Natsu's POV:

I stared at Gray's unmoving expression -- I was completely bewildered. Perhaps I had managed to strike a chord with the ice mage. I should be thrilled to have finally affected him in any way, however I was honestly more disturbed than anything. Why isn't he saying anything?

Almost right after I spoke, Gray lifted himself out of the water. He pulled on his clothes despite the fact that he was still soaked.

"Gray, I-I could dry you off," I offered, holding up my fist engulfed with flames.

"No thanks," Gray muttered, "I'd rather catch a cold than be toasted to a crisp. Besides, the cold doesn't bother me; you should know that. Now hurry up and get out, we're continuing walking now."

I sighed and obliged to Gray's commands. I climbed out if the hot spring and quickly heated myself up so I would dry before putting my clothes back on. Then I sped-walked up to where Gray was -- he had already started walking, leaving me behind a bit.

*************************

Gray's POV:

I'm not in love him him.. that's stupid. He's stupid, I thought these sorts of things as I marched through the forest. I didn't stop moving; I kept the same fast pace the whole time. I was well aware that Natsu was having a tough time keeping up, but in my current mind set, I couldn't find the ability to care. All I could focus on was getting to the village, then getting the hell away from there asap.

We walked for hours on end. At this point, it was past dark outside. At this realization, I snapped back into reality, and noticed Natsu pulling at my sleeve. "What is it?" I asked in a daze.

"We should really set up camp now, Gray... I'm pretty sure it's almost morning," Natsu looked utterly exhausted. Underneath his green eyes were dark rings, and his complexion was a bit pale.

"Y-You're right... I'm sorry," there was no point in arguing; I knew it was my fault, "Let's set up camp here."

"Alright."

Natsu and I set up our little tent and got into our sleeping bags. We both shut our eyes without saying a word to each other. I felt sleep creeping onto me, and just as I was on the verge of rest, I heard a rustle in the bushes, and a voice from outside the tent;

"Who the hell is camping on my property?!"

To Be Continued...