AN: Okay, so initially this author's note was going to be me whining and telling you all that you all owe me some serious love for getting this chapter out on time, because man did I struggle for motivation. BUT instead I'm gonna tell you all to go send Hotrodren and Frosthsea some love instead. Seriously this chapter being posted on time is all due to them. Hotrodren for holding headcanons for my Hogwarts AU hostage until I finished this chapter and Frosthsea for the beautiful art inspired by chapter 3!

THAT'S RIGHT, IKYSS officially has it's first fan art! Go check it out! post/141603773708/im-not-particularly-good-at-drawing-but-this-is (I'll also put a link up on my profile cause I'm super excited about this and she deserves all the love)

That being said, I am no longer actually ahead of schedule with my writing so be advised that while I'll do my best to get you all updates on time I can't guarantee them anymore. So keep the love coming at me, it's super motivating.


Chapter 7: Omissions and Minor Details


The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and bacon wafted through the air of the small diner. It was around eleven in the morning, just before the usual lunch hour rush. Lyon and Juvia were currently tucked away in a corner booth, a coffee for him, a tea for her, a plate of fries and a slice of pecan pie resting in the middle of the table between them.

"So," Juvia started, once their waitress had left them, "this date, it's with that guy you've been talking to right? The one from the dating site?"

Lyon flushed, but nodded.

Juvia's eyes lit up, and a smirk curve onto her lips. "The one you said you were just talking to, because you weren't interested in dating anyone from your home town?"

"Yes," Lyon replied with a grimace.

"Ha! I called it! I knew you liked him."

Lyon rolled his eyes in response, but allowed Juvia to have her moment. She had indeed called it.

He'd been chatting with Mered for almost a year now. The younger man having reached out because of Lyon's hometown, despite them not sharing a location. At first Lyon has been hesitant, he really was only interested in dating locally, and wanted next to nothing to do with anyone from home. Never mind the fact that the boy had been in high school.

But Mered had been quick to assure Lyon that he wasn't looking for someone to date. He simply wanted someone who could help him navigate being gay and living up in their area. Someone who could relate to the difficulty of it.

Needless to say Lyon had agreed, and somewhere along the way he'd grown pretty fond of Mered. Maybe a little more than fond. There might have been some not so subtle flirting over the last few months, as Mered started college.

So when he'd mentioned coming home for Christmas, and Mered had asked about meeting, Lyon hadn't thought twice about it.

"Okay, so I'm done gloating. I get to meet him right? You have to tell me more about him! He's a first year right?"

Lyon chuckled at Juvia's excitement. It was nice, having someone to share this with. She reminded him of his Mom, when he'd first announced he was dating Sherry.

"Of course you get to meet him, and yeah, he's in his first year of college," Lyon replied. "He works as a ticket agent for Mirvish, that's the big theatre company out here, so bonus for me. Umm, what else? Oh, he's studying legal aid at the college over in Edelweiss, has a big sister-"

"So what's his favourite musical?" Juvia interjected, eyes lit up excitedly.

Lyon reached up and threaded his fingers through his hair, scratching the back of his head. Leave it to Juvia to pick up on the theatre comment, she was almost as bad as he was.

"Well, it's a bit obscure. You might not know it." Or at least he hoped she didn't.

The skeptical look she offered him didn't help with his nerves. Despite never having the opportunity to actually go watch anything live she'd somehow managed to know and watch more musicals than he had.

"Try me."

Lyon took a deep breath. "Evil Dead the Musical."

Juvia blinked at him, and in the brief moment of silence, he thought she might actually not know the play. That is until a horrible shit eating grin spread across her lips.

"So… his favorite musical, is a campy horror satire, the only musical in the world with a splatter zone. And yet you still agreed to go on a date with him?"

Lyon grimaced and a small groan escaped his lips.

Juvia's laughter pealed throughout the dinner, drawing the attention of other patrons as she clutched her stomach, and curled over on herself. She was practically falling out of their booth.

Lyon could feel his cheeks burn in response and he shot her a glare, folding his arms across his chest, to signify this wasn't a laughing matter, but she just kept going. He let out a huff, "Honestly, it's not that funny."

"Oh yes it is!" she crowed, trying to muffle her laughter a bit through her hand. "You loath comedic musicals. You think they make a mockery of the art that is theatre."

"I don't sound like that!" he growled.

Juvia shrugged and giggled at him. "Close enough."

Lyon's eyes narrowed, annoyed at her mocking him. He reached out and grabbed a fry, and whipped it across the table. It hit her in the cheek, bring her most recent fit of giggles to a halt as she stared at him in shock. He smirked at her, pleased that a small splatter of ketchup that stained her cheek.

"Did you just throw a French fry at me?"

"Yep," he confirmed, "you're too far to tickle and if I kicked you you'd just kick my ass, so it seemed like the most effective response."

She just smiled and shook her head, grabbing a napkin to wipe her cheek. "I'm sorry, but you've got to admit it is pretty funny! I mean, you must really like him to actually still agree to a date."

Lyon blushed and decided that the view off the street was suddenly fascinating.

Juvia leaned forward and placed her hand over his, and he glanced towards her. She smiled back brightly. "It's okay to really like him."

"I know, I just…." He sighed, unsure how to explain the feelings behind the knot his stomach was in.

"You just haven't actually liked anyone or gone out on a real date since your ex broke up with you?" Juvia supplied.

Lyon nodded in response, threading his fingers through his hair with his free hand..

Juvia gently squeezed the hand she was holding. "I know you're nervous but it'll be fine. To be honest it's about time you tried to move forward, and I've known for a while that you've liked him so I'm glad you're giving it a chance. You always smile more after you two have talked, you're happier, lighter. It's all good things Lyon. Don't let fear stand in your way."

"Says the girl who hasn't gone out in three months because of a breakup." Lyon countered.

Juvia grimaced and sunk into the booth seat just a bit more. "Yeah, well, it's been a year and a half for you. And it's not like I haven't wanted to go out, be we usually go to Hargeon and the last thing I want is to run into him with someone else. It was painful enough the first time."

Lyon nodded in understanding. "Well, he's half a country away now, so I guess that means we're going out dancing."

"Do they even have clubs out here?" Juvia teased.

"Eh, more like country bars. But you can still dance in them. I know, not really your style but hey, at least it's Bora free."

Juvia giggled. "Well I'm sold. It's been way too long and I think we've both earned a night out."

"Definitely!" Lyon seconded, "so about tomorrow…"

Lyon settled in as they started to plan the next day. Despite his anxiety and reservations he knew Juvia was right. Mered was special, and he couldn't help but feel his excitement build.

He was going on a date with a cute boy, right next to his home town. It was something he'd never imagined being possible, but it was happening tomorrow, and he couldn't imagine it feeling more right.


Loud shouts echoed from the livingroom as Juvia followed Lyon into the house. She watched as Lyon tensed, before he handed her his jacket and strode towards the room on the right to investigate.

Juvia sighed, and quickly hung their coats in the closet and started tugging her boots off urgently, having noticed Lyon frozen in the doorway.

"Yo, Lyon! Welcome back!" A male voice called out, as she finally got her boots off.

"Lyon? What the hell are you doing here?" Juvia would recognize that voice anywhere and a smile spread instantly across her face as she rushed forward.

"Uhh," Lyon was standing stock still, trying to respond, as Juvia pushed passed him.

Wild messy black hair came into view along with a face covered in piercings. He was sitting on the floor, a few feet away, between the coffee table and TV. His eyes were focused on the TV screen and there was a controller in his hands, but they flicked in her direction with the additional movement.

"G-Gajeel?" Their eyes met, and she launched herself across the distance, tackling him in a hug.

He managed to brace himself in time, keeping them from ending up sprawled across the floor, but he grunted with the force and let out a growl of frustration.

"Oi! What the fuck! Get off me you crazy woman." He grunted, shoving her with his right arm in an attempt to remove her. He clutched the controller tighter, attempting to keep playing despite her clinging.

Juvia clutched him tighter, locking his arm in a vice grip. "But I missed you!"

"So? Can't you see I'm busy trying to kick Salamander's ass?"

Juvia frowned at that. "So what, you're too busy with some video game to even greet me? Didn't you miss me?"

Gajeel stiffened at her tone, but glared down at her in response. "Hard to miss you when you're so clingy."

"Oh is that so?" Juvia huffed, glowering at him. She was going to make him eat those words! Without waiting for a response she reached up and grabbed his ear, and tugged down on it.

"Ow! Fuck woman, let go!" Gajeel howled, abandoning the controller to defend himself. His elbow hit her side and she flinch, grateful he didn't have that much room to get momentum.

"Not until you say you missed me!" She kept her hold on his ear, careful not to pull harder, but maintaining the pressure.

"Like hell I-"

"KO! Kilik wins!" The TV announced.

"Fuck! That doesn't count!" Gajeel snapped.

"Hell yes it does!" The pink haired man beside him countered.

"No it doesn't! I was being distracted!"

"So! Lucy distracts me all the time, and those still count!"

"Lucy isn't trying to rip your ear off!"

Juvia rolled her eyes, she'd released him upon his loss, figuring that was a reasonable punishment for trying to dismiss her. "I wasn't gonna rip your ear off. Besides none of that would have been necessary had you just admitted you missed me."

"Well maybe I would have if you hadn't tackle me mid match!" Gajeel yelled, "now I have to listen to this moron act like he actually beat me." He rolled his eyes and jerked his thumb at the man beside him, as though it wasn't clear who he was referring to.

Said man smirked in response. "I totally did," he announced, before he turned to grin at Juvia raising his hand up. "Nice assist, by the way."

Juvia smiled back, and high fived him. "Happy to help."

"Oi! No fraternizing with the enemy! You're supposed to be on my side." Gajeel growled.

Juvia rolled her eyes at him. "Since when? I'm pretty sure I'm just supposed to kick your ass and put you in your place."

"I can attest to that being what sisters do best." Lyon interjected.

Juvia felt her cheeks flush. She'd all but forgotten he was there, along with several other strangers. She glanced over her shoulder at Lyon and offered him a sheepish grin.

"Shut up snowflake, she doesn't need encouragement." Gajeel told him.

"So wait, you're his sister?" Pinky asked, eyebrow quirked at the two of them. He didn't pause long enough for either of them to answer before plowing forward, "Sorry 'bout your luck. I'm Natsu by the way." He pointed behind him to the armchair Gray was lounging on. "That's Gray."

"She knows who I am idiot. She's staying here with Lyon," Gray huffed.

Natsu shrugged. "Right. Whatever, anyways that's Lucy," he announced, pointing to the blond on the couch, "she's my girlfriend. And that's Gajeel's girlfriend Levy."

Juvia locked eyes with the petite blue haired girl, sitting next to the blonde. She fought to stifle an excited squeak as she scooted across the floor to kneel in front of the couch. Her hands grabbed Levy's and she offered the other girl a brilliant smile. "It's so great to finally meet you! Gajeel has been gushing about you for a while now."

"He has?" Levy asked, eyes wide.

"I do not!" Gajeel defended.

Juvia rolled her eyes. "Maybe not like a normal person, but you talked about her more than you talked about your first guitar, and you had almost nothing insulting to say. That's you gushing."

Gajeel let out a low, rumbling growl, but said nothing. He knew he was outmatched.

Juvia offered Levy a brilliant grin. "See? Trust me, he gushes. He's just a giant dork who doesn't know how to say what he's feeling and thus needs prompting." She shot Gajeel a dirty look over her shoulder. "Like when to admit he's missed someone."

"Not happening." He deadpanned.

"Well I guess now we know the real reason why he never wanted you to meet her," Lucy whispered, elbowing Levy with a smirk. "Told you not to worry about it."

A delicate blush spread across Levy's cheeks, and she offered a Juvia a shy smile. "Yeah, he is pretty quiet. But it's really nice to finally meet you too, he actually talks about you all the time."

"Oh?" Juvia glanced over Gajeel, who shrugged in response.

"Yep," Natsu chimed in, "he's always going on about his super crazy foster sister."

Juvia froze. Her heart was hammering in her ears and she felt like she'd just been hit in the chest and winded.

"Wait, I thought you said you lived with your family in Oaktown? That you had a large one?" Gray asked. His brow was furrowed and those dark eyes felt like they were staring straight into her soul.

She shrugged and bit her lip. "Foster family, regular family; not everyone feels the need to differentiate."

A growl resonated from Gajeel, and she could feel his agitation. "When the hell have you ever consider any of those bastards family? I thought you were done lying about this shit."

Juvia flinched. Everyone was staring at her now, and she just wanted to disappear.

"So when you were talking about your Dad yesterday?" Gray asked.

"Easy, easy." Lyon stepped up beside her. "Look, sometimes Juvia refers to the people at the home she used to live in as members of her family to avoid unwanted questions. It's hardly a big deal."

"You still think that? Even after her telling you about her parents?" Gajeel grumbled.

There was moment of silence as Lyon's brows furrowed in confusion. Juvia held her breath, silently cursing Gajeel. He had a bad habit of asking way too many blunt questions.

"Of course I do. Not everyone is comfortable telling others to f-off or to mind their own business. In fact, most people consider that rude."

Juvia felt relief wash through her body. Even if Gajeel's words provoked questions or doubts, Lyon had never once failed to take her side. He never once bothered to question her choices, and for that she was grateful.

"It's rude to ask prying questions." Gajeel countered.

Juvia sighed and fixed him with a pointed look. "Yes, but that doesn't mean they won't ask them."

"So what? They can just be rude to ya, but you gotta be nice? I've told you before, that's bullshit logic."

"So is being rude because someone else was rude first. It's called being the bigger person," Juvia lectured.

Gajeel scoffed. "Avoiding the topic altogether doesn't make you the bigger person."

"No, but it still makes me more tactful than you."

"Yeah, yeah," Gajeel waved her off. Suddenly a grin appeared on his face, and Juvia tensed, realizing she'd leaned in as they were arguing. Before she could pull back Gajeel's arm swept up and wrapped around her neck, pulling her right up against his side and trapping her there. She let out a yelp of pain as his knuckles dug into her scalp and dragged across it. She struggled in the head lock, pinching and punching as he continued to noogie her. His distinct cackle filled the room.

Finally he released her from his hold and she fell across his lap with a grunt. She snapped her head up to glare at him only to find herself glaring through a curtain of tangled blue locks, effectively rendering her attempt at intimidation useless.

"Gihihi," Gajeel grinned down at her, before placing a large hand over her face and pushing her hair back and out of the way, his hand coming to rest on the crown of her head. "Missed you too, crazy woman."

Juvia tried to fight off the smile that was creeping onto her lips, but it was a lost battle from the start. She loved Gajeel, and no matter how much he tried to torment her that would never change.

"Aww looks like Gajeel has a soft spot for blue haired girls," Lucy teased. "Lucky for you Levy."

"Lu!" Levy flushed a bright shade of red as Natsu and Gray burst into laughter. Even Lyon was snickering, although he had the decency to hide his grin behind his hand.

"Better be careful metal head! Levy and Lyon might get the wrong impression if you keep being all soft." Natsu crowed.

Gajeel scoffed, and opened his mouth to retort, and Juvia's heart stopped for a second. She quickly jabbed his side, halting his words as he glared down at her. Her throat was dry and her heartbeat was frantic as she sent him a pleading look. He raised a studded brow, and she bit her lip in response. He knew what it meant, years of covering for each other had given them a sign language all their own. Whether he'd agree to play along though was something she found herself unsure of.

"You and Lyon are dating?" The question was from Levy, who was glancing between Juvia and Lyon questioningly.

"Yep," Juvia chimed, with as much confidence as she could, "have been for a while now."

She could feel Gajeel staring her down, and a quick glance at Lyon let her know he was all too aware of their predicament.

"Really? Gajeel never mentioned you having a boyfriend." Levy continued, and Juvia felt like her heart had dropped into her stomach.

Lucy's sudden fit of giggles drew everyone's attention. "Sounds like a certain big brother doesn't approve of his little sister's dating choice."

Juvia could have kissed Lucy in that moment. She glanced up at Gajeel and offered him another pleading look. She needed him to play along.

Gajeel let out a sigh and shook his head. "Nah, she's dated worse. I just don't want to think about it. As far as I'm concerned she doesn't date, or do anything else for that matter."

Juvia wanted to collapse in relief, but she could still feel Levy's questioning gaze. It was time to change the subject, and fast. "Of course I don't! Me? Never." She squirmed out of Gajeel's lap and hopped up from the floor. "Anyways, I'm getting hungry and I promised Lyon lunch so I better get started."

"Woo! Lunch time!" Natsu cheered, punching his fist in the air.

"Oi! Who said she's feeding you?" Gajeel snapped.

Juvia smiled, he may live to torment her, but he was also super protective of her in his own way, even if sometimes it wasn't necessary. "I don't mind, I made a bunch of soup earlier so I just need to heat it up. There should be enough for everyone if you're all getting hungry," she offered.

"That's really not necessary, we don't want to cause you any extra trouble," Levy insisted.

Juvia smiled at her in response. "It's not any trouble at all. I'll even make some grilled cheese sandwiches."

"Alright! You're the best!" Natsu cheered, as the others offered their own thanks.

Gajeel let out another growl of disagreement, and Juvia gave him a firm nudge with her foot. Not quite hard enough for her to really call it a kick.

"What?" He grumbled.

"Come on, give me a hand in the kitchen."

"Fuck no, you just said it wasn't any trouble to make extra food. What the hell do you need my help for?" Gajeel protested.

Juvia reached down and grabbed his ear pulling up on it. Gajeel yelped in pain as he quickly started to stand. "I spent five years cooking all of your meals, the least you can do to repay me is help when I tell you to."

"Fine. I said fine, crazy woman, now let my ear go!"

Juvia released him, and made her way towards the kitchen knowing he would follow. After all, he had questions he wanted answers to.


Juvia could feel Gajeel's eyes boring into her back as she pulled the pot of soup from the fridge.

"I thought he was gay?"

Juvia paused, unsure exactly what to make of the question. "He is."

"Okay, well, good to know you weren't lying to me; care to explain why you're lying to his folks?"

"Do I have to?" She offered him a sheepish look, as she placed the soup on the stove top, and turned the burner on.

"Would be nice since I'm now covering for your ass, and I gotta explain it to Levy later."

Juvia let out a sigh. "He's not out to his family."

"Obviously," Gajeel deadpanned. "Doesn't explain why he needs a girlfriend."

Juvia rolled her eyes. "I was getting to that. Anyways, it's a small town, and people here are backwards. The kids he went to high school with have been harassing him for years. Calling him gay all because he's into musicals, and likes dancing. And before you say anything, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting some of Gray's old hockey team yesterday and it was bad. Similar to what Toto went through when he first came out."

Gajeel's face scrunched up in disgust. "You're kidding right?"

Juvia shook her head and sighed again. "I wish. I mean, no one was violent, but Lyon's really passive. Plus he's not out. I'm not sure what it would be like if he was."

Gajeel ran a hand through his hair and leaned back against the island next to where she stood. "'Kay I get it. You're looking out for him. Any reason you can't tell his family though?"

"I just don't think he's ready."

Gajeel grunted, and shifted against the counter, crossing his arms over his chest. "You did tell him about your parents right?"

Juvia gritted her teeth. This again. "Yes."

"Everything?" He was staring down at her, eyes boring holes into her skull.

She looked up from the pot of soup she'd been stirring, locking eyes with him. "Of course," she huffed.

"Oi, don't give me attitude. I wouldn't put it past you to have lied about that. I know you didn't want to tell him."

Guilt stirred in her chest, but Juvia didn't allow her gaze to waver from his. "Well, I did it anyways."

"You should tell his family too," Gajeel urged.

"Not happening," Juvia growled, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Why the hell not?"

A million reasons jumped out at her. The foremost being that she hadn't actually told Lyon, but she wasn't about to tell Gajeel that. Nor could she tell him that she just wasn't comfortable; which should be reason enough for anyone, really, just not for Gajeel.

"Because Christmas is a big deal in this house, and it's the first time in two years that Lyon's home for it. I just want all of them to be able to relax and enjoy it. I'll be fine, I've gotten better at handling my emotions, I even went Christmas shopping yesterday. Guess what? No issues. And Lyon knows what's up, so if I need to get some air he'll understand and handle it. So no worries, we've got this." Juvia offered him a reassuring smile, but Gajeel just continued to frown at her in response.

"That's a terrible reason not to tell 'em Juvs. If you freak out, no one's gonna be enjoying themselves. And I don't care how much you try to convince yourself and everyone else that you're fine, I know you're not. You never truly are this time of year, and that's okay. They'll understand." His large hand covered hers and he squeezed lightly.

"Maybe that's what I'm afraid of," she confessed.

Gajeel raised a questioning brow in response.

"I'm not Lyon's real girlfriend. Maybe he's not ready to come out now, but that doesn't mean he won't get there, and when he does… all of this goes away. I'm just temporary, but they don't know that, and all of them are being really nice, and warm and…. It just feel so much like when I lived with Matthew and Caroline. But I wasn't permanent there either, and I just can't… okay? I can't do that all over again." She fought to blink back the tears, but couldn't hold them all back, and a few managed to streak down her cheeks.

"Juvia…" His voice was laced with concern and sympathy, and she hated it. She'd just been talking about how she was going to be able to handle this and here she was crying not a minute later.

"Don't. I'm fine," she declared, wiping the tears from her cheeks. "Look, this is different. I'm not a little kid anymore desperate for any kind of affection or approval I can get. I know they're Lyon's family, not mine. And he belongs here, not back in Margaret Town. So if me being by his side is what it takes to keep him here, then so be it. But I don't want to get caught up in this act and get too comfortable. Not when I know it's all going to disappear in two weeks."

Gajeel scoffed, and draped an arm about her waist, dragging her into a hug. "You're completely crazy and really dumb."

Juvia nodded against his chest. "I know."

"But you're also a really good friend. Just promise me you'll at least take Thursday and Friday? Just sit around and chill?"

"Definitely."

"I'll even come by with Levy on Friday," he offered, "check up on you and we can do our usual thing. Although I think we'll have to order something different, cause the chinese food in this town is awful, and if I bring some from Magnolia it'll just get cold and that's gross."

Juvia smiled at that. "Sounds good, we can do pizza. They shouldn't be able to screw that up too badly."

"Gihi. They better not."

Juvia took a deep breath and snuggled deeper into the hug, taking a moment to enjoy the rare offering off affection. He may not offer a lot of hugs, but somehow, Juvia always felt like they ended up being the best hugs she'd ever gotten.

"So, now that you're done distracting me, go get the cheese from the fridge and start cutting. These grilled cheese sandwiches aren't going to make themselves," she teased.

"You're a bitch."

"Yeah, but you love me."

"Don't remind me."

"Hey Gajeel?"

"Hmm?"

"Thanks."


Lyon glanced towards the hall, trying to ignore the ball of anxiety that had rooted itself in his stomach the second Juvia had dragged Gajeel from the room. He was grateful that Gajeel had kept quiet about their relationship, but he had no idea if the man would stay quiet. There was no doubt in Lyon's mind that's what they were talking about, and the fact that they'd been gone for so long was starting to worry him.

Gray had grabbed Gajeel's controller and had promptly started kicking Natsu's ass at Soul Calibur, while Lyon had collapsed onto the loveseat and began chatting with Lucy and Levy. At various points Natsu had asked Lyon whether or not he'd like to sub in, or just ask questions about Lyon's life. Honestly, Lyon had almost forgotten how much he liked Natsu. Sure he was annoying at times, and other times he was a complete moron, but Natsu had always treated him like one of the guys. Lyon was glad that whatever was going on with Gray and his friends hadn't extended to Natsu.

It occurred to him, suddenly, that the list of people giving Gray rides home happened to be all of their elementary school friends. Friends from a time when Gray was the biggest pain in the ass Lyon had to deal with.

He had to smile a little, it had been a shitty time in both their lives, but he'd genuinely cared about Gray back then. Sure, he'd been a pain in the ass, picking fights with anyone and everyone, but Lyon had understood why. He'd felt the same way; angry at the world for all that his family was going though. He just had better control over those emotions. Still, his fights with Gray had provided an outlet for something he hadn't believed he needed. For all that Lyon had chastised him, he'd never truly resented Gray. If anything, he was jealous of Gray's reckless abandon.

Of course, it had all changed when Gray joined the hockey team in junior high, but for the first time in years Lyon felt like he could see a little bit of the kid he'd once thought of as family.

"Oi! What the hell man, stop being so cheap!" Gray cried.

Lyon glanced up at the tv, and watched as Natsu's character had locked Gray's down with a punch kick combo that he was now spamming mercilessly.

It was cheap, but highly effective, and Lyon was more than tired of Gray's gloating. "Yeah Natsu! Kick his ass!"

"Shut up Lyon!"

"KO! Kilik wins!"

"Shit!" Gray hissed and slammed his controller down on the armrest of the recliner.

Out of the corner of his eye, Lyon caught Gajeel and Juvia carrying trays of soup and sandwiches through the front foyer towards them.

"Ha! Undefeatable my ass! I just owned you!" Natsu crowed.

"Only because you were spamming that move. It was a cheap win."

"Doesn't matter it's still a win." Natsu grinned shamelessly.

Gray glowered at him. "It's gay is what it is."

Lyon winced, as a surge of anxiety welled up from his stomach.

"Juvia... don't start."

The whole room's attention was drawn to the living room entrance at Gajeel's comment. He was frowning down at Juvia who was completely rigid, and glaring at Gray.

Lyon held his breath, as she inhaled deeply, closing her eyes as she held that breath for a moment, before letting it go. She was still frowning but her stance was just a little more relaxed.

She fixed Gray with a stare. "That's a horrible thing to say."

Gray's face twisted into a frown of his own. "Relax, it's just a saying. I don't get what you're so upset about, it's not like I directed it at someone."

Gajeel and Lyon groaned in unison, as Juvia bristled over the remark. There would be no stopping her now, and Lyon wasn't sure who he was more annoyed at. Sure, he normally didn't mind Juvia taking Gray down a few notches, but certain things just weren't worth the fight. All she was going to accomplish here was pissing off Gray and inadvertently putting a spotlight on Lyon, himself.

"No, it's directed at a whole group of people," Juvia seethed. "People you're deriding by implying there's something inherently bad about being gay."

"That isn't what I meant, don't twist my words around on me."

"Then what exactly did you mean? What else could you possibly have been trying to say when you told Natsu that his win was gay?"

"I-" Gray paused, his brow furrowed in thought. "I had just said that it was a cheap way to win. That's all."

"A cheap way to win; meaning it was contemptible, dishonest, pitiable? That's what you meant by it was gay, but you fail to see how that's an insult to gay people? Really?" Juvia shook her head, contempt written on her face.

"Ugh. No! That's not what I mean at all. It's just a saying, everyone says it," Gray snapped, running a hand through his hair.

"Everyone says it. Stupid lemming mentality," Juvia grumbled, with a roll of her eyes. "If everyone jumped off a cliff would you?"

"No, I wouldn't."

"Well then it's not a good reason is it?"

"Juvia, that's enough." Gajeel growled. He set the tray down on the coffee table before stepping in between her and Gray.

"How about this for a good reason," Gray snapped, "it's my house and I can say whatever the fuck I want!"

"Just because it's your house doesn't mean you get to make other people uncomfortable!" Juvia shot back.

Lyon flinched. This was quickly getting out of control, and was completely unnecessary. Sure the comment bothered him, but that didn't mean she needed to get into a shouting match over it. He didn't care what Gray thought about gay people, he didn't care what Gray thought period.

"Juvs you need to calm-" Gajeel was interrupted by Gray's next outburst.

"If anyone here is uncomfortable with what I say they can come out and say so themselves." Gray's eyes were locked with Lyon's, almost as if to call him out, and a cold chill shot down Lyon's spine. He knew Gray was probably just looking for him to intervene, but it felt like so much more.

Lyon turned to look at Juvia, who was visibly shaking at this point, and in a stare down with Gajeel. He knew she wasn't gonna stop and it frustrated him to no end, because for once he really wished she'd let it go.

"Juvia, that's enough." Her head whipped around to face him and he was surprised to find that her eyes were glassy, but held his ground. "Look I know you feel about human rights issues, and that you take them to heart, but you don't have to fight every single battle, especially when it's not your own."

Pain and sadness were written all over her face as she glared back at him, and he could see the tears welling up in her eyes even as she blinked them back. For a moment, everything seemed frozen, and Lyon couldn't help but feel like he'd just done something awful.

Then all at once she shoved the tray into Gajeel's hands, the big man fumbling to keep it from falling, as she took a step towards Lyon.

She glared at him, and her whole body shook with the effort to contain her emotions. "Did it ever, ever occur to you, even once in the last year and a half, that the reason I speak up is because it bothers me? That maybe I'm speaking for myself more than anyone else? Can I speak up for myself here, or are you the only person that I'm allowed to defend in this house?"

Lyon stood there, staring at her in disbelief. He wanted to say something, anything, to make it better, but there was a lump in his throat and he couldn't find any words adequate enough. Not when the tears started rolling down her cheeks. Finally she took a shaky step backwards, then another, then one more, before turning and fleeing upstairs. All he could do was stare after her, and flinch when he heard his room door slam.

He still wasn't sure exactly where he'd gone wrong, but Lyon was certain that a simple apology wasn't going to fix it.


Guest Review Responses:

Guest 1: Ahh, thank you! I hate bullying myself, but you're right, where there's bullying there are also bystanders and they're part of the problem too. I adore feisty Juvia. I think about her fight with Freed, and with Meredy a lot when I write these moments because she's so passionate in them, and super protective of others. I really would love more moments like those, but alas, that's why we have fanfiction.

Guest 2: *bows* thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying the story.

Guest 3: More for you! Hope you enjoyed this chapter as well. :)