I'm Coming Home

Gray Fullbuster lived a peaceful life. Even if he was only a worker in a local cafe called Fairy Tail, he was still happy.

Gray was just waking up from an alarm he had set so he could wake up for work. The Ice mage groaned before pulling himself up out of the bed. He started his morning routine. He put on his work uniform, grabbed his car keys and made his way to his car after locking his front door.

Work was boring but his co-workers were some of his closest friends so he enjoyed coming to work.
"Morning Gray!" A white haired female greeted him as he was putting on an apron.

"Morning Mira" Gray gave the female a gentle smile and started taking orders.

This week was Gray's morning shift week, he never did work a full day unless Mira, who was the boss asks him to because someone can't make it or they're sick.

Lunch break came around, that signaled the end of Gray's shift. He made himself a coffee and grabbed a muffin.

Lucy was the one who was supposed to take Gray's shift but she was running late. She finally made it nearing the end of the lunch hour. "Mira, Gray, Sorry i'm late!"
"Hi Lucy" Gray greeted as he grabbed his coat.
"It's okay Lucy, just hurry and get ready! And Gray you have a nice afternoon, see you tomorrow!" She waved as he was leaving.

"Goodbye Mira!" Gray waved as he made his way to his car. The ice mage sat in the driver's seat and took out his phone. Usually he wouldn't have have any messages but he noticed a voicemail from an unknown number. Hesitantly he checked it and when he did he almost dropped the phone, a voice he recognized had said "Gray...I'm coming home... I'll see you in 5 hours."

Anger, sadness as well as happiness filled the ice mage as he listened to the voicemail over and over again. He'd know that voice anywhere but there was something else, something that voice didn't say, and that was that they were hurt..they needed Gray, they needed help, and comfort.
Gray took in a shaky breath and drove to the grocery store, he needed to pick up a few items if he was having a guest.

Gray parked in the parking lot and and made his way inside the grocery store, grabbed a basket and walked down the isles, he picked up a few items that were necessary and then grabbed a few groceries. He made his way to the check out and placed his items on the counter.

"Hi Gray, Running low again?" the cashier joked.

"Hi Lyon, No, I have someone coming over to stay for a while."

"Oh, mind me asking who this person is?"
"Let's just say they've been gone for 5 years today." Gray had a sad look in his eyes that Lyon picked up on instantly but that was only because they were brothers and he knew exactly who that person was.

"Ah..Okay, Well this will be 1000 jewel." Lyon said.

Gray paid for his items and said goodbye to his brother. He packed the bags in the back seat of his car and drove home.

Once back at his house he unlocked the door and brought the bags inside, then started packing away the items.

Gray sighed and sat down on his couch once he finished up. 'What to do now?' He thought to himself. Gray still had 4 hours to go. He decided to take a nap.

Once Gray had woken up again he checked the time. "Whoa, I slept for 3 and a half hours!" he got up "Maybe i should clean up a bit." He scratched his head and took a look at the room. There were plates on the coffee table that were from yesterday. He picked up the plates and carried them to the kitchen. He washed up the dishes and swept up the floors in less than 20 minutes so he then decided to clean up the guest room.

The voice mail may not have said that they were staying with Gray but with the tone of voice used, he could tell.

A few more minutes passed and there was a knock on the door.

Gray hurriedly answered the door and there on his door step stood Natsu Dragneel. Gray's breath caught in his throat at the sight of the fire mage in front of him.

Natsu looked at Gray and was about to speak before he was pulled into a tight embrace.
Gray yanked Natsu inside and they fell to the floor hugging each other but when they let go Gray slapped Natsu across the face.
Natsu sat there and took it, he deserved it. "I deserved that."

"Yeah you did! How dare you leave for 5 years without notice and then never call anyone! Never call me!" Gray stared at him with tears threatening to leave his eyes but he also glared at the dragon slayer.

"I know, I'm sorry. I have no excuse for what i did." Natsu looked down so his eyes were shaded with his hair that was now noticeably longer.

Gray expression softened. "So what brought you back?"
"I missed everyone. I missed you." Natsu looked up at him.

"Yeah I missed you too ash breath!" Gray got up and helped Natsu stand as well.

"Mind if I shower?"
"No go ahead, still remember where the bathroom is?"

Natsu nodded and made his way there.

"Towels are moved to the closet across the hall!" Gray shouted after him. He then made his way to the kitchen to make something for them to eat.

Once Gray was finished cooking Natsu came into the kitchen. "Smells good!"

"I thought you'd be hungry." He grinned at the fire mage and placed plates of food on the table, he then sat down.

Natsu sat down as well and started eating. "Thanks Gray."
Gray smiled and nodded.

After they finished eating they went to the living room but Gray tackled Natsu to the floor and they fought for a bit before they both stopped and grinned at each other, they then got up and walked over to the couch. Gray noticed something off about Natsu. The fire mage was walking with a limp and he kept holding his shoulder.

"Natsu, are you hurt?"

With that simple question the fire mage tensed up but sighed. "I am"

Gray gasped and rushed over to the dragon slayer. "And you didn't think to tell me?!"
"I didn't want to worry you, I broke my ankle and my shoulder while I was away and they didn't heal properly. I'm gunna be like this probably for the rest of my life."
"Baka!" he hit him upside the head.
"Stop it! I rested but it still didn't heal properly!" Natsu spat back at Gray.
Gray chuckled and pulled him down onto the couch as to not hurt him anymore. "I'm glad you're back, I still love you, you know."
"I still Love you too Gray. I'm not leaving anymore, I promise" Natsu hugged the ice mage and they sat together on the couch.
"But tomorrow you're getting a haircut!" Gray teased as he played with Natsu's ponytail.

"Hey!" Natsu batted his hand away.

Gray laughed.