It's Monday! I was really blown away by the positive response last week, guys! Thank you so much for that.

Carla the Wizard: She is going a little far, isn't she? She means well, though. There are definitely some cute moments coming up for both ships! I might tease a little bit at the beginning, but it'll be worth it. Promise. ;) Thanks for reading!

- K. Chandler


"Are you still at it?" Natsu asked, his tone a mix of awe and confusion.

Lucy fought a smile, counting to three to get her emotions under control before looking up. It didn't work. Seeing him set Lucy abuzz from the top of her head to the tips of her toes.

"Natsu! What are you doing here?" Lucy asked. She gave her friend a warm hug that was over far too soon. A combination of warm spices and wood tickled her nose. Natsu always smelled smoky, in a good way, and she loved how it reminded her a little of his fire magic.

"Don't you remember?" Natsu asked. "My old man and yours are working on that draft of the trade alliance they want to propose. I just figured I'd tag along, maybe learn a thing or two."

Of course, Lucy remembered. She'd had circled the date on her calendar, secretly hoping that Natsu would be part of the Draghi envoy.

"You saw my dad?" Lucy asked. These days, she hardly ever saw the king. He never had time for her—too busy with policies and politics.

"For a little bit. But the dads kinda lost me when they started talking about exchanging money and rates. So, I figured I'd come and see what you were up to and maybe hang out for a bit."

"I don't blame you. Although, I don't know if things are going to be any better here." Lucy grinned, gesturing at the books and papers scattered across the table. She'd been catching up on the female royals and nobles of neighboring countries, to see which of them would be a good match for Gray.

"What is all this?" Natsu leaned forward to take a closer look.

"I've been trying to figure out which of these ladies Gray would be compatible with," Lucy said.

Natsu made a face at the notes that Lucy had prepared. "You're making him a hook-up list? Leave the Ice Block alone, Lucy."

"No, no. No list. I've already narrowed it down to one person! And they're not hook-ups!" she retorted, playfully kicking at Natsu's ankles.

Natsu's forehead creased in the most adorably confused way. "…You've narrowed it down? Doesn't he get a say? Why are you so interested in Gray's love life anyways?"

"Natsu…" Lucy said. "What would Gray do if we tried to throw him a surprise party?"

Natsu snorted. "Have a heart attack, probably."

Lucy winced. Jumping out and yelling 'surprise!' at Gray probably wouldn't go over well. Sometimes, he could be so suspicious. Paranoid, even.

"What does this have to do with the hook-up list?" Natsu asked.

"My point was that if he found out that we were planning something, he'd shut the idea down. He'd say he doesn't need us going to 'all the fuss,'" Lucy said, in her best imitation of Gray.

Natsu grinned. "Yeah, well, we'd go ahead and plan the party anyways. 'Cause, it's Gray."

"Exactly. If he knew I was playing matchmaker, he'd stop me in a heartbeat. You know he would. He'd say that he 'doesn't have time' or that he 'isn't interested.'"

"You've got a point," Natsu said. "So what poor girl are you going to set him up with?"

"A lot of research went into this. And after careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that Gray's perfect match is…" Lucy paused for effect. "Queen Juvia of Fantasma."

"Fantasma?" Natsu asked, frowning. "I think I remember them. They're one of Draghi's rivals. Or at least, they were, back in the day. They've been pretty quiet lately. I wonder if that's because of this Queen Juvia. I don't think I've ever met her."

"I'm not surprised. She's close to our age, but she doesn't get out much. She's quiet, but she's sweet after she opens up. She reminds me a lot of Gray," Lucy said.

Juvia wasn't just quiet. Even at the age of six, Lucy could tell she was socially awkward. With Gray's anti-social streak and aversion to crowds, they might make a good match.

"Too bad they've never met," Natsu said. "I didn't realize you and the Queen of Fantasma were friends."

"We played together as kids, but it's been years since we've talked."

Natsu's expression shifted. "Years? Are you sure this is a good idea? What if she's not how you remember?"

"Then it would be good for us to get to know her again," Lucy said. "Juvia could probably use a friend. And I still think Gray would like her," Lucy said.

"What if he doesn't?" Natsu asked.

"It's not like I'm tying them together until they hook up. I'm just giving them a little push in the right direction and… you know. Letting the magic happen."


Princess Lucy of Magnolia Kingdom, Second of that Name, sends her greetings to Queen Juvia of the Noble Kingdom of Fantasma, in order to extend an invitation to an afternoon tea with friends on Thursday, the 15th day of June.

A tea party?

There had to be some mistake. Why would Lucy invite her to a party? It'd been years since they'd even spoken… since Lucy had found new friends. Yet, there was her name, Juvia of Fantasma, inked on the parchment in indisputable gothic blackletter.

Juvia tried to tamp down the nervous flutter in her stomach and douse her excitement. She frowned at the bold calligraphy on the invitation. It mentioned a group of friends. Like Prince Natsu and Prince Gray, possibly?

Juvia couldn't help but hope.

But she didn't have time to stand around hoping! She had to get ready, and there was so much to do. She'd have Bora add this to her schedule, and commission the royal tailor to make her an appropriate outfit.

But first, she'd arrange things with Gajeel. Gajeel was an émigré from Draghi who had found his way into her employ after he left his homeland.

"What d'ya want?" Gajeel trudged into the room wearing a scowl. The metal fingers in his artificial right arm creaked as he folded his burly arms over his chest.

Gajeel had been injured and belligerent when she had first found him, and Juvia didn't press him for details. Even if his attitude left much to be desired, Gajeel was one of the best workers Juvia had ever met.

"I will be attending an event in Magnolia in two weeks' time," Juvia said. "You are to prepare my transport to and from Magnolia."

"Understood," the Draghi said.


Juvia pulled back the carriage curtain, peeking out the window and trying to commit the image to memory.

The vibrant green grass was dotted with cheerful buttercups as she headed into Magnolia's capital city. Magnolia was so bright and sunny and colorful, nothing at all like dingy Fantasma. People here seemed cheerful as they went about their day, shouting greetings to one another.

There were townspeople in the capital of Fantasma too, but they weren't quite as lively. Rain tended to put a damper on most things.

With a sigh, Juvia let the curtain fall, hungry for more, but unable to bear the disappointment of seeing something that would never be hers. If only her own kingdom were even half as beautiful as this. The thought made her press the heel of her hand over her aching heart.

"Something the matter, my queen?" Bora asked.

"I was just… daydreaming," Juvia admitted.

"About Fantasma?" Bora asked. "Do you miss home?"

"Daydream? About Fantasma? Why would I do that?" she asked curiously.

"You underestimate your kingdom. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," Bora said.

Juvia gave a choked laugh. "That is kind of you, Bora," she said. "But still… I can't help but dream."

"With respect, my queen, I don't think you understand. You've turned the kingdom into a beautiful place."

"Maybe," Juvia said. "If you're an earthworm or a frog or a fish. Since the day I was born, it's done nothing but rain."

"It doesn't rain all the time," Bora said.

"It rains most of the time," Juvia said. "I know everyone hates it."

She wasn't oblivious to the whispers. Ever since she was a little girl, Juvia had been shunned by the townspeople.

Rain Woman, they called her, treating her like a pariah in the town she called her home. Their taunts and jeers echoed in her head. Even though she offered food and shelter at the castle to any who sought it, no one wanted it. They'd rather suffer than consider the aid of the Rain Woman.

"I don't hate it," Bora said.

Juvia's head snapped up as she looked at Bora in disbelief.

"When your father ruled Fantasma… things were very different," Bora said.

Juvia remembered. Bora had worked at the castle since he'd been a boy. He had been a citizen of Fantasma before he had been captured by pirates and sold into slavery. Juvia didn't have all the details about how he came to work for them, but she'd never forget how her father had punished the boy, beating him for forgetting to set up extra places in the dining hall when they had important guests over.

It was such a trivial thing, easily fixed, as far as Juvia could tell. But King Jose had felt differently, insisting that Bora be punished for his carelessness.

"You saved my life that day," Bora recalled. "And I am forever in your debt."

Juvia shook her head. "You don't owe me anything. And any debt you had with my father has been long since paid with the work that you've done serving our household."

"Yet, I'm still here," Bora said, smiling slightly.

"You don't have to stay. Do you… want to leave?" Juvia asked in a small voice. She hoped not. It would be so much lonelier without Bora around.

"There's nowhere else I'd rather be," Bora assured her. "Isn't it the same for the others as well? Sol, Totomaru, Aria, even Gajeel. We're all here because we choose to be, not because we have to be."

The carriage clattered to a halt. Juvia's fingers dug into the plush of the carriage seats. What now? What would happen next? Would Lucy like her? Would anybody like her? Her stomach gave an anxious flip.

After a few moments, Gajeel opened the carriage door. "We're here," he said, making no move to help her further.

"Thank you, Gajeel," she muttered.

Bora slid out first, stepping down from the carriage. He bowed deeply, reaching back to help her down. Juvia nodded, smiling at him gratefully.

"Bora, come with me. Gajeel, I'll send for you when we're finished," she said.

The Draghi gave a grunt of acknowledgement, his face impassive as ever.

With a subservient nod, Bora fell in step behind her.

Juvia squinted against the sun, warm and pleasant against her skin. She couldn't remember the last time she'd seen a blue sky.

"Where do you suppose Lucy is?" Juvia said. "I would have assumed she'd be here to greet me."

Of course, she shouldn't have expected so much. Juvia's own people wouldn't even offer her a greeting as she walked down the street. Why would Juvia expect her old 'friend' to bother coming all the way out here to greet her? Why would the Princess of Magnolia ever bother with gloomy Juvia?

Juvia felt her chest squeeze, like an invisible force was trying to crush her.

Of course, Lucy wouldn't have bothered. Her kingdom was always warm, sunny, and full of life. She was the darling of her kingdom.

Juvia's kingdom was drowning in rain. Her people despised her for the gloom she brought.

Juvia should never have come…

Juvia shut her eyes, trying to regain control of her emotions. Lost in the haze of despairing thoughts, she collided against something warm and solid. Or was it someone?

She stumbled, flailing to try and keep her balance.

An arm shot out, wrapping around her and cradling her back. And for a moment, she felt safe. Supported.

Until she took this person down with her, sending them both tumbling.

Juvia landed on her back, the impact jarring her and knocking the air from her lungs. For an instant, Juvia was dazed and unable to breathe.

Opening her eyes, Juvia found herself staring up into a blue sky. Beautiful…

A handsome face filled her vision and Juvia found herself gazing into the bluest eyes she'd ever seen.


And who, oh who, do you suppose that is with the 'bluest eyes'? (It's cheesy and very cliche, but I honestly believe Juvia would describe it that way.) No Juvia story would be complete without a first meeting with a certain somebody. Things feel pretty normal for now, but let this be the moment that we look back on. (Do we feel a little bit bad for Juvia? She's just so hopeful right now, and you know it's not going to end well...)

Also keep in mind that Lucy was the one who started this whole mess because she couldn't leave well enough alone. :) Seriously... her picking a girlfriend for Gray without his say-so? (sigh...)

And how about this world's Bora? I like the twist of him and Juvia having a supportive relationship. (Normally, I HC him as being pretty terrible to her, although I don't think there's any evidence of that.)

Let me know what you think!

Next time, in Toxic, Lucy makes things worse: Lucy fought a twitch as she forced a smile. "Twenty Questions it is!" she said in a saccharine sweet voice.

Stop back next Monday for the next installment, or just follow me, Karine of R011ingThunder.