Standard disclaimer applies.

Chapter 5: Vagueness

"Stop lusting after a married man!"

Lisanna's biting remark snapped Juvia out of her trance. The two friends went for a post-brunch stroll by the lakeshore some ten-minute walk from Laxus's cottage. It was a cold Saturday mid-day, but the sky was blue and the sun shone brightly.

"Wow! That came out of nowhere, Lis. Juvia isn't lusting after Gray."

Lisanna replied with a snort. "And who said I was referring to Gray? You're so transparent, Juvie-woobie."

Juvia slightly pinched her friend's arm, earning a yelp from the silver-haired beauty. "And you're the epitome of a blunt bitch!" She feigned annoyance, but her tone was bubbly. "On a serious note, Juvia isn't really thinking about Gray." She hoped her sincere insistence would convince her friend.

Letting out a sigh, Lisanna threw her hands up in the air. "If that's the truth, then all the better. Gray is now a forbidden object of affection. He's an unrequited love that will never happen. He's an unattainable objective for your future marital plans."

"Really, Lis, what a way to make Juvia feel better. Thanks so much. Now Juvia feels so elated she could die."

"It needs to be said over and over again, just so you won't get any funny ideas of committing adultery." Lisanna spoke with a smile but her words were harsh. She gave Juvia a hug almost immediately. "Also, I really want you to just move on from this unrequited love."

Juvia sniffed. "Juvia knows you mean well, though you can sound pretty condescending. And Juvia also knows that it's karma biting her ass, since Juvia should've been more honest with her feelings."

"Say, Juvie-boobie, when did you actually fall in love with Gray? You easily tell him you love him, but you're like that with everybody. Hence, I don't think Gray ever took you serious when you were actually professing your love. Was it…" trailing off, Lisanna took a look at Juvia to observe her aura first. "Was it even before Bora?"

Juvia gave her a sad smile. "No. It took Juvia almost a year to get over Bora, or at least the idea of Bora. Juvia was so set on marrying him. Gray, he uhhh, provided Juvia…" she paused and looked towards the still waters of the lake. A memory from long ago flashed before her eyes. "Gray provided comfort and warm embrace for consolation."

"Did you sleep with him?"

It was a vow with him to never divulge this secret. "No," she lied.

"I see… I had this inkling you guys slept once or twice. I guess I was completely off. Intimacy would've changed your relationship anyway."

"Gray friendzoned Juvia anyway."

"Yeah, you mentioned that before. You sure you just didn't misunderstand? You can be quite… how do I say it without offending you?" Lisanna stared up into the sky, mouth open, a finger tapping her lower lip, as if she was in deep contemplation. "Well, you can be slow on the uptake, especially when it comes to hints."

"What? Juvia is slow? No, Juvia has always been praised for her analytical and critical skills."

"At work, yeah. But outside your professional life, you're pretty clueless at times. Back in uni, how many guys showed interest in you?"

Juvia scowled. "No one of course. Juvia was also very much committed to Bora as well. But, even without Bora, no one would even ask Juvia out."

"See, that's what I was saying. Even at your age, you insist on such things. It's frustrating because you love to self-degrade, when many might kill for your body and face. From what I can remember, there were a number of guys who flirted with you back in uni. You just kept them at bay. Just a week ago at Starbucks, someone talked to you randomly."

"It was just small talk, since we're waiting in line," Juvia reasoned.

Lisanna groaned out loud. "Gaaah! You kidding me? The way that man was looking at you was borderline creepy. He was ready to pounce on you if you two were alone."

Juvia shook her head. "Where is this conversation headed anyway?"

"Cause… cause I don't know whether I should say this or not. But, I really thought Gray was definitely attracted to you, especially during the first few years we've all known each other. Instead of him friendzoning you, I think it might've been you friendzoning him."

Juvia took off the scarf wrapped around her neck. She suddenly felt hot and sweaty. "No, Juvia doesn't think so," she said out loud, but something at the back of her mind was protesting. Could it be? Was it possible that he could've been attracted to her? "Definitely not," she answered her internal questions.

"Well, too late to think and analyze about it now. You're not the type to break up a marriage anyway."

And then pink boy's face flashed before her eyes.

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The midnight December air was chilly and biting to the skin. Yet, Juvia welcomed the fresh feel of the cold to her flesh. Staring out her balcony made it seem that autumn still lingered; snow was nowhere to be found even though the forecast was that winter would be early. Still, there definitely was a shift in temperature compared to the previous weekend.

A sense of bittersweet-ness engulfed her, as she looked back to the long weekend holiday at Laxus's cottage. It dawned on her that from now on, it would always be 'Gray plus one'. The only consolation she can gather was that Lucy wasn't a bad company as Juvia expected. Though Gray's wife spent majority of the time sleeping, when she was around, she was pleasant and enjoyable to talk to. There were no similarities between the two of them, but Juvia felt that Lucy could be a good friend.

And it stung to admit that.

Sighing out loud, as if the world is on her shoulders, Juvia placed herself on the patio recliner chair Gajeel had discarded. It was the lone decoration in her balcony, where she usually watched the outside world as a form of relaxation. She sipped the hot tea she just brewed, enjoying the feeling of warmth covering her insides while the chilly air blanketed her outsides. She only wore an oversized shirt, so she knew she must head inside sooner. Everything was silent and peaceful until a hoarse voice snapped her out of reverie.

"You're gonna get sick."

Juvia turned her head to look up at the intruder of her quiet time. "Juvia loves the cold."

"Yeah? And I hate it. Give me a sec." With that, she was left alone again. It was only momentarily when he reappeared, carrying the heavy yellow comforter from her bedroom. "Stand," he ordered her.

"Wha—what are you doing? The comforter's going to get dirty!"

To no avail, her protests were ignored. He took the cup from her hand and set it down on the floor. He then plopped down on the recliner then pulled her to him, so that she was sitting on his lap. He then placed the comforter around their bodies.

"There. Isn't this better?"

Juvia squirmed, trying to get away, but she had to admit his body heat felt nice. He always exuded such warmth that it could be relaxing and uncomfortable at the same time. His right arm cradled her back, while the other caressed the exposed skin of her thighs. His ministrations were starting to affect her once more, and Juvia couldn't help but moan when his left hand reached the inside of her shirt.

She took a glance at his face; his eyes were closed but his lips displayed a smirk. "Stop it, pink boy," she mumbled, not really meaning it.

He raised a brow without opening his eyes. "You like it though," he whispered hoarsely.

His thumb encircled the hardening bead of her right breast, and soon her whole being was covered in tingles. Boldly, Juvia placed her lips on his well-shaven jaw with her right hand touching his neck. She rarely initiated intimacy with him; that's his job. But as soon as he started, Juvia was always willing to respond and display her own actions. For some reason, she actually found herself attracted to his jawline.

"Should Juvia leave a mark here?" she asked, her lips mere millimetres away from the skin of his neck. Natsu didn't respond; rather, he squeezed her boob with a mix of gentleness and eagerness of a lad. Whether he meant that as a yes or no, Juvia interpreted it as consent. When the deed was done, she stared at the forming hickey on his neck then checked his expression. She giggled. Natsu's eyes were closed but the tiniest of a grin was on his face. "You liked it that much." She rested her head on the crook of his neck, while he let his palm rest flat on her stomach.

"What exactly are we doing?" she finally asked.

"Uh, cuddling, I guess."

"That's… that's not what Juvia is asking."

"Is this a trick question then? Hugging? Or, going to have sex soon in your balcony for all the world to see?"

"You and your vulgar ways," she fumed, though not exactly angry. In fact, Juvia knew she was being vague herself. She couldn't bring herself to ask outright the status of their relationship? Was it even proper to call this thing with them a relationship? The truth—Juvia was scared to put a label on what had been going on between her and Natsu.

A part of her was afraid that there might be feelings involved. Her heart still belonged to Gray, she's definitely sure about that. Another part of her hated to think she was just "sex buddies" with Natsu. It felt… cheap for some reason. Was it just lust that existed between them? There's nothing wrong with that, but how long should this last?

A deep silence grew between them, though it wasn't awkward. Juvia shifted her position to be more comfortable in his arms. Natsu followed as well, adjusting the blanket around their bodies. His hands also stopped travelling all over her body, as they wrapped around Juvia's shoulders to cradle her closer to him. She could feel his erection, but he made no move to satisfy himself. Juvia knew he was being quite considerate, knowing she might not want to submit to their desires right there.

A few more minutes of stillness between them transpired. Then, Juvia moved to straddle Natsu, causing him to widen his eyes in surprise. She then began to trace his jawline with kisses, pressing her chest against his.

"Are you finally horny?" Natsu gave her a toothy grin. He had the look of a brat who thought he made the wisest remark. But, the answer to his question was an affirmative and he could tell. Natsu's hand crept inside her shirt, travelling from her thigh to pelvic area. He traced her wetness with his finger. "You want me badly, huh?"

It only took a few minutes of foreplay with a long, passionate make-out session. Soon, Natsu's fully inside her and all the questions burning in her head were set aside. There would be a time and day for everything to be clarified. For now, Juvia was completely taken by her desires.

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21 Forest Hill Avenue
-Fireball

Juvia had been staring at her phone screen for quite some time now. She just couldn't decode why 'pink boy' sent her what seemed to be an address. Just as she was typing her response, in the form of a question of course, a text message notification popped up.

Take responsibility and cure me.
-Fireball

Frowning, Juvia erased the few characters she's already typed.

Huh? What do you mean?
-Blue

The reply was instant to Juvia's surprise.

Your fault I'm sick. Stuck here at home. Cure me. I texted you my address already.
-Fireball

Realization hit her, and her mind travelled to a weekend rendezvous outside her balcony. She wasn't sure how long the two of them spent out in the cold. They gave in to their lust right there and then, but they finished it off inside the living room with Natsu carrying her while still connected. But, was that enough to make him catch a cold?

You want Juvia at your place? On a Monday?
-Blue

Why not? Just be here after your work.
-Fireball

Oh, bring food!
-Fireball

She didn't know how to interpret Natsu inviting her to his house. All this time it was him stopping by at her place, rarely spending the entire night. In fact, now that Juvia thought about it, Natsu had only spent the night just once. Even then, he left at the crack of dawn. Juvia was stirred from her sleep as he crept cautiously out of her room. She didn't bother to ask him to stay.

She had never asked him to stay.

Now she wondered how it would be like to lay eyes on pink boy's face first thing in the morning…

Fine. Juvia is done work at 5. Do you know what bus to take to your house?
-Blue

I've never taken the bus. Just take a cab.
-Fireball

Juvia was about to complain how expensive it is to ride a taxi in the city. And from the address he gave her, it appeared he lived just outside the downtown core, nearing the suburbs. However, it seemed that pink boy was well aware of it.

Put it in my tab. I don't mind. Just get here and feed me.
-Fireball.

Fine! Juvia will take the taxi from the office to your place!
-Blue

Flashing a mischievous glint in her eyes, Juvia giggled. The taxi fare would end up at around thirty to forty bucks. A fair price to pay for making her go all the way to his home just to feed him. Right away, Juvia jotted down a list of ingredients for a delicious get-well-soon meal she loves to prepare for her brother when he gets sick. Good thing there was a grocery store inside her office building. The feeling of excitement filled her entire being and she couldn't concentrate in her work.

A knock on the door distracted her momentarily. Gray's head popped in and he gave her that half-smile that made her heart bang loudly inside her chest.

"Got a minute?"

Juvia nodded, offering him her most welcoming smile. "Sure. What's up?"

"We rarely talk nowadays unless it's about work," he said, closing the door behind him. Gray walked towards Juvia's desk then settling in the seat in front of it. "Things had been very busy lately that we couldn't hang out much, huh."

"Yeah," Juvia agreed. She tried not to look at him for fear that tears might fall from her eyes. She missed Gray so much, and it was taking all her strength not to jump him and wrap her arms around his neck. "H-how's the married life?"

Gray chuckled. "It's great. Though Lucy's been on night shifts lately too, so our schedule's not converging."

"Sorry to hear that. Ar-aren't you guys planning to have a kid soon?" The moment the question left her lips, Juvia regretted it. She didn't want the thought of Gray making love to his wife.

"Not any time soon," answered Gray. "Both Lucy and I don't want kids yet."

"Oh…" trailing off, Juvia racked her brain to change the topic. "Ah, is there something you want to talk about?"

Gray ran his fingers through his hair, looking sheepish. "Actually, I just want to invite you for dinner after work. Just to unwind a bit. Plus, there's a hockey game so we can just head to the sports bar. We can ask the others to join us. Lis said she's no plans today, but I didn't ask her yet. I wanna know if you can go first."

"Who's Magnolia up against tonight?"

"Hargeon," Gray instantly answered, his eyes shining with competitiveness. Juvia was well aware of the fierce rivalry between the Magnolia Dragons and Hargeon Pirates. A game against Hargeon always pumped Gray out.

"I bet you're itching for Hargeon to lose."

"You betcha! So what say you? Up for some trash-talking against those loser Pirates?"

Juvia winked and raising a thumbs up. "Wouldn't miss it for the world!"

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"Deng! This might be the year the Cup arrives in Magnolia. Our rookies are great, ya know!"

Juvia giggled at the sight of a giddy Gray. She used to not care about ice hockey, though she occasionally watched when her father and brother would. But after being friends with Gray, she got used to the way the game is played and developed a bubbling excitement whenever a game is on. Gray also heavily influenced her on being a fangirl of the Magnolia team. And thanks to that, the bond between them grew.

Gray downed his second pint of the night. "Did you watch last Saturday's game? Overtime was intense." He signalled for another pitcher of beer.

"Hey, watch it. Puck drop isn't till 7:30. We still got a good hour to go," Juvia cautioned him with a shake of her head. She could tell Gray was being unusually excited for a regular season game. "Why are you so enthusiastic for this game? It's not like it's near playoffs time."

Gray waved his index finger near her face. "Tsk, tsk, dear Juvia. Every game is important. We need all the point we can get to vie for first place in the division."

Juvia rolled her eyes. "No shit, Sherlock! Juvia knows that. It's just you're too—how should Juvia put it—too giddy and perky. So unlike you, Gray."

Gray chuckled before bringing the beer mug to his lips. He took a couple of sips before he gave Juvia a sincere gaze. "I'm just glad we get to do this again."

Thank god for Juvia's control, cause if not, she might've burst into tears. She completely absorbed what Gray meant. Instead, she chugged her half-empty pint. She didn't know what to say to that. Should she tell him that it was his fault for getting married, thus preventing him to do what bachelors can freely do? You know, like hang out with single ladies like her during weeknights, and no one would interpret them being indecent?

As if being saved by the bell, Lisanna and Levy sauntered into the pub towards their table. "Hey Lis! Levy!" Juvia called out quite loudly, though unintentional. Gray just eyed her strangely. "Aw, you guys are here. That's good," Juvia said, knowing how she sounded awkward.

"Hey you two! Though I've seen you guys last week, it's been a long time that we hang out for a hockey game," Levy commented after giving Juvia a hug.

"Hey Juvie-boobie. You too, Gray-cray," Lisanna greeted them in her typical weird way, saluting. "Mira-weera's stuck at work, and Gajeel-bajeel is too damn popular nowadays to appear on pubs like this," Lisanna said with a snort.

"And Laxus?" asked Gray.

"He's just looking for parking. He picked me up and Lis," Levy answered. The server came by and took their drink orders.

"What time are they doing the first pitch?" Lisanna asked.

"This is hockey we're watching, Lis," Gray answered with a scowl.

"And how many innings are they playing? Lisanna asked once more.

"Again, hockey."

Juvia giggled. It was just like the "old days" with Lisanna trying to annoy Gray by purposely asking wrong questions about hockey. When their drinks arrived, and at the same time Laxus joining them, Lisanna stood to toast for Hargeon Pirates' victory. Of course, earning her a deadly glare from Gray.

"Heard you were sick?" Gray asked Laxus.

"Nah, just colds. Was stuck at home for three days last week. Must've caught it during the holidays."

Hearing this conversation, something inside Juvia clicked. "Shit! Oh shit! Oh damn! Shit!" She scrambled for her bag and grabbed her phone. She had five missed calls and three text messages. And she could tell a certain pink-haired man was pissed.

I'm hungry. Where are you? Stuck in traffic?
-Fireball

Who makes a sick person wait in hunger? Why aren't you answering your phone? Are you alright?
-Fireball

Okay, where the hell are ya? You still coming?
-Fireball

"Sorry, Juvia needs to go!"

"What? We just got here!" Lisanna protested, along with Levy asking if something was wrong.

Juvia's mind was all over the place as she scampered off the seat. She bid them a hasty goodbye, not exactly realizing her friends were all staring at her in confusion. She barely made it out of the pub when someone gripped her wrist.

"Juvia, what's wrong?"

Turning around, Juvia gave Gray a worried look. "Juvia was supposed to go somewhere and completely forgot. Juvia hasn't even gone grocery shopping. He'll be so pissed!"

"He? Who's he?"

"Huh?" She clamped her mouth shut as it dawned on her what she just slightly revealed. Damn, she couldn't use her brother for an excuse. It'd be impossible to refer to her father as the 'he' since her parents live in a different country. Juvia didn't know many HEs.

"Umm… Sorry, Juvia will explain later. For now, Juvia needs to go."

"Can't you stay? It won't be fun without you. I want you here, Juvia."

And now she's completely torn.

A/N: I'm not exactly happy with the chapter. I feel that it lacks cohesiveness, however I don't want it sitting in my computer for a long time. I've been watching a lot of live hockey games, so my mind's filled with them lately. Hence, I might reference the sport every now and then. anyway, my plan for next chapter will focus on Natsu's past/background with Lucy, since I've already established Gray/Juvia's relationship.

another thing, I reviewed and edited the inconsistent part in Chapter 1. anyone caught that? if not, i'll still tell ya. When Juvia and Natsu met, it was during a party where Gray proposed to Lucy. that was the original intent, but I scratched that and made them meet during the wedding...

I am still undecided if this is a Navia, Gruvia, Nalu or Gralu fic. Just wanted to put it out there.

Thank you to those who left review/comments/feedback [and even minor insults lol]. it's greatly appreciated. See you next chapter.

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