It was peaceful in the ryokan. Too peaceful. Sure, Lucy was on her own with Happy (who was currently sat on a warm rock in the boy's Onsen) so there were no icy, fiery or pillowy projectiles flying around, and Lucy would be the last to admit it, but she'd grown so used to Gray and Natsu's antics and Erza's rather aggressive interventions that it unsettled her to hear nothing. Peace and quite were things best forgotten when you were on Team Erza, heck, peace and quite didn't exist for a Fairy Tail Wizard in general, so quite, relaxing moments were rare and oh-so-precious. Not to mention short lived and probably what normal people would not call relaxing.

      So it was great joy and appreciation felt as she soaked in the hot spring, knowing that when the boys returned from whatever venture they were on, her short but blissfully uninterrupted holiday (for the most part. Happy was fairly independent) would be blasted away by either the tongues of flame or the tendrils of ice that usually flowed the two opposites wherever they went.

       Of course, Happy could be a bit of a pain, especially when the sneaky feline sensed Loke around. The cat seemed determined to interrupt absolutely anything that might on the off chance make Natsu mad... or, heavens forbid, sad. Sad Natsu was infinitely more scary than Angry Natsu. Or at least, that's how the little blue exceed saw things. How was he supposed to know that his father figure and best bud knew about Loke and Lucy, especially when The celestial Mage and the Lion had no clue either?

    The cat had noticed Lucy's new key not long after the boys had left, though as he had no idea whether the key was a celestial item or not -it was unlike every other key she had- he didn't say anything. Happy idly wondered where Lucy had acquired that weird key, and made a not to ask Loke about it when he saw him next because Lucy's yelling terrified him in the same way Erza's did, and he had no intention on accidentally making her mad at him. Again.

                                               ——————————*****——————————

       Gray had been relatively surprised at how easy it had been. Once he'd got over his silent fear of his devil slayer powers, going full demon had been a piece of cake. Black scaly skin protected him like a set of armour, and his fingers had changed slightly to give him deadly weapons in the form of ebony claws. His eyesight had changed too, making dark and dim areas light up, and as easy to see as the guild hall in daylight. Natsu had insisted that he revert to human form at least twice though, just to make sure he could change at will.

          Now, both demon and devil slayer were crawling along the lava river's tunnel, each carrying a couple of the Stone Geodes. Gray was slightly annoyed to find that Natsu was Still taller and stronger than him as a demon, despite the fact that his armour like transformation had granted him a few extra inches in height, though nothing as cool as Natsu's wings and tail. Seriously, despite the terrifying reputation that was based on unfounded rumours, END was one of the most awesome creatures he'd ever seen. Shame his black demonic shape was dull and almost normal in comparison.

       He didn't need Natsu's help in the Lava tunnel now, with his claws for climbing and enhanced eyesight, not to mention his apparently temperature resistant skin, though he still needed the scaly scarf as a filter and he'd still have to rely on Ash-for-Brains for navigation. The caves and tunnels were a veritable maze, and how the idiot managed to go the right way when his normal sense of direction was questionable at best, was beyond the ice Mage.

   They were almost out of the volcano when Natsu's deep, gravelly demon's voice rumbled out a question. Gray smiled, finding that question to be somewhat amusing. He answered, being completely honest for once:

    "Mira won't be happy. I know for a fact she has a bet going with Cana and Bickslow about this. Cana's rooting for you and Lisanna, and Mira's all for you and Lucy. Bickslow.... well, I'm pretty sure he knew about you're crush on me since before you did. Also, it's kinda obvious that he knows you are END. At least, it is to me. He has the same look for you as END that he did for Loke when that playboy was pretending to be human." Natsu made an odd rumbling noise, and Gray couldn't tell if it was a Growl, a purr, or something else. By the time they'd discussed the whole idea of... well.... disappointing Mira and Cana by coming out to the guild, they'd completed the journey through the tunnels and were safely outside.

       Gray handed Natsu's scarf back to him, reverting back to his normal semi-naked self after he'd put the four Stone Geodes down on the ground. Natsu followed suit, going so smoothly from monster to human that he made it look like some weird art from. (Yet another thing the ice Mage would never admit out loud.). The Fire Dragon Slayer then picked up the six Stone Geodes he'd been carrying and began walking back to the village. The stones were not overly heavy for either of the two wizards, but walking ten whole miles with the awkwardly shaped rocks became tedious real fast.

      They didn't get all that far before night fell, it having been about midday when they'd entered the volcano and about and hour before sunset when they left, so they set up camp. Natsu was, of course, in charge of making the fire and hunting up some dinner (something of which Gray had never been all that good at) and Gray was in charge of shelter and guarding the camp, along with their little treasure trove.

       Natsu had Vanished somewhere into a heavily wooded area to Grays left, leaving the Ice wizard feeling oddly exposed. This valley was disturbingly like the one back th..... no, he couldn't think about that. He'd panic or do something stupid if he even tried to remember. Tired blue eyes clouded as he desperately tried not to think of that tiny part of his past, only for all the disturbing, horrific and humiliating memories to flood his brain like an autumn storm. He didn't notice Natsu return, so lost in his memories he hardly registered the familiar voice, much less had the capacity to respond at that moment.

      Natsu had hunted up a nice fat rabbit for their supper, foraging for any edible plants as he followed Gray's scent back to their camp. He'd practically danced into the camp, the rabbit carcass in one hand and a large selection of wild greens in the other, though it had all been dropped when the Pyro saw his Snowflake just sat there with a haunted expression on his face. If the distant look and the stench of fear hadn't been enough of a clue, the Dragon Slayer's Sharp ears caught the soft mumbling Gray was making as he talked in a frighteningly frail voice. Flashback. He was probably remembering that time around Mating Season just before the Sabertooth Dragon Slayers had found him.

       Natsu called out his name, one, twice, three times. No response. It was like the other young man's mind was far away, and the dragon slayer knew that in a sense, it was. There was absolutely nothing the Dragon Slayer could do for him but stay by the Snowflake's side until he came back to his senses, so he busied himself with skinning, gutting and cooking the rabbit he'd caught, using some of the wild herbs (Don't worry, he knew which were safe to eat. Mostly through past experiences) to season the meat and the rest of the plant matter as extra firewood, using just the right combination of plants to make the fire smell almost as nice as the roasting rabbit.

       Gray eventually came back to reality, a rich meaty aroma wafting about their makeshift camp like a tangible force, making the ice make mage's mouth water uncontrollably. He felt shaky and exhausted from the emotional Hell he'd just had to relive, so when Ash-for-Brains shoved a slightly blackened chunk of something into his hands and demanded he eat it, he did, savouring the surprisingly well seasoned food, frankly shocked that the Pyro could actually cook things without setting them on fire or turning them to ash or charcoal.

    The ice wizard was faintly surprised when Natsu sat next to him without a single word, silently offering the support Gray needed to feel secure again. Of course, maybe Natsu just wanted to sit next to him and he was reading into this too much, but it felt nice to know someone was there, even if he couldn't bring himself to talk about that.

      "Ya don't have to talk about it. Just know I'm here if ya need me." Natsu states quietly, wrapping an arm around the other male's shoulder and pulling him close into a one armed hug. If Gray was taken aback by the mature actions of the younger dragon slayer, he didn't show it. (physically younger. Technically Natsu was more Gramps than great Gramps).

The ice wizard reciprocated the hug, glad to feel the very real warmth of another person after that scare of a flashback. He couldn't explain it, but the ice wizard felt a need to be even closer to the other now. He couldn't tell if he was feeling lust, love or just a need to be with someone he trusted. He just knew he wanted more from Natsu. Now!

The hug quickly morphed into kissing, Gray being the dominant one in the kiss this time. Cool hands cautiously explored the warmer skin beneath Natsu's shirt earning the ice wizard a lusty grunt as his hands passed over the others sensitive chest as Gray deepened the kiss. They eventually broke apart for air, blue eyes staring affectionately as Green eyes practically danced in the golden firelight.

Natsu had been taken back by Gray's sudden boldness, thrilled by the timid dominance the other showed, and content to let Gray set the pace. The Dragon Slayer wanted more... gods he wanted more..... but he was comfortable with this for now. Unless Gray wanted more that is. The poor Dragon Slayer just knew he was gonna have to sneak off after this and finish off, because there was no way in hell he could go to sleep feeling like this. At this point, Natsu had swung his leg around so he was straddling Gray's lap, and was back to kissing the ice wizard, fighting for dominance this time.

    Gray fought Natsu, winning their little battle and enjoying the simple pleasure of just kissing. His roaming hands remained well above Natsu's hips, confidence marred by the worry that Natsu did not want more -oh how wrong he was- but still wanting that himself. Natsu suddenly broke their kiss and leaned into Gray, resting his head on the other's shoulder with a faint shudder. When the Dragon Slayer began to gently press himself against the ice wizard, Gray couldn't help but let a little gasp escape. How was the other wizard this aroused by kissing?

        "Gray...." Natsu whined, unable to take it anymore. Their make-out was making him ridiculously aroused, and he could smell Gray's arousal too. Damnit, but he wanted more. Gray heard the unspoken words, and nervously ventured lower, until his hand brushed over the Dragon Slayer's Stiff arousal. Natsu's narrowed eyes opened wide. Did he just? Oohhh, but that felt good. Gray suddenly heard a really strange sound. Where? Wait.... did Natsu just? No way.... he was.... he was purring. Not a feline purr, no. A reptilian purr, that was somehow a fitting noise from the Dragon Slayer.

"Please. Do that again." Natsu asked, still managing to purr at the same time. Gray idly wondered if the Dragon Slayer knew he was purring, or if it was a subconscious thing he did when excited. Gray couldn't find the will to deny his fiery boyfriend, this time reaching into the loose pants so he could rub him through the cloth of his boxers. Gray could feel himself getting hard as Natsu's soft moans of pleasure affected him in a way his own hand never could.

         Suddenly, with no warning, Natsu yanked Gray close to him, pulling the cool hand away at the same time. "Stop. Stop." Natsu ordered, panting hotly. Gray was confused, until Natsu stepped back, turning his head to one side so the icicle wouldn't have to see his face. However, gray caught enough of a glimpse to understand. The Dragon Slayer's eyes had narrowed from normal human like pupils, to narrow, reptilian slits, and fire was dancing over his skin.

      "I'm sorry Gray." The dragon slayer mumbled, feeling awful. What a time for his magic to play up!

     "You.... you're.... why'd you stop if it felt good?" Gray blurted, feeling bad immediately after as the Dragon Slayer looked up at him.

       "Can't control it. I'd burn you." Natsu replied, debating with himself for a few seconds before being completely honest. He knew he was about to completely ruin the mood, but he needed to say it, warn the stripper. "It's happened before. If I... I... you know..." Natsu gestured with his hands to show what he meant, and Gray raised an eyebrow. "I completely lose control of my magic. It's... terrifying Gray! I've been lucky...." his voice dropped as he recalled the only two instances with a partner. "I didn't seriously hurt either of them, and fire doesn't burn me, but that's not the point. I could have, and that terrifies me!" Gray's eyebrows practically vanished beneath his bangs as he realised what Natsu had just said.

    "Wait, so you're telling me you're not a virgin? Everyone in the guild thinks you are! Heck, us guys even have a bet on who you'll...."

      "Finish that sentence and I'll tell Erza you saw her and Jalal on the beach that time." Gray paled. He remembered that particular night all too well. He'd went for a walk on the beach because he couldn't sleep, and accidentally saw those two doing it. He was glad to discover the next morning that Erza had not seen him, though Jalal had approached him and asked if he enjoyed the show, promising not to tell Erza before vanishing back to wherever he hid when he didn't want to be found.

         "Okay then. Do I know these girls? Or were they guys?" Natsu cracked a grin, mischief dancing in his eyes. Gray gulped, dreading what Natsu might say.

     "You know both of them." Why did that make Gray feel uneasy? "Cana. And before you ask, no I was not drunk. Just because I act dense all the time, doesn't mean I am. The other one..... you won't believe me." Gray made a noise in the back of his throat. He'd believe just about anything coming from Natsu. Except possibly.....

     "She's gonna run me through with every sword in her collection if I tell you we were dating for a while, so I'm just gonna shut up and go to bed." With that, Natsu changed from normal him into END and curled up on the fire, the flames curling up around the demon and fizzling out. Gray couldn't move or say anything. There was only one person he knew that had more than one or two swords. His brain just couldn't register it. Natsu? And... and... her? Seriously? Erza? he'd he'd.... with ERZA?

        After the shock had worn off, Gray balled his shirt up and used it as a pillow and slept on the grassy ground. Or at least, he tried to. Despite his best efforts not to, his mind kept trying to imagine Natsu and Erza together. It was just too weird. They'd never seemed overly close, but then, the same could be said for himself and Natsu. How long had they dated? When? How had anyone missed it? Did anyone know? Or had Erza killed all witnesses? (Okay, so the queen of the fairies wasn't a killer, but Gray could just imagine her killing anyone who knew if they didn't give in to her threats.).