Posting two chapters in one go, I guess.

Bloody Banquet will be updated tomorrow. I didn't have internet connection over the weekend, hence the very late updates. And I satisfied my plot bunnies.

Chapter 2

To Lose the Lady

"So can I come over?"

Angel's sweet voice crackled over the mobile. Gray had a small smile playing on his face. This woman was very persistent when she wanted things her way. Most of the time, he would indulge her. He was thinking hard about granting her request right now.

"Come on. It's not like she can do anything about it."

Angel was insisting that she come over his house. It seemed that there was something about their relationship that escalated to more than just a physical encounter. A week since Juvia's theatrics, Gray decided that he really did not need to go home unless it was absolutely necessary. He didn't want to be at the receiving end of accusations and anger. Most of all, deep in his subconscious, he knew that he didn't want to be subject to any form of attraction towards his wife.

But she had a point. Now that they finally agreed to start dating after more than a month of fooling around, it was time to actually make things official. If you were in the olden centuries, this would be called declaring the king's official mistress. It seemed that Gray has gotten a very primitive view of things and if I were Juvia, I would follow Gajeel's advice and actually cut off his balls.

And that conversation happened a few hours ago. Now, Gray was on his way back to the 'horror house' with Angel in tow.

Why would he even deign to do this? Well, Angel made him happy. She made him forget that his life was crappy. She knew how to fulfill his needs and she knew what she wanted from him in return. And right now, he was more than happy to oblige.

Not to mention that the woman was now licking his earlobes as he drove along the highway.

Gray chuckled. "If you really want to die, keep on doing that."

"I'm already an angel, remember?" she whispered into his ear, the air tickling him.

He gave her a sideways glance. In that small moment, he suddenly saw a shock of blue hair, sultry eyes, and glossed lips. At that second, he nearly crashed into a nearby car.

Angel's deafening screech awakened his reflexes and he moved his car just in time.

"Ooookay," Angel gasped. "I think I have to stop."

Gray coughed. "I think you do."

As they neared the mansion, Gray checked his watch. It was one o'clock in the afternoon. They haven't had lunch yet and he was sure that Juvia wasn't in the house. After James' first year, she went back to doing her passion. After their marriage, the businesses that she owned were now assimilated to one of Gray's numerous companies and he pushed her off her position so that he could be the one to take the reigns. However, this did not stop her from doing what she loved. Ignoring the insistence from him that she should just be another trophy wife, she urged her cousin to make her the CEO of their Fiore branch.

Since Jose Porla died, Jellal became the head of his empire. The man, who knew what atrocities Gray was doing towards his beloved relative blessed the woman with a distraction, letting Juvia take care of one of the branches of their empire – the realty business. So far, from what he's heard, his wife has done a marvelous job.

Juvia kept herself busy while Gray was doing things elsewhere. He was glad about that since it kept their fortunes through the sky. But unlike him, Juvia went home everyday despite the hour-long drive to her office. She would take care of James and be the doting mother.

He stopped his car just at the driveway. Helping Angel out of the vehicle, he ignored the pointed looks that Warren gave him who was currently washing the limousine.

"Oh Angel, this is my chauffeur, Warren," Gray said, gesturing towards the man.

Angel flashed the man with a megawatt smile. Warren couldn't help but sigh inwardly. The woman was wearing a silver sequined dress with a white fur coat draped over her slender body. She had a slight tan to her and it contrasted with her silver-blue hair that was cropped short and held back by a thin black headband. She wore feathered earrings and too much jewelry across her neck and around her wrists. Her heels looked dangerous to look at, much less walk in.

Warren wondered why Gray would even consider this woman over Juvia. His mistress had intelligence, taste, and modesty. Given, the past weekend was the only day where she went a little wild, but that was it. Gray really had a death wish. This was the first time that he ever brought his flings in his house. His house with Juvia and their son. Would he even consider James treating this trashy-looking woman as another mother figure? Would Juvia even allow him to humiliate her this way?

The chauffeur was thankful that James wasn't aware of the chaos that was going on in his parents' lives. He just hoped that this won't continue until James grew up or else it would be a real pity. He hoped that Gray would see sense someday. He had a beautiful life with an amazing wife and son waiting for him everyday.

Gray opened the door and took Angel's coat from her. He hung it up and took her hand.

"This is a beautiful house."

The admiration in Angel's voice was unmistakable. And so was the greedy look in her eyes. She examined the tasteful furniture and the colors. The decorations were priceless and they were indeed wonderful.

"Juvia did the decorating," a voice said from the top of the grand staircase.

Gray was stilled as he watched his wife walking down towards them, clad in a cream blazer and pencil skirt. She had a dark blue blouse under her blazer. Cream pumps finished off her outfit as they made no sound against the carpeted stair. Her long wavy hair was tied in a loose ponytail, the blue tresses flowing over her right shoulder. The makeup on her face was light and it made her pale skin glow once again. She should indeed be wearing this type of makeup more often. It accentuated her features in an ethereal way.

"Juvia did the decorating?" Angel's mocking voice sounded from beside Gray. He was a bit surprised that the singer was steadily walking towards his wife, as if meeting her halfway in challenge. "What an odd way of speaking."

"If we are speaking about odd things, Juvia must ask you what you are doing in her house?"

There was a ring of authority and anger in her tone and Gray could only stare at the brewing showdown between the two women.

"This is your house? I was under the impression that Gray owns this place. He paid for it, did he not?" Angel asked.

"Not everything," Juvia said, glaring at Gray.

"Anyway, I'm not here to steal your house," Angel declared. "I know for a fact that whatever Gray does, you two can't get divorced, which is a pity. I'm here to meet Gray's lovely baby boy."

With that statement, Gray could see the sudden narrowing in Juvia's ocean blue eyes. There was a deadly gleam in them too, something which he has never seen before.

"Get out," she bit out.

"What?" Angel asked, astonished. "What gives you the right?"

"My name is Juvia Loxar-Fullbuster. That gives Juvia the right. Juvia is Gray's wife."

"Only on paper you are." A stinging remark followed by an uncharacteristic cackle that startled Gray.

"And you think you can be Gray's wife?"

"I can be your little James' mommy too. Pity your little contract can't let you divorce. How does it feel to have a man solely because of a threat and a paper?"

"Get out."

With that statement, Juvia approached one of the antique drawers decorating the hallway where Angel and Gray stood. She opened one and took out a revolver.

"How dare you," Juvia said to the both of them, her voice a deadly quiet as she aimed the deadly gun at the two of them. "Juvia will kill your mistress in front of you if you don't push her out of this house right now!"

"You're crazy!" Angel screamed at Juvia.

"Is Juvia crazy? You're the one who's crazy, thinking that you will ever be introduced to my son!" Juvia bellowed. "GET OUT!"

With one terrified look at Gray, Angel scrambled outside. He was about to chase after her when Juvia held him back with one powerful grip to his shoulder.

"Warren will know what to do with her," she said, her voice back to the deadly hushed tones it took a few seconds ago. He noticed that her eyes no longer held any anger. Instead, they were blank.

"What the fuck are you playing at?!" Gray growled.

"Juvia could ask you the same question."

"Why do you have a fucking gun?! And who gave you the right to go threatening people with it?"

"If people start trying to humiliate me and when they start going near my son, Juvia will kill if she has to. Juvia is no longer your slave, Gray."

It was obvious by the way she already removed his honorific whenever she addressed him that she was indeed out of Gray's spell now. "Juvia wants a divorce," Juvia said. "What you did right now… with that woman…"

She couldn't even form the words. All the emotions bottled up inside of her were now spilling over, exploding to the point of no return. Who the hell brings their mistress to their house to meet their son?! What kind of twisted punishment is he trying to bring upon her? She didn't do anything to deserve any of this.

"A divorce?" Gray repeated incredulously. "You know we can't do that. If we get a divorce, all of my properties will be taken away from me."

"Your properties, Gray, not Juvia's."

Gray blanched. She had a point. She was never under a will or a contract like his. All that he knew that she was obliged to marry him. She didn't know under what circumstance. And it would seem that she had consulted someone before facing him with this.

"You won't," he spluttered pathetically. "You can't."

"Juvia has had enough, Gray," she replied. "She is leaving with James. You are not to see Juvia's son. Juvia has made sure that you do not step into her and her son's lives ever again. Do you understand?"

The woman was staring at him with finality in her eyes.

"I'm not sure what's going on with you, Juvia," Gray started to say, "but you can't do this. You'd be finishing my family's legacy. It's something that I've worked hard on since the very beginning of time. It's before I even knew you, for fuck's sake! A lot of my men and women will be unemployed!"

"You should have thought about that before you punished Juvia," Juvia stated. "You see, Juvia has always wanted to prove herself to you. She always wanted you to notice her, for you to just love her. But you wouldn't give her a chance. She wasn't good enough for you and you would often humiliate her publicly. Juvia's family is disgraced by the way you treat her and they don't want anything to do with you anymore. They are willing to lose all the properties that are already named after you just so that you will let Juvia and James go."

"What?!" He was astonished. So she had consulted her family. Jellal was a highly intelligent man, far more skilled than Gray himself. He was also far more powerful. It didn't matter to the man if he lost some of his holdings in Fiore that Gray already assimilated to his company. He could just very well replace them and if Juvia's business acumen was what Gray heard, then she was very capable of rebuilding her efforts from the ground up.

It now seemed that he had pushed Juvia to doing the unthinkable. She was finding a way out in which she would lose a little while he would lose everything.

"No…" was all he said, as he clutched the sides of his head. He was on the verge of making another successful breakthrough in his beloved business. But to have that taken away from you in one go.

Juvia felt a twinge of pity for the man. When she looked at him, she could not deny that she still held feelings for him. She knew that she was a sad masochist for feeling that way. But she really wanted a way out of this. Even though she knew that it would be painful for James, but he would learn to understand one day. After all, he didn't even understand what was going on right now. He was tucked in his bed, blithely unaware of the fact that he might grow up without a father figure in his life.

The two of them found themselves in the dining room an hour later, being served a very late lunch by a very flummoxed looking Laki. It was obvious that the maid had heard what happened and was gathering herself. She actually thought that her beloved mistress was going to kill someone that time. She was just standing by in the shadows with her phone in hand, thinking about who she would contact if all things go to hell.

Juvia delicately sliced the arugula and chewed her food carefully. She watched Gray from behind her thick eyelashes. He was playing with his meal, apparently losing his appetite fast. She knew that he was the type of man who hated being out of control. He hated being commanded to do anything. But she couldn't help it. She wasn't doing this out of vengeance. She needed to preserve what little dignity she had left and start rebuilding herself. He beat her down enough.

"What happened to you?" Juvia suddenly asked.

"What are you talking about?" Gray threw back, fire in his eyes.

"Juvia knows you before she married you, do you know that?"

Gray just stared at her with a confused expression. She chuckled slightly, but her laugh was dry and humorless. "She once disguised herself as your secretary, Kinana. That was the day Juvia fell in love with Gray."

His eyes widened. There was a vague memory – a day when Kinana seemed to fail at every task that he appointed her. He had a sharp memory, especially of days that were either very bad or very good to him. That day was the moment he found out that he was engaged to a woman he never even knew. He wanted to burn down everything that he owned, feeling that all of his efforts were wasted if they were all going to be taken away just because he didn't follow a certain contract.

But even with his issues, he couldn't bring himself to be cruel to anyone. That was the real Gray. That was the real him. Even with Kinana messing up his schedule and him missing out on important tasks that day, he didn't blow up at her.

In fact the exact words he said to her were, "I never punish my nakama. They're precious to me. Just do better next time, okay?"

"You were…" he said, his voice trailing away.

"Yes," Juvia said in amusement. "You should try to be more aware of your employees, Gray."

"I noticed that she was acting strangely, but I had other thoughts in my head."

"Like how you were going to break it off with Lucy-san?"

The question caught him off-guard. He couldn't help but glare at her. "None of your business."

"Really, it is Juvia's business," the blue-haired woman said. "Juvia has met Lucy-san during Gajeel and Levy's anniversary. Lucy-san apologized to Juvia."

Lucy apologized? Gray was speechless.

"Juvia would have understood if you only said that you were in love with someone else. She would have broken off the engagement."

Gray rolled his eyes. "You don't know about the threats your grandfather made to my mother?"

"Juvia knows of that. Grandfather does not hide things from his family, unlike what you believe."

"What?! Then if you can do something about it, why didn't you talk to the old man?!" Gray exploded, standing from his chair.

"Juvia could have done something, but with enough reason from you. You did not say that you were planning to marry Lucy Heartphilia-san. So Juvia thought that it was alright for the engagement to pull through. She could have found someone else to marry, or at least, grandfather would have," Juvia stated simply.

"Fuck!" Gray cursed, throwing his wine glass at the floor. Juvia didn't even wince. She was used to Gray's tantrums.

"It's too late," Juvia said. "We cannot do anything about it now."

"Well, you don't say!" Gray shot back at her, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"She is happy with Natsu-san," Juvia said. "They have a family together – two beautiful daughters who would hate to see their family ruined because of you. If you truly love her, let her go."

"What would you know about letting go?" this was said with such nastiness that it would make any other person flinch. But not Juvia.

"Juvia has let you go. You struggle so hard to the point you killed her."

If this were any other situation, Gray would have laughed. But the way her blue eyes drowned him made it hard for him to breathe. He suddenly became sad for her. For the first time, he felt an incredible amount of guilt engulf him. But he couldn't apologize. It was hypocritical of him to say sorry now. After everything that he did, it was a miracle that Juvia was even talking to him in such a calm manner.

There would be a time for an apology. A time when everything was right. A time when the apology won't be forced. A time when he was sincere about being sorry about everything that he did.

"Do you want to maintain possession of your company?" Juvia suddenly asked, knowing that saying what she was thinking would surely earn her another scolding from Jellal.

Gray looked at her and nodded.

"Then Juvia shall stay married to you," Juvia declared. "Only if you promise to make me a member of the board of Milkovich Group of Companies. You shall return all Juvia's properties and companies under Juvia's control, but of course you shall be their CEO by name but that's that. You shall now go home every night and make this house your residence. You shall stop all of your affairs and be a good father to James, do you understand?"

He had done it. He had successfully lost the lady. He had turned her into something that she was not, forced by desperation. She now controlled all of him. After a year of controlling her, he was now faced in the opposite situation. He made her realize that she had power over him and the potential to destroy him. That unrealized and undiscovered power was now laid bare before the two of them.

"But for now, Juvia wants to leave," she said.

"What? Where?"

"Juvia is taking James with her to Edolas," she replied. "She needs time for herself. She will come back when she feels like it. She thinks that is enough time for you to settle your affairs."

Gray had the audacity to redden at that. But he said nothing. He didn't know how long she would be gone and he was unsure what to expect when she returned. But there was one thing he knew – life would never be the same again.

"What will you get in all of this?" Gray inquired, watching her steadily. "Why now?"

"Juvia was stupid enough to believe that you had a heart."

"So you mean to say that you did not file for divorce?"

Jellal Fernandes was disappointed. He could never be angry towards his relatives. If there was one thing that Jose Porla taught them well it was loyalty to their blood and kin. Even though the old man had a twisted way of showing his love, everything that he did was done with the best intentions at heart. Now that he was the head of their family, he would do his best to protect everyone in his life.

And that included his cousin, Juvia Loxar.

Ever since they were children, Jellal and Juvia were always close. They were the ones who had the closest age gap towards each other. The rest of their cousins had barely reached puberty. They were the only adults and they were entrusted with continuing Jose's legacy.

For the continuation of the empire, Juvia was offered up as a bride to Ul Milkovich's son. Jellal's first impressions of Gray Fullbuster were good. According to reports, he was a man with integrity and he was good with what he did. That was the reason why he agreed to the arrangement. He would never put his cousin in a bad marriage, even though everything was already arranged and they had no choice. He would at least set her up with the best possible man in their circle.

It appeared that Gray Fullbuster was decent enough for her.

But he was wrong.

He had never seen someone snuff the life out of anyone that fast. Juvia was a shining star on her own. Even though she was sometimes too serious for her own good, she knew how to have fun. She was optimistic and loving. She was unlike all the socialite women in their world. She had intelligence, sophistication, and consideration. Unfortunately, even with that much spirit, love can manage to break it.

Jellal wasn't a monk. He knew every single one of Gray's moves. He knew who he did business transactions with and he knew who he had sexual encounters with. He knew every single one of his affairs and was the one responsible for the girls establishing lives of their own just so that they would leave Gray alone. But his patience and his help had limits. He can't spend unnecessary amounts of money just to pay Gray's women off. He knew he had to find a way out for Juvia.

And that was when he reviewed the contract that the two had.

There was no clause there that stated that Juvia would lose all of her properties if she divorced Gray. All that would be lost were the companies incorporated into Gray's businesses when they married, since they were now named after him. But as for Juvia's personal assets and her own wealth, they would be untouched.

And that was more than enough for Juvia and her son.

With that information at hand, he informed Juvia, who seemed to be accepting of what he had told her. It was obvious that her year of martyrdom had finally come to a close. He was glad that it didn't take her a longer time to realize that this marriage was fruitless. Juvia was, after all, smart.

But now, he seriously doubted where his cousin's wits went.

"Juvia laid out conditions for him to follow."

"And you seriously think he'll follow?"

Jellal was seated in his study. He had a glass of scotch in one hand while his other was firmly rested under his chin, observing Juvia. The young woman was seated directly across from him, still in her travel clothes, having just arrived from the airport a few hours ago with James and Laki in tow. It seemed that she had informed Gray that she would need reprieve for a while, but did not state that she would go through with the divorce. Beside Jellal was Erza, who was clutching his shoulder just to calm her irate husband down.

"He will," Juvia answered. "He's threatened that his estates will be lost."

"Everyone knows how much Gray values Ul's legacy," Erza stated. "He would do anything to keep them."

"Including marrying Juvia, in fact," Jellal added. "But see where it got them."

"You can't force these things, Juvia," Erza agreed with her husband.

"But Juvia can still try," Juvia said, confirming to the couple in front of her that she would also do anything to keep Gray by her side.

Jellal then switched topics, chuckling slightly. "You really were going to shoot his woman?"

Juvia nodded, smiling a bit. Erza laughed at that. "We can cover up the crime if you did it," the redhead said, effectively silencing the two blue-haired cousins. Erza was a dangerous woman who sometimes didn't know the proper timing for such statements.

"So what are you planning to do?" Jellal asked.

"Juvia is going to stay here for a while," Juvia answered. "She is going to help out with the businesses, if that is alright, Jellal-nii-sama."

"Of course it's fine," Jellal said, smiling fondly.

"How long do you think you'll have to stay here?" Erza asked.

"Until Juvia heals. And Gray has to sort out his issues first before Juvia returns. Juvia will be taking over some of the businesses as discussed."

"Did he sign a contract just in case? We have to make sure," Jellal told her.

"He did. Juvia made sure."

"Good."

It has been two weeks.

Two weeks since Juvia and James left.

Even Laki was gone. Juvia took her since she trusted the young woman above anyone else.

For the past two weeks, Gray had been going home to the mansion. It wasn't because that was what Juvia said. In fact, she hadn't even said that he should start going home until their return. But he wanted to. It seemed that he desired to be in his own space where everything was homey and personal.

And right now, he was at a restaurant a few blocks from his building. This was where he usually ate and it was his routine. It was just that he was used to someone eating with him – a date. He was always with a lady friend and for the past month, it was Angel. But after the fiasco, he was sure that she would never want to see him again for fear of being shot between the eyes.

He took a sip of water, feeling unusually bland compared to his usual order of spirits. He was about to signal for the waiter to deliver his main course when a shock of familiar blonde hair stopped him in his movement.

It was Lucy.

And she was alone.

The woman was looking around as someone was guiding her towards her table. To Gray's horror, it seemed that the only available table for a small party of one was right beside his own. He wanted to curse his luck.

It has been a long time since he last saw Lucy Heartphilia in the flesh.

In fact, it was for a year and a half. And so much has changed.

Her hair was longer now, reaching way past her shoulders. It was in its usual style, flowing naturally down her back. She wore a stylish pink blouse and white slacks. It was a simple outfit and it seemed that she only came by here to eat. He could feel his heart thundering against his chest as she approached him. Her brown eyes finally found his dark blue ones. Recognition came upon them, followed by hesitation. But she couldn't back out now. She was already being seated at her table.

Gray finally realized that the pounding in his chest was not caused by his unwavering love for this woman. It was because of the lack of closure for him. It was because he wasn't quite sure where they stood now. It was because he treated her horribly for something that wasn't her fault.

Pretty much like how he treated Juvia.

She was her friend first and foremost. Even before they became lovers. They were the best of friends. He, Natsu, and Lucy were the unbreakable trio. They leaned on each other when there was no one else for them. They knew each other since they started school. When they Gray and Lucy took it to the next level, he had no idea that he won't be able to stand by his code of friendship and dismiss her when he found out that she didn't react to his liking when they broke up.

He was the one who gave up on them. Them as friends.

"Hey Gray."

Her voice had haunted his dreams months after he was married. As time passed by, little by little, his mind and his heart started forgetting her and he thought that it was a good thing. But it wasn't. It was like spitting on someone's memory. He had no decency, as Juvia pointed out lately.

"Hey," he responded, managing, after more than a year, to look Lucy in the eye and actually smile at her.

The smile seemed to have caught the young woman off guard. She didn't expect Gray to suddenly sport that warm, friendly smile that she had missed. The smile wasn't romantic – it was back to the old Gray that she knew and appreciated. It seemed that Levy was right. Juvia leaving had an impact on him.

"Mind if I sit with you?" Gray asked, trying to step it up.

Lucy grinned at him. "I think I should be the one to move tables. You already started eating and I have yet to order."

Gray gestured to the seat across him. "Whatever you wish."

Lucy moved, asking him to sit down when he attempted to draw her chair for her. "So, how are you?" she asked, typical concern in her voice.

"I guess you heard."

"Difficult not to when Gajeel keeps on gloating all week."

Gray clucked his tongue. "That man really is a jerk."

"Sorry for saying this, but not as much as you," Lucy said with amusement.

"Hai, hai," Gray agreed grudgingly. "I've been such a dick, haven't I?"

"That's a bit of an understatement," Lucy commented as the waiter approached her with a menu. She quickly perused the appetizers, entrees, and desserts, ordering instantly as if she knew what she was going to eat the moment she went in.

"So," she proceeded, "what're you planning to do now?"

"Behave," he answered. "Set things right. Starting now, actually."

Lucy laughed. He missed hearing her carefree laugh. "Good."

"Look, I'm really sorry, Lucy," Gray said, leaning a bit towards her. "I was an irrational bastard. I shouldn't have held everything against you. You were the mature one in the break up."

"It's alright, Gray. I already forgave you a long time ago."

"But what I did to you… to Natsu – "

"You really have a habit of underestimating people, Gray," Lucy said, her eyebrows raised. "Don't underestimate our friendship. Especially Natsu. In fact, if it weren't for him, I wouldn't have forgiven you."

Gray was floored. Natsu, the knuckleheaded bastard, seemed to be the one who has taken the high road first. He shouldn't be that surprised though. The young man always had a big heart. He had an optimistic and light-hearted view on life that was so infectious. Gray realized that Lucy was often the type who took things too seriously. It seemed that Natsu balanced her off perfectly.

"You two are really great for each other," Gray conceded. Finally, after more than a year. It felt good.

"I know," Lucy agreed, grinning wider. "I'm glad you finally realized that."

Gray munched silently on his entrée while Lucy started with her appetizers. "So," she suddenly said, "what are you planning to do with Juvia? I think she's wonderful for you."

Gray groaned. "People keep saying that."

"Really? You've been talking to people?"

"Well, most of my employees keep saying how nice Juvia is."

"You've really lost a lot of friends huh?"

"I shut myself out," Gray admitted. "I've been with other company."

"Women," Lucy revealed. "I know. Your affairs weren't exactly a secret. You've been a hot topic in our circles."

Gray's cheeks were tinged in pink. "I wasn't happy."

"You didn't make the most out of what you had. You didn't take a look at what you had. Juvia is an amazing woman."

"You met her."

"How did you know?" Lucy asked, mildly surprised.

"She told me," Gray said. "I actually went home the night of Levy's anniversary. I waited for Juvia and she went home really late, with a man no less."

Lucy was silenced at that. She wasn't about to tell Gray that the man who drove Juvia home was his own half-brother, Lyon Vastia – a man that he hadn't even seen for years now.

"Did anything happen?" she asked.

"I don't know. I don't think so. Juvia's not really the type."

"I thought so."

"And then two weeks ago, I brought Angel to our house," Gray said, his head lowered in shame. "I didn't know what I was thinking. I think I wanted to get back at her for going home with a man, so I brought along my current mistress."

Lucy's eyes widened. Without warning, she flicked Gray's forehead with her finger.

"Ouch!" Gray exclaimed, holding his forehead.

Lucy rolled her eyes. "Don't be overdramatic. That's the least of what you deserve. Don't you have any idea that the only reason why Juvia was with someone was because she was too drunk to drive? And why the hell would you bring your mistress to your house? To let your kid meet his future stepmom?!"

Gray sighed. "I know! I messed up! Anyway, I didn't expect to find Juvia there. I thought she was working. But she was there and she had an argument with Angel."

"And you did nothing?" Lucy said, evidently disgusted.

"I didn't know what to do, okay?"

Lucy was the one who sighed this time. "And?"

"Then Juvia pulled out a gun on Angel."

Lucy's eyes almost dropped out of its sockets. She suddenly started shaking in laughter, startling other diners. Gray narrowed his eyes at her, warning her to shut up. "So this is why Gajeel kept on making that evil laugh of his! This was what Juvia did!"

"Gajeel told everyone?!" Gray said, aghast.

"Of course not! Well, except Levy but that's an exception since she's his wife. I guess Juvia told him," Lucy replied.

"Well shit," Gray cursed.

Lucy frowned at him. "You can't expect anything less. You stepped on her, Gray."

"I know."

"Are you sorry? Did you say you were sorry?"

"I am. Not yet."

Lucy stared him down, making him squirm. Only Lucy could do that to him. "And why the hell not?"

"I'm not yet ready. I really don't know if saying sorry was appropriate at that moment when I don't really mean it."

She took a deep breath as the waiter took her plate and replaced it with her entrée. "Well, you have a lot to make up for. It's a miracle that she didn't push through with the divorce."

"How'd you know that?"

"Well, that was the part that Gajeel told me," Lucy said. "Because that was the part that pissed him off the most."

"That's for sure."

"Don't start on Gajeel, Gray," Lucy scolded him. "He's Juvia's best friend and he's been itching to do something bad to you. I'll make sure to take this reform of yours seriously, if I were you."

"Enough with the threats. I think I have enough of them now," Gray told her.

"How long 'til they return?" Lucy questioned him.

"I don't know," Gray said. "Juvia wasn't very specific."

"Well, I won't ask further. I'm just glad that you're finally coming to your sense," Lucy said in a relaxed manner. "And you have to fix it with Natsu personally. I won't be your spokesperson."

"Already planning on it," Gray stated, grinning at his friend.

"And then you have to win over Levy once more," Lucy began saying, "and of course Gajeel, because he's a very important person to Juvia. Then Juvia's family. I'm sure you have a lot of explaining to do to your in-laws."

Gray suddenly became nauseated at the thought. Dirtying up your life is so easy but cleaning it up takes a lot of work.

"Then of course, you have to make it up to Juvia. She's the one you want to impress the most."

Gray nodded.

Lucy observed Gray's features, seeing how aged they've become under all of this stress. She exhaled in exasperation. "How do you feel about her, Gray? I mean, the truth."

"I don't know," Gray said. "Honestly, I don't. I haven't really spent that much time with her and I've only ever seen her in a bad light. But recently…"

"Recently?"

"Well, I kinda had a different feeling for her when she went home that night wearing that skimpy black dress," Gray admitted, blushing furiously.

Lucy exploded in gales of laughter. "Levy is a genius! It was a present from her! I guess it did serve its purpose of attracting men. It attracted you!"

Gray suddenly glared at her. "What? Levy made her wear that dress to attract other guys' attention?!"

"Stop going all alpha male on her, Gray. You have no right."

His lips were set in a grim line, biting his tongue before it made a scathing retort. She had a point. But still…

"Well, at least attraction is in the bang. It won't be long," Lucy said.

"Won't be long?" he repeated.

"Until you actually fall for the girl."

Gray nearly choked on his food. "You're far too much of a romantic, Lucy."

"I am, huh?" Lucy said, pouting slightly. "Oh well, don't go running to me if you decide to fall in love with her. For all I know, she's losing her love for you."

"Isn't it obvious?" Gray said, grimacing.

"And that bothers you?"

The searching look that Lucy had bothered Gray to no end. "I still don't know my feelings Lucy. I don't think I should rush into this."

"Whatever you say. Just don't take too long."

"I won't," Gray replied.

Lucy smiled. "It's good to have you back, Gray."

"Not quite back, but getting there."

Review each chapter, will you? :D I worked hard on this!