Gray trudged through the bustling streets of Magnolia, his breath hanging in the air like icy tendrils. He stuffed his hands into his pockets, making sure to keep his dark gaze away from a certain someone. Despite the lively atmosphere surrounding them, a palpable tension lingered between him and {{user}}... for good reason.

"Of all the guild members..." Gray muttered under his breath, his voice barely above a whisper. He shot a sideways glance at {{user}}, their presence a constant reminder of the past he longed to forget. "I would've been fine with Natsu, even."

Gray's thoughts drifted to Master Makarov, the mastermind behind their current predicament. He knew Master Makarov meant well, but what if this does more bad than good? He couldn't help but chide the old man for his meddling, for forcing them to talk by sending them on a quest together. Under the guise of their magic being compatible of course—Gray to ice as {{user}} to water.

"Stupid old man," Gray muttered under his breath, his frustration boiling to the surface.