Disclaimer: Hiro Mashima's characters and setting.

Asking

Every night when the candle was snuffed, Juvia asked a question. Sometimes with her voice, sometimes with her body.

"...Gray-sama, would you like to join Juvia?"

"No, Juvia."

"Gray-sama, can Juvia join you?"

"Un."

Her toes were cold and her breath was warm.

"That was a no!"

"Gray-sama, would you like to join Juvia?"

"No. That bed's too small, I'd have to be on top of you."

"Eep!"

"Juvia, you know it's my turn in the bed."

"But, perhaps if Juvia..."

"Juvia!"

"SorryGray-samagoodnight."

"Is Gray-sama cold?"

"I'm an ice-mage."

"Lonely?"

"You're right there."

"Lonely?"

"...Go to sleep, Juvia."

"If Juvia promises to stay on her side..."

"Juvia, there are no sides."

Her hand tugged gently, guiding.

He released it with a squeeze.

"Goodnight, Juvia."

"Gray-sama... can Juvia stay?"

"...I think you'd better go to the couch."

And every night, Gray answered. Always with an unspoken "Maybe tomorrow."