CHAPTER 4: VACATION
A/N: For some reason, I had a hard time with this one. Ah well, still, here's Day 4 for all the fanatic Gruvians.
That Which Everyone Deserves
"Welcome back, Juvia!" greeted Mirajane behind the counter.
Juvia smiled, albeit tired and made her way towards the bar, "I'm hime, Mira-san," she replied, "Could Juvia get a mint iced tea please?"
Mira just nodded before preparing her drink. When it was done, she set it down before her. The water mage thanked her as she took a sip of the refreshing drink.
"How was the mission?" Mira asked while wiping the countertop.
"It was a little hard, not to mention tiring. Being an escort of a VIP entails a lot, " she said, "But the client was kind, so Juvia won't complain much."
They fell into an amicable silence, with Juvia sipping her tea when Mira remembered something.
"Oh Juvia, Gray came back yesterday," At the mention of the Ice Mage, Juvia perked up, "He said that he won't be able to take you out tomorrow as he promised," Juvia sighed and looked down sadly. Mira offered her a sympathetic look, "Master asked him to go to Lamia Scale for an errand. He will be back the day after tomorrow. He said he'll make it up to you."
Juvia smiled softly sadly, 'it's alright. Juvia was about to suggest we cancel our plans tomorrow, since Juvia feels really tired from all the missions she has been taking for the past week," she explained.
Mira frowned, "How long has it been since you two went out?"
Juvia furrowed her eyebrows, "Juvia honestly can't remember," she said slowly, "Maybe a month? Or two?" Mira gasped, while Juvia just waved her hands, "it's nothing really, Mira-san. Both of us have been busy these weeks." She finished her drink before she stood up, "Juvia will be going home now. Thank you for the company, Mira-san," she said happily.
Mira just smiled and waved. When Juvia was out of sight, she sighed. She pitied both Gray and Juvia. After the battle, Gray finally admitted his feelings for Juvia. They have been going out for the past six months, but recently, they were being requested for separate missions which lasted for days, leaving them no time for themselves.
Mira gasped. If this goes on, they might fight or get tired of each other. Or worse (god forbid), they might meet someone during a job and break up!
Determined, Mira pulled out several travel brochures from under the countertop and began reading. Her ship just sailed successfully. She won't let it sink no matter what.
"So I just have to go to Crocus and head to…" Gray checked the paper once again, "Halcyon Hotel?"
Mira just nodded cheerfully, "Yes! The details will be given there. It's supposed to be a really simple mission. And the client specifically asked for an ice mage."
"Why an ice mage? What does he want to do anyway?" Gray asked.
Mira just shook her head, "Maybe an ice sculpture? It's a fancy hotel, after all."
Gray just sighed, "Airight I'll go," Mira smiled as she wrote down the request in her notebook. "By the way, have you seen Juvia?" he asked while looking around.
Mira smiled discreetly before answering, "She left for a job a while ago."
"Oh."
"Don't worry. You'll get some time alone with each other soon," she said, trying to console Gray.
He just blushed but said nothing. He left for Crocus and arrived at the said hotel at half past six. The staff greeted him enthusiastically when he said his name. the usher then escorted him to the rooftop, saying that the client will meet him there.
He didn't ask questions and just followed the guy. But upon arriving, Gray immediately became suspicious. The entire rooftop was dark, only the moon served as the light. And the guy who escorted him was gone, leaving him alone.
"Damn," he muttered, "Where is…"
Suddenly, the entire rooftop was filled with bright, colorful lights, courtesy of the scattered lanterns. Turns out, the rooftop was like a mini resort, complete with a miniature garden full of different flowers and a pool. There was also a gazebo at one side, which was also decorated with lanterns. A table for two was set up and a soft music began playing.
But what really surprised Gray was finding someone standing at the opposite side of the pool, staring at him with wide eyes.
"Juvia?" he called out uncertainly.
"Gray-sama?" she replied in confusion.
He walked towards her, "Why are you here? Mira said you went on a job."
She nodded, "Yes, this is Juvia's job. Mira-san said the client needed a water mage."
Realization dawned on Gray and he asked Juvia for the job request. When she handed him the paper, he scowled.
"I knew it. She set this up."
And as if on cue, the middle of the pool was suddenly filled with light and Mira's face appeared.
"Hello! Gray, Juvia. I'm really sorry but this is not a job," She winked while Gray just rolled his eyes, "Think of this as an impromptu vacation. You two deserve a break from all the jobs you've been working on. And you need time together, without thinking about any client or missions to be accomplished. Enjoy and have fun!" she smiled and waved, "Bye lovebirds!"
With the message delivered, Mira's face disappeared, leaving them alone.
Juvia broke the silence with her soft laughter as she stepped closer to Gray and wrapped her arms around his torso.
"We have to thank Mira-san for her kindness, don't you think?"
Gray relaxed and returned the hug, "Yeah. Let's buy her those vanilla flavored French macaroons she loves," Juvia nodded, "But for now, let's enjoy the place. The pool looks nice and all, but I'm kinda hungry. So let's eat first, shall we?"
Juvia beamed at him, making his heart flutter, "Let's eat then, Gray-sama!"
And so, the night went on. After having dinner at the gazebo (the guy who escorted Gray suddenly appeared again. He would have to ask how he kept appearing out of nowhere), they walked around in the garden and swam in the pool. When it was near midnight, Gray laid a blanket on the grass, where they rested while stargazing. They talked about the jobs they went to, the people they met, the food they tasted and the enemies they defeated. The night was spent in good natured talks, laughter and occasional kisses, both of them feeling relaxed and rested after such a long time.
And together, under the fading darkness and glowing horizons, they fell asleep with smiles on their faces.
A/N: Thank you for reading!
