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 5: It's Not a Date
How we gonna move together?
Just come closer
If we don't move together
Come closer
– Move Together, James Bay
…
"Dancing is like making-love."
How ridiculous.
Juvia gathered the loose tussles of her silky blue hair and tied it in a bun. She scoffed at the words of her mother. In the entire trip from her home to the studio, all she could think about was how the hell could dancing be like making love and how ridiculous a notion it was. Making-love with the conceited Hoopster? Juvia felt her cheeks burn. Definitely and 101% pure craziness. Gray sweating and panting. Naked. A rush of yearning hit her.
Juvia slapped herself numerous times in front of the mirror. When did she become such a pervert?
"See what happens when that woman say crazy things. So irresponsible."
She shouldn't let that woman get to her head. Otherwise, she would spend the whole day thinking about things she should not be thinking about. Especially, when the bighead Hoopster came to mind. Wait, he shouldn't even be in her mind. Juvia puffed air in and out to even her breathing and to calm her erratic heartbeat. She should stop taking advice from the older Lockser.
Juvia checked herself out in the mirror before she stepped out of the dressing room for practice. Olivia's words were pushed at the back of her mind. She needs them to stay there – at the farthest back of her mind. When she thought she was finally out in the clear, Juvia bumped into a hard, sturdy body that almost thrown her off balance. Speak of the devil. Juvia almost jumped out of her skin when she realized who it was.
"Will you stop lurking around? You're scaring people."
Gray didn't argue with her nor retorted.
That's odd.
Gray would usually say and do things that completely annoyed her, ninety-five percent of the time. The remaining five percent was Juvia thinking how those lips could do so much more. Instead, Gray just obediently trailed behind her to the practice room.
Really odd.
She noticed that change in him but not how flushed Gray became.
Saturdays used to be the days Gray get to spend in his bed. Sometimes, next to a beautiful naked woman he met the night before. Other times, just him and his thousand-thread count sheet. He always preferred the former. Today, however, was different. It was only a quarter after five and he was already dragging himself into his expensive shower, alone.
The sun was barely up and the Fiore Knight's star player was already out on the streets. All because the determined ballerina threatened to cut his thing if he did not get his act together. Juvia Lockser was a heartless dictator when it came to dancing. Now, he wasn't quite sure if he had stumbled upon good fortune or simply the opposite.
With that turn of events, he found himself driving down the school not only on weekdays but on weekends too. Not to mention that the team officially received the invitation for the intercontinental basketball games. Fiore Knights would represent the country. So, unsurprisingly, Briar, his team manager, was on his case all the time. He was all grumpy about the arrangement at first: Basketball training in the day and dance practice at night. It was like living a double life. The arrangement was taking a toll on him. He wasn't getting any younger and he wasn't Hannah Montana either.
Gray glanced at the passenger seat where he dumped his duffel earlier. The elegant invitation sat on top of it. He smiled at himself. Lately, he wasn't too tired to drive to the dance school. Lately, he was looking forward to it.
The school security guard greeted him with youthful enthusiasm. The middle-aged man was a big fan of Gray's. He told him outright the very first time they met. He even asked for an autograph.
Gray ascended the grand staircase that connected the ground floor to the second floor. As he was about to step into the practice room, Gray heard something. Hoopster was a curious cat. So, he followed the sound to where it took him. The next thing he knew, Gray found himself standing outside the women's dressing room.
This was bad.
Gray reprimanded himself. As he was about to turn around, he heard a familiar voice. He stuck around to confirm his suspicion.
"How ridiculous."
Gray's ears perked up when he heard Juvia complaining.
"See what happens when that woman say crazy things. So irresponsible."
Gray debated at first whether to leave or stay and listen. He took the door slightly open as sign and decided on the latter. What kind of woman changed in a room without locking it? He ordered himself to turn around and walk away but his feet wouldn't listen.
This was really bad.
Bunhead would seriously beat the hell out of him when she realized that he was ogling her outside the dressing room. But it was her fault, right? For leaving the door unlocked, ajar even. Of course, Juvia wouldn't take that excuse so he better leave now.
But he's feet wouldn't budge. His eyes were glued at the figure now taking her shirt off.
This was 'apocalypse' bad.
He watched as Juvia Lockser gathered her hair behind, revealing her slender and delicate neck. Her generous breasts stared him through the mirror. Gray's mouth ran dry. Under different circumstances, Gray would trace the bare skin of the woman whose back was on him. He would pull him against him and feel every inch of her body. He would shower kisses on the most delicate and sensitive parts of it too.
Gray has seen a lot of naked bodies before, exceptional ones. He even rocked their worlds. Somehow, however, he found the sight before him more appealing – revealing little skin. Showing some, the right ones, but nothing more. It was sexier.
But that didn't last long. Gray felt a little disappointed when Bunhead put on a loose shirt over her head. He jumped back when he realized Juvia was about to turn around and discover him. The peeping Hoopster hid at the side and started to panic when he heard the door creak open. There was nowhere to hide! He needed to make up a story of why he was standing outside the women's dressing room and fast. Else, he'd be nursing a giant lump on his forehead. He'd be lucky if that's all he would need to take care of.
Time was running out. Time pressure moved Gray's feet. But instead of taking him away from the dressing room, they took him inside?
This was the end for Grayden Harrison Fullbuster. The world would remember him fondly.
Gray's head throbbed when Juvia let out an ear-splitting scream.
"Will you stop lurking around? You're scaring people."
He didn't say anything. How could he? Gray quietly dallied behind her.
Was he still alive? Gray felt his body to make sure he was still there. Phew. That was close. Now, he just needed to calm himself down before Juvia noticed anything.
Gray and Juvia have been practicing for weeks now. They started each rehearsal with a stretch routine. Then, not one to waste time, Juvia quickly selected a tune on her iPod connected to the practice room's sound system. James Bay's Move Together filled the entire room. Gray could almost memorize it now; he hummed to the rhythm.
Juvia walked to the center of the room, waiting for her partner. She swayed her head to get into the rhythm.
"Ready?" Juvia asked.
"Born ready."
Juvia chuckled at Hoopster's usual overconfidence. He's finally back on being the annoying, self-centered airhead she knew.
Gray walked toward his partner and placed himself behind her. (It was hard for him.) The image of Juvia changing in the dressing room earlier was etched in his mind. It was stirring some feeling inside him again: the need to touch, to feel, to move his lips all over. He needed to stop it before he thought or done something inappropriate. So, he stared at a distance, trying to resist the temptation. It proved hard to do so since Gray was standing so close behind her that he could feel her warmth all over him.
His resolve was fading quickly because Juvia smelt really, really nice. Strawberries and champagne.
Gray Fullbuster, Fiore Knight's Team Captain and basketball superstar, even with his vigorous training as a professional athlete, struggled to catch his breath. He had amazing cardio routine but dancing sure wasn't a walk in the park. Who would have thought dancing in tutus could be that competitive.
Weeks of practice somehow had improved the routine. But the unsatisfied impression on Juvia's face said it needed more. Gray should really up his game. He gave himself an internal PEP talk; one he gave himself before the final quarter of a big game. With sharp breath, he rose from the floor to get into position. Juvia, however, had something different in mind.
Juvia offered her partner a warm towel and a bottle of water. She balanced a cordless phone and a directory on her other hand.
"I'm getting take-out. Do you want anything? Pizza, Chinese, or…" She trailed off. Juvia just thought of something.
"Or what?"
"Well, there's this nice Italian place near here."
Juvia made sure she sounded as casual as possible. Of course, she had to. It was the big-head she was talking to, after all. Weird ideas ran in his brains all day.
"Are you asking me on a date?"
"I'm not." Juvia quickly denied.
See? Weird ideas.
Juvia turned about. She wanted to avoid the moron staring at her with a playful smile and a meaningful look.
"It's just… it's some sort of thank you. It's a Saturday and you didn't have to do this but you're here. So, don't get any wrong idea."
He didn't believe her or at least his mischievous grin said he didn't. It was getting on her nerves.
"Are we gonna order or what?" She made sure the irritation was obvious.
"I like that Italian place idea. Is it okay if we look like this?"
The both of them were on their practice clothes. It would look inappropriate if they went out wearing jogging pants and shirt. But the place Juvia was talking about was family-owned and that's what she loved about it. It had a personal touch and homey feel.
"Yeah. It's nothing fancy so we'll be okay."
Gray offered his car but Juvia rather walked. She told him it's not that far so walking shouldn't be a problem.
Gray lived at the opposite side of the town – the upper, high class part. He was practically a stranger to the place so he let Bunhead lead the way. He put on the usual celebrity go-to disguise: bull-cap and sunglasses. He noticed, beneath the brim of his black bull-cap, that the buildings they passed by looked identical with each other in that block. Except for the establishment at the corner with the 'Fratelli's sign mounted on top of the entrance. Gray followed after Juvia when she turned the corner and entered the Italian-themed restaurant.
The place was rather small and crowded. The walls were made of faded gray and brown bricks, giving an old-world feel. Paintings and pictures of different sizes and different art styles hanged on the wall. Gray recognized some of the people on the photos; athletes, celebrities, and other public personalities. The common thing, he noticed, that these people shared was that they were all Italian.
The four-sitter tables were arranged so close to each other that one could hear what the people from the neighboring tables were talking about. The only thing that separated the kitchen from the dining area was a floor-to-ceiling wine rack. Gray took a mental note to check those wines later.
It seemed like Juvia wasn't only familiar with the place; it looked like she knew it in and out. She maneuvered the crowded area like a pro and led him to the two-person table near the kitchen.
"Here's okay, right?" She confirmed.
Gray realized that the table was discreetly obscured by a tall indoor plant. If Juvia didn't lead him there, Gray would never notice that there was a table in that area. He chose the chair which faced away from the public. As much as he loved attention, experience told him his fans could get a little out of hand. Plus, he wanted to enjoy lunch with Bunhead, alone.
"Since, I guess, you're kinda famous."
Juvia has a way of downplaying his enormous celebrity status; which rubbed Gray the wrong way. He wasn't sure if he should be happy about it, since she was aware that Gray was somewhat a celebrity, or feel insulted for dimming his star status with the word 'kinda'.
"I'm not just kinda famous, you know." He corrected as he took his glasses and bull-cap off. "I absolutely am." Gray waved the black Rayban Wayfarer before he set them on the table. He fixed his hair too, messed-up by the bull-cap before he sat.
"One time, when I was descending our company plane, a really hot flight attendant grabbed my ass."
Gray enjoyed reminiscing those times. He really got into a good mood retelling his 'I'm famous' stories.
"She said she was a fan. (Because who wouldn't be?) And then the whole time she– and it's not important."
But he decided not to continue since Juvia was already scowling at him.
It wasn't too long when a buffed man in a white chef uniform approached them. Gray has been in a lot of restaurants, even fancy ones, not to distinguish the uniform. He also recognized him from the photos on the wall.
"Finally found a boyfriend?"
Before the man could continue on his greeting, Gray saw the surprise on his face. It probably dawned on him who Juvia was seated opposite to.
"You're Gray Fullbu…" The Chef stopped himself mid-name. As soon as he realized that a celebrity walked into the restaurant and his loud mouth might attract some fans, he lowered his voice as he continued.
"You're Gray Fullbuster." The excitement was still there.
Gray nodded in response, admitting to the fact.
With his mouth still open in surprise, the Chef looked at Juvia.
"Can't believe you're dating Fiore Knight's Captain!"
It sounded weird as he tried to lower his voice while he suppressed his excitement.
"A ballerina and an athlete? Wow. Adult life's cheerleader and football captain. It's like High School all over again."
"We're not dating." She blankly denied. "We're having the usual."
Not only was she really hungry but Juvia also wanted to dismiss her nosy and assuming friend before he embarrassed her in front of Hoopster. Bunhead wasn't only a regular customer but also a close friend of the Chef/Owner – Bickslow.
"Finally, huh?" Gray began interrogating.
"What?"
"Well, the word 'finally' implies that it's been a while."
"It's none of your business." Juvia, understanding what the Hoopster was getting at and not wanting to engage with him, flatly told him off.
She deliberately avoided his gaze and started to regret inviting him over for lunch. Olivia's words haunted her, however. Like a plague that you just couldn't shake off. Albeit irritating, her mother was right. She could at least open up a little bit to him.
"Yes, it has been." She said in a voice which wanted to tell him and not wanting to tell him.
"I'm sorry?"
"I said yes it's been a while." Her cheeks were burning. "Anyways…"
She tried to change the subject but Gray cut in.
"You guys dated?"
"What?"
Juvia didn't understand to whom he was referring to. Dated who? When she finally put two in two together, she laughed at the idea.
"Bickslow and I go way back. We're just friends."
"If you say so." Gray didn't add anything nor did he tease. But something was telling Juvia he did not believe her one-hundred percent. She didn't want to admit but it sounded like there was a little bit of bitterness in his voice. Couldn't a man and woman be just friends? And most importantly, was he jealous?
"So I've been researching you–"
"–You mean stalking?"
Gray loved to tease.
"Researching." She insisted. "And I found this interview in a magazine."
"The sexy kind of magazine?"
Gray's thick eyebrows danced playfully.
"Will you stop interrupting?"
"Fine." Gray took a sip of the red wine from his glass; compliments by the Chef. "Go on." Sounding like a detective listening to a prospective client.
"I read that you've been playing basketball since High School."
"Yeah. My dad trained me."
Juvia felt the change in the atmosphere and the change in Gray's midnight eyes.
"I see."
Juvia took a sip out of her own glass, avoiding staring at Gray. He became really quiet and a bit detached. It felt like a wall suddenly isolated him. The man now sitting opposite Juvia was different from the usual, overfriendly Gray. She knew why. It wasn't a secret.
When Gray was sixteen he was being groomed to be the next Michael Jordan. His dad, Silver Fullbuster, was hands on in training him. They trained day and night. Gray would always say in his interviews that even if it was exhausting at times; he always enjoyed training with his dad. Gray loved and adored his father so much.
"How about you? How long have you been dancing?"
Juvia looked up from her glass of wine. She peeked at his midnight eyes. She felt guilty. Although he had a smile on, Gray's playful eyes lost their previous glint.
"Probably since I was four." She laughed nervously. "Dancing is actually all I know." It surprised even Juvia to realize that dancing was all she knew.
"I don't believe that."
Juvia wasn't sure but it seemed like a glimpse of that annoying, mischievous Hoopster was peeking back at the surface. To be honest, she was quite relieved. She wanted to know more about him but she wasn't sure if she was ready for it. She wasn't sure if she was ready to know the real Gray.
Gray leaned closer; which took Juvia by surprise.
"I bet you are good at a lot of things, too."
Juvia didn't know what came over her. Next thing she knew, she was a breath away from Gray. Mirroring Gray's meaningful smirk, she said something in a low, teasing voice.
"You have no idea."
It was probably the wine.
Juvia couldn't thank Bickslow enough for his perfect timing. He brought the order personally, which he only did for special customers, balancing the plates in both hands. He expertly placed each plate in front of the guests, the smell of the spaghetti bolognese tickling their nostrils.
(Note: I would like to thank ffnet user: Martygruvialover for pointing out that Chicken Cajun is not an Italian food. I sincerely apologize to anyone who got offended by this mistake.)
Juvia savored the delicious smell of the Italian dish. It reminded her of the many lunches she shared with her parents. This was their favorite place.
"She does that all the time."
Bickslow's comment forced her eyes open. She gave him a face that said 'you're still here?' He probably knew Juvia too well to get the message. Bickslow raised his hands in surrender, wished his guests a lovely meal and returned to the kitchen. He mouthed the words 'good job' with a matching two thumbs up before he disappeared behind the wine rack. The ever supportive Bickslow. Juvia rolled her eyes.
Juvia's gaze landed on Hoopster. He had this amused look on his face she has seen for the first time. She couldn't help but feel self-conscious with the look he was giving her.
"What?"
"Nothing."
It didn't look 'nothing' because Gray couldn't stop smiling. Juvia knew better not to dwell on it, though. Besides, it would just make her more self-conscious than she already was.
"This is Bickslow's specialty."
Juvia forked a few strands of pasta and twirled it so it wrapped around the teeth of the fork. She looked really excited as she did. It really was an amusing scene to look at. Then, she stared at Gray, waiting expectantly for him to have a taste. Gray obliged.
She was right. The pasta did taste really delicious. He took another forkful. Which painted a big and proud smile on Juvia. She watched Gray lick his lips clean from time to time. A fuzzy feeling was brewing in her stomach. His inviting lips were so tempting that Juvia almost obliged.
"How did you know about this place?" He asked after he wiped his mouth with a napkin.
Juvia was taken aback. It wasn't because the question surprised her but because she was suddenly pulled out of thinking about Gray's lips. It took her a second to recover before she replied.
"My dad always brings me here."
Gray suddenly realized he had never seen Juvia's father.
"Your dad? I haven't met him nor seen him in the studio."
"Oh, that's because he's always out of the country."
Juvia's father was an Ambassador. He travels abroad most of the time and was only in the country for a week or two every month. She explained how her mom goes overseas just to meet him. She wanted to come too but she couldn't leave the studio.
Gray continued asking Juvia things about herself. He answered a few of her questions, too. In the middle of lunch they found themselves talking just about anything: from the basic slam-book questions to funny stories about Gray's teammates. Juvia never laughed that much in ages! She couldn't wait to meet the members of Fiore Knights; sounded like a fun bunch.
They talked about a few guilty pleasures; like her embarrassing taste in rap music, his obsession with Queen Beyonce, and his love for Mariah Carey's music. Gray even sampled her with a small part of MC's Obsessed, singing in falsetto.
"God, that's high." He complained after he almost choked on the high note.
Juvia laughed her heart out.
The constant teasing was still there, too. Even if Juvia still reacted irritably, if she had to admit it to herself, Gray wasn't as irritating as before.
The two managed to come back to the studio without Gray attracting any attention. The lunch went well. Except that time they debated who should pay the bill. Juvia was quick at swatting Gray's hands when he reached for it. She insisted it was her treat. Hoopster respected that. With his ego the size of the universe, Juvia was surprised he let her pay. She appreciated it.
Juvia had to admit: somehow, her mother was right. She felt more comfortable around Hoopster. In the afternoon dance practice, they were more in sync; less dropping, less stepping on her toes. She was also growing out of her self-consciousness. Juvia felt less icky when he touched her. They were able to execute the more touchy choreography better than before.
The afternoon practice wrapped better than the previous ones. The routine needed more polishing but there was evidently significant improvement. That thing that she thought was missing was already there – chemistry.
After the practice, Gray took a quick shower; like he always did. He went back to the practice room with only his pants on. Juvia was used to that picture; just his denim jeans on and his six packs in full display. It wasn't her first time seeing those packs in person. She has seen them in some billboards scattered around the city. She dreamt about touching them once. Maybe even twice. She wasn't sure. Probably more times than she wanted to admit. So, she acted like she was all cool about it. But deep inside, her twenty-five year old hormones were raging.
Gray used a clean towel to dry his hair. He dropped the damp towel inside his duffle and picked out a clean shirt from in it. He was a perceptive person and was well-aware of the assets he carried. He caught Bunhead staring at his packs on more than one occasion. So he puts on a show when he got dressed; deliberately facing her way and showing his hard and glorious six packs when they flexed. He was sure Juvia swallowed hard when he did.
"You know, if you really want to watch me undress, all you have to do is ask." He goaded.
"As if."
And Juvia would avoid his gaze.
Something dropped when he pulled his clean shirt out of the duffle. He picked it up and handed it to Bunhead; who had a quizzical look on her face when she received it. Before she could ask, Gray was already headed towards the door; his bulky Nike duffle slung over one shoulder. He announced that he was going to pick her up at seven.
"It's a date." He declared with his famous knee-weakening wink.
Juvia finally understood why Gray's fans faint at the sight of that wink. She almost did.
Writer's Corner: As suggested by a reader, juviaesthetic, I have decided to revise this chapter too. Thank you very much for following this fic and for caring for it! Not much changes though. I just wanted to reflect here the change in the storyline. Like I said, previously this fiction was suppose to follow "The Game Plan". Years later, I have decided to drop the idea and changed it into what it is today. In the original fic, Gray had a sister who joined Juvia's ballet class. So, that's all it. You are finally caught up with everything.
Stay tuned, next chapter is Juvia and Gray's Not-A-Date.