Fic Writer's Appreciation- January 2018 Writing Challenge

January (2018) Day 12 Self Love/Improvement

AU Gruvia Short

Money or Happiness?

Now in her late-twenties, Juvia had finished college with a master's degree in Physiotherapy, found a job in her field in their hometown where many of their friends still lived, and was engaged to her high school sweetheart; life couldn't be better for the young woman. Day in and day out she went to work, came home, and repeated the routine, they hung out with friends often, with lots of cookouts, movie nights, and even the occasional get away. But something was missing in her life, so her fiancé suggests she take up a hobby, something that makes her happy, like swimming. She was a champion swimmer all through college and in fact her skills in the water are what paid her way through school. Juvia hadn't had a chance to take it up until one day her fiancé Gray noticed a new gym opening in town, and one with an indoor pool.

So, for her birthday, he surprises her with a year membership to the gym and encouraged her to go, at least a couple times a week to melt away any stresses that had built up. Even better a few of their friends, Lucy and Natsu, Levy, Erza were all members as well and she'd often run into them. It became a fun routine for the young woman with twice a week cardio with the girls and freestyle swim on three on her own, sometimes joined by others. In just a couple of weeks, Gray noticed the difference in his fiancé, like his old Juvy was coming back; more relaxed and much happier.

She made friends with the regular swimmers, even a few from the old high school team that still enjoyed the water for recreation. But most of the pool-goers were regular people of varying skill. Often, she would find herself giving out pointers on form and techniques, especially when the person wanted to get a real exercise out of it, she could tell them how to gain the most without over exerting themselves. It made her feel great whenever she could help someone out and eventually staff from the gym took notice and approached her, explaining they had considered starting up classes but didn't have an instructor.

Juvia agrees to give it a shot, working at the pool part time with 2 adult classes during the weekdays and a kid's class on Saturday afternoons. The swim instructor was an instant hit, with her classes always full, especially the children's class with so many parents thrilled to finally have somewhere they could take the kids to learn. In fact, the classes became booked so quickly, the gym realized they needed to expand the program and she helped to talk an old teammate from the high school team into teaching as well.

Things went on this way for months until one day, after class, the manager of the gym stopped her on the way to the locker room. A lifeguard they had on staff just quit and the woman wanted to know if Juvia would be interested in the full-time position. She already had all the certifications required to be a lifeguard, but the salary would be a little less than what she was making at her Hydrotherapy job. She could continue her classes if she wished on her off days, at the hourly rate they were already paying her to make up the difference.

It was a difficult decision to take a cut in pay, but she didn't want to make any decision without talking it over first with her fiancé. Gray had been supportive up till now while it was a part time activity, but to quit her job for this? All those years in college would be for naught.

As they settle into bed for the night, she explains the managers offer and the first thing Gray asks her is will it make you happy. Yes, she believed it would, she responded. Helping people while doing what she loved, teaching people, especially the kids to participate in an activity she was born to do, it all made Juvia extremely happy. And in a way, her skills as a therapist could still be used at the pool.

"Then it's a no-brainer Juvy," Gray takes her hand and kisses it, "I would rather you have a job you love going to, than stay in a position just for the pay."

"Are you sure? Do you really think it'll be okay, financially for me to do that?"

"Yes," he smiles, "we'll be fine. If you are happy, I am happy and that is more important. Besides, how could I not love this swimmers body," he grins and tickles her waist before pulling her closer.

When he leans in to plant a kiss on her lips, she blushes, "Oh Gray…"

The next morning, she calls the manager, "Juvia will take the job!"