Final exams are over! Finally! Now I can finally relax and hopefully finish this story.
And another thing, I have decided on the final pairing. But there will be a lot more twists before the ending of this story.
Here is chapter 10!
Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN FAIRY TAIL
Chapter 10: The Calm Before The Storm
The tension could be cut with a knife, it was so thick. Juvia glanced back and forth between Gray and Lyon. She wasn't sure what the issue was, but she had the distinct feeling that she was the cause of it. Juvia coughed lightly, hoping to catch their attention.
''Um, we should decide what we're going to get before the waiter shows up.'' she said quietly. Gray looked at her.
''You're right.'' he said before returning his gaze back to Lyon. ''We should decide on what to get.'' Gray's voice was cold and flat. Juvia was a little startled by it. She had never heard Gray speak like that. Juvia glanced quietly at Lyon. His face was impassive and his eyes had narrowed just a bit. Now Juvia was starting to get really worried. She had never seen either of them act like this before.
''Um, is something wrong? Did Juvia do something?'' she asked. She didn't like what was happening right now.
Lyon and Gray tore their gazes away from each other to stare at Juvia.
''You did nothing wrong.'' Lyon said. '' Why would you think that?''
Juvia fiddled with her shirt sleeves. It was a nervous tick that she had yet to get rid of.
''Well, the air is very tense here. Juvia just wanted to know if it was because of her.''
Gray and Lyon glanced at each other briefly. Yes, Juvia was the main reason behind the tension, but she didn't need to know that.
''No, you aren't the cause of the tension Juvia.'' Lyon denied. Gray silently agreed.
''Yeah, this has nothing to do with you. There has always been tension between Lyon and I. So don't worry you're pretty little head about it.''
Juvia smiled.
''Okay. Juvia has to go the bathroom. She'll be right back.'' Juvia stood up and walked to the bathroom, leaving the two men alone. Gray leaned back and sighed.
''Okay, we have to at least act like everything's fine. We don't need Juvia blaming herself because of us.''
''I agree. We both love Juvia, so let's just make nice until this lunch is over.''
Both men nodded and waited for Juvia to get back from the bathroom. Juvia came back five minutes later and took her seat next to Lyon.
''So, how is everything going Lyon-san?'' she asked while taking a sip from her drink.
''Everything's fine. I have nothing to complain about. But what about you, Gray? How's everything going with you?'' Lyon asked, giving Gray a tiny smirk.
Gray frowned.
''Everything is just dandy. My legal problems are offically over and I couldn't be happier. I'm sure Juvia has already told you about my issues.''
''Actually no, she hasn't. Care to fill me in?''
''Um yeah, I do. I don't really want to talk about it, so I would really appreciate it if you left it alone. And besides, I don't think Juvia wants to talk about it either.''
''Alright, I'll leave it alone. I'm sorry of I offened you. Both of you.'' Lyon added, looking directly at Juvia. Juvia smiled and gave a slight shake of her head.
''Lyon-san didn't offend anyone. Juvia is just glad that the whole thing is over and done with.''
''You and me both.'' Gray agreed.
The rest of the lunch went on with little to no conversation. Lyon and Gray certainly weren't going to say anything more to each other and Juvia didn't know how to lessen the tension. Eventually Lyon had to go back to his office, leaving Gray and Juvia alone once again.
''Hey, why don't we go out for ice cream? I'll pay.'' Gray offered. Juvia grinned. She really loved ice cream.
''Yes, of course! Gray-sama knows how much Juvia loves ice cream. Come on, let's go!''
Juvia grabbed Gray's hand and dragged him out of the restaurant. Gray smiled at her childish antics. This as one of the reasons why he loved this girl. Juvia was always so cheerful and childish. She made him feel like a kid again. And that was something that Gray missed dearly. He missed being a kid. He missed not having to worry about anything. He missed having childish fun. But what he really missed was Ur. He would love to be a kid again just so that he could see her one more time.
Gray and Juvia reached the ice cream parlor in no time. Juvia ordered a plain vanilla ice cream and Gray ordered a rocky road ice cream. They paid for their food and sat down at one of the outside tables. Juvia happily took a bite out of her ice cream. Gray watched her, a loving smile framing his features. Juvia noticed Gray staring at her and blushed.
''What?'' she asked, trying very hard to avoid Gray's gaze.
Gray chuckled.
''Nothing. I just, I really love you. And I just want you to know that.'' Juvia lowered her eyes.
''Juvia knows. And she loves you too.'' she murmured. Gray moved his chair closer to hers.
''Then why aren't we together? You love me and I love you. So what's stopping us?'' Gray asked, taking Juvia's hand in his. Juvia stared at their joined hands and sighed.
''Gray-sama has to understand, you hurt Juvia. So much. And Juvia just isn't sure if she can trust you again. Not after everything you did.''
Gray sighed.
''I know I hurt you Juvia. And I am so sorry. You have to understand that, if I had the chance, I would do everything over. I would have let you move in with me. And I wouldn't have let Becca get inside my head. I would take everything back. But I can't. And I regret hurting you. Every time I think of you, I remember everything that I put you through. And it hurts me to know that I was the cause of your pain. Juvia, Lyon told me what happened after you saw me and Becca together.''
''He did?'' Gray nodded.
''Yes, he told me everything. Juvia, I had no idea that you got drunk because of me. And I felt so guilty after hearing that. You never drink, Juvia. You always said that alcohol was poison and you never understood why people got drunk on a daily basis. You always told me that you would never get drunk. But I hurt you so bad that you thought it was okay to go to a bar and drown out your pain. And I truly am sorry for that. I wasn't thinking straight. I was angry and jealous about you spending time with Lyon when I had no right to be. You can be friends with whomever you like and I don't have a say in that. I was hurt when I saw you and Lyon having so much fun. And I wanted you to feel the same pain I felt. And that was wrong. I was wrong. And I promise you Juvia, if you take me back I will never hurt you like that again. So please, tell me that you'll take me back.''
Juvia was silent. She didn't know what to say. Hearing Gray spill his guts like that, it really made her believe that he was sorry for what he did. But she still wasn't sure of she should believe what he was saying. The last thing she wants is for her heart to be broken again. It has happened too many times. Juvia needed to protect her heart from anymore pain. And Gray had caused her more heartbreak than any other person. And she just wasn't sure if she could put her trust in him again.
''Juvia doesn't know if she should take Gray-sama back.'' Juvia finally spoke. Gray's face fell. He pulled his hand away from hers. Juvia couldn't bear to look at him.
''Juvia needs more time.'' she continued. ''Juvia doesn't want to get hurt again. Juvia wants to believe that Gray-sama is sorry for what he did, but she just can't. She needs time. Gray-sama has to earn Juvia's trust again.'' Gray nodded.
''I understand. And I will earn your trust. I will do whatever it takes to have you in my arms again. I promise.'' Gray leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on Juvia's forehead. He pulled away and gave her a tiny smile.
''I'll see you later, Juvia.'' Gray waved and left. Juvia watched him go.
She really did love him. She just couldn't trust him.
Juvia knows that she did the right thing. At least, she hopes so.
OoOoOooooOoOoOoOoOoOo
After having lunch with Juvia and Gray, Lyon headed back to his office. He didn't have any new patients, so there really wasn't anything to do. But he needed a distraction from that awful lunch. Lyon opened his top desk drawer and pulled out a photo. It was a picture of him and his ex girlfriend, Sherry Blendy. Lyon could clearly remember the day when that picture was taken. It was Forth of July and Sherry had invited him to her cousin's barbeque. Lyon didn't want to come because he needed to study for his medical examination, but Sherry dragged him along anyway.
You can't stay couped up in this tiny apartment all day! It's Forth of July! Today's the day you get to eat hot dogs and hamburgers and have fun with friends by the pool. I will not allow you to bury your face in that book! You'll be happy that I brought you along. I know you want to see me in my bikini. Sherry had said to him that day.
And she was right. By the end of the day, Lyon was glad that Sherry forced him out of the house. Lyon looked at the picture again. Sherry was grinning widely and her arm was drapped over Lyon's shoulder. Lyon had his arms wrapped around her waist and he was smiling too. All day people kept saying how cute they were together. But that was a long time ago. He and Sherry broke up. He remembered how sad his mother had been to hear the news of their break up.
It's such a shame. You two were really good together. Why can't you make up with her? I'm sure that you guys can make it work. His mother had told him. But Lyon knew that he and Sherry could never make it work. Not after what she did to him. Not after all the pain she caused him.
Lyon shook his head. This was not the type of distraction he needed. He didn't need to be thinking about his failed relationship with Sherry. He hasn't seen the girl since their messy break up so there was no need to be thinking about her. He didn't want to be thinking about her. Thinking about her brought back too many unwanted memories and feelings. And he had enough going on in his life.
With all the drama going on with Juvia, he didn't have time to think about Sherry. Sherry was the past. And it's not like she was going to show up any time soon, so why should he waste his thoughts on her?
Sherry was gone from his life. And it was going to stay that way.
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Lyon wasn't sure what he was expecting when he heard a knocking on his door the next day. He certainly didn't expect Juvia standing there when he opened the door, a huge grin plastered on her face.
''Hi Lyon-san!'' she greeted, her voice sounding very loud. Lyon blinked.
''Um, hi.'' he said, slightly worried that something was wrong. Sure, Juvia was cheerful, but he had never seen her like this. She was like a child when they received the gift they wanted for Christmas. She was practically jumping up and down.
''Is there something wrong?'' he asked. Juvia shook her head.
''Nothing's wrong. Tell me, are you doing anything today?'' Juvia asked, bouncing slightly. Lyon shook his head.
''No. Do you need something?''
''Juvia wants you to meet her friends! They're all at Juvia's house. Come on, they really want to meet you!'' Juvia took Lyon's hand and dragged him out of the house. Lyon made sure that the door was locked before he followed Juvia to her car.
''Juvia is so excited!'' Juvia exclaimed as soon as they got there. Lyon had never been to Juvia's place before, so he was curious as to how the place looked.
Juvia led Lyon to her apartment and opened the door. She practically shoved him inside. Lyon looked at the people sitting on the couch. They were mostly female, with one male. And Lyon was a little concerned about the male. He was a very large man with multiple piercings and tatoos. His hair was long and unruly, and Lyon was pretty sure that he hadn't combed it in days. Lyon wondered how Juvia could be friends with this person.
The women, on the other hand, they looked pretty friendly. One of them, a busty blonde with big brown eyes, smiled at him. Sitting beside the blonde was a petite woman with hair simliar to Juvia. Across from her was a woman with short white hair and blue eyes. Next to her was a redhead that Lyon had met a few times. She was Erza Scarlet and she was one of the top heart surgeons in the country. And sitting besides the scary man was a girl with pink hair. She looked younger than everyone else in the room.
''Everyone! This is Lyon-san!'' Juvia announced. Everyone turned their heads to him. Lyon had never felt so uncomfortable in his life. The man with the crazy piercings stood up and walked over to him. Lyon gulped.
''Gajeel.'' The man said and held out his hand. His voice was deep, deeper than Lyon's.
''Lyon.'' Lyon said, shaking the man's hand. Gajeel looked Lyon up and down.
''So,'' he drawled. ''Juvia says that you and Gray know each other. I don't like Gray.''
Lyon smiled.
''Neither do I.'' he said. Gajeel smirked.
''I guess we have something in common then.''
''I guess we do.''
''Okay!'' Juvia said. ''Now that Lyon-san has met Gajeel-kun, it's time to meet everyone else. This is Lucy, Lisanna, Levy, Meredy and-''
''Erza Scarlet. I know who she is.'' Lyon said. Juvia looked confused.
''You two know each other?'' she asked. Erza nodded and stood up.
''Yes. We both happen to be friends with Jura Neekis. He's the one that introduced us.'' Erza smiled at Lyon. ''It's good to see you again, Lyon.''
''It's good to see you too, Erza.''
''Alright!'' Gajeel interjected. ''Now that the introductions are done, can we eat?'' Gajeel turned to Juvia. ''You promised us food. That's the only reason why I came here.''
Juvia pouted.
''You only came for the food? You didn't want to meet Lyon-san?'' Gajeel shrugged.
''I met him. And now I want to eat. So come on, get the food.''
''Gajeel!'' Levy hissed and walked over to him. ''Stop being rude! What is the matter with you?''
''I want my food damn it! Juvia dragged me over here before I could eat lunch! So excuse me for being a little cranky at the moment!'' Gajeel hissed back. Levy's cheeks turned red in anger.
''You are such a-''
''Levy-san!'' Juvia interrupted, smiling nervously at the two of them. ''It's alright. Juvia did promise you all food. Juvia will go get it now. Lyon-san will help her.'' Juvia took Lyon's hand and led him to the kitchen.
''You have some interesting friends, Juvia. Although, I'm not sure how you and Gajeel became friends. He seems like he can be a handful.'' Juvia smiled.
''He is. But he's Juvia's best friend. He has stood by her side through everything. And even though he is a pain, Juvia loves him. And she isn't the only one. Levy-san loves him too. Gray-sama and Juvia introduced them. They've been together ever since.''
''They're dating?'' Lyon asked disbelievingly. Lyon stared at the two people arguing in the living room. He couldn't believe that those two were dating. Lyon almost felt bad for Levy. To have to deal with someone like that all the time must be exausting. Juvia followed Lyon's line of sight and nodded.
''Yup. But don't be deceived. They do love each other, at least, when they're not arguing. Now come on, help Juvia with these cookies.''
Lyon took the tray of cookies from Juvia's hands. He walked into the living room, with Juvia right behind him, and placed the cookies on the coffee table. Juvia then placed the bread and sandwiches on the tables. Gajeel quickly digged in. Levy stared at him with a sour look on her face.
''I've never seen you so excited to eat my cooking.'' she commented. Gajeel shrugged.
''That's because your cooking sucks. Why do you think I eat all of Juvia's food?'' he replied. Levy's eyes burned with rage. With a huff, she turned her head away. Gajeel smirked. Meredy suddenly cleared her throat. Everyone looked over at her. Meredy grinned mischievously.
''So, Lyon.'' she said. Lyon went stiff.
''Yes?''
''Are you and Juvia dating?'' Juvia choked on her water.
''Meredy!'' she exclaimed, her face turning red. Lyon wasn't faring much better. His face had gotten so red that he looked like a tomato. Gajeel burst out laughing. Levy hit him on the shoulder.
''Stop it! This isn't funny!'' she scolded, but Gajeel just wouldn't shut up. Levy sighed and gave up. And it's not like Gajeel was the only one laughing. Lisanna and Erza were cracking up as well.
''Juvia is not dating Lyon-san! How many times does she have to say it?!'' Juvia shouted. Lyon nodded in agreement.
''Yes. Juvia and I aren't dating. We're just friends.'' Meredy pouted.
''Oh. Okay.'' she mumbled.
For the rest of the afternoon, nobody had asked if Juvia and Lyon were dating. Besides that little inccident with Meredy, nobody had said anything else about that topic. By the end of it all, Lyon was glad that he met Juvia's friends. As it turns out, he and Gajeel acually have some things in common. Besides their mutual dislike of Gray, they both liked football and they both hated snakes.
''Did Lyon-san have fun?'' Juvia asked as soon as everyone left. Lyon nodded.
''Yes, I did. I would like to talk to your friends again.'' Juvia smiled.
''Juvia knew that you would like them! Now come on, Juvia will give you a ride home.''
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Juvia dropped Lyon off at his house.
''Juvia will see Lyon-san tomorrow.'' Juvia said. She waved before she pulled out of his driveway and down the road. Lyon watched her go with wistful eyes. With a sigh, he turned and headed for his house.
He wanted to tell Juvia how he felt. He wanted to tell her so badly. But he had to wait for the right time. He didn't want to ruin his friendship with her. He didn't want things to get messy.
But in situations like these, things always got messy.
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I just realized that I have been spelling Meredy's name wrong the entire time. Whoops.
Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Things will begin to pick up in the next few chapters.
See you all next time!