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

The vicinity for Fairy Tail's Annual Foundation was packed with people of all ages – Makarov circling on everyone with courtesies as much as he could.

There was his certain grandson, looking over for his wife to no avail. Whatever he did, it must've been bad for Mira to avoid him for a week.

"I'll have to excuse myself, Sir. I may need to look for my wife-to-be before they get on stage." An astronomist gestured, the tycoon only nodded – the action more than what it seemed as he, too, acknowledged this man and their redhead's next chapter.

Jellal maneuvered his way through the sea of people, arriving at the back of the stage and to one of the rooms. He didn't have to knock as the door swung open, revealing an exasperated Cana.

"I need more beer for this!" he heard her exclaim as she stormed off to the stash.

"Wait, Cana! You can't go out yet! Gah! At least look for Levy and Juvia for us! Oh. Hi, Jellal. Looking for Erza?"

Jellal blinked at the white-haired pixie before nodding. He saw her went back in, forgetting her previous frustration and then coming back, dragging a fidgeting redhead with her. "You have 5 minutes before Sis finds out."

The astronomist didn't know if he should thank her for it or not but the internal debate subsided when he turned to look back on his woman. "Have you been eating?" he asked worriedly as he reached for her cheeks, savoring the feeling of finally being able to be with her again.

"O-Oh… Um… Mm."

"I take it you're going home with me after this?"

"Mm."

"Hey." Jellal tilted the woman's chin, meeting her deep orbs. The action may have been too much for the redhead as they've never been this intimate – in her opinion, before…in public. "Don't make me fall for you even more already, okay?"

He loved the reaction he was able to elicit, and to seal the deal, he leaned over and pecked her lips. Erza stood there, dazed as she absentmindedly waved at the disappearing figure.

Not too far from the room where the girls prepared, was the other two that were yet to get dressed.

The two bluenettes got caught up into something after Gajeel pulled them out of the room, taking no for an answer. It seemed rather important to even face the Shedevil. Surprisingly enough, Mira was very considerate after hearing the tech's whispered excuse.

"You must be Levy. Gajeel and Juvia never stopped talking about you whenever they called." A pair of soft, purple orbs settled on the smaller bluenette, her deep burgundy hair contrasting with the light blonde mane of the man beside her.

"Sorry about that, Levy." Juvia finally apologized after catching up with her father. She gestured for the couple. "These are our parents. Julian and Vivien Long. My father's an psychologist and mother's a musician." She said and eyed her brother for a best friend that had been quiet and leaning on the side.

Gajeel saw the look and grumbled. How they were able to communicate without words were beyond him, but he did sometimes think it was a pain. That sometimes being now.

He saw Juvia wasn't backing down from her stare. Sighing in defeat, he walked closer to his girlfriend and faced their parents, an arm swinging around to wrap over Levy's shoulder. "Folks, my awesome girl, Levy."

Juvia and their foster parents couldn't help their amusement as they stifled a laugh, not wanting to make the blushing bluenette turn any redder.

This time, a pair of sharp blue eyes met the introduced girlfriend as he held her hand. "Nice to meet you, Levy."

Overwhelmed at the obvious affection, Levy turned shades of red, if it were humanly possible, as she bowed to the two, uttering all the pleasantries she could remember.

Soon enough, though, the linguist found herself already comfortable with the two, albeit topics changed from Freud to Bach in a matter of seconds. She was finally aware where Gajeel got his habit of tinkering with stuff since the man's father loved restoring things as a hobby. Their musical inclination obviously from the mother.

"Levy! Juvia!" the five turned to look at the new voice and saw a blonde waving at them. They saw how Lucy caught up with what was happening and bowed apologetically before gesturing they were up in half an hour.

"It was nice meeting both of you!" Levy huffed as she bowed, an amused Gajeel grinning from one side and coming along with the two, excusing himself from his parents.

"Likewise, dear." Vivien bid with a smile before turning to their own bluenette, brushing the strands of her azure wavy locks.

"Good luck out there, Raindrop." Her father beamed, patting the woman's head.

"Oh shush. She doesn't need luck. She has talent. If Gajeel's videos weren't enough proof. Ne?" Vivien corrected, her eyes gleaming with pride.

Juvia blushed lightly, amazed at how they could still prompt such reactions from her after all those years. She was glad there were things that never changed.

Unlike a predicament she and one person had to sort out soon.

A little while more, the couple had felt it was time for their child to head back. A few hugs and kisses and promises of more catching up in the future, Juvia waved and walked back to their dressing room.

Closing the door of the said room, she was met with a group of expectant faces breaking out to grin at her.

Oops.

Juvia didn't know how these girls could do that but in a matter of seconds, she was already in her coordinating outfit. While he was okay with the black tights and white sneakers, the tight, snowy white turtle neck crop top was a tad bit too much for her.

It was a good thing they let her hair down or else she'd have to worry for her exposed back, too. It wasn't that she was uncomfortable wearing such clothing; for Juvia, the fact that she'd be performing in a crowd full of familiar faces was what strung her out.

Performances mattered to her so much when it was for people that mattered. Not that the usual crowds don't count, but one already gets the picture.

A few moments later, they could hear the ceremonial toast starting, Makarov taking out a few melancholic topics here and there about how the company had grown along with the 'kids'.

And while everybody inside the room shared a few tears for their sponsor's words, they soon felt the cold feet as their turn drew near.

"Any chance I can back out on this?" Lucy joked, trying to ease the tension only to have two older women placing their hands on their waist as they eyed her.

"No."

"Absolutely not, Lucy! It's a first in a while for us to come together like this after years. And don't forget we're doing this for our pride!"

Lucy sighed, if anything, she felt that Natsu wouldn't think of this as a payback for anything.

"We're going to be fine." Everybody turned to the only performer that made it, now - finally, her living.

"Juvi, you're already used to the crowd." The linguist commented, only to earn a light shake of the head from the said name.

"Even I get cold feet." She admitted, turning to glance at the others. "For years I've always stood up on platforms on my own…and perform alone, too. But it's different today. It had been different for a while now, and it made me realize further just how much it means to have your frie – no, family by your side. It's…fun."

"Awwww! Jubilee~ don't go ruining my make-up!"

"You tell 'em, Juvia!" a brunette cheered in between her hiccups.

Juvia didn't mean to spark a sappy moment, but she was up for the hugs and sniffles, reciprocating with all the love she could gather.

Gray groaned. He was definitely shut off by the girls – if the constant misleading by said perpetrators weren't enough proof, they did not even let him talk to Juvia.

"So. Until the very end, she didn't sign with us, huh."

The raven-haired grumbled at the approaching figure, settling beside him. "Nice to see you too, Mer."

The idol huffed and sipped on her drink. "I take it you've told her?"

"Been trying to."

"Don't mess things up like usual."

"When have I ever?"

"Touché."

Gray couldn't help snapping his head to face the coolly acting woman. Did she just agree with him?

"Don't look at me like that. Even I know a happy woman when I see it."

"Juvia's…happy?"

Merudy shot him a stern look, disbelieved at his skepticism. "You really have it bad."

"Can't say I don't."

The pinkette flinched at the honesty and felt that she'd lose this argument to this stupidly honest man. "Just…don't screw it up." she huffed before making her way back to Lyon and the others, sparing one last glance at the man with a small smile.

Gray wasn't able to delve in the thoughts courtesy of his future in-law as a familiar group of boys found themselves making their way towards him.

"Yo, boss." Loke grinned, throwing an arm over his shoulder. "Seriously, you need to chill. Laxus has it way worse than you do." The manager pointed as he gestured for the man shrugging a few inches away from them, clearly disinterested in his clique's discussion.

A light pat on the shoulder made Gray face back the calm astronomist. Jellal took a swig from his drink "It'll all be over soon."

The comment may have been more for the man than Gray himself, but the hockey player still shared the same thoughts. It'll all be over soon.

"Bet ya Shrimp gets the loudest cheer tonight."

"Whaddya say?!"

The sparking argument immediately ceased as the main lights went off.

A catchy synthesized beat echoed through the halls, polychromatic lights flashing one by one on the performers as they sensually swayed through with their various poses and snappy movements.

Gray had to brace himself as he saw those familiar legs emerging – no, strutting from behind, the voice confirming his unmistaken thoughts.

It's one of those days,
All of a sudden feeling lost – don't know why
Can't figure out where I belong, regret the path I chose
Afraid, I keep my head down.

"Lucyyyyy!" a certain pyro fanboyed – his girl took center after the transition of figures, swinging her hips with the beat of her hands as the rising pulse intensified their every movement.

Gray envied how Natsu could be so open to support the blonde. Well, he was very much proud of his Juvia as she took back center, even if he wasn't that showy.

That didn't mean he wouldn't be gawking upon seeing that sultry, slow arc she did, kickstarting the chorus.

You make me feel special!
Through every challenge along the way, you'll guide me
Those hurtful words become meaningless – you're my fate
Finding my smile, lost it for a while, that's what you do

"How many bends are those chicks going to do?!"

Gray would have loved to know the answer to that, too – and to pull those lecherous eyes eyeing his woman. But those very inviting flicks of Juvia's indexes were only making it harder for him to turn away. Nor those suggestive run of her hands through her upper. He was seriously regretting teasing him a month ago.

I feel loved, I feel so special

It was then Levy's turn to take focus, the shorter bluenette had to stop herself from looking too victorious after seeing her boyfriend's reaction. When Mirajane hooked them up for this, she had expected Gajeel would react, but his response was something beyond her comprehension.

He could at least act coolly like he usually does, right!? Why was he gawking?! Can't he see the amused faces of his parents?!

But then you appeared – in front of me here,
The warmest smile while holding out your hand

Jellal had to stop himself from taking that second swig when he saw Erza eyeing him upon getting her fair share of undivided attention.

Mother of all meteors, did she just winked and purred at him like a cat?!

Laxus, who had been very certain he would not be a victim of this public torture – even if he was mainly to blame, was stupefied when his wife switched places with the red-head.

Mirajane smiled sweetly – quite the opposite of the openly gesture of her asking fingers later candidly pointing them again at her husband as she swayed her hips.

Again, I feel special!
One moment, feeling this overwhelming sadness
Like no one would even notice if I vanished
But when you're calling out for my name,
I feel loved, I feel so special

Cana wasn't the type to get drunk, she was very aware of this. But she had to drown herself in alcohol before embarrassing herself right now. Even if it was lowkey swaging transitioning to suggestive poses and back.

That's what you do, make the brightest things out of something dark,
I owe it to you, because you make me feel –

Gray couldn't help covering his eyes a few minutes ago during Cana's part. He was pretty sure he wouldn't let her hear the end of it, but he also did not want to be submitted to any more torture for the consequences when he already had enough of it from the woman beside the centering Lisanna for the last figure.

How were they doing that? Transitioning from one figure to another while they switched from swags to sways?

It didn't help Gray much when he saw how fluid Juvia's movements were, timing her every step and every whip of her head with the beat.

Again, I feel special!
One moment, feeling this overwhelming sadness
Like no one would even notice if I vanished
But when you're calling out for my name,
I feel loved, I feel so special

Fast to slow, slow to slower and then back to snappy hip swings. The variations of movements the girls did only upped the cheers from their audience, Natsu being the only happy one from the boy's group. By the time the song neared its end, the girls were all on the same level as they flashed their signature, sultry poses.

Juvia scanned her eyes to search for them – Makarov, her parents, Merudy, the Fullbuster and Milkovich families, the boys, and…Gray. Biting her lip to pull back the impending smile, she closed her eyes, feeling that last words of their song as she framed her face with her hands.

I feel so special~

The evening went on like any Fairy Tail party would be; beers, cheers, and a lot of jeers.

"Mira, I told you it's not like that!" a slightly exasperated and slightly drunk Laxus continued to explain to the tipsy Mirajane turning her back to him.

"What was it like, then?"

"Ugh. Babe, look. I just…"

"Just what, Laxus?" a drunk Mirajane was a sexy wife to the CEO as he saw her snap at him, placing her hands on her hips as she leaned towards him.

Chance.

Laxus threw away the empty can he was holding and swiftly picked her up by her thighs before tossing her over his shoulder, earning a yelp from the woman.

"Put me down you big Pikachu!"

"Not until we head home."

"No! I want to stay here and rub it in your face that I am not old! For anything!"

"And let those damn bastards ogle you more? This is why I told you, you shouldn't be doing this. Now fucking behave yourself or else."

Mirajane found herself red and speechless. Laxus was never rough with her; even when she riles him up with her teasing, she was never considered an object of frustration in the man's book.

But Laxus was jealous at the moment. So overwhelmingly jealous that he did not care what he looked like to either guests or family. He was taking Mirajane home before he could snap any necks in that party.

The girls that were left on the booth laughed at the grandiose exit the Dreyar couple did. Lisanna stood up, her proud beam very evident amidst the dim lightings. "See, I told you –"

"I told ya she'd get more cheers!"

The booth not too far from them startled their little antics as Gajeel's voice boomed through the music.

"Were ya deaf, ya dufus?! Lucy clearly had more people cheerin' for her!"

"You're the deaf one!"

"You are!"

Lucy and Levy sighed in frustration. Guess that was their cue; both guys were pretty drunk and leaving them like that would leave the place with holes sooner or later. The two excused themselves to separate the two, pacifying their respective egos like they always did.

Juvia later on saw them waving back at their booth, calling it a night as they disappeared through the grand entrance of the hall.

"So are you going to talk to him about it?" Cana asked later on as she leaned back on the cushion, taking a swig from her can.

"No."

"Jubilee…"

"Not tonight. Tomorrow, maybe." When they weren't intoxicated. She'd been through too many drunken fights with her ex to know how messy it was to be in one.

Gray was different. She argued. But it didn't mean it was okay to talk about it just after a fun night.

For the very last time, she should at least act like a proper pretend girlfriend and let the both of them rest first before taking their separate ways.

She felt her breath hitch at the thought and concealed a bitter smile, remembering her question from months ago.

"It's going to last years?"

Juvia remembered how disbelieved she was when she asked him that. She was so out if it then, so overwhelmed with their proposition and felt like she was going to be tied down again. But she was so wrong.

It made her wish it could've lasted years.

Gray still made her feel out of anything – with the warmth of his smile every morning and coolness of his voice every time he greeted her good night. He still made her feel overwhelmed whenever he could, surprising her here and there. And he never made her feel caged; he never made her feel like she had to live her life, for anybody, against her will.

Juvia never felt so free while living for him.

And all of it was going to end.

As the evening went on, with her knuckles turning white at her hold, she drowned herself: in the beers, cheers, and a lot of tears.

End of Part 4

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