Just a reminder that Gray is 7 for the destruction of his village, 8 for joining the guild before fast forwarding to 15 for the prank and then on till he's 20. I would also like to thank you all for your wonderful reviews and answering my question. It really means a lot to me that you all took the time and effort to do that. There is a note at the end, but I thought it was important thank you before we got started, with that said, please enjoy!

It had been three months since Natsu had accidently stumbled across Gray in the rain. Three months of strange revelations and new developments. Of secrets being shared and moments being created.

Despite the recognition of them being best friends and perhaps a little more in the works, Gray had never invited Natsu to his house with words.

Of course, Natsu invited himself around and there were looks exchanged that conveyed the message 'come home with me?', in some cases they even invited themselves around, turning up on each other's doorsteps with no prior warning, but that wasn't the same as actually being invited. To Gray being invited over with words was a big step, it proved to the person you really did want them there with you, that it wasn't a matter of convenience or some misplaced politeness in not asking them to leave when they followed you in.

Feeling the way he did, meant that Gray suddenly woke up one morning and had the urge to invite Natsu over with words. And like everything in life, when Gray had that thought he couldn't let it go and just had to make it a reality, so that's why at Six AM he was standing outside the guild, patiently waiting for his Pyro maniac who believed everyone should rise with the sun, to ask him this all important question.

Thankfully, because Natsu was part rooster it meant Gray wasn't having to wait outside for long. When Natsu spotted him leaning against the Guild door, his walk turned into a jog, shouting out a greeting.

"I thought sleeping beauty had to be awoken with a kiss" He teased as he drew near.

"Why? Are you offering?" Gray teased back, cheeks taking on a delicate shade of pink. Trying desperately to ignore the traitorous flutter his heart gave at the suggestion.

Natsu threw his head back laughing, it always surprised him how quickly he could make the ice mage blush. It amused him to no end when the Blackett tried to throw flirtatious taunts back while looking so flustered. It was adorable. It never failed to brighten his day.

"So what you doing here this early? I'm lucky if I can get you out of bed for ten when on a mission" he grinned cheekily, dodging the half-hearted swipe with ease. Feeling his heart swell and eyes soften as the pink tone darkened and Gray dipped his head slightly, looking up at him from under his bangs.

"Natsu are you free a little later?" he asked shyly, hands fidgeting as his eyes kept darting away and back again, a pale hue settling across his cheeks.

"Sure" Natsu chirped, sunny smile in place even as he tipped his head in confusion "Is there a job you want to take?" he asked, clueless as to what Gray could need from him.

"No" Gray denied, feet shuffling restlessly, a nervousness seeping into his voice. "I was wondering if you would like to come over later, I have something I want to show you" He replied.

Natsu was gobsmacked, speechless in fact – which was a new experience for him. All he could think about was the fact he had been invited to the house of his notoriously private guild mate. Excitedly he nodded his head in rapid succession, unable to get the words to form. He couldn't believe Gray had gotten at a god forsaken time – his words – to invite him around. He wondered if it was possible to admire his friend anymore then he already does.

"Great, come to mine at ten" Gray grinned before turning on his heel and walking in the direction of his cabin, emotionless expression smoothing out. Only Natsu was given the honour of being able to see him unreserved.

He didn't know why but he felt safe with Natsu or how he knew nothing would be held against him. He supposed it came about because of the lack of expectations pushed upon him. With Natsu he felt like he could be himself, that he didn't have to dial up or dial down certain parts of his personality just to get Natsu to like him. That knowledge was powerful and liberating and maybe a little addicting. It was reason enough therefore for him to place his trust in Natsu and lower the walls he had put up to protect himself. Which in turn meant Natsu had slowly crept past his defences and had made a little home for himself in Gray's heart

Only it had come to his attention recently that the little home Natsu had built for himself could no longer be classed as little. In fact, he could say with certainty that Natsu had become the centre of his universe. Every waking thought was taken up by him and his last thought before bed was of the mighty Dragon. He wasn't even safe in his dreams anymore, that scorching heat Natsu naturally gave off seemed to follow him there, burning the hooks the nightmares had lodged into him.

He'd even noticed that Natsu was singling him out, had cut down the amount of time he spent with Lucy to be with him, whether that be on a mission, hanging out at the guild or even doing some of his household chores. It made him feel all warm and fuzzy inside when he thought of how close they had gotten, sharing their inner darkest secrets, opening up to one another, showing what they normally couldn't show to the world.

So to thank Natsu for becoming his oasis in this barren land, he decided to bake him a cake. A cake he knew the dragon slayer was partial too with a twist of his own creation added in. He'd also made a goodie bag of Sriracha lollipops for Natsu to snack on over the next few days.

He'd spent a good four days writing down what he had learnt over the years about Natsu's tastes. He knew that he loved anything spicy, but it had to have a rich flavour. Although he had seen Natsu eat things that were only deigned to be too hot to taste, he remembered the other had once remarked that if it was something he wanted to eat and enjoy then the flavour had to match the depth of the spice.

The next thing he wrote down was the main ingredients Natsu preferred. One would be chocolate, primarily cooking chocolate as it was slightly more bitter then ordinary milk but still sweeter than dark- something Gray was grateful for as it made using it a lot easier. The next ingredients he investigated was hot spices.

He juggled with the idea of using maybe a smoked paprika or perhaps a quarter of a Trinidad Moruga Scorpion (world's hottest chilli) but discarded those ideas quickly. He didn't think the Smokey flavour would work well with the chocolate and he has a vague memory that Natsu had commented that he was getting bored with things being spiced with chillies. He defiantly didn't want to bore Natsu or be predictable.

Needing another alternative Gray began looking into other spices that could be categorised as hot but still hold up a nice flavour. He knew from past experiments that ginger could pack quite a punch, so he added that to the list before stumbling upon a Japanese ingredient known as wasabi, which was notoriously hot but carried a deep flavour.

Curious to see how his three main ingredients would work, Gray began his experimental stage in the cooking. Working out what would work well in which way and how much. He tried out a bunch of ideas in the form of different desserts before going with his original idea of a cake, cupcakes to be exact.

An idea in mind, he worked tirelessly to prefect the recipe. Happy that he was able to use the baseline of Natsu's favourite dessert, a chocolate cupcake with a sweet chilli surprise in the centre, although his wasn't a sweet chilli sauce in the centre, instead he had added a sweet and spicy wasabi sauce in its place.

Now all he could do was hope for the best. He had done everything in his power to make this the perfect batch of cupcakes. They had risen perfectly; they were still moist but airy. The flavours were balanced to perfection, that had a mouth-watering scent and looked appealing to the eye. There was nothing more he could do but wait patiently for Natsu's verdict and just hope the wait doesn't kill him.

Two hours later….

"Gray" Natsu called out, closing the door behind him.

Since he frequented the place often, Gray had expressed a desire for Natsu to feel at home here and that he could come and go as he pleased. Natsu had offered much the same to Gray and found it relatively easy to do as asked. He already associated home with Gray so making the ice mages house his house too wasn't really that much of a step for them. Although it did mark an important moment in their relationship, even if they didn't comment on the fact.

"In here" Gray hollered from the kitchen, taking a freshly made Thai Mango cake out of the fridge.

As he had suspected, his nerves wouldn't let him wait in peace and had made him so restless that he had started baking again to relax. Why he had Natsu come over so late was a mystery to him. For some reason his traitorous brain had seen fit to torment him with two hours to kill before the allotted time, hence the cake.

Natsu sniffed the air as he made his way through the log cabin, absentmindedly noting that it was slightly warmer in here than usual, which was a hint to how long Gray had been cooking.

"Something smells good" He rumbled, mouth salivating at the aromas he could pick out. He knew chocolate had been used as well as mango and some cream, a few other ingredients he knew but didn't care to list as well as a few new ones he had never scented before.

"Thanks" Gray blushed as Natsu entered the room, placing the large cake at the centre of the dining table, beside the forty Cupcakes he had made. Hey, don't judge, Natsu had a very large appetite and wanted to make sure there was enough. Also, he had left over ingredients so why not use them up?

"Someone's been busy" he chuckled, eyes feasting on the banquet before him, stomach growling.

Gray didn't dignify that with a response, not that he had one to give anyway.

"May I?" Natsu gesture to the cupcake closest. He really wanted to eat it but wasn't sure if he was allowed.

"Please" Gray nodded, biting at his lip "I made them special for you. So I really hope you like them" he whispered, knowing the sensitive ears would hear him easily.

Natsu heart melted at that. Gray could be so adorable at times. All bashful and kind-hearted, so eager to please.

Without it having to be said he knew a lot of work had gone into these and that whatever he thought about them would either make or break Gray's day.

"Itadakimasu" Natsu grinned as he picked one up and ate it whole. Eyes widening as he chomped down on it. He could taste the refreshing yet somehow spicy ginger, coated in his favoured chocolate, with a hint of something he had only ever had once, that set his tongue alight.

"Oishii!" he picked up another and took a large bit to reveal the centre. Chewing on it he pulled back to see a green sauce sluggishly beginning to pour out.

"This is amazing!" He gushed, licking the sauce off his thumb, eyes sparkling. It had everything he could ever ask for in a cake. It was moist, it was spicy but not overpoweringly so, it had a unique flavouring that had nothing to do with boring old chilli and held a surprise at the centre. As well as having his glorious chocolate added. In short, the cake was awesomely perfect, just as he had suspected.

"What sauce is this?" he asked in wonderment, scarfing down the other half, moaning at the taste. "You really out did yourself" he complimented as he started on another.

"It's sweet and hot Wasabi sauce" Gray told him looking pleased, shoulders relaxing from there hunched position. A sense of relief filling him. "I remember you saying how you had gotten bored of Chillies, so I thought I would try a different approach. Put my own twist on your favourite dessert" he added.

"Well it's heavenly" Natsu praised "You're defiantly going to have to make these again" slowing down on his intake as the words Gray had said finally reached his brain.

"Hang on, did you say you remembered me saying that?" he threw a bewildered look at the man who looked like a deer caught in headlights "I've only said that once and I pretty sure nobody was paying attention to me over the sound of the party"

"Yeah, well, I'm always listening to what you have to say" Gray murmured under his breath, momentarily forgetting Natsu's superior hearing. "Must have been one of those flukes" he lied, laughing it off.

Natsu let Gray think he hadn't heard him, silently pondering how much Gray had been listening to and had taken on board. How much did Gray know about him before Natsu was even aware he wanted to change their friendship?

And Gray hadn't said a thing, had never let on that he knew more than Natsu thought he did. Had let Natsu decide when he should tell Gray things and always made out that whatever he learnt was new and precious.

Watching as Gray relaxed, smiling softly to himself, Natsu changed that thought. Gray hadn't made out anything, he really had been happy to learn what Natsu wanted him to know. To him it really was the first time learning such things as the previous times didn't really count. That was more him picking up things as they went along, Natsu none the wiser that anyone cared enough to remember.

He had to remind himself that Gray never meant any ill will by not disclosing the amount he knew, that he never told anyone of what he leant, only used what he knew to please Natsu, never to hurt him.

It made him feel guilty and useless because all this time Gray had cared and taken steps to make sure Natsu was kept happy while Natsu had only recently started listening. He was ashamed to admit that even though he had cared for Gray, he often found himself falling deaf to the ice mages words, too afraid of what might happen if he started paying attention.

He had made a mistake, he knew that. He was going to do everything in his power to make it right, to start listening and appreciating Gray just as Gray appreciated him. To pay more attention to the one who has become his reason to smile.

As he moved to have his sixth cupcake it dawned on him that Gray wasn't having any of them, in fact he was cutting himself a slice of the Mango cake he had set out when Natsu arrived.

"You not having any?" He nodded towards the cupcakes, he knew Gray wasn't keen on chocolate, but surely he wouldn't bake something he wouldn't eat, would he?

The shorter male shook his head, plaiting his slice, putting the knife on the side "I don't really like hot stuff" Gray reminded him, causing Natsu to wince at his blunder, hadn't he just said he was going to pay more attention to Gray? He was already messing that up barley five minutes in.

"Wait" Natsu frowned as a thought began to take form. If Gray couldn't handle spicy foods, then who was taste testing? Natsu was the only one who enjoyed eating this kinda stuff even in small quantities, that meant Gray would have been the only one willing to attempt trying this stuff.

"That's why your stomachs been funny the last few days" Natsu gasped, unsure how to feel about the revelation. He remembered now that in the last few days Gray had skived off them doing anything, stating his stomach wasn't up to scratch. "You've been taste testing all this spicy food!"

Gray looked down at his hands, wringing them together, pursing his lips. Natsu wasn't wrong, he had kinda been harming himself, but it had all been in the pursuit of Natsu's happiness. A few stomach gripes were well worth the smile he could put on the spicy lover's face.

Natsu gave him a soft fond look, eyes speaking of adoration that had the wizards stomach summersaulting and a hot blush creeping up his neck.

"Thanks' Gray" Natsu walked over to Gray's side and leaned down to kiss his cheek "You really know how to make a guy feel special" he whispered into his ears. Secretly rejoicing at the shiver, it created.

"N-N-N-No problem" Gray stuttered, cheeks reddening, Goosebumps rising as his warm breath ghosted across the nape of his neck. "The-There's a bag of Sriracha lollypops for you to enjoy later" he added, pointing a shaky finger at a bag.

Natsu raised a surprised brow, he hadn't even noticed the little dolly bag there. Gray had gone all out, even making him sweets he could snack on, sweets he wouldn't be able to find in shops anywhere.

"You are one awesome dude Gray Fullbuster" Natsu purred, kissing his cheek again. Grinning smugly into the others shoulder when he went pink to the roots of his hair.

Gray was really cute.

As discovered with the baking incident, Gray didn't do well with hot spicy foods, which also translated to hot anything. Natsu had always known that, would have to listen to the black-haired man bitch and whine about the heat during the summer months, but he hadn't known just how harmful hot things were to the ice age until a prank pulled by the guild on him had gone wrong.

Looking back on it now, it had been a really stupid thing to do and was bound to have an adverse effect on the teen. He wished with all his heart that he hadn't found out that tad bit of information the way he had, that he could go back in time and stop Cana from ever coming up with the stupid and frankly dangerous idea.

What had happened was Gray was not so much lording over his comfort in the cold, but defiantly parading his likeness a little too boldly. Back then he hadn't known that to Gray the cold was very much like his summer, something that felt comfortable and let them go as bare as they desired. So Gray wasn't trying to be smug or rub it in their faces, he was just acting as he normally acted during the cold weather.

But the guild hadn't seen it that way, something they all regretted in the years to come.

To get back at him Natsu and a few others in the guild decided to pull the same prank Natsu had done to him in the summer months just catered towards Gray. So instead of ice-cold water, he would get lovely hot water, typically used in showers poured over him.

Again, they hadn't known that Gray's body ran several degrees lower than theirs – Something Natsu really should of thought of as his ran hotter – which meant that his temperature for his showers was a lot lower than normal, in fact he used the same amount of heat for a shower as we do when we are experiencing the hottest day of the year.

Giggling amongst themselves they filled a large bucket with water and let Natsu use his fire to heat it up. Keeping a close eye on a temperature gauge they had brought to make sure it wasn't scolding, after all they just wanted to make him uncomfortable not actually cause harm.

Once it reached a level, they deemed agreeable they stopped and waited on the balcony for Gray to walk on by. That day, they didn't have to wait long, as Gray causally walking into the guild in nothing but his boxers, face blank.

Without even taking a moment to stop and think, they tipped the water over the banister and landed on the unsuspecting Gray.

They fell against the balcony laughing, gripping their stomachs, tears welling in their eyes as they tried to breath. The image of his shocked face on repeat in their minds.

Gray was silent for all of two seconds before his body began shaking. The troublemakers braced themselves for some enraged yelling followed by cursing but that didn't come, instead a strangled scream was let loose. Gray collapsed to his knees as his body shook and his eyes teared. Scream after haunting scream coming out of his tiny body.

Pale completion becoming angry and red, blotches of blisters forming on his skin.

Instantly they stopped laughing and jumped over the balcony, landing next to the still screaming Gray. Erza pushed though and hurriedly kneeled beside Gray, anxiously calling out his name.

"Make it stop" Gray sobbed, falling onto his side "It hurts" he cried, eyes slammed shut.

At the commotion Master Makarov entered the hall and took one look at its occupants. Looking from agonised Gray to the shocked guildmates and the guilty party.

Quickly he ordered they take Gray to the infirmary, while he called for a healer.

Within seconds of the command being issued the guild was up on their feet, rushing to help their injured friend.

After the healer had come and healed most of Gray's burn marks she pulled the pranksters aside and gave them a firm talking to.

To this day Natsu could still hear what she had said as if she was telling him it now.

"That was stupid and reckless" she had started out by saying "When someone is cold, and you introduce a hot item to their bare skin, it causes a painful pins and needles sensation, before a scorching raging heat takes over" she glared at them "When this happens it begins to damage the nerve endings. You are very lucky you haven't caused permanent nerve damage with this silly prank" She spat.

Natsu had never felt so sick or so guilty in his life, the very thought he had almost permanently injured one of his Nakama had his stomach rolling.

It was the first and only time he had ever apologised to Gray with words. Usually he would pay for Gray's food or wrapped his injuries. But this time, he knew he had gone too far. Had crossed the unspoken line and for that he had to say the words. He had to say "I'm sorry" to even feel like they would be okay again. That was probably when he'd stopped talking to Gray, feeling like he didn't deserve that type of friendship and instead became his rival, but now they were back on track to be the best of friends, something that had his heart singing.

Since then the guild had always been very careful with how hot things were when it came to Gray.

Which was why he was taken by surprise when he found Gray watching the campfire with wonderous eyes, leaning towards it to feel its heat.

It's why he was continuously surprised when he discovered that Gray liked laying on or beside the dragon slayer, liked feeling his warmth against his frozen skin. He didn't even know what to think when he discovered that sometimes, Gray liked a warm bath or liked a warm summers day – when there was a cool wind in the air to cut through when it got too hot mind you.

"I'm surprised you let me get this close" he commented out the blue one day, as Gray laid his head across Natsu's chest, body spread out on top of the fire mage, a warm hand running down his back.

They were approaching spring now, Natsu could already feel the temperature beginning to rise.

"It's warm" Gray mumbled into his chest.

"I know, something I don't usually associate with ice princesses" Natsu teased, running deft fingers along Gray's spine to take the bite out his words.

"So mean" Gray pouted, cracking an eye open to look at the dragon slayer. "I like your warmth" he admitted. It was becoming easier now -after spending so many months in Natsu's company- to share things about himself he usually went to the extreme to hide.

He'd once thought being vulnerable was scary, that it would result in his death, but now he found joy in giving up all control, to allowing someone else to take care of him and his surroundings, but only ever with Natsu. He'd tried with Erza once, but he'd been so wound up and on edge that he'd just ended up more paranoid then normal and had scrapped the idea. But with Natsu, it came easy, almost like he was breathing, natural and instinctive. The moment he felt the dragon slayers dominating presence he was automatically relaxed, comforted in the knowledge he was safe. It's why he could be so lazy now, spread like an eagle across his dragon, being lulled to sleep by the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest, not having to focus on anything but the being below him.

"Oh?" Natsu prompted, hand moving to brush against Gray's hair. Smiling warmly as he shoved his head into the touch.

Natsu really treasured these moments, where they were hazy with sleep and were comfortable to lie together, and just talk about random and sometimes personal shit. Everything calm and peaceful between them. It made his heart flutter when Gray instinctively submitted himself, allowing Natsu to take the rains and keep them safe. He'd never seen the other relax in such a way with anyone else and made him feel honoured to be granted such a precious gift.

"Hmm" Gray hummed, well on his way to sleep "It makes me feel safe" he whispered, eyes closing.

"Doesn't the heat make you uncomfortable?" Natsu asked curiously.

Gray nuzzled into Natsu as his version of a head shake "Sometimes warm thin's can cawse discomfort, but nev'r yurwarmth" he slurred, words beginning to jumble into one.

Natsu felt his heart skip a beat at the admission, he really liked the fact he was an exception to the rule.

"Sleep well snowflake" He whispered, a feeling he was slowly beginning to associate with Gray bursting forth.

For the past eight months he had been getting close to Gray, forming that friendship he had always wanted but hadn't known how to get. The last six however he had noticed a stronger feeling growing.

At first, he had brushed it off as lusting after a cute person, after all, his eyes were always drawn to Gray's lips when talking and his ass when walking. But he had slowly come to realise that it was a lot more than that.

He'd spoken to Lucy about the strange feelings growing inside him. The possessiveness he held for Gray, the want to protect him, to make him smile and keep him safe. Always wanting to be near him and thinking about him when he wasn't.

She had just smiled knowingly and asked him what he knew about Dragon slayers and their mates. He had of course given her vague hints that he knew of them, not feeling comfortable enough to share with her Igneel's teaching unlike he had been with Gray. Which was a turning point. If Gray was special enough to know his safely guarded memories, then there had to be more to their relationship then friends.

He began to tally up what Igneel had told him about mates and held it against what he felt for Gray.

An irrational possessiveness towards them. Feeling Angry when others stole their attention or touched them in a way Natsu deemed too familiar.

He thought back to all the times he'd had to bite back a snarl when Lucy had hugged him, how he'd had to hold himself back when Lyon had asked Gray to do a joint mission. There was no doubt about it, he got jealous really easily when he thought others were encroaching on his turf. Check

A fierce protectiveness that had him constantly worrying about how the person was. Of starting fights to defend their honour or felt they had been wronged in some way. Always checking them over for injures and assigning them the safer of any tasks they got. Having to know where they were and how they felt at all times.

The fire dragon gave a snort at that one. Of course he was like that, Gray was prone to finding trouble in the most peaceful of situations. He also had a terrible habit of not sticking up for himself, so obviously Natsu had to do it. He couldn't allow their guild mates to walk all over him and use his kindness against him. The Ice pop was also terribly good at lying about injures so Natsu had no choice but run a critical eye over him whenever he could. Check

A wish to please and keep them happy. Going out of his way to do things he knew the other liked. Getting them small presents that would make his mate smile. Doing things, he wouldn't normally do or saying things he wouldn't normally say just so he could please his mate.

An image of the Happy plushie raised unprompted in his mind as well as all the little treats he gotten the ice mage. 'Okay a teddy and few snacks don't mean anything. Everybody gets their friends shit like that' Natsu tried to reason. As if it was plotting against him, his mind then conjured up another memory he couldn't excuse.

Despite hating the cold with a passion – expect Gray's cool touch, for some reason he really loved having the cold skin pressed against him. The contrast in temperatures was amazing. –Natsu had deliberately chosen a mission that took them up to the snowy alps. Freezing his ass off as he enjoyed watching Gray jump about in the snow, grinning widely as he spun around, turning to share a wide smile and a giggle with Natsu. Yeah okay, point to his mind, he really didn't have to do that, and he knew friends didn't go out their comfort zone to make their friends smile like he had. Reluctantly he Checked the point off as well.

Finding comfort in his mate's scent, find peacefulness in a touch or a look. Only feeling happy and content when he had his mate in his arms, hearing and feeling their heartbeat. Able to single out their scent in a large crowd.

Natsu thought over the last one, mind conjuring up their last mission together when they had gotten lost in a town and despite there being thousands of different smells raging from people to produce, he was still able to follow Gray's scent easily and found him looking longingly at a strawberry and cream dessert, no surprise there that he bought the treat soon after. Of course, that company was associated with a thought he'd had long ago that Gray's scent smelt like home to him. Check

Finding pleasure in seeing his mate wearing his clothes or enjoy playing with his treasured things. At that one, Natsu lost himself in one of his favourite memories. A time where Gray had come to stay over and had been soft playing with Happy on the bed, gently batting his paws back and allowing Happy to pounce on him and pin him to the bed. The rumbling purr getting caught in his throat as he realised just how mothering his rival really was.

As soon as that ended another memory rose up, this time of him and Gray playfully punching at each other's hands. Natsu himself walking backwards as Gray half-heartedly punched his palm, laughing as Natsu gently enclosed his fist around it. Sometime later, something had happened, Natsu couldn't remember the specifics but he had given Gray his scarf – the importance of that not lost on either of them- and felt a deep-rooted satisfaction at seeing him delicately place it around his neck and burry his noise in it. It felt like he had staked his claim, like Gray had consented to be his. The thought sent a rumbling purr of pleasure through his chest 'Okay so that point is a check as well' he thought to himself.

Lastly, feeling as if he couldn't live a day without seeing his mate. Without talking to them. Becoming depressed or despondent when he couldn't. Being sick at the very idea of ever hurting his mate, both physically, emotionally and mentally. Natsu didn't even have to think about that one. It was a big fat check.

'Oh' eyes widening. So that's what the feeling was! He was in love with Gray. That made so much sense! It was obvious now he thought about it. Gray was his mate, they were meant to be. No wonder he hadn't really noticed what was happening until it became glaringly obvious.

He had to say, now he had an answer to what had been bugging him the last few days, he felt pretty pleased with it. He hadn't entertained the possibility that Gray might have been his mate, to worried that it might not have turned out that way. He guessed on a subconscious level he had always known, probably why he always started fights and asked him to be on his team in the first place. Always wanting him close but ignoring the reason for it.

He felt a little foolish that it had taken him this long to work it out, but now that he had, a few other things began to fall into place.

Such as the way Gray would light up when he entered a room, a low level of excitement and contentment he gave off whenever Natsu came close. Snap

Gray shying away and becoming flustered for a moment before subconsciously creeping in closer, not even aware of what he was doing until he was sharing the same air as the dragon slayer. Snap

Gray making him a special cake for him, injuring himself just so he could make Natsu happy. Snap

Gray offering to go where Natsu wanted, braving the uncomfortable heat just so Natsu wasn't alone. Snap

Gray remaining his silent company when he was lost in his head, never pushing. Snap

The looks of worry and fear whenever Natsu ran headfirst into battle. Snap

Gray protecting him when he missed an obvious danger. Snap

Gray protecting him from his guildmates when they pushed too much on a bad day, them getting to close to what Natsu wanted to hide. Using himself as Natsu's shield when he slipped up and said something smart, forgetting the role of an idiot he was meant to be playing. Snap

Gray always seeking him out when he felt alone or was tired of the world. Allowing himself to be cuddled and manhandled until he fell asleep either on top or against the dragon slayer. Snap

Gray making an effort to be more honest and open whenever they were alone, trying to balance their wants and needs when in the guild. Snap

Gray caring for everything Natsu carried for, making sure they were safe and well looked after when the dragon slayer couldn't do it himself. Snap

Gray picking him over everyone else, even himself. Snap

Gray's hurt when Natsu pushed him away or was particularly mean. Snap

Gray's adamant involvement in anything Natsu did that had a whiff of danger. Snap

Gray cleaning up his messes, a look of lost resignation on his face when Natsu would ignore him. Snap

Gray putting his life on the line so he wouldn't have to. Snap

Gray encouraging him to look for Igneel with a pained look on his face, knowing he would be gone some time and wouldn't let him accompany him. Snap

Gray encouraging him to get close to those in the guild. Snap

Gray looking on with barely hidden teary eyes as he fawned over Lisanna and left Gray in the cold. Snap

Gray's unwavering belief that Natsu couldn't loose. Snap.

Gray's hopeful gaze as Natsu eyes slid over him, only to land on somebody else. Snap

The look of love and adoration that Gray always showed him but he had never wanted to notice. Snap

Oh, Gray was in love with him too. As far back as his memory could go, he would always find Gray hanging around, wordlessly offering his help – often disguised so Natsu wouldn't notice – or directing his anger and frustration at something not going right at him. Always watching out for Natsu, making sure he was well cared for and kept his promises.

He felt bile rise in his throat as he realised the hurt he had put his mate through. Always putting someone else above him. Never thanking him, never taking the time to show he was appreciated.

All this time, Gray had been devoted to him. Never wavering in his love for Natsu, even though he was never shown any in return.

Well he would have to change that, he decaled fiercely, looking down at his mate who had a peaceful smile resting on his lips. Breaths deep and even as he dreamed.

The next time it rained he would prove to Gray that he loved him. That he was sorry for being so stupid as to never have seen it and to have caused so much hurt in his ignorance.

He knew the rain was important to Gray. Something Natsu still hadn't felt he had the right to ask about, but now, some instinct driving him told him to tell him when it rained, that it would cause the most impact and make it believable.

So that's what Natsu did, he planned it over in his mind, keeping watch as his mate slept on, waiting for the rain to come.

But before the rain came there was time for him to make one final discovery. One that shocked him more than any other. Gray was terrified of horror movies. Which took Natsu by surprise, considering the freaky shit they dealt with on a daily bases he'd thought Gray would have been desensitised to them like him, finding the supposed horrors more like comedy, but no. Gray was in fact terrified by them.

Like many of his learnings, this little titbit came around by accident. They had just finished reading through the first book in the Sherlock Holmes series. Gray was all cuddly and pliant, nuzzled in close. Natsu was very reluctant to move given his new-found knowledge and suggested they see what was on.

The first channel that looked interesting happened to be showing a rerun of Winchester. Natsu had watched it when it first came out and found the movie to be very tame considering the genre it was in. He figured since it wasn't the gory kinda horror it would be safe to watch. Both had seen way too much blood; he didn't really see the point in a horror being gruesome and bloody. All you needed was a good storyline and effects as well as a good cast and you had the perfect horror set up.

Of course, he had checked with Gray that it was okay, and he'd agreed, although now he thought on it, Gray had been half asleep and had no idea what Winchester was, he was just trusting Natsu's judgment.

Fifteen minutes in and he'd felt Gray stiffen, worried he looked down at the young male and found him staring wide eyed at the screen. Thinking he was just into the movie Natsu relaxed back. Thirty minutes later he had to readjust that assessment.

Gray head was burrowed into his stomach, turned away from the tv and flinching at the screaming going on.

"Gray, are you- are you scared?" He asked in disbelief.

"…No" Came a teeny voice from just below his navel.

"Oh, Baby, you should have said I would have changed it" Natsu murmured, picking the ice mage up and rearranging them so he was sat on his lap again, head burrowed into his neck, one hand changing the channel while the other, ran long slow stokes up his spine. Once he'd find a safe network showing repeats of Tom and Jerry, he dropped the remote and used his free hand to slowly run through his hair.

It took a good ten minutes for the shakes to stop and for Gray to slowly relax back into his hold again.

"M'sorry" Gray whispered. He sounded so small and upset that it threatened to break Natsu's heart.

"You don't have anything to be sorry for. I should have told you that it was a horror, I shouldn't have expected you to know what the Winchester was" Natsu sighed, peppering kisses along his forehead and temple.

"It's stupid. I'm a man. I see the pits of hell every time I fight and yet the moment a horror movie is put on, I'm a quivering mess it's pathetic" Gray chocked, hands forming into fists, pressing in harder against Natsu neck. "Hell, I've even met ghosts and faced off against demons and yet I'm still not able to watch this stuff" he snarled.

"It's not stupid or pathetic. I think it's good that you're still effected by this type of thing. I've known that you departmentalise when we face of enemies for a while, I just never really thought of the effect it has outside of fights. I imagine that when you think of fights there's a distinction, like you view yourself as a different person, am I right?" he waited for the tiny nod before continuing, hands continuing the soothing petting motion.

"So it's understandable that this you, won't be able to handle this type of stuff as you've always separated that part of your life and this, to me that's pretty amazing. I wish I had thought to have done that. I used to get scared shitless by this stuff, but now it doesn't affect me, it's actually kinda dull and I regret that. I can kinda switch off to it and I hate that about me. So don't feel bad about still being able to feel" he comforted.

Gray pulled back, Natsu let him. Smiling at him softly, keeping his face open and honest as suspiciously wet eyes checked for any signs of deceit.

"Really?" he whispered uncertainly.

"Really" Natsu whispered back, rubbing their noises together, smiling widening at the giggle he received.

"Okay well that movie was friggin scary, we are never watching it again" Gray pouted, the confidence he wouldn't be judged returning.

All Natsu did was smile and nodded his head in agreement, tucking the Blackett under his chin again and cuddled him close, turning to face to the tv, laughing softly as Tom chased Jerry.

Gray was super adorable Natsu found out that day, especially when it came to scary things. He couldn't wait for Halloween, so he could have Gray clinging to him every time they went out. At least now he knew why he was always so on edge during that month. He didn't have to worry about that anymore though, he had a mighty dragon to protect him now. All that was left was to wait for the rain to make sure the man knew it.

Someone must have been looking down at him because four days later, news spread that rain was on its way. Something Gray poorly hid his inner glee over. Natsu had to hand it to the ice block, despite his scarily good lying abilities as well as acting skills, he was pretty shit at hiding his love for the rain.

It was actually quite endearing to see. Knowing something so simple and natural could make Gray happy in such a way that it made everyone else feel gleeful inside, all praying it would come faster in their own special way.

No sooner had the news reached them, Gray took off in the direction of his house, unaware of Natsu trailing behind him at a leistered pace.

Looking up at the sky, Natsu felt a few droplets splash against his cheek causing it to twitch. It seemed the rain was just as impatient to greet Gray as Gray was to greet it.

As he walked, he thought about Gray's rain. Nine months down the line and he was still none the wiser on what made Gray love it so much. He just couldn't figure out the reason behind it and that frustrated him beyond belief.

He could understand the ice mages passion for the snow as well as ice, he could even understand the cold nip of the autumn wind, when Gray would childishly chase after dried leaves, just to crunch them underfoot when nobody was looking. But the rain had him stumped. He'd understand if it was for the cold, after all usually when it was raining there was a cold wind either during it or after. But that wasn't the case. The rain was sometimes warm with no wind to carry it and despite him learning Gray's affiliation to warmth, he still didn't think that was reason enough for Gray to drop everything at a moment's notice.

No, his Gray was stuck in his ways when it came to things like that, he couldn't leave a job half done, always had to finish, refusing to leave its side until he deemed it perfect. On the rare occasion he did leave his projects it was for emergency's and extremely important goings on that he couldn't miss, so what ever made the rain special, it was obviously ranked in the top three things that were the most important to Gray.

He'd just cleared the forest and was starting his trek up the hill when the heavens opened for real. For once Natsu didn't hate the feeling of the rain bouncing off his skin, didn't hate the way it messed with his senses, instead he found himself smiling, a lightness entering his heart.

Knowing he wouldn't get his answers until he asked, Natsu sped up slightly, not wanting to miss the show.

It was in that moment that he released that his outlook on the rain hadn't really changed. He still thought it bothersome and put a dampener on things, but it wasn't so oppressing as it had once been. What he had come to love about the rain was watching Gray in it. Watching his reaction and seeing the utter joy because of it. Just those few things made him change his tune about it.

By the time he reached Gray's house, the sounds of laughter he had come to expect from his mate, the wonderous sound that soothed his raging heart was already there to greet him. He didn't have to look to know Gray was dancing again, but he did anyway. Taking the picture in, marvelling at it in all its glory.

This time he wasn't afraid of being spotted, wasn't stood to the side, anxiously watching on as confusion and disbelief waged war inside his head. Now he was full of understanding and love. Feeling welcome in Gray's sanctuary.

He didn't need his heighted senses to know Gray knew he was there. It was something he had come to know and love about his ice mage. He could never sneak up on his mate if he didn't want to be. He had this uncanny ability to simply know when he was there. So it came as no surprise to him when Gray spun around to face him, swaying his hips as he waltzed over and pulled him into the dance. Laughter and smiles shared between them.

He had been foolish to think Gray hadn't seen him that fateful day, had been stupid in thinking he had stumbled upon Gray. When in fact it was the opposite, Gray let him in. Gray wasn't just dancing in the rain that day, he was putting on a show, giving Natsu a chance at something he hadn't even been aware of he wanted or needed at the time.

As Gray tipped his head back, smiling so wide, giggling so loud as the rain pelted against him in a soft caress. Droplets landing on his fluttering lashes, chest heaving, glistening lips parted halfway to breath. Natsu couldn't help but admire his beauty.

He had said all along that Gray was attractive, but this, this was so much more then raw attraction. Radiating utter contentment, water running across his body, dipping to his collar bones, forming a pool Natsu would love to quench his thirst from. Sinfully tempting him to partake of the scrumptious meal, it was all too much, he couldn't help but dive in for a taste. This was love, pure unconditional love.

Lips met in a gentle embrace. Soft at first, testing each other, but that self-restraint didn't last long. Soon the kiss took a turn, deepening as the need for more rose with every passing second. Shivering as the ice mage moaned into the kiss. Those strong arms coming up to wrap around his neck, hands tangling in those dark locks as he tried to swallow Gray whole. Fingers tugging lightly at those salmon locks, producing a pleased growl at the needy action, greedily swallowing the answering whimper. Mouths slotting together, tongues hot and wet as they fought for dominance, one fight the devil slayer didn't mind losing.

When the need for air became non-negotiable Natsu pulled back, using his arms to cradle Gray close, taking most of his weight as melted against him. Leaning into the palms cupping his cheek.

"I love you" his whispered intimately, resting their foreheads together, looking him the eye, voice soft and sincere, every ounce of love he felt resonating inside the words.

Gray beamed, smiling the biggest smile he had ever seen. So radiant that even the gods had nothing on him. He jumped up to wrap his arms around Natsu's neck, legs going around his hips. Natsu caught him automatically, making a muffled noise of surprise as his mouth was devoured.

Quickly he caught on and took control, hands sliding up Gray's thighs as he did his own counterattack. Growling in pleasure as Gray sucked on his tongue, hungry for more.

"I love you too" He pulls back briefly to say, tipping his head back as Natsu moves to suck on his supple neck. Bruising the fragile skin, angry red marks standing out against his pale completion.

Gray will wear those marks with pride and give a little devious smile when anyone asks how he got them, before letting his eyes slide tellingly to Natsu, unashamed of who knew.

As they made out in the rain Gray couldn't help but think he had a new favourite activity to do in it.

Kissing Natsu was a lot better than dancing he decided.

"So what is it about the Rain that you like so much?" Natsu would ask him much later. Once the rain had stopped and their lips were swollen.

He would carry Gray inside and strip him of his clothes and towel him dry, kissing wherever he could reach, worshiping the body before dressing him in soft fluffy clothing that would warm them from the chill of standing in the rain.

Unable to stop a dopy smile from splitting his face in half as Gray leaned in against him, curled up at his side as they drank their freshly made hot chocolate.

"There are lots of reasons" Gray said, leaning his head against the fire breathers' shoulder, revealing in the fact he could touch him freely now, no longer having to hold himself back in fear Natsu would discover his secret.

"Can you tell me the main ones then?" Natsu quizzed, rolling his eyes in fond exasperation. Even after all this time, the man was still tight lipped about his tradition.

Gray hummed to himself. Finger unconsciously rubbing the rim of his cup as he tried to think of an answer for the other. There were many reasons he loved the rain, some harder to explain then others but no less important. "The first reason would be because it reminds me of my mom." He finally settles for saying. Eyes on the dragon slayer.

"My earliest and fondest memory is when my mother and I saw rain for the first time. It's one of the few happy ones I have with her" he gave a soft smile, eyes misting over. "She had promised to take me back to wherever it was we had stayed so we could play in the rain once more, only…. well you know" Gray told him sadly.

Natsu tightened his grip at the look, smiling softly down at his fellow mage, hoping to chase the shadows he could see lurking in those warm expressive eyes away.

He felt more then heard his mate's deep exhale of breath, a silent sigh of relief at the unwavering support.

"My second reason would have to be Ur" he carried on; voice thick with emotion. "After finding me, I leaned everyone I once knew and loved was gone, leaving behind the memories and broken promises. It didn't take long for me to despise the idea of rain and to some extent the snow." He murmured mind far away.

"My mother had told me that rain was just a warmer version of snow, so in my mind whenever it snowed, it was the rain taunting me. As if it had taken on the coldness of my heart. But Ur…" a slight hitch to his words as a memory washed over him.

Gray sat on the hill side, huddled in on himself. Shivering as the bitter snow nipped at his exposed skin. Silently cursing the woman who had successfully instilled a stripping habit in him, even though he hadn't quite gotten used to the temperature yet.

It was safe to say he was better at it now. His teeth no longer chattered, and his tremors didn't feel like the earth was the one shaking him. The redness on his fingers, toes and nose had toned down greatly. It was just a smattering of pastel pink in a few areas. A vast improvement from the first time he stripped. Thankfully he had managed to keep his boxers on, although the rest of his clothes were a lost cause, long since buried under a fresh pile of snow. At least now he didn't have to worry so much about his junk being frozen.

He released a bone-weary sigh, watching as his breath clouded, reminding him of the cigars his father smoked. He hated that. It reminded him that he was still alive and everyone else was dead. Gone. No longer in existence. Crossed over. Whatever you wanted to call it; it was still a stark reminder that he was alone in this cold unforgiving world.

It had barely been a week since the destruction of his village and everyone in it, during that time he learned two home truths. Truth number one, life was an unforgiving force that would take and take and never give back. It was unfair like that and gave no special treatment. Truth number two, there was no time to waste by being a child. Time was a fleeting thing, something he had come to understand in the cruellest way possible.

With those two lessons Gray felt himself close off, hardening his heart to the strangers around him, becoming aloof and as cold as the earth he walked upon. The rose-tinted glasses shattering, allowing him to see the world for what it was, a playground for demons masquerading as saints.

He had tried to lock the memories away, chaining every single emotion he had before throwing it in a box and imagining it freezing over with ice. The trick had worked the first two days. He hadn't been plagued with the memories, the screams of the long dead. But like he had learnt, life was not kind to him, and that box shattered along with his heart, releasing everything he had been desperately trying to hide.

Every time he closed his eyes now, he saw the roof caving in, a flash of white appearing like magic from the corner of his eyes. When he would snap his eyes open his mother's terrified screaming would echo in his ears, downing out everyone else's, the sounds of fires burning and building collapsing becoming a background noise to the screams. An almighty roar resonating deep in his chest, shaking his very bones, cutting him right to the core.

Sometimes when he wasn't actively pushing the memories back, couldn't supress the flinches when something white appeared unexpectantly in his field of vision. He would smell that putrid scent of burning flesh, could feel the heat ever closer, scorching the very earth he laid upon. Could still feel the overwhelming pressure as a beam of wood pressed down against his chest, slowly suffocating him, pinning him to the floor.

It was safe to say he hadn't been sleeping since the realization that he was all alone crashed into him. Leaving him cold and empty. A husk of child he had once been. Which led to now, sitting out in the cold, eyes unseeing to the world around him as he tried to sort through the chaos inside his head, hoping to make a better job of it without the sound of a strangers breathing in his ear.

Don't get him wrong, it wasn't like Ur and Lyon were bad to him. Sure, they were a little strange and a little defensive on the child's side, but they meant well. They had taken him in, knowing he had nothing to give them and offered to teach him magic, swearing that if he learnt he would one day extract revenge on the demon who had ruined his life. He had taken the offer of course, he wasn't stupid enough to turn down a chance like that, but he was wary. Always waiting for the other shoe to drop.

He couldn't understand why they were doing this. They owed no one and would likely not see any rewards for their saint-ship for many years to come. It made him uneasy knowing this. Mind rushing with scenarios on why they could need him, remembering his mother's warning not to trust strangers, no matter how kind they seemed.

And wasn't that just a kick in the teeth, she hadn't been dead a day and he had already disobeyed her hard-learned lessons. And for what? So he could live in a world he didn't want to be in? To get revenge on a monster he knew he would never have a chance of beating? He already knew it was a suicide mission and he was sure his master knew that too, so what was the point? It made him feel guilty, knowing he was disappointing his beloved mother.

Just to add insult to injury it had begun snowing. If that wasn't a sign the universe was saying a large fuck you then he didn't know what did. Why did it always come at moments of pain and misery? Why did it bring death and destruction in its wake? He'd thought snow had been his friend, always falling to cheer him up when sad, but he could see now that he had been naive. It wasn't there to comfort him, no it was there to taunt him, to remind him of what he could never have again. It hurt so bad. To hate the thing he had once loved, something he had once thought as beautiful, had gotten angry on its behalf when someone spoke out against it. He could see it for what it was now, made him feel stupid for ever sticking up for it.

The snow was a bully, a murderer and a manipulator, lulling those around it into a false sense of comfort with its beauty, hiding its true ugliness. It made him want to burn the world, just so he wouldn't have to see it again.

So lost in his thoughts, Gray had failed to take note of the sound of snow crunching under foot as it made its way towards him. Startling when he felt a warm body plop down in the snow beside him, posture mimicked, legs tucked up to their chest, arms around their legs, chin resting on their knees. A mirror image of himself. He was surprised to find they weren't touching, just close enough to share body heat but not so close as to bump shoulders. He was grateful for that because in the state he was in, it wouldn't take much for the child to fly off the handle.

"What you are doing out here?" the sound of his mentor's voice filtered through the mess.

Gray just shrugged, pursing his lips. He didn't want company right now, he just wanted to be left in peace, so he could break down on his own, away from judging eyes.

The woman made an understanding nose that had him biting at his lip to prevent the explosion from happening.

"I see" she nodded to herself "can't sleep huh?" she gave him a knowing smile, understanding dripping from here words.

A brief cloud of red hazed his vision for a few seconds before dissipating. How dare she give him that look! She couldn't possibly know how he felt right now. How he was afraid to sleep just to wake up and discover that he had been the one who killed everyone, not then demon.

He knew logically it wasn't his fault, that he couldn't have stopped it even if he had known, but his heart didn't seem to agree with him, and sometimes even his head joined in on the game, trying to turn him insane.

It wasn't just the memories that haunted him both day and night, it was the nightmare that he was the killer and the demon was just a figment of his imagination to cope. He had never said anything to them, but he had the feeling he talked in his sleep and they knew.

He'd once heard her trying to comfort Lyon as he panicked, Gray had just woken up and could hear them talking outside the door. Her voice low and soothing, while Lyons sounded one step away from a meltdown. Survives guilt she had told him. Gray found he didn't like that description of what he felt. He wasn't a survivor, not really. A survivor meant someone living through an ordeal, implying the person was still them at the end of it, but Gray wasn't. He wasn't the Gray that woke up that fateful day, he wasn't surviving, he wasn't living either. He was just existing, something she would have no knowledge of.

Instead of saying all this though, he just grunted in acknowledgment. He'd learnt the first day with them that ignoring them didn't get them to go away, if anything it made them try harder for longer.

"Beautiful isn't it?" Ur asked rhetorically, an almost wistful note to her words as she tipped her up towards the sky, watching as the snow fell.

"No" he ground out, unable to stop the word from bursting forth.

Ur head whipped to him in shock, eyes wide with surprise. She couldn't understand the anger behind the word, or even the reason for it.

"W-what?" she stuttered, eyes narrowing as she tried to work out his meaning.

Gray felt a sick satisfaction settle in the pit of his stomach at being able to ruffle what he thought was an untouchable woman.

"I said that the snow isn't beautiful. Its ugly and poisonous" he snarled, clutching his legs tightly, glaring at the frozen water.

"Gray" she whispered, taken aback. She had never met someone who held such hatred towards the snow, dislike sure but not hate. She went to admonish him but felt herself pause, a sharp tug on her heart stings as their eyes connected.

They were so cold, colder than the air around them. But beyond that blank coldness she could see pain and despair. Could see the little boy he was so desperately trying to protect staring out as she looked in. Through the bars of which he protected himself she could see how alone and confused he was. Lost in the white as he drifted like a snowflake. No purpose or direction, relying on the things around him to survive.

She realised it wasn't hatred she could hear in his voice; it was really fear masquerading as hate. He was becoming afraid of his own element, perhaps because he could sympathies with it. Could understand how something so alone and light, that calmed people with its innocence was still able hurt those around it.

She wasn't really sure where that thought come from, but she didn't have time to ponder it over as Gray was talking again, that despair driving him to say how he felt.

"How can you say something that kills hundreds upon hundreds of people a year. That hurts you and is a constant reminder of how alone you are, is beautiful?" He snarled rhetorically, going on the defensive. Why was he always the one being scolded for his opinion? He didn't see anyone else get such scandalised looks and anger directed at them for voicing their own thoughts and beliefs on matters, so what made his so different?

Ur shook her head almost pityingly. She understood why the seven-year-old was reacting in such a way now. Gray was harbouring resentment towards the snow. She too had felt this shortly after she had lost her daughter. Ultear had loved the snow and after losing her it felt like whenever the snow fell it was mocking her for what she had lost. It took her a long time before that resentment was able to give way to love. And unlike Gray she didn't have anyone to help her though it, to help her see the snow wasn't to blame, that it in fact was there to sooth and comfort her. She wouldn't let him struggle on alone, not like she had. She would show him why snow was something to be treasured, not hated.

"To some, snow won't have any value or any form. One flake of snow will look much like any other, but we know the truth." She started off by saying, suppressing a smile when she saw she had his reluctant attention. So much like her own child that it almost hurt, only responding when they thought they had knowledge nobody else did.

"Snow is complex and delicate, always coming in different sizes and shapes, all having different traits. Some will float along with the wind, dancing with the fairies. Others will fall straight and melt upon impact. Then you have the snowflakes that bunch up together and stick to any surface, and those that will float on by to settle in a new area, all alone, waiting for another to join them." she listed off the different types, knowing it was important that he understood that first.

"Every single snowflake has a part to play, some are destining to be on their own, to only last a few seconds before vanishing, leaving behind a single drop of water to prove its existence. Another snowflake will fall in silence and remain undisturbed, forming bonds with fellow snowflakes. Finally, you have the ones that come in on a storm, are cold and freighting but oh so mesmerizing." She let her words hang in the air, feeling a sense of pride beginning to swell when an understanding began dawning on those once cold eyes.

"We call it beautiful, a wonderland for all to see, but we also call it deadly and destructive, showing no mercy to anything it touches. We feel its power, its chill, leaving a lasting impression on us, much like our footsteps do them." She fell into a thoughtful silence.

"You cannot categorise the elements as good and bad." She told him, drawing on her own experience to help him see "We need every one of them to thrive, even if it causes us pain. Very much like the human race. There are some of us who are kind and gentle and are only in our lives for a short time, but we also have those that are loud and destructive but no less important." He she gave a small smile thinking of Lyon. Gray gave a weak smile of his own, obviously having the same thought.

"It is why I love the snow" she admitted softly, lifting her hands between them and forming a single snowflake, larger than those around them but no less beautiful. Gray watched her in fascination, a slight crease forming between his brows as he thought over what she had said. The next part she admitted more to herself then anything, feeling like this wasn't done until she said it "Even when I'm far away, cut off from civilisation all I have to do is watch it snow and know I am not alone. I remember that for every billon snowflakes that fall there will be a billion people for me to meet. Some will go, and we will never see them again, but it doesn't make their time with us any less special"

"It may hurt us in the end but so do people, are you really going to reject the snow when it all its really doing is trying to cheer you up?" she whispered, eyes soft, allowing the sculpture to dissolve, her magic leaving it. It had done its purpose, now all she did was leave her hand out as an open invitation. Gray was still young, something she kept forgetting by how grown up he acted. Even her who was a fully-grown adult would want a hug after that.

Gray shook his head, sniffing as tears welled in his eyes. He moved towards her, crawling in her lap, hiding her face into the crook of her neck. Relaxing as he felt her arms wrap around him.

His mother had said something similar to him once when he asked her why it made her smile. She'd told him that it reminded her of people and that she had never been alone. It both hurt and settled something in his heart to hear those words repeated. He'd forgotten that until Ur had started talking.

"My mother said something like that a really long time ago" he admitted, voice shaking. Equal parts relived and grateful when she let him continue hiding against her neck "We had gone on holiday and had seen… rain…. for the first time, but after a while she would look out the window and frown. When I asked, she said she missed the snow, it wasn't until later on did she say why"

"Rain is great to" Ur told him softly, noticing how his voice hesitated over the word. Tightening her hold. Motherly instincts kicking as her left hand came up to ply with his hair "It has the ability to wash the pain away, to cleanse you in a way nothing else will. I was once told that the rain can hold your memories and will only fall when you need to remember the important things in your life."

"It's almost like a silent promise, telling you that everything will be okay, that all the dirt will be washed away leaving a clean slate for the sun to dry off for you" she murmured intimately, a light flush working across her cheeks at the admission "It's silly I know but to me the rain cleanses me of my inner hurt while the snow purifies my thoughts. Both calming me and letting me know that there is still fun to be had, I've just got to keep moving to find it" she felt a little foolish to admit that to a child but knew that he needed to hear it, because chances were nobody else would say that to him.

This boy was quickly becoming part of her family, she didn't want him to grow up hurting whenever the rain came, or snow fell, it was important to her that long after she was gone, he would be able to find comfort in something nature could offer.

They remained in the snow for a little while longer, Gray taking comfort in being held again while Ur took her own comfort in being able to hold him. Silently they watched the snow, their hearts a little lighter than they had been when they'd started.

Between one breath to the next Gray fell asleep, getting his first good night sleep in a week. Lulled to sleep by her warmth and comforting scent. Missing Ur's fond smile and the kiss to his forehead she carried him back to the cabin.

"…gave me back my rain and snow." He finished quietly, eyes going soft as he thought of the fond memory. After that night he hadn't been able to hate the snow anymore and although it was a long time before he saw rain again, the hurt he had been expecting had mellowed. It was still their when he experienced his first rainfall without his mother, but not as much as he had once thought. Instead he remembered Ur's words and found them to be truth, the rain really did give him his memories.

"Since then I've made it a tradition to either watch the rain or be out in it when I can. It lets me remember the good and the bad of my life up until this point. Both giving and taking my sadness. It's nice and refreshing, to be able to live those memories again with the people I love, whether they're in this life or gone to the next. Makes me feel almost at peace" He shared, falling silent.

"Silly I know" he looked back down at his cup, a self-deprecating laugh tumbling off his lips "But I treasure the rain none the less" he tipped his head to the look Natsu in the eye "There are many more reasons, ones you will discover over time, but those are my main ones" he explained, an open invitation for Natsu to join him again.

The significance to the unspoken request wasn't lost on Natsu and he did his best to let his eyes show his heartfelt gratitude and reciprocation to the offer.

"Suppose you don't care for the rain much, not with it extinguishing your flames" his own eyes twinkling with mirth as he moved the conversation on.

"I don't know if I would say that" Natsu laughed, hand coming up to brush against the pale man's cheek "I quite like watching you in the rain" he answered honestly, getting lost in the universe residing in those eyes he loved so much.

"You just like seeing me wet, you perv" Gray teased, subtly leaning into the hand.

"And what's wrong with that?" he smirked, gently taking Gray's cup and placing it beside his own on the table. "Can't I admire my mate in all his splendour?" he purrs sinfully, slowly pushing the shorter male to lie back, hands coming to rest beside Gray's head until he was hovering.

"Nothing wrong with that at all" Gray grinned, eyes dropping to the fire mages tempting lip.

"Good" Natsu growls huskily before capturing his lover's lips in a brutal kiss.

Gray felt as if he was being devoured, like Natsu was a dying man partaking of his last meal, hungrily and greedily. He bucked against Natsu's body, trying to get closer to the burning heat. Thinking he could never get close enough. The more he's with the fire breather, the more he craves him, trapping him in an endless loop of wanting more, of needing more.

He wanted everything Natsu could give and then some. Greedily taking all that was offered and demanding more. That selfishness reminded him of what he was, a creature of the dark, a demon. But in that moment, he couldn't have cared less. All he cared for was the feeling of those fiery lips on his own. Demanding himself in return and leaving nothing untouched, stripping him bare for all to see, consuming him in a fiery inferno.

But a thought nagged at the back of his mind, threatening to break the euphoria he felt at finally having the man of his dreams in his arms. He pushed it back, moaning as Natsu hot hands began to run up his body, leaving a fire burning in its wake, an unseen but constantly felt map of where he had been. Arching into the touch, hoping to get scorched and wear the marks like a trophy.

Like everything in his life however, this thought would not be ignored and kept pushing until it broke through, feeling like a sucker punch to the gut as it was finally heard. He ripped his mouth away from Natsu, gasping for breath, but this time it wasn't from pleasure, no, this time it was from pure unadulterated shock.

"Wait" Gray lightly pushed at Natsu's chest. Natsu pulled away instantly, a questioning noise let loose as he did so, frowning worriedly at what had upset his mate, running a critical eye over him for signs of distress.

The quickness at his demand being met and worried looking over, had Gray's heart fluttering. In the darkest corner of his mind, where that little voice whispered the things that frightened him most. Feeding into the insecurity that his needs or wants would be overlooked suddenly became silent, unable to contradict the proof set before him. His thoughts and wishes came first, something he had only let himself dream off once before shutting down the idea, thinking his luck wasn't good enough to give him a lover that cared enough. It felt nice to have that bit of himself proved wrong for a change.

Quickly that analysis passed and the reason for his stopping crept back in, undoing that little bit of peace he had managed to create for himself a second ago.

"You- You said-" he cut himself off unable to get the words to form. He didn't want to say it, didn't want to make it real. Worried that if he finished the sentence then every dream, he'd ever had about the two of them would come crashing down and reality would step in once again.

He wasn't even sure he had heard Natsu right the first time, he had been distracted by the urge to kiss him, only listening with half an ear to what was being said. But the word had stuck and carried on looping long after the fact was said. He had to know. Endless possibilities filling his mind if he was right, but on the other hand counter scenarios popped up of if he was wrong.

"I said?" Natsu prompted, worry eating away at his heart. What could possibly be causing the stress lines between his eyes at a time like this? Whatever it was, it had shaken him, he had never seen Gray look so desperate and hopeful, and so…so…vulnerable.

Natsu felt his stomach threaten to rebel against him at the expression on Gray's face. It was like he was waiting for a nasty trick to be played on him, like at any moment he thought Natsu would pull back and laugh in his face, claiming it all to be some elaborate joke. He was beginning to hate that look and wanted it gone, now.

Swallowing roughly, the ice mage attempted to muster the courage to say the words. Trying to move past the insecurities that were currently trying to swallow him whole. Heart jumping into his throat he squeezed his eyes shut, spiting the words out less they got stuck in his throat again.

"That I'm your mate" he finished, voice barley above a whisper, praying that Natsu's ears didn't fail him now because he knew how would not be able to repeat it.

"Oh, thank goodness" Natsu laughed, almost collapsing in relief. So that's what all this is about. It had all been a slip of the tongue on his part, but he wouldn't take it back. He meant every word. Gray was his mate and nobody would be able to deny that when he was through, not even Gray himself.

Oh, he had a fair idea what was going on in that pretty little head of his. No doubt being overrun by fears of his inadequacy as well as the worry that maybe he had heard wrong. He could see it in those expressive eyes. The look of resigned hope as if he knew it wouldn't happen, but he desperately wished for it. Who was he to deny his mate of his desires? He could not in good conscious let his mate suffer like that anymore, especially not at his own hand. Where his mind tormented him with half-truths and outright lies.

"Yes, you are my mate" Natsu confirmed "I am ashamed of how long it had taken me to realise this, but I have. You are my mate Gray, no one else" he swore. A ting of desperation slipping into his tone as he all but pleaded the love of his life to believe him. To not listen to such doubt that his mind conjured up.

After spending so long in his lovers' company, he now knew how his mind worked, how it functioned and operated. The saying about being your own worst enemy applied to Gray on a level Natsu didn't want to think about. The abuse and distain Gray showed himself knew no bounds and hindered more then it fixed, tainting the image he held of himself, painting a very dark and unflattering picture that he applied to himself and let no-one contradict. It was something both saddened and angered Natsu like you wouldn't believe. It was a bitter pill to swallow and he still hadn't fully accepted that Gray was actually doing it, but it was fact he had to admit -if only to himself- that existed.

'One day' he swore to himself, tone strong with conviction even in his own mind 'I will change that. I will make him love himself just as much as I do, I swear upon my life I will'

Knowing the others mind so intimately left him privy to information Gray wouldn't want anyone to know about, for example he knew the thoughts Gray was currently pondering where nothing but lies. False truths created to protect himself, having long since accepted his fate of watching from afar.

Natsu knew that right now he wasn't talking to Gray, no, he was talking to Gray's defence mechanism. The wall he had built to keep himself safe and not allow his heart to be broken, but he didn't need that anymore. Natsu was there now, he would protect and nurture his heart. He would kill anyone who dared otherwise.

So he kept his words clear and simple, as if he was talking to a child so no misinterpretation could take place. That his words my not be twisted by the sensitive being's torturous mind, to then be used in a form of self-punishment for dreaming too big again.

Gray gave a shaky smile, tears springing in his eyes "Really? You truly mean that?"

It did not escape Natsu's notice that his mate the asked the same question twice, reiterating the point he needed to hear most. Natsu knew what to say to reform that unbreakable trust Gray had always bestowed upon him, even if at some points he didn't deserve it.

"With all my heart. There is no else for me. You are my everything" Natsu swore leaning down to place his own forehead against his, eyes closed.

"I love you, Gray," Natsu exhaled, brushing his nose against his, "My one true mate."

Gray's chest tightened and slowly closed his eyes too, allowing himself to be enamoured by Natsu's warmth and his words, his lovers' words. It all felt too good to be true. Like life was playing a cruel joke him and at any moment he would wake up. Alone, in bed, cold as his very magic. If this was a dream, he never wanted it to end.

Almost as if he could hear what Gray was thinking, he lightly nipped at the side of his neck. "All I have to do is bite you here" he gave another nip, smiling into the neck at the jolt it gave "And you will be mine forever" he told him, voice husky, warm breath tickling him.

"Then do it" Gray ordered, voice strangled as he arched his neck up against those soft lips, sharp canines grazing his skin as they poked out.

"You sure?" Natsu checked, pulling back to catch his eye. A seriousness that was rare to find in them. "If we do this, there will be no going back" he warned "So a year down the line you won't be able to change your mind if you so wish to" he tried to make it clear that this wasn't something they should do on a whim, it had to be carefully thought out before a decision was made.

Gray held his eye, conveying his own seriousness and understanding "I know, but you're it for me. I have never loved nor, will I love anyone else but you" he told him, tone serious "Even when we were kids, you were the only one I wanted. So believe me when I say I won't change my mind"

There was a silence between them, Natsu searching his face for any sign of hesitation. When he found none, he broke into a wide smile "Okay" he agreed, leaning down again.

"You're positive?" he checked once more. Gray smiled, he could feel the tension in Natsu's frame which was pressed against him. He knew he was fighting with himself, holding himself back so as not to bite him then and there. What he was doing was giving Gray an out if he wished for it, even if it ultimately hurt him and denied him the thing he desired most. Showing that it really was Gray's choice. That alone had Gray agreeing instantly, making him fall a little bit more in love with his dragon slayer, a feat he hadn't thought possible.

"Positive" tone definitive "I have never wanted anything more in my life" he added, trying to convince Natsu that it was truth. He meant every word he said and was willing to spend the rest of his life proving it.

"You got it, Snowflake" Natsu accepted. Gray caught a glimpse of a pleased smile before Natsu descended on his neck again. Nuzzling against it. His rosette hair tickling his cheek as he did so, making him giggle, before falling silent. Anticipation filling his heart, until he thought it would burst with excitement.

Briefly he thought it strange that he wasn't nervous about this. He'd expected to feel a slight twinge of apprehension, but there was nothing. Just his undying love and eagerness to be bonded.

Natsu's lips brushed the underside of his jaw and made their way down to the junction of his neck, back to the space he had nipped earlier, and all other thoughts flew out the window. He kissed Gray there in brief apology to the skin for what he was about to do.

Gray choked out a moan as sharp teeth pierced the flesh of his jugular between his neck and shoulder, drawing blood. Sparks flew through his whole body as he shuddered, toes curling.

He shoved his hands through Natsu's hair and held on for dear life. Head thrown back as his jaw fell open in a silent scream. Eyes wide and uncomprehending.

At that moment, he felt everything. Pain and pleasure rushing through his body like a tsunami. His heart beating ferociously in his chest, the blood rushing in his ears. The smell of pine, smoke and something spicy, filled his nose, sending a wave of relaxation through him at the familiar unique scent.

He could feel a weight settle in his chest. An emptiness within himself suddenly overflowing, the hole patched up, as if whatever had been missing had been placed back again. An awareness bloomed in his mind, flickering like a candle on a cool breeze. A feeling of rightness spreading throughout. He could feel Natsu, sense him, his beating heart, the low buzz at the back his mind that he knew to be him.

An influx of thoughts that weren't his own whizzed around his head before settling. Foreign but welcome emotions filled him. Like a switch had been flipped and suddenly the lights were on and he could see. Could see who Natsu was for the first time. Could feel what he felt, experience what he experienced, thought what he thought.

He closed his eyes against the feeling, mouth closing along with it.

Everything that made Natsu, Natsu, was in him, guiding him, protecting him. An instinct pulling at him, to reach out and touch the flicking light, he did so without hesitation. Watching and feeling it expand, sending a tingling warmth down his spine. Behind his closed eyes he saw the naked flame, a dreamy smile slipping on his face. He would protect this flame with every fibre of his being, it was part of him now, just as he knew he was part of Natsu, tied together by their very souls. A bond having formed that no magic in the universe could break.

This is what it meant to be a Dragons mate. To carry their very being inside of you, to become one in every way possible, right down to their very cores. A drive to protect and to care for one another, shaping every action and inaction they will make from here on out. To love and to hold where even death would not part, where they would simply move onto the next life, the bond pulling them in the direction of one another until they were back at each other's side. This was what he was made for, and by god did it feel good.

He whimpered as the fangs were drawn back, a tongue in their place, kitten licking the sore spot. Gray panted heavily, head lolled to the side. Lost in a sea of sensations. Only caring for one thing, Natsu. The being he was bound to for all eternity.

Natsu who had become his reason to live, his reason to smile. Who was the sole reason he ever wanted to get out of bed on a morning and greet the day. The one that made him both stronger and weaker. Someone he fights with and for. The one he had never been able to deny anything to. His mate right down their magic, complimenting each other in every way possible. The one he loved so passionately and possessively. No one else would ever be able to compare to him and any who tried would be killed without a moment's notice.

Opening his eyes, he found a similar smile resting on Natsu as his eyes burned for him, thoughts of a similar nature to his own in display in those eyes he loved. He felt tears prick his eyes. They had done it, they had really done it. Natsu was his and he was Natsu's. Nobody would be able to take him away again, not even the gods themselves. He would kill anyone who presented themselves as a threat to their sacred right, be it friend or foe.

He couldn't hold the contented purrs back any longer. They came out long and loud, nothing like to quite ones that broken free before now. His cheeks flushed in embarrassment, but he couldn't find it within himself to care as Natsu's eyes seemed to light up at the sound, a tension he hadn't seen easing from his shoulder. Ever since he'd been given the newfound powers from his farther, he had hated the one ability it granted him, purring. He thought it weird and discomforting, like it was a weakness he had to hide. Sometimes it was easy to smother it, other times it was impossible, but right now, for the first time ever, he couldn't say he hated the feeling, especially not when it made his mate so happy. God he could say that now, his mate. Natsu really was all his.

A few tears slipped out beyond his control, quickly being wiped away with the pad of the dragon slayers thumb "Don't cry" he begged softly. "The stinging will stop soon" he comforted

Gray should his head, lips parting, a broken laugh spilling out of them "I'm just so happy." He sniffed "I've wanted you for so long. Dreamed off it until it was the only thought in my head" he laughed again "Longed for you until my heart was heavy and soul was weak against you. I just can't believe you're really mine" he reassured, "It's almost like a dream" he admitted allowing himself to be vulnerable in way he never had been before.

The state of vulnerability he'd allowed himself into made him hyper aware of the fact he was pinned below a predator, and not just any predator, a dragon, something far more possessive then he had ever encountered before. The thought sent a wave off heat through him, his libido awakening.

"Not a dream" Natsu whispered, leaning down to give him a gentle reassuring kiss "This is really happening. You are now my bonded, my mate" the word rolled of his tongue like sin itself. Lighting a fire in the pit of his stomach that had the ice mage squirming, wanting to live out all those dirty promises that word held. He wanted to test the fire dragons' control, to test their limits and breath through them.

A soft keen was ripped from his throat as those hungry eyes watched him, teasing him on what was to come with the bond, sending images across on what Natsu planned to do to him.

Natsu run his thumb over the bite mark, a possessive satisfaction rising as his mate's breath hitched. A purr rumbling deep in his chest, joining his lovers "Mine" he growled in pleasure. Licking his lips as keen eyes watched in interest as lust began to swirl in those half-lidded eyes. Lashes fluttering as his breathing quickened again. Patiently waiting.

A teasing finger skittered across the devil slayers pulse point, trailing down to his nipple and giving it a little roll. Smirking as hips bucked against him, a broken moan falling from those addictive lips.

"Yours" Gray panted, agreeing whole heartedly, his own hand coming to caress the mark possessively, trapping Natsu hand against It as his inner joy lit him up from the inside out. Flushing slightly when a snow began to fall from above them. Losing control of his magic at the utter contentment and happiness he felt. Pouting when the dragon's slayers teasing eased off slightly, attention taking momentarily by his snow.

Natsu chuckled, looking down at his little mate, watching on in fascination as snow got caught in the midnight hair, making it look like the night sky. The soft purrs echoing in his ears. For the first time ever, Natsu felt whole and like he belonged somewhere, and that feeling was all thanks to the snowflake beneath him.

He knew in the years to come people would go against them. Stating how they were the complete opposite to each other in every way, be it magic or personality. Questioning how they could be each other's perfect match. Natsu also knew they would face ridicule for being gay, but he couldn't find it within himself to care. Not with his snow angel looking up at him as if he had given him the universe itself.

'A dragon's greatest treasure would be their mate, and anyone who dared to contest that had better hope they have their wills ready' he found himself thinking, not even attempting to stop the desire to taste his mate again. And why should he? What a dragon wants a dragon gets.

Gray had always hated large bodies of water. Despised the idea of swimming or paddling unlike so many in his guild.

But like most human beings he was full of contradictions, one being his love of the rain.

He had many reasons to love the rain but none more so then the one he had recently discovered. It had given him his mate, the love of his life, the apple of his eye. Now, in his mind, he didn't call it his rain anymore, it had taken on a whole new meaning and a name with it. Now he called it their rain, something that had his heart dancing and his blood racing.

He no longer had to experience it on his own. Now he had a dance partner to enjoy it with. Someone to share his tradition and appreciation for it. Their rain…yeah, he really liked the sound of that.

Hey, I've been wondering something, and I hope someone can answer me. Are the children in Fairy Tail born with a magic ability or is it something they choose to learn? As I was going through Gray's childhood episodes it was something I picked up on. The children learnt it somewhere right or am I reading it wrong? So, I'm just wondering if they are born with magic energy to learn or do they gain it as they learn? just something I'm curious about. Having said that, depending on the answer I might have an idea for a story, we she shall see.

Also, just something of note. I realise I said that Natsu and Gray had never heard of Wasabi and then later on I had them using Japanese. I'm gonna be honest I have no fucking idea what language they would speak in Magnolia or what foods would be native to it, I've kinda gone on a western style food and then an Asian language. I feel like with the places they visit, they would have picked up favourite phrases they hear in each place they visit and incorporate that into everyday life. For Natsu his favourite is Japanese, Gray's I have no idea on yet, I haven't decided, and I couldn't really write this in as it would have taken away from the plot slightly so I'm adding it here to stop the comments about the contradictions from happening.

Something else to add just in case you're curious. The things I said about rain falling if Gray needed to remember and that He doesn't feel alone when it snows, those are things I was taught when growing up and to this day still believe. It's really stupid I know but it comforts me, and I wanted Gray to have that comfort. Call me childish all you like, but it settles me and right now I need it. I hope someone else will take those principles and apply it your own life, it really helps when you're feeling down or are frustrated by the weather.

My final thing of note is that this story is inspired by AlphaWolfOfRed67 work Continue To Live! . I really loved their work with the snow and wanted to do one of my own and at the time I happened to be watching The World Is Still Beautiful (Which I highly recommend, one of my all-time favourites) and those two facts just aligned to create this.

Anyway, thanks for reading! Dream xx