Standard disclaimer applies.

A/N: Just for clarification, Steel is two years old, almost turning three. Also, I didn't get to illustrate it in my story properly, but the story is spanning a year from chapter 1, of course not counting the flashbacks. I hope that it's a little bit clear. Thank you to Depressica for pointing that out. I apologize for some inconsistencies.

ONE NIGHT

When was the last time she was surrounded by such luxury? In fact, she never dreamt about it. She never craved for it. But, once in a while, there's nothing wrong to indulge one's self.

The spacious hotel suite was intimidating for Juvia. One could tell each piece of furniture was valued millions of jewels. Even her rambunctious son might feel daunted with the surroundings. She preferred the simple life, and Juvia could tell she would never allow herself to get used to this. She would never need such lifestyle.

Yet, here she was, standing in front of a massive glass window overlooking the glistening beach. The sky was painted with purple, orange, and blue hues. The sun was about to take its well-deserved slumber. It painted a peaceful atmosphere. This was the life of the rich and powerful.

And Slate Hawthorne invited her to taste such lifestyle, at least for one night.

One night at the magnificent, highly expensive, Hawthorne Palm Resort. Juvia accepted as a way to pay back for the ruined dinner a few evenings ago. It also meant that this was the night she'd finally give the answer.

She felt an imposing presence behind her. Though she had always been comfortable around him, this day was different. She convinced herself, with the help of Lucy and Levy, to take her relationship with him to the next level. The tiny voice inside her head kept asking 'why not'.

Slate handed her a glass of champagne. He remained standing behind her, his arm caressing her bare arm while the other snaked around her waist. Juvia closed her eyes, calming herself down. His touch offered her no discomfort, but she couldn't deny there's a certain element of reluctance she's feeling. After all, the last man who caressed her like that was a certain ice mage.

Dispelling uninvited thoughts, Juvia sipped the bubbly liquid. It quenched the dryness in her thought, and she found the voice to speak.

"Thank you for the wonderful dinner, Slate-san," she said in a low voice, which almost came out like a seductive whisper.

Growing bolder, Slate brought his lips to her nape, inhaling her sweet scent. "Thank you for accepting my invitation." He brought his hands on her shoulder and turned her around to face him. "Juvia, I've really fallen for you."

Juvia gazed up at him, still not knowing what to say. She had discussed this with Lucy and Levy, both agreeing that it's time for Juvia to give Slate the chance.

"You feel comfortable around him right?"

"But is that enough for me to say yes to him, Lucy-chan?" Juvia asked, quite torn.

"Juvia, you also said a part of you encourages giving him a chance. What's stopping you now?" It was Levy who asked this.

"Is it still a 'who' is stopping you?" clarified Lucy with a smug expression. After hearing what transpired a few nights ago, Lucy's impression of a certain ice wizard turned sour. "He doesn't deserve you, Juvia. That ship is sinking, and I'm the first one to hop off. I'm on Team Slate now!"

Levy was a little more neutral. "I think Gray was just acting on jealousy. He's always been like that. Then again, he only shows this type of emotions whenever a different guy is around, like Lyon-san. It's almost like he just doesn't want to lose."

"Yup, that ice-jerk should be clear with his feelings," retorted Lucy, clearly using her husband's favourite nickname for Gray.

"Slate does seem like a nice guy. Even Gajeel thinks so," commented Levy. "So, just give him a chance. It's not like you're accepting a marriage proposal. Just a committed relationship, right?"

Her conversation with her friends kept replaying in her head. When Slate leaned forward, their faces inches apart, Juvia lifted her chin up. Their lips met in a gentle kiss, until Slate initiated a more passionate one. Juvia couldn't help but respond.

It soon became a full-on make-out session that ended up with the two of them lying on the king-sized bed. Slate's hand roamed around Juvia's body, while her hands cupped his face.

When was the last time she felt so wanted?

"I knew I'm gonna see you here!"

The loud voice grated on Gray's nerves. This was the person he wanted to see at the moment. When he refused to acknowledge his disturber, Gray received a smacked on the back of his head.

"What the fuck, fire-crotch!" he yelled, not caring whether other patrons of the small pub stared.

"Nice to see you too, frozen princess," he retorted with a toothy grin. He pulled out a bar stool beside Gray and sat. He called out the bartender for a mug of his favourite liquor.

Gray eyed him with a deadly glare. "Okay, I really don't want you or anyone around me at the moment. Please leave."

"I kinda knew that. I mean, you haven't shown up at the guild for the past few days. I'd really sound stupid if I ask 'what's up', cause I clearly know what you're going through."

"Then you should know that I just want to drink alone."

"And wallow in misery by yourself? You need company for that," Natsu raised his glass and then took a huge gulp. "Wow, that tastes good. It's nice to drink alcohol outside the guild once in a while."

Ignoring him, Gray finished his own drink and prepared to leave. When he was about to get up, Natsu put a strong grip to keep Gray seated. "Hands off, flame-brain."

"Stay seated, ice jerk. I need to talk to you." The serious tone was enough for Gray to plant his behind back on the stool. Natsu turned to him, this time his expression held no jest or mockery. "Sorry man for what happened. I'm partly to blame." That surprised Gray, who didn't know what to say. "I got in so much trouble with Luce, she doesn't even let me sleep beside her," he whined.

To be quite honest, Gray couldn't even blame Natsu. How was it his comrade's fault, when it was his own actions and personality that drove Juvia to anger? This was the reason he was sulking.

"But, I'm not sorry with what I said. If Juvia decided to move on to that Hawthorne-dude, I'll honestly congratulate her," Natsu added, observing Gray's expression. "Have you apologized to Juvia?" Gray shook his head, refusing to look at the dragon slayer mage. "If you want her back, shouldn't that be the first step?"

"She never was mine to begin with. I really had no right to question her personal life," was the sad response. What's the use of hiding his emotions to Natsu now? It's clear that the man seated beside him, as much as he'd like to deny, was someone he can confide in. "I want her in my life though."

Natsu chugged his drink and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "Good, cause I want the two of you together," he gave Gray his signature smirk. "I've seen you gaze at her. Other times it's almost disgusting. It looks like you want to devour her right there and then," he snorted, but Gray couldn't help but chuckle at that. "It'd be nice if you have what I have with Lucy."

Normally, Gray would be mocking the pink-haired man. Being a husband and a father had made Natsu quite the softie.

"Lucy's pregnant."

The dark-haired mage snapped his head to the side to look at the fire mage. "Wow, congratulations."

"Yeah, thanks. We just found out today," Natsu winked and then put his arm around Gray's shoulders, "And you're the first one to know. I haven't even told Happy yet."

Gray felt honoured. He might never, ever, ever say it out loud, but in his heart of hearts, this man in front of him will always be his best friend.

"I'm really happy for you and Lucy," said Gray with sincerity. "This is the first and last time I'm gonna say this — you're a good man. You deserve this more than anyone else."

Natsu heartily laughed but not as a form of teasing or mockery. When it died down, he gave Gray another serious look. "You deserve it too, Gray. In fact, you need this kind of happiness in your life. So, go apologize and win Juvia's heart back!" This time, he pushed Gray out of his seat. When the ice mage refused to move, hesitating, Natsu playfully kicked his ass. "I said go, or I'll beat you until your water mage can't recognize you anymore!"

"I owe you a smack," Gray muttered but bid the fire mage a goodbye. He left the pub with Natsu's snickering echoing in the background.

Walking to Juvia's apartment, Gray contemplated some more. He had been doing that since he left her apartment that night. That was also the last time he's seen Juvia and his son. While he thawed and cleaned the block of ice he created, Juvia stayed inside the bedroom. He could hear Steel constantly asking about him — asking if Gray could tuck him in. He could only guess Juvia saying no firmly, and when she used a certain strict tone on Steel, the boy obeyed.

It took him no time to stand in front of the door he once froze. It was an embarrassing moment for him. He had done some immature deeds, but never that childish.

Gray scratched the back of his head out of frustration. He forgot to at least prepare an apologetic speech during his days of contemplation. Now he's at a loss. He didn't even bring at least a stem of flower to offer Juvia.

Instead of leaving, he brought a clenched fist and knocked on the door. It took him a couple more knocks before it opened. He gawked at the blue-haired woman in front of him. "Wha-what are you doing here?" he asked, his voice coming out almost like a yell. She wasn't who he expected.

The blue-haired woman folded her arms and gave him a snotty look, something he never expected she'd wear. "Well, look who's here? Are you here to freeze the door again?" she teased.

"Why are you here?" Gray asked again, ignoring her attempt for sarcasm.

"Why can't I be here?"

Before Gray could supply an answer, the door was opened wide enough to reveal a tall man, who gently pushed the blue-haired woman to stay behind him. He was the last man Gray wanted to have a conversation with. Said tall man gave Gray a menacing look. "You're not allowed here, Stripper!"

Refraining himself from freezing the idiot in front of him, Gray simply asked, "Where is Juvia?"

Levy shrugged. Gajeel scoffed, "As if we'll tell you she's at a resort, staying overnight with that Slate dude."

"Gajeel!" Levy scowled at him, hitting his arm. This time, it was Levy who pushed him behind her. She sighed out loud, taking pity on the ice mage. "Juvia's not here, Gray. She asked us to babysit Steel for the time being," she explained. "She also said not to let Steel see you. At least not for the time being."

"How about forever, huh. I don't think Stripper here deserves to be with the kid at all."

Levy faced her boyfriend. "Gajeel, that's not for you to decide. Why don't you go back in and continue playing with Steel?" she reprimanded the iron dragon slayer. He relented. But before he disappeared into the house, he gave Gray one last threatening stare.

"I'm warning you, Stripper. Stay the hell away from Juvia. I don't want you near her for as long as you breathe."

Levy had to step out of the apartment and closed the door behind her, just to prevent any sort of retaliation from Gray. Luckily, the ice mage didn't seem willing to battle it out with the other man.

He brushed his hair with a hand, trying hard to keep his emotions in check. "Is that true, Levy? Is she with Slate now?"

"Gray..." Levy called his name sympathetically. "I'm really sorry to say this. I think it's better if Juvia-chan accepts Slate Hawthorne. He seems like such a gentleman." Levy had always been straightforward. "His feelings for Juvia are stable and solid. That much I can tell from the way Juvia talked about him. It's about time Juvia opened her heart to someone else, other than..." She couldn't finish her statement, though. She didn't need to.

"Other than me, right?"

Levy could only nod. "This might be better for the two of you. You're always hesitating when it comes to Juvia, and then she ends up being all gloomy. I think it's because subconsciously you thought she'd always stay with you."

"But not this time, huh."

"Not this time," Levy echoed his statement. "It's time for Juvia to be completely loved. No hesitations. No apprehensions. Less gloominess."

Gray turned around, defeated. This was a battle he lost. It was frustrating him, knowing none of his magic abilities can make him come out in victory. "Bye Levy. Say hi to my boy for me."

His steps were heavy, as he dragged his feet out of the apartment building. The sky had transformed into a purple-orange shade. The sun had just set, and it felt like it would never rise again for him. He ended back at the pub, hoping Natsu was still there. Unfortunately, he wasn't. Gray could seek him out at his house, but he didn't want to face Lucy at the moment. In fact, he didn't want to bring down the mood of the couple's joyous atmosphere.

There was nothing left to do but fill his bloodstream with bitter liquid — enough to temporarily drown away his sorrows. When he was downing his fifth shot of god-knows-what-that-is, a busty woman in her early twenties sat beside him. Gray smirked, when she felt the woman touching his arm with her full bosom. Thoughts of the Slate-bastard touching Juvia's bare skin made Gray pull the busty woman closer to him, crashing her lips with his.

If he would never attain permanent happiness with Juvia, then he'd use any curvaceous female to reach a temporary heaven. He has physical needs, and though his entire being craves for Juvia, it's not meant to be anymore.

"Let's take this somewhere else," he whispered in the woman's ear, who willingly said yes, cupping his hardening crotch.

The strange sensation pooling in her stomach made Juvia hyper conscious. She could visualize the two of them on the bed. A shirtless Slate was on top of her without putting his full weight on her. His hand caressed her arms and legs, at one point lingering for a long time on her guild tattoo on her left thigh. He was a good kisser, Juvia admitted, but there's something missing she couldn't put a finger on it.

She kissed him back with enough passion to elicit a groan from him. In her mind, Juvia just wanted to be purged from outside thoughts. She wanted one image to disappear, so she eagerly allowed Slate to lead her towards a more intimate act. She didn't object when he unbuttoned her blouse, revealing her blue lacy bra. When he kissed the exposed part of her left breast, she stifled a moan from the contact.

A reminiscent scene played in her mind, a memory from long ago that should have been buried deep. Slate's actions were the tool that unearthed it from within.

It involved a stoic man with raven hair, so dashing and utterly ravishing in her eyes. She recalled the smug smile he shot her, before attacking her naked mounds with his lips. As his tongue swirled around the pink, hardening beads, Juvia moaned out loud. It was the first time she felt such pleasure crawling through her body. His rough fingers played with the other breast, gently kneading it. Her voice, albeit breathy, got louder.

"Oh... G-Gray-sama!"

And then the sensation abruptly stopped. Juvia's eyes fluttered open, her hands quickly covering her mouth. Slate sat up, his back turned on her. Juvia suddenly felt so naked, even though she was still partially clothed. She covered herself immediately, and propped her knees to her stomach. How could she call out the name of the one person she detests? How could she even think about him at this moment?

This moment was reserved for Slate, she had promised. This night she was willing to give herself to Slate. But no, he had to go ruin it again!

Slate rested his forehead on his hand. He was silent, but for Juvia it was deafening. She tried to squeak out an apology, but couldn't bring herself to say it.

It was him who sliced through the heavy stillness in the room. "Juvia," was spoken as a murmur, the hurt in his voice was too loud. "Do you love me?"

Her response was a sob. With shaky fingers, she buttoned her blouse, shivering, not from the coldness in the room but from the heartache she gifted him. "I'm so sorry, Slate-san," was her whispered reply.

The acrid aroma of the woman's perfume was giving him a headache. But of course, whatever! He needed some kind of release, and he was willing to do it with anyone. However, he couldn't bring himself to place a kiss on her neck. Gray let the woman do the touching and kissing.

He was getting impatient with this woman's choice of foreplay. But again, whatever! He couldn't even remember the name she gave him. Heck, it seemed she also had no idea about him, after she inquired about the tattoo on his right chest. She commented it wasn't very manly. He nearly put a stop to this heavy touching and panting session. But again, whatever! He just needed a release.

This was all too convenient for Gray. The woman was a visitor to Magnolia, so she stayed at an inn near the pub. Her room was on the first floor, so it didn't take long for them to make their way inside the bedroom. She wore a sleeveless shirt without a bra on. When it was pulled down, it instantly revealed her humongous but slightly drooping breasts. Touching her bulging nipples, the woman moaned into his ears as she nipped his earlobes.

It seemed Gray needed to extend the foreplay, because for some reason his libido wasn't exactly cooperating. Closing his eyes, he tried hard to concentrate on the lips of his partner as she eagerly applied kisses all over his bare chest.

A vision of innocence on a blushing face… Soft, plump lips tinted with its natural pinkness… Oh, how he'd love those lips on his own. He craved for his fingers to gingerly brush through soft waves of azure strands.

He sensed the woman going down on her knees, slowly unzipping his pants. She touched his almost-there erection. All it needed was a few more encouragement, perhaps.

Gray-sama? A melodious voice calling his name was all it took.

"God Juvia, I need you…"

"Juvia?" The woman stood up, her brows furrowed. "Who the fuck is Juvia? I'm Margaret! I may be a one-night stand, but please don't call out a different woman's name when you're with me. I'm not into that," she poked a fingernail on his chest. She was willing to continue, but that was Gray's wake up call.

Gray grabbed his shirt on the floor, glad that he didn't just throw the piece of clothing at a random place. "This isn't gonna work. Sorry," he muttered.

"You fucking bastard!" the Margaret yelled, throwing her shoe at him. The heel hit him on the back; the pain it caused was no match from the pain inflicted by losing a certain water mage.

"I know, and I'm sorry," he uttered, making his way out of the room, and out of the inn.

Gray stared at the dark sky. Would this be his comeuppance? Would Juvia's image show up at every chance he'd be unleashing his lust on some unknown female? Wow, Gray had never considered celibacy. He laughed out loud, a very bitter laugh.

A/N: My story is coming to a near close. It feels like I don't want to let go, and I'd make more excuses to extend. But as I've indicated in the past, I've already concluded the story in my head; it's just a matter of writing it out. So, please hang in there with me for a few more chapters. Again to those who took time to review, thank you. It helps with the motivation to complete a chapter.