My separate entries for Gruvia Week 2018 as one complete story - it was hard to wait for the last day to post here! Each of the 7 prompts is covered by what I call '5 sentence wonders' - with the addition of a few extra sentences in a couple of spots to transition the story in its entirety. Please feel free to review, comment; any feedback is welcome.


'The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.' -Aristotle


Gray raced through the crowded park, weaving around people and shouting, "Juvia!"

From behind the wading pool, Juvia stood and waved, "Gray-sama, over here!"

Skidding, slowing to a sedate pace, Gray sauntered the rest of the way as if he hadn't run like a love-sick fool. His voice was hoarse as he asked, "You already set out the picnic food?"

A sunny smile wreathed Juvia's face, "Juvia knew you would keep your promise to show."

Gray smiled weakly as Juvia set another plate on the tablecloth, "Wow, so what kind of fried chicken would this be?"

"This one is Mira's special recipe!"

Gray flinched as Juvia pulled more chicken from the basket, "I appreciate your cooking, but why so much fried chicken?"

Juvia immediately looked crestfallen, "Juvia didn't know what kind Gray-sama would prefer."

"There's been a misunderstanding - it doesn't matter what kind as long as you made it."

Gray insisted Juvia relax as he packed away the leftovers - enough for two more full picnics. He sat next to Juvia, rubbed his stomach and confided, "That was excellent."

"Juvia is still embarrassed," she lowered her head and looked away, "Juvia doesn't know why she made so much chicken."

"Hey," Gray took hold of Juvia's hands and squeezed, "forget about that, think about where we go on our journey next. I promised you whatever you want and I'm gonna deliver."

"Juvia would like a special souvenir to commemorate today."

"What do you have in mind?"

Juvia smiled, her eyes shining with inspiration. "Gray-sama will find out when we get there."

Gray held hands with Juvia, swinging arms with her in a slow and gentle motion. A sudden urge to whistle came upon him and he did so - making Juvia look at him in surprise.

He patted the roll of photos resting inside his breast pocket, whistle petering out as his lips curled into an unstoppable smile, "Great idea with the photo booth."

Shyly she asked, "Which one does Gray-sama like the most?"

"All of them," Gray answered, "Any photograph with you is my favourite."

"Gray-sama chooses our next destination!"

"I hope you're ready for even more fun." Gray winked at Juvia. "It's getting late in the day, but there's still somewhere else I want to take you."

Juvia whooped with unladylike glee as Gray pushed, chains creaking as she leaned and pumped with her legs, urging more speed and height from the swing.

"Had enough yet?"

"Push harder!"

"Maybe later," Gray smirked, "Once we're alone!" He moved to stand in front of Juvia and watched her blush - an irreplaceable memory.


Juvia brushed Gray's thick hair off his forehead, biting her lips as he jerked in his sleep, breath harsh.

His eyes popped open and he struggled to sit up, "Dammit, the nightmares keep on coming."

"Juvia is sorry."

"You're not responsible you know," Gray offered gruffer than he intended, "…I have a lot of issues."

"Juvia can always try tiring out her Gray-sama more," she winked theatrically, "...for science."

"Sounds great," Gray licked his lips, "is there anything I should do to help? Anything?"

Juvia shook her head, "Let Juvia do all the work."

Gray nodded, "Okay, but you need to know one thing - you're mine."

"And you're mine," Juvia smiled brightly before consuming Gray in a deep kiss.