Chapter 2: Unexpected surprises
One year later, one kiss forgotten, one chance never taken.
Juvia had been looking forward to this day all week. For the first time in her life she was actually going to celebrate her birthday! And not only that, but with her friends who had all decided to throw her a "surprise" birthday party. Though really it wasn't much of a surprise anymore. This being because Natsu had decided to talk to her about a party they would be throwing (on the day of her birthday) and asking her what colour streamers she thought would look nice (apparently the only job he was given and told to do subtlety), resulting in Lucy hitting him over the head and saying that he was asking because really she needed help picking colours for their engagement party. Then continuing to drag him off and berating him for messing up the one job he was generously offered to do, after he couldn't stop whinging about no one giving him any responsibilities. But it was the thought that counts.
Because it was such a special day, she had gone out of her way to buy a new outfit for herself to wear, which was a royal blue, off the shoulder's skater skirt dress. It wasn't something Juvia would normally wear, as it lay just above her knees and showed off the tops of her shoulders/chest region, but she figured for a special occasion like this she'd try something new. She'd spent her entire morning getting ready and pampering herself. But as she looked in the mirror, she couldn't help but notice a necklace would really make the outfit pop. After scouring through her jewellery box and discarding every necklace in it to the bed, she reluctantly accepted defeat. She just wanted everything to be perfect. But as she stared at her reflection in the mirror, she couldn't help but pick at all her insecurities. Measuring herself to the other girls in the guild, and of those that caught her beloved's attention. Finding her judgement of herself coming up short in comparison. Ending up in her turning away from the mirror before the tears could fall.
"This will just have to do." Juvia sighed out as she grabbed her clutch and headed out the door to the guild hall.
"SURPRISE!" The guild hall erupted as soon as she got her foot past the doors. Streamers, banners, balloons and lights surrounded her. Colours dancing in patterns, in various shades of blue and yellow creating the perfect setting (well at least Natsu had listened to the colours she liked). And though she knew it was happening, she never expected it to look this beautiful. The incentive and effort behind it had her brimming with joy. Lucy, Cana, Erza and Levy all tackled Juvia into a group hug, chanting a chorus of 'happy birthday's'. They were wrapped around her so tightly she could barely breath. But the smile never faltered.
"Hey! This is my best friend, shouldn't I be the one giving her a hug first?" Gajeel gruffly complained as he tried unsuccessfully to get through the swarm of girls to Juvia. "Stop hogging her you tiny shrimps!" After they eventually let go of her she managed to give him a warm hug as he mumbled out "Happy birthday Anomea". Juvia was really having to try not to cry her eyes out, because she felt so loved in this moment surrounded by a group of her friends and the loving, support of her guild family on her birthday. It was something she never even allowed herself to dream of having. Letting a wobblily tear filled 'thank you' pass her lips as she looked at all their faces smiling at her.
But there was one smiling face missing. Someone she had hoped would wish her a happy birthday was nowhere to be seen. Juvia's eyes roamed desperately around the guild hall looking for him, hoping wholeheartedly that he'd come. Her heart starting to sink as the moments passed by. Bing! Her eyes finally found him, but he wasn't alone. He was standing off to the side, chatting with a blonde girl Juvia had never seen before. Now Juvia was known for her obsessive, possessive and jealous personality, but she had really been trying to work on that. So instead of outright declaring 'Love Rival', she was going to give this girl the benefit of the doubt and just say that she was a friend of Gray's. Or even, better yet, she was a stranger, asking for directions to get to another town back to her husband. Far away from her beloved! But really Juvia was working hard on her jealousy... She didn't want to just go straight over and break up the pair, in case it was an innocent interaction. She was still hurt after the last time Gray called her crazy for telling a waitress to beat it when she thought she was flirting with Gray. How was she to know the girl just wanted to know what he wanted to drink? She did apologize later, if that counts, though she still feels guilty about it. But since then Gray had been extra avoiding of her than normal. Juvia had gotten used to Gray not going on missions with her anymore, or even wanting to spend the day with her. However, lately, she couldn't even get him to stay at a table she was sat at. Each time he walked away from her, it made her heart ache a little more, and the cracks were starting to show.
Ever so slowly - and hopefully sneakily - Juvia made her way over to the pair. Trying desperately to catch a snippet of their conversation. What she witnessed had her grasping at her chest.
"So you're single?" Gray's gruff voice hummed.
The blonde girl stepped closer to Gray, her hand trailing up his chest, as she purred out. "Yep, me and my boyfriend broke up last week. So I'm free to do anything..." She stopped momentarily as her hand slid up and around his neck pulling herself a breaths-width away from his lips "…or anyone that I please." Her voice turning more into a hushed whisper and towards the end.
Juvia didn't want to wait to hear what Gray's response was going to be. Clearly this wasn't a platonic exchange, and she wasn't going to just stand by as another girl threw herself at him. He was supposed to be with her! How could he still not see that? Was she still not enough for him?
"Hey Gray-Sama! Who's your friend?" Juvia made sure to stress the word 'friend'. Though the situation couldn't be more awkward. The girl still had her hand on his neck. And now that she was in front of him, she could see his arm wrapped around her waist, resting dangerously close to her arse. They were both staring at her with a mixture of a 'deer-in-the-headlights' look and annoyance of being interrupted at the tantamount moment. Juvia looked equally uncomfortable, as she played with the hem of her skirt, feeling all too exposed. Not just physically. She felt as if she had literally torn her heart out and laid her emotions on the table. All of it resting on whether or not they would be crushed, depending on how he dealt with this situation. Would he just say she was a friend and bat her off? Feign ignorance and call her a stranger. Or would he call her something more and chose her instead of Juvia? Juvia chewed on her lip, as she waited desperately for his response.
"Hi Juvia. Happy birthday, by the way. Erm, this is Becky." Okay, so he hadn't stated what her relationship to him was. Maybe that meant they didn't have one? Juvia was so hopefully for this. The two girls smiled, a strained, but a somewhat polite smile at each other.
"So Gray, is this your girlfriend or ex-girlfriend?" Blondie sickeningly sweetly, purred out.
A nervous laugh radiated out of Gray. But Juvia couldn't find anything funny about it, instead her eyes cast down as she pulled tighter on the fabric in her hands.
"Erm, no actually... She's just a friend." Both of them refused to meet the others gaze. Juvia's eyes were fixed on the chip in the wood flooring, as Gray stared longingly at the door behind Juvia.
"Oh, sorry, my mistake." Becky fakely stuttered. As the satisfied smirk on her face would indicate anything but.
"Yeah... well… we should get going. I'm sorry we can't stick around Juvia, but we've got plans. Happy birthday though. I forgot to get you something, so next time we're out dinners on me." Juvia didn't verbally answer. She just about managed a weak nod as the pair walked past her. Turning, she watched them walk out. Gray turning back to catch her gaze as he left. Holding it for a few seconds, before he ducked his head, shutting the door firmly behind him.
As Gray made his way down the stairs and out of the guild hall, arm wrapped around this blonde girls waist, he couldn't help but to keep replaying the image of Juvia's devastated face as she watched him walk out with this girl. But he knew he would never be good enough or deserving of Juvia. That's why he'd been trying his hardest to avoid her lately. Thinking that if he created enough distance between them, then she'd give up on her obsession for him. Realize that it was just a crush and she deserved someone better. Someone who could give her the love she deserves. And though he hates himself for causing her this much pain, he honestly believed it was for the best. Besides, it was always easier and better to hurt someone than to be the one hurt. So how come he still felt as though he was the one getting hurt? The only thought he could form in his mind was, "I'm so sorry Juvia, but it's for the best." But as he walked away, with this girl he couldn't care less about in tow and the velvet box containing her present burning a hole in his pocket, he couldn't help but think he was the most selfish and stupid man alive.
Juvia just wanted to collapse there and then on the floor, in the middle of the guild, in front of everyone. Gajeel, Levy and Cana had witnessed the affair, and had made their way straight over to Juvia the second he'd left. Though no matter what they did, she couldn't form a verbal response. Barely even a physical one as the trio escorted her over to the bar, away from the bustle of everyone behind them. They sat with her for hours. Drink after drink was swallowed without any acknowledgement to doing so. Eventually Cana passed out, and the couple couldn't just leave her there, knowing they had to get her home. They tried asking Juvia to come, but she couldn't give them an answer, though Gajeel swore he saw her shake her head. Reluctantly, they chose to carry Cana home and then come back to take Juvia home instead. Though Gajeel would prefer her to spend the night at theirs where she wouldn't be alone.
Once they left, it took awhile for Juvia to come back around, but when she did she found herself siting at the bar with a drink in hand, and she honestly didn't know how she got there. Or even when she'd ordered the drink (or if it wasn't the only one) or how long she had been sitting there. Everything was a blur of noise and colours around her as her mind spinned like water in a whirlpool. Not being able to process how he could be so cruel. So heartless, on her birthday no less. The only one she has ever celebrated. The cracks in her were splintering out, and it was only a matter of time before she broke. But no matter how much Juvia willed her body to move, to get up and leave. To return to the safe sanctuary of her home, allowing the shattered pieces of her to fall lifelessly around her, her body wouldn't move. Feeling weighed down, like an anchor was tied to her leg and she was falling further and further into the vast darkness of the ocean. Suffocating from the inevitability of being alone, in darkness forever. Never to see the light again. A tear broke free from her eye and slowly pathed its way down her cheek. She couldn't even will her arm to reach up and brush it away. Terrified motionless that someone would notice and ask, but then Juvia was always good at being invisible. More and more alone she felt, as an event that was supposed to be about her wasn't even involving her. Another tear fell silently. Soon she wouldn't be able to stop the flood that was bound to happen. Her eyes were welling up and her body started to shake without her control. She couldn't break here, not here! Desperately her eyes darted around, longingly trying to find somewhere to hide. Her eyes finally landing on the stairs to the S class lounge, and though she knew it was against the rules, it was her only chance at privacy. Years of stalking had allowed her to move quickly and unseen to and up the stairs. Shakily she expelled a sigh of relief as she stood alone at the top. Hidden from view as her heart was breaking. Wrapping her arms tightly around herself.
"You know that just because it's your birthday, doesn't mean you're above the rules." Grumbled a voice hidden off to the corner making Juvia jump out of her skin. Luckily she didn't scream, but her hand was clutching at her pounding heart. As she turned to the area where the voice had come from, she gazed upon a relaxed Laxus, lounging in one of the arm chairs nursing a drink. He had definitely made an effort for the party, sporting a black silk shirt and black slacks, Juvia stared at him for a few moments in appreciation. It wasn't until she noticed the smirk starting to spread on Laxus' face did she look quickly away. "You see something you like Little Blue." His arrogant voice had her glaring at him in frustration.
"No of course not! Laxus-San just scared Juvia is all." Juvia huffed, as she could feel her cheeks heating up, desperately hoping it was dark enough up here that he couldn't clearly tell. Laxus' smirk only widened as he looked her up and down. Eyes lingering on her legs for a moment before meeting her own slitted ones. His grin reaching Cheshire cat territory at Juvia's obvious discomfort and anger.
"Laxus-San is so annoying and insufferable!" Juvia scolded as she stomped over to him. Wagging her finger in his face, like a mother chastising her child. Laxus titled his gaze up to look at her face.
Snickering, "Oh I love it when you talk dirty!"
A gasp left Juvia as she violently shook her head. "So inappropriate Laxus-San." But she wasn't really mad, as a pitiful smile spread across her lips. Laxus looked over her questionably for a minute before gesturing for her to sit with him. Uncertainty coating her, but nevertheless she took the chair opposite him, not quite knowing what to do now.
"So what's got you down Little Blue?" Juvia studied him for a moment. This was very unlike Laxus to care, or in particular care about her. After deciding she saw no malice of disinterest on his face, just genuine concern, she was finally reminded of why she had snuck up here in the first place. Oh well, he'd been a good distraction while it lasted. Her throat tightly constricted as a strangled cry left her throat as tears feel unwantedly down her cheeks. Embarrassed, Juvia threw her face into her hands. This wasn't what was supposed to happen. This day was meant to be full of unreasonable amounts of happiness. Instead, she was sat crying in front of someone, who on any other day wouldn't give her a second glance or a passing thought. How ridiculous.
This was new territory for Laxus. He wasn't used to crying women, or even a crying Juvia in which he seemed to be the reason she was crying. His face twisted in discomfort as he gingerly placed a hand on her knee. Watery eyes stared shockingly into his. Comfort wasn't his forte, but he was going to try his hardest to cheer up the birthday girl. Laxus' voice took a soft turn, "What's wrong Juvia?"
Quivering, she managed to stutter out her hurried explanation as to why she was sat crying in front of a guy who'd she'd barely had an interaction with since joining the guild (and that one winters night last year, but everyone had elected to forget about that). "Gray - Gray-Sama doesn't love Juvia. He'll never love Juvia and it's so achingly clear. But Juvia was just holding onto the slimmest of hopes that he had given her that he would. Whenever she started to pull away, he'd show interest in Juvia to bring her back. But today, on Juvia's birthday, the first one she's ever celebrated, he hooked up with a girl in front of her! Making Juvia watch as he lead this other girl out, letting her know that he'd never chose her. How is Juvia supposed to take that?" Tears were streaming in rivers down her cheeks by now. Her speech had turned more into a ramble of her deep thoughts, than a recollection of what had just happened. Juvia had never told anyone else these things, always trying to put on a smile and act like Gray's actions didn't hurt her. But they did. Concern filled Laxus, not just for Juvia, but also for himself because if someone came up and saw this scene, they'd think he'd upset the birthday girl. Cautiously Laxus raised his hand to her cheek and wiped some tears away. This gentle act had Juvia's breath catch in her throat, as her tears stopped momentarily, light shocks seemed to radiated from wherever his fingers touched.
"I can't tell you how to deal with that. But what I do think is that he is a very stupid man. Actually you know what, he's not a man, he's a boy. Because no man would ever treat a lady like that. You deserve better Juvia, and you really need to move on from that ice-prick." Laxus cautiously commented, not wanting her to turn her anger on him. To his ears, he could hear the nervousness in his own voice. He couldn't remember the last time he had been this honest and open with someone. Finally, a wobblily smile broke out on Juvia's face. Shakily laughing out, "Juvia thinks that might be the nicest thing Laxus-San has ever said to her."
Laxus awkwardly cleared his throat as he stroked Juvia's soft cheek one last time. Letting his hand slide down and his thumb rest under her chin for a moment before pulling away. Adverting his eyes as she stared wide eyed at him. "Yeah, well don't get used to it Little Blue. Consider it your birthday present."
Giggling, "Well Laxus-San has given Juvia her first birthday present ever. It's more than Juvia could have asked for. Thank you, Laxus-San." Juvia really meant it. He had not only cheered her up and stopped her from breaking down here, he'd told Juvia that she deserved better. Everyone normally said that Juvia was being unrealistic and stalkerish when it came to Gray, but never said that she was the one who deserved better. Though she couldn't quite agree with it yet, she hoped that one day she would.
Laxus spun back to look at her. An unbelievable look on his face that this girl had never had anything for her birthday, and his simple act of kindness meant this much to her. Bewildered, he stared at the joyous smile on her face, mentally repeating the statement in his mind 'you deserve so much better'. Juvia started to wipe the tear stains off her cheeks, worried that she looked a mess and that was why Laxus was staring so weirdly at her. He in turn started smirking, "Don't worry, you still look beautiful."
Juvia's movements stopped, "Still?"
"Did I say still?" Laxus started to shuffle in his seat, avoiding her eyes.
A satisfied grin spread on Juvia's face, "Yes, Laxus-San. Does Laxus-San think Juvia's beautiful?"
"Hey now! Don't go getting the wrong idea." Laxus spotted the grin on Juvia's face, "Or get big-headed on me now Little Blue." But when Juvia's soft giggle erupted from her, Laxus couldn't help but smile in response. So maybe he'd slipped up and told her he actually thought she was beautiful, it didn't mean anything anyway. Visibly Juvia had relaxed and the happiness she had felt upon entering the guild today had returned. Never in her wildest dreams did she think this was how her day was going to go, but weirdly, she wasn't complaining. Sitting here with Laxus right now was the happiest and most carefree Juvia had felt in a long time. She knew Laxus didn't expect anything from her, and she didn't expect anything from him. They could be as open or closed off as they wanted and it didn't matter. Both of them unexpectedly found that in each other's presence, alone, they had an overwhelming feeling of relief. No expectations. No "fronts". Nothing. Just company. Juvia opened her mouth to say some teasing comment back when she overheard a conversation downstairs that stopped her dead in her tracks. Mira Jane was trying to usher everyone out, she said she was tired and seems as the birthday girl had gone there was no reason for people to still be here. She couldn't quite discern who was talking but she knew they were male.
Slurring out, "Well where is the birthday girl then. Rude of her to skip out early and end the party."
"I saw Gray leave early you know. Maybe she finally got lucky and he threw her a bone. You know, like a birthday present." The two drunk men were laughing. Juvia thought distantly in the back of her mind that they weren't members of the guild. Not only did she not recognize their voices, but she hoped her guild mates would never say something so hurtful about her. She could feel the tears starting to build again as she refused to look at Laxus. The next thing she heard were the screams from the men as Mira Jane hauled them out of the guild hall yelling venomously at them for what they said. Moments later the guild hall was eerily silent as the doors slammed shut.
"Don't listen to those arseholes Juvia." Juvia slowly nodded, but the tears were still falling. "I'll be back in a minute, don't go anywhere." Laxus got up and headed in long strides down the stairs. Juvia just nodded silently again, barely having the strength to do that, let alone move.
Silently Laxus grabbed two bottles of the top shelf whiskey and two glasses. Planning on leaving an I. O. U note for Mira Jane. But as he turned around he was face to face with the displeased she-devil herself.
"And what do you think you are doing with them? Did you not hear me telling everyone to go? I'm tired and I want to go home Laxus, so please just make this easier and put those back and leave. I have a long night of cleaning to do." Mira's voice was as sweet as always, but you could tell she was exhausted.
"Alright Mira. I'll make you a deal. You let me take these bottles, which I will pay for, and stay here longer. And you can beat it and I'll clean up for you. " Laxus wasn't one for making deals that didn't directly benefit him, but Juvia really needed someone tonight. Unexpectedly that job had fallen to him.
"Why would you do that? What's in this for you?" Her eyebrow raised questionably at him as she looked to where Laxus had been hiding all night. "Do you have a girl up there?"
This wasn't a conversation Laxus wanted to be having. Figuring the truth had better odds of working, he went with that. "Juvia's upset. It's her birthday, and though I'm a heartless bastard any other day, I not going to be today. She needs cheering up. So, could you just do this for me?" He saw as her face didn't budge, and watched as she gazed up to where Juvia was. And though Laxus knew Mira could cheer Juvia up herself, he didn't want her to, her wanted to be there for her. So he decided to add a little more incentive to his cause. "For Juvia?" He wasn't about to say please, but he thought he'd made his case.
A knock came to the guild doors disrupting them. Laxus stayed where he was while Mira went over to check who was there. It was Gajeel holding up a very tired looking Levy. "Is Juvia still here?" Levy's tired voice yawned out. Mira sent a quick gaze over to Laxus for a moment. The cogs could be seen turning in her head. Turning back to the worn out couple, "No, I'm sorry, she went home with everyone else."
"Really?" Gajeel didn't seem too convinced by this as he looked into the guild hall, spotting Laxus at the bar holding two bottles of liquor. Looking back to Mira who just pulled the door a little further to her. Finally taking her answer as the truth, and not daring to ask her anymore questions, Gajeel bent down to pull his almost sleep-walking fiancé into his arms to carry her home. Mira watched them leave and turned to lock the door after. Turning back to Laxus she released a heavy sigh.
"Fine. You can both stay. But if I find out you're the one that's upset her, or made her feel worse, I will be coming for you." A dark aura surrounded Mira for a few moments then disappeared, but Laxus got the point.
"Hurt Juvia, lose my balls. Gotcha." Laxus saluted Mira as he made his way up the stairs. Juvia was still sat slumped over where he'd left her. Clearly not having heard what had gone on downstairs. Wordlessly Laxus placed the glasses in front of their respected spots and poured a glass out each. Juvia sat quietly watching this.
"You want to play a game, Juvia?"