Summer Is Coming - Gratsu

13. The Clock Strikes Twelve

After the first man to request the honor to dance with the gorgeous Cinderella who, unbeknownst to Natsu and her partner, left an invisible mark that only one other could see, two other men came up to ask the same favor of the girl. Natsu accepted both request and found them both very nice, but there was something that about them that didn't seem as safe when with Gray, or as familiar as the first strange.

When her hand was safely placed back into Gray's hands she finally felt like she could breathe freely again. "I'm tired, "Natsu said yawning hugely, "What time is it?"

Gray laughed, "Nearly midnight. I'm surprised you're only tired now and not two hours ago."

"Only Twelve?" Natsu asked, yawning again, "When is this guy going to make his move?"

Gray tensed slightly, luckily for he Natsu didn't notice. Everyone had come over to check on the two during the night to report to them that no one showed any signs of attack. When Natsu was off dancing with another man Gajeel had come over to discuss the real plan and Erza's rising worry. 'He'll follow the story.' Which meant they were running out of time.

"There's something off tonight," Natsu said pull Gray out of his thoughts.

"What?"

Natsu struggled to find the right words to explain, "Everything seems too dark. Not in their isn't enough, but the energy. It's almost as dark magic is filling the room trying to snuff out every flame as it hunts for something. And the weirdest part is that is feels so familiar like something I can't remember but haven't completely forgot."

It was happening, he was coming. Natsu felt it before he had and wasn't even looking for it.

"Can I ask you something?" The words escaped Gray's lips before he knew what he was doing.

"What is it?" Natsu asked, her large innocent eyes staring up at him. It was strange how sweet and innocent those eyes looked, Natsu had been in her fair share of trouble and heartbreak as everyone else. She was anything but innocent, yet those eyes seemed to cover those heartbreaks a little too well.

"Whatever happens," He took a deep breath. Stop, stop, stop! He wanted to slap himself, but the words didn't listen to his screaming brain. "Will you still hold my hand the same way?"

It was cheesy, but a question that was  had been chew towards his core thoughts all night.

Natsu smiled, looking down to hide her embarrassingly flushed face. Squishing his hand tighter Natsu gave him an honest answer, "No"

Gray's heart sunk, but Natsu wasn't finished, "because after tonight I'll be holding on tighter. Something's coming, and it's closer than it seems. I can't lose the most important in my life."

For some reason, Gray knew she wasn't referring tonight. Whatever it was, Gray knew it had to do with the strange talk between the two dragon slayers. After tonight was over Gray vowed he would get answers.

"Let's just take it one day out of a time," Gray also tightened his grip over the small hand, "We'll do it together."

She nodded, a huge grin on her face. The smile didn't last long. As the two watched the happy dancers, something caught Natsu's attention. A look of pure terror flashed across her face as she continued to watch the dancers but the look was quickly replaced with confusion.

"Natsu?" Gray asked, his worry raising.

She blinked, "Sorry, I just... I saw something that reminded me of something. It was nothing."

"You sure?" Natsu nodded.

It was an obvious lie, but what was Natsu supposed to say? She had no idea what it was. A bright red dress had caught her attention, the trim flared out when it turned. As the dress moved a sudden image washed over her eyes. A long dress twirling and as it spun the dress didn't flare, but flared. Gentle flames licked up the dress as the wearer laughed while she was being twirled. Then a deep comforting voice said, "Natsu, do you want to spin like you mother?" Then the image was gone and nothing took it's place again.