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ALL YOURS

He read it from a book once — majority of a human body's composition is water. Gray was not exactly a learned man. No siree, he ain't a scholar and he had no use for such to succeed in his missions. Human physiology was the last thing on his mind.

Yet, at the very moment, while staring intently at the glimmering lake, all he could think about was water.

Humans need water to survive. Sure, that's a no brainer. Heck, his magic abilities depended on the very element! It was one thing he often took for granted.

And now it dawned on him heavily... He always took Juvia for granted. Levy was right. At the back of his stupid brain, he knew Juvia would always be loyal to him. But now, he lost her.

Gray ran his fingers through his messy raven hair. His limbs hurt from lack of proper rest. After leaving the apartment of the can't-remember-her-name woman, he walked around town. He felt lost and unsure how to proceed from now on.

By past midnight, the streets of Magnolia became empty and quiet. Gray still refused to return to his apartment, knowing he'd only drown himself in sorrow. He ended up going to the lakeshore overlooking Lake Sciliora. He spent the whole night at a wooden bench, just gazing at the still waters illuminated the moonlight. He drifted on and off to sleep but was able to catch the sun rising.

All those hours his thoughts were centred on one person.

How he would like to watch her charming face bathed in the moon's light. How he would love to encircle his arms around her as the sun appears from the horizon.

The solitary night also provided him time to mull over his issues. He rarely went down without a fight; perhaps he needed to battle it out with the lucky bastard for Juvia's heart. But, would that be fair to Juvia? She wasn't, and never will be, a prize to be won. Not for Lyon. Not for Slate. Certainly, never for Gray.

Gray could feel her presence in the water. The wind carried her intoxicating scent.

"Gray-sama?" Great, now I can even conjure her melodious voice out loud!

If he wanted to move on — no, he needed to move one — he must dispel thoughts of her. He must banish images of her from his mind. Hopefully, remove her from his heart eventually.

He clutched the sides of his head with his hand, ruffling his hair in a frustrated manner. "Ugh, Juvia just get away from me!" he grumbled.

"S-Sorry..."

His head turned around in a snap. A figure dressed in a dark blue garb, typically worn by a specific water mage, was walking away. Is she a projection? An illusion?

In a lightning flash, he was behind her, his right hand gripping her left wrist. "J-Juvia? Are you real?" he asked stupidly. The water mage's serene face looked at him in puzzlement. She didn't respond to his question, and she refused to look him straight in the eyes. Gray brought his hand to her cheek, just to confirm of her existence. "What are you doing here?"

It took her quite some time to answer him. She had already taken a step back after shaking off his touch. "Juvia goes here to reflect every now and then."

"I see..." Gray brushed his hair, suddenly feeling embarrassed. He had so many things to say and ask her, but he didn't know where to start. "Well, you can have the place then. I'll leave you alone." Juvia only nodded. Gray walked past her with heavy heart, hands in his pocket. Was this really how he wanted things to progress? From now on, the two of them would act awkward around each other. How would they continue to nurture Steel if there's a thick barrier between them?

No, this was the worst case scenario. Gray halted his steps but didn't turn around. So what if Juvia's heart belonged to someone else already? The last thing Gray wanted was to remove her in his life. At least, they should continue being amicable, if not as comfortable.

"Gray-sama seemed like he didn't sleep at all," she commented out loud, which made Gray rotate his upper body. She was already facing him. "How are you going to handle a rowdy two-year old if you're lacking energy, Gray-sama?" she said this with a soft smile, slightly tilting her head. If only Juvia knew how that simple act drove Gray to the edge.

He fixed his stare directly at her sapphire eyes. He took huge strides to reach her. As he stood in front of Juvia, his height towering over her slender frame, he couldn't help but lift her chin up. "I am sorry for everything I said and did, Juvia," he started, his voice hoarse. "I'm a very selfish man, and I don't give a damn if you already gave your heart to that Slate Hawthorne. I don't deserve to ask for that anymore," he spoke with sincerity, "But I just don't want you gone in my life. I'm not asking to be friends. Just..."

He trailed off, trying to find the right words. "Just don't be cold to me. It's the type of coldness I can't bear."

Juvia twirled around so he couldn't see what expression her face made. To Gray, that was rejection. Dejected, he let his hands hang loose on his side. What else could he say and do to make amends?

"Isn't the water lovely, Gray-sama? We should bring Steel here one of these days. Juvia bets he would love to run around here. Hopefully, not naked!"

There was liveliness in her tone that Gray couldn't fathom. Was she just changing the topic to divert his attention?

"Slate Hawthorne is such a kind man. Any woman would be lucky to be with him," Juvia announced with a smile. Her lip quivered as she thought back to the conversation she had with the dashing heir.

"Couldn't you love me, even just a small amount?" the pleading in Slate's voice made it even harder for Juvia.

The water mage stood in front of the man, who remained seated on the edge of the bed, his head bent low. She hated to see his demeanour weakening by the minute. She now played the villainess who cursed this hero with heartache. However, she knew in the long run this would benefit him more. "Juvia wishes she could give you a portion of her heart. But, that's not fair to you Slate-san. You deserve something better than that. You deserve someone's whole heart," her hand shook as she brought it to touch his cheek. "In the long run, the two of us would just cause misery and pain to each other."

Tears streamed down her face. Slate stood up, wiped her cheeks, and then engulfed her in his arms. "Don't cry, Juvia. It doesn't suit you. I want you to be happy," he soothed her with a gentle voice. "If you can't be happy with me, then you shouldn't be with me."

When they bade each other a farewell, Juvia was gifted with Slate's kind smile. That image of him, she would keep in her memory and treasure it for eternity.

"But Juvia isn't going to be that woman," continued Juvia. She outstretched her right arm, flicking her wrist. Her fingers moved in a fluid motion. A stream of water floated in the air, just swirling around. "This is how Juvia first learned her water magic. It's nothing much, just a way to learn to control water." When she pirouetted to face Gray, her hand swatted the liquid formation towards the lake. "Do you think Steel-kun will choose water magic or ice make?"

Gray didn't answer. He was still locked in confusion, unsure what Juvia meant from her previous statement. "Are you saying that Slate-bastard rejected you?"

Juvia chuckled with unsmiling eyes. She clasped her fingers together at her back. "That would've been better. How Juvia wished it was Slate-san who did the rejection, instead of turning Juvia into a villain." She took a tiny step closer to Gray. "Juvia's life will now just revolve around Steel-kun."

Gray cut their distance from each other as well. "Can... Can't you give me one more chance? I want to prove to you that..." he paused, brushing away the strands of hair from her face. "I want to show you that I can make you happy. I want to be the one to make you happy, along with our son."

His thumb brushed her lower lip. It was so pink and plump that he just wanted to taste it. "Juvia, I can't get you out of my mind. I crave to have my arms around you. I just want you close to me at all times." He was never really good at confessing his heart out.

"Juvia is a stalker," the water mage bluntly informed him.

"I'd follow you anywhere too."

"Juvia clings a lot."

Gray snorted, "Trust me, I'm more possessive."

The blue-haired beauty shook her head. "Juvia can get really gloomy, obsessing over the simplest things."

"I can live with that."

"Juvia can't stand when other women ogle your bare chest," she huffed in defiance.

Gray took her arms and placed it around his waist. "If I wear you like this, would that be okay?" The tinting of her cheeks made his heart swell in pride. He could still make her blush!

The water mage raised her head, her chin resting on Gray's toned chest. "Juvia is afraid to give all her love to you again," she murmured, tears welling in her eyes.

"Then, even if it takes a lifetime, I'll prove to you that I deserve your love," he responded huskily. He brought a finger to poke her nose. "I'm all yours, Juvia," he grinned at her. "It's up to you if you're mine."

And the highly spirited and bubbly Juvia surfaced. She threw her arms around Gray's neck, jumping him, and wailing out loud. "WAAAHHH! Gray-sama, Juvia loves you will all her heart!"

Gray laughed out loud, happiness welled in his chest. He untangled her arms from his neck and settled her down on the ground. Right away, Gray attacked her lips. He could give her a slow and sweet one later, but for now he needed to satiate his craving. Juvia gasped from surprise, giving Gray the opportunity to slip a tongue in. Eventually, the water mage responded. Gray brought his left hand down her back, cupping her behind. With all his strength, he lifted her with that one arm, so that Juvia didn't strain her neck up to respond to his kisses. His right hand travelled to her hip down to her thigh, rubbing it up and down.

"Are you mine, Juvia?" he asked hoarsely, trailing her jaw line with kisses.

Juvia eyed him lovingly. "That depends if Gray-sama is solely Juvia's," was her coquettish reply.

Gray put her down gently, his arm settling on the curve of her waste. "I am forever devoted to you with all my heart," he placed a hand above her left breast and then wrapped her in his arms, "body and soul."

Juvia giggled and circled her arms around Gray's waist. She tightened her hold on him, and he did as well. The two remained in a locked embrace for as long as they could, just listening to their heartbeats.

"Juvia," Gray's voice snapped her out of her reverie.

"Yes Gray-sama?" she asked, eyes closed and unmoving.

"Let's go see Steel," he abruptly ended the hug, took the beffudled woman's hand, and led the way back to her apartment. "I can't wait to see our son."

The bubbly laughter of a little boy greeted Juvia as she unlocked the door to her apartment. She could already tell that her little boy woke up in high spirits. Steel's infectious laughter made her giggle, as she turned her head to wink at the man behind her. He gave her his signature smirk, but this time his eyes showed contentment.

From the shores of Lake Sciliora, along the streets of Magnolia, all the way to Juvia's apartment building, Gray's fingers were intertwined with hers. Her cheeks never lost its reddish blush. Juvia brought a finger to her lips, hushing Gray when they stepped inside.

"Levy-chan, Gajeel-kun, Juvia's back," she announced her presence out loud.

Levy's head popped out from the kitchen's doorway. "Welcome ba-," her words were cut off when her gaze fell on the last person he suspected to be with Juvia.

"Oy, Rain-Mama, we're at the living room!" Gajeel's voice echoed from within.

Juvia mouthed a 'tell ya later' to Levy and made their way to the living room. Gray gave a curt nod to Levy who eyed him suspiciously. He didn't immediately follow Juvia, since he wasn't sure how to handle Gajeel.

"Good morning, Gajeel-kun. Did you already have breakfast?"

Gajeel just nodded. "Yo Rain-Mama, how did you produce such a monster?" he asked with a teasing note. Steel was standing on Gajeel's lap, while the iron dragon slayer, who was seated on the couch, bounced the kid up and down. The little boy kept giggling as if being tickled. "Imma teach this kid some dragon slayer magic. Make him eat iron, yaknow," he winked at the boy who continued to laugh.

"Like hell, I'd let you teach my son that!" Gray grumbled as he stood behind Juvia.

Gajeel immediately stood up, tucked the little boy in his right arm. "And Stripper is here! Why is he here?" He roamed his eyes around in mockery. "Am I the only one seeing Stripper here? Am I the only one seeing someone who's not supposed to be here?"

"Daddy!" squealed Steel, trying to squirm away from Gajeel's hold, thus affirming the Stripper's presence to Gajeel. The latter didn't let go and Steel outstretched his arms to Gray. "Steel wants Daddy!"

It was Juvia who approached Gajeel and took the little boy from him. She peppered the kid with kisses all over his plump cheeks. "Mommy missed Steel-kun so very much!" Steel put his tiny arms around Juvia's neck, but waved his small hand at Gray, who walked closer to ruffle the kid's hair.

Gajeel folded his arms, glaring at the Juvia. "Why is Stripper with you? I thought you said he's not allowed here anymore."

Juvia handed the boy to Gray, who lifted the boy up and blew bubbles on the boy's stomach. Another set of giggles reverberated in the living room. "Juvia only meant 'for the time being'," she responded sheepishly to her best friend. To pacify him, she gave Gajeel a peck on the cheek. "Thank you for babysitting Steel, Gajeel-kun."

The long-haired man patted her back, and then stepped backwards, wrinkling his nose. "Yuck, why do you smell like Stripper?"

Gray rolled his eyes. "Because I couldn't keep my hands off her body."

"Gray-sama!"

Gajeel snarled at him. His stance looked like he was ready to beat the living crap out of the ice mage. Gray held Steel up in front of Gajeel. "Ha! You can't punch me. I have a Steel-shield," he challenged the dragon slayer in front of him.

Scowling, Juvia positioned herself in between the two precious men in her life. She took Steel from Gray's grasps. "No fighting in Juvia's apartment," she chided the two. "And certainly no using Juvia's son as a shield!" The last one was clearly meant for Gray.

"Juvia," Gajeel's tone was hard and serious.

The water mage set her son down, and using her mommy-voice, instructed her son, "Go to Aunt Levy, Steel-kun. She's in the kitchen." Again, the boy promptly followed. Juvia faced Gajeel, but there's a smile on her face. "Juvia knows what Gajeel-kun wants to say. Juvia promises she will explain everything to you. For now, though, Juvia needs to have a private moment with Gray-sama and Steel-kun." She gave him a pleading look.

"I'll be damned if I leave you here alone with him!" he hollered. "If I'm not mistaken, last time you went to my house, you were sobbing to Levy. And now you expect me to give ice-freak here a private time with you?" he angrily spat. Gajeel shot Gray a dangerous stare. Words didn't need spoken out loud. Gray could clearly hear the threat from his eyes and tone.

The other bluenette appeared from the kitchen, carrying Steel in her slender arms. The boy was munching on a piece of banana. "We should go, Gajeel. They need to talk," she touched his arm, hoping he'd calm down. Steel was used to Gajeel's booming voice, so the boy didn't get scared. Still, Levy didn't like the developing hostile atmosphere. It's not good for the child. "Remember, Steel is here. Don't give him a bad impression," she spoke, kissing the child's cheeks. She walked towards Juvia, handing the boy to his mother.

"Thank you again, Levy-chan. You're always helping Juvia."

"Whatever," Gajeel declared. "If you want to continue living such unhappy life, go ahead," he snarled his last words, turned around, and walked out of the living room. They heard the door produce a loud bang.

Levy sighed out loud. "Guess I better follow him." She gave her two guildmates a big smile. "Well, I hope you two have a good conversation." Giving Steel another kiss, Levy waved goodbye to both mages.

"Jeel-kun?" asked Steel with a sad look.

"Uncle Gajeel needs to go, but we'll visit him soon. Promise," Juvia said, rubbing her nose with his cute one. The boy nodded excitedly.

Gray rubbed the back of his neck. He had been quiet during Gajeel's outburst. "Juvia, I'll be back," he told her. Without waiting for her reply, he rushed outside to run after Levy and Gajeel.

Thanks to his mad dash, he was able to catch up to the couple who were already a few blocks away from the apartment. "Levy, Gajeel, wait!" he called out. The two turned around. Gajeel decided he didn't want to deal with the ice mage, so he was about to continue walking. Levy stopped him with a firm grip on his bulky arm. Gray closed the distance between them. "I want you to know I will protect Juvia and Steel with everything I have," he managed to croak out, still out of breath from running. "I will make them happy."

"Like I'd believe that," Gajeel grumpily commented. "Why are you telling me this anyway? Shouldn't you tell Rainwoman instead?"

"I did," he said with a determined tone, "but it's appropriate to let you know as well. After all, you're the closest thing to a brother to Juvia."

Gajeel rolled his eyes, trying to hide an embarrassing blush. The brawny iron dragon slayer did indeed feel honoured. He faced Gray, pointing a threatening finger at him. "I don't care if I have a whole guild coming after me, but I will kill you if you ever cheat on Juvia, or leave her without explanation!" Gray nodded, quite sure that would never happen.

"I can't promise I will never make her cry or we won't ever fight," he firmly declared, "but I vow never to make stupid mistakes like that."

"If I have it my way, I still won't give her to you," grumbled Gajeel. "But Juvia lives her life the way she wants to. If she wants you, nothin' I can do 'bout it."

With that, Gray knew he has Juvia's almost-brother's acceptance.

"Let's go home, Levy. I don't wanna get infected with a stripping disease," Gajeel takes Levy by the arm and turned to walk away.

"Go get your beautiful water lady!" Levy shouted when they reached a certain distance. She pumped her fist up, encouraging Gray.

"I will," mumbled the ice mage with a grin.

"And, and... Jeel-kun bam-bam Uncwe Nashoo," the toddler's lively voice filled the whole room. After lunch, Steel was animatedly describing what went on at the guild the previous day. He kept punching his left palm with his right fist, giggling and making serious sound effects. "Fwame-bweath! Medal-het! Bam! Bam! Swoosh~"

Juvia rested her chin on her two palms in a v-formation, with propped-up elbows on the dining table. Gray was standing beside her, his left hand leaning on the back of her chair. The two parents listened attentively to their son's story, albeit not exactly very descriptive. They did have some ideas of what transpired.

"So who won?" Gray asked.

"Aunt Lushie pinch Uncwe's Nashoo's ear," was Steel's conclusion. Juvia and Gray eyed each other, guessing that in the end, Lucy put a stop to the fight with her typical violent reprimand.

Juvia stood up. "Okay, time to brush your teeth, baby," she announced to the boy who scowled but nodded. Gray helped him get off his high chair. "Um, can you help him brush his teeth, Gray-sama?" the bluenette mom asked shyly. She was still feeling a little self-conscious with the way things had evolved between them. Juvia certainly didn't expect to spend this very day being in good terms with Gray. Heck, being confessed to and eventually kissed by the ice mage.

Gray picked up his son. "Sure thing, babe," he winked at her, further making the water mage more self-conscious. For the icing on the cake, Gray pecked her lips with a soft kiss. Juvia blinked nonstop at him.

"Steel too! Me too!" the boy yelped, placing a kiss on his mom's cheek.

"Let's go brush your teeth!" Gray hollered, lifting the kid up high, and placing him on his shoulders. The boy laughed out loud.

Juvia, for her part, proceeded to clean the table. She couldn't remember the last time lunch was completely enjoyable and fun. Yet, something at the back of her mind nagged at her that this bliss would end soon. There were serious matters to be discussed between her and Gray. While she didn't doubt his sincerity, some skepticism must be addressed. Where do they go from here? What's their relationship now?

While doing the dishes, she was in her contemplative state. Suddenly, strong arms circled her waist. Juvia felt Gray's lips landing on the crook of her neck.

He hummed in pleasure. "Am I allowed to do this?" asked Gray, warm breath on her skin.

Juvia swallowed hard, trying to control her giddiness. "You're already doing it, Gray-sama," she mumbled in response. A giggle threatened to escape from her lips when Gray's mouth travelled to her earlobe.

"So I can do something like this always? Anytime I want, anywhere?"

Juvia stopped what she was doing, unsure how to answer him. "Gray-sama..."

"Hm?"

"W-What is Juvia to you now?" Gray released his hold on her and took a step away. Juvia stared at the forming suds as the faucet kept running. She turned it off, and wiped her hands on the hanging hand towel. "Don't mind Juvia. Just being a little dramatic, heh," she played it cool, but didn't glance at Gray. "Juvia will finish the dishes later."

Gray put a firm hold on her shoulders, and then gently twisted her body to face him. "You're my 'everything' now, Juvia." He hoped his voice played the genuineness coming from his heart. He touched her neck, caressing it upwards until it reached her chin. He bent his head low, and he lifted her chin up to meet his hungry lips.

This was the kiss he promised himself earlier. Slow with the hint of longing. "Like I said, Juvia, I'm all yours," he said, pulling away.

Juvia smiled. She stood on her tiptoes and initiated the kiss this time. "Gray-sama," she spoke his name lovingly.

"Hm?"

"Can you please finish washing the dishes?" she giggled, and then ran away from the kitchen. "Steel-kun, let's go play!" she shouted energetically.

The ice mage stared after her, scratching his head. Expect Juvia to pull a stunt like that! Shaking his head, he proceeded to the sink to finish what she started.

He couldn't remember the last time he was so happy doing the dishes.

a/n: Here's my reason why I didn't use Lyon instead... I love him as a character (his development, specifically). I'd hate for Juvia to give him a chance, and then reject him in the end. I've seen quite a few Gruvion fanfics like that. The one-time 'rejection' was enough. So... rather than 'hurting' a character I like, let's just create one (Slate H.) That's why I couldn't make him a bad guy, as a couple readers have assumed. He's essentially Lyon 2.0. so, that's just my lame reasoning for not putting Lyon.

one or two more chapters left... Please continue to let me know how you feel about the story. Thank you for the reviews/follows/favourites.