Juvia stood next to Gajeel fuming at Gray as he stared away from the angry bluenette. "Gray, I can't just be content with what is happening here, dating is nothing without respect and you clearly have no respect for me if you are leaving on a month-long mission without even planning on telling me. What would have happened if I hadn't seen you just now? Would I have just not known?"
Gray rubbed a hand over his spikey hair and let out a long sigh, "I'm sure you would have known, I was excited for the mission and I just didn't think to go searching for you to tell you I was leaving, my bad."
"No. That's not an apology Gray." Juvia put her hands on her hips to keep from digging her nails into her palms.
"Apology?" Gray looked annoyed, "You would have still been waiting for me whether I told you or not, who are you kidding Juvia, you don't need an apology."
"I do, and you know what Gray?" she shook with rage, "I won't be here waiting for you when you get back, I am done, I am not going to stand by and be disrespected like that. I don't deserve to be treated that way, I'm done! Goodbye Gray." She turned on her heel and marched into the guild hall leaving Gray standing outside with Gajeel smirking in his direction for a moment before heading after his friend.
Gajeel sat next to Juvia at a table, "That was quite the speech there rain woman, it'll be better if you can stick to it."
"I will," she sulked, "that was the last straw, I hoped that one day he would be more caring and open but he never considered my feelings." Stretching her arms across the table she rested her head on the worn tabletop, "I will find something better to do with my time," lifting her head, "will you work out with me like old times, Gajeel?" She bounced excitedly in her seat, "I have been meaning to get my physical strength back up to the same level as my magic and I could use a sparring partner."
Gajeel sat back in his chair, "I would if I could, but I am already booked up for a bit with remodeling my place, I have to turn the second bedroom into a library for the shrimp, there are books everywhere and this is our compromise." Juvia sank back to the tabletop clearly disappointed, "hey, why don't you put up a request on the job board, someone here would surely help you train, give it a shot."
Her gaze shifted to the job board, "I guess that isn't a bad idea."
...
The next morning Juvia entered the guild and headed for her usual cup of tea, Mira waved from the bar and called to her, "Juvia, good news, your request has been accepted!"
"Oh?" Juvia hurried over to get the details, "that was fast."
"Well you luckily have a guild-mate that is very indebted to service to the guild," Mira grinned, "so it was an obvious pairing."
Juvia took her tea and the paper Mira handed to her and headed to take a seat at a table. Before she could unfold her paper a dark shadow fell over her and she slowly turned to see Laxus standing over her. "Mornin' Blue, ready to get to it?"
"You?" Juvia was in shock.
"Yep," Laxus gave a small nod, "I promised Gramps after I was reinstated to the guild that I would do whatever I could to aid the success of Fairy Tail in the future and this falls into that category." He placed a palm on the table next to her and leaned down toward her face, "now do you want to do this or what?"
"I suppose it's best to just jump right in," she wavered but stood and followed Laxus into the training room.
"Now what is it that you really want to accomplish here?" he asked.
Juvia thought for a moment before beginning her explanation, "Well, you see…there was this mission a few weeks back where I encountered some difficult enemies with.." trailing off she didn't want to talk about Gray, she hurried to resume without his name, "well, anyway, there were these guys that didn't so much have magic as they had the ability to cancel magic. I was told by- someone, that I was useless without my magic so I want to work on my hand to hand combat."
Laxus shed his coat dropping it over a bench, "I think we can do that, but I have to ask, are you planning on sparring in that getup?"
Juvia looked down at her long skirt and jacket, shrugging she said, "I wear this on missions, so I need to be able to fight in it."
"Alright Blue," he took a wide stance with his arms raised, "let's go then, show me what you got."
The two started slow, first circling and taking turns lunging and taking one another to the mats. Laxus pinned Juvia on her back repeatedly causing her to lose her cool and blast him with a water cane. "Uh-uh, no magic Blue."
Standing back on her feet she pushed her hair out of her face and grew angry, "I can't do this, you're too strong!"
"You can't give up that easily," he poised waiting for her next attack, "use that anger to come at me, try something you haven't done before, I know what you have been doing and it's not working, I can see it coming so you gotta mix it up."
Sweaty and frustrated she circled him again, he wouldn't let her get behind him so she knew she needed to get the jump on him somehow despite his constant watch on her. Just then an idea emerged, she kicked out as if she were going to kick him and did her best to wrap her legs around his waist and use the force to swing around, pulling him to the ground with her.
"Damn Blue, that's better," Laxus chuckled as he rolled to get his weight off of her under his back, "you still would have been stuck under your opponent, but you could have done an attack from there and caused some damage for sure."
Feeling rejuvenated Juvia sprung on Laxus, pinning him to his back this time, giving a wild smile she tried to wipe away the hairs plastered to her sweaty brow, "I think I am starting to get it!"
He admired the girl's tenacity, there was a certain vibe she was putting off that made it more enjoyable to be training with her. "Wanna pick back up tomorrow? Hit the showers Blue, you did alright."
...
A week into the training Laxus and Juvia would often attract a crowd of their friends in the training room, the two would bob and weave around one another in a rhythmic motion resembling a dance at times. Juvia now wore more revealing workout clothes, shorts and a tank with her hair pulled back in a high ponytail. There was passion behind the moves as each of them fought for the upper hand and oftentimes Juvia would get the better of Laxus causing the crowd to erupt in cheers. This particular day Juvia had bested Laxus twice in a row already and was eagerly looking for a window to her third time to overthrow the powerhouse. She darted under one of his arms as he punched and hit straight from the shoulder taking him off balance enough to sweep his feet from under him.
She dropped her weight straddling him with a wide grin on her face, "I did it! I finally did three in a row!" She cheered, looking down at Laxus she beamed from her accomplishment and he wore a small smirk in return.
"It seems you did," he said staring up at her bright eyes, he would never admit he lost that last round because he had been distracted by her fluid movements and the energy she put off. He mentally scolded himself, this was getting out of hand and yet he still wanted to spend every afternoon with the girl he knew loved the damn popsicle. It's not like Laxus even knew what he wanted with her, he just knew she pulled him in like a magnet and he wanted to keep his hands on her longer than there sparring matches, but he dismissed the thoughts once again. As long as she has her brain on Fullbuster I can't even look at her that way, he scolded his brain, but he found himself unable to push her off of him in that moment.
Gajeel walked over slowly as Juvia pulled herself to her feet, "Hey rain woman, looking good."
"Feeling good," she admitted, "I bet I could hold my own without magic pretty well now." Walking toward her bag on the bench as the crowd dispersed, she wiped her face with a towel.
Laxus started to pack up his gear when he caught a sentence stopping him in his tracks, he didn't like this, Gajeel's words caused his elevated mood to drop instantly.
"I heard Ice Princess will be back in a few days, Mira was telling Levy that the team finished up early and were already on their way back," Gajeel said cocking his head to the side, watching Juvia for a reaction.
"I don't care," she said bluntly.
What? Laxus froze listening intently as he pretended to look in his gear.
"I told him when he left I wasn't going to wait for him and I meant it," she tossed her towel back in the bag before zipping it, "I was serious, Gajeel, I am done with that mess."
"Alright Ameonna," Gajeel patted her shoulder, "just checking."
They walked toward the door together, Juvia looked over her shoulder waving at Laxus, "see you tomorrow, Laxus."
She had turned Gray down? Weeks ago? Laxus was in disbelief, he felt the urge to act, but still had no idea what to do.
Laxus walked through the streets of Magnolia sorting through his thoughts, how had something that was originally close to volunteer work turn into some sort of interest in …her? He saw Juvia walking alone just beyond the next street, Gajeel must have split off at some point, just like that Laxus sprang into a jog. It was only a moment before he caught up with Juvia and pulled her to the woods, leaning her back into a wide tree he pressed his lips to hers.
Her hand raised to her lips as he pulled back, he froze, what the hell was he doing? "Listen, Juv-" her body pressed into his, arms circled his neck and she looked up at him expectantly. "Come with me," he growled, pulling her to his apartment.
He fumbled with the keys in one hand with the other around her wrist, she followed silently as he tugged her inside the door with him. He looked at her, sparks in his eyes, and took her to the bedroom with him.
...
It had been almost a week since the woods encounter with Juvia and Laxus was glad that she had been able to keep the promise of not talking about it since that day. Laxus had noticed a slight change in the woman every time they ran into each other at the guild, she had smiled sweetly at him and passed by to the job board, but the bigger thing had been her change toward Gray. She didn't gush over him or try to win his attention, and she didn't go near him to interact with him or his team unless it was required.
Today was the anniversary party for Alzak and Bisca, it was just after the normal daily activities and they were holding a dressy party in the guild. Laxus didn't usually look forward to stuff like this but he couldn't turn down the open bar and planned to make the best of it. He ordered a drink and made his way to the back wall away from the commotion of the party, people watching was more fun than being dragged into the party but he questioned his decision when he saw Juvia enter the hall almost unrecognizable with her hair piled and pinned on top of her head in loose curls. She wore a shimmery steely blue dress that flared around her thighs paired with strappy silver heels, the combo left her legs looking extremely long and toned drawing his eyes and bringing back the memory of them wrapped around him. He gulped back his drink and immediately went for another, standing at the bar waiting his turn he heard Erza greet Juvia.
"You look lovely Juvia," Erza proclaimed, "I'm sure you'll get the attention of a special someone for sure," she glanced at Gray and back at Juvia winking.
Juvia raised her eyebrows, "oh, well that wasn't my goal, I just want to dance and have a good time tonight." Laxus was sure someone would dance with her, but he wondered if the ice mage would be one to do it.
Erza continued to look at Juvia, "you seem so relaxed lately, it's astounding," giving a wink.
Juvia blushed lightly before smiling, "I guess you can say that," excusing herself, she said, "I should get a drink before it gets too crowded in here."
Laxus stepped away with his glass and found a seat closer than his usual comfort level, but he found himself interested in the guild member's reactions to Juvia and waited to see if her new relaxed attitude had an influence on her contact with her friends. He didn't have too long to wait before he saw Gray starting at Juvia as she sipped a drink talking with Lucy, standing back he was clearly waiting for her usual attention but she turned with nearly no reaction and walked away. Gray looked absolutely stunned, watching the water mage with his mouth hanging open.
Laxus nursed his drink as he watched the next few hours events of the unfold, getting a few questioning looks from Mira when she saw he was seemingly enjoying himself. He watched Juvia dance with a few of her girlfriends as the night went on, including a very handsy dance with Cana before Gray caught her alone. Looking a bit tipsy Gray stood silent for a few seconds before asking Juvia for a dance, Laxus wondered if the guy had needed some liquid courage to approach her, he was surprised when Juvia shook her head and said no, explaining that she was just leaving. Gray went to grab her wrist to stop her as she went to the door but missed, probably due to the alcohol in his system, and Juvia kept moving unphased.
Laxus slipped out the side door and jogged lightly to meet up with her on the street, "Hey stone cold killer, why the savage shut down on the stripper?" he asked.
"Oh, Laxus," she blushed, "you know, I already told you I was just tired of being an afterthought." She nervously ran her hands down her arms to warm herself in the chilly night air.
"that's pretty bad ass," he grinned, "up for a little company tonight? You can come to my place if you want," he placed his long coat over her exposed shoulders.
Looking surprised Juvia took a minute to reply, "what exactly does that entail?"
Giving a mischievous grin he winked, "whatever you want, I know you can keep it between us." He watched with a mischievous look on his face waiting for her to react, and she looked up smiling as she put her hands onto his extended arm. He led her back to his place and unlocked the door, opening it and allowing her to walk in as he flicked a light on. Kicking the door closed lightly as he peeled his coat from her frame, dropping it on the chair, and started kissing her neck as he stood behind her.
She turned and began kissing him back, running her hands up his hard chest and wrapping her arms loosely around his neck. She was overloading his need to have her, in one quick motion he swooped her up bridal style, made his way down the hall and tossed her playfully on his bed. Looking down on her squirming as he unbuttoned his shirt, he saw the desire shimmering in her eyes. He held her ankle in his hand and pulled her high heel shoe off, kissing down her long leg, stopping just before he got under her dress. After repeating the action on the other side he leaned over her pressing his lips to hers as she fidgeted and giggled under him, he scolded her lightheartedly "hold still or I will have to teach you a lesson, Blue."
"Yes sir," she said with a sultry tone, "anything you say." With that he felt himself strain against the constricting dress pants, he pulled her to a sitting position and pulled the zipper down the back of her dress before pulling the delicate fabric from her curves and dropping it on the floor, leaving her in sexy matching bra and panties. He slid his fingers into the sides of her panties and shimmied the lacy fabric down her legs and tossed them across the room with a grin, the bra was next to go, joining the dress on the floor in a blink of an eye. Seeing her naked in front of him once more was breathtaking, this time she was not nervous, instead she was practically begging with her eyes.
Feeling greedy he discarded his pants and boxers before urgently taking her, their night became a blur of lustful entanglements.
A few months passed and Laxus walked through the streets of Magnolia and felt a pinch on his butt, turning he found himself face to face with an elderly man feeling confused and a little violated. Hearing a soft giggle he turned to see Juvia peeking out from behind a building with a huge smile on her face.
"Oh, you are in for it now," he snarled chasing her into the alley and pulling her close, "I am gonna have to teach you a lesson later, you know what that means," he snarled as he nibbled her neck causing her to squeal. "ten o'clock?" he asked, receiving a nod in return, "got your means of entry?" she dangled her keys where he could see them. "Good Girl"
"Oh I am a good girl? Then why the punishment?" she asked with a sly smile.
Laxus gave a hard bite onto her neck and warned, "you be quiet with your poking holes in the roleplay." Juvia laughed licking along his earlobe and he questioned her "who taught you that?"
She smiled tugging from his grasp and making her way out of the alley, "like you don't know," she called over her shoulder as she disappeared into the crowd.
He chuckled to himself as he weaved through the bodies around him, he knew exactly where she learned that because she hadn't been involved with anyone since their arrangement began months ago. Dropping by the guild he stopped at the bar to have Mira record his last mission results in the ledger. Gray was currently talking to Juvia, something that happened a lot more since she became tired of the endless chase. He would now approach her and compliment her and ask her to go on missions but he hardly ever got a response he liked causing him to be bitter towards others afterward. Laxus would laugh, karma is a bitch.
"What's that?" Lucy pointed to Juvia's neck.
"Hm?" Juvia asked looking in the mirror Lucy then provided, seeing the last traces of the bite mark, she did her best to play dumb while the entirety of team Natsu inspected the mark. Shrugging Juvia made her way toward the doors and Gray followed her.
"It is Lyon?" he asked sounding angry.
"What?" she replied.
"Is that who you are dating?" he grimaced.
"I assure you I am not dating anyone, Gray." She sighed, "although I don't see how that is any of your business."
"Then go out with me tonight," he blurted, "eight o'clock"
"Sorry, No." she replied.
"Why?" he inquired looking frustrated.
"I'm busy." She moved toward the door again.
"A date?" he shouted.
"No, I don't have a date, I am leaving early tomorrow on the first train out of Magnolia, ask Gajeel, we have a mission."
"fine" he said, "when you get back."
"we'll see," she said with a look of non-committal leaving a moody Gray standing just feet away from Laxus.
Later Laxus held Juvia's hands above her head on his bed and teased her, "oh so no date with Gray then?"
She rolled her eyes, "I didn't lie to him, I am not dating anyone and I am not out tonight, and I do have an early mission tomorrow." Her expression changed and she looked to be thinking for a moment before he questioned it.
"What's on your mind?" he asked rolling to the side allowing her to sit up.
"Just…" she began, "what is this? Not like we openly talk about it but I don't even know what to call it to myself."
"Sex?" he jested, but he noticed she frowned.
"I guess," she whispered.
"Joking, Juvia," he said, but she once again seemed to be lost in thought. "Ok, can we talk about this when you get back? I want to have our night together before we open that can of worms," he knew he actually had a lot of thinking to do on that matter, needing to figure it out for himself first.
The next morning he kissed her and she left his place with a bag for her mission and a spray of a concoction Laxus found to block smells for slayers. He had originally used it because it covered his scent when she was around Gajeel and no one was to know what was going on, but now he questioned why they had made that part of the arrangement. He knew he wasn't one to have been in relationships much in the past, but when they began to sneak kisses in the guild and have playful banter in the streets he knew he was starting to care for her.
He definitely knew he didn't want anyone else around her, feeling ticked when her Lamia Scale friends came to visit and he had to endure Lyon trying to win her over. Between Gray and that silver-haired bastard, Laxus found himself hating ice mages to the point of getting mad just feeling a cold breeze.
Over the four days Juvia was gone on her mission Laxus tried to figure out what he wanted to come of their arrangement, when it came down to stopping it all together or moving it into the public eye as a real relationship he suddenly knew, he couldn't just stop being with her.