Again, I do not own Fairy Tail or its characters.
Chapter Five: Swimming Lessons
I think I'll keep on switching the point of view as I continue with the chapters. So don't get confused. This time it's Gray's pov.
It's wednesday. And wednesdays are swimming days. If Gray really plans to take part in the upcoming qualification round he would have to train fiercly. He withstood the temptation of playing street fighter or any other playstation game with Natsu the night before and got up early instead. This way he's always the first and almost the only one to get into the pool. Other swimmers usually choose tuesdays and thursdays for training because those days allow a discount for students. During his cold shower he remembers his short conversation with Lucy's new flatmate. What was her name again?
Something that reminded him of water or rain maybe? Anyway, she told him she was an athlete in swimming. It would doubtlessly suit her hair style. She caught his eye because of her big blue eyes and her likewise blue hair. Very uncommon, yet it fits her strange overall appearance. The way she was staring at him when first greeting him. Really, those kind of girls really get on Gray's nerves. Mostly, he bumps into idolizing girls like that when he's at a crowded party with his friends. There would always be at least one cracy chick drooling over him from further afar that starts to stalk him for a while afterwards. Looking for him in the same courses, writing him on fairybook, starting awkward an painful talks with him in person. Why is it invariably him who's a magnet for lunatics? One time a besotted kook sussed out his address and sent him her hopefully unworn underwear on a weekly basis.
Well, abandoning that memory he seeks out the pool and walks over to the starting block. As expected, no one's aound. Perfect. He dons his swimming cap and goggles and starts his routine. His thoughts submerge the same way and shortly after he's completely fallen into a trance, his exercise is moving on its own. He continues like that for some time until he goes on a break. As he left a bottle of water next to his starting block he stays inside the cold water surrounding his warmed up muscles. He somehow enjoys this state of flimsy freezing under water.
He is jolted out of his daydreams when his eyes catch the frame of a body walking out of the women's shower cubicles.
Someone else got the same idea as me, huh?
The girl's eyes and hair are already covered by her cap ang goggles. The only thing left to be admired is her very well shaped figure. Though, she's wearing a one-piece swimsuit. How would she look in a bikini? Gray's eyes follow her walking towards the pool.
Does she even recognize she's not alone?
So for the next twenty minutes Gray succumbs to the temptation of watching her doing her routine. Quite a pro he has to admit. Svelte technique, fine body tension, great speed. At that moment he has to remember the scene with that blue haired girl again. What are the chances that she's chosen the same day and time like him after boasting about her talent?
No need to think about that, Gray.
He carries on with his training and finally gets out the pool. As he does and passes the girl's lane he must scare the death out of her. Making a break at her starting block she shrieks and raises her head.
„Sorry there, didn't mean to scare you", Gray explains.
„It's you?", the girl assumes.
„Do I know you?". The female uncovers her head and reveals her appearance.
You gotta be kiddin me! It IS her. That weird bluenette from yesterday!
„Whow, it's you! What was your name again? I'm sorry, I forgot", Gray asks.
„Juvia. And you're Gray, right? I thought I was alone. Do you come here often?"
„Well yeah, as I said, I plan on being a big number in this year's championship."
„I hope you'll achieve your goal!". Juvia wears a big and gentle smile while saying this. Switching her mien into a intimidated one she takes her courage in both hands and asks about his subsequent plans for the day: „Would you maybe like to nosh together? I mean, when we're finished?"
„I'm already finished and about to leave, so..."
„Oh, ok...maybe next time", Gray notices her disenchantment. He doesn't want to raise her hopes but since he really IS hungry and snacking together's always better than alone, he's willing to agree. „Well, I could wait for you outside and show you around. As a newbie you should know where to get the best sandwitch" he recommends, his hand scratching the back of his head.
Juvia accepts cheerfully.
„I won't take too long. And after our little sightseeing and brunch you could show me your apartment. You seem to come on over to our's rather often so it's only fair, right?", she grins.
There wasn't even enough time to object. Juvia's already continuing with her training and leaves behind a overchallenged Gray who needs a little more time to handle her response.
What? Did she just invited herself over? I only wanted to be polite and have a snack! What have I gotten myself into...
Poor Gray. Next one will be a little longer and about Gray's and Juvia's first „date" and maybe Juvia accomplishes her goal in becoming more interesting in Gray's eyes. Or, maybe she'll have to work harder on that.
Thanks for reading!