" Maybe Gray-sama and Juvia should go out with Natsu-san and Lucy-san-- also Lucy-san asked if Juvia and Gray-sama could take care of Calli one day. Juvia and Gray-sama taking care of a baby.... "

█▐ ❆ ࿐ᐤ  DISTINCT CONTEMPLATION transpired, &&. his obsidian crown abruptly descended; withdrawn thoughts caused concealed nostalgia to surface. Going out with Natsu and Lucy? His caged heart instantly began to clamber as Gray spiraled into a realm of wistfulness, and he wondered how LONG it’d been since he last finds himself within his former teammates’ company. 

                 ( Because even with his rhetoric protection, sarcastic barriers, &&. overall introverted outlook on the act of distancing himself from others —- a certain, wholehearted SENTIMENT was insuppressible. The feeling of longing; a maudlin ache, rooting deep within the crevices of his cold heart: He misses them. )

        Regardless, Gray merely gawked at Juvia, briefly clutching at the bridge of his nose before strong arms drop to traverse across his chest. A softened countenance manifested as exasperated puffs would exhale from nostrils. 

                 ❝ Sure… I mean, ya could help me out with th’diaper issues. I’ll just call ya over next time Lucy want me t’ babysit her. ❞