So sorry for the wait guys. Had to study for my midterms. Only two more tests to go.
Disclaimer: I DO NOT own Fairy Tail. Hiro Mashima does.
Chapter 6: The Not Date
Juvia got in her car and quickly drove back to her apartment, where she changed her clothes. Then she headed straight to the animal hospital. When she got there, Merudy was already waiting for her.
''So? How did things go with Gray?'' she asked. Juvia sighed.
''Please, not today Merudy. Juvia has a killer hangover and she just wants to be left alone.'' Juvia mumbled. Merudy gawked at her.
''What? You have a hangover? Since when? You don't even drink Juvia.'' Merudy pointed out. Juvia's shoulders slumped.
''Not so loud please. Juvia went to a bar last night and got drunk. Lyon-san had to come and pick her up.'' Juvia explained, but Merudy still wasn't convinced.
''But that doesn't explain why you got drunk in the first place. Tell me what happened.'' Juvia let out an exasperated sigh.
''Fine, Juvia will give Merudy a brief overview of what happened. So basically, Juvia went to Gray's apartment to apologize when she saw him making out with another woman. We fought and Juvia hasn't seen him since. After our fight, Juvia went to a bar, hoping to drown her sorrows. Juvia hoped that the alcohol would make her feel better but it didn't. Eventually, Juvia got way to drunk to drive so she called Lyon-san. Lyon-san picked Juvia up and she stayed the night at his place. And that is what happened. Does Merudy have any questions?'' Merudy shook her head.
''Wow. I'm so sorry Juvia.'' Merudy whispered sympathetically.
''There's no need to be sorry. It's all said and done with. Juvia is done with Gray-sama. She is tired of having her heart broken. Juvia has to move on with her life.'' Merudy nodded.
''I understand. I'm really sorry Juvia. I really wanted things to work out between you two.''
''Well, sometimes things don't always work out. Now can you leave please? Juvia has work to do.'' Merudy nodded and left Juvia alone in her office.
Juvia sighed. A single tear rolled its way down her cheek.
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Gray sat at his desk with his head in his hands. He had offically ruined his relationship with Juvia. And all because he decided to listen to that idiot Becca. Gray never wanted to see that girl again. But that clearly wasn't going to work out because she was his employee.
'God, I hate myself' Gray thought miserably. It's like his life is taking a downward spiral. Like the time when Ur died. That had to be one of the worst times in his life.
There was a knock on his door.
''Come in.'' Gray mumbled. He didn't even bother looking up at the person that just walked in.
''Now now Mr. Fullbuster. Why so gloom?'' Becca teased. Gray groaned.
'Why? Why is she here? Haven't I been punished enough?' Gray thought. He finally looked up at Becca.
''Why are you here Becca? Today is not the day to be bothering me.'' Gray said. Becca looked offended.
''Bothering you? I'm not bothering you. And besides, I thought you'd be happy to see me after what happened last night.'' Gray snorted.
''Happy to see you? You're the last person that I want to see. Did you forget what happened last night? My relationship is ruined because of you.'' Becca frowned.
''Don't go pointing fingers, Mr. Fullbuster. If anyone is to blame for your relationship being ruined, it's you. Your the one that agreed to my proposal. You could have turned me down if you wanted to.'' Becca pointed out. Gray sighed.
''What do you want Becca?'' Becca smiled.
''I want a raise.'' she stated simply. Gray laughed.
''You want a raise? Now why would I do that? You just started working here. What have you done to deserve a raise?''
''This.'' Becca placed a handful of papers on Gray's desk.
''What is this?'' Gray asked.
''That is a list of all my sales for the past week.'' Becca explained.
''Fifty ice sculptures huh?'' Gray looked at her.
''But that still doesn't mean that you deserve a raise. If you want one, then you're going to have to work harder than that.'' Becca smirked.
''You may have a point there Mr. Fullbuster. But I know that you are going to give me that raise whether you like it or not.'' Gray frowned.
''Why is that?'' Gray questioned. Becca's smirk grew and she leaned in.
''Because if you don't, than I will be forced to file a lawsuit against you.'' Becca said. Gray's eyes widened.
''File a lawsuit? For what?'' Becca shrugged.
''I'll simply tell the judge that you raped me.''
''What! I did no such thing and you know that Becca! It was a mutual agreement, what we did. And besides, we didn't even get that far.'' Gray stated, but Becca didn't seem too concerned.
''True, we didn't get very far, but I don't have to tell the judge that. I can say that you were going through a bad time. You just broke up with your girlfriend and you needed someone to comfort you. So you leaned on your new employee. I provided you comfort when you needed it most. So in return, you brought me to your apartment for dinner and a movie. Then after we finished, you decided to show me your apartment. When we reached the bedroom, however, you grabbed me by the arm and shoved me inside where you did the deed.'' Becca explained. Gray sneered at her.
''No judge is going to be stupid enough to believe that nonsense.'' he snarled. Becca smiled.
''Are you sure about that? I'm sure that if I told them how I screamed and begged you to stop, than they will surely believe me. Also, if I told them how you slapped and choked me just to get me to shut up, you don't think that they'll believe me then?''
''No. Because I never did any of those things. And you and I both know that I could just fire you right now without a problem. And I will do it.'' Gray threatened. Becca shook her head.
''No you won't.'' she replied. Gray smirked.
''You really think that I won't do it? Man, aren't you confident?'' Becca grinned.
''I know that you wouldn't want to fire me Mr. Fullbuster. Because if you do, I will sue you for wrongful termination. And you know as well as I how bad those cases can get. So you really don't have any other choice but to give me that raise, do you Mr. Fullbuster? Becca replied. Gray slammed his hands on the desk.
''Who do you think you are? Coming into my office and demanding a raise like you own the place. Well let me tell you something Becca. You aren't getting that raise. So, you can come up with all the lawsuits you want because I know that you won't win. Now get the hell out of my office.'' Gray spat. Becca sighed and stood up.
''Well then, I'm sorry that we couldn't come to an understanding Mr. Fullbuster. Next time you'll see, it will be in a court room with my lawyers. Good day, Mr. Fullbuster. I'll see you real soon.'' Becca gave Gray one last smile before walking out of his office. Gray sighed and leaned back in his chair.
Today just kept getting worse and worse.
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The rest of the week pasted by fairly quickly. Before Juvia knew it, it was already Saturday. Today was the day that she was going out with Lyon. Whenever she thought about it, she got extremely nervous and she didn't know why. Lyon was her friend and she wanted to repay him for helping her when she really needed it. It's not like this was a date or anything. No, this was just two friends having dinner together. Nothing more, nothing less.
There was a knock on her apartment door.
''Coming!'' Juvia called as she rushed to answer the door. To her surprise, she saw Gray on the other side. He had a gift in his hands. Juvia crossed her arms over her chest.
''What do you want?'' she asked.
''I just wanted to give you this. Happy Birthday, Juvia.'' Gray said as he handed her her present. Juvia shoved his hand away.
''Juvia doesn't want your gift.'' Juvia replied. Gray's shoulders sagged.
''Please Juvia. Can you just accept the gift? I want you to have it. It would be a real waste of money if you didn't take it.'' Gray joked as he handed her the gift again. Juvia looked at him before opening the gift. When she opened the box, she gasped at what was inside.
Inside was a diamond owl shaped necklace. The owl's wings were out, so it looked like it was in mid flight. It's wings, as well as the rest of its body, was decorated with tiny blue gems. Aquamarine, Juvia remembered. Aquamarine was Juvia's birthstone. When Juvia shifted the necklace to get a better look at it, the gems sparkled. Juvia looked at Gray, who was smiling.
''Gray-sama, this is beautiful.'' Juvia breathed as she continued examining the necklace.
''Look at the back.'' Gray instructed. Juvia looked at the back of the necklace, where her name was engraved, followed by a teardrop. The teardrop, Juvia realized, was another gem. This gem, however, seemed to sparkle on its own without having to be shifted in a certain direction. Juvia smiled.
''Thank you Gray-sama. This is absolutely beautiful.'' Juvia whispered, mesmerized by its beauty. Gray rubbed the back of his neck.
''This was the gift that I was going to give you on our anniversary. But we had that fight and I didn't have the chance to give it to you. So I decided to give it to you for your birthday.'' Gray sighed and looked at his watch.
''Well, I have to go now. Have a good day Juvia.'' Gray waved goodbye before leaving. Juvia stared at his retreating figure. Then she walked back into her apartment.
Just as soon as she sat down, there was another knock on her door. Juvia quickly got up to answer it.
''Happy Birthday Juv!'' Merudy exclaimed as she tackled Juvia. Juvia stumbled back, but still managed to keep her balance.
''Thank you Merudy. Now can you get off of Juvia?'' Merudy smiled sheepishly and released her.
''Sorry.'' she mumbled.
''Are you two done?'' Gajeel's rough voice interrupted.
''Gajeel-kun! How are you?'' Juvia asked. Gajeel shrugged.
''Alright. Anyways, Happy Birthday Juvia. Here's your gift.'' Gajeel handed Juvia a coupon for a free tattoo at his shop. Juvia frowned.
''How many times does Juvia have to say it? She doesn't want to a coupon for a free tattoo! Why can't Gajeel-kun buy Juvia a nice gift like a normal person?''
''Because it's a waste of money. And I know that you don't care for that crap anyway. Besides, you should be grateful that I even gave you a gift. Your only gift should be the gift of my friendship.'' Gajeel stated and smirked at Juvia's angry expression.
''Oh c'mon Juvia, you know how he is. Anyways, here's my gift.'' Merudy said and handed her a terribly wrapped present.
''Merudy really needs to work on her wrapping skills.'' Juvia commented.
''Just open it.'' Merudy growled. Juvia smiled and opened the present. It was a charm bracelet. One charm was of Juvia's zodiac sign. Another one was Juvia's gemstone, aquamarine. And there was several others as well.
''Thank you Merudy. At least someone knows how to give a proper gift.'' Juvia said, glaring at Gajeel. Gajeel grinned.
''Oh c'mon baby, don't be like that. I know you love me.'' Gajeel teased. Juvia frowned.
''Juvia doesn't love you. Anyways, you guys need to leave. Juvia has to get ready.'' Merudy frowned.
''Get ready for what?'' she asked.
''Juvia is going out.'' Juvia explained. Merudy grinned.
''Really? With who? Is it Lyon? Omg, I bet it is Lyon. I knew that it would happen eventually. I can't belive it, my Juvia is growing up so fast.'' Merudy babbled.
''Who the hell is Lyon?'' Gajeel asked. Juvia grimaced. She really didn't want to explan this to Gajeel.
''Lyon is Juvia's new boyfriend.'' Merudy answered, a huge grin on her face. Gajeel stared at Juvia.
''New boyfriend? What the hell Juvia? Why do you fall for all these guys? This idiot, Lyon, he is probably just like that bastard Gray.''
''That's just the thing. Lyon and Gray know each other as well. Can you believe it!'' Merudy exclaimed. Gajeel sighed.
''I can't believe this.'' he muttered.
''Enough!'' Juvia shouted, her face bright red. Merudy and Gajeel looked at her.
''Lyon-san is Juvia's friend! He helped Juvia when she needed it, so she is repaying him. That's it! This is not a date!'' Merudy wiggled he eyebrows.
''Nobody said that it was a date. So that must mean that you think that it is a date.'' Merudy pointed out.
''It isn't a date!'' Juvia protested.
''Who gives a shit! Juvia, is this a date or not?'' Gajeel questioned.
''No.'' Juvia answered. Gajeel sighed.
''Good. Now that I know it isn't a date, I don't care anymore. Now, I have to leave. Are you coming Merudy?'' Gajeel asked. Merudy shook her head.
''No! I have to help Juvia get ready for her date with Lyon. You can leave without me.'' Gajeel nodded and left the apartment. Merudy turned to Juvia.
''Now, let's get you ready for this date.''
''This is not a date!'' Juvia protested but was ignored. Merudy just continued to drag her to her bedroom.
''Whatever you say Juv. Whatever you say.''
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Juvia was waiting outside the restarant for Lyon to show up. Merudy took forever to get Juvia ready for her not date. No matter how many times she said it, Merudy was still convinced that this was a date. But Juvia should have expected that. Merudy could be very stubborn. Whenever an idea came to her, it took a lot of persuading for her to get rid of it. Merudy made sure that Juvia looked extremely well. Or as well as Juvia would let her. Juvia was wearing a black dress with black booties. The print on the dress was tiny little blue roses. And as for Juvia's makeup, Juvia made sure to do that herself. If she didn't, than Merudy would have gone overboard with it and Juvia didn't want that. So she settled for lip gloss and a little mascara. Juvia was also wearing the necklace that Gray gave her. When Merudy asked her about it, Juvia said that it was a gift from someone and didn't elaborate any further. She didn't want Merudy to know that Gray gave this to her. Merudy would make a big deal out of it and Juvia didn't want that. Juvia saw Lyon's car pull into the restaurant parking lot. Lyon walked up to her and smiled.
''You look nice. And I thought that this wasn't a date.'' he teased. Juvia blushed.
''It isn't. Juvia's friend just took things too far.'' Juvia replied.
''Well, I think your friend did an excellent job. You look absolutely beautiful.'' Lyon complimented. Juvia smiled.
''Well, Lyon-san doesn't look to bad himself.'' Juvia complimented right back. Lyon had dressed really simple. Black slacks, blue dress shirt, and black dress shoes.
''Why thank you. Now, shall we?'' Juvia nodded and together they walked into the restaurant. Juvia checked their reservations and they were led to their table.
''You even made resevations. You really went all out.'' Lyon said. Juvia smiled.
''Juvia wanted to thank Lyon-san for all his help. This felt right to her. Juvia hopes you like it.''
''Of course I like it. But you really didn't have to go through all this trouble. I would have been perfectly okay with going to the movies.'' Lyon said. Juvia shrugged.
''The movies would be too cliche. Dinner is so much better.'' Lyon smiled.
''True. '' he replied. Then he noticed Juvia's necklace.
''Where'd you get that necklace? It's beautiful.'' Lyon commented. Juvia looked down at the necklace.
''Oh, Gray-sama gave this to Juvia for her birthday. It's today you know.''
''Yeah, I know.'' Juvia looked up, shocked.
''You do? But how?'' she asked. Lyon grinned.
''I know because you told me. Two days after we first met, you told me that your birthday was March 21. I remembered that. I even got you a gift.'' Lyon said, digging in his pocket. He pulled out a tiny box and gave it to Juvia.
''Oh, Lyon-san, you don't have to do that.'' Juvia protested. Lyon shrugged.
''Just take it.'' Juvia looked at him before opening the box. It was a necklace, but it wasn't nearly as nice as the necklace that Gray gave her. It was a necklace of a dog hugging a cat. Juvia smiled.
''This is really cute Lyon-san, thank you.''
''You're welcome. Although, my necklace pales in comparison to Gray's. That man has impeccable taste.''
''Juvia still likes it. But why did you get this particular necklace?''
''I remembered you telling me that you always wanted a necklace with your two favorite animals. So I went to the store and bought you this one.'' Lyon explained.
''Lyon-san is so sweet.'' Juvia said. Lyon smiled.
''I know. I'm one of the sweetest guys you'll ever know.'' he bragged. Juvia giggled.
''And you're cocky.'' Juvia added.
''I can be.'' Lyon agreed. They looked at each other and laughed.
The rest of their meal went on without a problem. Lyon made jokes throughout the whole dinner, which made it difficult for Juvia not to choke on her food. Eventually it was time to go their separate ways.
''I had a great time Juvia. Thank you.'' Lyon said as they were walking to his car. Juvia smiled.
''Juvia is glad. She had a good time as well.'' Lyon stopped in front of his car. He turned to face Juvia. He smiled at her. Juvia felt her heart skip a beat.
''Tonight was fun. Next time I'll pay.'' Juvia giggled.
''Okay. Juvia will hold you to that. Goodbye Lyon-san.''
Goodbye Juvia.'' Lyon got into his car and drove off. Juvia watched him leave. Then she turned around and walked over to her car. On the drive back home, Juvia couldn't help but think.
' Why did Juvia's heart do that?'
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