Laxus and Juvia stood together in the bedroom she was going to be staying in, she held tightly to a rucksack and a small duffel bag sat on the floor beside a tattered box. Juvia gave a cheery smile and announced, "well, that's all of it thanks for the help."

Glancing again at her belongings Laxus questioned, "Are you sure there isn't anything else you need me to bring over?" He was pretty sure every girl he had ever met had more stuff than that in their purse and she was telling him that it was all of her belongings total? Unbelievable.

"No, some of the stuff was kind of fire damaged but honestly Juvia hasn't ever owned a ton of stuff," she said with a short shrug.

Giving a thoughtful nod he gestured around the room, "It's kinda dusty, but nobody ever used it before. You're welcome to the closets and dressers but there might be a few items stored here and there. Bathroom is to the right and my door is on the other side of that if you need anything. Towels are in the closet, just either hang it up to use again or chuck it in the basket if it needs washed. Use what you need, replace what you can." He paused to make sure she didn't have any questions at this point, then continued, "Thunder Legion likes to pop in and out sometimes but they're pretty respectful for the most part. Ya know, besides Bixlow….heh. Here's your key, come and go as you please, and yeah, that's pretty much it." He handed over a small brass colored key on a ring and turned to leave.

Juvia sprang forward and threw her arms around his neck giving him a huge hug, "Thank you again Laxus, I was losing hope and you really came through for me. I'll do my best to stay out of your way and be out of here as soon as I can find my own place."

"Don't worry about it," he said passively, "so since it's your first night what do you want to do to settle in?"

"will you let me cook dinner?" she asked hopefully, "I can run to a shop and be back before you know it."

"You can cook if you want, whatever floats your boat, but I'll come with ya to the shop since I need a few things too," he gave a chuckle, "I hadn't planned on having company."

-at the market-

The marketplace was filled with people bustling around, busy in their own tasks, Laxus walked a few paces byhind Juvia as they made their way though a row of tables and carts laden with goods. Juvia would pause to inspect produce or make a purchase and Laxus would step forward and grab the bag to hold while she continued shopping. The first time he took a bag she ensured him that she could handle it but after insisting they went about their shopping. He found himself enjoying watching Juvia haggle with the merchants, although she would manage to talk all of them down in price she never seemed to wane in her respect for them and kept a calm and cool demeanor. He often related the thought of Juvia with gushes of rain and extreme emotions but with her actions right in front of him he saw the maturity she had achieved since joining the guild.

Laxus purchased a few items for the household including some new soaps and extra tea to accommodate the extra use but he drifted to stalls he normally wouldn't have looked at simply enjoying the company he had while shopping. Juvia pointed toward the tables of breads coming up and mentioned that it was the last item on her list so the duo headed in that direction almost bumping into the person in front of them. Met with a confused expression they saw none other than Laki, the guild's wood maker magic wielding mage.

"Oh, funny running into you here," she laughed, "are you actually here together?"

Juvia nervously answered, "Oh well, yes, I suppose so. I am not sure how it appears to an outside perspective but we did come together." Juvia nervously chatted with Laki for a few moments while she sifted through the merchandise on the table trying to keep politely responding while looking for the type of bread she needed before finally grabbing a loaf and excusing herself to purchase it. "It was nice talking to you Laki, see you around, I need to get back and make dinner. Goodbye," she called.

Heading toward the exit Juvia still seemed flustered, "Oh Laxus, I'm so sorry. Surely that was embarrassing. Juvia hadn't considered what people would think when she began staying at your home." Blushing deeply she looked at the ground as they walked through the exit of the marketplace nearing the path toward home.

Grabbing her arm he stopped her in the path, "Hey, don't do that crap," he insisted. "It's none of anyone's business what goes in in your life or mine but don't for a second think that I would be embarrassed if people assume we are together. As far as I can see you're a damn powerful mage and absolutely gorgeous so and guy would be lucky to be seen with you."

"..really?" she gasped.

"Damn Juvia," he barked, "having your head shoved up popsicle's ego all that time did you absolutely no favors. Think of the things you have done, including what I have seen you do, like participate and kick ass in the Grand Magic Games. You have so much power and I am not sure if I've even seen the limit of it, Juvia. You're a Fairy Tail Wizard and I respect you, you need to learn to respect yourself."

"Tha-thank you Laxus." She stammered, then the two of them walked the rest of the way home in silence as Juvia mulled over what he had said to her.