Standard disclaimer applies.
Anata = you or dear (endearment between husband and wife)
Okaasan = mother
Yuki-onna = snow woman
THE PROPOSAL
"Okaeri, Anata," Juvia flashed a welcoming smile to the proud youkai entering their humble home. She approached him quickly and helped take off his tunic. Her husband preferred to walk around the house without a shirt on. "How was work today?"
Instead of answering, the tall youkai with piercing red eyes patted his wife's head, ruffling her hair. He walked past her, following the aroma of a home-cooked meal. She wasn't the best cook, but he still loved what she makes. It's his favourite beef stew. She really knew how to please her mate.
She entered the kitchen and proceeded to set the table for him. She had her back turned on him when she felt strong arms encircling her body. Her husband placed a soft kiss on her neck then he turned her around. His face descended, and their lips met—
"NOOOO!"
Juvia slapped her cheeks, rousing herself from the weirdest daydream she just conjured. She just couldn't see herself kissing her "husband". She just couldn't see Gajeel that way.
It was already midnight, and the light from the moon was faint. Snow had been late this winter, but the temperature was fairly cold. Suddenly her mind then drifted to a certain ice inugami. A finger instinctively touched her lips. They were a bit bruised. Well, technically they weren't even swollen. Yeah, the young heir did bite her lips quite hard. If Juvia were human, they would be bruised. She wondered if Gajeel would be forceful during a make-out session.
Again, Juvia smacked herself. She just felt queasy thinking of her and her best friend in an intimate way. Sure, Juvia can hug Gajeel tightly. Sometimes, without malice, she'd be pressing her chest against his. She never thought it was sexual or anything. Once, she sat on Gajeel's lap to annoy him. Again, she never thought of it as sexual or intimate. It was just a friendly gesture, right?
But all these would change. Her mother was adamant about Juvia being betrothed to the dragon youkai. She heard her parents arguing again. Well, more like her mother being quite quarrelsome. Jule Lockser remained calm, although Juvia could tell he wasn't pleased that Vivian went behind his back. Vivian didn't consult her husband about this marriage arrangement at all. Juvia just could not understand her mother. She begged for her mother to explain why she should marry Gajeel.
"It's for your own good" was her answer.
"But okaasan, he's like a brother to me."
"Then start thinking of him as a mate."
"Then tell me why the sudden decision. Did otousan approve?"
Vivian's expression was stern. "It is my own decision, and I will handle your father. I have always thought of arranging your marriage with the young Redfox. He will be a suitable husband for you."
That was the end of their conversation. It was frustrating to be suddenly thrown into such a situation. Juvia knew that eventually she had to be mated with someone. However, she was hoping it would be with a youkai she fell in love with. Not like this… not a youkai she considered almost a brother.
It was a sleepless night for the demoness indeed.
There really was no point to going to school. Well, in Gray's mind that is. The young inugami knew he got all the learning and training he needed from the famous yuki-onna, Ur. She provided Gray with all the necessary fundamentals a future clan leader would need.
If only… if only Gray was stronger to defeat that unforgivable Deliora, an oni who took away the life of Gray's mentor. Ur was like a second mother to Gray. Sure, Gray will always love his mother, though he would never state it out loud. Caring, generous, sweet, and gentle—Mika was undeniably close to perfection. However, she had duties to their clan, thus was unable to spend quality time with Gray. Not like Ur.
Ur took in Gray at the age of eleven. She honed his ice-making abilities and helped harness his youkai prowess. Ur trained him hard so that he would always be in control of his demon form.
Until that stupid blue blob appeared!
Just the thought of that stupid blue blob made Gray's insides twist in rage, but it also did something strange. He knew his demon side craved to touch her, hungry for the scent and taste of her skin. No matter how he told himself she wasn't his type—that she's plain, weak, and so beneath him—it was no use. He wanted her.
It was taking all his willpower not to confront her again. He watched in silence, with squinted glare, as the stupid blue blob cautiously walked to her seat. She usually put her hair in a tight bun, but not this time. Her flowing blue waves hang loosely down her shoulders, framing her face, highlighting her soft features. If not for the silly black-rimmed glasses she wore, she'd look beauti— Gray stopped himself before completing the one word that least describes Juvia. For a moment, their eyes met, but Juvia quickly looked away. Gray knew she was trying to avoid him. Too bad for her they have homeroom together.
It also grated his nerves that she kept wearing those dark-rimmed glasses. Who was she trying to fool with her poor eyesight anyway? As if youkai have weak vision! She also moved without the confidence of a youkai, especially for an inugami race. Gray hated the idea that such a spineless weakling shared his traits. And at the age of seventeen, she still had no power or ability to boast.
Clenching his fists, Gray wanted nothing to do with her. But a voice, ugh that stupid voice inside him was egging him to drag the stupid blue blob and bring her to a secluded place. You are her master; you have authority over her. You can do as you please with her, and she should comply!
Suddenly, Gray's senses went into overdrive. A formidable presence was fast approaching but less domineering than Gray. The young inugami heir detected the iron-wielding dragon youkai even before he appeared at the doorway. Well, Gajeel didn't even bother to hide his own presence. Gray stood from his seat, ready to confront his bodyguard. For what reason? Gray didn't even think of it. He just concluded that Gajeel was there to see him.
To his surprise, the tall dark-haired youkai approached the stupid blue blob.
"Come with me, Juvia," he said, uncaring whether the other youkai students eyed them. It was rare that an upperclassman visited their classroom.
"Can it wait, Gajeel-kun?" Her voice was low but Gray heard every word.
"It can't. Come with me," Gajeel curtly replied. His tone was cold, as if a superior was talking to his inferior. Gray, for some reason, took offense.
"The bell is about to ring, Gajeel-kun." The stupid blue blob insisted in her soft, whisper-like voice. Making Gray even more agitated, Gajeel gripped Juvia's wrist and pulled her up from her seat.
"Follow me. It won't take long." He didn't need to drag the blue blob because she eventually followed behind.
The young inugami heir was aware he was being very territorial. And he didn't like that feeling. But, more often, Gray was all about act now, think later. He coolly strolled out of the classroom tracing the scent of the stupid blue blob.
Juvia couldn't look her best friend in the eyes. What a difference a day made! Prior to yesterday, Gajeel was the dearest friend, protector and mentor, and almost brother to her. Now, he stood in front of her, looming over her, and he was suddenly her unofficial fiancé. Juvia felt uncomfortable just thinking of it.
The two were now at the schoolyard and the first bell just rang.
"My parents will formally visit your parents this weekend." Gajeel spoke up after a few minutes of silence. There was no faltering in his voice.
Juvia chose to play ignorant. "W-w-what for, Gajeel-kun? Wh-what do you mean by formally?"
"I'm sure you already know, Juvia."
Juvia shifted her stance, putting all weight on one leg. She let her eyes wander around, concerned there were eavesdroppers. There were none. She nervously chuckled. "You know that my mom was just joking around. Heh heh…"
"Marriage is not something to joke about."
Juvia finally brought her gaze to stare at Gajeel. "This is impossible, Gajeel-kun. You know that right? We're best friends. We can't be…" she trailed off and frowned. She really couldn't bring herself to say it.
To her surprise, Gajeel gripped her right hand. Was that supposed to be a romantic gesture? Juvia tried pulling her hand away but he was firm. "Listen Juvia, I accepted your mother's proposal. I will be—" his words were cut off.
"Let go of her, Redfox."
Both heads turned to face the heir of the Inugami of the Blue Emblem. Gray stood a few feet away from where Gajeel and Juvia were. He had a nonchalant air around him with both his hands inside the pockets of his uniform pants. His dark fringe hid his right eye completely, making him appear sinister but captivating (at least in Juvia's eyes!).
Gajeel didn't obey him. Instead, he gently tugged Juvia so she was hiding behind him. "This does not concern you, Gray." He didn't even bother with the honorifics once again. Gajeel clearly wanted to show Gray that he's not the boss.
Gray snorted. He took out his right hand from his pocket, clenched and unclenched it. There was a glowing light surrounding his fist and ice began to form around it. Gajeel was on defensive stance automatically, now completely shielding Juvia with his body.
"Like I said," Gajeel's voice still remained even, "this does not concern the young heir."
"I get to decide what concerns me or not." Gray placed his glowing ice fist on top of his left palm. This was a simple ice ability he learned from Ur. It would produce a simple blast of ice, which would hit his opponent but not fatally wound anyone. He still didn't deem Gajeel as a threat, just an insubordinate bodyguard. "Right now, I choose to concern myself with the blue blob."
Juvia, for her part, was nudging Gajeel to just comply with what Gray asked. Her pleading was ignored.
"I will take you on some other time," Gajeel paused and then sneered "Gray-sama." He called out his name with a mocking tune. "Right now, I am having a conversation with Juvia."
"I don't care whatever you're having with her. I'm telling you to let go of her."
The two had a moment of silence, staring down at each other. Both of them radiated a chilling aura—the type when a demon was ready to pounce and fight. The aura was too strong that they attracted the senses of the students. Soon, a crowd began to gather. After all, this was the heir of Magnolia's biggest youkai clan going against one of the strongest youkai warriors.
Juvia panicked and tried to free her hand from Gajeel's grip. He still wouldn't let go.
"It really doesn't concern you, Fullbuster." The annoyed tone from Gajeel was turning into anger. "After all, this is between me and my…" He paused and glanced sideways at Juvia. He set his gaze at Gray again. "My fiancée."
The events early that morning played in Juvia's mind once again. She had to endure the whispers and stares all throughout homeroom until the second period. By the time lunch time arrived, she could not take it anymore. She went straight to the library and decided to skip third and fourth once again. The librarian eyed her when she came in but didn't say a word. By now, her betrothal to Gajeel Redfox probably travelled all over school.
And Juvia wasn't happy about it.
When Gajeel announced it casually to Gray, and subsequently to all bystanders, she felt like her vision darkened. There was a sickening sensation brewing inside her body and she felt as if something pulsed within her chest. She didn't have to worry about herself, because Gray launched a frozen geyser-like attack against Gajeel. The latter was quick and strong in deflecting it but at the expense of pushing Juvia away a bit forcefully. The right side of her body hit the wall instantaneously and she yelped upon impact. It distracted Gajeel momentarily, and that was when the barrage of attack from Gray occurred. But of course, the dragon youkai was more experienced in defense. He never took an offensive stance, as he was still well aware of Gray's status.
If Bisca, the History teacher didn't arrive, god knows how the fight might have escalated. It ended as soon as it began. No one was hurt, not even Juvia. Sure, when she hit the wall she felt the force. Thank god for her youkai body.
She walked away from Gajeel and didn't even glance at Gray. Many pairs of eyes followed after her, wondering why two of the most powerful youkai in Magnolia fought and if they fought because of her.
The final bell rang, and it was such a welcoming melody for Juvia. The thought of snuggling inside her comfortable blanket gave her some positivity to such a dreary day. Usually, she would wait for Gajeel and walk together towards his dojo to train. Not this time. She just wanted as far away as possible from this school, Gajeel, and especially Gray Fullbuster.
Walking out the school building as quickly as possible, Juvia made it to the front gate. She wore a calm expression, despite the heavy tension in the pit of her stomach. She ignored the hushed mumblings and almost-accusatory whispers from the students around. Perhaps she was also being paranoid.
She stopped short when she noticed a black car parked in front of the school gates. Standing beside it was Macao, the trusted chauffer of the Scarlet household and also a good friend of her father. Juvia offered him a smile and a bow in greeting.
"How are you, Macao-san?" she greeted.
"Very well, little Juvia. I'm actually here to pick you up."
"Pick up Juvia? Did Erza-sama summon Juvia?" She wasn't scheduled to meet up with her soon-to-be mistress. Her official training would start in two weeks' time.
As if on cue, the windows to the back seat rolled down and the beautiful face of the Scarlet family appeared. "Hello Juvia. How are you?" Erza greeted her with a smile.
Juvia quickly bowed in reverence. "Erza-sama, it is a pleasure to meet you." Macao opened the car door for her, and Juvia blinked in confusion. Erza beckoned her to get in and Juvia could do nothing but comply. "Pardon me," she whispered as she stepped inside the vehicle.
"Relax Juvia. Please treat me as a friend," Erza said, again giving the younger girl a welcoming smile. "I really like your hair. The natural waves make it seem like the waves of the ocean."
"Thank you, Erza-sama," Juvia replied without meeting the redhead's eyes. "Juvia still wishes it's brown instead of blue," she admitted albeit in a low voice.
Erza chuckled. "Nah, blue hair is very attractive. Then again, I might've just a fetish for blue because of a certain someone." She laughed, which also made Juvia smile wider. The rest of the car ride was comfortable and relaxing, much to Juvia's surprise. Erza might carry the superior and classy air around her at all times, but she also possessed a warm personality.
"Juvia is thankful and blessed to be Erza-sama's future handmaiden."
Erza gave her a thoughtful expression. "About that… Well, we will discuss it soon. We are actually here." She announced as soon as the car came to a halt. Erza didn't give Juvia time to react or ask as she opened the door, without waiting for Macao to open it up for her.
Juvia marvelled at the building in front of her. This was the famous restaurant only the elite could afford to step inside. It boasted years of history and an impeccable reputation. She never even dreamt of one day standing in front the impressive wooden architecture. Yet, there she was walking behind Erza Scarlet, as they both navigated the pristine inside of the establishment.
The proprietress, a short neko youkai clad in a yellow silken kimono, greeted the two with a forty-five-degree bow, showing the utmost respect for Erza. "Good afternoon, Erza-sama. The Lady of the Blue Emblem awaits you. Please follow me." She led the two towards a private room, opening the shoji door in a careful but fluid movement.
Juvia immediately bowed upon seeing Mika Fullbuster, already seated in a seiza position. "Good afternoon, Mika-sama," she greeted nervously. Her mind was all confused but didn't dare to question the Lady's presence.
Both Erza and Juvia took their seats across Mika, and the proprietress served them tea. Once she left, Mika greeted them. "Thank you Erza for doing me this favour," she said, giving Erza her signature dazzling smile. She then turned to Juvia who kept staring at the tea in front of her. "Please, Juvia, be at ease. I actually asked Erza to bring you here."
"It is no trouble, Lady Mika. In fact, I am beyond happy that you relied on me for this. However, I cannot stay longer as I've an important engagement to attend. I do want to tell Juvia—" she paused to look at the blue-haired youkai and gave her a smile "about the cancellation of her assignment as my handmaiden."
Juvia's eyes grew big due to surprise mixed with bewilderment. "Cancellation? Did Juvia commit a mistake, Erza-sama?" Her memory immediately went to the incident—or incidents—involving the young heir.
Before Juvia could further probe the red-haired youkai, Erza spoke to her with gentleness, "You've done nothing wrong, Juvia. Let's just say that instead of you becoming my handmaiden, you'll just be my good friend. As for the reason behind the cancellation, I will let Mika-sama explain it to you." With that, Erza bid them goodbye, stood and bowed respectfully, and then left.
"Do not take it to heart, my dear," Mika said to break the silence that had engulfed the room after Erza's departure. Erza is just doing as my husband and I had requested. We told her that you will not be her handmaiden or anybody's handmaiden."
"Mika-sama?" Inside Juvia's head, it was all muddled. She failed to comprehend what the Lady of the Blue Emblem was saying.
And to further make her shocked and panicky, Mika prostrated in front of her with a bow. Her palms faced flat on the tatami mat, fingertips touching to form a slight V-shape, and her forehead was mere inches away from the floor. With hitched breath, Juvia tried to tell the Lady to raise her head but to no avail.
"Mika-sama, please. You shouldn't bow to Juvia," she begged, the feeling of guilt and shame creeping up her body. "Please, Mika-sama." She continued to plead.
"No, Juvia. Please hear me out," Mika said, still keeping her bowing stance. "On behalf of the Lord among all Inugami of the Blue Emblem Clan, Silver Fullbuster, I, Mika Fullbuster, formally request that Juvia Lockser to be the betrothed of Gray Fullbuster." Mika lifted her head and straightened her body. She reached out to grasp Juvia's hands. The regal face of the Lady was replaced of a mother's pleading expression. "Please marry my son, Juvia. Please become Gray's wife."
She opened her eyes even before the alarm clock rang. She was unsure whether she slept at all. It was one dreamless night. As soon as she arrived home, Juvia went straight to her room, collapsed on her bed, and closed her eyes. The next thing she knew, it was already morning.
The tiredness in her body from the previous day didn't dissipate at all. She felt heavy, troubled, and gloomy. If she were to paint her emotions, her heart would be covered in black paint. If she were to sing about her state, she'd be humming a heavy ballad.
The Lady Mika didn't insist for an answer. She told Juvia to think it over and give her decision when ready. When Juvia tried to question why she was chosen, Mika couldn't offer her a proper explanation.
"All I can say is that Silver and I know you are most suitable to be Gray's wife."
It was not in Juvia's nature to push; she definitely couldn't force Mika for an answer. But, how was she to make a decision? What would be her basis to accept such a proposition? Still, Juvia was running out on time. Saturday would be arriving soon, indicating Gajeel's parents' visit. If Juvia would accept Mika's proposal, she would have a legitimate reason to turn down her betrothal to her best friend.
That would mean she would be betrothed to Gray though…
The image of Mika Fullbuster kneeling in front of her made it even more difficult. Juvia was just a lowly youkai, though part of the superior inugami race. Yet, she was not on the same level as Gray. To be Gray's wife was the unattainable dream. No, in fact, it was something she never considered and wanted.
She quickly prepared for school then left the house without greeting anyone or eating breakfast. She didn't even have dinner the previous day, but her appetite was nowhere to be found. Juvia just felt lost, unsure, and tormented.
The air outside was refreshing and cold. She outstretched her arm, her palm facing upright, trying to catch the light flurries. Clouds of white formed in front of her as she breathed in and out. She stepped outside the gate and closed it as quietly as she could.
"How lame. You didn't even sense my presence."
A voice interrupted her thoughts as she rounded the corner of her house. Standing with his back leaning against a post, hands in his pockets, not even wearing a winter coat, just his uniform blazer, was the Inugami heir. Fringe the colour of black ink hid his eyes from her view. His stoical demeanour added to his stately vibe.
"Wha-what are y-you doing here?" she stuttered. Juvia even forgot to greet her superior.
He straightened his stance and took out his right hand from his pocket. Within a blink of an eye, Gray had grabbed Juvia left wrist towards him. With all the strength she could muster, she pushed him off but she staggered backwards instead. Her back hit the wall and Gray moved forward to cage her with his arms.
"I came to meet my future wife."
His voice was hard and his eyes were angry. Juvia's heartbeat echoed in her ears. It was too loud, and she could feel every thumping as if nearing an outburst. She wanted to shift her gaze away from Gray's, but she couldn't help but stare straight into his soul. She felt something stir within her once again, as if a different being wanted to come out. She began to see a kaleidoscopic vision. Different colours appearing, at times fusing or dispersing.
Gray's eyes narrowed and his youkai marks began to appear. His hand travelled to her neck to lift her face up, and then it crept up to the back of her head to push her face towards him. "The youkai in you is reacting." With that, he crashed his lips against hers.
Not understanding his words and not comprehending what was happening to her, Juvia gave in to his kiss. She felt like a complete different youkai, one who could be on the same level as him, one who could match him in power and strength. He pressed his body on hers, pinning her against the wall, but it added to the electrifying sensation she was feeling.
And then Juvia felt as if her heart was being ripped out of her chest. A growl escaped her lips, automatically detaching herself from Gray. An incredible, skin-splitting pain shot through her, and she collapsed on the ground, losing consciousness.
a/n: I just want to put a spotlight on Mika's "kneeling bow". I'm sure those of you who's studied/know Japanese culture are aware of the seriousness of the "kneeling bow" or dogeza. For Mika to do that means that the favour she's asking is of serious nature - that she felt the need to lower her head to a subordinate. I hope that I was able to show that there.
I hope the chapter (and the story as a whole) still remains interesting for you readers. Please leave me some feedback. And if you noticed some inconsistencies, do tell me. I'd highly appreciate it. Lastly, though I don't have time to individually thank those who left a review and followed/favourited, please know that I am extremely thankful and grateful to all of you. More comments are welcome!
till next chapter...
