Hello again. Thanks for the reviews! I try my best to enhance the plot, the characters and my style!

My plan was for Juvia to appear a bit annoying and a little quixotic in the beginning (just like in the manga) only to prove she can do better on her friends and her feelings. Hope this chapter finally shows that or at least tentative beginnings of that change.

Enjoy!

Fairy Tail belongs to Hiro Mashima

Chapter Eight: The Morning-after

Her head dizzy, her eyes weary and her muscles stiff from her uncomfortable drunk sleeping position Juvia slowly but surely wakes up stearing at a cabinet that was certainly not hers.

Wha-... Where am I?

She examines the pictures, posters and photos on the wall. One poster shows a rockband that makes her smile to herself.

Iron Raven, huh? Who would have thought someone out of Oak Town listened to your band, Gajeel?

On the floor are clothes lying around everywhere. She starts to recognize where she could be. Her breathing quickens, her heart beats faster and beads of sweat start to form on her forehead.

It can't be, can it?

Her glimpse directs towards the nightstand. The watch tells her it's far to early to wake up as the numbers 09:34 flash up. No wonder her body still imparts to Juvia her stricken condition. Questioning herself what happened yesterday, how she got there, when she went to bed and whom she'd seen last images of deserted streets by night, a staircase that didn't lead to her apartment and a certain black haired hottie slip in her mind. More droplets start to form on her face. It takes her a while before she can bring herself to turn around.

Much to her anxciety she doesn't find herself alone lying in the bed. She shrieks for a second only to immediately cover her mouth with both her hands to keep the room's silence. Although she's staring at the back of his head Juvia knows right away whom she's lying next to. It is the man of her dreams that she's just known for two weeks or so: Gray Fullbuster.

Juvia, think! What happened? You didn't...

Juvia gets worried. Her eyes wander down her body and underneath the blanket. Still wearing her clothes she boroughed from Lucy makes her sigh in relieve.

Puh... You didn't! Of course you didn't! Why would Gray consider sleeping you?

But still, why are you here Juvia? What was your crazy drunken toey mind thinking and planing the last night?

The man next to her snorts and turns around to face her.

No, no, no, no no! Don't wake up! I need to think of an explanation first!

He doesn't wake up. Another sigh escapes her mouth. But Juvia can't stop herself from gaping at Gray.

His left arm supports his head underneath his pillow. His right arm lays above his blanket and next to his torso, almost touching Juvia's hand. He is not wearing a shirt or something to hide his well defined upper body. The sun that is shining through the slots of his shutter lightens Gray's black bangs. If he was to wake up that moment he could catch her slobber like a dog that is waiting desperately for his master to finally give him nom noms.

Come on, you cannot turn around and show off your sweet sleeping face to me!

Now that Juvia looks consideratly over his face she grabs more images and memories of the night before. She got drunk from drinking too much beer in between an hour. She forced herself on Gray to get her home. But not her own home. No. She insisted on sleeping at his place. How awkward and despairing and in need for attention she must have appeard from his point of view. Yet, Gray was, well, what was he? Understanding? Comforting? Just kind? They barely knew each other. Why would he care so much? He was definitely not interested in her in a sexual way. She had tried to figure that out just like yesterday. Teasing him, leering at him and showing off her curves. Nothing. He was looking at other girls, nor her.

The situation becomes more and more unpleasant every second. Not concerning herself with her little headache and queasy feeling inside her stomach Juvia gets up from the bed and quietly heads out the room. She closes the door behind her and leans backwards. The apartment was all placid. As if no one was around and she owed the place. Water. Water was the essence of making this morning any bearable. But there is but one problem.

Where was the bathroom again?

There is a 50:50 chance for her to grab the right door. One in front of Gray's room and another one left to that. The door at the and of the floor is open and offers her the possibility to get a glass of water in the kitchen. But Juvia also feels the need to pee. So it's either the welcoming solitude of the bathroom or a very embarressing good-morning to a pink haired roommate. But it's still early. He must be aspleep even if she takes the false door. What could go wrong?

Taking a deep breath Juvia decides to enter the room in front of her. A little gap later and she captures enough to let her jaw fall down.

Meep!

Wrong door.

"Oh my..." Juvia starts to say. Her eyes wide open as she takes in the scene before her.

Definitely the wrong one.

"Juvia? What?..." A very confused blonde girl Juvia recognizes as Lucy stares at her and tries to find her words. While sitting (half-?) naked on an oh-so-well flustered pink haired man's lap Lucy covers her chest though Natsu'd surely seen everything to that point and Juvia also knew Lucy's body too during their time together in the bathroom to finish their morning routine.

"I'm so so sorry. I was looking for the bathroom. I-... Sorry, again. Don't feel disturbed!" Juvia hesitates for a second and then closes the door rapidly only to head for the other door. She locks the door from the inside and leans backwards again.

Don't feel disturbed? Really, Juvia?

50:50?! Why? How do I end up in these strange situations? And why were they so quiet?

Letting out a long breath Juvia dares to face herself in the mirror above the washbowl. She supports her weight by leaning on with her hands on each side of the bowl. What the hell happened the last hours? Juvia tried to seduce Gray but failed miserably. Lucy on the other hand ended up sleeping with Natsu, one way or the other. What is there more to know? What happened to the others at the party? Juvia laughes a little. Lucy and Natsu, huh? She knew it! Juvia knew they'd pitch into each other one only needed a little push or what seemed to be the reason plenty of shots.

Wait, I look suspicious myself! Why am I even here? There's only one room for me to have sleept in!

This is getting worse. I bet Gray will hate me for making them get any ideas!

Juvia turns on the water and puts her hands underneath the jet to catch enough water to cool down her steamed face. After that she clears her throat and takes in as much water as her thirst bawls for. Juvia judges her options. It would be best for her to just leave. Facing any of the others again in this apartment would be painful and humiliating. Tiptoeing across the floor she reaches the front door. Searching for her shoes she's glad to find them next to the door and dons them. Anything else she carried with her? No. So better not lose any time and get her ass our of the-

Wait.

Anything else she carried...

How could she forget about her keys, walltet and phone? And of course her jacket that holds all of those items.

Right. It's still in his room.

Great...

Semi-closing her lids Juvia jerky turns to face the door she wishes to never open that day again. She takes her courage in both hands and opens it carefully. Maybe he's still sleeping like a baby. She'd sneak in, grab her jacket and strike off like a rocket. How much bad luck can one person possibly sustain this very one morning?

Right. There is no limit to it when it cmes to Juvia.

Gray is sitting on his bed and with his back towards the door and Juvia. But the moment he hears her little steps inside he turns and they bandy looks. A silly silence takes over the room and Juvia feels her face blush hard.

Why, oh God!

"Ahm..." She mumbles.

"Thought you left already." Gray replies. His eyes size her up as if he hadn't seen her in a while.

Dont't give me that stare! Do you want me to melt right here in front of you!

And God, please get dressed!

Gulping down her once again arising perverted thoughts Juvia breaks the odd setting.

"I was about to, but forgot my jacket." Juvia searches the room and catches her cursed piece of clothing to finally get it off the floor next to the bedside where she used to sleep. "I'll be gone and you barely even recognize me being here. Bye." Juvia constrainedly simpers and turns to leave.

"Leaving without explaining what happened last night won't purpose that."

Juvia freezes and slowly inverts her movement. There is no escaping it. She has to give him some reasons for her stupid behavior. Facing him once again she starts her squishy speech.

"Look, I, ahm... was very drunk. I'm sorry if I got on your nerves or even harassed you. I appreciate your caring though we don't know each other too well. I think I might have appear a little clingy and pushy and-"

"Let's stop right there. I get your point. That's not exactly what I mean. Was ist really just the alcohol or did you really mean to allure me? Like, get an easy lay because you kinda have an interest in me? I don't want to sound like a cocky dick, but ..."

Juvia's blush gets even redder and she cannot maintain the glance between them as he clarifies his words. But she has to enlighten him on his impression of her and builds up the look again.

"No, that's not it! I mean, you do look absolutely handsome. And as I said, I got dizzy, I've felt lonely for quite a time and that's the whole deal behind it. It was stupid to get my eyes on the first available male being. It won't happen again!"

That's a reasonable excuse, right? And it's no total lie.

"Ok, good to know. You should take more care of yourself. You can't go around playing easy to get and undress yourself in a guy's room. Lucky you it was me who wouldn't set my hands so heedlessly on a friend. A stranger would've taken advantage of you. Especially in that outfit. And here you were regretting the whole night and taking the walk of shame"

This already IS a walk of SHAME.

Obviously sensing Juvia's unease Gray leavens the situation a bit more.

"So, we're cool. Let's get coffee, my head is killing me!" To clear up his point Gray stands up.

"I was just about to-"

"Leave? Yeah, but because you took to your heels out of discomfort. Got any plans?"

"No..."

"So, coffee it is." Settling the deal with a smirk Gray passes by Juvia's infidel figure and expects her to follow. He then stops, turns and points at her chest.

"Before that, go grab yourself a shirt of mine. This is not your style and I'm also just a guy. It's been distracting me actually. And I feel strange getting any ideas about friends." Gray scratches the back of his head and then again leaves her absentminded for a second.

Realising he was referring to her revealing top she feels her cheeks redden more if that was even possible. At least they could be more honest with each other. She will try to get her attraction towards him under control and he'll feel safe knowing Juvia has no other intensions than being buddies.

Buddies, no more, no less. Huh...

I should feel honored to be considered someone he wouldn't play with though.

According to Lucy it's either bunny playing or reliable friendship with Gray. Maybe it's the best this way.

Gotta change into something more suitable. For the sake of his eyes and my wellfare.

A few minutes after his order Juvia follows him in the kitchen. She shyly sits down on a chair next to what seems to be their dining table and waits for Gray to finish their recovery drinks. She stares at his back as he prepares the cups standing in the middle of the kitchen unit. She should have told him to grab a shirt himself. When it was distracting for him to look at her chest that still remained covered with some kind of fabric it was impossible for her not to fantasize about how it would feel to lay underneath his body and make out with him. Still, bringing up any sort of that topic would mean she actually has ideas. Which would implicate she does not only think of him as a freind. She will just have to swallow that pill. One ambiguous night is enough of confusion.

"I don't know how much you've looked around, but there are only oranges I can offer you for breakfast"

He starts to enliven the room when confessing and turning around, each hand holding a cup of stimulant.

"Don't worry, coffee's more than satisfying". Juvia smiles and pays attention only to the mug that's heading her way.

"Hey, nice shirt! Do you know them or was it the only one cleanly enough to pick?" Gray asks in excitement.

"Huh?" Juvia looks down her chest to find herself wearing an Iron Raven shirt she discovered.

"Oh that. I know them, yes. I also spotted a poster on your wall. A big fan?" Juvia smiles at him eagerly to get an answer.

"Well, only seen them once, it was a small concert, not too crowded. Cool lyrics. They are rather unknown. How do you know them? Never imagined you to be into that kind of music. I mean, shy little girl and Metal?" He grins at her pointing that out. Ignoring his teasing she explains her position.

"I'm not into every single song of them, but I literally know them. The drummer-"

"Don't tell me you've sleept with one of them. You've really got it in you!" Gray's grin widens by the thought of that.

"No! Uh... Gajeel is like my brother. We grew up together back in Oak Town." Juvia wants to push that image as far away as she could and shakes her head wildly from left to right. Gray laughes out loud before apologizing.

"Sorry, didn't mean to create weird pictures. Anyway, cool you like them, too. Tell me when you got any free tickets and need company. I doubt you know anyone else."

Their eye contact gets more intense as both of them sip at their mugs simultaneously. Juvia responds after setting aside her coffee.

"Sure."

Just friends could basically work.

Little Juvia will have to find another source of sexual release. There are plenty of other fish in the sea. Right?

Just before silence can take over the mood Gray and Juvia are interrupted by a loud noise coming from the corridor.

"What was that?" Gray raises an eyebrown in confusion.

"I bet they are now ready for the real round" Juvia chuckles and takes a sip of her coffee again.

"They? Who's they?" Of course, Gray wasn't there when Juvia had one of her thousands of embarressing moments.

"Natsu and Lucy, dummy" Now she's teasing him. And she's right. As his best friend Gray should know what the of them were leading to.

"What?" Gray's eyes are in the shape of O's now.

"I kinda bumped into whatever they were doing and shut the door right after. But it looked like they were having fun." Juvia giggles out of happiness for her friend. At least Lucy got the closeness she'd wished for.

"Ok..." Finally, Gray grows a little smirk. Apparently, he's thinking of the same thing for Natsu. "That bastard." Rather saying that to himself he slugs down the topic along with his coffee.

Juvia leaves after a while and another cup of coffee. Coffee and small talk was great. However, she doesn't want to overstrain his nerves with her presence.

"Thanks for the coffee and, you know, not making this any more awkward than it was" Juvia concedes in passing.

"No problem. Was nice to hand out. To be honest, I'm kinda released that we talked this out. You can be..." Gray doesn't want to make it sound rude and is lost finding the right expression while brushing his hair.

"Fussy and pushy?" Juvia finishes.

"Well,..." He avoids her gaze, still struggling.

"I know, I always have a hard time getting to know new people". At that moment he finds the right words and corrects her.

"No, I don't think that's it. You easily made new friends. Everone at the party was surprised, in a positive way. You are socially fun to have around. It's just. Don't overthink your actions too much. You're fussy and pushy only when you want something your way too mush. That's what happened the last night. Apart from that you're cool, hilarious, always happy. Still crazy from time to time, but hey, we all are. And I enjoyed myself this morning. Sooo,... you're welcome. But thanks as well."

That catches Juvia off her guard. Her eyes widen and Gray leans forward in what appears to be a hug. But Juvia without moving a muscle is glued to the spot.

"Oh come on, don't leave me hanging like this, it's just a good-bye-and-see-you-around-hug" Gray huffles, his arms still open for her reaction.

Deciding to trust her instincts she shakes off her insecurity and gives in to his hug. Her hands embrace his lower back and Gray's arms rap around her shoulders. At that very moment Juvia takes in his scent. Still a little sweaty from the boozy night before. But she likes his naturally given scent. Very manly yet retaining enough to not make him stink. Gray seems to take in her scent as well as his nose takes in a long breath, sunken deeply in her hair thereby. Each of them is holding slightly too tight and by the realisation of that they concurrently let go of the other person.

"So, see you on Tuesday?" Gray asks. His face still very near to Juvia.

"You mean practice?"

"Yes"

"Sure" Juvia gives him a wink and leaves.

She improved from being a weirdo to a weirdo with same interests and from that to a friend he likes to hang out with. Juvia is very proud of herself while taking all the steps down her way and out of the building. Things always seem to happen when you least expect them. Only God could tell if she'll ever improve from being a friend. But Juvia'll be content with that for the moment and won't overthink things as she was told.

It's hard to level criticism against yourself, so I'm really looking forward to any reviews.

Hope you liked it.

Thanks in advance, see you around.