Title: Still…
Anime: Fairy Tail
Pairing: Gray Fullbuster and Juvia Lockser, Minor Natsu Dragneel and Lucy Heartfilia
Genre: Hurt/Comfort, Romance, Slight Humor
Time start and end/Date: 10:52PM-6:09PM/ Aug. 2, 2021-Aug. 3, 2021
Featured song: Still… by Arashi. (the excerpt in the first part below is the rap part translation of it, I think it perfectly fits this story.)
Summary: Team Natsu returned from Elentir and was welcomed back by their friends. A welcome party ensued however Gray finally decided to bare everything to her. No more denying. After all, she deserved that much from him. Anime, manga and 100-Year Quest manga spoilers! Read at your own risk! —GrUvia—
Notes: Pardon any grammar and typographical errors.
Disclaimer: Fairy Tail © Hiro Mashima. Fanfiction story © Mari Kia Aishiteru.
That day, I think you were trying to say something to me…
Even if I told you what, it doesn't matter anymore
Meeting with difficulty, gradually understanding, crying terribly as the seasons drew near
You are you, drawing your huge dreams
From here, I'll be hoping for your success
If I'm only waiting, then there will be no tomorrow
I moved because nothing will start from here
Even the dark road from before that I couldn't see
Even if that was, for example, a detour
Now, for a little while, let's both leave behind our painful expressions
This isn't goodbye; our meetings are another new beginning
But I want to meet you even more
I still do…
Someday we'll meet again and laugh, that's right, absolutely…
It had been a long battle. After defeating the Moon dragon God's minions, and saving the transcendental magic world, Elentir from destruction, Team Natsu had decided to return to Earthland via Touka's magic, Aqua Aera. Suzaku, from Diabolos was nowhere to be found after his battle with Selene. The Moon Dragon God escaped into another world, and the so-called member of the Dragon Eaters Guild followed her. They didn't know what happened to them. Moreover, they focused on saving the alternate world by destroying its main source underground.
With the help of Lucy's celestial spirit, Virgo, they managed to find it and solved the problem. It was also thanks to the Sky Dragon slayer, Wendy, who figured out the system behind the "Hands".
After the battle and while they were recuperating, Erza had praised the young girl for her knowledge and courage. She investigated Face and connected the dots that fast. She was really growing up and the red-haired armored mage was so proud of her. She adored Wendy like a sister—all of them. The rest of their companions agreed with her and the blue-haired dragon slayer shyly expressed her gratitude.
Faris and her clan of priestesses gave them the time to regain their strength since it was decided that the exceed, Touka, will bring them back to their world using Aqua Aera. They also celebrated the salvation of their world by organizing a huge banquet, in which the members of Fairy Tail was happy to join in. Natsu and Gray fought over food once again and Erza of course, glared at them. The two saw and felt it and stopped instantly. Wendy and Lucy were chatting with Faris. The young lady was kind, they realized. Well, she was manipulated by the Moon Dragon God and she did what she had done to Fairy Tail because she wanted to save their world. They were wary of her at first, yes, but even Erza forgave her after she profusely apologized to them. The guild probably forgave her already so that was what they told her. She was still perplexed and continued to apologize though.
Faris also said that Fairy Tail was a great guild and she would have loved to stay with them, to which Wendy and Lucy insisted.
However, Elentir needed her, so she couldn't leave with them.
The two wizards understood her. Her world was important to her, so they let her be. Though, they told her that she could visit whenever she wanted and Faris nodded in appreciation and happiness to that.
The three exceeds were bonding and Happy grabbed any chances he got in making Charle jealous. Lucy couldn't help but sweat dropped and told Happy that he looked desperate instead. Happy retorted with the usual, "You don't know anything about love, Lucy." With a shook of his head towards her. Lucy, in turn, shot back with, "What do you think I'm always reading and writing, you stupid cat!"
Lucy loved romance novels ever since she was a child so there was no way she wouldn't know anything about it.
Erza was aware of it, given her complicated situation with Jellal. Wendy was too young; however, she knew some related topics and could tell whether something was romantic or not. She also knew a lot of pairings in the guild, like when Lucy received her author rookie award, there were Gajeel and Levy and Evergreen and Elfman being a great pair and all that.
Also, the celestial mage could tell that Gray could identify romance as well. He was just… in denial. He had so many wounds from the past and as much as she could understand him, she also felt sorry for Juvia. Lucy sighed while drinking from her cup. Faris and Wendy were chatting animatedly, so she let her mind continued to wander.
Juvia and Gray were a great pair. Not only in battles or as comrades. She really was expecting them to be something more. Juvia had always loved Gray and very expressive about it. She was optimistic and cheerful, even though the ice mage took her attention for granted.
But she could see from her teammate that he cared about her, not only as a friend or a guildmate, but as someone important to him. Every time she saw them eating or talking together in the guild, Gray looked at her fondly.
Nevertheless, for Lucy, Gray and Juvia were perfect for each other.
If only Gray would do something about it soon…
Oh, she almost forgot. The only person who didn't know what romance was of course, the pink-haired dragon slayer who was participating with Gray and some men villagers in an eating contest.
Lucy stared at her best friend. I wonder if Natsu will ever realize what romance is…
She smiled at his figure. Well, Natsu is Natsu. Everything was fine as it was, and she wasn't going to complain.
Faris bowed before them. "Thank you so much for saving Elentir. We will never forget what you did for us."
Erza placed a hand on her hip and spoke, "Rise up. You also helped us in our mission, so we express our gratitude as well."
The white-haired priestess let out a small smile. "Thank you, Erza-san."
"Remember, Faris, you can visit Fairy Tail whenever you want." Lucy winked with a bright grin.
"Well, we are still unsure when we'll be able to finish the mission and return to the guild, but we'll surely meet again." Gray said, arms against his chest and a smile on his face.
The shy woman looked up at them and wondered aloud. "Why are you so insistent on seeing me again, though?" she asked.
Team Natsu exchanged glances and Natsu was the one who answered her, with his usual bright grin.
"That's because we are friends already!"
They all smiled and grinned at her and she couldn't help but release some tears from her eyes.
"Thank you… so much…"
"Of course, Touka is our friend too!" Happy chirped and the exceed mentioned embraced him with a squeal, which reminded Gray of a certain blue-haired mage who always do that to him.
"Happy-samaa! I will miss you!"
The blue exceed giggled but hugged her back much to the happiness of Touka and chagrin of Charle. Touka then turned to the white exceed partner of Wendy and smiled at her.
"Take care of Happy-sama for me, Charle-sama."
"Why would I?" she replied and Happy gasped at that. "Could it be? Charle's jealous?" he squealed as Charle shot back with a "No way!"
Lucy and Wendy laughed.
Finally done with promises of seeing each other again, the portal to Earthland opened with Touka's magic.
The portal closed as the group found themselves back in the small town of Drameel. It also looked like almost nighttime, because the sun was glowing orange from the horizon.
"We're back!" Natsu grinned like a child, as to which Happy replied with an "Aye sir!"
The blonde celestial mage looked around. "I wonder if everyone from the guild went home already…"
"I wonder about that too. We aren't sure how many days or even months had passed since we were taken to Edolas." Gray replied.
"Is there even a time gap from Earthland to Edolas and Elentir?" Wendy asked, gazing at Lucy.
"You mean, like what happened in the Celestial Realm?"
The young girl nodded, and the older mage shook her head. "I'm not sure too."
Suddenly, a squealing voice was heard and before they knew it, a figure jumped on the raven-haired ice mage. "Gray-samaaaa!"
"Juvia?!" he exclaimed in surprise. "You're still here?"
"Of course!" she replied, rubbing herself as close as possible against her beloved's body. "I'm so glad you're alright!" Gray's cheeks tainted with pink. "Wait, you're too close!" he told her and pried her body away from him.
Juvia pulled away with a pout on her lips and stood in front of him. Erza turned to her. "Juvia, why are you still in this continent?"
The blue-haired water mage faced the older wizard and smiled brightly. "We are waiting for you!"
"Waiting for us?" Wendy asked, with a tilt of her head.
"We?" Happy seconded in wonder.
"Yes!"
"Don't you mean…"
Lucy was cut off by her best friend's voice.
"I can smell everyone! They are all still here!" Natsu said and grinned.
"I see. We should go ahead and greet Master then." Erza said calmly and tapped Juvia's shoulder. "Lead us, Juvia."
"Yes, Erza-san!"
As soon as the blue haired mage and the red-haired armored mage walked ahead, Lucy excitedly followed, but not before turning to her ice mage friend.
"Gray…"
"What?"
"Your clothes… again."
"Damn!" he scrambled around to wear his clothes again as Wendy giggled next to Lucy who sighed.
Some things never changed.
The Master of Fairy Tail was so happy with their return. Even though they cannot disclose the details of their mission, they told him about arriving in Edolas, and seeing Mystogan again. Master was glad that his child was living freely, happily and safely in another world while Lily half-smiled when he heard that the prince was doing fine and half-smirked teasingly at Erza as if she was his colleague Knightwalker when he heard of the new relationship between the two. Erza just shrugged it off.
The group also heard that it had been three day since their disappearance. Lucy calculated that they probably spent a day in Edolas, and two days in Elentir. They couldn't tell the time in Elentir because of Selene's magic, but it made sense.
Master took note of the Team's injuries but decided not to pry. It was probably related to the 100-year quest that they cannot tell. Instead, he told them and the rest of the guild to rest and enjoy the party he was planning to have for them to which the Team Natsu accepted happily and gratefully.
So that brought us to the present.
The guild was as rowdy as ever, whenever and wherever. The barmaid and owner in the bar located in Drameel just smiled. "They are kind of unique, huh?"
"I think Fiore's guilds are fun! I would love to visit one in the future!"
"Oh, I see."
The party was in full swing and everyone was having the time of their lives. They were taking advantage of the situation where they were in different country. The sights were wonderful and very different from Fiore and they were happy to see something new and mysterious.
While everyone was busy chatting about various things, drinking, playing and even fighting, Gray sat by the table with the girls next to him, chatting about girly stuffs and how fighting boys were stupid. He ignored them and let his thoughts wander.
Being in Edolas was fun and meeting their Edolas counterpart and Mystogan brought relief to him. Though he was surprised to see Natsu and Lucy—from Edolas—having a daughter. Not only that, even him and Juvia—still from Edolas—had a son, and he was so cute by the way.
In truth, he wasn't expecting that. He knew the Edolas Gray loves Edolas Juvia very much like the Earthland Juvia was to him. Their personalities kind of reversed. But he wasn't expecting Edolas Juvia to like his counterpart enough to marry him and have a child with him.
But well… he said that their personalities were reversed so… did that mean he like Juvia?
That was a stupid question. Of course, he liked Juvia.
She was his guildmate, his friend.
She was always there beside him, whether he like it or not.
He really appreciated her help back in the Tower of Heaven. It wasn't bad that she was strong as well.
She, then, joined their guild, and they became closer, so he began to like her as a friend. They even went to missions and defeated enemies together.
He felt happy with her next to him, even though she had the most annoying antics sometimes, she was still Juvia, the kind, strong, and cheerful water mage and he wouldn't have her any other way.
He remembered before the Grand Magic Games began, Erza advised him to give her a clear-cut response. He never told the armored mage, but he held that in his heart. It was only appropriate. She was his friend. He knew for the longest time that she loved him, but he never told her how he felt. It was only proper to tell her so she wouldn't have to wait forever for him.
So, in the Grand Ball, he told her, that he was going to say no promptly. However, she brushed him off and continued pestering him. It didn't change her behavior towards him. He didn't know if he was happy or not with it.
He could only sigh that time.
And then, Tartaros happened.
He was emotionally spent that time. His father was actually being manipulated like a puppet by a necromancer and Juvia had to defeat him to stop Face that will bring catastrophe to all wizards in Fiore. If that was the only reason, she would have done it in a heartbeat, but Juvia, being Juvia who was so in love with him, refused to do it for him. He knew she didn't want him to get hurt.
However, they didn't have a choice. Juvia killed the necromancer and saved his father.
Yes, he was grateful to her. He couldn't save his father. He couldn't kill him. Surely, it was painful for her. She even told him she didn't deserve to love him anymore, but he wouldn't have any of that. He remembered crying so hard against her chest. Her hands wrapped around him gave him warmth and it saved him.
He never told her, but she saved his heart.
So he didn't say anything when she decided to come with him for training. He heard Fairy Tail disbanded when he encountered Erza, and that was when she asked for his help in infiltrating the Avatar guild.
Leaving her without notice hurt him but he knew where Erza was coming from. It would be dangerous for her. After all, they were dealing with Zeref. He just didn't expect that it would take six whole months.
All he felt was guilt in making her wait again. He always seemed to do that to her.
When he saw her again in the battlefield, he was relieved because she was still the same Juvia he knew. He explained everything to her and apologized, and as always, she forgave him.
Even after everything he'd done, she was still willing to forgive him. He realized he didn't deserve being loved by someone like her.
Then there was the Alvarez war. That was probably the catalyst.
He closed his eyes and tuned out the voices of his friends.
It had been a long time since he felt that way. Her battered and cold body in his arms, her unmoving arms and closed eyes, and stilled heart.
He had never been so afraid in his entire life.
She was dead.
Or at least he thought she was.
Juvia, open your eyes please. I promise I'll treasure you from now on… just… please…
He barely remembered anything after he said that.
All he knew was he defeated Invel and seeked out END, and almost killed his friend and rival. Until now, he regretted that and good thing Natsu forgave him for it, and he also returned the gesture since they were both in the wrong.
His heart felt so light when she called his name. He thought he would never hear that voice and endearment again. After all, she was the only one who call him, "Gray-sama."
He knew he collapsed in her arms, since he felt her warmth back then. He was so relieved to know she was alive that he lost consciousness, in addition to the fact that both he and Natsu exhausted their magic.
Since then, he decided to be stronger for her sake. He didn't want a repeat of what happened then. He wanted to protect her and make her happy.
Despite agreeing in joining the 100-year quest with his team, he couldn't help but missed her. He thought of her every day, most especially when Natsu and Lucy flirted with each other. Those two didn't realize anything yet, but they were fond of each other.
That was why when he encountered Juvina-sama in Rain Hill which they stopped in, he made her realize again that Juvia was special to him, and decided that he would be a man strong enough to protect her and tell her, no matter what.
He sighed under his breath. After that, Juvia appeared and brought the truth of her appearance. The Wood Dragon God was awakened, and they didn't have a choice but to defeat his minions. He and Juvia fought Metro, who absorbed Juvia to distract him. He asked him if Juvia was his power and he determinedly replied that she was his power to live, which was the truth. Juvia's behavior gave him the idea of how to save her and with their unison raid, they defeated him.
He was slowly opening his heart to her. He knew and it felt good. She teased him about it since it was the first time, he showed her any interest and she was probably happy with it. He stared at her back then and decided to tell her already, to get this over with. After all, she deserved it.
"I promise I will come back no matter what." He stared into her eyes. "When I come back…" her eyes looked hopeful suddenly, gaze boring into his.
However, that conversation was interrupted when they were sent by Faris into Edolas, hoping that they would be able to save her world.
She was probably disappointed when he just disappeared without a trace.
He opened his eyes and glanced at her. As usual, she sat next to him, still catching up with the girls. He was glad they ignored him. Well, they probably thought he was asleep.
Gray traced her face with his eyes. She was as beautiful as he remembered. Her curly blue hair flowed neatly against her back and shoulders and he loved it. She was beautiful back then, but he couldn't help but think that the Juvia right now was more beautiful than before—though he knew it was for him to notice her. She was also more cheerful around him and the guild.
Being in Fairy Tail changed her in more ways than one, even though he knew she only joined because of him.
He never believed that he would experience romance. He read some in Lucy's house—she had books about it so he had some ideas—but after everything he had been through, he never imagined someone, or even this woman—who annoyed the hell out of him at first—would be able to carve herself in his heart.
He stood up suddenly, catching the attention of the girls namely Juvia, Lucy, Erza, Wendy, Charle and Levy.
"Gray-sama?" she asked uncertain. She saw his eyes closed earlier and figured out he was sleeping. They just battled in another world and he deserved a rest, so she gave him that and chatted with the girls instead.
He avoided eye contact with the rest of the girls and stared at Juvia intently. "Juvia, I need to talk to you, in private."
The blue-haired woman's default response would be squealing in joy but since she felt he was serious, stopped herself and nodded.
"Okay." She stood up and bowed at the girls, and followed her beloved, who walked ahead, knowing she would follow him.
They both left the bar and as the door closed, the girls exchanged meaningful looks with each other.
"Do you think he would finally tell her his feelings?" Lucy asked, quite excited.
Levy grinned at that. "Yeah, I hope so! They look great together!"
Wendy nodded and joined in the conversation. "I'm sure Juvia-san will be so happy if that happens."
"Well, that girl only has Gray in her eyes." Charle commented, crossing her little paws against her chest.
"Let's just watch over them. I'm sure Gray will be honest with his feelings this time." Erza smiled as she stared at the door where they passed. Lucy smiled and nodded in agreement.
"I hope so too."
Suddenly, the fire dragon slayer and his exceed partner appeared by their table. "I heard Gray is finally confessing to Juvia." The exceed said as Natsu smirked. "Oh, I want to hear and see how that ice princess will do it. Let's spy on him Happy!"
"Aye!"
Lucy's eyes widened. "NATSU, NO!"
But her pink haired partner already busted through the door. She smacked her forehead with her hand. "That stupid…"
"This is bad, Lucy-san!" Wendy exclaimed, worry in her eyes.
"You're right, let's follow him."
Erza stood up as well. "Then, let's go. I am also curious on what will Gray say to Juvia."
Lucy sweat dropped. "That's not why we have to follow them—argh!"
Team Natsu left, and Levy leaned her elbow on the table, looking at the door with a shake of her head and a smile on her lips. "They really don't change."
"Gray-sama?"
Juvia followed her beloved into the veranda. She stood next to him and stared at the sight before them. The whole town of Drameel could be seen from the park Gray led her to. The lights from the establishments were illuminating the town and it felt romantic to her seeing this with him.
However, she was nervous. He suddenly wanted to speak with her. It wasn't like him. Usually, it was her who seek him out but this time, it was the other way around, so she wasn't used to it. Plus, it sounded so serious.
"Juvia." Gray's voice penetrated the silence of the night. The wind blew around them, waving their hair.
"Yes, Gray-sama?"
The ice mage, meanwhile, was nervous. He decided to do this though, and the fast beating of his heart wouldn't stop him from being honest this time.
So, he breathed in deeply and began.
"In Elentir… I fought one of the minions of the Moon Dragon God."
Juvia gazed at him. "Ehhh… was your enemy strong, Gray-sama?"
He closed his eyes. "Yeah. She was."
The water mage's eyes widened when she heard it. "She? It was a woman?" her tone changed into her usual jealousy mode and Gray turned to her and thought to himself that he was right.
"Another love rival?" Juvia deadly whispered as she clasped her hands together against her chest, turning her gaze away from him. Her mind was having another full-blown battle between an imaginary and potential love rival and her.
Gray sighed and faced her, held both of her shoulders to make her focus. "Juvia, she's not a love rival, okay? And I already defeated her so don't think about it anymore."
The water mage gasped and trembled. Gray pulled away and held his hands up, thinking he did something he shouldn't have. "What?"
She swooned and covered her lips with her hands instead. "Gray-sama touched Juvia's shoulders!"
Gray shook his head. He should be used to her antics already, but it seemed that he couldn't. It was part of Juvia's personality he supposed.
He stared at the town once again, and Juvia noticed his solemnity.
"Gray-sama?"
"So as I was saying… I fought an ice mage, but I think her main magic is snow."
"Snow?"
"Yeah." Gray continued because he knew he got her attention now. "While we were fighting, she showed me an illusion."
Juvia listened to him intently and quietly. She could tell that he wanted to tell her something and so she will listen to him. After all, it wasn't everyday that her beloved would tell her anything that happened in their mission. When Team Natsu went on missions and returned, it was always Erza, Natsu, or Lucy relating the events happened in it, and the whole guild will listen in to them. Of course, she was part of the audience. But it was never Gray, who would talk to her like this.
"That illusion showed my father, Ur, and Ultear." Juvia's eyes widened at this. "They were celebrating my birthday."
"Gray-sama…"
"But you know… they weren't the only one in there."
"Eh?" she looked up at him with questionable eyes. "Then, who else…?"
Gray turned to face her, and she could see the seriousness his eyes held. "It was you, Juvia."
"Juvia?"
"Yes…" Gray debated whether to tell her about their son but probably another time. She would surely flip and faint if she heard about it, and it would be an inconvenience, since he really wanted to tell her something tonight.
"That ice mage showed me the world of happiness I imagined."
Her heart skipped a beat.
"The world… of happiness… for Gray-sama?"
He closed his eyes. "Even before that, I realized it already and I had decided to tell you before we were brought to Edolas. I've also thought about it ever since we started the quest. And now… I know I am ready to face these feelings I have for a while now."
Juvia felt tears incoming. She didn't want to expect anything. After all, she understood him. He only saw her as a comrade, a part of the guild, a precious friend. It was fine with her. As long as she could see him happy and unhurt, it made her happy as well. That was how much she loved him. He saved her from the rain so it was the least she could do for him. There was no way she was going to force him to love her. She would wait for him, forever. "Gray-sama…"
Gray held her hands in his and gazed at her solid blue eyes. "I was able to break out from her spell, because I thought that… I don't want to be happy." He let a gentle smile graced his lips. "…instead I want to make you happy.
The tears unshed earlier streamed down her cheeks, as she tried to stifle the sobs by biting her lips softly. The ice mage reached out her right hand and wiped her tears away with his thumb. Holding her right cheek and pressing his forehead to hers, he closed his eyes.
"I… love you."
It was soft, she almost didn't hear it, but with him so close to her, it was clear in her ears and in her head. Her heart felt like it was going to leapt out of her throat. She couldn't believe it. Her beloved Gray-sama finally confessed to her.
One of her many dreams of future with him finally came true.
The sobs that she had been keeping at bay was released in full force and her body trembled. Her hands flew to her cheeks to wipe away her tears, but it seemed impossible because more tears ran down her cheeks. Their foreheads were still touching but Gray's hands were now around her waist, supporting her weight.
The ice mage chuckled at her reaction.
"Why are you crying so much?" he asked. "I thought you would be jumping around happily at this."
Juvia cleared her throat and rasped, "Juvia… was so happy. Her happy tears just keep coming out. She's so sorry, Gray-sama…"
His right hand held her right hand in his and kissed the back of her hand, making the water mage blushed, despite her tears.
"It's okay though. I just hope you would stop crying. You know that I'm weak when it comes to crying girls, especially you."
Her eyes widened and hurriedly wiped her tears away. After that, she pulled her forehead away from him and slapped both of her cheeks, a sign of pulling herself together. Gray smiled at that.
"Um… Gray-sama?" her voice was small that Gray raised an eyebrow. She was acting shy all of a sudden. "What's wrong?"
"Does this mean… Gray-sama and Juvia are now… a couple?"
He felt his cheeks warm suddenly. "Y-Yeah… I think so…"
"Then… may Juvia hug Gray-sama?"
Gray smirked at that. "What's with you, Juvia? You never asked something like that." She glanced at him. "You would always ignore what I say and do whatever you want with me…"
The blue-haired water mage fiddled with her hands in front of her and the ice mage found her adorable. "Well…"
He held her hands in his and pulled her to him. The feel of his warm arms around her made Juvia realized that it wasn't a dream. This was a reality.
Her beloved Gray-sama really was her boyfriend now. Her feelings finally reached him.
She wrapped her arms around him and leaned her weight on him. She could hear the beating of his heart. It was fast as well, probably just like hers.
"Juvia… after the 100-year quest, we will definitely come back. I will return to you… so wait for me a little bit more." He whispered in her ear, tightening his hold on her.
She returned the gesture and smiled against his chest. "Juvia will wait for Gray-sama forever and always…"
After hearing that, he pulled away from her and gazed at her face, memorizing every single bit of her features; her eyebrows, her nose, her cheeks, her eyes, her lips… all of her was his, and all of his was hers.
"Gray-sama…"
He leaned closer and kissed her forehead. "Until then… take care of yourself for me… Juvia."
"Yes… Gray-sama as well. Please always be careful."
He smiled at her. "Hn."
Suddenly, a noise and a voice interrupted their fleeting moment. "Don't worry Juvia, I will make sure this idiot won't die."
Both pulled away from each other in a hurry and stared wide-eyed at the newcomer.
"Stupid Natsu! Why do you have to interfere like that?" another voice. This time, it was the celestial mage.
"What? I just want to reassure Juvia…"
"But you don't have to stop them! It was getting good already!"
"That's right! He was going to kiss her!" the exceed teasingly smirked with a look at the couple, who was now sporting the same red faces.
"You guys! How long have you been here?" Gray asked in embarrassment and trying to hide it with a loud voice.
"We're here since the beginning of your story, ice princess." Natsu teasingly retorted, receiving a blush from his rival.
"Wh—?"
"Okay, stop it now both of you." Erza spoke and the two were as always intimidated and stopped almost immediately. She patted Gray's shoulder. "I'm proud of you Gray. You finally said it."
The blue haired ice mage glanced at her and nodded. "Yeah, thank you, Erza." The red haired Titania smiled softly and turned to Juvia. "Congratulations, Juvia."
The water mage knew how much Erza supported her with her Gray-sama and she was forever grateful. She embraced her in appreciation. "Thank you, Erza-san." Erza patted her head, and pulled Gray to her as well, bringing him into her right side with Juvia at her left. Gray and Juvia's temples touched hers as Erza wrapped her arms around their shoulders. "I'm so happy for you both."
Gray and Juvia's eyes met and shared a smile. "Erza…"
"Thank you so much, Erza-san."
The said mage nodded with a smile.
"Um… I think we should go back to the party. Master is probably wondering about us." Wendy tried to intervene slowly as her exceed partner shook her head.
All of them straightened and faced the young dragon slayer.
"Well, if Wendy say so… let's go back then!" Natsu said, raising a fist. "I'm still fired up for another fight!" He ran to the direction of the bar, where Fairy Tail was having the party, Happy right behind him with an "Aye sir!"
"Natsu-san!" Wendy called out but the older dragon slayer had already disappeared in sight. She sighed.
"Just ignore him Wendy. Let's go."
"Yes, Erza-san." She replied and before she followed the Titania, she sent a bright smile towards the new couple.
"Congratulations, Juvia-san! Gray-san!"
They grinned at the young girl. "Thanks, Wendy."
The young blue-haired girl followed after Erza and Charle commented. "I hope you won't flood the guild anymore, Juvia."
The water mage blushed in embarrassment and smiled. "Juvia will try not to."
The exceed smiled and flew after Wendy.
Lucy turned to the new couple and grinned brightly. "Finally! I've been waiting for you both to end up as a couple!"
"Really?" Juvia asked, eyes innocently staring at her. Lucy gave her a thumbs up. "Of course, that's why I told you many times before that I am not your love rival."
"Hmm… then you really like Natsu-san?" Juvia asked and Gray noticed the slight pink that tainted his friend's cheeks. He smirked.
"Lucy, is that why you were always flirting with Natsu?" he asked with a teasing tone in it. The celestial mage noticed and glared at him.
"Shut up, Gray. This isn't about me. Don't make me tell Juvia that you missed her so much that you look distracted sometimes."
His eyes widened as his new girlfriend—it was weird calling her that even in his thoughts—squealed in happiness and found his arm very interesting. She gripped it against her side tightly, which caused him to blush. "Lucy!"
The blonde turned to him with innocent brown orbs, but he knew she was teasing him with the smirk present on her lips.
"What? I'm just telling her the truth." She retorted, hands on her hips. "It's fine, isn't it? I mean, she's your girlfriend now." She winked and turned around, following their friends.
Gray sighed and let his gaze fall onto Juvia's blue orbs, which were by the way, staring at him right now.
They smiled at each other as they stared in each other's eyes, both didn't want for the moment to end.
"Gray! Juvia!"
Lucy's voice interfered their thoughts and they both pulled away from each other with red tainting their cheeks.
"Coming!" she replied for them both. Then, the ice mage offered his hand to her and the water mage happily grabbed it. They held each other's hand and stepped forward.
Gray still had to finish the 100-year quest and Juvia had to wait for him, but still, it was fine. They were able to convey their feelings to each other, and it was enough for them for now.
They still had more time to create the happy future both envisioned, together.
Notes: This idea popped in my mind because I love GrUvia's romance development in the manga. I even watched the anime from season one to final again just to see their interactions again. I read 100-year quest again starting from chapter one until the latest as well, so this was based from the time when he met her until now. I didn't expect the very long reminiscence of Gray though. That was unexpected really. But I will be happy if you think it was good.
I hope this pleases you, dear readers.
Thank you!
Read and Review!
Word count: 6127
~Mari Kia Aishiteru
