Work Text:
"Why did it take us so long to admit our feelings for one another?" Gray's voice was quiet, peaceful. He looked young, the harsh frown lines that were ever present were smoothed out.
His eyes were sparkling under the faint sunlight spilling through the bedroom curtains. Both he and Natsu had woken up a few minutes ago, still very much exhausted from the previous day's emotional confessions.
The day started out as usual, both men were bickering, however this time their words were heated. Clearly they were angry at each other, however no one knew why. Things started getting more and more destructive, their yelling only increased and soon both men were kicked out by Mirajane. Usually, an angry Mira would have been enough to make the two wizards stop their fighting. But today just wasn't one of those days. Without paying attention to their surroundings or the angry redhead making her way towards them, the two kept on yelling and punching each other.
"What is your problem, flame brain"? Gray sounded tired; the fight had clearly drained him, and he just wanted to sleep. Natsu suddenly stopped his yelling, Gray had stripped his shirt off again, and unconsciously activated his devil slayer magic. Gray was attractive; you'd have to be blind not to see it. But to Natsu seeing him like this with an almost primal glint in his eyes made Natsu blush. This was also one of the reasons he had started the fight, Gray believed he was ugly and unworthy of happiness. He and Lucy had been discussing a love interest, the blond woman had been trying to gather the courage to ask Yukino from Sabertooth out on a date. And Gray had simply said that it didn't matter who he liked, the person wouldn't like him back, which earned him a slap on the head from Juvia.
This had set Natsu off and the next thing Gray knew they were yelling and punching each other.
Only when Erza bashed their heads together did the two finally stop their fighting, instead glaring at each other while nursing the growing bumps on their head.
Gray was the first to stand up, claiming that the fight was stupid and that he would be retiring for the evening.
Natsu could only watch pouting as Gray left, knowing that they both needed to calm down before talking.
Standing up and dusting themselves off, Natsu and Happy decided to head home too rather than having to face Erza again.
Hours had passed. Happy was sleeping in his little bed, snoring and occasionally purring happily.
But Natsu was an exhausted mess. The fight repeatedly playing in their head. Gray meant the world to Natsu, and they hated seeing Gray look so tired and vulnerable. Natsu just wanted to pull Gray in for a hug especially when he looked so close to tears.
After laying in bed for another 20 minutes, Natsu finally made up their mind and left after leaving a note for Happy.
Gray was tired, but sleep refused to come after hours of tossing and turning. Getting up and walking to the living room, Gray sat down on his small plush sofa. Picking up a book to read.
He tried reading,, but his mind was running a mile a minute. He and Natsu fight all the time, but this one was more personal. Not only that, but he couldn't explain it, but Natsu looked worried about him and had given him one of the softest looks when he left to come home.
Before Gray could ponder any further, there's suddenly a loud knock on the door.
Gray is instantly alert, who would be knocking on his door this time of the night?
Cautiously walking to the door Gray's gears up to fight whoever is on the other side of the door.
Natsu can smell the fear coming from Gray so Natsu does what Natsu does best…
"Oi ice princess, it's just me open up."
Natsu feels proud of themselves, when the anxious scent slowly disperses from the air.
Gray looks irritated, no doubt from also struggling to fall asleep.
Gray wants to say something, but Natsu stops him before he can get a word out.
"I'm sorry about the fight I got angry because you said no one would return your feelings and I would personally punch the idiot who doesn't return your feelings because you're an amazing person, and you deserve to be happy" Natsu rambles their entire body shaking while they speak slowly inching closer towards Gray without realizing it.
Gray stands there stunned and without thinking tells Natsu to punch themselves, because he knows Natsu doesn't feel the same.
He half expects Natsu to laugh and brush it off, but instead he's trapped by a sobbing dragon slayer.
"Gray I love you you idiot" it's said such tenderness and certainty that soon Gray finds himself crying too.
He allows himself to be pulled closer to Natsu until he's completely surrounded by Natsu.
Breaking away Natsu gently kisses away the tears trickling down Gray's face.
Smiling when Gray softly starts laughing.
Gray looks Natsu in the eyes smiling he tips his head down gently kissing Natsu in their forehead.
I love you too…