Vol1/Chapter12/Mates

Summary
Makarov locks Natsu and Gray in his office telling them they are not allowed to leave until they have resolved their issues.

Gray tells Natsu that he doesn't know what else to do to get through to him. Natsu replies that he is mad at himself for the thoughts he is having and that he no longer feels like he has any control over anything.

Gray suggests that Natsu tell him everything that happened between him and his doppelganger so they can get past it. Natsu is hesitant but eventually agrees to do so if only so Gray can understand why there will be times when he won't be able to be around him.

Natsu tells him everythng and explains about dragon slayers and mates. He finally tells Gray that he is his mate and confesses his feelings but adds that since he knows that the ice mage is involved with Juvia he doesn't expect anything from him.

Gray is horrified by how Tiamat manipulated Natsu as well as by all the things that his doppelganger did to him.

Natsu continues telling him that it might not even matter since Tiamat has claimed him as her mate and he doesn't think there is any way out of that. He is determined to not return to her since she wants to use him to hurt Igneel. He will fight her or die trying to keep that from happening.

Gray finally responds assuring Natsu that he has never been with Juvia. Gray accepts Natsu as his mate and asks if he can touch him, being careful to not force himself on the fire mage in any way and Natsu allows a hug. Gray reassures him that all the things that the doppelganger told him are false and threatens to kill Tiamat if she comes near Natsu again. He is excited about being Natsu's mate since he has been in love with the Fire Dragon Slayer for years but did not think his feelings were returned. He debates telling Natsu about the pregnancy then but ultimately decides to wait. They agree to develop their relationship slowly and leave the office holding hands.

Makarov sees them holding hands and is happy for them, he shows them a job that has come in requesting the two of them. He demands they be on their best behavior as the client is none other than one of the Wizard Saints of Fiore, Warrod Sequen. He sends the rest of Team Natsu with them to keep the two volatile wizards in line. He asks Natsu to stop by the infirmary to get his medicine from Porlyusica before he leaves.

Tiamat sees a large group of mages leave the guild but does not recognize her mate among them. She is planning on attacking Fairy Tail to recapture Natsu and her unborn child as well as absorb the magic of Laxus and Rogue.