I am so sorry for the wait. School has been really busy.

But now I have the time to update, so here it is.

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN FAIRY TAIL

Chapter 8: New Feelings

Gray sighed as he made his way to the courthouse. This was his second day in court. Levy was waiting for him at the courthouse doors.

''Let's go.'' she said. Gray nodded and together they walked inside. When they reached the courtroom, Gray almost had a heart attack. Because, right in front of him, was Juvia. Gray made a beeline for her.

''Juvia. What are you doing here?'' he asked.

''Juvia got called as a witness.'' she answered. Gray sighed.

''I'm sorry. I didn't mean for you to get dragged into this. You shouldn't be here. This is my mess.'' Gray said. Juvia smiled.

''It's okay, Gray-sama. Juvia understands that this was a possibilty. You don't have to apologize.'' Gray smiled.

''Thank you.''

''Not a problem.'' The bailiff walked into the courtroom.

''All rise and welcome Judge Park.'' Everyone stood as Judge Park walked in and took her seat.

''You may sit.'' she said. Everyone took their seats.

''Now, I understand that Ms. McGarden has brought a witness.'' Judge Park turned to Juvia.

''Ms. Lockser, right?'' Juvia nodded.

''Yes.'' Judge Park gestured to the witness stand.

''Why don't you come up here, Ms. Lockser?''

''Sure.'' Juvia stood up and took her seat on the witness stand. Levy approached her.

''Okay. I'm going to ask you a few questions. Is that alright with you, Ms. Lockser?'' Juvia nodded.

''Okay. Can you tell me what happened March 6th?''

''Juvia went to Gray-sama's apartment. She wanted to apologize for their fight, but when she got there, she saw Gray-sama making out with another women. Juvia and Gray-sama had a confrontation, and Juvia stormed out of the building. That's all that Juvia can tell you.''

''Okay. Did you and my client speak again after your confrontation?''

''Yes. Gray-sama came to Juvia's apartment to give her a birthday present. Gray-sama also stopped by Juvia's apartment again and told her about his current predicament. He said that he had to go to court and he said that Juvia might be called to witness. And then he left.''

''Okay. Now, how long did your relationship with my client last?''

''A year.'' Juvia answered. Levy nodded.

''Okay. Now, while you were dating, was my client ever violent? Did he ever force you into things?'' Juvia shook her head.

''No. Gray-sama was never violent and he never forced Juvia into anything. Gray-sama has always been a gentleman.''

''So, you must have been shocked when my client told you about his predicament?''

''Yes. Juvia was very shocked when Gray-sama told her that he was being sued for rape. Juvia knows Gray-sama. She knows him better than that Becca woman. Gray-sama would never rape a woman. Never. Gray-sama has always respected Juvia. And no matter how bad our fights got, Gray-sama never hit Juvia. He never forced her into anything. And it sickens Juvia to know that this woman took advantage of Gray-sama when he was at his most vulnerable. It is something that Juvia can never forgive. This Becca woman, she is the one that deserves to be punished, not Gray-sama. Gray-sama is the victim of this woman's greed. She didn't get what she wanted, so she concocted this absurd story that is no where near the truth. This story that Gray-sama raped her, it is a lie. And Juvia trusts that you will see through this lie and find out the truth.''

''Yes, Ms. Lockser. I do intend to find the truth. Thank you for your testimony. You can return to your seat now.'' Levy said. Juvia nodded and walked back to her seat. As she was walking by, she saw Gray mouth the words 'Thank you.' Juvia smiled and mouthed back, 'You're welcome.' Judge Park cleared her throat.

''Alright. Ms. Sinclair, will you come up to the witness stand?'' Becca nodded. She walked to the witness stand and settled into the chair.

''Alright, Ms. McGarden. The floor is yours.'' Levy approached Becca.

''Alright. Ms. Sinclair, you said that my client raped you, correct?'' Becca nodded.

''Yes.''

''Okay. And you also said that my client was violent. Is that correct?''

''Yes. He grabbed me by the wrist and forced me inside his bedroom. When I started to scream, he grabbed me by the throat and told me to shut up.'' Levy nodded.

''Okay, if that is true, where are your bruises? How come you didn't see a doctor?''

''Well, my bruises went away a few days after I was raped. And I didn't go to the doctor because I didn't want them to know what happened to me. I didn't want their pity.'' Becca answered. Levy frowned.

''I find that very hard to believe, Ms. Sinclair.''

''It is the truth.'' Becca said.

''I highly doubt it. Anyways, it seems that my client wasn't your only boss, Ms. Sinclair. Looking at these papers, it seems that you have had a number of jobs before being hired by my client. Care to explain why you had so many previous jobs?''

''I just didn't feel like myself at any of those other jobs.''

''But here it says that you were very good at what you did. You did so well that every single one of your previous bosses gave you a raise. Every single one of them. You must have been working very hard, Ms. Sinclair.''

''Yes, I was a very hard worker. It doesn't mean that I was happy working there.''

''That is a shame. I'm not sure that your last employer wanted to hear that.''

''What do you mean?'' Becca asked. Levy smiled at her.

''Oh, I brought in your last employer. You know, as a witness. You can come in now, Mr. Ross.''

The door to the courtroom opened and a man with bright green eyes walked in. The man was fairly tall, with dark hair. He also had a little bit of stubble. He and Becca stared at each other as he went to take his seat on the witness stand.

''Okay, Mr. Ross. Can you tell me why you gave Ms. Sinclair a raise? From my understanding, she wasn't with you for very long, was she?'' Levy asked.

''No. Becca had only been working for me for about five months. When she asked for a raise, I laughed in her face. Usually, someone has to working for me for years before I even think about giving them a raise. But Becca, she didn't give me choice. I had to give her that raise.''

''Why do you say that?'' Mr. Ross cleared his throat.

''Well, by the time that I hired Becca, I was going through a difficult time. My wife and I just got a divorce and we were fighting for custody of our kids. During that time, Becca provided me comfort. She gave me advice and she listened to my problems. She made me feel better. One night, we were staying late at the office, when she kissed me. I was shocked at first, but eventually, I kissed her back. Things started to heat up and well, you can guess what happened. I felt terrible afterwards. I had slept with an employee.''

''What happened the day after you two slept together?''

''Becca came into my office, demanding a raise. I told her no. But, she wouldn't take no for an answer. She leaned in real close to me, and she threatened me. She said that if I didn't give her a raise, then she would show up to my custody hearing and tell everyone that I had slept with her. I couldn't let that happen, so I agreed to give her a raise. A few months after I gave her the raise, Becca quit. When I asked her why, she said that there was bigger fish in the sea. And then she just left. I knew that she was going to target someone else. And I felt bad for her next victim. But I didn't know how to help. And then, the next thing I know, you call me to be a witness. And I'm glad that I came here. This man doesn't deserve to be punished. Becca was just using him, like she used me. And I couldn't let what happened to me, happen to someone else.''

''Thank you Mr. Ross.'' Levy turned to the judge. ''I don't have anymore witnesses, Your Honor.''

''You can take you seat, Ms. McGarden.'' Judge Park said. Levy nodded. As she took her seat, she tried not to look smug.

''You're welcome.'' she whispered to Gray. Gray gave her a sly smile.

''Thank you.'' Judge Park cleared her throat.

''Okay. I'll need some time to come to a decision. Court is adjourned.'' Everyone slowly filed out of the courtroom. Gray approached Juvia.

''Hey. Thank you, for what you said earlier.''

''It was the truth. Juvia knows that Gray-sama would never do something like that.'' Gray smiled.

''Well, thank you anyway. How about I take you out to eat?'' Gray offered. Juvia shifted her feet.

''Juvia doesn't know if that is such a good idea.'' she mumbled.

''C'mon Juvia. I won't do anything, I swear. I just want to thank you.''

''Well, if all you want to do is thank Juvia, then she will go with you. Juvia is a little bit hungry anyway.'' Gray grinned.

''Then let's go.

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Gray and Juvia ended up going to a tiny restaurant that was close to Juvia's apartment.

''So, how have you been?'' Gray asked as they sat down.

''Juvia's been good. Better than you, at least.''

''Don't worry about me. I'm almost positive that I'm going to win. And it's all thanks to you.'' Gray smiled at her.

''Juvia just told the truth. She wasn't going to lie. Gray-sama is a good man and he doesn't deserve to have that woman use him. Juvia wasn't going to let Gray-sama be punished for something he didn't do.''

''I know. You're too good for that, Juvia. Even though I hurt you, you're still looking out for me. I appreciate that.'' Juvia blushed.

''It doesn't matter how bad Gray-sama hurt Juvia. She will always be there for you, no matter what.''

''You promise?'' Juvia smiled.

''Juvia promises.'' Gray leaned back in his chair.

''Good.''

Juvia looked up when the restaurant door opened. She grinned.

''Lyon-san!'' she called. Lyon looked her way and smiled. Then he noticed Gray and his smiled dropped. Juvia gestured for him to come closer. Lyon slowly made his way over to their table.

''It's good to see you Juvia. Gray.''

''Yeah. It's so great to see you.'' Gray muttered sarcastically. Juvia frowned at him.

''There is no need to be rude, Gray-sama. Anyways, what are you doing here, Lyon-san?''

''I just came to pick up my lunch. I didn't think that I would see you here. And you too.'' Lyon glanced at Gray.

''Oh, Gray-sama wanted to take Juvia out for lunch. As a thank you. Gray-sama is going through some difficult stuff.''

''Oh, well I'm sorry to hear that. I should get going now.'' Lyon said. Juvia pouted. Then her face lit up.

''Why don't you take your lunch and sit here? Juvia doesn't mind.''

''Oh, it's quiet alright. I don't want to intrude on you guys. Thank you for the offer.'' Lyon flashed them a smile, although Juvia thought that it looked a little forced.

''Oh, okay. It was good to see you Lyon-san.'' Juvia watched as Lyon got his lunch and walked out of the restaurant. Gray took a bit out of his sandwich.

''So, you and Lyon are close, huh?''

''Well, Lyon-san has been a good friend. He helped Juvia when she was going through a tough time.''

''You mean after our break up, right?'' Juvia looked away.

''Juvia was very vulnerable at that time. She needed a friend and Lyon-san was there. That's it. We're just friends.''

''I didn't say that you were more than friends. Now we should probably finish this food.''

The rest of their lunch went on with no interruptions.

''Juvia had a great time. Thank you Gray-sama.'' Juvia said as they were walking out of the restaurant. Gray shrugged.

''It was my pleasure. I'm glad that you had a good time.''

They stopped in front of Juvia's car. Juvia looked up and saw Gray smiling at her. Without thinking, she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. Then she hurriedly got in her car and drove off. Gray stood there, dumbfounded. Then, very slowly, he grinned. It was a grin that took up his entire face.

Maybe there's a chance for us after all.

That thought stayed with him throughout the entire day.

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After Lyon got his lunch, he quickly drove back to the office. Jane greeted him when he walked in.

''Welcome back, Dr. Vastia. I have some news for you.''

''What is it?''

''You have a new patient coming in tomorrow morning. Here is his medical file.'' Jane handed Lyon the folder.

''Thank you Jane. I'll be in my office.''

Lyon turned and walked into his office. He spent all afternoon looking at his new patient's medical file, but for some reason he just couldn't focus. It was like his mind was elsewhere. He tried very hard to concentrate on his work, but found that to be nearly impossible. There was only one thing going through his mind and it was Juvia. And Gray. Having lunch together. He just didn't understand. He thought that they were broken up. What were they doing, having lunch together? It didn't make any sense to him. Lyon rubbed his face and sighed.

What the hell am I doing? Why am I freaking out over something as insignificant as this? It shouldn't be any of my concern. Juvia can have lunch with whoever she wants, even if that person happens to be her ex boyfriend. I don't know why I'm acting like this. I mean, it's not like I am in love with Juvia, right?

Lyon blinked. He shook his head.

Yeah, I like Juvia as a friend, that's it. I am not falling for her. Or am I?

Lyon closed his eyes and started to think. He liked Juvia, sure. He thinks that she is beautiful. He likes being around her. She makes him laugh. She has a great personality. Lyon groaned.

It's true. I am falling for her.

Lyon thought about the first time he met Juvia. From the first time he met her, he instantly felt some sort of attraction. And after their first meeting, he knew that he wanted to see her again. And he did. And that was the start of their friendship. Lyon thought about all the times that he and Juvia hung out. He thought about all the times that they laughed and smiled together. He tried to figure out exactly when his feelings for Juvia started to change. It didn't take him very long to find his answer.

Yes, now I remember. It was that night that I started to feel different about Juvia. I just didn't realize it until now.

Now, the night that he is refering to is when he had to bring Juvia to his house after she got drunk. He remembered that night so clearly. Juvia was vulnerable and he was there to comfort her. When she cried onto his chest, telling him how Gray broke her heart, Lyon wanted nothing more than to make her feel better. He wanted to make her pain go away. So he sat there with her, in the wee hours of the morning, hoping that he could make her feel better. And when he finally went to bed, he found that he couldn't fall asleep because he was questioning his actions. He spent the whole night asking himself why. Why did he stay up so late, trying to cheer Juvia up, when he could have been in his bed, sleeping? Why did he let Juvia sleep in his bed, while he slept on the couch? His only answer to those questions was that Juvia was his friend and as her friend, he would be there for her. Even if that meant staying up to two in the morning and having to sleep on a couch that was too short for him. But deep down, Lyon knew that it was so much more than that. Deep down, he knew that he couldn't leave Juvia in that state. And it wasn't because they were friends and he wanted to make her feel better. No, it was because he felt something for Juvia. Something so much more than friendship. And like a fool, he denied his feelings. Told himself that it wasn't true. That they were just friends.

Well, no more of that. I am done denying my feelings. It's time to accept the truth. Lyon smiled. Yes, it was time for him to stop denying things. It was time to accept the truth.

And that truth being that he, Lyon Vastia, was falling in love with his friend, Juvia Lockser.

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Done!

Again, I apolgize for the late update.

Hopefully, the next update won't take as long.

I hope that you guys enjoyed this chapter and I will see you guys next chapter.