A Snowball's Chance

Chapter 10

Loke's words echoed in Lucy's head. She shivered in disgust. No way would I sell myself like that.
"Lucy, we need to form a plan and find the monarchs, fast," Gray proclaimed as he stood up. He was off balance and within a few steps, stumbled. He threw his hand against the wall for support and continued to attempt crossing the room.
"We can't do anything until you're well enough!" She leapt to his side,"here..." She looped one arm around his waist and lead him back to the bed. "You've got to get rest," she instructed.
Gray wouldn't meet her eyes but instead examined her bookshelf, "You've got a nice set of novels there."
"Gray." She placed her hand on his cheeks and turned his head. He did not protest, "Lucy..." He began.
She shushed him gently,"Get some rest," he finally looked up at her to meet her gaze.
His eyes...is he going to... I...hope?
Her eyes... Am I going to... I think..
Gray leaned into Lucy and she into him.
The moment was shattered as once more, the door behind them flew open. Lucy squawked and in her moment of  terror, leapt forward onto Gray. He grunted as her chest smacked into his full force. She ended up sprawled on top of him.
"Gray! You frosty perv!" Natsu shouted.
"Ah!" Gray felt heat rising to his cheeks. Was I actually about to kiss her?
Lucy was beet red. "Erm. Sorry. Gray," she apologized stiffly,"I just lost my balance." She glanced at Natsu who stared between them with eyebrows raised. "I bet you guys were up to something."
Lucy's face froze in fear," ACTUALLY. I was just going to get some soup. Hope you like chicken, Gray!" She waved as she flew out of the room.
"You guys are planning something aren't you?" Natsu prodded mischievously.
Gray made an effort to regain his composure,"Yeah, we are. And as much as I hate to admit it, we're gonna need you too."
"Ha haa!" Natsu cheered," So it's a job! Where are we going this time? A volcano? Or the ocean? Of course we'll need Juvia's help if we go to the ocean. Hey Juvia-"
"Stop!" Gray clamped his hand over Natsu's mouth,"We're going to what I believe to be the celestial realm. You'd have to ask Lucy."
"Huh?"
Gray sighed and told Natsu all that he and Lucy had figured out. Natsu's temper slowly started to rise. "If they don't tell her what's going on I'll-"
"Natsu?" Lucy poked her head through the door,"What are you planning?" She entered the room, chicken soup on a platter, "Here you go," Gray nodded in thanks.
"Natsu's words fell. The soup. Oh man that soup. The aroma was tantalizing. "Hey Lucy can I have some?"
Lucy nodded, "Sure. I'll be right back."
She closed the door behind her gently.
"We've got to first meet with the King of the Celestial Spirit Realm. Don't ask me how we get there," Gray instructed," Also, Lucy mentioned something to me when I was here earlier-"
"What were you doing here?" Natsu interrupted, an eyebrow raised.
"I uh..." Gray struggled to remember why he'd come to Lucy's in the first place.  "She needs to learn to defend herself, and we've got to teach her."
"Then why didn't you ask me to come along?" Natsu prodded again.
"Look, man, I'm not sure just help me help Lucy."
"Of course," Natsu nodded.
A gentle knock on the door broke the tension, "Here's your soup."
Both Natsu and Gray couldn't take their eyes off of her.
"What?" Lucy asked defensively.
"We need to start training you soon, Lucy," Gray murmured.
"Tch. You're on that again? Gray, I'm not doing anything until you're all healed up."
Natsu glanced at Gray mischievously, and Gray gave him a knowing grin.
"Won't take more than ten minutes," Gray's grin grew deeper, "Hey, Wendy!"