Authors Note
Welcome to one of my first stories ever! Please keep in mind that english is not my native language. So I would like to apologize for any grammar or spelling mistakes :(
I just love Gruvia so much! I have to do something or I'll explode! xD
Exception
It was irritating. She was irritating.
The ice mage sat at bar, observing the blue-haired Water Mage next to him who chatted happily away with their blonde celestial friend. Her body turned away from him, as she occasionally glanced back to check on him. Gray took a big sip from his beverage. Feeling the alcohol slipping down his throat. It was ice cold, just the way he likes it.
It had been 8 days. 8 days!
The Water Mage haven't touch him in 8 days and to his surprise, she haven't explode yet. On the contrary, she seems content with her life. Happily talking and discussing with Lucy about nail polish. Fucking nail polish. Something absolutely irrelevant in Gray's eyes. Why do women even bother with this stuff anyways? More importantly, why is nail polish more interesting than him? Usually she would be all over him, but not today or in fact in the past 8 days. When did she became close with Lucy anyways? Ever since the blonde sat down, Juvia ignored him completely.
Well, to be fair she wasn't completely ignoring him, that was not the case. She would still greet him with a brilliant smile every morning. She would still sit next to him, most of the time. They still spend a lot of time together in the guild and he was still walking her home everyday. It's just…she hasn't initiate any physical contact. Not even a handshake.
In the beginning, Gray didn't bother. Heck, he didn't even notice that something was off. It was around the third day when Gray started to notice her new strange behaviour. Since then, Gray started to observe his blunette guild mate and every interaction they had. Only then he noticed that Juvia was avoiding physical contact. Physical contact with him. Now that was peculiar. Peculiar and absolutely irritating.
The Ice Mage was unsure, what triggered this charade. Thing were good between them, great even. He kept his promise to work on their relationship after his return from the 100-years-quest. As far Gray can remember, he didn't really say or do anything particularly mean to her. Also, Juvia didn't seem to be mad either. She was still smiling and skipping happily. He was convinced, it was something Juvia must have made up in her fantasy world to get his attention. She is playing mind games with him. Yes, that has to be it! She is probably testing him or something. She was waiting for him to approach her first.
Very well, she wants him to play that little game of hers? She'll get it. He won't touch her either. That's right, because he doesn't care. Not at all. Yep.
So here they were, Gray still nibbling his beer, feeling annoyed for apparently no reason. His index finger tapping repeatedly on the table top, eyes shifting around, unsure what to do next since Juvia was still occupied. His eyes scanned the room lazily. Cana was lounging by herself, not that she seems to mind it but Gray decided to pay her a visit nonetheless.
"Look who's here. What's up, Gray!" the brunette greeted him as she chucked her beer. Gray waved at his friend and sat at the opposite side of the table.
"What bring ya here, Gray? You just want my booze, don't ya?" Cana grinned cockily.
"I have my own." The Ice Mage gestured at his beer mug. His eyes shifted back to the bar. Juvia didn't even notice his absence? What the heck, was he not even worth a look? No, he can't possibly get jealous at Lucy or nail polish now can he. That would be ridiculous.
"So what's wrong? You look pissed" the Card Mage asked casually, putting one foot on the bench.
"What you mean?" the Ice Mage took sip from his beer again, trying to put on his best poker face. Cana raised an eyebrow before putting one arm on the table, leaning closer to her friend.
"You can't fool me, Gray. I can see right through ya! Now tell nee-chan what's wrong" the brunette poked with a smug face . Gray sighed in annoyance. He came to her to get his mind away from Juvia, not to talk about her. Well, on the other side maybe it wouldn't hurt to talk about it with someone. Cana wouldn't have been his first choice but his options were limited anyways.
"Somethin' is weird about Juvia" he whispered audibly enough for the Card Mage to hear, gesturing at the blunette sitting at the bar. "She's avoindin' me"
"She's what?" Cana asked him with a confused expression of her face. Gray frowned as he struggled to find the right words. It was already afternoon so it's safe to assume that Cana is already drunk.
"Well, she is acting weird, y'know?"
The Card Mage glanced to the bar "Looks normal to me" she shrugged.
"Yes- I mean no! It's not about that! " he ran his hand through his bangs. Cana chuckled, enjoying the sight of her clearly frustrated childhood friend.
"She wouldn't...like get close to me"
"What the heck you mean? You sat right next to her a minute ago."
"Goddammit, she haven't touch me in days, alright?!" the Ice Mage blurt out in frustration. Canna suddenly laughed out shamelessly loud, attracting the attention of their surrounding guild mates.
"Wha- Keep ya voice down, will ya?" Gray looked around panicky. Hoping the others would return their attention to their own businesses soon. He hated nosy people. His companion took a sip from her barrel. Her empty mug carelessly tossed away. Reluctantly, Gray did the same.
"Lil' Gray is pouting because Juvia won't touch him?" Cana mocked him, making the Ice Mage blush furiously. Maybe it wasn't a good idea after all.
"That's not what I meant!"
"Sure sounds like it"
"It's not!"
"So why are you sulking then?"
"I'm not! Juvia is playing her little game and I don't care!"
"Looks like you do"
"Hell no!"
Cana rolled her eyes, smirking at his flushed face. Gray chucked the rest of his beer in one go, he really needed some alcohol in his system right now. Otherwise he won't be able to deal with Cana at all.
"Why are you guys screaming?" a curious blonde approaching their table, behind her was Juvia who seemed as curious about the situation. Gray exchanged looks with Cana, who had the most diabolic grin on her face. He panicked internally, his eyes begging Cana to shut up.
"Oh, you know...we are talking about stuff Gray would like to do". Juvia sat beside her brown-haired friend, looking quite discombobulated at the statement. Gray looked at Cana with a murderous gaze, shaking his head frantically.
"No! We were not!" he denied quickly. Glaring daggers at his drunk friend.
"Oh, really Gray? You just told me that you were sulking that Juvia hasn't touch you in days!" the Card Mage purred, looking at her blue-haired friend with a wicked glint in her eyes. The Ice Mage's face turned red like Erza's hair. Juvia covered her mouth with her hands while Lucy grinned at Gray.
"N-No! What are you talking about?"
"What? So you telling me you wouldn't want to do thiiiis~?" Cana sneaked one arm behind the Water Mage's body, grabbing her full chest with both hands and squeezing them playfully together in front of Gray's eyes. If possible, his face became even redder. Steam emitting from his head.
"Ah...Cana-san" the blunette protested breathlessly.
"Goddammit Cana!" he screamed, discarding his shirt from his body before storming out, not risking Cana to embarrass him any longer. The brunette let go of her friend and started to laugh out loud, rolling herself on the ground. The remaining mages were baffled, trying to understand what just happened.
"Cana!" Lucy scolded her friend.
"Gray-sama wait!" Juvia ran after him as she saw him leaving the guild.
He didn't know where he was heading, maybe home? No, it was too early. The Ice Mage walked behind the building instead, into the dense forest that was located right behind the Fairy Tail complex. It wasn't long until he head small footstep behind him. He turned around and saw a blue head, approaching. Gray stopped in his track.
"Gray-sama. Is it true?" the water mage asked apprehensively once she finally faced him.
"What? I don't know what ya talking about" he turned his head away, avoiding her face adamantly. Great, now she will think that he cares, thus admitting his defeat.
"What Cana-san said, that Gray-sama is upset because..." the Water Mage ducked her head, then looking up to him through her thick lashes. "...because Juvia didn't touch you?" she stepped closer. He gulped. His face was still flushed. No, he refuse to admit defeat. He didn't care!
Their bodies almost touching, he could feel the warmth emitting from her body on his skin. Oh god and the smell of her perfume. Juvia lifted her hand only to freeze on the spot before it touches his cheek.
"Do you want Juvia to touch you, Gray-sama?" she asked quietly. Her eyes piercing right through him. His heart was beating so fast. It felt like an eternity. She didn't move a single muscle, as if she was waiting for his permission. Her warmth and her smell were so inviting, making their way to flood his brain.
He didn't realize how much he longed for her hugs. Her knees against his when they sat at the bar. Her arm locking with his when he walk her home. Or her small hand creeping into his underneath the table when they sat together in the guild. Her perfume mixed with her scent.
Lavender and rain.
Gray was losing his composure. The only thing he craved was her touch and she still insist playing her stupid games. This unbearable feelings of...longing was akin to torture!
The over-the-top fan girl Juvia was long gone. She was always much more calm and collected when they were isolated. He learned it long time ago when they lived together. And he knew it was a mistake when he finally looked directly in her eyes. Juvia's dark-blue eyes were absolutely captivating and her perfect round lips were curved into a shy smile. Oh god, this woman was driving him insane.
Fuck it!
He grabbed her wrist forcefully and pressed the palm of her hand against his cheek as he leaned further into her touch. The water mage gasped in surprise.
"What if I do?" he asked in a deep and husky voice. The bluenette blushed and tried to retreat her hands but Gray tightened his grip around her wrist, giving her a daring look. He put his other arm around her waist, crashing their bodies together. The water mage put her hand on his chest to keep her balance. Her cheek flushed even more at the close proximity.
"G-Gray-sama" the girl duck her head, averting his piercing eyes.
"So tell me..." Gray leaned his face closer, their noses almost touching while he still held her hand "why are you avoiding me?"
"J-Juvia...is not avoiding you" the water mage said timidly. She bit her lower lip which, Gray knew, was an indication that she was lying. A habit of hers he grew very fond of.
"You know, what I meant" Gray growled. His deep voice cause her blush to deepen. Gray wrapped both arms around her waist while her hand was still resting in the same spot, carefully brushing her thumb over his cheek.
"Some time ago Juvia heard...G-Gray-sama telling Cana-san tha-that he hates physical contact" Juvia stuttered shyly. "She figured out, that Gray-sama might hate her even more if she keeps clinging...s-so..." her voice broke.
"So you avoid touching me" he finished her sentence promptly. The Water Mage nodded and mustered the courage to look at him. Gray leaned forwards, their foreheads touching, she could feel his breath on her lips. Oh god, he was so close.
"Juvia doesn't want Gray-sama to hate her" she admitted in a small voice.
"Wha- okey...listen Juvia" he told her in a annoyed tone. The mentioned water mage leaned back to listen attentively. The man groaned in disapproval. Gray took a deep breath. His head was spinning, he felt light headed. Her perfume, it was intoxicating his mind.
Him hating her? Where did she even get these ideas?
"I don't hate you, alright? But I do not like physical touch. Never did. I don't want people to get close to me...you are the only exception." He said slowly. It wasn't a lie. Gray pulled her closer, enjoying her soft skin against his rough body. His hand drawing random patterns on her back.
"So..." the girl traced his guild emblem with her finger tips, making the ice mage inhale sharply. Her fingers gliding on his skin so swiftly with light feathery touches.
"Juvia, can touch you?" a pink blush dusted her cheeks, her gaze fixed on his chest. She looked so innocent and endearing. He leaned forward, their lips millimetres away. His head slightly tilted as he closed his eyes. Ready to surrender completely. He lost the battle. There was no point in fighting anymore. All he wanted was to feel her.
"Touch me." He whispered on her lips. Finally giving her permission she wanted. The Water Mage smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. Juvia got on her tiptoes and gently brushed her lips on his. It was just a small peck, but it only fired his desire even more. He felt her retreating, but his lips followed hers, desperately craving for more. Gray pulled her in for another kiss, loving the feeling of her softness. He felt her arms around his neck tighten. Gray leaned down so Juvia can stand comfortably. The smell of lavender and rain filled his nose. Her taste was addicting. He couldn't get enough of it.
God, who knew kissing Juvia would be so amazing.
Before he could deepen the kiss she managed to push him back slightly. Gray groaned in protest.
"What?" why did she stopped him? He wasn't done yet.
"G-Gray-sama..." he grinned at the sight of her blushing and breathing heavily, body trembling and eyes dazed. Her brain was unable to function. In fact her mind was blank, whipped out completely. It took her a few seconds to snap back to reality.
Oh god! Oh god! They just kissed
Her face turned bright red. She hid her face in her hands just to squeal in excitement and wiggle around. Gray chuckled amused at the girl in his arms. That was the Juvia-reaction he expected.
"A-and you really don't mind?" she finally choked out.
"Nope"
"Are you sure?" she run her hand through his raven black hair.
"Yep" Gray rolled his eyes. Can she shut it already so they can continue. He wasn't in the mood to talk when he knew he can use his mouth for something way more pleasurable.
"But Juv-" he cut her off, silencing her protests and pulling her into another passionate kiss.
That's it! Thank so much for reading!