Summary: "Who makes you moan? Who makes you scream in pleasure and joy? I. Fucking. Do. What's mine is mine and sharing isn't an option I'd even have the idiocy to consider."
After the Grand Magic Games, Juvia Lockser took time to reflect on her life – including Gray Fullbuster. Something she wouldn't have done on her own since she was always caught up in her fantasy. It hurt like a bitch to realize that a one-sided love would never be returned, it truly did. And moving on was even harder to do. But still, Juvia swore to do so. Somehow, there's a way for everything.
Genre: Drama/Friendship.
Disclaimer: To say that Fairy Tail belongs to me is pure fantasy. Hiro Mashima remains the creator and has all the rights.
/!\ Warning: This fan-fiction has tons of smut and I won't tell when and where you'll read them in those chapters. I'm unpredictable, huh! Minors have been warned and if you're caught off guard...remember that this fan-fiction is rated M. Read the summary carefully before launching yourself on this story.
Your Burning, Beautiful Light
Chapter One: No Droplets Today?
Sting Eucliffe used to loathe rain. He had always thought it as depressing and dull, without any real beauty. And while it was refreshing during particularly hot summers, it would always annoy the hell out of him and ruin the mood for the rest of the day. Lector would snicker in amusement whenever his human companion would complain loudly about getting soaked for nothing during certain missions, something that always managed to render Rogue severely pissed off and irritated – Frosch would ask in a purely innocent voice why Sting was so worked up, to which Lector would answer with difficulty due to his laughter. Fortunately during the Grand Magic Games, it hadn't rained one single bit (mainly because the weather had been favorable during the battles. Ah, that had been great fighting both Natsu and Gajeel!) and everything had been an incredible rollercoaster from the beginning to the end, from the sudden Eclipse and the dragons to the banquet during which Sabertooth and Fairy Tail had come to terms. No rain meant good things.
Somehow, this changed. If he were to be honest, Sting couldn't quite know when his disdain for rain had vanished because there had been a lot of things going on lately; the days following the end of the Grand Magic Games had been pretty hectic since Sabertooth had had important changes to bring within their guild and the way they treated their members. To say that Natsu Dragneel was the factor that disrupted everything was an understatement – the Dragon Slayer from Fairy Tail had disrupted everyone in the guild when he came to avenge Yukino's humiliation (Minerva and her bastard of a father being the only exceptions and Sting had been immensely glad when the former disappeared after Sabertooth had lost against Fairy Tail, Jienma being dead. Lector's life had depended on them.) and, despite Sabertooth's loss at the end of the Games, Sting had begun to understand Natsu's words. He had even experienced the wonderful feeling of fighting alongside those who knew the true meaning of strength. But what truly made his life a little bit more exciting on some other level was the Water Mage from Fairy Tail.
His blue eyes left the window to drift onto the naked, asleep woman on his right and he smirked cockily. After discovering that her magical powers affected the weather – something that both he and Lector secretly found quite impressive – Sting had decided to approach the mage. She had been fawning over Gray Fullbuster like a lovesick fan-girl, praising all his 'coolness' or whatever the hell she was spouting, but the Ice mage hadn't seemed to care. Funny, if you asked Sting. If not a little bit pitying. But her determination to get his attention had impressed him. But what had driven them to actually enjoy each other's company and sleep together? Sting Eucliffe and Juvia Lockser themselves didn't know. Did they have to care about that concept?
Because Sting certainly didn't.
To say that he had been pleasantly delighted to discover what Juvia was hiding behind her clothing was a pitiful understatement. That woman certainly was one of the hottest chicks he had ever met and the way she had been riding him earlier with this lustful gaze in her blue eyes was sinful. In a very, damn positive way he couldn't describe. She had been shy during their very first time but damn, she had been delicious as hell. And the noises he could draw from her – Sting unconsciously licked his lips as he stared unabashedly at her huge and voluptuous breasts, recalling all the dirty things they had done to each other – were amazing, something that was quite contrasting to the first impression he'd had from her on their first meeting. Juvia Lockser was quite the little minx in bed!
Sex-friends. From friends to sex-friends without attach. That was a reasonable deal as long as the rain woman didn't go after someone else – like this frosted stripper. Sting Eucliffe had always been possessive and was proud to claim it out loud. The asleep sex-kitten over here was a gem he would like to polish every fucking time they would get together. He had had a taste of her hardened loyalty toward Gray Fullbuster and Fairy Tail but, like Sting Eucliffe would always say, he didn't give a damn about that. Sex was sex and if he chose Juvia to be his sex-friend, that certainly didn't concern anybody else. To hell with all the 'drama' it could cause, it's just a bit of fucking and they both absolutely didn't mind it.
Juvia stirred from her sleep, frowning and diving deeper into her pillow. Sting smirked cheekily as his hands ghosted her body and lips nipped at her slender neck. That earned him a soft gasp and her eyes finally fluttered open, revealing sleepy yet slightly startled blue orbs.
The bluenette blinked twice. "Juvia thought you had already gone home, Sting-san," she murmured, trembling under his ministrations. Not that she didn't like his presence but it surprised her to find him still with her in bed after each smoking hot tryst, Sting would always leave before she wakes up and the remnants of their time would be her weakened legs and the incapacity of walking straight – which really intrigued both Lucy and Erza.
The blonde sniggered. "Heh. Don't wanna," he simply shrugged as his teeth bit the flesh of her neck, earning him a sigh of pleasure. Soon his body hardened and he quickly came on top of the mage, her splendid legs on each side of his well-built frame. He smirked down widely at her blushing face and widened eyes, now fully awake. "What's the matter, babe? Afraid we'll get caught by your friends? Now that would be interesting, I'd like to see Gajeel's face if I told him that –"
"Hush!" Her hand had flown to his mouth, silencing whatever lewd comment he was about to say. Juvia looked affronted, but amused as well. And aroused. "Do you have a death wish? Gajeel-kun may be Juvia's best friend but he tends to be quite... overprotective sometimes and his wrath is quite impressive."
And that was a much obvious fact about Gajeel Redfox and Juvia Lockser. Sting had wondered about their relationship since they used to be in the same guild before Fairy Tail; Phantom Lord had always been Fairy Tail's sworn enemy years ago and while he hadn't been there to witness the huge battle between the two guilds, the blonde Dragon Slayer had heard of it. But what had intrigued him was the very apparent friendship between Juvia and Gajeel: the two of them were polar opposites, didn't match and yet they seemed so close. Sure, they had been arguing when Sting was watching them from afar but he couldn't sense any anger coming off from them. No, not anger. Amusement, joy and mutual respect. Friendship. True, beautiful friendship.
Amused to no end, Sting stuck his tongue out to lick the pale fingers blocking his mouth. The blue-haired woman faltered, almost melting at the enticing and sexy sight of her lover doing this to her. It sent very pleasant shivers through her body and she was also starting to feel quite hot in a certain part of her, something that made her moan since he started to grind slowly against her. He leaned down, without breaking contact, and slammed his hands on each side of Juvia's head. Their faces now stood only inches apart, the obstacle between a smoking hot kiss now caressing his lips sensuously, and the staring match only served to create much more heat between them.
'You started it, water woman,' Sting's eyes were saying, his teeth now biting into her flesh playfully.
'Denying has become a part of you, white dragon,' hers retorted, her smile a bit sly.
"Maybe it's you driving me crazy," he murmured quietly, his hands taking hers. He intertwined their fingers, then hooked them above them onto the pillow. He slowly licked her lips, tasting her. "Your legs around me, your jugs against my chest..." Juvia's eyes closed in ecstasy as she mewled in pleasure from Sting's nips and kisses on her flushed face and neck. There would be marks all over her, damn it! But hell... she loved hearing him growl when she grounded her wide hips against his. "Oh, fuck this!"
Sting was so quick to flip her over that Juvia only saw white but she suddenly found herself on all fours, her elbows catching her fall onto the soft mattress. She didn't have the time to beg for him because the blonde all but brutally slid inside, making the mage squeal and jerk in ecstasy. He grunted his pleasure, feeling Juvia's hot pussy take his large cock. It was delicious, so delicious...
"Damn," Sting groaned as he fell into a brutal, yet insanely sensuous rhythm. His hands held her hips firmly in place while he pounded in her like a hungry beast, untamed and wild – exactly how they both liked it. He knew he was aggressive and that had been a problem at first (at first, only.) because Juvia had been an inexperienced virgin at that time, but he couldn't help it: now she was asking, begging for it. Screaming in name. Driving him crazy with lust and desire. He had turned Juvia Locsker into a lustful vixen and Sting Eucliffe was very proud of that fact!
Her giant breasts bounced at each thrust – an exciting sight that never ceased to turn him on. And the bed rocked with them, hitting the wall quite strongly but since her neighbours and friends had already left to the guild, Juvia didn't bother quiet down her screams; the last thing she and Sting needed was a cockblocker to ruin the sexual tension between the two lovers, and she knew that one of them would actually try to kill the unfortunate person to interrupt them in the midst of their fucking.
"Mmmh... Aaah, J-juvia is such a bad girl!" she moaned, an ecstatic smile stretching her plump lips.
A deep, very masculine chuckle sounded in her right ear. "How right you are, babe," he purred lewdly before he nipped at her ear, grabbing her breasts in his warm hands to fondle them and picking up the pace.
They could do this all night long. Oh yes, they could.
"Say, Juvia," Lucy wondered with a smile as she sat besides the blue-haired water mage. "Where were you this morning? You missed quite a lot... or could it be..." A wide, amused grin adorned the Celestial Mage's lips. "...that you overslept because you were dreaming about a certain someone?"
Ah, teasing question. Juvia's heart would usually do somersaults upon talking and thinking about her 'Gray-sama' and she would blush like crazy, unable to stop the flooding thoughts entering her brain and messing with her reason. Cana and Mirajane would openly laugh at her enthusiasm, while Erza would resort to light chuckles. A fine creepy stalker she had been for all these years, always chasing after Gray and determined to get his attention. That was the Juvia Lockser everyone knew in Fairy Tail, the one who was always by his side.
Had been, she mentally told herself as she proceeded to answer Lucy's questioning stare. Something had changed her habits and while she had been reluctant at first, she now welcomed it with open arms, a lustful gaze and a sexy smirk reserved to one blonde Dragon Slayer from another guild. She gave Lucy a knowing yet mysterious smile, which looked rather weird and unusual on her face. "Juvia did, dear love rival," Juvia said in her soothing voice. "Juvia's alarm didn't wake her up so she kept sleeping... and she's still so tired." As if to prove that fact she yawned quite cutely, making Cana laugh her head off in amusement.
She was telling the truth. In a way. She did manage to sleep after tons of sex with Sting, who had snickered in cocky mirth between two groans of pleasure and banging her from behind – but three to four hours of sleep truly wasn't enough and Juvia was actually amazed that she still had the energy to get up (her legs had quivered a lot and it had taken her all her might to let Sting leave. And she wouldn't have been able to completely walk straight to the guild if she hadn't practiced her legs in her apartment for a while before heading toward Fairy Tail. That white dragon really did a number on her!). Juvia was a little bit tired but the perspective of going for a job was appealing – in fact, if she wanted to remain in her warm and cozy apartment, she needed the money to pay the rent. So a job was in order.
She was about to get up and head towards the cardboard when she noticed Erza's thoughtful stare on her. The beautiful red-haired knight looked serious, all traces of amusement and playfulness gone from her face as she kept staring intently at Juvia's face. Now Juvia had always admired Titania Erza Scarlet because of her prowess and strength, being one of the most powerful mages of their guild. She was a woman you wouldn't want to deal with once angered and Juvia still remembered how she easily vanquished her and Lisanna on Tenrouu Island. That had been terrifying, yet very instructing. Erza Scarlet had taught Juvia something very important about strength that day on the island, a lesson she had started to treasure every day ever since she reflected on her feelings towards Gray Fullbuster. Juvia did her best not to show any concern as she reached out to Erza because really, there was no way the woman could have noticed that her behaviour seemed –
"Erza-san, is something wrong?" the water mage inquired.
The red-haired knight pursed her lips, putting her spoon down near her strawberry cake. "Hm," she nodded. "Juvia, are you feeling well?" she asked more seriously.
She blinked. "Of course. Juvia just feels a little bit tired, is all." And this question was so seriously asked that Juvia couldn't help but feel pretty suspicious. You never knew with Erza, the woman was very sharp when it came to noticing things. "Do you think Juvia has...changed?"
Erza's eyes glanced behind the Water Mage's back and Juvia, curious but already knowing whom she may be referencing to, followed her lead. Natsu and Gray were brawling again, throwing insults at each other, as usual. As usual. But what was unusual was the fact that a certain blue-haired woman wasn't fretting all over him, afraid that he would get hurt and ready to tend to his bruises. That was the first change some of her friends had started to notice after a while, because they hadn't heard Gray complaining or snapping at Juvia for several days – or had it been weeks?
Yes, the Juvia they all knew would have already flown to Gray's side, begging him not to fight and get hurt, yet this one remained sat on her chair, a strange solemn look in her eyes. Lucy and Cana, who had been following the exchange closely, were now gazing at their blue-haired friend and the ice mage back and forth with furrowed eyebrows that stated their surprise. The fact that she seemed so calm and aloof near Gray was...unsettling. Almost. While there was this solemn look in her blue orbs, Erza could sense some melancholia coming off from the woman; it wasn't this longing, caring look that everyone used to see in her eyes but rather a look of shocking indifference mixed with a tinge of sadness. The blonde started, brown eyes widening in sudden realization.
"J-juvia...are you...?"
A deep sigh from the rain woman, who closed her eyes as she turned away from the brawling idiots. "Juvia did. And she already cried a lot when she finally came to terms that her 'love' would always be one-sided, no matter how much she tried to show him – the storm that hit Magnolia these few weeks ago was because of her, Juvia is so sorry." She took her cup of hot chocolate, relishing in the warmth that emanated from the steaming mug. There was a tiny, barely noticeable smile on her plump lips that made Cana reach out to her, saddened for her friend. "Juvia is still struggling but... but the hardest moment is behind her, now remain the tiny bits of deep affection for Gray."
Erza's eyes softened considerably. She quickly grasped the predicament here: while she had asked Gray to sort out his feelings towards Juvia at the Grand Magic Games, she had been oblivious to her friend's quiet and deep suffering due to her love interest's lack of recognition. As supportive as she had been, there were limits that you shouldn't push past and Juvia seemed to have reached hers concerning Gray. Erza had to give her credit for being such a stubborn and determined woman to get the attention of the man she loved, it was admirable. Now she knew it would never be the same thing with Jellal, although he reciprocated her feelings towards him, but his reasons for refusing to be involved with her were crap (he just felt that he didn't deserve her love after all the horrible things he had done to her, even though he'd been under Ultear's spell all these years. It wouldn't be right to him.). The difference with Juvia and Gray was that Jellal truly reciprocated her love – it was real and no fantasy she had imagined. As for Juvia...
Oh, she must have felt so crushed. And she had decided to move on with her life, knowing that she would only get hurt. The red-haired knight felt deeply moved, just like Cana and Lucy who were currently trying to reassure the water mage.
"Hey, don't say that," the blonde soothed, a hand on Juvia's shoulder. "We can't say for sure that Gray has feelings for you but we all know that he cares about you." She smiled confidently at the bluenette. "C'mon, don't lose hope, that's not Fairy Tail like!"
The already wasted brown-haired mage nodded eagerly, a smirk on her lips. "Yeah, I'd hate to have to beg you to keep bugging and stalking him, it's funny seeing him so frustrated. I've been wondering if he's got balls big enough to –"
"Cana, mind your language!" Erza scolded, frowning.
But Juvia remained frighteningly firm and blank, save for the smile on her face. She had heard this so many times that she didn't need to listen to the words, as comforting as they may be. Because it wasn't going to work this time, there was no denying this. She closed her dark blue eyes as she contemplated explaining Lucy and Cana that hoping wouldn't do any good to her, also hesitant to tell them that she had somehow found a way to distract herself and think about something else – because there would be hell to come if the two were to show their surprise by screeching in the middle of the entire guild.
She lay on her back, eyes almost closed in a well-deserved bliss after the tryst with Sting and attempting to regain her breathing. Her long, sea-coloured hair was a mess, but a cute mess around her head. Her chest heaved and pushed her very generous breasts up and down – a deliciously enticing sight for the blonde Dragon Slayer who was watching the woman brazenly, a lazy and proud smirk stretching on his face. When she took a chance to look at him, she was immediately caught by his eyes. The intense, breath-taking look he was giving her didn't do nothing to hide the satisfaction he was feeling – after all, he did make her scream his name. He was breathing heavily as well, trying to recover from his violent orgasm on his own. His golden hair was dishevelled from all the brutal movements and shuffling around the whole room – which was now a complete mess because they had been shifting places and switching positions (the image of Juvia's curvaceous, voluptuous body writhing on top of him and riding his girth suddenly popped in his mind and he didn't bother stifling his groan of pleasure when the sultry look in her eyes flashed at him, provoking him to ravage her.) – and his well-built body was covered in sweat, his muscles rippling at each panting breath he took.
When she spoke, her voice was clear despite the exhaustion. "Juvia can't believe... she would last three rounds and endure... Sting-san's stamina..." She smiled slowly, feeling ecstatic. Her tongue peeked out to lick her plump, bruised lips from the harsh kissing, which had an effect on the blonde who crept closer to her to her, fingers already twitching to ravage this sexy body. "Juvia is impressed."
Sting's smirk widened as he watched her with cockiness. "Think this is over? I'm just getting started," he growled huskily as he leaned down towards her, hands already snaking around her large breasts.
Juvia grinned somberly and shook her head. "No."
"W-what do you mean?" Lucy stammered. "You're not going to think about it, not even a little?"
The water mage chuckled half-heartedly. The bubbly blonde sure was funny sometimes. "Dear love rival – no." It seemed wrong now to refer to Lucy Heartfilia as her 'love rival' since she had started her therapy. Her one-sided love had blinded Juvia into believing that the blonde Celestial Mage was secretly involved with Gray Fullbuster – although they both kept denying this ridiculous fact. She had unconsciously endangered what could – should – have been a beautiful friendship from the very start. So the most normal, friendly thing to do was to call her by her actual name. With a smile. "Lucy."
The blonde had the reaction Juvia was expecting: she fell from her chair, landing on her butt. And the bluenette couldn't help but erupt in soft peals of laughter as she tried to stand from her seat to look at the stunned face of her friend, whose bulged brown eyes showed how much she was shocked to hear her name coming out from Juvia's mouth – Juvia, freaking Juvia Lockser who would always glower at her and spit threats if she ever monopolized Gray's attention. And the blue-haired mage was laughing and smiling amusedly at her, which also managed to startle Erza and the drunken Cana.
She stuck her hand out to Lucy. "Juvia knows now she has to put friendship above everything else, thanks to you all," she managed to choke out between two giggles.
The blonde grabbed the hand, still mildly shocked, but blushed upon registering Juvia's next words of praise and thanks. "Um – oh, it's..." The change was so sudden and surprising that forming setences seemed quite the challenge now. But Lucy somehow managed to shake herself out of her state and smiled widely at Juvia, beaming. "I'm glad you consider me as your friend now, Juvia! And you even said my name," she finished with a whisper, amazed."
Juvia's smile was so sincere – very sincere and happy. Both Erza and Cana could tell.
Looks like things are going in another way for Juvia, the red-haired knight thought to herself, a smile tugging at her lips. Maybe it was for the best. Best for her, best for her spirit – best for her heart and inner strenght. Friendship always came first above all and looking at Juvia's beaming and infectious smile and laughter, you wouldn't think that she had been crying and wallowing in despair and painful realization in order to move on on her own will; Erza wasn't an expert concerning love but she was aware that it hurt when you get rejected. It hurt like a bitch. That must have been how Juvia must have felt during her self-therapy.
But nonetheless, Erza Scarlet will make sure to support Juvia Lockser from now on. And thus a true and real friendship was finally born and recognized between them, she snorted in silent triumph, feeling proud and satisfied.
After this talk and much needed laughter among girls, Juvia sauntered towards the cardboard to get a job. She gazed at the papers, analyzing the details and tasks – especially the rewards. A good reward would be very much appreciated if it could relieve her from worrying about the rent for at least three to four months. It would also be a very good opportunity to test out the results of her training; taking all out on some thugs always proved to be good for her health and system. Maybe she should get Gajeel on her mission, it had been a long time since the two of them got together like this.
Her eyes suddenly caught something interesting and she stood on her toes to grab the piece of paper when a quicker hand snatched it. Juvia gasped, whirling to face the culprit who just stole her next win with a fierce glare. She was rewarded with a sly, toothy grin she knew all too well.
"Gihihi, someone is feeling a bit daring today," Gajeel playfully taunted, his red eyes surveying a huffing Juvia whose dark blue eyes were turning into dangerous slits. He then held the paper high in the air while trying to hold his best friend back off with his other hand on her smooth hair. The man whistled. "Nicy jackpot, Rain woman. I'll tag along with you on this one!"
"Who invited you?" Juvia shot back, still trying to snatch her precious paper back from the Iron Dragon Slayer. "Because Juvia certainly didn't! And give that back, will you? Juvia wants to pay her rent for the next four months at least and relax." When she missed the paper by an inch she growled, scowling. "Gajeel, Juvia is warning you!" she exclaimed.
But he only laughed at her. "C'mon, don't be a party – hey, what the hell –"
Gajeel must have forgotten about his friend's prowess at gymnastics and agility; Juvia hopped nimbly onto his shoulder, swung one bare leg around the older male's left shoulder and quickly tightened the other around his neck, effectively trapping him in her snake embrace. Gajeel grunted both in surprise and annoyance as he tried to balance himself on his feet with his friend having snaked her way on him. While Juvia was as light as a mere bag of clothes for him, she still could be incredibly sneaky and that played well in her favor most of the time when she didn't use her magic. Hand-to-hand combat was one of the deceptive tricks Juvia Lockser had up her sleeve and the Iron Dragon Slayer sometimes managed to forget that, under her craziness about the stripper bastard, she was an excellent mage who could become even more awesome.
They were attracting amused looks and laughs from most of everyone in the hall, something that irritated Gajeel in one second. He had to end this quickly. "Get off, Rain woman!" he barked, attempting to throw her off. But she only tightened her hold onto him, gripping his shoulder and arm to snatch her next gift. "Get. The fuck. Off!"
"Give. Juvia's. Job. Request. Back!" Juvia growled, thinking about biting Gajeel.
"I'm warning you, Juvia!"
Her blue eyes flashed dangerously as she glared down at him. "Job request, now!" she insisted. Then she beamed at her friend. "And you may come on this job with Juvia and get half of the reward. It would be great if you and Juvia get to work again as a team. As best friends. Don't you think so, Gajeel-kun?"
Damn. Damn. How does she do that? She always managed to get under his skin without even having to insist and snake her way through his heart. Gajeel stopped struggling and growled at her, which only made her laugh jovially. It was an agreement. This woman was as dangerous as she was annoying at times – especially when she affected the weather with her tears. But she was his friend. His very first best friend who had wormed her way to his heart and soul years after Metallicana's disappearance, he also considered Juvia Lockser as his sister.
You look well, Rain woman, the man couldn't help but remark silently, a tiny smile tugging at his lips as he watched the Water mage hop off and land gracefully on the wooden ground, clutching her job request against her chest and smiling widely. I don't know what happened to you but... you smile even more, you're more cunning and cheerful... And he was sure that it didn't have anything to do with the ice-alchemist Gray frozen Fullbuster. He nodded at Lily, who had been watching the quarrel nearby with a sweatdrop, then gazed at the blue-haired woman.
"Great!" she exclaimed jovially, dark blue eyes sparkling like diamonds. "200,000 jewels, which means 100,000 jewels each. It's more than enough for the both of us, Juvia is so –"
Gajeel remembered the raging storm that had ravaged Magnolia a few weeks ago – wild and devastating like an untamed beast. Thunder had even rumbled a little, the wind had been violent – Panther Lily had almost been blown away by the blast. Period. At least there hadn't been any flood and very damaged things around, that would have been a pain in the ass for the master. Gajeel had immediately known that something must have been wrong with Juvia and although he had tried to brave the heavy storm that day to go to her, he hadn't been able to walk straight without being flung back by a powerful gust of wind. It hadn't been a storm. More like a hurricane. The Iron Dragon Slayer wasn't one to be worried sick but when it came to the Rain woman – or even Levy to a certain extent –, he just couldn't sit still and do nothing while they were emotionally disturbed. But days after that sorrowful misery she had been through alone – Gajeel still felt terrible for not having been able to be there for her – she had seemed to appear a little bit 'better'; her smile was dim and her laughter wasn't as infectious as before but the tears had never streamed down her cheeks. None. He had tried to make her talk but all she said was 'Self-therapy' in a whisper. Her eyes had unshed tears but the look she had given him had been fiery and determined. When was the last time he had seen Juvia Lockser that worked up over something he couldn't pinpoint?
So whatever happened to Juvia that day couldn't have been... this bad. It also must have a good effect on her, for she was now smiling and laughing again. He could tease her again to no end and she would respond in kind. Juvia was, somehow, back. Gajeel couldn't hide the excited grin from his face as he realized the fact. Juvia Lockser was back.
"Gajeel-kun, are you listening to – what are you grinning about?"
He didn't voice his answer, because there was another way to show his joy. He walked up to Juvia, stopped right besides and stared at her with unreadable, red eyes. She blinked in wonder, unable to tell what was going on. Then she felt a large hand ruffle her long locks both playfully and tenderly, making her eyes widen in surprise because she felt like he hadn't done that in ages – in ages. The sweetest, most brotherly gesture he would always do to her because of their unique bond. And when she looked up, wide-eyed, she could admire a broad grin on his lips and a gleam in his red eyes.
It was now that she realized she had missed Gajeel as much as he must have missed her as well.
"No droplets today?" he asked her.
She didn't even hesitate to return his smile. "No droplets today! Juvia feels great!"
If possible, his grin widened even more. "That's the spirit! Now let's go before we miss the train because you were stalling with all your goofy shit."
It was then that the Exceed decided to pipe in. "But weren't you the first to start this brawl, Gajeel?" Panther Lily raised an eyebrow at his male companion, who snarled at him in answer.
"Shuddup, will ya!"
"Juvia sure looks more radiant and better than the last time, doesn't she?" Mirajane Strauss remarked with a soft smile as she watched the Water Mage, the Iron Dragon Slayer and the Exceed leave. Then she turned towards Cana, who sported a mischevious expression, and raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"Do you happen to know why our dear Juvia, who is literally head over heels for a certain icicle knucklehead, seems to have gotten past her feelings and decided to move on?" Cana grinned drunkely but her eyes never lost their focus as she leaned towards the white-haired woman. "Isn't that weird to you? Because I certainly think it is. What do you think, Mira?"
What did she think? Mirajane just blinked, at a loss. Sure, Juvia seemed better and was now looking forward to invest herself in making more friends inside the guild – what had shocked her the most was the sight of the Rain woman talking with Laxus and trying his earpods while the Lightning Dragon Slayer was watching her with an amused smirk. At that time, Mirajane was sure she had been hallucinating but, to her utter amazement, it hadn't been an illusion at all (Gajeel had even insulted her for making such statement, already aware that his best friend had gotten under Laxus's skin all by herself.). The two of them had even gone to a mission together, the job request requiring mages using lightning and water magic. To be honest, most of their guild mates had been dumbstruck to see Laxus hanging out with Gray's number one fan; it truly wasn't every day that Laxus Dryer would become friends with another member this willingly (and he hadn't even made her bolt out of his sight with his lightning...), so it was weird. But wonderful.
Nevertheless, Mirajane was starting to have doubts because of Cana's assumptions. She put her hand under her chin, brows furrowed in deep concentration. "It does seem surreal when you think about it, Juvia was so hell bent on getting Gray's attention that it became another habit of the guild to see her stalking him," she said slowly. "But then there was that hurricane we know Juvia provoked and a few weeks after, she was back to normal. Except that she isn't fawning over Gray anymore," she finished with a sad frown.
"She isn't fawning over Gray anymore," Cana concluded with a nod. "And that's bugging me because that ain't funny no more: Juvia is no longer in love with icicle, doesn't stalk him anymore and even ignores him sometimes, Mira!" There was a nasty gleam in her chocolate eyes as she puffed her cheeks, scowling. "I'm ready to bet that Laxus and Gajeel know that something is up with her."
"Why Laxus, Cana?" Mirajane wondered, both eyebrows shooting up. "I know they've become friends, but –"
Cana's Cheshire cat grin appeared as she hit her leg several times in amusement and excitement. "Oh, I see you didn't know that Laxus has been crashing at her place sometimes ever since the two of them became 'friends'. Mira, I thought you were sharper than that, that's soooooo disappointing," she tutted with a mocking chuckle, her drink swaying dangerously.
Now Mirajane's blue eyes had widened to the size of saucers as her mind suddenly blanked. Laxus...in Juvia's apartment?
Cana rubbed her hands together, a mischevious grin on her face and a gleam in her eyes. "I think it's time to spy on our favorite Water Mage, I'm ready bet my next round of booze that she's hiding something. Laxus won't talk – hell, he'll shock me into electroshock therapy long before I even assume that he might be sleeping with Juvia but what. The. Heeeeeeeeeell. Are you with me, Mira? I'll bring Lucy and Erza with us too."
Omake n°1: Rumbling Thunder Weakening and Softening to Water Touch: Because She Cares
Genre: Drama/Friendship
Inspired by: Somewhere I Belong by Linkin Park, It's Not Over by Daughtry, Lean On by Major Lazer Feat. MO & Dj Snake
Dark, blue eyes were incredibly soft when he looked at them and suddenly, he couldn't remember why he had knocked on her door. "Laxus-san, when was the last time you felt so lost and misunderstood?" she asked with her unobtrusive, kind voice.
Truly, he didn't know why he was here, why he was seeking her help, why he was feeling down for a reason he couldn't put the finger on – why it was so hard for him to voice his words. But he was here, sitting on her couch and looking like crap, which was a very rare sight for Laxus Dryer. The man was well-known for his confidence and strenght, both mental and physical, and anyone who knew him well enough was aware that he didn't let everyone get close to him willingly – in fact, there were so few people around him besides his Thunder Legion and his grandfather. While he may have started over with everyone in the guild ever since he came back to help them due to his grandfather calling him in his exile, the blond Lightning Mage still felt uneasy. On edge. Hesitant. As if he couldn't find his place within Fairy Tail's halls.
As if he didn't belong in the very guild he had tried so hard to destroy back then. Not anymore.
It hurt. Laxus never showed his emotions openly but there were times when he would be caught off guard by something extremely kind concerning him – when Gilders' letter said that he had been reinstated in the guild despite his past actions he'd been shocked to the core, his heart beating so fast that it was painful. He'd been reaccepted, he'd been reinstated within Fairy Tail despite the Battle of Fairy Tail he had forcefully provoked among its members – he'd been pardoned. He'd been pardoned. He'd been pardoned. He was still their family. But shadows and feelings of uneasiness still clouded his reasons and while he had had no trouble during the Grand Magic Games where he had given his bastard of a father and all his trash of guild mates a good beating, the dark thoughts had never left. They were just hidden in a corner of his mind. Laxus had been utterly glad he'd been reaccepted but –
"It hurts, doesn't it?" Juvia Lockser asked softly from her spot, sad eyes dropping to the ground. He looked up to stare at her, still silent. "Juvia has been observing you for a while now; there's still something bothering you to the point you would have nightmares. This started during the Grand Magic Games, after your battle against the members of Raven Tail. Yes, Juvia has noticed that," she said in response to his sharp intake of breath. "Master Makarov came to talk to you about it, but you refused to see him. It was obvious to Juvia that you were shaken by the sight of your father and the talk you both had while there was that illusion working."
It was then that he finally let his emotions talk, because it looked like Juvia's words had hit home – he didn't know there was someone who could have given a fuck about his feelings and emotions, certainly not someone who used to be part of the guild that had thrashed his in the past. He snarled hatefully as he shot up from his seat, his jaws grounded together, hands curling to tight fists on his knees and eyes widening in seething rage. Lightning struck outside, illuminating the cloudy sky, and the rumble grew louder and louder by second. His training for the past years had paid off; he, just like Juvia Lockser, was now able to affect the weather just with his emotions – a flicker of rage would split the sky into ominous, dark clouds. Something he still wasn't able to control, because he felt like he became one with lightning and the sky. This connection with the heavens both thrilled him as much as it terrified him to a certain level. But he couldn't just calm the hell down now, not after what she just told him.
"I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT SON OF A BITCH IS MY FUCKING FATHER!" he yelled, his voice sounding like a roar. Juvia flinched as she watched him carefully, wide-eyed and surprised, but never inching away from him much to both his displeasure and relief. She had been expecting this. Good, because he needed her to hear and feel the intensity of his rage mixed with his buried sorrow. At least she, a former enemy and now a member of his family, was here to listen to him and the only one to have noticed his inner turmoil and struggle. "Now I understand why Gramps had to banish him: his mind is heavily corrupted and his soul is tainted. Tarnished. Forever lost to the darkness. Goddammit, I've been so. Fucking. Blind!" The thunder rumbled loudly once again, in rhythm with his emotions and shouting. And once again, Juvia remained close to him. "And here I've been blaming and hating my grandfather for all this shit after he had banished him from Fairy Tail. I feel so stupid, so...so angry at myself and sorrowful because I couldn't understand what it truly meant to be part of a family, because I thought that Gramps had banished his son for reasons I had deemed stupid and all this time, I've been so fucking stupid. Damn. Damn it, damn it, DAMN IT!"
He continued his ranting, uncaring if he was loud as hell because it just helped him; the fact that Juvia kept quiet and listening was a plus Laxus had been wanting for some time ever since he had uncovered his 'father''s dark intentions. Whatever the hell Lumen Histoire was, it certainly couldn't be good. He had just grasped the meaning of a family inside Fairy Tail and had vowed to protect its values to the very end, there was no fucking way he was going to let some scum ruin his goals of protecting the guild he had finally grown to acknowledge and love. Even that said scum was his own flesh and blood. Screw Ivan Dryer just because 'he was his father' and all that shit Laxus hadn't even wanted to hear, his exile out of Fairy Tail, out of Magnolia had been long enough to teach him everything he needed to grasp. Laxus Dryer was his own person to decide what was good for him and the guild.
He was about to bring his fist down a glass table when a soft, slender but petite hand grabbed his arm with a frightening grip and he whipped his head towards the Rain woman, eyes flashing dangerously and power surging through him in waves of sparks that covered his body and danced in the formerly calm atmosphere of the living-room. Her beautiful face was scrunched up in pain because she was making contact with him, was inching closer to him despite all the lightning, wasn't backing off despite the lethal danger she was putting herself in – was coming closer because those eyes, those dark, blue eyes were blazing with boiling determination in spite of the intense pain she must be feeling. And this managed to startle the blond, but just a little; his rage was still too great.
Why wasn't she letting go of him?
"Why don't you let go?" he growled menacingly at her, looming over her smaller frame.
She gritted her teeth. "Laxus-san, you don't have to close off your emotions when you're afraid to feel vulnerable!" she cried out, one eye closing shut because of the harsh pain. "You can freely express yourself and you're allowed to feel pain and sorrow! Remember, you're just like me and the others!"
"Why don't you let go?" the blond repeated coldly, taking a firm grip of her wrist as well. Juvia winced and gasped – but never let go. In fact, her hold seemed to have tightened even more. Why are you doing this, Juvia Lockser? Why are you doing this? Her look, even if he could see it from one eye, was as blazing as intimidating. But Laxus wasn't having any of it. Why are you doing this?
She snarled at him, which was a pretty unusual expression on such beautiful face. "Do you know who you are? What are your goals, your dreams? Who is Laxus Dryer, the Laxus Dryer Juvia wants to know and acknowledge as a close friend like everyone in the guild? Juvia can't let you wallow in your darkness and sadness while everybody else is smiling and laughing, you have the same right to laugh and be happy as well!"
This time, he yelled at her. "WHY DON'T YOU LET GO?!"
And Juvia just yelled back at him. "BECAUSE LAXUS-SAN IS HUMAN AND JUVIA WANTS TO UNDERSTAND HIM SO SHE COULD HELP HIM! SHE CARES!"
She did. She did care about him a lot. When Juvia had felt how much Lucy's defeat at the hands of the Sabertooth member Minerva had hit her guild mates, she had felt it even more because she knew she could have handled this Naval Battle all by herself if she had stayed focused on her task. Water was her element and Juvia could have gotten rid of everyone in the large bubble, for Heaven's sake – she hadn't been able to look at Lucy in the eyes for some time because of the guilt that had been clutching her in the guts. The wounds had been bad, really bad. When she had retreated early in her room, Gajeel had been the first one to seek her out. And the most surprising of all had been Laxus Dryer. His words, both comforting and a lesson – she would never forget them for the future. The Rain woman couldn't have been more thankful.
The shock could be easily written on the handsome blond's face as he stared at the blue-haired woman, stunned. Juvia was still clutching Laxus's hand when she spoke, her expression softening. "She cares a lot about you. Juvia has been replaying the events of the Battle of Fairy Tail that happened seven years ago. It was Juvia's first challenge as a member of Fairy Tail and at first she couldn't understand why Laxus-san, a member of the guild and also Master Makarov's own family, did something so awful to his fellow comrades. 'Why?' she would ask herself whenever she would lay her eyes on you. And then she tried to look for answers, because there's always a trigger for everything."
The buzzing had stopped around them and Juvia was left panting a little, muscles strained and pounding because of the lightning. But somehow, somehow, she just remained standing. And Laxus just couldn't talk, left staring at the woman with wide eyes.
"Fairy Tail has always meant the world to Laxus-san – always," she kept going. "And even if you had seemed to despise your fellow comrades in the past because of the drama your family has suffered, deep down," she touched his muscled chest, her hand so tiny over his beating heart. Laxus tensed, but never backed off from the touch – it was so alien, yet so comforting at the same time. Enchanting dark, blue eyes looked up at him with the softest look he had ever seen in a long time. "you've always cared. Anger, frustration and this crave for recognition have been clouding your reason and judgement for a long time because you didn't have the respect you thought you deserved from everyone else – Erza-san, Natsu-san, Gray-san. Everyone except the Thunder Legion. You were known as Laxus Dryer, Master Makarov's grandson, not as Laxus Dryer himself. And," she hesitated as she averted her eyes from him. "...there's also the fact that Master Makarov has accepted both Juvia and Gajeel into Fairy Tail even after the mess with Phantom Lord. You must have felt so enraged. Astonished that your grandfather would allow to do such things. You must have thought that he should have refused, after what Phantom Lord has done to Fairy Tail." She bit her plump lips, the guilt dripping and her expression pained. "Juvia's sorry and she's sure Gajeel is as well."
"Rain woman...," Laxus murmured, still shocked. Hell, he was starting to shake from the emotion. That woman was –
She took a large breath and looked back up, eyes soft and understanding. "Juvia understands now, Laxus-san. And she is sure that you completely grasped the meaning of family as well. After all, you did come to comfort Juvia during the Grand Magic Games after her loss in the Naval Battle and love rival's terrible beating by Minerva. She would never forget your words because they meant a lot to her and they still do. So Juvia promised herself to look after Laxus-san whenever he would feel down." She glanced at the window, then smiled a little. "The lightning would call Juvia, now that Laxus-san can also affect the weather. And Juvia will respond immediately to see what is wrong with her friend and fix his problems!" This was said so eagerly and cheerfully that Laxus could feel himself falter, his hands shaking uncontrollably.
And Juvia will respond immediately to see what is wrong with her friend and fix his problems! The sentence echoed in his head several times, Juvia's musical tone sounding like a pure voice from the heavens. He could sense the sincerity and care echoing – he could see and feel she wasn't kidding and truly meant what she said. Laxus swallowed with difficulty, his throat feeling constricted all of a sudden. He could feel himself calm down, just by listening to Juvia Lockser. A cool, soft hand pressed against his cheek and he blinked, focusing back on the petite mage. She was still giving him that look that rendered him powerless.
"Laxus-san, please tell Juvia...when was the last time you ever felt a mother's touch? The last time you ever felt comforted by a woman you considered as your mother?"
Electric blue eyes widened in disbelief and confusion. Now that was surprisingly shocking. And new. Nobody had ever asked him something like that. Had he ever felt a mother's touch? If he were to be honest with himself, Laxus couldn't remember his own mother's face and her smile – he hadn't known her, having been told that she died before he could meet her for the first time. So the question felt very alien to him. "I've never known my mother," he grunted, eyes cast down and a frown set in place. "I don't even know what it's like to have one. My father...well, we both know what kind of third-rate scum he is since the Grand Magic Games," he hissed in disgust. He looked up at her, raising an eyebrow. "So what's your –"
The rest of the sentence was left unsaid, because all Laxus Dryer could feel right now was something incredibly, pleasantly, totally, soft. All rational thoughts cleared from his mind as he processed what was happening right now in this living-room where he'd been raging for at least fifteen minutes. He knew that feeling, he had touched the object many times from his flings with women but somehow, it seemed and felt so different with Juvia Lockser; even though she was wearing a nightgown Laxus could feel the perfect softeness of her huge breasts he could imagine were luscious and near perfection – just like her long, toned legs. The Lightning Dragon Slayer could feel her slender hands working in his hair, stroking it with the softest of touches. Electric, blue eyes widened in utter disbelief. Juvia didn't seem to mind this gesture, as it must mean something to her.
They both let themselves slid to the ground, onto the very fluffy and soft ultramarine carpet. Her voice was soothing to his ringing ears. "Juvia remembers her mother doing this whenever Juvia would feel sad. That gesture used to calm her down immediately, as if it was magic. Because she cared," she murmured for both of them. "And her smile – oh, her smile. It was so beautiful, it would light up a whole room just by the sight of it. And her laugh sounded like bells, Juvia thought it was the most beautiful sound in the world." She sighed delightfully, relishing in her memory.
Laxus had to ask. "What... what happened to her?"
"...Juvia doesn't know. Really, she doesn't. But listen, Laxus-san: can you hear the storm?"
He strained his ears, without looking up, and found himself out of breath.
Quietness. Peace. Just like his mind. Because the Rain woman cared. The storm had quieted down, because she had cared. She cared for him.
He didn't know when he had wrapped his muscled arms around her slender frame to hug her tightly against him, when they both had fallen onto her bed so they could be more comfortable onto a soft mattress – she on her back, him on top of her with his face buried in the softness of her chest, his legs between hers and his arms around her. The position might be too suggestive for many but, for both mages, it was nothing more than a comforting embrace between two close friends. Juvia kept stroking his hair and was humming a tune he didn't know – not that he particularly cared at the moment. Or even when he had started crying for the second time as an adult. Laxus knew she wouldn't mind having her nightgown wet so he cried, cried, cried and cried. But those were tears of relief, unleashed sadness and rage She could be a close friend, a guild mate, a lover – anything.
But Juvia Lockser also knew how to act like a mother. And Laxus found it amazing, because she was able to reduce the terrible lightning to a soft purring outside.
Author's Note 1: I'm impressing myself – I've written over 9,000 words! Anyways, about the omake: I felt like writing side-stories besides the main one, so that we could know what Juvia is up to and imagine what we could do with her when she hangs out with other guild mates – Laxus, Bisca, the Thunder Legion, Lucy, Cana or Mirajane. Even Erza. I'm feeling creative.
Next Chapter: You May Stop Smirking, Gentlemen.