Juvia Lockster stared at the rain droplets specking her window. It had been some time since Gray-sama boldly banished the rain from her otherwise dreary life. He even led her to fiore's most wonderful guild, Fairy tail. But alas, Juvia frowned and squeezed her plushy Gray doll, Instead of being happy for simply being in the same vicinity as him- as she is most days- recently Juvia was having a selfish crisis.
Gray- Sama has always been there for her but…he's never actually shown Juvia any true affection. Juvia placed both hands on her cheeks and shook her head. He's never once acknowledged any of her advances with joy! What is poor Juvia to do?
"Umm Juvia, I understand your problem but…is it necessary to call a full house meeting about this?" Lucy Heartfilia sat squished between Erza Scarlet and levy Mcgarden on Juvias sitting couch. "I don't even live here" she added with a sigh. The girls of Fairy Hill dormitory crowded Juvias bed room. She'd once convinced herself that they were all romantic rivals in her quest for love. But now as her mind swayed with confusion she was not sure of anything anymore.
"You do not understand!" Juvia cried. "This whole time gray-sama has never shown any proper signs of returning Juvias affection! What happens if he NEVER returns Juvias feelings? If that happens, then gray-sama will eventually direct feelings of love that should be meant for Juvia towards some other woman!" Juvia covered her mouth and looked away as the very thought brought sorrowful tears to her eyes.
As she calmed herself she looked at the others who stared Juvia with the same cautious expressions on their faces. Dear god, she's actually realizing all of this. It was Erza who spoke first.
"Ah, Juvia, first off, I'm glad that your starting to acknowledge these things about your relationship with that man".
Juvia sniffled, "but why? It makes Juvia feel uneasy".
Erza huffed." Because, it's a sign that your seriously thinking of your own feelings and future. It's also a sign that your relationship with that man will begin to change!" Even though it may be for the worse, the other girls thought gloomily. However,this cheered Juvia up a bit.
Wendy marvel smiled up at Juvia."Juvia-Chan, no matter what happens, we're still a guild and we're all here for you!"
The others gave Juvia encouraging grins. Juvia smiled and thanked her guild mates. The heavy rain outside began to slow just a little.
…
The next day Juvia set to work on her plan to confirm Gray-samas true feelings for her! Today she decided to take Erzas advice to stay calm and to think very carefully about her actions. Whenever she gets close to Gray-sama, she would become overly excited and behave rashly. She entered the guild hall that morning and greeted the others cheerfully. When she spotted her target, she tried with all her might to pace her steps as she made her way to the booth where her beloved sat. She sat 5 stools away from Gray.
"G-Good morning Gray-sama!"
Gray turned his head, "ah, mornin Ju-" he stopped in mid-sentence. He looked at the water mage skeptically. "You feelin alright today Juvia?"
Juvia flinched. "O-of course! Juvia is fine!" She was far too nervous around him today, where did her resolve disappear to?
Gray gave her a smirk and said, "Well I hope you are because I wanted to know if you wanted to go on this mission with me".
Juvia didn't answer immediately, it was all she could do to keep from squealing in joyous excitement. Gray-sama wants to go on a mission with JUVIA! Juvia took a small breath. This actually worked out quite well with her plans.
"As it happens, Juvia planned to ask gray-sama the very same thing".
Gray raised his eyebrows, "really? The one with the lake monster?" "Juvia saw the request a while ago but decided not to take it. But Juvia recently changed her mind. It's unusual for Gray-sama to be asking Juvia. Isn't he usually with Natsu and the others?"
Gray grinned and scratched his head."Natsu and the others probably wouldn't be practical choices for this one and Erza out right refused to join for some reason." Juvia clasped her hands together made a mental note to praise Erza-san later. Never would Juvia dream that she'd be alone on a mission with Gray-sama!
"W-well, exactly what kind of mission was it again?"
…
Juvia began to understand why Gray-sama invited her along on this mission. She and Gray stood at the edge of a large frozen lake in snow that almost reached their calf's .Juvia had been good during the entire trip to the region and spoke with the gorgeous ice mage as casually as possible. Juvias attire was suited to this kind of weather, so the sudden blizzard did not bother her too much. Gray seemed to be right as home as he was missing his shirt. As Juvia scanned the area for it Gray spoke.
"Natsu may not be bothered by the cold, but the fish monster is located somewhere in this 5,000 ft deep frozen lake so he'd be pretty useless.
"I see" said Juvia as she gathered Gray's forgotten coat and shirt from the snow. "Shall we proceed to the village to speak with the client?" As they made their way to the faint lights of Seal-port village they were unaware of the dark presence that had suddenly taken interest in them.
The wind had picked up and what was left of the sunlight was hidden by the dark clouds of the snow storm. Gray and Juvia had entered the small village of seal-port. It was an obscure little town. This was perhaps the first time Fairy tail had received a request from them. Aside from the few lamp posts and lit windows, the village was very dark and lonely looking.
They found the cabin where their employer resided and knocked on the wooden door. Juvia rubbed her arms. "Gray sama, this atmosphere does not bode well with Juvia. Gray squinted through the snow. "Yea, I guess it kinda creeps me out too".
After a moment or two, a stout old man answered the door. "OH MY! What are you youngsters doing out in this kind of weather, come in, come in!"
They entered a cozy little sitting room where a warm fire blazed in the fire place.
"Oh, this is an inn?" Juvia asked noting paper work on what seemed to be a small reception desk. "Yes of course, but we've been pretty full since travelers don't want to venture through that never ending blizzard. "Never ending blizzard?" Gray asked. "Aye, it's plagued our small village for over 100 years. Just popping up regardless of the time of year.
Travelers often get trapped here due to its random appearances. "Gray nodded thoughtfully, does it have anything to do with the lake monster?" The old man eyed them suspiciously." How do you outsiders know about the monster?" Juvia pulled out the request form. "I'm sorry, but this request was sent to our guild Fairy tail not that long ago. Were you the one who sent it?" The old man squinted at the paper, then at Juvia and Gray.
"YOU'RE the wizards they sent to vanquish that monster?"
"Oi old man, what the hell is that supposed to mean?" Said gray.
"It means exactly what you think it does ya back washed drugstore cowboy!"
As gray processed what that meant Juvia intervened. "Umm, I'm sorry sir, but we ARE fairy tail wizards and I'm sure we can handle whatever is required of us for this job".
The old man sighed. "I'm not sure you can missy, but I'll give you a shot". I'll give you details about it in the morning, for now just rest up here, I'm sure you've had a long trip. Your stay here is on me. I'll give you the keys to your room".
Juvias eyes sparked. "Room? As in ONE, room?" The old man sighed. "That's what I said missy". Gray snorted in annoyance.
"You can't give us separate rooms?"
"I said we were full didn't i?" The old man looked at Juvia."
Don't worry miss, if he gives you any trouble just yell and I'll kick him out into the storm"!
Gray growled, "I'll just go find another inn". Juvia grabbed his shoulder and smiled sweetly.
"SURELY THE OTHER INNS ARE FULL TOO" she looked towards the old man, "RIGHT MR….errr I'm sorry what should we address you as?"
"Wassat missy? Oh, just call me Al. And your right, this inn is the only one in town". Juvia picked up her luggage, "well Gray- Sama we should head to OUR ROOM". Gray moaned in exasperation and let himself be dragged down the hall.
...
That night Juvia sat on her bed. Utterly disappointed because Gray decided to sleep on the couch in the front sitting room. The plan was to be alone with Gray-sama so that she could finally work up the courage to properly confirm his feelings for her! But it seems she's done nothing but put him in an agitated mood. But she can't give up now!
Gray lounged on the couch of the front sitting room. He looked at the blazing fire place deep in thought. The old man said that this blizzard has been plaguing the village for over 100 years. And if the monsters causing it, why haven't they tried to get rid of it before? Ever since Juvia mentioned having an ominous feeling about this village Gray hasn't been able to rest easy. It feels like he's constantly being watched.
Juvia hid behind the doorway…..watching Gray. She had brought a blanket and some pre-prepared cookies for him, but she needed a moment to take in his beautiful form lit by the soft light of the fire! She took a few deep breaths and entered the sitting room. Gray turned his head, "oh! Those for me? Juvia smiled and set them down neatly on the coffee table. "Thanks", he said grabbing a cookie. Juvia blushed and squirmed. "Well actually, there was something Juvia wanted to talk to Gray-sama about".
"mmm?"Gray spoke with his mouth full. "yea, there was something I wanted to ask you about too".
Juvia sat up straight."R-really, what would that be?" Juvia asked in a slightly flustered tone. She could hardly hear him over the ramblings of her own mind. What was he going to ask? Is it a love confession? Could it be that he is aware of her true objective and is rejecting her feelings? Or a love confession?! In her own thought's she missed what Gray had told her. "Ah, I'm truly sorry Gray- sama, could you repeat that?"
Gray grabbed another cookie, "I said I've had an uneasy feeling about this place ever since you mentioned it to me a while ago."
"Oh", Juvia deflated. She had been so preoccupied with Gray-sama she almost over looked it. "Yes, it has been bothering Juvia since we arrived to the lake. It feels almost as if Juvia is being watched". Gray swallowed his bite of cookie, "yea I think we ought to be careful, we still don't know the details about what kind of curse that monsters put on this place".
Juvia nodded, she supposed this mission wouldn't be an easy one, so she might have time to speak with him in a place less menacing. "Well get started early tomorrow, get some rest ok?" Juvia blushed and smiled sweetly, "of course Gray- sama! Have a good sleep!" Juvia made her way back to her room and prepared for bed. The ominous atmosphere did not dissipate, but she was not afraid.
...
Gray stared at the large tower clock next to the fire place. It was almost 2am. He turned on the couch, his back facing the fire place. Why couldn't he sleep? It wasn't like he was unnerved by this atmosphere or anything. His body betrayed him as he stiffened at a sudden creak coming from the floor board behind his couch. This was followed by another creek. Someone was slowly walking towards Gray. He quickly turned from his position on the couch to find that the person was already in front of him.
...
He stared at the dark blue fabric of a gown and followed it up to the face of Juvia. "What the hell are you doing scaring me like that?" Gray yelled. Juvia said nothing and sat on the edge of the couch. Her eyes were darker than usual, and they focused intently on Grays. It made Gray slightly nervous for some reason.
"W-well, waddya wan't?"
She raised her pale hands slowly and placed them on his face. Gray froze. "Uhh, J-"she placed a finger over his mouth and smiled. Her touch was colder than any blizzard Gray has ever withstanded. She removed her hands and crawled towards him as he weakly backed away to the arm of the couch. When he ran out of room she carefully placed her body around of his in a way that allowed her to look down upon him. Their faces were inches apart.
Infuriatingly, his body would not make any moves of resistance. He could only stare up at his guild mate, dumbfounded. Her breath was cool and sweet, and her loose blue curls cascaded past his cheeks.
"Gray-sama" she whispered. "You've noticed Juvia haven't you? Why have you always dismissed Juvias feelings?"
She found his right hand and pressed his palm to her cheek which was very cold. "Juvia has always been watching Gray-sama, and Gray-sama has always been watching Juvia correct?"
Gray opened his mouth to answer but the only thing that came out at first was a strange choking noise. "Uhh, I don't know…" he was cut off by the sudden feel of her lips of her lips on neck. "Don't mind Juvia. Please continue."
Gray was utterly confused. He did not know how he had allowed himself to be this helpless. Nor did he know what he was attempting to say. It was maddening but he could not bring himself to move. "A-ah, Juvia just what are you….why are you".
Her hands slid over his bare chest and over his silver necklace. Her fingers left a tingling trail where ever they slid.
"You shouldn't...not here…people could…". Her lips caressed the corners of his mouth.
"Is Gray-sama suggesting that we should continue somewhere else? Said Juvia as she continued to tease his skin with brief kisses. "Yea-I mean, no". Juvia pressed her for head to his." If no, then Juvia will continue, she placed her lips acutely upon his, and everything went dark.
...
Gray awoke with a start. He sat up abruptly and looked around the dimly lit sitting room. Was that… a dream? He could still feel the kisses dotting his neck and face. He spotted white fur similar to the fur on Juvias dress on his shoulder. Suddenly angry he jumped up and stormed to the water mages' room.
Juvia was awoken by a loud banging, followed by a loud voice. "OI JUVIA!" Juvia sat up quickly, "G-gray sama?" Juvia said in a sleepy voice. She quickly ran to the door and opened it to find an incredibly red Gray with an outraged expression on his face. "You mind explaining why you just attacked me out if nowhere while I was trying to sleep?" Juvias mouth dropped.
"Juvia did what?! Juvia does not understand,she would never ATTACK Gray-sama".
Gray's face became even redder. "N-not 'attacked' literally. Y-you know what I mean!" Juvia stared at Gray questioningly. Just then Al came barreling down the hall waving is cane.
"What's with all the racket, it's 2 in the morning! You'll disturb the customers!" Before Gray could say anything Juvia began to cry.
"Why is Gray-sama so angry with Juvia?! JUVIA WOULD N-NEVER ATTACK GRAY-SAMA!"
Al waved his cane," you boy, what have you done to make the poor girl cry?" Gray was taken back.
"What the hell? I'M the victim here!"
Al scratched his head. "So you think the young lady ATTACKED you?" said Al over Juvias sobs. Gray crossed his arms and looked away.
"I-it's got nothing to do with you old man". Al patted his hand Juvias shoulder. "Now, now. Do you think you could tell me if you've been anywhere since you retired to your room?" Juvia sniffed.
"Juvia hasn't left her room all night."
Gray eyed Juvia for a moment. He would never think of one of his guild mates as a liar. Then he noticed what she was wearing. It was a light blue night gown. She had been wearing it when she brought him the cookies earlier as well. When she approached him in the sitting room, she was fully clothed in her usual gown. and cap.
" Oi old man, just now, you said it's 2 in the morning?"
"Yes, that's why I'm thinking about kicking yer loud behind out into the snow before you wake my customers!" Before Juvia came by, he checked the clock and it was almost 2am. There's no way she could have gotten undressed and into bed so fast. A chill ran through Gray's body. Then, the Juvia that kissed him like that, who had that been?