7. Clumsiness
Gray hadn't seen Juvia for a long time. It felt like she was avoiding him. Even though he said he was going to protect her, she didn't dare approaching him. That Nullpudding had been intervening with him in the contest before, this time, however, it would be him that shall have the upper hand. Gray could feel the nerve-wracking anger stirring underneath his flesh.
"Jo! You guys seen Juvia?"
Team B sat calmly at the bar, drinking beer and discussing further strategies.
"No, she said she'd be at the inn to rest." said Laxus
"She was going to take a shower, dress up and then trying to find Lucy. She said she wanted to talk to her immediately." said Mirajane.
"What for?"
"Beats me," said Gajeel, "I thought there was something peculiar about that attitude of hers, but I didn't want to treat her like a baby."
"I see."
Mirajane tapped his schoulder and she couldn't help but smirk. Gray could practically see hearts flying all around her while she was, jet again, fantasizing about him being related to the water mage.
"Well... I gotta go, see ya!"
He ran off, partly to avoid those fantasies that scared the shit outta him.
"Why won't you face me?" he thought.
"Luce, I really don't get it. I know you're weird, but to go swimming in a pond like that..."
"Oh just shut it already!"
She was getting tired of his attempts to get something out of her. She refused to tell him, for she would never break a promise. He would understand, in time. She had hid the crystal key, just as Celes had told her to. It was securely hidden in... her... bra. With her revealing clothing, where else would she be able to put it? Well, it wasn't really hidden INSIDE the bra, more like attached to the strap.
"Fine."
The pink haired dragon slayer laid down on the couch while she put her groceries away. He closed his eyes and Lucy couldn't help but notice the calm expression he wore. His face looked peaceful. It was... beautiful. All the blood in her body decided to make a trip to her face. She felt her heart pound faster and faster the longer she looked at him.
"What's wrong? You're quiet."
He opened one eye and yawned. He saw her being odd. She was just standing there, like she looked through him. He stood up and waved in front of her face. A glass bowl almost slipped out of her hand, luckily Natsu caught it.
"You seem distracted?"
"Well, I... eh... Maybe I'm just tired."
She turned around but she immediately regretted it. She hit a rack with knives, which fell on the ground with a loud, scattering noise. She tried to take a step forward but somehow, that goddamn scarf of his made her trip. She screeched while she saw those pointy knives approaching her vision with every second.
"Luce!"
He pulled her waist to him as fast as he could. The movement made him stumble backwards and he fell on his back, together with the blonde. She needed a moment to register where she was and what had happened. She felt a muscular chest below hers and two strong arms holding her. She looked in his eyes and again, the world stood still. He caressed her hair, as if he wanted to check she was okay.
"Don't worry, you're safe."
He showed her his toothy grin while she could only blush. She liked being so close to him. He had, once again, saved her ass. She was glad her breasts weren't squishing his face, again. Although he wouldn't have minded that...
"I know." she giggled.
