Hello, everyone!
I hope you are doing okay despite these crazy times that we are currently living. Coronavirus has affected so many of us and I hope everyday that this crisis will be over soon.
Until life returns to normal, though, we should really take this time to reflect about how we treat our planet and the people who live in it. I hope we can learn to become more empathetic, compassionate and loving.
It's about time we realise that only by caring about others will we be able to solve this crisis.
But anyways, that's not why you're reading this so let's move on.
I apologise for not having posted in a while. As I've mentioned in chapter 3 of Dangerous Games, writing time has become limited now that I'm struggling with RSI (Repetitive Straining Injury).
Luckily my Easter Break came right before Gruvia Week, so I've been able to come up with a few prompts.
This one's rather simple in that the only plot twist is that Gray and Juvia are actually pregnant during the Avatar Arc. I'll consider it a sequel to For Once, A Not So Secret Affair and I Am Yours to establish that they've been dating for around a year.
Happy reading!
April X792
One month after Juvia had told him that she was pregnant, they were starting to get used to the idea of becoming parents.
She was glad that Gray seemed much happier after they had many conversations addressing his fear of not being a good father and of something happening to her or the baby.
She had understood because they were her fears too. However, she told him that they needed to focus on the positive or else they could never be the parents that this child needed.
Gray had known she was right. They couldn't focus on the darkness when the light was right there, growing inside her. Their child, their new beginning.
Juvia had convinced him to; for once in his life; live in the present and enjoy their time together before the baby came.
Unfortunately, they were forced to be apart after he received news of an important mission.
Juvia woke to find his side of the bed empty; which was surprising considering at such an early hour. Jumping out of bed, she put on a bathrobe and went downstairs.
Gray was in the kitchen; his back turned to her; making pancakes. She watched him in surprise for a few moments until he turned around.
"Good morning." He greeted her with a tense smile.
"Good morning, my love." Juvia immediately noticed that something wasn't right. "What's wrong?"
Avoiding answering, Gray backed up a chair. "Why don't you sit down?"
She frowned, but complied. "Alright."
He went back to the stove and turned it off before taking the pan and walking back to the table. Not a word was said while he placed one pancake in the plate in front of her and another for himself.
"So, what's the occasion?" Juvia jokingly asked after he sat down in front of her.
"Juvia...there's something I need to tell you."
"What is it, my love?" She reached for his hand and held it.
"I got a call last night, from Erza."
"Oh. What did she say?" Juvia was curious. They hadn't spoken to anyone from Fairy Tail since the guild had been disbanded.
Gray squeezed her hand. "She told me about this dark guild, Avatar. They have been unusually active lately; recruiting many new members."
"It's good of Erza to warn us, but why…." He interrupted her.
"Jellal told her that he's worried they might make a move soon. So she wants me to infiltrate Avatar and figure out what their plan is."
"Infiltrate?" Juvia frowned and dropped his hand. "And why you?"
"Because of my demon slaying magic." Gray answered. "Jellal thinks this plus the black markings might be enough to convince them I've turned evil or something."
"Well, if you're going to Avatar then I…." About to suggest she tag along, Juvia suddenly remembered.
"You can't." Gray moved his chair closer to hers before placing a hand on her stomach. "It's too dangerous for the baby."
"And I can't use magic either." She sighed.
"I know I promised I wouldn't leave you, but this mission is important." Looking into his eyes, she could tell he was still conflicted. "If we don't figure out what they're planning, many people could die."
There was silence for a few moments before Juvia spoke. "I understand."
"Look, it shouldn't take longer than a month, okay?" Gray leaned in to press a soft kiss against her lips. "I'll be back before you know it."
Late May X792
A month passed but Gray did not yet return to her. Per his request, Juvia had been staying at Lamia Scale where the couple believed would be safe for her and the baby.
Being at the guild certainly helped her feel better after his departure since she had Lyon, Wendy and Chelia to keep her company.
Even Meredy had come to the guild a few weeks before to keep an eye on her though Juvia suspected her reason to stay was actually the handsome ice mage. Those two had become very close and many guild members suspected they were dating.
Though happy for her friend, seeing Lyon and Meredy connect only made Juvia miss her own boyfriend even more. She had hoped they would be reunited by now, but apparently his mission was not over yet.
"He'll be back soon." Wendy came to find her sitting in the back garden.
"I'm starting to lose hope." Juvia admitted gloomily.
"No, you can't think like that." The younger girl sat beside her.
"He said he'd only be gone for one month." The water mage sighed. Feeling a kick, she placed a hand on her baby bump.
"Can I feel it too?" Wendy shyly asked after watching her for a moment.
Juvia nodded. "Of course." Taking Wendy's hand, she guided it towards the spot where the kicks were coming from.
"Whoa." Her eyes widened. "That's amazing."
June X792
Juvia finally got to see him again. They met in the woods outside Marguerite and Gray voiced his worry that someone from Avatar might have followed him.
They were reassured by Jellal that this was not the case, but Crime Sorciére still stayed close by to ensure the couple's safety.
After talking about what had been happening recently, Gray apologised for being away for so long and Juvia easily forgave him. They moved in for a hug, but he was almost pushed back.
His eyes widened in surprise before descending towards her stomach. "Is that..."
"Yes." Juvia smiled softly. Then, she took his hand and led it towards the spot where the kick had come from. "Can you feel it?"
"Incredible." He murmured, mesmerised. Then his eyes rose to meet hers. "You are incredible."
Her smile brightened. "So are you, my love." They leaned in for a soft kiss and the baby kicked harder this time.
Pulling apart, Gray chuckled and returned his hand to her stomach. "I guess she wants our full attention."
"She?" Juvia raised a brow.
He shrugged. "It's just a feeling."
A smile lit up her face."I didn't know you were hoping for a girl."
Another kick. Gray looked at her curiously. "Well, what are you hoping for?"
"To be honest, I hope we have a boy." She answered dreamily. "Then he will be like you. A mini Gray."
He chuckled. "I figured you'd say that."
July X792
Chelia finally asked the question everyone had been dying to know the answer to during Lyon's birthday party. Him and Meredy were acting too much like a couple and the young god slayer couldn't take it anymore.
After they had cut the cake and Lyon offered Meredy the first piece, Chelia looked at them in annoyance. "Can you two stop driving us crazy and just admit that you're dating?"
The couple shared confused looks. "I thought everyone knew."
"We did." Juvia said, smiling at them. "We just needed confirmation."
"Is this confirmation enough for you?" Lyon asked before snaking an arm around Meredy's waist, bringing her close, before leaning in for a passionate kiss that she gladly reciprocated.
"I suppose it is." Sherry smiled while leaning closer to her husband. Ren wrapped an arm around her shoulder while the other held their 5 months old daughter, Aimi.
"Wow." Wendy stared at them in amazement.
"It was about time." Chelia rolled her eyes.
"I'm so happy for them." Juvia watched the couple joyfully. Though tears threatened to fall once she remembered the time when her relationship with Gray had been like this, she pushed them away. "He'll be back soon."
September X792
The next time she saw him, she was 8 and a half months pregnant. It was a few days after the Thanksgiving Festival when Lucy, Natsu and Happy had surprised everyone by showing up.
After catching up and discussing their plan to reunite Fairy Tail, they had left with Wendy to find Gray.
Though Juvia had felt bad about lying to them regarding his mission, she knew it was for the best. Should they arrive in Avatar, this could compromise his safety and ruin the entire plan.
With this in mind, the next few days were torture as Juvia waited and worried. The Lamia Scale members tried to distract her, but this time it was no use.
She was in the garden again-it had become her favourite spot-looking after Aimi since Sherry and Ren dropped her off at the guild before going on a mission. Hearing footsteps, she saw Lyon and Meredy approaching her.
"Hey." The latter offered a smile.
"How are you?" The former asked.
"Waiting." Juvia stressfully replied, keeping both hands on her stomach.
Now in front of her, Lyon sighed before sitting down. "We all are."
"I'm sure everything will be fine." Meredy reassured, sitting by his side.
"I really want to believe that." Tears began forming and this time Juvia didn't push them away.
Soon Aimi started crying too and the couple exchanged looks before Lyon carefully picked his goddaughter up and held her while Meredy moved closer to the water mage to hug her.
Though she wanted to comfort her friend, she knew that there was only one person who could make Juvia feel better now.
Almost like a miracle, the familiar voice was heard. "Juvia?"
She pulled away from Meredy's embrace and midnight blue eyes searched for him. Gray stood only a few feet away, surrounded by Lucy, Natsu, Erza, Gajeel, Levy and the exceeds. All were safe and sound.
"You're...here." Juvia sobbed. With Meredy's help she stood up and started approaching him.
However, due to her emotional state and enlarged stomach, she stumbled and would have fallen if Gray hadn't come just in time to help her.
"You're here." Her hands reached for his face, midnight blue eyes stared at him in disbelief.
He embraced her as best as possible when her stomach was between them. "I'm home."
Still crying, Juvia laughed and Gray wiped away some of her tears. It wasn't long before they were kissing, but once again the moment was interrupted by a kick.
Reluctantly pulling apart, their attention went to their unborn child. "Hey there, little one. How have you been?"
"She has missed you." Juvia smiled softly.
"She?" His eyes widened.
She nodded. "You were right."
A triumphant look came upon his face, but it quickly morphed into one of adoration. "I love you both so much."
They leaned in for another desperate kiss and everyone joyfully watched as they were reunited after so long. Then, Natsu turned to Lucy with a bright smile. "Soon we're all going to be home."
So, thoughts?
If; like myself; you are eager for more Pregnant Gruvia, the good news is that there will be a continuation to this one on Day 6: Failure.
Until then, dearest readers, please stay home and stay safe.