I'm baaaaaaaaaaaack! Yes! Sorry this took so long. I paused because I hadn't decided exactly how I wanted Gray to apologize to Juvia and I needed to figure out whether or not I wanted Cana to do what she does in this chapter. (You'll see it.)
Please read and review! I'm thinking this story may be a bit longer than I originally thought, and its proving that. I'm not complaining, I love writing it! So please be patient with me.
Also, someone asked why are the Fairies trying to impress Porlyusica. They aren't. Or actually, they don't know that they are trying to. Jellal invited Porlyusica to help her out, and he believes that the Fairies are exactly what she needs. Cana and the others have no idea the woman is there.
So, Fairy Tail does NOT belong to me and neither do the chosen songs. I pay credit to them right before the song starts.
Gray helped Loke and the Zodiacs set up or their instruments for their performance with Levy, which was scheduled to begin right after the Fairies introduction dance. He glanced over his shoulder for a glimpse of Juvia as she prepared for her dance with the others.
"Worried lover boy?" Loke asked with a smirk.
The dark haired man scoffed, "I don't have anything to be worried about."
"Now that's the attitude that got you in trouble in the first place, isn't it?" The orange haired man teased.
Gray glared at him before he sighed, "Loke, I need your help."
"Anything mate, you name it. Unless I'm being your wingman, I can't verbally agree to that one. Aries would have my hide."
"Oh now you're concerned." Gray retorted.
"Hey, I may act like a philandering playboy with no respect for my relationship with Aries, but you know me better mate. Aries is my everything and I won't' lose her."
"You know I'd never ask you to jeopardize your relationship with her, especially since she's too good for you and she can realize that at any moment."
"Then I'm glad we're on the same page. What did you need?" Loke asked.
"I need to apologize to Juvia in a big way."
"Oh good, you're finally pulling your head out of your ass." Scorpio taunted.
"No one asked you!"
"What did you have in mind, Gray?" Virgo inquired.
"I would need to talk to Levy, but I have a plan for how to apologize to Juvia."
The Zodiacs looked thoughtful for a moment before they all turned to Loke.
"It's your call Leo." Cancer replied.
"Alright buddy, you know that Lev would allow it. Especially if it's to finally make up with Juvia."
Gray smirked, "Good. So this is what I had in mind."
Gildarts frowned as he studied the objects for the next part of the festival. "Cana, are you sure these are safe?"
His daughter spared him a glance as she fixed her hair, "Cobra and Sting haven't let me down yet. Besides, we tested them out earlier. Everything worked perfectly."
"I don't know Cana. What if something goes wrong?"
"It won't."
"Cana-"
She turned on him, a fierce fire burning in her violet eyes. "I have faith in Sting and Cobra. They wouldn't let us use something they aren't sure is safe."
He sighed, she got the same stubborn look that Cornelia had, "Fine you win."
"They'll be fine Gildarts. Cobra and Sting tested these out on themselves first." Makarov replied.
"Get out there old man. The crowd is waiting." Elfman replied.
"Show time everyone!" Cana yelled as she stepped on to her small stage.
The other girls rushed around to stand on their own small stages, dressed and ready for the most intricate and possibly unique show they've ever performed.
Laxus noticed the look of worry on Gildarts' face, "What's wrong with you?"
"I think Cana is taking a risk that she should avoid."
The blonde man knew what he was referring to. His girlfriend had explained her entire plan to him and he knew what she was doing. She had allowed him to witness Sting and Cobra testing the wires and the pulleys for what she had planned.
"If Cana says she'll be fine, then I believe her."
"Do you even know what she's doing?"
"Of course I do, she told me." Laxus answered, "She would never put the other Fairies in danger, even if what they are doing has never been done before in Magnolia."
The older man glowered but said nothing as they both turned to the stage as the lights dimmed.
"Besides," Laxus added, "I'd have killed Cobra and Sting before you could even realize what happened old man."
Gildarts laughed.
Mirajane glanced at Lisanna, "Are you ready?"
The youngest Strauss sibling gave her a determined smile, "Of course."
"Girls, this is it." Erza replied boldly, "Our shining moment."
"Geez don't be so serious all the time." Evergreen replied.
"Ladies, now isn't the time." Cana broke in as the curtain rose and the lights dimmed. She could hear the mechanics of the stage before she felt the small stage she stood on begin to move. The sound began to echo and Cana adjusted the mic quickly before she took a deep breath. The sound of a xylophone echoed around them.
(Shatter Me: By Lindsey Stirling feat. Lzzy Hale)
I pirouette in the dark
I see the stars through a mirror
A violin began to play. The light only revealed the outlines of the girls, each of them gracefully dancing on their small stages in slow, deliberate ballet moves.
Tired mechanical heart
Beats 'til the song disappears
They began to dance faster.
Somebody shine a light
I'm frozen by the fear in me
Somebody make me feel alive
And shatter me
So cut me from the line
Dizzy, spinning endlessly
Somebody make me feel alive
And shatter me
[Violin Drop] The lights flashed on and the crowd roared. The girls were dancing in what looked like snow globes. Cana's voice rang out loud and clear. Virgo was seen playing the violin off to the side as the girls danced. Each of them wore short, bright costumes with matching ballet shoes. Gajeel thought they all looked like pixies.
Shatter me!
Somebody make me feel alive
And shatter me
If only the clockwork could speak
I wouldn't be so alone
We'd burn every magnet and spring
And spiral into the unknown
Somebody shine a light
I'm frozen by the fear in me
Somebody make me feel alive
And shatter me
So cut me from the line
Dizzy, spinning endlessly
Somebody make me feel alive
And shatter me
[Violin Drop] The girls dropped to the ground and rose, the fluid movements of their bodies made it look so easy. They threw themselves against the glass that kept them trapped, dancing around, looks of desperation on their faces as they tried to escape.
[Bridge:]
If I break the glass then I'll have to fly
There's no one to catch me if I take a dive
I'm scared of change and the days stay the same
The spheres of glass began to spin, slowly but as Cana continued to sing and the girls continued to dance, they began to turn faster and faster. The crowd gasped in surprise as they realized that the spheres were not only spinning, but rising into the air. The girls never hesitated or missed a beat.
The world is spinning but only in gray
If I break the glass then I'll have to fly
There's no one to catch me if I take a dive
The spheres began to spin faster and Cobra grinned as he pressed a button, causing the lights he had installed to focus on the spheres causing each one to turn a different, bright color as they spun faster.
Laxus could feel himself tense a bit, slightly nervous about the next part of his girlfriend's performance.
I'm scared of change and the days stay the same
The world is spinning but only in gray
(Only...)
The spheres shattered and glass flew everywhere and fog emerged first, but Cana and the girls could still be heard. The crowd was murmuring wondering if something had gone wrong when all of a sudden; the Fairies were flying out of the smoke, iridescent wings fluttering on their backs.
The crowd lost it.
Somebody shine a light
I'm frozen by the fear in me
Somebody make me feel alive
And shatter me
Laxus felt himself relax as they slowly got closer to the ground; Sting and Cobra had succeeded. The Fairies were grinning as they felt the wires attached to their costumes safely lower them to the stage, where they continued dancing. Adrenaline was pumping through them and each of them bore the proud smile that many recognized only came from their love of dancing.
So cut me from the line
Dizzy, spinning endlessly
Somebody make me feel alive
And shatter me
Cana knew before the song was over that they had succeeded. She was beaming as she continued to sing, another first for her. She wasn't sure if she'd ever do it again, but it had worked out just the way she wanted it to.
[Violin Drop:]
Me...!
Shatter me!
Somebody make me feel alive
And shatter me!
"Thank you Magnolia!" Cana yelled as the crowd cheered. "It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to another Harvest Festival. You have no idea what this means to me and everyone in Fairy Tail. Because of all of you, my mother's dream, my dream, has become a reality. This year, I dedicate this festival to every single person in attendance, and one person who isn't here." The crowd silently listened to Cana speak, giving her time to get her words straight.
She closed her eyes and for a moment, her mother stared back at her. "I'm proud of you baby."
Cana raised her hand in the air as the Zodiacs began to play what they called the "Fairy Tail anthem". The Fairy Tail promise loomed above her head. The Fairies followed her example, followed by the other working members of the club.
"This is also, for my mother, Cornelia Alberona, and the amazing Fairies that came before, including the wonderful Mavis, who asked, the question that started it all: Do fairies have tails?"
The brunette grinned at the people around her, "Tonight, all of you here, no matter where you came from and where you go, someone will always be watching out for you. No matter where you go after today, you will never be alone. That's Fairy Tail's promise!"
Porlyusica was slightly impressed. Emphasis on the slightly. The loud brunette had somehow managed to capture the crowd with her speech and as one, hundreds of hands had lifted up and were pointing skyward, mimic the sign Cana was making. She didn't think it was possible, but the entire crowd began chanting, "Fairy Tail" louder than they had cheered earlier.
Jellal grinned at Porlyusica, "I think you're impressed with her."
The hard woman met his gaze, "You shouldn't assume, you stupid boy."
Jellal laughed, knowing that he was right. "If you say so. I knew you were going to be hard to please, but they" Jellal pointed at the Fairies on stage, "are going to impress the hell out of you."
"So as one of our own prepares for her first ever public solo performance, give it up for the Zodiacs, who have a very special performance!" Makarov yelled as he ushered the Fairies offstage.
Loke nodded at Gray, signaling that the plan was a go. The dark haired man took a deep breath as he glanced out of the corner of his eye, watching Juvia walk by without even a glance in his direction.
'I'm going to make it up to you Juvia.'
"I am nothing without love. I'm but a ship stuck in the sand. Some would say that I'm all alone. But I am, I'm nothing without love." Gray whispered into the microphone.
(Nothing without Love by Nate Ruess)
Juvia turned quickly at the sound of Gray's voice, followed by the Zodiacs beginning to play. She studied him as he started to sing. Her heart ached for him, all the love she had for him was trapped within, but she was incapable of showing him. With a heavy heart, she continued backstage to prepare for her next dance.
I am nothing without love
I'm but a ship stuck in the sand
Some would say that I'm all alone
But I am, I'm nothing without love
Evergreen sat at her mirror, fixing her make-up and hair preparing for the next dance. The stubborn woman kept her eyes on Juvia's image in her mirror. The loving woman was trying so hard to remain strong as Gray's voice continued on.
I wanna hold her in my arms
She feelin' alone, she feelin' sad
I would take credit for what's wrong,
But I am, I'm nothing without love
Juvia froze at the lyrics, wanting desperately for the song to be for her, about his love for her, but her heart, it couldn't take it if it wasn't true. Her eyes watered but she found the tears. 'I am no longer the Rain Woman. I will not rain on this day.'
Three years at sea after the storm
And this sinking ship of love you put me on
God, I wish a gust of wind would come
And carry me home
But I, I got nowhere to go
Now here you show up with the force of a wave
An' so I'm settin' my sail, I'm headed for the Empire State
Hey hey, I don't wanna lose this one
She made me feel hope, you know
I am, I'm nothing without love
Gray pouring his heart out and Juvia was nowhere to be seen. He knew that she could hear him backstage, but he wasn't sure what else he could do. The man had hoped that she would remain behind long enough to watch him; he wanted to sing to her.
Oh baby, show me a sign
Send up a signal that everything's fine
Come on, slide up right here by my side
You know that I wanna rest in your light
Na na na hey, na na na ooh
Na na na hey, na na na ooh
Na na na hey, na na na ooh
Na na na hey, na na na ooh
I wanna rest in your light
Na na na hey, na na na ooh
Na na na hey, na na na ooh
Na na na hey, na na na ooh
Na na na hey, na na na ooh
Cana glanced at Evergreen and nodded. Evergreen and Juvia had become fast friends. Maybe the stubborn woman could get Juvia to stop overthinking everything. Cana sighed as she watched Ever approach Juvia. When did things get so complicated? Looking in her own mirror, her violet eyes found Laxus's reflection, his eyes focused only on her. Their eyes met and he offered her a barely noticeable half-smile that caused her heart to beat faster and her stomach to flip. Now she remembered.
I am nothing without love
I'm just these thoughts without a pen
And I would take credit for this song
But I am nothing without love
"Shouldn't you be jumping for joy over this song?" Evergreen asked.
"Juvia knows that it is just a song. Gray is not really singing to her." The blue haired woman responded as she straightened the clip in her hair.
"Right, that's why Gray is out there singing right now, with a heartbroken look on his face." Evergreen scoffed.
"Are you trying to make Juvia feel bad?" The blue eyed woman asked.
"I'm trying to tell you that he's doing this for you. Maybe you should listen to him."
Oh baby, show me a sign
Send up a signal that everything's fine
Come on, come one, come on right by my side
Don't you know that I, don't you know that I
I wanna rest in your light
I wanna rest in your light
I wanna rest in your light
I wanna rest in your light
'Cause I am, I'm nothing without love
Gray was getting desperate. Juvia never once looked at him or reappeared at the entrance to the stage. What was he supposed to do?
He glanced to his right and saw Erza standing there, glaring at him darkly and the man forced himself not to shiver in fear at the look.
She gave him a stiff nod gestured to the Zodiacs to pick another song. Her dark look was directed at him once more and she gave him the sign to talk. Oh he was going to have to be very specific.
Na na na hey, ooh oh
Na na na hey, ooh oh
Na na na hey, ooh oh
Na na na hey, ooh oh
The song ended and the crowd cheered.
"I'm glad you all really appreciated that song. I have one more song. It's for someone special. There's a wonderful girl here, and I owe her an apology." Gray took a deep breath, "I've been afraid and it made me a jerk. So, Juvia, I really hope you're listening."
Juvia froze when Gray said her name. Her eyes watering. Evergreen gave her a narrowed look, "Told you so."
(Wanted by: Hunter Hayes)
You know I'd fall apart without you
I don't know how you do what you do
'Cause everything that don't make sense about me
Makes sense when I'm with you
Juvia wasn't sure what to do. If she ran on stage, she'd look like an idiot. Gray would probably stop singing too. If she remained sitting, Gray would think she didn't care. She turned her blue eyes to her friends, who had gathered around behind her. Each of them offered her an encouraging smile.
"So what are you gonna do?" Ever demanded.
Like everything that's green girl I need you
But it's more than one and one makes two
Put aside the math and the logic of it
You gotta know you're wanted too
Gray was waiting. Juvia had to show up. She had to know that he was sorry and he loved her. He was done being an idiot about her; she deserved happiness.
Why hadn't she appeared yet?
'Cause I wanna wrap you up
Wanna kiss your lips
I wanna make you feel wanted
And I wanna call you mine
Wanna hold your hand forever
Never let you forget it
Yeah I wanna make you feel wanted
Ever pulled Juvia up from her seat, "Don't ruin your make-up. We still have another show to do."
"Go get him." Lucy winked.
Anyone can tell you you're pretty
And you get that all the time, I know you do
But your beauty's deeper than the makeup
And I wanna show you what I see tonight
"Make sure you let him finish his song. He owes you." Mirajane advised.
"But Juvia wants to hug Gray!"
"Don't do it yet, Juvia. You deserve to hear that song all the way through and watch his expressions as he sings. He owes you all of that." Lisanna added.
When I wrap you up
When I kiss your lips
I wanna make you feel wanted
And I wanna call you mine
Wanna hold your hand forever
Never let you forget it
'Cause baby I wanna make you feel wanted
"Go on!" Levy smiled.
"Good luck!" Cana winked.
"Get out there!" Ever ordered as she pushed Juvia out, far enough to be hidden by the stage but where Gray could see her if he looked.
As good as you make me feel I
I wanna make you feel better
Better than your fairy tales
Better than your best dreams
You're more than everything I need
You're all I ever wanted
All I ever wanted
'Oh Gray.' Juvia thought as she watched him sing. In his own way, he was pouring his heart out to her, to all these people. She smiled as her eyes watered. This was strength, allowing all of these people to see his emotions.
Juvia did not think it was possible to love him more.
And I just wanna wrap you up
Wanna kiss your lips
I wanna make you feel wanted
And I wanna call you mine
Wanna hold your hand forever
And never let you forget it
Yeah I wanna make you feel wanted
Baby I wanna make you feel wanted
Gray heard the cheers and he turned quickly, hoping that they were cheering because she had stepped out. Her eyes were bright with unshed tears and she was giving him that shy smile he adored. His dark eyes met hers and he sang the last line to her.
You'll always be wanted
"Juvia, I want you to know that I am-"
She cut him off by rushing to him, giving him barely enough time to open his arms to hug her. The crowd was rooting for them and the Zodiacs were cheering.
Gray was slightly relieved, he had expected Juvia to throw herself at him wanting to share their first kiss publicly, instead she opted for a hug. He liked hugging her.
"I forgive you Gray." She whispered in his ear.
"Thank you." He whispered, relief flooding his body, his heart racing.
She pulled away from him, still not crying, but a brilliant smile on her face. Gray cupped her face and pressed their foreheads together.
"I love you." He whispered softly.
He wiped away the one tear that fell as she smiled at him, love radiating off of her.
"I know." She replied.
Gray laughed. She'd said it so many times before, and the one time he actually says it, is the one time she doesn't.
He doesn't mind though. She's his.
*wipes away a tear* I think I did pretty well on that ending if I do say so myself.
So I had originally thought to end this chapter with Porlyusica's part, but I decided that Gray and Juvia needed their moment this chapter. Let me know what you guys think! Next chapter, Levy is up next. That's going to be a fun one!
I'll post again as soon as I can!
And once again, I do not own Fairy Tail or those songs! See you next time!