Chapter Two: First Impressions

Juvia is very excited to finally set up her little home at Lucy's. Well, to be more exact it is going to be hers too. For the last week Juvia had several calls with Lucy regarding her first visit, when and where to grab her keys and how to sign into her courses at Fairy Tail University. During those calls Lucy gave her little hints to not refer to herself in 3rd-person from time to time as it may sound a little bizarre to other people. Ever since Juvia immediatly tried her best to do so but could still catch herself doing the opposite. But for now she needs to focus on the map on her phone. Even if Magnolia is not as a large city as the capital Juvia easily gets confused with her mental map. Orientation has never and will never be her best trait. She targets the next wise enough appearing man she is about to pass and addresses him:

„Juvia is, uhm, I am sorry to ask, but can you help me finding this place?" She points onto her phone and shares it with him. The young man starts to grin and indicates on the building behind her: „This one, young lady. Try to hold the map the right way the next time." Slightly laughing in emberressment she thanks him and crosses the street for her destination.

Great Juvia, perfect impression you gave there. Please don't emberress yourself infront of your new roommate!

Comparing her position on the map with the address Juvia looks up her phone and stares at a tall building. But where is Lucy? She promised to wait for her downstairs. Be that as it may she walks over to the door bells, searching for the right Name. There it is, She rings the door bell and waits. One second. Three seconds. Ten seconds. Then, finally, someone answers. Astonished, Juvia is listening to a male instead of a female voice that is asking her who she is.

„It is Juvia. She, uhm, I'm supposed to meet up with Lucy. She lives here, right?"

„Oh yes, yes, of course. Is it that late already? Well, I'll get you downstairs and show you the way up. Wait for me!"

Juvia doesn't know what to expect exactly. But she waits. And the young man that the voice belongs to stands right infront of her. He greets her with a bright smile, his pink(!) hair all messy and streches his hand out to her just to strip off half her arm while shaking it: „Hey, I'm Natsu. Lucy wasn't sure if she would make it. Something with her job got in the way. But here, she gave me your keys and I'll show you around". He turns around, they climb up the stairs and start to have a little get-to-know-each-other.

„Thanks for taking care of Juvia. Lucy talks a lot about you. You seem very close"

„Well yeah, we've known each other for a year now. And she cooks for me every so often. I'd starve without her."

„So Juvia can estimate to see you around from time to time", Juvia states with a smile but instead of receiving one in response Natsu questions her with eager eyes an a close look:

„Why are you talking in 3rd-person? Don't be so formal. You don't need to, you know."

Ahh, Juvia has , no, I have done it again! Try harder, try harder, Juvia!

„Just an old habbit I am trying to get rid off", she chuckles and veers off the topic.

When they arrive the highest floor of the building Juvia sneaks a peek at an lightly opened door. Natsu leads the way and starts to talk to a person other than Juvia.

„Yo, Dude, we're here".

Shortly after Juvia and Natsu are standing in the corridor facing another friend of Lucy's Juvia heard of. This handsome young man must be Gray. At least Juvia hopes so with nervousness and heatness taking over her body. As the black haired man comes over to greet properly Juvia's heart starts to beat even faster.

„Hey, I'm Gray, nice to meet you. Ever been to Magnolia before?"

Oh that voice, and those eyes, and worst of all: his body, completely exposing his torso. First impression matters. Don't act ridiculously, Juvia!

„H-hi, I'm Juvia. And no, first time here. But Lucy will certainly show me all there is to know and see in this town", Juvia states, cheeks all red.

„Where's all your stuff btw?"

Oh what Juvia could do to these muscles, and what these muscles could to to her...

„Hey, you listening?"

Please be single!

„She seems kinda absent"

No, wait, what if he is into Lucy? Why would he be half naked if not? Do I have to live around a love rival? That can't be!

„There were no boxes downstairs"

Juvia needs to make a sweet impression on him!

When a waving hand shows up before her head trying to awake Juvia from her daydreaming she looks at Natsu in confusion. „What? Juvia, I mean, I didn't quite listen there, sorry", Juvia says, still in her little panic mood. „Get out of my way! Juvia needs to forge out a plan on how to get her layed by this athletic Adonis", she mumbles, not realising she is not thinking to herself any more.

„What are you saying there?", Natsu questions. „Oh nothing. Forget it".

„Only weirdos talk to themselves...", Gray declares as he walks towards the kitchen, „no work, no burgers, no beer. Imma go home then", he explains.

Noooo, he's not supposed to go and think that way!

„Your stuff", Natsu repeats, „where is it. Lucy asked us to help you with that."

Back to reality she almost forgot she came to move in here. She checks her watch and counts the hours she's taken to get here and how long the moving company would take.

„It's about to be delivered in half an hour I think. I made sure I get here first in case I'm delayed. You don't have to but you can wait as you're already here", Juvia suggests in hope it would make Gray stay.

So they all head to the kitchen and wait. Juvia feels little bit outstanding as the two boys have much to talk about and she doesn't know how to include herself. Still giving Gray much more glares than she should to cover her affection Juvia stays silent for most of the time. Eventually, her phone rings and Juvia recognizes the number of her moving company.

It doesn't take them too long to gather all her stuff. All together there were eight strong arms that manage to carry her boxes all the stairs up. But of course, Juvia's eyes would find their way only to Gray's lightly sweaty body. While the men take on their task Juvia remains in her room instructing them where to leave the boxes and furniture. After the work is done Juvia dismisses the company with a warm smile. She paces back to the kitchen where Natsu and Gray sat down to relax, Natsu laying on the sofa and Gray sitting on a chair next to the table. Juvia decides to take a seat next to Gray.

„Thank you very much. You helped Juvia, I mean, you helped me a lot"

„You know, gotta make us dinner sometime as a repayment", Natsu grins.

„S-sure, what do you prefer? And where do I find the next supermarket?", Juvia asks.

„That was a joke, you ain't gotta do anything in return", Natsu laughes, „that's what friends are for".

They use the word so casually. We barely even know each other.

A loud growling resonates through the room.

„When is Lucy comming back? She better brings along some food...", Gray grunts.

Speaking of which, they hear the front door being opened.

„Guys, I'm so so so sorry. Juvia, you there?", the voice makes its way towards the kitchen as Lucy can already see Natsu laying on the sofa.

„You made it! Hey I'm reeeaaally happy to have you here. They didn't try any mean jokes on you, did they?", Lucy now pointed to Natsu before taking Juvia in a deep and sincere hug.

„What is that supposed to mean?", Natsu interposes.

„No, no, they were all supportive an kind. I'm also relieved to finally be here", Juvia states.

„Ok, to make up I brought some sodas, snacks and yes, also beer."

„YES!"

„You're the best!"

They fold out the table and share all the goods. The way those three interact makes Juvia want to be a part of that gang too. As the evening goes by she feels more and more included, especially by the help of Lucy. Still, Juvia is not sure whether Lucy may be in love with Gray or not. She could even be in love with Natsu the way they tease and laugh with each other. Anyway, this should become Juvia's new home and she would work on that. And of course she would try to make this hottie sitting next to her go crazy about her.