Natsu's POV:

"I was raped..." the words were ripped out of my mouth, and as soon as I said them, a grim regret overcame me. Gray's mouth hung open, unsure of how to respond. I don't blame him... it's shocking I suppose.

"Y-You? How? When" Gray nervously stammered. His eyes were opened wide, making the bewilderment which was already quite evident, look a bit more comical.

With great trepidation, I searched for the words to say -- the words to briefly explain the situation without saying too much.

"I went on a mission by myself; Lucy canceled on me last minute. She said her and Levy had something more important," I started explaining as I reminisced the wretched memory, "The job said something about fighting monsters, so I took it. It seemed easy enough. But when I went to meet to person who had requested it..." I froze I'm place. My throat blocked the rest of my story deep inside me; refusing to let me continue.

"I'm... I'm so sorry," Gray said, lowering his head. "We don't have to keep walking if you don't want to.. We can set up the tent and sleep."

That sounded wonderful. I just wanted to be enclosed in some sort of walls -- it felt safer than being out I'm the open. But...

"No," I gulped back my fear and looked Gray in the eyes, "Let's keep going."