Aaaah, next update! And oh gosh, guys I can't thank you enough for all the lovely reviews A They really motivate me to write more! I hope you'll enjoy this chapter as well 3
This chapter will contain new characters and their backstories, so don't be too disappointed please : I'll make sure that the next few chapters will be more exciting than this ! And not boring ;A;
dorac : Hehe, yes they will! How could I leave out some of my favorite characters?
Juvia threw herself onto her own bed and sighed. She just laid there for a few seconds and her head was spinning faster than it should. Her heart was still beating fast and the burn on her shoulder never disappeared, but just got more intense. The bluenette grabbed a pillow, buried her face into it and screamed out everything she was holding back until then. She was angry. Very angry with herself. How could she allow a man like him touch her so casually? How could her body betray her like that and react in those unusual ways? Before she would rip the pillow apart, she threw it into the direction of the door, in which her roommate was standing. It directly landed in his face and made a puffy sound. At first she covered her mouth with her hand, but then started laughing. The pillow fell to the floor revealing a startled tall man. His looks were unusual. Not unusual as in pink or blue hair, but usual as in piercings as eyebrows and all across his face. His long, black and spiky hair was also rather unusual and so were his eyes. They were blood red and his glares look even worse. On the first look you'd see a damn freaky punk-head, but for Juvia it was her best friend.
His name was Gajeel Redfox and they've been roommates, since they were freshmen and they knew each other since their childhood. He was the son of one of the Loxar's nannies and he often came to work with his mother. Gajeel was a true and unique personality. His mother took care of Juvia and him at the same time during work. Juvia loved playing with him, despite her family's opinion. He wasn't all snobby and he sure knew how to have fun. It took him some time to melt a bit in Juvia's hands, but eventually they got to trust and love in each other in a platonic way. Already as kids he behaved like some kind of big brother for her, even though Juvia is a little older than him. Gajeel always liked bossing around and she didn't mind it. He was strong and stubborn, but those were all traits she loved about him. Under his hard shell, there laid a caring and loyal person and Juvia was probably the only one who knew about that side of him. She felt privileged. But he also knew her darkest depths and biggest secrets. He was the one, who stood by her side, when the drama happened between her and her family. He was the one who was willing to share his apartment with her. Gajeel was the one who built her up and she was eternally thankful for that.
Juvia chuckled and rubbed the back of her head. "Sorry Gajeel.", she said with a big smile on her face. He just stared down at her and crossed his arms. His usual face was nothing else, but an evil glare. "Where were you last night?", he asked with a deep and threatening voice. Gajeel was serious and Juvia knew it. "Juvia is sorry. Juvia went out to drink something with some friends and well… Juvia drank too much and had to sleep at someone else's house.", she answered obviously embarrassed. At the thoughts of that night and morning she blushed unwontedly. Her roommate raised an eyebrow and snorted. "Who's house?". Juvia scratched her cheek awkwardly and stuttered: "Eh.. Well .. K-Kind of m-my boss's house". The man's jaw dropped, as he flailed. "What!? Didn't you say he was some kind of perverted womanizer.. Wait, why was he there? How did you get to his house? What did you do? Did you do a pregnancy test? Oh god I will beat the crap out of him, if you are… ". Juvia sighed and stood up from her bed. She was used to the overprotective childhood friend, but sometimes his conjectures were ridicilious. "No. Nothing happened, really." . At least that's what she hoped.
It was a warm spring day and the weather was nice, so they decided to go outside and get some coffee, while talking the night before out. Juvia rarely got to spend time with him anymore, since he's been working for Fairy Tail Networks. It was a company, which took care of the community and citizens of the city. It funded money for hospitals, the homeless, animal shelters and many more organizations, which couldn't keep themselves over water. It was weird at first. Gajeel was probably one of the last people whom she expected to work at such a charitable company. He used to work for Phantom Industries, which was a huge concern. They said they were producing iron and steel products for constructional purposes ,but there were lots of rumors about them importing weapons into countries with lots of civil wars and trouble. Juvia shook her head at the thought, that she was working there as well. During her studies she's been forced into a position as part-time secretary to earn some money, since they were the only ones who took her and paid enough money for a decent living.
They sat down at their favorite café. It was just around the corner from their apartment and they served the best iced coffee in Juvia's opinion. They took a seat outside at one of those round tables with a red-white checkered tablecloth on it. A small see-through vase was standing in the middle of the table and it contained a red rose. Juvia smiled and loved the detail the staff put into their work there. She sat down on their bistro chairs, which even had hassocks on them with the same pattern as the table cloth. But the most important thing next to the delicious coffee and lovely furniture was the tiny and cute waitress. "Juvia!", a high-pitched voice said, as its owner walked over to them. It was a petite girl, just 21 years young. She had blue hair, just like Juvia, but hers was more dark and deep. Her eyes were brown and big and did remind one of a puppy. The girl always wore a yellow headband to keep her hair falling into her face and she also wore a genuine smile most of the time. Her name was Levy McGarden and Juvia still remembers her as high school junior. They became friends, since both of them joined the theater group. Levy made the outfits, while Juvia painted the backgrounds. They spent lots of time together behind the curtaines and eventually became friends. The petite bluenette was also a colleague of Gajeel. She works at Fairy Tail Networks as researcher and takes care of the funds for the city's library. Books were her true passion. Levy loved them and they were her best friends next to Jet and Droy, her colleagues. That's why she chose to study English literature. At the moment she was working at the café on weekends to help her friend Laki out.
Juvia smiled at her friend and they exchanged kisses onto each others cheek. Gajeel rolled his eyes. Levy glanced at the 'Man made of iron' (His nickname given by colleagues) and her cheeks turned pink. Another important fact to mention was that she fell head over heels for Juvia's roommate. It was a riddle to everyone why a sweet girl like her would love such an unpleasant man, but that didn't bother Juvia. The woman knew both of them and how well they actually fit to each other. Levy never wanted to show it and denied it at any needs, but to everyone else it was just too obvious to be unseen. "Hello, Gajeel.", the small woman said shyly. The man just glanced at her then turned his head again and mumbled something like "hi" under his breath. He never gave her much attention or affection back, but Juvia knew that he cared more for her , than he had shown. She wanted to facepalm herself at the rude behavior of her friend.
Levy shyly looked down and tried to focused on Juvia, while awkwardly shifting her notepad from one hand to another. "After I'd note down and got you your drinks, I could sit down and maybe we could talk for a while..", the literature student suggested. Juvia smiled and agreed on that. "Sure, that'd be great, right Gajeel?". She turned to her friend with that smile. That smile that said "I know". He didn't answer, but made a weird snorting sound, which was his way of approving. Levy grinned back at them and got her pen out. "So for Juvia the iced coffee, I guess and for you Gajeel?", she said and looked at the male eagerly. "A... ", he gulped. "Banana milkshake, please". Both of the women started to chuckle. A vein popped up on the man's forehead, as he stubbornly yelled: "O-Oi ! Liking milkshakes doesn't make you unmanly !". Juvia smiled and winked at her childhood friend. "No one ever said that.". Levy giggled again and noted their orders down, before exclaiming, that she'd be back in about 10 minutes.
In the meantime Juvia told Gajeel everything about her last night. After she had finished, he just laughed at her in mockery. "You women can't take any alcohol, can you?". The bluette pouted at first, but then grinned. "True. At least I don't". Just in time Levy came out with a tray and their drinks. For herself she bought a glass of orange juice. She put the cups and glasses onto the table and then took a seat next to Juvia. "By the way Juvia,", the tiny woman started ", heard you were working for the Fullbuster". The book-lover put a smirk on and eyed her female friend. Immediately heat rose to Juvia's face, as she stuttered: "W-What? From where do you know that?". Levy giggled. "Didn't you know, that Lucy works for Fairy Tail Networks and that we just talked through the phone this morning? She said, that last evening she met Gray Fullbuster's new secretary and as soon as she mentioned your name I spit half of the cereal in my mouth out!". Juvia just blushed more deeply and played with the rim of her skirt. She forgot, that they all knew each other and that everyone knew Gray. "Aaaaand more interesting was, that she said you drove home with him." Levy leaned forwards and placed an elbow onto the table and rested her head onto her hand with that same smirk on her face. Juvia was at a loss of words. How would she explain that, without sounding dumb? Again she repeated the story for her blue-haired friend and as she was done Levy sat there shocked. "Really !? You're one of those women, who left Gray Fullbusters house without having slept with him… That species is really rare."
The woman sighed and closed her eyes for a moment. He didn't make it clear to her… Whether they slept with each other or not. He sure was a tease and something in her exploded, when she thought of meeting him on Monday morning again. How should she react? Should he act like nothing happened or should she confront him honestly? "Oh and also. " Levy's shy voice ripped her out of her thoughts. "Lucy also mentioned, that she invited you to her wedding next weekend. You're coming with Gray, right?". Juvia cringed. "Uh… Yes Juvia does it for Lucy. She said, that she doesn't want Gray to come with some strange woman.", the bluenette explained truthfully. Levy clasped her hands in excitement and wore a big smile on her face. She looked cute and it didn't go unnoticed by Gajeel either. No one else except for Juvia would have noticed that slight change of color on his cheekbones.
"Fantastic! Lucy invited like… the whole company! 2 days party and celebration, I bet it'll be fun!". Juvia chuckled and looked at Gajeel. "So Gajeel is coming too?". He coughed and ruffled his hair. "Well, I've been invited to blondie's wedding, but..", he stopped for a moment. ", but I don't have a date and since you're going with that Gray guy-". He didn't have any chance to finish his sentence, since Juvia grabbed his hand and put it onto Levy's. Both of them looked like their faces caught fire and they pulled their arms away. Juvia giggled mischievously and crossed her arms. "If that's the problem, you two can go together… As long as Levy doesn't have a date." , she looked at the other female, who was starring at her hands with an obviously embarrassed face. "I-I wouldn't mind going with Gajeel.", she stated shyly and quietly. Juvia glanced at the man, who didn't protest anymore. "Alright, then that's settled!". "Juvia, the matchmaker!", she called herself proudly and laughed. After 20 minutes of further talking Levy had to continue her shift and Juvia and Gajeel decided to watch the new 'Man of steel' film, since Gajeel was too determinded to watch it. "I bet he's not half as badass as I am!", he yelled confidently on their way. The bluenette just chuckled and enjoyed that weekend with her best friend… Before falling back into the depths of hell.
Monday morning. The bluenette stood infront of the door to her work place and had her slim fingers clutched around the knob since 5 minutes. She sweated and bit her lower lip. Should she open the door and confront him? Should she open the door and act like usually? Shouldn't she open the door and run the hell away? The woman gulped and tightened her grip. She would have to face him some time. If not today, then tomorrow or the day after. There was no use in running away. She ripped the door open and jumped into the entrance hall. "GOOD MORNING!", she literally yelled. A perplexed Gray was standing behind the counter and was going through a patient's file. He stared at her obviously irritated and arched an eyebrow. "Morning? I'm not deaf, maybe?", he said calmly. "Oh hell no. He's standing there, where Juvia is supposed to be. What does Juvia do now?", you could almost hear her brain work and judder under all that pressure.
He gave her a second glance, before going through the file again. Gray figured out, that she was still thinking about their night together, but Gray had fun in leaving her in the dark. After all, he was the only one who knew what happened that fateful night. He finished reading and put the map back into the bottom drawer. The doc did it slowly and took his time and fun in making her wait to get to her desk. After seconds, which felt like hours, he finally moved away and made space for her. Juvia swallowed the lump in her throat and quickly stumbled over to her desk and dropped her bag and coat onto the back of the chair and the ground. She then proceeded to sit down and 'work'. No in reality, she was hoping that he'd go away as soon as possible and release her from her curren state of embarrassment. She could never get over the mystery of her having slept with her boss or not. Never. The bluenette quickly turned around and faced her boss now. "Please… Tell Juvia.", she demanded quietly and with a shaky voice. Her legs trembled and her heart was racing. What will he answer her? How bad will it be?
"No", he answered shortly. She gave him a confused look "What no?". "No I won't tell you.", Gray continued and smirked. "You couldn't handle the truth anyways. It'd be a lose-lose situation for you.". Juvia couldn't believe how bold he was. How rude his assumptions were. Why would she be glad, if they had sex? The bluenette swallowed her anger and turned back to her desk. "Fine.", she said slowly. Disappointment was written into her face. All she wanted was a clear and honest answer. She hated being left in the dark. But he loved to make her. "Whatever.", she added and started to start her PC and open drawers. Gray watched her do so. And for the first time in his life he actually felt a little bad for playing with a woman. It looked like she really cared and like it bothered her much. Gray often played with women. He mocked them, teased them and never thought of his consequences. But he had to spent most of his days with this woman, so driving her crazy wouldn't be too smart.
He sighed and kneaded his forehead. "Don't go crazy over it. I will tell you next week, after the wedding. Be a little patient.". Gray walked over to her and hesitantly put his hand onto her head. "But I can assure you, that I didn't do anything against your will.", he chuckled and ruffled her hair. Her expression got way softer and she dropped her head. "Juvia would never think that of you…", she quietly mumbled. "And thank you.", she added a while after. Gray was surely irritated for a moment. After all, how could she not think lowly of him? How could she thank him? He was pretty messed up, he couldn't deny that, but she just looked pass that. People are shallow, that's what he thought. They judged him on looks and general rumors. They said "Oh he's hot and smart and rich and perfect", but he was far from perfect. And she knew that. Juvia knew what kind of stuff he was doing. She knew more about him, than most of the people by now. And how many weeks have passed ? 2 or 3 ? He smiled to himself. Her spell was working on him just as it did on people like Lucy. It was just a matter of time.
Another 3 days went by so quickly and the atmosphere in the office wasn't as cold and awkward anymore. During breaks they would actually talk. Talk like friends and not talk like a boss and his employee. Sometimes they'd even laugh. Yes. Laugh. It was weird for somebody like Gray to open up so quickly. He never liked close bounds and it needs months or even years for him to accept you as a living human being. But with her it was easier. Well, easier than thought. Another good thing was, that strange woman came less and less and the last few days Juvia didn't see any or Gray would have brushed them off. They felt more comfortable and you saw it by the way they were treating their patients. Yes, you could say that they were more than just colleagues by now. They were friends.
It was Thursday now. 2 more days until the wedding. Gray told her he'd pick her up, after she had given him her address. She also casually asked him if he could drive Levy and Gajeel too. He agreed and said it was no problem and Juvia thanked him. Gray was busy with his last patient and Juvia was sorting out old files. Suddenly the door opened and a beautiful woman entered. Juvia's jaw dropped and she was dazzled by the appereance of that female. She was tall and had seemingly endless legs. Her eyes were chocolate brown and she wore a calm expression. She wasn't the type Juvia usually saw entering the office. No she seemed… Proud and confident. She seemed strong, dainty and graceful. The woman didn't wear any revealing clothes. She wore a simple white blouse and long black and tight pants. Over that she only had a beige colored coat. Juvia couldn't help, but wonder why Gray only knew pretty women. The beauty made her way to Juvia's desk and gave her a smile. "Excuse-me miss, I'm looking for ."
Juvia found herself looking at the woman with an open mouth. As soon as she noticed, she laughed awkwardly and brushed some hair streaks out of her face. " is currently busy with a patient, but if you want you can take a seat in the waiting room. ", Juvia said kindly. The woman smiled back at her. "Thank you, I'll just wait here, until he's back." The bluenette was fascinated by her. The thing that sticked out the most was her satin-like, scarlet hair. Juvia couldn't stop herself. "E-Excuse me and Juvia is sorry , that she's asking, but from where do you know ?". The other female looked at her a bit surprised, since she didn't expect that question, but she answered nevertheless. "I'm an old friend. Erza Scarlet. I just quickly came here to say 'hi'". "Oh", Juvia said. "So not some woman he just slept with and claims to bear his baby now". Suddenly the door to the treatment room opened and you could hear Gray dismiss his patient, who left with a last 'goodbye' to Juvia. Soon after him Gray came into the entrance hall and stopped, as soon as he saw Erza. A large smile formed on both of their faces and they came to hug each other.
The red-haired woman pushed him away after a few seconds and held his shoulders . "Let me take a closer look at you.", she said while eyeing him. Both had those faces. Those faces only friends get to see. So happy and carefree of what will happen next. They seemed to be close. Really close. Juvia smiled and she was glad to see that her boss had such great friends, who became hers also like Lucy. "You've grown and changed so much, Gray.", the woman said smiling. He chuckled and put his hands into his pockets. "Of course I did. The last time you've seen me, was 3 years ago. How's the drama with Jellal going? How is your life in Germany?", he asked eagerly. Erza sighed and had a faint smile on her face: "We're still as confused about our feelings as we were 10 years ago. And pretty well actually. The language is kind of weird, but I'll learn to live with it… And… I see, you've got yourself a new secretary.", she stated and looked at Juvia with a smile. The bluenette found herself staring at both of them with a dreamy look and snapped out of her state. "Yeah..", Gray said " Juvia … Not the best, but she'll do." He laughed. Juvia pouted and crossed her arms. The doctor glanced at her. His face… So much calmer than usual and his eyes looking so softly at her. He smiled. It was an irresistible kind of smile. Juvia blushed deeply and quickly hid her face in a map. She heard both of them giggle and the next thing was Erza's calm voice. "Well, I came just for Lucy's and Natsu's wedding. Jellal is still on his way, since he had a meeting so I hope he'll make it in time. I'll better go now, I'll have to meet quite a few people this evening. It's so great to be back.". They exchanged another hug. Juvia pulled the map down a little, so she could actually watch them. At that moment Erza glanced at her and smiled. "It was nice meeting you, Juvia", were her last words before she left.
And there Gray stood with that goofy smile of him staring at the door. Erza Scarlet. A known name in town. She was Fairy Tail Network's president's right hand and known and feared for her aggressive and successful politics against concerns like Phantom Industries. She was the major leader of the breakdown of that unloved company. Gray and Erza knew each other since they were children. A strong bound formed between them, after all those hard times they've went through together. After her fiancée Jellal had annulled their marriage, she had some hard times. Eventually they decided to be just girl- and boyfriend. Jellal got a good and well paid job in Germany and moved with Erza 3 years ago. It was a shocking message for Gray, but all he wanted was to have his friend happy. They came back just for the wedding, that would take place soon.
Gray sighed and took a look on his watch. 5:40 PM. No more patients. He turned around and looked at Juvia with his usual cold and emotionless face. "Want me to give you a ride home?". Juvia didn't react for a second, but then finally nodded frantically. She grabbed her coat and bag and put them on. The doc went into his office to his own clothes and came back into the entrance hall 1 minute later. "Let's go, mylady.", he said nonchalantly. "M-Mylady..?", Juvia stuttered and then chuckled . "How cheesy.". "I know,right?"
They were just driving in the streets, sitting in his black BMW and casually listening to Oasis's 'Wonderwall' on the radio. Suddenly a grumble. Thunder? No. Did they hit something? No. Did a bird fly against their car? I don't think so. No it was a very natural source from inside the car. Juvia's stomach. She blushed and covered it thinking that would prevent it from making sounds. Gray glanced at her and raised an eyebrow. "Did a whale just die in your belly?", he asked confused. "J-Juvia didn't eat the whole day, since that emergency patient came in during our break…", she responded embarrassedly. Gray looked at the radio clock. 6:00 PM. "It's still time to grab some dinner, you know", he said, while looking around the streets. Juvia looked at him quite surprised and then frustrated, when her stomach made another dying walrus sound. "Juvia would love to get dinner.", she shyly said. Gray smiled and turned at the next corner. "Good. I know a perfect place."
They entered 'Perry's' together and found themselves in a 50ies-like ambience. It was a simple diner with a pink-white theme and very retro and old-school looking furniture. Juvia was perplexed. One one day he takes her into a freaking expensive insider restaurant and the next day he gets dinner in a diner with her? They took a table at the window and had a great view onto the street and Gray's luxurious car. A waitress came by to note down their orders. For gray as usual ice-cold water and for Juvia a glass of iced tea. The bluenette looked around. "This… Doesn't seem to fit into Gray's lifestyle", she exclaimed, while taking a closer look at one of those old serviette dispensers. He watched her doing so, with his head in his hand and his elbow on the table. "I also like it simple sometimes. ".
The waitress came back after a few minutes and placed their drinks infront of them. Juvia gave her a small 'thank you', before she left with their meal orders. "So… You and Erza are close friends?", the bluenette asked hesitantly. Gray's eyes widened a bit and he looked rather dumb that moment with that 'what… ?' look on his face. "Well…", he started. "I'll tell you, if…". Juvia slightly tilted her head to the right. "If what?". He closed his eyes and chuckled. It looked like he fell asleep. "Nevermind. And yes we are close. Almost like siblings. She's been there for me in hard times and I've been there for her. That makes friendship." . Juvia nodded and took a sip from her iced tea. "You have great friends, Gray.", the woman said truthfully. She meant it. They really were great. Fullbuster gave her a faint smile and nodded. "More than great. What about you?".
Juvia looked irritated back at him. "What about your friends? Or are you one of those people who never get to see the sunlight and have no friends at all.". Gray smiled at her reaction to his words. She pouted and grabbed her glass tightely. "Of course not! Juvia also has great friends! Like Gajeel and Totomaru and Levy and Lisanna and..". Gray stopped her by laying his hand on hers. "Tell me more.", he demanded with that damn irresistiblesmile again. The woman gulped and stared at their hands, then back at him, then at the hands. It felt like her face had caught fire and she was pretty sure, that her face was as scarlet as Erza's hair at the moment. "Do I make you nervous?", he asked playfully. She bit her lower lip and tried to calm her pacing heart down. "N-Not at all.". After having breathed in deeply, she continued as calm as she could and told him about her times with her friends, how sharing an apartment is like and what she loved about Levy the most. And throughout all the time his hand was laying there on hers. Oh he sure knew how to play with her heart.
After 20 minutes their food finally arrived. Juvia ripped her hand away and clapped in excitement. She loved breakfast for dinner. They served her some scrambled eggs and bacon, with tomatoes and potatoes. Gray had decided to go with a simple burger and the woman immediately started to dig into her food. Oh how delicious it was. Even when she was hungry as a starving horse, she tried to keep her manners and behave like a lady. The bluenette tried to eat as slow as possible, while Gray ate REAL slow without any efforts. He was observing the woman in front of him. Yes observing was the right word. The doc was surprised at how happy she was just about food. How she reacted when his hand touched hers. How her hair bounced up and down and how her chest moved with each breath. He was somewhat fascinated. Gray had never met a woman so natural before. Every move she made was as if the wind had guided her. He liked it. And he wanted to see more of that. She was his new experiment.
Weeeh ! That was it! I'm sorry, that there weren't too many Gruvia moments, but now I introduced most of the characters, that would be important in the next events:
Yes the wedding! Next chapter will be the first part of it 3 Please stick with me :3
If you liked it, please leave a review! :
