Synopsis: AU. They needed a girl that was pretty enough, smart enough, and immune enough to the 23-year-old hockey superstar's charms. Juvia was anything but the latter; the benefits alongside the offer, though, were too good to pass up, especially at her current predicament. So…pretending to be Gray Fullbuster's girlfriend wasn't that hard, right?

Proceed with caution.

Standard disclaimers are applied.

Act 6: Finale; Which is which

A month later…

Juvia's succeeding month wasn't something she had expected. Raijuu Records proved its name of being Fiore's topmost record label as multiple guesting and performances lined up for her the whole month. One moment she was at Hargeon for a collaboration and the next thing she knew; she was flying off to Caelum for a courtesy call.

And with Lucy's movie adaption finally filming and announced, it only further amplified her fame after an interview with the blonde, informing the public that her friend penned and sung the soundtrack.

Makarov was too much, as not only did he filed a complaint against her harasser – putting Bora behind bars for crimes she had never known he was committing – in a state even she found herself sympathizing over, the older man even set her up to meet with her foster parents back in Oak Town.

Julian and Vivien Long never felt bliss as much as they did then when they finally reunited with their daughter. It had been roughly 3 years of little to no contact and while the air at first had been very awkward, Juvia wasn't able to resist it when they talked about how proud they still were, and will always be, with her.

All the love had been so overwhelming, all the time spent had been so… rich that she was finally able to fully recover from the hauntings of the past…and her present… especially from a certain pretend boyfriend's unexpected skinship intimacy over a month ago.

It proved a big help that Gray had been busy drilling for the next season, hence their even more limited interactions.

She still avoided him whenever they did see each other – they were living under one roof after all, and because she felt the need to.

Any more of what happened before and surely she was going to be thrown out the door.

Amid her constant blushes and shy squeals, lied her inner desires – she admitted to that. She was a human being – capable of becoming attracted…and she was very much attracted to the man – character, body, soul…name it.

Over the past two months, she found his presence enchanting, his scent enthralling, his voice…damn.

He was a drug that she became very addicted to.

He was the water Juvia couldn't remove from her system.

She knew she loved Gray and wanted to believe he felt something for her…but it felt like she was drop dead serious and obsessed with the man.

She had to control herself.

But she was also feeling guilty. Many times had Gray tried to reach out to her, initiate small talks with her, and he'd always take advantage of the opportunities whenever they were outside.

She felt how protective he had been – whether they'd take Everest out for a walk, stock up necessities for the condo, or just go out for the public's pleasure.

She remembered the many times she had been saved by various interruptions whenever Gray found an opportunity to gaze at her in a rather serious manner. It felt like Lady Luck was finally smiling upon her every time it happened because she swore she wouldn't be able to take an attack combo of his deep voice and intense eyes.

And while she felt saved, she also found herself clinging on to the thrill.

What did Gray want to tell her?

What was going through his mind?

Did he think of her the same way she had been thinking of him?

Wow. Wishful thinking.

Surely he'd never feel the same myriad of emotions he makes her feel. Even if he did start becoming more careful and serious towards her. But at the very least…she'd fantasize over it; Did he feel even a little bit for her? And not just because he hired her?

Her daydreams took a halt when she saw the glass double doors swing open, revealing the man she'd been thinking and dreaming and breathing and loving.

A few hours later, Juvia found herself seated inside Gray's batmobile – its name baptized by her best friend, Gajeel, which she found out one time Gray took her with him for his car's monthly maintenance.

Yet to feel used to the vehicle regardless of the number of times she sat on the same seat she was sitting on, she turned to look through the window, wondering where Gray wanted to go this time.

She'd wanted to ask, but that would mean she was letting him in again – that would mean her own demise. So even if she was very curious why they were taking turns on the roads she was familiar with and later finding themselves in a certain mall's parking lot, she had still yet to put a finger on it as to why they were there.

Gentleman Gray had been out in a swift motion and before she knew it, the door opened her once again to a sight she'd never get tired, but seriously should be, to see.

He held his hand out like he used to.

She'd take his hand like always.

And they strolled to wherever Gray took them as usual.

"I think we've never done this before."

Huh?

What had they never done before?

One, very inappropriate scene popped in her head – a sequel of their bathroom shenanigan, making her fight back the blush coloring her cheeks. She tried thinking of anything other than that.

Juvia blinked after Gray stopped in front of the half-empty rink. Was he going to do more practice? Half of the rink was always reserved for athletes to use. She absentmindedly maneuvered her way to said part of the skating grounds only for Gray to tug lightly at her as they made their way to the other side.

Juvia found herself dragged to the other half that was filled with people skating through the ice – some were wobbling through, but she saluted them for their bravery.

She'd just fall if it was her.

As if faith wanted her to prove so, the man beside her came back without her being aware he'd gone off in the first place. Upon returning, he gave her a pair of skates and Juvia looked at the shoes as if it was her destruction.

He was seriously not going to do what she thought he was going to do.

"I've never seen you skate before."

Oh snap. Juvia gulped and shook her head violently. "I don't skate!"

"I see." She saw how casual he was in accepting her revelation.

Gajeel would always try to make her skate but she'd always have an excuse he couldn't make his way through: part-time jobs.

But that was three years ago. There were no more part-time jobs and she was technically fully-employed to the man wanting her to 'do her duty'.

She still hoped he wouldn't force her.

Juvia was this close in believing he'd leave her to admire his glory as he skates through the ice when she saw him stood up.

But no.

Gray was dead set on the matter.

The man just had to take the ice skates from her hands, kneel in front of her, and helped himself in putting on the shoes on her feet while saying, "Well, there's a first for everything."

Panicked, Juvia did what she could only think of doing during that time: she waddled her feet and whined.

She wasn't going to be a modern-day Cinderella and Elsa crossover.

"I have a very bad sense of balance! I'll just fall all over the place!"

Gray wasn't going to say no, though, she figured as he settled a hand on her knee, sending jolts through her body and successfully stopping her struggles. As if his counter wasn't finished, he shot her a look she thought only Evere could ever do.

Ok, Gray, don't act so cute right now.

As much as she wanted to bail out on him, they were already a scene some people took notice of – both what they were doing and who they were.

Ok, Juvia, it's one of two things: be embarrassed or both of you be embarrassed. She contemplated in panic as Gray finished patching up the skates on her left foot and proceeded to the other one.

It was either she gets it done, albeit mortified, or she bails out and both of them be the topic of tomorrow's tabloid.

Either way she was still going to grieve so the lesser of two evils it was.

With a satisfied smirk that Juvia swore she still swooned over even if she was in the midst of a dilemma, Gray stood up from his knelt position and extended an arm to her. "Let's go."

Oh boy.

Now why did it feel like she was leaving Agrabah.

Biting her lower lip, she braced herself and wobbled her way to reach for Gray's hands.

"That's it." He encouraged, extending his reach further to her.

"Juvia swears she's going to kick Gray if he's planning anything funny!" she huffed in frustration, her talking habit resurfacing.

A full, amused laugh echoed in her ears, making her look up only to regret her actions.

Gray flashed her a reassuring smile, "You won't be kicking anybody, Juvia. I'm not leaving you until you hold on to me."

Oh dear Fiore.

What was with the rose-colored declaration?!

Juvia immediately mourned at reading too much into his words as her legs gave in. The yelp that would have attracted many more bystanders did not escape her mouth as she felt herself wrapped up in protective arms.

"See?" he grinned and helped her stand back up, smoothing her skirt.

Juvia huffed and held onto him tighter, Gray's wincing unnoticed as they skated inside the rink.

Surprisingly, people were considerate enough not to mob them. Who'd have the audacity to interrupt them anyway? The man was very concentrated at the task of teaching her a little of what he does for a living while the woman in return was very immersed with the lesson.

"Alright, we'll speed up."

Juvia panicked. "N-no! Wait! J-Juvia's yet to learn the basics!"

"Juvia's got Gray, Juvia doesn't need basics." He mimicked with a confident smirk before picking up the pace of his glides.

She couldn't help but squeal at the speed, paying no heed to the mixed expressions they were garnering from the other skaters.

"Come on. Open your eyes."

"No!"

"I won't let go, Juvia. Promise."

Thump.

Juvia felt like it had meant more as a surge of confidence coursed through her at the reassurance. So she did. She opened her eyes – welcoming the blur of her surroundings and the clarity of the man she was holding on to.

He never let go of her hands. Even after getting the hang of it, Juvia felt his unfaltering hold. And while she wanted to be confused of whether to indulge or perish at the feeling, she found herself too happy with their skating to give a damn.

It felt like she caught a glimpse of what made him so…wrapped up in the sport.

Ok. Maybe she was exaggerating a bit, but she somehow felt another part of him and that made her feel…touched.

She was even laughing with him and it made her forget her evasion. Juvia knew how overwhelmed she was with her life right now, but she always knew Gray had a different impact on her – she's never felt this happiness that only Gray was capable of giving her.

"Ah~ I think I can go on my own now~" she beamed as she stopped holding both of her hands with Gray's…well, she still held onto him with one hand, though. But it felt like a big achievement so she couldn't help herself from declaring her sudden skating independence.

A light thud pulled her out of her reverie as she hit her front on his back. He stopped from skating. She creased a brow in confusion.

"Gra–"

"Juvia." he interjected before facing her.

"Y-yes?"

She saw Gray stalled upon opening his mouth.

But she knew those eyes. It wasn't the deep, amused and caring orbs that gazed at her a few moments ago. It was the serious gaze that meant he wanted to say something.

She felt her throat constrict. Now that she was faced with the confrontation again, she couldn't help but feel off. He'd been doing this for several times now; he'd come up with something that'll sweep her off her feet and then go all serious and say stuff that would always be interrupted.

What was he going to say? Was he going to tell her he finally wants out? Because…because she's starting to make a name for herself? She remembered how Gray hissed at the thought of dating a celebrity; oh the loathing seeping out of his words then.

Or was it otherwise?

No. Juvia shook her head. Gray was kind to everybody. Sure, he has his downsides and all – he was impatient, he strips, he curses… but he'd never be anything other than a good person. He sticks up for his family and friends whenever he can.

Friends.

Friend.

At least, Gray treated her sincerely as a friend, right? Even if they did have that agreement…right?

Juvia heaved a breath. She's been given tons of things she never expected to have in all her life.

She shouldn't be greedy.

Greedy?

Did Gray mean that much?

For her to even think of that question when the answer was as bright as day, just meant how much the man struggling to form coherent words in front of her was.

But what if Gray really wanted out? That, because of her engagements, he already found someone to take care of him?

Way better than she ever did for him?

Then she should oblige, right? Their agreement did say that as long as someone between them wanted to stop the pretense and start dating for real, then the other should let go.

But can she?

Can she let go?

Can she let go of the two months?

Can she let go of the teasing?

Can she let go of the man in front of her?

Stupid.

Juvia knew the answer to all those senseless questions…but even if she did, she still should, right?

Yes – there have been a few cases that had her on cloud 9 or further.

Yes – Gray had never once addressed her as the fake or pretend.

Yes – she feels strongly for him and she wants to believe it's mutual.

But nothing was set in stone.

She'd never felt so scarred by her previous relationship before. It surprised her just how much of her had been thrown off within those disastrous dating days.

And right now, fast would be an understatement of a word to describe her and Gray's relationship. Her life had been sailing so smoothly she was just too afraid of indulging herself further.

The thought was too unbearable for Juvia that she found herself holding back onto his hands tighter; only this time, she was finally aware of the wincing.

Juvia's initial thoughts were quickly discarded at Gray's scowl and tugged at their linked hands, seeing his features scrunch up more. "Are you okay?" she asked, skating closer.

Gray jolted and stepped back. "Yeah." He managed to answer before skating themselves off the rink. "You just got back from Oak Town, right? Let's head home."

What just happened? One moment they were having this really good time in Gray's little world and the next thing Juvia knew, she was being taken away by the same person that took her there.

Ok. Maybe she spent too much time in her own little world that contributed to the death of the mood.

Gray was still careful of her though. He sat only when she was settled and even took off her skates first before his.

But the walk was quieter.

The entwined hands felt…colder.

Juvia was thankful they were outside because if they weren't, Gray would've probably stormed off with the pacing and stiffened hold he had on her.

The sudden change of disposition only fueled Juvia's pessimistic thoughts. There was always something scary whenever something feels like it was going well. For Juvia, when she felt like they were progressing, when she felt like he was slowly reciprocating her feelings, she'd stop with the thought.

Because everything was just wishful thinking.

And even if she wanted to wish for it, she couldn't.

Because she was already given so much; she can't have everything in this world.

And right now, she knew… that Gray is her everything.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Wait.

Why did he know of her visit to Oak Town?

End of Part 1

Last Act, everybody! Took a while. Sorry.

Keep safe, everyone! Let me continue hearing your thoughts!

So Mashima said it's fun reading what fans say about his work and I think every author's like that, too. You don't know how much your reviews mean to us. It really keeps the fire burning! So don't hesitate on letting us know if you're still there, our avid GrUvia shippers! Much love.

-nakneknik