I know I uploaded this chapter before but as I was reading through it again to start the next one, there was some mistakes and some parts that I just didn't like or wanted to add on, so I rewrote it and uploaded it again. I'm going to update this after finals so very soon! Like the last week of May?

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Chapter 4: Panther Lilly

Juvia had a fear she never told anyone, not even Gajeel. She wasn't afraid that he would make fun of her for it, because even if he did, he would never mean it. It was because she knew how overprotective Gajeel was and would plan his class and work schedule around her even if it was inconvenient for him or even skip a class if it meant protecting her from what she feared the most.

Loneliness.

Juvia wasn't afraid of the dark so this was a fear that no one would ever guess about her, considering how strong she acted and how independent she had become. But deep down, being alone ate at her soul and she would want to roll up in a ball and cry. But she wouldn't, because she was Juvia Lockser and Juvia Lockser doesn't cry.

She looked around the apartment, seeing it completely empty, just as it was when she looked around two minutes ago. Her schedule was perfect, only having classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Except now, sitting in her lonely and empty apartment, she dreaded it. She missed Gajeel's company. She wasn't even supposed to be home right now. At this time, she would be working in the little cafe 8Island and wouldn't be home until three in the afternoon. However last night, her boss had called her and said he was celebrating some kind of holiday and the cafe was closed for the day. While any other person would be celebrating, Juvia was devastated. No work meant being alone in this empty apartment.

Juvia sighed, stretching her body, "Maybe Gajeel and Juvia should get a cat. A black one, because Gajeel would want a black one. Juvia shall name it then. Maybe... Lilly?" She clapped her hands in excitement and texted Gajeel that she was going to go buy a cat.

Juvia was impulsive. Gajeel learned to deal with it.

Her phone buzzed as she was getting ready to head out. The cat was not the only reason although she was using it as a cover. She just needed to get out of here and be around people.

'Don't forget we're broke'

Juvia giggled and quickly texted back. 'We'll be fine. Naming it Lilly.' Having a cat would also make her feel less lonely. Their different schedules meant they would be home at different times, meaning the cat wouldn't be alone for too long and would definitely be fed at reasonable hours.

'I want a boy cat. Black. Lilly is too girly.' Juvia giggled, quickly typing a response, 'Juvia knows. But Lilly is staying. Find a way to make it boyish' She could almost hear Gajeel groan and smirked, already knowing his reaction, 'You're killing me here' Juvia smiled triumphantly, knowing she had won. Juvia couldn't believe herself as she entered the pet shop. She didn't think she was actually going to go through with it.

She strode along the aisles full of animals, stopping every time a dog yelped at her or smiled at her. She practically melted when one dog had placed its paw on the glass so she mimicked its actions and placed her hand on the same spot. She was close to tears, wanting to buy every animal in this store.

'Cats!' Juvia screamed internally, 'You are here for cats!'

She looked at all the cats, seeing a blue one, which was an odd sight but immediately thought of a person who loved odd things. She quickly took a picture and sent it to Lucy, texting 'Good for Natsu?' His birthday was coming up after all and it would be perfect for Lucy to get for him. Moments later, her phone buzzed, 'I love. Send me the address, I'll go after class.' Juvia smiled, thinking to herself that she was such a great friend. She did as her friend asked and then promptly put her phone away. She was here on a mission! No more distractions!

An hour after ogling the other animals, she stopped at one of the last few cages. There lay a black cat with a scar on its left eye. It looked lazily at her, before closing its eyes to resume its nap. Although it was clearly uninterested, Juvia knew this was the one. It's red eyes matched Gajeel's and she knew he would love it.

"Impulse shopping is the best shopping. You are coming home with Juvia!"

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"Fuckin' Juvia." Gajeel groaned, trying to think of a way to make Lilly boyish. It was impossible. It was the name of a flower! How was he supposed to make a flower boyish?

"Did you just say you're fucking Juvia!?" He heard a guy exclaim, so he looked up, ready to pulverize whoever was talking about the girl who was practically his sister. Except the guy asking the question was directly in front of him... looking at him. Gajeel rolled his eyes, knowing who it was just from the hair.

"Why are you obsessed with the idea of us sleeping together?" Gajeel asked. It wasn't a yes or no to his question, which he knew would irritate Gray. Of course, Gajeel would never even think of Juvia like that, but he wouldn't pass up the opportunity to get under Gray's skin.

"Answer my fucking question Redfox." Seeing Gray seething brought Gajeel joy.

"I don't fucking need too, Fullbuster. You want to stop acting like a fucking five year old and quit making a scene?" As if that brought Gray out of some kind of daze, he looked around and saw several classmates looking at him. Feeling a bit embarrassed but not wanting Gajeel to see that, he rolled his eyes and sat a seat away from Gajeel.

"I thought you two were like brother and sister."

"And I thought you didn't give a fuck about her."

Gray looked perplexed, wondering how Gajeel could say that with a straight face, "How could you say that?" Gajeel shrugged, "You broke up with her then took off and left, didn't you?" Gray frowned, "That's not the truth and you of all people should know that."

Gajeel chuckled, "Well, I am speaking the truth. Just not about you." Gray's frowned deepened, "Yeah. Everything you said is what Juvia did. She broke up with me and then you two took off." Gray didn't need to ask why she did that. He already knew. "And you let people believe you broke up with her. By the way, I want to rip off your arm and beat you with it." Gray chuckled, not surprised and knew he deserved it. "I was ashamed. I wasn't ashamed of what Ultear and I were doing until Juvia left me for it. And I didn't want other people to know we were addicts so I let people believe that because then they would've asked too many questions." Gajeel leaned back in his seat, remembering that those were Juvia's exact words as well.

"Whatever. Doesn't change the fact that I despise everything about you."

"I don't blame you. I hated myself too. Still kind of do. I was an ass in the past. I did all of you, especially Juvia so wrong. I'm not surprised she left me with how I treated her and you know... the thing with you too."

Gajeel nodded, "She really doesn't like you too much anymore." Gray visibly winced, trying to imagine Juvia hating him. He hated the thought. "I was really hoping I had at least one class with her but the way my schedule has been, I honestly doubt it. Maybe I could visit her at work?"

Gajeel tensed, not wanting to expose their secret of working at Phantom. Juvia was hell bent on keeping it a secret, and although he didn't understand why, he wasn't about to betray her. On the other hand, there was her job at 8Island, but he wasn't sure if he should tell Gray about it. Gajeel glanced at him and seeing how broken he looked, took pity.

"She works at 8Island. I'm not telling you when so you'll have to figure it out on your own." Gajeel huffed, not wanting to disclose this information but seeing the gloomy cloud over Gray's head disappear made him feel better about it. "That's fine. Thank you so much!" Gray exclaimed, hope shining in his eyes. Gray wanted to hug the guy but he wouldn't.

"I know she probably won't take me back but I want to make things right. I will make things right. So... I should start with you. I'm apologizing for myself and Ultear. We shouldn't have tried to get you back on cocaine with us especially after learning about your past with it back in Oak Town. You were addicted back then and trying to stay clean and we knew that, so we tried to take advantage of you, hoping you would crack. It was wrong, as a friend and just as a person. I'm sorry."

Gajeel appreciated the apology but decided to play it cool. He shrugged, "No big deal. Besides if I did it with you guys, Juvia would've beat my ass. No thanks to that." Gray chuckled, knowing how Juvia was when she was angry and agreeing with Gajeel's fear of it.

"I doubt Juvia will be as forgiving though." Gray shrugged, "I don't expect her to be. I fucked up."

Gajeel nodded, deciding not to respond, so they both turned to the professor who was droning on about something with social behaviors. This stuff was basic psychology, which was practically common sense. Gajeel rolled his eyes and thought about what Gray said.

He wanted to apologize, and Gajeel knew that damn well that he should be. But there was something Gajeel was keeping on behalf of Juvia. Something that she also did wrong, something that she kept from Gray. Gajeel wasn't the only reason she decided to pack up and leave Magnolia with him. Not like he would tell Gray, that was her responsibility.

He knew that if Gray found out, all hell would break loose.

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Erza hated retail. In fact, she hated retail so much she planned on quitting two weeks after she got the job. Except she was broke, she had tuition to pay, she absolutely loved the clothes, and because she was broke. Oh right, and she was broke.

She sighed, refolding the same stack of clothes she folded twenty minutes ago because some customers were just barbaric animals. Seriously, was it necessary to mess up all of the neatly stacked clothes to get the one for your size? You couldn't just look at the tag, find your size, then gently pick up the pile to get it?

"Welcome to Heart Kreuz, how may I help you?" She asked sweetly, although all she wanted to was storm out. "Yeah, can I get a shirt?" Erza blinked, waiting for the women to continue. Realizing that she stopped there, she quickly ushered the woman to the shirt section, which was directly to their right. Honestly, how did the woman miss it? "Well we have plenty of shirt selections right over here." Fucking dumbass.

"But like a specific shirt." Erza wanted to roll her eyes, "Anything in mind?"
"Um, no not really."

Erza just stared at the woman, wanting to punch her in the face. And she probably would have if she wouldn't get fired for it, "Well, my name is Erza and if you need anything let me know." She stated, quickly turning and getting as far away from her as possible. When she was a far enough distance, she turned around and saw the woman making a mess of the entire section. "Just great," Erza groaned, "More work for me."

"Wouldn't know what it's like." She brightened up at the deep voice, recognizing it immediately, "I work at a restaurant. Customers can get pretty bitchy though. Tips sometimes suck." Erza grinned, turning around and wrapping her arms around him. "I've missed you." She whispered before she could stop herself. She almost wanted to run away when she felt Jellal get tense, but her fears vanished when he wrapped his arms around her waist. "I've missed you too Erza."

Erza backed away from the embrace, wanting to say something but not sure how to get the words out. Jellal just smiled at her, knowing she had something to say. He took her hand in his and gently squeezed it, urging her on.

"Jellal, I want- no, I need to know what we are now. We never broke up and we just sort of left things. Not that I've been with anyone else! I just- well that is, I'd like to, um-"

Jellal leaned down and captured her lips in a kiss. He snaked his arms around her, pulling her closer to him. Even when their bodies were practically joined together, she still seemed far away to him. Erza was shocked at first, but smiled, leaning into it. She realized at that moment just how much she missed Jellal. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pushed herself up, deepening the kiss. Jellal brushed the tips of his fingers under her blouse, just barely grazing the skin. Erza almost let out a moan, but then remembered where she was and quickly backed away.

"No. Nope. Not now. Your timing sucks, you know that? Are you trying to get me fired?" Erza hissed. Jellal looked confused, but then realized where they were. He chuckled, "Seeing you made me forget. Sorry about that." Erza shook her head, ignoring how pink her cheeks must have been, "No! I enjoyed it, just not here. Maybe later at my room or yours." Seeing Jellal's shocked face, she turned as red as her hair, "I mean- Not to do that! I mean, maybe if you want to- Wait no! Oh my God, why won't I shut up!?"

Erza turned and saw a customer walk in the store, then turned back to Jellal. "Oh look, a customer! Got to go! See you later Jellal! I mean- not like later but- okay bye." Jellal watched how flustered she was while talking to the customer. He chuckled. He knew others were scared of Erza, but he also knew that they never saw this side of her. After all, her shy side was reserved for him and him only. He loved her, God he loved her so much. He swore to make up for lost time, starting with making sure they went back to how they were before everything happened. Before they were separated.

But first, he needed to tell her just how much he loved her. Starting with that scary four letter word.

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Levy looked at the clock that read 9:57. Two hours and three minutes. That was the downside about working in the bookstore. While the bookworm loved it, it was open for long periods of time, meaning closing time was midnight. She was slowly putting books away in their proper place because people didn't seem to know how the Dewey Decimal System worked.

She looked mournfully at books that were torn apart, read a few pages of ones that seemed interesting, and soon enough, she found herself slacking off, reading a book she had never seen before.

"Working hard or hardly working?"

She looked up and was ecstatic to see Lucy. "Lu! Oh my God, thank God you're here I was so bored. Wait why are you here?" Lucy sat on the empty space next to Levy, "So Natsu's birthday is coming up and I want to do something special. Like a surprise party or something." Levy nodded excitedly, she loved parties but she loved planning them more, "That sounds like fun!"

"Well obviously you're going to help me plan it." Levy nodded in agreement, "I want it to be in our dorm room so it should be small. Just us, but also maybe the Strauss siblings. I want to try and get in touch with Cana again too. Remember Laxus, Evergreen, Bickslow, and Freed? Them too I guess. Although I'm pretty sure Laxus would just tag along with Mira, Bickslow with Lisanna, and Evergreen with Elfman anyway. I'll still invite them personally though."

"And?" Levy asked, hoping she would say two other names, but at the same time hoping she wouldn't. Lucy eyed Levy, "Gajeel and Juvia. Listen, I know you and Gray are still iffy with them but Natsu isn't and I know he'd want them there. The party is for him after all."

Levy nodded, "No I get it. I'll be nice to him for a day I guess." Levy was almost tempted to make Gajeel answer her questions that he avoided that day, but this was supposed to be a party. A party was meant to be fun and speaking of that would certainly not be fun.

Lucy beamed, "You're the best. I'll just beat up Gray if he starts getting moody. Then again he's always moody. Oh well! I'll start calling these people up and invite them. We won't have to worry about booze because Cana will certainly take care of that." They talked for a little longer about Levy's work shift and this ridiculously complicated customer who gave Lucy the most complicated coffee order she had ever heard. They were laughing and talking nonstop, making Levy forget that she was supposed to be working. Lucy glanced down at her watch, "Oh look! It's almost ten thirty! I should get going! We'll talk about this later."

Levy watched her friend leave, her heart full of Gajeel. As much as she cared about Natsu, she was mainly looking forward to this party for Gajeel. If Cana was able to make it, there would definitely be alcohol, and if there was alcohol, Levy would certainly drink it. This was good, Levy thought to herself, that way if she says or does anything stupid to Gajeel, she can blame it on the alcohol. It was cowardly, but it was a good plan.

If this party went well, shit was definitely going to go down. Levy wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing.

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Jellal had the biggest smile on his face as he walked back to his dorm. He was considering telling Gray and Natsu what happened, then decided against it. He wanted to keep it a secret for now, until things got back to how they used to be. Until he and Erza actually became a couple again.

As soon as he went inside the room, he was greeted by Gray who immediately stood up from the couch. Jellal looked around suspiciously, wondering if he had interrupted something. Gray waved off his concerns, "Nothing happened. I just- well, I need to ask you something."

Jellal nodded as he went to the kitchen, looking for any kind of snack. "Go for it."

"Why don't you hate me?" The shock of Gray's question made him want to turn to look at him, but he forgot that his head was in the refrigerator so he ended up slamming his head into its door. "Sorry?" Jellal asked through gritted teeth, trying to ignore the pain shooting through his skull.

"Um... I mean, you know what Ultear did. And you know that I lied when I was questioned. You could have gotten us both jailed out of revenge. So I don't know, why didn't you?" Jellal sighed, it was like talking to Erza all over again.

"I was mad at first. Although we weren't the best of friends, I didn't understand why you would do that to me. I still don't but there was nothing I could do. You both framed me pretty well and there was no evidence to prove me innocent."

"Yes there was. Erza told me. Well, she screamed at me then gave me and Ultear black eyes and split lips. That wasn't even the worst of it." Jellal chuckled, of course Erza wouldn't just leave it alone like he told her too.

"I felt bad for you two. You were heading down the wrong path and I thought my jail time could help you. I had told Erza to keep the evidence and if there was no changes in your behavior, then I was going to tell the truth. But you both moved away shortly after and I knew that the guilt of both of your actions affected Ultear. And although it took three years, she finally came clean didn't she?" Gray nodded, "Yeah, but why did you care about us so much. Why did you give up three years of your time when you didn't have too? Let's be real Jellal, me and you were more of acquaintances than friends."

Jellal nodded, "I know. But your life was falling apart. You were living a life you didn't want too, giving up your friends for your sister and hating yourself for it. But you refused to abandon her when everyone else did, so you went along with her, watching as her life spiraled downwards. I'm surprised you didn't try to help her."

Gray fell back on the couch, not surprised Jellal knew that about him. He never told anyone that he only followed Ultear because he felt sorry for her and obligated to do so. Somehow, Jellal seemed to know everything about everybody. Psychology was perfect for him. Gray stared at the ceiling, "I tried. Maybe not enough, but I tried. She was my older sister and I thought that if I pushed too hard, she would think I was disappointed in her. Although I was, she was already so broken, I was afraid to push her over the edge. So I... went along with it. This way, I could watch over her and she wouldn't be alone."

Jellal nodded, "She probably wouldn't be alive right now if you hadn't." Gray nodded. Jellal had said the words Gray couldn't bring himself to say. "Anyway, that's why I'm not angry. I saw it as opportunity to save the both of you so I stuck with it. It wasn't too bad."

Gray sat up and just stared at him, "Are you human? Maybe an angel? I don't know, I've never met anyone so... selfless." Jellal shrugged, "I'm an alien." Gray chuckled, "Should've known. That's why Erza never threatens you or hurts you like she does to the rest of us." Jellal laughed as Gray stood up and walked over to him. He stuck out his hand, "Friends?"

Jellal nodded and returned the gesture, "Friends."

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"Panther Lilly."

Juvia looked up from the laptop screen, a part of her curious on what Gajeel was talking about and the other part mad that he had broken her train of thought. Papers don't write themselves!

Seeing her confusion, Gajeel went on, "You told me to find a way to make Lilly more manly. So I added Panther to it. What do you think?" Juvia beamed at him, "Juvia likes it. Let's ask him!" She pointed to her side and Gajeel saw the cat looking at him.

"Do you like Panther Lilly?" Juvia asked. Gajeel rolled his eyes, wondering why she was talking to it like it understood her. The cat looked her for a moment before meowing in response, cuddling up in her lap. "Juvia thinks he likes it." Gajeel plopped down on the couch next to her and eyed the black ball of fur, "Gajeel thinks the damn thing doesn't know English. Why a cat?"

Juvia grinned at him, "Because this apartment was becoming too dull for Juvia!" Well that wasn't a complete lie. Gajeel just groaned. Leave it to Juvia to come up with some crazy idea like getting a cat. "Your idea, your responsibility. I am not taking care of this thing." Juvia frowned at him and turned back to her paper. "We'll see." She whispered with a small smirk.

After Gajeel had taken a shower, he went back to check up on Juvia, not surprised to see that she was still working there. "Did you already shower?" Juvia shook her head, "Juvia has been doing homework all day. But Juvia just finished so she will go now!" As she got up and turned off her laptop, an idea struck her, "I haven't fed Lilly yet so can you do it while I'm showering? Thanks Gajeel!" She said it all so quickly that Gajeel didn't have the chance to refuse. Next thing he knew, the red eyed cat and the red eyed man where having a staring contest with each other.

"I fucking hate you."

The cat meowed in response, as if saying "same".

Gajeel poured the cat food and watched as it ate peacefully. It almost looked... cute. Nope. No. Gajeel shook his head. This cat was not cute. It was a nuisance and he hated it. He went to the couch and turned on the TV, hoping a good show would be on. Moments later, Panther Lilly jumped up on his lap and cuddled up to him. "I'm going to push you off." Gajeel threatened, although it was an empty one. As he gazed at the cat, sleeping so peacefully, he felt bad about disturbing it.

He stared longer at the cat, realizing it did look pretty cool. With its black fur, red eyes, and scar, they almost resembled each other. He expected a more feminine looking cat but this one looked... badass. Maybe Juvia's impulsive shopping wasn't always a bad thing.

"I guess you're not too bad. Just this once you can sleep on me."

When Juvia got out of the shower and saw Lilly asleep on Gajeel, who was also fast asleep, she made sure she took several pictures.

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I really liked this chapter. Like loved it. Idk why.

I can't wait for Cana to come and fuck shit up. I'm wondering how I'm going to add Cana bringing alcohol when she's supposed to be the same age as them. Maybe Gildarts will be the cool dad? I also can't wait for the birthday party. Like I love writing drunk people because you could literally make them do or say anything and it will be hilarious.

These chapters are so freaking long! Tell me if you want me to shorten them! I won't take out content but I will split them into separate chapters.

Hope you enjoyed it! See you in the next chapter :)