Chapter 2: A Dad
These past few days I've been spending time with Uriel. Yes, Juvia's son. I really enjoy his company for some reason and everyday I've been spending with the kid makes me feel nostalgic and happy. I've been with him for a week now teaching him Ice Make Magic. I actually feel an overwhelming sense of pride when he chose me to teach him and not that bastard Lyon. And because I'm teaching Uriel, I get to see Juvia everyday too.
I'm currently teaching him how to make weapons out of ice in the forest near the outskirts of Magnolia. He's a fast learner, definitely a genius. I decided to ask him why he chose me as a teacher out of curiosity.
"Uriel, is there any particular reason why you chose me as your teacher?"
He stopped what he was doing and plopped down beside me. He smiled. His smile reminds me of myself. Same smirk like smile. I knew it. I always see myself in front of the mirror, duh. He reminds me of myself in so many ways.
"Well, mom would always tell me stories of you and how great of a mage you are. She told me that you are the greatest ice mage. And that my father is as great as you are."He told me while staring at me.
"Juvia would tell you stories of me?"I asked. I feel somehow giddy from knowing that Juvia would tell things about me. She never forgot about me. I feel stupid for feeling giddy like a little girl but I can't help it. Shit. She used to talk about me all the time and I would always feel annoyed but now, I feel happy.
"Yes. Also stories about my father."
"Your father? Do you know who he is?" And now I feel jealous. Who the fuck is that guy who touched Juvia after me. That fucking guy is a fucking asshole for leaving behind Juvia and Uriel. I want to fucking strangle that guy and take the mother and son away from him. I better plan 50 more ways to kill a bastard. He better hide because if I find him, I'll rip his fucking balls off.
"Nope. But mom told me he was an ice mage like you are. She never told me his name or not even a picture."Then he smiled sadly.
"So... Lyon is not really your father?" I want to make sure that Juvia and that bastard doesn't have a relationship. Just thinking that Lyon touched Juvia inappropriately makes my blood boil. I'm the one who touched her first. He better not have laid a hand on her or I'll cut his hands off.
"No! That guy is just mom's friend and he is really annoying. And besides, mom loves dad." Well, I'm happy to know that Lyon is still just a friend. But the guy that left them... Juvia loves him even though he left them and somehow that thought just made my already shattered heart turn to dust. What the fuck. Lucky fucking bastard.
"Uriel! Gray-sama! Juvia brought lunch." Juvia came and sat down beside Uriel and started taking out the food she has in her basket. Every day we've been like this. Like a family going for a picnic. Eating together, laughing together and telling stories to each other. I keep wondering... If Juvia didn't leave, would we have a family like this? Have a son like Uriel? I wish he is my son. People keep telling me that he acts like me. Natsu even calls him GJ which stands for Gray Junior. Argh. I wish that I have a family with Juvia and I wish that Uriel is my son. I like the kid very much.
Natsu told me he even smells a bit like me. I keep thinking maybe we use the same perfume.
Flashback
The guild was lively as ever and the people in the guild are celebrating Juvia's return. I was at the table with team Natsu and sitting were us were Gajeel, Levy, Juvia, Uriel and Summer.
The girls were busy chatting and us guys are just eating and drinking, mostly Natsu and Gajeel were doing the eating and drinking. Summer was pestering Uriel about something. They're pretty close now. Gajeel and Levy's son, Bullet is as usual with his uncle Jett and Droy. He's the same age as Uriel and Summer. He is the same as his father though, a bit anti-social though he likes to hand out with his two uncles, kinda like Levy.
"So how was traveling, Juvia?" Levy asked.
"It was okay Levy-san. It was a bit tiring. Uriel was really happy about traveling though. Sight seeing and all." Juvia replied.
"Was is hard raising Uriel?" Lucy asked Juvia. That suddenly just piqued my interest.
"Nope. He's a sweet kid. He rarely ever cries or throws tantrums. He is also a hardworker and a very determined kid. The type to never give up on the things he wants to do." Juvia replied with a smile. I'm happy that Uriel wasn't a handful to Juvia. I kind know how hard it is to raise a child. Summer was more than a handful. That kid liked to burn things and sometimes Natsu would come into the guild just to take a breather from the kid. He would walk in with burned clothes. It was a sight to see.
"You're lucky, Summer practically burned half of our house when she was three." Lucy shuddered from remembering the scene.
"Yeah, Bullet would eat anything metal that's why we had to replace furnitures and even the fridge." Levy said then sighed.
"Hey mom." Uriel called Juvia's attention. He was fidgeting.
"Yes?"
" Uhm... Summer told me that we can ask Fairy Tail Guild Members to be masters... and... I.. I want to be trained by Uncle Gray, please? I want to learn Ice Make. You said he is a great Ice Mage also Summer said he is really strong." Uriel asked out of the blue. Juvia was a bit taken aback by his request as I am. Why me?
"Well, you can ask him if he wants you as an apprentice." Juvia said while looking at me. I looked at Uriel and he looked hopeful.
How can I say no to this kid?He was looking at me with that look. Kinda like Juvia when she begs me to eat her cooking."Of course it's okay. I'm not busy or anything." I said to Uriel. He suddenly smiled.
"Thank you Uncle Gray! I want to start tomorrow, please?" I gave out a laugh. He sure is excited for training. Just like me when I was his age. He looks really determined too. Juvia's right.
"A little excited aren't we? But sure, I like passionate students. We'll meet up at the guild tomorrow at 8 sharp. Is that okay?" He nodded. "Good."
"Ohhhh, you're finally getting an apprentice. GJ looks pretty happy having you as a teacher." Natsu said between mouthfuls of meat.
"Shut up flame brain. What do you mean GJ?"
"You know, he kinda smells like you and acts like you that's why I call him GJ" Natsu said with a wondering look on his face. I was puzzled.
"What do you mean? How could he smell or act like me? We just met." I asked Natsu and took a swig of beer.
"He smells like you and Juvia. I don't know how but is just is. And just look at how that kid smiles. He looks as arrogant as you." He said and started eating again. Why the fuck would he smell like me? I don't even use perfume and I don't even hug the kid. Natsu is getting weird as fuck again.
End of flashback
So that's how I got an apprentice.
"Gray-sama, more sandwich?"Juvia snapped me out of my reverie. She was holding a sandwich towards me. I took a bite of the sandwich while she was holding it while I making eye contact. Juvia blushed furiously.
"Delicious." I smirked. Uriel looked at his mom then back at me, wondering what is happening.
"T-thank y-you Gray-sama."Juvia stuttered then went back to eating her own sandwich. I still have that fucking effect on her. That somehow gives me hope that she still loves me. But then... She still loves Uriel's father.. Fuck. That guy's dead and gone. Tss. I know... I'll make Juvia fall in love with me again. I'll make her forget that fucking bastard who left her and made her face responsibility alone. I'll make her turn her attention to me and we'll make a family. Nice plan Gray. Smooth. Smooth as fuck.
"Gray-sama, Uriel.. Juvia's going back to the guild now."I nodded and she left. Uriel and I stood up then continued the training.
We finished by sundown and the now the two of us are walking back to the guild. We were trudging along the dirt road going back to town. I feel so exhausted. I'm pretty sure when I get home I'd get knocked out once I flop down the bed. Teaching can be hard as fuck and exhausting.
"Uncle Gray, can I ask you something?"
"Fire away."
"May I call you Dad?" I was so shocked that I stopped walking and I stared at the kid. Uriel looked at me. He suddenly turned red.
"I know it's sudden. It's okay if you don't want to... You know.. Uh.. You're like a father to me now because ... I don't know.. Because I was thinking that if I had a father I want him to be you.. You know.. I don't have a dad... And you're my master... And I only see Uncle Lyon as an Uncle so... You know..." He was stuttering. I stopped him from speaking by hugging him. I don't know why I hugged him. I suddenly felt like doing it. He hugged me back. Somehow, the thought of him calling me dad just made me feel incredibly happy. I feel like I'm the happiest guy in the world.
"You can call me Dad." I said as I let go. I ruffled his hair.
He beamed at me. And hugged me again.
"Thank you Dad"
"Sure, son."
"I'm happy to have a dad like you."
"I'm happy to have son like you as well." I ruffled his hair and grinned. Now, I have a son. Next is the mom.
