"And then, this little brat started a fire that killed my wife and scarred me for life! So now I am going to take away all he loves, like he did with me. And I'll start with his boyfriend just so he can feel my anguish." 

Gray gave a quick glance behind him and mentally noted that the figure behind him was just a machine with a core of magical energy to keep it standing. He used his free hand to create an ice blast that sent the robot into a tree, cracking its core. He shielded his eyes as a large blast of magical power crashed through the forest. Natsu blinked rapidly and stray tears fell down his face, but Gray assumed he would call it rain when the topic was brought forth. He looked at Gray and frowned at the sight of the thin line of dried blood on his neck. The metallic scent made his nose scrunch uncomfortably, distracting him from the thoughts that had been plaguing him since the past's reminiscent thoughts bubbled up from the block he put on them years ago. When Gray's warning shout made Natsu's attention drift from the injury lacing his snowflake's neck, he missed the poison tipped arrow headed for a blow to his back, but in a speed Natsu didn't know Gray possessed, he shoved him out of the way, piercing the ice-mage in the arm. Gray closed his eyes tightly and willed the sharp pain to dull so he could get him and Natsu away from the past that was clouding Natsu's thinking and overall judgement. His vision blurred and he slumped against Natsu. He didn't hear Natsu's enraged cry or the sound of leaves turning into ash, all he heard was the rapid beating of his heart pounding in his ears. Through blurred vision, he saw a retreating figure and fire. He felt intense heat around him and a figure hunched over him. "Gray. You are a fucking idiot. Why would you even think of doing this? Why dammit?! I can't go back to being alone again! Not after..." The monologue was cut short as Natsu stared ahead in remembrance, then with a swift movement, Natsu had him upright against what he could make out as a charred tree stump. "I care too much to have you die on me." It was only a soft murmur, but with how close he was to Gray, he heard it all.

Natsu glanced down at his friend's arm, panickingly snapping his gaze back to the ice mage's now closed eyes. "Gray!" he yelled, willing the crumpled figure to open his eyes again, if only for Natsu to admire their color. The poisoned male only squeezed his eyes together, curling into Natsu's radiating heat. The worried dragon had an idea of how to save him, but he knew Gray wouldn't be too happy with the mark left over. He quickly shook his head, steeling his nerves and latching his pointed fangs on his rival's poisoned forearm. His own eyes scrunched shut at the bitter taste hitting his sensitive tongue, but he hurriedly began to leach the poison out from under Gray's skin. Soon enough Gray's arm had returned to normal size, the swelling lessening, and Natsu spit out poison with a soft blush upon his cheeks. He used his acute hearing to listen for Gray's soft breathing and reassure himself that his friend wouldn't die. As well as ensuring that the icy pervert wouldn't wake up soon to discover Natsu's embarrassment, although the pinkette would never admit to it.

Natsu sniffed the air, searching for their attackers. He swore under his breath and lifted the ice mage into his arms. He smelled the air once more and looked down at the pale figure in his arms while a frown adorned his usually cheery features. Without hesitation, he ran into the burning forest, all while keeping a watchful eye for any attacks that would be incoming. He looked down at Gray and gave a small smile that was filled with grief. He had almost lost someone who was more important than anything again, and all because of his past. When an arrow flew by his ear, he was snapped out of the depressed thoughts. Right now he only had one goal: to keep his injured snowflake safe, even if it cost him his own life.

Chapter 2 is finally up! I know it's been too long and you people have been asking about it, so here it is! Don't be afraid to give us feedback and suggestions! We're working on the next chapter so you can expect it in the near future

~FanaticShipper07