Nobody:

Literally nobody:

Me: ...WOW

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I hope you guys can forgive me for this but I'm not gonna respond to reviews this time around. I will in the next chapter. I'm just so tired and heartbroken right now that I'd rather just kinda keep it quiet and handle business... Enjoy the chapter.

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Gray POV

TRIGGER WARNING FOR: Implied sexual assault.

It was late at night, right around midnight, when she found me. I had been feeling extremely anxious that night after a panic attack caused by a loud slamming noise Erza had made on accident, so I didn't want to fall asleep at first because images of Juvia and her sharp knife kept flashing before my eyes.

Now I was lying on my side in bed, curled up into a fetal position with my knees drawn up to my chest, watching Natsu.

"I-I'm scared... What if she f-finds me?" I asked Natsu as he crawled under the blanket and flopped down beside me.

"Oh, Snowflake, it's okay. Even if she does, which she most definitely won't, I'm here to keep you safe. She can't do anything to you so long as I'm here." he told me, slipping his arm around my waist and gently nudging me closer so I was pressed up against his warm chest.

"I just... I don't want to..." I wasn't sure what I was trying to say, but he seemed to understand.

"Shhh. It's alright. You're just a little on edge from earlier. I'm here, I'll take care of you." he ran his fingers through my hair, his touch soft and gentle.

I winced as I recalled what had happened earlier. Erza had dropped a book. For whatever reason, the sound it made when it hit the ground reminded me of the way Juvia had screamed at me when I told her I loved Natsu, not her. Next thing I knew, I was on the ground, trembling all over, unable to breathe, choking on my own sobs of anguish and fear. I had been so sure that every time I opened my eyes, Juvia would be there, waiting to torment me more. Fortunately, Natsu knew a thing or two about panic attacks, even violent ones. He had stayed by my side loyally, speaking to me in a calm, soothing voice as I convulsed on the ground, until finally I calmed down enough to let him touch me. From then on, he had rubbed my shoulders and cuddled me until I had regained control of my breathing.

Although I had somewhat recovered from the mind-numbing panic, I was still extremely timid and anxious. I couldn't look in the mirror on the wall in the bathroom because I was sure that if I did, I'd see Juvia creeping up behind me, her hands poised to grab me.

I shuddered all over in Natsu's arms, and he leaned in close so he could plant a series of tender, loving kisses on my temple.

"What's wrong, snow angel?" he asked, his breath hot against my ear.

"S-Sorry..." I realized I had been silent for quite some time, causing him to get worried. "I'm just... Thinking... About it..." I didn't feel the need to explain what "it" was.

"Do you remember the meadow, Snowflake?" Natsu suddenly asked, the abrupt change in subject catching me off guard.

I hesitated as an image of the tall, lime-colored grass appeared in my head, and nodded. "Of course, how could I ever forget such a lovely place?"

"Perfect. I knew you would." he smiled gently and nuzzled his face into my hair. "What was your favorite part about being there?" I realized he was intentionally making me talk about something else, trying to take my mind off the dark memories weighing down my conscience.

I thought for a moment before a little smile played on my lips. "I think when we first got there and you told me that you'd reserved this meadow for the person you were truly in love with. It made me feel like I was on top of the world, like I could fly to the moon and back without breaking a sweat..." I pressed my face into his warm chest and sighed as the beautiful memories washed over me, completely replacing the black, ugly ones.

"You know I meant it, right?" he nudged my chin with one finger until I looked up and met his gaze. He chuckled softly when I nodded in response. "Good. Because I really did."

There was silence for a moment. I could hear his softly thudding heartbeat through his shirt. The sound was low and grounding, a constant reminder that he was alive and he was human. He kept playing with my hair with one hand, his fingers tracing soft, slow patterns on my scalp and trailing down through my black locks.

"Tell me more about what you remember from the meadow, sweetheart." Natsu whispered, holding me tighter.

I took a second to picture it in my mind. Everything was lovely and bright and colorful and so alive. I honestly wished I was there right now, with him. "It was... Stunningly gorgeous. I remember how big and fluffy the clouds were, like cotton balls floating through the sky. And you looked so perfect standing next to me." I explained, my smile widening. I could almost smell the fresh dew on the tips of the blades of grass. "It was all so perfect because you were there. And I wasn't afraid of anything in the moment. How could I be? With you standing with me, I am fearless."

"You're so cute. I love you." Natsu pulled me closer and ran his hand down from my hip to my thigh.

That touch in itself was enough to completely destroy my memory of the meadow and replace it with one even darker and more horrifying than any of the others. I gasped loudly and flinched, shying away from him.

Natsu's gentle smile contorted into a worried frown. "Gray? Baby, what's wrong?"

"I-I'm s-sorry..." my voice began shaking all over again. "I just... P-Please don't touch me there yet, okay? I-It reminds me o-of something she d-did to me... And I can't... I don't w-want to..." I reached down and guided his hand up from my leg back to my hip. "T-This is fine..."

Natsu's warm, honey-colored eyes widened with horror as he realized what I was saying. "Did she seriously..." he trailed off, unable to say it out loud.

I swallowed hard and nodded. "S-She was... T-Touching me in places I didn't wanna be touched, and..." my breathing got heavier and quicker, I felt like the walls were caving in. "H-Her hands were everywhere and I-I was so scared, b-but she wouldn't stop, and t-the stupid fucking d-drugs wouldn't let me fight back..."

I was so far gone in the horrible, blood-chilling memory that I wasn't aware of the tears streaming down my face and the soft sobs of fear escaping my lips until Natsu held me tighter and began kissing my tears away.

"Shhh..." he murmured, running his hand up and down the back of my neck in slow, comforting motions as his free hand's thumb rubbed circles on my hip. Every touch made my skin burn, I wanted to claw it off. I wanted to be rid of my own skin, and started to squirm about. "It's alright, shh. It's just you and me here, you're safe. Everything's okay. She's gone, and I'm never gonna let her hurt you again. I'm so fucking sorry I couldn't get you out of there faster, before she... Touched you like that..."

I tried to tell him that it wasn't his fault and that I was fine, but the words were completely lost in a sob much louder than the others breaking out of my trembling chest. I couldn't breathe, I wanted to feel safe but I could feel Juvia's dead eyes tearing into me from behind.

Natsu's voice had faded and was coming to me I waves, as if I were underwater, despite the fact he was right there with me. His distorted voice frightened me. I curled further into myself, trying to fight off the nightmares creeping in on me before this became another violent, scary panic attack.

"Gray." suddenly Natsu's voice became shockingly clear. "Gray. Look at me, Snowflake."

I obediently opened my eyes halfway, gasping for breaths I couldn't quite pull into my lungs. Suddenly I was staring into those beautiful eyes, honey-golden and full of warmth and love. Just the very sight of his eyes was enough to ease the panic.

"Good. It's alright. I'm here. Take deep breaths, okay? I've got you. Please don't cry, snow angel. You're okay." I was vaguely aware of his arms around me, tight and strong and unyielding. His voice was so soft and gentle and sweet.

Those eyes...

"Y-Your..." I started to say, managing to take a deep, shaky breath.

"Hmm?" Natsu gave me a curious look. "What was that, baby?"

"Your... Eyes." I managed to say.

"Yeah?" he jumped the opportunity to get me thinking about something else. "What about them, sugarplum?"

"They're like... Like... Gold..." I tilted my head back and gave vent to a shuddering sigh. I could still feel Juvia's eyes on me, and it was terrifying. The panic came rushing back, and suddenly I was gasping for breath again.

Natsu cupped my face between his warm hands, the touch bringing me back to the present. "Keep talking to me, sweetheart."

"Your eyes are... Nothing like hers." I told him, trying to focus on my breathing and on his warm hands. "Yours are full of life and so beautiful..." I reached out with shaking hands and smoothed my thumbs over the soft skin beneath his slanted eyes. He sighed and leaned into my touch with a content smile crossing his face.

"Gray..." he mumbled, and I realized for the first time that he was on top of me, his warm weight pressed into me. He was trying to keep me warm. "I love you. You're gonna be alright. I promise I'll see you through to the other side."

At first I was too unsettled to fall asleep, but Natsu was patient. He held me and gave me kisses until I succumbed to the exhaustion and passed out entirely.

-

"Gray-samaaaaa..."

At first I thought I was dreaming when I heard that voice. There was no way I could be hearing it here, while I was safe in Natsu's arms. It had to be a dream, so I ignored it.

"Gray..."

An unmistakable chill ran up my spine. I could feel her eyes on me. Somehow I knew it was for real, and not just some stupid dream. She was looking at me. I felt her evil presence watching me.

It was horrifying. She was here. How had she found me??

I slowly opened my eyes, which immediately widened. Juvia had indeed found me. Her dead blue eyes glowed dimly in the moonlight streaming in from the now-open window. Natsu must've forgotten to lock it, and she had gotten in. She was creeping closer, her arms outstretched, fingers poised to grab me.

It was a nightmare that had crept into reality.

I screamed at the top of my lungs.

Juvia jumped out of her skin. And suddenly Natsu was wide awake. Flames sparked in his fists and snaked between his fingers. He sprang forward without hesitation and tackled Juvia to the ground. The two grappled on the ground, the water sorceress shrieking and hissing furiously like she had been possessed. Their magic began to clash together in blinding sparks of blue and red.

My eyes were wide with shock and disbelief. This couldn't be happening. She had found me, and come after me. What kind of person does that? I couldn't move, my muscles were frozen in place. All I could do was gape as Natsu clashed with this hellish woman that had done so many countless terrible things to me.

Natsu managed to pin one of her pale arms behind her back. She thrashed and bucked wildly, snarling evilly. He looked up and his wild eyes met mine.

"Gray, go get Erza! Go!" he shouted, struggling to keep the writhing water sorceress pinned.

At first I shook my head, mouthing the words, "I don't want to leave you."

Juvia bucked her hips, nearly throwing him off. Still he managed to give me a reassuring smile and said, "I'll be fine. Go."

I hesitated before bolting out of the room. My entire body was numb with terror. I couldn't hear my own sharp breaths over a dull roaring in my ears. My chest was heaving with panic. All I could think about was the fact I had just left Natsu back there with that monster of a woman. The guilt was almost as heavy as the terror trying to force tears from my eyes.

Fortunately, Erza was still awake. She was walking around the open cafe, probably doing laps for the sake of doing laps. She kept glancing at the job board, her violet eyes darting over the posters nailed there. She was walking around and considering job options at the same time. That's Sister Erza for you... I thought dully, as I burst out into the empty space and sprinted all the way to her side.

She saw me coming and her eyes widened slightly. "Gray? Are you alright? What's wrong?" she caught me up by my forearms, before I ran her over.

I was gasping for breaths I couldn't pull in, and I was trembling all over. I probably looked an absolute wreck. "Erza... It's... It's... Juvia found... And she... She's there... And Natsu... Fighting her..." I choked out, doubling over and nearly collapsing.

"Juvia??" Erza snapped to attention at that. "She's here? And Natsu took her on alone??? Is that what you're trying to tell me?"

I nodded weakly. "Please... Help Natsu..."

"I promise." Erza pressed a gentle kiss to my pale forehead before drawing her sword and taking off at a dead run towards the infirmary. Her red hair streamed out behind her like ribbons of fresh blood, rapidly disappearing around a dark corner.

Now that her warm weight was no longer there to support me, I did the one thing I could. I slumped to my knees, curled forward, buried my face in my hands, and began to cry like a frightened child.

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Natsu POV

Juvia fought like a cornered rat. Shortly after Gray fled the room, she had managed to get her foot free and kicked me in the face, hard. Next thing I knew, she had gained the upper hand. She was pinning me on my back, her knee digging into my chest and her hands locked around my throat, fingers digging into my skin.

I let out a startled gasp as she pressed the air out of my lungs, her grip on my throat tightening to the point I could barely pull air in. Her cold, dead eyes were inches from mine, and it terrified me. She looked so... Empty...

"You don't deserve my beloved Gray." she snarled, her pale purple lips curling back to reveal her sharklike teeth. "He is mine. I won't let you have him, you fucking gay bastard."

I managed a cocky smile, despite the fact I could barely breathe. "He's gay too. And that's exactly why you can't have him."

It was the wrong thing to say, given my current position. Her grip on my throat tightened to a dangerous point. Now I was seeing stars, I couldn't breathe. I tried to scream but it came out as more of a strangled cry that died in my throat. I tried to struggle but the lack of oxygen made me dizzy and clumsy. Juvia snarled.

"Die now."

"I don't think so!" Erza's voice and a flash of silver steel announced the titania's presence.

Juvia let out a howl of shock and pain as Erza dragged her off me and pinned her to the ground before she could recover. The water sorceress began thrashing wildly, hissing and shrieking, but Erza wouldn't let go. She tied Juvia's hands behind her back with a length of chain and grimaced.

"How does it feel, being all chained up and unable to fight back?" Erza demanded to know, standing to her full height and using her foot to keep Juvia pinned to the floor. "This is how you made Gray feel... Except ten times worse, and I'll never forgive you for that. Ever."

"Neither will I." I rose to my feet, glaring at the downed woman. "You stole my Gray from me and hurt him so badly I don't think he'll ever mentally recover. You're just a selfish, psychotic bitch."

I realized my forehead was bleeding from where Juvia's foot had connected with my face, and my throat ached. There would probably be bruises there, seeing as Juvia had been hellbent on strangling me to death.

"Don't go anywhere until Wendy has a look at that cut, Natsu." Erza gave me one of her signature don't disobey me looks.

"Yes, ma'am..." I sighed and sat down on the edge of the now-empty bed. My thoughts immediately wandered to Gray. I was glad he hadn't come back yet. Juvia was making a lot of horrific noises. She honestly sounded like a demon, the way she was hissing, growling and writhing, like an animal.

Suddenly there was a soft sound at the door, and I glanced up. My eyes met a pair of wide, frightened ones, midnight blue in color.

...Shit.

Gray had come back, and he was staring at Juvia with a look of both horror and disgust on his face. He was standing in the doorway, arms wrapped around himself, seeming unsure of whether or not he wanted to come in.

"Fuck..." I muttered, slowly rising to my feet. "Gray? Are you alright? She didn't hurt you, did she?"

Gray glanced at me and shook his head slightly. He was speechless. I could see the tearstains on his pale face. His eyes were now locked on the cut on my forehead, which was still bleeding.

"Y-You're bleeding." he said, hurrying into the room with grim determination.

His bravery shocked me. He was willing to come in the same room as his stalker and tormentor just to make sure I was okay.

I touched one hand to the cut. "Yeah, I am..." I chuckled sheepishly, reaching out and pulling Gray into my arms. "But it's just a scratch, don't worry. I'm okay. I promise."

"Dammit." Gray muttered, fussing over the cut. His soft, gentle fingers brushed my hair out of the way and carefully traced the outline of the little wound. I could tell he was trying to determine how deep it was. I grabbed his wrists gently after letting him examine the wound for a minute.

"I'm alright, Gray. Really." I reassured, leaning forward and kissing his pale cheek. "Erza, would you mind taking Juvia to Gramps? I'm sure he'll want to have a little talk with her about her behavior..." I pulled Gray closer and peered over his shoulder at Erza, whom was currently telling Juvia off.

"Of course. Come on, bitch." Erza reached down and hauled a screaming, struggling Juvia to her feet. The water sorceress was writhing and shrieking all sorts of profanities, trying to break out of Erza's firm grip.

Gray flinched and started shaking all over when he heard Juvia's high-pitched screams. He started to look over his shoulder to see what was going on. I reached out and put my hand over his eyes. His trembling immediately stopped and he turned back towards me, tucking his head under my chin and slipping his arms around my waist.

"You don't have to look. She can go rot in hell for all I care." I told him, running my fingers through his hair. "We're okay. Everything's gonna be fine, okay? I promise..." I tilted his chin up and pressed my lips to his. It was the first time we had kissed on the lips since I had brought him home, and it felt so good. I hadn't realized just how much I missed the feel of his cold, soft lips on mine until I felt it again.

He kissed me back without hesitation, pulling me closer to deepen the kiss and closing his eyes blissfully. I just wanted to hold him forever. The gentle pressure of his lips on mine felt so good, so right. Everything about this was perfect.

Even as Erza led a screaming Juvia out of the room, Gray and I were still wrapped in each other's embrace, sharing perhaps one of the sweetest, most tender moments we had ever had.

But all too soon, it had to end. Gray made a small noise that implied he was out of air and pulled away, sighing softly.

"Gray... She's gone now. For real. Gramps is gonna do something about her." I told him, running my hand up and down his back. "And she's never coming back. It's finally over. We're gonna be okay now." I had a feeling that, given the proper time, Gray's mental health would get better too.

He shivered in my arms and buried his face in my chest, trying to conceal the fact he was in tears. "I-I... I d-don't... Oh, god..." Gray suddenly stumbled forward and collapsed on me.

"Whoa there. Are you okay?" I caught him and slowly lowered him to the floor, getting down on my knees beside him.

Gray chuckled softly and curled up in my lap, pressing his face into my leg. "I am absolutely fantastic. I just can't believe she's gone. Made me feel a little light-headed, that's all..." he replied, running his hand up and down my thigh with a soft sigh of contentment.

"Aw." I couldn't stop the little blush from creeping into my cheeks. "You are absolutely precious."

-

A few hours later, Erza came in looking tired but satisfied. She told us what Gramps had decided. Juvia was to be not just kicked from the guild, but banished from Magnolia. That way, there was absolutely no chance of her coming back to mess with Gray anymore. Gramps said he tried to get her banished from the entire continent, but the Saint Wizards weren't in favor of that decision, so she got a lesser sentence. She also had her magical ability stripped from her, meaning she was never allowed to use her magic ever again.

It was a fitting punishment, although it was a lot more merciful than I would've liked.

Gray was absolutely starstruck with relief. It took Erza a few minutes to convince him that Juvia had been kicked from the guild and Magnolia itself, because at first he was so stunned he couldn't believe it. Then he started crying uncontrollably- tears of happiness and relief- so Erza and I spent the next several minutes laughing and embracing and trying to get him to stop crying because even though they were good tears, it made both of us sad to see him cry.

All in all, I felt it was a good day. And it would just get better and better.

To be continued...

I'm too tired and upset to add an author's note. Sorry.