Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail.
"Is this really Natsu!? He totally seems like a different person!" Lucy exclaimed at Juvia showing Natsu in a suit—his solo shots of course.
"He really looks spectacular." Mira said, cupping her cheeks with her hands. "He was so cute back when he's a child, now he's so handsome."
"But still, how did you managed to get this picture?" Erza spooned another bite of her favourite cake.
"Natsu was being Natsu, so as punishment, Juvia made him to go shopping with Juvia. Then Juvia realised that she has never seen Natsu in a suit, so Juvia made him wear one. The results really shocked Juvia."
"I think it'll stun anyone, Natsu never looked this refined before."
"How much did this suit cost?" Mira asked. "It looks expensive."
"Well, since Juvia did a photo shoot with…Natsu, they gave us the suit for free…" Our girl group exploded in a surprise, some were nudged Juvia's arm, others requested for the photo. "It's not like that! Juvia just doesn't want to pay…"
"Just hurry up and show us the picture!" Lucy requested. "Now that you told us, there is no way we'll let you go without seeing it." As said, Cana and Levy barricaded the exit to Fairy Hills, locking Juvia in. Everyone stared at Juvia with anticipation.
"Juvia understands…it's in Juvia's room, Juvia will get it now."
"Don't pull a fast one on us now, we'll make you regret it." Reluctantly, Juvia went into her room, got the picture and hugged it tight. Juvia really should learn how to keep things a secret…
"Does Juvia really have to show it? It's really embarrassing. How about Juvia just treats everyone to a meal instead?"
"Nothing that you framed is going to be shameful." Cana retorted. "Now! Show us!" Juvia found herself surrounded by predators, eyes targeted at the thing pressed against Juvia's chest. Now out of options, Juvia thrusted the picture towards the group, drawing cries of admiration and excitement.
"I knew that it'll be intimate since it's a photo shoot." Mira said. "But, I didn't expect something this bold to be coming from Juvia."
"Right? These two look great together!" Lucy added. With each passing praise and comment, Juvia felt her face get hotter and hotter, steam was coming off Juvia's head.
"And you said you're not together!" Cana bumped into Juvia's waist with her elbow. "You're even doing something that's not like you."
"J—Juvia re—really isn't…with…Natsu." Juvia's teasing continued for the rest of the morning, even though Juvia intended that Natsu would be the one to be teased. Juvia really needs to learn how to be more secretive. But this feeling in Juvia's heart, feels strangely familiar…
At night, when everyone has left for their homes or gone to sleep, Juvia was thinking about something. They really have been teasing Juvia for a while now. It's not like Juvia hates Natsu. Frankly, Juvia likes Natsu's company. But saying that Juvia is in a relationship with him is going too far! Sure, Natsu has lots of up sides like: loyalty, humorous, kind, comforting—but still! It's going too far. Most likely, Natsu won't love someone like Juvia anyway…
Juvia spent the rest of the night thinking about what happened ever since Natsu pulled Juvia away from her dark times. We hung out a lot more, Juvia got to know Natsu more as a person and a friend. He's dependable and…Juvia wants to spend more time with him…
Come to think of it, Natsu has been on Juvia's mind for a while now, always comparing people's actions with Natsu's. Even going as far as missing Natsu's silliness that seems to make Juvia smile no matter what happens. And the jealousy spikes… Why is this happening? Juvia's heart is…pounding…and it feels really nice. It's like when Juvia was in love with Gray-san, yet, not like it at all. Maybe Juvia really is weird like Natsu says.
Juvia was now sitting alone in the guild with a glass of juice, slowly sipping it as Juvia watched the first brawl in three days break out. Needless to say, it was Natsu that started the cogs to the violent machine Juvia sees right now. It started with Natsu tripping over Gray-san, he then slapped Nab-san which then crashed into Elfman-san, making him angry, saying how it's 'unmanly to sneak attack people.'. Natsu was fighting Gray-san, Juvia didn't take her eyes off the fight for one second.
Unlike back when Juvia would stare only at Gray-san, Juvia is now paying more attention to the fight itself, not the lean muscles that stretched and contracted with every movement. With that said, Juvia found herself taking quick glances at Natsu's battle-drugged face and thinking how cool it looked. Juvia rooted secretly for Natsu to win, cheering in her mind when he lands a hit and feeling neutral when Gray-san hit Natsu. Since when did Juvia become a person that likes seeing fights?
Juvia really has nothing to do again, taking a job just after a week since her last one felt too tiring for Juvia. Juvia did monitor Loretta's progress at learning magic. Master introduced her to an owner of a music shop which happens to know Sound Magic. Before the owner would teach Loretta any magic, she would need to know the basics of magic, so Juvia is teaching her. Currently, Loretta and Master is in the corner of the guild, with the former trying to pour magic in a lacrima, Master does have more experience in teaching after all, so Master offered to look over Loretta's basic training. Then he'll hand Loretta back to Juvia for more advance techniques before sending Loretta to learn the magic she wants. The basics should take around three days at the quickest and up to a week judging from what Juvia has seen at the train. Until then, Juvia has nothing to do.
"Juvia, what's wrong? You don't look energetic at all." Mira topped off Juvia's glass of juice according to Juvia's request.
"It's just that Juvia is bored again."
"Then why don't you take a job?"
"Juvia wants to rest for a bit longer before doing so. Also, the jobs on the board don't suit Juvia."
"Then, do you want to have a sleepover at my house?"
"Why so sudden?"
"Lucy asked me for help to improve her cooking, interestingly enough, Levy also asked the same thing. So I suggested that they have a sleepover at my place so I or Lisanna can help them."
"But Juvia feels like her cooking doesn't need improvement. Sure, it isn't as good as yours but that's because you have more experience and talent than Juvia."
"That's true about the experience. However, I won't agree with the talent, I'm just a normal person that likes cooking like you, perhaps a little more than you." Mira thought about something for a while, placing a finger on her cheek. Her eyes lit up with excitement. "I know! Why don't you help with the teaching?"
"But didn't they ask you? Juvia would feel bad for them if they had someone teach cooking that they didn't ask for."
"I'm busy with my job at the guild, so I can only come back when my duties are done. So, you can help out Lisanna when I'm not around."
"Is that okay?"
"Sure it is!"
"Then, Juvia will have a sleepover at your place."
"See you tomorrow tonight then!" Mira's sun-like smile appeared again. Perhaps it's because Juvia has something to do now, Juvia doesn't feel as gloomy as she did yesterday. Maybe Juvia can ask Mira about something that's been happening to Juvia for the past few months. Something that involves Natsu, Juvia has suspicions about it recently, but talking with Mira should clear it up.
Toothbrush, pajamas, extra change of clothes and a gift for the Strauss family…all set! As Juvia closed the door to her room, Juvia took once last glance at the picture of Natsu and Juvia. See you later.
The last time Juvia was at Mira's house was when Juvia wanted to improve her cooking for Gray-san. The results were great, so Juvia has full confidence that after the sleepover, Lucy and Levy will have the same thing happen to them. Although, it might be a bit rough. Juvia rang the doorbell, Juvia was worried that coming here at seven in the morning will be too early for Lisanna, Juvia knows that Mira arrives at the guild around six, so there is no need to worry about her. Juvia's anxiousness proved to be unneeded as the doors swung open, showing Lisanna in pajamas, looking reasonably energetic.
"Sorry for coming in so early!" Juvia presented a paper bag to Lisanna. "A gift for your troubles."
"You don't really have to do all this." Lisanna took the bag and widened the door gap. "Come inside! The others aren't here yet, so we have some time."
"When will they be here?"
"They said around ten."
"Then Juvia is three hours early!?"
"Yup!"
"What has Juvia done!?"
"W—well, don't panic, we can have some fun in the meantime."
"Like what?"
"Just simple talking, we can play a game if you want."
"What kind of game?" Lisanna brought out a deck of playing cards from under the table.
"Some cards." We ended up playing cards until the doorbell chimed loudly into the living room that we were playing in.
"Hello!" Lucy said in a sing-song voice. At her legs, were some bags with food sticking out of them.
"We've come to cook!" Levy held bags of ingredients at us, arms shaking at the weights of the groceries.
"Well, come inside first, those must be heavy." Juvia helped off-load the bags for Lucy and Levy, while Lisanna pulled out all the kitchen tools we should need. "Before we get started, can you tell me why you wanted to get better at cooking all of the sudden?"
"Gray wanted to try my cooking since he hasn't yet."
"I…just want to improve my skill." Lucy's reply was expected, while Levy's was a bit suspicious. Lisanna and Lucy seemed to have noticed as well, giving Levy a smile that looks dangerous and slightly dark. "Okay, Gajeel was complaining about how there is nothing good to eat on our missions. I didn't bring cooking equipment because I wasn't confident with my skills."
"Then, let's get started! The two of you, put on an apron, me and Juvia will be watching over you two until Mira-nee gets back."
"Yes!" "Please take care of us!" Unlike Mira, Lisanna wasn't as strict with her teaching, giving advice and pointing ways they can improve without ever saying what was wrong with the dish. Juvia took a more free-form approach, only saying vague comments like 'it's missing some freshness.' the most direct comment Juvia was on the lines of 'It's too salty.'. The rest, Juvia hopes that they would figure it out. Perhaps Juvia's solitude that made Juvia rely on herself has rubbed off on her teaching styles.
Mira—on the other hand—will just say what is wrong with the dish and won't hesitate at telling people off, it's like her demon-side has transferred to her cooking. Juvia feels like Lisanna and Juvia's teaching methods are spoiling Lucy and Levy. Hoping that they'll improve so that Mira's criticisms won't hit them too hard, Juvia gave more clear advice.
As Juvia guessed, Luvy and Levy got a rude awakening once Mira got back, her words stung at their pride. By the end of it, they looked terrible, so Mira sent them to the bath first and apologized for the harsh words.
It was in the dead of night, Juvia was sitting with Mira by a heater made from a lacrima. Juvia asked for a meeting while Lucy and Levy was bathing.
"So, what did you want to talk about?"
"Juvia wants to ask for some advice."
"About?"
"Juvia thinks that she might be in love." Mira maintained her counselor-esque look.
"With who? Natsu?"
"Maybe…" Juvia fiddled with her thumbs as she considered her next words. "Juvia realised that she has been thinking about Natsu in many situations, even the ones that doesn't have to do with fire or the colour pink."
"That's not all right?"
"Yes, Juvia has been…ch—checking him…out."
"Isn't this what happened with Gray?"
"Yes but, it feels more intense that last time."
"It sounds like you're in love, so why don't you confess?"
"What will Natsu think?"
"Happy I think." That caught Juvia off guard, Juvia doesn't understand those words and it seems like her face told Mira. "You know how Igneel went missing for a long time right?"
"Yes."
"I think that Natsu wants a family of his own due to the time he had with his father, maybe he wants to do something that Igneel could not."
"What if he doesn't like Juvia?"
"Don't worry about that, Natsu likes everyone in the guild, even Gray, as much as he hates to admit it. Love is a different matter."
"Then how should Juvia confe—"
"In the most straight way possible." Mira replied without hesitation. "That man is dense than anything I've ever seen, subtly will only made you look weird."
"Any ideas?"
"I think an old fashioned 'I love you' works wonders, make sure you clarify what kind of love, it wouldn't surprise me if he mistakes girlfriend for female friend."
"Actually…" Juvia murmured what happened not too long ago to Mira, resulting in her laughing as hard as she could, but she controlled it quickly, knowing that her sister and brother is sleeping.
"He really did! Natsu really is Natsu no matter how many years passed."
"Juvia realises this too…"
"All the more reason to hit him with no other ways to interpret your feelings, ask Lucy and Gray for help if you want more advice, they did offer help. Good luck!"
"How did you—"
"Secret." Mira winked at Juvia and walked back to her room upstairs, leaving Juvia with one, obvious choice.
After this session, Mira has given Juvia enough reason to give love another try. Natsu, please be Juvia's third and final prince.
Thanks for reading! I did mention that I will be speeding things up, was things too fast?
Also, I hope you guys didn't get lost at the time jumps in this chapter, let me know you are confused, I'll change all the mistakes and add new stuff right before I'll post the final chapter.
Until then, Thanks for your kind words, give me more feedback!
