Disclaimer: Fairy Tail is owned by Hiro Mashima!


Bittersweet Chocolate Cake

Love is bittersweet, it's up to you to make it bitter or sweet.

Not all stories have happy endings. Happy endings aren't real endings. That's just cruel reality. At least, that's what Gray thought.

Gray yawned as he sat at an empty table at the Fairy Tail guild. It had been unusually peaceful at the guild, granted Natsu was out on a mission with Lucy and Happy.

Staring at the pink and red decorations, Gray sighed. That morning, as he walked into the guild, he had stopped wide eyed as he regarded the guild. Mira had taken it to herself to decorate the entire guild for Valentine's day. She wanted to have a party at the guild. Gray rolled his eyes. This party was just Mira's way to try to set everyone up. And he could already guess who she was planning to set him up with.

Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted her. Juvia was standing behind a pillar, peeking at him shyly. Gray sighed. She did this regularly, he was kind of used to it. But it still bugged him, maybe even annoyed him. He didn't get her. Not at all. He just didn't understand why she was so infatuated with him. What was so special about him?

Nothing much, really. At least, that's what he thought. But not Juvia.

They were friends. Well, Gray at least saw her as a friend. Juvia already pictured them having 30 raven haired babies. Gray shuddered.

Stalking him was uncalled for. They were guildmates. She could just come to his table and sit down. She didn't need to be standing behind a pillar and watch his every move.

He caught her eyes as she stared at him and her eyes widened, shrieking as she hid behind the pillar again. He sighed again. She was very timid when she wanted to be.

She'd proven she could be so strong and independent. She didn't need him. He didn't deserve her. He was always a jerk to her. So why did she still want him, and only him? He didn't know.

Erza, Lucy, and even Natsu, had all come up to him before, telling him to give Juvia a proper response to her feelings, to not lead her on. He had tried, plenty of times. But she was persistent. And also… there was just a part of him that didn't want to let her go… He just… didn't think he was good enough for her. Things never turned out right with him. He didn't want to hurt her…. He didn't want to lose her.

Shaking his head, Gray groaned at his thoughts.

He didn't feel for her what she felt for him, but… It was weird but he knew she was special to him. That's all. She was nakama. And it couldn't go past that. It just couldn't… Because all who got too close to him… They would all sacrifice themselves for him. He couldn't bare seeing anyone else die for him. He just couldn't.

Gray knew exactly how Juvia felt for him. She loved him. It was pretty obvious, even if she didn't go around professing her love for him every chance she got. He'd have to be a complete idiot if he didn't know, and that title was already reserved for the biggest idiots of them all- Natsu Dragneel. Gray felt kinda bad for Lucy.

"Oi, Juvia! You can sit down, you know." He called out, her hands showing as she held onto the pillar.

She peeked her head from behind the pillar, her eyes wide and cheeks flushed a dark red. Slowly, her eyes brightened and a wide smile formed on her lips, nodding enthusiastically. "O-okay, Gray-sama!"

Juvia had been instantly beside him. She glanced his way, and as soon as his deep blue eyes caught hers, she looked away.

"Juvia wants to ask Gray-sama something." She suddenly stated and Gray raised an eyebrow. "Alright… What is it?"

Her face immediately flushed, and she looked down at the table instead of at him. "What is Gray-sama doing for Valentine's day?!"

He stared at her for a few seconds, not saying anything, before he sighed and answered, "Nothing." He turned to stare out of one of the guild's windows. "I have no interest in such a holiday."

He really didn't. He thought Valentine's day was a stupid excuse of a holiday. What was so important or special about it? Who came up with it? Someone who needed to get people to buy chocolates on some random day.

Juvia's eyes widened and she then asked, "W-would it be okay if Juvia gave Gray-sama something on that day?"

Gray looked back at her, eyes softening as he shook his head. "You don't have to give me anything, Juvia."

He started to stand up, wanting to go out for some fresh air, but stopped when Juvia called out, "But Juvia wants to give Gray-sama something! Juvia wants to tell Gray-sama-"

Turning back around to her, Gray afforded her with a small smile. "Please don't waist your time on me, Juvia. I don't deserve it."

Juvia blinked up at him, utterly confused and broken, and Gray frowned, turning around and resuming his walk towards the guild doors.

He stepped out into the crisp evening air, closing his eyes as the evening breeze blew past him. He definitely was a jerk. He had hurt Juvia once again. But he had done it to keep her away from him. Because if she got too close to him, if he opened his heart to her, then she'd definitely get hurt, some way or another. And he didn't want that.

Rubbing the back of his neck, Gray walked away from the guild. He walked through the streets of Magnolia absentmindedly, without knowing where exactly he had planned to go. To his apartment? Yeah… Maybe that would be a good idea. That way, maybe he could get her off his mind for just a while.

As he walked by himself, he noticed couples walking past him, laughing and holding hands. Looking away, he sighed. What was it like? To have someone you love… He groaned. He was getting weird thoughts again.

He stopped when he realized he had reached Market Street. There were plenty of people, all passing past him as they hurried onto the next stand. Most were women who were buying chocolates, or the ingredients they would need to make their special someone some kind of chocolate treat. Gray sighed. Of course a place like this would be full of people, Valentine's day was just a couple of days away.

Walking down the street, Gray's eyes drifted lazily across each shop's display on the table posted outside. There were other men stopping at similar shops, eyeing the jewelry. He picked up a thin silver bracelet and turned it between his fingers. However, he placed it back down as soon as a silver necklace with a small, simple clear teardrop crystal caught his eye. His fingers gravitated toward it.

Gray held up the necklace, dangling it from his fingers. He watched the clear teardrop crystal swing before his eyes in a hypnotic momentum. It reminded him of her. This necklace, it would definitely suit Juvia.

He studied the necklace one last time before looking away and placing it back from where he had picked it up. There was no way he was going to buy that necklace for her. He would just get her hopes up and she would think that he had finally reciprocated her feelings. He just couldn't do that to her. Not when his feelings for her were still so… complicated.

Just as he had placed the necklace back down, the women that run the shop walked up to him, a small smile on her lips as she regarded him. "Would you like to buy this for your special girl, sir?"

Gray blinked at her. He had actually considered it. A part of him wanted to buy it for Juvia. Shaking his head, he muttered, "No, I don't have anyone like that."

The woman frowned and he turned around, leaving the shop and continuing on to next. He rapped his knuckles against his temple as he walked around the next shop, staring blankly at the displays. He really didn't understand why he had thought of her. Why he suddenly couldn't stop thinking about her. This, however, was nothing new. It sometimes happened. Times in which he felt something for her, something that hadn't been there before. A feeling he had never felt for anyone else. He knew it wasn't love, but… He just couldn't give it a name.

He sighed and stuffed his hands on his pants' front pockets. That's when he saw a head of familiar blonde hair. She was at the next shop, buying ingredients for some kind of recipe, checking off what she had from a list. Gray chuckled as he watched another familiar girl. The short, blue haired girl was running up to the blonde, exclaiming, "I found it, Lu-chan!"

It hadn't taken long for them to notice him. He had just started making his way up to them, when Lucy's brown eyes looked up and caught his. She grinned and waved at him as she yelled, "Hey Gray!"

Levy also turned towards him, waving and then turning back around to ask the owner of the shop for the ingredients to make dark chocolate.

"I'm guessing you and that fire breathing bastard just got back from your job?" He looked down at Lucy and she nodded. Staring at the bag she held onto, Gray asked, "What're you girls doing?" Lucy blushed, looking down as she held tightly onto the brown paper bag.

Grinning from ear to ear, Levy walked up to them holding a bag of her own. She looked up at Gray and answered, "We're going to make chocolates for Valentine's day! We want to surprise the guys we like!"

Lucy glared down at her book loving friend and Levy giggled sheepishly.

Raising an eyebrow at her, Gray watched as Lucy looked to the side and muttered, "You better not mention this to anyone." She looked up at him then, her cheeks a bright red, and he gave her a knowingly smile. "And less to Natsu."

Chuckling, Gray shook his head and then, finally, nodded. "My lips are sealed."

"Are you looking for something to buy for Juvia?" Levy suddenly questioned and Gray's eyes widened. Lucy stared down at Levy, glancing up at Gray before she cleared her throat and gave Levy a pointed look.

Seeming to finally understand the inappropriateness of her question, Levy's eyes widened. "Sorry!" She exclaimed almost immediately. She smiled apologetically and then looked down in what appeared to be shame. "That's none of my business."

Gray looked away and sighed. "Don't sweat it, Levy. It' alright." He looked down at his boots as he muttered, "I'm just on my way to my apartment."

Lucy nodded. "Okay! We'll see you tomorrow at the guild?"

He nodded and Lucy smiled. She pulled Levy with her, waving as she took off to another shop.

Sighing, Gray turned away from the shops and went off towards the path that led to his apartment.

Once he got there, he plopped down on his bed, his arms crossed behind his head as he stared at the ceiling. Closing his eyes, he began to picture Ur and Ultear, two women that had given their lives in order to save his. He had caused Ur's death. It had been because of his stupidity, because of his rage, because of his urge for revenge, that Ur- his dear mentor- had died. She died protecting him and Lyon. It was something he would always regret. And his daughter… She had also died, saving him.

He knew Ultear had done it to save everyone, but he still felt guilty.

He had died. It was weird, but he could still see and feel it happening. It was all so quick. In a way, it felt like a nightmare. Sometimes he would wake up in the middle of the night, breathing hard, thinking about it, seeing it happen all over again. But in his dreams, he wasn't quick enough, and it was Juvia instead of him that would get blasted by the hatched eggs of the dragons. He'd wake up shaking, his hands bawling up with frustration and dread. He knew then, that he couldn't lose Juvia. He just couldn't. It had hurt too much seeing her die before him in his dreams. He felt useless and powerless. He had to protect her. And that's exactly why he closed himself to her.

If it came to it, he was certain Juvia would too give up her life to save his. And that was something he would not allow.

Standing up, he walked over to his dresser, unconsciously undoing his shirt as he made his way to it. He then opened the first drawer, moving a few shirt out of the way until he found what he'd been looking for. He took out the grey scarf and smiled at it. Juvia had gifted it to him, for their 413th day anniversary. He had been an ass to her that day, when he had refused to take her gift and then commented on how meaningless a date like that was. He had hurt her, but he had been hurting that day, it being Ur's death anniversary, and being his selfish self, he hadn't thought about her feelings, just his.

But he'd realized in the end what he had done and he had gone back to dig it from the snow, where Juvia had left it. He had stared thoughtfully at it- as he was now- and then he had put it on. He would never admit it to anyone, but it became one of his most precious belongings. He treasured it. It was warm. It was special.

Smiling down at it, Gray remembered Erza mentioning that Juvia had spent an entire day knitting that scarf for him. She expected him to treasure it, and he would.

Closing his drawer, Gray sighed and closed his eyes. He had let her down more than once, hurting her when he tried to shut himself from her. But somehow, she always managed to make him open up to her. Even when he tried hard not to. That's what scared him about her. That she'd continue finding ways to his heart.

Looking out his window, Gray frowned as he stared at the clouded sky. If he continued to shut her out, wouldn't she just find someone that truly treasured her? His hands curled up into fists by his sides. Why did he care so much if he didn't love her? He didn't know. But it bothered him picturing Juvia with someone else. He didn't want that… because she belonged beside him. He knew that much. He was incredibly selfish, though. Because he didn't love her, yet he didn't want anyone else to have her.

Rubbing the back of his neck, he let out a sigh. Maybe he should start listening to Erza. Maybe he should just let go and see where it goes with Juvia. Maybe giving her a chance would be good for the both of them.

Juvia was the only one that could melt the ice around his heart. He was certain of that. Because, slowly, she had been getting through his walls, and he didn't think he'd be able to stop her from getting closer to him much longer. She was special to him, he'll admit that much. A little intense with her feelings, but still a very special girl. He just wasn't ready to admit that to anyone, and less to her.

Not just yet.


Gray arrived at the guild a little earlier than usual the next day. Mira and Lisanna had ran passed him at the entrance, both of them carrying huge paper bags that Gray could only assume were filled with the ingredients necessary for all the chocolate treats they'd be preparing for tomorrow's Valentine's day party. And also for the girls that would be baking some chocolate treat for their loved ones.

Shaking his head, Gray grinned as he watched the two of them run into the kitchen, Kinana sweat dropping from behind the bar counter as Mira ordered Elfman to help her carry the rest of the bags.

Sitting at an empty table on the middle of the guild, Gray watched people walk in and out of the guild, debating whether or not to walk over to the request board. Kinana then walked up to him and he ordered a glass of water, with extra ice. Kinana giggled, stating that she'd be right back with that.

It was well after Kinana had placed his glass of water on the table, that Erza joined him.

"You seem a little out of it." She noted, watching him stare down at the table with a hard look.

"Just got a lot of things on my mind." He muttered and she smiled.

"Could it be about Juv-"

Before she could finish that though, Mira came to their table and said, "Here's the strawberry cake you ordered, Erza!"

Erza's eyes brightened, not at all bothered by Mira's interruption. "Thank you."

Mira giggled, and then turned to Gray, asking if he wanted anything else. He ordered a lemonade and she winked at him, saying that she'd be right back. He doubted that, watching as she disappeared behind the doors leading to the guild's kitchen, where girls were running in and out of, preparing their chocolates for tomorrow.

Gray sighed, glad Erza was distracted with her cake. He didn't need her meddling in his life. And less when it dealt with Juvia. Erza had apparently taken it to herself to become his and Juvia's own personal matchmaker. And he did not need another Mira. Fairy Tail had enough with just one matchmaker.

He was enjoying the comfortable silence that settled on their table, when he noticed a pink haired, loud mouthed, fire dragon slayer making his way towards their table. Gray slumped in his seat, not really wanting to deal with that idiot. Though, getting in a fight with him would be a really good distraction. He glanced in Erza's direction and shook that thought away.

But by the look on the pink haired idiot's face, Gray realized he wasn't coming to argue with him. He actually looked pretty out of it. Like there was something that was really bothering the dense dragon slayer.

Natsu took the seat next to Erza's, sighing as soon as he joined them.

Gray raised an eyebrow at him, asking, "What's with you, fire breath?"

He crossed his arms over the table, mumbling, "I don't get what the big deal is about tomorrow. Isn't it just another day?"

Gray sighed, raising his glass of water to his lips and taking a few swigs. It wasn't a big deal really, well at least not to him. Apparently it was for Juvia. "Not to everyone." He muttered. His eyes then caught a glimpse of blue locks. Juvia was walking passed the double doors leading to the kitchen, Mira giggling beside her and whispering something to her ear, making the water mage blush.

"It's a cliche holiday, just to make us all go out to spend our jewels on chocolates." Erza's calm voice made Gray look away from Juvia, raising an eyebrow at the Titania as she nodded at her own words and forked another chunk of her favorite flavored cake.

Natsu watched her with a pensive look, mumbling, "Why do we have to buy chocolates?"

Gray almost wanted to roll his eyes at the idiot's stupidity. But he only sighed, deciding to answer his stupid question. He'd be doing Lucy a huge favor, after all. She'd waited for this dense idiot to realize his feelings long enough. But before he could even utter a word, Mira stopped at their table, having just placed the lemonade he had ordered in front of him.

She stared at Natsu wide eyed as she exclaimed, "How can you not know why chocolates are important on Valentine's day?!"

Natsu shrugged, and Gray finally rolled his eyes. How Lucy had fallen for this hard headed idiot was still a mystery to them all.

Mira took hold of Natsu's arm then, pulling him away from the table as she stated, "I'll tell you all about it! I'm sure a certain someone is going to thank me later!"

The dragon slayer raised an eyebrow and asked, "Who?"

Gray just shook his head. Dense, very dense.

Mira giggled, dragging him towards the bar counter and winking back at Natsu over her shoulder, "It's a secret."

Gray almost snorted. It really wasn't. Everyone knew except the dragon slayer himself. If he wasn't such an idiot they'd be together by now. It was long overdue and his blonde friend deserved to be happy.

Sighing yet again as he watched the confused look on his rival's face, Gray shook his head and murmured, "Idiot."

Erza then dropped the fork she'd been using on her now empty plate, taking a napkin to clean the corners of her mouth. She then gave Gray a hard look, making him sit straight in his seat as a shiver ran down his back.

"Are you going to do something with Juvia?" She suddenly questioned, and Gray raised an eyebrow at her.

He looked down and shook his head. When he glanced back at the scarlet haired woman, he realized she wasn't at all satisfied with his answer, so instead he countered with, "How 'bout you?" Erza raised an eyebrow, somewhat confused by his question and Gray smirked, "Aren't you doing something with Jellal?"

Her cheeks turned a deep red at the mentioning of her childhood friend's name and she shook her head. "O-of c-course not!" She stuttered, her cheeks turning the same shade of her hair. "I don't even know where he's at!" She looked down then, frowning as she stared at her empty plate. Her eyes lowered to the ground and she whispered, "He could be anywhere."

Gray could see the hurt in his friend's eyes, and he immediately regretted asking her.

But before he could apologize, she abruptly stood up and stated, "I'm going to make some cookies for myself!" And with that she went off to the kitchen, where all the girls were at.

He chuckled as he watched her walk away, hoping Mira was supervising the kitchen while the Titania was in there.

Staring at the melting ice in his glass, Gray sighed. He was finally alone. Sometimes, he like it best this way. Shutting himself off, it was just a part of who he was.

"Gray-sama!" He reluctantly turned at the sound of that high pitched voice. A smiling Juvia greeted him as soon as he turned in his seat. She was holding a chocolate cake to him, putting it so close to his face he had to move his head back. "Juvia worked really hard on this cake and she'd like for Gray-sama to try it! Juvia really wants to know if it's good enough!"

Gray rubbed the back of his neck as he eyed the heart shaped cake and then looked to the side, "I already told you-"

"This isn't for Gray-sama!" She exclaimed before he could finish speaking. He raised an eyebrow, not believing her at all. "It's for Fairy Tail's party!"

He eyed the blushing mage, still not believing her but he sighed and nodded. He really couldn't say no to her when she looked at him with those bright blue eyes of hers.

Juvia smiled brightly at him, placing the cake down at the table and handing Gray a fork. She then sat down in front of him, her hands cupping her cheeks as she stared at him with bright cheeks.

Gray watched her, his heart suddenly beating a little louder than it had before. He blinked, shaking his thoughts away, when he noticed her motioning for him to eat, "Please go right ahead, Gray-sama."

He nodded, taking the fork as he mumbled, "Thank you for the food."

Juvia's cheeks turned a bright red as Gray finally tried a piece of her cake, her heart thumping madly in her chest as he chewed on a piece of cake. His eyes widened, and Juvia's heart stopped, not knowing if that was a good sign or a bad one. But then his arms wrapped around his stomach and he curled forward, his bangs covering his eyes as he made a sound that made Juvia's hands tremble, "Guh-"

Was he disgusted by it?! Had it not cooked right?! Juvia's eyes were wide with worry.

"Gray-sama?! Is Gray-sama okay?!"

His body started trembling and Juvia bit her bottom lip, a knot forming in her throat. "Juvia." He suddenly spoke and she blinked at him, fearing that she had infact, made her precious Gray-sama sick. He then looked up at her with a wide grin, one that made her heart quicken, he didn't smile at her like that very often. Chuckling he said, "Just kidding."

Juvia's eyes widened, her tense shoulders slumping and her mouth almost falling open with disbelief. "Gray-sama… was just kidding?"

He nodded, his grin only widening. "Sorry Juvia. I just thought it'd be fun messing with you a little." Juvia blinked up at him and he rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "It's actually delicious. Best chocolate cake I've had in long time."

Juvia's lips curled up into a smile as she watched him. Her precious Gray-sama was showing her a new side of him. She was happy, too happy. Maybe some other girl would have been mad at his actions, but not Juvia. "Juvia's glad!"

Gray's eyes widened and a small smile slowly took form on his lips. This girl was sometimes too good to him. She was a little too perfect. And it dawned on him then that he really didn't deserve her. He looked down at the table, frowning as he stared at the cake she had baked for him. He should let her find someone that would treasure her. He should let her be happy. He needed to stop being selfish.

Taking another bite from her chocolate cake, he realized how bittersweet it was. Not literally. More like he was describing his own feelings. He was happy, happy that she had taken the time to share this sweet cake with him. But he was also miserable. He was a broken boy that wasn't at all ready to open his heart to this special girl.

"Gray-sama?" He looked up at the sound of her voice, chewing onto another piece of cake. Juvia looked down, her hands crossed over the table and her cheeks a dark red. "Juvia really loves Gray-sama."

His eyes widened as soon as she confessed to him. It wasn't the first time. No, this was probably the 100th time she's ever professed her love for him. But this time, it had affected him more than it had ever before. His heart thumped faster and his hands became sweaty.

He dropped the fork he had been holding on the table, averting his gaze from hers. He couldn't say it back. He couldn't reciprocate her feelings. Not yet… And suddenly, it pained him. It pained him not being able to say it back. Because, he suddenly really wanted to. He really wanted to fall in love with her. And that realization was freaking him out.

"I'm sorry, Juvia…" He suddenly whispered, still not able to face her. Was she crying? Had he hurt her once again? Was he causing her pain? His hand curled into fists under the table, really hating himself for not being able to make her happy.

Juvia's eyes widened at his words. She frowned as she watched him struggle to look at her. She didn't want him to feel uncomfortable. That hadn't been her intention. She knew he didn't feel the same way. And she was okay with it. She smiled fondly at him, her smile full of love and adoration.

"It's okay, Gray-sama." He then finally looked up at her, a faint blush covering his cheeks as her eyes caught his. They were bright, almost shining with determination. "Rejection is only the beginning! Just like a greeting!"

Gray's eyes widened as he stared at her, yet again surprised by her words. How the hell had he gotten so lucky? He'd never know. He looked down and grinned as she stated, "Juvia will wait for Gray-sama, however long it may be."

Her eyes were sharp as they caught his once again. Gray's grin only widened and he shook his head. She really was special.

He could only hope he wouldn't leave her waiting too long.


Gray stared at the darkening sky. Today was Valentine's day. He had been debating all day whether or not to go to the guild's party. In the end, he dragged himself out of bed. A special blue haired girl being his only reason for wanting to go. He didn't want to disappoint her once again. She had probably worked really hard on his chocolate treat and he wasn't going to let it go to waste.

It was windy outside, and Gray walked back into his apartment, taking a jacket and then glanced at the first drawer of his dresser. He grinned and took the grey scarf. The cold didn't really affect him, but he really wanted to see her smile. And he knew she would when she saw him wearing that scarf. He didn't mind looking like the dense idiot dragon slayer for a day if it got him a smile out of her.

Just as he was making his way towards the large doors that served as the guild's entrance, Gray noticed another figure also making her way there. She was holding onto a pink bag, her cheeks a bright red color as she continued on her way, still not noticing him.

"Oi, Juvia!" He suddenly called before he could stop himself. She looked up immediately at the sound of his voice. She smiled brightly when her blue eyes caught his darker ones.

"Happy Valentine's day, Gray-sama!" She said as she made her way towards him. He chuckled and nodded, not saying it back but she didn't really mind.

Her eyes then fell on the scarf that was wrapped around his neck. Her eyes widened as soon as she realized it was the scarf she had knitted for him. "Gray-sama's wearing it!"

He grinned and then scratched the back of his head, all of the sudden feeling a little bashful. "Yeah. It's kinda cold tonight." Lame excuse. He had just wanted to wear it to make her happy. But he'd never admit that to her.

She raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile making it's way on her lips. "But Gray-sama is never cold."

He shrugged, and then pointed at the bag she held onto, trying to change the topic as he asked, "What's that?"

She flushed and looked down at it as she whispered, "For Gray-sama."

Closing her eyes, she extended the bag towards him, awaiting for him to take it or reject her once again. He sighed and she bit her lip, fearing the worst. "I told you, Juvia, you didn't have to get me anything." He looked away as soon as she opened her eyes.

"But Juvia wanted to!" Gray glanced back at her again, eyes wide. She smiled at him. "Juvia only wants Gray-sama to know that Juvia will always be here for Gray-sama, no matter what. So please, Gray-sama, don't close your heart to Juvia."

He stared at her wide eyed, his cheeks flushing a light pink color and his heart beating madly. How did she always say the right thing at the right time? How could she possibly understand him better than anyone else had before? How did she always know what he was thinking? What he was going through?

Gray couldn't stop himself from doing what he did next. He didn't care anymore. He needed her warmth. He needed her beside him. He wanted her beside him. Always.

He hugged her to him, his arms wrapping tightly around her. Juvia's eyes widened and she whispered, "Gray-sama?"

His arms tightened around her, not wanting to let her go anytime soon. "Just a minute, can we stay like this, please?" He whispered. Her eyes widened more, if possible, and she nodded.

Wrapping her arms around his back, Juvia held him closer to her, her tears blinding her. This all felt like a dream to her and she didn't want to wake up.

Closing her eyes, the tears finally ran down her cheeks. She buried her face into his chest then, a wide smile never leaving her lips. She suddenly felt very warm and safe. Could she finally get her hopes up? She didn't know. So instead of worrying about it, she only enjoyed the moment. But when she heard and felt his loud and fast heartbeats, she realized that maybe, just maybe, she could get her hopes up.

After a long while of standing in that position, just enjoying each others warmth, Gray stepped back. Juvia looked up at him as soon as his warm hands left her back. He smiled lovingly at her and her cheeks burned red, her heart beating wildly in her chest.

He then cupped her cheek, his thumb rubbing away the tears that had fallen down her cheeks. "You're very persistent, you know that?"

Juvia's eyes widened, and she averted her gaze from his. He startled her when he took her chin in his fingers and gently tilted it up, drawing her eyes to his face. She couldn't stop herself from staring at his handsome face, her cheeks burning a darker shade of red, one that resembled Erza's scarlet hair.

"You're also very cute." He then whispered into her ear and her eyes widened more, if possible. Before she could even utter a word, she felt his soft lips press a kiss on her forehead. She felt like she was about to faint. And she probably would have, if he hadn't wrapped an arm around the small of her back, and whispered into her ear, "Thank you, Juvia."

Her loved had catched him, and now, he was finally letting go. She brought out the best in him. And though he still carried many ghosts, Juvia was beside him, helping him overcome them.

Gray had showed Juvia the clear, blue sky, taking the rain away. He had been her light. And now, she was his.

She was slowly melting the ice around his heart.

And he wasn't going to stop her.

Maybe his story would have a happy ending after all.


Author's Note: Like, hate it, love it? Please leave a review and let me know what you thought about it!

I know Valentine's day was months ago but I started this chapter back in February and barely had the chance to get back to it and finish it! Hopefully you all enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it! I've suddenly become a huge Gruvia shipper and I really wanted to write something about them. And then this idea popped up. This story is actually intertwined with my NaLu one shot called Red Velvet and White Chocolate that I published back in February lol. If you ship NaLu than please go check it out!

There will be a second chapter for this story! It will be for White Day and I will have it up by Friday. ;)

Thanks for reading!

~ Blue ~