This is an old draft from my Gruvia-shipping days. It contains UST, romance, angst and graphic lemon - don't like, don't read.
Divided into parts. Modern AU.
Read parts 1-4 first.
Originally posted on Tumblr (FlipSideofC)
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Gray once brought Juvia to his mother's for xmas, when they were just friends - the year before they got together. She was originally going to work and Gajeel, whom she usually celebrated xmas with, was going to celebrate xmas with Levy for the first time. The work plan was changed at the last minute. Juvia told Gajeel that she was just going to rent a movie and relax all xmas. Gajeel told Levy, who told Lucy, who told Natsu, who told Gray. Gray was actually just going to leave, driving directly from the office, but when he heard he drove back to the apartment building instead. Juvia was surprised when Gray knocked on her door.
"Gray? What are you doing here? Are you not supposed to be with your mother?"
"Yep, I am driving there now - and you're going with me, so go pack."
"Wha..what?"
"You're not going to stay here all by yourself for xmas Juvia."
"But I can't come with you! I don't want to intrude on your xmas celebration with your mother."
"You won't intrude. My mother won't mind and besides I'd be happy to have company driving there. You have no idea how boring it is."
Juvia smiled at that, but then switched back. "Really Gray, I can't do that. I'll be fine here."
"Juuuviiia…"
"No Gray, that's final."
"Well, I won't force you of course…" Gray mutters.
Juvia gave him a forced smile, which turned into confusion when Gray went to sit down on her coach and check her movie selection.
"So what are we watching first?"
Juvia still looked confused. "What are you doing?"
"If you're not going with me then I am staying here", Gray said, sounding as if that was completely normal.
"Gray!"
"What?"
"Is this your idea of not forcing me?" Gray gives her a lop-sided grin in reply. "Fine! You win. I'll pack. I'll be right back."
"Bring thermal, mom says it's about -25."
While Juvia was packing, Gray called his mother to let her know about the additional guest. His mother always bought way too much food, so he knew that wouldn't be a problem. Also, Ur is never surprised about *anything*. Gray knows she wouldn't even blink if he called to say he'd joined a sect and wouldn't be home for xmas at all.
"Mom, hi."
"Gray, how far have you come?"
"Actually that's why I am calling, I haven't left yet and I'll be bringing a friend along if that's ok?"
"Friend you say…"
"Yes mom, believe it or not I do have friends", Gray rolled his eyes.
"So is this "friend" of yours going to be sleeping in your room or the guest room?"
"Guest room mom."
"Does your friend have a name?"
"Juvia."
"Oh Juvia! It will be great to meet her. Are you sure you'll be needing the guest room?"
"Mom!"
"Ok, looking forward to seeing you both then honey. Drive safely." "Yeah yeah, see ya."
Juvia came out of the bedroom with a large bag.
"Ok I think I am done."
"That's quick. OK, let's get going. Mom is looking forward to meeting you."
"Really?"
Really. Although I have to warn you, she's a bit disappointed you won't be sleeping in my room."
"Wha…wha…why?" Juvia blushed.
"She's been nagging at me to bring home a girlfriend. Every year it's the same story."
"Why haven't you?"
Gray just looks uncomfortable. Juvia insists he stop quickly at a shop so that she can buy some last-minute xmas gifts, even though Gray insists it's not necessary.
When in the car, Gray was happy to realize that the trip went so much faster with Juvia in the car. He always enjoyed talking with her. They laughed a lot on the way. Juvia had even brought some question-game, so they also learned a lot about each other. While they have known each other for 7 years, there are things they hadn't heard. Gray confesses to being scared shitless of thunder - none of their friends are aware of this. Juvia confesses to having had a gay experience in school - also something that no one else knows about. Ur, Gray's foster mother, was happily surprised to spot two giggling youngsters coming in from the car. Gray didn't giggle often.
"Juvia! How lovely to finally meet you!"
"Malkovich-san, Juvia is honored to be here and hopes she won't be too much a bother."
"Nonsense! I have heard so much about you - and spending xmas with just Gray is a drag anyway."
"Hey!"
Ur brought Juvia into the house while Gray unloaded the car, muttering. "And you must call me Ur, Juvia-chan."
They spent a great time celebrating xmas with Ur. Juvia enjoyed the homey feeling. Gray enjoyed the company. While he is quite open and does talk to his mother, Juvia is way more verbal, so the discussions went on late into the night. Ur found Juvia charming and so relaxed and natural around Gray, who seemed to be looking out for her a lot, while believing no one noticed. It was great to see Gray so caring and comfortable around a girl. If only they were dating… what was wrong with that boy? Juvia took a great picture of Gray and Ur in the kitchen with Gray having gingerbread in the mouth, looking quite adorable. When Gray spotted her taking the picture, he chased after her and tried to get a picture of her with antlers on her head as revenge. Ur got a picture of them wrestling together on the coach, tangled up with antlers and gingerbread and glitter, with the xmas tree behind them. Needless to say Juvia put both pictures on facebook, getting tons of fun comments from the gang.
When they talk about relationships and both Gray and Juvia say seem to be picking the wrong kind of dates, Ur suggests they screen each others' choices. During the year, whenever Juvia brings a new date to the bar, Gray finds some fault in the guy. Whenever Gray brings someone, Juvia is quick to point out how wrong she is for him. They don't date much that year, either of them.
