crash & burn

When Gray's therapist insists that he attend the 'Creative Expressions' program, Gray hates the idea. Talking about his emotions isn't going to help - he already knows how he feels. He's angry, betrayed, bitter and in constant pain, and no amount of painting or poetry is going to change that.

Then he meets Natsu - a charismatic boy with pink hair and piercings who's larger than life - and Gray can't help but fall for him. Natsu is like the sun, blindingly bright and warm in all the cold parts of Gray's life. But Natsu has his own reasons for being in the program, and when the dark parts of his past start to catch up with him, it's up to Gray to try and pick up the pieces.

Title from "Crash and Burn" by Savage Garden.

CW for mental illness, self-harm, abuse, PTSD, drug use, and other sensitive topics. Each chapter will have trigger warnings as necessary.

Cross-posted on AO3 and fanfiction.net as splendidlyimperfect
Find me on tumblr as @splendidlyimperfect