Melting Gray [Gratsu]

40

Chapter Forty

☆ Natsu Dragneel ☆

As much as I felt like crying for the rest of the day and night (hey, I knew I would eventually), I couldn't do that, because time still ticks on, the earth still rotates on its axis, and everyone moves forward another step.

Now back home and comfortably nestled into bed on this next morning, I didn't want to put a single foot forward. I just wanted to stay wrapped up in my burrito of blankets and stare out the window to look at the ocean forever. This little piece of nature was a lot prettier than the rest of the world, anyway.

The waves rose and fell, matching my slow breathing. I looked over and saw Gray sleeping soundly next to me. His lips were slightly parted, and one of his hands was resting in an awkward angle on top of his cheek. I couldn't help but smile at how gorgeous he was, and I moved his hand, careful not to wake him. Gray snuggled closer into the mattress, sleepily muttering something that was muffled by the pillow. I curled up next to him, finding the same hand and intertwining it loosely with mine.

"I love you," I whispered, falling asleep again.

"I love you too," I think I heard him say back as I drifted out of consciousness.

When I woke up again, he wasn't there. The bed still had the faint indent of him being there. Did I dream all of that? What was real anymore, and what was fake, anyways?

With everything in my mind hazy and clouded with confusion, I was still forced to roll out of bed and head to school, and as much as I didn't want to go, attendance records were important and I was strong enough to make it through the day. I tugged on black skinny jeans, a plain plaid shirt over a dark grey tank top, and a beanie over my unruly, tousled hair. When I stared at myself in the bathroom mirror, the bags were still there. I was probably running on five hours a sleep per night, which wasn't healthy at all, really.

A genuine smile came to my face when I realized this was the exact outfit I was wearing the night of the end-of-summer party, the one where I first met Gray in. Since today was on the chilly side, I threw the varsity jacket I borrowed from Gray once over the ensemble. I fiddled with the necklace he gave me last December. Everything I had on reminded me of Gray in some way.

Grabbing my backpack - and trying to push the idea that I barely gave any effort to my homework last night - and a banana for breakfast, I silently left the house and headed towards school. I remembered that Gray should be returning to classes today, and that made me happier. It lifted the spirits of my dead mother somewhat; but nothing is never enough for something like that.

I went to the usual spot where we would meet (and lowkey make out, I thought with a blush) by the northern wing staircase, and I took a seat on the bottom stair. To busy myself, I checked the time on my phone, then sent a quick message to Gray.

Natsu: Waiting at our usual spot ;) <3

I wondered if the winky face was too much, but it was too late to go back now. I watched as 'Delivered' turned into 'Read', but thankfully, this time I watched as he gave a reply.

Gray: Headed to school now to get my homework, but I have a doctor's appointment (Mom got one for me since my cold isn't getting any better). Can I catch you for a few minutes then? <3

Natsu: I'll be here, see ya.

Content with my answer, I pocketed the device and rested my chin my cupped hands, which perched on my legs. Teenagers came and went up the staircase, headed to their first classes early. Judging by the time, I had a good fifteen minutes before the first bell would ring. After three of those minutes passed by me waiting, Gray showed up by the staircase, red-cheeked from his cold and holding a file folder of homework.