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Gray Fullbuster was upset. He was upset that he was rushing to his closet and attempting to get dressed, however due to the mess his bedroom was in that proved to be difficult. He fell asleep practicing for his English presentation and forgot to set up an alarm. When he finally woke up, he still had his computer, book, and notes out. He groaned as he tried shoving everything back into his backpack and started getting ready. He had an odd dream as well about a swimming pool, which was weird because he, usually, wasn't much of a swimmer. After he finally got himself organized, he ran out of his room expecting to find himself alone at his house, but, instead, saw his father still sitting in the kitchen. Silver looked up from his files to see his son.
"Oh? So, you're finally awake!" he teased.
Gray rolled his eyes at his father's jovial mood. "Shouldn't you be at work?"
"Why? Are you worried for me?"
"Your boss throws a fit when you’re even a minute late! You should know that by know," Gray reminded him
"Good thing my boss loves me!" Silver laughed amused.
Gray gaped as his father's response. "Mard Geer Tartaros loves you?"
Silver's face fell as he put his hand over his chin. "You're right. I think Keith is the only reason that he doesn't fire me."
"You need to stop causing trouble for Mr. Keyes."
"Well, I better be leaving! You need me to give you a ride or will you be okay?" Silver packed his files into his suitcase and left his seat.
"No, I'll be alright."
He actually wasn't too sure of that, but he didn't want his father to be late, again, for something so insignificant. Gray was very familiar with Mard Geer as when he was young and didn't have anyone to watch him, his father would take him to the office. Most of his coworkers didn't mind and were even willing to help out, such as Seilah giving him picture books to pass the time, but Mard Geer was never too thrilled to have him there. Everyone told him that he just didn't like kids, but, to this day, anytime he has the misfortune of having to see his father's boss, he would always scowl and give him a disgusted look.
Gray was really lucky that Silver no longer had to take him anymore when Ur and her kids moved in next door. As a single mother of two kids, she was willing to watch Gray whenever she was free as she understood Silver's struggle. He's been familiar with her and her kids so much that he couldn't help but consider them family. Ur knows this, of course, and thinks of Gray as her son as well and makes sure to see him everyday. It became tradition that Gray and his father would eat dinner with Ur and her kids everyday. He wondered whether it was possible to ask Ultear and Lyon, Ur's kids, for a ride since their university winter holiday has begun, so they are available. However, he quickly rejected the idea as he didn't want to trouble them since he knows Ultear has been busy with student body government issues due to the new recruits. He waved to his father in his car goodbye and begun running to his school.
Gray considered himself lucky that the way isn't that far. He actually has a chance of making it on time running and not having to wait to cross streets. Usually, if he doesn't use the bus, he walks with Natsu and Lucy. Since Natsu refuses to take medication for his motion sickness, it was the only way they could go together, while Lucy likes to enjoy her freedoms of not letting her driver take her. He reached a crossroad and found that he was allowed to cross due to a red light. He begun walking to the other side until he heard the noise of a speeding car coming towards him. Gray quickly moved out of the way as the car hit a full stop right next to him. He noticed that the light was still red and that the crosswalk still on the pedestrian symbol glowing. He was about to ignore the mysterious person's mistake since he needs to continue on his way before becoming late until he realized that he was familiar with the car.
The woman driving opened her window to be able to speak with him.
"What if I was a driver not paying attention to the road? Next time you should take better care and always stay on guard!"
"Hey, Ultear," Gray greeted his sister.
"I think you should still give him credit for avoiding you fast enough," Lyon smiled at his sister from the passenger seat. "Do you need a ride to class, Gray?"
Gray shook his head. "It's fine. I think I can make it."
Ultear clearly had other plans as she moved the car to block his way and sat parked staring at him. Lyon snickered to himself as his sister was smiling at Gray waiting for him to make the right choice. Gray caught his breath and decided to surrender as he got in the back of their car.
"How are you supposed to attend class when you're late and sweaty?" Ultear shook her head as she continued driving. "You should have asked us to drive you this morning."
"It wasn't really necessary. I still have twenty minutes until class starts, anyways."
"That doesn't fix the issue that you'd be sweaty!" Lyon reminded. "What were you going to just strip before walking in? They added a new dress code just for you!"
"They added it for you too, Lyon," Ultear smiled at him. "I think it's great that you two wanted to follow our mother's footsteps and learn how to ice skate like her, but you didn't need to take her habit of removing all of your clothes."
"And then your father taught you and Lyon ice hockey and didn't mind the stripping, either," Ultear continued.
"I thought your classes ended? Where were you two going this early?" Gray asked attempting to avoid the lecture.
"Student body government duties," Lyon answered. "We're supposed to be attending middle schools and helping out with the kids there."
"I would have liked to begin earlier, but one of Jellal's new recruits won't wake up that early," Ultear complained.
Lyon suddenly looked at Gray excited to share his idea with him. "Do you want to come along when you're done with school? You should be able to make it to the last school we're attending."
"It should be at Cait Middle School. That's not too far from your high school that you should be able to walk there," Ultear informed him.
Gray didn't really have any reason to decline. He didn't have any plans after school, either. Not to mention that he was familiar that it was Wendy's middle school, and he'll take an excuse to see her, again. He also was curious about these new recruits that Ultear has been talking about and how much trouble they cause her. He definitely feels as if he knows this Sawyer her and Lyon mention.
"Sure. I'll meet you two there."
"Great, well this is your stop," Ultear stopped her car once again.
"Thanks for the ride you two," Gray waved before exiting.
He walked into his school and checking the time from his phone found out that he still had a few minutes before class started. His first period is his English class and due to it being next to Lucy's class, the two would walk there together. However, at this time, Lucy was already in class and texted him making sure he was alright and not missing due to any emergencies. He texted her once again to tell her that he was now in the building and that she didn't need to worry. Unfortunately, he accidentally ran into someone due to not paying attention.
He felt someone collide with him and fall to the floor as papers were now scattered. He quickly bent down to pick them up as it was his fault and ready to apologize to who he knocked down.
"I'm so sorry. My bad for not paying attention. Here, I got these for you," he knelt down to give back her papers. "Oh, let me help you."
"It's fine," she muttered and stood up.
She took the papers from his hand and started looking at them once again. Gray realized that she was holding a map and her schedule. He also never noticed anyone like her in the school before. She had blue hair that curled at bottom and very pale skin. She was wearing a blue skirt with blue leggings and a blue coat. Gray didn't think he would be able to recognize everyone in his school, but this woman stood out.
"Are you new to this school?" He asked.
"Yes," she refused to meet his gaze.
"Let me help you," he smiled at her.
The girl let her eyes wander at him and once she saw him smiling at her, she quickly turned her head.
"It's alright. I don't wish to inconvenience you."
"Well, I already saw what class you have, and it's right next door to mine. Do you want me to walk you there? I'm already on the way, anyways."
The woman stood there shocked him until she finally muttered back her answer. "Yes."
"My name is Gray." He caught up to her.
The woman stood next to him in silence until she realized that it was an invitation for her to say her name as well.
"Juvia Lockser."
"Well Juvia, if you need any help here, don't hesitate to ask me."
"Oh no, I really don't wish to bother you like-"
"You're not going to bother me. I'm helping you out because I want to. I also get to meet a cool new person as well," he continued.
Juvia couldn't help but be confused by this new person. She was familiar with being ignored by everyone due to her rather gloomy nature that gave her the nickname "the Rain Woman". However, Gray doesn't seem to bothered by her. She brought her book closer to her chest. Sadly, he noticed this motion, too.
"What's that book for?"
Panic struck her as she attempting to hide her belongings. "Oh? It's nothing really! Don't worry about it at all! I don't even know why I carry it in the first place because it's empty!"
"Is it like a book for your writing?"
Juvia turned her face away out of embarrassment and hurried her steps. "I really think I should be on my way now!"
Gray immediately caught up to her. "I think that's cool. I have friend who also has a book like that! She's writing a novel. What about you?"
Juvia turned to stare at him surprised by the interest he's taking. Her face turned slightly red. "Poetry," she muttered.
"If it's okay with you, I would love to read them!" He smiled at her. "My friend, who also writes, is in your class. The two of you should hit it off. Her name is Lucy!"
For some reason, Juvia felt her heart sink. This Lucy, she concluded, must obviously be very important to him. She wondered, if it's perhaps his girlfriend. She shouldn't be surprised, of course. She can acknowledge that he's very attractive with such a nice personality.
"It would be wonderful to meet her. If she's okay with that, I wouldn't want to intrude her."
"Don't be like that. She'd be totally cool with that," Gray laughed.
Gray and Juvia finally reached the end of a hallway with two doors next to each other. The closer door had a blonde woman standing on the side looking for someone. She finally found the two walking towards her, and her face lit up.
"Gray!" she called out to him. "You had me worried that you wouldn't show up!"
"I texted you, Lucy. I told you that I was running late in the morning."
Juvia took a look at Gray's friend that she heard from him. She believed that it would make sense that she was the beloved of Gray as she was beautiful. Lucy noticed her and smiled at her.
"Hello. My name is Lucy Heartfilia. Your outfit is really cute! What's your name?" she asked kindly.
Juvia's face turned red. "Juvia Lockser. I'm really sorry if I was intruding on you and Gray's relationship."
Both Gray and Lucy stared at her shocked then burst out laughing.
"We're not dating, so you didn't have to worry about that!" Lucy attempted to say but was too busy still laughing.
"Is that why you were so nervous about letting me show you around?" Gray continued to snicker.
Juvia gave a shaky smile as well. "Sorry, I just assumed because you two are so attractive! Oh! I'm sorry that must sound weird coming from someone you two just met!"
Lucy pulled her closer. "Thanks for the compliment! You're really pretty too! I'm assuming you're a new student?"
"Yeah, she is. I was hoping you'd take it from here, Lucy?" Gray asked.
Lucy enthusiastically nodded. "You can some sit with Yukino and I. We have an extra seat at our table. You'll love her don't worry. Now, Gray hurry up before the bell rings."
At that moment, the three heard someone cry out Gray's name. The noise came from the next door classroom. The source of the noise was revealed to be a tall woman with wavy, brown hair. Her cheeks were red from drinking alcohol before attending class. She had a coat over herself due to being dress coded once again.
"Did you forget that we have a presentation? You almost gave Rogue a heart attack!" she slurred.
"I'm here, Cana. I texted you that that I was running late, and I was hoping that you'd tell Rogue about it!"
Cana immediately reached into her pocket to take out her phone. She swiped for a bit and then returned her phone back. "I guess, you did. Do you think this is the last time Rogue would be willing to work with us?"
"I would. Did you even read the book, yet?"
Cana shrugged his concern off. "No, but I did go over to Rogue's house last night, and he taught me what I should say. We rehearsed for so long. It was awful. His siblings were the ones that had to watch me, too!"
Gray raised an eyebrow. "Did Gajeel give you trouble?"
"Gajeel?" Cana gaped. "I wish! It was Sting! He kept yelling 'wimpy fail' at me and didn't let me finish any of my sentences. Wendy was there to stop me from murdering him."
She stopped then noticed Juvia. She smiled and looked at Gray mischievously. "When were you friends with such a cute girl, Gray?"
Gray rolled his eyes at her. "This is Juvia. She's new."
"Hey, Juvia! If we have the same lunch hour, you should come sit with me!"
Juvia turned to look at her feet and gave her a small nod. "That would be nice, actually."
"Sorry, Cana, but she has our lunch hour, so she's sitting with us!" Lucy shook her head causing Juvia to turn red once again.
"Only, if you want to, of course," Gray quickly added. "Well, we should be going. I'll see you later, Juvia."
He and Cana left to their classroom leaving Lucy to show Juvia to her class. The rest of Gray's day passed uneventful with the closest thing being Rogue almost freaking out when Cana said one of her lines wrong on purpose to mess with him, but she quickly fixed herself and their good grade was secured. He was grateful when lunch arrived as he could finally have moments of break with his friends. He couldn't help but become excited when he saw Juvia sitting with Lucy looking like she was enjoying herself and socializing with her. He could feel his face becoming slightly hot when she revealed she saved him a seat next to her. She even asked his opinion for a new hairstyle as Lucy and Levy were taking her to Cancer, the most famous hair stylist in their town, because Lucy knew him as a family friend, which would allow Juvia to get an appointment for free. Everything was going fine until Gajeel came along to which she begun slightly freaking out. Gajeel could only reveal that the two happened to know each other before, but they both rather not talk about it because it brought up bad memories of their past. However, Gray could assume that Juvia was surprised by Gajeel's personality change and was able to calm herself and even begin striking up more amicable conversations with him. Nobody pressured either of them at the table to say anything else, but Sting looked like he will be asking Gajeel more information back home.
"You're a swimmer?" Gray asked.
"Yes, but, currently, it's not the season for it. I do hope I can qualify the team for next semester, though!" Juvia revealed showing excitement.
"I don't know what you're hoping for. I've seen you swim, and you're amazing. They'd be full of shit, if they don't beg you to join the team," Gajeel said.
Juvia gave a nervous laugh as Lucy looked at her. "You're that good? You should let us come when you start competing to cheer you on, Juvia!"
"I wouldn't wish to bore any of you with those tournaments."
"That wouldn't stop them. They came whenever my hockey team had a match, even though they didn't understand any of the rules and the matches were boring," Gray shrugged.
"They weren't too boring! I'm still surprised whenever you would lose your clothes and not get cold during the match," Natsu laughed.
"The other team would look so confused, too!" Sting continued.
"You would take off your clothes?" Juvia asked slowly as her face became steamier.
Rogue realized where he confusion lied and attempted to clear it up. "He would just take off his shirt. It's nothing too weird. However, I actually do recall you in boxers a few times during those matches."
"Let's steer the conversation. We don't want Juvia thinking we're a pack of weirdos," Lucy coughed.
Soon enough, the bell rang and they were off to continue their classes, once again. Gray made sure to exchange numbers with Juvia and told her that he'll be excited to see her new hair tomorrow as they walk to class with Lucy. The school day finished smoothly as he made his way out and started heading to Cait Middle School. He sent a text to Lyon and Ultear to tell them that he's on his way as they replied that they were driving there too with the rest of the student body government following them. He reached the middle school in little to no time and found Ultear and Lyon's car that had just parked alongside two other cars. He hurried on over to meet with them.
"Ultear!" Gray called out.
Ultear got out of the car and saw Gray running to her. "Nice to see that you made it. I'll introduce you to the rest, if you need me to."
She gestured to the two remaining cars, whose passengers begun exiting just like Lyon. In the first car, Jellal was the driver, who he was familiar with due to being Erza's friend and attending the same high school as him last year. Natsu's brother, Erik, came out of Jellal's car as well as Richard and Macbeth. In the next car, Jura was the one driving with Sawyer and Sorano, who was also Yukino's sister, being passengers. Gray knew who Jura was as he is known as the youngest government intern for the city and was acquainted with Lyon. However, he was surprised to see the other five joining the student body government. He knew them back in high school, and they would usually cause trouble. For instance, he has memories of Sawyer, who would tell him that his name was Racer, taunting him and Lyon to drag race, which they would always lose until they begun ganging up on. He decided to ultimately shrug it off as he knows with Jellal, Ultear, Jura, and Richard around their reasons for joining must be honest.
"Hello, Gray," Jellal greeted. "Ultear did inform me you'd be attending on our last destination."
"Nice to see you, Jellal, and I guess to the rest of you."
"I want to go home," Macbeth groaned.
"Why is Gray here? Hasn't it been awkward enough with Lyon?" Sawyer whined.
"This seems like it will go splendid," Jura nervously joked.
"Everyone ready?" Ultear called out.
The rest of student government and Gray huddled up closer to her.
"This will be just like the last times. I must privately speak with one of the students, so I am entrusting the rest of you to giving speeches and answering any questions the rest must have. Understood?"
They all nodded and made their way inside the school. When they reached the principal's office, Ultear told her the plans she had and was given permission to carry on. They went to the cafeteria where the first lunch hour was happening. Ultear wished the rest of them luck as she left to her private meeting and gave Jura permission to lead them. Jura, Jellal, and Lyon gave the speech and sent the rest of them to answer any question the students must have. It was simple, really, as most of the questions pertained to high school and fears they might have. Jellal continued on to speak to the detention students as reforming and redeeming others is what he excels at. Gray, usually, stuck with Lyon up until the lunch hour ended and the next one begun. It at that time he found his way to Wendy, who was sitting with Chelia Blendy and Romeo Conbolt.
"Gray!" she ran up to hug him. "What are you doing here?"
He returned the hug and followed her back to her seat nodding a hello at Romeo as well. "I'm just helping out Ultear and Lyon. How's your day been?"
"It's been alright."
"Hi, Lyon!" Chelia called out. "Is this your brother?"
"It's nice to see you, Chelia, and, yes, this is Gray. I know Chelia from our past visits here, Gray," Lyon answered seeing the surprise on his face.
"Are there any more new visitors coming?" Wendy asked.
"You tell me," they heard a deep voice.
Wendy turned around to see her brother smirking at her.
"Erik! You're part of the student body government?" she asked curious.
Erik took a seat next to her, which looked odd as the seats were intended for middle schoolers. "What's wrong? Can't see me being responsible like this?"
"You only joined because Jellal beat us during our finals," Sawyer appeared and answered for him.
"Is that really why you two and the rest joined? We never got a straight answer for that," Lyon looked at him confused.
"No, Richard wanted to join, actually, and Sorano wanted to see a good example for Yukino. The two of us and Macbeth? Oh yeah," Sawyer replied.
"All five of you are here?" Wendy asked.
"Yeah, but I can't find Macbeth, anywhere. Erik?" Sawyer looked at him.
Erik closed his eyes and his face twisted as if he was concentrating on something. "I hear familiar snoring on the stage." He then proceeded to lightly cover his ears with his hands.
"Damn, this place is loud."
Romeo looked around then returned his gaze back to Erik and Gray. "Is Natsu here?"
"No. Ultear only asked me because she met with me this morning," Gray shook is head.
"Natsu should be at home, already. He's probably making a mess along with Gajeel and Sting," Erik sighed. "Hopefully, they don't annoy Rogue too much, or disaster really will happen."
They stayed with Wendy, Romeo, and, Chelia until their lunch period ended and continued the same routine for the last hour as well. Jellal staying in the detention room and met up with them later. He informed them that his meeting went well, and they only needed to wait for Ultear. They later found Ultear walking toward them with a pink haired student. The young girl was crying and Ultear had her close to her for consolation. The remaining members looked at her in confusion as Ultear placed her finger on her lip to signal that she'll explain later. They all waiting for the girl to recollect herself as she became ready to explain who she was.
"I'm Meredy. I will be staying with Ultear now."
The rest looked at each other in confusion.
"Do I have new sister, then?" Lyon asked.
Meredy lightly laughed. "I've already spoken to Ur about this. She says she'll be helping out. I'm sorry. I just don't have anywhere else to go."
She saw the blue haired man walk closer to her. "We understand that feeling, believe me. If you require anything from us, don't hesitate to ask. We all will be willing to help out."
He looked over to the rest, who gave nods of enthusiasm as well. Meredy stayed with Ultear still not comfortable with the new people but grateful to their kindness. Ultear told everyone else, besides Gray and Lyon, that they can go home now. The rest left with no issue leaving the four of them together. Ultear ushered Lyon and Gray to come closer to Meredy.
"Meredy, these are my brothers, Gray and Lyon. Gray lives next door to my house, but you will be seeing him everyday."
Meredy listened to Ultear explain how Gray and his father are family to her and what her family members are like. She then left with Ultear to her car to let her take her to where she would be living.
"You're going to meet Silver and Ur, now. Don't worry, you can tell me anything that is wrong. Gray and Lyon will be available too," she smiled sweetly at her and drove off.