Hello boys and girls. I'd like to tell a story.
So I'm back again for chapter two. This chapter is more of a introspective look from Gray on how he feels about Juvia. I figured, especially with the 100 Years Quest arc going and Gray finally admitting his feelings about Juvia, this was in order. So enjoy.
Alluring
There is something about Juvia that draws Gray in.
There have been many that called her cute, pretty, beautiful, and every other synonym that is associated with describing beauty. And from a purely aesthetic position, yes, Juvia is beautiful. Her heart-shaped face is perfectly adorned with long blue hair and equally blue eyes. She isn't lacking in the breast department and has wonderfully shaped legs. She is well constructed physically. But that isn't all that there is to her. If it was, perhaps Gray wouldn't be as attracted to her as he is. After all, there are many women in Magnolia alone that are equally pleasing to the eye, many in his own guild.
Many people in Fairy Tail found out that Juvia loves applying herself into the domestic arts. She knows how to cook, she can sew like nobody's business, and she likes cleaning. Many of the older guys in the guild crowed about how she would make the perfect wife with this. On the one hand, Gray did enjoy Juvia's cooking and still has every article of clothing that she made him. But this isn't the only thing that he finds himself drawn to; he doesn't really find the submissive domestic all that intriguing.
Juvia is a powerful mage. Gray knows this first hand being first her enemy and then her ally. Her water magic is formidable by itself. But when she is near a water source, Juvia's natural ability is amplified. Her magic is also malleable, suitable for attack and defense. But, then again, there are many others in his life that are just as strong as she is, perhaps even stronger.
And that's nothing compared to the strength of her will in combat. Juvia was willing to hurt herself just so that she didn't have to hurt Cana during the Fairy Festival and again when Grimoire Heart attacked Tenrou Island, she broke her own leg to stop Meredy from killing herself to kill Gray. At her most frightening moment, she was willing to use the last of her magic to save Gray with her Water Make: Blood instead of herself. He has to admit that it's really frightening that she is willing to die for the people she loves.
This is all well and good but this isn't what really draws Gray towards Juvia.
If he had to pick one thing about Gray (and believe me that would be difficult), it would be the way that she looks at him. The Ice Mage couldn't identify it back then but she doesn't look at him the same way she looks at other people. She's friendly with many people, willing to sit down and talk to people about what is going on in their lives. But then he notices the way that she talks to him and it is miles apart different. She is so open with him. Juvia has told him everything without reservation, despite how awkward or painful it might be to her. Over time, Gray learned about her awful time at the orphanage, how no one wanted to spend time with her growing up, all of her failed romantic relationships, and perhaps, most importantly, the circumstances of his father's death.
At first, it used to annoy Gray that she would volunteer pieces of her life so easily. But the deeper his friendship with Juvia became, the more he realized how strong her heart was. Heartbreak and tragedy followed her throughout her life, just like him. But there is one stark difference. The azurette still keeps her heart open. She didn't shy away from the hurt or build up walls like he did. Instead, the Water Mage used it to grow as a person. Juvia's open heart helped him open his to her.
Eventually, Gray told her everything about him, the vague memories he has of his father and mother, his training with Ur and Lyon, Ur's death, and his days in Fairy Tail. And as he opened up to Juvia about his pasts, his hopes, and his dreams for the future, he realized that his future included her.
Juvia is honest of heart and mind. She doesn't deceive people with lies or masquerade. What you see is what you get. And Gray is always surprised that the woman Juvia became as a member of Fairy Tail was the same gloomy person he fought against as a member of Phantom Lord.
A beautiful woman, a powerful mage, an honest heart, a great cook and a fantastic seamstress, all in one package. The best part, Juvia only has eyes for Gray. When he looks back at how he used to be back then, how he resisted and denied how he was feeling, he wants to kick his past self's ass. How could he be so thick as to ignore her feelings for so long? All of the time they could have had, wasted. It's a good thing that Juvia decided to wait for him. He didn't know if he could handle her being someone other than himself.
And now?
As he lies in their shared bed, Gray watches Juvia as she's fast asleep. Unconsciously, he strokes her blue hair while watching the ebb and flow of her breathing. How lucky he is to have someone like her love him. He thought he had everything he needed before: strong magic and good friends. But there was a hole in his heart that conveniently was Juvia-shaped. And now that it's filled, he can't imagine his life without her.
And that's the end of that chapter. Not a lot going on in this chapter. Figured that I would keep this to about 1k words. Still trying to get into the groove of writing.
So, loved it? Hated it? Have no opinion whatsoever? Leave me a review. I'd love to hear from you.
Until next time,
A. Angel.