In the end

Chapter 2

When I finally got home, I stepped out of my car with a towel around my neck and my shirt off. It was so damn hot! Cana, our neighbor, whistled my way:

"Hey stripper boy."

I ignored her comment and walked over to the fence as she motioned for me to come closer.

"What is it you old drunk?" I still felt tired and I wasn't in the mood for stupid chit chat.

"Who are you calling old?"

I rolled my eyes. That's what you're worried about?

"So what's up?" I urged her.

"My lawn needs your attention. If you want that extra money you have to work for it," she put a hand on her hip.

"Sure, I'll do it. But it might take a while. My body is sore form practice. We have a big game next week against Saber."

Cana's expression change to an excited one.

"A game? Really? I'm so gonna be there. You have to kick their butts!" she swung her hand in a punch like motion and I chuckled. Cana is very excited about basketball. She's a former student of Fairy tail high and the biggest fan of Fairies I've ever known.

"Thanks Cana. Is Gildarts home?"

"No," she shook her head. "Dad is still on a business trip."

"Has to be tough having such a successful dad," I grinned and Cana gave me a proud smile.

"Say hi to Ur for me," she said as she turned to leave inside with a wave.

"Will do," and with that I turned and headed inside.

"I'm home!" I said as I locked the door behind me.

"Welcome home," Ur poked her head out of the kitchen. I left my things in the hall and went to her.

"How was school?" she asked as I kissed her cheek, just like every day.

"Was good. What's cooking?" I asked smelling the nice aroma in the kitchen.

"Just something to give you energy, you look tired," she said and ruffled my hair making me take a step back and sit on a chair behind a table.

"Today's practice was crazy. Coach Macao is trying to kill us."

Ur laughed at my statement and put a glass of lemonade in front of me.

"Then rest up. Meal will be ready in 10."

I nodded and sipped the lemonade watching her cook. She was awesome. Something like a mom I never knew. My real parents died when I was still little, I don't even remember them. For as long as I knew, Ur raised me along with Ultear, who is her real daughter and Lyon, who was taken in just like me. Lyon made it to college just last year and Ultear lives with her best friend Melody and works in a different town. So the house feels a bit empty with just the two of us. Ur set a plate in front of me and my mouth watered as I took in the delicious smell. I waited for Ur to take her own plate and sit down, and then we dug in together.

Dinner was delicious. As Ur washed the dishes I stood up and went to my room, to do my homework. After some time I heard a knock on my door and Ur peeked in.

"Hey. I brought you some tea," she said as she set the mug on the table next to my History essay.

"Thanks," I smiled at her and took a sip with a sigh. I leaned on the chair and she moved behind me and massaged my shoulders. I closed my eyes, her hands felt great as she relaxed my sore muscles.

"Just take it easy, Gray. You're an awesome player. No way will you lose to some Tigers."

I smiled.