Jellal looks at his watch, it's almost time for his conference meeting. According to the butler, today, as his father's representative, he will talk about the upcoming performance for a political figure at Le Grand Theatre in Crocus.

"Master Jellal, your ride is here."

The older bluenette looks at his butler, nodding his head. Ever since he moved back to the Fernandes estate, every day is nothing more than a living hell for him. Although his father doesn't say anything, the pressure exuded by that man is hard to dismiss. Jellal pulls his phone out of his pocket, nonchalantly staring at it before quickly putting it away when his father comes into the room, a prideful smile never leaves his lips.

"I assume that you're ready for this conference?"

Jellal just gives him a look, not saying anything.

"You can keep silent all you want, I don't care about it. But do remember who will face the consequence if you mess this up."

Even to this point, his father shows no sign of remorse, or even at least, reevaluates his actions. Selfish and prideful, William Fernandes watches his son getting escorted by the butler to his ride. Ever since Jellal come back to Crocus, William has acted on his end of the deal and restored his daughter's position in the grand performance for Magnolia University's birthday. However, he also reminds Jellal of what he can do if the older bluenette decides to go against him.

Jellal sits in the back seat, remaining silent all the way to his destination. His eyes are glued onto the window, viewing everything that is happening outside of the car. The beautiful sunlight, the architect of those centuries-old buildings, the people on the sidewalk, smiling and giggling so freely.

He too wants to have that freedom. The freedom to choose his own path and make his own choices. He feels guilty to admit it, but Jellal is jealous of Juvia. It doesn't matter if she is sacrifice herself for the sake of other people, Juvia has the freedom to leave. He, however, is not that lucky.

Back then, when he was young, he didn't understand why his father did what he did. He always assumed that man wanted the best for both of them, but as the tyranny went on and on, Jellal soon realized that he was too naïve to even realize how cruel his father's treatment was to Juvia. When he was forced to go to Crocus University, he accepted it because he wanted to protect his sister. Jella should have known that his father was nothing more than a big liar who only cares about himself.

But now, things will change…

Jellal's naivete has cost him his freedom, his sister's safety and everyone around him is in the danger. If there's anyone who can change this, it has to be him. No longer he will keep his head down and follow that man's order like a little puppy, Jellal will make sure that he pays the price for everything he has done to him and Juvia these past few years.

"Master Jellal, we have arrived."

The butler walks out and opens the door for him, with Jellal nodding his head as a thank you. Staring at the big building they called Le Grand Theatre, the older bluenette fists his hand.

Today, he will end this tortured life of his and Juvia's…

Today, he will make William Fernandes pay the price…

Several days turn into weeks before Gray even realizes, he has been on a 'stalking mission' for 2 weeks now. There are days he gives Gajeel some of the bluenette's favorite treats, there are days when he hides behind the wall fences, watching her from afar.

Gajeel has told him many times that he will blow his cover if the raven head keeps doing this and despite all the warnings, Gray can't help but do the same thing over and over again, giving her sweet treats and watching her from far away. He heard from Gajeel that Juvia has started to question his motive behind getting all of her favorite treats. There was this one time when the bluenette asked her friend straight on whether he has leaked her whereabouts. If it wasn't for Gajeel's usual stoic look and calm reaction, the girl would probably know who is the person that sending her all these baked treats.

And yet, despite all of that, Gray is here again, hiding behind the wall as he peeks through the utility pole, waiting patiently to see the familiar blue hair. He knows it's wrong for doing this, but Gray can't help himself. The more he tries to believe that Juvia needs time, the more he finds himself wanting to walk up to her. There are times when he questioned his own actions, torn apart by the logic of his mind and the warm feelings in his heart. Gajeel even mentioned that the once stoic math student is now nothing less than a love-struck boy, and to his surprise, Gray didn't deny it.

There she is…

A small smile forms on his lips when he sees her walk out to the balcony to tend the flowers. Her expression is rather peaceful this time compared to the last couple of days, making him wonder what happened.

This is one of the rare times when Gray actively observes the bluenette, noticing how her fluffly ocean locks are getting longer, how the bags under her eyes become less visible, how she looks healthier than the last time he 'visited'. He even notices how her head is bobbing, presumably to the song that is stuck in her head. Her face looks more lively than usual as she caresses the small yellow flowers on the balcony with grace and a lovely smile forming on her lips.

"Juvia…"

"Hey, what are you doing?"

The raven head jumps as the loud voice called him. Before he even knows what's happening, a hand pushes him forward, making Gray leave his hideout spot. He turns to the culprit behind this prank, only to meet Gajeel's annoyed expression. He wants to yell at his friend for pushing him out like that, but freezing in his spot immediately when he heard the familiar voice speaks up.

"Gray…sama…"

Gray can feel how painful it is to swallow a lump inside his throat as he nervously turns his attention to meet those beautiful blue eyes, Gajeel's gaze is still on him, amused. Why Gajeel did it, he doesn't know. He doesn't have time to find the answer, not when he is now facing the bluenette again after so long.

Juvia seems to be surprised, scared and hurt as those emotions are visible on her face, her lips quiver, a clear sign that she is very nervous. But her beloved Gray-sama is here, it would be very rude not to invite him in.

Should she… No… Does she even want to let him in?

Gray notices the bluenette hurry inside, avoiding his eyes at all costs. It would be a lie if Gray said that it doesn't hurt to see that hostile treatment of her towards him, but the raven head swallows his pride and turns his attention to his friend, only to see there's no one at the hiding spot. Gajeel must have taken the cue to leave them alone, something that Gray is grateful for. It would be very embarrassing for him to see that.

When Gray shoves his hand into his pocket and decides to leave, he can feel a small tug on his shirt. He knows who is behind him, that soft loving gaze is on him, the way her fingers trembling to hold onto his clothes, he knows it all. Slowly turning around, Gray is met with the soft blue hair instead of her eyes. She is lowering her head, unsure whether she tries to hide from his gaze or just too embarrassed to even look at him.

"H-hey…"

The shaking on her shoulders becomes more visible and Gray feels bad for putting her in a tough spot like this.

"G-G-Gray-sama…"

He feels so guilty for thinking about how adorable she is right now.

"How about we go inside?"

He is opening a path for her and Juvia nods her head, agreeing with his suggestion. She can't possibly ask him that, it would be very weird and she would be put in an awkward situation. She is grateful that Gray takes the initiative and asks to come with her to Gajeel's apartment.

Gray has thought that Gajeel's place would be quite messy, considering how the man hardly ever stays at home due to school work and multiple part-time jobs. When he walks in, he is surprised to see how clean and neat the place is, but then again, Juvia has been here for a couple of weeks now and probably helped her friend clean up his place. Gray notices on the coffee table a small plate with a blueberry cheesecake, the one he got for her two days ago.

"P-please, take a seat. J-Juvia will go make tea."

She hurries to the kitchen, still avoiding his gaze. The raven head doesn't want to make it difficult for her, so he obliges and makes himself comfortable on the sofa. Gray recalls a conversation he had with Gajeel about her safety due to living under the same roof with many questionable people and Gajeel told him that he always reminds the bluenette to lock the door no matter if she's at home or not. This area is quite a hassle to stay in after all.

"F-for you, Gray-sama…" she speaks up softly and places the tea cup by his side "Uhm…"

There's an awkward silence between them, despite sitting on the same couch, Juvia can't help but feel like she's so far away from him. Is it because it has been a while since they're in the same room?

Gray doesn't say anything, he takes a sip of his tea, his head begins to relax a little bit as the bittersweet taste hits his tongue. Juvia has made tea the way he likes, putting just a little bit of sugar and cream while still maintaining the tea flavor. Juvia holds the trays close to her chest, a small blush forms on her cheeks as she steals a few glances at him, wanting to know if the drink is to his liking or not.

Not wanting to waste any more time, Gray sits the teacup back on its plate as he turns his full attention to her, making the bluenette jumps in her seat when she is caught looking at him.

"H-how have you been?" he asks.

"S-she….uhm…she…" stammering as she tries to find her words, Juvia doesn't know how to respond.

Everything is so new to her. Just yesterday, she was talking to Gajeel about things that happened at school and now, Gray is sitting right next to her.

"Juvia, yo-?!"

"JUVIA IS SORRY!" Unable to hold back her anxiety, Juvia blurts out without even thinking "J-Juvia is sorry…"

Gray looks at her, his midnight blue eyes observing every of her movement. He wants to be angry and he has every right to be. He has thought about this conversation so many times, how he would talk to her and how he would tell her that her decision is very stupid. But the moment he looks at her blushing face and how her hands are holding tightly together, trembling as she blurted out an apology, he feels all his anger just magically disappear. The tightness in his heart is replaced by a warm feeling.

A chuckle escapes his lips as Gray pats her head gently, an action that caused her eyes to water up. It has been so long since she feels his big, warm hand on her head, patting lightly. She remembers how safe it makes her feel, the warmth of his touch, his calm yet secure words, the way he smiles at her, and so much more.

Gray moves his hand downward, cupping her cheek softly and wiping away the tear that is gathered at the corner of her eyes. When she raises her head, she can feel her heart stops beating for a moment, that kind smile… Oh how she misses that smile so so much…

"J-Juvia is sorry…" she whimpers "She is very sorry…"

Like a wave of emotion just hits her all at once, she breaks down and cries like a little kid. She never thought that she would react like this. She didn't have a chance to say sorry to him, she didn't have a chance to stay by his side and take care of him after he left the hospital, she didn't have a chance to make his favorite food. She has missed so many things she can do with him just because she chooses to run away.

"Hey, it's okay. You are here now, that's all it matters."

His kind words… So kind… So caring…

Gray wants to hold her, but something stops him. It's not the right time or the right place to do so.

When Juvia calms down a bit and rubs her eyes with her palms, she murmurs an apology for causing a scene and Gray just shakes his head, telling her that it's okay. He patiently waits a little bit more, when her cries slowly die down, the raven head begins to ask her why she did what she did.

The bluenette is reluctant at first, not knowing where or how to start. When she meets his eyes, she knows that there's no way she can avoid this question, so she gives the best answer she can. How she felt so guilty about his injuries, how what happened at the campus stressed her out even more, how her dad was haunting her in her dreams, how much anxiety she had during those moments added up as each day pass by. Until she couldn't take it anymore, so she chose to run away, that was the only option she could think of.

Juvia understands how wrong it is, how she is making everyone worried, how she just throw away her life to hide away, to be a coward and not face the problems head-on. She blamed herself for that, but at the same time, she didn't have the capacity to handle all of them at once. She was physically, mentally and emotionally drained from everything that running away was the only option she chose.

"Juvia…You know that I'm here with you, right?"

"Y-yes, but… seeing you got hurt because of her was unbearable…"

She rubs her arms, shifting in her seat uncomfortably. She is anticipating, no… She is waiting for him to yell at her, to tell her how stupid she was and how worried he was. Maybe he would tell her that he hates her, and wants nothing to do with her, that he is now living a life without her in it. The more she thinks about it, the more her heart aches…

But his kind and gentle hand when he patted her head give her hope that maybe, just maybe…

Gray-sama, you're not angry at Juvia…?

Gray exhales loudly, rubbing his hair until it becomes a mess. Is this the answer that he's looking for? Or is he expecting something else? Gray stares at the reflection of himself on the teacup, a realization dawns on him. Why does he care so much about searching for an answer? It's not the answer he is seeking, it's her he's worried about. As long as she is here, safe and sound, that's enough for him.

"I understand where you're coming from. You have every right to feel anxious after everything that had happened. But now…" he reaches his hand and caresses her blue locks softly "You don't have to face them alone anymore. I'm here with you Juvia, I always am and always will be by your side."

Her trembling hands hold onto his, she misses the warmth of his hand, how kind and gentle his touch is, how much he truly cares about her. All of these makes her want to cry…

She is truly grateful…

"Juvia is sorry…"

"No more sorries, no more tears…" he wipes her tears away, a kind and loving smile forms on his lips "Let me help you, Juvia. Let us face this together."

"Y-you are too kind… Juvia… S-she truly doesn't deserve you…"

"Hush now." he shakes his head "Never say that again. I will get angry if you say that."

She lets out a soft giggle, her eyes are still glossy, but it doesn't matter anymore. He's here with her, he's truly here with her, and that's what important now…