If you want to skip into the changed part, go to where I put this sign (!!)Here is the part(!!). The rest of the chapter didn't changed at all. 

Natsu POV

Days went by after another, I healed slowly everyday. I was getting better at walking. Now three days further, I could walk on my own again without any support. I had to rest once in a while. But I was standing on my own two feet again. My negative thoughts didn't changed though. I haven't seen Gray in three days and I'm wondering why it takes him so long to break the news to Juvia. Or was it really just a fake excuse. I am doubting everything. I was walking towards the guild with Happy. Happy was speaking happily about fish I guess, I wasn't quite following it. I opened the door, the rowdiness came back after those three days. But I like it better that way, my hearing isn't oversensitive anymore and I'm glad. I still don't fight in the guild brawls. Some speak to me and say they miss it to brawl with me and they miss my loudness and I think my fire or my spirit or something like that. I was indeed quieter than I used to be. I'm still not used to a lot of attention. I order my spicy chicken like usual at the bar, I sat next to Lucy and Erza. They both ordered their usual as well.

I sighed. "What's wrong Natsu?" Luce asked. "Well I'm bored sometime, and I wonder why Gray is taking so long." Erza sighed. "Well Natsu, you wouldn't listen to mine or actually to Gray's message. That would actually explain why he is taking so long." "He explained it. Really he did?" "Yea but Natsu, bad luck I'm not going to relay that message anymore towards you." "Why not? I have to know." "Natsu you should of have listen to it when you got the chance. But you wasted your chance." I was disappointed. Are they not telling me, because the message was about Gray not loving me. It was all a joke right. I couldn't handle all these negative emotions. Luce and Erza were talking about other things. I stood up. I didn't finish my dish. So both Luce and Erza had a strange look towards me. "Where are you going?" I was getting mad, they all know right. I looked a little down, so that my hair would fall over my eyes, shadowing them. "You both are joking with me. You all know of it. Probably the whole guild knows about it right?" They both looked confused to each other. "What are you talking about Natsu?" Luce said. "Don't play the fool now. You both damn good know what I'm talking about." "No Natsu I really don't." Luce said. I was getting furious. Both of my hands turn into fists. I was shaking of anger. I looked them in the eyes and yelled "You're probably all in this game right. You won't fool me any longer. So stop pretending. I'm not buying it." "N-natsu.."Luce tried to say something but I went on. "Stop making that face, you're all fooling me. He isn't going to tell her right. I will all be just a joke a laughing matter when I leave the guild. I had thought better of you guys. I even called you my friends." I couldn't take it anymore I was at the brink of tears so I ran. I left the guild as fast as I could after my anger outburst. After a while I had to stop running, I was breathing fast again. So I walked instead. I walked a detour towards the house. I decided to walk through the forest that lies close by my house.

Lucy POV
What just happened. Natsu was angry at both Erza and me, but I don't know why. He might even be angry at the whole guild. "Do you know what he is talking about Erza?" Erza looked with the same confused expression towards me. "No Lucy I don't. I didn't expect him to have such an outburst." "Do you think he is angry at us we don't tell him the message anymore?" "I do believe it is part of it. But what he said, it sounded much deeper. I'm still fingering it out." Erza said. Mira came walking towards us. "What was that about? I was shocked to see Natsu like that." "I don't know Mira, Natsu was suddenly very angry at us. We both don't know the reason." Some of the guild members came asking the same thing, what just happened, but we both couldn't respond to it why it did. We both went home with a load on our shoulders. Wondering what just happened and why.

Natsu POV
When I calmed down a bit by walking through the forest I was going to my house. I didn't trust mine so called friends anymore. So I did the same what I did at the beginning. I walked towards my bedroom and didn't leave it. I heard Happy coming home. He called my name many times. I wasn't responding, I didn't feel like it. Happy came at my door and knocked on it. "Natsu are you in there? Please open the door." I didn't respond. "Maybe he is asleep. I wonder what he was talking about in the guild." After that I didn't hear Happy close-by anymore. Happy said he didn't understood what I said. That's weird right. Why didn't he know, did they leave Happy out of it. Or is he playing a roll in it too. I was pulling my hair again. I started doubting again. What should I do, I can't. I just didn't came with an answer. So I decided just like then to stay inside my bedroom and not to respond for a while. I had to think this through. Happy came that day several times at my door. He left every time believing I was sleeping. Or more like he was hoping I was.

The next day he came again. I wasn't responding again. I woke up because of the sound, so technically I was sleeping. But I just couldn't respond at the moment. I felt betrayed. I didn't know if Happy is a part of it yet. So I decided to not trust anyone. Happy sighed and then he left. It was quiet for a while. I fell asleep again. I really did this time, not like yesterday when Happy only believed it. After a while Happy came back at the house, he was clearly with someone, because I heard another voice. I believe it was Luce. They knocked on the door. "Natsu, please open up. I want to apologize, I don't know yet what I did to offend you. But I'm really sorry." I was getting angry again. It was Luce who was speaking. "I just want you to know you can trust me and if you need someone that will listen to you I'm here for you. Please open up to me." She said. I felt guilty for not letting her in again. But on the other hand I didn't buy it, she is in the conspiracy. Of course she would say something like this.

Happy was wailing. "He is acting like back then again. Please we need to save him. I don't want to lose him again. What did you say Lusheee." "I really don't know what I said to offend him Happy." "Did you tell him about the reason Gray didn't come by already?" What are they talking about. Luce sighed. "No the message Gray gave to Erza, he didn't want to hear it Happy." "But you can tell him now right." "I don't know, Erza said he wasted his chance to know." "Isn't that unfair towards Natsu." "I know right? But I don't want to anger Erza." "Lucy, I hope Gray can talk to Juvia very soon." What do they mean. Can talk to Juvia, he already should of have done that. Or is there a reason he can't. The big reason is because he fooled me and doesn't love me at all right. "I hope so as well Happy, but we both don't know when she's coming back." Coming back? Back to where? Did she left after she heard the news. Or did she leave for another reason. Or did Gray went away. It is all so confusing. Or maybe Juvia did this on purpose so I have some hope and then after a while it will be broken again. Would she do such a thing? Is it even possible Gray just chickened out in telling it.

Lucy and Happy both sighed. "W-why did she leave?" I asked with caution. I was still afraid they were fooling me. I heard them both gasp, probably because they got a respond. I felt stupid because I did. "Natsu, so you're really in there." Happy said. "Juvia left town for a mission Natsu." I didn't believe it. That sounds very fortunate. A little too much of a coincidence. "Gray is doing his best to hold strong." Happy said. "He liiiiiiiikkes you." He purred. "Pfft." I made such a sound. They both gasped again. "Gray really loves you Natsu, that's the truth." Lucy said. They can both manage to lie so hard. They probably are laughing both of them. That they pulled this trick with me. So after that I didn't respond anymore. I didn't believe a word they were saying. All lies or jokes. I want to know with what kind of trick they used to make Gray say he loves me. Does he feel guilty that I'm such a mess. That I was so hurt because of him. Right, like he cares. He just got a reason from everyone to mess with me more. I mean he still is my rival. He can't love me. I knew that from the beginning. That was the reason it was foolish to love him. I'm such an idiot. I fall in love with the one who is impossible to love me back.

Why would a dragonslayer who has such boundaries as me fall in love with such an impossible one. It was just asking for a broken heart. A foolish love for a foolish boy. Igneel never told me about love between boys. Probably the whole guild thinks that it is disgusting. Was that a reason I was afraid to come back too. Probably. I heard some mumble behind the door, but I was so far in thoughts I couldn't comprehend a word they say. Why would such a hot boy fall in love with me. I mean Gray is probably as straight as an.. I don't know of an comparison. But he loves Juvia. They probably are both gone and laughing that they made me believe I had a chance. Why would I believe it. I just wanted to hear it right, I was desperate. I was lonely. I still am. I started crying. I took my pillow in my hand and tugged it firmly. Tears were strolling again, like I hadn't done that enough lately. I became a mess again, such a frail, weak little boy. "N-natsu?" I heard on the other side of the door. But I didn't want or could respond. I was a tearing mess. "I know your angry at me. I guess I deserve it a little. But I want you to know I never meant to make you sad again. I wanted you and Gray to be happy. A happy couple." Erza said.

I was glad Erza was there but I really couldn't answer, because of the tears my voice would sound not normal but weak. "I really hope Gray will come by soon and tell you something good." Then it there was silence. "I hope Juvia won't flood the place. I hope I can see you smile again. I hope we can be friends again. I hope you will still love Gray. Because I have the feeling you don't believe it all anymore." She was spot on as usual. "I don't know what kind of emotions you're dealing with right now. But I know you're not happy right now. I'm neither. I just want to see everyone but especially you happy." "W-why me?" I said, my voice sounded broken and weak and small. I hated it. "You're my little lovely brother. Or more brother figure. I want my little brother to be happy and live with the love of his life. To stop making us worry, to stop hurting yourself." "I-I." "Please let them in Natsu, give Gray a chance. He really deserves one." "Why?" "Why he deserves the chance?" Erza asked. "Mmm." I made that sound I meant yea with it, I believe she noticed. "Because he is the man who really loves you. He is putting everything on the line for you." "Please don't lie..." I said still sobbing. "I wouldn't I promise on my cake and on the guild." She is this serious. "I will even give up all my armors and even all of mine money to buy cake so you believe what I'm saying is the truth." Was she serious, who would bet so much just to convince someone.

"Y-your" I couldn't finish my sentence. The tears were overwhelming me. "Just leave Erza." I said and walked to my bed again. I wanted to sleep again. She sounded shocked. "I understand, I will leave for now Natsu. But remember we are still your friends. Besides I will come back again if you like it or not. I'm sorry if I did something wrong." After that she left. I started crying harder, I was started to feel a mix of emotions. She bets so much to make me believe her. For what reason. I became a little by little more dull. Just like when I went on the trip like I had no emotions anymore. After that the darkness of the night welcomed me and I fell asleep with tear marks on my face.

Erza POV
I remember it early in the morning Happy coming towards the guild wailing. I had a bad feeling. He came to me and Lucy. "Lucy, Erza please help me. Natsu is shutting himself in his bedroom again. He won't respond." He was wailing so hard. The little guy had it hard. "Since when is he in there Happy?" Lucy asked. "Since his outburst I believe. Because after it I went home and he was already in his bedroom with the door locked. First I just thought he was sleeping. But he didn't respond to me the whole evening and this morning as well. He is ignoring me again." He flew into the arms of Lucy. Who patted him. She looked at me. "I will try to make him speak, will you come after it if I don't succeed Erza?" She asked. I nodded. I knew she wanted to have a chance first, because back than she didn't succeed at all. "I will wait for you here. Good luck."

After that Lucy left with Happy in her arms. After a while they came back and went straight towards me. "Erza, you can try. He did speak a little, but I didn't succeed. Also I did told him about Juvia who is away for a mission. I'm sorry." I ruffled her hair. "It's okay silly, if you didn't I would of have." I went to his house and walked towards his bedroom. I started the conversation, he didn't respond in the beginning. I heard him crying I felt bad. He was probably in that dark place again. Stupid Gray and stupid Juvia. Why did she had to leave now, Natsu will feel less confident how longer it will take. Which sounds logic actually. He did respond a little but I know he wanted more time and I promised him I would come back tomorrow. I went back to the guild.

Lucy and Happy came towards me "Did you succeed?" I sighed. "No but he did respond a little. He was crying though in there, I feel really bad." Lucy was crying and Happy also. "He is in that bad place again right?" Happy asked. "I believe so." I said. The atmosphere in the guild became less rowdy and more depressed. I felt awful, I made him cry. Baka Gray hurry up. He won't hold any longer. "Where is Gray actually?" I asked I wonder why I didn't ask this sooner. Lucy and Happy both pulled their shoulders up like we don't know. Then Mira responded "He went after Juvia, he couldn't wait so long so he went to the place she went for the mission." "I'm glad he is taking some action I just hope he will be back soon, Natsu can't take it if it takes too long." We all sighed.

I went towards Wendy maybe she could help me in this matter. Lucy, Happy and I decided that we wouldn't make it too big and don't involve too many. Especially in the state how Natsu now is, if too many people see him like that they all think he is weak and Natsu will hate himself even more. "Wendy can you come for a minute?" She was talking with Charle and Romeo. "Yea sure Erza-san. Guys I will be back, bye bye." They waved. "Is something wrong Erza-san?" "Well actually Natsu is shutting himself out again and we both tried talking to him, maybe you can try tomorrow." "Of course Erza-san, but why tomorrow why not now?" "Because I think it was a little too much that both Lucy and me tried. I heard that he was sleeping when I left." "Okay Erza-san I will try tomorrow morning. I just hope Gray-san is back soon." "Yea I hope so as well Wendy." Wendy left the group. I walked back to Lucy and Happy and told what I told Wendy. They thought it was a good idea, maybe he would open op to another dragonslayer, especially Wendy who I believe Natsu sees as a little sister to him. We all left the guild heavy loaded again. The next morning we just did like planned Wendy went to Natsu's place, I walked with her. I didn't want to let her walk alone.

Wendy POV
I felt a little nervous. I mean Natsu-san didn't open up to Lucy-san, Happy-san and even Erza-san why would he open up towards me. I walked to Natsu-san's house with Erza-san. "Are you alright Wendy?" Erza-san asked. "Yea just a little nervous Erza-san." She ruffled my hair. We both went inside his house and walked to his bedroom door. I knocked with caution. "Hello Natsu-san, It's me Wendy-san. I want to know how you're doing." He didn't respond. I looked to Erza-san who just nodded. I went to sit very close to the door. "Natsu-san, Gray-san will come back very soon. He is looking for Juvia-san." He didn't respond. "You know Natsu-san, we all love you. I really love you, your my big brother." I started to cry a little. I miss you. I always feel encouraged by you Natsu-san. Your my example, I want to be as strong as you Natsu-san." I heard him cry. "I-I'm not strong Wendy." I was a little shocked that he was responding. "You really are, you are one of the strongest persons I know Natsu-san. I-I."

We were both crying and then something happened very quickly. Natsu-san opened the door just a little pulled me in and locked the door. Erza-san was too slow to notice but yelled "Wendy!" "Natsu please don't hurt her. Please let me in or just open the door again." But Natsu-san was crying hard and he held me firm in his arms. He was hugging me, I was shocked at the beginning. But I hugged back. Natsu didn't look good. He had red puffy eyes, like he cried himself to sleep these past two days. His hair looked a mess even messier than normal. He looked thin, I didn't believe he eat for these two days. That wasn't like Natsu at all. He was a complete mess. "Erza-san I'm alright can you leave for a moment. I'm sorry." She sighed and left.

"Thank you Natsu-san. I really love you like a brother." "Mmm.." He couldn't respond with all the tears that were streaming down his face. But I loved the feeling he was giving by hugging me. "I love being in your arms Natsu-san, you have such a gentle warm feeling." "D-did he really left me Wendy?" He said in a tiny voice I never expected to hear from Natsu-san. "Who Gray-san?" "Yea." He sobbed again. "He left to find Juvia-san. He wants to tell her the news as soon as possible so he can be with you. He found it very hard not to visit you. He hated it. When he came here because of me, he was anxious. He was worried about you. Gray-san really loves you." "H-he l-loves J-Juvia right?" I felt heartbroken that Natsu-san was feeling this way. "He did back then Natsu-san. He now loves you." "B-but if he can with Juvia, I will be put on the side as well right? He is just joking right?" I never seen Natsu-san so unsure and so heartbroken. But he was talking about it, that was a beginning right.

"Gray-san wouldn't joke about something this important." "W-why does it hurt then? Why do I feel everyone is playing a part of this joke?" I hugged Natsu-san even harder. "You silly we wouldn't do such a thing. I understand that how longer Gray-san takes to tell Juvia-san it makes you anxious and unsure about everything. But he still loves you, or he wouldn't do so much effort right." "I-I." "Just tell me Natsu-san it's okay." "I really love him Wendy, what if it.. I don't know work out. Won't the guild will hate me for it?" "Hate you for what Natsu-san?" "That I stole Gray away from Juvia, that I'm gay." "Silly, no one will hate you because your gay. Also it is Gray his choice that he wanted to be with you and not with Juvia. So he did made the choice to leave her for you, you didn't do anything wrong. No one can blame you for who you fall in love with silly." "R-really?" "Yea Natsu-san no one will blame you for that. I definitely won't and I will make sure with the help of Erza-san and Lucy-san and even Happy-san that no one will think that way." He chuckled. "I'm glad I have you as a little sister." I felt a brush coming on my face. "Is it okay if I hold you a little longer." "Sure Natsu-san." "Don't leave me alone."

I was so shocked. Natsu-san is so vulnerable. Is this really what it means to have a mate, to be able to be this vulnerable when normal you're the strongest. "I won't. But please come outside with me." "I can't Wendy." "Then I will stay by your side Natsu-san." He was crying again. "He will come back right?" "Definitely." We stayed in this position for quite a while, we fell asleep in this position, I felt so save in his arms. I woke up the day after still in the same position. I tried to move a little not like that was possible, even though Natsu-san was weaker than normal he had a firm hold on me. Like he was afraid he would lose me. He then started to wake up. "Hi Wendy." He said. He let me go so I could stretch. Now I had a good look on him he looked even worse than yesterday. I was just looking at him, he looked defeated.

"Natsu-san thank you for opening up to me." I said I even bowed. "Silly, don't be so formal." "Can I make you something to eat Natsu-san?" "Yea maybe. He stood up. A little wobbly. I guess he's been it that position for a long time. He walked towards the bathroom that was next to his bedroom. "I look awful." He remarked. He had a dull expression while he said so. "Wendy I will take a shower okay? Just make yourself at home." I nodded and walked downstairs to his kitchen. I was glad he would take a shower. Then Happy came home with Erza. Erza was shocked to see me still here. "Wait you were here all night Wendy?" Erza asked amazed. "Yea, he didn't want to let me go, so we slept together." I was getting a blush because of what I said. "How is he Wendy?" I was taken back with this question. "Well not so good. He is heartbroken, he is really sad. He believes Gray-san won't come back and still loves Juvia-san. Although I told him otherwise. Even then he said but what if he left me like he will with Juvia-san. He believes your all making fun of him by telling this joke. He is really a mess. He even believes the guild will get mad at him for this. But I'm making something for him and he even is taking a shower. So he is getting a little better I guess." I told them.

"You had a good conversation with him I guess." Erza-san said, looking happy. "Yea I had, I never seen Natsu-san like this before. I was glad I could help a little." "What do you mean by the guild will hate him for this?" Erza-san asked. "Well for stealing Gray-san and for being gay. But I told him we would never be angry because of that." I told them. "Maybe that was a reason he was so afraid to enter the guild again." Erza-san remarked. That was a possibility. "I bring this to Natsu-san. So see you later." I told them. Erza-san wanted to follow me but she decided that it wasn't fair. I walked upstairs and knocked before entering. I closed the door because I knew Natsu-san would like that. "Natsu-san I have some food for you." I heard the shower still running. I knocked at the door of the bathroom. No response. "Natsu-san I am coming in." I opened up the door and a lot of steam hit me. I couldn't see anything. I put the food in the bedroom. But I was shocked Natsu-san was sleeping standing. I had to laugh at that. I opened up the cold shower and then Natsu-san was screaming. "WENDY!" "Oeps, sorry I just wanted to wake you up." He looked towards me and started laughing, I laughed as well.

I heard footsteps coming upstairs. "Everything alright Wendy? I heard Natsu scream." "Natsu-san will you make yourself ready, the food is in your bedroom." He nodded. I left the bathroom a little ashamed I saw Natsu-san naked, well I didn't see much because of the steam though. I walked to the bedroom door and said "Erza-san everything is alright, he was sleeping inside the shower I just woke him up with a cold shower." Erza-san had to chuckled at that. "Can I see him Wendy?" Natsu-san came at that moment outside the bathroom with other clothes on, he wasn't wearing a shirt because the steam was still coming from him. I asked Natsu-san "Erza-san wants to see you I believe Happy-san also. May I open the door Natsu-san?" Natsu-san took the food and sat himself at the chair. "It's okay, but I won't talk I guess." He whispered. "Thank you Natsu-san." I opened up the door. Erza-san was amazed that the door was opening. "Erza-san, Happy-san. He is eating but he allows you in." Happy-san was crying rivers. Erza-san came inside, but didn't say anything. She was just looking at Natsu-san. Happy-san wanted to fly in his arms. But he was pulled back at his tail by Erza-san. "Happy, he is eating leave him alone for now." Natsu-san was indeed eating, slowly. I had never seen him eat so slowly before. "Is it good Natsu-san?" I asked. He looked at me and just nodded.

He was staring at Erza-san and Happy-san, I didn't understand the look he gave them. But his look was very cold even non-emotional. A little dull is how I can explain it the best. He is such a difference than yesterday when he was so emotional, so gentle, so vulnerable, so small. He looks angry. Erza-san and Happy-san were looking with amasement towards Natsu-san. Happy-san was wailing again. "How are you feeling Natsu?" Erza-san asked with caution. She was nervous I guess. I looked from her to Natsu-san. He didn't bother to look at her or even speak up. He was focused on eating and he didn't care about his surroundings. "I'm glad you like my food Natsu-san, I don't cook that often." I said shyly. He looked at me smiled lightly and ruffles my hair. I was glad. Clearly he wasn't mad at me. I didn't understand why he was at them though. Erza-san was amazed, her eyes were big, so was Happy-san. After a while he finished his meal. "Thank you." He whispered to me. "Your welcome Natsu-san." I took the plate and was ready to leave the room to clean the plate. But I was stopped by Natsu-san. He pulled my shirt, he looked at me with kind of a puppy face.

I sighed. "You don't want me to leave Natsu-san?" I asked. He nodded again. I sighed again. "Okay I will stay here then." I said. "But Wendy what about you, you should eat something as well right, or even shower." Erza-san said. I didn't mind at the time. I looked at Natsu-san, he looked defeated. "I can't stay forever Natsu-san but for now I don't mind. Do you mind if I eat something and take a shower, after that I will come back?" Natsu-san looked at me sadly then he whispered "You can do that here right?" He whispered so low only I could hear him. Clearly he didn't want the others to even hear him. "Yea I have to ask Happy-san though of he can take a change of clothes for me though." He nodded. "Wendy you can't stay here." Erza-san said. Natsu looked even sadder. "Why can't I ? I'm helping Natsu-san." "I know you're helping him, but you're staying with a male. You are just a little girl." "Erza-san I don't like what you're saying. It is Natsu-san your talking about, he is like my older brother, if you are bothered that I sleep with him or even am by his side you have to deal with it. It's not like Natsu-san would ever hurt me or have sexual feelings for me if that is what your implying. He is gay I'm not bothered by staying by my side. I'm helping a friend in need." I was speaking louder by the minute. Erza-san was amazed about my outburst. I stood before Natsu-san protectively. "Wendy." Erza-san said, she was apparently too shocked to say something else.

"If you have nothing to say please leave I'm helping Natsu-san. You're clearly aren't." I said I was furious. How dare they say that I can't take care of myself, that I'm a little girl staying by a boy. So what. Natsu-san would never do such a thing, that she even thought that. Ridiculously. "I'm sorry Wendy, take care. Come Happy. We can't help them." She was clearly hurt but I didn't care at that moment. Natsu-san took my shoulder. "Are you okay?" He asked. "Yea I'm mad at them. How dare they think that of you." He hugged me and whispered in my ear. "They are probably worried about you. Maybe even scared from me. Indeed Wendy I would never hurt you." "Thank you Natsu-san."

(!!) Here is the part (!!)

"Maybe it's better that you leave Wendy, they probably will all think badly of you. I don't like that. So you can leave." I was shocked he would say something like that. "B-But Natsu-san. Your hurt right. I don't mind staying by your side." "It's not healthy Wendy. What about Charle?" "I, she will stay with Happy-san I guess." "You don't even know, Wendy. I will take care of myself please leave." He was holding back tears I could see. So I did what he asked and left. I went to the guild Erza-san, Lucy-san and Happy-san were amazed to see me. "Why are you here Wendy?" "He wants to be alone, and apparently thinks it isn't healthy if I stay with him. He believes you will think badly of me if I would of have stayed." I was crying. "I'm sorry Erza-san that I was angry at you." She hugged me. "Silly, you were protecting him of course you would be angry. I'm sorry that I made you angry." The guild was shocked to hear us both apologize.

Natsu POV
Days went by the others came by every day, but when they came they were cautious. Maybe even afraid of me. I was isolated again, I didn't speak or open the door anymore. Even Wendy came by, she tried to talk to me but I didn't speak to anyone anymore. Not even Wendy. I had many nights when I cried myself in sleep. If I could get any sleep at all. I was at square one again. I broke apart, I don't believe anything or anyone anymore. I don't even know what loves means. I even made a hole in one of my walls. I was angry at the whole world. I'm depressed again. Why did I even come back at all. It was pointless from the beginning. Even my dreams keep hunting me. I dream a lot about Gray confessing it was all a joke in the middle of the guild and that everyone would keep laughing at me. I hate it. I didn't touch food anymore these days. I could count my ribs. Or even other bones. Gray will never return. Or will he. I don't think he will, it's already been so long. I was in a daze. Many people tried to talk to me, begged that I would open the door that I would respond. Even getting mad at me for being like this. But I was numb.

Nothing happened. After what felt like days or even a week. Erza came again by. She was crying again. Even that didn't hit me anymore. At the beginning when someone cried at the other side I would feel guilty. Now it didn't bother me at all. I liked my dark space. "Natsu I know you're in there. Gray will surely come back. I know he is taking too long but please believe in him. So.." She started sobbing again. I didn't believe a word she said. Coming back, why would he. He is having fun time with Juvia. Like I care. I wish I was dead. I can't take this any longer I guess. The dark welcomed me again and I fell asleep. There again was the dream I hate, about Gray laughing at me and telling the whole guild that he was only joking. He doesn't love me. Why did I ever thought he would. I'm such a fool. I woke up, sweating. Like I care. I wasn't even motivated anymore to drink sometimes. But I had to right. But for what reason. I wanted to die right. But that.. I sometimes drank a little. Guess deep down I didn't want to die after all. I hadn't even have tears anymore. They dried up, I used them all up. I was numb, all the negative emotions swallowed me whole. I was consumed with it. I felt comfortable in the dark. On one day it started storming hard outside, I liked the sound of it. It suited my feelings right now.

Gray POV
Finally I came back to the guild, I had to go through this storm to get there.I busted the door of the guild open. Everyone looked shocked but kind of relieved as well. Wendy, Lucy and Erza came walking towards me. "Where is Natsu?" I asked. They all looked at the floor. "Gray, Natsu has isolated himself again. He opened up one time towards Wendy-chan but that lasted short. He isn't responding at all. Why did you took so long?" Erza asked. Lucy was crying. "What? Why is he isolating himself again?" "Well Gray-san he believed you would never return, he is depressed. He believes it was all a joke. That you and all of us were pulling a joke with him to make you say that on the mission so he would return." Wendy said and cried after it. I felt horrible I did this again towards him. What has happened in the period I was gone. Did he lose it again.Shit I should of have known that he was dealing with heavy emotions. I was shocked and that was an understatement. Shit I couldn't help it that I took longer than necessary. Stupid train. "I will go to him." I said. Erza looked at me. "We will join you Gray, I believe you could use some help." "Thank you Erza." We all left the guild in a hurry. It was awful outside, heavy wind, pouring rain and sometimes lightning strikes. It was silent at his house, like he wasn't even around. 

We ran towards the house and were met with silence. The whole house was filled with it. It was a little spooky with the weather outside. When I came to his bedroom the door was locked. I knocked on his door."Natsu are you in there?" I got no response. I didn't know how to handle this situation. I wanted to just be with him. "Natsu, it's me. Gray. I finally told Juvia about us. I broke up with her. I want to be with you Natsu, I love you." I heard some mumble but I couldn't hear it. Wendy looked shocked. "What did he say Wendy?"She looked at me still shocked. He said "Stop lying, Gray." "What? He doesn't believe it." I turned around to face the door again. "I really love you, I took longer than needed I know that. But I love you and I'm sure of this feeling. I have broken up with Juvia, Natsu do you hear me?" He didn't respond. I had enough of this. I kicked his door open. He was stunned and looked towards me, but that emotion broke down soon. He was dull, numb, emotionless. "Natsu." He looked at me, but with no emotions at all. I hate to see him like this. My heart hurt seeing him this way. "I really love you Natsu." "Gray, why did you come here?" He asked clearly no emotion lingering in his voice. "What do you mean why. I finally came to get you, I came to tell you that I told her and that I love you." "Like I would believe you now." He said. He stood up. Then it realized he was skinny, really skinny. Like a skeleton. Not Natsu. He wobbled clearly not enough power to walk normal due to the weight loss. "Just say I got ya. I have already seen through you facade." He said. I took his collar. "I'm not joking at all Natsu I'm serious." I kissed him. He was shocked that I did that. I heard behind me awing. Then we broke apart. "Do you believe me now?" And with that said it was like the spell broke or the stubbornness of Natsu disappeared. Tears were rolling from his face. "Y-you came." "Of course I love you." I hugged him. Natsu still crying. But he at least believed me.