Standard disclaimer applies.

JUST FRIENDS

It was a successful and normal delivery. The baby boy was healthy. A mop of dark hair already covered his tiny head.

And his eyes... Oh, his eyes are Juvia's favourite!

It is the image of a clear blue sky — the kind of day that makes Juvia smile brightly.

"Hey, rain lady," Gajeel greeted her. He slowly leaned forward to peer at the bundle of joy in Juvia's arms. He was cautious, afraid his rugged appearance might scare the baby. He scratched his head. "I guess you're a 'rain mama' now..." he mused.

Juvia smiled, her eyes remaining on the sleeping angel's face. She just couldn't believe he came from her. She gave life to someone so perfect. Tears stung the corner of her eyes. Images of her days with the Phantom Lord guild filled her mind.

"Gajeel-kun," she whispered, "What did Juvia do to deserve such blessing?"

The iron dragon slayer sighed out loud. He could understand what Juvia was feeling. He gently wiped the cheeks of his best friend.

"Because you have a heart of gold."

The simple answer was all Juvia needed to hear.

"Juvia will do everything to make Steel happy. He is now Juvia's life."

Hot tears threatened to fall from Gray's eyes. He couldn't believe he missed something so important just because of a silly mission.

He missed the birth of his son.

The team was already on their way back when Erza received message about Juvia's condition. Natsu had the gall to tease him by making an off-hand comment about being an absentee father, especially when he was there when Lucy gave birth. Suffice to say, the fire-breathing idiot received a bonked in the head from Erza, and a death glare from Happy. Gray was too distracted and worried to come up with the worst punishment.

Gray didn't even wait for his guildmates. He ran as fast as his legs allowed him, using his ice to cut through trees, shrubs, and just about anything that was in the way.

Speed and determination weren't enough to get back in time. Once he arrived at the clinic where Juvia was brought, it was already past midnight. The midwife told him that Juvia and the baby were already resting and fast asleep. Gray, even with the eagerness to meet his son, agreed not to disturb the mother and child.

Not wanting to miss his son's first morning, Gray pleaded if he could stay at the visiting area. He was exhausted from the mission and running back home, but he didn't care about that. His concern only revolved around Juvia and their son.

Morning didn't come too soon. His limbs were heavy and his muscles were aching, but Gray's mind was just too awake. He paced back and forth outside Juvia's room, anticipating the moment he'd lay eyes on the baby. Will he be a miniature Gray? Perhaps, he inherited his mother's beautiful eyes?

Gray couldn't help it anymore. He slowly opened the door to Juvia's room and peeked inside. It was dim, but a faint light shone above the patient bed.

Juvia was sleeping soundly. Beside her bed was a tiny crib. Gray lifted his boots and quietly made his way to Juvia's bedside. She wore a serene expression. Strands of hair stuck to her forehead and Gray itched to brush them away. He paused, wary that his calloused fingertips will rouse her. His eyes then travelled to the crib at the other side of the bed. His hands were shaking. Inside his chest, his heart thumped loudly.

The most beautiful, doll-like baby boy slept inside peacefully. His cheeks were puffy and rosy.

He's mine. My baby. He is my son...

Overwhelming emotions enveloped his entire being. He felt elated, but there was also a pinch to his heart.

One gaze at his son made him realize what he always craved.

Family.

Before opening her eyes, she already sensed Gray's presence in the room. In fact, she could tell he was sitting on a chair right beside her bed.

Blame it on her self-installed 'Graydar'!

Juvia hesitated to "wake up", hoping that Gray would give up and leave. Yet, the excitement of seeing Steel motivated her. Bright sunlight blinded her momentarily. When her vision cleared, a concerned-looking Gray was peering over her.

"Juvia?" he called her name softly. He also took her hand and gently clasped it in his. Normally, such act would drive Juvia into a panic attack. Though a squeal nearly made it out of her lips, Juvia held herself back.

"Good morning Gray-sama," she greeted the ice mage, pulling out her hand from his. She made it seem as if she needed that hand to prop herself up into a sitting position. Gray was quick to stand to assist her.

"Juvia is fine, Gray-sama," she held a hand up, as if repelling him. Gray understood the idea. "Steel?" she asked, looking around. Gray was a bit confused. "Juvia named her son Steel Lockser."

Gray frowned. "It's a beautiful name, Juvia." He turned around to hide the hurt etched on his face. Facing the wide open windows, Gray cleared his throat, trying to get rid of some sort of lump forming inside. "Shouldn't it be Steel Lockser-Fullbuster? My son — our son will have both our names."

When Juvia didn't say anything, Gray took that opportunity to propose a plan that had been brewing inside his head for quite some time. He faced Juvia, clasped her hand in his.

"J-Juvia," he stammered, "Please m-mar—," he was cut off.

"Gray-sama, Juvia hopes that we can be both good parents to Steel. Even if Gray-sama and Juvia will not be together, let us give Steel all the love we can give."

Gray frowned, trying to make a sense of what the blue-haired woman was saying. "We can do that, Juvia. Let's get ma—," he was cut off once again.

"Can Juvia forever remain as Gray-sama's friend?"

There was a determined look on her face. Gray could read it. Juvia desired to be his friend.

Just his friend.