BONUS DAY: FLOWER CROWNS
A/N: Late upload because my schedule sucks.
Last bonus day prompt!
Queen of Hearts
The mission Gray and Juvia went to was very taxing, especially physically, since it involves using their magic to create that special effects thing their client wanted for his daughter's eighteenth birthday. They were so tired that instead of going straight back to the guild, they rested on a shaded and quiet clearing which was surrounded by trees and flowers.
The moment Gray found a comfortable spot, he lied down and closed his eyes, immediately feeling his body relax at the sudden breeze that swept through. The gentle rustling of the leaves also gave him peace. It cleared his mind and before he knew it, he fell asleep. He didn't know how long he did, but when he opened his eyes, Juvia was beside him—her knees tucked neatly beneath her feet and a small smile was gracing her lips.
He carefully sat up, but the moment he did something fell from his head. Juvia gasped upon hearing the grass rustle and she momentarily stopped whatever she was doing. When Gray's eyes landed on his lap, he saw that what fell from his head was an intricately made flower crown.
Gingerly, Gray picked it up and examined it before turning to face Juvia who was blushing and averting her eyes.
"Ju-juvia's sorry Gray-sama!" she apologized, "When she returned from refilling our water jars she saw you sleeping peacefully. And she did not want to disturb you, so just quietly made some flower crowns to give to Lucy, Wendy-san, Erza-san and the other girls. She didn't mean to put one on your head! It's just… Gray-sama just looked so peaceful that she couldn't resist! Forgive Juvia, she—"
Her ramblings were cut short when Gray just laughed. He smiled at her, "I'm not angry Juvia. Really. It's just… I didn't know you could make something like this," he gestured towards the beautiful flower crown, "so perfectly. I mean, they were different kinds of flowers so I thought that they won't look good together but when I saw this, they all matched."
Juvia flushed from the compliment. Gray was not kidding though when he said that the flower crown is beautiful: an assortment of flowers was used but they don't clash with each other, in fact they seemed to complement one another. Each stem was perfectly attached to the next and the leaves were not ruined by the weaving.
"Thank you for the kind words, Gray-sama," she said shyly.
He examined the flower crowns neatly placed on the grass next to her, "So you're really going to give them to the girls, huh?" he asked.
Juvia smiled brightly, "Yes, Gray-sama! These flowers are so pretty so Juvia wanted to share them to everyone."
He counted the flower crowns and saw that all the girls have one, except for Juvia.
Gray frowned, "You didn't make one for yourself?"
Juvia shook her head at the inquiry, "No, Juvia didn't. She wears a hat everyday so she can't wear it. Besides, she already has a flower on her," she pointed to the lone fabric flower adorning her hat.
His frown deepened, "You should have one too. You made them after all."
At this, Juvia just smiled while finishing the last flower crown, "It's okay, Gray-sama. Juvia really doesn't need one."
They fell in silence for a while when an idea struck Gray. "You won't make a flower crown for yourself, so I'll just make you one instead," he said.
Juvia's eyes widened and before she could open her mouth to protest, Gray joined his hands together in an ice make position and a bright light filled his hands. When it was over, Juvia's mouth hung open and she gasped.
In Gray's hands was a glimmering ice flower crown—each petal was highly detailed and the leaves even have some dewdrops on them. Juvia was rendered speechless at its perfection and seeing this, Gray used it as an opportunity to remove her hat from her head and replace it with the ice flower crown instead.
He leaned back when he was finished. The crown brought out Juvia's blue hair and eyes. And to be honest, Gray never saw such a beautiful sight.
"There, now you have one too. And it's unique from the rest," he said to the stunned Juvia who reached up and lightly touched the crown on her head, "It looks good on you, too."
Liar. You should say she's beautiful, perfect and looks like a goddess.
Gray shook his head at the annoying voice inside his head and focused on the water mage instead, who seemed to wake up from her trance.
"G-gray-sama just made Juvia a flower crown," she whispered. She smiled at him. "Thank you, Gray-sama."
He felt his cheeks heat up at the loving smile she gave at him. He coughed and grinned at her, "It's nothing. You always give me gifts and yesterday, you gave me one as well. I have another gift back at my house for you but I wasn't able to bring it with me earlier so I just planned to give it to you once we get back."
Juvia smiled even more, "Gray-sama remembered…"
He rubbed the back of his neck, a gesture that meant he was somewhat nervous and embarrassed, "I always remember you know. Ever since that day. And it's our first anniversary as an official…" he gulped, "couple".
At this, Juvia's eyes were filled with tears and without warning, she launched herself at Gray, who tumbled back on the ground. "It's the best gift you could ever give Juvia, Gray-sama, because Gray-sama made it especially for Juvia," she said. She lifted her face from his chest and tenderly caressed his cheek, "Thank you so very much. Juvia really loves you."
Gray leaned in to her touch and looked at her straight in the eyes, "I love you too," he said with a soft smile.
Juvia's eyes widened and this time, she hugged Gray tightly, crying tears of happiness. Gray laughed and hugged her back as well, mentally taking note of his gift resting on her head so as not to ruin it.
They stayed locked in each other's embrace for a long time, which is a silent gesture that means "Thank you", "I'm yours" and "I'm with you forever".
...owari...
