A/N: And as Bon Jovi once said... we are halfway there! Still more to come but, inevitable conclusion is in sight. Have to say it makes me a little sad but! I have plans... I have plans... I also have noticed I am spending late nights writing stories when I should be sleeping... Shorter chapter, a bit rushed but it concluded a plot that is to lead to another one. Let me know what you think about it.
"Wait, hold on!" Gray shouted moving back step by step.
Erza was moving close "You disappointed me, Gray." Her sword was drawn and her eyes filled with single intent… to kill. Gray continued to move back but she was following him and just as he was about to turn and be in full sprint he felt cold sensation wrap around his neck. He was lifted up, unable to resist, desperately trying to draw a single breath but the metallic hand prevented it. Gajeel's skin has already turned to metal.
"I told you I would kill you…" he growled, tightening the grip on Gray's throat and no matter how hard he tried to wiggle out of the grasp, he couldn't move a single millimeter… Maybe if he casts his ice on him he could distract him. His arms moved, preparing to mold thin air into cold ice but before he could manage to even utter single word he felt pain rush through his body. As much as his head could turn and see, he looked down, noticing that from his chest there was a point of Erza's sword, sticking out and covered with blood… his blood.
Gray gasped, opening his eyes and looking up straight at the ceiling, cold sweat covered his forehead and neck. A dream… nightmare. Why couldn't he dream the other one? One with him and Juvia having sex.
"Uggh… damn that wine-seller… tricking people with juice…" He moved right hand and rubbed his eyes and forehead. "At least I had one good dream last night…"
It was time to get up, wash himself and prepare for departure with Juvia… Juvia… Juvia! He quickly looked to his left and there was a sight to be seen. Bed sheets all wrinkled, pillows thrown… and there she was, sleeping on his left arm the dream of righteous. So peaceful, so serene, slowly breathing warm breath on his ever-cool ski. With fingers of other free hand he moved hair that was covering her face and took a moment to gaze at her… Was she always this beautiful? But then again, he never had chance to see her sleep this close to him. His finger slowly traced over her cheek, caressing it gently and making her let out a silent, sleepy moan which made him smile a bit. It was bliss, small moment that warmed his heart but it lasted only for few seconds before he realized where he was and what he has done. He looked up again, placing that same hand on his mouth.
I am dead! He thought screaming inside his own head. Gajeel is going to make two cogs out of his big arms and crush my balls! Screw Gajeel, Erza is the one who is gonna pulverize me and throw my body somewhere in desert!
Ok, calm down, just… calm down, don't panic. In that instant the flash of his nightmare came before his eyes, the blade sticking out of his chest. I am dead… he concluded, taking a deep breath and he slowly exhaled. Well I lived long enough, 18 years… 25 if I count the time spent on Tenrou Island… 25 is good year to die…
Maybe they won't find out, then again I need to explain this to Juvia… What if she doesn't remember what happened last night? Yeah, she had quite a lot of that wine, plus when she is drunk she tends to be a bit more possessive than sober. Plus, last time she was drunk she didn't remember what happened, even though she slept on me half turned into water. But if she doesn't remember and she wakes up to see us like this she might think I tried to take advantage of her… Rape even! He cringed, feeling that the warmth in his chest has been replaced with the cold chill, one that kept clenching his heart and guts, mostly guts. Oooh there is no way to explain that to Erza or Gajeel… I could act surprised that she was in my bed, feign that we were just sleeping… naked…
Small flash again appeared before his eyes, one with him on bed and Juvia looking down on him.
Ok, no way to feign that we didn't had sex… twice… Oooh… so that's what's wet under my ass… yeah, no use in explaing that.
Juvia slightly shifted and it made his heart stop, again. She slowly sat up and wiped her eyes while he was still on bed, motionless, waiting for any reaction from her, expecting her to scream.
She turned head and looked down to him "Good morning Gray-san" she said.
"Good morning… umm… how much do you remember from last night?" He asked, feeling more and more of pressure in his chest but instead of any overreaction she just tilted her head.
"Some bits…" she scratched her already messy hair "A little from festival, then there was that little show… ooh the lights on the lake!"
"And after?" He asked, widening his eyes.
"Not much, Juvia doesn't remember how she got in Gray-san's room."
"And… after?"
She looked more confused, lifting eyebrow as she gazed down at almost terrified Gray "Does Gray-san not remember he slept with Juvia?"
"No, I remember, I was wondering if you remember."
"Juvia remembers" she smiled, her cheeks finally took a pink tint as she looked away.
"So… now what?" He asked and slowly sat up.
"Now Juvia can move on without regrets." She answered, letting a small smile form on her face.
"Move on? Hold on- …"
"Gray-san still doesn't understand that Juvia had to grow a lot in last month. Juvia was devastated… Juvia was crying a lot…" her voice was more quiet, taking the tone of sadness "This was… everything Juvia ever wanted, it was Juvia's dream to be in Gray-san's embrace, to spend night with Gray-san… and last night… Gray-san said words that Juvia always wanted to hear."
He was completely speechless, his eyes were not blinking nor did move his gaze away from her.
"Gray-san also has to know that no matter what happened, no matter the words Gray-san said to Juvia to hurt her… Juvia will always love Gray-san. That will never change. But Juvia also realized that she is not right for Gray-san…"
"Hold on a secon-…" his words were interrupted as she pressed her lips against his own, silencing him immediately.
"Juvia will never stop loving Gray-san… but with this, Juvia has done everything she so desperately wanted and Juvia can move on. Juvia still wants Gray-san to be by Juvia's side as friend… it would hurt too much to be away…" She slowly stood up and went straight into bathroom, leaving him petrified on the bed. Why did this have to be so complicated? His hands clenched around sheets, almost to the point of wanting to rip it apart into million pieces. Why did he have to be such an asshole that day?
Morning in the village was pleasant, fresh summer breeze kept the morning heat at bay and two wizards said their farewell to mayor and some of the residents before going back. They had a small luck as one of the carriages was going back to Oshibana. If Gray's calculation was correct, they would manage to reach it sometime around afternoon and with first train they could be back in Fairy Tail by evening. Assuming everything goes according to plan.
Their conversation was remarkably smooth, feeling that majority of tension has been lifted with this night and instead of shying away from one another, they actually discussed reaction to various gifts they were bringing. Most certainly Happy would be… well happy as he was to receive two frozen carps, ones that Gray kept frozen in ice ball that he had to renew every hour or so. Natsu would be one to complain most but Lucy would bring him down to the ground. Neither of them had any doubt that Erza's reaction would be most interested to see. It wasn't wedding dress but instead one of the festival clothes, full white yukata with red flower designs all over and a hair pin in shape of flower. Gray already had prepared comment should she wear it immediately.
Oshibana station was not full, in fact, not many people were waiting the train. This time it was Juvia who bought tickets and they boarded train. Luck was on their side yet again as there were plenty of seats so they placed rest of trinkets and bags on other seats. Cheerful conversation continued and Gray brought his best of ability to act. He knew two things. First was that if Erza finds out, she would kill him and other thing was that the inevitable moment of no return was approaching with great speed… the moment where every attempt to keep Juvia by his side in way he wanted, would become impossible… and he acted being happy and not shattered. If he was by any chance alone he knew that he would most likely break down into tears but he knew not why.
Yes he liked her, yes he perhaps even loved her, why did he question that? But why? Was it because he genuinely cared for her or was it because he felt that he wanted her now that he couldn't have her?
Not right for me… What was she thinking saying that after all that time spent chasing me? But then again… she was chasing me, it wasn't other way around. Maybe Lyon is better… he is older now… dare say stronger ice-make wizard. Dammit! When did I started self-loathing myself?!
Gray indeed placed the act of his life as he watched her giggle at his stories of working with Erza and Natsu, before she joined. She is feeling at ease, she looks like it… so why can't I?
Evening was slowly approaching and they finally reached their guild hall. Standing before entrance he placed one free hand on Juvia's shoulder before she could open the door.
"Hey Juvia…"
"Yes, Gray-san?"
"Look, I know I may be asking too much but can we keep last night as secret? I may have made few bad enemies regarding my… doing as a general asshole…"
"Juvia knows." She smiled wide at him "Juvia will keep this as her secret."
They entered hall, few heads turned to notice them. "We are back!" Gray shouted and within next few seconds several members came over to greet them. Among them was Erza who kept her steel gaze at Gray, making him uncomfortable beyond comprehension… there was that kill intent and that same flash from the night before. Makarov, of course, had the priority in questioning and they explained everything that occurred, starting from coming to the village right up to festival itself. All the while he nodded, but occasionally he would glance between two of them. Sly old geezer didn't miss a single hint and once they finished he just smiled wide at them.
"I knew I could entrust this to you. Also, I take it everything is 'in order'?" He asked, looking at Gray who nodded, having small grin on the face. After they were done it was time for rest to ask questions, Lucy and Levy were closest to him, looking with big sparkly eyes as they listened him explain the event on the lake and the small 'fairies' that were dancing just above the calm surface of the lake. When it came time for souvenirs, it went exactly as they both anticipated. Happy grabbed both frozen carps which he dubbed 'carpsicles'. He had trouble to decide if he was to treat this as fish-ice cream or to wait and eat them fresh. Lucy received the semi-precious stone bracelet and her eyes glittered as if they were made of purest of diamonds… small trinket but it seems to have meant much. Natsu was confused at his keychain, wondering why would he need one but as Lucy slapped back of his head he simply said thanks. Levy looked more like a lewd old man at sex magazine the moment she got book on history of Lake town. That one was a bit unexpected to see however Erza's reaction was priceless as she gazed at festival clothing. It wasn't magical by nature, it wasn't even with any special properties but her cheeks turned as red as her hair the moment she laid her eyes upon it. He knew well what went through her lewd mind…
It seemed as if everything turned out well, right up until the point he felt heavy hand fall on his shoulder… and another flash before his eyes appeared. He looked back and then up at towering slayer who was prepared to go berserk.
"What did you do?" Gajeel asked in deep, growling voice.
"We did our job."
"Don't get all smarty-pants on me, you know what I mean!" Gajeel growled more.
"Look we talked, alright? We had a lot of time to talk and we smoothed things over, we are… friends again." He said, swallowing big rock.
"Should I check with her?"
"Yeah go ahead, she is right over there." Gray pointed behind him at the crowd where Juvia was talking to Lucy.
Gajeel growled silently, sounding more like a wild dog than human "You got off easy… if it was up to me, you'd be on the knees, beggin'"
In that very instant Gray received yet another flash of memory… the memory of her taste as she was leaned against the wall with him down… He nodded quickly "There was good deal of kneeling, trust me…"
Gajeel moved on, walking over to Juvia and leaving Gray to close his eyes and let out a big sigh of relief, short moment of ease but one interrupted as he opened them he spotted Natsu standing before him, way too close to be called 'friendly'.
"Natsu… I know you cannot resist but I am not that kind of guy." Gray said as he moved his head back a bit.
"You lied…"
"No I didn't"
"Yeah, you did… I can sniff out liars" leave it to Natsu to be dog that catches up adrenaline in the air he thought.
"Nothing happened, alright?"
"There it is again!" Natsu said, moving closer, he was almost touching Gray's nose with his and he sniffed. Gray looked left, then right and quickly grabbed Natsu by his shoulder, pulling him out of the Hall and closed the door.
"Ok, maybe something happened…" Gray said, looking around to see if anyone is nearby.
"Did she jump on you?" Natsu asked and the flash of Juvia standing on top of him, moving back and forth fast threw him off balance but he quickly regained his senses.
"Yea… something like that…" Gray sighed, in the next ten minutes he explained everything that happened, not missing out a single detail and excluding those most explicit ones but Natsu seemed to have caught up on his meaning. Everything from the events on train, to village, the kiss at the door, festival games and rounding up with the sex part. Natsu's grin was impossible to hide, he was obviously enjoying this.
"Gotta say popsicle, I am surprised you took the initiative." Natsu chuckled, placing both hands behind his own head.
"It was the heat of the moment… now everything is, I don't know myself… changed all of a sudden."
"Sounds to me like you two just released a lot of pressure. You know, pent up sexual tension that existed, she had hots for you, you didn't have girlfriend in who knows how long, you just needed to let out the steam. Now that it's done both of you have another perspective on how you two see each other." Natsu finished, leaving Gray with his jaw dropped and eyes wide, shocked. "What?"
"How the hell did you figure that out?" Gray asked.
"Lucy got me a book and made me read it." He just shrugged. Clever girl, why bother explaining him what goes where when she can give him the book? "Anyway, now that you have that out of the way, how do you feel about her?"
Gray frowned, looking down "I don't know, large part of me wants to chase after her, other part knows that I might hurt her again… and after seeing her smile so much I can't bring myself to do so."
"Then you're gonna have to figure that first. Let me know when you got plan of attack." Natsu waved and moved back into hall. Gray found himself battling multiple fronts… one was realization that he just confessed everything to Natsu and he wasn't mocking him… other one was that Natsu actually had quality advice, though he would have to thank Lucy for that one and her idea to give him book. Final was most difficult of fronts in his internal war, it involved making decision on how he should act. There were just two possible options… press on or give up. No middle ground.
He moved his hands up, rubbing his face, day of travel seem to have taken its toll but rest would have to wait… he was shirtless, he was confused and he felt metallic glove fall on his shoulder… again. As he opened his eyes he saw Erza standing within arm's distance, glaring into his eyes.
"Did everyone go to some ninja school while I was away?" Gray asked "How come everyone sneaks up on me today?"
"I spoke with Juvia." She said in low tone, making his blood freeze "I have to say…" there it is, the blade that is going to pierce my stomach "I am proud of you." She said nodding.
"Wait, what?" Gray was confused but instead of getting answer she just pulled him hard, slamming his face against her chest plate.
"I didn't expect you to follow through with my advice, but I am glad you did." She said, finally smiling as he struggled to avoid being completely crushed. Finally after several seconds she released him.
"Yeah well the promise of death does wonders to one's motivation." He chuckled nervously.
"Did you thought I was going to kill you?" She asked, a bit confused and he nodded quickly to which she just sighed.
"Out of curiosity, what would you have done in my place?"
"I do not know Gray… you are both my friends, regardless of how long I know either of you. To choose one over another would be cruel. But I would have chosen to take a leap of faith."
"I see… So why aren't you listening your own advice and taking same leap of faith with Jellal?" Gray asked, folding his arms as he watched Titania blush bright red again.
"What? Where did that came from?"
"From when you looked at that outfit we brought you."
"T…that was because I was thinking about wearing it after bath!" she tried to find excuse.
"It's a festival outfit not a bathrobe, Erza." He managed to compose himself, finding steady ground against Erza. "Geez just admit it already."
"This is not the topic about that!" She frowned, trying to subdue the wild blush on her face "The point here is that you finally managed to resolve issue with Juvia and you two can work again as guildmates."
With that said she entered the hall, leaving Gray alone to his thoughts. She was right, he finally managed to mend his position with Juvia. One is advising him to leave things as they are other one is advising him to press on, at least that's what he thought Natsu was saying. He would have long night after this.
