After finishing my other storie What is means to wait it's time to continue this one. I'm really excited.

Juvia's pov here and there.

I don't owe Fairy Tail.

Enjoy.

Chapter Seven: Home Party.

"ERZAAAA!" As soon as Lucy spots Erza at the railway station she can't contain herself. Running like a scalded cat she almost knocks Erza down as she hugs her dear friend.

"I've missed you so much! And I have so much to tell you. I have a new roommate. Her name is Juvia. Kinda odd but in a cute way. And the boys... They need you. I mean. I need you to take care of them. What was your tournament like? How have yo-"

"LUCY! Stop it. I missed you, too. But I can't breath. We can talk about all that when we get home."

Erza was busy with her martial arts matches the last weeks and finally returned. Lucy was really looking forward to her comeback. The whole time Natsu and Gray were freaking her out and she is not anywhere near policing their temper like Erza does. Though, ever since Juvia moved in Lucy could swear Gray came over a shade less than Natsu...

During their walk home to Erza's apartment or to be more precise her loft Lucy insists on hearing about her stay in Crocus. As expected Erza defended her title as the winner of the National female Kendo championship of Fiore. After all Erza has to collect her titles as to pay all her bills and lavish spending. The moment the girls arrive at her place Lucy arranges two cups for tee and they chill out in the kitchen-cum-living room-cum-gaming room-cum-workroom.

"So, the two imbeciles keep messing around and neglect their duties? I'll kick their asses as soon as I see them..." Erza is very well aware of her role as the one responsible for their foolishness.

"Well, it's not that bad, Erza" Lucy chuckles plastic alike. She wants to share her pain but if Erza was serious the boys will have to face true evil. Erza can behave like the big buff brother the three of them never had.

"They didn't revise their last semester's studies, did they? Do they practice for their sports at least?" Erza just has to go into it.

"Y-yes, I think so. Gray especially. Juvia, my new roomie, coincidentally is a swimmer, too. I think they train two or three times a week."

"Something going on between the two of them? It's been a while since he got laid, I mean, for his standards, right?." Erza smirks.

"Well, Juvia seems to be into Gray, but she's a little bookish romantic. I'm not so sure if they made a good match." Lucy would love to support her new friend's love life. But with Gray? Juvia talks about him so much and has an absolutely big interest in him. Though, Gray is no one to be lovestuck in any way. Juvia had to work on that adamantly.

"And what about you? Have you finally admitted your feelings towards Natsu?"

"WHAT?!" Lucy blushed. What kind of feelings? Lucy didn't have that sorf of feelings, did she? But it's Erza who is sitting in front of Lucy. She can read peoples's minds and hearts like they were open books.

Not facing Erza's gaze Lucy wants to shake off the topic.

"Natsu's not the type of guy I'm into! He's loud, untidy, greedy, emotionally dull... Besides, what about you and Jellal? Did you see him in Crocus?"

Now it's Erza who flushes. Jellal is the only issue that brings redness to Erza's face.

"Y-yeah, but there was not much time we could spend together." She looks like she was regretting one or two things she couldn't accomplish to take care of.

"Anyway. It's the first week of this summer's term. And now that the championship is over I can drink again! I want to party! Same occasion, same date, same special drinks!"

"So you want to hold your legendary contra-learning-extreme-home-party?" Lucy giggles to herself by the thought of that. The last time Erza invited over a bunch of people it ecalated in the true sense of the word. They got totally wasted, the boys ate Erza's fridge's capacity right up which caused her to rampage and break several fitments. Lucy lost half her clothtes (how the hell do you lose your clothes at a party anyway?). And it took Erza two days to clean up the mess.

"You betcha!"

It was friday evening. The first week of semester went by at a great pace. Lucy was so excited about the upcoming weekend that she couldn't stop talking about it. She planned her outfit, she reminisced about the last time she was able to have an exuberant night with her best friends and she made a list of drinks she wouldn't allow Erza to buy. Energy drinks are waaay too dangerous for Natsu, Gray and even Erza herself because their personalities changed completely - and not in a beneficial way. More violence, more destruction, more contests regarding their hard-drinking capability. Lucy doesn't want to deal with that. She doesn't want Juvia to deal with that at her first party with her new buddies either.

While treating themselves to pre-drinking Lucy helps Juvia to pick the right outfit.

"Juvia, you know, this is a party. Do you really feel comfortable with this?" They are standing in Juvia's room, right in front of her mirror next to her wardrobe. Juvia chose long wide jeans and a hoodie up to her throat that covered every little bit of her body.

"I'm not familiar with parties. And I doubtlessly don't want to show too much skin" Giving Lucy a reproachful look Juvia eximines her short skirt and cropped top.

"Huh..." Lucy sighs, "Look, you want to make a lasting impression on Gray, right? From what I know he likes sexy and flirty girls. Don't be so shy. You don't need to, trust me! Besides, you don't have a problem wearing a swimsuit." Lucy wants to bolster her up the best she can. Bringing up Gray always heps. And Juvia is all ears as a result.

"You know what? I'll borrow you some cute but not too revealing hot pants and a nice shirt. They'll suit you, I promise!"

"O-okay." If that will attract Gray's attention Juvia'd confide in Lucy. Juvia dresses up in short black leather pants and a dark blue high-necked but close-fitting top. Eying herself up in the mirror again Juvia decides to stay in that outfit. Though, she will cover her torso with a thin jacket, just in case.

On their ride to Erza Lucy and Juvia gossip about people Juvia is going to meet. Knowing her friends Lucy wants to prepare Juvia for the worst case scenario that could happen. Like, to always have her cup full with water when talking to Cana. Otherwise she would refill Juvia's drink with whatever gnat's piss she'd brought to the party. Or, to find Mira in case Juvia wants to have a nice talk in order to back down from the raging mob.

Time flies by and the girls find themselves in front of Erza's palace-like homestead. They can already hear the blasting music. As the ladies open the unlocked door and walk in Juvia is amazed.

"Wow, is this some celebrity's den?" Lucy snickers in response.

"Erza's quite successful. You can look at her trohies over there" , Lucy points to a cabinet to the left standing next to a foosball table, "but don't ask her about them. She will never stop telling tails and get lost in them, especially when intoxicated. You- Hey, are you listening?"

Juvia is absolutely not listening. Her eyes are mesmerized and fixed to a certain guy's physique. His black accentuating tank top under a casual plaid shirt just fit his messy hair style. Juvia is completely delighted.

He is just so damn hot! Maybe starting today he finally looks at me the same way. Even if only for a little bit.

We hang out a lot because of our sports, same clique, same taste in food. But as for now I'm just a friend for him.

Juvia, pull yourself together. For once, don't be a social catastrophe!

Lucy guides Juvia the way to Erza's kitchen. The moment they get closer the boys start to battle with each other: Natsu and Gray are both chugging a bottle of beer to ascertain who's better at it. Erza looks as jubilant as if she had already won against them.

"Hey guys, seems you're already in a good mood?" Lucy assumes.

"Hey, these two idiots still need to figure out who's less of a loser." Erza provokes. But once she spots Juvia she indicates interest in the unknown girl.

"Oh, you must be Juvia! Heard a lot about you", she grins.

"Y-yes. It's very nice to meet you. I've heard a lot about you, too."

So this is the legendary, powerful, bossy yet caring Erza. She's pretty. Too pretty. And she seems nice.

Hopefully she's really no love riv-

"HAA! Still more slowly than me! Natsu, Gray, you suck ass", Erza cacks up deafeningly and chucks her own empty bottle on the ground, "HAHAHAHA"

Ok, get it. THAT is why they are scared of her from time to time...

Juvia and Lucy both affect a silent laugh. The male rivals grunt in defeat and dart an angry glance at Erza.

"Are we too early?", Lucy asks and Juvia listens curiously as she's never been invited to a home party before.

"Kinda, but Cana promised to come soon along with the Strausses. Guess that leaves us time for a round of table football" Erza rubs her hands enthusiastically and leads the rest to her little play area.

Hereby, the party slowly but surely heats up. One after another arrives. Erza almost manages to salute every single guest with a shot, whether they like it or not. How does she know so many people? Juvia is not even close to remember all the names she's been told (neither does Lucy since Erza ordinarily asks whole Fairy Tail to come over for her party - and they all come - nine times out of ten).

There are people dancing in the living room, others tackling prepared snacks in the kitchen and others again talking, flirting, laughing in every little corner Erza's apartment can offer.

One person Juvia does memorize is Levy, a fellow student of Lucy's. The three of them chill out on a sofa and gabble about their first week, their free time activities and of course - boys.

"Lucy, come on, there must be something between you and Natsu!", Levy persists.

"Levy, please... stop it." Lucy seems rather frustrated. But Juvia needs to twist the knife.

"I've sensed some sexual tension, too. Everytime Natsu sneaks into your room you pretend he's annoying, but deep down inside I think you enjoy having him around." There you go, Juvia. Punching your first friend right in the gut.

"Even if, look at him. When does he ever act like he's interested in me in a romantic way?" They hit the nail. Lucy actually does feel something for Natsu. But they don't believe it's one-sided. Levy tries her best to encourage her.

"When he wants to eat with you, when he wants to learn with you, when he seeks for a good advice, when he just wants to spend time with you."

"He's lazy. He wants me to cook for him, he wants me to do his homework, he wants to cast his cares on me and he just wants to kill time. Nothing more..."

"Levy is right, I know how foolishly fond I can look. Natsu appears the same when he's around you". Juvia has a great empathy when it comes to people that are head over ears in love. She only has to look in the mirror.

"Speaking of which, what is it with you and Gray?" Lucy wonders way more about that than her own non-existent sex life at the moment.

"There is nothing going on. Not yet. And I have no clue how to change that. It's discouraging, too" Juvia groans.

"Levy?" Lucy wants to know if at least one of them succeeds a small bit.

"..." Her less impressed mien speaks volumes.

"Hey Juvia, come over here!" It's Gray's voice.

All three look up at each other at once. Juvia is surprised the most but strikes off. On her way she reads her friend's lips saying good luck.

Wait, what? Gray is calling for me? Does he need to have a word with me? A serious word?

Maybe he wants to compliment me on my looks. Maybe he confesses how deeply in love he is ever since he first met me?

"I need a partner for beer pong. One that's no absolute disaster". Gray gives Natsu the evil eye while pronouncing that.

A partner for a drinking game? Really?

Huh...

Hey, still a partner, right?

"You wanna join?"

"Sure, why not", she fakes a smile. Never has she ever played that game. She's watched it a few times before. And that's all.

"Wow, so you are Juvia? I'm sorry I can't show any mercy. I'm gonna wipe the floor with your face, Gray!" Juvia looks at a pale blue haired man and a much smaller pink haired wrath girl who are going to be their opponent.

"Screw you, Lyon. Not gonna lose to you!" The man called Lyon annoys Juvia. Talking like that to her beloved Gray. How could he!

"Imma little wasted, I need you to be dead-aim, Juvia" Gray whispers. Great. No pressure at all.

"I'll do my best!"

And she did. Gray was a blighter the whole match through. Juvia had to compensate for his drunk pathetic tries to hit a cup. It was a win by a nose. But now Juvia is laughing and grinning like a Cheshire cat. She can't hold her fire and jumps at Gray for a huge hug who accepts her embrace.

"We diddit!" Since Gray already was blitzed Juvia drank all their cups on her own. Now she has to pay for that. Or to put it better: Gray has to pay for that.

"H-hey, calm down. Yo-you're st-ststraangling me." No chance, Gray. Juvia doesn't listen at all. Which pissed off some girls at the party that obviousely run after Gray. Which pissed off Gray because he didn't plan on doing anything with anybody tonight - especially not with some crazy chick he so easily attracts. Which pissed off Lyon because he lost and somehow cast an eye on Juvia.

"Juvia, let go!" Though she doesn't want to he forces her to. But his grip on her arm was maybe a little too tight. She begins to cry and accuses him.

"We just won, why are you so mean? D-do you hate me, Gray?"

"WHAT?! No, just need air to breath!" That doesn't please her at all.

"UAAHHH!" Juvia keeps crying.

"Hey, hey, hey! Stoppit!" Still not working.

"Hey y'know what, it's late. I'll take you home. It's 'nough'or tonight. I needa go to sleep, too."

"B-but Lucy, and the way to our's... It's too far." She is right. One hour or even more of walking and no busses driving at this late hour. Gray's home on the other hand...No. He couldn't...

. . .No.

Juvia is faster and forestalls his thoughts.

"Gray, don't you live right around the block?" Juvia remembers very well the way to her sweetheart's place. she looks him right in the eyes and purses her lips.

"Y-yeah..." How can Gray withstand those big wide eyes...? Right. He can't.

When they arrive at his apartment Gray is tuckered out. Juvia can be hard to handle when she's sober. But drunk?! She's being a pain in the ass. Running across the streets. Crying for no reason, then laughing, then crying again, murmuring about how lonely and unloved she feels...

"I'll get some water and then we think of something. I'm not sure yet where- hey, what are you doing?" Gray intended to come up with sleeping places. Juvia on the other side has her own plans in mind.

"It's alright. I can sleep right here" She sat down on his bed and implies that he shall sit next to her. Thereby she shows an innocent toothy grin.

"No you can't. This is my bed!" Still preserving the distance Gray waits between his door frames.

"We can share, right? Where else am I supposed to sleep? Natsu's room?" Again, Juvia tries to bribe Gray with her pop eyes.

"No, he'll come home later and you don't want to share a room with him after a long party, trust me." This is leading into so wrong directions...

"So, it's decided!" Clapping her hands Juvia bounces with joy. Gray becomes aghast at this sight.

"Ok. Water. I'll be rig- JUVIA! Stop taking off all your clothes!"

"I need to get ready for bed!" Too late. She already shed her shirt so that Gray can now observe the full size of her bust. It'snot like it's the first time for him gawking at some real good boobs. Still, his head turns into a full red - which Juvia recognizes.

Come on, Gray, why do I have to do the whole work?

Take the bait, for Juvia's sake!

"You- well- whatever... do what you want". He leaves her behind in his room and heads to the bathroom. He needs water. Much water. He's dizzy, Juvia's way beyond anything reputable and they are going to sleep in the same bed - he is a guy and she is a girl (damn hot one as he has to admit to himself) but it's JUVIA! Gray can't allow himself to even think about touching her big, full breasts, inserting his tongue into her mouth, pulling his...NO.

His needs are only distracted because it's been a while since he last hustled a girl. Nothing is going to happen. He will wake up tomorrow and will think of himself as a dick for solely considering those things.

After cooling himself he returns to his room. Anticipating the worst Gray begins to sweat lightly. He enters his room and he finds Juvia-

sleeping. She fell asleep in the meantime.

"Jeez!... That girl..." Gray gets rid of his own clothes and lies down next to her. Juvia is on the right side of his bed, facing his head. That was straight. Juvia made Gray feel uncomfortable with a girl that was ready to go for the first time. Or was he misinterpreting the situation? She had those eyes and she removed her rather sexy and Juvia-uncommon clothes on her own.

He looks at her and sighs.

"What do I do with you, Juvia Lockser?..."

I have the feeling I rushed, yet I want to make more progress on their relationship because I'm so impatient myself. What do you think?

Hope you liked it in any way.

See ya.