Chapter 5

It was lunch time and Juvia thought Gray wouldn't join her, but surprisingly—he did. He just finished his shower, a towellete still on his head but he was fully clothed. His raven hair was still wet and she recalled Silver saying it was interestingly soft.

He wasn't smiling but he looked very attractive despite of it. Juvia blushed when it crossed her mind that he was now her stepson. That fact, which never bothered her before, was now slowly sinking in. She just realized how odd the situation had become. But oh well, this was just temporary anyway. Thinking that, she was slightly comforted.

"My Dad...?" he trailed off when he only saw her in the dining room.

"He left for work," she answered, trying to sound casual. She was really nervous but she didn't want him to think that she was afraid of him. "He told Juvia to rest for today since we had a tiring week. Juvia hopes you don't mind."

He didn't answer and he seemed like he was having second thoughts on joining her for lunch.

She stood up after half a minute of silence. "You can eat first if you want," she suggested and he snorted, not liking the idea.

"Sit down, let's eat," he said and she did exactly that.

Juvia pressed her lips for a smile but it looked awkward so she stopped. He wasn't looking at her anyway nor did he try. He would only glance at her for a second before looking away. Good thing they were alone so she was sure he was talking to her.

"Is it good?" Juvia asked him after one bite.

He nodded. "I guess."

She bit her lip and started eating. She wanted to make a conversation with him but he made it difficult for her as his answers vary from yes or no to maybe. She couldn't really blame him. If she was in the same situation as him, she might also act the same way.

"I'm Juvia, by the way. She forgot to introduce herself, sorry. But she's guessing your father already told you about her and her circumstances, right?"

He shrugged. "Gray, and yes he did. More than necessary."

That was the longest sentence he had said to her, and although it sounded like a complaint, Juvia didn't mind. It must be the truth anyway, knowing her boss.

"He also told Juvia a lot of things about you. Like the fact that you play alpine skiing or that he was so proud when you first won," she said excitedly, forgetting it was Gray she was talking to.

He coughed, looking embarrassed. "I-I see."

But Juvia didn't notice it. "Was it fun? Oh she would love to experience it. Last company outing, she was so scared she didn't try."

"Mmh, it was fun, yes. You just needed a lot of courage, I think. The snow is soft anyway so you wouldn't get hurt, not mentioning the gear you'd wear."

Juvia's eyes shined. "Really? It was a shame, then. Juvia will definitely try next time."

"You should. If you're with Dad, it'd be safe." Gray said then frowned. He didn't like how it sounded. It was as if he was finally acknowledging the truth that she was his father's wife.

Although yes, she was really easy to talk to and it took him a lot of willpower not to respond to her. He had been ignoring her earlier but she had been treating him as her long lost friend. It was astonishing how she paid no heed to his rudeness. It didn't look like she was trying hard to win his attention or approval. She genuinely just wanted to talk to him and he felt ashamed for refusing to do so.

"He did mention he knew how to ski. But Juvia didn't believe him because she saw him fall last time, on his face," she chuckled.

Gray covered his mouth by the back of his hand, trying his hard not to react. This girl has a talent for talking.

"Well, his age caught up to him, I guess."

She wrinkled her nose and he thought it was cute. "Yes, hm, he's old enough to be Juvia's father so that's to be expected," she giggled then stopped, realizing what she said. "Oh, she mea..she doesn't really mind his age. We're really close despite the gap."

Gray hummed and focused on his food, didn't know what exactly to say. He was surprised that she thought of it that way. Wouldn't a couple with ages like them avoid this kind of conversation?

There was a moment of silence until Juvia broke it. "Where have you been last night? Juvia is not trying to act like a mother asking questions or anything. She's just curious because you didn't come home. She wouldn't mind if you're not willing to answer," she blabbered.

Gray stared at her. It was the first time since he joined her at the table. He wanted to be angry at her because she married his father. With her looks, it wouldn't be difficult for her to marry anyone her age. Judging by what Silver said, she didn't lack any suitors. Why his father? Why this soon?

She bit her lip, clearly uncomfortable with his gaze. Up close, he noticed how he couldn't find any flaw on her face or her bare arms. Her skin looked so smooth, albeit pale, that made her look unique. She has long eyelashes and they flutter as she blinks at him.

Gray looked away, his fork played with the vegetable on his plate. "I was at my friend's house. I forgot you would be moving last night."

He took a peek at her and saw her sigh in relief.

"Oh. Juvia thought you didn't want to see her," she confessed. "You have the right to be but she's glad it wasn't the case," she said looking as if a heavy weight was lifted from her shoulders.

Gray clenched his jaw. He wanted to tell her it was exactly the case. But her smile prevented him from saying that. It was difficult to be mean to her when she looked so nice.

"I..." Gray started. "to be honest, I don't approve of this. But I had a deep conversation with my friend who rarely makes sense, but shockingly, he made a comment that left me contemplating. I've thought about it and I think I'm... willing to try." The last part was really hard to say.

Juvia nodded in understanding, touched. "Thank you, Gray-sama. Juvia will love it if you treat her as a friend. This will only last for a couple or so months anyway."

"Yeah, sure," he answered, assuming she was talking about their relationship's awkwardness. She was right, as they lived in the same house, their initial discomfort will gradually lessen. And maybe... they would eventually get along and he would be able to accept all this.

It wasn't an ideal start but it was a lot better than him thrashing in the house like a kid. There was still a part of him that was unwilling but he could work on that. At least, Juvia was nice enough to symphatize with him. He could also see some traits of why his father liked her. Was he reminded of his mother? He didn't know and he didn't want to.