As far as ways to wake up go, being inside of Cana's arms was fast becoming Juvia's favourite. Sure she'd spend a little more time tidying up the empty glasses that fueled their nightly rituals, and maybe the drool bubbling down her chest was less than pleasant, but it sure beat waking up alone.
How many nights spent dreaming of her sweetheart, only to wake up to a cold, cruel reality? She was tired of stitching her heart together, her hopes built up then shattered so many times that she was bound to leave it in pieces.
Juvia was lucky. She knew that now – if anyone else had found her, if anyone had seen her in such a desperate state, well, she wouldn't get to have mornings like this. But it was Cana who picked up Juvia, in all her wasted glory and hauled her back to their dorms, suffering through the mumbled insults.
It still hurts to think of that night. She just wanted the world to go away for a little bit. One shot followed another until the burn of liquor spread and settled, leaving her blissfully numb. She drank past the tears, and just kept going.
Now she welcomes the warmth of Cana. The winter weather gives them an excuse to be wrapped around each other. Their newfound understanding justifies the lingering touches and too tight hugs. Cana doesn't need reason, only permission. Juvia's not so sure when 'Can I kiss you?' evolved into 'Can I stay?' but she's quite thrilled that it did.
Still it wasn't enough. She can't bring herself to say it, just yet, but soon.