Author's Note: So this was for the Jealousy prompt, although it might not really seem like it hehe. However, this AU has spurred a multitude of headcanons, so if I do have the time, I might create a separate story to store all these scenes because ohh so much beauty to be had with the concept of childhood friends growing up to be something more *A*

title: call on me
rating: K
summary: I'll pick you up when you're getting down.

They were staring at her. Again.

As Juvia put away her books in her locker, three drooling idiots were openly ogling her, hearts practically permanent in their eyes with their gazes fixed on her.

Gray scowled at the sight, standing a few feet away with his hands in his pockets. They were already getting on his last nerves, but his irritation only climbed higher at their line of conversation.

"God, she's such a babe."

"Do you see those legs? Damn!"

"Go for miles and miles. Think they're as smooth as they look?"

"How many dates till she'd let you find out?"

"I bet she's great in bed. Look at that ass."

"We could always ask Bora. Heard he had some real good times with her till he cut her loose—"

Bam!

Juvia flinched at the fist slamming against her locker, whirling around to find Gray hovering over her with a menacing aura. His eyebrows were furrowed in a seething glare, low snarls ripping from his clenched teeth as he leaned his body over hers and glowered at the morons.

Placing a hand on his arm, Juvia peeked over his shoulder, spotting three boys blanch white before spinning on their heels and scrambling away.

"Gray-sama?" the girl softly asked, running her hand soothingly down his arm while he took a calming breath. "What's wrong?"

He scoffed, leaning off of her and snatching her wrist. "Come with me."

"Eh?" she blinked, letting him pull her down the hallway. She brought her other hand to her mouth and blushed, ducking her head as he lead her out of the school.

She soon found herself at an empty playground, the two of them sitting against the swings swaying lightly in the breeze. Gray sat forward, hunched over with his elbows on his knees while Juvia held the chains, scuffing the sand with her shoes.

"Gray-sama did it again," she said quietly, breaking the temporary silence that had fallen between them.

"Did what," he replied, staring vacantly at the grains of sand below.

"You know what. Gray-sama didn't have to be so aggressive."

He snorted. "They were being jackasses."

She frowned, thick lashes hovering low over her eyes. "Juvia doesn't want you to get in trouble."

"I want to kick his ass."

"The boys aren't worth—"

"I'm not talking about those bastards, Juvia."

She fell silent, the swing creaking slightly beneath her.

"…They're just rumors, Gray-sama. Juvia doesn't care—"

"Don't lie to me."

She closed her mouth, shifting her eyes to the side and avoiding his gaze. "It's not worth it."

"First he breaks your heart, and now he's talking shit. I'll make him stop, I'll fucking beat it into his stupid head—"

"Please," she whispered, and his eyes narrowed at the hand laid over his curled fist, raising to her troubled face. "Don't. You'll get suspended again."

"I don't care," he glared, clenching his fist tighter. "I'm not going to let that bastard keep hurting you—"

"Gray-sama," she pleaded softly, her eyes silently imploring. "Don't leave me alone. Please…"

He stared at her, studying her face. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, and it made his chest tighten.

Clenching his jaw, he turned his head away. "Those assholes today won't be the last."

Juvia retracted her hand, quietly averting her gaze. "Juvia knows."

"Others will come, and I won't always be around."

"…"

"If they do, you call me, alright? I don't care where you are, I'll come for you."

Her heart skipped a beat as her eyes rose to his. "Gray-sama…"

"I'm not letting anyone get to you," he said firmly, his gaze trained on hers. "I won't let you get hurt again. You hear me?"

Tears slowly welled in her eyes before she hastily wiped them away. "Yes," she mumbled, nodding with her face in her hands. "Th… Thank you."

He looked away, glancing to the sunset painting the sky in red and gold before sliding off the swing.

"Come on," he said, standing in front of her and extending his hand. "It's getting late. I'll walk you home."

She ducked her head and stumbled a nod, sniffling as she took his outstretched hand. When he pulled her up, she pushed herself up on her tiptoes, pressing her lips to his cheek before quickly leaning away.

He blinked at the sensation, his eyes flickering to hers before he released her hand and ruffled his hair.

"Er, uh…" he mumbled, a faint blush brushing his cheeks. "W—What was that for?"

She pulled up the collar of her jacket—his jacket, which he'd lent her when she started to shiver—and hid her mouth behind it, shyly tucking her chin to her chest.

"You're… always looking out for Juvia," she murmured, a deep blush coating her cheeks. "Juvia really appreciates it."

He arched a brow, scratching his cheek before clearing his throat. "Well, yeah. We grew up together, of course I'm going to keep an eye on you."

Her chest warmed at the words, her heart fluttering as she tugged the jacket collar further over her face.

Gray-sama…

Shoving his hands in his pockets, he pivoted on his foot, starting down the sidewalk path. She watched his retreating back for a few moments, a fond smile curving her lips as he casually tousled his hair with his deft fingers.

Would he ever realize he was the only boy she wanted to be with?

Gray paused, taking a sidestep and glancing back at her. He tilted his head, making her blush under his focused stare.

"You coming, Juvia?"

She flinched, snapping out of her thoughts before a soft giggle escaped her lips. "Yes!" she said happily, shuffling to his side while he quietly waited for her. "Juvia's sorry for making you wait."

He arched a brow at her, giving an offhanded shrug before continuing on his way. Juvia fell into place beside him, a content silence settling between the two as she twiddled her thumbs before her. Her eyes glanced from his face to his bent arm, noting the gap just wide enough for her arm to slip through…

Closing her eyes, she swiftly wound her arm through his, bringing herself to his side and bumping her hips against his. She flushed at her audacity—maybe she was being too bold—but his reaction startled her more: he simply looked at her, dropping his gaze to their interlaced arms before returning his attention to the path in front of him.

Juvia inwardly swooned, her lips curving in a bright smile as she closed her eyes. Leaning closer to him, the two silently made their way home, the sky darkening above them as the streetlights began to a glow.