Standard disclaimer applies.

Chapter 3

The cool breeze is refreshing on the skin. It is still early morning, but the sun's already shining so brightly. Autumn is in the air, and the swaying of the leaves brings a cheery tune around. Juvia likes Fall. Even though it rains often during this season (without Juvia's help, mind you!), it's the best time of the year for her. After all, the foliage creates a magnificent masterpiece of red, orange, brown, and gold painting.

Though her parting with Natsu isn't exactly sweet, Juvia is still incredibly happy with the time they spent the previous day. She prepared him a bountiful dinner consisting of many of Natsu's favourite dishes. Juvia had to 'interrogate' Lucy carefully to learn about the fire user's food preferences. She made it seem that her interests were centred on Gray, but Juvia was able to ask general questions that made Lucy answer in specifics.

"So, when Team Natsu usually goes on missions, what does Gray-sama tend to eat?"

"You know Gray, he's not very picky. He'll just order anything from the menu."

"Unlike Natsu-san, perhaps? He probably doesn't have any favourite food...?"

"Ha! Natsu eats anything, but he definitely loves roasted chicken and potatoes, especially the leg part."

"Oh, really? Is he someone who likes pasta?"

"Yup. He likes it especially with red sauce. I see him order it often."

"Juvia is willing to bet that Natsu-san also has a sweet tooth, unlike Gray-sama."

"Well, yeah, Gray hardly orders dessert. Natsu's a sucker for cakes, especially cheesecakes."

And so, Juvia spent a whole day learning how to bake cheesecakes. She prepared two different types: plain and blueberry — Natsu ate both much to Juvia's delight. His appetite was astounding.

As she recalls the way he eats, Juvia couldn't help but giggle out loud. Once she reaches the guild building, a perky voice greets her.

"Good morning, Juvia-chan. You look lovely as always!"

Juvia gives the blue exceed a dazzling smile. "Good morning to you, too, Happy-kun. Are you waiting for someone?"

"Aye. Wendy and Carla should be here soon."

"Okie-dokie! See you soon, Happy-kun," Juvia bids him goodbye in a sing-song tune. But before opening the guild doors, she stops dead in her tracks, abruptly turning around to face the blue exceed. Her lively expression disappears instantly. "Why are you here, Happy-kun?"

Happy gives her a puzzled look. "Um, cause I'm waiting for Wendy and Carla?"

"Yes, you told Juvia that already. But, why are you here?" she stresses on the last word, as if her question made it clearer to the talking cat, pointing to the ground.

Happy scratches his head. "I'm here because I'm part of Fairy Tail? Is this a trick question?"

"No, Juvia meant that you shouldn't be here."

"Why not?" whines Happy, feeling slightly offended. "Why can't I be here?"

"Because Happy-kun should be with Natsu-san on a mission!"

Understanding dawns on the blue exceed. "Oh, that! Ha, ha. Juvia-chan should've been clearer from the start. No, I'm going on a training course with Carla and Wendy. That's why I couldn't join Team Natsu."

"Oh," Juvia sheepishly answers, giggling. "Juvia was just shocked to see you here standing outside. Natsu-san left early, so Juvia was confused why you're still here."

"Eh? How'd you know Natsu left early?"

Juvia blinks nonstop. Drat! "Ju-Ju-Juvia assumes Natsu-san left early, since Lucy-chan told me she will leave early today."

Happy nods at that, but looked slightly unconvinced. "Well, he went somewhere last night. Maybe ate at Lucy's place and ended up crashing there to sleep," the cat explains nonchalantly, not seeing the darkening expression of Juvia. "But, I bet Juvia will be extremely excited to know that Gray didn't go."

"WHAT?!"

A naughty grin appears on Happy's face. He interprets Juvia's shocked expression as a positive thing. For sure, the rain maiden's heart is banging on her ample chest. If anyone puts a microphone in front of it, one will be able to hear her loud, overly excited heartbeats.

"Sorry Happy-kun, Juvia needs to see Gray-sama now!" she turns around and dashes inside the building. Happy could only shake his head in amazement. Juvia's love for Gray is truly a sight to behold.

"What are you doing here, Gray-sama? Aren't you supposed to be with Team Natsu on a mission? Why didn't you go with Natsu-san? How long will that mission take?"

Gray stares lazily at the blue-haired maiden in front of her. "Good morning to you, too, Juvia," he greets her. Like the typical Juvia he's used to, she has just suddenly popped out of nowhere. Yet, the questions she bombarded him are quite unusual. There is a sense of urgency in her tone, as if he wasn't supposed to be where he was. "Lucy asked me to stay behind."

"So... it's just Lucy-chan with Erza-chan," Juvia pauses and clears her throat, "And Natsu-san only?"

Gray gulps down the remaining contents of his coffee. "Nope, just Luce and fire-breath."

"By fire-breath, Gray-sama meant Erza-chan, right?" she asks innocently. There is a hopeful glint in her eyes, which Gray can't decode.

"That's very funny, Juvia," Gray snickers, "You're lucky Erza's not here."

But that isn't Juvia's concern at the moment. "Why did Love Rival ask Gray-sama to stay behind? Gray-sama shouldn't have agreed," she mumbles, knowing that she's giving herself away. However, she really hates the thought that Natsu is alone with Lucy for a god-knows-how long. Without waiting for Gray to reply, Juvia walks away and heads straight to the bar where Mirajane is.

"Mira-san," she calls out, not aware that Gray is left staring after her. "Where is Lucy-chan's mission? Is it in Magnolia Town?"

Mirajane raises a brow, confused why Juvia just gave Gray the cold shoulders. The ice mage must've done something really unpleasant for Juvia to act that way. "It's in next town, Juvia-chan. The mission should last for a week, because they're helping out the town mayor for some project. They've probably arrived there if they took the early trip this morning."

With that, Juvia nods her head and bids the white-haired lady goodbye. She hates the increasing rage developing inside her chest. She even forgets to say goodbye to Gray. When she steps outside the building, Juvia notices dark clouds slowly covering the blue sky.

"Drip...drip..." she mutters under her breath, trying to calm down her emotions.

"Juvia," a hand lands on her shoulder. She doesn't need to turn around to see the owner of the deep voice.

"Yes, Gray-sama?" she asks without looking at him.

"Let's go grab breakfast."

The clouds dissipate, making way for the sunlight to shine through.

A/N: My NaVia shipping is getting stronger and stronger (even with supposed new development for GrUvia). It's not exactly ideal since I'm in the middle of a Gruvia fic too. For those following that story, rest assured that I will finish that story. I'm still a Gruvia fan, but it's hard not to ship Natsu and Juvia when their pairing has the potential to be cute and passionate at the same time.

Once again, thank you for all the comments, followers, and favourites. Please enjoy.