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It was hotter than Hades, but the weather was the farthest thing from Gray’s mind. His mind was preoccupied by the night before. Well, more like the water mage, from the night before.
Juvia. Gods, she drove him crazy. Everything about her. Her looks, her personality, her entire being. But those are the qualities that made her unique, special. And that was exactly the problem. All those qualities landed Juvia the title of ‘Magnolia’s Most Beautiful Mage’. Bad enough Gray had to fend off Cana and Lyon, now he needs to worry about all of Magnolia. But he would be lucky enough to live through the day after Lucy and Erza find out what he did the night before.
Gray shivered. Funny since it was so hot. But the thought of a pissed off Lucy and an angry Erza would make anyone scared shitless, and shirtless. But Gray did it to himself. If only he were more honest with his feelings. Or rather, honest with Juvia, about his feelings. He came to terms with the way he helt about Juvia a long time ago. He was just too scared to do anything about it. Which is probably why everything happened the way it did the night before.
Last night, he happened to go out with Loke to a local bar. Watching everyone gawking at Juvia and talking about how sexy she was, well, let’s just say it was a long day at the Guild. He had just wanted to relax and have a beer with his friend. Instead, he walked into a bar full of people chanting Juvia’s name and the sight of her surrounded by dozens of men. Cana cheering. For a girl who is supposed to be in love, she sure was letting a lot of different men get close to her.
But he couldn’t blame them. Look at her. She was beautiful. Her hair long and wavy. Flowing like waves in the sea. Her eyes the deepest of blue, full of love and passion. Her smile lighting up even the darkest corners of the dingy bar. The yellow dress she wore hugging her curves and making her look irresistible. He could barely take his eyes off her.
Unfortunately, after a few seconds he locked eyes with Cana, and she winked. Shit. That’s never good. “Who wants to dance with the most beautiful girl in Magnolia!?” shouted Cana. Smirking in Gray’s direction. Men started lining up around Juvia, until finally, one was brave enough to grab her hand. To Gray’s horror, Juvia took it and let him lead her to the dance floor. Gray couldn’t believe it. She was dancing with him!! Some random dude. Touch dancing, like in the movies!! What the hell?
“Dude, chill. It’s just a dance.” Loke nudged Gray. “What are you talking about?” Gray responded. Loke smiled and gestured around the room. Gray looked and froze. He had frosted the club. It was covered in cold fog. And what’s worse? He had stood up and taken a few steps towards Juvia and now she was staring at him.
“Gray-sama?! I didn’t know you were here!” Juvia beamed, walking up to him. As soon as she was close enough, she quickly launched herself towards him. But Gray was quicker and dodged her, letting her tumble to the ground. Falling between the barstools. “Cool it, Juvia!” Gray yelled, but it was much louder than he meant. Shit. Her eyes were filling with tears, but as quickly as they came, they were gone. Hidden behind her fake, faulty smile. “Haha, sorry Gray-sama. Juvia was just happy to see you.” Juvia replied, bowing her head shyly. “So, did you see Sorcerer Weekly today?” Juvia asked. “Yah, so?” Gray answered, trying to act nonchalant. “Did you see Juvia on the cover? Did you like Juvia’s dress?” “Thought it was a little showy to be honest.” Gray cooly replied. “But it was the dress Gray-sama bought for Juvia for her birthday. Juvia thought you would like it.” Juvia bowed her head and sniffed. “Juvia is sorry, she must be going now” and just like that she was gone.
‘I am such an asshole.’ Gray thought as he walked through town. Man this heat was blazing; almost as bad as Natsu’s fist. He rounded the corner and ran smack into another body, knocking them onto the floor.
“Shit, sorry! I didn’t see you!” Gray bent down, helping to pick up the poor soul he laid out. “Ouch! Oh no, Juvia’s ankle.” Gray froze. Only he would have the luck of a broke Irishman. Of course he would run into Juvia while he still hadn’t thought of a way to apologize. But now wasn’t the time. She said something about her ankle. “Are you alright Juvia? I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you.” Gray said as he bent down to offer his hand to help guide her up. “Thank you, Gray-sama.” Juvia timidly grabbed Gray’s hand and let him pull her up. When Juvia went to stand, she faltered, but Gray was close enough to help steady her balance. “Oh boy, we should get you back to the Guild. Wendy should be able to help heal your ankle.” Gray suggested. “Yes, Juvia supposes she should go.” Juvia agreed. Turning to grab the rest of her bags off the ground. “Here, let me.” Gray grabbed the bags off the floor and held his hand out to her. Juvia accepted.
They walked closely together through Magnolia. Gray carrying Juvia’s groceries and Juvia’s arm entwined in Gray’s. She told herself it was because he felt sorry for hurting her. He told himself it was for the same reason. But they both knew the truth.
This was how it should always be.
After about 15 minutes, Juvia started to lag behind Gray. “How are you feeling. Is your ankle alright?” Gray asked as he slowed down and set the groceries on a nearby bench. Juvia sighed and sat down. “Actually, Juvia is in a lot of pain. Juvia thinks she might have sprained her ankle. Walking hurts” Juvia admitted while unzipping her boot. Gray knelt down next to her and helped her take off her boot. Sure enough, it was already bruised and swollen. Gray could tell she must be in more pain then she was letting on. “Here, maybe this will help” Gray said as he raised his hands and hovered them over Juvia’s ankle. He let his magic whirl around her ankle and she sighed in relief. “Thank you, Gray-sama” Juvia smiled.
Gray couldn’t look away. Gods she was beautiful. “Uh, no problem. It’s the least I can do.” Gray barely managed to respond. After a few minutes, he released his magic and she put her boot back on. “Ok, ready for the last half of the walk?” Gray asked. “Juvia is ready!” Juvia responded. “Juvia is fired up now!” She pumped her fist in the air. Gray rolled his eyes, “Gross.” Juvia laughed. They walked the rest of the way in comfortable silence.
“Thanks again,” Gray heard, “for helping Juvia.” Gray turned around his barstool to see a fully healthy Juvia. “Juvia appreciates your help, Gray-sama.” Juvia smiled and bowed. “Glad to see your back to one hundred percent” Gray replied. “Yes!” Juvia nodded. “So, what are you doing the rest of the day?” Gray asked. “Oh? Juvia needs to get these groceries home and then she was going to practice baking!” Juvia answered with stars in her eyes. “Juvia needs to practice.” she said determinedly. “Juvia should get going now. Don’t want the ingredients to spoil!” She jumped excitedly; but then flinched. Gray stood up. “Are you okay, Juvia?” “Me, oh yes, Juvia is fine. Goodbye Gray-sama!” Juvia waved as she left the Guild.
A few mintues later Wendy came to sit by Gray. “Was that Juvia?” Wendy asked. “Yah, you just missed her” Gray replied. “Darn, I wanted to ask her about those Gray Buns she makes. There’s an ingredient I can’t figure out.” Wendy said thoughtfully. “Shoulda asked her when you were healing her ankle, silly.” Gray chuckled. “Wait what? I didn’t heal her? I just got out of the infirmary. I was letting my magic replenish after my visit at the Hospital.” said Wendy. “I gotta go.” Gray stood up and left the Guild.
“Seriously” heard Juvia. She turned around and came face to face with an angry looking Gray. When Juvia didn’t reply, Gray asked again. “Seriously?! You are going to walk home with all these groceries and a sprained ankle. You could have at least asked me to carry the groceries for you.” Gray rolled his eyes as he grabbed the groceries from Juvia’s hands. She still couldnt find any words. No thoughts were forming because only hearts were in her eyes and sweet melodies rang thru her ears at the sound of his voice. “What are you doing, Gray-sama!” Juvia shrieked when Gray finally picked her up and threw her over his shoulder. “I’m carrying you too. This is my fault. Plus Fairy Hills is like, 50 yards away. I’ll get you there in two seconds.” Juvia was blushing so all she did was nod. Gray smirked.
After Gray got Juvia to her apartment, he sat her down and started unloading the groceries onto the counter. “Would Gray-sama like to stay? For cookies? Juvia needs a test subject” Juvia asked shyly. Gray thought for half a second, “Yah! For cookies, I’ll do anything.” Juvia giggled. ‘I’d do anything hear that giggle again, too’ Gray thought to himself while blushing. “Great!” Juvia smiled.
Juvia got to work while Gray, also, got to work. Juvia was making him help. Together they broke the eggs. He whisked. She measured. After the first batch was in the oven, Juvia finally let him sit down. “I thought I was the test subject, not the assistant” Gray teased. “Well, Juvia is part broken because of Gray-sama. He should at least help her” Juvia chirped. Cocking a half smile towards Gray while stirring the next batch in a bowl.
“So cute” Gray said. Out-loud. Too loud. Juvia froze. She turned and stared at Gray. Unmoving. Then to his surprise, she just smiled. “Would Gray-sama like to test the first cookie?” Gray could only nod. Juvia walked over and she handed him a cookie and whispered, “Thank you”…and winked. Gray coughed and replied with a mouth full of cookie ‘thank you’, to which Juvia laughed.
After a few minutes of silence, Gray spoke up. “Hey Juvia?” Juvia looked up at Gray. Gods, he wished he had a camera. She looked goddess like. Her long hair tied up in a ponytail. Bouncing on her shoulders. Her white top and jean shorts covered by a white and blue polka dotted apron. Flour covered her from head to toe. Her happiness radiated off her. She was like the sun itself. “Yes, Gray-sama?” she flashed that smile, the one reserved for him alone. “I’m sorry.” She stopped smiling and put the mixing bowl down. “For what?” “For yesterday. For everything. For being scared of my own feelings. For hurting yours. I’m just sorry.” Gray rambled. “The truth is, I really care about you. In fact, I’m in love with you, but I didnt realize it until now and…” Juvia launched herself into Gray’s arms and kissed him all over. Pecks of course. “Gray-sama is so silly. Juvia knows how you feel. You dont have to keep talking.” Juvia giggled.
Gray felt like the world was off his shoulders. He could breathe and she finally knew, for sure, his true feelings.
“GRAY FULLBUSTER!!”
Juvia and Gray looked at each other and gave the hugest grin. “Gotta go.” Gray said and he stood up quickly and rushed to the window.
“GRAY, GET OUT HERE!!”
Juvia ran to unlock the window for Gray. They looked at each other smiling. “Tonight. 7 o’clock at my place. Bring the cookies” Gray said as he gave a quick kiss to Juvia’s cheek. “Bye Juvs.” Juvia hummed in response. Gray winked.
“BOOM!!!!”
Erza broke the door.
Gray jumped.
Lucy shot arrows out the window.
And poor Juvia laid on the couch. Passed out from the peck on the cheek she had just received from her prince charming, who was wildly running away from flying arrows and swords.