A nonplussed Juvia stood in front of her assigned partner, mouth in slight agape. What have I done, she thought. When she filled out her questionnaire, she was sure her match would be Gray. She contemplated her answers to see what went wrong.
Laxus, on the other hand, was not too surprised. He lifted his eyebrow as he watched her coming his way, but he had a feeling that something like this would occur.
Typical Mirajane, he thought. I might as well have some fun out of this while I can.
Leaning over the balcony, Mirajane and Erza chuckled while witnessing Juvia's flustered reaction.
For the most part, everyone was with their typical partners. Natsu and Lucy, Alzack got Bisca, Gajeel got Levy, and Elfman got Evergreen. But this one, this particular pairing they selected on purpose.
"I told you pairing her up with Laxus would be interesting," Mirajane said in a sing-song manner.
"Do you think they'll be able to work it out?" Erza never took her eyes off the two.
"I bet 3,000 jewels they won't last the first date." Makarov stood behind them with his hands behind his back.
They both turned to see an amused guild master. Embarrassed, Erza started defending herself, "M-Master! What are you—?"
"Fine, it's a deal," Mirajane interjected. A bet would only bring more to her enjoyment.
Makarov nodded, filling in the open space between them. Hmm, he thought as he held his chin in a pensive manner. He observed Juvia interact with his grandson with interest. "Juvia, eh? Why her?" His eyes still planted on them.
"Why not her? I think they'd look great together."
"Don't you think something will go wrong? I mean, it is Laxus."
"That's true, but that's not going to happen. Not if I can help it."
"L-L-L-Laxus?!" Juvia felt herself getting hot. He smirked as he continued to listen to her breakdown.
Noticing his enjoyment in seeing her flustered, she took a deep breath, "Uh, can I—may I ask you what your number is?" She hoped that this was all a mistake. It has to be, I was supposed to get Gray. My responses clearly indicated Gray. So why do I have Laxus?
Keeping with his smirk, Laxus opened up the crumpled piece of paper that rested in his hand. After smoothing it out with his thumbs, he extended it forward. On the paper read a bold print 7, like hers.
Oh, God! What am I going to do? Am I really soul mates with Laxus? Juvia, how could you?! She kept shaking her head and muttering the word, "No."
Scrutinizing the various shades of disappointment that spread across her face, he knew she was going to be trouble. Their table started to attract attention. She, of course, paid no attention to the growing looks that they were getting. But he was, and he wanted no part of that. It was bad enough he was forced to do this.
Leaning back, he folded his arms on his chest. "Why don't you sit down?" His face and tone matched in indifference.
"Huh? Oh—oh, okay!" She nodded and slid in opposite of him.
She started to ramble, "I-I-apologize. I was just expecting—"
"The human icicle?" Laxus answered for her. His voice had a hint of amusement.
"Yes. I didn't know that I would be paired with you—it's not like I hate you or anything. I just—"
"Want to be with your precious ice pop? I understand. The whole guild knows." Juvia felt herself blushing a bit.
There was a long and awkward silence. The two sat there and stared at one another.
Previous to the Grand Magic Games, she had never spoken to Laxus. In fact, before the Games, she thought—no, actually knew—he despised her. Not that the Grand Magic Games did much for their relationship. They did speak a couple of times, though, for the most part, during battle observations. Even still, the conversations were brief, small talk at most. Now that she is in front of him, the idea of a face-to-face conversation intimidated her.
She bit her lip while thinking of what to say. Her mind went to the questionnaire. Maybe if I just ask one of the questions on there, then I can verify it.
As she opened her mouth, she was—once again—interrupted. This time by dimmed lights and the feedback blaring from Mirajane's microphone. Both partners turned their attention to the stage where the Mastermind herself stood.
"Hello, everyone! Now that you are all acquainted with your partners, we may now start the activities." She announced with far too much pleasure.
"Starting tomorrow, you will spend the majority of your time with your partners." Juvia's eyes widened. What? I can barely establish a conversation with him!
"So, when you take missions, your partner must be with you."
Laxus uttered the word, "Shit." How was he supposed to go on missions without the Thunder Legion? It's not that he couldn't, he just preferred them there. He didn't even know her.
"But I was supposed to be Gray's partner for this mission." She sulked.
"Also, you are required to go on dates," Mirajane added with a wide smile.
"What?" The guild almost responded in unison.
"Dates?!" Juvia exclaimed. But I was supposed to go on dates with Gray, not Laxus! My darling is probably going to think that I'm cheating on him! This is a travesty! The image of Gray walking out on her popped out, thus causing her to shriek out loud. Laxus pretended to ignore her outburst.
"Also, as one of the hosts of the Valentine's Day festival, each member of the guild must be a part of the festival and work with each other."
They, as a collective, groaned. While they may have been on the same teams, they have never worked side-by-side.
Over at Fairy Hills, Juvia sunk lower into the bath, thinking about her current predicament. Now how will Gray look at me now? She pouted as she felt the water go above her chin.
"What seems to be the matter?" Levy inquired as she sat up.
"I-I'm fine." She murmured to herself.
Draping her arm against the usually shy girl, Cana came closer and questioned, "What's with you? Did Gray hurt your feelings again?" That worried look on her face was a common sight after rejection.
"No-" Juvia started before getting interrupted yet again.
"Then it must have been your partner. When I see him, I'll kill him!" Cana stood and proclaimed.
"Partner? You mean, Gray?" Levy asked.
Erza, who was leaning against the wall with a grin across her face, shook her head and got in.
"No, Gray isn't my partner," Juvia answered as she looked away.
"Then who is?" Wendy asked. Of all the people in the guild, who would they pair Juvia up with, she pondered.
"Laxus," Erza said as she made her way towards them. Juvia sunk a bit as she waited for the questions to ensue.
"Laxus! How'd you get him?!" A loud Cana asked in disbelief. Those two were opposites as far as she's concerned.
"I-I don't know. I just…" She began to trail off as she continued to think of what she put in her questionnaire.
"I can't believe it! Ha—you got Laxus and I got Gray!" Cana said in amazement.
The first part made Juvia raise her eyebrow. What is she talking about? Gray? Her Gray? How the hell did she get him?!
"Gray?!" Juvia repeated incredulously, almost shouting. What match could Cana be for Gray?
"Yeah, we both got the same number. I'd never thought we'd match. He doesn't seem like my type."
Juvia could've drowned right then and there. But, considering the fact that her body is made out of water, it'd be of no use. How did Cana get Gray? This must've been a joke.
"You know, you and Laxus would look good together," Erza said with a teasing look.
Levy nodded in agreement, thinking that the depressed water mage would cheer up. "He's lightning and you're water. Together you can make a powerful thunderstorm. Who knows? You two might make a great combination."