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Fight Me, Bite Me	By : Rhov Category: +. to F > Fairy Tail Views: 39446 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 3
Disclaimer: Fairy Tail is the property of Hiro Mashima. I make no money, I just do this for my own pleasure.

Chapter List
- 73
- 74
- 75
Chapter 74
Thoughts of Tomorrow

September was still summer, but only technically. Leaves were starting to turn golden, and a storm had moved in, bringing heavy rain and lightning. Because of the weather, Lucy ignored Natsu's complaints about transportation, and even though she knew this meant she would have to deal with him if he threw up—again—she still insisted that they ride the train back to Magnolia rather than spend a week walking through the storm.
For Natsu, it was not just about walking to avoid motion sickness. It meant he would get back to Gray that much quicker, and he had no idea if things had calmed down back home.
So when he walked into the guild, soaked from the rain and still not fully over the queasiness in his stomach, he was shocked to see a blur flying toward him, and suddenly lips on his mouth as he was dipped backward in a passionate kiss.
Only one person kissed this dominantly.
Natsu's heart raced as he sought out Gray's mouth and felt his bare shoulders. Gray had stripped out of his shirt in his wild dash to the door. Natsu's hands squeezed, feeling the strength of Gray's muscles just under the warm skin. He also realized something.
Everyone in the guild was watching.
"Wow. Guess they made up."
Gray yanked back, his mouth open in shock, and his face went red as he realized he had kissed Natsu with that much passion in public. He looked down and saw Natsu tipped back in his arms, grinning and looking deeply relieved.
"I'm home," he said sheepishly.
Gray laughed and righted him up. "Welcome back."
He pulled away with embarrassment, barely able to even look at Natsu now. He had seen his boyfriend walk through those doors and just reacted, not thinking about where they were or worried what Natsu might be feeling. He had kissed him without asking if he was even angry about getting punched. It had been pure instinct to grab Natsu and do that.
He felt a warm hand on his arm and looked back. Natsu's eyes were still wide with joy and love. Gray could see in those eyes, Natsu forgave him for punching him. As for Gray, he forgave Natsu for holding back the secret of Emilia and the baby. It was all over now, and it was time for them both to move on.
Lucy decided to break down the barriers between the two. "So, what happened while we were gone?"
Gray realized he had to be the one to explain things to Lucy. Mira was busy, Erza was away on a job, Levy had been off on a mission through the whole ordeal, so it was up to him.
He tried to summarize it all. After Emilia's gang was caught, they were tried by the Magic Council. Since they were not specifically a dark guild, they escaped that harsh punishment. They were just a gang of criminals with a few untrained wizards in their group who were stupid enough to target a magic guild. Emilia was still tried by the Council though, since she had used magic to change the baby and freeze the members of Fairy Tail as she robbed them. She was sentenced to eight years for kidnapping, theft, and attacking a legal guild.
"Eight years?" Lucy said, her brow creased. "To be honest, that's really light for kidnapping."
Gray shrugged. "Well, the baby wasn't harmed, the money was all returned, and no one in the guild was hurt. It helped that she agreed to assist in tracking down the other children her gang had kidnapped. Thanks to her intel, they caught one child trafficking ring already and arrested a dozen people. That lowered her sentence from ten years to eight. The leader of the gang got a life sentence, though. He did a lot of horrible things before kidnapping orphans."
"Well, it's good that she's working with authorities."
Gray muttered to himself, "The children went to families who honestly wanted kids, but laws or money got in the way of them applying for adoption. In a way, she was finding these kids homes. That's kind of a good thing."
Natsu whispered, "So long as the new parents are kind."
"That's true," Gray mumbled, thinking about the adoption paperwork that now sat around his apartment.
"So, what of the baby?" asked Lucy.
"Akibare is in the orphanage here in Magnolia. The matron there is really nice; she remembers me and Natsu from our time there."
"Oh yeah, she was cool," Natsu assured Lucy. "Strict—really strict—but she made sure we were always safe."
"He'll be taught how to use his magic, at least until he's adopted."
"I see," Lucy muttered. "I wonder who will adopt him."
Gray's eyes turned aside. "Who knows?"
He had to mention this to Natsu somehow, but he had not expected them to be back for another week. Gray had not fully determined if adoption was even possible. There were so many requirements! He almost sympathized with the families who were willing to make deals with illegal back-door routes in order to raise a child without government intervention.
"Akibare?" Natsu mused. "Was that his name? I remember you kept forgetting to ask."
Gray felt his cheeks warm up. "W-Well, I asked Emilia while she was in military custody. She had no idea what his name was, and he came from a small rural orphanage that was burned down right after they kidnapped all the kids, so honestly, it was like he had no name at all."
Natsu's eyes were warm and knowing. "So, he just happened to end up with the name Akibare?"
Gray choked up at the sly gleam in those eyes. "I … I might have had a hand in that."
Lucy clasped her hands together. "Awww! Did you name him?"
Gray turned away as the blush reached the tips of his ears. "I just blurted out a name, okay!"
Natsu stifled the laugh that bubbled in his chest. So, Gray named the baby Clear Autumn Day. He also had a feeling Gray was responsible for Emilia agreeing to work with authorities, and for her soft prison sentence. It seemed, for how angry he was—and completely justified—he had even managed to forgive the woman who tried to manipulate him.
Natsu hoped that meant Gray would forgive him too.
"Natsuuu!" Cana lurched forward and slumped over Natsu's shoulders.
Natsu tried to pull away as the smell of alcohol wafted all around Cana. "You reek!"
She had a crooked, inebriated grin as she slammed a finger into him. "You, me, arm wrestling contest."
Again, Natsu pulled away from the fumes coming out of her mouth. "You're drunk, you lush!"
"I'll still beat ya," she said, her eyes glazed and nose flushed. She flung out her arm and flexed her bicep. "Come on. 'Fraid ya gonna loose?"
"Like hell."
Gray stepped back, and Kinana brought over his shirt, talking to Lucy while Gray put his clothes back on. He watched as Natsu and Cana wrestled. For how drunk she was, her arm was still powerful.
"Dang, you're strong for a drunk."
Cana chuckled, putting her all into it. "Powered … on … vodka," she said, sneering as Natsu began to get the upper hand.
Then Natsu's hand slammed hers down. "Not powered enough."
Cana rubbed out her wrist and slouched back to her barrel. Then Elfman stomped forward, declaring, "Arm wrestling is manly."
Natsu looked fired up. "Yeah, a real challenger."
As the two clasped hands, struggling against their immense strengths, and the members of Fairy Tail began to shout bets on who would win, Gray slipped away. If Natsu wanted to come over later, he did not want him to see all those papers scattered around his apartment and get the wrong idea.
He was considering this. That was all. There was a lot of paperwork, and eventually he would have to apply for a home study, bringing someone into his apartment to make sure he could provide for the child's needs.
Gray already knew, as he was now, he would flunk that. He had to get his life together.
It would also cost a lot. The matron warned that the average cost would be around three million Jewels. Gray had nowhere near that much money. He needed to work some really big jobs.
If he told Natsu … maybe they could work together and pool their money.
Natsu would probably like the idea, but it still felt surreal to Gray.
Before he knew it, he was back at his apartment. He went around, picking up the scattered papers. There was a pamphlet on the kitchen counter, a child psychology book by the couch, some forms spread out on the dining table, a list of requirements beside his bed. He cleaned away the evidence of his plans.
His greatest fear was that Natsu would hear Gray's plan and laugh. After all, a year ago, Gray had hated the idea of having children. One of their first arguments as a couple was about Gray being frustrated with Happy being around, and the fact that he didn't want anyone to get in the way of his quest for pleasure: not Happy, and certainly not kids.
Besides, they needed to make up first. Then they could talk about this possible future, and what it might mean for the two of them.
Gray shook his head. Now look at me! I wouldn't blame him if he laughed … and that's what I fear the most.
Here he was, feeling ready to take a huge step forward, and if Natsu were to laugh…
Gray feared it would crush him. For how terrifying and surreal it was, he really wanted to care for Akibare. He had grown too attached, and in the week that Natsu was off on his mission, he had been visiting the orphanage every day. The boy with lavender hair was adorable, a tiny bundle of joy, and that first feeling of paternal instinct refused to go away.
If Natsu laughed, if he thought it was ridiculous…
Gray did not want to be put in a position of choosing between Natsu and the baby. So as much as he felt Natsu would love the idea, he feared the consequences of a negative reaction.
He hid all the adoption paperwork in his safe and went to a nearby store. Natsu deserved an apology gift, so Gray found some hot pepper candies that were Natsu's favorite. The box of candy in hand, he returned to the guild…
… to see that an all-out brawl had broken out.
In the midst of punches, throws, and blasts of magic, Natsu leaped to the top of the balustrade.
"Haha! King Natsu commands you all—"
Before he could finish, a dozen spells hit him all at once, and Natsu was blasted to the ground.
"Idiot," Gray muttered. He found Natsu slumped against a support beam, barely coherent. "Hey, flame-brain. Got your ass kicked already?"
Although unable to see straight, Natsu leaped up with his fists flaming. "I'll take you on, you … you…" The dizziness settled, his eyes could finally focus, and his brain stopped pounding long enough to figure out who was talking. "Gray?"
Gray shook his head. Natsu had a black eye and was now bleeding from the nose. "You look like crap. Come on, let's tend to your—"
"Come back here, Gajeel!" Natsu roared, and he bolted past Gray to rejoin the brawl.
Gray was pushed aside from the sheer speed, but he laughed. He was hoping for some private time with Natsu to clear things up, maybe even hint about wanting to adopt Akibare, but it seemed Natsu was … well … Natsu. There was no way he would turn down a good fight.
"In that case." Gray flung off his shirt and joined right in. "Ice Make: Hammer."
He pounded someone in the ribs—a girl, from the high yelp—and he apologized. He had meant to hit Bickslow, so he swung again and connected right in the head. Bickslow's helmet rang like a gong. Just as Gray was laughing at knocking him out, his whole body jolted with a bolt of lightning. It seemed Laxus did not want to join but did not like when his teammates were taken out. After a few seconds of numbness, Gray was back in, facing off with Max, with ice and sand making an epic mess around the guild hall. Somewhere nearby, he heard Natsu cackling and felt the heat of his flames.
This was the joy of being a Fairy Tail wizard!
It was early morning when they all woke up, clumps of people who had passed out or got knocked out. Natsu stirred as he heard a rooster crowing somewhere in the city. His body hurt, there was a lingering taste of blood in his mouth from a busted lip, and it felt so good to be home.
Something heavy was on his legs, and as he looked down he saw Droy slumped across him.
"Droy," he called out, his head ringing at his own voice. "Oy, Droy! Get off my leg."
However, there was no waking the huge man, and Natsu did not have the strength to shove him away. Besides, there was also a body pushed right up against him, and his arm was trapped underneath.
"Who's … on my … arm … dammit?" He tried to yank his arm out, but the body rolled in even closer, and an arm slumped over his chest. "Get the hell off my…" Messy black hair slid aside, revealing the face of the person sleeping contently. "Gray?"
Gray was curled up against him, peacefully dreaming. Natsu gazed at Gray with a warmth in his chest. How did they end up like this? Slowly, memories of the brawl the night before returned to him. At some point, Gray had gotten flung across the room. Natsu had tried to catch him, but Gray's head slammed right into Natsu's forehead, knocking the two of them out. That explained the massive headache.
So that was why they were right next to one another, sleeping in one another's arms.
He was glad Gray had not seemed mad yesterday. Natsu really had been worried that he was still furious and might even want to break up over the issue of hiding the truth about the baby. Privately, Natsu still felt guilty, but he was glad Gray could forgive him.
The rooster crowed again, and the sun was starting to slant through the guild's windows, waking those unfortunate enough to be in the path of the golden rays. One of those was Gray, who was brought out of a dream about making nachos—and now he was hungry—but what he at first thought was an explosion of cheese turned out to be yellow sunlight piercing right into his eyes. He groaned and felt a lumpy, hard pillow under his head. As he stirred, he realized there was something across his torso, pinning him down. Upon opening his eyes, he first saw the banners of Fairy Tail—okay, I'm in the guild—and then saw Natsu smiling over at him. He realized, the hard pillow was Natsu's arm.
"Hey," Natsu whispered.
"Hey," he said back, his voice hoarse from sleep.
Natsu nodded down to his legs. "I'm stuck. Droy's on me."
Gray looked down to the body slumped over him. "Lucy's asleep on my hip."
They could have pushed the two off, but Gray and Natsu opted to stay where they were, side by side, gazing warmly and silently at each other. Gray let his hand drift over Natsu's chest, feeling content to be in his arms.
"I'm sorry," Natsu finally whispered.
"I forgive you," Gray replied with a gentle smile. "I'm sure you were a mess even before you figured it all out."
"Yeah," he had to admit. Maybe that was part of why he had not told Gray. Natsu had worked so hard to get over his panicking dread, he needed time to think clearly, and by the time he finally could, the truth had been revealed.
"Let's just forget it and move on," Gray suggested.
Forget it? Natsu wondered if that really was what Gray wanted, to forget about Emilia, the baby, his fears and hopes of being a father, all of it. Maybe that was for the best.
"Yeah, okay," he whispered with a soft nod. He wanted to be supportive, so he said, "We're not ready for kids anyway."
Gray had thought this conversation could shift into talking about adoption, but with that one sentence, the whole thing shattered.
We're not ready for kids? I mean, he's right. Of course we're not. Of course … we're not…
What was he thinking, looking into something like that? It was impulsive, impractical, stupid! Yet his heart pained him. Of course they weren't ready. They were both mental messes. They were young. What did they know about babies? What about missions? Plus the cost!
But still … still…
Natsu saw a shift in Gray's eyes, something sad and dark. "Gray?"
"Yeah," he muttered, shoving aside the pang of disappointment. He needed to shift this into something light, so he blurted out, "How about we go on a date today?"
Natsu burst into a grin. "Yeah! I wanna spend the whole day with you."
That made Gray smile. "I actually got something for you."
Natsu's eyes lit up. "Yeah?"
"Some candy. I left it in my pocket."
Natsu looked down. "Gray, you're not wearing pants."
"I know," he muttered, annoyed by his stripped habit. "Hopefully it didn't get stepped on."
Natsu chuckled at his silly boyfriend.
Gray's shoulders gave a small shrug. "It was to say I'm sorry."
"What are you sorry for?" Natsu said in astonishment. He was the one who screwed up.
"For punching you."
"Huh?" Natsu blinked in confusion, but then he remembered that day, just before Gray stormed off, he had punched Natsu in the face. "Oh yeah, you did. I deserved it," he said with a casual shrug.
"I still feel bad."
"Well, apology accepted, even if you can't find the candy."
Gray felt a deep weight drop from his heart. "Thanks," he whispered, and he curled up closer to Natsu, giving him a squeeze.
He had one year to decide about Akibare. He could ease the idea to Natsu. Slowly. Maybe with time, they would both be ready.
Both of us? Gray asked himself. Technically, I don't have to be married or even dating to adopt a kid. It helps, but it's not a requirement. If Natsu doesn't want to…
He had just assumed this would be a joint thing, the two of them raising a kid together. In reality, that meant a lot more than just adoption. That meant a huge change in their relationship.
Maybe … the ultimate change.
Gray was not even ready to think about that yet!
If he pushed Natsu, or if they moved too quickly in their relationship … he did not want to do anything that would cause them to break up. As much as he wanted Akibare in his life, he most definitely did not want to lose Natsu because of this. And there was so much—so much—that would have to change first.
I have time. Not a lot of time, but still some. And I still have to come up with three million Jewels!
"How about tomorrow, we find a really huge mission, and we take it together, just the two of us?"
"A big monster," Natsu insisted. "I could use something challenging."
Gray chuckled, and just then Natsu felt a stirring on his leg. He looked down and saw Droy sitting up, rubbing his eyes and muttering that he was hungry. A moment later, Lucy pulled up and saw she had been sleeping on Gray. She apologized and offered to get a table set upright for all of them to eat breakfast … if there were any tables left unbroken. They heard the sizzle of meat and smelled coffee brewing. More wizards groaned as they picked themselves up off the floor and stretched out stiff muscles or bruised limbs.
"Come on, ice princess!" Natsu took Gray's hand and squeezed it as he yanked him up. Gray flinched from pain in his hip from Lucy sleeping on him, and Natsu shook his leg, which had gone completely numb from the weight of Droy. They saw each other, beaten and stiff, and they shared a smile, glad to be back to normal again.
It had been a week since Natsu's return, autumn was right around the corner, and Gray enjoyed the change in weather. A cold gust of wind blew orange leaves into his path as he stepped out of his therapist's office.
The session had been good, he thought. His therapist was glad Gray had forgiven Natsu, and they talked about his hopes for the future. Gray had mentioned the idea of adopting the baby.
Actually talking about his wish to raise a child seemed to make it more real, and also more terrifying. He was starting to realize what a future with Natsu by his side for the rest of his life could be like, but he still felt like he could not step into that bright future, not with all the darkness in his heart.
He and his therapist would be working on that in the next session.
He had told Natsu about the therapy appointment, so he was glad to see Natsu waiting for him across the street, smiling as he leaned against a wall with his arms folded against the chill.
Gray stepped up to him. "Hey, Natsu."
"Hey. How'd therapy go?"
Gray glanced back at the clinic. "Pretty good," he said with a smile. "Yeah, pretty good. We talked about … a lot of things." He was not sure if he should mention the adoption yet. All week, he had been hesitating on that subject.
"Good!" Natsu said, beaming proudly. "Hungry?"
"Famished!"
They fell into step with one another, going down the main boulevard for a stroll. After a bite to eat and a little shopping in the farmer's market, they returned to Gray's apartment, and Gray set about putting the food away. Natsu flopped on the couch and simply watched him.
Gray had been a lot more quiet since the ordeal with Emilia. Natsu was giving him time, but he did not sense anger.
He sensed something positive, and there was a warmth in the smiles Gray sometimes had when he was left to think on his own.
Gray finished putting away food and sat on the couch beside Natsu, leaning into him and letting the Dragon Slayer wrap him up in his arms. He sighed at the warmth of the embrace. This was also something new. Gray was a lot more into cuddling lately. Sex as well had been gentle, with Gray often pausing to look down to Natsu, deep in thoughts, a new warmth to his passion.
Natsu really liked this change, but he wondered what had brought it on? Had the issue with the baby really changed him so drastically? Why did he keep looking off into space with that gentle smile? He had an idea, but he worried if he should bring it up. Today, though … today he knew he could mention it.
"Whatcha thinking about?" Natsu muttered.
"Not much," Gray whispered, although a thousand thoughts were rushing through his head.
Natsu rubbed a hand up and down Gray's arm, hugging him securely. "Hey, I was wondering something. Maybe it's way out there, but … you named that baby, right? Do you ever go visit him?"
Gray stiffened slightly. He had been avoiding any talk about that incident.
"I went yesterday," Natsu blurted out.
Gray sat up, shocked by Natsu's words. He had gone? Really?
He timidly shrugged. "Yeah. He seemed to remember me."
Gray knew what he meant. Akibare always perked up when he saw Gray. It was one of the things that really pulled at his heart, the fact that this baby would smile and clap when he walked into the nursery.
"Yeah," Gray whispered with a warm smile.
"Then you've visited," Natsu realized.
Gray stared forward, lost in the idea of it, and now talking about it, just after he had discussed this with his therapist. "Yeah," he confessed quietly, like he feared the world may learn about his secret.
Natsu nuzzled in and inhaled. Sure enough, the smell he had picked up as soon as Gray left the therapist was still there, a lingering aroma of baby powder and Akibare's unique scent. As soon as he had smelled that on Gray, Natsu knew his boyfriend must have gone there to play with the child.
They sat in silence, both lost in thoughts. Fears and smiles drifted, ebbed, and flowed through their minds, with emotions playing out on their faces as they looked off into the corners of Gray's living room.
Then Natsu broke the tension with the question that had to be asked.
"Do you want to adopt that kid?"
By Gray's silent jolt, he guessed that was it. Gray did not say yes or no, and his breath stopped as he feared how to answer.
"It's fine if you're thinking about it," Natsu said, running his fingers through Gray's hair to soothe his fears. "I just want you to know, I'm always going to support you and what you want for the future. Always! That's a promise."
Two weeks of anxiety sank out of Gray's shoulders. He rolled around to look at Natsu, and the gentle smile said it all. He saw by the shine in Natsu's eyes, he had his boyfriend's approval in this.
And that meant everything!
There was a silently Thank you in his eyes. Natsu stroked his fingers through Gray's hair, and it was the same as saying I want this too.
No words were needed between them anymore.
Gray leaned forward, gently cupped Natsu's cheek, and their lips met. It was a wordless agreement to something that would affect the rest of their lives.
When Gray pulled back, Natsu was astonished. He had thought that with the emotional worries that must have been battling in Gray's heart—because there was certainly a war going on in his own right at that moment—Gray would want to take this moment to seek out balance, establish dominance, and make his world in control again by going sadistic. Natsu was ready for that.
Instead, Gray curled onto Natsu's chest again.
Natsu smiled plaintively. This was fine too. All week, Gray had been like this. Maybe the seriousness of his plan was affecting him. Maybe he had realized that their lifestyle needed to change. There would be a lot to do to prepare for something as monumental as starting a family together.
But for today…
Just for today…
Natsu stroked his fingers through Gray's hair. It was their way of confirming that they wanted to be together, no matter what, and they would do their best to welcome one more person into this crazy relationship they had built together. It would take time, but it was a goal now.
It was something to fight for!
While one hand gently soothed Gray's worries away, Natsu's other hand tightened into a fist. Determination burned in his eyes, and unspeakable joy danced over his lips.
Gray wanted this.
He wanted this.
They could be fathers.
It was a wonderful goal to strive for as they both fought their private demons. It made Natsu more determined than ever to overcome his fears and get his life in order. It would take work, it would be a struggle, he was sure there were a million tasks they had to accomplish before they could even be considered eligible, but it was all part of a quest now.
The quest to become two capable fathers!
Natsu hugged around Gray and rubbed him in slow, lazy strokes. "I'll help out however I can, Gray."
A smile twitched on his face. "Thanks."
"That means you have to help me too."
Gray pulled back and looked up at him. "How?" he asked in confusion.
Natsu had a smug grin. "Who says you're gonna get to adopt him? Maybe I will first."
Although Gray knew that boasting challenge was just Natsu teasing him, hearing it still pulled at his heart, knowing Natsu wanted this equally to him, enough to challenge him to a race. Gray shook his head. "Natsu…"
"I might be the one to fill out the paperwork first."
"I doubt that, not with how you read."
"Hey!" he shouted, glaring at Gray's insult.
Gray found he was smiling. Leave it to Natsu to cheer him up. Still, Natsu needed to know just how serious this was. Gray sighed softly and muttered, "It'll be three million Jewels."
Natsu let out a low whistle. Damn, that was a lot of money! Then again, this was to claim responsibility for a human life.
"Well," Natsu said, "let's start by doing missions."
"A lot!"
"Yep, a lotta missions."
Gray stared down as Natsu tapped his fingers on his leg, showing he was thinking seriously, a rarity for Natsu, but it proved this was not some crazy whim for him. He muttered, "Think we can do it?"
"Of course we can," Natsu declared with a beaming smile of confidence.
"I'm serious," Gray said sternly.
Natsu's wide grin fell, and his eyes narrowed. "So am I," he said, not a shred of doubt in his voice. "Of course we can, because we're in this together. Come on," he said, trying to sound lighthearted again. "When the two of us have teamed up, when have we ever lost?"
Gray had to chuckle. Natsu had a point there. Together, against the most dastardly enemies, the two of them were unbeatable. "You're right."
"Of course I am!" Natsu said, cocky once more, but it made Gray smile.
Natsu sighed, firmed up his hold around Gray, and rubbed his arms with a dreamy smile, thinking of the future. He still felt tenseness in Gray's body, though, and he was not freely offering to say more about his plans. Maybe it was a lot to accept, discovering your boyfriend was okay with you becoming a father.
"We don't have to talk about it much today, okay?" Natsu said.
Gray nodded, silently glad to put the discussion off a little longer before it freaked him out.
"We've got time, right?" Natsu suddenly yanked Gray. "Wait! How much time? Is he going to be adopted tomorrow?" he shouted in a panic.
"N-No, no," Gray said, cringing at Natsu's loud voice after all the tender whispers. "I put something like a … reserve on him."
Natsu arched an eyebrow. "A down payment?"
"No!" Gray snapped, although he realized that had been precisely what he had called it when the matron mentioned it. "It's just a way for the orphanage to keep taking care of him until…" He gulped hard and declared, "…until I'm ready."
"Until we're ready," Natsu insisted.
Gray sighed and shook his head. Why was he being so stubborn about this? Didn't he realize what that sort of commitment meant for two people? "Natsu…"
"Us! Both of us," he said, pointing to each of them.
Again, Gray was torn between being intensely happy that Natsu wanted to be part of this, feeling deep terror as that support made this idea that much more real, and a surreal numbness, unable to fully realize that this was happening.
"All right," he conceded. "Until we're ready."
"Right," Natsu said with a firm nod, but then he looked worried. "So, how long?"
"One year."
Natsu thought it over. One year can seem like an eternity when you were waiting for something good to happen, and it can seem like too short if your time is limited to only three hundred and sixty-five days. For this, it was a mix of both. They had one year to straighten up their lives, and that was a tall order, yet it could take a whole year until they could bring Akibare home as their son, and that felt like forever.
"All right," Natsu said. A set time limit to reach their goal meant they could plan for the fight to come. "Well, we can raise the money in one year, that's no problem. Just gotta not eat quite as much food, do more fishing—Happy will like that—and more monsters," he declared, sounding excited about the chance to fight bigger, badder things.
Natsu's optimism and enthusiasm were infectious, and Gray went from cold dread to a warm smile. "Right," he muttered.
Baby steps, his therapist had recommended. Take each requirement one at a time, and soon he would be more than ready. His therapist had not said it was impossible, nor said it was a bad idea, and she was the sort who would have been honest with him, especially since this involved the life of a baby. That meant she thought it was at least possible, if not a healthy step forward. Despite knowing the full extent of his past trauma, she had encouraged him and gave him advice on how to proceed emotionally, the first step being to figure out how to tell Natsu.
Between her professional help and Natsu's support, this was feeling less like a reckless and irresponsible decision, and more like a real possibility for his future.
"Right!" Natsu cheered. Then another issue popped into his head. "Do you need to have a house? I have a house technically, but it's not exactly baby-proof."
"No, an apartment is fine. You don't have to have a house."
"Okay. Um … I mean, does this count, this place?" he asked, waving around to Gray's apartment. "Because it is kinda small, and it's freezing cold in here." He muttered reluctantly, "It's not exactly good for a baby."
Gray collapsed back against the couch. He had assumed his apartment was fine, but Natsu had a point. It had only one bedroom, and while it would work while Akibare was small and sleeping in a crib, as he got bigger, he would need a bedroom of his own.
"Well … um … I can start looking into a bigger place." Then he grumbled, "It's going to cost a lot more."
Natsu bit his lip and looked aside. "How about … for the both of us?"
For a moment, Gray wondered what he meant. For the both of us? How could an apartment for him and the baby also be for the both of them?
Then he realized what Natsu just implied.
Gray's mouth dropped, and he felt a warm shiver down his arms. Did Natsu even realize what he meant? Was this some blurted out idea without any deeper meaning?
By the blush on his cheeks and the way Natsu kept his eyes averted, Gray guessed Natsu knew precisely what he was saying, and he was hoping Gray would say yes.
Gray whispered Natsu's name, but really … what was he supposed to say? This was a huge step, massive, and Gray's heart was racing at just the thought of it.
"I-In … the future, you know…" Natsu stuttered, tapping his fingers on his leg and biting his lip to stop it from trembling. "W-When … you're ready to … adopt…" He gulped and forced his gaze over to Gray, seeing the astonishment and the flush on his cheeks. Natsu smiled wistfully. "I'm gonna wanna help out too."
Gray let out a shocked breath of air. The surreal feeling he had all week was even deeper now. Seriously, did Natsu mean what it sounded like? He had to mean it! What else could he be implying? Still, this was Natsu Dragneel; Gray had to ask just to make certain.
"Are you offering … to live together?"
"Yeah!"
Gray almost laughed. Natsu really was unpredictable. Seriously, out of nowhere, he suddenly offered cohabitation! Gray wanted to say yes, but he knew they were not ready. Maybe they were close, but neither really had a place that worked for both of them. Gray's apartment was too small for both Natsu and Happy to move in, and Natsu's house was a disaster zone in the middle of nowhere.
"We'll talk about it," he whispered, but the smile that still twitched on his cheeks showed how happy he was to hear Natsu ask that.
"Good!" Natsu said, and then he repeated that in a distant whisper. "Good."
It was not a yes, but it was not a no, and Gray was smiling. It was fair to leave a huge offer like that to be discussed on another day, to look into apartments first and talk slowly, rather than rush in. As much as Natsu would have packed his things up that day to come live with Gray, first Gray needed a bigger place to live, a house or apartment with at least two rooms. Three, if Natsu was coming with Happy. That way both Akibare and Happy could have their own rooms growing up.
It was a huge expense, and a huge commitment for the two of them. Yet Gray was smiling, and that meant everything to Natsu.
Gray laughed out a tense breath. "There's a lot to talk about."
"Yeah," Natsu chuckled, blushing brighter, "but I'm glad you're willing to talk. You started this," Natsu whispered, and he looked into Gray's face with firm eyes, "but we're going to finish it together."
"Right!" Their hands clasped together in a firm shake, an agreement between the two of them. "Together."
Natsu squeezed his hand back, nodding to the pact they had made. Both were shaking ever so slightly, nervous and excited, bursting with love that had no words. Then Gray's thumb reached up and stroked the promise bracelet.
They were promising a lot more with each word.
Natsu also looked at their matching bracelets and the meaning behind them. Ruby for flames, sapphire for ice, and amethyst as a blend of the two, a stone that protected against anxiety and fears, now also a reminder of Akibare's hair color.
Natsu had picked that central stone for one meaning, but it had come to mean something else. A goal! A joining of the two of them in a venture more exciting than any mission they had ever taken before.
Then he leaned in, and Gray's mouth relaxed into a kiss.
They could do this! Together!
They leaned back, silent smiles on their faces, red in their cheeks as each realized what sort of conversation they just had: shocked, embarrassed, joyful, so many emotions. Then Natsu broke the spell.
"Hey, um … I was supposed to meet up with Happy, and he's at the guild."
It took a while for Gray to jolt out of his private whirlwind of thoughts. "Oh." Natsu had mentioned about that while they were shopping. They had bought food at the store to eat at Gray's place
"Can you get started on dinner, and the two of us will meet you here?"
Dinner together! He, Natsu, and Happy had eaten together countless times together, either here, at Natsu's house, at the guild, or around town, but somehow this time seemed more special.
One day, this could be our every-day lives!
"Yeah, I'm fine with that."
"Great!" Natsu said, but there was nervous shaking in his laughing grin. "See you then!"
He practically ran out of Gray's apartment, down the stairs, and out into the street. Then he collapsed backward against a building and succumbed to his emotions. A deep but happy shiver went from his toes to his scalp, and he burst out a laugh that made pedestrians pause and look over at the love-struck Dragon Slayer.
Oh my God, I can't believe I just said that!
It felt unreal. He blurted out the idea of living together without planning to talk about that, but it had seemed like the natural thing to do. If Gray was seriously thinking about adopting a kid, of course Natsu wanted to be part of that, and if he was going to look for a new place to live anyway, of course they should go ahead and plan for a place for all of them.
He realized now, that had been a huge assumption on his part, yet Gray had not scolded him for being impulsive, nor had he told him that it was a terrible idea. He just needed time. Gray was probably so focused on the baby, his poor worn-out brain needed time to process Natsu's proposition.
Then from somewhere above him, his keen ears heard Gray's voice.
"Dammit, why didn't I tell him yes? What the hell! Of course I want to live together. It feels too good to be true. We'll talk about it? Like I need even a minute to think about it! Goddammit, I better not have screwed up my chances."
Or … Gray didn't need time, he just blanked out.
The ranting made Natsu blush. He chuckled as he heard Gray growling and muttering to himself as he yanked out pots and pans.
"Well, too bad, Gray," Natsu said with a devious smile. "I won't ask again. You'll have to be the one to ask me, now."
With that little revenge making him smile like a rascal, Natsu raced to the guild, feeling light and yet with a sense of urgency. They had one year. Only twelve months! There was so much to do, more than just a new place to live, more than just their emotional hangups. So much more!
Music was playing, the guild was busy as people drifted in to have dinner with friends and some good drinks. He saw Happy and rushed over.
"Hey, Happy!"
The Exceed set down a mug of milk. "Hi, Natsu," he called out, waving his paw.
Natsu was out of breath, his face flushed, and a smile on his face that would not go away. "I need you to help me to shop."
"Shopping?" came a high, interested voice.
Natsu had been so distracted by thoughts, he had not noticed other people sitting at the table with Happy. "Oh! Hey, Lucy, Erza."
Erza was in the middle of eating strawberry cake but stated, "I wouldn't mind going shopping. I'm planning to buy some new armor."
Natsu looked around at the two, a bit stunned. This was not what he had planned for. "Oh … right … um … well … okay…" His jumbled thoughts slowly straightened out, his labored breathing calmed, and he looked curiously at both Lucy and Erza. "Actually, I could use your help."
"Oh?" Lucy asked with interest, setting down her writing pen. "What are you planning to buy?"
"Uh … well…"
He awkwardly scratched his head, the words trapped in a bubble of joy growing in his chest, so intense that he could not articulate it as someone good with words like Lucy might have been able to do. A deep, warm, hopeful smile burned on his face as he whispered with his gaze to the future.
"Something really special."
He let out a quiet, blithe laugh, his eyes blazing as the future shone brighter and clearer than ever before.
And that future was Gray!
As Natsu and Happy approached Gray's apartment, they whispered together.
"Now remember, no hinting until it's ready."
Happy nodded. "He's gonna be totally surprised."
"I sure hope so," Natsu muttered. "Was it stupid?"
"No! Erza and Lucy both said it was perfect. And I get to be a big brother."
"It's gonna be a lot of work, and it'll take all three of us to make it happen."
"It's totally gonna happen," Happy said, completely confident. "I'll do my best."
Natsu beamed a smile down at him. "I know you will." Then he knocked on the door. "It's me, Gray."
"Hold on!" They heard Gray stomping through the apartment.
Happy pouted. "All this time, and he never gave you a key."
Natsu realized he was right. They had been dating for over a year, and yet Natsu had to knock. He could not just let himself in. "We'll fix that issue soon."
Happy laughed into his paws, but just then the door opened, forcing him to act normal.
Gray put a hand on his hip. "I was afraid you got into a fight at the guild and got knocked unconscious again."
"Like hell I'd miss your cooking," Natsu said, ignoring his annoyance and strolling in. "Mmm! Smells good."
"I kept it warm," Gray said. He waited for Happy to enter before shutting the door. "What took so long?"
Natsu shrugged casually. "Eh, got talking to Lucy and Erza. They want to do an S-class mission. It pays super good."
"Awesome. That'll help."
Happy giggled into his paws.
Gray smiled as he shook his head. "Did you tell him?"
"About what?" Natsu asked innocently.
"Akibare."
"What about him?"
"Sheesh, don't do that," Gray grumbled.
"I know," Happy told Gray. "I'm gonna help."
"Yep, he's gonna do missions on his own as well as help us on group missions. We figured, if we both took jobs separately, we'll make more money."
Happy puffed out his chest. "I can do flying delivery jobs, although they don't pay much."
"Every bit helps," Natsu assured him. "Food!"
They sat down to eat, but Gray kept looking at Natsu. So, he told Happy about the baby, but had he also mentioned about moving in together? Gray had not said yes, after all, so maybe he was waiting.
I should tell him yes. How, though? If Happy doesn't know yet, should I just come out and ask? Dammit, this is embarrassing!
Every time he thought about living together, his heart began to race and his throat went dry. He kept drinking wine to clear his throat and hoped a little alcohol would give him courage. However, as he filled his glass again, he realized he had reached the bottom of the bottle, and Natsu was still sipping his first glass of wine.
Did I seriously just drink a whole bottle? Oh, this isn't good.
It took a few minutes to start to hit him, but Gray felt when it did. He kept trying to talk—they were discussing some armor Erza had bought, apparently—but Gray could barely keep up with the topic. Wait, now Happy was talking about the newest book Lucy was writing. And now it was about the beach trip coming up.
"So, are you able to go to the beach?" Natsu asked Gray, finally looking directly at him. He saw sleepiness in his eyes. "Gray?" he asked in worry.
"Yes," he murmured. "All of it, yes."
"All of it?" Natsu asked, wondering what he meant.
"Beach, house, kid, all of it." His words were slurring, he could hear it.
Happy now looked over in concern. "Gray, are you drunk?"
Natsu picked up the bottle. "Sheesh, I only got one glass. Did you drink it all?"
"Live with me," Gray blurted out. He looked so demanding, yet totally inebriated.
Natsu raised an eyebrow. "Okay?"
"Now!"
"Hell no, your apartment is too small and it's freezing."
"I'll get a new one, a big one, big for you, for Happy, for Aki, everyone! Just … yes," he said, ending in anguish. "You asked, and the answer is yes."
Happy looked over to Natsu in surprise. "Did you already ask him?"
"No," he whispered, waving him to be quiet. "Gray…"
"My answer is yes, dammit!" Gray clenched his teeth. "I was too shocked. I couldn't say it, and I wanted to. We'll get a house, we'll live together, just please … please!" His head dropped hard to the table, just barely missing his plate. "Help me."
"You need help all right. Are you gonna puke?" Natsu asked, frowning at the thought of cleaning up vomit.
"No. Maybe. Help me raise him. Head is spinning. I need help. I need you," he sighed. "Live with me."
Natsu reached forward and stroked Gray's messy hair. "Yeah. We'll find a place for all of us. Sheesh, did you get drunk over that?"
"It's scary," he grumbled.
"Change is always a little scary, but we face it and make it work in the end. Now come on," he said, standing and walking over to Gray's side of the table. "Let's get you into bed before you pass out. Seriously, don't throw up in your sleep."
Natsu grabbed Gray's arm, yanked it around his shoulder, and hoisted him up, half carrying him as Gray's feet shuffled forward.
"So stupid," Gray muttered.
"Getting drunk is always stupid."
"I dunno why it scares me."
"You're going through a lot."
"Yeah … hey, can you suck me?"
"What?"
"It'll make me feel better if you suck me."
"Oh God … not in front of Happy," he scolded, hissing in a sharp whisper. "And I'm not going to do anything to you when you're drunk."
"Even if I want it?"
"You're drunk so you don't honestly know if you want it."
"I always want it," Gray murmured.
Natsu looked back. "Happy, maybe plug your ears. Gray's saying some really perverted things."
"Does he want you to suck his finger?" Happy asked in confusion. "That's weird."
Natsu chuckled and shook his head. How nice to be so innocent! "How about you start washing the dishes? I'll help once I get this idiot into bed."
"Who ya callin' an idjit?" Gray yelled right into Natsu's ear.
Natsu flinched from the shout. He yanked Gray along and unceremoniously dumped him on the bed.
"I doubt I need to undress you; you'll strip in your sleep. I'll put some water beside your bed and medicine for the hangover."
Gray opened one eye to watch Natsu shove him around on the bed so his head was on the pillows. "You're like a wife."
Natsu snapped his gaze over and glared down. "I will punch you," he threatened, although hearing Gray say that made his face burn red.
"I really like you," Gray muttered, drifting away on a sea of wine. "Really … really … like you … really … love…"
Natsu's hand shot forward and covered Gray's mouth. "Don't you dare tell me that when you're drunk. You say it when you're sober, and you mean it."
A few seconds later, Gray passed out, his head falling limply to the side. Natsu removed his hand and shook his head.
"Seriously, you're a handful."
He ended up undressing Gray anyway, rolled him onto his side in case he puked in the night, and tucked the covers around him. Then he fetched a tall glass of water and found some pills to help him in the morning. He kissed Gray's forehead goodnight, closed his bedroom door, and turned to where Happy was washing dishes. They worked together, joking about Gray and what they wanted in a house.
"So," Happy said as they put away the last of the dishes, "when are you two leaving for the beach?"
"In another week. Sorry you can't come."
Happy held up his paw to stop the apologies. "You told me, it's only for couples. Lucy said something about Hargeon. Does she and Loke go?"
"Uh … y-yeah," Natsu muttered, not really wanting to out Lucy and Loke for their part in the couple's therapy.
"Freed also told Laxus about the beach. Seems really popular. Are there a lot of couples there?"
"A few, yeah."
"Do you talk about how to be happy and in love?"
Natsu chuckled as he thought about what the sessions Freed ran were actually about: kinks and BDSM. "Y-Yeah, something like that. It's private."
"Do you think Carla and I should go?"
"Wait, are you dating?" Natsu asked in shock.
Happy's head sank. "No. She refused my fish yesterday."
Natsu patted his head. "I'm sure she was impressed with how big it was. That one was really huge."
"I got sad and ate it all and then got sick."
"Sheesh, you and Gray are a bit alike."
They left the apartment, and Natsu made sure the door was locked before shutting it. Then he and Happy headed through town and out toward their house.
"Hey, Natsu, do you think Akibare will get bigger than me?"
"He might. Humans grow up pretty fast, whereas you have a long time before you grow as big as Pantherlily can get. But don't worry. Even if he grows taller than you, you'll still be the big brother."
Happy grinned in excitement at the idea. "Can we tell others?"
Natsu hummed at that. "Maybe not. We're not a hundred percent sure we'll qualify."
"But if we tell people you wanna adopt, but you need a three million Jewels and a house, maybe Fairy Tail will get together and help you."
"Heh … they really would, huh?" Natsu muttered with a warm smile. "Let's wait a little while, though. Gray is still really emotional about this."
"He's such a cute tsundere uke."
"I've told you before, he's not … oh, never mind," he sighed. He wondered if Happy even knew what those words meant, or if he had heard them in the guild.
"Why didn't you mention the other thing to Gray?"
"No!" Natsu shouted. "Don't even hint it to anyone else. No one! Gray is going through a lot. I'll … I'll bring it up later, when we're ready."
"But it should be before you adopt Akibare."
"Probably," Natsu grumbled. "Not yet, though. I just … I wanna be ready."
Gray patted Natsu's leg. "You're gonna be just fine."
Natsu cracked a smile, distant and dreamy. "I hope so." He looked around. They were almost on the edge of town. "Hey, do you wanna go see the baby?"
"Now?" Happy asked in shock. "It's late. Wouldn't the matron get mad?"
"She doesn't have to know," Natsu said with a devious smile. "Come on! If you can fly me, I can reach the roof. I knew every route to sneak out of that place."
"Aye, sir!" Happy's wings appeared in a sparkle of magic. He grabbed up Natsu, and they sped off toward the orphanage.
In the brick building, the children had all been put to sleep, and the ladies who ran the orphanage were gathered in a room accessible only to them, where they could rest away from rowdy children. Being a little chilly, a fire was crackling, and the matron allowed a little drink after bedtime. They were talking about the children, what one had done that day, when they heard something on the roof.
"Oh dear, what was that?"
A second later, they heard a meow.
"A cat? Sounded large. Must be old Mrs. Abernathy's tom cat."
They ignored it and continued to gossip; however, the matron glared out toward the dark window, humming suspiciously to herself.
On the roof, Natsu tiptoed over to a belfry tower and slipped between the massive bell and the wall. He gripped the wall with tight fingers, inching down, struggling not to slip. Happy peeked his head over the ledge.
"Do you need help?" he whispered down.
"No, the two of us together won't fit. Keep watch until I'm all the way down, and meow. I got away with a lot of stuff by them thinking it was a cat."
"Got it!" Happy said, and he pulled back up.
Natsu could hear another meow, and he held back a chuckle. How nostalgic, sneaking into this orphanage after curfew! Although part of him realized that now, he could be arrested for breaking and entering. Oh well, he just wouldn't get caught!
He finally made it down the tower and onto flat ground. He hissed up, and Happy came gliding down, careful not to hit the bells, and joined Natsu. Since flying was quieter than walking, Happy took Natsu up and drifted through the air toward the nursery. They paused, there was a maid on duty, but she had fallen asleep with a book in her lap. They flew silently past her and on to the cribs.
"Here," Natsu whispered, and Happy set him down, hovering above the crib.
"He's so cute," Happy said, looking ready to squeal but holding back.
Natsu reached down and stroked the lavender hair. "We're definitely gonna get you. I'm gonna be your daddy. I'm gonna teach you how to fight and play games, and we'll get you an Exceed friend so you can fly around with me." He sighed as his fingers stroked the baby's brow. "Gray started this, but we're gonna both be there for you. There's no way I'm letting him raise you alone."
He lifted his wrist and looked at the bracelet with its three stones.
"We're all gonna be a family, just you wait."
Akibare stirred, opened his eyes, and they shone like bright amber. He squealed with happiness at seeing Natsu and began to clap his hands.
As adorable as that was, Natsu panicked at the noise. He saw the maid stir, and he bolted to the side.
"This way, Happy!"
He moved a panel in the wall and they both fled through there. Happy easily crawled forward, but Natsu got stuck.
"Dammit! Not as small as I used to be."
"Who's there?" came a shout.
Happy looked back to see Natsu clawing at the ground, trying to squeeze his way in. "Natsu!"
Just then, two hands grabbed Natsu's ankles and yanked him back out. He cried out in shock as he slid over the ground and saw the maid looming over him.
"You! You were here yesterday."
Natsu sheepishly rubbed his head. "I just wanted to see him again."
"Do you have any idea what time it is?"
They heard stomping footsteps, and Natsu's face went pale.
"Oh no … Happy, fly! Save yourself."
"I'm not leaving you!"
The door yanked open, and a woman whose eyes could be both gentle and terrifying stormed in.
"Natsu Dragneel! I had a feeling, with that weird meowing."
Happy crawled out of the escape tunnel. "Who are you calling weird? I'm a cat."
"Are you hiring talking cats now?" asked the matron.
"Happy's my friend," Natsu snapped.
She eyed the hole the Exceed had crawled out from. "I knew I missed a few of your escape routes," she muttered. "I should call the police and have you arrested for attempted kidnapping."
"What? No! I wasn't gonna—"
"But," she sharply cut in, "I will let you go on one condition."
"Anything," he pleaded.
"You and Gray, you're a couple now," she stated, and Natsu's mouth dropped. He had mentioned nothing about that before. "Your matching bracelets give it away. You both want to adopt little Aki, right?"
"Y-Yeah," Natsu admitted.
"Together?"
"That's the plan."
"Are you serious about this?"
"Yes!" he shouted.
She leaned in close to his face. "Then swear to me, you will make sure you meet all the requirements."
"Of course we will," he said stubbornly, glaring back at her, defying her to think otherwise.
The elderly matron leaned up with a smile. "Very well, then I will overlook your transgression this time, but if I catch you breaking in after visitor hours, the punishments you faced as a child were nothing compared to what I can legally get away with doing to you as an adult."
Natsu gulped hard, shaking slightly in dread.
"Now, tell Aki goodnight."
Natsu walked over to the crib, and the baby squealed again at seeing him. "Hey, you," he whispered, reaching in and letting the baby grab his fingers. "Gray and I will be back together to play with you, okay? We're gonna get the money and find a good home for you, and everyone in Fairy Tail is going to buy you the most kick-ass presents."
"Language!" the matron scolded.
Natsu jumped at her caustic voice. "I … I mean, the most awesome presents. Now, be good, and don't piss off Matron. Trust me on that one." He stroked the boy's hair. "We'll take you home one of these days. Look, you already got a big brother."
Happy flew up and gazed into the crib. "Hiya! I'm Happy."
"Hah-bah!" the baby shouted, clapping at seeing a cat.
"See, he can almost say your name already," Natsu told Happy, and they both shared an excited grin.
The matron came forward. "All right, he needs his sleep so he can grow strong, and you two need to get home so you can start bright and early."
"We're doing a mission to raise money," Happy told the matron as they were led through the hallways to the front door, rather than escape out the belfry again.
"How very industrious of you." She opened the door and pushed them out. "Now, I better not catch you trying anything stupid again, or I will put a stop to this and find Aki a family who can behave themselves."
"No!" Natsu said, glaring at her. "You better not, old lady."
She leaned in close to his face again, shoving him back. "Then don't ever break into my orphanage again." With that, she slammed the door on him.
Happy sighed dreamily. "He's so adorable! Although that lady is really scary."
"Yeah, she is," Natsu muttered, glaring at the thick door. He spun away from the imposing building. "Let's go! There's no way I'm doing anything to jeopardize my chances of raising Akibare with Gray."
"Aye, sir!"
From the window, the matron watched Natsu race down the street with his flying cat. For all her threats, her eyes held a gentle warmth. Two young maids came up beside her, twisting their hands in concern.
"Matron, is it really a good idea to tell that boy he can adopt a baby?"
"He's old enough," she said, quietly and distantly. "There's nothing legally stopping him."
The other maid leaned in, her brow creased and her voice timid. "Some of the veteran maids still tell stories of Natsu and Gray."
"Indeed," she said with a proud, motherly smile. "That's why I know they would do well as fathers. Those two did so much mischief in their youth, they would know precisely what insane things their son might try, and they'd always be one step ahead of him." She looked over to the two worried women with a warm glow in her eyes. "Sometimes, it's the most rascally child who makes the best parent, and that boy there," she said, looking back down the dark street as Natsu vanished into the night, "was the most destructive this orphanage has ever seen." With firm confidence, she declared, "He'll do well as a father."
End of Chapter 74
A/N: What did you buy Natsu? Hmm?
Gray's dream about nachos is based on the dream I had the morning I began to work on this chapter. I dreamed that I was making nachos, but the cheese sauce exploded, covering everything until all I could see was yellow. I woke up to the sun glaring in my eyes and feeling really hungry, but we had no nacho sauce. It was sad.
"Mrs. Abernathy's tom cat" is a reference to The Simpson's crazy cat lady.
The troubles Gray faces for adoption are real. My husband and I considered adoption, but the average cost is $30,000-$50,000 USD, which is about 3-5 million Jewels. In America, things like finances, marital status, race, religion, and sexual orientation are GENERALLY not impediments, but passing the home study can be tougher if you're unlucky enough to get a racist or homophobic person to interview you.
To assure my readers, no, the rest of this story is NOT going to be about the two of them house-hunting and buying baby furniture. It's still about two dudes into kinks.
After a year living in a crowded farmhouse with many roommates, I can go back to my old way of writing: record myself acting out the scenes to get a more natural dialogue. I'm not sure if readers can tell the difference when I write this way, but I find ad libbing the dialogue helps me to write chapters faster, and I don't forget where I wanted to go with a scene.
Audio Drama: https://chirb.it/MPBkna
Wow, so many emotional chapters in a row! Ready for more kinky fuckery? I sure am!
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