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 6: It's Definitely a Date

And the night is gonna be just fine
Gotta fly, gotta see, got to be
I can't take it
So, baby, yes, love never felt so good

– Love Never Felt So Good, Michael Jackson

…

"It's not a date."

Juvia fixed her hair, pulling her blue locks away from her face and into a tight bun – a force of habit. Yet, the style showed off her slender neck – one of her many assets. And Juvia Lockser was well aware of her asset inventory and put them on display once in a while.

Mrs. Lockser stood and leaned against the door frame; watched her daughter put on her own make-up. She had one brow raised; not buying her daughter's words.

The ringing of the door bell peeled her off from the door frame. It was Mary – Juvia's part-time assistant. Her voice traveled to Juvia's room, announcing that she brought the financial reports from the family's accountant. Mrs. Lockser reappeared and returned to her original position.

Juvia was now putting on final touches to her evening make-up; not too much, not too little. She stood from her dresser and checked her look for tonight at the full body mirror. She was more than satisfied.

Juvia wore a bluish-silver sequined long gown with a V-plunge neckline that was low enough to show some decent skin. The twin spaghetti straps were thin but strong enough to hold the gown on her body at the shoulders. She looked elegant but still sexy.

"You're saying that but that is definitely a date dress." Olivia teased.

"I-it's not. I wear this all the time."

The surprise of the gown, however, came when Juvia turned around to reveal an open back from the shoulders to reaching nearly the buttocks.

Mary poked her head out of the door frame and agreed.

"No, Ms. Juvia. That is definitely a date dress."

"It-it-it's not a date!"

The Magnolia Great Hall. To hold an event in the Magnolia Great Hall was making a statement.

Mrs. Lockser drove her daughter to the Magnolia Great Hall. The latter refused Gray's offer of picking her up and going to the Fiore Knights annual gala party together. Juvia avoided anything that would resemble her attendance to the event as a date.

"Enjoy your date, honey–"

"–It's not a date, Mother."

Juvia narrowed her eyes at the older Lockser which earned an earnest giggle from the driver. She was growing tired of reminding everyone (mostly, her mother) that this wasn't a date.

"Anyway, just don't catch a cold. Alright?"

Then, Olivia drove away, leaving Juvia confused whether the reminder was a motherly gesture or the older Lockser was taking a swing at her. She was, after all, wearing a backless mermaid gown in a cold September night. Juvia was now having regrets as the harsh cold slapped her exposed skin. It wasn't like she came to impress Hoopster. So why did she have to wear this gown again?

"You clean up pretty well, Ms. Lockser."

Juvia raised her gaze at the man rushing down the steps of the Magnolia Great Hall. His sleek black hair was slicked back; the ends brushed the collar of his crisp dark suit. If she was being honest, Gray Fullbuster looked professional, sexy and dangerous. Not necessarily in that order.

"So do you, Fullbuster."

Acting like a real gentleman, Gray offered his hand to Juvia and escorted the lady up the low steps. Experience told Gray that on parties like this one, women tend to wear really tall heels, like there was some kind of saying that the taller the heels the better. He didn't understand women's need to be off the ground but Gray learned, and he learned the hard way, never to ask a woman about it. He had no complaints when they wore the heels and the heels alone.

Gray led Juvia up the stairs and was taken-aback when he realized that Juvia's upper and middle back were uncovered. It was almost sinful to look at. Especially, when Gray's dark, curious eyes kept drifting down somewhere they shouldn't.

When Juvia noticed that Gray fell behind and stopped moving, she quickly turned back to find him appreciating the great view she put on for tonight. Hoopster was totally mesmerized. Now, she was not regretting wearing the dress.

"Is there something wrong, Fullbuster?" Juvia asked. A smile of triumphant played about her lips.

The question pulled Gray back to reality. He shook whatever thoughts he was having and turned to Juvia like he wasn't gawking at the woman.

"Ah, nothing." Gray stepped ahead and took the lead.

The steps were polished to perfection and Juvia felt that they were a little slippery. She was used to wearing high heels but she felt a little wobbly. Her escort was all attentive to her and walked in her pace. The length of her gown wasn't helping.

As her luck would have it, Juvia missed a step and was about to fall to her great embarrassment. She shut her eyes closed and yelped when she felt gravity pulling her down. Good thing her escort was a professional athlete. His free hand quickly grabbed the lady by the waist and crashed her body against his. At the same time, acting on survival instinct, Juvia threw her arms and wrapped them around Gray for stability.

When she opened her eyes, Gray's dark ones filled Juvia's vision. They were pulling her in, drowning her in their endlessness. Then Juvia realized that Gray was close. So close that their foreheads were almost touching. So close that she was almost sure Gray would feel her heart hammering against her chest.

"You know for a dancer, you really are clumsy."

And she realized too, that she was clinging to Gray like her life depended on him. And suddenly she felt him everywhere all at once.

"Oh!"

Juvia pushed him away, cautiously as not to throw herself off balance.

"Well, the people maintaining this place did a really good job polishing the steps." She reasoned, masking her embarrassment and fluster with her usual witticism.

"I guess that's why this place is really expensive." Returned Gray. "C'mon. Let's see if the inside is as slippery as the outside."

Because for sure Gray didn't mind Juvia clinging to him all night.

The inside of the Magnolia Great Hall glowed in muted gold. Impressive chandeliers hanged from the ceiling, round tables dressed in gold tablecloth spread across. Well-dressed men and women scattered around the room. It felt like Juvia was walking into the Oscar's or Emmy's Awarding Ceremony. It wouldn't surprise the ballerina if she ran into two or more celebrities. The glitz of it all would easily intimidate a regular person. But not Juvia Lockser. Despite being a stranger, she easily belonged to this world.

"Hey, Captain!"

Juvia immediately recognized the first person who approached and welcomed them. It was Fiore Knights' Vice Captain and Point Guard, Natsu Dragneel, in a dashing suit and a loose and spiky pink hair.

Gray grabbed the hand Natsu offered and pulled him in a decorous chest-bump.

"And is this the famous Juvia Lockser?"

Juvia's heart throbbed. Her silly little crush on the Point Guard made it hard to control the beating. So, she had to contain herself when the Vice Captain extended his arm for a handshake.

"I can hardly call myself famous, Mr. Dragneel." She managed to say as she took his hand in hers for courtesy.

Natsu surprised her when the Vice Captain flipped Juvia's hand and placed a light kiss at the back of her palm.

"Okay, I think that's enough."

Gray pulled Juvia's slender hand away from his Vice Captain, throwing the latter a stink-eye. Natsu was holding the Captain's date too long for his liking. It was making him feel an irrational urge to kick his Vice Captain. Gray placed his hand at the small of her back, nudged the innocent woman forward and ushered his date towards their table.

"I was just pulling your leg, Captain."

Juvia did not see it nor did she mind what Natsu said after them. She had no idea what he was talking about; and laughing about for that matter. His boyish guffaw echoed throughout the great hall. As Juvia had her back on the Vice Captain, she could only imagine him holding his stomach as he laughed his heart out.

Gray was obviously aware of it though with the way he turned around and threw a finger at the guy. Juvia never understood this type of love among men.

As the 'not-dating' couple walked towards an occupied round table, with the warmth of Gray's palm burning her exposed skin, Juvia quickly recognized the faces seated around it – the Fiore Knights. Her heart skipped a beat and it had nothing to do with Gray's palm sliding down a dangerous path. Okay, maybe a little to do with it but not entirely. Juvia scolded herself to maintain her composure. But as soon as she and Gray reached the table, the men around it stood to acknowledge their Captain and his 'not-date'. Juvia's fan-girl heart somersaulted.

The men exchanged pleasantries the way Gray greeted his Vice Captain earlier. The curious men gathered around the Captain and his date before the former had the chance to introduce Juvia. They were all nice towards her, looking all sharp and formal. The Fiore Knights' Small Forward, Loke Regalus, almost grabbed Juvia's hand if Gray had not acted quickly and shook the poor guy's hand instead.

"Sorry, Captain, but your seat is over there at the Owner's Table."

It was Natsu who informed Gray, placing a hand over the Captain's shoulder which made Gray lean on the side a little.

"Aw men. And the boys were looking forward for this meeting with Ms. Lockser."

Loke looked serious and offended but the glint in his eyes piqued Juvia's interest.

"Shut up."

The voice came from Gray who looked like he was holding back. At the same time, he looked relieved about something.

"C'mon, I'm going to introduce you to my mother."

Juvia froze. She almost dropped her purse. Introduce her? To his mother? The world started spinning.

"Hey, are you alright?"

Juvia felt weight on her shoulders. She managed to return to Earth and look up to Gray's gorgeous face pulled in a worried expression. He still looked heavenly.

"Gray?"

But the voice did not come from Juvia. It came from a stranger's who emerged from behind Gray.

The stranger was a woman who walked with grace and sophistication. There was a certain air about her that reminded Juvia of her own mother. But the older woman's face was stern and she looked like the rich, terrifying women Juvia and her mother watched in dramas at night; a powerful mother who would do anything to keep his son away from the woman who she felt unworthy of him.

So why...

"Oh my gosh, it is you!"

Why was this intimidating woman suddenly embracing Juvia?

"I'm such a big fan of the show." The woman said, not breaking the contact.

Juvia hesitantly returned the woman's embrace out of courtesy. She looked over the older woman's shoulder and watched Gray's lips formed the words: she's a hugger.

"Mother, you can let her go now."

Gray did not look like he was annoyed, although he tried to sound it. Instead, he looked even pleased at the sight.

The woman heeded Gray's words and withdrew her arms around Juvia. She instead placed her hands on Juvia's arms and studied her like she couldn't believe Juvia was standing before her, in the flesh.

"You look more beautiful in person."

"Thank you." Juvia said, sheepishly tucking her hair behind her ear. Inwardly, she was quite happy with the compliment. Who wouldn't be when the mother of your… dance partner said you were beautiful?

"There they are!"

Another stranger's voice, now coming from a man, came from behind Juvia. She spun around to see an older man, around his 40s, smoking a cigarette.

"There's my beautiful family."

The man donning a flamboyant fur coat bit the cigarette between his teeth then walked over towards the trio with open arms.

Juvia bowed his head to show the man respect. Also, because she wanted to hide the red spread over her cheeks when the man called them his 'beautiful family'. She probably wasn't included in the phrase but she couldn't help but get flustered.

Mrs. Mine met her pompous husband halfway and kissed him on the cheeks. Then she moved and stood beside her husband as they awaited Gray to make his greetings.

"How about my good 'ol son?"

Gray did not leave Juvia's side. Instead, in a formal and distant voice he greeted the man with a simple word.

"President."

"Huh? Not gonna give your old man a hug after all that ruckus you caused? C'mon, appease this old man."

Mr. Mine spread his arms in an inviting embrace to which Gray never responded.

"Oh, I get it. A little shy with your female companion around to watch?" President Mine turned to Juvia as he spoke, "This family is a hugger." Then, he walked over to where Gray was and pulled the poor guy for a hug.

Juvia was not sure if she should pity Gray who was stiff as a stick as President Mine wrapped him in a tight but unwelcomed embrace. She held the laughter that was about to erupt when she saw Gray's annoyed expression.

"You can let go of me now, President."

President Mine then let out a hearty laugh.

"And who is this beautiful lady?"

Wakaba Mine blew a smoke away from their circle before addressing the beautiful woman standing beside his own beautiful woman.

"My name is Juvia Lockser, Mr. President."

"Please call me Wakaba. Don't follow in this guy's poor manners."

Before President Mine was able to reach out a hand to Juvia, a man in a black suit approached and whispered something to him. Juvia noticed the small lapel attached to the young man's coat. He must be part of the security detail, Juvia thought.

"Guess it's time to get this party started."

The owner of Fiore Knights nodded and excused himself. The man in the black suit then led him up the stage and behind a decorated podium. Wakaba Mine commanded with his round voice as he welcomed his guests.

"Let's take our seats, Juvia. It will take some time before that old man get his message across. Ouch!"

"Don't talk about your father like that."

Mrs. Mine slapped her son's back before inviting Juvia to sit next to her at the Owner's Table. The ballerina could only offer poor Gray a comforting smile.

Gray took the seat next to Juvia whilst sputtering words under his breath. He was right. President Mine took more time than required to finish his speech. The old man loved the attention, making jokes here and there, sometimes at Gray's expense. Gray was a good sport and laughed along with the audience.

Good thing the waiters started to serve the appetizers. Juvia was already starving. As they reached the main course, Juvia began to wonder if the President was not hungry. As if sensing her thoughts, Gray leaned in, his lips brushing against Juvia's ear when he informed her that President Mine had the tendency to forget about food when he was holding a microphone.

"It's his favorite past time aside from making fun of me."

Juvia did not catch the last thing Gray said. She was busy calming her heart and hormones.

A thundering applause broke out and drew Juvia's attention back to the podium. A rustle at the side drew her attention to Gray who was now leaving his seat and making his way to the stage.

"Good evening." His voice was deep, cool and confident. "I would like to thank everyone for the support they have given the team for the past few years. From back when we were starting and no one believed in us. The road wasn't easy. We had to practice every day, day and night in the last six years in order to be where we are today. But we won't stop here."

A hot swell spread in Juvia's chest. There was something about how Gray carried himself on the stage that made Juvia look at the man in another light. Gray was proud, confident and genuinely grateful. His pride was coming out of years of hard work, of highs and lows, of blood and sweat. His skill and talent were not served to him in a silver platter. Gray earned it.

"You were the first people who believed in us. So we offer this future wins to all of you." Gray turned to the Owners' Table. "Mother, President. Thank you for believing in us first before the world ever believed in Fiore Knights. From this day onwards, we promise to work even harder than we ever did in order to bring pride to the name we all worked hard for."

Gray stepped back from the podium and walked at the center of the stage. As if on cue, the men around the Fiore Knights' table stood proud, faced the Owners Table and shouted in unison, "Thank you for your support." Along with their Captain on stage, the members of the Fiore Knights basketball team bowed in gratitude.

The scene was so touching that a tear almost escaped Juvia's eyes. She couldn't explain the feeling. Tonight she saw another side of the annoying Hoopster who walked into her studio like he owned it; the Hoopster who annoyed the hell out of her every chance he got. She liked this side of him. Too much for her own liking.

After a few more speeches were given, President Mine returned to the stage to invite everyone to the dance floor.

"I know we're kind of 'danced out'. What with all our practicing and everything. But this song is really fun to dance to." Gray extended his hand, saying his invitation over the music. "Care for a dance, Ms. Lockser?"

"One is never 'danced out', Mr. Fullbuster." Juvia placed her hand in Gray's. "Especially, not this ballerina."

The two stood and walked away from their table; spun and danced their way to the dance floor, even sang along with The Groovefellas band, enjoying a lively version of 'Love Never Felt So Good'.

Even all the way to the car and through the whole ride to her house, Juvia never had that much fun until Gray. Juvia had two to three glasses of wine. She wasn't drunk or anything but everything seemed exciting.

Gray walked Juvia to her door, recounting all the fun things that transpired during the party. Such as when Gajeel Redfox, Fiore Knights Center, grabbed the microphone and started to rap. Also, when Natsu asked to dance with Juvia but had to dance with Laxus Makarov instead. It was Gray's doing. Before the night ended though, Natsu was able to dance with the Earthland Sports reporter, Lucy. Also Gray's doing. There was also a time when an older woman hurt her back dancing with Loke. It was so much fun watching Fiore Knights making fools of themselves. But the high of the night was watching the big men of Fiore Knights singing 'Dancing Queen' on stage, in falsetto.

"I really had fun, Gray."

Gray guided the wobbly Juvia through the path-walk of her own home to the patio.

"I'm glad you did. Let's do that again sometimes."

"I'd love that."

The Lockser House seemed silent and asleep. The lights were off which worried Gray.

"Should we call someone?"

"It's okay. I have my keys."

Juvia scrambled for her keys inside her purse. It was dark and she couldn't find the small thing inside her small bag.

"Here, let me help you."

Gray turned on the light on his phone, leaned over to see inside the purse.

"Found it!" Juvia was happy to announce.

She looked up from her purse and came face to face with Gray. Her heart thumped wildly. Gray was a breath away. She inhaled his scent – ocean, summer and sexiness. She wasn't drunk but the scent was intoxicating.

"Well, good night, Ms. Lockser."

Her gaze fell on his lips, red and swollen and very tempting.

"Good night, Mr. Fullbuster."

Juvia's gaze never left Gray's enticing lips and he never moved away from their position. Instead, Gray took another step towards her, bridging the mere distance between their faces.

"I'd really like to kiss you right now, Ms. Lockser."

His voice was low, hoarse and a little too sexy. For a moment Juvia thought she forgot to breathe. When she remembered that she did know how to breathe, Juvia managed to voice her consent.

"Okay."

Gray did not rush into it. He took his time, savoring every moment. Heat met heat when je placed his arm at the small of Juvia's exposed back and pulled her gently against him. The places he touched burned and Juvia wasn't sure anymore if the heat was coming from her or Gray. She didn't care. All she could think about was how much she wanted his kiss.

Gray's other arm cupped her flushed cheek and before the anticipation of the kiss killed her, Gray pressed his mouth against Juvia's.

The kiss started innocent like those written or depicted in children's books. Just a mere light touch of the lips. But Gray wanted more. He asked for more. He traced Juvia's lips with his wet tongue, begging them to part. Juvia was more than happy to indulge him. She wrapped her hands around his neck and followed Gray's lead. The heat from the searing kiss traveled down her spine to her fingertips. He withdrew his hand from her face and started to explore her exposed back. Juvia's knees buckled when she felt Gray's warm and wet tongue tasting hers. The kiss consumed Juvia and if Gray wasn't holding her, she might have fallen to the ground.

It took all of Juvia's willpower to pull away from the kiss. But she needed air, both of them.

"A good night is an understatement." Gray said, resting his forehead against hers. "This is one hell of a night."

Juvia could not agree more.

Writer's Corner: Phew. That party gave Juvia's heart some exercise. Here you go guys. I hope everyone is caught up with the changes in the story. Please read Revised Chapters 1-5 if you're not updated. Kind of changed the entire premise. Oh man, writing that scene at the end? How did I manage to pull it through? Thoughts? And who doesn't like possessive Gray? And a little Navia in there? Hehe. I love me some Navia moments. And do you guys think I'm drifting away from the premise? Not so much "My Star Can Dance" happening here, isn't there?

Don't break my heart and leave reviews!

HEY, please do drop by me profile and read my latest Gruvia story, The Vampire Tales Book I, it's supposed to be the first book in my The Vampire Tales story and the first TVT is like the prequel. Please come by and visit! It's #VampireGruvia.

Also, also... I really wanted to see spin-offs for this fic. Like how Lucy's a reporter and Natsu is also from Fiore Knights? There's also the fact that Levy is in this story as Juvia's friend. If anyone wants to write the spin-off, feel free to contact me. Hihi. I'm not a very good Nalu and Gajevy writer.

OH! and Happy New Year my lovely Gruvia family! :*