Countdown [Natsu x Reader x Gray]

🎓 Chapter 16 🎓

Christmas/Winter Break

No school.

No teachers.

No responsibilities.

Perfection.

The thought of having two dates during this break made you both nervous and excited.

But one thing at a time.

You were going to spend the day with Gray first.

"Make shift sledding?" You questioned, reading the sign.

"Since it doesn't snow here, they made a fake snow hill that people can use for sledding." Gray explained.

"I see." You nodded, "That's great 'cause I've never been sledding before."

"I know." Gray grinned, holding his hand out for you to take (which you did).

🎶 Just hear those sleigh bells ringing, ring-ting-tingling too

It's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you

Outside the snow is falling and friends are calling 'yoo-hoo'

C'mon it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you 🎶

The initial "takeoff" sent fear through you, but after a minute you relaxed. The wind felt nice, cool, and crisp against your face as you headed down the hill.

You were so into your own thoughts that you did not realize that Gray had his arms around your waist until he tightened his hold on you.

"You're quiet." He observed, "Are you not enjoying the ride?" Gray stared at you with a concerned look on his face. You couldn't tell from simply looking at him, but on the inside he was freaking out. He wanted to impress you and making sure you were having a good time was apart of his plan.

"Wha-" You gasped, glancing over your shoulder. "No, I'm just thinking about how good the air feels and how exciting this is." You shook your head, chuckling. "I'm sorry for making you overthink the situation."

Gray stammered over syllables as he attempted to think of a comeback. His cheeks turned pink also, displaying his embarrassment.

🎶 Our cheeks are nice and rosey and comfy cozy are we

We're snuggled up together like two birds of a feather would be

Let's take that road before us and sing a chorus or two

C'mon it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you 🎶

Then a question popped into his head -- a question he was quite curious to know the answer to. However, he was afraid of the worst-case scenario that had a 50% chance of occuring. He bit his bottom lip, unsure of what to do.

He snuck a glance at your face only to find you looking at him.

"Something's on your mind, right?" You asked, raising a eyebrow.

"I-It's nothing." He quickly avoided your gaze, suddenly feeling nervous.

"Why you always lyin'?" You exaggerated, "It's obviously something, Gray!"

He remained silent at first, contemplating whether he should ask you what's on his mind.

After not receiving an immediate answer, you sighed and looked ahead.

That's when Gray felt you tense up.

"Gray, how do we change course?" You asked him, and there was panic in your voice.

"Why? What's-" He began to ask, looking ahead to see what the problem was. He stopped himself when he noticed you both heading toward a tree at an impressive speed.

Then he did the first thing he could think of. Everything happened so quickly. One arm remained around you waist while the other came up to your head, pressing it against his chest. He shifted his body weight to his left side and then everything went black.

Your eyes snapped shut, waiting for impact, but you felt nothing.

Opening one eye at a time, you took your time scanning your surroundings. You see another couple coming down the hill and they stop when they see you lying on the ground.

"Oh my gosh, are you guys ok?" The girl gasped.

You didn't feel any pain. "I'm fine." You answered. Then you remembered you weren't here by yourself. Sitting up on your elbow and shifting your body so that you could look behind you, you saw Gray who was unconscious.

"This dude needs a doctor." The guy, who was sledding with the girl and had moved to inspect the sled (now broken) and Gray, stated. "His head's bleeding."

"Wha-" You gasped.

The random strangers were kind enough to assist you and Gray up the hill, where an on-site physician was available.

Apparently, Gray's head hit the tree. The damage is not severe. He just needed some stitches. Now his head is bandaged and you're by his side, waiting for him to wake up.

It took about two hours, but Gray eventually woke up.

"(Y/N)?" He asked, squinting his eyes as they try to focus on you.

"You had me scared for a moment." You played off your fear with a laugh.

"I- What-"

"We had a bit of an accident and you hit your head." You stated, gesturing to his bandaged head. "Are you ok?"

Gray stayed silent for a moment, his memories resurfacing. After a minute, he said, "I'm sorry."

Your eyes widened, surprised by his reaction. "For what?"

"This wasn't how this date was suppose to end." He sighed, looking down at his hands. "And now I've ruined my chances with you."

Ruined his chances with me? "You're such a drama queen, Ice Princess." He glared at you in response to the nickname. "The only person who says that you have no chance with me is me. And I have yet to speak those words."

Gray cleared his throat, his cheeks turning pink. He smirked, knowing that he still had a chance. Today may not have gone as he hoped or planned, but as long as it didn't destroy his chances of earning your love, he could grin and bear it.

MERRY CHRISTMAS/HAPPY HOLIDAYS!