Summary: Gray Fullbuster is a player both in love and in life. He plays Professional Basketball and is being groomed to be in line with Basketball Legends Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant and Stephen Curry. There's just one problem, Gray Fullbuster is a play-ah. His life is a giant mess of crazy parties, waking up with random women and waking up in random women's apartments. Just living the life.
The opinion of the public on him is waning. To save the million-dollar endorsements in the verge of disappearing, Gray needs to change his image. Therefore, Gray Fullbuster, Fiore Knight's Team Captain and Most Valuable Player, will be in the next season of "My Star Can Dance".
There's another problem: it seems like his star isn't that bright since his partner, one of Fiore's prominent ballerinas, doesn't know him? His billboard is hanging in front of her dancing school! And it was a good billboard since all he was wearing was his six-pack and an Aztec bandana. How come she didn't notice?
She's In Your Court 15 What I Like About My Man
…
Keep on whispering in my ear
Tell me all the things that I wanna' to hear,
'cause that's true, that's what I like about you
- What I Like About You, The Romantics
…
"Stop over. I'd like to take a picture!" Juvia hit him on the shoulders. She was unusually excited about the ad considering how she 'dead-pan' called him 'that guy from the billboard' the first time they met. "It's the same as the one near the studio."
Of course they were talking about that sport-drink billboard where he was wearing nothing but his aztec bandana and his full six-packs.
"C'mon, Juvia." He whined, not really on-board with his girlfriend's idea. "If you really want a picture of my abs I got it right here." Gray said. One hand was on the steering wheel while the other slowly pulled the hem of his shirt upwards, teasing a little of that six pack he was talking about.
Juvia laughed dryly.
"Just stop over."
Then, Juvia did the most 'tourist' thing to do: posed and took photos with Gray's sport-drink billboard in the background. She roped her boyfriend in and forced the poor guy to pose in front of his million-dollar deal.
"Just so you know, not everyone gets to score something like that." Gray tried to save face as the ballerina had her phone out to take photos of Hoopster.
"Whatever. Just go pose in front of well… you."
Gray could see Juvia folding her lips and fighting a laugh but that was one hell of good-looking abs right there and he should be proud of it.
Miles away, Gray could already see the sign – Isvan Home for Boys. The Ghini arrived at the entrance where a security guard on post greeted Gray with a one-hand salute. Thereafter, he let the black Lamborghini into the compound.
"Home for Boys?"
Gray only answered Juvia's inquiry with a glance and a timid smile.
Ghini crawled in front of an average looking bungalow that sit on a wide area of land. All the while, Gray looked around for free space. He parked next to the ridiculous orange that was hurting his eyes, the Lava – Natsu's Mercedes.
"They're probably already inside." He told Juvia as he cut the engine off of his Lamborghini.
He jumped out of his car and dashed to Juvia's side. But the independent ballerina was already out of the car and had shut the door close behind her. Hoopster settled on holding her hand instead and leading her into the building. An older man waited for them at the entrance.
"Juvia, this is Mr. Gômon."
The tall, rounder man had a prominent goatee and thick brows. He offered the new face a smile that made his eyes disappear.
"He's one of my father's closest friends and he runs this place."
"It's nice to meet you, Sir."
"No need to be all formal, Miss Juvia." The older man then turned to Gray to give him a quick hug and a pat on the back. "Always excited to see you 'round this time of year."
Gômon informed the two that Natsu and the others were already inside. But he didn't go in with the new arrivals. The headmaster left the responsibility to Gray who knew the place like the back of his hand. Gray guided Juvia deeper into the building, navigating the old hallway like he was just there yesterday. In the middle of the seemingly typical bungalow was an open space where the kids could run around on the grassy ground. The figures who were standing on it were familiar to Juvia but the children interacting with them weren't. The children, all young boys ranging in age, were in uniform – Fiore Knights uniform.
Gray pulled Juvia's hand into a stop and stayed at the end of the tiled hallway that opened into the open space.
"Every year we hold a sports clinic for these boys."
Gray hasn't told anyone but just a sight of these young boys crowded around his team, wearing smaller version of the Fiore Knights' uniform, bouncing balls in their hands, he felt pride swell up his chest. He was once like them but these kids had it worse than Gray. Gray still had one parent alive. The kids were orphaned at a very early age.
"Something the guys and I do, off the record."
"So, no press?" Juvia asked.
"No. I don't like them turning everything into a spectacle."
Gray turned to Juvia, readying to let a little fact about him slip out the box.
"This was actually my dad's idea. When he was alive, he brings me here once a year. He'd teach us basketball and I get to play with the kids my own age."
It was one of the many good memories Gray had with his father. He'd run around with the kids all day. It felt more like actually playing rather than practicing. At least, once a year, he got to play like a real child. But now that's all it was, a memory. Gray knew Juvia felt sorry for him. He could see it in her big blue eyes. But he wasn't sad nor sorry. On the contrary, being able to continue his father's legacy was one of those moments Gray felt fulfilled.
"Hey, don't fall in too much in love with me yet, alright?"
Juvia playfully smacked him on his right arm.
"In your dreams, lover boy."
This was supposed to be a happy, important day and he wouldn't go dampening the mood with sad stories.
"Look! It's the Cap!"
Gray and Juvia whipped their heads to look at the direction of one of the kids pointing at them. Well, Gray to be exact. Once the other kids saw the Team Captain, everyone raced over and their force tackled him to the ground. Juvia had to step away for a moment before she got tangled in that excited little mob which devoured her boyfriend.
They were talking all together, visibly elated at his presence. Gray swore his brain was about to explode with the kids all talking at once. But Hoopster was able to give each one of the boys a high five; no men left behind.
"Alright, alright! Take it easy, boys."
"Hey, Captain. Who's the pretty lady?"
Gray assumed his boys were too young to watch the dance show not to recognize the prettiest lady in 'My Star Can Dance'.
"Everyone, say hi to Miss Juvia."
Obeying the Captain's instruction, the boys greeted in unison. It was easy for Juvia to work that crowd; she dealt with little girls in her studio and Juvia's students loved her very much. She turned on her charm and that big bright smile; even Gray fell for it.
"Hey, Cap! Stop flaunting yer girlfriend and let's ball."
It was Gajeel's turn to tease his captain. But he still made sure he got the point across, because the Center was right, they might just lose some precious daylight if they kept playing around.
"Alright, boys! Let's give the Captain some time to change into his Captain uniform."
Gajeel called and gathered the kids back to start quick drills.
"Yes. Change clothes." Loke winked at Gray, that kind of wink he knew had some double meaning. Loke was the kind of guy who made everything sound sexual, even just the word broccoli.
So, his Captain gave him the finger.
Fiore Knights' Team Captain apologized for Loke's joke by telling Juvia to just ignore the dimwit. Gray hesitantly excused himself from Juvia to run back to his car and slip into his uniform. But he didn't want to leave her alone in an unfamiliar place. Good thing his mother chose that moment to make an entrance, with President Wakaba in tow.
"Go get changed, Gray. I'll entertain Juvia for a while."
When Mika Mine walked past him, she decided to act like a real mother and reminded Gray to put towel on his back. She made sure both Gray and Juvia heard it.
"Mother!"
But Mika was already hauling Juvia into the building and leading the giggly ballerina to where the open court was, Gray presumed.
Gray quickly changed into his Fiore Knights uniform. All the way from the common restroom to the outdoor court, Gray reconsidered his decision of bringing Juvia along at the Home. He had no qualms about sharing that part of his life with Juvia. He wanted to open up to her, so that she could get to know him better, deeper. That he was more than just a pretty face and reliable dance partner. He wanted to have that intimacy with Juvia and maybe take the relationship to the next level. The problem was leaving her girlfriend to his mother's care. That woman could talk! And Gray's afraid he wasn't earning the plus points he wanted.
Gray was now trekking through the earthy pathway leading to the open court. The open space design was the main reason why Gray loved the basketball court at the Home. Green trees surrounded the area, warranting that natural, fresh air. It was simply freeing.
He arrived at the basketball court where his team and the boys were doing basic drills. Natsu, Fiore Knights' point guard, led the footwork exercise. Gray knew the pain of the 'low knee running in place' exercise, especially now that his Vice Captain wanted to double the speed. But he wasn't hearing any complaints. Burst of laughters echoed in its stead. It seemed as the boys were enjoying themselves. The girly giggles, one which Gray hoped was not enjoyed at his expense, came from the shaded side of the court where Gray's mother and his girlfriend were bonding. Oh, Gray hoped Mika didn't bring any of that embarrassing photo albums.
"Oh, nooo." His face twitched.
No photo album but Mika was showing something in her phone. The woman actually went digital!
Gray jogged to the center of the court and joined the others. But he's mind was still at the two women in his life sitting at the newly installed garden bench.
"Hey, Cap!"
Loke approached him first, breaking from the group to greet his Captain. Gray walked with him but he wasn't paying attention even when Casanova audibly hissed.
"That doesn't look good for you, Cap."
That one got his attention and he engaged.
"What?"
"That."
Loke was pointing at where the restrained laughters where coming. Both eyes, one blue and one darker, were still glued at the older woman's phone.
"I bet now Mrs. President is showing your girlfriend some childhood photos."
Gray wasn't worried about that. He was a cute kid! Even when he was younger, Gray was already a chick magnet. Every middle-aged woman in their block loved to pinch his cheeks or place a kiss on them. Juvia would easily fall in love with that face. Such fact was the only thing keeping him sane.
"You know, little Gray. And you don't want your girlfriend to think about little Gray."
The Team Captain stopped dead in his tracks, pulling his son of a witch Small Forward with him. Gray turned to give Loke a look that was a cross between very, very confused and 'don't f*ck with me'.
"Little. Gray." Loke's sly hazel eyes drifted down south. And he was very pleased with himself watching the Captain's confused look morphed into horrified, as the idea registered in Gray's brain.
Loke jogged ahead, filling the air with his loud 'I gotcha' laugh.
The Small Forward was just obviously trying to pull his leg. In today's game, the team of Fiore Knights resident Casanova was going against the Captain's. He was just trying to get in his head. Couldn't blame the man. Psy-war was all part of the game. And the ultimate playboy wasn't above using such underhanded tactic.
Juvia heaved a long breath, letting the fresh air enter and expand her lungs. It was one of the things Juvia loved about leaving the city – fresh air and green scenery. It wasn't only psychological, science backed up the benefits of the outdoors. She loved her life in the city but once in a while, Juvia wanted a change in scenery. That was why she travelled home as often as her schedule would allow.
Isvan wasn't what she expected at first; it was too much like the city. When Gray won successive championships for Fiore, the previously unknown town became some sort of a tourist attraction. But the moment Gray turned the curve, Juvia saw the real Isvan – a simple country side.
Juvia never expected that Gray would bring her to Home for Boys. She knew Gray was a nice person, that there was something more to him that met the eyes. But she could have never seen it coming. It was Gray. He was a basketball god, on top of his game. He was young, determined and didn't hurt the eyes. No, he was hot as hell. And when you were that rich and attractive, people say you could have anything you wanted. But if you look behind all those superficies, a real person emerges. Gray was actually funny, kind and despite that Prince Syndrome he got going the first time they met, Hoopster was actually a reliable person. He didn't think about himself all the time just as those page-six stories would portray him to be. Figures, he was the Captain of one of the country's successful sports team. His leadership carried Fiore Knights through three championships and it looked like Earthland hasn't seen the last of them.
Celebrity-athletes like Gray would usually make appearances in just every charitable events some of them didn't even know what for. For most, it was all for show, to gain some popularity. You could tell. You could always tell. When the kids ran to Gray, almost throwing him to the ground, Juvia felt a warm feeling swell up her chest. As she watched his nose crinkle and his eyes almost disappear from laughing, that warm feeling spread like wildfire.
She was just starting to get to know Gray better and so far, she liked what she was seeing. And when he said she shouldn't fall in love with him too much yet, it was just impossible. She was falling in love with him every second.
Juvia couldn't remember the last time she laughed so hard. Mika Mine was telling her all about young Gray's adventures. Of course, she was thankful for every bit of embarrassing information. She made sure she committed everything to memory. At last, Juvia had something over Gray to tease him about. Icing on the cake? Mika Mine showed her pictures.
There was one with a grumpy, eight year old in a prince charming costume. Mika said Gray wanted to be Spiderman for that Halloween but she didn't like him hiding his beautiful face. Gray refused to talk to her mother for a week. There was also one with Juvia's boyfriend in his first basketball uniform three sizes bigger than his 10 year old figure. But her absolute favorite, one Juvia would save later in her phone was Graysia. Gray's little sister – or so his mother wanted to imagine. Mika always wanted to have a little girl but since they couldn't afford another child, Gray would do. On one random afternoon, Mika dressed Gray in a pink ball gown and putting on him red lipstick. Oh, Juvia just stumbled on a gold mine.
Like some kind of magnet, Juvia could feel Gray's presence in the court. Her eyes already drifted to where Gray was, about to join his group, wearing his latest Fiore Knights uniform. He was talking to one of his teammates, Loke. Whatever it was about seemed to horrify Gray. He looked at Juvia's way and she smiled at him. That seemed to put Gray at ease and about to bury one gloating Small Forward.
After a few stretches and drills, Gray had the ball in his hand. He was talking to the kids and they were listening to him intently. Juvia was sure it was hard to keep those little heads to focus. Juvia had girls and she couldn't keep their focus for more than fifteen minutes by just talking.
Gray finished his informal speech with two hand claps that really hyped the children. The boys quickly dispersed and Fiore Knights were left in the court.
"Watch this, kids!"
Loke, the show-off, exhibited a clean through-the-legs dribble before his speed brought him near the basket for a clear shot. She knew the guys were just showing off but the kids were extremely immersed. Their young eyes were glued at the five tall figures. And for most of those kids, they were probably watching their heroes in action.
Each member of Fiore Knights showed complicated footwork before perfecting a basket. Natsu's shot did three rounds of spin and the kids held on their breaths until the ball went inside the. Laxus, the Power Forward, and Gajeel, the Center, jumped and perfected a dunk shot, earning loud cheers from the kids. Gray, staying true to his professional nickname, stayed a little outside the 3-Point-Line arc to make his famous three-pointer. The ball shot upwards and landed on a natural falling arc. It went inside the ring in a perfect curve. The kids frantically howled and clapped as the Earthland National Basketball three-peat champions took a bow.
The Captain waved the children back on the court, dividing them into two groups. In order to distinguish them from each other, one group was wearing the predominantly red Fiore Knights uniform, which the team wore in this year's championship; the other wore last year's gold accentuated jersey.
"They're going for a match." Mika felt the need to explain. "Gray takes the red team and Loke takes the gold team."
"The team trains in the City. Who takes care of the boys?" asked Juvia.
"I believe you met Gômon earlier? He might look a little out of shape but he's a good player. Silver… Gray's father and Gômon were members of the same basketball team."
It's been years since the mention of the Fullbuster patriarch's accident and eventual death in the papers. Gray and his mother might have a different life now but Juvia could still see hurt lingering in Mika's eyes.
"The two of them always went here to train the kids long before we had Gray."
Mika might have been smiling, but it was rather a weak and small one. Juvia knew not to ask about it. Something like that never really goes away.
"Oh, look. They're starting."
The kids were in the middle of the court, scattered within the center circle. Two kids were crouched down opposite each other, waiting for Natsu to toss the ball. Juvia scanned the court for that raven-hair she came to miss. He was at the side bench on the other end of the rectangle, holding a board and a short stick, which turned out to be a marker, tucked on one ear.
Juvia has seen Gray in action since he was just an aspiring but talented freshman in the regional basketball league. He captivated Juvia the moment he made his first three point shot. Juvia followed him around after that, always present in his games, even roping Levy in that Gray-crazed phase. Until she saw him kissing the head cheerleader of the opposing team. The memory left an ugly taste in her mouth; she didn't want that image to get stuck in her mind and ruin the weekend. So, Juvia locked that image inside the drawer labeled 'never to open ever'.
Natsu blew the whistle. The first half of the game wrapped up with a tight score of 30-34 with Loke's gold team in the lead.
"Uh-oh, that doesn't look good."
Juvia turned to Mika, confused.
"He doesn't like losing."
That one Juvia could attest to. Gray was crazy competitive. He probably hated that Loke's team was having a lead on his. But Gray wasn't screaming at his team; he wasn't lashing out at anyone. Instead, he was throwing high fives and light pats at his kids. Then, he gathered them in a tight circle, raised the clipboard flatly so that the kids could see something he drew on it. He was giving them instructions, maybe devising some strategy to win the game.
"His always like that when he gets in the zone." said Mika, her midnight eyes looking over where Juvia was. "When his eyebrows meet in the middle like that, you know he's serious."
Juvia squinted her eyes to look closer. Just as Mika said, Gray's thick eyebrows were furrowed in the middle as he spoke. The woman was right; Juvia have seen that look many times: when the score and the clock weren't in favor of Gray's team; when he was about to make those little last minute three points he became famous for; or lately, when Gray wanted to nail a complicated choreography. Hoopster never wavered when he set his mind to it. That was one of the many qualities Juvia liked about Gray – his fiery passion.
After the short break, his usual smile crept up Gray's lips and he was back high-fiving the kids. He even playfully kicked the other team's coach on his butt and Loke hit back with words, to which Gray said something back. Knowing Gray, it was probably something kids shouldn't be listening to.
When the 3rd quarter started, the ball was in Gray's court. They managed to score six points over Loke's team. Casanova wasn't looking happy about it but Gray Fullbuster was full on gloating. Juvia shook her head. Gray Fullbuster was a fine, funny, kind and very, very likeable man but he let that childish him slip out sometimes. Juvia didn't mind, it made him who he was.
Gray was sending signals to his team. The ball was played by Loke's gold team and they made the shot, cutting down the score gap. Juvia caught a glance of Gray and he engaged, holding the gaze for far too long apparently because Gray didn't see the ball coming, hitting him sharply in the head.
By instinct, Juvia bolted up the bench and so did Gray's mother. But President didn't move. In fact, he still held on his cane while he put the other hand on his stomach as he let out a straight guffaw.
"Wakaba!" Mika reprimanded.
"What? It was funny."
But the glare was boring through him like a good 'ol drill.
The kid who threw the ball ran to the coach with the other kids, all worried. The Fiore Knights, on the other hand, shook their heads biting down a laugh. Getting hit in the head with a ball was common to basketball players. It just didn't happen that often to the great and mighty Team Captain.
"I'm alright. No need to panic." Gray assured, shouting to the other side to ease the worries on Juvia and his mother's face.
"See? It doesn't even hurt. He'll live, Mika."
The kids crowded around the Team Captain who just scratched his forehead and still all smiles. He patted the kid's head, the one who threw the ball that hit Gray, and told everyone to return to the game. They did and quickly finished up the 3rd quarter with Loke's team still in the lead.
Gray took that hit for nothing.
Loke said something and earned a very discreet finger for it.
At the last quarter, Gray's team managed to minimize the point difference but the gold team still bagged the win. There was no hard feelings though, it was just a game. Team Captain often emphasized how important teamwork and, of course, sportsmanship were. After the game, the kids automatically fell into two parallel lines facing each other. The coaches instructed them to shake hands. Even if some looked like they weren't up for it, the kids still obeyed the adults.
"Alright, then. That's our cue."
Mika invited Juvia back into the building. In the middle of the green patch were two buffet tables. Round tables cladded in white were scattered around. Once the children changed into their casual clothing, they wasted no time get cracking at the table full of varied treats.
"Oh, look at that. They are already starting."
Mika didn't reprimand the kids but ordered the waiters to put more food on the buffet table and refill those which were running out. She excused herself from Juvia so she could assist in the party, leaving Juvia wandering alone at the open space.
"Hey, beautiful."
Juvia let out a surprised gasp when she was pulled by the waist against a hard figure. She turned around to meet Gray's meaningful eyes and slightly slanted smile.
"Not in front of the kids, Cap." Juvia wrapped her arms around Gray's neck, pressing her body against hers.
"You should call me that more often."
"Cap? Cap-tain." Juvia let the word roll on her tongue, which Gray liked very, very much.
"What are you doing?"
Juvia almost pushed Gray away when she recognized the voice, which was that of a child's, and became highly aware of what they were doing. Although perfectly normal for couples, public display of affection shouldn't be displayed in front of young eyes, like this one.
"I was just checking his forehead." Juvia pretended to look at the area where the ball hit. "You know… where–"
"–where the ball made him its fitch? He was distracted." The little boy said as he shrugged the shock that rounded two pairs of adult eyes.
"What?"
Gray had to crouch down and look the kid straight in the eye. He tried not to sound like he was scolding the kid.
"What did you just say?"
"You got distracted." The kid answered, point blank.
"No, not that. The one before that."
"Oh, that the ball made you its fitch?"
"That's not even a word."
"Yes, it is. Coach Loke told me so."
Oh, so he was on Loke's team.
"Well, Coach Loke is crazy." Gray stood to his full height. "Don't listen to him." He tried to dismiss the kid by slightly shoving him forward.
"But he was right. You were looking at the pretty lady. That's why the ball made you its fitch."
"I'm going to kill that little fitch." said Gray under gritted teeth so the little ears wouldn't hear.
"Just go eat some hotdogs."
"Those hotdogs on sticks?"
"Yes, Kenny. Those hotdogs on the sticks."
"Cool!"
Then, Kenny ran off as if he didn't just drop that 'fitch' bomb on the two adults. And like he didn't just insult Fiore Knights' Team Captain. This generation's Michael Jackson, some would say.
"Why are you laughing?"
Gray had his hands on his waist, pretending to narrow his eyes at Juvia, who was biting her lip to keep down a giggle. She couldn't even open her mouth without laughing. The exchange between Gray and Kenny was quite entertaining.
"Let's go and eat some hotdogs on sticks."
Gray pulled her by the hand and led her to one of the long buffet tables. Holding hands was a safe kind of PDA which didn't gross out the kids. But feeding each other those hotdogs earned a long 'eew' from the crowd, even the old kids – a.k.a Fiore Knights.
Writer's Corner: Hey guys! Here's chapter 15. Hiro Mashima made another graffiti reminding us what to do or what not to do during this quarantine/lockdown time. #GruviaForever keep the fire burning!
Drop some love, don't break my heart. *pouts