The Runaway

Chapter 38: Road Ahead

Natsu stirred in his sleep, he later started to grumble. His eyes started to flutter open slowly. He found himself staring at the grey ceiling of Gray's car. He blinked multiple times to brush the sleep away. His head hurt, he feels dizzy and right now he has the sudden urge to punch someone. The soft snores stopped him from his urges, he tried to shot up but something held him down. He glance at the weight on his stomach and found Gray sleeping on top of him. Seeing the raven's face so close made him remember a certain event and he instantly blushed. He literally threw Gray off his chest.

"Ow! What the fuck?!" Gray cursed as he rubbed his sore head and glared at the first creature he saw. Which is Natsu. "What the fuck is your problem?!" He yelled.

"Hmph. Last I check I was not a pillow," Natsu snorted. Gray's eye twitched.

"You could've woke me up in a gentle manner," Gray grumbled. "Oh wait. I forget, you're not even capable of being gentle," Gray taunted. Okay, that stung a little but Natsu acted like it was nothing.

 Natsu only rolled his eyes. He turned to the window and found the storm slowing down. He continued to ignore Gray and leaned against the window with shadowed eyes. Gray realized that Natsu was going to continue to ignore him. He sighed.

"The storm has calmed down..." Gray muttered. He glanced side ward and found out that Natsu was not moving... or at least showing any signs that he was listening. "Maybe, we can start driving again. We'll probably make it back by 11 or less," he informed but Natsu made no move. 

Gray grunted and turned on the engine. He turned his back from Natsu and started to drive again. Unknown to him, Natsu was really listening. But, he wasn't up for a conversation now. His mind started to wonder as to how did Gray manage to sleep on top of his stomach. Natsu's head still hurts and his heart won't stop pounding against his chest. He bit his lip and tried to fight the drowsiness. 

'Heh. I prefer that he's awake so I can make sure that I won't drag him all the way back to our room. But, with that attitude I think I'll stick to him when he's sleeping,' Gray thought. 

'It's better than to be ignored.'

The drive continued on and the rain began to dawn a little. Gray took note of the silent treatment he was receiving. And guess what. He doesn't like it at all. He preferred Natsu do all the talking, because you know.... Natsu always do the talking. He glanced at his rear view mirror and found Natsu still leaning against the window.  He grunted and checked the time blinking at his radio. 

10:14 p.m. He turned back to the road and spotted at bright lights and the rowdiness. It dawn to him that they were near back to the town. He checked that fuel and made a stop at a gasoline station. He gave the keys to the man in charge and turned to Natsu.

"Hey, Flame-brain," he called. He saw Natsu shift, assuming he was listening, he continued. "I'm going to buy something at the store for Sting and Rogue, need something?" he asked.

"No..." Natsu answered weakly. It was odd, Natsu was never this small .More likely, he never acted so small. He was always superior. Well, in some sort of way. Gray frowned. Did he do something wrong? 

Yes. Yes he did. 

Gray got out of the car and gently closed the door. Natsu's eyes followed his retreating figure until Gray entered the store. That moment, Natsu was able to release a sigh of relief. He stroked Happy's fur as he watch Gray go through rows and aisles of food. He was utterly confuse. He doesn't know what to do.

'This is not normal anymore,' he thought. He grit his teeth and bit his own tongue. 'it's frustrating me.'  

Natsu went limp on the backseat. He can't act like himself anymore. He can't stop looking for Gray and whenever he finds him, his heart would pound loudly. So loud that he feels like other people can hear it. For some odd reason too, whenever Gray favors someone during their arguments, Natsu's temper would rise for no particular reason.