So… Christmas Time! Haha, big plans for this story, big plans!
Okay, so my plan was to post this like two days later, but my internet went down and guess what?! I got hella sick (still am actually), but here it is. Sorry it took so long!
Jessica Phantomhive: Well, officially endgame couples have not been decided as of yet. Secondly, Juvia is being selfish in a sense, and I want to portray her in that light a bit, but try to level with her. She feels slightly ignored and like everyone is walking away from her, so, in retrospect she just is insecure and does find comfort in feeling alone. But the way it comes off is a character flaw and one of the tings that this story is about flaws in people. Thank you for the review!
seulesaffie: First, let me apologize for not replying to you directly. Your message made me happy that you enjoyed it and glad you joined the fans of LyLu! As said before, endgame relationships not completely decided, but in the works. I am really happy you enjoy the story and that you commented!
SkydragonFairyTailFan: Why, thank you! Means a lot to here you guys say that!
casey10rok: Yes, quite a great deal, hmmm? It hurt a bit, but I assure you more feelings may occur… (More likely than not)! Updated… now!
im ur misconception: Sorry for the confusion, I felt like it would be… This review literally made me grin so big! I am so overjoyed you feel that way, I work really hard for the plot and characters to make sense! Also, as realistic as possible because I don't want them to be too OOC or make the actual story out of wack! Thank you again.
KitAlbert07: Soon is now! I'm really happy you were captivated enough to keep you up half the night. Sorry about keeping you up though. You are not alone, a lot of people have converted to the LyLu ship, it has become quite popular. Thank you a ton!
jdcocoagirl: It is… I admit it, it truly is. Hopefully it is not a turn off.
Gracy-chan: I try!
xtanshix: Thank you!
King-or-Whatever: You are not alone! A lot of people have told me the same thing and it is fine! I honestly love it and I'm glad that you reviewed and want more. Thank you!
OoooO
December 18th
She loved Christmas shopping. Finding gifts for people she adored was something she just loved the most, and since her father wasn't coming home, she would save his gift for later. She picked up a button up and a tie, "Hmmm… Loke, do you think this works together?"
The orange haired male turned around and sighed, "Princess, I think that a simple black one will work." He took the elaborate tie she held and replaced it with a silk black one, "There."
Lucy pouted while blowing her bangs up and rolled her eyes, "Fine…" She grumbled while taking the button up to the cashier and looked at the lady behind it, "Hold it." She walked off and returned with another button up and tie, "I'd like to purchase these."
The lady looked a bit skeptical at her, mostly because Lucy was wearing baggy sweats and a flowy mid-drift and a Juicy jacket. The lady scanned them and soon stopped, "Are you sure you want to get these?"
Lucy raised her eyebrow and pinched her face, "What do you mean?" She leaned over the counter and narrowed her eyes a little.
"I am just saying that this is a bit on the pricey side, mam." The lady simply stated with a sick smile.
Lucy rolled her eyes and pushed off the counter, "I can handle the price, thank you."
The lady sighed while rolling her eyes and then asked, "Cash or Credit?"
Lucy held out two cards, "Here."
The woman slide Lucy's credit and then looked down at her ID and practically fainted. The woman looked up at Lucy and immediately ushered apologies, "Heartfilia, I am so sorry!" She then handed the cards and bag carefully to the blonde, "Please, forgive me."
Lucy took her things and sighed, "Mhmm… whatever." Then flipped her blonde hair and walked off.
Loke waited outside the shop for her and turned just as she was walking out. He took her bags and spoke, "You look upset."
Lucy glared at him, "I am." She huffed out air and walked towards the food court, "That lady was a total bitch to me saying I can't afford it because of what I wore! Then she found out I was a Heartfilia and it all changed! It pisses me off!" She pouted at him and turned her attention to the counter and ordered something for herself and Loke.
Loke gently touched her shoulder, "And?"
Lucy looked at him sharply, "I walked out after buying the stuff!" She handed him his food, "But I walked out Mean Girls status!"
Her friend (head of security) laughed at her while munching on his food. "Good job, now where to next?"
Lucy took several bites before looking around outside the food court. She swallowed and pointed to the left, "Sephora!" She tugged him along and then grinned, "And then MAC!"
XxxxX
December 23rd
"So, tell me again why we went last minute shopping?" Lyon grumbled while he leaned on the handle behind the shopping cart.
"Because we were being stupid and decided to wait this long," Gray remarked back while glaring at his brother. He picked up some stuff and looked over at Lyon, "For Ultear?"
Lyon looked at the clothing and sighed, "The top would be better purple or blue."
Gray placed the top back and searched for the other colors. After a while of seeking acceptable gifts, Gray looked over at Lyon who was looking at some chocolate ornaments. "Lyon," he started.
The silver haired male glanced over, "Yeah?" His eyes still looking mostly at the chocolates.
Gray grew a bit shy before coughing, "Have you been, you know…" His eyes went away as his voice did.
"What?"
"Been… ugh," Gray groaned a bit before gripping the handle of cart. He noticed Lyon was looking at him hard just waiting for Gray to speak. Gray sucked in air and finally said it, "Hitting on Lucy?"
Lyon's eyes went wide and face pink. He almost dropped the chocolates while landing on his butt. "Where did that come from?!"
Gray shrugged, "Because you hang out with her a lot and I care about her, she's my best friend, dude." The raven looked away and then waved his hand, "Forget it, I got my answer." Then he pushed the cart down the aisle.
Lyon ran after his twin and gripped his shoulder, "I get it, Gray. You just want to make sure your best friend and your bro isn't fucking behind your back." He placed the chocolates in the cart before grinning at Gray whose face was turning flushed.
Gray remained silent a moment and then nodded, "Yeah, I would like it if you'd told me that you two were screwing around, thanks." He shoved the cart at Lyon, "Just know that if you decide to, don't ever hurt her." His eyes darkened a moment before he blinked away.
Lyon couldn't recall a moment where he saw his brother look so defensive over something before, not like this. It made him wonder how deep his brother's feeling were for the blonde beauty. It made him want to understand how deep and intense his emotions really were. Lyon slowly walked beside the cart before finding his voice, "How about you?"
Gray flickered his head up, "Huh?"
"With Juvia?" Lyon's voice trembled slightly, his eyes dare not look at Gray afraid of what he'd see.
"What?!" Gray practically shouted, "No! Juvia is cool and all, but no. Just… wow, she's nice, she is, but I can't see myself with her, not like that, not now at least…"
Lyon smiled at Gray, he did not agree with his brother because Juvia was a catch, a doll. But, he didn't have to worry about them getting together at this moment. So, they continued to shop with happy faces and not too much fighting.
XxxxX
December 24th 6:30 pm
She carefully adjusted her backpack and balanced the gifts as best as she could while trying the push her elbow on the doorbell. Luckily, she managed and sighed in relief that the gifts had not fallen. Bouncing a bit on her toes, she waited for the door to open, her face lit up with sheer splendor. She hummed away to show her Christmas spirit while looking at the lights flickering away which made her grin.
The door opened and there stood the only daughter of the Fullbuster family. "Lucy!" the taller young woman embraced the blonde. "I haven't seen you in forever!"
Lucy giggled at the older girl, "Same, Ultear!"
Ultear helped the blonde carry the gifts and smiled, "Ready for the best Christmas sleepover?" She looked back at the blonde and winked.
Her honey brown orbs lit up as she ventured towards the living room of the Fullbuster home. "Yeah… missed sleeping over," she mumbled while setting the gifts she held on the sofa.
Ultear settled the others beside the tree and then smirked, "Watch this!" She tapped Lucy's arm and gestured toward the stairs, "LYON! GRAY! YOUR GIRLFRIEND IS HERE!" At this she laughed at Lucy's small blush. Suddenly, both girls watched as the two males scrambled down the steps, one almost tumbling all the way down the last few steps.
Both of them gave her a sheepish grin, "Hey!" "Hi!" At this the girl simply giggled as Ultear started to remove the blonde jacket.
"Have fun!" the older girl cheered while skipping off.
Lucy waved at the older girl before looking at Lyon and Gray, "So…"
"So?" Gray hummed while eying her with a grin.
"So!" her finger poked the raven's chest.
"So!"
"So?"
"So."
"So!"
"So…?"
"Shut up, both of you!" Lyon snapped whacking both of their arms and stared hard at them. "Let's watch whatever stupid Christmas movie is on or go play some video game!" He stomped off to the couch and sat himself down while turning the t.v. on.
The two best friends laughed briefly before joining the silver haired teen on the couch. As they flipped channels, the three kept waiting for one of their childhood favorites to appear, but none were showing. Suddenly, the timeless classic of that adorable red nosed reindeer appeared on the screen and the three just started to enjoy the film. Jokes were made about the voices and the animation, because why the hell not? Once the movie cut to that famous Silver and Gold song, the channel changed and Lucy practically squealed.
"Elf!"
She pinched both of their cheeks and giggled, "I love this movie!" She then wedged herself back between the two with a huge smile while she watched the rest of it.
Gray looked over at her and grinned. It meant a great deal to him that she was happy; it seriously did. After the last episode, he needed to make sure she was okay, he really didn't want to lose her. A chill went up his spine as that thought dare enter his mind, dreadful memories of her asking him about her dying appeared once again. He shook his head before turning his attention back to the movie and laughed at the antics of the film. His eyes still lingered on her from time to time.
Lyon sat beside Lucy and laughed with her the whole time. He watched the date scene and made sure to take note for future reference, but his eyes dragged over to Gray. Gray's eyes were on Lucy and Lyon felt the need to question Gray's feeling towards the blonde. Could it possibly be that he was in love with his best friend just like Lyon was? Was that the case? Lyon's eyes went wide as he thought hard about it, if it was true, which it most likely could be, then they would really be two peas in a pod.
Two twin brothers in love with their best friends, how hilarious would that be for their best friends to be in love with the other twin! Lyon inwardly chuckled at the thought, but stopped short. Juvia was already madly in love with Gray, what if Lucy was madly in love with him?! Oh no, oh no, no way!
Lyon jumped on his feet only to gain the attention of the other two. He then stuttered out, "B-bath-bathroom!" His legs made swift strides towards the said room and shut the door loudly before staring at the mirror for a long time.
"There is no way…" he reasoned, "No way that she'd want to be with me, no way at all." He waved his hands and shook his head. "But what if… what if she is? I mean, I'm flattered and all, but I can't accept your feelings… I'm sorry!" He then splashed water on his face, "I am actually fucking rejecting a fictional confession… what the fuck is wrong with me?"
A loud banging was at the door. Lyon almost yelped, but Gray's voice shouted, "Hey, come and get some food, nerd!" Lyon's heartbeat was so fast, he felt like he was in a horror film.
XxxxX
December 24th 11:58 pm
As they settled on the floor wrapped in sleeping bags and blankets, they looked at the ceiling. "It's a shame we never had a sleepover like this…" the girl hummed.
"Yeah…" Gray agreed, his head turned the direction towards the girl. "Lyon was out of town." With that he received a punch from his brother.
"Excuse me for wanting to study abroad," a grumble left the silver haired male.
The blonde giggled before stretching her arms, a hand landed on each of the guys beside her. She was glad they decided to do the triangle formation with their sleeping arrangement. "I wish I would have met both of you at the same time though…" she whispered, "Both of you are good people…"
Gray chuckled, "I'm the better one, right?"
At this they all laughed. Lyon felt a slight twinge to his heart and closed his eyes; he knew he was the better twin. It was always Gray and Lyon, never the other way around. Lucy's hands squeezed the blankets of the two and hummed, "I think both of you are the best…" A yawn soon fled her lips and she started to drift away, "Gray is my best friend and has been with me through a lot… Lyon is the one I am getting to know… new is good…" Soon her words become too mumbled to understand and her mumbles become soft breathing to signal she was out for the count.
Gray's hand soon patted Lyon's arm and he muttered, "Thanks."
Lyon turned his head to his brother who was now looking at him. "What for?"
"Being her friend and actually meaning it," was the reply he got.
"Hmmm?" Lyon did not understand the context fully, but he got the gist of it. He assumed that Gray was referring to being her friend without expecting a gain besides being there for her and supporting her: being a friend.
"She's been used before, okay?" the raven simply stated, a defensive tone came along with it. "She doesn't need that again and I got upset with you guys getting close because I knew that you were a good person for her to be around… but a part of me still felt like maybe you were trying to get on my nerves…"
Lyon rolled his eyes and opened his mouth in protest, but was halted before he could even start.
"But I was most scared that she'd find you as a better friend…" his brother admitted. "Deep down, I knew you were good for her, and that made me assume she'd want to be around you more, but you… you let me know that she was still my best friend. So, thanks."
The silver hair male sighed, "So much emotion it almost makes me sick." But he touched his brother's head to mess his hair up, "Thanks for not being so much of a jerk to Juvia."
Gray made a grunt before yawning, "Night, bro."
"Goodnight."
XxxxX
December 25th 9:42 am
By the time the two brothers woke up, their guest was already by the tree waiting patiently with the rest of their family. Their mother smiling holding up a camera while their father grinned before taking a sip of his coffee. Ultear held a smirk as she handed Lucy a hot chocolate.
"Twiddle Dee and Twiddle Dumb finally woke up," she snorted before looking over at her mother with a wink.
The bright flash of the camera made them almost trip or fall backwards. (Gray forward, Lyon back.) Giggles and chuckles soon flooded the room and their father finally spoke, "We opening presents or not?!"
Ultear soon picked a gift up and sighed, "For my idiot little brother with silver hair from our momma." She smirked at Lyon before tossing it his way. He glared back at her before Lucy muttered something.
Soon enough the gifts were unwrapped and Lucy was absolutely in love with the gift cards he ended up getting her. Well, in all honesty, she was absolutely in love with every gift she got, which were some author's complete collection of short stories (the Fullbuster parents), MAC gift card and a lovely dark purple scarf (Ultear), the gift card for Barnes and Noble and the one for Bath and Body Works (Lyon), and a leather journal with her name engraved on the spine (Gray). The blonde smiled brightly at the family and thanked them as if the gifts meant the world to her.
He was really surprised on what he received from the blonde. He got very expensive clothing from her, Gray did as well. But the fine material is what really got him, the sheer feeling and the sight of the brand name is what made him swallow his saliva. Gray examined his fine clothing and grinned, "Thanks, Luce." His arm went around her in a one arm hug.
Lyon gulped before smiling carefully at the girl, "It's really nice, thank you." He hugged her and then gave her a look, "How did you know this color would suit me?"
Lucy shrugged, "Female, remember? Fashion is a trait common in most of us!" She grinned while Gray chuckled along with Ultear whom nodded vigorously.
"Oh, little brother," Ultear snickered, "You should know that by now, I mean, look at me!" Her hand flicked her hair as she stood up and then glanced over at towards the kitchen and then winked, "Got to go help mom now, have fun you three." She made sure to pinch both her brother's cheeks before stalking off.
Gray then eyed his best friend and brother, "Mario Cart?"
Lyon and Lucy both looked at each other and then at Gray with a grin. That's when they went running up the stairs in a full on sprint. They all may have almost fallen over, but they still smiled while making their way into the room.
XxxxX
December 25th 3:56 pm
Juvia carefully pressed the doorbell while sucking in air deeply. She couldn't fiddle with her skirt or her hair, but she really hoped that it would suffice. Her nerves were eating her up and she held the gifts in her hands tightly; the time was about 4, well 3:50ish. She would have been here sooner if her mother had let her go, but she was still able to make it.
She reached with her elbow to press the button again, but the door started to open. She glanced up in hopes to see her precious Gray-sama, but saw Ultear instead. She smiled sweetly, her eyes closed, "Ultear-san, Merry Christmas!"
The older girl helped the bluenette in and grinned, "Oh, gifts, mind if I just grab mine and my parents?" Ultear raised her eyebrow.
"Go ahead, Juvia does not mind!" the blue eyed beauty stated while gesturing which gifts were to be taken.
Ultear took ahold of the said gifts and led the girl to the stairs. She pointed briefly up and mumbled, "They're upstairs in their room." The older girl then made her way back to the living room to leave the blue haired teen to decide what to do next.
Juvia quickly said a hello and thank you before taking her boots off properly and then climbing up the stairs with two wrapped gifts in hand. She still felt nervous since it had been a long time since she had come over period. Once on the last step she shook her head and smiled blissfully just thinking about the look on both of the Fullbuster twins' faces. Her steps quiet as she snuck to their doorway and knocked the best she could in hopes they could hear because the volume on the t.v. sounded high and there was a couple shouts.
"Come in!" a voice hollered out.
Juvia carefully turned the handle with one hand while balancing the rest with her other arm. She then cheerfully proclaimed, "Merry Christmas!" Her blue eye meeting with familiar onyx orbs and dark blue orbs… and then honey brown orbs? It hit her like a brick. She bit her bottom lip and felt a bit stupid because Lucy was there.
She wasn't special at all…
"What is Gray-sama and Lyon playing?" Juvia inquired, her eyes dragged over to the other female sitting on the bottom bunk and developed a small smile. "Hello, Love Rival. Merry Christmas!"
Lucy sighed deeply, "Juvia, I am not your 'Love Rival'." She then patted a scape beside her when Lyon dropped the controller. Causing them to look at him.
"Sorry," Lyon ushered quickly, "I just… nothing. Here!" He shoved the controller into Lucy's hands, "You can play now." He quickly helped her up and sat in her place.
Lucy and Gray exchanged a look, even Juvia exchanged one, but they seemed to agree that asking would be a bad move right now. Therefore, Lucy clicked on her controller and went with King Boo, because why the hell not? Gray shoved her lightly, "Can't defeat my Yoshi!"
Lucy smirked, "Bet I can!"
"You are so on!"
Juvia sighed deeply before turning to her best friend, "Love Rival is flirting again…"
Lyon rolled his eyes before saying something, "It's alright, she said that it isn't like that so…" He drifted away as he recalled Lucy saying that. That meant that the blonde was giving Juvia an okay sign and possibly that she had feelings for someone else (including HIM!).
"But, she is so close and it upsets Juvia. Juvia wants to be the girl beside Gray-sama, be his number one…" Her eyes went to the raven and her lips pursed to drift into whatever wonderland she desired.
Lyon sighed deeply, he knew how she felt. Oh, he fucking knew those feelings of wanting to be someone's number one more than anything. But, here he was sitting on the bed, staring at the one he loved most as she stared at her beloved. It was a painful cycle… a very painful cycle that just continued and never ended in his opinion. He stood, "Want some hot coco?"
"Juvia would love some!" the bluenette smiled softly, "Please?"
Lyon nodded, "I'll be back guys!" He then left the room to retrieve the said drink. Once he returned, Juvia was now playing against Gray but she kept wailing that she could not destroy her precious Gray-sama. Lucy giggled in the background while Juvia sometimes glared at her, but would break into a light smirk.
Lyon sat on the bed with two mugs and took a sip from the white one. "Oh, can I have some?" Lucy mumbled while placing her chin on his shoulder, "Please?"
After setting his mug back down from his lips, he nodded a little while swallowing the hot liquid. Lucy smiled sweetly and her hand went for the blue mug, but he moved it away and set it on the nightstand, "Sorry, that one is for Juvia."
The blonde settled her lips with an 'o' and then took the white mug and turned it before winking at him, "Avoiding an indirect kiss!" Then she took a quick little sip and hummed in happiness, "I'm getting some now!" She stood up and then giggled before leaving the room completely.
Lyon stared at his mug and bit his bottom lip. What did she mean? Was there a double meaning?! Is she trying to tell me something?! His knee starting to jitter away all the while his face was scarlet which contrasted greatly with his silver hair.
"Yo! Lyon," Gray shouted suddenly.
Lyon turned quickly, almost dropping his coco. "Hmmm?"
"You okay?"
"Yes, why do you ask?"
"You're like a fucking tomato." Very blunt, just like Gray.
Lyon blinked several times before looking at Juvia who looked concerned for him. He then pointed to the nightstand, "Your coco!" He took in some breaths and then drank some hot coco from his mug. "I've got a lot on my mind right now, sorry."
Juvia took her mug and blew on it before sipping some. She then giggled, "Thank you, Lyon."
XxxxX
After he walked Juvia out to her vehicle and promised her he'd call her tomorrow morning. He waltzed back in with a little grin and he started up the stairs with a little extra hop because she hugged him very tightly. He came to his door when he got pulled back, hand on his mouth and arm around his stomach.
He was slammed against another wall and his eyes opened. They met with honey brown ones and the light allowed him to see the golden strands that he was familiar with. He noticed her stern look, but it hinted with a little of spunk, some confidence that just came off her.
"Lucy?" Lyon breathed out with a raised eyebrow.
She smirked softly, her eyes shining with a very knowing look. Her lips parted, "Lyon, I want to ask you something."
Lyon gulped in fear of what she might say next, "Okay…
"Answer me honestly," she warned with narrowed eyes.
"I will." He swallowed some saliva again, his heart pumping a lot of blood now.
Lucy smirked once again and she took in some air, "Lyon, are you in love with Juvia?"
"No, I'm sorry, I just can't," Lyon quickly said, but his eyes went wide and he then muttered, "Wait, did you say?"
"Are you in love with Juvia Locker?" Lucy repeated.
Lyon literally felt his heart stop and his mouth go dry.
How the fuck did she find out his deepest secret?
OoooO
Well, still sick and working hard! Review please.
