Standard disclaimer applies.

CARNAL PLEASURES

To anyone watching from afar, the scene at a small restaurant painted a typical family moment. A rosy-cheeked toddler with blue streaks on his dark hair sat on his father's lap. The father was basically the toddler's upsized version. The raven-haired father fed the boy in a playful manner, using the spoon as if it was a flying spaceship. The boy anticipated his food with wide-opened mouth, eyes sparkling in excitement. Across the father and son sat the mother with cerulean locks. She kept leaning towards the two, wiping the boy's mouth every now and then. At one point, she even wiped the mouth of the father.

It clearly displayed a snapshot of a happy family of three.

The truth... this was a typical date for Gray and Juvia as an official couple.

While the two of them desired to spend time as a boyfriend-girlfriend, guilt nagged at them when they plan an outing without their precious son. So, with mutuality, their dates were always spent with Steel as the third wheel.

Only, most of the time, their respective attention was focused on Steel.

"Let's give this to Mommy," Gray winked at his son, as he waved the spoonful of mashed potatoes in front of Juvia.

"Gray-sama!" protested Juvia, although secretly she wanted Gray to feed her too. Juvia rolled her eyes, but opened her lips for Gray. And then Gray put the spoon inside Steel's mouth. Both son and father laughed out loud. Each day, Gray found ways to tease his water mage. It also helped that Steel loves being an accomplice. Juvia could only pout, which made Gray tease her more. "Juvia will never eat anything you feed her from now on," she huffed, folding her arms across her chest.

Gray nudged his son, handing him a spoonful of mashed potatoes. "Go feed mommy," he instructed and the boy bobbed his head. He stretched out his tiny arm trying to reach his mother.

"Nope," Juvia pouted again, playfulness showing in her eyes. She turned her head sideways to show her son she's protesting.

"Aww, mommy's so mean, right Steel?" Gray winked, and leaned forward to pinch Juvia's puffed cheek, surprising the bluenette. "Look, kiddo, mommy's blushing!" Steel reacted by standing on Gray's lap, still stretching his hand with the spoon.

Juvia relented, took the spoonful, and then licked her lips, "Yum! Anything Steel gives mommy is delicious."

"I think you're more delicious," Gray commented, his eyes hinted mischief which Juvia didn't miss. As expected, the blue-haired's cheeks flushed pink again.

Gray's teasing ranged from playful to naughty. However, lately, he'd been quite provocative with his words. It was quite understandable. He ached to touch Juvia. It had been almost a month since the two reached an understanding about their feelings for each other. Of course their intimacy had levelled up. The kisses had become torrid; the embraces had become heated, while their hands roamed each other's bodies without care.

Yet, that was about it. To say the two haven't tried to be more intimate was a lie. They tried multiple times but the opportunity always got thwarted. There was only one room in Juvia's apartment, which she shares with Steel. (Gray just simply moved in, no discussions whatsoever. He still had most of his stuff back at his apartment, but he's just basically waiting for his contract to end.)

Yes, he could bring Juvia to his apartment, but that would just put her alongside his former flings. Like she was just a booty call. He wanted his first time with Juvia (at least as his official lover) in a memorable place, not some dreary-looking and messy one-bedroom flat. She deserved to be made love to in a grander setting.

After their date night, it seemed their sexual frustrations reached a new kind of tension. Making out was just not cutting it anymore. Gray wanted more, and Juvia craved deeper. Luckily, Steel got sleepy earlier than usual. Joining Steel on his bed, Juvia lay on her right side, rubbing Steel's back up and down. This usually would bring the boy to dreamland quickly. Gray sat on the edge of the bed just watching them. A lewd thought then crossed his mind, powered up by Juvia's sexy profile. Gray let his hand snuck inside her loose shirt, travelling up and down. He tugged at her bra, earning a protest from the woman. The light from the tiny lamp stuck overhead on Steel's bed illuminated her side features, making her appear more seductive in his eyes. He couldn't help but hoot a bit. Juvia shushed him, as well as his ministrations. Gray smirked evilly at her as he cupped one breast without care.

"Gray-sama, not here," she hissed, brushing away his hand, but lust was already visible in her eyes.

Gray stood up and leaned down. "My son's asleep. You're all mine tonight!" he whispered hungrily, scooped up Juvia to exit the room.

Doing it in the living room was not the romantic setting he envisioned in his mind. But, he needed her soon, and it seemed Juvia's desires for him shot ten-fold. The bedroom was never an option, as they wouldn't want their son to wake up in the middle of the night while they were panting heavily. Nope! Never!

She was probably lost in her own lust as she stripped Gray off his shirt, faster than the ice mage could have. Gray, for his part, didn't even bother lifting Juvia's shirt. His hands were already stroking every part of her body, while his lips were all over hers. When it travelled down her throat to her neck, Juvia shuddered. This prompted Gray to suck on her skin, instantly leaving a mark.

But as they were submitting themselves to their feral desires, a tiny voice called out to Gray.

"Daddy? Daddy?"

Gray at first thought it was probably in his head, because this wasn't the first time Steel interrupted. But when the sleepy voice of the boy became desperate and sounded scared, the couple had no choice but to break apart from each other. Gray rested his forehead on Juvia's shoulder. With a loud sigh, he lifted his head, put a peck on her lips, and quickly walked to rescue his son from whatever monster plagued his dream. Juvia shook her head, a small smile on her lips. She felt a tad desperate but mixed with relief.

She wanted to feel Gray, no doubt about it. Yet, the romanticist in her kept yearning for a more whimsical atmosphere than the plainness of her living room.

This frustration was accidentally disclosed to her close friends at the guild the following day. Juvia didn't mean to sound sex-starved, but the tone of her voice made it out to be. Cana hooted out loud; Mira gushed; Lucy laughs; Levy snorted — an unconscious and unwanted habit she got from Gajeel. Her friends sympathized with the couple. Without Juvia noticing, Cana and Mirajane traded scheming looks. After Juvia left with Gray and Steel, Mirajane gathered the rest of the women and shared her elaborate plan.

Suffice to say, a plan to give Juvia and Gray a memorable night alone was put in place.

"Steel-kun will be fine, right Gray-sama?" asked Juvia for the umpteenth time. She continued to fidget with the sleeve of her mission outfit.

Gray sighed, not out of frustration, but due to his inability to calm down his girlfriend. "Juvia, this isn't the first time we left our son with Levy," he stated as a matter-of-factly. He understood Juvia's concern. For the past month, neither he nor Juvia went for a mission just so they both could spend time with each other. Of course, that meant being with Steel 24/7. The toddler got used to his parents' presence. When the two were about to leave, he actually wailed and begged for them. It broke Gray's heart.

"Steel-kun never really cried like that before. He looked like he was being torn apart from us," Juvia's voice quivered as she thought back to the exact same scene in Gray's mind.

At the moment, the two sat in a train departing for Balsam Town. Master Makarov had given them a highly classified mission, which specifically requested for an ice and water mage. The two of them couldn't refuse such a request from the master of the guild. With heavy hearts, they prepared a small luggage and bid goodbye to their crying son.

Gray stood from his seat, and Juvia eyed him with confusion. She was taken aback when Gray told her to scoot over so he could sit beside her. He placed an arm around her shoulder. The ice mage had been initiating intimate moments with her. Juvia could really tell he was trying. She gazed at him, giving him a sweet smile. Boldly, she rested her head on his chest.

"Don't tell the little guy, but I'm liking this alone time with you," admitted Gray, albeit in a low voice.

"Juvia too."

And so, the couple enjoyed the short private time the train ride to Balsam Town provided them. When they arrived at the train station, the client's liaison officer met them and instructed the couple to follow him to an inn. The mission contained highly classified information, and so discussing it in public was not allowed. Once they arrived at the inn, the liaison officer led them to the inn's top floor suite. As soon as the couple stepped inside, without any word he closed the door, locked it from the outside, and left.

"Oi!" Gray shouted, banging on the door. Juvia stood behind him with panic-stricken expression. They were confused with the situation, thus dangerous thoughts plagued their minds. "Let us out here!" he shouted once more. "Juvia, stand back, I'll try and bust us out using-," he got cut off by Juvia.

"Wait Gray-sama, look," Juvia approached a half-moon table situated at the wall. There was a card placed on top of it. Upon opening, a hologram version of Mirajane popped out.

Congratulations to the lovely couple! Welcome to your well-deserved three-day vacation. You're both such lovely parents, but once in a while, you need a break. Don't worry. We'll take good care of little cutie pie Steel-chan~ I'm afraid that you won't be able to leave your hotel room for the first night. Wink, wink! Runes are placed all over your door, so no matter how many times you two try to get out, you won't be able to. The following day, feel free to roam around the town. Please don't think about catching a train to Magnolia to return home, though. That will make me sad, and that will make Erza mad! This is our gift for both of you. It's long overdue, Gray. Show Juvia how much you love her.
Enjoy, lovebirds.

The sing-song voice of Mirajane filled the entire room. This prompted the couple to finally observe their surroundings. Indeed, the room was decorated beautifully. Rose petals were sprinkled on the king-sized bed, in the form of a heart shape. They didn't notice it initially, but trays of food were actually set up on the other side of the room beside a square-shaped table for two.

Juvia turned to check Gray's expression. She knew Gray hated such schemes, and she was afraid his mood had darkened. But when her eyes met his, a grin splayed across her lips. Gray was smiling. He took two steps to reach her, and then he enfolded her in a tight embrace.

"Normally, I'd hate when others try to get on my business," he spoke up, his chin resting on top of her head, "But I'm grateful Mira and the others did this for us." Gray broke apart from Juvia, lifted her chin, and pecked her lips for a quick kiss. "She's right, Juvia. It is long overdue. Let me show you how much you mean to me."

With that vow hanging above them, Gray captured Juvia's lips in a passionate lock. Juvia wasted no time than allowing him to explore the inside of her mouth with his lips. He knocked away Juvia's typical head gear, so that he could brush his fingers through her velvety tresses. Juvia's left hand caresses his cheek, while the other was placed gently on the back of his neck. She was the first to pull away to catch a breath, but Gray proceeded to trail her jaw down to her neck with kisses.

"Sh-Should we eat first, Gray-sama?"

He hummed in response, not wanting for them to stop. When she questioned again, he started unbuttoning her coat. "I'll devour you first."

Juvia furiously blushed at his innuendo, but allowed Gray to unclothe her. Soon, Juvia stood with just her lingerie on. Gray took liberty in touching her naked skin skin, either with his hands or his lips. He desired to find her weak spots, her ticklish areas, and the sensitive places that could make her eyes snap wide. He slowly knelt down, his hands tracing her figure. It was as if he's a sculptor, intricately carving his greatest masterpiece. He placed a kiss just below her bellybutton, inhaling her arousal. As a result, he felt the raging strain inside his trousers.

"Take off your bra," he commanded but with a tender tone. The bluenette hesitated, unsure if she wanted her naked chest exposed under the bright light. "Please," he asked when he took notice of her apprehension. With shaky fingers, she unclasped her bra, but didn't discard it. Gray stood up, eyeing her, encouraging her to take it off completely. Slowly, she removed the garment. Cold air kissed her firming beads. Gray took a step back to admire the divine beauty in front of him. She couldn't meet his stare due to embarrassment, so Gray stepped forward again and kissed her lips.

Juvia encircled her arms around his neck, and Gray scooped her up like a baby. He approached the bed in quick strides. He laid Juvia in the middle of the heart-shaped petals. Once again, he marvelled at her splendour, amazed that he can actually call her 'mine'.

"G-Gray-sama, you're staring too much," protested Juvia, knowing her face was completely dyed in red tint.

Smirking, Gray hopped on top of the bed with his knees, making Juvia bounce along with her swelling bosom. The water mage instinctively placed her arms across her chest. Gray hovered above her, his hands placed on the side of her shoulders to support his weight. His beautiful girlfriend gazed up at him.

"Juvia," his voice was husky. "I'm not sure what to do with you."

Puzzled, Juvia frowned. "You don't know what to do?" she echoed. It was such an odd statement. When it came to intimate acts, Gray was a seasoned veteran, while Juvia was simply a novice. In her twenty-odd years, Juvia had only been intimate with three men (that is, if her very brief moment with Slate was counted). Juvia gave her very first time to her first boyfriend, who broke up with her shortly. She certainly regretted it, feeling as if her innocence was forever tainted. Her second time was obviously with the father of her child. Since then, Juvia had really lived a life of celibacy.

So for Gray to tell her he had no idea what to do, Juvia was at a loss.

Gray chuckled, knowing full well the confusion clouding her mind. He clarified, "I want to ravage you like there's no tomorrow. Pound you like crazy until your voice runs out of volume. Yet, I'd love to take you to new heights with slow pleasures. I..." he trailed off, leaning down to bite her lower lip. "I don't know how I can you show how I truly feel."

Juvia cupped his cheeks. "Do whatever you want, Gray-sama. Juvia is yours for the taking."

And with that, Gray displayed his exceptional skill in taking off his clothes. Within a blink of an eye, Gray's nakedness matched Juvia's. Well, after Gray yanked the band of Juvia's undies.

His touches drifted from one part of her body to another. Pinching, caressing, kneading, and pressing all that she allowed him to — anything that can elicit musical moans. He tasted every crevice, licking the delicate folds, biting on aching cores, and simply leaving his mark on her skin.

The moment her entire being engulfed his enormity, his groans infused with her sighs. Their unity was akin to a choreographed dance movement, intense but graced with fluidity. Both of them were synchronized with every thrust, as if this had been practiced countless times. They reached their momentum at the same time, and Gray gave her one piercing push. Juvia cried out loud, her nails digging on his arms. Gray shuddered in immense sensation, something he never felt before.

She was his perfect fit.

Weakly collapsing on top of him, Juvia couldn't even move. Gray brought her to the peak once again, for god-knows-how-many time. And though she was finally beginning to feel the soreness, the pleasure that lingered internally was worth it. As for Gray, the scratches and small nicks Juvia left on his back and arms started to sting. Yet, he wished these would become scars so he'd carry with him a remembrance of the day Juvia became completely his.

"Exhausted?" Gray asked, running his fingers through her hair.

Juvia rested her head on his chest, aware that her sweat had blended with his. She felt sticky and sensitive, but the bliss of using Gray as a pillow won her over. She nodded, but smiled at him at the same time. "Very. Juvia hopes Gray was somewhat satisfied...?"

The questioning look in her eyes made Gray snort. "Somewhat? Terribly satisfied. Although, I'd love to this every night with you." Juvia's giggles reverberated on his chest, making him a shiver a bit from the sensation. "Do you still doubt me, Juvia?" he asked suddenly, his tone seasoned with genuine seriousness.

This time Juvia broke away from his embrace. Hugging the covers in front of her, she sat up and turned to Gray. "Can Juvia be honest, Gray-sama?" when he nodded, she continued, "Apprehension plagues Juvia. There's this fear that Juvia will wake up the next day, only to learn that she indulged herself in her delusions again. Juvia is scared that you're just another daydream."

Gray sat up as well, facing her in earnest. "I understand that Juvia. I'm scared too. I feel as if I'm cursed, because those really precious to me were always snatched away from me. But, I realized that I can't always leave in that fear. That I'd rather risk my everyday life, knowing I have you and Steel with me."

Taking her hand, Gray intertwined his fingers with Juvia's, his thumb caressing her thumb.

"I can just spout promises to you, but that wouldn't be enough. So, I'm asking you to take a leap of faith with me," he brought his hand to her cheek. "I'm not really good with words, you know that. That's why, give me this chance to show you my sincerity," he kissed her forehead, "my devotion," he brought his lips to both her cheeks, "and my passion for you," and he ended his declaration with a touch on her lips.

Juvia offered him her dazzling smile. "Juvia loves you, Gray-sama. Never stopped, and never will."

"And let me show you my lust as well," he fondled her breasts, earning him a playful smack. He caged her in a tight embrace, squeezing her. "You're Gray's Juvia forever!"

A/N: I'm once again thankful to all the reviewers, followers, and those who favourited this story. It's coming to a near close, and it feels a little bittersweet. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter.

[rant]Woah~ that latest Gruvia pic posted by Mashima on his twitter! Juvia-haters should be shipped to Edolas. Wait, I shouldn't subject the good people of Edolas with such beings...[/endrant]

P.S. I apologize for some mistakes, as I haven't properly reviewed it. Heck, I went through earlier chapters, and there were some grammatical mistakes as well. Truly apologize for that.