Hello, everybody. This is my first time writing Fairy Tail fanfic, so go easy on me. I'll let you know that I've only watched the English dub and haven't read all of the Manga, I've stopped in the Avatar arc. Therefore, there won't be any mention of the suffixes -sama, -chan or anything else there is on the original and Juvia won't be talking in third person. Hope you can bear with that.

This is a Gruvia Fanfic, since they're my OTP, but I will try my best to include all the other main couples and characters. You can also expect a lot of GrayXErza and GajeelXJuvia friendship. If there's a couple you wish to see more, feel free to tell me and I'll try to include them. Although I've written 4 chapters already, I'm always willing to take your suggestions. Don't be shy, you guys, this story's for me, but it's also for you.

Now, as for the plot, I'll be giving you clues regarding the major plot twists I have planned and I would love if you shared all your theories. I'll warn you that this story will be crazy and maybe too complicated, so don't hesitate to ask if you don't understand things.

This story will begin at the Grand Magic Games, but there will be some differences. I'll warn you in advance that this is turning out to be extremely cliché and the characters might be a bit OOC, specially Gray. I'm a hopeless romantic, so you can expect a lot of romance here.

Updates should come weekly, so I have time to write the chapters. So far they have been reaching 5000 words, so that should be their usual length. Tell me if you think that's too long, so maybe I'll try to divide them. Don't forget, the more you review, the more stimulated I'll be to writing the next chapter.

One last thing, I like to give shoutouts to my readers because it's a way of thanking you for reading this craziness. Would you prefer if I did them in the chapters or sent you private messages?

I won't say I'm in love-Hercules

You keep on denying

Who you are and how you're feeling

Baby, we're not buying

No chance, now way

I won't say it, no, no

Give up, give in

Check the grin you're in love

This scene won't play,

I won't say I'm in love

Good luck! Hope you enjoy this first chapter!

It was the second night of the X791 Grand Magic Games and everyone was talking about the events of that day. Whether it was Mirajane and Jenny's sexy battle or Kagura and Yukino's surprising one, everyone was excited for what was to come next. However, the participants of the game itself didn't feel the same way as they dreaded the challenges they might have to face and the people that might get hurt in what had turned out to a much harder competition than they had expected.

In the Fairy Tail Guild, the members celebrated their victories that day, although some of them could only think of their losses the day before. Lucy and Gray, who had lost their battles in humiliating and unfair ways, were in no mood for celebrating that night and that was shown clearly as they declined Natsu's suggestions of having a drinking contest and Gray even avoided fighting with the dragon slayer. Their friends didn't mention anything for they knew it was best to leave the two members with their thoughts.

Even Juvia, who would usually be all over Gray, congratulating him even if he didn't accomplish anything, was giving him space. The ice mage was thankful for that, he didn't want to deal with her over affectionate ways that night, but part of him actually missed it. After al, Gray had gotten used to her always being around after so long and it was strange not to have her by his side. He was unaware that the real reason behind her distance was the meaning of that day, July 2nd. If he did, he might have seeked her, knowing she needed him that night. However, Juvia was currently outside the inn, talking with none other than Gajeel Redfox.

Gajeel was Juvia's oldest friend and the only person who knew what that date meant to her. Although Juvia was closer to many amongst the guild and had built a strong friendship with Cana, Lisanna, Lucy and Erza, she wasn't ready to discuss the nightmares that would sometimes haunt her and the horrors of her past. She avoided talking about it for she didn't want anyone looking at her differently if they knew just how broken she really was.

Gajeel was the only one who knew and not because she had told him, he had known from the very start. He could read her better than anyone and that was why they were best friends. Despite their strange dinamic and way of showing each other they cared, their friendship was stronger than any.

"So, how are you doing?" The iron dragon slayer awkwardly asked and Juvia smiled.

"I'm okay. Its been so long that it doesn't hurt as much as it used to."She replied and Gajeel nodded before he approached her until they were both leaning on the balcony. She knew that he was no good at comforting people and he hated crying women, so she tried her best to hold the tears that threatened to fall.

"Have you talked to stripper since, you know..."He trailed off and she knew that he was referring to their fight the previous day and the water mage sighed. She had been avoiding Gray since the fight, knowing he was probably mad at her for distracting him and needed some space. Besides, the last thing she wanted that day was to deal with his indifference, it would only make it hurt more.

"No, I'm trying to give him some space."She told her best friend and he had nothing to say about that, so silence reigned over them. Although she was glad for his company, both knew that he wasn't her first choice. Gajeel had long since accepted that Juvia's world now revolved around Gray and he was the one she wished by her side. He wasn't jealous because he knew that they would always remain best friends, no matter what lovers may come.

"I really don't know what you see in him."Gajeel finally spoke up after a few minutes of silence and she raised her eyebrows at him. She knew exactly how Gajeel felt towards Gray, but the iron dragon slayer usually avoided talking about it, knowing her undesire to do so."I mean, he doesn't seem to care much about you, even after everything you did. He didn't even apologize for being a jerk yesterday. So why do you care?"

"Because I love him."Juvia replied firmly, a sign she wished no further discussion. The subject of Gray and her relationship with him was a sensitive one and Gajeel knew better than to bring it up. However, he was tired of watching his friend suffer with this one-sided love, she had enough heartbreak to last a lifetime.

"Just think you could do better."The iron dragon slayer surprised himself with his words as he was not one to ever discuss romantic matters, but this was important. After all, Juvia was his oldest friend, so if he was ever going to talk about love, she would be the only person he might go to. There was someone else too, but he tried to push the thought of another blue haired woman from his mind.

"You just don't understand because you've never been in love."Juvia's words brought him back to reality and Gajeel sighed, now he wouldn't be able to escape feelings talk."When you love someone the way I love him, nothing else matters. Even if he doesn't return my feelings, at least he doesn't completely push me away. As long as I'm allowed to be by his side, I'm content." He could understand that, a bit. When it came to a certain blue haired woman, Gajeel felt like being by her side was enough to make him happier than he had been in years. Of course, he would never admit that. He wasn't that kind of guy.

"Whatever you say."The iron dragon slayer shrugged and they were silent once again. Juvia touched the heart raindrop shaped necklace she always carried with her and Gajeel knew she was thinking about the person who had given it to her. Her mother, a remarkable and special woman, from what Juvia had told him. Although even she didn't know much about the woman who had birthed her, she hadn't been around for long in Juvia's life.

Soon her thoughts changed to Gray, as they usually did, and her face paled. Their relationship was a complicated one, that's for sure. And yet, she never gave up, never would. And Gajeel knew it was about more than just love.

"I'm so scared."She admitted after a few minutes and he looked at her, surprised. She never spoke about the main reason why she kept going after the ice mage, always afraid that someone else might overhear and start asking questions she didn't wish to answer. It was a common knowledge between them, but she had never said it out loud. "Scared that he'll leave one day and everything will be back to what it was." Rain started to fall, slowly soaking them, but they didn't move. Gajeel knew that the rain couldn't be avoided on that day, July 2nd. Not when Juvia was hurting because of the loss of someone loved. Someone she barely knew, but loved anyway. Someone whose presence she felt in the rain, someone who had become the rain itself.

"I doubt that would happen, you're stronger now and you've got others who care."Gajeel tried to assure her, to no use.

"He's the reason everything's better and you know it. It's because of him that the rain went away and the nightmares..."She paused and he waited for her to continue, knowing better than to interrupt her when she was finally saying it. "I've barely had them since I met him and he became my entire world. Being able to focus on him has given my life a new meaning and I'm so terrified that if he ever leaves, they will come back to haunt me."

By then she was crying, her tears barely noticeable because of the rain. The thought of her life going back to the time when she would have constant nightmares about death and pain, when the rain would fall even harder due to the depression that the memories brought her and she would avoid everyone and anyone, not wanting them to see her at her weakest. One of her biggest fears.

"If he leaves, then I will drag him down and kick his ass for being such a blind jerk. He doesn't deserve you, Juvia." She only cried harder at his words and he started freaking out. He so didn't know how to deal with women. After sighing deeply, he wrapped his arms around her. "You should really talk to him."He tried to end the conversation and she noticed it. Despite how sad and broken she was, she pulled herself together and stepped away from him. The rain was getting stronger and the last thing Juvia wanted was for their friends to suspect it was her doing. So she attempted to calm herself down and soon it diminished.

"I can't. You know I can't. And besides, he doesn't deserve to be burdened with my problems." The iron dragon slayer had to hold himself from screaming at her for being such an idiot.

"I won't argue with you, rain woman. Not in the mood for being drowned tonight. "He said and she laughed softly before wrapping her arms around him for a tight hug. She kissed him in the cheek and he frowned at her.

"I'll go back to the party now."She said after taking a deep breath and she left, leaving a stunned dragon slayer behind. Gajeel shook his head while he watched her walk.

"This woman will be the death of me one day."He muttered before he followed her back to the party.

"Where is the beautiful Juvia?"Gray groaned for the millionth time that night. It seemed like luck wasn't on his side, just because Juvia had given him some space, freaking Lyon just had to show up and start bothering him. Gray had already escaped to the corner of the room, hidden behind Laxus's huge body as the blonde man sat on the table in front of him.

Lyon didn't take the hint that he didn't want to talk to anyone and went straight towards Gray's table after he quickly greeted the other members of Fairy Tail. Gray wondered what the older ice mage was even doing there instead of staying at Lamia's Scale place, but he was sure it was just his rotten luck.

"I already told you, I don't know!"He yelled in frustration and Lyon was taken aback.

"Easy there Gray, it was just a question."The older man put his hands up in surrender and Gray was even more annoyed.

"Why are you still here? Can't you see that I'm busy?"Gray told him and Lyon raised his eyebrows, it was clear that Gray wasn't busy at all.

"Busy, hm? Seems to me like you're avoiding everyone. Is this because of what happened yesterday?"Gray remained silent, undesiring to talk about it. He expected Lyon to push the subject, but suddenly the silver haired man smiled brightly and looked over Gray's shoulder. "Juvia, there you are!"He excitedly yelled and Gray groaned before laying his head on the table. Why couldn't he ever have some peace?

"Oh, hello, Lyon." Juvia greeted, her voice hoarse. Gray could hear footsteps signaling that she was walking towards their table. Great! There was no way he would be able to get away from there in time.

"Are you alright?"He heard Lyon concernedly ask her.

"I'm perfectly fine, just a bit tired."Juvia replied and Gray missed the smile on her face, a fake one as he would have easily recognized.

"Good! This night is so beautiful and lively. Would you like to take a walk?"Lyon asked her and Gray felt anger boil inside him. How dare he invite Juvia for a walk when she clearly wasn't interested in doing anything with Lyon. He didn't even know why he cared so much about what these two did or didn't do together, but he knew that he wasn't jealous. He had no reason to be. He didn't know why he felt his stomach drop when Juvia accepted Lyon's request.

"That sounds lovely."Another smile, this time a real one. Juvia wouldn't have accepted it, but she knew that there was no use in moping around. Lyon was good company, despite her not being interested in him, and taking a walk seemed like a good way of distracting her mind from the memories that threatened to resurface.

"Wonderful. Shall we go then? I would love to show you to the palace gardens, we managed to get permission to be there thanks to Jura and his connections."Lyon was talking excitedly and Gray wanted to punch him more than anything.

"Oh, I've been wanting to see them, I've heard that they are truly breathtaking."Juvia replied and she moved to take Lyon's arms when she noticed that Gray was lying against the table. "Gray? Are you alright?"He lifted his head to look at her.

"I'm fine."She raised her eyebrows at him and he knew that she could see right through his act. They always knew when the other was lying, after all.

"Are you sure? You look..."She trailed off and another voice butted in.

"Like crap. Perhaps you should go back to the inn, stripper, before you pass out."It was Gajeel, who Gray hadn't even notice was there. He had been quietly watching the exchange and jumped at the opportunity to jab at Gray.

"Maybe you should go back to your inn before I kick your ass."Gray snapped, fed up. Gajeel glared at him and looked as if he would punch Gray in the face.

"That's enough."Juvia said firmly and the iron dragon slayer glared once again at the ice mage before walking away, mumbling something about 'finding the shrimp'. Gray was thankful for Juvia's intervention, not really in the mood to get his ass kicked as he unfortunately knew would happen if he picked a fight with Gajeel.

"So childish."Lyon rolled his eyes and looked bemused."Shall we get going then, beautiful?"He extended a hand towards Juvia and offered her a charming smile.

"Like hell she's going anywhere with you!"Gray yelled as Juvia extended her hands to take Lyon's. She stared at him in confusion and he suddenly felt self conscious.

"Is something wrong?"She questioned rather harshly, not in the mood for dealing with Gray's strange attitude when Lyon wanted her company. She knew he wasn't jealous, so why did he have to act like she couldn't do anything with the white haired man? It bothered her.

"No, I just...hmm..."Gray stumbled upon his words as he tried to come up with a good excuse. Lyon sighed deeply before he retracted his hand.

"That's it! I've had enough of your attitude, Gray." Gray would have expected him to yell some more, but instead the silver haired man grabbed his arm and started dragging him towards the stairs.

"Hey, what the hell are you doing?" He protested, barely aware that they were causing a scene and everyone was staring at them. Lucy and Natsu cast him sympathetic smiles while Cana laughed like this was the funniest joke ever.

"It's about time we get some clear cut answers." Lyon said once they had climbed down the stairs that led outside of the bar. He finally let Gray go as they reached a fountain that was close to it. While the younger ice mage massaged his arm, Juvia showed up from behind them and closed the door to the bar softly. Gray eyed her warily and he quickly took notice of the sadness hidden behind her tiredness. He wondered why she appeared so down and as he thought about it, she had been that way the entire day. Was it because of what happened the day before?

He also took notice of how her hands picked at the silver necklace she always wore. He knew that there were two pictures inside it, he had once seen her open the necklace and managed to take a peek at the couple on the right one. He was sure it were her parents, judging by the blue hair of the woman and azure, huge eyes of the man with brown hair.

Gray didn't know much about them, since Juvia never talked about it and he never asked, understanding her undesire to discuss her past. He couldn't deny that he was intrigued, though, and would love to learn more about who she was before Fairy Tail. Little did they know, their childhoods hadn't been all that different and there was a connection between them that went deeper than they could have ever imagined.

Later that night...

After a long time of Gray and Lyon arguing and eventually getting into a fight, while Juvia quietly watched them, Gray found himself at the same balcony where Juvia and Gajeel had previously been. He was surprised to find a thoughtful looking Erza, with her elbows resting on the balcony while she stared into the night sky. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't even notice him coming, until he said her name.

"Hey, Erza. What are you doing here so late?"He questioned, knowing Erza would have preferred to sleep earlier since they were in the middle of the games. For her to be up so late at night, something must be troubling her.

"Hello Gray."There was a certain sadness to her tone and Gray wondered if he should ask her what was going on. As if reading his mind, she quickly added. "I'm perfectly fine, no need to worry."

"Ok."He said simply, understanding that was all he would get from her.

"So, what brings you out here all alone?"She asked after a few seconds, a knowing look in her eyes.

"After dealing with Juvia and Lyon's nonsense all night, I figured I could use some fresh air to clear my head."He answered and she raised her eyebrows.

"You think it's nonsense, huh?"She asked him and Gray avoided her eyes. He knew it wasn't nonsense, he understood exactly what was going on with Juvia and Lyon, but he didn't want to be forced to make a decision when he wasn't sure which it would be. That's why that night had resulted in no answers for the three of them.

"You must know how she feels about you, it's not like she hides it."Erza continued and Gray sighed, he so didn't want to discuss it now.

"I'm not that stupid, only Natsu would fail to see it."He replied and both laughed at the thought of their oblivious pink haired friend. Unknown to them, he wasn't as oblivious as they assumed.

"So why aren't you doing something about it? Why haven't you given her a straight answer?"Erza asked him and he shrugged.

"Don't know. I guess I haven't decided what to do yet."She gave him a gentle smile before her face turned serious.

"You should figure it out, Gray, before it's too late"She warned him and Gray stared at her, confused.

"Too late?"He asked and Erza's tone was even more firm and serious with her next words.

"Yes. If you keep avoiding your feelings, you'll end up losing her."He avoided her gaze once again and she placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "Don't avoid me, Gray. I'm just trying to help."

"Seems like you're just pressuring me like everyone else."He remarked dryly and Erza shook her head.

"No, I'm just warning you. You're not the only one who has feelings for her and from what I've seen, Juvia seems to be warming up to Lyon as well. If you don't give her a straight answer soon, she might decide that it's not worth it going after you when he's made it clear that he's interested."

Hearing it was hard, but Gray knew that she was telling the truth. The thought of Juvia doing anything with Lyon made him feel pain unlike anything he had ever experienced, but he wasn't sure if it was because he was in love with her. He had never been in love before, so he didn't have much experience with it. And the last thing he would want to do is bringing Juvia's hopes up only to let her down. But he couldn't lose her to Lyon either. So what should he do?
"How will I know?"He finally asked Erza and she looked at him in confusion, so he clarified."If I do love her, how will I know?"A smile graced Erza's face and she put both hands on his shoulders and looked at him intensely.

"Trust me, you will know."Was her simply reply and it was Gray's turn to raise his eyebrows at her. The small blush on her cheeks told him everything he needed to know and Gray smiled at the knowledge that he wasn't the only one at a crossroad.

"I guess we should both figure out our feelings before it's too late."He told her and it was Erza's turn to avoid his eyes.

"Yes. I guess we should."She said and the silence returned, this time none of them tried to break it. Later that night, when they lay awake in their beds, both wondered what they should do regarding their conflicted hearts and if there would ever be a clear cut answer.

Meanwhile, far away...

"Such a sad day." A man said as he stared at the open book flying in front of him. An image of the water mage was seen as he watcher her intently. The smile ever present on his face faded as she once again touched the necklace she had carried for so long. He knew exactly which pictures were inside it and he even knew the people in it. After all, how could he not know the strongest water mage there ever was? Well, with the exception of the one he now watched.

"The poor girl's suffering even after all these years. Don't humans understand it's no use dwelling on the past?" He said as he shook his head before standing up and walking towards the edge of the cliff where he was situated.

"Are you sure that she'll be ready, master?" A woman asked as she came up behind him. She had long black hair that matched her cold, dark eyes and contrasted with the golden horns on her head. She wore a beige kimono that made her look even paler and there was a strange symbol in her forehead.

"Why do you ask?"The man asked her, dark eyes intrigued. He ruffled his black hair as an attempt to get it away from his face.

"She doesn't seem strong enough and her alliance to Fairy Tail should make things difficult for us." The woman replied worriedly and the man laughed bitterly.

"I am not concerned at all about Fairy Tail, once the time comes, they will be eliminated easily."He told her firmly and she knew there was no use in arguing with him. After all, he was her master, her creator. She owned everything to him so all she could do was obey his orders.

"Very well then. What shall I do now?"She asked him and he didn't look at her as he replied.

"There's nothing left to do but wait. Until the time is right, we have no choice but to remain in the shadows, watching as their stories unfold." He told her simply and she sighed before sitting down and making herself comfortable.

"When will you free the others?"She inquired after a few minutes of silence and he looked at her, dark eyes suddenly turned red and threatening.

"When I decide it's time. Do not push me on this matter, Seilah!"He said her name firmly and she recoiled in fear.

"I was just wondering. I'll take my leave now, I'd like to take a closer look at the girl, if you'll allow it."He stared at her in surprise, eyes back to their black color.

"That's actually a great idea. Since I cannot approach her without revealing my presence, you should go." She nodded in agreement before casting him a small smile."Thank you, lord Zeref. I'll be back soon."Soon she disappeared and he was once again alone. His attention went back to the book that showed Juvia Lockser sitting on a table with her usual friends. Her expression was blank, as if she had no feelings or emotions, but no one seemed to notice her. "So beautiful and so powerful. I can't wait to see just how strong she really is."Zeref muttered to himself as a small smile crossed his face.

So, that's it. What did you think? Did you enjoy the Gajuvia moment and the extension of GrayXErza talk? What about GrayXJuviaXLyon scenes? I'll be exploring this love triangle a lot in the first few chapters and I'll try to come up with a good solution.

What are your thoughts about the Zeref scenes? Do you have any ideas to his connection to Juvia?

If it wasn't clear, July 2nd marks the day Juvia's mother died. There will be more about this remarkable woman in the future, she's kinda important.

Next chapter will cover the Naval Battle event, one of my fav eps of this arc. I'll give you a huge spoiler: the title will be Realization. Think we can make it to 4 reviews?

DON'T FORGET TO TELL ME HOW YOU PREFER THE SHOUTOUTS: MESSAGE OR IN THE CHAPTERS!