Hey hey, I'm back already. I've been dying to write. I hope everyone is enjoying the story so far! I really appreciate the kind reviews that y'all have left!

By the way, I was asked about the timeline and I realized I never clarified where in the story this takes place. Let's say this is directly after the war and before the 100 year quest. After all, it's not like Fairy Tail told us how much time was in between the war and the quest so let's just say everything is peaceful and back to "normal." Well, as normal as it can get for them…

Anyways, I hope you enjoy this chapter! We've still got lots to go.

…..

Sun rays filter through the window of the small cabin, daylight making its presence known to the world. Juvia wakes first, much to her dismay. The light seemed to blind her, the beams puncturing the glass and shining right on her face. Just why did Dan place the bed right beside the window? Despite waking up "on the wrong side of the bed," her foul mood quickly fades when she realizes that Gray-sama is holding her. His arm was still tightly wound around her, keeping her right up against him. Literally, right up against him.

Juvia's cheeks burn the second she feels something poking her in the ass. Stuck to her spot as if she were glued, the girl internally freaks out. "What do I do, what do I do, what do I do…." The voice inside her head repeats as she tries to figure out how to go about the situation that she has found herself in.

The water mage attempts to wiggle free, but since she's being held on to, for what seems like dear life, she ends up rubbing up against him instead. A moan tumbles from Gray's mouth as he sleeps, his hips jerking forward slightly. His hot breath fans the back of her neck, causing the tiny hairs there to stand up. Deciding to test the waters, she wiggles her hips a little more. The deliberate swivel of her hips cause the demon slayer's eyes to pop open, growling as his desire grows even more evident.

Wait...that was Juvia…

Gray doesn't dare move, too afraid that he won't be able to stop himself from throwing her on her back and fucking the life out of her. Her smell intoxicates him, the scent of lavender and rain filling his nose. He could get drunk off of it.

Blood shoots down south, causing him to pulsate against her. Juvia, still thinking he's fast asleep, moves against him once more hoping (but not really) that his grip will loosen. If only she could move, she would be able to do more than just wiggle her hips. That is, if he'd let her. The ice mage groans at the feeling of the friction rubbing him in all the right ways.

"Gray-sama…" She breaks the silence with a throaty whisper, fully aware that he's awake now by the way his breathing has picked up.

As if he had been burned, Gray jumps out of bed. It finally sunk in that if he acted on his desires, the relationship between the two of them would change and that they would never be able to go back to the way they were. Maybe it wouldn't be a bad thing, but why get into it if he was more than likely going to get her hurt too? Or worse, killed…

That's how it always ended up, anyways. I mean, it almost happened once. He fucking watched her stab herself in front of him, FOR him. It was better just to focus on his missions, friends, and growing stronger. If he allowed himself to open his heart and love, he would be putting himself right in the middle of railroad tracks with an oncoming train, just waiting to be hit yet again.

"Juvia! I'm so sorry! This just happens sometimes…" Gray's eyes look to the side, his face red with embarrassment.

"It's okay, Gray-sama...Juvia doesn't mind. She encourages it." The bluenette sits up, pink dusting her cheeks as a sly smile ghosts her lips. She grabs the covers and throws them off of her, stretching her body since she was literally in one position all night long.

His jaw drops, eyes blank, attempting to process the information he just recieved. After what feels like an eternity, Gray's eyes sweep the length of her body inch by inch hungrily before meeting her heated gaze. Clenching his fists tightly together in an endeavor to calm himself down, the demon slayer reluctantly tears his eyes away.

The way he looked at her just moments ago left Juvia weak in the knees. Was he actually looking at her like he wanted her? The water mage fiddles with her fingers, trying not to get her hopes up. After all, if he actually wanted her, he would've been on top of her a long time ago. But...that look…

Breaking the awkward silence, Gray clears his throat, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "Um, I'm going to take a shower…" Without waiting for a response, he takes off to the bathroom and finds solace behind the locked door. The ice mage climbs in the cold shower, desperate to cool his body down. This is new. His body is always cool. He runs his hands over his face frustratedly, trying to force the image of Juvia on the bed out of his mind. The way her full hips kept rubbing against him, the way she said his name this morning, and fuck, the way she said she encourages what happened earlier…It didn't take long for Gray to get worked up again, and before he knew it, he was releasing into his hand with the sound of her name silently falling from his lips.

Meanwhile, Juvia thinks over what just occurred again and again and again. Her eyes have yet to move from the bathroom door, unable to help herself from envisioning a very naked Gray with water running all down his body.

Shaking her head, she gets to her feet and reaches into her suitcase, picking out her clothes for the day. After moments of rummaging around, she picks out a white turtleneck and black jeans, throwing on a long, furry, blue trench coat that went past her knees. Once she secures each button, she puts on long boots and her signature hat. Finally, the water mage brushes out her long locks and allows the soft waves to frame her face.

Gray emerges from the bathroom dressed in his everyday clothing, knowing he wouldn't even be phased by the cold. His eyes meet hers from across the room, a small smile hovering over his lips. "You about ready to head out?" He questions, heading towards the girl.

Every time she sees him, the air gets knocked out of her. There he is with wet hair and a thrown together look, yet he looks more gorgeous than ever. The bluenette nods, wondering if they were ever going to talk about what happened that morning. Maybe she should just give up. Even though that's the last thing she wants to do, it just seems like no matter how close they get, the demon slayer never crosses that line. A girl can only wait so long for the "answer" he was supposed to give her.

Her shoulders slump, visible disconnect on her face. 'Just focus on the mission, Juvia. Then Gray-sama and I can talk about this later,' she tells herself inside her head. Gray notices that something feels off but decides not to mention the elephant in the room, knowing damn well that it could get in the way of the mission. Without saying anything else, the pair exit the cabin and head over to the bigger one, promptly knocking on the door.

Moments later, Dan opens the door, beaming the instant he sees them. "There they are! How did you two sleep?" He asks, inviting them in.

Juvia and Gray enter but don't bother making themselves comfortable since they had to head right back out. "We slept well, thank you Dan-san." The water mage grins back, thankful for the lodging that he's providing.

"No, thank you! Now, what can I do for you?" He inquires as he faces them.

"Just need some directions to where those hiking trails are." Gray replies, watching as Dan then disappears briefly. When he enters the room again, he hands a piece of paper to Gray.

"Here, this is a map of the mountains and where the hiking trails are. I also took it upon myself to pack you two some rice balls for lunch. If you need anything else, you know where I'll be!" He finishes, handing Juvia the packed lunches.

Juvia begins to bow profusely, beyond grateful for how hospitable he is. "Juvia and Gray-sama appreciate it so much, Dan-san! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Gray nods, bowing once before basically dragging the water mage out the door.

…..

As the sun sets, the beaten and battered couple stumble their way back to the cabin. The fight was vicious, but they did it. The monster was killed and the people were able to safely return to the mountains. Despite the cold, Gray lost his blood soaked shirt long ago, a long gash exposed on his back. Unfortunately, the giant snow monster's claws got the demon slayer right before Juvia performed the final blow. They cling to each other, using the other for support.

Dan is waiting for them on his front porch when they return. His eyes widen as he takes in their condition. "Oh my!" He rushes to his feet, poking his head into the house to instruct the butler to grab first aid. It takes a few minutes for the pair to drag their feet across the snow, but they finally reach the front porch, basically collapsing on the bench. Both of them pant, covered in dirt and minor cuts, except for the giant gash on Gray's back.

"Juvia and Gray-sama...completed the mission…" The tired girl informs him, leaning on the man next to her.

"Thank you so much, our town appreciates it more than you could know. Now, please stay as long as you need. Rest up. The guest cabin is yours until you've recovered enough to go home." Dan says, worry evident on his face. The butler comes outside and hands Juvia the first aid kit before returning inside.

"Are you sure, Dan-san? Juvia doesn't want to overstay her welcome…" The water mage questions, putting his feelings in front of her own.

"I insist! It's the least I can do for you two after you both traveled all this way just to kill a monster. Besides, I need to pull jewel out of my account anyway." Dan reassures her.

Standing up on shaky legs, Gray helps Juvia up even though he's the one that's more hurt. "Thank you." The ice mage gives him a curt nod of appreciation, not able to bow at this moment. "We'll recover tonight then be out of your hair in the morning."

Before Dan could argue, the two head to the small cabin just a few feet away. Gray opens the door, shutting it tightly behind him. He goes straight to the bed and falls down on it face first, his body exhausted. Juvia puts some wood in the fireplace and starts a fire, then she heads over to the ice mage, first aid kit and a washcloth in hand. "Gray-sama, let Juvia help you wash your wound. It looks really bad…" Concern is etched on her face, noticing that the cut has started to bleed again.

"I'm okay, Juvia." Gray mumbles against the mattress, his body not wanting to move another inch.

"The cut is very deep, Gray-sama. Please…" She pleads, not wanting the scrape to get infected.

"Fine." He grumbles, sitting up so she's able to do her thing. The bluenette settles herself on the mattress right behind him, the gash in view. First, she takes some alcohol and rubs it along the cut, hearing Gray inhale sharply at the stinging sensation. "Fuck!" The man curses, his fingernails digging into his skin. Juvia creates some water to rinse the cut, using the cloth to dry it. Lastly, she takes some healing ointment and applies it.

Her eyes can't help but to scan his muscular back, the smell of his sweat surrounding her. Delicate fingers travel down his backside, her bottom lip between her teeth. She wants to touch every inch of him.

Gray relaxes under her touch, grateful for her tender care. "You need to get washed up too, Juvia. C'mon, let me help you now." The ice mage turns to face her, noticing the small scrapes and the dirt that mars her perfect skin. His brows furrow as he reaches forward without much thought, using his thumb to rub a dark spot off her forehead.

He's so close…

Juvia gulps quietly, able to feel his breath fanning her face. Gray pulls back slightly, a heat between them electrifying the air. "D-Does Gray-sama want to join Juvia in the bath again?" The girl asks innocently, hoping that he will indulge her again.

Internal conflict flashes behind his eyes, unsure of how to answer. Of course he wants to. Who in their right mind wouldn't? The problem is, he would be putting himself in the same position that he put himself in the previous night. But, then again, it would be their last night here.

"Why not." He answers, knowing the both of them could use a good soak and a glass of champagne after a day of hard work. "You know the drill." Gray smiles, getting up from the bed to grab the bottle and glasses.

"Mhm, give Juvia and second to change into her swimsuit." The bluenette squeals inside her head, containing the over excitement that used to annoy him. Over time, she has learned to calm down and keep the "crazed fangirl" hidden away. Instead, she began to focus on just being herself and it's worked in her favor ever since.

Disappearing behind closed doors, Juvia strips and starts the water, her bikini hanging to dry. She quickly uses the restroom then stands up, throwing on her swimsuit. After a few moments, a soft knock sounds from the other side of the door. "Come in!"

Gray braces himself, preparing himself for the image that he knew would be behind the door. Taking a deep breath, the ice mage steps inside the bathroom, the bottle and two glasses in hand. He meets her gaze, trying his best to keep his eyes from running over her body. "Let's get you cleaned up."

Juvia steps into the hot water, her tense muscles immediately relaxing as the warmth soothes them. Gray follows suit, climbing in beside her, but with a little bit of distance between the pair. "Gray-sama, can you help Juvia get the dirt off her back?" She asks, hand held out with a bottle of soap in it.

His eyebrows shoot straight up. Wash...her...skin...yeah he could do that. Deciding that he needs liquid courage, the demon slayer pours the two of them a glass. "Yeah, c'mere." He empties the entirety of the glass, allowing the alcohol to calm his raging nerves.

The bluenette moves so her back is to him, the whole scene feeling a little too familiar. Yet again, he is met with the silky smooth skin that's just begging him to touch. With the soap in hand, he pours a little in his palm and takes in a shaky breath. Finally, his fingertips meet her back, making sure to rub away all the dirt that appears there.

Once he started, he didn't want to ever stop. The way his fingers glide over her skin is addicting, an intense craving to touch every part of her washing over him. 'She's so soft…' He can't help but think. "There, I think I got it all."

Juvia turns to face him, a grin on her face. "Thank you, Gray-sama! Maybe he can get the rest of her too." She peers at him under thick lashes, cheeks rosy from the champagne. Fuck, she looks so kissable, staring at him like that. "I, uh…" He stutters, his heart hammering against his ribcage. In all of his life, no one was ever capable of making him feel this way. Over time, she became one of his best friends, someone he could always count on. He was almost afraid to let that go, to let it change. Scratch that, he was scared shitless.

Mixed emotions rage behind his eyes as he looks at her, something that was not missed by Juvia. "Is something wrong?" She asks, head tilting slightly to the side as she tries to figure him out. He's been acting weird lately, looking at her one moment like he wants to ravish her then breaking the spell the moment she thought something would happen between the two of them.

Gray looks down at the water, having a hard time sorting through his thoughts. After all, he's never had to do this before. Yeah, he might have had a few endeavors with other women, but it was never serious. It was merely a distraction. Being friends with the water mage was slowly becoming harder because every time he's near her, he wants to grab her and never let her go. All of this is unknown territory to him and he wasn't really sure how to go about it. Would it be fair to her if he gave in and kissed her without giving her the answer she deserves? Would it be fair to start something with the girl if he wasn't even sure if he was in love with her the way she is in love with him?

"No, nothing's wrong Juvia. I'm just tired. It's been a long day." He makes an excuse, almost hating himself for it. The girl nods understandingly, her body and mind exhausted too. She moves directly beside him, resting her head on his shoulder. "Juvia is too." Just like last night, he wraps his arm around her and pulls her close to him, never wanting this moment to end.

"You know I care about you, right?" He asks, guilt nearly eating him alive by the way he was so back and forth with her.

"Yeah, but not in the way Juvia cares about Gray-sama…" She mutters sadly, wishing he would just make her his.

"Hey, you know that's not true. I promised to give you an answer and I still mean it. The war just ended and I haven't had much time to think." Gray turns his head to look at her dead in the eyes, wanting her to know that he means it. "This is all so new to me and I want to make sure I get it right."

The water mage lifts her head from his shoulder and places a kiss to his cheek, moving her hand to lace her fingers with his. He squeezes her hand, eyes closing when he feels her lips meet his cheek. "That's all Juvia wanted to hear, Gray-sama. She wanted to make sure that he hasn't changed his mind…"

"No! I haven't changed my mind about you, Juvia. You...you mean too much to me." He swallows hard, a lump in his throat. After all, confessing what is in his heart has never come easy to him.

With a soft smile on her lips, she uses her other hand to drink the rest of her first glass. "Take your time, Gray-sama. Juvia isn't going anywhere."

This woman. Fiercely loyal and compassionate down to her core. He did not deserve her. "I promise not to make you wait too long." He swears, grateful that she's giving him a little more time to sort it all out.

They finish another glass, sitting in a comfortable silence with their hands locked, her head back on his shoulder. "The water is getting cold, Gray-sama." The girl states after a while, ready to get out and go to bed.

"Is it? I didn't notice."

"Of course you didn't." The bluenette teases, standing up. Her hand reaches for the towel that's hung near the jacuzzi, wrapping it around her body.

Gray watches the whole thing. Ugh, he really didn't know how much longer he'd be able to wait. She's so sexy and she's right there. Sighing, he gets out too and dries off. "I'll let you change." With that, he exits the bathroom quickly, too much temptation there for his liking.

Juvia changes into velvet pink pajama shorts with a matching tank top before leaving the bathroom to meet Gray in bed. Her feet pad across the floor, approaching the small bed just as she did the night before. He's waiting for her, head snapping up the moment he hears the door. His eyes don't dare to leave her as she gets closer, his hands itching to explore all her exposed skin. "Ready for bed, Gray-sama?" She asks, smiling as she climbs in beside him.

"Mhm, yeah…" He mumbles, arms reaching forward and encircling around her lithe waist, drawing her closer. "I know you're going to be cold." The ice mage states matter of factly, the fire dying in the fireplace, taking its warmth with it.

Juvia settles against him, her shivering subsiding as she feels the body heat. The girl tucks her head against his chest, her eyes falling closed. "Goodnight, Gray-sama." A yawn escapes her lips, his arms bringing her the comfort that allows her to fall asleep quickly.

"Goodnight, Juvia. Sweet dreams." His head rests on top of hers, not wanting to admit just how right her body feels against his. They fit like two puzzle pieces, almost as if they were made for the other. Sleep takes over Gray a lot faster than the previous night, the activities of their day taking a large toll on the both of them.

However, little did they know that outside, in the stillness of the night, a heavy snow storm begins to rage.

…

Ooh, long chapter! I swear the lemon is getting very very close. I mean, the mission is going to take longer than they anticipated… ;)

Please leave your thoughts in the review section! They make me write faster hehe