Unfortunately I couldn't recover all my files so I had to rewrite everything. Anyways sorry for the long wait and enjoy.


-Lights Out

Her feet hurt as hell. She was feeling dizzy and the cocktail in her hand was long gone. Juvia shifted her weight between each foot, trying to ease the pain and tension that was shooting up her limbs. Softly grunting, she smoothed back a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Her green eyes darted from person to person around the room, looking for bright violet hair. Jordan was supposed to come back minutes ago. Jutting her lower lip and puffing air up to her bangs, Juvia crossed her arms. Catching a waiter go by, she helped herself to another glass of the zesty drink. I can't believe she left me alone.

Jordan had invited her to the Annual Bradford and Harlington Partnership Gala. It was an event that consisted of rich old people talking to other rich old people about making more money. Occasionally young adults socialized in these events, usually ambitious rookie entrepreneurs or the ever-present gold digger and/or social climber. Of course, she was neither. Juvia was here by accident and all because her best friend needed moral support. Zeref Harlington, Jordan's boyfriend suddenly had the great idea to formally introduce Jordan to his father. It was just by chance that the gala was coming up and Jordan needed someone to keep her from making a fool out of herself. Jordan had to doll up and strive to impress. It seemed like she and Zef were getting pretty serious.

Juvia couldn't believe her best friend even agreed to such an introduction. Although she new Jordan was very confident, given her position in a band and her huge personality, she didn't really like being measured and weighted like a piece of meat, especially by people like the ones they were among right now, but apparently she loved Zef too much to refuse. These people looked ridiculous, all of them trying to out dress one another. If a lady had feathers in her dress, another had more in her shoes. There was exaggerated laughter, glittering diamonds and jewels, expensive watches and leather shoes. Fake compliments and flattery flew everywhere. Juvia guessed that this was how it was in business, looks count for everything.

She unconsciously rubbed her arms and shifted her gaze down to her shoes. Juvia chose to wear a white lace cocktail dress, red felt pumps with matching red lipstick. Her hair was braided intricately with a few loose strands and she barely wore any makeup save the lipstick. She wore a gold cuff as her only accessory. She wasn't exactly to keen on wearing anything too revealing. Juvia couldn't help but compare herself to the other women in the room. Juvia was no expert but she could tell by observing that all the gowns in the room were made of very expensive materials. The ladies had plunging necklines, bare backs, exposed midriffs, side slits and all the other ways to expose skin. They probably wore tons of makeup and perfume by the overwhelming aroma circling the large hall. Sighing, she admitted that she looked a little naive and innocent, but maybe that was a good thing.

Walking towards the terrace, Juvia leaned against a marble post and admired the pretty city lights that shimmered like a million diamonds on a black blanket. She drowned out the conversations and laughter and her mind wandered off again into her thoughts.

Jordan gave her the invitation this morning. One good thing that came out of this arrangement was that her friend was just in time to wake her from another dream she was helplessly drowning into. "And what a dream it was" she said with a sigh.


It happened after class. This was a moment Juvia was sure she would never forget and she didn't need a dream to help her remember. It defined another step in her relationship with Gray. One that made her hope, one that made her fall harder in love, a moment she now wished had never happened.

Juvia stared up at the ceiling of her bedroom. She read the several poetry lines she artfully wrote on the violet painted wall. Some of it she just wanted to remember and some of them she absolutely loved. The words were all about life and love and a little related to heartbreak. Ever since she could remember those words always brought her comfort, whenever she had a nightmare she could just look up and read. Smiling again to herself she looked to her left, Juvia gazed upon the man she loved.

Gray slept soundly, his breathing even and soft and his expression peaceful. Juvia knew that he was tired from basketball practice. They hung out often after school and did random things like taking walks or watching movies, one time Gray took her to the local ice rink and taught her how to skate. An outsider could easily mistake them for a cute teenage couple however neither has ever brought the topic for conversation. Today she waited for him and they went to her house. Meredy joined a sleepover at a friend's house and her parents wouldn't be back until later.

At first they ate some donuts and talked about school, well she did most of the talking and Gray most of the eating. He would only grunt and comment lazily, his form was sagging and his shoulders slumped. She could tell that he needed some sleep. She asked him to rest but instead he chose to grab her by the waist and cuddle together on the couch. At one point, Juvia ended up on his lap as he pulled her in for a kiss that quickly turned into a long make-out session, which had them both gasping for air when they finally separated.

"Mmm..much better than donuts" he said as he gave her a grin and a quick peck. Juvia only giggled.

Touching and being intimate was now easier for them. Juvia had her doubts about their relationship, fearing that what they were doing was completely unhealthy but like a drug addict, she just could not stop. All her doubts and fears would all go away whenever Gray touched her. Gray was her drug, someone that made her feel so loved but ultimately would lead to her destruction.

Minutes ago they were watching The Big Bang Theory on her laptop. Juvia was now seated between his legs with her back placed firmly against his chest and his arms tightly wrapped around her tiny waist. He would tickle her sometimes and occasionally kiss her temple gently. Her heart felt full, Juvia felt happy, happier than she's ever been, even if they were for the wrong reasons. The warmth of their bodies pressed together comforted her and the small things he did made her heart swell. When a scene was funny she could feel Gray's chest rumble and hear his deep laughter. She leaned back even more just to listen better. At the end of one episode Juvia felt Gray's forehead lean onto her shoulder, with half-lidded eyes he mumbled incoherent things. She simply smiled fondly and helped him onto her bed.

Immediately reacting to the softness of her bed, he made a sound of delight and cutely yawned. Juvia only chuckled, amused by his display as she lifted the sheets to cover him, tucking them at his sides and making sure he was comfortable. She looked up to see that he was still awake, staring at her with a lazy grin on his mouth. Juvia's heart thudded violently in her chest and the sight simply left her breathless. There he was, Gray Raphael Breck, the man she loved tucked into her bed grinning at her like she was the most beautiful woman in the world. Collecting herself with a sigh, she smiled back and sat beside him. Reaching out she ran her hands through his dark hair and hummed a random song. Surprisingly Gray made a purr like sound and nuzzled into her hand. A minute later he drifted off to sleep.

She then decided to lay beside him and savour the moment. That lasted only for several moments before her thoughts began to attack her again. Why do you do this to yourself Juvia? She couldn't help but ask. Was all of this even real? What if everything they had been through and done all just based on her hoping and praying that he loved her back? "Now your just being redundant" she muttered. She couldn't count how many times these thoughts ran through her head. Her what ifs and whys would probably never be answered anytime soon so why couldn't she just enjoy what she had now before it was all over. I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

Her thoughts were abruptly disturbed when Gray shuffled beside her, burrowing himself deeper into her pillows. She smiled at that. As long as I'm with him, I'm gonna be alright. No matter what this relationship does to me.

"I'm still gonna love him" she said with finality.

She woke him up after an hour, it was getting dark and her parents would be here anytime soon. Gently shaking his shoulder, she called out to him softly.

"Gray, Gray wake up. You can go back to your house and sleep there." Juvia could see his eyebrows crease and his mouth turn down into a frown. He grabbed a fistful of her blanket and snuggled deeper into her bed.

"Don't wanna. Your bed smells nice" He whined lazily. Juvia felt her face flush with his words, swallowing deeply she continued shaking him, leaning over his frame. Gray only continued making annoyed sounds and refused to get up. She leaned her chin on his shoulder and pouted, Gray was being so childish.

"Gray you really have to go, my parents are gonna come any second now" she whispered right to his ear, somehow that stirred him up. She felt his body move underneath her and he peeked at her from under his lashes. They stayed like that for a moment, with her pleading with him with her eyes and with him studying her under his sleepy lashes.

Sighing, Juvia began to rise only to see a predatory grin on his mouth and a mischievous glint in his blue orbs. His arms came out from under her and encircled her form. His weight shifted as he grabbed her underneath him. The sheets were now messed up and her blanket lay on the floor. Gray managed to trap both her wrists above her using only one hand. She felt her head touch the pillow and Gray's form hover over her. She stared up at him with wide eyes and swallowed deeply. Gray's eyes were intense, they burned into her own and her face immediately flushed. His hair was dishevelled from sleep and he had his classic pirate grin adorning his mouth.

Her mind seemed to shut down as it tried to process what was happening. She struggled a little against his hold only to have his other hand trap her side. He grunted and came closer to her. Both his knees trapped her legs and his elbow rested beside her head. Their faces were so close to each other that their hot breathes mixed in the space between them. Gray's hair tickled her face as she closed her eyes shut, unable to take in the intensity of his gaze and the heat emanating from how close his body was to hers.

Oh God please, PLEASE don't let my parents see this. She repeated the words in her head like a mantra. She could actually feel Gray's gaze on her.

"Gray? What are yo-" He cut off her inquiry by kissing her neck tenderly. Juvia's breathe hitched as she felt his featherlike kisses ascend her throat. He seemed to find a spot he lingered upon and sucked a little harder. Juvia couldn't help but arch her back at the contact and Gray immediately encircled his arm to trap her against him. Their chest heaved as Gray continued to make his way to her jaw. Juvia's efforts to break free simmered down as she let herself relax in his touch. Her muscles went slack only to go tense again when she felt Gray smile against her cheek, as if he enjoyed her reactions.

His hold on her wrists slackened and he let her hands free. Juvia immediately brought them in front of her and laid it on his chest, giving a little push. That seemed to have the opposite effect as he leaned in closer, almost laying completely on top of her, grunting at the same time. Juvia was gonna react again when Gray decided to kiss her, automatically shutting her up completely. Her hands slowly made their way up from his chest to his shoulders, making him moan in her mouth. He angled his head and licked her bottom lip, his hand then proceeded to push up her shirt and feel her bare skin. Juvia made a little surprised sound when his cold hands touched her and Gray took the opportunity to kiss her again only this time making sure to insert his tongue.

Being with Gray assured Juvia lots of practice at kissing. She wasn't exactly ignorant to the whole kissing thing with Gray but she wouldn't go as far as to call herself an expert in it. She responded to his kiss with her own ferocity, lifting her head a little to deepen the contact. Her hands began to press down on the firm muscles in his shoulder and upper back. Gray seemed to like it a lot as he shuddered against her. Their tongues practically danced as Juvia's mind finally and completely gave in to the sweet sensations he seemed to draw out from her. Even when they separated for air, Gray only gave her several seconds before he continued to ravage her already swollen lips. Her hands proceeded to massage his neck and nape. Gray's rough palms travelled to her back beneath her shirt as they explored her creamy skin.

He pulled her up flush against him without breaking their kiss. His hands roamed more freely as they made circular patterns on her back. Juvia's fingers dug into his hair, tugging a little at the black strands. Gray hissed against her lips before he grabbed her hips and brought her closer to him. Nothing separated them now save for their clothes and Juvia could feel the rise and fall of his chest against hers as they breathed at the same pace. Gray couldn't seem to get enough of her taste, never tiring of kissing her. Juvia simply reacted to his touch and delighted whenever he reacted to hers.

When Gray finally pulled back he had his eyes close as he tried to control his breathing. Juvia laid her forehead against his and tried to do the same thing. Her hands now clutched the fabric of his shirt between them. Her body felt so hot and the room temperature seemed to rise as well. Her heart beat erratically and she swallowed deeply. Her thoughts were still in a jumble and she basically felt like she was in heaven.

"I love you" she said before her mind could stop her. It was only a whisper but Gray seemed to have heard it as he went completely still against her. Confused by his reaction Juvia looked up into his blue eyes. Only then did she truly comprehend the words that came out of her mouth. Gray's eyes were wide and his jaw was rigid. Juvia on the other hand swallowed deeply as she felt pain and fear spread in her chest. She could only do nothing but wait for him. Wait for him to say anything.

Juvia woke to impatient knocks originating from her front door. Taking a moment to collect herself, she stared up at the ceiling, wishing she had scribbled some words on the surface too. She could feel the tears coming but calmed down enough to swallow the sensation down. She wasn't gonna cry anymore. Juvia was not the same girl she was back then and she would like to believe than now she was much surer about herself and her feelings.

The incessant knocking would not stop so she pushed her thoughts aside and did her routine breathing exercise. Yawning and stretching, she got out of bed. Juvia grabbed a hair tie on her way and hastily gathered her locks atop her head. The visitor better be grateful since she would even go to the trouble to look a little more presentable.

Upon opening the door, Juvia now knew that she had gone to that trouble for nothing. Jordan could care less if Juvia had drool dripping from her mouth or if her hair resembled a tornado. Her friend wore a sneaky grin and her hands were occupied by two Styrofoam cups with swirling brown liquid in them. Offering her one, Jordan invited herself in.

"Mornin' sunshine" She said cheerily. Jordan made her way to the couch and flopped down with a chuckle. Her friend wore skinny jeans and a Superman tee with her violet hair in a messy bun. She also had a small backpack that she set on the carpet beside her feet. Juvia stared at the liquid in her hand and smelled the newly brewed mixture. Shrugging her shoulders she took a sip and seated herself.

"Why are you here so early? You couldn't wait till later to tell me whatever your gonna tell me"

"Nope" Jordan said making a popping sound. She bounced in her seat and Juvia raised an eyebrow. Jordan excitedly took out an envelope from her bag and handed it to Juvia. Curious as to what it contained, Juvia took it from her and read the neatly folded card inside.

"Greetings! This is an invitation to the Annual Bradford and Harlington Partnership Gala.." Juvia read mumbling the words as she went on. Confused she looked back up to Jordan who had a cheery smile. "Ugh so Zef invited you to this gala?" She began.

"That's for you silly" Jordan simply said taking a sip from her coffee.

Juvia's eyebrow rose. Why would she be invited to-realization hit her. " Your gonna meet his folks aren't you. And you need me there so you won't feel uncomfortable."

"Pleease" Jordan said with a pout. "I don't think I can do this without support. Juvia I need you".

Juvia only stared at her, contemplating. The party was tonight and she didn't exactly have anything planned, might as well be of some help.

"Okay okay" She said with a sigh. Jordan squeeled and tackled her into a bear hug repeating and repeating how great a friend she was.


The wind was cold and crisp as Juvia leaned on the marble of the terrace. The night sky was magnificent, there were no clouds to cover up the shining stars and the city shined gloriously before her. The sound of chatter and classical music filled in the background as she continued gazing upon the sight.

The memory her dream showed her last night was all about the first time she ever vocalized her feelings to him. Although it slipped her mind when she said it she never said anything to retract or negate it after. At that time all she could think about was how their relationship was going to be over. She dreaded that he wouldn't want to continue anything with her anymore. Maybe he wasn't taking what they had as seriously as she was. All she was sure about was that she never wanted to hear what he was gonna say because deep down she knew that it wasn't an 'I love you too'.

Sighing for the nth time, Juvia took another long sip of her drink, twirling the transparent liquid in her glass. Looking back again to the crowd, she finally saw Jordan and it seemed like she was now being introduced. Well she isn't running for the door, so I guess she's fine.

Jordan wore a black form-fitting gown, it had tribal gold embellishments along the waist area and showed enough skin to be considered sexy and demure at the same time. Juvia chose it with her when they went shopping earlier. It was pretty hard to find behind all the choices Jordan made her carry. She literally had to wait outside the dressing room and hand her another garment whenever she didn't like what she was currently wearing. 'Somehow I love this woman and I want her to be happy' Juvia remembered the words she repeated to herself as she stood outside Jordan's door.

Juvia proudly looked on as Jordan appeared to look calm and charming as she shook hands with an elderly man. Zef was beside her with his hand on her waist, in all fairness they looked pretty good together. Jordan's hubby wore a double breasted pin stripe suit that Juvia could easily see was tailor fitted to enhance his physique. His bright hair was a little messy but tamed to an acceptable style. A woman proceeded to kiss Jordan on the cheek and Juvia guessed that that was Zef's mother by the similar hair colour.

"Am I seeing things or is that you Juvia?" She heard a deep familiar voice to her left. Juvia turned towards the origin of the sound and looked straight into the silvery eyes that belonged to none other than the dashing Lyon Wes Ford. He looked simply gorgeous in his all black attire. Always black. She remembered fondly. His ash brown hair was swept back neatly and the style only made his features stand out more. He had a gentle expression as he approached her, although his eyes gave an opposite statement. His metallic orbs bore into hers as they travelled her form, the intensity only enhanced by the moonlight that made his eyes seem wolf-like. She could see different expressions pass through his face as his mouth turned up a little.

Blushing furiously under his gaze she shifted uncomfortably and took another sip of her drink, avoiding eye contact. She opted to look at their shoes as he stood before her close enough for her to smell his familiar scent. She racked her brain for anything to say.

"You look beautiful tonight Violette" he whispered when he tipped her chin up with his fingers. He was looking down at her longingly. Juvia's heart and stomach did things simultaneously that eventually led to another blush adorning her cheeks. She gave him a tiny genuine smile, flattered that he would complement her when he stood before her like a movie star.

"You look very good too Lyon" she answered back. Another thought crossed her mind as she resumed her position of looking over the city, Lyon followed her gaze and they stood comfortably beside each other. The cold air rushed past them again and Juvia placed a hand to her head to tuck the stray strands behind her ear.

Out of all the places she though Lyon would be, why was he here at the gala? She turned to him and studied his profile.

"It seems strange to see you here" She inquired politely.

"Oh that, well I'm standing in for my dad. I didn't have anything planned so I decided why the heck not. I'm glad I came" He said as he glanced at her with a knowing smile. "The Bradfords had a little trouble back then and they came to my dad's firm for help, I guess you could say that The Fords are their go- to lawyers now" Lyon finished with a sigh.

"I should ask the very same question to you pretty lady" Lyon the continued as he turned to her.

"Well I came to give moral support to my best friend who happens to be the girlfriend of Harlington's heir" she said nonchalantly. Lyon gave a look of understanding.

They talked for awhile about random things, they even made silly jokes about the people inside and ended up making a game out of it. Once again Lyon made her forget all about the things that bothered her and for that she was thankful for the few moments of clarity.

They went inside when it was getting to cold and Juvia refused when a waiter offered her a drink. She wasn't much of a drinker anyways. People began to clear out a space for dancing when the band began playing waltz tunes. The sound of violins and cellos made Juvia a little more comfortable as she moved a little closer to Lyon who stood beside her. She looked on as couples made their way to the center and move to the rhythm of the song.

Lost in the moment, she didn't notice Jordan approach her. She warily eyed the silent Lyon as she regarded Juvia.

"Hey sorry if I left you, god I am a nervous wreck, I'm so glad I finally met them" Jordan said with a hand to her chest.

"S'kay, they seemed like nice people anyways. I don't know why you were even nervous"

"Who's the eye candy?" Jordan said as she turned to face Lyon.

"Oh yeah, ugh, Jordan this is Lyon Ford and Lyon this is my best friend Jordan Ultear Breck" Juvia introduced them with hand gestures.

"It's nice to meet you ma'am" Lyon said as he clasped hands with Jordan.

"God please don't call me that. You make me sound like I'm menopausal or something. Jordan's fine" Lyon gave a goofy smile and Jordan turned back to Juvia. "Anyways Gray's here and I have something to tell him" Upon hearing those words, Juvia immediately felt self conscious and she fidgeted. Her eyes nervously scanned the room, wondering why she hasn't seen Gray earlier.

Jordan excused herself and Juvia raised her eyebrow at her friend as she turned back to give Juvia a wink, which only meant she left because she thought that they were cute together.

"Would you like to dance with me" Lyon's words surprised her as she stared at him wide eyed in front of her, he had his open palm extended. Her heart practically picked up speed and she could feel another blush coming. I'm blushing way too much tonight.

"Ugh, I'd love to but I don't really know how to dance Lyon" She genuinely didn't know how and she was afraid that she would ruin it for him. "Maybe you should go ask another lady, I'm sure there are lots of pretty girls who would love to" She made a sweeping motion of the room. She nervously looked at him and bit her lower lip.

"Well the man is supposed to lead anyway so you'll be fine" He moved a step closer to her, their bodies almost touching. She almost forgot how to breathe when he reached out and stroked her cheek. "Besides, you're the prettiest one here and I'd really, desperately hate myself if I don't get the chance to dance with you" he whispered to her in that deep intoxicating and utterly irresistible tone.

She didn't know what else to say, looking up into his eyes, it's as if she wanted to believe anything he was saying, hang on to every word. She would like to believe that his words were genuine and looking up at him to see no sign that he was joking made her heart flutter more. Finally giving in to his wish, she placed her hand in his own and smiled up at him.

Lyon squeezed her fingers as if to reassure her and returned her smile with one of his movie star grins that never failed to bring back her teenage giddiness. He led her to the dance floor and positioned his hand on her waist and the other still holding her hand tenderly. Juvia gently placed her hand on his shoulder and tried to relax.

At first following his movements was a little confusing, she managed after a while and she was thankful Lyon was patient with her. Now she felt like they were gliding along the steps and eventually she was lost again in his eyes that never wavered from her own. There was something about them that drawed her like a moth to a flame. She didn't know if it was simply the unusual color or the intensity, maybe it was the emotions that dwelled in them but whatever it was, she couldn't tear her eyes away from him.

Their faces were close together and his hold seemed to tighten. Juvia simply allowed herself to be lost in their movement and the music and into his eyes. She didn't even mind when Lyon stopped. He gave her a look before he took her face with one hand, the other still resting on her waist, and leaned down to cover her lips with his.

Her eyes fluttered shut as she tip-toed a little to respond to his kiss. It wasn't a kiss that brought complicated feelings instead it was a simple act, almost a promise of how great things could be if they allowed things to progress. The feeling of his lips against hers was sweet and gentle, not like the kisses she was used to. Juvia liked it. She liked it a lot.

Lyon was the first to move away, grinning at her as he gazed back down into her eyes. His smile was mirrored with her own. Lyon's eyes seemed to shine brighter as he gathered her into his arms, and there in the middle of the dancing couples, he embraced her as a man would a woman. Juvia revelled in the warmth of him around her. He made her feel safe and free. She brought her hands to return the hug as her eyes landed onto a pair of blue orbs staring straight at her.

And at that moment, she could literally feel her heart sink. Gray stood a few meters away from them, behind a crowd of people. His gaze didn't waver and she was sure that he recognized her. She almost caught an expression that passed through his face but a second later it was gone and his stoic expression returned. With one last look he gave her a sad smile and turned away.

Tears swelled in her eyes as she buried her face into the crook of Lyon's neck.

I don't understand you at all.