The sky was very blue that day.
Up and down the streets of Magnolia, children ran about as parents called out to them in exasperation. Market vendors shared jokes and laughter with one another from behind their wares, occasionally stopping to converse with an interested passerby. The stones of the streets and buildings emanated with the sun's welcoming radiance, and it felt as though the entire city was alive now that spring had arrived; nothing could possibly make this day more perfect.
That is what Juvia Lockser thought to herself as she glided along the crowd, humming to herself and clutching a small ticket against her chest. A smile brimming with hope was spread across her face, and its radiance was only matched by the listless dreaminess of her half-closed eyes, which continuously vanished behind long, blue locks of hair swinging back and forth in tempo with her step. Juvia had bought a new summer dress for this occasion, ignoring Gajeel-kun's confusion over a summer dress being worn in the spring, and as she swung along its beautifully ornate white flowers seemed to fly across the light-blue fabric. "Juvia is the rain women, drip-drip-drop!" she sung to herself, half teasing, "and today is a special day for Juvia and her Gray-sama!"
Occasionally one of the salespeople would break away from a customer to wave to Juvia, or a small child would run up to hug her leg before once again fleeing from irate parents. At these times she would break free of her blissful reverie and smile back at her friends, grateful that this city- that Fairy Tail- had accepted her. It seems so long ago when people like these would meet Juvia with unwelcome glares, she thought to herself. Long ago, back before she knew Fairy Tail, her or friends, or Gray… The corners of her mouth perked up a bit more, and she resumed her happy march back towards the Guild. Today is a very special day indeed; Fairy Tail is hosting a new event, the Spring Raffle Festival!
Just thinking about it made Juvia swoon a little; she leaned against a nearby building, placing the back of her hand across her forehead and sighing. To raise funds, Makarov decided to hold a raffle that any member of Magnolia could participate in. There were outfits, foods, even treasures from faraway lands to be won, but Juvia did not care for any of these things. The most important and well sought-after prizes were Fairy Tail wizards themselves, who had agreed to spend the day with whoever won their bids. As chance would have it Gray happened to be among these human prizes to be won, and once Juvia heard that she practically flew to buy tickets. Come to think of it, she really couldn't remember much about that- there may have been a few walls knocked over, several unconscious people, Gajeel-kun tackling Juvia- but even so…
Juvia was only able to get one ticket. She clutched the fragile piece of paper close, her eyes downcast, and began to give into despair. What if somebody else wins Gray-sama? What if Gray-sama thinks Juvia didn't love him enough to buy more tickets!? What if… Juvia shook her head violently and wiped the tears off of her face. There was absolutely no need to worry; since fate had brought Gray and Juvia together, fate would make sure it happened again. And after that, Juvia would get to spend the entire day with the closest person to her in the entire world! She began to lose herself in reverie again, thinking about how she and Gray would go out to dinner, then watch the Festival fireworks, and afterwards they would return to Juvia's home and-
"Juvia-chan!" a voice rang out behind her, and she whirled around like a startled cat. Lucy was walking down the street with one hand held high above her head, waving, as the other was pressed next to her mouth to amplify her shout: "Juvia! Wait up!" Juvia smiled and tilted her head to the side, waving in return. After running over Lucy slowed to a stop and caught her breath, then looked at Juvia slyly and asked, "Hey, what were you just thinking about? You're all red in the face!"
"Ah! Juvia was just… ah…" she stumbled for a response, and finding none, Juvia turned an even brighter red and quickly walked away.
"Hey now! I was only kidding!" Lucy grabbed ahold of Juvia's hand and began walking with her. "Since we're both going to the raffle, I figured we could walk together." Juvia glanced away but made a small noise of agreement, allowing herself to be pulled along. Her newly arrived companion didn't seem any different than normal: bright yellow hair bounced behind her head in a ponytail, a smile lit up her face as she dove into a one-sided conversation, and she was wearing the same outfit as always. From what Juvia was aware of, Lucy had not purchased any tickets for the raffle, but many wizards were going just to show their support- "… and then Natsu asked me to meet him at the Guild Hall!" Lucy finished speaking and a light flush rose to her cheeks. Juvia stopped herself from giggling by pressing her free hand up to her mouth; she should have realized the hothead had something to do with it. Gripping Lucy's hand a little tighter, Juvia struck up the conversation again as they walked together down the street, the Guild sliding into view ahead. We really aren't so different.
Opening the doors to the Guild Hall, Juvia was struck by a wall of noise and light; if possible, it was even more lively than usual. Tables were pushed together in long rows, creating aisles as far as the eye could see. Great crowds jostled around the floor as people rushed to place their bids on various prizes. The energy emanating from her surroundings made Juvia swell with excitement. Suddenly, she felt the pressure leave her hand, and she turned just in time to see Lucy getting carried away by the swirling sea of people. "I'll find you later Juvia… good luck!" Luck? Trying to convince herself, Juvia brought her ticket up to her face. Juvia doesn't need luck! Fate has decided that she will be with Gray-sama!
First moving with purpose down the long aisles, Juvia could not help but become a little sidetracked; there was so much to see, and she felt reassured by the fact that she would be winning Gray. The hall seemed larger when it was full of so many wonderful things and it was not long before one became lost amidst the stands. Leaning over a particularly well-decorated cake, Juvia forgot herself and let out a low gasp of appreciation. Her moment of inattentiveness was disturbed when an ominous voice whispered "If you really want that cake, you're going to have to fight me for it." Erza stood looming over her shoulder with a look of purist evil on her face.
"Wha… no, Juvia only wishes to win Gray-sama!" Juvia shouted, holding up her hands in defense. Though the requip-magic wizard had never done her any harm, Juvia had heard horror stories about those who got between Titania and her desserts. As she leaned forward the look on Erza's face managed to become even more sadistic, and she murmured through a wicked smile: "Oh?" Much of the surrounding crowd was looking over curiously, and Juvia immediately regretted her outburst. Erza chuckled to herself and turned back to the table, not removing her maniacal expression. She, like Lucy, was wearing her usually outfit, and Juvia began to feel self-conscious about the summer dress.
"These cakes will be mine!" Erza declared, clenching her fist for emphasis. Juvia thought that her friend was acting even stranger than usual, but even so… she had always seen Erza in the light of an older sister, at least when it concerned advice on Gray. Rocking back and forth on her feet, Juvia cradled one arm in the other and looked at the floor.
"Erza?"
"Mmm?"
"How would you- how are you sure that you will win?" Stepping away from the table of desserts, Erza pointed at the baskets- baskets for people to place their bids- in front of it. Each basket only had one ticket apiece, and Juvia could distinctly see the name "Titania" scribbled on all of them. Remembering how she was threatened upon approaching one of the cakes, Juvia grimaced at a sudden realization. She's intimidating anyone who comes near here so that nobody else will place their bids. While Juvia knew she was a powerful wizard, intimidation just wasn't one of her strong suits. How will Juvia make sure she wins Gray-sama?
"I will win in the way that I know best," Erza said as she grabbed Juvia's shoulder. What? "I will win in the way that I know best, and so will everyone else, just as we all fight with our own special skills and methods. If you want something, achieve it in the way that best suits you Juvia! That is how you have come this far, and it is why I believe in you. Accomplish your goal in your own way, because that's what makes it your achievement and not anyone else's." She smiled down at the water-magic wizard, who blushed for a second then smiled back.
Backing away then turning to run further down the aisle, Juvia shouted over her shoulder: "Thank you! Juvia must be going now!" Cake in hand, Erza nodded after her in approval. She always shines so bright, Titania thought, and one day he's going to realize that as well… if he hasn't already. Biting down, she sighed in content: the cake was just as delicious as she expected! Behind her, the baker was leaning over the table and shouting something about how she hadn't won the cake yet, but Erza was too busy watching her friend run towards a new day.
Nearing the back section of the Guild Hall, Juvia began to feel giddy. She kept her eyes focused downwards, watching one foot move in front of the other, letting them direct her to where she most wanted to be. Along the way she passed Freed, who was unloading buckets of bids into a basket set in front of a Laxus body pillow. Freed has his way…but what is Juvia's way? Thinking about her friends, she realized the truth behind Erza's words: Natsu is able to tackle everything head on, Lucy is practically everyone's best friend, and even Gajeel-kun- Juvia stopped short as she bumped into something solid. Thinking she had stumbled into a wall, she rubbed her forehead and looked up to find Gajeel looking quite frustrated.
"What do you think you're doing?" he asked, not unkindly, folding his arms across his chest.
"Ah, Gajeel-kun, Juvia was just trying to find-"
"Never mind, I know why you're here," he cut her off, "just watch where you're going. You're going to hurt yourself."
"Yes… but… why are you here Gajeel-kun? Juvia doesn't remember you saying anything about the raffle." Gajeel immediately unfolded his arms and put them behind his head, leaning back and looking up towards the ceiling. His mouth opened but all he could do was sputter and slowly grow redder in the face.
"Well, well, I… you see, uh, I… um…" Juvia leaned to her side and peered around Gajeel, ignoring his "Hold on!" Standing on one of the tables nearby, adorned in a flowing yellow dress with her blue hair hanging freely about her head, was Levy. A basket filled with a small pile of ticket bids sat in front of her. "I just happened to be, uh, walking bye…" Gajeel was still babbling, but his enthusiasm of protest had sputtered out.
"How many bids do you have, Gajeel-kun?"
A sigh let out, followed by his reluctant "just one."
Letting out a quick laugh, Juvia grabbed Gajeel's hand and started pulling him past the table. Waving away his questions, she spoke with certainty: "Gajeel-kun will help Juvia place her bid, and then Juvia will help Gajeel-kun place his!" He grunted and his frown held, but Juvia could tell that he was happy. If Gajeel-kun's way is that he requires Juvia's help, than Juvia will make sure Gajeel-kun succeeds!
It was not far beyond Levy's table that Gray stood, surprisingly fully clothed, on top of his own table with Elfman. Every time Juvia saw Gray, her heart seemed to simultaneously stop and beat faster all at once; she felt as though her eyes themselves became two giant hearts, and her legs were so weak that she wobbled back and forth like she was on ice. Today Gray was dressed in a full black suit, but he seemed just as dispassionately removed as always. That's what Juvia loves about Gray-sama, but what if he doesn't like Juvia's dress? What if Juvia says something stupid in front of him? Maybe Juvia should just-
"Where do you think you're going?" Gajeel asked as he placed a hand on her back to stop her from slipping away. "You're going to go over there and- what the hell?" Juvia had only ever seen this look on Gajeel's face when he was truly frustrated, and it never warranted anything good. Turning to follow his gaze, she felt her breath catch in her throat; the basket sitting in front of Gray was filled practically overflowing with bids. There had to be at least a hundred of them, if not more. Suddenly, the ticket in Juvia's hand felt very small- she felt very small. With just her ticket alone there was no way she could possibly win Gray, even if fate was on her side.
A short distance away, standing on the ground next to Gray's table, Natsu stood with his hands on his hips and his head back, laughing. "Now I'm going to win you for sure ice-breath, and you'll be my slave for an entire day!" Lucy was standing next to Natsu, pulling on his sleeve and trying to speak over his laughter. Gajeel stood quietly for a second, pointedly not looking at Juvia, then shuffled a hand into his pocket.
"Here," he muttered, pulling out his ticket, "I wasn't going to use it on anything anyway." Placing the small bid in Juvia's hand, he closed her fist around it then folded his arms again. "It might not do much, but at least it will double your chance of-"
"Juvia refuses!" Gajeel stopped. Her face was tilted so far forward that he couldn't see it, but she was holding the ticket right up against his chest. "Juvia would never ask that much of her friend!"
"Juvia…" he started, but she looked up at him with a smile spread across her face.
"To have such wonderful friends… Juvia is truly lucky!" she shouted, but as she did so a tear ran down her face. "However, it is not Juvia's way to hold her friends back. Gajeel-kun must trust Juvia, for fate has brought her and Gray-sama together before and it will do so again!" With that, she turned and ran away from Gajeel and the tables, fleeing down the aisle and out into Magnolia. His bid fluttered slowly to the ground, and only after he shook his head and sighed "Geez" did Gajeel bend over to scoop it up.
Outside of the Guild, Juvia was curled into a ball on the far side of a park bench. She had her head tucked into her arms so that no one would see her crying, and the ticket sat clenched in her right hand. Every so often the breeze would rustle the paper, and she would stare at its folds listlessly. Juvia was a fool to think that fate wanted her and Gray-sama together. The thought circled around and around in her head, driving her insane and starting the tears anew every time they were about to stop. So much had been planned for this day, and now Juvia's would never be happy; how could she be, if fate had turned on her and forever forbid her from being with Gray? Clouds began to roll in overhead, and people on the streets began to keep watch for a storm.
As she let the darkness surround her heart, Juvia felt a soft touch on her back. Gray-sama? She sat up with a jolt, turning as the tears continued to drop off of her chin.
"Hello Juvia," Erza greeted softly, pulling her into a tight hug.
"Erza… Lucy… Gajeel-kun…" Lucy and Gajeel stood behind Erza; the latter with his arms still folded, but the celestial-magic user was bent forward with a worried expression. Pressing her forehead against Juvia's, Lucy began to speak in calming tones.
"We were really worried about you! Gajeel managed to get my attention and we were lucky enough to run into Erza on the way out, but everyone else is wondering where you went! This is supposed to be a guild celebration, and it just wouldn't be the same without all of our friends there."
"Besides, I'm not done helping you out," Gajeel grunted. He glanced sideways awkwardly, huffed, then unfolded his arms to ruffle Juvia's hair. "You shouldn't give up yet."
"We're here for you." Erza's voice sounded surprisingly gentle so close to Juvia's ear. "There's nothing wrong with relying on your friends as part of your way. In fact, it's something that I think we all need to do." She pulled her head back and smiled at Juvia, wiping the tears off of her face.
"But Juvia has always believed it was fate that brought her and Gray-sama together, what can she do now that fate has changed its mind?" Juvia felt tears forming in the corner of her eyes again and used her hand to wipe them away.
"It was never fate that brought you and Gray together, Juvia. It is not fate that makes you feel the way you do. It is not fate that pushes you to act as you have. Fate never decided that you would live so brilliantly every day Juvia; it was you who decided all of these things. You do not need to think of your own way because how you've been living your life is your way. And if you continue to meet every challenge the way you have in the past, I have no doubt that you will win in the end." Erza pulled her in for another hug while Lucy and Gajeel stood smiling down at her. Juvia couldn't hold the tears in any more, but she was happy as she buried her face into Erza's shoulder. To have such wonderful friends… Juvia is truly lucky!
The crowd in the Guild Hall was starting to subside, but just barely. Gray was relieved, especially since Natsu had found somewhere else to be. Honestly, that flame-for-brains wa really getting on my nerves. There was only another hour or so of this standing around then he could finally get some rest, and if Natsu really did win then he'd just have to beat the dragonslayer into submission; Gray smiled to himself at the thought. I guess I should take it as a compliment that I got so many bids, but still. I'm a little surprised that-
His thoughts were interrupted by a small commotion was making its way up the aisle. Members of the crowd were pushing each other out of the way, stepping on one another's toes and muttering complaints to the offenders. As everyone stepped to the side, Gray saw a lone woman walking down the created gap with a brisk and determined step, her blue hair swinging in rhythm behind her. She wore her usual blue overcoat and hat, but something was definitely different about her; before Gray had time to think about what it was, she stood next to him- not just next to the table, but on top of it- looking him in the eye.
"Juvia, what…" he let the question trail off. She blushed a little as her hand trembled slightly, but she raised it with conviction and pressed it into his. Then, turning swiftly, she stepped down off of the table and moved through the open aisle she had created. Everyone in the hall was dead silent. Gray stood in shock and looked down at his hand; turning it over slowly, he saw a crumpled ticket with Juvia's name written in small, timid handwriting. The sound of his footsteps echoed throughout the quiet aisles. The door to the Guild opened then slammed closed. The ticket with Juvia's name fluttered softly through the air, coming to rest gently on the top of the pile of bids in Gray's basket, then the hall erupted with noise again and everything went back to normal.
The sun was beginning to set behind Magnolia. A few shop vendors were beginning to pack up their wares, commenting to one another how warm the air still felt. There is a bridge towards the south side of the city, one that is rarely used because of its location, that nonetheless has a beautiful view of the surrounding area. It has existed there for as long as any anyone can remember; its tall stone arches are a testament to the wonder and glory of the city, its faded shadow stretches far along the streets beneath the setting sun.
Two figures stood on the bridge, oblivious to everything else around them. The first, a beautiful young woman with long blue hair, looked out over the horizon at the sun's final and most brilliant arc. The second, a well-dressed young man with messy black hair, stood behind her with his face pressed into her shoulder. They were unmoving, like statues, and whenever a passerby would mention their presence to another, the response would be that they had been there for as long as memory serves. Of course, the girl was there first; that much is certain. But for whatever reason, no one could remember a time when the two figures had not been there together. As the sun's final minutes passed darkness spread across the streets and everyone returned to their homes, save for the two figures on the bridge.
Juvia had been enjoying the colors of the sky: the maroon, purple, and orange streaks had danced about miraculously. Even more than that, Juvia had been enjoying the comforting pressure of Gray's head resting next to her own. Thinking back to the day they first met, she suddenly remembered how her heart had started to beat faster. How she felt when the clouds first opened up above her. How she saw beyond them for the very first time.
The sky was very blue that day.