My Year of the OTP 2023 contribution for the prompt : Holidays Together.
I'm sorry for the mistakes, English is not my native language. I hope you like it.
Disclaimer : Fairy Tail belongs to Hiro Mashima.
Holidays Together
The train was traveling at full speed. Gray watched the landscape pass by. There was still an hour left before arriving in Magnolia. Team Natsu were returning from a mission that had lasted several days. He looked at his companions. Erza was sleeping next to him. Wendy was sitting across from him. She was holding her head in her hands, trying to ignore her motion sickness. Carla had her paw on her arm, trying to give her some comfort. Poor Wendy, Gray thought. If only he knew a way to help her feel better. On the other hand, he felt no empathy for Natsu who was groaning on the seat next to him. The further the train moved, the sicker he got. His head was resting on Lucy's lap, who was stroking his hair. Happy was giving him some air with a magazine that the celestial wizard had bought at the station.
Gray looked at the window again. The clouds were white, the snow would fall soon. He hoped this would not delay their return to Magnolia. He would not tell anyone, but he could not wait to be home, especially to see Juvia again. Lately, he often thought about her. He felt like she was always on his mind and in his heart. His feelings had only grown stronger in the six months they had spent together before he infiltrated Avatar. Christmas holidays were approaching and Gray wanted to spend it with Juvia.
The train arrived at the station and when it stopped, Natsu ran out. Gray rose from the seat and went out onto the platform. They were finally home. He smiled and told himself that it was time for him to see Juvia.
~00~
After reporting to Makarov, Team Natsu was finally free to celebrate Christmas. The guild had been decorated for the occasion. There were tinsels, fairy lights, figurines of reindeer, Santa Claus and snowmen. A large tree was in the center of the room. The atmosphere in the guild was joyful and festive. Gray was sitting at a table with Erza. He had not drunk the beer mug that Mirajane had served him. He was busy looking at the people entering the guild.
"She'll be here soon," Erza said.
Gray jumped. He was so focused on the guild door that he forgot Erza was with him. But he would never confess it to her. He was too afraid that she would take offense.
"Who are you talking about ?" He asked, feigning ignorance.
"Juvia. She's the one you're waiting for."
Gray blushed. He could not deny it. Erza could not help laughing lightly.
"It was obvious," she said, taking a sip.
Gray opened his eyes wide. Was he that transparent ? He suddenly felt someone approach him and arms wrap around him from behind. A scent he knew all too well intoxicated him.
"Gray-sama ! Juvia is so happy to see you. She missed you so much."
Gray smiled. He put his hand on hers and squeezed it.
"I missed you too."
He never thought he would have missed Juvia so much. With her arms around him, he felt like he was at home, like it was the only place he felt good. Erza left discreetly to give them more privacy. Juvia sat down next to Gray and a huge smile lit up her face when she realized that the ice mage had not let go of her hand. She asked him questions about his mission and Gray answered her.
Christmas music was heard. Gray usually did not care about Christmas. For him, it was just another day. But for the first time in his life, he wanted to celebrate it.
"Do you have anything planned for Christmas ?" He asked.
Juvia shook her head.
"Usually Juvia celebrates with Gajeel. But this year, he plans to celebrate with Levy."
"So… Would you like to spend the holidays together ?"
He blushed and looked away, embarrassed. He was not used to making this kind of request. He glanced at Juvia. She had her hands over her mouth and she was moved.
"Juvia would be very happy."
She threw herself into his arms. Gray managed to catch himself from falling out of his chair and he put his arms around her waist. This year, Christmas will be special for him thanks to Juvia.
The end
