AN: SPOILERS FOR CHAPTER 430!

Now that that's out of the way, this is my take on Gray's final week with Juvia before he hops onto the crazy train and teams up with Avatar (which we all already know is just a ruse to get to their super-secret evil plans).

It's smutty, but yes, there's a plot… Somewhat. You all know how it ends anyway, so let me just titillate the imaginations of those who want to know what our resident ice and water couple have been up to on their final week together.

This fic will have a total of 9 chapters. This is the prologue, then there will be a chapter for every day of their final week together, and at the end, there's an epilogue. Because closure… Somewhat. Heehee. Enjoy, and please leave a review!


The Last Week

"One week."

"What? We need to start infiltrating Avatar as soon as we get the chance. What do you need a week for?"

"I just… I just need another week. I'll get it done, I promise. But I can't just pack up and go tomorrow. I… She deserves more than that."

On the other end of the line, Gray could practically hear Erza pondering on his request. It wasn't a lot to ask. But for Erza who's the one behind the planning, an extra seven days could be an unnecessary risk that would cost them everything. When the pause became unbearable, Gray spoke again.

"I can get it done. One week won't compromise our position. I just need to say goodbye."

"You can't tell her where you're going." Erza said sternly, bringing back Gray's familiar fear of the Titania. For a split second, the nostalgia of those carefree days at the guild hit him.

"I know. In my own way, I have to say goodbye… Even if she doesn't realize it. It's the least I can do since I can't even give her any assurance that I'll come back. I can't even tell her anything."

"Gray… I know how badly you want to tell her. But you have to remember that we can't risk them getting to her to get to you. The less she knows the better."

"I know, I know. It's just… You know I had my heart set on this when we started. But between then and now… She's…" Gray had no idea where to start. He didn't want to suddenly start explaining to Erza what had happened in the six months he had started living with Juvia. He couldn't understand it completely himself, let alone explain it. Out of frustration, he ran his hand over his face and over his long, messy hair, a habit that Juvia disapproves of.

"I understand. Do what you need to do. You have one week. And keep your dark marks consistent. She can't know you're visiting Porlyusica to learn to control it."

"I know. Thanks." And with that, Gray hung up and hid his lacrima phone inside a tree and covered the hole with twigs. He had been going there every couple of days to plan out everything with Erza. But of course, he couldn't let Juvia know anything, so any sort of map or sketch or clue about the Avatar plan had to be left well away from their home.

Home. The very word hung heavy on his mind. Home was with my parents until Deliora attacked. Home was with Ur until she gave up her life in battle. Home was Fairy Tail until it all went to shit. And now home is with her… Until I have to leave her without a word.

The walk back home would be at least an hour. It would be almost evening by the time he'd reach their home. In his mind, Gray could already picture it. There would be smoke from the chimney and the windows would be bright with the light of candles. Juvia would be working on some stew in the kitchen, wearing one of her short house dresses and a frilly apron. As soon as he'd enter the door, she'd have a smile ready for him. He'd approach her and wrap his arms around her, whispering "I'm home" in her ear as he nuzzled her neck.

In a week, that would all be over. It's all for their mission to defeat Zeref. It's all to get the book of END. It's all for the greater good. He'll save lives. He'll stop a massacre. He'll defeat one of the most dangerous and deplorable mages to ever exist.

But he'll break her heart.

As Gray trudged on towards home, he started mentally planning how he'd be able to say goodbye to Juvia without giving himself away. He'd already caused so much worry in the recent months when he'd disappear for long periods of time. Even though one week wouldn't be enough to make up for the fact that he'd be leaving her without any assurance that he'd return or that he'd make it out alive, it was the least he could do for the woman who found a way to melt his icy heart.


AN: The next chapter is coming shortly. But the one after that is a bit of a long shot. So please bear with my tardiness. I have to work to feed my Fairy Tail-loving lifestyle :)

Reviews are much appreciated, as always!