Chapter Text
To think it wouldn't dawn on Gray the moment Cain revealed his true colors to Yamato and the rest of the group...
That gruesome memory he wanted to forget, consistently playing in his head; where he had no other choice, back at Delta Rock...
While he's walking alongside devastated Yamato with the shattered remains of his beloved Cobalt Blade in his hands, Gray's guilt is starting to weight him down more and more each passing second.
He may have reunited with Yamato... became best friends again... and his sister returned safe and sound, but he still couldn't quite get over the day he was forced to betray the very friend he held dear.
He couldn't forget the look on his face back then. He had that same sadness the moment he found out who Cain really is.
Gray balled his fists tighter, struggling to keep his composure on the matter.
"Brother?"
He opened his eyes and turned to the voice beside him: Liena.
"I know you're upset. We all are... I feel bad for what happened." Liena added, assuring her brother.
Gray nodded. That's not exactly why he's bothered, but he kept quiet from her.
He took a deep breath and tried to shove his guilt aside, for now at least.
He'll find the right time to let it out of his chest, to put that past truly behind.
........
"FINALLYYYYYYYYYYY!!"
Yamato and Gray let out a hearty yell at the very top of the power alley tower right after Yamato's spectacular victory with his new Cobalt Saber.
They both looked at the sky as they took a well deserved breather before Gray turns his head to the younger boy.
"Hey, Yamato...?"
"Yes, Gray?"
Gray fully faces his best friend and took a deep breath.
"I feel like enough time has passed to tell you this from the bottom of my heart."
The blonde let out what he felt bottled up inside as he exhaled, heart pounding faster.
"Yamato, I'm truly sorry for betraying you back at delta rock. I know you already figured out why I had to do so by now, but-"
Gray was interrupted when Yamato suddenly gave him a tight hug.
"What are you talking about?! I already forgave you, buddy!" The catboy started crying tears of joy as he hugs his best friend. "I'm relieved you're not a bad guy at all! Besides, we got your sister back, so all is good!"
Gray smiled and gently embraced the hug. "Thank you, Yamato, Im just as relieved... I will make sure to stay by your side from here on out... that's a promise."
A massive weight finally lifted and fully keeping in the embrace, Gray vows to keep his word.
Yamato saved him and his sister, he would very much do the same for him, whatever it takes to protect his best friend at all costs, physically and emotionally.
Especially from the likes of Cain. That vile man will pay dearly.