a clammy sweat and as Gray watched the dragon-slayer shivered violently, a grimace of pain marring his face even in unconsciousness. Gray couldn't help but compare the differences between Natsu and Gajeels' conditions, and whilst he knew that part of it was because the fire mage hadn't had his magic to support him, he wasn't blind to the fact that Natsu hadn't been taking care of himself properly since everything went to hell between them.

"Gray," he was startled out of his perusal and dark thoughts by the faint whisper, and he lent forward hopefully as Natsu's nose twitched slightly before dazed eyes slid open to half-mast. For a second the hazy gaze seemed to fix on him, but then an expression of sorrow and guilt spread across Natsu's face and the ice mage watched in alarm as silent tears trickled down flushed cheeks. "Stop taunting me….I know I can't have him…I know…I screwed up," Natsu mumbled his voice growing fainter with each word, the pain in his words driving daggers into Gray's heart even though he realised with a sense of dread that the dragon-slayer wasn't talking to him. In fact he was convinced Natsu hadn't even realised he was really there.

""Natsu it's me, it's Gray," he said urgently seeing the other's eyes threating to drift shut and knowing that he need to reach Natsu before he lost consciousness once more. Gently he reached up and tapped Natsu's cheek hoping to startle him into a bit more awareness, biting back the guilt as Natsu flinched from his touch with a pain whimper. However, slowly the dazed eyes seemed to clear slightly and focus on him and he forced a small smile onto his face. "Hey, are you with me?"

"Gray?" Natsu whispered as he tilted his head to stare at the ice mage, convinced that his draconic side was just trying to torment him some more. Ever since his illness had really kicked in he'd been seeing Gray beside him, sometimes seeming to offer help but other times standing just out of reach as his own longing and the punishment from his dragon vied for control. This time however he could smell the ice mage's unique scent, a special blend of fresh-fallen snow and crisp winter air and he wondered wearily if his hallucinations were growing in strength.

"Yeah it's me, it's really me," Gray said almost frantically seeing the doubt in the eyes, and something in his voice seemed to reach Natsu. Feeling the familiar twinge in his chest that told him his chosen was hurting the dragon slayer blinked before turning his gaze back to the ice mage, weakly raising a trembling arm, struggling to find the strength to reach out for the other teen. Seeing this Gray leant in to let the too warm hand brush against his cheek, and feeling a surge of relief as realisation entered the olive eyes.

"Why? Why are you here?" Natsu asked in confusion as he dropped his arm, the simple action having completely destroyed his non-existent strength and he could feel the compelling pull of unconsciousness tugging at the back of his mind. Even the fact that he could feel his magic running free around him, although thankfully tamely at the moment couldn't hold back the encroaching darkness and he blinked heavily as he struggled to focus on Gray.

"I came to get you. Gajeel has Dragon Fever and he thought you'd have it to and apparently only my magic will help," Gray explained in a rush sensing that the other was fading rapidly, and shivering nervously as Natsu's magic brushed against his – he had always associated the dragon-slayer with warmth and comfort, but the wild magic felt dangerous and threatening and deep down he admitted that it scared him.

Natsu blinked as he tried to make sense of the hurried sentence, the furnace burning within him making it impossible to grab the threads of thought. However, what did register was that the one he had failed to claim as a mate was there to rescue him and the thought sent shame and disgust flowing through him, just how pitiful a creature was he? Fresh tears escaped despite his attempts to hold them in as he weakly rolled so that he was facing away from Gray, unable to bear the thought of seeing pity in the onyx eyes.

"Go away," he managed to force out, ignoring with difficulty the way his dragon simultaneously taunted him for his weakness yet howled at his words.

"Natsu…" Gray breathed trying to ignore the wave of hurt the pained demand sent through him, knowing that the fire mage was hurting a lot more than he was. "I'm not going anywhere until you're better, and then we're going home to Fairy Tail…together," he said firmly, determination filling him as he recalled the faith the rest of their nakama had put in him. He knew that either way Natsu was going to hurt, but there was no way he was going to let the dragon-slayer die from some illness, not when he had the ability to help him. "We're still nakama aren't we?"

_Nakama._ The word sent a shard of pain through the dragon-slayer, but it reminded him of the agreement they had made when Gray had returned from his self-imposed exile. But he had promised the ice mage that they were going to remain nakama, and he could hear the pain and conflict in Gray's voice and instinctively he twisted his head so that peer at the ice mage. Dark eyes met his and he could see the hope in them, so he gave a silent nod, immediately being rewarded with a small relieved smile.

"Then let me help you," Gray added, unable to hide his relief that Natsu had actually agreed. He knew that in his current condition the dragon-slayer wouldn't really have been able to stop him, but he didn't want to force him unless absolutely necessary. He could see the reluctance in the other's eyes as he carefully stepped forward but Natsu made no move to stop him, although the magic around him shifted in agitation and he got the sense that it wasn't nearly as forgiving as Natsu was.

FT

With a sense of urgency he set about removing the poorly wrapped bandages, hissing in sympathy at the cuts hidden beneath although he was relieved to notice that Natsu had cleaned them properly. As he probed them gently before carefully rewashing them and wrapping them properly, he wondered just what had happened on the job. Natsu normally walked away from such jobs with nothing more than a few bruises if that. Part of him wanted to ask, but the dragon-slayer had only just relaxed slightly and he didn't want to bring the tension back, especially Natsu was barely clinging to consciousness.

"Well you shouldn't get an infection at least," he comment quietly when he was finished and Natsu blinked at him, although he was relieved at the ice mage's words as he knew that he hadn't really taken care of them properly. "Here you need to drink something and try and get some medicine down you," he continued gently as he retrieved the water he'd brought through before rummaging in his trouser pocket for the medicine he'd scooped up on the way. In truth he doubted such mundane medicine would help against Dragon Fever, but even if it only helped a little he knew that he was going to need every advantage he could gain in the situation.

Ignoring the pained look in the olive eyes he carefully lifted the dragon-slayer into a sitting position and held the glass to dry lips. With a faint noise of protest the fire mage took a cautious sip, before greedily sipping more as he registered the relief the cool liquid brought to his burning body, barely heeding Gray's cautions to slow down. Seeing this Gray pulled the glass away, feeling bad when Natsu whimpered at the loss.

"Slow down," Gray cautioned more sternly as rebellious olive eyes met his, and slowly Natsu nodded, quietly swallowing the medicine that was offered before Gray held out the glass again. This time he heeded the ice mage's words, and sipped carefully until he felt full, turning his head aside to indicate he was done. Seeing this Gray carefully settled him back on the bed, before getting to his feet to tidy up the mess from tending his friend's wounds, aware that he was working on an increasingly short timeframe as the magic stirred more and more around him.

FT

"Gr...ay," the desperate whisper was the only warning he got as the magic finally flared to life with ill intentions, and he was flung violently across the room until the wall stopped him. Groaning he slid down to the floor, wincing as he sat up and checked himself for any major injuries. Relieved to find only bruises he got back to his feet, scowling as his body protested the movement and knowing that if was only likely to get worse from this point.

"Natsu…" He trailed off as he realised the outburst had been the final push needed to send the fire mage back into unconsciousness and he realised with a shiver of dread that he was now on his own with the raging magic. Almost in response to his realisation the magic seemed to coil itself around him, and he shuddered as it pressed against him shrinking back from the oppressive heat. "Guess it's just us now," he commented as he halted his nervous shifting, knowing that the magic would sense his nerves and use it against him. "I'm not letting you destroy him though, I owe him too much," the last bit was said mainly to himself, but the magic reacted none the less and he was forced to jump aside as fire lashed the space where he'd been stood a moment before.

Realising that playtime was over he spun and brought his hands together firmly, his face set in a determined expression as he called up his own magic. Ice and fire was a poor match up at the best of time, he was honest enough to admit that only the fact that they were nakama had made his and Natsu remain at the level of friendly rivalry; if Natsu had wanted he could have easily overwhelmed his ice at any point. This time he just hoped the fact that he had control over his magic would give him the edge over the wild fire. He pushed his thoughts aside as several balls of fire shot towards him, onyx eyes narrowing as he reached out to freeze the balls in mid-air, sweat already appearing as he struggled to keep the flames encased in his ice before finally the fire died completely.

He barely had a second to savour his first victory before more fire lashed out at him, and he was kept busy freezing what flames he could and twisting out of the path of others. It was barely a few minutes later before the first flame broke through his efforts and he let out a yelp of pain as it scorched his lower arm, frantically clasping a hand against the burned skin and soothing it with his ice. The pain brought home the fact that this really wasn't Natsu that he was facing, and he gritted his teeth as he dodged another flame…this was going to be more of a battle than he'd thought he realised with a sense of dread.

"What the hell?" The loud voice dragged Gray out of his thoughts and he cursed as he was forced to dodge a lashing tongue of fire, feeling the heat as it barely missed him and he turned blazing eyes towards the door. The bar keeper was stood in the doorway staring wide-eyed at the scene before him, his face growing red as he took in the growing amount of damage to the walls. "What are you doing to my inn?" He demanded furiously, the drunken slurr from before completely gone and a dangerous glint in his eyes and once again Gray found himself cursing Natsu's choice of places to stay.

"We'll pay for the damage later, now get out of here before you get hu…" Gray trailed off as he felt the magic flaring behind him, and without thought he sprang between the magic and the barkeeper. "Ice Make: Shield," he yelled, wincing as the fresh flames collided with his ice with an ear-splitting roar, he could feel the ice threatening to give way as the flames flared hotter and hotter. "Get out of here, you might want to evacuate the place whilst you're at it," he ordered without sparing a glance at the other man, relieved when with a furious curse the other man turned and stormed off, although the sound of knocking further down the corridor indicated that he was at least taking the ice mage's advice.

Slowly the magic retreated again and the shield instantly splintered and Gray stepped back to lean against the wall as he breathed heavily. He knew that it was only going to be a brief pause, already he could sense the magic regrouping and he bit back a groan. His magic was going strong for now, but he had no doubt that these clashes were only going to continue and he had no idea if he would be able to outlast the wild magic. The advice that he had been given seemed useless in the face of reality, and he felt horribly alone as the magic began to stir again and he forced himself to stand in preparation for the fresh assault.

FTFT

The next morning:

It had been a long seemingly endless night of nearly non-stop clashes between Gray and the wild magic, with no signs of weakening in the rampaging magic. Numerous times the magic had managed to burn through Gray's ice, and the ice mage was now decorated in a grim mosaic of bruises and burns which made every movement agonising. Throughout it all though Natsu had remained unconscious, occasionally stirring when Gray was unable to stay silent in his pain but never rousing enough to communicate or to attempt to reign in his magic. Gray had long since admitted that he had no idea how this situation was going to be resolved. As it was at the moment it was a battle of attrition, all that was left to wait for was to see who gave first, himself or the weakening dragon-slayer on the bed.

FT

Gray panted as he dropped down on one knee, wincing as the action jostled his burns but quickly smothering the cry that tried to escape. The magic might not care about hurting him, but Natsu did and would and there was no way he was going to add to the burden his friend was carrying. Taking a steadying breath he turned his gaze back to the limp form on the bed, his eyes narrowing as he realised that Natsu had paled even more in the last couple of hours and even from here he could hear the way he struggled to draw breath.

There wasn't much time left he realised with horror, the magic filling the room seemed to be getting stronger and stronger, whilst the dragon-slayer was growing weaker. Silently he cursed Levy and Gajeel, they hadn't prepared him for a battle of this scale and he felt well and truly out of his depth. He wished that Erza or Lucy had insisted on coming with him, although he knew that they wouldn't have been able to do much to help – but still. He was dragged out of his turbulent thoughts as fire lashed against his arm, and biting his lip against the pain he hastily dragged up his flagging magic, freezing the flames in mid-air and feeling a wave of satisfaction as the rest of the magic shifted back warily.

He knew that if Natsu had been in full control of his magic and was willing or able to hurt him then the burns he was sporting now would be nothing in comparison and it was the one bright spot he could find in the current chaos. Thoughtfully he turned his gaze to the unconscious fire mage, pushing back the concern that welled up at the state Natsu was in – he needed to try and rouse the dragon-slayer, and hope that his runaway magic had weakened enough for him to get it back under control.

"Natsu! Natsu I need you to wake up!" He called as he forced himself back to his feet, trying to move towards the bed but coming up against an invisible war holding him back from the fire mage. He gritted his teeth in frustration but stepped back, not keen to provoke the magic into attacking any sooner. "Natsu I know you can hear me, WAKE UP!"

FT

Natsu could faintly hear Gray calling out for him, and something twisted in his chest as he heard the fear and desperation in the other's voice. He had no idea what was going on but the thought of anything causing his mate such distress roused him and he began to fight against the shadows holding him in place. As he began to crawl back towards the surface of consciousness he began to feel the magic running amok in the air, and a shudder went through him as he realised that it was his own magic running rampant. The realisation was followed by a wave of dread as he realised that Gray was in the room, facing the fury of his magic on his own.

It took far more effort than such a simple action should have needed to force his eyes open, and it took all his strength to stop them sliding shut immediately, holding them open at half-mast as he struggled to focus on what was happening. The room swam in and out of focus and he felt a wave of nausea hit him, making him whimper as he tried to ride out, lacking the strength to do anything else.

"_NATSU PLEASE WAKE UP!"_ Gray's frantic shout pierced the fog drowning him and feebly he tilted his head in the direction of the ice mage's voice, pain piercing him as he took in the other's exhausted and injured state. His dragon howled with a mixture of fury and agony as he realised just what his runaway magic was doing, and desperately he stretched a trembling hand out towards Gray.

He felt for the magic in the air, flinching as he felt the malicious edge to it and realising with a pang that it had enjoyed lashing out at Gray. Desperately he clenched his hand as he tried to find the thread that connected his magic to himself, feeling the magic trying to shift away in an attempt to stop his efforts. Darkness was clouding his vision when he finally found the connection, and he nearly wept with relief as he turned his wavering focus onto the connection. It was faint and stretched thin, and he knew that if he wasn't careful it could separate altogether – the thought of being left without his magic sent a shiver through him – but he had to protect Gray.

Blinking he glanced back towards Gray, his eyes widening slightly as he met startled onyx eyes and he realised that Gray hadn't noticed his stirring. For a long moment they just stared at one another, however, Natsu was distracted when a tongue of flame lashed towards the ice mage and Gray only just managed to twist out of its path. Fury and concern welled in the fire mage and he clenched his eyes shut as he focused on the weak thread tying him to the magic, slowly beginning to pull it back towards himself.

The magic was reluctant to obey and fought against his efforts, and he struggled to stop it pulling away, sweat pouring down his forehead as desperately yanked it back towards himself. Abruptly thought the magic seemed to shift and suddenly it was pouring back towards him, and as he felt it's fury he braced himself. As soon as it began to re-enter his body he felt pain lashing through his limbs as the magic burned him, and he couldn't stop the agonised cry that spilled from his lips. For a brief second the magic began to pull free of his hold, and only the thought of Gray facing this pain made him tighten his hold, pulling the magic into his body even as it lashed out at him.

FT

"NATSU!" Gray shouted desperately as he heard the other mage crying out in pain, forcing himself forwards a couple of steps as he dashed sweat out of his burning eyes, but the magic was still holding him back. Natsu was writhing wildly on the bed now, his face twisted into an expression of agony as a continual stream of whimpers broken only by weak cries escaped. For a brief moment he'd dared to think they were winning when he'd seen Natsu awake and felt the magic being drawn towards the fire mage, but he should have known better. "Dammit," he cursed violently and he brought his hands together furiously, he could barely feel his own magic at this point and he knew it wouldn't be long before he ran dry but he wasn't about to give the other teen up without a fight. "ICE MAKE: LANCE," he roared, dizziness hitting him as he poured all his magic into the attack, desperately focusing on pushing the magic back towards Natsu.

FT

Natsu could smell the ice in the air and he knew that Gray was fighting beside him, and despite everything that knowledge comforted him and he drew strength from it. He was at his limit and he could feel his body shutting down around him, but he kept his focus on his magic, steadily drawing it back into himself now as it fled the force of Gray's ice magic. The pain hadn't given up and tears streaked down his face as whimpers escaped in a continual flow, but he didn't let up until he felt the almost inaudible pop as the last bit of his magic sank back within his body.

For a moment it rebelled against being contained once more, and he tasted copper as he bit his lip to stop from shrieking as the fire lashed at him with increased ferocity. And then with shocking suddenness it vanished, leaving him limp with relief as his body echoed with the residual pain of the attack. He could faintly feel the hum of his magic as it settled back into its normal rhythm, although he knew it would be a while before it was completely back to normal.

Weakly he tried to tilt his head back towards Gray, wanting to let the ice mage know that it was over, but his body was no longer heeding his commands. It was becoming an effort even to breathe, and his eyes widened as he struggled to draw in enough air, trying to call out to Gray with increased urgency. But he couldn't even force his voice past his lips, and as his eyes drifted shut against his will, he wondered if they'd won the battle to late.

FT

_It was over _he thought as the feeling of magic in the air slowly faded away until all he could detect was a low level of magic coming from Natsu, a worrying low level. Dazedly he stared around at the ruined remains of the room, surprised that the building was still standing as he realised that most of the roof above them was gone and the remaining bits of wall were severely charred as was the floor. Absently he wondered just how much this was going to cost them, wincing at the thought of their Master's face when he got yet another bill for damage.

Realising just how quiet it was he turned his attention to Natsu, awed by the strength the other mage had shown in reigning in the wild magic despite his already weakened condition. Seeing how still and pale the other mage was now that his magic was once again contained sent a fissure of dread through the ice mage, Natsu was never that still even when ill or injured. He had thought that having his magic back would set him on the road to recovery, but suddenly that hope seemed incredibly naïve and a wave of panic rolled over him.

"Natsu," he choked out as he staggered weakly towards the bed, his legs barely able to support his weight as his whole body throbbed with pain as his burns pulled and stretched. With his remaining strength he dropped down besides his friend, reaching out desperately to check on the dragon-slayer as he realised that he could no longer make out the other's strained breathing. His vision blurred violently as he pressed scorched fingers against still-burning skin, tears escaping as a faint pulse thudded weakly beneath his touch. Shaking his head he tried to turn and check on the other's breathing, but the movement was a push to far and he distantly felt himself slumping downward before he was gone.

FTFT

A/N: This is actually the second version of this chapter, as my computer ate 3,000 words of the previous version. The battle is more condensed in this one and I hope it wasn't to rushed? The next chapter is already under way and should be up by the weekend.


	6. Chapter 6

Thank you for the amazing reviews, follows and favourites!

Disclaimer: As always Fairy Tail and its characters don't belong to me, I'm just borrowing them.

FTFT

Three days later:

Gray was drifting through a seemingly never-ending fog, thoughts and memories darting around him like little flashes of quicksilver but whenever he tried to reach out and grasp one it would dart just out reach. He wasn't sure how he'd ended up here, but he knew that he had to wake up, that there was something he had to do and it was frustrating him as he floundered helplessly through the greyness.

"Gray…" He stilled abruptly as he heard his name drift through the fog, unsure of where it had come from, the voice generating a faint sense of recognition. Whoever was calling him was familiar, but as with everything else it was being blocked by the fog. "Gray, you need to wake up now." He frowned at the worry he could hear in the voice, and the idea that he was making someone worry gave him the strength to wade forwards. Determinedly he trailed after the voice, fresh encouragement reaching his ears as slowly the fog begin to lessen around him and he focused on the growing light ahead.

FT

Lucy and Erza watched hopefully as Gray slowly began to stir, a slight frown marring his brow as his eyes began to twitch. Gently Erza reached out and ran hand through the scorched black hair, brushing against his forehead as he seemed to lean into her touch.

"Gray wake up for us," she ordered gently, and they both watched with bated breath as his eyes began to flicker more frequently until slowly the onyx eyes inched open, blinking dazedly as he adapted to the bright light. Once he was able to keep them open he gazed around blearily, confusion swimming in his eyes as he gradually focused on the two girls.

"Wha' happened?" He asked, his voice slurring slightly and they exchanged worried expressions over his head before Erza sighed softly, whilst Lucy reached out and grasped his hand squeezing it comfortingly as he glanced between them with growing worry and confusion in his eyes.

"What do you remember?" Erza asked, her voice gentler than he remembered it being and he blinked heavily as he tried to focus on her question. The lingering fog was making it hard to focus on anything beyond staying awake, but he could see the worry and seriousness in their eyes and knew that he had to focus. Clearly something bad had happened to land him in this state, but for the life of him he couldn't think about had happened and finally he just shook his head silently, trying to ignore the way the room swam with the movement.

"I'll go speak to the Master," Erza said after a long moment, looking a Gray with a worried expression before glancing up at Lucy who nodded silently to indicate that she would stay. Gently running her fingers through his hair one more time the re-quip mage got to her feet and headed for the doorway, her step heavier than usual and Gray wondered just what was going on.

"How are you feeling?" Lucy asked seeing the fear and worry in his dark eyes as he watched Erza's departure and seeking to distract him, succeeding as the onyx eyes slowly moved back to her face, his face twisting as he finally took stock of his body and regretting it as he was hit by a wave of pain.

"Sore," he replied simply after several minutes and she smiled sympathetically as she eyed up the numerous bandages covering his body, guessing that by sore he meant painful as hell and wanting to shake her head at his stubbornness. "And tired…" he added with a yawn as he blinked heavily at her, his vision wavering slightly.

"Get some rest, we'll be here when you wake up," she comforted seeing how much it was costing him to stay awake, and hoping that a bit more rest would help him sort out his memories, unsure of what they were going to do if his memories failed to return. Willingly he let his eyes drift shut, the speed at which his breathing eased out telling her just how exhausted he still was.

FT

Once she was certain that he was deeply asleep once more she carefully got to her feet, gently tucking the covers back in around the ice mage, and pressing a small kiss against his pale cheek. With a last lingering look at him she moved across to the curtain separating his bed from the next, and taking a deep breath she pulled it aside, sadness settling over as her eyes fell on the still figure on the bed.

"Hey Natsu," she said with forced cheerfulness as she moved across to sit in the chair beside his bed, tears prickling her eyes as her gaze traced his still features and frowning at the flush that had returned to his face. With a sigh she reached for the bowl of water beside his bed, carefully wringing out the cloth that had been left in it and draping it over his forehead, her eyes searching every part of his face for the slightest sign of a reaction. She couldn't quell the disappointment when he failed to even so much as twitch, sitting back as she buried her head in her hands. "You have to come back to us," she mumbled, hoping that wherever his mind was at the moment he would be able to hear her voice.

"He will just give him time," Erza said softly coming up beside her, making the Celestial mage start badly as she hadn't expected the other girl to come back so soon. Scrubbing angrily at the tears that had linked down her cheek she gave Erza a watery smile before frowning as her gaze shifted back to Gray.

"What did the Master say?" She asked and Erza shook her head as she gingerly perched on the edge of the bed beside Natsu, instinctively reaching out to squeeze his hand, unsure if she was trying to comfort him or herself.

"He thinks that Gray should remember on his own, he's only just woken up so his memories are going to be hazy. If it persists he'll convince Porlysuica to come back and have a look at him as well," she replied softly as she stared at the sleeping Ice Mage, she had been so relieved when he'd first woken up but now her concern had skyrocketed once more and she hated the fact that they were helpless to help either of their nakama.

"And Natsu?" Lucy asked uncertainly, not entirely sure if she was strong enough to hear more bad news at the moment and her fears seemed to be answered when Erza just shook her head sadly.

"Porlyusica hasn't found anything else yet although she's still looking, and Gajeel has never heard of anything like this happening with Dragon Fever," she said wearily, glancing down at Natsu and hating the unnatural stillness that had gripped him. The Dragon-Slayer was never this still and silent and it made her feel as though he'd already slipped away from them, and her thoughts drifted back to when they had found them.

_Although they knew there was a large chance that they were just going to hurt Gray by going after him, neither of the mages had wanted to take the chance knowing just how awkward things were between the boys at the moment. And Happy had insisted on accompanying them, worried over Natsu after speaking to Lily who'd spoken quietly of watching Gajeel suffer through the worst of his fever. Thankfully they had managed to miss the worst of the travel chaos, although they were worried that Gray might have been caught up in it._

_The journey had passed in tense silence, as they were all too worried about Natsu to talk about happier things, and talking about him would only make the anxiety worse. For Erza the concern for the fire mage was also mixed with guilt about how she had been treating Gray, she more than the others had blamed him for the pain Natsu was in and yet when the push came the Ice mage hadn't hesitated in going to help their Nakama. It was strange, she had known Gray longer and he had been the first to see past the armoured shield she'd wrapped around her heart and yet it was Natsu that she had sided with, that she felt compelled to protect._

_Lucy on the other hand had been much more forgiving, and sometimes when she saw the pain in Natsu's eyes she wondered if she should have forgiven Gray so easily. It broke her heart to see her best friend hurting, but she wasn't blind to the fact that the Ice mage was suffering as well and she knew that losing their friendship would destroy him. Somewhere deep inside she still hoped that someday in the future the Ice mage would return Natsu's feelings, even though Wendy and Gajeel had said that it wouldn't change anything. Silently she glanced across at Erza, wondering what the other girl was thinking about and hoping that the red-head would be able to lighten up on Gray soon._

_FT_

_The journey had passed quickly enough, although once they arrived in Oak town they realised that they had no idea where the boys would be. And the town was roughly the same size of Magnolia so it would take forever to search for them._

"_How are we going to find them? There's going to be a ton of places to…" Lucy broke off as a rumbling noise filled the air and the girl's exchanged knowing looks as Happy sprang into the air. Seconds later he had shot back to them, his eyes wide with worry and his expression anything but happy as he hovered in front of them._

"_There's smoke rising at the far end of town," he reported and Erza growled out a curse, of course they would be at the far end of town and immediately set off at a run knowing that the Lucy would follow. Both of them choosing a path that veered away from the imposing form of the old Phantom castle, the shadow of that battle still lingering over both of them._

_FT_

_They had made record time across town, but their first glimpse of the inn made them feel wave of dread. The building looked as though a bomb had gone off, with most of the top floor destroyed as smoke continued to rise in a thick column leading up into the sky. Exchanging frantic glances they rushed inside, absently noting that the downstairs had been completely abandoned before heading up the stairs, although their progress slowed as the building shifted around them._

_It was with considerably more caution that they stepped onto the upper hallway, the air heavy with smoke and the smell of scorched word. The floor beneath their feet felt unstable as Erza silently led them towards where the worst of the damage was, the door falling inwards with an almost deafening food as she gave it a gentle push. The state of the room didn't given them much confidence and they hesitated before stepping inside, their eyes immediately drawn to the bed in the corner of the room._

"_Natsu! Gray!" Lucy whispered, tears blossoming in her eyes as she stared in horror at their nakama and it took all of Erza's strength not to follow her example._

_For a long moment the threesome froze, unable to process the scene in front of them as ice cold terror settled over them. Both Boys were sprawled limply on the badly damaged bed, Gray slumped partially over Natsu with his hand still held against the fire mage's neck as though he'd been checking for a pulse and there were drying tear tracks marring his soot-covered cheeks. Both looked as though they had been through hell, and the state of the inn indicated that it had been one hell of a battle._

_Finally Erza summoned her courage and cautiously moved across to the bed, carefully negotiating the badly damaged floor and skirting the worse of the scorch marks. As she reached the bed she inhaled sharply as she got a close look at the damage covering Gray's body and the terrifying state of Natsu's, struggling to find the will to reach out and check on them, terrified that they might already be too late. After a long moment she reached out to check the Dragon-Slayer's pulse, barely able to focus past the pounding in her ears._

"_Is he…?" Lucy's trembling voice startled her back into the present as the Celestial mage gingerly moved across to join her, Happy close on her heels. Focusing on her task she let out a soft breath of relief as she finally picked up on the faint pounding beneath her fingers, before gently brushing a hand over his mouth and feeling the soft caress of his breaths although she frowned at the stuttering pattern of air._

"_He's alive," she confirmed unable to say anything more comforting than that, at this blank point range he looked like a mess and she knew that at least some of it was because of what had happened between him and Gray. "Gray?" She asked turning her focus to the Ice Mage, unsurprised to find the Celestial Mage leaning over him and repeating her actions._

"_Alive, and badly burnt," Lucy replied seriously as she reached out and gently shook Gray's shoulder, afraid to make his injuries worse but wanting to see him awake even if only for a moment. There was absolutely no reaction, not even a wince from the pain she must be causing and after a moment Erza reached out to stop her. Her eyes concerned as her gaze flickered between the teens, her expression darkening as she realised just how little magic she could sense from both of them._

"_We need to get them home," she said suddenly and with complete conviction._

"_Surely a hospital here would be better for now?" Lucy asked, not that he wasn't keen to get them both home but she was worried that travelling with them in this state would make them a lot worse. Her gaze settled on Natsu, knowing how sick travel made him at the best of times._

"_They need Porlyusica and the Master, not many hospitals are capable of dealing with mage injuries of this level and with everything else that's happened," Erza trailed off, frowning down at Gray as her earlier guilty thoughts returned. Seeing him so badly injured from trying to help Natsu only made the guilt worse and she knew that when he woke up she would need to have a serious talk with him…and apologize…_

"Erza? Are you okay?" Lucy's worried voice broke through the memory and she blinked realising that she had got caught up in her memories. For a moment she had honestly thought that they might have lost both of their nakama, and she realised that she hadn't really let that sink in yet, to busy getting them home and then waiting for them both to wake up.

"Not really," she admitted honestly and after giving her a brief startled look Lucy moved across and wrapped her hands tightly around the other girl. For a second Erza stiffened, but then she relaxed into the other girl's hold, burying her face against Lucy's shoulder as the tears began to escape. "I thought…" She couldn't even finish the thought, but she didn't need to as Lucy squeezed her tighter for a brief second.

"I know I did to," there was a definite waver in the Celestial mage's voice and Erza felt the other girl's tears join hers as they finally allowed themselves to let out the fear and tension from the last few days, and the continued fear that they might still lose Natsu.

FTFT

Gray moaned softly as he slowly woke up once more, this time the pain in his body registered faster and he instinctively tried to curl up only to find that the movement aggravated his injuries, and he had to bite back a whimper. Moments later warm hands brushed against him and he allowed them to pull him upright before gently pressing a cup against his lips, for a moment he tried to fight unsure of what he was being given.

"Shh it's just some medicine," Lucy's voice broke through his momentary panic and he stilled, sipping willingly at the liquid and melting against her as it immediately began to soothe the pain wracking his body. Once he had downed it all she replaced it with a cup of water and he sipped greedily at the cool liquid, only just heeding her cautioning him to slow down, not wanting to be sick from drinking too fast. "Better?" She asked as she finally settled him back against the pillows and smiling at the sight of proper awareness in his eyes.

"Yeah thanks," he said shortly as he glanced around realising that he hadn't actually taken in much about the room last time he woke, and he frowned as he realised he was in the Guild Infirmary before his eyes drifted to the curtain hanging between his bed and the next. Even when there were multiple people injured they never bothered to seal off the beds. "Who else is hurt?" He demanded still unable to recall what he'd done to land himself in the Infirmary this time, but more worried about one of his friends being injured.

"You need to try and remember yourself," Lucy said softly with an apologetic expression on her face and he scowled at her, wondering why on earth she was being so secretive. After staring at her for several minutes he realised that she really wasn't going to tell him and he huffed out a breath as he sank deeper into the pillow, closing his eyes as he tried to unscramble his thoughts.

_They had just come back from dealing with a large gang of Vulcan's in the Eastern Forest which had been terrorizing the loggers in that area, and they were all exhausted and more than a little filthy as they dropped into the guild to report in._

"_Are you alright?" He asked glancing across at Natsu and noting the strained expression on the Dragon-Slayer's face and noting the protective way he was hugging himself. Natsu had jolted violently at his words, flinching away as Gray had reached out to steady him and the Ice Mage had frozen. "Natsu?" He asked gently, the all-too-familiar guilt rising once more as he saw the pain in the olive eyes that reluctantly met his gaze._

"_I need to get away," Natsu whispered and Gray winced at the raw pain in the other's voice, but he quashed the urge to protest knowing that they had spent a lot of time together with the stream of three jobs in a row. _

"_Alright," Gray said stepping back and watching with hooded eyes as Natsu moved across to murmur to the others before heading to the jobs board. He had felt slightly numb as the Dragon-Slayer hastily chose a job, shoving the job sheet at Mira who accepted it with a worried expression as she glanced between him and Natsu. However, the small smile of gratitude that Natsu had sent him as he made his way towards the door had warmed him and soothed his raging guilt, although he felt a fresh pang as he realised the other teen had left without even taking Happy with him._

He blinked, sure that nothing had happened immediately after that. The rest of them had spoken briefly with Gramps before heading home to shower and unpack. And the next couple of days had been spent lounging around the guild, chatting and catching up with people they hadn't seen for a while because of jobs and laughing as Levy hounded Lucy about her book with something akin to desperation…he frowned at that thought remembering how Lily had abruptly come and dragged Levy away and they hadn't seen her since the first day they were back…until…

"Natsu!?" He shouted in a panic as the rest of his memories rushed in and he remembered being unable to hear the strained breathing and a cold feeling washed over him as he saw the sadness that filled her face. "Is he…?" He couldn't even bring himself to finish the question and she hastily shook her head as she read the terror in his eyes.

"He's holding on," she said softly, and although the cold terror had receded a leaden weight settled in his gut at her words. Before he could ask anything else she got to her feet and slowly moved across to the curtain, glancing back at him sadly before pulling the curtain back. The sight that met his worried eyes was like a punch to the gut, and suddenly he found it hard to breathe as he stared wide-eyed at the still form on the bed.

"N…Natsu," he managed to gasp out as he tried to calm himself, but the air felt as though it was getting thinner and he could hear strained breathing, dazedly realising it was his as a sharp pain lanced through his chest. Then there were warm hands on his shoulders and he could faintly hear Lucy urging him to take deep breaths, her worried face swimming in and out of focus in front of him, but he all he could see was the flash of pink out of the corner of his eye.

"Gray! Gray you need to calm down," Lucy ordered frantically as his breathing became more laboured and she could feel him shaking under her hands, his eyes becoming more and more unfocused as he paled. "Gray you need to breath," she encouraged moving one hand down to rub his back, wishing that she hadn't shown him Natsu so soon. It took several moments before his breathing began to ease slightly, but before it could go back to normal his eyes slid shut and he slumped limply in her arms.

FTFT

The Next Day:

Gray reluctantly let Erza help him hobble across to Natsu's bedside, after she made sure that he wasn't going to have a repeat of the previous day's panic attack. He was still ghostly pale still and it was clear from the way he leant against her that he was still too weak to move unaided, but he was calmer than the previous day although his eyes showed his fear as they locked on Natsu. She could feel his his breath catching as he finally got a good look at the unconscious Dragon-Slayer, but he there was no sign of him reacting further.

For Gray it was worse seeing Natsu up close, if it was possible he would've argued that Natsu looked worse than he had when he'd first found him at the inn, the only difference was the lack of wild magic in the air. Shakily he sank into the chair allowing Erza to guide him as he was unable to tear his eyes away from the dragon-slayer, even the pain in his own body fading into the back of his mind. He couldn't help but compare Natsu's state with that of Gajeel's and all he could hear was the voice of failure in the back of his head as sought for his voice.

"Has he woken at all?" He asked unable to keep the tremble out of his voice, and he steadfastly ignored the sympathetic look Erza gave him although that meant keeping his eyes fixed on Natsu and the longer he looked the worse the fire mage seemed to appear. Pale skin highlighting the flush of fever still lingering in his cheeks, and the shadows beneath his eyes had darkened even more making it look like he had been severely beaten. He seemed to have grown even thinner over the last few days, making him look tiny on the bed and Gray was too scared to even reach out and touch him, frightened that his touch might cause the other to shatter.

"Not yet," she sighed sadly as she carefully lowered him into the seat, although he still hissed in pain despite her care as the burns pulled at the movement. "His temperature has gone down a bit but that's the only thing that's changed," she added as she glanced at Natsu, hating to see how frail and vulnerable the hot-headed mage looked. At this stage she would even welcome the strange, subdued Natsu that had emerged after everything had gone down the drain with Gray – she just wanted him back.

"I'm sorry," Gray whispered guiltily, if only he had got to Natsu sooner or been more aggressive when fighting the wayward magic. A gentle cuff to the side of his head made him glance up in surprise to see Erza glaring at him sternly, none of the anger that had been present the last few weeks in sight.

"You did everything you could," she insisted staring directly into his eyes to make sure he was listening to what she was saying. "We thought we'd l-lost you both when we found you in that inn. You were so badly burned and Natsu was barely breathing, and you were surrounded by a completely ruined room." He could see the pain in her eyes as she spoke and the way she hesitated over voicing her fear, and he shuddered as he flashed back to just before he'd passed out and the desperate relief at the weak pulse he'd felt.

"I thought I'd lost him too," he admitted feeling tears prickling at his eyes, and as his gaze drifted back to the unconscious dragon-slayer he couldn't help but fear that he still might. Even now he could barely pick up on any magic coming from Natsu, and considering the other was always a raging powerhouse of magic it was disconcerting for it to be weak. It didn't escape his notice that it hadn't replenished over the last four days, and he was terrified that the fever had permanently damaged the other's magic, knowing that Natsu would never forgive him if he'd caused him to lose his magic.

"Gray…" Erza's voice was strangely hesitant and he turned to look up at her, raising an eyebrow in question as she saw the conflicted expression on her face but knew better than to push. "I…" She took a deep breath before slowly resting a gentle hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry."

"What for?" He asked nonplussed, unable to think of any reason why the re-quip mage would be apologizing, after all he was the only one that had screwed up both weeks ago and in trying to save Natsu.

"I sided with Natsu without even considering your side, even though we're teammates and I've known you far longer all I could see was that Natsu was hurting," she blurted out staring at him with wide eyes, before continuing before she could lose her confidence. "Even when Natsu forgave you I held a grudge, and I shouldn't have. I am sorry Gray."

"Baka," he said softly breaking into her rambling and she blinked for a second before her eyes narrowed and he hastily raised his hands in surrender, not wanting a clout in his current state. "That isn't something you need to apologize for."

"But…"

"Erza, I was the one…the one that hurt Natsu, in all honesty I expected everyone to side with him and I never even began to imagine that he would be able to forgive me," Gray said softly, his gaze flickering back to Natsu as his expression softened slightly as he recalled the warmth that had engulfed him when he'd heard from Natsu's own lips that he was forgiven. "I still don't feel as though I deserve his forgiveness, so how can I blame you for holding a grudge?" He glanced back at her letting her see the sincerity in his onyx eyes and she relaxed slightly.

"Is everything okay between us?" She asked softly, still wanting to make sure even though she knew he meant every word he was saying. With a small smile he nodded, raising a bandaged hand to squeeze the one on his shoulder for a moment before he turned his attention back to Natsu, the smile being rapidly replaced by a saddened expression. Seeing the pain in his gaze she gave his shoulder one last squeeze before stepping back and heading for the door, realising before he did that he needed some time alone with Natsu even if the other wasn't awake to speak with him.

FTFT

Gray winced as he stretched his sore body, shifting awkwardly to try and find a more comfortable spot on the chair before turning his attention back to Natsu. The girls had left them alone several hours ago, and he hadn't dared to shift from the Dragon-Slayer's side in that time, terrified that the other might slip away if he did. He'd spent most of the time talking to the unconscious dragon-slayer, babbling on about anything and everything but carefully skirting the more painful topics such as their disintegrating relationship, but now he'd run out of words.

Cautiously he reached out and gently grasped the Dragon-Slayer's hands, entwining their fingers and drawing comfort from the other's warmth – he was still with them, still hanging on even if it was just by a thread. The only sign of improvement he could detect was a slight strengthening in the other's breathing, but he knew that until he was able to see the other's eyes open and alert he wouldn't be able to rest easily – he wanted, no needed the other teen to be okay.

"Natsu you need to wake up," he said softly staring at the pale face, desperately hoping for some sign that the Dragon-Slayer could hear him. "We…I…need you to come back to us," he whispered, and it was true he couldn't even begin to fathom a Fairy Tail without Natsu, and from the deep uneasy silence that had been gripping the building since he woke the rest of the Guild felt exactly the same. He blinked as he felt his eyes beginning to burn, sniffling slightly as he tried to hold back the tears relieved that there was no one around to see him as several tears escaped, and landing with a cool splash on their enjoined hands.

"…G…ra…y," lost in his thoughts the Ice Mage nearly missed the broken whisper, and it was the gentle flutter of movement against his hand that brought Gray back to the present. His heart began to pound faster as the fingers he was holding twitched slightly, and hopefully he raised his gaze back to the Dragon-Slayer's face. For a long moment the pale face was completely still and Gray began to think that he'd imagined the movement, but then Natsu's face twitched slightly, an expression of discomfort flickering across his face.

"Natsu, Natsu can you open your eyes for me?" Gray asked, his voice rising slightly as he leant forward, resolutely shoving aside his body's protest as he squeezed the hand he was holding. A hopeful smile appeared on his face as Natsu shifted slightly, his face scrunching up as he tried to swim his way back to consciousness. A constant litany of encouragement fell from Gray's lips as the movements increased in frequency although the Dragon-Slayer hadn't yet found the strength to force his eyes open.

"Gray?" He didn't look round as he heard Lucy's worried voice behind him, unwilling to drag his attention away from Natsu, never halting in his encouragement. He had to be the one to bring Natsu back to them, he had to prove to himself and to their friends that he hadn't screwed up and this was the only way he could do that. Natsu shifted more violently and Gray heard Lucy's startled gasp behind him, and then the sound of her hurried footsteps and he knew she'd gone to find Erza and their Master.

Finally Natsu's eyes begin to shift slightly, and Gray fell silent as he stared intently at the fire mage's face, willing as much strength as he could into his friend. It was a couple of minutes later when Natsu's eyes fluttered open although they almost immediately closed once more, and panic filled the Ice Mage.

"No Natsu keep them open for me okay? Come on Natsu," Gray encouraged frantically unable to bear the thought of Natsu falling unconscious again, and he knew that he was squeezing the other's hand to hard but he couldn't make himself let go. Slowly Natsu blinked his eyes open again although it took multiple attempts for him to get them to remain open and even that was at half-mast, his gaze unfocused as the olive orbs flickered around uncertainly but it was still a welcome sight. "Hey," Gray called softly, waiting patiently as the other's gaze slowly shifted towards him although it remained largely unfocused.

"G…ra…y…O..kay?" The whispered words were exhausted and slurred and it took a long moment for Gray to work out that the idiot was asking if he was okay. He had to hastily squash his first instinct which was to ream out the fire mage for caring more about Gray's welfare than his own, but he couldn't bring himself to do so as he saw the concern lurking beneath the confusion.

"I'm fine," he said softly, hoping that the other was to unfocused to notice the extent of his injuries as he knew it would only make Natsu feel guilty. "How are you feeling?" He asked with more urgency as Natsu blinked heavily and seeing the weariness in the other's face, Natsu frowned as he clearly struggled to comprehend the question and Gray felt bad for confusing the other teen.

"I'm…'kay," Natsu said finally once he'd worked out what he was being asked, and Gray nodded although he knew that in Natsu speak that meant he was tired and hurting, but not at risk of dying and for now the Ice mage would draw comfort from that. Slowly Natsu's gaze drifted down to their joined hands, a confused frown marring his brow as he cautiously squeezed the cool fingers and Gray returned the gesture gently, smiling sadly as the Dragon-Slayer relaxed slightly at the gesture. "Thank you," it clearly took him a lot of effort to get the words out clearly, and Gray was stunned, of all the things he'd expected the other to say that hadn't even entered his mind.

"I would do it again," he said as soon as he could get his vocal chords to work, knowing that the words weren't really enough to convey everything that he needed to say but unable to say anything else. Natsu blinked and seemed content with his words before his eyes slowly began to slip shut, and it took all of Gray's efforts to stop himself calling out to the other mage. It would be selfish to try and keep Natsu awake even if he was scared that the other teen wouldn't wake again, instead he lent forward and buried his head against the Dragon-slayer's shoulder ignoring the sound of approaching footsteps as he finally gave himself over to his own exhaustion.

FTFT

A/N: Next update will be up asap.


	7. Chapter 7

Thank you for the amazing reviews, follows and favourites.

Sorry for the long update, I ended up moving back to Scotland rather suddenly so I had to focus on packing and switching jobs etc. It'll be a couple more weeks till I'm fully sorted, so please be patient with me.

Disclaimer: As always FT and its characters don't belong to me I'm just borrowing them.

FTFT

Natsu stirred slowly, his brow furrowing as the various aches and pains began to register, and for a moment he tried to sink back into sleep to escape the pain. However, the sound of movement near his head alerted him to the fact that he wasn't alone, and with a great deal of reluctance he forced his eyes to inch open. Bright light assaulted his eyes and he groaned as he hastily snapped them shut again, at once there was a worried voice speaking and he heard rapid footsteps moving away and the sound of curtains being drawn.

"Hey Natsu, try opening your eyes again for me," the voice reappeared a few minutes later and he started violently having drifted off slightly in the momentary quiet. He hesitated for a second unable to place the voice although it was definitely familiar, but then realising he had nothing else to do he cautiously blinked his eyes, relief filling him as he found the room much dimmer than it had been before.

It still took him several minutes to keep them fully open, and slowly a face came into focus above him and he blinked as he took in worried brown eyes and brilliant scarlet hair.

"Erza," he managed to croak as he realised who was hovering over him, and she smiled wanly at him as she ran a gentle hand over his forehead, and he jumped as he realised that she wasn't wearing her normal armour. He couldn't even think of a time since there childhood that she had reached out to him without armour covering nearly every inch of her body, and he found the change unnerving.

"Here have a sip of this," Erza ordered gently as she held a cup to his lips, carefully lifting his head so that he could sip the water, cautioning him as he tried to gulp it down and hearing the steel in her voice he obeyed out of habit. After only a few mouthfuls he found himself feeling full and exhausted and he weakly twisted his head to the side to indicate he was done, and with a sigh she removed the cup before gently settling him back onto the pillow.

"Wha' happened?" He asked fuzzily as he pushed back the urge to go back to sleep, hazy memories of waking before with Gray at his side confusing him as he looked around and realised they were alone in the infirmary.

"You've been very ill," she replied softly as she settled on the edge of his bed, one hand reaching out to run through his hair and he couldn't resist the urge to lean into the touch. He blinked as he considered her words, hazy recollections of throwing up and overwhelming heat making him tense, and then more recent memories of Gray fighting his wild magic, forcing it to retreat back inside him even as it lashed out at him without even the slight restraint that Natsu used in their scraps…

"Gray?" He asked in alarm, realising that the ice mage had been injured the last time he'd seen him although he could vaguely recall Gray reassuring him that he was okay. An odd look flickered across Erza's face at the question, but she swiftly quashed it as she saw the honest fear and concern in his eyes, realising that he wouldn't or couldn't relax until she had answered.

"He's fine, they let him go home two days ago," She replied and he seemed to relax, although there was a flash of hurt in his eyes as he looked away. "He's been to see you every day since, and he was here this morning and I think he plans on coming back tonight." Erza added, watching knowingly as a torn expression flickered across the dragon-slayer's face, part painful happiness and relief and part pain as he no doubt remembered what had happened between them. She might have settled things between herself and Gray, but the sight of Natsu suffering because of what had happened still threatened to ignite her temper.

"How long have I been back?" He asked interrupting her thoughts, frowning as he realised that it must have been at least two days ago that he woke up and spoke briefly with the ice mage, and it unnerved him that he had managed to lose that much time, but he had the awful suspicion that it had been much longer than that.

"It's been ten days since we brought you back. You woke briefly six days ago, but then you fell asleep again and we couldn't get you to wake up," Erza replied and there was a waver to her voice which made Natsu look away guiltily, realising that he made his nakama worry needlessly. At the same time he was fighting to accept her words, including the time he'd been ill back at the inn, he'd been ill and out of it for nearly two weeks.

"Sorry I scared you," he muttered as he glanced back at her, and she smiled warmly at him even as she shook her head.

"You don't need to apologize," she scolded gently, no hint of anger in her voice and he relaxed at the realisation that he hadn't annoyed her. "You were…are ill, we're just glad to have you back." His eyes narrowed slightly at the slight break in her words, and she glanced away suddenly awkward as she saw the flash of awareness in his eyes.

"What aren't you telling me?" He asked quietly, not entirely sure he wanted to know if even Erza was shying away from voicing it. The re-quip mage hesitated, fidgeting in a most unusual manner as she tried to avoid his gaze, but despite the weariness pulling on him he refused to look away and eventually she sighed.

"Porlysuica will be here soon to check how you're doing," Erza replied finally realising that he wasn't going to back down on the issue, although it was clear from the way his eyes were beginning to droop that he wouldn't be awake much longer. The Dragon-Slayer frowned, it was no secret that he was more than a little afraid of the healer, but it didn't seem serious enough to make Erza react in that way.

"And…" He prompted as he stifled a yawn, valiantly trying to ignore the fact that he wanted nothing more than to go back to sleep…and hopefully sleep through the healer's visit, as everything he ever said to her seemed to send off into a lecture.

"She's concerned about your magic," Erza admitted in a small voice, and Natsu felt dread pooling in the pit of his stomach as vague memories of his magic running wild flashed through his mind once more. He knew enough about the mechanisms of magic to know that there was no way his magic would be able to go straight back to normal after an event like that, but the concept of there being greater damage had never even entered his thoughts.

"I see," he was surprised at how steady he managed to keep his voice, especially given the panic and dread whirling around inside him as he tried not to imagine how bad the damage might be. He couldn't even begin to imagine how he would live if the damage was too bad, he was a wizard, he had never been anything else and he had no idea how to be anything else.

"Natsu? Natsu!" Erza called as she saw the whirl of emotions in his eyes, betraying the calmness in his voice and she knew where his thoughts were drifting. Slowly his gaze settled on her once more and she forced a confident smile onto her face, not about to feed his fear with her own. "I'm sure it's not as bad as whatever you are imagining, and whatever happens with your magic you'll always be a Fairy Tail wizard!" Her voice rose slightly at the last bit, wanting to make sure that he never doubted that he would always be a Fairy Tail wizard and that he would always have a home with their guild – everything else could be dealt with in time as long as he could hold onto that.

"Thank you," he said softly as he took the openly emotional expression on her face, and silently marvelling at the difference between this Erza and the Erza who had locked everything behind an armoured wall. Her words had soothed his panic a little, although he couldn't help but wonder how many of his dreams were going to be lost if his magic turned out to be irreversibly damaged. He might be able to remain a Fairy Tail wizard, but what about proving himself to Gray? To Igneel? What about the S-Class trials? And beating Erza and Gildarts? "I'm going to get some more sleep," he said at length as he pulled himself away from the depressing thoughts, determined not to face them until he knew for sure how badly affected his magic was.

"Alright," Erza allowed sadly, realising that he was trying to hide from the possibility of what could happen, but reluctant to deny him that retreat. She had to struggle not to reach out and shake him as his eyes closed and she was struck by a sudden dread that he might not wake up again; in fact her hands were nearly on his shoulders when she halted herself. The exhaustion he had shown was faked and she knew he needed to rest, she would just need to trust that he would wake up again.

Once his breathing had eased out completely she stepped back, and headed for the door in the hopes that Happy was still downstairs. The little Exceed had been unable to bear sitting next to Natsu and seeing his best friend in such a state, but nor had he been able to bring himself to actually leave the guild and head home. She was hoping that he would be willing to go and fetch Gray for her, as she had seen the obvious disappointment in Natsu's expression when he'd realised the Ice Mage wasn't there and she hoped that the Ice Mage would be able to help the dragon slayer despite everything else that had happened.

FTFT

A couple of hours later:

Gray sighed as he hesitated outside the infirmary door, staring intently at the door as though he would able to see through the door. Erza had sent Happy to tell him that the dragon-slayer had finally woken up once more, and he'd dashed to the guild, needing to see for himself that Natsu was awake and recovering. It had terrified him when the other teen had failed to wake up again after their brief conversation, and he hadn't been able to shake the fear that they might still lose Natsu.

"Just go in," Lucy said appearing by his side and he started violently before turning to look at her with wide eyes, noting how exhausted she looked as she glanced at the door. "Even with everything that's happened, he'll want to see you. Erza said he was worried about you earlier." She added before giving him an encouraging shove towards the door, and taking the hint he reached out and grasped the handle before quietly slipping the door open and stepping inside, letting it close quietly behind him.

For a moment he thought that Natsu was sleeping and he found himself hesitating, unsure of whether the dragon-slayer would be as happy to wake up with him at his side as he had been the last time. He managed to take a cautious step forward before he drew to a halt once more, unable to convince himself to move forward and just as he was about to turn around and escape Natsu spoke.

"I won't bite," the low voice startled him and he looked up to find sleepy olive eyes peering at him as Natsu struggled into an upright position, before indicating the seat beside his bed with a tilted head, and an almost challenging glint to his eyes. Getting the hint the ice mage quietly moved across to join the other mage, noting with silent relief that whilst Natsu still looked very unwell he looked a lot better than he had over the last few days.

"You look better," he offered lamely as he moved across and settled in the chair, relishing the lack of pain that came with the movement. Up until a few days ago the slightest wrong move was still sending strong twinges of pain through him, and he was glad that Natsu hadn't been awake to see that as he was sure the flame-brain would insist on blaming himself for something that had been completely out of his control.

"So do you," Natsu murmured with a frown after a moment as he hazily recalled how battered Gray had looked the last time they had spoken, and relieved to notice that the ice mage was now completely bandage free although there was still lines of exhaustion on his face. Seeing the concerned look the Dragon-Slayer was giving him, the ice mage gave him a small smile to show that he was okay.

"Are you feeling better?" He asked when the silence threatened to linger to long between them, not willing to let the tension and awkwardness between them increase if he could help it, although he had to supress a wince at the banality of the question,

"Getting there, I'm not going to be running around for a while," Natsu said heavily after a brief hesitation, and Gray frowned at the odd tone in his friend's voice as well as at his words. The Dragon-Slayer wasn't one for lying around, and he was always up and around causing mischief long before he should be after big battles, much to the consternation of those tasked with healing him. It also didn't make sense, after all Gajeel had been completely back to normal days ago and he had already headed out on a job with Levy, although not before leaving instructions for a message to be sent when the 'flame-brained idiot was awake properly'. Even though Natsu had clearly been a lot worse, it shouldn't take him that long to get back on his feet.

"What do you mean?" He asked anxiously, onyx eyes meeting Natsu's gaze and holding it to prevent the Dragon-Slayer trying to dodge the question. He could see the way the fire mage was hesitating, and the guilt and concern whirling with some other undefinable emotion in his eyes and consciously made his expression as open and encouraging as possible.

"Porlysuica came to examine me…again," Natsu said quietly, adding the last bit as he remembered that Erza had told him that the healer had been to see him several times whilst he'd been out.

"And?"

"Physically I'm on the mend, I should be able to stay awake more and probably go home in another week," Natsu replied and Gray frowned, although he didn't like the idea of the Dragon-Slayer being bedridden for that long it didn't sound too bad, all things considering.

"But…?" He prompted when Natsu didn't seem keen to continue, and feeling a cold pit of dread forming in his stomach when he caught the odd glistening sheen to the fire mage's eyes. With a sigh Natsu wrenched his gaze away, glancing down at his hands which Gray noted was fiddling nervously with the edge of his quilt, and he felt the pit growing…Natsu never fiddled. "Tell me," he ordered softly, reaching out to gently squeeze the other's hands and Natsu sighed, unable to deny Gray even in this matter.

"My magic…it's going to take a lot longer to recover," Natsu said in a small voice, and Gray felt as though he had been punched in the gut as his earlier fears returned to him and he felt a wave of guilt threatening to drown him.

"How much longer?" He forced himself to ask, unable to keep the waver out of his voice and he didn't miss how Natsu flinched at the question or how the Dragon-Slayer failed to look up and meet his gaze as he answered.

"She didn't know," Natsu whispered and this time his voice was wavering too. "It'll be a few months at least before its back to normal levels, but it'll probably be longer than that for it to be stabilised." Gray jolted as he felt something damp splash against his hand, and it only took him a moment to realise that Natsu was crying. He was completely quiet and it was simply tears pouring down his face, but for Gray it felt as though the world was falling apart around them, he hadn't seen the other teen cry since childhood.

Unable to stand the sight of Natsu crying Gray lent forward and wrapped his arms tightly around the Dragon-Slayer, trying to ignore how Natsu had stiffened at his touch. Still the Dragon-Slayer didn't pull away and he tightened his hold as he felt a growing damp patch on his shirt, murmuring senseless soothing words in the other's ears. However, he felt his own eyes beginning to burn with tears as he stared blankly at the far wall, trying to accept what Natsu had just told him.

"I'm so sorry," he found himself murmuring, wishing desperately that there was some way he could stop Natsu having to go through this. Endless what ifs running through his mind, as he considered whether they could have done anything different and all he could think was that if he'd only said yes to Natsu when he was in season then they would've been together when the dragon-slayer fell ill. Would those couple of days have made the necessary difference to spare Natsu from this pain?

"It's not your fault," he was dragged out of his rambling thoughts by the quiet voice, and he realised that he'd been continuing with a litany of apologies whilst his thoughts had run away with him. Blinking he glanced down at the pink head still pressed against his shoulder, but he could feel that the other teen's sobs were dying out, although faint tremors were still wracking the other's body.

"But…" _If I had been with you on the job…if you weren't trying to avoid me because I rejected you…if I hadn't rejected you…_

"You came," Natsu said simply as he finally pulled back to look at the Ice Mage with red-rimmed eyes, a faint blush tinging his cheeks as he realised how closely they had been sat together. "You didn't have to come with everything that happened…but you did, that's all that matters."

"But your magic," Gray said, noticing the hesitation in Natsu's voice as he mentioned what had happened between them but knowing better than to mention it, but what was worse was the pain that flashed across the dragon-slayer's face at the mention of the state his magic was in. However, a second later the pain was gone and Natsu was smiling at him as though it had never been there.

"It'll get better," Natsu said, and if Gray hadn't been looking into his eyes as he spoke he would have been taken in by the confident tone and smile on the other's face. But the olive eyes couldn't lie to him and he could see the pain and fear swirling in their depths, however, he knew better than to comment on that. He knew that it wasn't right to let Natsu shove the issue aside, but he couldn't bring himself to deny the Dragon-Slayer the right to do so…he had already caused the other teen so much pain, he had no right to inflict anymore.

"You're right," he said simply, and watched as Natsu relaxed slightly having clearly expected Gray to try and push the issue. A moment later the Dragon-Slayer yawned widely, and the Ice Mage realised just how weary the other looked beneath the evidence of his tears. "You should get some more sleep, rest will help you recover faster," he added softly, and Natsu nodded silently before averting his gaze to the side for a second.

"Will you come and see me tomorrow?" He asked shyly, longing and pain mixing in his voice and for a moment Gray hesitated, not wanting to agree if it would cause the other more pain. But then Natsu's grim revelation echoed in his mind once more and he knew that he couldn't deny the Dragon-Slayer this.

"Of course I will," he said firmly and was rewarded by Natsu looking at him with relieved eyes. "I'll even try and sneak some of that Fire Candy you like so much past Mira," he added and Natsu gave him a watery smile, but it had honest happiness in it and lifted the Ice Mage's spirit (although he hoped that Mira didn't catch him – she was very firm on the idea that anyone in the infirmary had to eat healthy food only, and Erza had a tendency to back her up).

Seemingly satisfied Natsu shifted down under the covers with another yawn, and Gray had to stifle a small smile at the cute sight the Dragon-Slayer made as he snuggled against the pillow. The Ice Mage made to get up, but Natsu's eyes shot open at the noise and he could see the silent plea in the olive orbs that fixed on him and he hastily dropped back into the seat.

"I'll stay until you're asleep," he said answering the silent question, and Natsu nodded before allowing his eyes to drift shut once more. It didn't take long for Natsu to fall asleep, what with the lingering remnants of his illness and the emotional exhaustion from his crying, and yet Gray made no move to leave.

He couldn't drag his gaze away from the sleeping Dragon-Slayer, his eyes tracing the pale face and noting the shadows highlighting the closed eyes, and the frown that never faded as Natsu slept on. It was all a stark reminder of how different this was to the normal aftermath of a battle, and he hated the helpless feeling that engulfed him as he realised just how little there was that he could do to help. He hadn't been able to properly help Natsu at the height of the Fever, and now he could be little more than a spectator as his nakama struggled to even back to normal…honestly what had Natsu ever seen in him?

FTFT

In his office Makarov sighed as he read over the brief note Porlyusica had written him after her check up on Natsu, the people-hating healer had refused to wait for him to come back before leaving, and her note was incredibly snappish. Still it wasn't the tone of the note that was bothering him, but it's content. He hadn't even in the worst moments of waiting for Natsu to wake up imagined that the boy's magic would have been so badly affected by his illness, especially not after seeing how swiftly Gajeel had bounced back; but the Healer had explained that it would be a long time if ever before Natsu regained the same level of power he'd had.

For any mage the thought of losing your magic was enough to cause a cold shiver, but he'd noticed that the Dragon Slayers were always worse affected by low or exhausted magic levels. Probably due to the nature of the spell that gifted them with Dragon-Slaying magic, after all Dragon's were purely magical beings and even if the teen's had only a small element of that it was enough to affect their reaction to magical exhaustion. It only increased his concern as to how Natsu would be able to adapt to the change in his magic, whether it turned out to be months of recovery or a lifetime.

It also meant he was going to have reconsider his plans for the S-Class trials. It was long overdue for the guild to hold the trials, especially as they were down to Erza and Gildarts (and the latter was never around), although Mira was showing improvement and he hoped that she would be able to return to her previous levels in time. Still they needed more S-Class mages if they wanted to keep receiving offers for the higher end jobs, and there were plenty of his brats that had more than earned the right to try for the lofty title…unfortunately Natsu who had been the main candidate, would now not be able to sit the trials for at least another year if not longer. The worst thing being that Gray was also a candidate, and he had no idea how Natsu would react to seeing the Ice Mage moving forwards without him.

With a heavy sigh he laid the letter down on his desk and spun his chair around so that he could look out over Magnolia, wondering just how different things would have been if Gray had accepted Natsu's feelings, or if Natsu had fallen ill closer to home. Not that such wondering would help him with his current situation, and he frowned as he felt a headache settling in…surely things had to improve from herein out.

FT

A/N: This fic is going to follow its own storyline unlike the main Dragon Season story which has gone back into the main timeline.


	8. Chapter 8

Thank you for the amazing reviews, follows and favourites!

Disclaimer: As always Fairy Tail and its amazing characters don't belong to me, I'm just borrowing them.

FTFT

Two Weeks Later:

Gray sighed as he stepped into the guild, automatically looking round for the familiar head of pink hair, but resignedly unsurprised when there was no sign of the Dragon Slayer. Natsu had finally been released from the infirmary three days before once Porlysuica had decided he was well enough to be on his own, although they had all detected the slight hesitation in her words as she let him go. The fire mage had been more than happy to be up and out of bed, but his first day back in the guild had gone disastrously to say the least.

_The entire mood of the guild had lifted when Natsu had reappeared the morning after being discharged, a grin on his face that fooled all but his closest friends and the ever watchful Makarov who was monitoring the situation with concern. Gray had been relieved to see the fire mage, worried that Natsu would want to have time away from him after they had spent quite a lot of time together for the past couple of weeks – surprisingly Natsu had asked for him every day of his stay in the infirmary and Gray hadn't been able to refuse (not that he'd wanted to)._

"_How are you feeling?" Lucy asked with light concern as the Dragon-Slayer joined them at their table, noting how his face fell slightly as he saw they were discussing what jobs to take next. Forcing his smile back onto his face he averted his gaze from the job posters they were pouring over._

"_Never better, it's nice to be back in my own bed," he said cheerfully enough and she nodded in acceptance, knowing that he didn't want to talk about the lingering issues with his magic. They had all tried to discuss it with him over the past few days when they visited him, but he frantically changed the conversation every time and for now they had agreed to let him be. "And thank you for refilling my kitchen," he added turning to look knowingly at Gray, the Ice Mage flushing slightly as the whole group turned to look at him in surprise (confused by the knowing glance Erza shot him)._

"_It's nothing, I had to clear it out when I went to get you those spare clothes – I think there was something growing in there," Gray said teasingly in hopes of changing the topic, and to his relief Natsu took the bait and scowled darkly at him before shooting a look across at Happy who had the decency to look sheepish._

"_I thought that was usual?" Lucy butted in with a laugh, after all that was one of the main reasons that the Dragon-Slayer invaded her flat so regularly because his own fridge was always bare or in a less than healthy stage. Although she subsided slightly when she realised it had been ages since Natsu had last broken into her home, in fact she realised with a strange pang that she'd had more visits from Wendy and Erza than either of the boys in the last few months. How odd, she mused as she realised that she had actually missed the frequent invasions, after all the months of wishing they would give her peace she actually didn't want the peace when it came._

"_Yeah well," Natsu said with a sigh, rubbing a hand through his hair sheepishly and Happy perked up as he realised he wasn't in trouble for letting the fridge get in a state (he had been staying with Wendy and Carla and as he knew there was no fish in their fridge, it had never occurred to him to clean it.). "So what job are you guys thinking of taking?" Natsu asked as he buried his embarrassment, and the atmosphere abruptly became uncomfortable as the rest of his team exchanged worried looks._

"_Natsu," Erza said softly and he turned to look at her with a frown. "You know that you can't take a job at the moment, not until your magic recovers a bit." Her voice was gentle but with a hint of steel, indicating she expected him to argue against her words, but instead he just shot her a wounded look as he seemed to retreat in on himself. Gray wanted to shout at her for being so blunt about it, having realised instantly that the Dragon-Slayer had been asking fully aware that he wouldn't be going with them._

"_I'm well aware of that fact," He snapped shortly, for once not concerned about watching his tone around her and Erza's eyes automatically narrowed in response. Gray held his breath wondering if she was going to actually take it further, and preparing himself to interfere as he saw the pain hidden under the blazing anger in Natsu's eyes as he met her gaze without hesitation. At the last moment she sighed and actually glanced away._

"_I'm sorry," she muttered and Gray was fairly sure that he wasn't the only one whose mouth fell open at the uncharacteristic retreat she had used, a quick glance showed that Wendy and Lucy were just as startled not that any of them were going to speak up about it. Natsu's eyes narrowed for a second before he nodded in acceptance of the apology, but he made no move to join in as the rest of them cautiously picked up the threads of their conversation._

_It had been a short while later that they all began to feel uncomfortably hot, with Gray feeling it the worst as he wiped at his forehead with a puzzled frown. It was only when glanced across at Natsu that he realised the cause of the heat as the Dragon-Slayer was scowling fiercely, his eyes shimmering as he bore holes into the table top._

"_Natsu are you okay?" He asked quietly not wanting to draw to much attention, wincing as Natsu's eyes shot up to meet him and he realised just how foolish the question had been. Apparently there was something off in his expression because Natsu's face darkened and his hands clenched._

"_I don't need your pity!" He hissed angrily and Gray wanted to protest, he was sorry for the situation Natsu was in but he better than anyone knew how much it hurt to be pitied and there was no way he would do that to Natsu. Before he could point this out there was a spark of heat and suddenly flames shot off in all directions from a clearly startled Natsu, and for a second Gray flashed back to his battle against those flames back in Oak town. "Damn it!" Natsu hissed staring down at his own hands with a betrayed expression, seemingly unaware of the people who were hastily putting out the wayward flames before they could spread._

"_You need to calm down," Erza ordered as she moved to lay a hand on his wrist and Gray winced, knowing that in his current state Natsu wasn't going to react well to her tone. And sure enough there was a loud clang as he slapped her hand aside, shooting to his feet with a furious expression. _

"_Leave me the hell alone," he growled at her, and before she or anyone else could respond he was up and moving towards the entrance. Gray was about to follow when he heard a muffled noise of pain, and turning his eyes widened as he watched Erza pulling off her clearly melted gauntlet to reveal a nasty looking burn underneath._

"_Erza?" He breathed in shock, drawing everyone else's attention to it and Wendy let out a horrified squeak before hastily moving across to tend to the injury._

"_It's just a burn," she said dismissively, although she smiled in thanks as Wendy let her magic spread over it and the pain began to subside as the Sky magic went to work. "His control is worse than I thought," she added with a worried frown as her gaze drifted to the far door which Natsu had vanished through. _

"_Is it okay to leave him alone for now?" Lucy asked in concern, her imagination easily conjuring images of the Dragon-Slayer accidently causing havoc throughout the town or even managing to burn down his own house._

"_This was the limit of his magic," Erza said sadly as she gestured at her damaged armour and the scorch marks where his flames had landed. "His magical presence faded the second he did this to my armour."_

_Gray swallowed hard at her words, knowing better than to doubt her assessment as her awareness of what was happening around her was unparalleled. But to hear just how little magic Natsu had, had cut him to the core. This was not how the Dragon-Slayer was supposed to be!_

The Ice-Mage sighed and shook his head to clear his thoughts, knowing that there was no point in dwelling on the matter for now. Natsu would reappear when he was ready, and pushing him would only lead to more scenes like that and he was keen to avoid causing that kind of embarrassment for the fire mage. Glancing around he quickly spotted the rest of their team and made his way across to them, noting that they all looked as disquieted as he was currently feeling.

"Hey," he greeted them as he dropped down into a chair beside Lucy who was busy scribbling something into a notepad, the Celestial Mage barely sparing him a glance before going back to her work and he knew better than to pester her when she was in that kind of mood. Erza merely nodded at him before continuing with polishing one of her numerous swords, and he sighed already wishing that he chosen to spend the day at home.

FT

It was a couple of hours later when the guild door slid open and Natsu cautiously stepped inside, although his team didn't notice as they were all engrossed in their various tasks and Gray was slumped in a semi-doze as he tried to summon the energy to actually head home.

"Can I sit with you?" It was only when the Dragon-Slayer appeared at the table, a nervous frown on his face as he fidgeted with the end of his scarf as he waited for a response. Gray had started awake at his voice and was more than happy to see the other teen, however, he glanced across at Erza who had paused in her work to consider the fire mage. For a brief moment he thought she was either going to send Natsu home, or ream him out for the damage he caused the other day (especially as she was still working on repairing the armour he had damaged.

"You don't need to ask you know?" She asked and there was no hint of their previous argument in her voice, and Natsu seemed to relax slightly before offering her a small smile before moving to drop into a spare seat with a whispered thanks. With a small nod and a smile of her she went back to work, but the atmosphere over the table was more content than it had been previously and Gray was happy to sit up and engage Natsu in a casual conversation (carefully avoiding anything that had a potential to ruin the mood).

FT

"Natsu can I have a word?" Makarov asked quietly as approached the quiet table, steadfastly ignoring the questioning looks Lucy and Gray were shooting at him. Erza was already aware of his plans for the S-Class trials as she would be one of those helping him test the hopefuls, but her expression was clearly warning him to be careful on how he approached the touchy fire mage.

"Sure," Natsu replied with a frown, not missing the varied expressions around the table and feeling an uncomfortable feeling of foreboding as he got to his feet and followed the Old Man up to his office. The walk was silent, which meant that Natsu had nothing to distract him from his concerns over what Makarov could want with him, and his thoughts kept darting to the notion that Porlysuica had discovered something else to do with his magic – the healer had promised to keep researching as long as he didn't pester her all the time (not that he would because the woman scared him more than Erza – and that was really saying something). Although they had all reassured him that it would eventually stabilize, he couldn't shake the terror that maybe, just maybe he was going to end up stuck this way – and by the time they'd entered Makarov's office he'd worked himself into a right state.

FT

"Have a seat," Makarov said gesturing to the vacant chairs in front of his desk as he made his way round to his own seat, his brows furrowing as he saw the panic in the Dragon-slayer's eyes as he hesitantly took one of the seats.

"Is there news from Porlysuica?" Natsu asked before the Old Man got chance to speak, and Makarov blinked as he suddenly realised where the teen's thoughts had taken him and silently scolding himself for worrying Natsu.

"No, nothing new," He said hastily and Natsu slumped, his expression showing a mix of relief and disappointment and Makarov sighed knowing how stressful it must be for his brat to not know if or when his magic would recover. Taking advantage of the silence that had fallen over them he studied the teen, noting with relief that the lingering signs of his illness were slowly beginning to fade away although he remained paler than usual and still needed to put on some weight. He just hoped that this development wasn't going to set him back.

"Then what do you need to talk about?" Natsu asked at last as the silence threatened to draw out for too long, and Makarov pulled himself out of his perusal to meet the fire mage's gaze, internally crossing his fingers that he wasn't about to get roasted.

"I'm going to be announcing this year's S-Class exam today," Makarov said softly, and at once the Natsu's eyes became shuttered but there was a glint of understanding in his gaze as he nodded silently for him to continue. "If circumstances were different…" And didn't that just sum up the entire situation he mused as he paused briefly, the what ifs plaguing him once more before he resolutely pushed them aside. "If things were different you would have been top of my list to be taking part in this exam." Not just top of the list to participate, but top of the list for those he thought most likely to succeed in this exam and it was shame both on a personal and guild level that it wouldn't come to pass this year.

"It's okay I understand," Natsu said softly, none of the anger or bitterness that Makarov had been expecting in his voice, and he was keeping his hands carefully relaxed to avoid any more fiery outbursts. "There will always be the next exam," his voice wavered slightly on this bit, reinforcing what his earlier panic had shown – that he wasn't convinced that he would recover and that he was clearly terrified of that outcome even if he wouldn't say it outright.

"I just didn't want to spring it on you downstairs," Makarov explained, knowing that now wasn't the right time to force the Dragon-Slayer to confront those fears, although they would have to deal with it eventually.

"Thank you," Natsu replied as he got back to his feet, his face carefully neutral. "I'm going to head home now," he said quietly and before Makarov could try and talk him out of it he turned and headed out of the door, a fresh heaviness in his tread which showed just how much the news was weighing on him even after his lacklustre response.

FT

Natsu paused for a moment along the hallway once he was out of earshot of the office, his chest tightening as he felt tears prickling in his eyes. Small sparks began to come off his hands and he quickly took a deep breath as he felt his tattered magic trying to rile up in response to his whirling emotions. Carefully breathing in and out he forced himself to step forwards, now slightly desperate to get out of the guild before he lost control of either his emotions or his magic. He knew that Makarov was just waiting for the opportunity to talk to him about everything, and an outburst of any sort would mean bringing that conversation forward.

Schooling his expression into one of careful blankness he continued on his way down the stairs, hesitating at the base as he glanced over to where his team-mates were still sat. However, the sight of them still discussing jobs sent a fresh pang for him and he knew that he would have to go straight home. Just before he could turn away though Gray looked up and their eyes met, and onyx eyes narrowed at whatever the Ice Mage was able to glean from his expression. Seeing the other teen was about to rise he hastily shook his head, knowing that the other would only agitate him further despite having other intentions.

With difficulty he ignored the worried expression that appeared on Gray's face, and feeling increasing heat around his fingers he hurriedly headed for one of the side-doors, slipping outside with a sigh of relief. The sound of the door thudding shut behind him was soothing, and he felt the heat retreating slightly as the barrier between himself and the guild allowed him to get a tighter hold on his emotions. Part of him wished that he could've found the strength to stay for the announcements, especially as he was certain that Gray was going to be one of the participants (and not just because he had faith in his chosen one); but the thought of watching the gap between them getting even bigger was too much to bear at the moment.

With a heavy heart he set off for home – at least there he didn't have to worry that he would hurt someone else if his magic went haywire, and he could wallow in peace. His inner dragon had not taken his current condition well, and delighted in taking every opportunity to needle him over that fact that not only had he failed to win Gray over as a mate, but that he was becoming weaker and more useless by the day. How was he supposed to grow in strength and prove himself worthy of being a mate when even his magic was betraying him?

FTFT

Gray was barely paying attention to the heated debate about jobs that the girls were having beside him, as he couldn't get Natsu's face out of his head. The Dragon-Slayer had looked so defeated when he'd reappeared from his meeting with Gramps, and Gray couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that expression had generated. He couldn't recall Natsu ever looking defeated before, no matter how bad the situation got – not even when Gray had turned him down, so the thought that something had happened that had caused him to admit defeat was outright terrifying.

He was just about to get up and follow Natsu despite the fact that the Dragon-Slayer had clearly indicated that he wanted to be alone when Makarov reappeared. For a moment the Old Man looked worried as he glanced across at their table, but then his expression returned to its usual affable expression.

"Erza and Mira can you join me please," Makarov called, and both girls replied in the affirmative seemingly unaware of the curious looks they were getting from nearby guild members. As she got to her feet Erza glanced at Gray, frowning as she saw the turmoil in his eyes and she wondered if perhaps they should have been more worried about how the Ice Mage was going to take the news than Natsu. She had seen Natsu slipping out and knew the Dragon-Slayer was hurting, but Gray seemed determined to blame himself for everything at the moment and she got the sense this news was not going to help matters.

"It'll be okay," she said softly as she lay an armoured hand on his shoulder for a moment, smiling when he looked up at her in confusion. Squeezing one last time she turned and followed their Master to the stage, murmuring quietly to Mira who was giggling slightly, enjoying the chance to be in on the secret even if it was about to be made public.

"Everyone listen up!" Makarov shouted as he sprang up on the stage and slowly silence spread over the guild as everyone gathered around to hear what he had to say, after all he rarely addressed them all unless they had been causing too much mayhem – and with the chaos of the last couple of weeks there'd been no time for them to cause a lot of trouble.

"I have decided that it is time to hold the S-Class trials as we are currently lacking in numbers," Makarov announced as he indicated Erza, and excited whispers broke out around the guild as everyone absorbed the news and tried to guess who the candidates would be. Gray didn't join in with the excitement, as he realised just why Natsu had looked so defeated when he returned from his meeting with Gramps – there was no way the Dragon-Slayer would be able to participate with his magic in its current condition. "This year there will be six participants who will face the trial, and they are as follows!" His attention snapped back to Makarov as he began to list who was taking part, curious despite the fact that he knew Natsu should be one of them and wouldn't because of what had happed.

"Levy McGarden!" The little solid-script mage was practically bouncing in her seat at the announcement, a wide smile on her face as she glanced at Gajeel who had a proud expression on his face as he wrapped an arm around her in congratulations and Gray swallowed hard at the sight.

"Juvia Lockser!" The water-mage looked even more stunned than she had when they'd told her she was participating in the Fantasia parade, especially as the entire guild applauded her, causing her to blush bright red. Gray approved of the choice, knowing just how advanced her magic was when she put her mind to it – and after all she had been one of the Elemental Four, it was time people acknowledged that.

"Cana Alberona!" Not a surprising choice as she had participated in the last couple of trials as well, but he was surprised to note that she didn't look excited or happy at the news. Instead something akin to sorrow flashed across her face before she glanced down at her hands, and his curiosity increased tenfold as she actually pushed her drink away from herself without taking so much as a sip.

"Freed Justine!" The quiet mage looked surprised but pleased as he smiled at Brickslow and Evergreen as his team-mates cheered his selection, high-fiving behind his back as the Skeith mage clapped Freed on the shoulder in support. It was nice to see them so involved in guild life nowadays, and Gray had to admit that he'd been impressed by the skill Freed had shown during the battle of Fairy Tail even if he hadn't appreciated it at the time.

"Elfman Strauss!" Elfman looked completely stunned for a moment as his name rang out before he burst into a fit of tears ('manly tears' the man could be heard protesting) as Mirajane wrapped him in a delighted hug whilst Lisanna was practically jumping up and down with excitement. Gray had to smile at the sight, knowing just how far all three had come, especially the older pair and he thought that Elfman out of all the candidates deserved this opportunity the most.

"Gray Fullbuster!" All the colour drained out of Gray's face as his own name rang out across the hall, and he was vaguely aware of Wendy and Lucy asking if he was okay whilst trying to congratulate him. However, all he could focus on was the fact that he was getting the chance to be S-Class when it should be Natsu standing in his place.

FT

A bitter chuckle escaped as he realised how ironic it was that now he had the opportunity he'd been waiting for, for years he wanted nothing more than for Gramps to have passed him over. He wondered if Makarov had told Natsu that Gray was going to be one of the participants – torn between hoping he had (so that he didn't have to face the momentous task of doing so) and hoping he hadn't (because he owed it to Natsu to tell himself).

"Gray, are you alright?" Erza had re-joined them now, and her sharp voice broke through his whirling thoughts as effectively as one of her swords and he blinked in surprise to find her standing with them. A quick glance around told him that he'd missed the rest of what Makarov had told them about the test, but he couldn't bring himself to care, knowing that if he needed to he could ask one of the others at a later date.

"No," he replied shortly, ignoring the slightly threatening look she sent him for his tone of voice. In all honesty he wouldn't mind her taking a shot at him at that moment in time, maybe it would help with the leaden weight of guilt that had settled over him – Natsu's defeated expression flashing through his mind once more. "He should be the one taking the exam." He didn't need to specify who he was talking about as she grasped his point at once, her expression softening slightly as she heard the conflict in his voice. She didn't know what was going on between the pair, but over the last couple of weeks something had shifted between them and she worried how this latest development would affect them.

"Natsu will get his chance," she said gently, making sure to inject confidence into her voice as she knew there was still a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the fire mage's recovery. She knew that Gray would refuse to take part if he thought for a moment that Natsu might never get the chance to become S-Class, and whilst he might not see it, he deserved the chance just as much as Natsu did. A quiet voice in the back of her mind taunted her that she just didn't want to admit the possibility of Natsu not recovering, and privately she acknowledged that the voice was right – it didn't bear thinking about, so she refused to.

"Are you sure about that?" Gray demanded bitterly, and his onyx eyes were sharp and knowing as he met her gaze for a moment, not fooled for an instance by her false confidence. He had known her to long to be fooled that easily by her masks, beside he was using the same tricks to try and hang onto the belief that Natsu would get back to normal. "I'm going to go and talk to him," he added before she could say anything else, and she nodded in understanding, grasping Lucy's wrist to stop the celestial mage from trying to accompany him.

"No fighting," she warned him, but she knew that it was unnecessary as that part of their relationship was long gone in the light of recent changes. However, he merely nodded before heading towards the door, stubbornly ignoring all attempts to congratulate him and shying away from the other participants as he passed – especially Juvia who was watching him with a torn expression.

FTFT

It was becoming a habit, Gray mused as he trekked up the path towards Natsu's house, once again bemoaning the fact that the other mage insisted on living so far out. He had never visited the other teen as often as he had in the last few months,

"Can I come in?" He asked cautiously, not willing to force his company on Natsu even though it was urgent that they spoke. For a second Natsu seemed to hesitate, and he was bracing himself for being chased on when the other teen sighed and stepped back to let him in. Quietly the Ice Mage stepped inside, carefully shutting the door behind him and following as Natsu led him through to the living room and taking the chair that he was gestured towards.

"Are you ready for the exam?" Natsu asked abruptly as he settled onto the sofa, hunching up into a ball but looking directly at Gray as he spoke.

"So Gramps told you?" Gray asked, surprised by how quickly Natsu had breached the topic and finding himself slightly at a loss of what to say. A part of him was angry with Makarov for telling Natsu before him, but he had to admit that there was more relief than anger, although now he had to deal with the fall-out.

"No," Natsu shook his head and Gray tilted his head in question and the Dragon-Slayer gave a small smile. "He told me he was announcing the exam and its participants today, and that if circumstances were different I would have been top of his list. As soon as he said I would have been on the list I knew you would be to." There was sadness and a bit of bitterness when he spoke of the fact that he could've participated if it wasn't for the leftover effects of his bout of Dragon Fever, but the bitterness vanished altogether when he spoke of Gray being on the list.

"I'm really sorry," Gray found himself saying, unable to cope with the acceptance that Natsu was showing him. "It should be you not me taking this exam. I never thought he would say me. I can tell him no if that makes it better…" He knew that he was babbling, but this was an absolution to far – Natsu had already forgiven him for so much – but this was life-changing.

"Its fine," Natsu said abruptly, cutting across Gray's babbling more sharply than he'd intended and he had to bite back his own whimper at the pain that flashed briefly across the Ice Mage's face. "Sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you," he added hastily and Gray nodded in acceptance, flashing him an apologetic smile as he knew Natsu was reacting to his expression. He wished that he had Erza's ability to mask his feelings, if only to spare the Dragon-Slayer from the problem of instinctively having to respond to his emotions.

"I'm going to tell Gramps no," Gray said after a long moment had passed in silence, and Natsu immediately shook his head, olive eyes going wide at what the Ice Mage was suggesting. Passing up on the chance to become S-Class? Something that they had both wanted to achieve since Erza had passed when they were still children? There was no way that he could let Gray do that, and even if he did it would be pointless…they could never compete over the trials now (he just had to work out how to convince Gray to take part without dragging up more painful issues).

"Don't," he said softly as he finally met Gray's worried gaze with his own. "You've earned the right to try for S-Class, and it's not your fault, or anyone else's that I can't take it this time." He knew better than to voice his inner belief that it was his own fault the situation had come to this, his inner dragon reminded him constantly that if he'd been strong enough to win Gray round then this would never had happed. But he knew that Gray would be horrified if he heard that, the Ice Mage still didn't really understand what it meant to have a Draconic side or the depth of the repercussions of the failed mating that Natsu had to deal with and there was no way he was going to clue the other in unless absolutely necessary.

"But…" Gray trailed off for a moment. "You earned the right too, and it doesn't seem right for me to take the test without you. Who else am I meant to be rivals with?" He tried to sound joking at the end, but he knew that the attempt was pitiful and he frowned yet again at the evidence of how far their relationship had shifted. His expression darkened as something flickered in the olive eyes before a resigned expression settled over the Dragon-Slayer's face and he found himself subconsciously bracing himself for what the other was about to say.

"I wouldn't have been able to compete against you," Natsu admitted quietly, diverting his gaze as he saw the question in the other's face, glancing down at his hands and realising that he'd clenched them at some point and worried that he might cause more havoc he forced himself to relax them.

"What do you mean?" Gray prompted when it was clear that the Dragon-Slayer wasn't going to continue under his own steam. "Natsu?"

"We have to put our m…chosen ones first," Natsu said hesitantly, pausing as he went to say 'mates' but realising it would just cause more problems. "In a situation like the S-Class exams where both want the same thing, the dragon has to step aside." He explained with a sigh, his gaze growing distant as he remembered Igneel explaining all of this to him when he was little – but a strangled noise from Gray dragged him out of his thoughts and he turned worried eyes towards the Ice Mage. Gray had a horrified expression on his face and Natsu winced, this was exactly why he hadn't wanted to get into the issue as he knew the Ice Mage wouldn't like it.

"How the hell is that fair?" Gray demanded as he finally found his voice, onyx eyes blazing with such fury that Natsu was relieved that he seemed to be angry with the situation rather than him – it looked like the other teen was trying to channel Erza. "Why should you have to be the one to give everything up?" Gray growled out, horrified to realise just how little freedom Natsu seemed to have – and suddenly it made the forgiveness he had been granted seem that much worse.

"That's just the way it is," Natsu replied cautiously, sure there had been times that he had railed against it especially since his failure meant that his whole life was ruined, but part of him just accepted it as the way things were. He was part dragon in nature, and if he wanted the benefits (he resolutely pushed away the thoughts about his magic that tried to flow back in) then it was something he had to live with. "It's not like I'm alone either. Gajeel is bound by the same rules, and Wendy will be as well when she's old enough for it to matter."

"But…" Gray really didn't know what to say in the face of such acceptance, he didn't think he would be able to say it so calmly if it was him.

"We do have some freedom you know," Natsu added and Gray looked at him hopefully. "If I'd really wanted to I could have stayed away from you or refused to go on being n-nakama, it would have been hard, but I could have done it." There was no way in hell he was going to tell Gray just how much he would have suffered if he had made that choice, especially as doing so would have been going against Gray's wishes. No, the horror in the dark eyes with just the little bit of knowledge he had gained was bad enough – there was no need to burden the Ice Mage with the full limitations of being a Dragon-Slayer.

Gray wouldn't admit it aloud, but hearing the words from Natsu made it that much more believable than when the other Dragon-Slayers had said something similar to him. It didn't make up for the fact that even though he had rejected Natsu's choice, the fire mage was still bound by nearly the same limitations as a mated Dragon-Slayer; and he didn't think he'd ever be truly comfortable with the knowledge of how constraining it really was to be part Dragon.

"So you're going to do the exam, right?" Natsu asked, and Gray blinked in surprise having nearly forgotten their original conversation and he hesitated. A large part of him still wanted to say no, but he realised it would be pointless if Natsu was just going to refuse to compete against him at a later date anyway. Perhaps this way they would both be able to end up as S-Class mages eventually.

"I guess so," he admitted reluctantly, and damn it, the Dragon-Slayer smiled at his words and even managed to make it a true smile. Tsking he glanced to the side, unsure of what to say in the face of Natsu's relief, especially when by all rights the other teen should be upset over his decision.

FTFT

One week Later – the Port of Hargeon.

Natsu stood separately on the dock as he watched the S-Class hopefuls and their partners gathering at the bottom of the gangway. His eyes were mainly for Gray, upset by the unhappy expression the Ice Mage was sporting in contrast to the excited expressions that the rest were wearing, even Loke's attempts at distracting Gray were clearly failing as the Lion seemed to slump slightly before heading off to pester Lucy. The Ice Mage had, had a long standing agreement with the zodiac spirit – dating back to the days when he was hiding as a mage- to be partners if he ever got to the exam, but now he found himself wishing that he could have a different partner and with that thought his eyes sought out Natsu's.

Ignoring the worried questions coming from the other participants Gray abandoned his stuff and made his way across to the Dragon-Slayer, surprised but touched that Natsu had come to see him off. The fire mage had avoided the guild like a plague for the last week, not wanting to hear the excited chatter or to deal with the pitying looks from those who realised that he should've been participating and Gray couldn't blame him.

"Hey," Natsu said quietly once Gray reached him, his voice calm and his face a tranquil mask as met Gray's gaze without hesitation. However, his eyes betrayed him as there was a longing look in their depths as he glanced at the other five participants and their partners. "Tough competition," he added seriously, he hadn't really paid attention to who else was likely to be chosen, but he had to admit they were all good choices. Although that meant it would be harder for Gray to grab that top spot.

"I guess," Gray agreed as he lent back against the rail next to Natsu, allowing his own gaze to sweep over the group. He was rather surprised by some of the partner choices: Levy and Gajeel had been an obvious pair, although he had to admit he'd been looking at them differently since finding out the extent of the limitations placed on the Dragon-Slayers. Brixlow and Freed were another obvious pairing, but the rest were all a surprise. Lisanna choosing to partner Juvia over Elfman had been an interesting decision, and watching the burly man's reaction had provided the guild with a lot of entertainment – although it hadn't been as shocking as Evergreen offering to partner the male take-over mage even though it meant going against her teammates. And lastly Cana had teamed up with Lucy, which had surprised many as they didn't seem that close – and it was slightly awkward for Gray as he had effectively stolen Lucy's strongest Spirit. "It wouldn't be an S-Class exam though if it was easy," he added as he pulled himself out of his musings as he realised he hadn't really responded properly to Natsu.

"Just a word of advice – if you go up against Levy and Gajeel, make sure you take him out first," Natsu said seriously, leaning in so no-one else would hear him and Gray raised an eyebrow at the odd advice. "If you take Levy out first you'll end up with a seriously angry Dragon-Slayer, and he won't hold back." A small part of him felt bad for not warning the rest of them of the risk of attacking a Dragon's mate, but his main concern was keeping Gray safe – he'd just have to hope that the rest of them used their heads.

"Thanks for the warning," Gray said with a nod of appreciation as he turned considering eyes towards the mated pair, it certainly wouldn't be good to come up against a truly furious Gajeel.

"Gray we're boarding!" Lucy shouted and he glanced across to see that the rest of them were indeed heading up the gangway to board the ship, nodding to show he'd heard her before turning his attention back to Natsu who was watching him quietly.

"I should go," Gray said with more than a little reluctance, no matter how Natsu tried to hide how much he was hurting it was clear to the Ice Mage, and it was making it hard for him to take those steps to the ship. Seeing the struggle on his face the Dragon-Slayer sighed slightly before offering a small smile and a nod.

"Good Luck," he said softly but sincerely, and Gray found it within himself to manage a small smile as he nodded in thanks. He knew just how much the Dragon-Slayer was hurting at the moment, but the fact that he was he to see him off and wish him luck meant that to do anything but move forwards would be an insult. That realisation also finally gave him the determination to do more than participate in this exam, for Natsu's sake he was going to pass this exam! He would make sure the Dragon-Slayer's faith in him and his insistence that he took the opportunity wasn't wasted – plus if he passed now then Natsu would be able to participate next time.

"I'll see you soon," Gray said as he heard Loke yelling at him to hurry up before they sailed without him, and although he was tempted to miss the ship he knew that it would be unfair on Natsu. With a last lingering look at the Dragon-Slayer he turned and hurried back towards the shop, only hesitating briefly on the gangway before making his way on board.

Ignoring Loke's gesture for him to join him and Lucy he moved to stand by the ship rail, his eyes fixed on Natsu. He felt the ship beginning to move and he waved to Natsu, trying to ignore the pang that went through him as he watched the sole figure of the Dragon-Slayer until the ship had moved out of the sight of the port.

"I'm so sorry Natsu," he whispered to the sea air.

FTFT


	9. Chapter 9

Thank you for the amazing reviews, follows and favourites.

Disclaimer: As always Fairy Tail and its amazing characters don't belong to me, I'm merely playing with them.

A/N: I've had a few queries about this story and how it fits in with the proper FT timeline and the Dragon Season timeline: This story is not going to follow the main storyline, this includes not including the 7 year gap. In a similar way this story is not going to tie in with the main Dragon Season story, it is a completely separate entity.

FTFT

Two days later:

Wendy hesitated at the bottom of the path leading up to Natsu's house, suddenly wondering whether it was a really bad idea to come visit the older Dragon-Slayer without warning him that she was coming. The fire mage hadn't set foot in the guild since he'd returned from seeing Gray off on the S-class trials, and if hadn't been for Romeo spotting Natsu making his way through town the day before they wouldn't have realised he was actually back. She was surprised that he'd actually made the trip to see the Ice Mage off, and that had been the first thing to raise her suspicions that he was up to something.

She knew that he wasn't keen on being around the guild with the state of his magic, and that being in the guild at the moment would only remind him of Gray's absence but she couldn't shake the feeling that there was something much more serious going on. Especially when Happy had reported that the fire mage had asked him to let him have some time alone, resulting in the little Exceed currently crashing up at Fairy Hills with her and Carla, much to her partner's irritation. With the exception of when he went into season she had never known the older Dragon-Slayer to push his partner away, and given how badly that situation had gone it only increased her worry.

All of these circumstances and her own growing sense of unease had resulted in her asking Carla to keep Happy busy, and led her to being stood just beyond his house. It was only as she following the path out of town that she realised that she had never just been to visit him, in fact the only time she had been was when he was in season, and that had ended disastrously. And now here she was turning up without an invitation, and the thought made her shift uncertainly.

However, just as she was about to lose her confidence entirely she remembered Gajeel's quiet request for her to keep an eye on Natsu whilst they were away, the Iron Dragon-Slayer had actually looked concerned which had been almost more worrying than Natsu's behaviour. Honoured that he trusted her enough to make the request she had willingly promised to keep an eye on their fellow Dragon-Slayer. With that promise at the forefront on her mind giving her courage she made her way up the path with fresh determination, hoping that she wasn't about to make things worse. Reaching the door she hesitated again for a second before timidly knocking, pulling a face at the slight noise

"Who is it?" Natsu called sounding both suspicious and distracted and Wendy frowned in concern, surely the other Dragon-Slayer could smell who it was, he was much better than she was in that respect.

"It's Wendy," she replied nervously and there was a sigh before she heard him moving towards the door, and she quickly schooled her face into a small smile as she heard the catch being unlocked. However, it took all her focus to keep that expression when the door opened and she caught sight of him. He was paler than he had been the last time she'd seen him and there was a slightly wild look in his eyes, and instinctively she knew it was because of the current distance between him and Gray and she wanted to weep seeing him in such pain when there was nothing either she or he could do to ease it.

"What do you want?" Natsu asked and his voice was terser than usual but she didn't take offence as she realised that he was trembling slightly

"Can I come in?" She asked cautiously and watched as he frowned for a minute clearly wishing that he could just turn her away, however, after a long moment he stepped back and silently gestured for her to come in. Hiding her relief she stepped inside, waiting patiently for him to shut the door and lead the way further into his house.

FT

Unlike last time when she'd been rushing to heal him, she took the opportunity to actually look around and take in his house. It was simple and sparsely furnished, although she had to admit privately that she was astonished by how tidy it was, having always imagined that he would be a messy individual.

"Igneel always stressed how important a clean nest was," Natsu spoke up seemingly reading her thoughts as he saw her glancing around, his voice wavering slightly as he spoke about his adoptive parent and as she watched he reached up to clutch at his chest with a trembling hand.

"Natsu-san?" She asked anxiously, taking a step towards him in the hopes of either being able to heal him or even just offer comfort but he shied away from her touch, his eyes wide with alarm and she froze. "Natsu…?"

"Sorry Wendy," he muttered after a long moment as he seemed to struggle with himself but slowly removing his hand, the wild look receding slightly from his eyes as he looked apologetically at her. She frowned at him for a moment as she considered his actions, Grandine's vague explanations of dragon mating echoing through her head as she watched him shifting uneasily and her eyes widened as she realised what was happening.

"It's your draconic side isn't it?" It was meant to be a question but came out sounding more like a statement as she stared knowingly at him, Natsu had frozen at her words and was now staring at her like a deer caught in a magic-car's headlights which only confirmed her fears. When she was little she hadn't really understood it when Grandine said that the spell that gave her, her dragon-slaying abilities would also imbue her with a dragon's spirit; but as she grew older she became aware of the fact that there was a part of her that was decidedly inhuman. Thankfully so far she had only encountered it a few times, primarily when they were in big battles and she was eating her element and drawing on the more aggressive side of her magic.

"I'm pathetic," Natsu whispered finally breaking into her thoughts, and she winced as she saw the expression of defeat on his face. It wasn't something that belonged on his face and in all honesty it scared her to see it, and she wasn't going to let it stay there if she had anything to say about it. Moving forwards she boldly pushed him back towards the sofa, trying to hide her concern when he quickly gave into her efforts, allowing her to guide him until he was sat down before crouching down in front of him.

"You are not pathetic!" She said strongly as she met his eyes unwaveringly. "You are one of the strongest people I know!" He had always been the strong one, giving everyone hope when things went wrong and always heading off to battle the strongest opponents without a seconds hesitation, and yet she could see the disbelieving look in his eyes now as he met her gaze.

"I wasn't strong enough to win him though," he murmured as he felt the all-too familiar burn of tears as he stared at her, his inner dragon mocking him in the back of his mind and he let loose a choked noise at the familiar taunting.

"Natsu-san," Wendy had moved as soon as they noise escaped him, leaning forwards to press her hands against his cheeks so that he was forced to look away from him. "What happened with Gray was not your fault and has nothing to do with how strong you are, that is a dragon's way of looking at things and we're not full dragons! We are human as well, and our relationships should reflect that!" It was something she was coming to believe more and more as she watched how Natsu suffered, that in many ways being part dragon was actually a curse for them and that it was essential that they remember that they were human as well.

"But…"

"I don't know why Gray-san said no," she admitted wishing that she had actually taken the time to ask the Ice Mage why he had rejected Natsu. At first she had assumed it was because Natsu was a guy, not that she had actually seen him date anyone since she joined the guild and he seemed completely oblivious to Juvia's blatant crush. However, the way he acted around Natsu, especially since the Dragon-slayer had suffered his bout of Dragon Fever made her doubt that earlier assumption. "But I know that it was nothing to do with how strong you are!" There was no way that Gray would have rejected Natsu over such a thing, after all he knew just as well as the rest of them just how strong the fire mage was; besides why should strength matter in a relationship? That was a purely draconic issue!

"I…I wish I could see it that way," Natsu said eventually, and there was longing in his voice as he gazed at her and she wanted to cry at the pain swirling in his eyes. Instead she rose and moved to sit next to him, making sure to press against him in an attempt to offer comfort and watching carefully for his reaction. After a brief hesitation he leant into her warmth and she smiled slightly, knowing better than to attempt to put her arm around him yet.

FT

They had been sat in silence for nearly an hour when Natsu finally made a small noise and pulled away from Wendy making the smaller dragon-slayer look up at him in with concern, although she didn't say anything as she could see that he was trying to work out what to say.

"I can't stay here any longer Wendy," he said softly meeting her gaze with tormented eyes and she nodded in understanding, although inside her heart was breaking at the thought of him leaving. Of all their team he was the one that she felt closest too, and he was the one that had helped her whenever she was upset over Grandine and it scared her to think of facing that alone from now. But she knew how hard it had to be for him to stay around with what had happened, and she couldn't bring herself to try and stop him.

"I know," she whispered with a sniffle. "Where will you go?" She was surprised by how calmly the question came out considering how her emotions were whirling in her chest.

"I'm not sure yet," he admitted with a sigh as he sat back and tilted his head towards the ceiling, with his magic in its current state there was no way he could accept a proper job request which would be the easiest way to decide which way he was heading. "I think I'm just going to work it out as I go along," he threw her a grin like the one he used to give as he heard her noise of disapproval at his haphazard plan. "I'm going to see if there's anyone out there who can help sort my magic out, and after that I plan on getting stronger!" He said more seriously, his voice rising at the end as his dragon stirred – he had to get stronger for Gray even if the Ice Mage didn't want him as a Mate.

The look of disapproval on Wendy's face dissolved into one of understanding, although she wished that he could accept that he really was strong enough already. She knew that whilst the human in him might be able to accept that fact, his draconic side wouldn't and he was that much more in touch with his dragon than either she or Gajeel.

"How long?" She asked simply, knowing that she would only make it worse for him if she argued against him leaving, although she wasn't sure if she wanted to know the answer to that question.

"I don't know," he admitted quietly as he shivered at the thought of being away from Gray for a long period of time. "As long as it takes I guess." _Or as long as I can hold onto my sanity_, he thought to himself but there was no way that he was going to share that thought with Wendy, especially as she was staring at him with wide, worried eyes.

"When?"

"As soon as we hear who has won the trial," Natsu said firmly, and she paled having clearly hoped that he would wait a bit longer before going. However, he knew that if he waited for them all to come back then he would never be able to find the willpower to move on.

"So soon," Wendy whispered more to herself than anything else, but she could guess at his reasons and she couldn't really argue with them. "You have to stay in touch! Promise me that at least!" She ordered, her voice taking on an Erza-like tone that made him wince and nod frantically as though afraid she might attack without warning.

"I will, it might not be often but I promise I will stay in touch," he said softly, and she knew that he wouldn't break such a promise and that knowledge comforted her as she realised that there was really nothing else for her to say. He had made his choice, and she had no right or will to stand in his way, even if she wanted nothing more than to cling to him and stop him leaving.

"I'll be going back then," Wendy said as she got to her feet, giving him a soft smile as he got to his feet to show her out. Before he could react though she had darted forwards and flung her arms around him, ignoring the lack of heat that was coming off him as she held him tight, trying to imprint this moment on her memory before he disappeared. "I'll let you know when the results come in, okay?" She whispered in his ears.

"Thank you," his tone showed his surprise, but she merely tightened her hold in response and he sighed softly. "I'll miss you Wendy."

FT

Natsu sighed as he waved farewell to Wendy, wishing that he could have spared her from the burden of carrying his secret, even it was only going to be hidden for another day or so. Quietly closing the door he turned and headed back to finish up his packing, not that he had a lot belongings to take with him, but he wanted to be ready as soon as the results of the exam came through. He knew that even Wendy and Gajeel together wouldn't be able to convince Lucy and the others not to try and follow him and bring him back, so he had to make sure that he had put a good distance between them before they returned from Tenroujima. Although as he was planning on avoiding public transport as much as possible it would make his route that much harder to follow (and save him from the horrors of motion sickness).

Finally sealing up his rucksack he turned his gaze to the battered green bag in the corner with a sigh; that was going to be the hardest part of his plan managing to slip away without Happy following him. He knew that the brave little Exceed would follow him to the ends of the earth even if he didn't have a proper plan for what he was going to do, but Happy had a life with the guild and he couldn't bring himself to drag the cat away. It was clear how Happy felt about Carla as well, and despite her best efforts to remain aloof there had been some thawing on her side and there was no way he was going to get in his friend's way.

He knew that the others would keep an eye on Happy for him, and that Mira would make sure the cat was well fed as she was always slipping him fish as it was. He just hoped that Happy would forgive him eventually for leaving him behind, maybe if he made sure to bring back lots of super-rare fish or something…

FTFT

Two days later:

Wendy was quiet as the guild around her erupted into cheers as Makarov announced via communication lacrima that Gray had successfully completed the S-Class trials in first place and was now a fully qualified S-class mage like Erza and Gildarts. Whilst she was glad the Ice Mage had got the honour, especially with how hard he worked and the improvements in his magic even in the time since she'd known him, she couldn't help but feel slightly bitter at the news. It was the news that Natsu had both wanted and dreaded, and once he heard that would be it, he would be gone and as much as she understood why he was going she equally didn't want him to leave.

"Wendy what's wrong?" Mira asked having noticed that the younger girl hadn't joined in with the celebrations, and worried by the melancholy expression that had replaced her usual happy smile.

"It's nothing Mira-san," Wendy replied at once, alarmed that someone had noticed her less than celebratory mood and worried that the observant Takeover mage might guess the reason for her unhappiness. "I'm just a little tired is all," she added, and it wasn't entirely a lie as she hadn't been sleeping well since learning of Natsu's plans and she knew that Carla and Happy were both worrying about her.

"You do look a little paler than normal," Mira said with a frown as she examined the girl, and Wendy fought the urge to growl at the concern in the older girl's eyes. It should be Natsu they were all worried about, not her and yet it seemed as though everyone had forgotten what her fellow Dragon-Slayer was going through. "You should go home and get some rest, this lot are going to be celebrating for the rest of the afternoon at least," Mira added blithely, unaware of the other girl's increasingly dark mood and Wendy nodded in agreement if only to get away from the people who were getting on her nerves.

"I think I'll do that," she said getting to her feet, aware that her voice was sharper than necessary but thankfully Mira didn't seem to notice. Muttering an abrupt farewell Wendy quickly headed for the exit, expertly weaving her away through the rowdy guild and dodging as the celebrating began to break out into brawling.

FT

Leaving the guild she hesitated, glancing in the direction of Natsu's house as she debated whether or not to take him the news herself. In the end however, she decided against it knowing that she wouldn't be able to just let him go even though that was what he wanted. She would get Carla to take the news to him, knowing that Happy would only try to hang around and offer comfort to his partner, which would hinder Natsu's escape and despite her own feelings she couldn't allow that to happen.

Slowly she began the walk up to Fairy Hills, wondering how different the guild was going to feel when Natsu was gone, feeling a cold shiver go down her back at the notion. Fairy Tail would always remain Fairy Tail, she knew that without a doubt but she knew that it would lose an element of its passion and strength with the fire mage gone; and she wondered whether Natsu realised what a difference his leaving would make. Probably not, she mused recalling his claim that he was pathetic with an angry sigh.

She knew that it would fall to her to tell the rest of the guild that Natsu had left, there was no way he would risk going near the guild and having his intentions discovered. It wasn't going to be an easy or pleasant conversation, no one else except for Gajeel and Levy would understand his reasons or his sheer need to leave.

FTFT

The Next day:

Natsu paused to catch his breath as he reached the top of the path leading out of Magnolia, turning back to stare down at the town with a melancholy expression. It had been harder than he thought to actually leave even though it had seemed so easy when he'd been packing his meagre belongings, even explaining to Wendy what he planned hadn't been as hard as taking those first steps up the path.

It hadn't helped matters that he'd stopped by Gray's apartment to leave the Ice Mage a note, unable to leave without explaining even if he couldn't wait to explain face to face. Unfortunately once he'd broken into his chosen's flat he had been nearly overwhelmed by the other's scent, and he'd lost nearly an hour as he'd been completely distracted by the wintry scent. It had taken all his strength to force himself out of the apartment, his inner dragon howling and taunting him the whole time.

"Farewell," he whispered unsteadily to the air knowing that there was no one out there to hear his words. Sniffling slightly he turned and taking a deep breath he set off once more, steadfastly refusing to look back even when his inner dragon began to howl as it realised he was truly abandoning his chosen.

FTFT

Three days later:

Gray couldn't keep the triumphant expression of his face as the ship made its final preparations to dock in Hargeon, still riding on the high of passing the S-class trials despite the pain radiating from his bandaged torso from where Erza had done her level best to pummel him into the ground. Personally he thought she had used it as an opportunity to work out the last of her anger with him over the situation with Natsu, not that she would ever admit it, even if he was brave enough to raise the issue with her.

Still despite her best efforts and a very close battle with Levy and Gajeel he had managed to complete the exam in first place. However, the main source of his triumph came from the knowledge that he had kept his promise to Natsu – it had been a disconcerting moment for him when he'd realised that winning the title wouldn't have meant as much to him if it wasn't what Natsu had wanted for him. That realisation forcing him to seriously consider just what it was that he was feeling towards his one-time rival after recent events, and he'd been frightened more than anything to realise that his feelings were no longer strictly platonic.

He couldn't say that he loved the fire mage, not yet at any rate, but as he thought about it he realised that with time he might be able to and that prospect terrified him. Had that been why he had rejected Natsu and fled from the truth of the dragon-slayer's feelings? Fear? Gray had never been a coward in all his life, and yet now as he stared at the port that was what he felt like. Natsu's devastated expression haunting him anew as he realised that he had been afraid. Afraid of letting someone get that close. Of letting someone past the icy barrier he had erected after Ur's death, which had cracked but not broken on Galuna island. He snorted at the irony of it all, especially after the amount of times he had scolded Erza for hiding her feelings behind her armour…what a hypocrite he was!

Swallowing hard he sagged against the rail as his earlier triumph vanished completely under the cold weight of realisation of what he had done, Wendy and Gajeel's words coming back to haunt him as for the first time he realised just what he had thrown away. Staring out at the waves all he could hear was them telling him what would happen if Natsu was rejected, that it had been a once in a lifetime chance…and rather than seizing it he had fled and abandoned Natsu to a nightmarish existence. A bitter chuckle escaped at the thought that he had managed to both gain everything and lose everything at the same time, here he was, finally a S Class Mage (and getting to beat Natsu to the honour as well) and yet he had managed to lose everything that could've…should've been more important than some lofty title.

Desperately he clutched at the rail, barely aware of the ice spreading outwards from where his hands were as he fought to keep his feet. Why? Why couldn't he have realised all this when it would have helped? He had never understand Natsu's capacity to forgive him for all the pain that he had caused him, but if he ever learnt that it had happened out of cowardice then even the Dragon-Slayer would be unable to forgive him… he didn't deserve it!

FT

"Let him be," Gajeel said softly as Levy made to cautiously approached the Ice Mage, a concerned expression written across her face as she turned back to look at the Dragon-Slayer curiously. "I think he's just realised what it was he threw away," he explained and her mouth formed a silent oh, sorrow replacing the concern on her face. The Iron Dragon-Slayer felt some sympathy for the Ice Mage, but for the most part he took Natsu's side, knowing that if his luck had gone the other when then he would be in Natsu's shoes.

"But…"

"He had to realise some time," Gajeel cut gently across her protest, and she sighed hearing the edge of iron in his voice and realising that this wasn't an issue he could be pushed on. She shot a last conflicted glance across at Gray, wincing at the conflicted emotions raging across his face before turning back to her Dragon-Slayer. She knew he was right and that Gray needed to realise what he had done to Natsu, but she didn't like seeing any of her nakama hurting.

FT

Gray was completely unaware of his audience as he lost himself in his thoughts and guilty feelings, his gaze fixated blankly on the approaching dock. He knew that he needed to face Natsu as soon as possible, although he was no longer certain what he should say to the fire mage, especially in light of his own realisations. There was no way that conversation was going to go well, and he knew there was every chance that he might make things worse for the Dragon-Slayer…but, he couldn't let himself chicken out at that risk. He owed Natsu that much at least, even if the other teen refused to have anything more to do with him.

If Natsu took his confessions badly then Gray would willingly turn himself over to Erza for punishment he decided there and then, swallowing slightly as he risked a brief glance across at the red-head who was engaged in a lively conversation with Lucy and Lisanna. Swiftly turning away before she noticed his attention and could call him on it, he fixed his gaze back on the dock, hoping that Natsu had come to meet the ship. The sooner this was over and done with the better, and it would stop him having the chance to change his mind.

FTFT

As the ship finally pulled up alongside the dock Gray found himself desperately scanning the people on the dock, especially when he realised a sizeable group had come from the guild to welcome them home. However, there was no sign of Natsu's distinctive pink hair anywhere and he felt his heart sinking, realising that there was no sign of the Exceeds either. His gaze was drawn moment later though to a familiar head of dark blue hair standing near the front of the dock, and he felt unease prickle at him as he took in the unusually serious expression on her face.

The gangway had barely gone down before Gray was up and moving down it, his earlier sense of urgency tripling as another check confirmed that there was no sign of Natsu. Barely aware that Gajeel and Levy were close on his heels, the former having also spotted the expression on Wendy's face and dragging his mate along with a worried frown.

"Wendy? Where's Natsu?" Gray asked with more urgency than he meant to, wincing slightly as he saw the knowing glint in her eyes before her expression hardened and he found himself taking an automatic step backwards as her gaze now had a dangerous element to it. In that instance he was easily able to believe she was a Dragon-Slayer, and he knew that if she had been like the older pair then he would be currently on the ground nursing a bruised face.

"Natsu-san has gone," Wendy told him shortly, ignoring the way Gajeel's eyes widened in alarm as her attention was taken up by the dawning horror on Gray's face and Erza and Lucy's sudden appearance in front of her with worried expressions.

"What do you mean gone?" Lucy demanded shrilly, and both Dragon-Slayer's winced at the tone and Wendy had to fight the urge to clamp her hands over her ears as she turned her attention to the Celestial mage with a stern expression on her face. No one had the right to judge Natsu for his decision, not when they didn't truly understand how hard it was for him to live day by day alongside the one who had rejected him and she wasn't about to let them start.

"He left three days ago," she replied levelly meeting Lucy's gaze without hesitation, before turning to look at Gray once more. "He needed to get away from everything, try and sort both himself and his magic out and he couldn't do that around you." Her voice was slightly more gentle this time, but her expression was still hard as her temper had been boiling for days, not helped by the fact that she had spent the last couple of days trying to console Happy once he'd realised his partner had taken off without him. Thankfully the rest of the guild had been unaware up until now, although the fact that they hadn't realised that Natsu had left had also grated on her already short nerves and she had been snappish with everyone.

"I'm surprised he lasted this long," Gajeel intersected as he spotted the girls swelling with furious expressions as they registered Wendy's words, knowing that they were about to ream her out when she had done nothing wrong. His words staved off the explosions at least temporarily as Erza turned to look at him, and Lucy seemed to subside as she registered the implications of his words.

"You expected him to take off on us?" Erza demanded as her gaze flittered between the two Dragon-Slayers, she was replaying every word that the pair had said about Natsu and his situation and her expression softened as she realised that they should have all expected him to leave at some point. "Never mind," she said, her voice barely a whisper as she turned to look across at Gray, for once feeling sorry for the Ice Mage over this issue, knowing that this was the last thing he had wanted.

"I'm too late," Gray mumbled more to himself than to anyone else, having paid no attention whatsoever to their conversation as he'd lost himself in the realisation that Natsu was gone. Gone, before he could even attempt to explain everything that he had just realised about why he had been too afraid to accept the Dragon-Slayer's feelings. Ignoring their worried looks and Lucy's attempts to stop him he turned and walked dazedly away from the group, his head bowed as he felt a burning sensation in his eyes, what was he going to do now?

FTFT

A/N: Just to let you know I am participating in NaNoWriMo this month, and although I intend to update as often as possible if there is a delay it will be because of that so please bear with me. The final product will appear on here when it's complete


	10. Chapter 10

Thank you for the amazing reviews, follows and favourites.

Apologies for the long wait for this update I was having major writers block with it, but inspiration struck this afternoon (when I was working of course -)

Disclaimer: As always Fairy Tail and its awesome characters don't belong to me.

FTFT

Five Days Later:

Natsu sighed wearily as he dropped down onto the grass, willingly letting his rucksack fall to the ground beside him as he stretched his aching shoulders. The lingering weakness from his illness had made it harder than he'd expected for him to travel and he hadn't managed to put as much distance as he'd wanted to between himself and Magnolia, although he absolutely refused to take transport even if it would have sped up the journey. He just hoped that his meandering routes along less travelled roads would be enough to through off his Nakama.

His expression darkened as his thoughts drifted to his friends, and he let himself topple backwards so that he was sprawled on the grass as he tried desperately to block those thoughts out. However, it was just as useless as it had been for the past few days and he closed his eyes in defeat, feeling the all too familiar burn that had appeared. It had been much harder than he had ever anticipated to keep moving away from the guild, and he'd found himself missing the smallest things about travelling and fighting with the others.

The worst of it though had been the pain caused by forcing himself to increase the distance between himself and Gray, and it had become a constant ache in his chest, making it hard to move and even harder to sleep or focus on anything apart from the fact that Gray wasn't nearby. His inner dragon had been constantly active since the moment it had realised that he had intended to go through with his plan, and his mind was constantly awash with its howling and taunts, which was only adding to his suffering and despite his best attempts he was unable to block it out.

"Gray," he muttered despondently, wondering how the Ice mage had reacted to his disappearance…probably with relief he thought with a bitter pang, but he couldn't really blame the other teen if he had felt like that. Despite his own words of forgiveness he knew that the rest of the guild hadn't been as forgiving, especially his own team although some of the tension had lessened after his illness and he hoped that his absence would give them time to heal that breach. Still a small, treacherous part of him desperately hoped that at least on some level the Ice mage was missing him, although he immediately felt guilty for that thought.

"Well what do we have here?" A sudden mocking voice rang out breaking into his miserable thoughts, and his eyes shot open as he sat up in alarm…how long had it been since someone was capable of sneaking up on him?

His eyes narrowed as he took in the man towering over him, noting the magical gun being pointed directly at him with a small frown. Normally he had little to fear from such weapons as his magic was a natural defence against that type of magic, but with the state his magic was in there was no way he could know for sure that it would still be able to do so and he wasn't keen to risk it. Quietly he raised his eyes to meet the man's gaze, tensing as he took in the confident smirk twisting his thin lips and the cruel glint in the brown eyes that were studying him in a way that said that he wasn't much of a threat.

"I'm just passing through," He said quietly as he spread his hands to indicate his unarmed state, and something flashed through the eyes watching him and he tensed as he realised that there was no way that he was going to get out of this without a fight.

"No one just passes through these parts," the mage said coldly and Natsu stilled as he watched the man's finger clench tighter around the trigger, knowing that it could go off at any moment if he wasn't careful "Especially not a wizard from an official guild." The Dragon-Slayer frowned at those words and then glanced down at his arm where his Fairy Tail mark could be seen and sighed, cursing inwardly for not thinking to cover it up, but he was so used to wearing it proudly that it hadn't even crossed his mind.

"Back off," Natsu growled as he got to his feet, unwilling to remain in his disadvantageous position although he made sure to keep his movements calm and steady. "I'm not looking for you and I don't particularly care what it is you've done," he added with a shrug, and for once he really meant it even though he knew that it was likely to be something worthy of landing the man in jail if he was expecting wizards to come after him.

"Hah like I'd believe that," the mage scoffed and Natsu scowled, normally he couldn't wait to get into a fight so it was typical that the one time that he really didn't want to fight was the time he was up against someone itching for a scrap.

Before he could think of anything else to say that might diffuse the situation he found the gun being raised once more, and he realised that the man had no intention of letting him say anything else as the finger tightened on the trigger. Natsu had already moved though, darting to the left to avoid the bullet whilst surging forwards in the hope of crossing the distance between them before another shot could be fired. However, the other mage moved just as quickly and the Dragon-Slayer found himself having to jump backwards to avoid the next attack, noting how his body wavered slightly at the abrupt movements and he realised that he was going to need to end this soon before his body failed him entirely.

FTFT

Back at the Guild:

Gray sighed softly as he gazed around the unusually quiet guild, his eyes lingering for a long moment on the table where their team usually sat and letting his eyes drift shut for a moment he was able to imagine the Dragon-Slayer sitting there with a bright grin and a challenge on his lips. It was a painful image as it reminded him of happier times before everything had become so twisted and difficult between them, and yet he didn't want to banish it…after all it was all he had to hold onto until the Dragon-Slayer chose to come back home.

In the five days since they'd returned to find that Natsu had taken off Gray had found himself constantly being bombarded with memories wherever he went in the guild or around the town, and it had been startling to realise just how detailed the flood of images were as long as it was to do with Natsu. Even memories from back before they had formed a team were exceptionally detailed, and it was flooring to realise that even back then he had paid more attention to what the Dragon-slayer had been up to than the rest of their nakama.

Unfortunately it only added to his anger and guilt over his cowardice, as it forced him to realise that he really had been lying to himself for much longer than he had thought. His hands clenched into fists in their position on the bar, and he opened his eyes to stare blankly at them, knowing that he only had himself for feeling like this.

"Are you alright?" The quiet voice broke into his imagining and he reluctantly raised his eyes to find Mira had moved to the end of the bar where he was sat, her eyes concerned as she studied him and he could still see the lingering traces of the guilt she had carried since the disaster of Natsu going into season… no matter what they said she was unable to forgive herself and he wished that he could banish that guilt, knowing that she had done nothing wrong.

"I miss him," he admitted after a long moment as he forced his hands to relax, and she blinked in surprise at the quiet but openly honest answer before nodding sadly as her own gaze turned to where Natsu usually sat. It was normally the nosiest part of the guild, but now it was completely empty as no one was willing to try and take over his seat…not that any of them could come close to being as rowdy as the Dragon-slayer used to be.

"So do I, the guild doesn't feel the same anymore," she said softly and Gray glanced away as his own guilt bubbled away, unlike Mira he knew that his role in the current situation was entirely his own fault. "Why did you refuse to go with Lucy and Erza if you are missing him this much?" She asked turning her gaze back to the Ice mage, and there was no hint of anger or resentment in her gaze, just simple curiosity and concern and it was that which compelled him to answer her.

"It was Natsu's choice to leave and I have no right to judge him or to try and drag him back here," Gray admitted softly his eyes shadowed as he recalled the fight that had erupted when he had refused to go hunting for Natsu.

_FT_

_The day after their return from the S-class exam:_

"_We're going after Natsu," Erza said quietly but with a hint of iron in her voice that indicated that she wasn't going to be swayed from this path and making it sound more like an order than anything as she glanced at Lucy and Gray. The Celestial mage quickly agreeing, more out of concern for the Dragon-Slayer than fear of Erza, although the latter certainly added speed to her agreement._

"_No," Gray had said flatly after a moment and he didn't waver as he raised dark eyes to meet Erza's suddenly incredulous gaze, already wishing that he hadn't given into the temptation to visit the guild to see if there was any news…even if it would have meant moping around at home on his own._

"_What do you mean No?" Lucy demanded before the Re-quip mage could get another word out, her eyes flashing as she leaned forward to glare at the Ice Mage. "Natsu is out there somewhere with magic that doesn't work properly, and given his usual luck he's probably already neck deep in trouble. Don't you care about that?" _

"_Of course I care!" Gray hissed at her his eyes flashing with a mixture of anger and hurt at her words, she had seen how he'd reacted to Wendy telling them Natsu was gone and yet she still had the gall to ask that? He could feel his magic surging beneath his skin and he hastily took a calming breath, knowing that it would only make the situation worse if he lost control now._

"_Then prove it and come with us," Erza said, her tone grim as she finally spoke up and his gaze snapped across to her, darkening as he realised that she really wasn't going to back down on this. Didn't she understand that Natsu clearly didn't want them to go after him? That he was actually trying to respect the Dragon-slayer's wishes despite his own feelings on the matter?_

"_I'm not going," he said quietly as he met her gaze head on, ignoring the spluttering noise that was coming from Lucy, refusing to back down on this issue. "That is my decision whether you like it or not," he added and there was a hint of a challenge in his tone now and he could see her eyes narrowing as she caught it._

"_Why you…" She snarled as she shot to her feet with a growl, her magic flaring as her sword materialised and he immediately got to his feet as well, carefully backing away from the table in case they did actually come to blows._

"_Erza! Gray! Stop this!" Mira called worriedly as she looked between the pair in alarm, realising that things were getting out of hand and knowing that they would be lucky if the guild survived if the pair went at it. "_

"_Stay out of this Mira," Erza snapped at the Take-over mage who cringed away at the angry turn, but the Re-quip mage barely paid any mind to the reaction as she refocused on Gray who tensed as he felt her magic rising again. "You're the one that claimed to have feelings for Natsu, so why are you now refusing to help him?" She demanded harshly and Gray felt his own temper rising, he didn't appreciate her talking about his feelings so publicly even though he was aware most of their audience already knew about his reaction to Natsu's disappearance._

"_Because he doesn't want helping!" He snapped at her, didn't she get that? She and Lucy were so et on this path that they weren't even considering what Natsu wanted, and yet it was him that was getting yelled at. _

"_But he needs it!" Lucy interjected, somewhat alarmed at where the conversation was heading, but wanting to get through to the stubborn Ice mage. Natsu needed protecting in his current state even if the Dragon-slayer was too proud or stubborn to admit it. _

"_It's his choice isn't it?" Gray demanded as he looked at her; he could see the worry in her eyes and knew that she just wanted to help but he didn't appreciate her joining Erza's camp in this argument. "Natsu chose to leave so clearly he doesn't agree that he needs help…or he wants it from elsewhere!" He added the last bit as his mind darted to the message that the Fire mage had left him, but he had no intention of sharing that with them so he didn't elaborate on it._

"_And if you're wrong?" Erza demanded and he nearly growled in irritation, was she seriously not hearing what he was saying. "Do you want another situation like the Dragon Fever to crop up? Did you enjoy playing the hero so much…?"_

"_Why you…" Gray really did growl this time, and the air around him dropped sharply in temperature as he slammed his hands together. He hadn't wanted to let the argument devolve into fighting, but she had gone too far if she thought for a single second that he ever wanted something like that to happen again. The calmer part of his mind knew that it was the combination of worry and anger that had over-ridden her common-sense, but that didn't mean he was going to hold back anymore._

"_Bring it on Gray," Erza challenged as she felt his magic rising. "You got past me on Tenroujima. Don't expect it to happen again!" She added with a mocking edge to her voice as she prepared to charge, her own magic coming out to fill the air around her, making Lucy back away anxiously._

"_THAT IS ENOUGH!" A giant hand slammed down between them and they both instinctively jumped apart, turning in unison to find Makarov standing there with a furious and disappointed expression on his face as he looked from one to the other before his gaze settled on Erza. "You don't have the right to choose another person's path for them, Gray has made his decision and you should respect that. Resorting to force is unforgiveable."_

"_My apologies Master," Erza said quietly with a hint of red in her cheeks before she turned to look at Gray. "Sorry Gray," her voice was much stiffer this time but he still nodded in acceptance of the obviously forced apology, keen to just get this scene over and done with, especially as he had just become aware of the fact the entire guild was watching and he could hear the growing whispers._

"_Let's go," Lucy said awkwardly as she stepped up alongside the Re-quip mage and laying a gentle hand on her arm. After a brief pause Erza nodded and with a last dark look at Gray she turned and followed the Celestial mage from the hall._

_FT_

They hadn't been back to the guild yet, and he definitely wasn't looking forward to when they did return as he was sure that Erza's temper wouldn't have dissipated that much, especially if they weren't able to find Natsu. Still he had no intention of changing his mind on this issue, even if it did mean that they came to blows if Gramps wasn't around to stop them. The only good thing that had come from that fight had been that two remaining Dragon-Slayers had supported his stance, and he found himself getting along with them a lot better since then although Wendy was still a bit short with him at times.

"You know that you're not as much to blame as you seem to think," Mira said softly as she watched the emotions playing across his face, knowing that he was recalling the fight and considering in the light of what he had said. "It was your choice to make back then, and since then you've done everything you can to try and help Natsu. And you saved him when he was ill." She hadn't missed the fact that it was Gray that Natsu had constantly asked for when he was in the infirmary, and that more than anything told her that the Dragon-slayer truly hadn't blamed the Ice Mage for what had happened.

"I was a coward back then," Gray muttered softly unable to meet her gaze. "I was too scared to let someone in and I never even stopped to think of the consequences. No matter what I've done since then, it doesn't change that fact." As far as he was concerned until he was actually able to talk to Natsu about everything there was no way that he could accept the forgiveness that kept being shoved in his direction, and even the fact that he had no idea how long it could be for that to happen didn't make him waver in that determination.

FT

Mira sighed as she saw the stubborn glint in his eyes and she realised that he wasn't going to give way on this matter, and although it saddened her to know that he was clinging to a burden that he didn't need to, she was sensible enough to respect his choice. They certainly didn't need anymore arguments breaking out in the guild. Still there was one issue that she was going to address…and that was the fact that he had done nothing but sit around the guild since the girl's had left, refusing to take a job despite encouragement from various people and the fact that he was now S-Class and could legitimately take a job from the upstairs billboard.

"You should take a job, sitting around here isn't going to help anything and there's no saying when they'll be back with news," Mira said and he looked at her in surprise both at the sudden change of topic but also the latter part of what she had said, and she smiled knowingly at him as she saw his expression. "It was clear why you've been hanging around," she explained gently and he sighed in aggravation, guessing that if she had worked out why he had been so adamant about not going on a job especially after finally reaching S-class then it was likely the others…especially the Dragon-Slayers had worked it out as well, and he could feel his face reddening.

"I'm just worried," He admitted even though he knew he was stating the obvious. He didn't regret his choice not to chase after Natsu, but it didn't mean that he wasn't just as desperate for news on the Dragon-Slayer as everyone else and he had hoped that the girl's would return with at least some news on where Natsu had gone and how he was doing even if they were unable to bring him home.

"Take one of the communication lacrimas with you, then I could let you know if we hear anything," Mira offered and he paused to consider the offer. It was a good idea he knew, and at the back of his mind he was aware of the fact that his rent was due soon and he was fairly sure he didn't have enough saved up at the moment. Still he was worried that something important might come up, and that he might be too far away to help…his mind instantly flashing to Natsu in the throes of the Dragon Fever and he paled at the memory. "It'll be fine," Mira reassured him as she saw the fear flash across his face and guessing where his thoughts had gone.

"I…"

"Come on Gray, you know Natsu wouldn't want you just to sit around and mope," she said softly cutting across whatever protest he was about to make, and meeting her gaze he realised that she really wasn't going to back down on this…and worse he knew she was right, Natsu would be so disappointed in him if he learnt that he had just sat in the guild incapable of doing anything and he sighed in resignation.

"Fine, I'll go on a job," he said finally before holding his hand out towards her with an expectant look, and with a beaming smile she dug out one of the communication lacrimas from under the bar and handing it over to him.. "Just promise me you'll contact me as soon as you hear anything?" He pleaded as he wrapped his fingers around it.

"I promise," Mira said firmly and he could see that she meant it, and with a strained smile he nodded in acceptance before getting to his feet and drifting across to the request billboard, hoping that he could find something quick and easy to do but that was also well-paid.

He could practically feel the disappointment radiating off her when he didn't head for the S-class board, but there was no way he was going to risk getting into a really serious mission until he at least had one bit of news of the Dragon-slayer… besides which the thought of taking on an S-class mission without Natsu felt completely wrong, and he couldn't stop his thoughts from drifting back to the events of Galuna Island. He quickly slammed a lid on those thoughts, and forced himself to focus on browsing the various requests with a soft hum.

FTFT

Natsu cursed angrily as he was forced to drop to the ground to avoid the magical bullet heading for his head, wincing as he felt it pass him at to close a distance for comfort. With narrowed eyes he sprang back to his feet, his hands clenching instinctively into fists as he whirled back to face his opponent debating whether or not it was worth risking his magic or not. The risk was that either nothing would happen or he'd end up destroying the area, as his magic never seemed to be able to achieve a happy medium at the moment and neither result was particularly desirable at the moment.

"I expected more from the great Salamander!" The mage taunted with a mocking grin and Natsu felt his hackles rising even as he realised with alarm that he had been recognised; up until now he had managed to pass unrecognised through the few settlements that he hadn't been able to avoid.

"Damn it," he muttered more to himself than anything before refocusing on the mage as he took a deep breath, praying that something would actually happen as he reached for his magic and despite himself he found himself closing his eyes. "ROAR OF THE FIRE DRAGON!" He bellowed and to his immense relief he felt his magic responding, and for a brief moment he revelled in the sensation of the fire spewing forth from his mouth and a brief hint of a grin began to form on his lips.

It was only seconds later that he realised that something had gone horribly wrong as he felt an unexpected jolt go through him, and his eyes flew open as an agonised scream rang out. Terror and horror flooded him as he took in the flames that he was releasing before common-sense took hold and he snapped his mouth shut to stop the flow, and for a moment he could feel his magic rebelling against his sudden clampdown and he found himself fighting to hold it back.

Eventually he managed to get it fully under control and immediately he turned his attention to his opponent, his eyes widening in horror as they fell on the still figure sprawled at the base of a badly scorched tree on the far side of the path. A lump rose in his throat at the thought that he might have actually killed someone, and then he was moving, stumbling quickly towards the man despite his terror at what he might be about to find.

"Please don't be dead," he muttered desperately as he dropped down beside the downed mage, his fingers shaking wildly as he fumbled for a pulse as his heart hammered loudly in his ears. Due to his panic it took him longer than it should have to pick up on the steady pulse beating beneath his finger tips and he nearly melted into a relieved puddle when it penetrated his frantic thoughts. Taking a deep steadying breath he leant back, finally allowing himself to actually look at the injuries that he had caused.

There wasn't an inch of the mage that wasn't at least singed, and he could see that in many places the burns were serious enough to kill the man if he didn't receive medical treatment and soon. Bile rose in the back of his throat at the realisation of just what his screwed up magic was capable of, and he could feel the panic that was threatening to overcome him mingling with the taunting from his inner dragon but he hastily forced them both aside for now.

Rising on shaking legs he quickly made his way back to his discarded rucksack and quickly slung it onto his back before making his way back to the unconscious mage. With extreme caution he scooped the other mage up, trying desperately to avoid brushing against the worst of the burns although from the way the man's brow furrowed at the movement he wasn't entirely successful. Whispering apologies he set off along the path, praying that he wasn't too far from the next town.

FT

Thankfully the town had been much closer than he had thought, and it had only taken an hour to get there although he knew that he would've been faster if he was back to full strength. He was breathing heavily as he made his way through the streets, ignoring the curious and alarmed looks he was receiving as his eyes darted around searching desperately for a hospital. He nearly wept with relief when he finally spotted the sign up ahead and despite his exhaustion he sped up, glancing down to check that the other mage was still with him as there had been no sign of stirring at all in the past hour.

"Please help him," he begged frantically as he staggered into the hospital struggling not to drop his burden, and he was relieved when the startled medical staff immediately leapt into action when they saw the state of the man.

With a relieved noise he carefully settled the mage down onto the trolley that they had brought, a fresh pang of guilt going through him as he got another look at the damage he had caused before he stepped back to let the doctors and nurses do their work. He shuddered slightly as he glanced down at himself, paling at the sight of blood that wasn't his staining his clothes and he clenched his hands into fists as he tried to calm himself knowing how his magic tended to react to his emotions and that was something he was desperate to avoid at the moment.

In a flurry of activity the trolley was wheeled away and he could only stare after it as they disappeared through a set of double doors and out of sight, and he froze unsure of what he should do now. He knew that he should just go as the longer he lingered the more chances there were that he would be tracked down, but he wavered, torn by the need to make sure that his magic hadn't killed the mage. He could feel himself beginning to sway slightly as his exertions and worries began to catch up with him, and he let out a low noise of distress.

"Are you injured at all?" Another nurse asked kindly as she came up to him, reaching out to steady him with a gentle hand as she watched him swaying slightly and he quickly shrank away from her touch. He could feel his magic beginning to stir again and he didn't want to risk hurting anyone else, especially not someone who was just trying to help.

"No I'm fine, it's just him," he mumbled as he took another step back as he saw the concern on her face, before gesturing in the direction the mage had been taken. "Please…just help him," he added and realising that this was all she was going to get from him she nodded with a sigh.

"I'm sure he'll be fine, why don't you get a seat?" She suggested softly gesturing to one of the empty seats in the waiting room, and seeing the expectant look in her eyes he obeyed. Nodding in satisfaction she turned and hurried off through the doors to no doubt go and help with the other's mages treatment, and Natsu sighed with relief when she finally disappeared from sight… he couldn't handle her concern in his current state of mind and his magic was growing more and more restless, and he knew that if he wasn't careful it could explode once more.

It was that realisation that made up his mind for him, and with a last regretful look in the direction the mage had been taken he got back to his feet and headed for the door, relieved when no one tried to stop him. Once outside he quickly set off up the road, hoping that he was heading the right way to get out of the town as he was reluctant to remain anywhere where people could get caught up if he lost control again. At the top of the road he paused to gaze back at the hospital with worried eyes, feeling the fresh burn of tears as what had happened pressed in on him again…if he had killed the mage…

"Please Live," he whispered to the air, praying that it would reach the man and that someone above would hear his words and grant his wish.

With a soft, half-formed sob he turned and hurried onwards, ignoring the messages that his body was sending him beginning for rest after all he had forced it through, desperate just to get away from everything.

FTFT

Gray quietly let himself into his flat, glancing down at the job flyer in his hand before tossing it down on the table next to the door. Whilst he had taken the job and promised Mira that he would actually go on it, he was still reluctant to actually take the plunge and leave…the what-ifs that had been plaguing him since the moment he'd heard that Natsu had gone shouting in the back of his mind, but he knew that he was going to have to find a way to move forward. If he didn't then what was the point of fighting so hard to become an S-class mage? What was the point of Natsu cheering him on despite everything that happened?

With an aggravated sigh he stalked across the living room towards his bedroom, intent on making a start on packing at least…small steps… However, he paused as his gaze landed on the piece of paper that was perched on the edge of the sofa, and his eyes softened as he turned and walked across to scoop it up with gentle fingers.

_FT_

_He had no idea how he had actually made it home from Hargeon as his thoughts and emotions were filling his mind with a deafening, confusing fog that was making it impossible to focus on anything but the knowledge that Natsu had left. That despite everything he had realised, he had been too late. A choked noise escaped him and he hastily clamped his lips shut as he fumbled for his keys, wanting to get inside before he fell apart completely as he didn't want his neighbours to see him in that state. _

_Finally he found the keys and hastily he unlocked the door and stumbled inside, slamming it shut behind him with more force than necessary only to come up short as he stared around the small apartment with a suspicious frown on his face. Something felt off and as he took a few cautious steps across the carpet his dark eyes darted to the window and narrowed as he noticed that the left one was open slightly and that the frame was slightly damaged…he knew for a fact that he had carefully shut and locked them before he went, as he was always careful about that and there had been no damage then either._

_He wasn't overly worried that he'd been robbed as he knew there was little of value in his flat, the only potential loss was the small stash of jewels he kept but even that wouldn't be overly devastating to lose. No he was concerned that he might have walked in on the act, and he warily brought his hands together in preparation as he quietly crossed across the living room. His ears craning for any sound of movement in either the bedroom or bathroom, but the flat was silent and he was doubtful that anyone was there. Still he dutifully checked the other rooms only to find them completely empty, and as far as he could tell nothing had been touched…had they broken in only to give up when they realised how sparse his apartment was?_

_Sighing in aggravation he headed back to the living room, knowing that he would need to get the window fixed at some point but it wasn't urgent and now that the adrenaline was fading his thoughts were turning back to Natsu and his expression fell. With heavy steps he made his way across to the sofa and dropped heavily onto it, flinging his hand over his face as he let out a noise that was half sob and half laugh…What a mess I am…he thought bitterly. _

_He sat like that for several minutes before finally removing his hand and straightening, only to freeze as his eyes caught a glimpse of white out of the corner of his eye. Quickly he turned, a frown forming as his gaze settling on the folded piece of paper sat on the table…he was certain that it hadn't been there before he went off for the exam._

"_What's th…?" He trailed off as he spotted his name written on the outside of the paper, his heart clenching as he recognised the distinctive scrawl and with trembling fingers he reached out and picked up the letter before stepping back to drop down onto the edge of his bed. _

_It took him several minutes to summon the courage to actually unfold the letter, taking a deep breath in an attempt to brace himself for whatever Natsu had written to him._

_**Gray,**_

_**I'm sorry for taking off like this. I know I should have waited to tell you myself, but I knew that if I didn't that I wouldn't be able to leave and nothing would change. **_

_**I can't be around the guild at the moment, not with how my magic is and it just…it hurts too much to be around you and I'm sorry for that. It's not your fault. I don't blame you for any of this and I never will, so please remember that and show this to the others if they say it is. **_

_**I don't know how long I'll be gone, in fact I don't even know where I'm going. I need to try and find something to fix my magic. And I need to get stronger. Strong enough to prove that I could've been worthy of you, and I can't do that as things stand at the moment. I promised Wendy I would stay in touch, but I can't say how often that will be, but I'll be fine so please don't worry or come after me. I'll be home when I'm ready.**_

_**Just stay safe, and look after the team for me.**_

_**Your Natsu**_

_**P.S. Congratulations on becoming S-class – don't go getting yourself into too much trouble though!**_

_There were tears in his eyes by the time he got to the end of the short letter, and he let out a shuddering breath as he closed his eyes. Even after everything the idiot was still trying his level best to protect him, and somehow those hints of forgiveness hurt even more now._

"_You idiot…why are you always apologising to me?"_

_FT_

He had read that letter so often over the last few days that he could probably recite it by heart by now, not that he had any intention of sharing it with the others. Even though Natsu had told him that he could show it to them if necessary he couldn't help but feel that it was something private just between the pair of them.

"I guess I can't just sit around waiting for you can I?" He asked glancing down at the letter, easily able to imagine the expression that Natsu would be giving him if the Dragon-slayer knew what he had been doing for the last few days, and a short laugh forced itself free…what a pitiful mess he had been and he hadn't even been able to see it and suddenly he found himself grateful for the fact that Mira had chosen to interfere.

Gently folding the letter up and slipping it into his pocket, he resumed his path towards the bedroom with renewed determination. Natsu was out there becoming stronger, and he knew that if he wasn't careful then the Dragon-slayer would easily leave him behind him regardless of the fact that he had been the first of them to become S-class.

FTFT


	11. Chapter 11

Thank you for the amazing reviews, follows and favourites.

Disclaimer: As always Fairy Tail and its amazing characters do not belong to me, I'm just borrowing them.

FTFT

Three days later:

"How hard can it be to find a destructive pyromaniac?" Lucy demanded as she wearily sank into her seat, allowing her head to fall against the table with a dull thud. Beside her, Happy settled into his own seat in a quieter fashion, but his expression was just as exhausted and disheartened as the Celestial mage's.

"He must really not want us to find him," the Exceed muttered softly his ears drooping, and Lucy raised her head to shoot him a sympathetic look. The cat had been beside himself since he'd found out that his Partner had actually taken off without him…and without even leaving any kind of note or message to explain his actions.

"We'll find him, it might just take us a little while," Lucy said comfortingly, but it was clear from the doubt clouding her eyes that she wasn't entirely convinced by her own words but Happy offered her a weak smile to show that he appreciated the attempt. "I wonder what's keeping Erza," she added with a frown glancing around, trying to spot the distinctive red hair among the crowds of people passing past the café where they had taken reference.

"Maybe she found something?" Happy suggested hopefully, and Lucy hummed softly in acknowledgement, not wanting to risk getting his hopes up to high. So far every time they'd thought that they'd stumbled over anything that might lead them to Natsu they had only ended up being disappointed.

Silence fell over the pair, only interrupted by the waitress bringing them their order and they were relieved when she didn't linger, neither of them keen to engage in conversation with anyone outside their team at the moment. Taking a relieved sip of her tea Lucy resumed her search for Erza, shooting a Happy a glare when the Exceed showed too much interest in the cake they had ordered for Erza…there was no need to irritate the Re-quip mage, especially when she was already riled up with worry over their missing Dragon-slayer.

"Erza!" Lucy called as she finally spotted the Re-quip mage, quickly climbing to her feet and waving to the other girl who had looked around as soon as she heard the call. Ignoring the irritated glares being sent her way Erza quickly shoved her way through the crowd. "What kept you?" The Celestial mage asked when the older girl had finally reached them, pushing across a spare chair which Erza sank into with a grateful sigh.

"I found something," Erza replied softly as she took a sip of her drink and eyed up the slice of cake before pushing it away, the gesture worrying her companions more than anything…Erza never turned down cake.

"What is it?" Happy demanded anxiously as he fixed her with wide, worried eyes and the Re-quip mage winced at his expression before sighing and turning to look at them fully.

"There was a patient brought into the hospital three days ago suffering major burns," Erza said softly, her expression grim as she watched their expressions shift through a mix of disbelief, horror and worry for their wayward friend.

"Natsu? But Natsu would never…" Lucy spoke up as soon as she had her voice under control, determined to defend Natsu, knowing that no matter how destructive the Fire mage could be especially when they were being threatened, he always tried to avoid causing serious harm to other people…the dangers that his flames could pose to people was one of the few things that he was keenly aware of even if it didn't always show on the outside.

"I doubt he meant to," Erza said heavily, raising a hand to cut off the heated defence as it was unnecessary. "But Porlysuica said that his magic would be unbalanced for some time, and it's possible that he doesn't have complete control at the moment." Which was an absolutely terrifying thought as she knew that they had only seen the tip of what Natsu was actually capable of, and the thought of that much destructive power being out of control….

However, her concern over the risk he might pose to others faded in comparison to her fear and worry over how he would be handling that lack of control. She knew without a doubt that if his powers were lashing out…if he had hurt that mage…then he would be a complete mess, even more than he had been before and she hated the thought of him being out there somewhere and trying to deal with this alone.

"Are they sure it was Natsu?" Happy asked quietly, clearly hoping that there was some chance that his partner hadn't been involved and his expression clouded over when Erza nodded quietly.

"I spoke to the nurses, and one of them described the man that had brought the mage in…It was definitely Natsu," she replied gently, there was no way it could be anyone else which had been her hopeful thought when she had first heard about the injured mage…but Natsu was to distinctive for him to mistaken for someone else. "Apparently he disappeared after the mage was taken away for treatment…"

"He just left the mage behind?" Lucy asked with a frown, she had been sure that Natsu would have stayed around to make sure the mage was alright, especially if it had been an accident and she had hoped that it might mean he was still lingering somewhere in the town. The fact that he had taken off indicated that something else had happened, and her hands clenched into fists as she realised that it must mean that his magic had been playing up…he would only have left if he felt he was a danger to someone else.

Erza nodded silently as she saw the realisation spreading across the Celestial mage's face, relieved that she didn't have to voice her own suspicions as to why Natsu had left…as soon as she realised that Natsu had gone she had known that something else had gone wrong and it had been hard not to panic, or to take that panic out on the innocent nurse…although part of her had wanted to demand why they had let the Dragon-slayer wander off, even though she was aware that it wasn't there job to that.

"Then we need to find him," Lucy said grimly breaking into the older girl's thoughts, and when she looked up she could see the fierce determination in the brown eyes that met her gaze. "What happens if the next time he loses control he hurts or even worse kills someone? Or hurts himself?" The Celestial mage demanded, and it was clear that it was the latter part that was her main concern, and Erza agreed completely with that sentiment…the idea of Natsu's magic causing him further harm made her want to cry.

"Agreed, I'm hoping that with all this happening that he won't have gone that far," Erza said as she drained the rest of her drink. "Although I suspect that he will be avoiding towns for a while, which is going to make it even harder to find him." She didn't voice the fact that the Dragon-slayer would probably be avoiding all contact with anyone at the moment, knowing that the other two would work that out for themselves.

"We'll find him, we have to," Happy said with determination, silently promising his partner that he would find him even if he had to fly over the entire region himself…he would push his wings to their limit and beyond if that was what it took.

"Let's go," Lucy said anxiously pushing away the rest of her drink, all trace of appetite having disappeared under the force of her concern for Natsu and tossing the payment onto the table she got to her feet and looked expectantly at the other two. Obediently the others got to their feet and followed her out onto the main street, where Erza quickly took the lead, a determined expression on her face as she forced her way through the crowd with Lucy and Happy close on her heels…_Just wait for us Natsu_, she thought grimly as she moved forwards.

FTFT

Natsu hunkered down at the base of the tree, keeping his eyes resolutely on the ground directly between his feet in an attempt to block out the destruction that his wayward powers had wrought on the surrounding area. Unfortunately he couldn't block our all his senses, and there was no way for him to ignore the overpowering smell of charred wood and scorched earth, and he felt his eyes burning at the confirmation that his magic had one more managed to break out of his tenuous control and he couldn't hold in the choked sob that forced its way through him.

Since fleeing the hospital three days before Natsu had desperately avoided any form of contact with humans, moving deeper and deeper into the forest whenever he encountered either settlements or travellers, terrified of hurting anyone else and yet it seemed even the forest wasn't safe from him. The outbursts had been becoming more and more frequent, and he knew that at least part of that was due to his emotional state, and yet each fresh incident sent him into a new spiral and it had become a vicious spiral.

It hadn't help that every time he even managed to approach an even remotely calm state of mind his Draconic side would flare up, and despite his best attempts he had yet to find a way to block out the constant taunts and fury coming off the other part of himself.

"Gray," he whimpered piteously as the dragon mocked him, and he curled further in on himself, wishing desperately that he could just vanish…just disappear from this world before he caused more harm…and there was no holding back the tears that had begun to cascade down his cheeks.

FTFT

Gray sighed heavily as he dumped the sack holding his reward money onto the bedside table, before flopping down onto the bed and gazing blankly up at the ceiling. The job had been ridiculously easy and he had finished a full day ahead of when he had expected, and now he found himself at a loss. It had felt good to be out working again and he was tempted to seek out another job right away, even though he had found himself missing the rest of his teammates more than he had expected…for so long he had preferred working alone, but now it felt wrong…and yet at the same time he wanted to head home in case there had been any news.

Almost as though summoned by his thoughts there was a soft chime from where his bag lay abandoned on the floor, and at once he was on his feet and hurrying across to grab it, his fingers fumbling slightly as he pulled out the communication lacrima that Mira had given him. In his eagerness it took him a couple of attempts to activate the magic to accept the incoming message, and he was practically vibrating with impatience by the time Mira's face appeared within the orb…his eyes narrowing as he took in the absence of her usual smile, and he felt something constrict in his chest…_Natsu._

"Mira? Is there news?" He demanded urgently, forcing himself not to grip the lacrima to tightly as her expression tightened for a moment before she forced it to smooth out into a neutral one.

"There is…" Mira replied hesitantly, and he noted that her voice sounded just as off as her expression and he quickly moved across to the bed and sat down, realising that he wasn't going to like what she was about to say.

"What is it? Is Natsu okay? Has something happened?" He fired the questions of rapidly when the Take-over mage hesitated and the silence threatened to stretch on to the point where it felt like his anxiety was going to brim over. "Mira…"

"Erza and Lucy came across a mage that they believe had come across Natsu," Mira began cautiously and Gray's expression morphed into one of confusion, unable to see why that news was causing her so much concern….surely that was good as it told them he was okay?

"And?"

"The mage was seriously hurt Gray," Mira said softly and despite himself Gray felt the colour drain from his face, sensing that she was referring to something more than the normal injuries that came from fighting Natsu.

"So they had a battle?" He wasn't quite able to mask the note of uncertainty in his voice, and he winced as he caught the flicker in her expression that told him that she had caught it, but then her expression turned grim and she sighed as she shook her head.

"It was more than that," she replied softly, remembering her own shock and disbelief when Erza had contacted the guild to let them know what they had found…to hear what Natsu had done had shaken her more than she thought possible and she wished that she didn't have to tell Gray, especially when she could see the fear lurking in his dark eyes. "It looks like Natsu's magic has been out of control…apparently the mage was so badly burnt that it was a miracle that he didn't die from his injuries."

Gray felt as though all the air had been forced from his lungs as her words hit him…_Natsu had nearly killed someone?_ He couldn't imagine the Dragon-slayer ever being the one to threaten the central value of Fairy Tail, but then he realised what she had said about Natsu's magic and he was struck by a fresh wave of a guilt…Natsu's magic was in that state because of his mistake and he had actually dared to think for even a second that Natsu had tried to hurt someone that badly? He clenched his hands, berating himself for ever even allowing that thought to occur…_Of course Natsu would never do that…no matter how destructive he could be, the Dragon-slayer always had the greatest respect for the lives of others._

Mira was alarmed by the emotions that were flooding the Ice mage's face that alarm morphing into concern as a painful mix of self-loathing and guilt settled over his expression. She knew without a doubt that he was blaming himself again for what had happened to Natsu's magic and she opened her mouth, trying to think of anything to say that would ease his pain, but before she could speak Gray had lifted his gaze to look at her once more.

"Are they sure it was Natsu?" There was a note of desperate hope in his voice, matching what her own response and feelings had been when Erza had told her and she wished that she didn't have to kill that hope.

"The nurse described someone that matches his description exactly," she replied in a whisper and he closed his eyes for a moment, knowing that there was nothing else to ask as Natsu could never be mistaken for anyone else.

"Please tell me they're coming back now?" Gray asked once he was sure that he had managed to get his emotions back under some control, opening his eyes once more, and he knew even before she had responded that Erza and Lucy had no intention of giving up their pursuit of the Dragon-Slayer.

"Gray…"

"Damn it Mira, they're going to make it worse if they keep chasing him!" He hissed angrily, aware that it was unfair of him to take out his irritation on her but unable to find it in himself to apologise as concern for Natsu dominated his thoughts. "He's going to want to be on his own more than ever!" He added, knowing that Natsu would be a mess if his magic was lashing out in a way that was harmful to others…and that it would push the Fire mage over the edge if he ended up posing a threat to his own nakama.

"They're not giving up," Mira confirmed quietly, slightly taken aback by the vehemence of his response even though she already knew how he felt about the situation and the Ice mage let out a low growl.

"I'm coming home, for goodness sake the next time you speak to them try and convince them to leave him alone," He snapped into the lacrima before ending the transmission before she had the chance to say anything else, letting it drop onto the bed as he shot to his feet and began to dart around the room, rounding up the few items that he had actually unpacked.

He knew that it would take a miracle to divert Erza once she was firmly set on a path, and he just hoped that Mira would be able to work that miracle before he got back to Fairy Tail. If not then he would have to take matters into his own hands and go after them himself, a faint tremor went through him at that thought…just because he had got past her in the exam, didn't mean that he was overly confident in his chances against her now, especially not when she was likely still to be riled up at him…but he would risk it for Natsu.

In a matter of minutes he was fully packed and quickly retrieving the lacrima and dropping it into his pocket he headed for the door, determined to get back home before anything else could happen.

FTFT

Back at the Guild:

Wendy and Gajeel exchanged dark looks as the conversation between Mira and Gray came to an abrupt end, the Take-over mage sighing heavily as she returned the lacrima to its home behind the bar before absent-mindedly returning to cleaning glasses. It was clear that she was unaware of the fact that they had been listening to the conversation, seemingly having forgotten just how keen their hearing was.

"Natsu-san…" Wendy whispered as she clenched her fists, once again finding herself having to fight back the urge to snap at the people that were refusing to respect Natsu's decision…she hated the thought of the older Dragon-slayer being out there on his own, especially with his magic in such a terrible state but there was no way she was going to go after him when he had specifically chosen to leave…unfortunately most of the Guild was refusing to see it in the same light.

"They're just going to make it worse if they keep chasing after him," Gajeel snarled, they had made it abundantly clear that they agreed with Gray's decision not to chase after Natsu and yet no-one seemed to be willing to listen to them even though they were the only ones that really understood Natsu's situation. "The Salamander's emotions are what feed his magic…"

"So they're going to make it worse?" Levy asked quietly her eyes widening in realisation, and the grim nod she received in response only fanned her fear and concern for the missing Dragon-Slayer. "Surely the Master must realise this as well?" She asked as she frowned, remembering that Makarov had mentioned on more than one occasion that emotion especially anger was what drove Natsu's true strength…of all them surely he realised that chasing Natsu was only going to make the situation worse?

"You would think so," Wendy replied with a scowl as her eyes darted to the upper level of the guild to where Makarov's office was. The old man had barely been seen since they'd returned from the S-class exams to find that Natsu had gone, although she was aware that he had been in discussion with Porlyusica about Natsu's condition. "But I think he's acting more as an overly concerned parent that a Guild-master."

"Well he needs to buck up his ideas before it's too late," Gajeel ground out as he followed her gaze, and Levy reached out to lay a soothing hand on his arm as she felt him practically vibrating in his agitation.

"Too late?" She asked softly, trying not to wind him up further and she was relieved when he relaxed beneath her touch before responding in a much softer tone of voice, which unfortunately did little to soften what he was saying.

"I can only see this is ending in one of two ways…either they're going to permanently chase the Salamander away." Once upon a time that thought wouldn't have mattered to him beyond the fact that it would have removed the opportunity for him to finally defeat the Fire mage, but that seemed like long ago, and now the Iron Dragon-slayer realised that he would give nearly anything (unless it posed a threat to his own Mate) to have the old Salamander back.

"Or they'll push Natsu into doing something irreversible," Wendy finished, her expression filled with a mixture of sadness and anger as she spoke and the other two could feel the faint wind that was beginning to whip around them in response to her emotions.

Natsu had been close to the edge before he had even left, pushed to extremes by the events with Gray and the devastating impacts of the Dragon fever and she knew that he had very few reserves of strength left to draw on…this escape was meant to have given him time to recover and regain as much strength as he could given the lasting effects of Gray's decision…but that opportunity was now being taken from him. As strong as he was, she knew that it wouldn't take much more for him to buckle under the pressure and she feared what he might do when that happened.

"What do you mean?" Levy asked nervously, unnerved by the grim tone of the younger girl's voice and the darkness that had appeared in Wendy's eyes as she became lost in her thoughts. Surely Natsu wouldn't do anything too bad?

"He might try and escape everything," Gajeel was the one to respond as Wendy slowly raised her eyes to meet his gaze, and Levy let out a low gasp, tears forming in her eyes and he instantly raised an arm and wrapped it around her in an attempt to comfort her although he couldn't take back his words.

"I'm going after them," Wendy said abruptly a moment later as she shot to her feet, her expression morphing into one of fierce determination. "I won't let them hurt him any further!" She should have done this the day that Erza and Lucy had left, but she had hoped that Natsu's head-start would have been enough for him to elude them long enough for them to give up…but it was clear now that they weren't going to abandon the chase anytime soon, and if he was having difficulties it was more likely that they might catch up.

"You know they won't agree to that," Gajeel cautioned, remembering the argument that had erupted between the pair and Gray over the very same topic and worried by the idea of Wendy going up against Erza.

"They don't have to agree," Wendy replied grimly and the wind around them whipped around them even faster in response to her words. Despite himself the older Dragon-slayer was impressed by her determination and lack of fear, knowing that not too long ago she wold never even have considered going up against her teammates.

"Do you want us to come too?" Levy asked, glancing between the pair as she tried to imagine the smaller girl going up against Erza…she couldn't see it although she couldn't deny the strength that she could feel in the magic whipping around them.

"No, someone needs to stay and make sure that no-one else goes after him," Wendy said at once, her gaze once more darting to the upper Guild before shooting a pointed look at Gajeel who nodded in understanding…it was likely that Makarov might also seek out Natsu, or send others after him once he heard of Natsu losing control of his damaged magic.

"Understood."

"Just be careful," Levy pleaded, knowing that the last thing the Guild needed at the moment was for something else to happen to one of its members even though she realised that it was going to be a practically impossible request to follow with Erza being involved.

"I'll be okay and I'll have Carla with me," Wendy said offering a weak attempt at a reassuring smile at the Solid-script mage as she glanced around for her partner, and sighing when she realised the Exceed had yet to return from her shopping trip and realising that she would have to go and hunt her down first. "Make sure they stay put," she added turning to look at Gajeel one last time and waiting until he had nodded in confirmation before turning and heading for the door, carefully ignoring the few mages that asked where she was going.

"Will she really be okay?" Levy asked worriedly as they watched Wendy slip of the front doors, turning her attention to her own Dragon-slayer and noticing the concern on his face which only made her own fears worse.

"She'll be fine, she's a lot stronger than most people realise and this is something that is very important to her," Gajeel's voice was a lot more confident than his expression and she felt herself relaxing slightly as it wrapped around her, knowing that he knew a lot more about the other Dragon-slayers than anyone realised and choosing to put her faith in his words.

"It's going to be one hell of an argument when she catches up with them," she murmured softly as she curled into his side, his arm around her shoulders a welcome and comforting weight that she drew strength from.

"Yep," Gajeel agreed and then bared his teeth in a fierce grin. "I don't think they'll know what's hit them."

FTFT

Natsu tensed as he suddenly became aware of the fact that he was no longer alone, cursing himself for letting himself get so lost in his thoughts that someone had managed to actually sneak up on him despite his Dragon-slayer senses. Whoever it was seemed to hesitate a safe distance away and he prayed that they would turn around and continue on their way, hoping that his current appearance and the state of the trees around him would be enough to warn them of the danger that he posed…however, those hopes crashed and burned a moment later when he heard movement and realised that it was coming towards him and not away.

"Stay back!" He cried out desperately as he heard the person slowly drawing closer to him, already feeling his magic stirring once more just beneath the surface and he knew it wouldn't take much more for it to break free once more and he couldn't bear the thought of harming anyone else. "Please…I'm not safe…" He mumbled frantically as he hunched further in on himself, clenching his hands so hard that his nails were breaking the skin and he could smell the coppery tang of his own blood in the air around him, and he focused on that pain as he desperately tried to hold back the rising tide of magic.

He still hadn't dared to raise his head to look at who he was approaching, but the scent filling the air was unfamiliar so he knew that at least it wasn't one of his nakama…not that it made the situation any better… the sight of his last opponent lying burnt on the ground in front of him filled his mind and he began to tremble violently at the thought of that happening again. He was so lost in his own terror that he jolted violently with a frightened cry when a hand came to rest on the top of his head, and despite himself he lifted his head, raising wide teary eyes to see who had been foolish enough to come this close to him.

He had a brief impression of vivid blue eyes filled with concern and compassion, framed by wild chestnut hair before a wave of magic that wasn't his own washed over him. Within seconds he felt darkness washing over him, silencing the wild hum of his magic and the taunting words of the dragon in his mind, and he felt a brief spark of relief at the sudden quiet as he felt himself toppling forward.

"Shh, rest easy for now," a low voice whispered soothingly in his ear and he had a vague awareness of gentle hands stilling his descent and then everything disappeared into a blissfully empty void.

FTFT


	12. Chapter 12

Thank you for the amazing reviews, follows and favourites.

Disclaimer: As always Fairy Tail and its characters don't belong to me, I'm just borrowing them.

FTFT

_Previously:_

_He still hadn't dared to raise his head to look at who he was approaching, but the scent filling the air was unfamiliar so he knew that at least it wasn't one of his nakama…not that it made the situation any better… the sight of his last opponent lying burnt on the ground in front of him filled his mind and he began to tremble violently at the thought of that happening again. He was so lost in his own terror that he jolted violently with a frightened cry when a hand came to rest on the top of his head, and despite himself he lifted his head, raising wide teary eyes to see who had been foolish enough to come this close to him._

_He had a brief impression of vivid blue eyes filled with concern and compassion, framed by wild chestnut hair before a wave of magic that wasn't his own washed over him. Within seconds he felt darkness washing over him, silencing the wild hum of his magic and the taunting words of the dragon in his mind, and he felt a brief spark of relief at the sudden quiet as he felt himself toppling forward._

"_Shh, rest easy for now," a low voice whispered soothingly in his ear and he had a vague awareness of gentle hands stilling his descent and then everything disappeared into a blissfully empty void._

FTFT

_Now (One Week later):_

Gray sighed with relief as the guild finally appeared up ahead, although the usual happiness that came with arriving home was missing and he had a feeling that it wouldn't return until Natsu was back with them…and who knew how long that was going to take? He was hoping that there would at least be some more news since he had last spoken with Mira, especially as he had been delayed on his way back by an urgent S-class request…he had never considered refusing work before, but he had been hard-pressed not to snap out a refusal this time, only the fact that it would reflect poorly on the guild had made him hold his tongue.

He grimaced as he glanced down at his arm which was tightly wrapped and strapped securely against his chest…whilst he had managed to defeat the nest of Vulcans that had settled in the centre of the town without much difficulty, it had been hard to keep his focus on the task at hand, and a brief moment of distraction had seen him take flight directly into a very solid stone wall…He hadn't wanted to waste any more time and had adamantly refused to have anything more than having it wrapped, although that was a decision he had regretted slightly on the train as every jolt had sent a spike of pain through the damaged limb and he was praying that Wendy would be willing to help him.

Blinking he was surprised to find that he had already reached the guild doors, and with a slightly hesitant expression he shoved them open and slipped inside, coming to a halt a few steps in as he became aware of the incredible tension filling the air. At once dread pooled in his stomach…_Natsu?!..._ But then his gaze was drawn to their team's usual table and his eyes widened as he took in the battered state of the Lucy and Erza who were sat there with sullen expressions whilst an utterly dejected looking Happy sat beside them…_What the hell had happened? _Glancing around he spotted Levy and Gajeel sitting at another table and quickly he made a beeline for them, hoping that they would be able to answer his questions before he had to approach the rest of his team.

"What happened to Erza and Lucy?" He asked quietly as soon as he reached them, slipping into a chair opposite them and ignoring the concerned glance that Levy shot at his arm.

"Wendy," Gajeel replied succinctly and Gray frowned at the reply...surely the Dragon-slayer was suggesting that Wendy had fought the older girls…?

"Wendy?"

"She went after them when they refused to give up on chasing Natsu," Levy replied seeing that her Mate wasn't going to expand on his answer, glancing across at the injured pair and shaking her head before glancing back at Gray. "Apparently they refused to listen to her when she showed up…it didn't go across well."

"That's an understatement," Gajeel spoke up gruffly, and there was a hint of respect in the crimson eyes as he added. "I have to admit I'm impressed with how much damage she managed to cause." The Ice mage had to admit that he was as well, although the fact that their team was disintegrating even more made him want to scream…things were bad enough without the rest of them falling out as well, although he had to admit he was relieved that they were no longer out there chasing Natsu…Speaking of which…

"Has there been any news on Natsu?" He asked as he turned back to look at them, and he was surprised by the sympathetic and approving expressions they were wearing as they met his gaze, and Levy's voice was gentle as she replied.

"Nothing."

"He'll be in touch when he's ready," Wendy's voice made them jump, and Gray twisted around to find that she had appeared behind him and he swallowed slightly as he caught the stern glint in her eyes as she met his gaze. "You're not planning on going haring after him are you?" A slight breeze tugged at his clothes and he knew that she was perfectly willing to do to him what she had done to the others.

"No…I don't have that right," he replied hastily making sure not to look away so that she could read the truth in his gaze, and after a moment she nodded in acceptance and the wind disappeared just as quickly as it had appeared.

"Good," she added before dropping down into the seat beside them, her eyes narrowing as she caught sight of his arm. "What happened?"

"I wasn't paying attention to the battle," Gray admitted sheepishly, and a flicker of understanding passed through her eyes before she sighed and silently reached out for his arm before glancing at him for permission. With a hint of relief he nodded, holding still and trying not to wince as she expertly began to remove the bandages, hissing in sympathy as she got a look at his arm.

"You should have got this treated at the time," she scolded him even as she laid her hands over it, her magic filling the air in front of him.

"I wanted to get back after I heard what was happening…"

"And yet you're not going after him?" Erza's voice rang out and the Ice mage tensed at her tone before glancing across at her, bracing himself as he met her stormy eyes…clearly she wasn't happy about being forced to abandon the search…but he refused to show her any fear, especially as he caught the annoyance on his companions faces.

"He left because he needed to, I'm respecting that," he replied simply, aware that everyone in the hall was now listening to the conversation and wishing that she had waited until they were somewhere more private before starting this. Beside him Wendy and Gajeel were nodding in approval at his words, and he could see that Lucy had a conflicted expression on her face as she glanced between Erza who had risen to her feet and the Ice mage.

"How can you all be so calm?" Erza snarled and this time her heated gaze also moved across to Gajeel and Wendy, her hands clenching into fists as she locked eyes with the latter who merely arched an eyebrow back at her. "Natsu should be here with us…instead he'd god knows where and he'd already lost control once. What happens if it happens again? What happens if he accidently kills someone?"

"Natsu would never let that happen," Gajeel spoke up and Gray glanced across at him in surprise, there was no uncertainty in the Dragon-slayer's voice or expression despite the fact that he had been one of the most worried about the Fire mage.

"How do you know that?" Erza demanded.

"Because Natsu would rather die than kill someone else," Levy was the one to speak up this time, laying one hand on her Mate's arm as she noticed him beginning to tremble with frustration and the Dragon-slayer shot her a grateful look before nodding to show that he agreed with her words.

"He might not have a choice," Erza's voice was softer now, worry and sadness breaking through her anger although her glare didn't soften…couldn't they see just how serious the situation was? She knew that under normal circumstances their claims would be completely right…but there was nothing normal about this situation and they didn't seem to be grasping that point… "Would you leave him out there alone with that uncertainty?"

"Yes," Gray replied firmly as he caught the annoyed growl coming from Wendy and wincing as a breeze tugged at his clothes once more, and he was keen to end this before it became another fight. "We're trusting in Natsu…and respecting his choice. You should try doing the same." He knew it was harsh and that she was only acting like this out of concern for Natsu, and he didn't miss the irony in the fact that he was the one saying this when he was at least partially responsible for the situation but he refused to back down on the issue.

Erza met his gaze squarely for several moments, and he could tell that she was biting back the urge to argue further…or maybe even to lash out, he added silently as he noticed her clenching her fists ever tighter.

"Fine…" She said finally and there was a defeated edge to her voice as she glanced away for a moment, but there was only anger in her gaze when she lifted her head once more. "If you're wrong I hope you're prepared for the consequences," she added before stalking past them, ignoring Lucy as the Celestial mage called after her and leaving the rest to stare after her in bemusement.

"Well that went well…" Gray mumbled with a sigh…knowing that it could have been a lot worse, but somehow struggling to draw comfort from that fact.

"She'll come round," Wendy said softly laying a hand on his shoulder, although when he glanced at her it was easy to see the doubt in her eyes. "Eventually…"

"Yeah…"

FT

Makarov sighed as he watched Erza storming out of the hall, before his gaze switched to Lucy and Happy who were looking even more lost than before as the older girl disappeared from sight and he frowned with concern. He hated it when any of his brats argued, but it was worse to see this team falling apart and yet he felt completely helpless to stop it…he could see both sides of the argument, but he knew that of all of them only Gajeel and Wendy could really understand what was happening with Natsu and he felt compelled to support their stance as a result.

His eyes drifted to where Gray was sat with Levy and the two Dragon-slayers, noting the guilty expression on the Ice mage's face as he glanced over at where Lucy and Happy were sitting and his expression softened as he felt for Gray. It still shocked him that of everyone in the guild it had been Gray that had been Natsu's chosen Mate…whilst their relationship had improved considerably since they'd formed a team with the others, it was still founded on rivalry, which in his mind was no basis for a romantic relationship and yet it was clear from Natsu's reactions that he hadn't objected to whom his draconic side had chosen. He just wished that things had worked out better…for both of them.

FTFT

Four days previous:

Natsu moaned softly as he began to come to, frowning slightly as he took in the softness underneath him and his nose twitched as he registered the fact that he was no longer in the forest…where was he? He tried to wrack his brain to recall what had happened to him last, but all he could drag up was confused impressions…there had been a woman? He could vaguely remember hearing a soft voice talking to him and he had fleeting impressions of gentle hands and worried eyes…Giving up on trying to sort out his memory he slowly opened his eyes, blinking heavily as he tried to bring the ceiling above him into focus, a frown forming as he realised that he didn't recognise the roughly carved, wood above him.

"You're awake," a soft, vaguely familiar voice spoke up and he tilted his head to the side with a slight wince as the movement brought with it awareness of the dull ache permeating his body. Biting his lip he focused his attention on the speaker, shifting backwards as he found himself staring into bright blue eyes and blinking as the woman's face shifted into focus…she looked to be roughly his age although there was something in her eyes that made him feel as though she was much older, and there was something about her expression and movements that made him think of Wendy and that similarity relaxed him slightly.

"How are you feeling?" She asked gently leaning in closer and this time he made no move to flinch away.

"Empty…" Natsu mumbled softly as he tried to take stock of how he was feeling, his eyes widening as he realised that his inner Dragon was silent and that he couldn't even feel the faintest spark of his magic…was the fever still affecting him. "My magic…?" He couldn't quite keep the panic out of his voice, he might be afraid of what his magic was capable of at the moment, but he couldn't even bear to imagine life without it.

"Ah sorry," she muttered and her worried expression melted away into one of guilt and worry, and there was a sheepish edge to her voice as she explained. "It's my magic, it cancels out all other magic…it doesn't remove it though and the block only works for a little while," she added the last bit in a hurry as she caught the brief flash of panic in his eyes, and Natsu frowned as he considered her words, a small kernel of hope forming as he considered the implications of what she had said.

"Blocked…so I can't hurt anyone?" Natsu asked and there was a hint of painful hope in his voice, was there a chance that she could be the solution that he had been looking for? But then he remembered what had happened when she found him, and he turned his attention back to her with a concerned expression and there was more than a hint of alarm in his voice as he asked. "I didn't hurt you did I?"

"No, you managed to hold it back until my magic took effect," she was quick to reassure him and he couldn't hold in the sigh of relief that escaped, he wasn't sure that he could have handled it if he'd managed to hurt someone else.

"Thank heavens," he muttered before raising his gaze to meet hers. "Still I'm sorry that I nearly attacked you…I…" He trailed off unsure of how to even begin to explain his situation, and still uncertain as to how trustworthy she was although there was something about her that made him think that he could trust her.

"Don't apologize, I know that you weren't trying to hurt me," her voice was gentle and there was a confidence in her voice that reassured him…somehow it seemed as though she understood things better than he had originally thought. "You looked more frightened than I was," she added and there was a hint of a question in her eyes and he wanted to hide at her words…_how had he got to the state where he was scared of his own magic?..._resolutely he quashed the draconic mocking that flared up at the back of his mind.

"I hurt someone…before," he confessed quietly as he averted his eyes, not wanting to see the disgust or horror he was sure he would find in her eyes. "It was an accident…but I could have killed him…" _I could have killed you…_ he added silently, even after hearing her brief explanation of her magic he couldn't quite quash that thought…even if she could cancel out magic, his was a Lost magic and there had been no guarantee that her power would work against it…_I'm still a threat…still useless…still weak…_

"Shh," she murmured soothingly and he jolted slightly as she began to run her fingers through his hair, and despite the dragon howling in the back of his mind he allowed himself to lean into the comfort. "Don't worry about it for now."

"But…"

"You're safe here and you can't use your magic at the moment," she said firmly cutting across his protest, and something in her voice convinced him to glance at her. He blinked in surprise when he couldn't find any of the negative emotions he'd been expecting, and he found himself completely at a loss. "So…are you going to tell me your name?"

"Oh…It's Natsu…" He mumbled softly, shocked to realise how easily he had been talking to her even though she was a stranger.

"Natsu, huh?" She asked with a small hum, and a pang went through him as it forced his mind back to the day he had first joined Fairy Tail. "It suits you," She added dragging him from his thoughts as she tugged lightly on his hair, and he glanced up at her with a clear question in his eyes and she smiled. "I'm Yukari.

FTFT

Present:

Gray sighed softly as he let himself into his apartment, relieved to have finally escaped the gloom and tension that had filled the guild after Erza's heated departure and quietly he made up his mind to avoid the place for a couple of days…he had plenty of money for rent and food so there was no need to look for another job just yet, and whilst it seemed as though Wendy and the others were willing to spend time with him, he figured it might help matters if he stayed home for a while…although it hurt to realise that for the first time he was actually more comfortable with the thought of hanging out at home rather than the guild.

Muttering to himself he tossed his keys and travel bag onto the hall table before bending down to scoop up the small pile of post that had gathered during his absence, scowling as he realised that most of them were bills or bumf that could be tossed straight in the bin. However as he shifted through the pile his attention was caught by the simple white envelope buried in the middle, and his fingers trembled slightly as he took in the familiar scrawl on the outside.

The rest of the post was dropped unceremoniously beside his keys as he quickly moved into the living room, dropping onto the couch even as he slid his finger under the edge of the envelope and ripped it open. A single sheet of paper fell out and his eyes narrowed as he realised just how short the note was, but it didn't reduce his eagerness as he flipped the letter open and his eyes quickly scanned the words.

_Gray,_

_I figured you probably heard what happened…that I lost control. I just wanted to let you know that I'm doing okay now, and I've found someone whose helping me with my magic._

_If you can let Wendy and Gajeel know that I'm alright, and that I will try and write again soon._

_Take care of yourself._

_Natsu_

It was short and painfully devoid of details, but still Gray felt himself seizing onto the fact that the Fire mage had written to him first as a lifeline…_perhaps…No,_ he told himself sternly…it was probably just Natsu's draconic side making him reassure him…_But still_…. Shaking his head at his own thoughts he turned his attention to the envelope, frowning as he realised that the stamp to indicate where the letter had come from had been obscured and he was more than willing to guess that it had been deliberate…Natsu might have reached out to him, but it was clear that he still wasn't ready to be found and with a sigh he turned his gaze back to the letter.

_I've found someone whose helping me with my magic…_ His eyes narrowed as he re-read those words, wondering just who this mysterious person might be…normally he wouldn't have worried, knowing that Natsu tended to be more aware of when people were hiding things than the rest of them, but given the Dragon-slayer's current state of mind he wasn't sure that Natsu would be as aware as usual. His fingers clenched as he prayed that whoever Natsu had found was the real deal and could help the Fire mage, hearing the paper crumpling he hastily relaxed his hold…_Please be safe…_ he added silently as he set the letter down on the table with a sigh.

He would have to at least stop by the guild now to let the other Dragon-slayers at least know that he had heard from Natsu…although he had no intention of doing it until tomorrow, hoping that they would understand that he'd had more than enough trouble for one day.

FTFT

Two days previously:

Natsu was carefully trying to keep his thoughts away from anything to do with Gray and what had happened, instead forcing himself to focus on the stew that he was dutifully stirring, although his stomach was rolling at the thought of actually having to eat…it had been hard to summon up any appetite since…with a sigh he realised that his thoughts were going precisely where he hadn't wanted them to, and he glanced around in the hopes of finding anything that could at least briefly distract his mind.

The small cottage he had found himself in was currently empty as his host had gone into town earlier that morning…she had tried to persuade him to go with her, reminding him yet again that for now her magic was still blocking his and that it would be safe, but he hadn't been able to bring himself to trust her words and part of him was worried that some of his friends would still be looking for him. Now though as he was beginning to wish that he had gone with her, at least then she would be there to help keep his mind distracted.

In the last two days he had learned a lot more about the strange girl that had so willingly taken him into her home…Like him, she had left her old guild because of her magic although the issue with hers had been there for the start as she was unable to reign in the blocking ability as to do so took all her focus leaving her unable to function in everyday things. Whilst she had spoken quite calmly about what had happened he hadn't missed the sadness behind her smile, but she had brushed aside his concern…telling him that it was a situation that couldn't be helped, and that she had never regretted her decision to retreat into the forest when it became too much of a problem.

Apparently he wasn't the only mage that had come to her for help with runaway magic, although he was the first to do so accidently and the only one that had Lost magic and there had been a spark in her eyes at the challenge that magic might present. Still she had been shocked to hear about the root of his problems, and there was something about her manner that had let him speak freely of everything that had happened and although she couldn't fully understand his situation it had helped to have an unjudging audience. She had warned him that her magic wasn't a complete solution to his problem as it would only last a week or so before his magic would become immune to its effects, but she said that it would be a gradual weakening which would give them time to work on reigning in his magic…although he wasn't convinced that it would be enough…

His thoughts were just beginning to stray back towards unwanted topics when there was a noise by the door and he turned just in time to watch his host waltz through it, a smile on her lips as she spotted him and he hastily put a lid on the pot before shifting his attention to her with an expectant expression.

"I posted your letter for you," Yukari chirped as she unceremoniously dumped her bag into a chair before bouncing across to peer at what he was cooking, her eyes brightening as lifted the lid for a moment.

"Thank you," he muttered quietly his eyes dimming slightly, he had been conflicted about sending the letter but he had no doubt that the guild would have heard about his mishap and he didn't want them to worry…and his draconic instincts had insisted on reassuring Gray even though he wasn't sure whether the Ice mage would actually want that reassurance…

"I also stopped by the hospital…" Yukari added and there was a hint if caution in her voice now and the Dragon-slayer tensed as he turned his attention back to her, fear flooding through his veins at the abrupt change of tone and his voice was wavering slightly as he prompted her to continue.

"And…?"

"He's healing well," she replied and the caution in her voice was gone, a wide smile on her face as she noted the way some of the tension left his shoulders. "The burns apparently weren't as serious as they first appeared…it seems like part of you managed to hold back a little," there was a touch of awe in her voice, as he had explained exactly what had happened with his magic and what had, had happened during the battle and she knew that it should have been virtually impossible for him to hold back…magic like that was not meant to be contained and she was honestly surprised the other mage had survived, not that she was about to tell Natsu that.

"Really?" Natsu couldn't keep the hopeful tone out of his voice as he looked at her with wide eyes, and she smiled at his expression before nodding.

"Really," she replied, before planting her hands on her hips and adopting a semi-stern expression and demanding. "So stop feeling so guilty okay?" Natsu made a small noise of assent at her words and she sighed slightly, clearly it was going to take a bit more to really convince him that he hadn't been at fault and she frowned as she noted his eyes taking on the distant look they had when his draconic side was playing up.

"Oh and I heard an interesting story," she added, speaking louder than necessary in order to drag him out of his thoughts and it seemed as though she was successful as a moment later he blinked and turned to look at her curiously.

"What?"

"Apparently there was a small battle just outside of town…a small blue-haired girl took on the legendary Titania and her companions…" Yukari replied as she stepped around him and sank into a chair at the dining table, watching as he absorbed her words, although she wasn't happy at the frown that appeared a moment later…the news was meant to distract him…not worry him further.

"Wendy?" Natsu questioned although it was clear that he wasn't expecting her to answer, but then his head shot up and he gazed at her with worried eyes. "Are they all okay? Were they hurt?" He couldn't imagine Wendy fighting the others…and as strong as she was becoming he knew that Erza at least could still easily wipe the floor with her…just what had the younger Dragon-slayer been thinking? Was it because of him?

"They were a little worse for wear, but apparently they all left together," Yukari replied, and Natsu relaxed slightly at that news…if they left that swiftly they couldn't have been hurt that badly, and the fact that they were together implied that the fight might not have been that serious…and now that he knew they weren't hurt, there was a touch of relief to his thoughts at the realisation that his pursuit seemed to have given up…for now at least…he somehow didn't doubt that they would resume looking for him at some point.

"I see."

"You need to relax a bit more," Yukari scolded and he jerked as he caught the real sternness in her voice, his eyes wide as he met her gaze with a hint of uncertainty. "You said that your magic responds to your emotions, and my magic will only block it for so much longer…" She added warningly, and he sighed as her words reflected his earlier concerns, his brief good mood deflating rapidly.

"I know," he mumbled as he glanced down at the ground, before adding in an even softer tone. "I just worry about them."

"And Gray…" She added gently and his hands clenched against his side as the Ice Mage's name sent a pang through him…_would he ever be able to hear that name without pain?..._ the mocking laugh in the back of his mind was answer enough and he slumped slightly before forcing himself to glance at Yukari who was watching him with unconcealed concern.

"Yeah…"

"Don't worry it'll work out in the end," Yukari's tone was reassuring, and oh how he wanted to believe her…but...he sighed in defeat, knowing that no matter how enthusiastic she was and no matter how much he did to fix his magic and strengthen it, there was no way to fix the main problem. "Come on let's eat," her tone was somewhat deflated and when he glanced up at her, he realised that she had caught the change in his mood and the defeat he was sure had been in his eyes and he winced…somehow it felt wrong to see her anything but smiling, even if he hadn't known her long and despite his lack of appetite he allowed her to herd him into a seat and bit back any protest that he wanted to make as she placed a bowl of food before him.

FTFT

Present:

Lucy watched with sad eyes as Happy carefully packed up his belongings, pretending not to notice the Exceed carefully tucking little mementos that belonged to his partner into the bag as well. She had refused to let him stay in the house all on his own, knowing that it would just give him more time to worry about Natsu and to dwell on the fact that the Dragon-slayer had left him behind without a word and instead she had insisted that he come and stay with her until Natsu came back…if he came back. She had to blink back moisture as that thought snuck through before resolutely shaking her head, she couldn't afford to think like that…it was Natsu, there was no way he could stay away from Fairy Tail forever…was there?

"Lucy…" Happy's voice broke into her thoughts, and she winced at the defeated edge to his voice although she struggled to keep her expression neutral as she looked down at him. "I'm ready," he added softly indicating his bag, although the waver in his voice belied his words and her heart ached for him.

"Let's go then," she replied, knowing better than to draw attention to that fact and she forced a poor excuse for a smile onto her face before adding weakly. "We can have fish for dinner when we get back.

"Aye Sir," Happy's response was just as weak and her face fell before she quietly turned away and led the way out of the house, listening as Happy trailed slowly after her and she wished that there was something more that she could do for him.

At the bottom of the path they both paused to look back at the house, both feeling as though something had been lost and there were tears on Happy's face as he whispered a quiet farewell to the building before allowing her to lead him away.

FTFT

A/N: Apologies for the very delayed update, I was well and truly blocked and whilst I'm not entirely happy with this chapter at least it's got things moving again and I hope to update sooner this time.


	13. Chapter 13

Thank you for the amazing reviews, follows and favourites.

Disclaimer: Fairy and its amazing characters don't belong to me, I'm just borrowing them.

FTFT

Previously:

"_I know," he mumbled as he glanced down at the ground, before adding in an even softer tone. "I just worry about them."_

"_And Gray…" She added gently and his hands clenched against his side as the Ice Mage's name sent a pang through him…would he ever be able to hear that name without pain?... the mocking laugh in the back of his mind was answer enough and he slumped slightly before forcing himself to glance at Yukari who was watching him with unconcealed concern._

"_Yeah…"_

"_Don't worry it'll work out in the end," Yukari's tone was reassuring, and oh how he wanted to believe her…but...he sighed in defeat, knowing that no matter how enthusiastic she was and no matter how much he did to fix his magic and strengthen it, there was no way to fix the main problem. "Come on let's eat," her tone was somewhat deflated and when he glanced up at her, he realised that she had caught the change in his mood and the defeat he was sure had been in his eyes and he winced…somehow it felt wrong to see her anything but smiling, even if he hadn't known her long and despite his lack of appetite he allowed her to herd him into a seat and bit back any protest that he wanted to make as she placed a bowl of food before him._

FTFT

A month Later:

Natsu twisted and turned on the bed, his brow furrowing as his inner dragon tormented him with nightmarish images of what could be happening to Gray now that he wasn't there to protect him, and pain lanced through his chest as he reached out blindly for the Ice mage…only to bolt upright with his eyes wide and his chest heaving as he struggled to draw in breath, and he could feel tears trickling down his cheeks before his mind had even processed that he had just been dreaming. As that realisation settled over him, he took a deep shuddering breath as he tried to ground himself in reality…_Gray was fine…it was just a dream…just a dream._

Unfortunately it was nearly impossible to convince himself of that fact, especially with his draconic side whispering about all the possibilities in the back of his mind even now he was awake. With a low noise that was a mixture of grief and anger he swung his legs over the side of the bed, resigning himself to yet another night with little sleep…he already had dark shadows beneath his eyes, and it didn't look as though they would disappearing anytime soon but he couldn't really bring himself to care that much at the moment.

With a sigh he glanced across at the other bed, relieved to see that he hadn't managed to rouse Yukari…he had the previous two nights and although she hadn't complained and had done her best to soothe him, he still felt bad for it. Cautiously he slipped off the bed before quietly heading for the door, freezing briefly when the door creaked loudly and Yukari shifted suddenly on the bed but after a moment she stilled once more, and with relief the Dragon-slayer slipped out gently closing the door behind him.

FT

Yukari sighed as she heard the door close softly, having roused the moment that Natsu had slipped out of bed although she had carefully maintained the pretence of sleeping knowing that he blamed himself whenever he woke her. Rolling onto her back she gazed blankly up at the ceiling in the half-life provided by the light lacrima on the far wall, her mind drifting over the events of the last few weeks…whilst there was still no sign of Natsu's magic breaking free from hers, there had been other issues to deal with and she was growing increasingly concerned about her guest…However, much he tried to hide it he was still recovering from the illness that had messed up his magic and on top of that he was suffering physical side-effects of being away from his Mate.

The former could potentially be dealt with given time and rest. But she had no idea how to help him with the latter…it wasn't an issue that she had ever come up against before, and it didn't help that the Dragon-slayer had a tendency to clam up whenever she tried to talk about the Ice Mage. All she could do was watch as he tore himself apart from the inside, barely eating or sleeping and becoming increasingly reclusive…and the fact that her magic was still working after so long…it had never lasted so long before and she was worried about what that could mean.

She contemplated getting up and trying to talk to Natsu, but she knew that it wouldn't achieve anything apart from upsetting him once he knew that he had woken her. In the end she rolled over and tried to drop back to sleep, praying that the Dragon-slayer would manage to get at least a little more sleep that night…and vowing that if he didn't then she would result to sterner means to get him back on track…she refused point blank to watch him slip away. With that thought burning in the back of her mind she slipped off into an uneasy sleep.

FT

Natsu paced uneasily around the living room, trying to shut out the cruel mockery coming from his draconic side even though he knew that he would never succeed…that knowledge pressing in on him and making him feel even more trapped. At the start he had hoped that being cut off from his magic would at least muffle that part of him, but that hope had died as rapidly as it had appeared… the only relief coming from the fact that no matter how agitated he became he couldn't hurt anyone.

It was that which had led to him erecting a firm barrier between himself and his magic whenever he felt a flicker of it trying to break through the supressing blanket of Yukari's magic…He knew that she was worried about the fact that his magic still wasn't showing any sign of returning, but he couldn't bring himself to tell her about his efforts to keep it that way…knowing that it would only fan the concern that he could see growing in her eyes every day as she watched him.

Part of him thought that it would be better to just leave, knowing that he was upsetting and worrying her…but he was terrified of what could happen if stepped out from under the protective umbrella of her magic and it was that which kept him there.

FTFT

The next day:

Gray sighed heavily as he stepped into the guild, his expression darkening as the glum atmosphere that had been hanging over the building since Natsu had first taken off engulfed him and he was tempted to turn on his heels and leave. However, it had been nearly a week since he had last stopped by and he was hoping that Wendy or Gajeel might have heard from the Fire mage and that curiosity and concern propelled him forwards. Ignoring the glare from Erza who was still barely talking to him he made a beeline for the table where Wendy and Carla were sat with Levy pouring over some book that the Solid Script mage was showing them.

"Hi Gray," Wendy greeted him with a small smile as he dropped into the seat beside her, the other two echoing her greeting and Gray was once again filled with gratitude for the fact that they were willing to treat him normally.

"Hey," he returned the greeting softly before glancing around with a small frown, realising that unusually there was no sign of Gajeel when normally he was always within sight of the Solid-script mage. "Where's Gajeel?" He asked turning to look at Levy, hoping that nothing had happened in the time that he was away.

"The Master had a job for him," Levy replied with a scowl as she looked up from her book, before a small grin broke through her dark expression as she added. "He wasn't overly happy about it."

"I bet," Gray said with a small snort as he could just imagine what Gajeel's response to that request had been, glancing at Levy he realised that despite her apparent good humour she was just as unimpressed with the arrangement and he felt a small pang…he and Natsu could have been in this situation…could have… Shaking his head to try and drive those thoughts away he turned his attention back to Wendy. "Have you heard from Natsu?"

"Nothing," she replied sadly with a small shake of her head, before adding in what she obviously hoped was an encouraging tone as she caught the concern in his eyes. "But I'm sure he's doing alright." In truth she was growing increasingly worried at the lack of news, especially as Natsu had promised to keep in touch and it had been weeks since that first letter… but she had to believe that he was okay and that he would write again when he was ready.

"Yeah," Gray agreed listlessly, disappointment hitting him hard as he realised just how much he had been hoping for news. Catching the knowing look in her eyes he hastily straightened and forced his expression into one of neutrality before getting to his feet as he muttered. "I'm going to go and have a look at the request board."

"Another job?" Carla asked with a frown as she glanced up at the Ice mage, and there was poorly-hidden curiosity in her eyes as she considered him, noting the way he was shifting uneasily from foot to foot at her question. "You've barely been here the last couple of weeks, surely you can't need rent money that badly."

"It's not for me," Gray admitted with a sigh when the two girls also turned to look at him, silently wishing that he could curse the Exceed for arousing their curiosity. For a moment they both looked puzzled at his response, but then understanding dawned on Wendy's face, followed by a mixture of sadness and compassion and Gray had to glance away as he realised that she had figured out what he was doing.

"It's for Natsu," it wasn't a question and all Gray could do was nod silently in agreement, carefully avoiding looking up as he heard the sharp intakes of breath from Carla and Levy before the latter quietly asked.

"Why?"

"It's my fault that he felt he had to leave," Gray muttered feeling guilt welling up once more, and he had to clear his throat before he could continue. "And with his magic how it is, he won't be able to work properly for a while…" Even if this mysterious person that Natsu had taken shelter with was able to help the Dragon-slayer, it would undoubtedly take time…and there was no way he could stand the thought of the other teen coming home with nothing to sustain him.

"So you're putting money aside for him," Wendy finished for him.

"I know it's stupid," Gray could feel the heat suffusing his cheeks at the looks he was getting from the trio, and his voice wobbled slightly as he added. "But I need to be doing something…" It also stopped him from giving into the growing temptation to ignore Natsu's wishes and go chasing after the Dragon-slayer…not that he would ever utter that aloud around the others, knowing that it would spark another series of arguments and there was no way he was up to dealing with that at the moment.

"It's not stupid," Wendy reassured him quickly, easily able to guess the other motivations from the emotions dancing across his face but knowing better than to comment on them. Still she couldn't stop herself from cautioning him. "Just make sure you don't wear yourself out."

"I won't," Gray replied with a shadow of a smile as he caught the genuine concern in her warning, then with a small wave he turned and headed for the request board before they could drag the conversation out any longer.

"I'm worried about him," Levy commented softly as they watched him perusing the board, turning to look at the younger girl with worried eyes and the Dragon-slayer sighed and shook her head…she couldn't help but wonder what Natsu would make of these latest developments…would he be happy to know that Gray cared this much for him? Or would it make everything worse? Of course there was no way for them to know…not when they didn't even know where the Fire mage was or how he was doing.

"I am too," she admitted shifting her attention back to the Solid Script mage when she realised the other girl was waiting for a response. "But he's not an idiot…we just have to trust that he'll know his own limits…"

"Normally I would say that wouldn't be a problem," Levy replied with a frown as they watched the Ice mage grab a job off the board and head off to tell Mirajane which was he was taking, noting how concerned the Take-over mage looked as she accepted the sheet. "But it's not exactly a normal situation…" she finished weakly as they watched Gray shake off whatever Mira was saying to him, before turning and stalking away not even bothering to wave farewell to them.

FTFT

The next day:

Yukari sighed as she gently tucked the covers around the sleeping Dragon-slayer, pausing to study the pale face and reaching out to gently run her fingers over the dark bags beneath his eyes. She had woken that morning to find him huddled in the living room corner, his eyes filled with pain and it had been easy to tell that he hadn't had any more sleep after waking from the nightmare. It had taken her nearly an hour to even get a response from him, and she had been terrified that he had slipped too far into his own thoughts...but eventually he had responded to her albeit reluctantly and only uttering the bare minimum to keep her happy.

The faraway look in his eyes had lingered even as she bullied him into sitting at the table, urging and nagging until he ate a few bites of the porridge she had made, and it was clear that he hadn't tasted one bit of it. And that had been the final straw for her, and taking advantage of his distraction she had managed to slip some sleeping potion into his tea before passing him the cup…the fact that he failed to detect it with his enhanced senses telling her just how out of it he was. The effect had been nearly instantaneous, telling her just how exhausted and under the weather he really was and she had, had to dash to his side to prevent him slumping to the floor.

With a great deal of effort she had managed to drag him to the sofa, knowing that there was no way she was strong enough to get him all the way to the bedroom, and carefully tucked him in. Satisfied that he was out for the count, and likely to be out for a while given his current lack of sleep she finally turned away and headed for the door, snatching her coat off the hook as she went…this had gone on long enough and it was time for drastic measures…she just hoped that he wouldn't come to hate her for it...

FT

She had reached the town in record time, not wanting to leave Natsu alone for too long and wanting to make sure that he didn't notice her absence…if he came suspected for even a moment what she was about to do then she had no doubt that he would take off regardless of the fact that he would lose the fact that her magic was supressing his…She halted for a moment glancing back the way she had come with a worried frown before shaking her head and pressing onwards, she couldn't falter now and this was the only thing she could think of that might help…it might make things worse…but just the hope that it might work was enough to make her take the chance.

With renewed determination she headed towards the post office with hurried steps, barely returning the greetings from the townsfolk who recognised her and she was relieved to find that the post office itself was practically empty. Quickly she slipped the letter that she had written before leaving the house out of her pocket and stared down at it for a moment, her finger absently tracing the name on the outside as she warred once more with the doubts she was having about this course of action. Eventually though she moved across to the counter, hastily paying for the postage and handing over the letter before she could give into the doubts. _Please respond,_ she thought as she watched the assistant drop into the mail bag before turning away, intent on getting back to Natsu.

FTFT

The next day:

Natsu had been less than happy when he had finally woken, although it was obvious that physically he was feeling better after sleeping for a solid twenty-four hours and Yukari had been unrepentant over her actions much to his irritation. Still it didn't seem as though he was suspicious of what she had been up to, accepting at face value her explanation that she had just wanted to make sure he finally got some proper rest…although he now watched her like a hawk whenever she was preparing food or drinks, and carefully sniffed whatever she placed in front of her.

It hurt to see the increased wariness in his interactions with her, but she couldn't blame him for it…and worse she guessed that his reaction when he found out the true reasons behind her actions was going to be much worse. She was also aware of the fact that she was able to sense more magic around him than she had since the day they'd first met, and whilst she was relieved to know that she hadn't somehow affected his magic permanently, she knew that it increased the risk of an explosive reaction and she hoped that her request for help was answered before it completely returned.

FTFT

Four days later:

"Gray there's a letter for you!" Mira called as soon as she spotted the exhausted looking Ice Mage entering the hall and at once all signs of weariness seemed to drop away from him as he hurried towards her, his eyes coming alive as hope welled up in his chest.

"For me? Is it from Natsu?" He asked eagerly as he reached the bar, barely paying attention to the fact that his voice had drawn the attention of most of the guild nor the hopeful expressions that had appeared.

"I don't think so, the handwriting looks too neat," Mira said softly as she handed the envelope over, regretting her words as the Ice Mage's expression darkened and his shoulders slumped…a posture mirrored by Wendy and Gajeel who had been watching the interaction intently with concerned eyes…still Gray seemed to rally himself, and his hands were steady as he briefly examined the writing on the outside of the envelope before turning it over and opening it, his brow furrowing as a single sheet of paper fell out.

The letter itself was short, but the impact it had was obvious to the watching mages, as Gray's face rapidly paled whilst his expression was a mix of concern and fear, but before any of them could ask what it was he had crumped the sheet in his hand and whirled on his heel practically bolting for the door.

"Gray?" Mira shouted startled by the sudden movement, and for a brief moment the Ice mage seemed to falter and after a moment he turned to glance back at her and then around at the others, blanching as he realised just how many people were watching him.

"I've got to go," he mumbled and then before anyone could ask what he meant he was moving again, quickly dashing out of the door which slammed shut loudly behind him and leaving his nakama to exchange alarmed looks.

"What was that about?" Gajeel asked with a frown, having caught a glimpse of the fear in the Ice Mage's eyes when he glanced back and he shared an uneasy look with Wendy…both of them realising that there was probably only one thing that could trigger that kind of reaction in Gray at the moment, and their hearts fell at that realisation…_Natsu…_

"I'm not sure…but I'm guessing it was news about Natsu," Wendy whispered and there were tears in her eyes as she spoke…her mind easily conjuring up guesses as to what news the letter might have contained to make Gray dash out of there without even taking the time to talk to them. Beside her Gajeel nodded grimly, his arm tightening around Levy as his thoughts took similar paths to the younger Dragon-slayer, and the Solid Script mage rested a reassuring hand on his chest even as she turned to look at Wendy.

"Then why didn't he share it with us," she asked with a frown not liking the distress she could feel coming off her Mate, and a little bit hurt by Gray's actions…hadn't they all proven that they supported him regardless of what happened between him and Natsu? But she quickly quelled that feeling, realising that it wouldn't help the current situation.

"The letter was addressed to him," Gajeel replied after a moment with a brief shrug, he had caught the brief flare of hurt from her but it had disappeared rapidly and he decided that it wasn't worth commenting on for now, although he watched her closely as she frowned at his response.

"Yeah…But…"

"It must be something that only he can help with," Wendy took over with a thoughtful frown, resolutely pushing aside the small voice that whispered that maybe it was too late to help…glancing at Gajeel who scowled before nodding as he contemplated her words.

"He's been away from Gray for weeks…even with the rejection he probably still needs close contact with Gray," the Iron Dragon-slayer added thoughtfully, although he blanched at the implications of what the effects of that distance could potentially be…he had, had it bad enough just being away from Levy for a couple of days on a job and that was with the knowledge that she would be there waiting for him…that she wanted him…he shuddered as he imagined what Natsu must be suffering, and Wendy's expression was one of understanding even though she had yet to experience the full effect of having Mates.

"Let's just hope Gray gets there in time…" She murmured softly, her hands clenching at her sides as she realised that was really all they could do at this moment in time. Even if Gray had told them, there was little that it would have actually changed…their presence was unlikely to help Natsu and might in fact add to his agitation.

"Did you see the way he dashed out of here?" Gajeel demanded and for a moment his expression lightened slightly as he added. "He'll make it in time." _He has to, _he added to himself unable to imagine what Fairy Tail would be like without the Fire mage…even the past few weeks had shown just how much of a difference there was when he was missing, and he couldn't even begin to fully envisage what it would be like if Natsu was gone…

"You get to be the one that tells Erza and Lucy that Gray's gone after Natsu," Levy added deciding to change the topic as she caught a flash of the dark thoughts consuming her Mate, turning to look at Wendy who was gaping at her, looking absolutely horrified by the proposition.

"Why me?"

"Because you're probably the only one capable of coping with their reactions," the Solid Script mage pointed out with a wan smile, reminding the younger girl of how the older girls had been avoiding her ever since their previous confrontation and she sighed realising that Levy was probably right…although it definitely wasn't a conversation that she was looking forward to…

"Yeah you can wipe the floor with them again," Gajeel said with a weak attempt at his usual smirk, although there was a glint of anticipation in his crimson eyes as he adding with proper cheer. "And this time I will actually get to watch."

"Gajeel!" Levy scolded him with an exasperated smile, rolling her eyes as she glanced at Wendy, although she was relieved to see that the younger girl was looking a tiny bit happier and feeling the smugness radiating from her Dragon-slayer she guessed that had been his intention all along…although she knew that his anticipation for that confrontation wasn't feigned. They lapsed into silence although the mood around them was slightly lighter than it had been, ignoring the concerned conversations going on around the rest of the guild who weren't aware of the conclusion the trio had reached and silently sending their hopes after the Ice Mage.

FT

Gray glanced at the crumpled letter as he hastily tossed clothes into his bag, not paying attention to what he was doing as he once again scanned the note, his heart constricting once more as it reconfirmed just how serious the news was…

_Dear Gray,_

_We have never met before but I believe that Natsu mentioned me in his letter to you, my name is Yukari and I have been attempting to help him with his magic. The reason I am writing to you now is that Natsu's health is failing, and I believe a large part of that is down to the forced distance between yourself and him. I have tried everything I can think of to help him, but nothing has helped and my last hope is that your presence might do something for him._

_Please understand, he doesn't know that I am writing to you and I can't guarantee how he'll react if you come…but at this point it's the last hope I have. Please hurry, I'm not sure how much longer he can hold out._

_Yours _

_Yukari_

At the bottom she had scribbled her location, and his eyes narrowed as he realised just how close the girls had been to where Natsu had holed up…if Wendy hadn't hauled them back to the Guild they would more than likely have stumbled across him sooner or later. And reading that note he was conflicted as to whether or not that would have been a good thing…but no even if they had found him, it was unlikely that the Fire mage would have allowed them to bring him home and the current situation would still be the same…at least he hoped so…

Shaking his head he closed the bag before stepping across to the bedside table and retrieving the notes from Natsu, fingers briefly stroking the parchment before he carefully tucked them inside his coat pocket praying that he would end up discarding it at some point. Turning he snatched up his bag and the letter from Yukari, hesitating for a moment as he contemplated whether he should leave a note for the others, knowing that someone would come to check on him after his abrupt departure from the guild…but in the end he decided against it, realising that things were going to be difficult enough with just him and Natsu…without throwing in the rest of their nakama as well.

Praying that Wendy and Gajeel would forgive him for not telling them what was going on he hurried out of the door, it would normally take a couple of days to reach where Natsu was but the Ice mage was determined to get there sooner even if he had to travel all night. The dire warning at the end of the letter sending shards of fear through him, and lending him speed whilst he silently begged the Fire mage to hold on for him…

_Wait for me Natsu…_

FTFT

The next day:

Yukari sighed as she glanced across at Natsu who was sitting silently on the couch, staring off into the distance with a lost expression on his face. He still refused to accept any help with sleep although he no longer watched her as intently although she suspected that was due to him simply not caring anymore, and she could count the number of words he had said over the past couple of days on one hand and she was at a complete loss at what to do. It had been nearly a week and there had been no response to her letter, and she had no idea if it had even reached the Ice Mage…or if he would respond even if had got it, and she was beginning to realise that that had been her last hope and she found herself drowning in doubts as the days passed.

Blinking away sudden moisture in her eyes she turned her attention back to the soup she was making, already knowing that the most she would be able to coax him to eat was a couple of mouthfuls…but even that was better than nothing at the moment.

Several minutes later there was a tentative knocking at the door and her head shot up, blue eyes widening as the sound registered and she felt hope flaring in her chest…people rarely visited her out here and she certainly wasn't expecting anyone except… Crossing her fingers she glanced across at Natsu who hadn't given any sign of hearing the knocking, although given how lost in his thoughts he had been she wasn't surprised.

"Natsu could you get that please?" She called deliberately raising her voice louder than usual, and she was unsurprised when he jolted violently as she broke in on whatever he was thinking about, and he turned startled eyes towards her and she jerked her head towards the door…privately delighted to see how startled he seemed as it was the most emotion he had shown her in the last few days.

"Sure…" He replied hesitantly after a moment as he finally registered what she was asking, and realising that she had no intention of getting it herself…that should have roused his suspicions but he couldn't really bring himself to care, and with a defeated sigh he got to his feet, stubbornly ignoring the dizziness that assailed him at the movement and missing the concerned glance she shot at him.

There was another knock and the Dragon-slayer frowned slightly before making his way unsteadily towards the door, hoping that whoever it was wasn't planning on staying. Reluctantly he reached for the handle and wrenched the door open, his gaze fixed on the ground in the hopes of discouraging any unnecessary conversation and therefore he was caught by surprise when there was a sharp intake of breath and his head shot upwards at the noise even as he became aware of the painfully familiar scent reaching his nose.

Olive eyes widened with fear as they met concerned onyx eyes, and he frantically stumbled backwards with an inarticulate cry even as his traitorous hand rose as though to reach out for the Ice mage and he hastily snatched it back as Gray reached out towards him.

"Natsu," Gray whispered in a pained voice as he stretched out a hand towards the Fire mage, hurt flashing through him as Natsu skittered backwards out of reach staring at him with frightened eyes that cut him to the core. He hadn't been expecting Natsu to be the one to open the door and he certainly hadn't been ready for the physical state of the Fire mage, despite the warnings contained in the letter and guilt welled up in him at the thought that all of this was because of him.

Natsu couldn't think…couldn't breathe…_why was Gray here? How had the Ice Mage found him?_ His draconic side was in turmoil, drawn to the scent and presence of his chosen Mate and yet in agony because he knew that he couldn't reach out for the Ice Mage. Frantically he glanced around for a possible escape route, but with Gray standing in the doorway and Yukari hovering behind him drawn by the commotion he realised that he had nowhere to go…no way to avoid a meeting that he was in no way ready for.

Gray had thought for a moment that in his desperation the Dragon-slayer might attempt to blast his way past, especially as he saw the panicked eyes darting round in search of escape and he had tensed in preparation…there was no way he was just going to let the Fire mage runaway when it was clear that doing so in the first place had made things worse rather than better for Natsu. After a moment though Natsu slumped in on himself a defeated expression filling his face, and Gray hurt for the other teen, having never seen him look so hopeless and then the olive eyes rose hesitantly to look at him and he held his breath as Natsu's mouth worked soundlessly for a couple of minutes before he managed to find his voice.

"….Gray….?"

FTFT


	14. Chapter 14

Thank you for the amazing reviews, follows and favourites.

Disclaimer: As always Fairy Tail and its amazing characters don't belong to me, I'm just borrowing them.

FTFT

_Previously:_

_Olive eyes widened with fear as they met concerned onyx eyes, and he frantically stumbled backwards with an inarticulate cry even as his traitorous hand rose as though to reach out for the Ice mage and he hastily snatched it back as Gray reached out towards him._

"_Natsu," Gray whispered in a pained voice as he stretched out a hand towards the Fire mage, hurt flashing through him as Natsu skittered backwards out of reach staring at him with frightened eyes that cut him to the core. He hadn't been expecting Natsu to be the one to open the door and he certainly hadn't been ready for the physical state of the Fire mage, despite the warnings contained in the letter and guilt welled up in him at the thought that all of this was because of him._

_Natsu couldn't think…couldn't breathe…__**why was Gray here? How had the Ice Mage found him?**__ His draconic side was in turmoil, drawn to the scent and presence of his chosen Mate and yet in agony because he knew that he couldn't reach out for the Ice Mage. Frantically he glanced around for a possible escape route, but with Gray standing in the doorway and Yukari hovering behind him drawn by the commotion he realised that he had nowhere to go…no way to avoid a meeting that he was in no way ready for. _

_Gray had thought for a moment that in his desperation the Dragon-slayer might attempt to blast his way past, especially as he saw the panicked eyes darting round in search of escape and he had tensed in preparation…there was no way he was just going to let the Fire mage run away when it was clear that doing so in the first place had made things worse rather than better for Natsu. After a moment though Natsu slumped in on himself a defeated expression filling his face, and Gray hurt for the other teen, having never seen him look so hopeless and then the olive eyes rose hesitantly to look at him and he held his breath as Natsu's mouth worked soundlessly for a couple of minutes before he managed to find his voice._

"…_.Gray….?"_

FTFT

Now:

There was such longing and pain in the Dragon-slayer's voice that Gray felt as though all the air had been driven out of his chest…he was the one that had reduced Natsu to this state, all because of his inability to understand his own feelings and his cowardice and yet even now when it was clear that Natsu was falling apart there was still no hint of blame or hatred in the wide olive eyes that were staring at him as though he was a terrifying apparition. He swallowed hard at that realisation…_Damn it! Why are you still trying to take everything on by yourself?... I know I was to blame…So you're not going to be hurt me if you blame me as well…_

"Yeah," Gray said softly, knowing that if he launched into his whirling thoughts…into everything that he had wanted to say since the S-class exam then all he was going to do was stress out the Dragon-slayer even more. "It's me," he added as he took a cautious step into the house, carefully closing the door behind him in the hopes of stalling any future attempts to flee, although he was discouraged to see Natsu mirror his action by shuffling further away from him.

"Why?" Natsu demanded his voice shaking wildly, the sight of the door closing sending a fresh shard of panic through him. He knew that he was very close to losing control and Gray had just willingly shut himself into an enclosed space with him. Nervously taking a couple more steps backwards to increase the distance between them, and tugging uneasily at his wristband as he tried to avoid meeting Gray's eyes as managed to force himself to continue although he couldn't stop himself from stammering. "Why are y-you here? How…how did you find me?"

"Yukari sent for me," Gray admitted glancing briefly at the woman he could see hovering anxiously behind Natsu, he felt bad for revealing her actions, but at the same time he knew there was no way he would get Natsu to settle if he thought that the Ice Mage had ignored his wishes completely by tracking him down. "She said that you weren't doing so well…" _Which is clearly an understatement…_he thought with a small frown as he studied Natsu again, noting the fine tremors running through the Dragon-slayer's body and he wondered just what was going on with the Fire mage, but he could tell that Natsu wasn't in the right frame of mind to talk about it straight away and so he reluctantly held his peace.

Natsu paled as what Gray was saying registered, and slowly he tilted his head to peer at Yukari who looked apologetic as she met his gaze although there was no hint of regret in her eyes, and his hands clenched at his sides, and his voice was barely above a growl as he spoke and he couldn't even bring himself to care when she flinched back a step under the force of his words.

"Why? Why did you do that…?" He had trusted her, had told her more about his situation than he had ever intended to at the start…and she had turned around and done this? His inner dragon already stirred into frenzy by Gray's appearance and proximity was snarling in his chest, urging him to lash out and punish her for betraying him and for putting the Ice Mage in danger by bringing him here when Natsu was walking such a fine edge and he shook as he tried desperately to lock himself in place, knowing that he couldn't just lash out like that.

"I just wanted to help!" She protested with a hint of desperation, wanting him to understand why she had done this…knowing that even though he didn't want to admit it, that he needed to see the Ice Mage who was watching their interaction with concern. "You needed this…" She trailed off as fire blazed in his eyes and for the first time she felt real fear and she nervously took a cautious step back, whilst she had been worried about how he was going to react to her actions, she had never expected a reaction like this and she wasn't sure how to diffuse the situation.

"Natsu!" Gray called when another growl escaped from the Dragon-slayer, sensing that the Fire mage was inching closer to losing control and knowing that Natsu would regret lashing out the one that had helped him once he calmed down. Still, he felt a hint of fear when Natsu shifted his attention back to him, taken aback by the level of anger that he could see burning within the olive eyes that warily rose to meet his gaze, and it took a lot of effort to keep his voice steady as he asked. "Is it really so bad that I'm here?" _Please don't say it is…even though I would understand if you did…if you hated the very fact that I'm stood right in front of you even after everything that happened…Damn it, I want to tell you everything that I realised when I was away…but you're not ready, are you?_

Some of the anger disappeared from Natsu's eyes at the soft question, although Gray's heart clenched at the conflicted expression that had replaced it and he was beginning to regret asking it when Natsu hesitantly tried to reply.

"I," he paused to try and gather his thoughts, his voice shaking wildly as he continued before he gave up with a helpless shake of his head. "I…you…" _No! No it's not a bad thing,_ he wanted to say especially as he caught the poorly hidden pain in Gray's eyes knowing that if he didn't reply the Ice Mage would take it as being a bad thing. And yet at the same time, he wanted to scream and shout that yes it was a bad thing, that there was no way he was ready to see the Ice mage again, that he hadn't wanted anyone to come after him.

"Should I leave?" Gray forced himself to ask when he realised that Natsu wasn't going to answer him, and he winced at his own words as he waited nervously as the Dragon-slayer blinked at his words, silently praying that Natsu wouldn't agree…he wasn't sure that he could just turn around and leave, not when Natsu was right there in front of him and not after seeing just how bad a state he was in because of the distance that had lain between them. But if Natsu asked him to, he knew that he would find it in himself to honour the request because he owed the Fire mage that much.

"No…" It was barely above a whisper and it was clear from his expression that Natsu wasn't entirely certain of his answer, but to Gray that single word meant the world and he felt a tiny bit of the tension filling him ease. "I…" Natsu hesitantly stretched out a hand towards Gray and the Ice Mage immediately mirrored the action, although he carefully stayed in place, sensing that it had to be Natsu who closed the gap between them even if he wanted nothing more than to dart forward.

Natsu stared at his outstretched hand before his gaze shifted to Gray's, sucking in a breath when he caught the longing expression that flickered over the Ice Mage's face before it was carefully concealed once more and he instinctively took a hesitant step forward. _That kind of expression doesn't belong on his face,_ even when there had been nothing but friendship between them he had hated to see the Ice Mage anything but his usual, aggravating self and that feeling had quadrupled. He was just about to step forward again when there was a sharp pain in his chest, and his eyes went wide as he snatched his hand back, reaching up to clutch at the pain even though he knew that it wasn't something he could reach.

"Natsu?!" Gray and Yukari shouted at the same time, both of them immediately moving forward as the pain on the Fire mage's face increased and it took all of Natsu's strength and focus to hold up a shaking hand to stop them from coming closer. When they reluctantly stopped he turned his attention inwards, wincing as his draconic side howled in the back of his mind, infuriated by the fact that he dared to try and close the distance with Gray even though it longed for the same thing and a sharp cracking noise in the back of his mind sent a shard of terror through him and he managed to force out a whispered warning.

"Stay back…"

FT

Natsu doubled over as his draconic side lashed out at him with increasing fury, and he could feel the barrier holding his magic back teetering on the edge of collapse and his eyes widened with fear…if the barrier broke he knew that there would be no way he would be able to hold back his unstable magic, already he could feel it pulsing, pushing against the barrier in anticipation of its impending freedom…his eyes desperately shot across to Gray and Yukari, absently noting that the Ice mage had moved at some point to stand in front of the latter and his eyes widened in horror…Gray was in danger. Gray was in danger from him. It was another failure on top of everything else and he felt the barrier cracking under the added strain and he knew that there was no holding it back now.

"Gray," he whispered desperately, hoping that the Ice mage would be able to understand the warning in his voice as he dropped to his knees as sparks played around his fingers and he desperately clenched them in the hopes of buying a few extra seconds before he lost control completely.

"Ice Make…" Gray began as he hastily slammed his hands together, only to come up short when he couldn't even feel the slightest spark of his magic and his eyes widened in sudden fear…_What the hell was going on, his magic had been fine earlier that morning…so what had happened to it? _"What the hell…I can't…" He snarled as he pushed his hands together repeatedly, desperately searching for any sign of his magic reacting to him.

"Oh no," Yukari's eyes widened with horror as she realised what was happening, and cursing herself for not thinking about it earlier. "My magic is blocking yours…"

"Then unblock it quickly!" Gray snapped at her, not caring what kind of magic she had or why she had felt it necessary to block it in the first place….the heat filling the air was still growing, and a nervous glance towards Natsu showed that the Dragon-slayer wouldn't be able to hold back the impending explosion for much longer…that he had held it back for so long despite his current condition was impressive enough, and there was no way the Ice mage wanted to add to the guilt that Natsu would no doubt feel about this loss of control.

"I can't," Yukari admitted in a small voice, her eyes welling up as she began to explain as she caught the dark questioning look the Ice mage was shooting at her. "It has to…."

"Get down!" Gray roared cutting across her explanation as he bodily tackled her to the ground, seconds before intense heat flared in the air above them, and he winced as he felt flames flicking too close to his skin and ignoring the whimpered protest from beneath him, he pressed them both further into the ground…

FT

Natsu could barely make out the sight of Gray and Yukari on the floor, and relief flooded him as he realised that they had managed to get out of the path of his magic although it was accompanied by a spike of jealously as he realised that his Mate was shielding someone else. Tears leaked out of the corners of his eyes and he closed his eyes as he tried desperately to get a handle on the flames streaming out of him, feeling his Draconic side fighting against him and horror flooded him as he realised that it was trying to lash out towards Yukari. _NO! Don't hurt her…she isn't a threat…she isn't…_ his pleading wasn't as convincing as he wanted it to be, his eyes flicking open and darting to where the pair were. _Gray would protect anyone in this situation…it doesn't mean anything…_

"NATSU!" He was dragged out of his whirling thoughts by Gray's voice, and blinking he focused with difficulty on the Ice Mage, blinking as he found that Gray had lifted himself up slightly and was watching him with worried eyes and he was stunned to realise that there was no hint of the fear that he had been expecting to see. _Didn't Gray realise just how dangerous he was at the moment?_ "Natsu this is your magic! You can control it!" Gray was shouting to make himself heard over the roar of the flames and the Dragon-slayer froze as he caught the utter certainty in the Ice Mage's voice.

"I…" Natsu whispered as he stared down at his hands, feeling completely disconnected from his own flames and he shuddered at the thought of disappointing Gray as he added shakily. "I'm not sure…"

"You can do it!" Gray repeated firmly, determined to convince Natsu and as the Fire mage hesitantly raised his head once more to meet his gaze he added strongly. "I believe in you!" He knew what Porlysuica had said about Natsu's unstable magic, he could see the uncertainty swirling in the terrified olive eyes, he was laid here shielding a virtual stranger from the wild flames and yet he meant his words with all his heart. _I believe in you Natsu! I always have and I always will!_

Natsu's eyes went wide as it registered what Gray had said, and he felt everything whirling inside him skid to a heart, even his Draconic side settling slightly as it also took heed of the what the Ice mage had said. He had no idea how Gray could have faith in him, surely he knew about the outburst that had put the mage in hospital? Surely he realised just how dangerous the current situation was? And yet he knew from the tone that Gray had used that he meant every word that he had just said, and despite everything that had happened and the current situation he felt warmth blooming in his chest. _His Mate…No, Gray still believed in him…even after everything, after all his failures the Ice Mage still believed in him._

Bolstered by the unexpected faith he forced himself to take a deep breath, focusing on his runaway magic and he was startled to feel his Draconic counterpart doing the same and his eyes widened when he realised that it was actually trying to help him. Locking eyes with Gray he began to slowly and steady push the magic back, his brow furrowing and sweat dripping down his face as it fought back and he jolted with fresh panic as a tongue of flame lashed out towards the pair on the floor. Only a desperate shove on his part managed to divert the flames, and the fear that flickered briefly across the Ice Mage's face cut him to the core, and gritting his teeth he poured every ouch of his strength into quelling the flames. _I don't want Gray to be afraid of me…_

Painstakingly slowly the flames filling the air around him began to die out, but every now and then a flame would flare up once more and by the time he had managed to douse the very last ember he was trembling so hard that he nearly fell facedown as he staggered back to his feet. Panting he could only watch as Gray slowly got to his feet, pulling Yukari carefully to her feet and when they both turned to look at him he quickly focused his eyes on the ground, biting his lip as he realised just how badly scorched it was between them.

"Natsu are you okay?" Gray asked urgently as he quickly moved towards Natsu, his eyes fill of concern as he took in how badly the Fire mage was shaking and as soon as he drew close enough he reached out, ready to catch Natsu if he fell.

"I…" Natsu shook his head, flinching backwards away from the reaching hand as he glanced around wildly, already feeling his magic beginning to writhe in his chest once more and he knew that it was unlikely he would be able to rein it in again if it managed to escape. "I have to get out of here," he muttered as his gaze fell on the door, realising that with everything that had happened the route to it was now empty and before the other two could react he was moving. Ignoring his weariness and the slight dizziness that the abrupt movement caused he broke into a run, his only focus getting away before he lost control once more.

For a second all Gray and Yukari could do was watch in disbelief as the Dragon-slayer wrenched the front door open and fled outside. Before Yukari could do anything Gray was moving, already chasing after Natsu with a determined expression on his face, refusing to give him the chance to disappear once more.

FT

"Natsu!" Gray shouted as he ran out of the door, desperate to reach the Dragon-slayer before he could disappear again and he was relieved when Natsu faltered for a brief second at his shout, although he rapidly steadied himself and started to speed up. "Damn it Natsu! Stop!" The Ice mage bellowed allowing everything he was feeling in that moment to seep into his voice, and dark eyes closed with relief when the Dragon-slayer came to a halt and he rapidly closed the distance between them.

"Stay back…" Natsu pleaded desperately as he continued to back up, not even daring to hold his hands up to keep the Ice mage at bay in case his flames lashed out again. They were so close at the moment that there was no way that Gray would be able to dodge out of the way if that happened, and he shuddered as his mind unhelpfully provided him with a vivid image of what could happen and his voice was shaking wildly as spoke. "Please…I can't hurt you…"

"You won't," Gray replied with absolute certainty, trying to hide how much it hurt to have Natsu pleading with him to stay away. He had tried that already though, and even though the current situation was hardly a good one, he knew that staying away was just as bad if not worse and he had no intention of going anywhere. He wanted to fix this. He would give anything to fix this, to get to the point where he could tell the Dragon-slayer everything that he had figured out following the S-class trials, but for now he would settle for convincing Natsu to stop trying to push him away.

"How can you say that?" Natsu demanded his voice rising only for a panicked expression to flicker across his face, and he hastily clutched at his chest before continuing in a much softer although no less strained voice. "I nearly did…I could've killed both of you." A visible shudder went through him at his own words and automatically Gray stepped forwards, desperate to reassure him that he was fine, that Yukari was fine only to come to a halt as Natsu flinched back.

"But you didn't," Gray pointed out struggling to convince himself that it was just because Natsu was frightened of hurting him, and not because of all the others issues that lay between them. With a growing sense of desperation he spread his arms, idly noting that at some point he had lost his coat and shirt, gesturing at his obviously uninjured state as his own voice rose. "We're perfectly fine, and you were the one that got it back under control!" There was honest praise in his voice, as he knew from personal experience how difficult it could be to rein in magic once it was out of control, especially when it was fuelled by emotion…there had been several times during the early days he'd spent with Ul that he had nearly encased everything in ice during nightmares and flashbacks, and there had been more than a few occasions when'd only just managed to get it back under control before he could cause harm to Ul and Lyon.

"But…." Natsu whispered shaking his head, reluctant to accept the comfort being offered when he knew just how close it had been…Gray didn't realise how difficult it had been to force those flames back inside, or how he could feel them churning in his chest once more, growing ever stronger the longer he spent with Gray. "There's no guarantee I can do it again." The thought that if he lost control again and was unable to regain control terrified him, and he was struggling to hold back the urge to just bolt, knowing that he owed it to Gray to finish the conversation.

"Natsu…"

"Please," he pleaded with a hint of desperation cutting across whatever Gray had been trying to say, feeling his eyes beginning to tear up as he met the worried onyx eyes as he added shakily. "I just need some time on my own."

"Will you come back?" The question was out before Gray could even think about holding it back and he winced at the note of panic he could hear in his own voice, but still he sent an expectant look at the Dragon-slayer who was watching him with a hesitant expression and he swallowed hard at the sight of tears swimming in Natsu's eyes.

"I…" Natsu hesitated for a moment before quietly admitting. "I'm not sure. Maybe…" He hated the way the Ice Mage's expression fell at his response, but there was no way he was going to lie to him and at that moment he honestly wasn't sure if he would be able to bring himself to come back here. Yukari's actions had hurt him even though rationally he realised that she had only been trying to help, and he wasn't sure that even time on his own would give him the ability to remain calm around Gray if he came back later.

"I…" Gray trailed off realising that demanding anything else of Natsu at the moment was just going to be selfishness on his part, and taking a deep breath he forced himself to take a step back, the relief in Natsu's eyes confirming that he had made the right decision. "Please just try to come back," he added pleadingly and Natsu gave a small nod before turning and darting away into the trees without another word, and Gray struggled to quell the urge to follow him.

"Damn it," Gray snarled slamming his fist into a nearby tree ignoring the pain that radiated through his hand as he stared after Natsu, torn between honouring Natsu's wishes and his own desire to chase after the Fire mage, but as the memory of tearful olive eyes flashed through his mind he sighed in defeat. If he chased after Natsu now it was only going to make things worse, and he wasn't sure that the Dragon-slayer could cope with anything else at the moment and he absolutely refused to be the one that caused him more pain. Shaking out his aching hand he sighed in defeat and turned back to the cottage, realising that Yukari still hadn't ventured out and realising that he needed to check on her.

FT

Stepping back into the small cottage he winced as he took in just how bad the damage was and a small part of him realised that Natsu had been right to point out just how close it had been. Quietly closing the door behind him he turned his attention to Yukari who had managed to stagger across to the dining table which had avoided most of the blast, and had sunk into one of the chairs, burying her head in her hands and he could vaguely make out the sound of her sniffling. Sighing he carefully moved across to join her, avoiding the worst of the scorched floor and dropping heavily into the chair beside her, the noise making her look at him with watery eyes.

"I'm so sorry," Yukari whispered as she peeped at him, half expecting to see anger or hatred in his expression but the Ice Mage just looked exhausted and stressed and that gave her the courage to continue, needing him to understand why she had taken the actions she had. "I just wanted to help him…but I just seem to have made everything worse…" She had always known that it was risky chance to take, but she had never imagined just how bad it was going to be and she wished desperately that she had never sent that letter now.

"It wasn't your fault," Gray said softly after a long moment of considering her words. A small part of him acknowledged that if she hadn't written to him, he wouldn't have come and Natsu wouldn't have been set off in the same way, but it was clear that the outburst had been waiting to happen. He could see in her eyes that she meant every word that she said, and he offered her a terse smile before adding quietly. "You weren't to know…things between us haven't been…" He trailed off unable to find the words that would accurately sum up just what his relationship with Natsu was like at the moment, and certain that if he did that he might end up bawling his eyes out.

"I know…" Yukari said softly and he looked up at her with wide eyes.

"He told you?" Gray asked with a slight frown, unsure of how he felt about that and surprised that Natsu had managed to talk about it with someone that he barely knew when he hadn't been able to discuss it with his nakama.

"Not everything, but enough for me to work out most of it…" Yukari was quick to explain, catching the uneasiness in his expression and easily able to guess where his thoughts had gone. She had Natsu once in the first few days why he was so willing to trust her, and the Dragon-slyaer had shrugged and said that he wasn't completely sure…but that something had told him that he could trust her. Her expression falling as she realised that she might well and truly have destroyed that now, but she hastily cleared that expression, realising that there was no point in worrying about it until Natsu came back…_If he comes back._

"Oh," Gray muttered, oddly relieved that Natsu hadn't told her everything although he was certain that it would've helped the Fire mage if he had, but still discomforted by the fact that she knew what had happened between them.

Yukari was quiet, taking the opportunity to study the Ice mage now that they were no longer in danger of getting charred by the runaway magic and her eyes softened as she took in the emotions playing across his face. Silently she wondered whether he had always been this easy to read, or whether it was a side effect of what had happened. A moment later Gray clearly sensed her probing gaze and glanced up at her curiously, arching an eyebrow when he realised just how intently she was watching him and to her annoyance she felt her cheeks heating up and she abruptly cleared her throat.

"You really do care about him," She said softly when she could speak again, noting the way he tensed briefly at her words and wondering why it looked as though words had actually physically struck him and she patiently waited as he tried to gather himself.

"I…what…" Gray choked up and scowled as he realised just how idiotic he sounded, before sighing and nodding his head and muttering a simple. "Yeah." _Care for him? Of course I care for him, he's my nakama…he's…._

"Do you love him?"

"I…" Gray gaped at her for a moment, wondering how she could sound so calm when she was asking him the same questions that had been echoing in the back of his mind from the moment he had passed the S-class trials…No, possible from before then…_from the moment Wendy had worked out that he was Natsu's Mate…_ "I'm not sure…I care for him, more than a friend should…but I don't know if its love," he admitted softly, realising with a pang that he was no closer to resolving what exactly he felt towards Natsu than he had been back on the ship, despite the fact that the thoughts were never far from his mind and he clenched his fists. _How am I supposed to help Natsu, when I can't even help myself work out my own feelings?_

"You rushed here the moment I wrote to you," Yukari pointed out with a soft smile, and he looked up at her with conflicted eyes and she continued gently. "And even when it was clear he wasn't in control of his magic you told him that you believed in him, and you must've meant it or it wouldn't have got through to him." She had to admit that for a terrifying moment she had thought that the words weren't going to reach Natsu, and she had no idea what they would've done if that had been the case…but she had also the emotions in the Dragon-slayer's eyes when he had realised that Gray still had faith in him.

"Yeah," Gray mumbled, longing to take the comfort she was trying to offer him but after a moment he sighed and shook his head. "But…that's how Fairy Tail is, we all have that kind of faith in one another." Deep down he knew that the faith he had expressed earlier had come from a different source…that it had been different from the faith he had, had in Natsu back on Galuna Island or in the Tower of Heaven and yet it wasn't enough to convince him that what he was feeling was love.

"I think you do love him," Yukari told him and he gaped at her, mutely shaking his head in denial even though he couldn't summon the words to counter her claim. "And when the time is right you'll be able to see that for yourself."

_See it for myself?_ He repeated to himself silently with a scowl, If that was going to happen surely it would have happened already….there had been so many moments when he had needed to know just what it was that he was feeling and yet he still didn't have a clue. What situation could they possibly find themselves in that was worse than what had happened so far, that would finally make him reach that realisation?

"Do you think he'll come back?" Yukari asked quietly a few moments later and he jolted as her voice broke into his thoughts, and seeing his confusion she repeated her question.

"I'm not sure," Gray admitted with a soft sigh, fidgeting with his hands as he realised that for the first time he found himself completely unable to predict Natsu's actions and it left a dull ache in his chest and his voice wavered as he continued. "Usually I would say yes, but now…" _But now he might turn and run for the hills, and there will be nothing I can do about it…_

"I know he didn't have the best reaction to your arrival," Yukari said softly reaching out to lay a comforting hand on his shoulder, realising that in his own way the Ice Mage was suffering just as much from what had happened between him and Natsu as the Dragon-slayer was. It had been one of the worries that had made her nervous about contacting him in the first place, concerned that his feelings over the matter were completely opposite to Natsu's and it both relieved and frightened her to realise that Gray felt the same.

"That's an understatement," Gray muttered with a soft snort at her words, but there was no heat to his words and she didn't take them to heart.

"But he has missed you," she continued and when he turned to look at her properly she offered him a small smile, nodding when she saw the question and doubt in his eyes. "I would occasionally go into town to see if there was anyone looking for him…"

"Does he know that some of our teammates were looking for him?" Gray demanded in alarm cutting across what she was trying to say, once again cursing Lucy and Erza for being so stubborn over the matter and thanking the stars that Wendy had taken matters into her own hands.

"He does, although he never really commented on it beyond worrying about whether they were okay or not," Yukari replied and some of his alarm faded, although he was sure that Natsu would've been more bothered by it than he had probably let on. "But he worried about you every day, and he'd speak about you in his sleep, calling out your name whenever he woke."

"That's…" Gray whispered for a second allowing himself to bask in the idea that Natsu had missed him, that he still meant that much to the Dragon-slayer but then his guilty feelings surged to the forefront once more and he sighed and shook his head. "That's just because of the draconic thing…and because of what I did." _He had probably haunted Natsu's dreams…probably been the root of whatever nightmares had roused him. _

"No!" Yukari snapped and he stared at her wide-eyed, startled by the sharpness of her voice and the certainty on her expression as she continued fiercely. "There was never any fear, hatred or anger in his voice when he spoke about you or what happened. In fact I think at times my thoughts and feelings about you were a hundred times worse than his and I had never met you! All he ever cared about was that you were well and safe, and the only thing he really feared was that something would happen whilst he was away from you."

"I…"

Seeing that she had overwhelmed him she calmed herself and slowly got to her feet, hoping that with time he would realise that was truly how Natsu felt about everything. The lost expression on his face quashed her lingering anger and her own expression softened and she silently held out a hand to him, waiting until he looked from it to her in confusion before speaking.

"Come on you might as well help me sort this place out whilst we wait for Natsu to come back," she explained and surprise flickered in his eyes before he offered her a weak attempt at a grateful smile before taking her hand and letting her pull him back to his feet.

"Sure."

FTFT

Natsu finally staggered to a halt ten minutes later, barely catching himself as his legs gave way beneath him sending him crashing to his knees and for several minutes he just knelt there trying to catch his breath and waiting for his heart to stop hammering in his chest. Finally he summoned up enough strength to crawl forwards a short distance until he was able to curl up at the base of a tree, leaning back against it as he stared blankly back in the direction he had come, his thoughts whirling to quickly for him to even begin to grasp what was going through his head and after a moment he closed his eyes in an attempt to block everything out.

FTFT

A/N: Sorry for the late update folks, I have been ill and then my computer went kaput.


	15. Chapter 15

Thank you for the amazing reviews, follows and favourites.

Disclaimer: As always Fairy Tail and its characters don't belong to me, I'm just borrowing them.

FTFT

_Previously:_

"_He does, although he never really commented on it beyond worrying about whether they were okay or not," Yukari replied and some of his alarm faded, although he was sure that Natsu would've been more bothered by it than he had probably let on. "But he worried about you every day, and he'd speak about you in his sleep, calling out your name whenever he woke."_

"_That's…" Gray whispered for a second allowing himself to bask in the idea that Natsu had missed him, that he still meant that much to the Dragon-slayer but then his guilty feelings surged to the forefront once more and he sighed and shook his head. "That's just because of the draconic thing…and because of what I did." He had probably haunted Natsu's dreams…probably been the root of whatever nightmares had roused him. _

"_No!" Yukari snapped and he stared at her wide-eyed, startled by the sharpness of her voice and the certainty on her expression as she continued fiercely. "There was never any fear, hatred or anger in his voice when he spoke about you or what happened. In fact I think at times my thoughts and feelings about you were a hundred times worse than his and I had never met you! All he ever cared about was that you were well and safe, and the only thing he really feared was that something would happen whilst he was away from you."_

"_I…"_

_Seeing that she had overwhelmed him she calmed herself and slowly got to her feet, hoping that with time he would realise that was truly how Natsu felt about everything. The lost expression on his face quashed her lingering anger and her own expression softened and she silently held out a hand to him, waiting until he looked from it to her in confusion before speaking._

"_Come on you might as well help me sort this place out whilst we wait for Natsu to come back," she explained and surprise flickered in his eyes before he offered her a weak attempt at a grateful smile before taking her hand and letting her pull him back to his feet._

"_Sure."_

_FTFT_

_Natsu finally staggered to a halt ten minutes later, barely catching himself as his legs gave way beneath him sending him crashing to his knees and for several minutes he just knelt there trying to catch his breath and waiting for his heart to stop hammering in his chest. Finally he summoned up enough strength to crawl forwards a short distance until he was able to curl up at the base of a tree, leaning back against it as he stared blankly back in the direction he had come, his thoughts whirling to quickly for him to even begin to grasp what was going through his head and after a moment he closed his eyes in an attempt to block everything out._

FTFT

Now:

With a soft noise of defeat the Dragon-slayer eventually forced himself to unfurl from his defensive position, unsure of how long he had been sat there, and in all honesty not caring at the moment. His thoughts had slowed down somewhat in the quiet, although he was no closer to figuring them out, and the emotions churning away in his chest were even more of a puzzle. A choked laugh broke free as he leant back against the tree, glancing back in the direction of Yukari's cottage although whatever humour he had been feeling disappeared as his thoughts turned to her…he had known that he was worrying her with his behaviour, but not once had he even considered the fact that she might take matters into her own hands, that she would reach out to Gray, that she would bring Gray to him…_Oh god Gray…_

His vision blurred with fresh tears and he ducked his head, blinking wildly as he tried to chase them away, desperately trying to stop himself from falling apart once more. He hadn't been ready to face Gray…he wasn't sure he would ever be ready to face the Ice mage, especially after losing control like that and he buried his head in his hands. Perhaps he was better off just leaving now…that way he could be sure that they at least weren't in danger from him. But where would he go? With his magic in its current state he was a danger to everyone, and he wasn't foolish enough to think that he could survive on his own in the middle of nowhere at the moment…_.although maybe that wasn't such a bad thing…._

It didn't help that a large part of him was straining towards Gray at that moment, desperately seeking the brief sensation of relief that he had felt just from being around the Ice mage and he worried his bottom lip as he raised his eyes to stare in the direction of the cottage. Even at this distance he could sense the Ice mage, and he unconsciously leaned towards him only to flinch as his draconic side which had been fairly quiet since he had fled surged loudly back into the forefront of his mind, wasting no time in reminding that he had no right to claim anything from Gray…flinching under the angry onslaught, he cowered back against the tree even as he felt himself lose the battle against holding his tears at bay.

"What do I do now?" He whispered, tears trickling down his cheeks as he lifted his head to the sky with a lost expression on his face. _Igneel…what do I do now?_

FTFT

Gray glanced anxiously out of the window yet again, desperately searching for some sign of the Dragon-slayer heading back towards the cottage, his stomach churning when there was no sign of the distinctive pink hair among the surrounding trees. It had already been several hours since Natsu had taken off and the sky outside was beginning to darken, and the Ice mage was growing increasingly worried that he had maybe decided not to come back…that he had already taken off once more. The dish he was drying slipped from suddenly trembling fingers, thankfully landing undamaged in the sink, splashing him with warm water and making him jolt backwards a few steps. _Natsu…I should have gone after him. It didn't help giving him space before, so why did I think it would this time? What if he's really gone this time?_

"Go and look for him," Yukari's soft voice broke into his whirling thoughts and he started again before turning to look at her with worried eyes, wanting nothing more than to do just what she had suggested…but he had promised Natsu that he would give him time, and he hung his head slightly as he protested weakly.

"But…"

"You've given him time," Yukari pointed out gently as she handed him a towel to dry himself off with, her lips twitching slightly as she caught his fingers inching towards the buttons of his shirt, remembering all the times Natsu had mentioned the Ice mage's stripping habit. "Maybe not enough, but you waited and kept your word." She doubted that Natsu had it in him to be truly angry with Gray for long, if at all, but given how overwhelmed Gray had been earlier when she told him how Natsu had been acting she wasn't about to voice that aloud for the time being.

"What if I make it worse?" Gray asked anxiously even as he dried himself off, sternly dragging his hands away from his buttons as he caught the brief flare of amusement in her eyes although it disappeared as his question registered.

"I don't think you will," Yukari replied simply glancing at the window before heading across to one of the cupboards and beginning to root around inside. "He couldn't even tell you to leave earlier when he wasn't prepared for you being here, I can't see him turning you away now."

"Go," she urged giving him a gentle push towards the door when he hesitated, and with a last glance in her direction he straightened and with a determined nod he headed for a door, glancing back briefly as he reached it and she gave him an encouraging nod. Silently he slipped out of the cottage, breaking into a run as soon as he got outside, even as he prayed that he wasn't going to be too late to catch up with the Dragon-slayer and that Yukari was right about Natsu forgiving him for going after him.

FTFT

Natsu blinked as he realised that the sky above him had darkened whilst he'd been lost in his thoughts, and with a soft groan he reached up to rub at gritty eyes, pausing as he noticed just how bad his hand was shaking. _I'm a mess,_ he realised with a defeated sigh as he lowered it once more, staring at the ground with bitter expression. He had been a mess when he'd left the guild, and despite his desperate hopes back then it seemed as though all he had achieved was to move even further from being able to prove himself to Gray. Natsu let out a harsh chuckle at that realisation, the urge to scream and shout…to lash out was rising in his chest, and his hands clenched as he felt his magic beginning to react to his emotions.

Part of him was tempted to just let it lash out…he was on his own out here at the moment, and he was far enough away from the cottage to prevent Gray and Yukari getting hurt. The acknowledgement of his weakness had made him realise that he really couldn't go back, not now….not yet…not until he could prove to himself and Gray that he was stronger. But that meant that he had to travel, and with the magic dancing so wildly under his skin he knew that he was a danger to everyone…but if he exhausted his magic, maybe just maybe it would give him enough time to get a safe distance away from Gray.

"Can I really do it through?" He muttered softly as he stared down at his clenched hands, his resolve wavering as Gray's face flickered through his mind…the relief and concern that had been in the onyx eyes when he'd answered the door haunting him and he gritted his teeth. "Can I really leave him behind again?" It had nearly killed him the first time, and at least then Gray had been miles away on Tenroujima…but now with the Ice mage so close, the temptation to stay was that much stronger. _Damn it…_

FTFT

Gray cursed as he stumbled over yet another tree root, the light lacrima was making it easier to move through the darkening wood but it wasn't bright enough to reveal all the dangers in his path, and he was fairly sure his toes at least were going to be black and blue by the time he managed to find Natsu. The brief flare of temper disappeared as his thoughts shifted back to the object of his search, and his pace quickened once more, praying silently that he was heading in the right direction as so far he hadn't found even a clue as to where the Fire mage had gone.

"NATSU!" He shouted a couple of minutes later, coming to a halt as he strained his ears in the hopes of getting a response and not for the first time envying the Dragon-slayer for his advanced senses. The woods around him remained silent though, and he closed his eyes in disappointment for a second before they snapped open once more as he shouted again. "NATSU! Damn it where are you?" The last bit was barely a whisper, and he had to force himself to loosen his hold on the lacrima as he heard it make a worrying cracking noise where his fingers had tightened around it.

The earlier fears that maybe the Dragon-slayer had already taken off were coming back now, having been temporarily lessened by the fact that he was actually out searching for him, and he swallowed hard. _What if I'm too late again?_ The pain that he had felt stood on the dock in Hargeon when Wendy told him that he had just missed the Dragon-slayer was returning, and he bit his lip, fighting the sob that was struggling to rise in his chest at the mere thought of going through that again and with a curse he broke into a run. He had to find Natsu. He had to find him before he could disappear again, because he knew that if the Fire mage got away again, there would be no way that Natsu would slip up like he had with Yukari…_It really could be months…years before I see him again…and I don't…I can't handle that. _

Branches whipped past him as he dashed forward, and he felt one cut his chin deep enough to draw blood but he didn't allow it to slow him down. If he hadn't been convinced that his feelings for the Dragon-slayer had changed before, then the emotions churning in his chest at the moment would've been enough to convince him…even if it had been Lucy or the others in the situation he knew that he wouldn't have felt this level of concern . Hitting another tree root he tumbled forward, cursing and letting out a soft yelp as his ankle twisted sending him careening into the ground, grunting as he landed hard. For a brief moment he lay there stunned, before quickly scrambling back to his feet and gritting his teeth as pain spiked through his ankle.

Shoving the pain aside he took off again, knowing that he might regret it in the morning, but not caring in the slightest, although he did wince instinctively at the thought of what Erza would do to him if she was here. Closing his eyes briefly he shook off that mental image, before turning his gaze forward as he called for Natsu again…_surely he'll answer me if he hears me?_

"NATSU! DAMN IT FLAMEBRAIN ANSWER ME!" He knew that calling the Dragon-slayer by his nickname was probably not the best way to get him to respond, but it soothed his growing nerves somewhat and brought to mind happier times before all of this had happened.

FTFT

Natsu had finally forced himself back to his feet, although he hadn't moved from his spot beneath the tree as his gaze wavered between the direction of Yukair's cottage and the path that would lead him away from Gray. Flames had begun to dance along his skin despite his efforts to suppress them, and he knew that he didn't have long before they would erupt out of him once more and he bit his lip…_I nearly hit Gray earlier all because I can't control my magic. It doesn't matter if I want to stay…I can't put him in danger again. I won't…_ It sounded so sensible and rational in his thoughts, but the physical act of turning away from the direction in which his would-be mate was, was harder than he could have imagined.

His eyes were damp as he finally turned away, and he could feel his magic destabilising further as both parts of himself ached at the knowledge of what he was leaving behind. Gritting his teeth he glanced down at the dancing flames and closed his eyes, preparing himself to let them run wild and he was just about to let go of the weak control he had over it when he froze. Shouting…he could hear shouting…and even as he found himself automatically turning around he knew who it was, his eyes filling at the next shout.

"NATSU! DAMN IT FLAMEBRAIN ANSWER ME!"

_No. Don't come here. _He thought desperately knowing that there was no way he could hold back the outburst for much longer, and that Gray who he'd thought was safely back at the cottage was now heading in his direction. The longing to stay had increased tenfold with the knowledge of the Ice mage's proximity, and it was a huge effort to turn away and break into a stumbling run, and it was only the thought that he had to protect Gray that allowed him to move. Before he'd gone more than a couple of steps he realised that he'd left it to late, the realisation barely settling over him before the world around him was engulfed in hungry flames and all he could do was hope that Gray was far enough away to avoid his magic.

FT

Gray stumbled to a halt as the forest and night sky were suddenly lit by a roaring tower of flame, his eyes widening as he stared up at the pillar with terror pooling in his gut. There was a wildness to the flames that he'd never seen before and he knew that there was no way that Natsu was controlling them, and he swallowed hard as he thought back to the earlier outburst…just what the hell is going on with his magic? He wondered remembering the terror that had filled the olive eyes when Natsu had lost control and his expression darkened before he took a determined step forwards, he didn't want to see that expression on Natsu's face again and there was no way he was going to leave the Dragon-slayer to face this on his own.#

He ignored the small voice at the back of his mind that warned him of what he could be rushing headlong towards, the fate of the mage that had come up against Natsu the other week playing through his thoughts but he shoved it away…This was Natsu, no matter what else was going on with him, he still trusted the Dragon-slayer, still had faith that he would regain control over his magic. Clinging to that thought he broke into a run once more, ice glistening across his skin as he tried to prepare himself for the heat that he knew he was running towards, wishing that he had Erza's armour but not allowing that worry to slow him down.

FT

Natsu could taste copper in his mouth, and he was vaguely aware that he must have bitten his lip at some point but it was impossible to focus on anything beyond the magic rushing wildly through his body. Olive eyes were locked on the tower of fire stretching skywards above him, as he struggled to try and force it back under control, the thought that even now Gray could be caught up in this…or even heading towards it making his efforts increasingly frantic. And yet it felt as though the magic had becoming an entirely separate entity, the realisation bringing with it a sense of loss and he felt his eyes stinging…he had always been so proud of his magic and so in tune with it, and he found himself completely lost now.

Desperately he clenched his fists, turning his gaze down to the ground and trying to block out the image of the flames reaching skywards…_Stop! I have to stop them! I have to…_ He was unaware of the blood beginning to drip from his nose, pressure building as he flung every scrap of willpower that he could at the runaway at the magic. Yet even a couple of minutes later he couldn't detect even the slightest shift or decline in the magic, and he was just beginning to think that it was hopeless when his draconic side stirred once more. He could feel it growling in the back of his mind, disgusted by his human weakness and yet still unwilling to risk Gray getting caught up in this mess.

Even with the added force of his draconic side it was still a struggle to get a hold on the wild magic, and he was trembling and panting with exhaustion by the time he felt the slightest shift in it. Through blurry eyes he glanced up, almost collapsing with relief as he realised that the tower of flames was losing its intensity, slowly dying away as the flames retreated back inside his body. As the last of them faded back into his skin he toppled forwards, landing heavily on his hands and knees, his breaths coming in short sharp pants as his body screamed at him out of pain and exhaustion.

Weakly he lifted his head struggling to focus his vision enough to take in his surroundings, fear lancing though him as he took in the charred remains of the trees around him and he closed his eyes in an attempt to block out the sight. _What have I become?_ Unable to face the thought of seeing the expression on Gray's face when he saw the sheer destruction that he was capable of, or the moment when he realised that Natsu was nothing more than a danger to him, the Dragon-slayer forced himself back to his feet. For a moment he swayed as his body protested the movement, but summoning every ounce of stubbornness he had left he stepped forwards, his only thought at the moment to get away. However, his body had other plans and he'd barely taken a couple of staggering steps when his legs crumpled beneath him sending him tumbling back to the ground with a low cry of alarm.

Refusing to give up he tried to get his feet back under him, but this time he couldn't even manage to lift himself up onto his arms and after a moment he sank back in defeat. Exhaustion both mental and physical settled over him like a heavy blanket the second he stopped fighting, and letting out a choked sob he closed his eyes, realising that there was nothing more for him to do but wait for Gray to find him.

_Gray…_

FT

Gray had panicked when the tower of flames had disappeared from the sky, even though the hopeful part of him was praying that it just meant that Natsu had managed to get his magic back under control. But given their recent luck he doubted very much that was the case, and his hands clenched at the thought of what he might be about to find.

Even without the pillar of flames to guide his way, it was easy enough to track Natsu's location as the smell of smoke and charred wood grew stronger the further he pressed on. The lacrima casting a faint light around him, and he swallowed hard as he passed into an area where everything he could see was badly charred and his stomach rolled as he realised that the earlier outburst had been nothing in comparison to this. Part of him knew that the logical thing would be to turn and run in the opposite direction, that magic like this was beyond his ability to cope with on his own…but this was Natsu…and regardless of whether or not he could help he had to try, he owed the fire mage that much at least.

"Natsu! Natsu can you hear me?!" He shouted desperately, cursing how faint the lacrima was as he frantically scanned the area for any sign of the Dragon-slayer.

"Natsu!" He shouted in alarm as he finally spotted the slumped figure at the base of the tree, his heart skipping a beat for a moment when there was no response to his frantic shout. Panic and fear were warring for control as he dashed forwards, dropping to his knees as soon as he reached the figure, the lacrima discarded on the grass beside him and casting a faint light on the situation. "Oi, can you hear me? Natsu?!" In the pale light, the Dragon-slayer's skin looked nearly translucent and the Ice Mage's fingers were trembling as he reached out to check that the other teen was okay, nearly collapsing in a heap as he felt the pulse beating steadily beneath his fingertips.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself he shifted his hand until he could gently brush his fingers across a pale cheek, noting with fresh concern that Natsu's skin only felt mildly warm to the touch rather than overly warm that it normally did and as he watched a shiver worked its way through the Dragon-slayer's body. For once he found himself cursing his Ice magic, even now with Yukari's magic subduing it, his own body temperature was lower than a normal persons and that meant that he couldn't warm Natsu up himself and he muttered an angry curse…something so simple, yet something that was completely beyond him.

There was blood on Natsu's chin and coming from his nose, and his eyes narrowed with concern as he reached out to gently wipe it away, uncaring of the fact that his shirt was now badly marked. He knew from experience that was a bad sign, and he wished desperately that he had asked Wendy to come along with him…he could do basic first aid but anything else was beyond him and he had no idea if Yukari was any better. His frown deepened as another shiver worked its way through the unconscious Dragon-slayer a moment later and with gentle hands he lifted Natsu so that his head was resting on his lap, brushing pink locks aside as he studied the pale face beneath him.

"What have you been doing to yourself?" He asked softly, not expecting a reply but unable to completely subdue the disappointment at the silence that met his question and he bit his lip. Realising that leaving him outside was only going to make it worse he carefully gathered Natsu in his arms, cautiously climbing back to his feet and cradling the Dragon-slayer against his chest.

At last he got a faint reaction, as Natsu let out a low whimpering noise at the movement and even as he began to utter reassurances the Dragon-slayer's expression relaxed slightly and he turned his face against Gray's shoulder to nuzzle against him. For a moment Gray froze at the gesture, but then his face softened and he briefly ducked his head to rest it against Natsu's head, closing his eyes to blink back sudden moisture at the realisation that even after everything that happened the Fire mage was able to draw comfort from his presence.

"Let's get you back," he murmured softly as he lifted his head, wishing that he could say that he was taking him home to Fairy Tail, but for now he would take what he could get as long as he got to stay by Natsu's side. _I'll look after you Natsu…_

FTFT

"What happened?" Yukari asked in alarm as she opened the door to find Gray standing just outside, Natsu cradled protectively in his arms clearly unconscious, and fresh guilt welled up in her as she took in the state that he was in. Knowing that it was her actions that had pushed him over the edge that he had been walking along for the past few days and she swallowed hard…_what have I done. I'm so sorry Natsu._ She didn't voice that aloud though instead stepping aside so that the Ice mage could enter, quickly closing the door behind him before leading him towards the bedroom.

"He had another outburst," Gray replied softly as he followed her, he had caught a fleeting glimpse of the fresh guilt in her eyes but he couldn't find the words to comfort her even if he knew that it wasn't her fault. All he could focus on at the moment was Natsu…and his voice wavered slightly as he continued. "It had ended before I found him, but the damage was much worse than earlier. He was already unconscious, and I haven't managed to wake him at all." His arms tightened around the Dragon-slayer, his eyes flicking down searching hopefully for any sign of change but Natsu hadn't stirred in the slightest and he turned desperate eyes towards Yukari.

"Lay him on the bed," Yukari ordered as she hastily pulled the covers out of the way, watching how gently Gray laid the Dragon-slayer on the bed and if the situation wasn't so serious she would have smiled…_and Natsu doubted how Gray felt about him_? Shaking her head, realising that this wasn't the time to deal with that issue she waited until Gray had carefully covered Natsu before quietly shooing him out of the way so she could examine the Dragon-slayer. It was clear that he was reluctant to put even a few steps between them, but he obeyed without protest although he went no further than absolutely necessary.

"Are you a healer?" Gray asked watching her every move with narrowed eyes and noting her calm approach, wanting to trust her, but needing to know that she knew what she was doing.

"I know enough to be going on with," Yukari replied shooting him what she hoped was a reassuring look, and trying to quell her own nerves as she shifted her attention back to her patient, before continuing in a much quieter tone. "If it's too serious though we'll have to take him into town…" Gray blanched at that, knowing that there was every chance that Natsu's magic might burst out again as there was no way he could've completely sorted out his emotions in the few hours he was away from them, and that if he harmed anyone else…even by accident, it would destroy him and he was too close to that stage already.

"We can't…"

"We might have to," Yukari pointed out grimly knowing exactly where his thoughts had gone, although she privately agreed with him, she wasn't about to endanger Natsu just because of that possibility. Especially not when her actions had contributed to the current situation. Gray opened his mouth to protest but then snapped it shut without a word, knowing that she was right and that arguing at the moment was only serving to distract her from Natsu. "I'll do what I can for now and we'll just have to see how does after a little bit of rest," she added more gently, briefly resting her hand against Natsu's forehead, feeling his magic already beginning to gather once more although it was too weak to worry about for now…but the fact that she could feel meant that he had well and truly basted past the restriction her magic had placed on him, and they no longer had that safety net to fall back on.

With gentle hands she checked his head for injuries, grabbing a wet cloth to finish cleaning the last traces of blood off his face, constantly checking for any sign of him regaining awareness but his face remained lax throughout her ministrations and finally she stood back with a sigh.

"As far as I can tell its just magical exhaustion," she said quietly glancing across at Gray, catching the relief that rippled across his expression and holding up her hand to stall him. "But as his health wasn't great beforehand I'm not sure whether rest will be enough." She felt bad for renewing his worries as she watched his expression fall once more, but she didn't want him to be caught unaware if Natsu took a turn for the worst.

"So?" Gray prompted tightly, pressure growing in his chest as her words settled in crushing the brief spark of relief. _He wouldn't have been in that state if I hadn't been such a coward back then…if I had been ready…I'm so sorry Natsu._

"I'll make some medicine up for him," Yukari replied glancing at Natsu sadly, before refocusing on the Ice mage. "Other than that we'll just have to watch over him tonight. If there's no change tomorrow morning we should take him into town, even if it is risky." She hoped desperately that wouldn't be the case, but whilst she was fairly skilled in healing minor ailments and injuries she had never dealt with a situation like this.

"I'll watch over him," Gray said softly and she just nodded having already expected that, doubting that she would be able to shift him from the Dragon-slayer's side until Natsu at least woke up. She watched quietly as he stared at Natsu, worry and guilt written across her face and she just hoped that Natsu would realise just how much the Ice mage wanted to help and not continue trying to push him away, but she had a feeling it was going to be a battle to convince him.

"I'll go and start on the medicine," she said quietly after a moment, feeling as though she was intruding on a personal moment and she winced as Gray jumped at her voice having already forgotten that she was there. "Shout for me if anything changes," she added when he glanced at her, and he nodded silently and with a small smile she headed for the door, glancing back as she reached and seeing that he was completely focused on Natsu once more.

Glancing around Gray moved across to grab the small stool from the dressing table, pulling it quickly across to Natsu's side before settling on it with a sigh. For a long moment he just stared at Natsu before shyly reaching out to grasp the Dragon-slayer's hand, struggling not to drop it when he realised Natsu hadn't warmed up in the slightest over the last few minutes. His gaze shifted up to Natsu's face and he frowned as he realised that even in the grip of unconsciousness the Dragon-slayer looked tense and unhappy, and he was slightly stunned by the strength of his desire to wipe those emotions from Natsu's expression.

Natsu had always been the embodiment of happiness and optimism, sometimes to the point of being irritating and yet right now Gray would give anything to have that Natsu back. Biting his lip he hesitated for a moment before reaching up to gently brush his fingers against a pale cheek.

"You have to wake up soon," he said his voice barely above a whisper, as though afraid that someone other than Natsu would hear him. "There's so much I need…want to say to you, and that we need to talk about together."

_Please Natsu…come back to me._

FT

It was nearly midnight when Gray was drawn out of his whirling thoughts by a soft moan from the direction of the bed, and he was already moving even more he caught movement as Natsu's shifted slightly with another soft noise of discomfort. Reaching the side of the bed he reached out to grasp one of Natsu's hand, squeezing it gently even as he leaned over the Dragon-slayer, noting with relief that the hand in his was almost uncomfortably warm to the touch once more.

"Natsu?" He called hopefully although he made sure to keep his voice low, not wanting to startle the Fire mage, although to his dismay he caught a small flinch even as Natsu's head shifted in his direction. As he watched Natsu's nose scrunched up slightly, and he could see his eyes dancing beneath closed lids as the Dragon-slayer tried to convince his eyes to open and he began to murmur soft encouragements as it became clear that Natsu was struggling even with that simple task. It took several long minutes of encouragement and struggle before olive eyes finally slipped open, and Gray fell silent as the hazy gaze landed on him for a moment before drifting around the room before he blinked heavily, clearly struggling to keep his eyes open as his attention slowly shifted back to Gray.

"Gray…"

"Hey, how are you feeling?" Gray asked softly, relieved to see that for the moment at least there was none of the distress and confusion that Natsu had shown earlier when he arrived, although he knew part of it was simply because the Dragon-slayer wasn't fully awake just yet.

"Not sure," Natsu replied after a long moment a lost look in his eyes as he stared at Gray, closing his eyes briefly as he realised that it was true. He felt somewhat numb, although as he began to wake up more there were brief flashes of memories from what had happened before and gradually the numbness began to seep away into a cloud of horror and uncertainty…_why are you still beside me? _He wondered as he refocused on Gray, unsure of what to make of the concerned expression on the Ice mage's face.

"You scared me," Gray said quietly, wincing even as the words left his lips and cursing himself for not thinking it through as he saw Natsu flinch violently. The Dragon-slayer curled in on himself, pulling his hand free of Gray's and ducking his head for a moment, convinced that Gray must be referring to his outburst in the forest…_of course he'd scared after that._

"Sorry," Natsu whispered as he forced himself to raise his head once more catching the fear still lurking in the dark eyes that were watching his every move, and he lowered his gaze unable to hold the others eyes any longer…even now after everything he was causing Gray more distress. His eyes were stinging fiercely, his draconic side stirring uneasily in his chest and he bit his lip…he couldn't afford to lose control again, not now. "It's okay…you don't have to stay by my side," he forced out after a moment, certain that Gray would leap at the chance to leave.

He was stunned when instead of hearing the Ice mage rise and leave, a pair of cool hands grasped his shoulders tightly enough to bruise and he stiffened. _What are you doing?_ Before he could protest or ask what was happening he found himself being shook lightly, and despite himself he found himself raising his head once more, sucking in a startled breath as he found himself staring into blazing, onyx eyes with barely a couple of inches between their faces.

"Stop trying to push me away!" Gray knew he was practically shouting but he couldn't help it, Natsu's words had shocked him and cut him to the core even though he realised that Natsu was only trying to protect him in his own way…but he had no intention of leaving him alone again. He had made that mistake before. "I'm not going anywhere."

"But…"

"I am staying right here," Gray repeated fiercely cutting over the weak protest with ease, his expression softening slightly as he saw the confusion and fear in Natsu's face and he added in a softer tone. "Because I want to be here, not because I have to be."

"But you said I scared you," Natsu muttered, not understanding why Gray was refusing to leave and struggling against the urge to just reach out and clutch the Ice mage to himself…longing for the comfort that would bring, but terrified that it would just make Gray feel that he had to stay with him. Instead he lowered his eyes slightly as he continued, his voice rising as his emotions swirled in his chest. "I lost control again…I could've killed you!"

"What?" Gray blinked and then sighed as he realised that the Dragon-slayer had misinterpreted what he'd said earlier, and he relaxed his hold slightly as he shook his head. "I wasn't afraid of you! I was afraid for you! You're already unwell and these outbursts are putting a strain on your body…and then I found you unconscious and bleeding! Of course I was scared you damned idiot!"

Natsu blinked in shock at the outburst, hearing the sincerity and emotion behind the words and for the first time he felt a flicker of hope rising in his chest. Seeing a shift in the olive eyes, Gray smiled slightly giving Natsu's shoulders a last squeeze before releasing them so that he could retake his seat, but he was swift to retake Natsu's hand in his own so that the Dragon-slayer wouldn't misunderstand, taking it as a good sign when the Dragon-slayer made no move to pull away this time. Squeezing warm fingers he raised his gaze once more to meet Natsu's.

"I'm not going anywhere…so please talk to me."

FTFT


	16. Chapter 16

Thank you for the amazing reviews, follows and favourites.

Disclaimer: As always Fairy Tail and its amazing characters don't belong to me, I'm just borrowing them.

FTFT

Previously:

_Natsu blinked in shock at the outburst, hearing the sincerity and emotion behind the words and for the first time he felt a flicker of hope rising in his chest. Seeing a shift in the olive eyes, Gray smiled slightly giving Natsu's shoulders a last squeeze before releasing them so that he could retake his seat, but he was swift to retake Natsu's hand in his own so that the Dragon-slayer wouldn't misunderstand, taking it as a good sign when the Dragon-slayer made no move to pull away this time. Squeezing warm fingers he raised his gaze once more to meet Natsu's._

"_I'm not going anywhere…so please talk to me."_

FTFT

Now:

Natsu stared blankly up at the Ice mage, Gray's words echoing through his mind as he struggled to force his thoughts into some sort of order. _Talk to you about what?_ He wanted to ask, but his throat felt painfully tight and he couldn't convince the words to come out. _What is there to talk about anyway?_ He wondered with more than a hint of bitterness tainting the thought and he hastily lowered his eyes, not wanting Gray to see it in his expression, not when he was sat there watching him with such a concerned expression on his face.

He still couldn't understand why Gray had been so insistent in chasing after him, in helping him despite the danger…especially after what had happened back then…He hadn't been what the Ice mage wanted back then, and it seemed to him that the only thing that had truly changed since the day that Gray had rejected his feelings was that he had grown weaker, slipping ever closer to the point of losing control. If he hadn't wanted him back then, why was he here now…_was it misplaced guilt? Or had the others forced him to come after him? Erza and Lucy perhaps?_ His heart ached at the thought that the Ice mage might only be there because he'd been ordered by their friends, and he tried to pull his hand free of Gray's grasp, but the other teen hung on hastily.

"Natsu?" Gray asked softly as he squeezed Natsu's hand in gentle encouragement, carefully masking his hurt as the Dragon-slayer continued to try and pull away, his heart aching at the emotions that were swimming in olive eyes. "Please…"

"What…What do you want me to say?" Natsu finally managed to ask as he gave up on trying to free himself, his voice barely above a whisper even as he carefully avoiding meeting Gray's eyes. The Ice mage had to fight the urge to scowl at the other's demeanour…the Dragon-slayer was never meant to sound like that, or look so small and defeated and it made his heart ached to see it. Still at least he had responded, although Gray found himself wanting to growl at the question…_had things between them truly broken down to the point where Natsu no longer knew how to speak to him?_

"Anything!" It was clear from the half-panicked, half-dark look that he received that Natsu was looking for a more useful response than that and he left out a soft sigh. There was so much that they needed to talk about, so many issues that need to be addressed and he wasn't sure which would set Natsu off the most. Still they needed to start somewhere, and if he lapsed into awkward silence as well then they were never going to get anywhere and there was still the chance that Natsu might give into the temptation to disappear again. "Will…Will you tell me what happens if a mating bond isn't accepted until after the season has ended?" He forced himself to ask eventually, biting his lip at the tension that had immediately bled into Natsu's already stiff posture.

"I…It doesn't," Natsu replied brokenly after several minutes had passed and Gray had been beginning to think that he wasn't going to respond. The Dragon-slayer could feel a familiar stinging in his eyes and he blinked rapidly in an attempt to stop the tears from falling, highly aware of the fact that Gray was watching him with an almost frightening intensity. When he finally risked a glance up at the other teen he realised that the Ice mage was staring at him in confusion, and he nervously bit his lip as he realised that he really was going to have to explain it. "If it doesn't happen in that w-week…a proper bond can't form…" _Why are you asking me this? Isn't it bad enough that you turned me down in the first place?_

"What do you mean?" Gray asked softly, wishing that he had thought to ask Wendy and Gajeel this before now, especially as he caught the faint stammer in the Dragon-slayer's voice…and yet underlying all that was a deep sense of relief that Natsu was actually replying, that they were talking even if it was tense and stilted…at the moment he would take anything he could get.

"If…" Natsu trailed off and swallowed hard, his eyes flicking down to his hands as they clenched in his lap. _Why was Gray asking this? And why now?_ Still he couldn't refuse the Ice mage anything, even if was answers to questions that he would much rather not answer and he bit his lip as he realised that it felt like he was willingly rubbing salt into his own wounds. "If the bond isn't formed in that week…the Dragon seeking a mate or I guess in this case the Dragon-slayer," his lips twisted into a grim mockery of a smile which had Gray gritting his teeth, wanting to do everything in his power to make sure that he never had to see such an expression again. "Their Draconic nature won't be able to trust the bond…"

"Which means?" Gray prompted, sensing that he wasn't going to like where this was going, but needing to know everything. He had already caused more than enough damage, he certainly had no intention of inadvertently causing more just because of a lack of information.

"Every moment…every action would be doubted," Natsu replied softly, shivering at the mere thought of it and unable to bring himself to look at the other teen as he continued. "

"But…" Gray began before trailing off, blinking as he thought over what Natsu had said and he felt a spark of anger in his chest although it wasn't directed at the Dragon-slayer. _A week? A week to make a decision that far-reaching?_ "That's stupid…" The words slipped out before he'd even thought about what he was going to say and Natsu flinched violently, his eyes wide with hurt as he tried to shrink away from the Ice mage.

"I…"

"Not you!" Gray practically shouted as he realised how Natsu was interpreting his words. _Never you, _he thought wishing that he had managed to think before he spoke. Taking a deep breath to calm himself, he continued in a softer tone as he tried to explain what he'd meant. "Unless you're already in a relationship like Levy and Gajeel, how can you be expected to make a decision like that in a week?!" Hell even if they had been in relationship at that point, he didn't think he would have been confident enough to make a decision like that…not one that lasted a lifetime. He was still somewhat in awe of the fact that Levy hadn't even hesitated, even if it did make his own cowardly response look even worse in comparison.

"I told you," Natsu whispered, something in his chest easing at the explanation as he realised that the Ice mage hadn't been calling his stupid and he couldn't help but agree with Gray's assessment of the situation…even though it wasn't really as simple as that he thought sadly, feeling his draconic nature finally beginning to stir again as it shook off the exhaustion from his earlier exertions and only just resisted the urge to bang his head against the wall. "This bit of Draconic magic is really screwed up," he pointed out wearily, letting out a soft, strained chuckle at his own words although there was no humour in his expression and Gray gripped his hand tighter to silence him even as he contemplated what Natsu had told him.

His heart ached at the thought that his fear and hesitation back then might have cost them both everything, and he closed his eyes for a moment, fighting back the urge to howl as emotions surged up in his chest. Every word that Wendy and Gajeel had said to him, every worried look and tense silence pressing in on him now in a way that he had never let it before, and all he could do was cling onto Natsu's hand suddenly terrified that if he let ago that he wouldn't be able to reach him again. All the words that he had wanted to say now choked up his chest, and he could feel his eyes beginning to sting and he squeezed them shut to stop the tears from escaping.

Natsu didn't know what to make of the expression on Gray's face, and that scared him. It had always been so easy for them to read one another before all of this, and his heart ached at yet another sign that his magic…his once loved magic…had caused this rift between them. Realising that there was now tears swirling in dark eyes and he opened his mouth, desperate to say something to help, but the Ice mage had slammed his eyes shut before he could speak and he fell silent. _What do I do? What do I say? How do I make this better?_ He could hear the Ice mage's heart pounding in his chest, his breathing coming in short sharp pants and his heart constricted at the further proof that his…that theb Ice mage was suffering.

"Gray…"

"Does…Does that mean it's not possible?" Gray asked hesitantly once he'd found his voice once more cutting across Natsu's timid whisper, grimacing as he stammered and opening his eyes just in time to see the concern in Natsu's eyes increase. "It's not possible…to bond…after that week?" Even though the other Dragon-slayers had told him that it needed to happen in that week, as his thoughts and feelings began to change he had clung to the hope that it couldn't be as strict at that…that there was still a chance for things to work out, and he wasn't sure what he was going to do if that wasn't the case.

The Fire mage blinked, hope and fear warring with the pain in his chest as he registered what Gray was asking and he wished that he knew what the other teen was thinking. _Are you asking just so you can understand? Out of pity? Or do you...?_ He rapidly cut off the last thought, refusing to allow himself to feel the same hope that he'd felt when Gray had come to him during his season…if he let it in, let it take hold, he knew that there was no way that he would be able to hold himself together if Gray turned away from him again.

"I…" Natsu hesitated, unsure of how to answer…terrified that he would make the situation worse and he could feel his draconic side shifting ever closer to awareness, and he clenched his fists at the thought of

"Is it possible?!" Gray demanded his voice rising in volume, and he winced as Natsu flinched away at his tone and he took a deep breath forcing himself to calm down before continuing. "Please…just answer me."

"Why?" Natsu asked hesitantly, still startled by the previous shout and struggling to fight the urge to curl up defensively in the face of Gray's anger. Even now…after everything the Ice mage had done for him, he was still managing to make things difficult, and yet he couldn't stop himself from asking wearily. "What does it matter now?" _What was the purpose of this whole conversation? You made your decision back then and I doubt it will have changed…why would it…I haven't…_

"It matters!" Gray cried but there was no anger in his voice, just desperation as he heard the weariness in the Dragon-slayer's voice and he felt bad for pushing the issue, knowing that it must be hurting Natsu to talk about this. But everything…what he could say to the Dragon-slayer, what would happen between them…it all rested on this answer. "Please…"

"I…It's possible…I think," Natsu replied hesitantly, unable to resist the pleading tone and expression even though part of him wanted to. He didn't want to speak of this…didn't want to risk false hope being formed…didn't want to poke at the hole formed by Gray's rejection during his season, and yet as Gray stared at him wide eyes he found himself continuing against his will. "I don't really know…I just…it wouldn't be the same." _It might not be enough…_

"But it is possible…?" Gray breathed and Natsu nodded silently, watching with wide eyes as some of the panic and tension leaked out of the Ice mage, unable to understand the hope that had suddenly appeared in dark eyes…a direct conflict to the feeling of hopelessness that was engulfing him and for a brief second fury flared up his chest. It wasn't fair that he had to feel like this! That one decision…a choice that hadn't even been his to make could've had such an impact on his life…reducing him to his current state and for a moment he contemplated lashing out, making the world…making Gray…share this pain. Before he could lose control though icy fingers tightened around his hand, and he blinked, glancing down for a moment before raising his eyes to meet Gray's gaze. "I'm sorry," the Ice mage whispered and just like that the blinding fury was gone, and Natsu just felt weary and empty even as he shook his head.

"Don't apologise."

"But…" Gray protested, feeling the same awe and shame that he had felt the first time Gajeel had told him that Natsu didn't blame him…even now he didn't feel as though he would ever deserve it, even if they did manage to resolve everything between them.

"Don't," Natsu repeated tersely and Gray fell silent, taking in the determination and certainty that had appeared in the Dragon-slayer's eyes in a direct contradiction to the hesitation in his voice as he added softly. "I don't…it isn't your fault…any of this." Even if it was possible for him to go against his instincts to protect Gray, regardless of the fact that the Ice mage had rejected him, he doubted that he would be able to do so…_It wasn't your fault._

FT

The silence that stretched out between them was not as comfortable as it would have been in the past, but there was an ease to it that neither of them would have expected even a few hours ago and for Gray that only fanned the flicker of hope in his chest. However, it made him even more reluctant to continue with everything else that they needed to talk about. He knew that Natsu had come very close to lashing out not long ago, although the Dragon-slayer had done an admirable job of hiding it, and he wanted to give him a little more time to calm down before he did anything to stir things up again…and if he was being honest with himself he needed the time as well. He hadn't been prepared for the sheer terror that he'd felt at the thought that it was too late, and even now he could feel that fear lurking in his chest.

He was casting around for something to say, something that had nothing to do with Dragons or Mates or their tangled mess of a relationship, when Natsu yawned widely dragging his attention back to the Dragon-slayer. Natsu looked absolutely exhausted, and as Gray watched his head seemed to bob and his eyes fluttered shut for a second before the Fire mage stubbornly forced them open once more, although it was clear from his slightly unfocused gaze that it was a battle that he was going to lose fairly quickly.

"Go to sleep," Gray ordered softly as he watched Natsu struggling to force his eyes open once more, smiling slightly at the sleepy protest that met his words. It was a sign that the old Natsu was still in there somewhere, and for a brief moment he was distracted by memories of happier times…of Lucy and Erza yelling at them to stop arguing and go to sleep, of him telling Natsu to sleep when the idiot wanted to stay up long after he'd reached the point of exhaustion. "You're still recovering and that outburst earlier can't be helping," he added once he'd pulled himself out of his memories, meeting sleepy olive eyes for a moment before the Dragon-slayer's gaze skittered away nervously.

"I…" Natsu began hesitantly, his draconic side railing against him as it realised what he was going to ask, and he bit his lip knowing that it was a selfish request. Yet there was something in the dark eyes watching his every movement that gave him the strength to ask. "Will you still be here…?"

"Of course," Gray replied instantly, having seen how Natsu had struggled to ask such a simple question and determined not to give him a chance to doubt himself or Gray. Gently squeezing the warm hand that he was still clinging to, he added softly but with an underlying firmness so that Natsu couldn't find any room to doubt his words. "I followed you out here…you're not getting rid of me that easily."

It didn't take long for Natsu to fall asleep once more, their conversation having added to the physical strain of his earlier outbursts and unstable magic. However, it was clear from the tense and unhappy expression that lingered on his face even in sleep that the rest was anything but peaceful and Gray tightened his hold on the Dragon-slayer's hand, trying to reassure him even in sleep that he was hear and that he wasn't going anywhere. Natsu murmured softly at the gesture and his expression evened out slightly, his head shifting slightly so that he was closer to the Ice mage, and unable to resist Gray lifted his free hand to gentle comb through tangled pink hair.

"I'm sorry," he whispered again now that Natsu wasn't awake to stop him, knowing deep inside that there weren't enough apologies in the world to make up for this mess he'd caused, and it made the fact that the Dragon-slayer still refused to blame him that much harder to bear. Yet he knew that he couldn't continue to linger on that, not if he wanted them both to be able to move forward…and he did, especially when Natsu had given him the hope that maybe just maybe he hadn't completely screwed everything up.

It wasn't going to be simple though, and that was part of the reason why he'd held off diving into everything that he'd realised during the S-class exam and since then. A small part of him was terrified to say it aloud and that had added to his hesitation, but he was relieved to realise that it hadn't been the main thing holding him back this time…he didn't want to broach the issue, to push his feelings forwards and risk overwhelming the Dragon-slayer until he'd got his thoughts into a proper order so that he could share them without causing inadvertent hurt. _'The choice is always in the hand of the one that has been chosen.' _Wendy's words from back then echoed through his mind and he nodded grimly…even if Natsu had been in a better state, both mentally and physically the responsibility to fix this would still have rested on his shoulders.

_I will find a way to fix this!_

It wasn't a huge step…but the fact that they had started to broach some of the issues between them, and that Natsu had let him hold his hand for the whole time, meant that it was still a step forwards and to Gray it felt as though he had just won a battle even if the war was far from over. His eyes drifted down to their joined hands, and his fingers tightened slightly. _I'm not letting go this time._ For now he would focus on helping get Natsu back on his feet, hoping that his mere presence would be enough to help just as it had when the Dragon-slayer had been in the grip of the fever and hopefully they could continue to tentively approach the other issues that needed to be dealt with.

He would need to send a note to the guild he realised, especially to the other Dragon-slayers as he knew that he had probably caused a fair bit of concern taking off like that. Hopefully Yukari would be alright with having another houseguest, if not he would have to see if he could convince Natsu to come with him so that they could find somewhere private to work things out…there was no way he was going to risk going back to the guild just yet. He doubted that Natsu would be able to cope with it, and he knew that there were some…Erza…who would interfere even if they didn't mean to cause harm, and he couldn't allow that, aware that it wouldn't take much to scare Natsu away at this stage and he knew that if the Dragon-slayer fled again…it would probably be for good.

"I'm not going to let that happen," he muttered fiercely shivering at the mere thought of it, and he almost wished that Natsu would wake up to reassure him that it wouldn't happen. But Natsu slept on oblivious to the whirlwind of thoughts consuming Gray, and the Ice mage let out a soft sigh, unable to begrudge him the rest that he clearly needed and as the sigh grew into a wide yawn he realised just how weary he was as well.

For a moment he eyed the bed, a stifling longing rising in his chest at the idea of curling up on the bed with Natsu, but he dragged his gaze away, knowing that it was too soon for that. Yet he was reluctant to move far from the Dragon-slayer, especially after Natsu had asked if he would still be here…there was no way he was going to do anything to break that one. Sighing softly and well aware that his body was probably going to regret it in the morning, he leaned forward so that his head could rest on the bed beside Natsu's pillow, the Fire mage's warmth immediately reaching out to engulf him. In the past it had always been an overwhelming heat against his own cooler skin, always fanning the aggravation he felt towards his rival, but now it felt a soothing hug and a reminder that Natsu was right there with him.

"Flamebrain," he whispered already feeling his eyelids beginning to drift shut, the events of the day catching up with him as the heat eased him towards sleep.

FT

A couple of hours later:

'_Natsu? Why?" Gray's voice was weak and trembling as he reached out towards Natsu, his face a mask of pain as the flames whipped ever higher around him and the Dragon-slayer darted forwards, reaching out desperately to try and free him. His fingers were barely an inch away from Gray's, but before he could close the last of the distance the flames roared higher and Natsu could only watch helplessly as the Ice mage vanished from sight, lost amongst the dancing fire and all he could do was scream out his grief and guilt…I did this…_

Natsu started awake with a frightened cry on his lips, his chest heaving as terror gripped him…the dream had seemed so real and he was shaking wildly as he sat up, starting as he became aware of the weight pressing in on his side. Eyes wide and with tears already beginning to trickle down his cheeks he hesitantly turned his head towards it, something easing slightly in his chest as he took in the sight of Gray….alive and breathing and right there in front of him. Blinking he reached up to brush at the tears he could now feel on his cheeks, coming up short as he realised that his other hand was still clasped tightly in Gray's cool hold and he stared down at their linked hands…_He really stayed…he held onto me all this time?_

Despite the shifting in his chest as his draconic self encouraged him to pull away, to remember that he had no right to such gestures he couldn't stop himself from curling his fingers tighter around Gray's hand. _Gray was real and he was here,_ and that was all that he needed at the moment he realised as he felt his breathing slowly beginning to ease out although the images from his dream refused to fade. It had felt so real, and he knew that it could very well have happened…that it could still happen whilst his control over his magic remained so weak and yet he couldn't pull away. The cold realistic part of himself knew that this couldn't last, that sooner or later Gray would leave him again…_but for now_…

"Gray…" He whispered softly not wanting to disturb the Ice mage, noting for the first time just how tense and stressed Gray looked even asleep and his eyes lowered as he realised that he was probably the cause of that stress. "I'm sorry," he added but he still couldn't bring himself to pull away, instead carefully lowering himself back onto the bed, each movement slow and cautious so that he didn't rouse the other teen. Once he was settled he shifted over until his head was resting lightly against Gray's, the feeling of cold flesh, and the scent that was uniquely Gray filling his nose and he felt himself slowly relaxing, the nightmare slowly receding into the back of his mind and he felt his earlier exhaustion seeping back in and he let his eyes slowly drift shut once more.

_Thank you for still being here…_

FTFT

The next morning:

Yukari rose early the next morning after spending the night tossing and turning, the little amount of sleep that she had managed to get broken by anxious dreams. Even when she'd been awake though she hadn't been able to bring herself to go and check on Natsu, trusting that Gray would've come to fetch her if she'd been needed…resolutely ignoring the fact that she was afraid of confronting the damage that her well-meaning actions had caused. However, as she glanced out the window at the slowly lightening sky she gathered her courage and headed for the other bedroom, hesitating for several minutes outside the door before she finally found it in herself to reach out and open the door quietly.

Easing it open she slid inside, her eyes slowly adjusting the poor lighting and when her gaze landed on the bed, she felt the tension in her chest easing slightly. Natsu was still looking unwell but there was a marked improvement from the night before, but what had a small smile slipping onto her face was the way that he had curled around Gray. The Ice mage was still sat in the chair beside the bed, but he had scooted it close enough to crush his legs, his upper body resting against the bed and his head nestled against Natsu's on the pillow. Their entwined hands were just visible resting between then, and from what she could make out of their expressions they both looked content, although there were still traces of stress and worry hidden beneath it.

She doubted that they had managed to resolve all the issues between them in the space of one night, but it was clear that something had changed between them and whilst she still felt bad for upsetting the Dragon-slayer, her guilt was beginning to ease slightly. She was just about to turn and slip out of the room, definitely not wanting to risk disturbing them when they finally looked so peaceful, but before she just took a small step there was a soft snuffle from the bed and as she watched Gray shifted slightly and she held her breath. After a moment his head rose slightly and she could see him peering at her with sleepy eyes and she smiled softly at him, amused to see the hint of a blush that had seeped into pale cheeks as he realised that he was curled with Natsu.

"It's just me," she reassured him softly, not allowing her voice to rise past a whisper for fear of waking the sharp-eared Dragon-slayer and the Ice mage blinked heavily at her before relaxing slightly and muttering a soft greeting. "Go back to sleep," she ordered and after the slightest hesitation he nodded, and there was a hint of thankful smile on his lips.

"'Kay…" Gray's voice was a sleepy mumble and her smile grew as his head slumped down once more, and her eyes were soft as she watched him nuzzle closer to Natsu, catching the tiny smile that had appeared on his lips just as his eyes slipped shut once more. She waited patiently until his breathing had evened out once more before heading for the door, with a lightness to her step which had been missing before and a hopeful expression. _Perhaps he'll be able to start moving forward now…_

FTFT

Also just to let you know I am doing Nanowrimo this month – writing two stories one for Fairy Tail and one for K. So whilst I will be updating other stories as often as possible, please bear with me if there are delays.


	17. Chapter 17

Thank you for the amazing reviews, follows and favourites.

Disclaimer: As always Fairy Tail and its amazing characters don't belong to me, I'm just borrowing them.

FTFT

Previously:

_Easing it open she slid inside, her eyes slowly adjusting the poor lighting and when her gaze landed on the bed, she felt the tension in her chest easing slightly. Natsu was still looking unwell but there was a marked improvement from the night before, but what had a small smile slipping onto her face was the way that he had curled around Gray. The Ice mage was still sat in the chair beside the bed, but he had scooted it close enough to crush his legs, his upper body resting against the bed and his head nestled against Natsu's on the pillow. Their entwined hands were just visible resting between then, and from what she could make out of their expressions they both looked content, although there were still traces of stress and worry hidden beneath it._

_She doubted that they had managed to resolve all the issues between them in the space of one night, but it was clear that something had changed between them and whilst she still felt bad for upsetting the Dragon-slayer, her guilt was beginning to ease slightly. She was just about to turn and slip out of the room, definitely not wanting to risk disturbing them when they finally looked so peaceful, but before she just took a small step there was a soft snuffle from the bed and as she watched Gray shifted slightly and she held her breath. After a moment his head rose slightly and she could see him peering at her with sleepy eyes and she smiled softly at him, amused to see the hint of a blush that had seeped into pale cheeks as he realised that he was curled with Natsu._

"_It's just me," she reassured him softly, not allowing her voice to rise past a whisper for fear of waking the sharp-eared Dragon-slayer and the Ice mage blinked heavily at her before relaxing slightly and muttering a soft greeting. "Go back to sleep," she ordered and after the slightest hesitation he nodded, and there was a hint of thankful smile on his lips._

"'_Kay…" Gray's voice was a sleepy mumble and her smile grew as his head slumped down once more, and her eyes were soft as she watched him nuzzle closer to Natsu, catching the tiny smile that had appeared on his lips just as his eyes slipped shut once more. She waited patiently until his breathing had evened out once more before heading for the door, with a lightness to her step which had been missing before and a hopeful expression. __**Perhaps he'll be able to start moving forward now…**_

FTFT

Now:

Natsu sighed contentedly as he snuggled closer to whoever was pressed up against him, lips curving up slightly as his nose caught the soothing scent of snow and winter pine, a wave of possessiveness rising in his chest. _Mine…_That thought had barely formed before his eyes shot open in alarm, blinking as he found himself staring into sleepy, onyx eyes as the abrupt movement jolted Gray awake as well. At once he froze, unsure of how to react and terrified of the possessive thought that was still echoing in the back of his mind, his draconic side torn between claiming the Ice mage and tearing shreds out of him for even thinking like that. Cautiously the Ice mage sat up, unable to hide a slight wince as his body protested the uncomfortable position he'd been sleeping in, and Natsu's eyes widened with horror as fear sweapt over him. _I hurt him…_

At once he reared back in alarm, even though the logical part of him realised that he was panicking over nothing, that Gray was merely stiff from sleeping oddly and that he was not really responsible for that…but he couldn't bring himself to listen to part, instead focusing on putting some distance between them. _What was I thinking?! I should never have let him stay. _Unfortunately, he had misjudged how much space he had to move, and he let out a soft yelp as he felt himself beginning to overbalance, only for cool hands to grab his shoulders before he could fall backwards.

"Natsu!"

"I…I…" Natsu stammered as he was pulled back onto the bed, trying to pull himself free as he realised that the Ice mage was still holding onto him. _Go away…don't make this worse…_However, in his current state he lacked the strength to pull himself free, and after a couple of minutes he slumped in defeat, curling in on himself as though to protect himself.

"Calm down," Gray urged softly, feeling the tremors wracking the Dragon-slayer and feeling the heat coming from Natsu beginning to increase, the resulting panic chasing away any remaining traces of sleep as he knew that there was no way the Fire mage could handle another outburst at the moment…either physically or mentally. Feeling Natsu's struggles beginning to subside he pulled the Dragon-slayer against his chest, ignoring the soft protest that slipped out, well aware that the idiot was worrying more about him than himself. "You're going to hurt yourself. Please, Natsu…"

The pleading tone broke through the haze that had settled over him, and Natsu blinked dazedly as he glanced up at the Ice mage. There was nothing but genuine concern and fear in the dark eyes studying his every movement, and he had no idea how to react. _How can you look at me like that?_ He wanted to demand but he couldn't force the words out, and instead he glanced off to the side, unable to bear the feel of those eyes. _Why?_ However, it seemed that Gray wasn't willing to let him avoid it this time, and he jolted as cold fingers moved to gently grasp his chin, turning his head so that he was forced to look at the Ice mage. He knew that he could have pulled away or fought back, and that Gray would probably have let him, but he found himself unable to._ Gray…why?_

"It's alright, you just need to calm down," Gray murmured soothingly as soon as he was certain Natsu was listening, struggling to hide his own alarm and fear as he stared into wide, olive eyes, well aware that Natsu would misinterpret it in his current state. He'd been having a pleasant dream about the pair of them, these issues far behind them, and it had been a nasty shock to wake up and realise that it had just been a dream...let alone being faced with this reaction. Still, there was no way he was going to let Natsu face this alone. Moving slowly so that the fire mage could protest if he wanted, he wrapped his arms around the smaller teen, relieved when Natsu allowed himself to be pulled into a hug, although he frowned when the Fire mage promptly buried his face against his chest so that he couldn't see his expression.

"I hurt you," Natsu whispered finally a few minutes later, his voice muffled, and he pressed even closer as he felt the increased tension in the Ice mage's body.

Gray blinked at the whispered response, taking a moment to fully register what the Dragon-slayer had said, but when he did he had to bite his lip to hold back the retort hovering on the edge of his tongue. _Natsu..._there was something in the fire mage's eyes that told him that Natsu was aware that he was being ridiculous, and he sighed as he realised that yet again Natsu's actions were being dictated by his draconic side…was he ever going to get a chance to know what Natsu, the Natsu that he had grown with and fought alongside really thought about everything that had happened…and everything that could happen in the future. _I want to know what he wants…not what the Dragon wants…_However, he was smart enough to realise that there was no point in trying for those answers right now as the dragon was too close to the surface, so instead he took a deep breath and tightened his hold on the Dragon-slayer.

"No you didn't," he replied softly, not even entirely sure that he understood what Natsu was referring to, but determined not to let the idiot shoulder unnecessary blame. "I'm fine. You even went to extremes yesterday to protect me!" He knew that part of the reason Natsu had fled the night before, and managed to get so far despite his poor physical condition had been because the Dragon-slayer had been trying to protect him, and he was determined to make Natsu see that. Although as he felt Natsu shaking his head against him, he realised that the other teen wasn't going to make it that easy for him, and he sighed. "Natsu…"

"Don't…please…" Natsu pleaded as he finally pulled back, peering up at Gray, and feeling something twisting in his chest as he took in the worried expression on the Ice mage's face. Part of him desperately wanted to believe what he was being told, but his inner dragon was fully awake now, shifting just beneath the surface and he found himself unable to pull away from it. Shuddering slightly, he sank back against the Ice mage, torn between a desire to be close to him, and a need to pull away as his draconic side reminded him of why he didn't deserve this closeness. "Please…I can't…I can't."

_Please, just let me stay like this…_

FT

Yukari struggled to hide her frown when she stepped into the room nearly ten minutes later, having been alerted by the sound of their voices, although she'd waited to give them chance to wake up. Still it was clear that something more had happened, as the tension was thick in the air, and Gray's gaze was fixated on the Dragon-slayer who was curled up in the centre of the bed, his face twisted with a strange mix of concern and self loathing. Realising that it was probably something they needed to fix themselves she bustled forwards, offering Natsu a warm smile when he turned to look at her, not missing the trepidation in his gaze, but choosing to ignore it for the time being.

"How are you feeling?" She asked softly as she came up alongside him, studying him intently. There was more colour in his skin that there had been the night before, but he still looked exhausted and weak, and her smile faltered somewhat as she reached out and brushed her fingers over his forehead. His skin was still cooler than it should be, but more concerning was the magic that she could feel gathering beneath the surface…it was regrouping much quicker than it should, and she feared what that might mean for the Dragon-slayer, well aware that if the outbursts continued to get stronger something would have to give…either his magic or his body, neither of which were options that she particularly wanted to contemplate.

"Like I've been hit by a train," Natsu replied after a moment, his attempt at joking tone falling flat, and he glanced down as he felt her fingers lingering on his forehead. " Yukari..."

"Hmm?"

"I'm sorry," he whispered, remembering just how close he had come to hurting her the night before, and dreading to imagine just how bad the damage he had caused was. _I should leave…I'm a danger here…_And yet something in him rebelled at the mere thought of leaving, and he found his gaze darting to Gray before he could stop it, blinking as he realised that the Ice mage was watching him with concerned eyes. The same feeling as earlier shifted in his chest, and his gaze skittered back to Yukari who was staring at him with soft eyes.

"You don't have to apologise," she said gently, knowing that no matter how upset he had been with her for sending for Gray there was no way he would ever have intentionally targeted her. If anything she was the one that owed him an apology, and she slowly lowered her hand, letting it come to rest against his shoulder before adding softly. "I'm the one who went behind your back." _Not that I really regret it,_ even with the current tension in the air she could tell that the Ice mage had, had a positive impact on the Dragon-slayer despite the outbursts the day before.

"But..."

"If you really think that you need to make it up to me, focus on getting better," Yukari cut across the weak protest, smiling warmly at him when he gaped at her in surprise, clearly not knowing what to make of the forgiveness she was offering him. "Now I'm going to go and get you some more medicine and then you need to eat some breakfast, and then you're going to spend a quiet day resting. That isn't up for debate," she added in a sterner voice when she saw that he was about to protest again, shooting a look across at Gray, silently telling him that she expected him to help her keep the Dragon-slayer in bed. The Ice mage nodded in agreement, earning a soft grumble from the Dragon-slayer, and they were both relieved to see a hint of a pout replacing the strained expression on his face.

FTFT

Gajeel sighed as he stepped in the guild, ignoring the piercing looks he could feel spearing him from the table where Lucy and Erza were sitting. Both of them had been keeping an eye on the Dragon-slayer's since Gray had taken off, although if they were hoping to find out where the Ice mage was they were out of luck, as neither he nor Wendy had a clue as to where the idiot had gone. Even if they had, there was no way they would have said anyway, as neither girl seemed willing to accept the fact that this was something Natsu and Gray needed to sort out for themselves…without outside influence, and he struggled not to shoot a glare back at them in response, instead headed for the table where Levy and Wendy were waiting for him.

"Any sign of him?" Wendy asked hopefully as the older Dragon-slayer reached them, she'd offered to help him try and track down Gray, but he had pointed out that it was better to make sure that at least one of them were in the guild in case he reappeared.

"Nothing," Gajeel grumbled as he sank down onto the bench beside Levy, wrapping an arm around her and pressing his nose to her cheek for a moment, letting her scent soothe him before turning his attention to Wendy. "Something must have happened; the idiot wouldn't just take off for no reason. Not after everything that's happened with Natsu." _I hope…_Both he and Wendy were well aware that Gray's feelings towards Natsu and everything that happened had changed considerably, unfortunately neither of them had any idea whether there was anything left to fix, and it rankled somewhat that once again they had been reduced to the roles of spectators.

"Do you think Natsu reached out to him?" Levy asked softly, aware that they were under close scrutiny and not just from Lucy and Erza. Most of the guild were worried about their wayward Fire mage, although thankfully the majority of them seemed to have grasped the fact that the Dragon-slayers knew what they were talking about…not that it curbed their curiosity in the slightest, and she wasn't keen to feed fresh rumours.

"No," Gajeel replied after a moment, sharing a brief look with Wendy before shaking his head and turning back to his mate. "Natsu wouldn't be able to, no matter how much he might want to." His arm tightened around Levy at the mere thought of being unable to approach her, and sensing his increased tension the Solid Script mage leaned up to press a gentle kiss to the side of his chin, and he coughed slightly as he felt himself heating up slightly at the gesture even as he felt his draconic side being to subside.

"What about the person that Natsu said was helping him?" Wendy asked with a frown, wishing that the Fire mage had been more forthcoming with information the last time he'd written, although she knew that he had probably been worried about giving away his location if the others got hold of the letter. "Maybe they contacted him."

"Maybe," Gajeel agreed, before scowling. "But we have no idea who they are, or where the hell they live." _Not that it would make a difference…_Whilst they might have a better idea of what was going on with Natsu than the others, that didn't mean that he would welcome their presence any more than he would welcome the others. _But it would at least give us some peace of mind…_

"I hate this," Wendy whispered, and they could feel the wind that was beginning to whip up around her as she clenched hands against the table top. _Natsu…_She hated the fact that the only thing she had managed to do for him was drag back Erza and Lucy, but it was more than that…she had always been somewhat nervous about the prospect of going into season and finding a mate, even if it was still some time off for her, but after seeing what had happened with Natsu that nervousness had blossomed into full blown terror…and even if it was selfish, she needed him to be alright, needed to know that it was possible to have a proper life after being rejected.

"We all do, but we're just going to have to wait," Gajeel pointed out gruffly, but his expression was one of understanding as he reached out to gently rest his hand on her head, waiting until she peered up at him before adding. "This is Natsu we're talking about. Despite everything that's happened he's shown how strong he is…he'll come home when he's ready, and I bet that he'll surprise us when he does." _Who would have thought I'd be the one to praise the Salamander like this…?_ Still he couldn't deny the fact that Natsu had already borne up under the pressures of his failed mating far better than he would have thought possible…far better than he would have done if he'd been in the Fire mage's place…he just hoped that would be enough.

_You better come back Salamander…_

FTFT

A couple of hours later:

It was soothing just sitting together in the guest room, even though there was still a lot more that they needed to talk about, especially after the Dragon-slayer's panic that morning, although that panic had long since dissipated although an element of it lingered in the back of his mind. After he'd taken his medicine, Yukari had extended her embargo on him leaving the bed, forbidding him from leaving it for at least a couple of days, and given how much danger he had put her in, he hadn't been able to bring himself to argue with her. Besides if he was being honest with himself just the effort of walking to and from the bathroom a short while before had left him shaking and breathless, and to his embarrassment he'd had to get Gray to help him back to the bed. The Ice mage had been there almost before he'd finished asking, and hadn't shown the slightest hint discomfort or irritation at his weakness, which had helped him keep a lid on his embarrassment, although he had felt his cheeks burning as he was guided back to the bed.

That had faded away at some point, aided by the fact that Gray had immediately reclaimed his seat beside the bed and carried along like nothing had happened. They'd spent an hour or so talking about inconsequential things, both of them shying away from more dangerous topics for the time being, and Natsu had found himself relaxing slightly. Apparently even his draconic side was willing to accept this kind of closeness, and he felt a sense of peace that he hadn't felt since he'd first gone into season settling over him, and whilst he doubted that it was going to last he couldn't help but give into the urge to bask in the feeling. _I missed this…_

He must've dozed off at some point, as when he rolled over a short while later, he was startled to find that the Ice mage had shifted so that he could lean against the bedside table as he scribbled something down on a sheet of parchment. For a couple of minutes, Natsu just lay there watching the Ice mage work, amused by the various expressions that were flickering across his face. However, eventually his curiosity got the better of him and he pushed himself back into an upright position, pulling a face at the amount of effort it took and waiting for the slight dizziness to pass before speaking up.

"What are you doing?"

"Writing a quick letter for Wendy and the others," Gray replied, jumping slightly as he glanced up from the letter for a moment, missing the panic that flickered across the Dragon-slayer's face as he rubbed sheepishly at the back of his head, before adding softly. "I kind of took off on them without telling them what was happening, and I don't want them to worry if we're going to be gone awhile." He had no idea how long it was going to take to sort out everything between them and get Natsu's magic back on an even keel, but whilst he was more than willing to stay away from the guild for however long it took, but he didn't want to cause the others additional concern. Especially Wendy and Gajeel who had done their best to stay by him despite it being his own actions that had triggered everything. "Plus hopefully it'll stop Erza from trying to hunt us down. Natsu?" He trailed off as he finally realised that Natsu had paled rapidly whilst he was speaking, and his pen dropped as he turned fully to look at Natsu.

"Why?"

"Why?" Gray echoed in confusion.

"You don't have to stay…" Natsu pointed out, his previous calm disintegrating altogether as he turned away in an attempt to hide as he felt his eyes beginning to sting. _Why? Why are you doing this?_ At first there had been a warm feeling in his chest when he'd realised that Gray was saying that he was going to stay…that they were in this together…but then everything else had hit him once more. How could he ask that of the Ice mage? Why was Gray considering it? Sure they had spoken the night before, and he knew that Gray wanted them to talk some more…but talking wasn't going to fix this, and with time it was probably just going to fall apart even more. _Don't stay if you're just going to walk away from me again…_He knew that it wasn't fair, that it wasn't Gray's fault, but he couldn't bear the thought of experiencing pain like that again. "I'll be f-fine…you should go home." It didn't sound convincing even to himself, and he was unsurprised when the Ice mage's expression tightened before the Ice mage let out an exasperated sigh.

"I told you…I'm not going anywhere," Gray reminded him softly, inching his chair closer so that he could reach out and grasp Natsu's hand, tightening his hold gently until the Dragon-slayer reluctantly turned just enough to peer at him out of the corner of his eyes. Realising that was the best he was going to get at the moment he added in a firmer tone. "That hasn't changed, and it's not going to." _I made that mistake once before, I'm not going to make it again…_

"But…"

"But nothing," Gray cut across him, knowing better than to let him get in his stride, as even in this state the Fire mage could put Erza to shame for sheer stubbornness. "I know that you don't have any reason to believe me after what happened." It was painful to admit it aloud to Natsu, but he had long since accepted the fact that he was the one that had broken everything between them, and therefore the main responsibility for trying to mend things rest with him…he just prayed that Natsu was willing, or able to hear him out. "But I want to change that! No, I am going to change that!" At the moment he knew that the slightest hint of hesitation could be taken the wrong way and he was determined not to let that happen, eyes blazing as he stared at Natsu, refusing to back down or runaway this time.

"Gray…"

"When you're feeling a bit better I want to talk to you about everything," Gray said in a softer voice, well aware that the Dragon-slayer was still in no state for that conversation. He probably would never be fully ready for that conversation, but Gray was determined to at least wait until his magic was a little more stable, well aware of how much Natsu's emotions influenced his magic and wanting to avoid triggering another outburst if possible…knowing that the idiot would try and take the blame for that as well. "And I want you to tell me the truth! Not what your draconic side wants or commands, or what you think I want to hear! But what you think and what you want!" He knew that if he didn't make that distinction now, then the Dragon-slayer would either just try and give him the answers that he thought the Ice mage wanted or let his draconic side answer…and whilst Gray had learnt enough from Wendy and Gajeel to realise that he had to acknowledge that side of Natsu, he was far more interested in hearing what Natsu really wanted…it was that Natsu, that he had realised that he had fallen for.

"I…" Natsu trailed off, swallowing nervously as he studied the Ice mage, realising that Gray really meant what he was saying, and even with his draconic side beginning to stir and whisper that he shouldn't believe it…that he didn't deserve to believe it, he couldn't stop his lips from twitching up slightly before he cautiously reached out, breath catching as Gray caught his searching hand in a gentle grip. For a moment he stared at their linked hands. _How many times had he longed for this? How many times had he been reminded about his failure to earn this?_ Somehow, he found the strength to push that second thought away far enough away for him to lift his head fully and meet Gray's hopeful gaze. "I can't promise anything," he warned the Ice mage, warmed when Gray merely nodded in understanding, no trace or disappointment to be found and he managed, a proper smile as he added quietly. "But…I would like that…"

"Then it's a promise," Gray murmured softly, unable to stop the elated smile that appeared on his face. He knew that it wasn't going to be that simple…that Natsu's warning that he couldn't promise anything was real, but at the moment that didn't matter…all he cared about was that somehow his words had managed to reach Natsu. _I said the right thing…for once I said the right thing,_ feeling his eyes stinging slightly he glanced down, staring wide-eyed at their linked hands for a moment before leaning down. Buoyed by this latest development, and praying that he wasn't about to screw things up he brushed his lips against the Dragon-slayer's hand, hearing the sharp intake of breath that greeted the gesture.

However, it was only when he realised that Natsu hadn't yanked his hand away that he dared look up, his cheeks feeling unbearably warm, a feeling that increased as he found the Fire mage gaping at him with equally red cheeks. _Why? Why did I push my luck? I had already decided to wait…so why?_ "Um…" He was struggling to find something to say, to reassure the Dragon-slayer that he was going to push for anything and that he really had meant it…but Natsu beat him to the punch, his words whilst barely audible bringing the smile back to his face.

"Y-yeah it's a promise…"

FTFT

That evening:

Natsu sat staring down at his hand, relieved that he had been left to his own devices for a little while as Yukari had insisted that Gray help her with dinner, as he desperately needed to get his thoughts into some sort of order. The Ice mage's words and actions earlier that day had confused him, and he hadn't known how to act around Gray for the rest of the day, although the other teen had seemed perfectly content to just sit beside him in silence. _Why?_ He could tell that something had changed, but he didn't understand what it could be…after all they were still the same people they had been when Gray had refused to accept the fact that he was his mate…_no, I'm weaker than I was then._ As much as he hated to admit it, he knew that his plans to grow stronger and prove himself to Gray, even though it was already too late, had been well and truly derailed…which made the changes in Gray's behaviour, and the questions he had asked the night before even harder to understand.

_It's almost like…_He hastily stopped that thought before it could fully form. Whilst he had agreed to what Gray had said earlier, hoping despite everything that they could find some way forward, he was terrified of the hope that he could feel building in his chest. Besides, what was the point? Even if they could come to understand one another it was too late…even if Gray was crazy enough to have changed his mind, he had already been proven a failure, and they could never achieve the same bond that Gajeel and Levy had. _I can't do that to him…I don't deserve to…_ He closed his eyes, the thoughts and whisperings from his draconic side slipping in now that the Ice mage wasn't here anymore to keep them at bay, and he almost wanted to howl in frustration as that thought registered…_I can't rely on him for everything. I have to work this out…I want to be able to tell him what I want…_It was a daunting prospect, he'd been running on draconic for so long now that he wasn't even sure that he could distinguish between his own thoughts and desires, and those that came from his inner Dragon…or if he even wanted to…_But I promised,_ his gaze darted back down to his hand as he brushed trembling fingers over where Gray's lips had been. _I promised…_

FTFT

A/N: Sorry it's been so long folks, I got caught up in other stories and then found myself blocked when I came back to this one. However, I know exactly what's going to happen for the next couple of chapters at least, so it shouldn't take as long to update.


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Fairy Tail, Angst, Hurt-Comfort