A/N: Fairy Tail does not belong to me in any way, shape, or form. Thank you.

Later in the afternoon, Juvia was moving about the parlor, cleaning up what remained of the afternoon tea. She heard a sigh and glanced over at where Cecilia sat gazing out the window, a content look in her eyes. The bluenette shot a quick look over to the elder Clark before treading closer to the younger. "Cecilia-san?"

"Mm?" was the soft noise, showing that she was listening. Juvia smiled, noting how the girl's eyes didn't stray from the window.

"Juvia was wondering if Cecilia met someone at the party." And Cecilia sunk a little lower in the chair, her smile growing wider and a giggle escaping her lips. Juvia immediately perched on the nearby couch, hands clasped tight in her lap as she leaned in. "Tell Juvia everything!" Alicia shot her a disapproving look, but said nothing, returning to the book in her lap.

"Oh, oh, Juvia~ He's perfect~!" Cecilia breathed, a far off look in her eyes. "He's from Fiore and he's a dance instructor!" Alicia snorted but the younger didn't pay her any mind, too busy fanning herself lightly, cheeks tinged pink. "He's absolutely perfect, Juvia!"

"Perfect is too kind a word," Alicia murmured, turning a page. Cecilia dropped her hand, eyes narrowing darkly on her elder sister. She didn't seem to notice, continuing to read. "He's thoroughly strange."

"He's perfect and you're merely jealous." Alicia's book closed with a snap and as the two sisters glowered at each other, Juvia sat there, biting her lip and wondering if she should go. Cecilia raised her chin, smiling at her older sister. "Face it, Onee-chan."

Alicia's cheeks went scarlet and Juvia quickly intervened: "What is his name?!"

Alicia melted back against her couch, taking hold a pillow and squeezing the life out of it. "His name's Vijeeter~! Isn't that just perfect?!" Juvia managed a smile. Perfect, huh? "He came with the Royal Family of Fiore, isn't that amazing? He's so well thought of, they brought him along!"

"He must be then. I take it you danced with him?" Cecilia giggled and shook her head. Juvia tilted hers to the side, brows furrowed as she thought. "Is he not… a dance instructor? But you did not… dance?"

"Oh, Juvia, he's so exceptionally talented, I couldn't keep up with him!" From the look Alicia was giving her, Juvia deduced 'talented' wasn't the word she would use. Cecilia sighed, that far-off dreamy look back on her face. "I can't wait to see him again tonight~ He promised to teach me some Fiorian dances in exchange for some Devarian ones!"

Juvia hadn't been aware there was much of a difference in the two countries.

"Well," and the bluenette rose, gathering the rest of the dishes. "Promise to tell Juvia everything tomorrow?" Cecilia took her hands, beaming up at her.

"Of-course! I promise! Oh, oh, Juvia, I'm sure you'd love him! Why, I'll invite him to my party! You can meet him then!" Juvia smiled back at her friend and Cecilia let go, allowing her to return to her duties.

Imagine, the daughter of a Duchess thinking so highly of one of the maids. Incredible. Or some terrible joke, something that had crossed Juvia's mind more than once. But Cecilia wasn't that openly cruel. No doubt, they'd find that many of the windows had been cleaned in the few hours before the party where the girl worked off her nerves. Either way, less work for them.

Juvia moved quietly towards the kitchen where she would wash the dishes and begin preparing for the Madam's own tea, something she did by herself an hour after her daughters'. They never understood why, but if that was what she wanted, who were they to argue? Honestly, who? Orphans, given up as children, or left on their own, taken in by the Duchess five years ago. True, not the most glamorous life they could live, but they hadn't expected much if they were ever adopted. After-all, who wanted children that weren't those?

"Juvia?" Levy smiled brightly at her. "Ah, I'll take those!" and the tray was pulled from her grasp. Levy kept pace with her as they made their way to the kitchen. "You took a little longer than usual. I was wondering if something happened?" the smaller bluenette tilted her head lightly.

Juvia shook her head, clasping her hands behind her back. "No, Juvia was just speaking with Cecilia. Apparently," a smile curled onto her lips and Levy raised a brow. "There is a man Cecilia has become quite fond of. A dance instructor, from Fiore." Levy pressed her lips together tightly, trying not to laugh. "Alicia-san does not approve."

"Of-course she doesn't," Levy agreed sagely, the two trying hard not to laugh.

A dance instructor. This man obviously had no idea what he was getting into, should he ever ask the younger Clark to dance. She put Erza to shame, quite honestly.

"You know," Levy spoke after a moment, the two settling and not about to burst into laughter. "I was thinking I'd stay behind tonight. I'd have to eventually, so you can go tonight, okay?" Juvia blinked, eyes shining in excitement. Levy's lips turned to a pout as she thought. "Though," she huffed out, brows furrowing, "Just watch out for Kirk, huh? He's rude. His little sister, Wendy though, she's cute. You'll like her."

"Juvia's sure Kirk isn't that bad," the older teen teased. Levy's pout deepened and if her hands hadn't been full, she would have crossed them tightly over her chest.

"He's rude…" she muttered once more. Juvia laughed at her expression.

Suzuno smiled warmly at her daughters, dressed once more in elegant silks and pearls. It was nearing six and the carriage was ready to take them to the palace once again. "My beautiful little girls," she rested the backs of her fingers against their cheeks. Alicia smirked back at her while Cecilia flushed with the praise. "Ladies," her eyes shifted to her staff, currently standing silently by the doors. "A wonderful job last night." Small nods as they accepted the praise. Suzuno face hardened. "I expect the same tonight. Come along, girls, the palace awaits." And without another word, herded her daughters out and into the awaiting carriage. Silence as they waited by the doors, watching as the driver closed the door behind them and climbed into his seat. Another moment, and they were off, down the drive and disappearing onto the long road that lead to the village.

"Well. Shall we begin?" Erza's voice broke the silence shortly after and Juvia couldn't help but begin jumping in place, a bright smile painted on her lips and hands clasped tight to her chest.

"Juvia is so excited! Juvia gets to see the palace and dance and wear a pretty dress!" was her childish squeal. Erza gave a short nod, then turned to the remaining girls, raising a brow.

Levy raised her hand, smiling. "I'll stay tonight." Lucy took her hands, clasping them tight. "Lu-chan?" The blonde's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Lu."

"I'll be sure we keep Wendy company~!" Levy eyed her warily.

"That's not what your smile is telling me…" Lucy let go to wave her hand, apparently dismissing her best friend's concerns. "Mm."

"We should get going," Erza clapped her hands once, immediately catching their attention. Levy nudged Lucy, smiling brightly. "We will be back at—"

"I know, Erza! I'll be fine, go on!" Levy waved her hands, motioning them towards the door. "I bet I'll even be done by the time you guys get back!" Erza frowned at that statement, but Lucy and Juvia each took hold of one of her arms, pulling her away. "Have fun with Siegrain!" And the woman's cheeks burst into flames as she began babbling nonsense—mostly along the lines of how they were merely acquaintances.

Levy cheerfully closed the doors behind them and then took a moment to lean against the doors, her smile dropping as she took in the large foyer. She raised hesitant fingers to her head, pressing against her temple. "Nightmares again…" She shook herself, dropping her hand and marching determinedly towards the kitchen, intent on making good on her promise.

Natsu perked when he saw a familiar head of blonde bob next to purple—or was it red? Around him, his friends took notice and stood a little straighter, eyes searching. "Hey, Ice Princess," there was a sharp whack to his head, but he ignored it, grinning, "There's a new girl. Maybe you won't be the odd one out this time~?"

"Watch it, Flame-brain, or I'll be forced to use my blackmail against you." Natsu scoffed, raising his lip in amusement as he looked over at him. His arms were crossed, eyes narrowed and a scowl on his lips. "Don't believe me? Feel free to try," a smirk took over his features, but Natsu didn't give in. "Aclypha."

The pinkette paled drastically.

"That's what I though. Hey, Lucy!" He raised a hand, waving to the blonde. Lucy wore another blue dress, this one lighter than last night's. The other two with her followed, the scary redhead in dark brown with off-white embellishments and pearls, and a bluenette in a hat and dark blue. Erza and… well, not Levy, that was for sure.

"Ur! Ah, and Natsu. You look pale, are you sick?" the blonde blinked at their friend in concern and he waved her off.

"Nah, I'm fine, Luce!" He shot a dark look to Ur, who looked too smug. "Hey, I was thinking—"

"Ur, I'm curious," Lucy faced the man and Natsu pouted at being ignored. Siegrain hid a smile and Kirk snorted. "What's Halvas like? I hear it's cold—W-what're you doing?!" He gazed at her, confusion on his face while she rapidly covered her eyes, cheeks red.

"Huh?"

"Idiot, your shirt! The hell are ya stripping for?!" Kirk was kind enough to enlighten him. He then proceeded to look down and see that his coat had somehow disappeared in the space of a few seconds, his vest undone and shirt in the process of following suit.

"Oh. That."

A hard smack to his head. "Don't "Oh, that" us!" He calmly began buttoning up his shirt, ignoring the now lost cravat, and deciding to leave his vest as it was. He offered the girls a pleasant smile only to shirk at the murder clear in the redhead's eyes. "Honestly, I thought ya broke that habit, idiot?" He didn't dare respond, not even Erza looked ready to cheerfully dismember him. "Oi!"

"Ur," her voice was ice and he stiffened, beginning to sweat. Her smile was pure evil. "Perhaps, it would do you good to—"

"Oh, this is Juvia!" And the bluenette with the hat was suddenly in his line of sight. While the two blinked at each other and Juvia's heart began to race, Lucy pulled Erza aside and the two whispered fiercely back and forth before the redhead was apparently calmed down.

The remaining teens could only watch in silence, trying to understand what exactly was happening and if they should be concerned. Probably, but until a better sign was given, they'd just watch.

"Levy-chan!" Small arms wrapped around Juvia and the woman broke contact with the darkhaired man before her, looking down curiously at the child. She immediately let go. "I-I'm so-sorry, I didn't mean to—"

"Are you perhaps Wendy-chan?" Juvia tilted her head to the side slightly, gazing at the dark blue haired girl. Young—probably too young to really attend this event—with deep brown eyes, red covering her cheeks in her embarrassment, and a dark green party dress.

"Y-yes…?" Juvia smiled brightly, taking her smaller hands and leaning down a bit, due to their height difference.

"Levy has told Juvia about you. Juvia is pleased to meet you, Wendy-chan!" Wendy's smile wobbled, eyes taking in the woman before her.

"I-It's nice to meet you too… Juvia?"

"Mhm! Juvia Lockser. Levy told Juvia—"

"Rain Woman," a deep voice cut her off. Juvia dropped Wendy's hands, eyes wide. Wendy proceeded to shoot a dark look to someone behind Juvia and the bluenette swallowed thickly.

"Onii-san, don't be rude!" Juvia turned, looking at a man she didn't notice before, with long black hair, crimson eyes, metal piercings dotting his face, and a wide smile filled with sharp teeth.

"Thought I recognized ya." Wendy stomped forward, smacking his arm repeatedly and berating the older man for his name calling. "Oi, kid, will ya calm down?! For the love of—"

"Juvia has not been called that in a very long time." Wendy paused, glancing back at her. And then proceeded to redouble her efforts, pulling hard on her brother's shirt to bring him to her eye-level, snapping at him to apologize immediately and stop making all her friends uncomfortable. "But Juvia does not mind. Because it's Kuro-kun. And Juvia has not seen Kuro-kun in a very long time." Wendy could only stare while her brother gave his signature 'gihi'. Juvia smiled warmly at him.

"Hey, Juvia, you know Kirk?" Lucy questioned curiously.

"Kirk?"

"Kuro-kun," Lucy amended. A smile she had only seen very rarely slid on her lips and then the two were gone in a flash of black and a flurry of skirts. Lucy, Erza, and Wendy stared at where the man had hauled her off, to dance apparently. "Umm…?" Lucy looked to his friends, who seemed just as confused as she was. "Should we… be worried?" Lucy looked to Wendy for direction, but the girl looked just as lost.

"I-I thought Onii-san liked Levy-chan…? But he took to Juvia-chan really quick… So…?" Lucy hesitantly patted her head.

"They seemed to know each other. They're probably catching up. Or," Lucy leaned closer to the child, "Maybe she's telling Kirk all about Levy-chan?" The girl's eyes lit up in unabashed glee. Erza's narrowed.

"I'm not sure I approve of this," was her decision. Lucy sweatdropped, rubbing at the back of her neck.

"W-well…"

"Luuuce," she glanced over at Natsu. The teen had his arms crossed and brows furrowed.

"What? Natsu, if you're hungry, go and eat something! For heaven's sake, can't you see were doing something important?"

"Gossiping?"

"Figuring out if Kirk likes Levy!" The pinkette rolled his eyes, scowling at the man on the dance floor. "Jeez… Fine, dinner, Natsu?" He lit up, taking hold of her wrist and leading her towards the tables, chattering on about his cat, Happy. Wendy couldn't help but smile at the two, clapping her hands together.

"So, Ur-san, what did you think of Juvia-chan?" she turned, smiling up at her brother's friend.

"Juvia? I just met her, but I guess she seems okay," he glanced at her suspiciously. "Why?" Her smile widened.

"No reason!" His eyes narrowed on the girl, but decided it wasn't worth it. "Erza-san," the redhead's attention was immediately pulled from where she had been (blatantly) staring at Siegrain. "Where is Levy-chan?"

Erza opened her mouth to speak, but paused. They were nobles, had they realized yet that they were merely staff in a noble household? Would they care? "Levy… chose to stay behind tonight. To catch up on some of her work. She will be back tomorrow night." Wendy nodded at her answer.

"She did say something about that…" Wendy tapped at her chin. While she was distracted, Siegrain appeared at Erza's elbow, offering her a hand.

"Lady Scarlet, would you care to dance?" Erza flushed and began stammering, hands fluttering around. "I will not take no for an answer," he continued and she swallowed, eyes averted. Then, slowly, easing her hand in his. He smiled, turning her around and guiding her to the middle of the room.

Which left Ur with Wendy. Again.

"Curse that idiot pyro…"

"What was that?"

"Nothing, Wendy." Wendy gazed at him curiously before letting it go. Ur let out a short breath, linking his hands behind his head. "Have you eaten dinner?" It would be the least he could do, since he was babysitting her. "Oh, and no cake this time. Your brother will cheerfully murder me." Wendy pouted, but consented. "Come on then." And moving towards the many tables of food, he caught glimpses of the girl's brother and the pretty bluenette, Juvia, speaking. "Wonder what they're talking about…"

"Levy-chan would know."

"Hm?"

Wendy beamed up at him. "Levy-chan can read lips!"

And Ur had yet another reason to fear the tiny girl.

"Spill, Juvia," The girl blinked up at him. The second song now, they had fell back into their old patterns of when they'd been children. She caught sight of his parents every so often, smiling at the memories she had of them.

"Spill what? Juvia really has missed Kuro-kun!" He huffed out a breath and she couldn't help but smile. "Is Kuro-kun concerned about Levy?" He twitched and her smile grew rapidly. "Oh? Is Kuro-kun blushing?"

"S-shaddup! I ain't!" He looked pointedly away and squeezed his hand a bit. "It's just… She ain't here. Just… curious, is all."

"Levy stayed behind tonight, like Juvia did last night." His brows furrowed but she merely continued smiling, noting his confusion and choosing not to act on it. "Does Kuro-kun want to know more about Levy?"

"Will ya knock it off with 'Kuro-kun'? I ain't been that for years, ya know." They twirled with the many other dancers, but Juvia noticed how many women were watching them closely—well, watching him.

"And Juvia has not been 'Rain Woman' for seven. But, agreed. Gajee-kun." He groaned at the other nickname, but it was better than Kuro-kun. "Why is everyone staring at Gajee-kun?"

"Huh?"

"Correction: why are so many women staring at Gajee-kun?" He cast his sight around, noting that, yes, a fair amount were indeed watching him. And when their eyes met, they all giggled, blushing. "See?" He frowned, almost pouting, and tightened his hold on her.

"Look, call me Kirk, alright? When we're back with the others?" Juvia raised a brow and he had no doubt her mind was working fast. She was good like that.

"Kirk. Isn't that your—"

"Oi."

"Very well. Juvia agrees. Now why are all they—"

"It's my turn." She immediately nodded, but he doubted she had any idea what he was talking about. "Why else would I be dressed all fancy and shit, huh? You know I hate this get-up…" Juvia laughed at his pained expression.

"Juvia was curious about that! So it's Gajee-kun's turn tonight, like it's Levy's turn," her smile was a little too creepy for his liking, but he knew this woman and what she had been capable of at age ten. No doubt, she was much worse now. "Juvia thinks that's cute. Now," and her eyes darkened, like he had been expecting. "Tell Juvia all about Ur-sama."

"Him? Why? He ain't nothin' special," he huffed out, annoyed she stolen his idea.

Her smile widened and he knew immediately what was coming. "Juvia will tell you everything about Levy if you tell Juvia everything about Ur-sama."

"That's underhanded and I don't appreciate being pulled into your creepy fantasy world. No way am I giving you the info, like I did with—"

"But this is love." Her voice was very deep and very scary and her eyes were empty pools of darkness.

"F-fine. But only cause we're friends!" She immediately brightened and there was a skip to her step as they kept step with the many other dancers. "You first." She pouted lightly, but he could tell she was excited at the prospect.

"Levy is seventeen, same age as Juvia and Lucy. She is awfully short, but very cute." She gave him a knowing look he didn't appreciate. "Levy was in the same orphanage as Juvia and Erza until—"

"Oi, wait, hold up, orphanage? What orphanage?" Juvia paused, tilting her head to the side.

"Oh, that's right. Gajee-kun doesn't know." His brow twitched in irritation. "Juvia is an orphan. Mama and Papa died seven years ago. After we left." He stumbled, gaping at her. But she smiled, guiding him back and leading as he regained his steps. "We left because Mama was sick, remember? We came to Devados for the doctors. But Mama died after we got here and Papa died of a fever that swept through the town a little later. Juvia was sent to the orphanage and met Levy and Erza." He could only stare at her. "So, Levy grew up in the orphanage. She doesn't remember her parents. Apparently, she was found when she was just a little over two, wandering around. Jev and Cara think she was abandoned, so, when they found her in a garden, they decided on 'McGarden'. They told Juvia that they wanted her to have a little bit of happiness, after such a horrible first start."

His red eyes were almost black in his rage and Juvia patted his shoulder lightly. "She… was abandoned…"

"Mm. But Levy doesn't like talking about it. Juvia was only there two years before she was adopted with Erza and Levy~!" His eyes flashed red as his rage dissipated for genuine surprise. "We were twelve and Erza was fourteen. We were very fortunate."

"You were all adopted together?" She nodded and he smiled a bit. "Yeah? So ya all live together? Are yer parents nice?" Of-course, he meant adopted parents, but she knew that.

Her smile was still in place. "Juvia was adopted to be a maid."

This time he did stop, staring at her and blinking hard. The other dancing couples swerved around him, whispers shooting around them. He twitched and probably led them out of the swirling skirts and perfectly plastered on smiles. "You're what?" Once they reached the edge of the ballroom and he pulled her out into the hall. A dark look to the only other couple out there sent them scurrying back into the ballroom.

"Juvia is a maid. We were adopted by Duchess Heartfilia. We work with Lucy and keep the estate clean. Juvia stayed behind last night and Levy volunteered tonight." He was taking short breaths and there was an odd smile on his face, as if he thought the whole thing was some kind of joke.

"So where was Lucy from, a home in the next town?" His voice was odd, like he was warding off hysteria. Which would be odd for him, but not quite unexpected. Maybe she should have broken it to him gentler? Or not at all?

She shrugged. Oh well. "Lucy is Duchess Heartfilia's step-daughter." Now that that was out there…

He could only stare at her before he grinned. A soft chuckle escaped his lips, the same "gihi' she remembered, but then it grew in volume until it was the same booming laugh she remembered. Luckily, no one else heard it. "Ahh, Juvia, I forgot about yer sense a humor! Great job and all!" He settled after a moment, his smile still wide on his lips.

Juvia looked down, biting at her lip. "Gajee-kun…" And then proceeded to roll up the long sleeves of her dress, revealing the small white scars she'd acquired over the years from jobs done wrong to serious mistakes she's made. His smile vanished pretty quick. "Juvia is okay though. It could have been much worse, you know. Juvia could have been sent to a work house or taken somewhere and—" He pushed down her sleeves, grabbing hold of her and pulling her in tight. Juvia blinked at the embrace, not remembering him ever doing such a thing. She patted his arm lightly, but he didn't let go. "The Madam is fair and doesn't ask for much," she murmured, not sure where she was going with this. "Alicia and Cecilia are very nice as well. Lucy… Lucy is alright. She doesn't have anywhere else to go and she's still in her home, so she doesn't mind."

"You don't deserve this." Juvia couldn't help her smile.

"Maybe not, but Juvia has friends." He let go, holding her at arms' length and raising his lip in disgust. "Gajee-kun must not do anything." His eyes narrowed and his face screwed up, just about to start lecturing her on what he could and couldn't do. "Juvia is alright. Juvia promises." A warm smile curled on her lips and she raised her hands to clasp them in-front of her chest. Her eyes became hearts. "Once Juvia and her beloved Ur-sama are married, Juvia will live happily ever after~! Juvia will be sure to invite Gajee-kun to the wedding!"

He pushed her away, trying hard not to become violently sick. "The hell, woman?! You haven't even spoken to him yet!"

"True Love knows no bounds!"

"Countries have borders you know!"

"No bounds!" But he couldn't help the smirk that rested on his lips. This was the girl he remembered. She'd changed, but she was still the same girl he knew so long ago. "So, about Levy… Teehee~" He twitched, the red rising unbidden to the tops of his ears.

"O-oi…"

"Juvia will be sure to put in a good word for Gajee-kun!"

"O-OI!"

"My Lady," A velvet voice whispered in her ear and Lucy tensed. Across the table from her, Natsu grinned, raising a hand in greeting, while Ur smirked and Wendy blushed.

"Yo!"

"I was wondering when you'd show up. Of-course, I should have guessed it'd be for a pretty girl." They obviously knew this man, so Lucy turned, her smile ready to greet him politely.

Her voice died in her throat at the man that smiled down at her. "My Princess." Wendy quickly covered her eyes, but peeked through the cracks in her fingers while Natsu and Gray looked to each other.

Lucy rose unsteadily, a hand rising to cover her lips. The man continued to smile at her, his eyes showing his happiness, even through the blue tinted glasses that rested on his nose.

"Hey, you two know each other?" Ur questioned cautiously. He knew his friend, so if they knew each other and the girl was obviously holding back tears… He stiffened. "Shit, don't tell me you—"

Lucy threw her arms around him, sobbing into his chest while he continued to smile warmly, rubbing her back affectionately. "L-Loke!"

"Sh, it's alright, Lucy. It's been awhile, but I'm back, aren't I?"

HOORAY~! A NEW CHAPTER~!

Finally. I really really really am sorry about that… Summer just really isn't a good time for me to write… But I'm getting back into it via onehsots! I've been asking my brother for letters and giving him the names and then writing a oneshot around the two characters he gives me! So far, I've done Porlyusica and Bisca, and then Edo-Erza and Edo-Yukino! Two more will be up shortly: Yukino and Orga, and then Toby and Plue! I know, really weird mix of characters, but he picks the names. It's actually a lot of fun!

In regards to this whole mess… Well. Sting has competition in Natsu(not that Sting's really in the running…) but maybe Natsu has some competition in Loke?! Who knows!

Unfortunately, I didn't make it to the end of the night... we're just about an hour or so in. Next chapter will be part two of the second night! Look forward to it!

Until the next time, (which, I promise will be soon!), ciao~!