When the Snow Falls (Gratsu)

Chapter 6- Orchids

Natsu's POV

After gently placing him on the mound of blankets and pillows I had woken up early to set up, I jumped over his legs and crossed to the far wall. Lucy had helped me plan a surprise for him this morning and she was busy getting everything ready. I quickly lit the fireplace and it sparked to life, flames dancing behind the glass barrier. I hurried to finish up my preparations.

"Can I open my eyes yet? I feel stupid." Gray complained. I rolled my eyes.

"Wait, I'm almost ready." I adjusted the blanket pile one more time before deciding it was satisfactory. I kneeled next to Gray and took a breath.

"Three... two... one." His black eyes fluttered open beneath his thick dark lashes. They widened when he saw the sight laid out in front of him and he gasped, staring at the beautiful snow-covered landscape that was my backyard. I was staring at a beautiful sight, too, but it had nothing to do with the snow.

Gray's POV

The second I opened my eyes I was blinded by white. The room had a glass wall that allowed me to see straight into what I imagined the inside of a snow globe must look like. Natsu's backyard had evergreen trees lightly dusted with powdery snow, and the landscape was draped in a perfectly untouched sheet of silvery-white. The sun's glow made the snow crystals sparkle onto the trees. After a moment of being in awe of the sight, I felt eyes on me. I turned my head in Natsu's direction.

"What are you staring at?" His eyes widened and he looked like I had woken him up from a daydream. The crests of his cheeks tinted rose and he turned away.

"Nothing." He said softly as he stared into his lap. I tilted my head toward him.

"Are you sure?" He looked back at me and smiled. He nodded toward the window.

"Do you like it? I thought it might surprise you." He was clearly avoiding the question, but I decided to let it go. I wondered if something was bothering him. If it was, would he tell me? Of course he doesn't want to tell you, you hardly even know him. Stop pretending you're actually friends. You work for him and he's being nice to you because you're new. I sighed before realizing he was still waiting for me to answer.

Natsu's POV

"Oh, yes, I love it. I can't imagine anything more breathtaking than the snow when it's untouched by humans." I can, and he's sitting right in front of me. He continued talking about winter being his favorite season, but I just watched him. His face completely lit up when he talked about something he was passionate about. With the soft glow of the fireplace reflecting into his eyes and animating them even more, I thought he looked beautiful. My heart pounded in my chest and when he quieted, he kept this smile on his face that softened his features. He often looked sharp and hard from trying to cover up his emotions, but in that moment he looked so serene that I couldn't bear to say anything or even move for fear of ruining the peaceful calm that had settled over the room. His eyes closed gently and he laid on his back, resting his head on one of the various pillows I had set up. I laid next to him, closing my eyes like he had. We stayed like that for a while, eyes closed, just enjoying the heat of the fire and each other's company. I will never know where I drew the courage from, but somehow in that moment I felt so strongly that I knew I had to say something. I took a deep breath.

"Gray?"

"Yes?"

"I think I-" There was a soft knock at the door. I sat up quickly, turning towards the sound. Gray sat up beside me. Lucy popped her head into the room, scanning it until she saw us sitting on the blanket together.