Today's fic I had sooo much fun writing! It's my favorite thus far in this challenge, I almost want to post it separately but I will stick to my word! I hope everyone enjoys it!

Series: Fairy Tail

Pairing: Gray Fullbuster/Juvia Lockser

Prompt: Shopping

Title: Little Red Dress

Rating: T for Teen

Word Count: 7969

AN: Lots of Lucy/Juvia friendshipping; Mentions of NaLu. This one is pretty lengthy (15 pages of Word) but I had so much fun writing it!

Magnolia Mall was the largest mall in its town; so large it was named after city itself. The mall featured stores of top clothing designers all over Earthland. There were three food courts throughout the plaza and a large arcade right in the center. The Mall itself was built in a circular fashion, so if shoppers continued to walk in one direction, they would eventually come back to where they started, and have seen all the shops.

The mall could easily house over 25,000 patrons, and on a day like today—the day before Valentine's Day—at least that many shoppers were squeezed into the mall, if not another thousand more.

As Juvia Lockser took a step in through the magic-propelled automatic doors, she could not only see how incredibly packed it was, but hear it too. The shouts of parents and screams of excited children filled her ears. Merchants standing outside of their stores hooted and hollered to draw in attention. There was music playing through speakers on the ceilings, whatever was popular at that time of year, and the volume was cranked up high enough that she could still hear the musicians screaming over the commotion.

The blue haired mage took a step backwards. Maybe this was a bad idea after all. There would be other Valentine's days. She'd shop earlier next year. Yeah, that was a good idea.

But before the young woman could flee, a figure bumped into her back, shoving her into the mall. Juvia barely caught herself from falling to the floor, and avoided sullying her long, thick, dark blue winter dress. As she straightened her posture, she heard the culprit apologizing.

"Ah! I'm so sorry. I never though it would be so hard to get in he—Juvia?"

Juvia turned around to find Lucy Heartfilia was the very person who had nearly shoved her to the ground. She kept in her inner thoughts about Lucy secretly wanting to ruin Juvia's dress so Gray would dislike Juvia.

"You're shopping today too? I thought I was the only one who waited so long." The blonde laughed, and walked towards her comrade.

Juvia didn't audibly respond to Lucy, instead she flashed her eyes out at the crowd, and then back to the stellar spirit mage again.
"Okay. Obviously everyone waited this late. I get your point." Lucy took the hint, and then patted Juvia on the shoulder. "Do you want to shop together, then?" The young blonde asked, "It'll be more fun with two of us, and we won't get lost in the crowd."

Juvia tried to hide her blushing cheeks. She had not had a lot of friends growing up, especially female ones, so she had never gone shopping with friends before—and with her usual reaction towards any woman who stepped near Gray, she thought she never would. But Lucy saw past the aggressive, possessive Juvia, down to the lonely little girl who didn't get to grow up. Sometimes Juvia felt very guilty for her jealousy towards the young woman.

The water mage bit her lip a little, and then smiled to Lucy, who was just smiling and waiting for a reply. "Juvia would like that. Juvia would like that very much."

Lucy grinned and then snatch up Juvia's wrist. "Let's get going then!" She cheered, and dragged the bluenette off into the crowds.

Lucy stopped in almost every shop. She tried on bra's absolutely everywhere, saying that she always was looking for new lingerie. "It's hard to find the cute ones in my size…" She would whine while throwing brightly colored underwear behind her into a reject pile.

Juvia didn't have that kind of confidence in her body, so she just waited outside changing rooms for Lucy until her friend was content and they would travel onto the next store.

They continued this pattern for five of six stores straight, before Lucy finally stopped outside of another lingerie store and asked. "Juvia. You haven't tried anything on. What are you shopping for today anyway?"

Juvia gasped, suddenly feeling like the spotlight had turned on over her head. She twiddled her fingers and peered over into the corner of her eyes. "Juvia doesn't really know…" She admitted.

Lucy pouted at her comrade. "You came to the mall on the busiest day of February with nothing in mind?" She asked.

"No… that is not entirely true." Juvia sighed, "Gray is taking Juvia out on a date tomorrow night, but Juvia does not have anything to wear." She heard Lucy gasp, but she continued to ramble, "Not that Juvia does not have lots of clothing. But Gray has seen them all. Juvia wants to wear something special."

"Wait, wait-wait waaait." Lucy interrupted, and stepped closer to Juvia. She grabbed the bluenette by the shoulders and looked into her blue eyes with her own sparkling brown pair. "You mean the rumors are true? You and Gray are official? For real?" Lucy was visually excited, along with audibly—Juvia was sure everyone walking past could hear her.

Juvia sighed again. "Yes. Gray wanted to keep it a secret but…" Juvia kicked her foot back shyly, looking at the ground. She continued to twiddle her fingers. "Gray said Juvia was too persistent to ignore any longer and so…" She blushed furiously, thinking about the loud confessions she shouted outside of Gray's apartment the night he finally gave in and asked the girl out.

"That's so great!" Lucy squealed, and threw her arms around Juvia, locking her in an embrace. Juvia squeaked from the sudden closeness. "I am soooo happy for you, Juvia!" Lucy stepped back and finally released Juvia completely from her grasp. "So where are you guys going? I bet Gray's a real romantic."

Juvia bit her lip, and beckoned Lucy to come close. The blonde leaned in and the blue haired mage whispered something in her ear.

Lucy gasped, "SNOWFLAKE PLAZA?!" She shouted at the top of her lungs, heads around the mall turned their direction, "You mean the Snowflake Plaza? The restaurant that's only open 3 months a year and sells the most delicious winter time foods ever imagined? THAT Snowflake Plaza?!"

Juvia pressed her finger against her own lips, trying to signal the excited celestial mage to quiet down. "Yes. Yes that one." She whispered.

Lucy looked like she was going to spaz. "What—That's! How?!" She managed to spit out. "I've been trying to get a reservation there since I was twelve years old, Juvia! Twelve. Years. Old. I thought it was impossible. How did you two get them?"

Juvia shrugged. "Juvia honestly doesn't know. Juvia mentioned it off hand once and then, Gray invited Juvia to the restaurant last week. Juvia was just as shocked as Lucy."

Lucy grabbed both of Juvia's hands in hers. "Juvia. We are going to find you the most perfect dress. You're going to have the best date ever. And so will Gray." Juvia seemed shocked for a moment, and then smiled brightly at Lucy.

"Juvia would like that very much. Thank you, Lucy." She cheered.

"And then Gray will be so grateful to me—the girl who helped you find the sexiest dress in existence—he can use whatever secret connections he has to get me reservations too! It's perfect!" Lucy began to laugh uncontrollably.

Juvia felt a drop of sweat run down the side of her face. She didn't know if she should tell Lucy that she was broadcasting her inner thoughts out loud, or if she should crush her spirits by reminding her that tomorrow was the last day that Snowflake Plaza would be open until December. Instead, she just continued to allow the blonde to carry on in her gloating.

After another couples minutes of walking, and twenty more spent shopping, Juvia found herself inside a changing room of one of the mall's larger department stores. This time, it was Lucy's turn to wait outside as Juvia tried on clothes. Juvia stepped into a black dress and pulled it up over her bosom. She slipped her arms through the straps and reached behind her back, zipping it up as far as she could on her own. She lifted the white boa Lucy had suggested to try on with it, and wrapped it around her shoulders.

"Juvia is coming out." She called. She waited for an "alright!" from Lucy, before she unlocked the door and stepped out into the hallway. Five other changing rooms surrounded hers, and Lucy sat on a bench at the end of the aisle, which was surrounded with mirrors. On Lucy's lap was her weird little…dog, Plue, who shivered as Lucy poked his carrot-shaped nose. She found him to be just the right companion to keep herself entertained with while she waited for the other young lady to change.

Lucy looked up from her odd pet, and her eyes fell upon Juvia. The dress caught perfectly on her hips and fell daintily down to her ankles, with a long slit up the left side, showing off most of her leg, and just a peek of her guild mark.

Lucy gasped, "Juvia you look wonderful! Gray will totally go crazy for you." She gave the water mage a thumbs-up.

Juvia examined herself in the mirrors around Lucy, the young blonde scooted in her seat a little so Juvia could have a better view. After a moment, Juvia frowned, to which Lucy sighed in response.

"This dress is also not good enough." Juvia stated.

Lucy puffed up one cheek, and then exhaled. "Goodness Juvia, that's what you've said about the last three dresses. What a you looking for?"

Juvia frowned deeper, "Juvia doesn't know." She mumbled, "Juvia is sorry."

Lucy sighed again, and patted Plue on the head, signaling the little dog to head back. With a poof of smoke, the critter disappeared. "I'm sorry, Juvia. Don't be sad." Lucy stood up and patted her friend on the shoulder. "We'll just keep trying them on if we have to. But do you have anything in mind? A color even?"

Juvia bit her lip, and then shook her head softly. "Juvia just wants Gray to notice her." She spoke in almost a whisper.

Lucy knotted her brows together. "What do you mean, Juvia? Gray asked you out, didn't he? He already did notice you."

Juvia shook her head harder this time. "Gray just got tired of turning Juvia down. Gray and Juvia have been dating for two months now, but Gray still treats Juvia the same." Juvia looked like she might cry, and then added, "Like a nuisance…"

Lucy grimaced and took Juvia's shoulders in both hands, before giving the girl a shake. "Juvia, you should know Gray isn't that kind of guy. He wouldn't date a girl just to shut her up. If he's giving you a chance, that means he must at least think you're serious about him." She stopped shaking Juvia and waited for the water mage to regain her composure, "You are serious about this, right?"

"Of course!" Juvia almost shouted, "Juvia has never been more serious about anything in her entire life! Juvia wants to make Gray the happiest man in all of Fiore! No! All of Earthland!"

Lucy grinned at Juvia cheering. "Well, then what we need isn't something for Gray, but something for you, Juvia."

Juvia looked at her teammate confused. "What does Lucy mean by that?"

"Juvia, you're gorgeous, you've got a great body and boobs almost as good as mine." Lucy watched as Juvia blushed at the compliments. "Almost." She repeated, being very proud of her own breasts, then continued, "We need something that will get your confidence up. You need to notice your beauty. Not Gray."

Juvia stared blankly back at Lucy, surprised by the blondes speech of confidence. She nodded slowly. "Alright. Juvia will listen to Lucy."

"Good!" Lucy clenched a fist and then pumped it into the air, "Because Lucy knows just the thing!" Juvia could see a twinkle in Lucy's eye, and a smirk on Lucy's face, and she began to worry she may have been digging her own grave.

"Juvia does not think she can wear this." Juvia spoke from inside of another dressing room, in a smaller specialty store further down the mall's walkway.

"Awe, come on, Juvia. You said you'd listen to me, didn't you? And I haven't even gotten to see yet." Lucy grinned, sitting on a bench directly in front of Juvia's changing room this time.

Juvia sighed. "Lucy is right… Juvia is coming out." She nervously took the door handle and turned it, the lock automatically popping open, and then she slowly stepped out into view.

Lucy's eyes lit up as she gazed upon her friend. Juvia wore a bright red dress, completely strapless, which dipped into a deep V, showing off her breasts. A white ribbon wrapped right under her bosom, and tied in a bow in the middle, under her uncovered cleavage. The dress fell just past her waist, and was cute with a ragged edge. Juvia had asked if it was torn, but Lucy told her it was just for style. Beneath the skirt, her legs were completely bare, much to her discomfort.

"Oh Juvia, you look totally beautiful." She squealed, "You have to wear that tomorrow!"

"No. Juvia cannot. Juvia is naked." Juvia stated blankly.

Lucy started laughing, "Juvia you're not naked." She managed to squeeze through her laughter. "Okay, how about we make a deal? I buy you a pair of red stockings, and you buy that dress for tomorrow. "

Juvia puffed up her cheeks, still opposed to the dress, but imagine how it would look with stockings. Her legs wouldn't be entirely bare, and she would be warmer. Plus, she did promise to listen to Lucy. Reluctantly, Juvia nodded,

"Great! One more thing then." Lucy chirped.

Those words continued to worry Juvia.

Lucy's hand was wrapped around Juvia's right hand, and the blue haired mage's purchases filled her left, as she allowed her blonde friend to drag her across the hall. Lucy stepped into another store, and patted Juvia's shoulder, gesturing they had arrived at their destination.

Juvia looked around to find herself surrounded in lingerie again. "What? More underwear, Lucy?" She asked confused.

"Well, I have yet to find the perfect set in my size." The stellar spirit mage replied, and trotted into the store. Lucy examined bras hanging on the walls and on mannequins, scrunching her eyebrows together as she judged them.

Juvia observed her for a short while, before speaking up. "Why does Lucy buy so much underwear?"

Lucy was holding a pink, lacy bra up to her chest, when she looked up to Juvia. "Well…" She started, and put down the bra before digging around a pile of clearance items, "You aren't the only one who has trouble being noticed."

Juvia's eyes filled with curiosity.

Lucy sighed and continued, "No matter how many bras I buy, Natsu just tears them off. He never stops to look at them. He has no idea how much I like them." She exhaled; becoming irritated just thinking about it, "He's destroyed so many of my favorite lingerie sets, and he never even bats an eyelash while they're one me. He's such a horn dog."

Juvia's face glowed bright red, and she placed a hand over her mouth. "J-J-Juvia did not realize Lucy and Natsu had that kind of relationship." She stammered out.

Lucy looked over to Juvia surprised, and blushed. In her head, she repeated the exact words she had just spoke aloud to Juvia, and her cheeks burned brighter. "W-Well. Most people just assumed we were dating so…" She clenched a pair of blue panties in her hands and muttered, "I really love him though."

Juvia's eyes lit up and she ran over to Lucy, throwing her arms around her. Lucy yelped, surprised to be the one being hugged this time, instead of the hugger. "Juvia is so very happy for Lucy!" She cheered.

"Th-Thanks Juvi—" Lucy started to stutter, before she was cut off.

"Now Juvia does not have to worry about Lucy stealing Gray! Lucy already has Natsu!" Juvia clenched one fist victoriously.

"Yeah, I was never interested in the first place." Lucy said flatly, used to dealing with this side of Juvia.

"Ah! How about that, Lucy?" Juvia announced, pointing over Lucy's shoulder with one hand and still hugging the blonde with the other.

Lucy turned in Juvia's grasp, and followed her pointed finger over to a bright red lingerie set, designed with flames all over. Lucy grimaced at the sight. "Are you kidding? That thing's so gaudy. No woman in their right mind would wear that." She growled, disgusted by it's very existence.

"Yes, but Natsu doesn't know that. Natsu would probably think it's amazing!" Juvia let go of the blonde and ran over to it, taking it off the rack. "It is available in all kinds of sizes! At least try it on, Lucy."

Lucy sighed, "Okay, fine." Then the blonde had an idea, "But only if Juvia will wear one too."

Juvia smiled, "Sure, Juvia will try something on. It will be fun."

Lucy grinned, "No, you misunderstand. I said wear one. As in 'wear one tomorrow.'" She put extra emphasis on her last word, and watched as Juvia squirmed.

"B-B-But Gray will not be seeing Juvia's under—" Juvia began to stammer. Lucy placed a hand on her head to calm her.

"Relax. It's just an extra confidence boost. Gray doesn't have to see. Just find something strapless you like and try it on, and if it fits; I will but it for you."

Juvia hesitated, but thought over Lucy's words. She just wanted to help Juvia—with her confidence and whatnot. There was no reason to turn her down. "Alright." Juvia agreed.

"Great!" Lucy patted her back, pulling down a pair of the gaudy flame print lingerie. "Tomorrow is going to be your best date ever!"

The coos of a morning dove worked as Juvia's alarm the following morning, dragging the water mage from her slumber. The bluenette rolled out of bed, slipping soft white slippers onto her feet and adjusting her translucent blue nightgown. She sleepily dragged her feet into her kitchen and opened the refrigerator, before pulling out a carton of orange juice, opening it, and then proceeding to chug the juice right from the container.

When she had her fill, Juvia closed the vessel and returned it to the fridge, before stretching her arms and yawning, letting her body awaken. As her arms returned to her side, she caught a glimpse of the mini calendar magnetized to her refrigerator door. Every day up until the 14th was scratched off. She swallowed hard. "Today is Juvia's day." She said to herself. "Juvia must prepare."

She about-faced and returned to her bedroom, where she lay out her dress and stockings, which she bought the day before, on her mattress. After some digging around in her closet, Juvia found a pair of shoulder length, red velvet gloves, and lied them down next to the dress. The young lady bit at her lip. She still needed shoes and something for her hair.

Juvia continued to search her room for additions to her outfit, wishing she hadn't been so flustered yesterday, and had looked for such things while she was in the mall. Finally, she came upon a pair of red stiletto heels, which she now remembered she had borrowed from Evergreen for a Halloween costume. It had been a while since she had worn them, but she was pretty confident that she would walk in them. And for her hair, Juvia found a white ribbon, which would match the white one on the dress perfectly. With the outfit and accessories laid out together, she gave a sigh of relief. She had a white clutch purse she could put her most important items in, which would go fine with the outfit. Everything was coming together.

Then Juvia's eyes fell upon the tiny bag from the lingerie store, which she hadn't opened since she left the store. Initially, she had planned on wearing a different bra with the dress, and just bought the bra to humor Lucy. However, when she arrived home, she realized she didn't own any other strapless bras, and had to give in to Lucy's wishes. She gave a sigh, and then took a deep breath.

"Lucy says Juvia can do this. Lucy would not lie to Juvia." She told herself. "Juvia just needs to keep up her confidence." She looked at the clock, '9:34' it read. The reservation was for 7 pm; Gray would be picking up Juvia at 6. She had all day to prepare herself.

The bluenette ran her hands through her hair, and then pulled the ends of her hair in front of her face. "Juvia supposes a shower is first in order." She told herself, and then slinked off to the restroom.

"6:12." Juvia read the clock in her living room. "Gray is late." She sat on her couch, her hair tied in a tight, round bun, with her white ribbon to its left side, keeping it in place. She wore her full outfit, and had already been wearing her heels for a half hour, having been practicing her strut in them before the scheduled pick up time, just to make sure she hadn't forgotten how to trek in them.

"What if Gray is standing Juvia up?" She whimpered, and then shook her head to remove those thoughts. "No. Gray would not do that. Gray is a gentleman. There must be a good reason."

Just then, the sound of her doorbell rang through the apartment, and Juvia's eyes lit up. Quickly, she came to her feet, and strutted over to the door. Wrapping her hand around the doorknob, she pulled the entrance open, to reveal Gray Fullbuster behind it.

Juvia's eyes traced Gray's frame. He wore a white polo with a short black vest over top. His shirt was neatly tucked into a pair of gray slacks and his feet were adorned with a snazzy pair of gray and black Oxford shoes. His favorite pendant dangled from his neck, on a longer chain than usual, which put in right above his heart.

Juvia opened her mouth to greet him, when her eyes finally met his, and her words didn't come out. Gray's eyes were wide, and intently staring upon her, quickly making the young lady self-conscious.

She put her hands behind her back, and bowed her head slightly, as she stepped towards him slightly. "Is anything wrong, Gray?" She asked softly.

Gray finally caught himself staring and shook himself out of it. "What? No. Uh—" He lifted his hand and held a bouquet of white roses out in front of Juvia. "Happy Valentine's Day, Juvia." He said quickly, using the flowers to hide his red cheeks.

Juvia squealed and took the flowers from him. "Oh, they're beautiful Gray! Juvia loves them!" She cheered. "Give Juvia a moment to put them in some water, and then we can go."

"Yeah, no problem." Gray said, and watched the young lady saunter off towards her kitchen. When he realized he was staring again, he coughed, trying to play it off. "Oh uh, sorry for being late. Your landlady gave me some real trouble about getting in here to your apartment. 'No stinking men in Fairy Hills! Even on Valentine's Day!' She kept shouting." Gray explained, looking around Juvia's apartment, "I bet that old hag has never had a Valentine's date in her life."

"Ms. Sunset has been happily married for twelve years." Juvia corrected him, and she reemerged into the living room, a vase filled with water and roses in tow. "And Gray should not say mean things about Ms. Sunset. She is always listening." She told him, and placed the vase down on a desk to the side of her sofa. "There, that is perfect." Juvia walked back to Gray's side, and she looked at the man, staring back in disbelief of the information she just shared with him. Juvia wrapped her arm around Gray's and gave him a smile. "Shall we go?"

"Uh, oh yeah. Let's go." The ice make mage stuttered, and then lead the young lady out the door.

Gray and Juvia walked side by side through the streets of Magnolia. They knew the restaurant was only a short walk away, and saw no reason to rent transportation for the night; prices were always hiked up on holidays anyway. As they walked, Juvia couldn't help but notice Gray seemed uneasy. He would clench his fist shut, or glare out the corner of his eye at a stranger.

She softly ran her fingers up his arm to get his attention. "Is everything alright, Gray?" She asked hesitantly.

She heard Gray growl, and nearly leapt a foot away from him, but when she attempted to, his arm slipped around her back and pulled her close to him. She stumbled from surprise, and then felt her cheeks grow warm. "Gray?" She asked again.

"It's fine. Just… walk close to me." He said, without looking down to her. He kept his arm around her back and they continued to walk, with their sides melding together. Juvia smiled peacefully, and decided to not ask anymore questions, as she made head comfortable against his chest, listening to his heart beat.

Juvia was in the same position, with her eyes shut in peaceful bliss, when Gray came to a stop. Her feet on autopilot, Juvia stumbled forward, and Gray caught her by the wrist before she fell. She brought herself to her feet and flushed with embarrassment.

"Careful." Gray said simply, and softly patted her head. Juvia didn't like it when he did that. It made her feel like a child. She wanted Gray to see her as anything but a child.

"We're here." He spoke again. Juvia's eyes lifted up to look where they were standing. A snow white building stood in front of them, the window decorated in stencils of white and silver snowflakes, and a sky blue sign shone in the dark: "Snowflake Plaza." She felt her heart fill with joy. She raised her hands to her cheeks and held in a squeal, and then looked at Gray, absolutely beaming. "Gray! Juvia has wanted to eat here since she was just a teeny tiny Juvia! I can't believe this is real!"

"Well, you better start believing it, because if we're any later for our reservation, they might give it away." Her date laughed.

Juvia gasped, not finding this news nearly as humorous as Gray, and grabbed his wrist, before running into the restaurant, dragging him behind. As soon as she saw someone who looked like they might be a host, she opened her mouth to introduce them, but the host spoke first.

"Table for two, for Ms. Juvia Lockser and Mr. Gray Fullbuster, I presume?"

Juvia shut her mouth, feeling very confused, and finally took a moment to examine her host. A tall thin man, with spiked white hair and thin black eyes, he smiled down upon her. "How are you, Juvia?"

"Lyon?" Juvia questioned, absolutely dumbfounded.

Gray finally caught his breath from Juvia dragging her in. "I was only kidding, Juvia." He gasped, "Lyon wouldn't give our seats away."

"Lyon?" Juvia asked again, her mind absolutely muddled.

"Well, I might give yours away." Lyon retorted, "To myself, of course."

"Dream on." Gray snapped back.
"Lyon?" Juvia asked louder this time, bringing both of their attention to her.

Gray looked at her, and examined her puzzled expression. "Oh well, I was only able to get us a reservation because Lyon is working here part time." He explained.

"And Lyon was only working here to save money up to invite Juvia out on a Valentine's date himself." Lyon growled. He then looked at the well-dressed water mage with a soft countenance. "I didn't believe him when he said he was really going to bring you, Juvia. If he hadn't I really would have kept the reservation for the two of us."

Gray slipped his hand around Juvia's waist again, making the girl squeak. "Well, look who won." He gloated.

Juvia's face burned almost as red as her dress, but she clenched her fingers to Gray's polo, and looked up at Lyon shyly. "Juvia has told Lyon many times, Gray is the only one for Juvia."

Lyon looked at her in bewilderment, and then gave her a weak smile. "Well, can't blame a guy for trying." He responded. Juvia knew that smile. She used to wear it often—A smile to hide heartbreak. She frowned, making Gray frown too.

"Well, let me show you two to your seats." Lyon finally said, and led the couple into the dining area.

Juvia and Gray sat at the opposite sides of a small octagonal table, with the image of a snowflake printed on top. Juvia had noticed on the way in, that all the tables had different snowflake designs on them. She smiled at the little details. So far, the Snowflake Plaza had been all she ever dreams. Well, except for Lyon's broken hearted visage. That made her pout.

Once Gray was comfortable in his seat, he reached across the table, and ran his fingers over Juvia's gloved hand. The girl jumped in surprise, and then looked across at Gray, who chuckled, and then nodded apologetically.

"Hey Juvia, I just want you to know, I didn't use you as a bet against Lyon or anything." He said softly. Juvia stared back at him, she honestly hadn't thought that at all, but she was happy that he felt the need to explain himself. "I just… I didn't think he'd let us in any other way."

Juvia turned her hand over and squeezed his. "It is alright. Juvia knows Gray is not that kind of man."

Gray gave her a surprised look, and then flashed her a smile, which had the young lady's heart beating faster than she could stand. His smile was always too much for her.

"Hello, I'm Michelle. I'll be your waitress tonight." A young woman interrupted them, as she reached their table. "Ma'am, may I saw, you look absolutely lovely. That dress is perfect for the holiday."

Juvia blushed at her kind words. "Thank you." She said softly. Juvia could feel Gray squeeze her hand, and his pulse quicken. Why was Gray's heart beating faster when she was the one suddenly being praised?

"May I take your drink orders?" She asked.

Gray freed Juvia's hand from his grasp, and picked up his menu. He flicked his eyes over it, and then spoke. "We'll take a round of sparkling water." Juvia had made it very clear on their first date that she did not enjoy drinking alcohol—not even wine. She did not like the way it could take control of a person, and allow them to do things they would never do in a conscious state, so he chose something that would fit the mood, but not displease his date.

"Very good." Michelle said, and gave them a bow. "I will be back with those, and for your orders, shortly."

Juvia and Gray both thanked the young lady, and watched her walk off.

Juvia smiled over at Gray, who was examining the dinner menu. She watched the way his eyes explored the page, and the way the dim lighting of the restaurant gave his onyx irises a deep blue glint. The water mage sighed softly. She was so in love with this man, sometimes it absolutely pained her, but if she could have nights like this—even if only once in a millennia—she knew it was worth it.

"Thank you, Gray." Juvia said softly. The ice mage raised his eyes to her, and then leapt to his feet as he saw a tear run down her cheek.

"What's wrong? Why are you crying?" Gray asked in a panic. He reached across to wipe the tear away, but Juvia jerked her head back and wiped it up herself.

"Juvia is just very, very happy." She said, and smiled at him as another tear fell. "Juvia used to be afraid that Gray would never pay attention to her, but today, Gray is here to make Juvia happy." She sniffled into her palms, trying to wipe all of her tears away.

Gray leaned further across the table and pulled a hand away from her face, and took her glove by the finger, slowly dragging it off of her arm. He softly kissed her knuckles, causing the bluenette to gasp and blush.

"Gray…" She whispered.

"Please don't cry, Juvia. Even if you're happy, your rain drowns me." Gray mumbled into her fingers.

Juvia could feel his pulse quicken again. She could feel her chest tighten. "Gray…" She whispered again, "Juvia doesn't know why… but even though she has always wanted to be here, Juvia just wants to be with Gray now." She softly spoke her mind.

Gray took little time to leap out of his seat and snatch Juvia up in his arm, eliciting a yelp from the young woman. He dug a lacrima orb from his pocket and shook it until Natsu's face appeared on it.

"Get here in ten minutes and the table's yours." He said quickly, and then threw the orb behind him. Juvia could hear Natsu exclaiming, "What?! Really?! Lucy we gotta go!" as the ball rolled out of earshot.

Gray's arm, which had been around Juvia's torso, slipped under her butt before he lifted her off the floor and her weight fell upon his chest. Though she wasn't quite sure what was happening, she wrapped her arms around his neck to keep attached, pressing her breasts further against him. She heard him curse under his breath and he ran for the doorway with her in tow. As he passed his foster brother, he called out, "Thanks Lyon, gotta go!"

She saw another heartbroken smile on the young man, before it evolved into a real smile and he burst into laughter, which brought a smile to Juvia's face.

As Gray broke out onto the sidewalk, the cold air hit Juvia, and she flinched against Gray's chest. The young man looked both ways, and then started running down the street until he saw a horse and buggy parked by the road.

The ice make mage ran up to the buggy with his date in his arms. "Are you working?" He asked, running short on break.

The gentleman in the driver's seat looked up from the horse he was stroking to Gray. "Well, I was on break, but we could get back to work for a famous mage like Gray Fullbuster." He said with a smile, and looked back to his horse, "Couldn't we Cinnamon?" The horse whinnied in response. The driver turned his head back to Gray, "Go ahead and get in while I hook her up. Where are we headed?"

"Back to my place." Juvia felt her face grow red as she heard Gray speak those words. She heard the door open and felt Gray place her softly on the seat, but her mind was absolutely lost in thought.

Gray's… house. She repeated in her head.

"Is that Juvia Lockser you have there? So the rumors about you two are true are they?" The nosey diver asked, as he took his seat and gave the reins a whip before the horse began to trot ahead.

"You could say that." Gray said in response.

Juvia stared upon Gray as he continued to make small talk with the driver. He had obviously ridden with this man before, and they were able to keep up a conversation. Juvia's eyes examined his kind eyes, then his lips, and then they fell upon his neck; his Adam's apple vibrated as he gave a laugh.

Juvia could barely control herself around him any longer. She leaned in close and place a soft kiss at the base of his throat. Gray's words instantly came to a halt and he inhaled sharply. His hand wrapped around hers and he whispered in a husky voice. "Juvia… Keep that up and we won't make it home."

The water mage continued to gaze upon Gray with wanton eyes. Her blue eyes fell from his onyx pair, down to his lips, and she bit at her own. She interlaced her fingers with his and held back her urge to kiss him. A first kiss in an old horse buggy didn't seem very romantic, she told herself, besides, she still didn't know if Gray even wanted her like she wanted him—or as much. Though that seemed impossible.

Gray leaned down towards her and pressed his forehead against his, mussing his bangs with hers. He smiled at her and her heart fluttered. She could wait. She really could.

The buggy came to a sudden halt and Juvia fell face forward into Gray's chest. The young man just chucked in response.

"We've arrive, Mr. Fullbuster." The driver spoke.

Gray looked up from the young lady rubbing her nose with her hand, to find that they were indeed outside of his house. He reached to his left and opened the cab door, stepping out before offering Juvia a hand. The young lady took his invitation and stepped down and out of the buggy with his help. Gray handed the driver his due, along with a healthy tip, and bowed goodnight to the man, before they watched the horse trot off with the cab behind it.

Gray looked at Juvia, and watched as she slowly realized what kind of situation she was in. Her expression was timid, and her cheeks flushed. He smiled down at her, which she couldn't help but respond to with a smile of her own. Then, he slipped an arm under her butt again, lifting her off the ground and running for his doorway. Gray struggled with the lock with only one hand, but managed to get the door open, and as soon as he stepped inside, he turned around, closed the door and dropped Juvia in front of it, before stepping close to the girl. Too close. Uncomfortably close. Except Juvia wasn't uncomfortable. She ran her hands along his cheek, and he turned his head and kissed her fingers again.

"Juvia…" Gray breathe into her palm, his hand pulling the glove from her free hand.

"Yes, Gray?" She asked softly, running her hand up and into his hair.

"I love you."

Juvia's hand stopped where it was. She could feel tears forming in the corners of her eyes. "What did Gray just say?" Though she had clearly heard him, but she needed confirmation.

"I've loved you for a long time." Gray's hands ran up her sides. "It's just, you're so brave to tell me every day that you love me. For me, it's not so easy to say these things."

Juvia felt tears falling down her cheeks, this time, when he reached his hand up to wipe them away, she made to attempt to stop him.

"Juvia, I want to kiss you, and touch you, and hold you, but I had to tell you first." He whispered, "I love you, Juvia Lockser."

Juvia couldn't think of a word to say. Gray already knew she loved him—everyone did. So instead, her clenched his hair with her hand that had wandered up to it, and pulled him down to her mouth, crashing his into hers.

Grays gasped against her lips, and then wrapped his arms around her, kissing her back. Juvia put her years of unrequited love, years of tears and hopes into her kiss. She felt his tongue caress her lips, and she quickly allowed him entrance. His tongue met hers and she felt like she might melt in his touch—which she very well could have if she didn't keep control of her magic. Gray pressed her harder against the door and his teeth clacked against her. She moaned into his mouth, hanging onto his hair for, what seemed like, dear life. She couldn't let go; she didn't want this moment to end.

But it had to eventually. Gray separated his mouth from hers and panted against her lips.

"Gray is… better than Juvia ever imagined." She gasped, her lips begging for more. Gray chuckled and ran his hands up her hips, his fingers slipping under her short dress.

"Tch…" He sucked his teeth. "This dress is no good."

Juvia's eyes looked sad. She had looked so long for the perfect dress, but just as she had worried, Gray hated it.

"No. It's too good." He corrected himself. Juvia looked up to his eyes with wonder. "Every man we passed on the way to the restaurant was staring. It absolutely drove me insane."

Juvia gasped in understanding. "Is that why Gray growled?"

Gray looked at her with a bit of shock in his eyes. "Did I really do that?" He asked.

Juvia started to giggle. Gray laughed along with her. Juvia pressed herself closer to Gray and laced her hands around his neck. "If it's no good, what is Gray going to do about it?" She asked with a mischievous smile.

"Yes… I wonder." Gray said slyly. Juvia had not even noticed Gray's hand trace up her back, and before she knew it, he had yanked the zipper to her dress down and it instantly fell around her feet.

"Graaay!" Juvia screamed and wrapped her hands around her breasts, trying to hide them from his eyes, while she tried to cover her legs with one another, still covered in the thin, translucent fabric of her stockings.

Gray instantly realized that this was a way better idea in his head than in practice. Juvia's voluptuous breasts were more than he could handle when clothed, but now—uncovered and being squeezed together by the young lady—he couldn't even look away. His eyes roved over her body, taking in every detail. His eyes were half way down her thighs when he noticed she was shivering. Crap. He'd totally forgotten it was just him who was immune to cold.

Gray gathered Juvia up in a tight hug and put his chin atop her head. "Sorry, sorry. Bad idea." He apologized. "I've got some blankets in my room. Why don't we—" Gray felt Juvia completely halt in his arms. Her heart started racing and he could feel her entire body become hot as she thought about his words.

"Don't worry." He pressed his lips against her forehead, which was just as red hot as the rest of her body. "We don't have to do anything you don't want to. I just don't want you to catch a cold because of me."

Juvia sighed into his shoulder and composed herself. "Juvia wants to stay the night with Gray. Juvia wants to wake up next to Gray. Juvia just isn't ready too…"

Gray softly kissed her lips. "Say no more." He whispered, and then slipped one arm under her knees and the other behind her shoulders and lifted the young lady off the floor princess style. Juvia squealed with delight and slipped her arm around his waist again.

Gray walked her down the hallway and pushed his bedroom door open with his foot. He trotted in and softly laid Juvia down upon the mattress. Without taking his hands out from under her, Gray kicked his shoes off and crawled onto the bed, looming over her. Juvia realized that she did not remember kicking her stilettos off, but they were gone now. She wasn't even sure if they had made it back to Gray's home with her. Evergreen would be very irritated if they had not.

But when she looked up to Gray's visage above her, she could not care. She watched his eyes begin to explore her, before he slipped a hand out from under her and began to pull and blanket up over her. He stopped with the blanket barely over her stomach and said. "This is cute." He dropped the blanket on her belly and ran a finger along the rim of her strapless bra. "Did you buy this for tonight?" He asked.

The bra, and hidden matching panties, was a light powder blue, decorated with a snowflake pattern, a perfect partner with tonight's date.

Juvia blushed deeply as she watch his fingers continue to run around the edge of the fabric. "Gray was not supposed to see…"

Gray chuckled, "Sorry, couldn't help myself." He said, and finished pulling the blanket up over her, before slipping under it himself and curling closer to her.

"Juvia will forgive Gray…" She sighed, "but only if Gray kisses Juvia again."

Gray smirked, and leaned over the young lady, who leaned up towards him. "I think we can manage that." He breathed onto her lips, before leaning in to devour her.

Juvia strode into Fairy Tail the next day, feeling incredibly cheerful. Before she even had a chance to look around, she heard her name being called out.

"Juvia!" Lucy came running up to her from the bar and threw her arms around the water mage's neck excitedly. "Oh, Juvia! I can't thank you enough. I had the most wonderful night at the Snowflake Plaza last night, and it's all thanks to you." She smiled at Juvia with teary eyes.

"And even better, Natsu didn't totally destroy my ugly lingerie! He said 'this is way better then the other ones you wear.'" Lucy spoke in a deeper voice as she attempted to imitate Natsu. "He did notice the other one's he just didn't care for them! I may never wear cute underwear again with his taste." She laughed, slapping Juvia on the shoulder as the bluenette laughed along with her.

"Juvia is very happy to hear that, Lucy." She giggled.

"Um, Juvia…" Lucy started, and gave her friend a once-over, "It looks like I wasn't the only one to get some action last night." She snickered.

Juvia was dressed in a oversized, men's white shirt, and a black pair of pants, with a belt, also a few sizes to big, clumsily tightened around her waist. The blue haired beauty blushed brightly. "Juvia forgot to stop at home for a change of clothes!" She said out loud, her face turning pink.

"Ohoho, so it's truuue~" Lucy sneered at her.

"N-No!" Juvia sputtered, "Juvia just had… a lot of kiss marks." She said, shyly covering her clothed breasts.

Lucy raised an eyebrow at the girl curiously. "Aaaand you're saying you didn't get any action?" She asked again.

"No!" Juvia squeaked, and ran her hand down her shirt before pulling at its ends sheepishly. "Juvia is still… a virgin." She spoke so quietly that Lucy had to lean in towards her to hear.

"Oooh, you're so cute, Juvia." Lucy teased. Juvia blushed and pouted with puffed up cheeks.

"Yeah she is." Gray's voice came from behind Juvia, before she felt his hand slip down her side and onto her butt. Juvia spun her head around to the young man's face. "G-Gray!" She squealed, before he leaned in and pressed his lips against hers. Gasps erupted from all around the guild, followed by an intense and sudden amount of cheering and hooting.

Juvia pulled away from Gray with a bright red face as she heard her guild mate's cheer out. "Way to go, Juvia! You did it!"

The bluenette hugged onto Gray tightly. "Gray! Juvia is so happy!" She cheered, and looked up to him; this time she didn't shed tears. Gray smiled down at her, and she was sure his heart was beating just as fast as hers.

End