uh-oh. I'm writing fluff instead of my thesis.
got inspired somehow. I noticed that Gray and Juvia weren't in the frame with the rest of the guild so I'm imagining them having alone time.
"Juvia is so glad Gray-sama is back!" Juvia exclaimed once they were alone in room.
"Yeah, I'm sorry about that. I didn't plan on leaving like that again…"
"But Gray-sama returned so it's all ok!"
He stayed pensive thinking about Edolas and Elentir. He wasn't sure how much to tell her but was sure the Edolas side would eventually be revealed; he could hear them talking about Edo-Erza as they left.
"How was Edolas?" Juvia asked with a mischievous smile, she was aware of Edo-Gray's feelings.
His shoulders shot up, just the subject he was hoping not to dive in first.
"We weren't there for long but…. It was…. A lot…"
Juvia could tell he was being purposefully vague but couldn't deduce what he was trying to hide yet. Keeping it in the back of her mind for another time when she learned more from the others she moved on.
"Gray-sama… before you disappeared you said you were going to do something when you returned."
"Yeah… I didn't mean this return but…"
He looked at her eyes and she looked back in anticipation.
Without warning he moved forward and kissed her, catching her completely off guard. It was quick and when he pulled away she was wide eyed in shock.
"Gray-sama?"
"I love you."
It didn't seem possible but her eyes grew even larger.
"You need to know in case something happens," he turned his head away shyly. "I don't want to leave you hanging again."
Tears started filling her eyes.
"Gray-sama…." she was speechless.
Sure she had shared her feelings with him before but to have them unexpectedly reciprocated. She was unprepared.
"I know I said I would give you my answer after that fight with Zeref but after what happened… I didn't feel worthy so I never did."
He turned back around and saw the tears in her eyes.
"Don't cry."
"These aren't sad tears, Gray-sama, it's not raining."
"I'm sorry it took me so long to say it. I wanted to get stronger so that that will never happen again," he glanced at her side, fully clothed, her scar was not visible but he could still see it in his mind, "but I need you to know. I love you and I can't lose you."
The dam broke and her tears finally fell.
"I didn't mean to make you cry."
She shook her head rapidly trying to make the tears disappear.
"I haven't been the best. I've hurt you so many times."
"No, Gray-sama has always been the best!" her head was violently shaking again.
"I haven't and I've realized my mistakes. I'm not worthy of your forgiveness but you give it to me so freely. You need to know I'm sorry, no one should treat the one they love the way I did. I'm so lucky to have always by my side and... I want to make you happy."
"Gray-sama, Juvia is happy! Juvia is lucky to have met Gray-sama! Do not forget that Gray-sama is the one who took away the rain. For that Gray-sama will always have her love and forgiveness."
"So, will you wait for me to come home?"
"Always."
They leaned into each other, a sort of intimate side hug as he lay his head on hers.
"Gray-sama?"
"Yes?"
"Tell Juvia about Edolas."
Knowing that their guildmates were safe, the rest of Fairy Tail finally started the return back to Magnolia. Both parties made there way to the train station to catch their respective trains. The train that would lead to the whole system of trains that would get the guild to Fiore was leaving first. The goodbyes included words of encouragement and promises of tales of victories.
"I hope you return before the baby is born," Levy told Lucy as she caressed the tiny bump that had begun to form in their absence.
"Me too, but if we miss it I still look forward to meeting the new guild member."
"We got to get there before you lay that egg so we can have one more brawl!" Natsu butted in.
"If it's after I'll show my kid their dad kicks ass!" Gajeel retorted.
"Don't fight around a baby!"
While all of this was going on Juvia and Gray were standing together foreheads touching hands holding hands as they struggled to separate. They had said their goodbyes but neither wanted to be the first to let go and so they stayed there eyes closed enjoying the intimacy.
"His attitude has definitely changed."
Out in the public there was no denying this.
"Juvia, we need to catch our train." Lisanna gently urged her.
"And they need to go." Cana finished.
"Gray-sama promises to come home?"
"Yes. Will you wait for me?"
"Yes."
"Patiently?"
"No."
He smiled. At least she was being honest.
He stayed in place as she eventually let go of one hand, pulled her head away and started to turn. She waited for him to let go but as he lifted his head he stared at the back of her head knowing she was most likely avoiding eye contact due to tears. After how much he mentioned her tears yesterday she probably didn't want to worry him.
"Juvia, can I see your face one more time?"
She froze but slowly turned around. The eyes were full of tears but also a love that was always visible and he no longer chose to ignore.
Still holding her hand he told her, "You are my strength to live."
"Juveen!" She was gone at that point and Cana gave Gray a dirty look as she was forced to physically carry Juvia to the train.
As the train departed Juvia regained her composure and looked out the window to see the remaining guild mates waving from the platform. She joined everyone else on the train and waved goodbye her eyes on only one man. He followed her gaze maintained that eye contact for as long as he could before the train started to make its way out of sight.
"They'll be ok," Erza said putting her hand on his shoulder.
"Yeah," he agreed.
"Let's go to our platform."
And they walked toward the train going the complete opposite direction of the train that just departed knowing that they would be going back that way some day hopefully soon.
So, I'm implying in this story that the rest of the guild is just gonna go home after the last chapter which I personally don't think is gonna happen. But that's how to make this story work so yeah.
Enjoy. I'm shipper trash