Natsu's POV:

"You don't even know what happened, so just leave me alone!" I suddenly shouted and clenched my fists. My sudden outburst surprised even myself, and I quickly covered my mouth afterwards.

"Seriously..." Gray said, "Tell me what's wrong. I might be able to help."

"It's none of your business... It happened a long time ago, I-I should really just get over it," I stuttered, not wanting to tell Gray my darkest secret.

"...." Gray hesitated before speaking again, "If it's nothing, then keep walking. I don't have time for this."

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

Gray's POV:

I do feel mean about leaving this alone, but I really do need him to keep walking. Although it'd be easier if he just told me... "Hurry up," I goaded, "I don't want to be here when it gets even darker -- this deep in the forest we would probably get torn to bits by a monster."

"Yeah, I guess..." Natsu replied. Not much of a reaction -- I guess that's not what he's scared of.

"It looks like it might rain.. rain could lead to a flood."

"That would suck."

"Hey, I think I heard someone walking towards us."

"What?! Where?!" Natsu paled and looked around. Aha! So that's what it is...

"I'm just kidding," I said, and Natsu sighed in relief.

"Why would you tell me that?!?!"

"I just wanna know what's wrong with you," I said timidly, "I didn't realize it was that bad... sorry."

Natsu's cheeks were flushed and his teeth were clenched. The fire mage balled his hands into fists to fight the obvious tears building up in his eyes. "You're an ass! I said it doesn't matter, so it shouldn't fucking matter!" A single tear dripped down his cheek and fell to the ground.

"...I was just trying to help..."

"It won't help..." Natsu said through clenched teeth, "I was..."

To Be Continued...