It's Monday! I'll hold my comments until after the chapter. Pay attention to the juxtaposed PoVs. See you at the bottom! :)
- K. Chandler
Juvia squinted at her reflection in the carriage window, smoothing down her curls.
Lucy's birthday had finally arrived, and Juvia had been invited to her birthday ball, which was scheduled for Sunday. But even more exciting was how Natsu and Gray were to spend the entire weekend at Magnolia!
Juvia had gotten lucky. She happened to be watching Gray as he sealed up his acceptance for his staff to deliver. Juvia had wasted no time in asking Lucy to invite her as well. And, of course, she had!
Juvia's stomach was a mess of butterflies as Gajeel drove them towards Magnolia Castle. Juvia hadn't seen Gray since the picnic. She couldn't wait to see him again!
And then she did! She could see him through the carriage window. There he was, talking with Lucy…
The butterflies in her stomach died, leaving a mass of dead bugs in her belly. Juvia almost hurled.
"Juvia!" Lucy waved cheerfully as the carriage pulled up.
Juvia opened the carriage door before it came to a stop. She needed to get over there. She leapt from the carriage, nearly toppling in her haste.
"My queen!" Bora clambered out after her.
She didn't have time for Bora. Not when Gray was right there.
"Oh, my gosh! Are you okay?" Lucy asked, her skirt hiked up in one hand as she hurried over.
"I'm fine," Juvia said, waving them off. "Gray!"
Gray gave her a polite nod. No doubt reticent because of Lucy's presence. But that didn't matter. They were going to have this conversation whether Lucy was there or not.
"Did you get the presents I sent you?" Juvia asked.
"Presents?" Lucy echoed in a sing-song voice, nudging him with her elbow. "Gra-ay!"
She was obviously jealous and trying to hide it.
Gray let out a slow breath. "Juvia, I think we need to talk."
"Of course." Juvia bobbed her head up and down. Gray was about to confess to her! Her dead butterflies twitched, coming back to life. Her insides might just explode from joy.
"Eh, I guess we could go somewhere else. Somewhere more private," Gray said, turning narrowed eyes at Lucy.
Juvia's pulse sped up. "Of course," she said again, a hand pressed to her flushed cheek. Gray wanted to go somewhere private. He wanted to get her alone!
"Hey, I get the message. I'll see you two in a little bit!" Lucy shot Gray a knowing smile that made Juvia's jaw tighten.
"Juvia, listen," Gray said as soon as Lucy was out of earshot.
So eager! But she was too, so she didn't blame him one bit.
"Yes, darling. Speak and speak true." Juvia clasped her hands together to keep from wringing them.
"About… the pictures," Gray said.
"Did you like them?" Juvia asked, unable to contain her excitement.
"I…" Gray shook his head. He was so overwhelmed, that he couldn't speak.
"That's all right, I understand!" Juvia said. "I love you too!"
"No!" Gray said sharply. "I'm flattered, but I don't think I can accept your presents."
Juvia stumbled back a step, her eyes wide. "I just thought…"
Gray shook his head. "I'll return everything as soon as I get home. But I wanted to tell you so in person. It seemed rude to just send everything back."
Was this a rejection?
"O-okay…" Juvia said.
"Thanks for understanding," Gray said.
Juvia watched Gray's retreating back as he went to join the others inside.
Where had she gone wrong?
Maybe Gray preferred quality over quantity. Her presents must not have been good enough. She'd have to prove to Gray that she was sincere.
Rejection only made her want him even more.
Lucy hummed loudly, keeping her back to her friends. It was taking all of her willpower not to eavesdrop on them.
Lucy whirled around when she heard Gray's footfalls behind her.
"So… How did it go?"
"Fine, all things considered," Gray said.
"Geez, Gray! A little excitement wouldn't kill you, would it? And why isn't Juvia with you? I would have thought you'd have come over together."
"Excitement? Together?" Gray arched an eyebrow.
"You know…"
Gray's expression stayed blank.
Lucy scowled. Juvia had always been a nice girl. Sure, there were elements of her personality that were… off-putting. She had gotten even more reserved over the years, but beneath the overly serious expression, she was a sweetheart. She was so similar to Gray that Lucy couldn't be surer that she'd make her friend very happy. Why was Gray being so difficult about this?
"Listen," Lucy said. "Girls don't like it when you play coy like that. Especially not a girl like Juvia."
"Guys don't play coy." Gray's eyes widened like he'd figured something out. He frowned. "Lucy, I was trying to let her down easy."
"Let her down easy? But… You mean you weren't confessing romantic feelings for Juvia?" Lucy demanded.
"Ooh, got it in one," Gray said.
"Gray! But I thought it was going well!"
"Honestly, Lucy. I really don't have time for a relationship right now." Gray shrugged. "Too much going on."
"But you see, that's the problem," Lucy said.
Gray wasn't what most would consider a highly eligible bachelor. The ugly truth was that his paranoia and militant personality would have been a detractor for potential suitors, even if he was making time for them. He was on the fast track for a life of loneliness and solitude. If he didn't work himself to a nervous breakdown first…
"If you don't give this your attention now, then when? You have to take time out for yourself too," Lucy said.
"Can we not talk about this right now?" Gray said.
"When?"
"Come on. Tea's getting cold. And I'm starving."
Lucy threw up her hands.
Gray and Juvia might be each other's best—no, only—shot at happiness. Juvia seemed to know that. Why couldn't Gray see that they were better together? Or was he determined to end up lonely and alone?
"Hair?"
"I think it's romantic," Lucy declared as they sat down to tea.
"I think it's creepy," Gray said.
"Exchanging locks of hair isn't that strange," Lucy said. "That's why people invented lockets."
"I'm pretty sure locket is called that because you can 'lock it' up," Gray said.
Lucy rolled her eyes. Only Gray would associate a romantic piece of jewelry with something like a lock.
"I'm talking about giving someone you care about a piece of yourself," Lucy said, laying a hand over her heart.
"Why don't you give them your fingernail clippings? I mean, that's pretty much the same thing," Gray said.
"That's disgusting!" Lucy said.
"And hair isn't?" Gray challenged.
"Exchanging locks is the sign of ultimate devotion. Back me up on this one," Lucy said, looking at Natsu.
"Sorry. I'm with Gray with this one," Natsu said. "Wouldn't you prefer a nice piece of jewelry? Like a ring or something?"
Natsu was giving Lucy an appraising look that made her mouth go dry.
"…A ring's too serious," she said.
Natsu's made a funny expression, gone too quick for her to interpret it. "I take it back. I guess I can see it. Locks of hair."
"Thank you!" Lucy said. "There, see? Even Natsu thinks so."
Gray snorted. "Now that the Flame Brain's said it, I'm even more convinced of what a horrible ide—What are you doing!?"
Juvia had picked up a butter knife, slicing at a lock of her own hair furiously and tugging at it until she tore it off.
Juvia beamed at Gray. "For you, my darling," she said, holding out her sawed-off curl. "Let's trade!"
Gray choked on his water, his face going bright red.
"You okay, man?" Natsu asked.
"No, don't die!" Juvia said, rushing over to his side to pat him on the back. Juvia was adorable when she was awkward.
Gray tore away, scuttling out of her reach. "A little room to breathe would be nice," he croaked, holding up an awkward hand.
"Right. Of course," Juvia said, nodding vigorously.
Lucy smothered a smile. She had never seen Gray so flustered! Maybe his feelings for Juvia ran deeper than even he realized. How could she help this along?
"What are we doing tonight, Luce?" Natsu asked.
"I was thinking we could go out and check out the shops," Lucy said. "We could go as a group of four."
This would give Gray and Juvia some privacy while she and Natsu had some time to themselves. It would be a little like a double date!
Natsu grinned. "Sounds goo—"
"I think I'll pass," Gray said.
"I promise, Gray. It's perfectly safe," Lucy said. "I shop there unaccompanied all the time. It's not a problem if we keep a low profile. And if it bothers you, you're welcome to bring any of your staff along."
"Won't you come along?" Juvia asked. "It won't be any fun if you don't go."
"Sorry," Gray said, not sounding particularly sorry at all. "I think I'll go back to my room. I'll probably turn in early tonight."
Juvia's shoulder's slumped, but there was nothing for it. Gray wouldn't budge… unless Lucy intervened.
"Eight o'clock bed time? You're turning into an old man," Lucy teased.
"I need to catch up on some stuff. Plus, it's just been a long day, so I'm pretty tired."
Was Gray just making excuses not to go? He did look stressed, but no more than usual. Was something else bothering him?
"Maybe I should stay too," Lucy said before she could stop herself.
And there went her fun night with Natsu… She was doing the right thing, right? She had to be a good friend right now, even if it meant giving up on a night out.
Lucy squirmed when Natsu gave her a disappointed look. Sorry… She subtly tipped her head at Gray, rolling her eyes.
Natsu made a face but nodded his understanding. Natsu was the best, always.
"Maybe I should stay—" Juvia started to say.
"No, don't worry about it," Lucy said. "You should go have fun. Experience the city. Buy something cool."
"That's a great idea," Natsu said. "I can take Juvia around. I had some shopping to do anyways."
Lucy sent them off with a reassuring pat on Juvia's shoulder and a friendly hug for Natsu.
Time to deal with Gray.
Lucy had waited for Gray to get settled before checking on him. In the few short minutes he'd had on his own, he'd managed to bury himself in work, quill in hand and papers strewn across the desk.
"It's not like you to turn in so early. Everything okay?" she asked.
"Everything's fine."
With Gray, 'fine' was never fine.
Lucy gave him a pointed look. "I thought you were headed to bed."
"I am." Gray gestured at the nightshirt he now wore, like she was the one that was confused. A look of understanding crossed his face. "Oh, this is just a bit of light reading."
Light? Gray's desk looked like it was covered with a copy book. Lucy wasn't sure if she should have been more worried about her friend's choice of leisure reading, or the fact he'd blown them off for this.
"Are you sure you're all right?"
Gray gave an exasperated sigh. "Perfectly sure. But it was a long ride from Isvan, and I'm tired."
"Yet you're working."
"This would put an insomniac to sleep," Gray said with a wry smile. "Give it a try if you don't believe me."
"You're doing it again," Lucy said.
"Doing what?" Gray asked.
Deflecting. Lucy took a breath, willing herself to maintain patience.
"Was there something you wanted?" Gray asked.
"I was hoping we could talk—"
Gray groaned.
"—but if you're really off to bed, then it can wait." Lucy gave Gray's documents another searching look.
Gray put his pen down, his shoulders set in resignment as he turned to face her fully. He nodded for her to continue.
"It's about Juvia."
"Do we really have to talk about this?" Gray asked.
"I know she weirded you out at dinner," Lucy continued, as if he hadn't spoken. You think the hair-thing is creepy, don't you?"
"…just a little," Gray said.
She knew it! That's what was bothering Gray.
"But it's not hurting anyone," Lucy said.
"…I suppose not."
"And weird can be sort of cute, am I right?"
Gray gave her an indulgent smile and a nod. "Whatever you say, Luce."
Gray wasn't putting her off the trail with his flippant attitude.
"I'm serious, Gray! I know she's a little awkward, but Juvia's a nice girl," Lucy said. "She's just misunderstood. She doesn't have any other friends. Maybe you could cut her some slack."
Gray snorted. "Easy for you to say. You're not the one she's sending weird presents to."
"Weird presents?" Lucy asked.
"Ever since the picnic, she's been sending me stuff," Gray said. "And at first, I thought she just wanted to redecorate Isvan Palace or something—"
"Weird, but ultimately harmless. I think you're overthinking it," Lucy said.
"What about paintings of me and her together?" Gray asked.
"I don't see what's wrong with that," Lucy said.
"Even if they're nudies?"
"Nudies? You mean like…"
"Yes!" Gray snapped.
"Well… did you two ever—?" Lucy's voice trailed off, her face heating up at the idea. Were her friends having a secret love affair?
Gray tensed, shifting in his chair. "No, of course not!"
"Then, why would Juvia think to send you naked pictures?" Lucy asked. "That doesn't make any sense."
"I don't know!" Gray said. "But she has."
"I'll admit the, uh… pictures… might be a little weird. But she might not have meant it in a weird way."
"How do you not mean something like that in a weird way?" Gray said, his skin pink to the tips of his ears.
Maybe this wasn't about Juvia's unorthodox behavior. Maybe, the problem was Gray. She'd seen how he had blushed tomato-red at Juvia's attentions and tried to play it off like he didn't care.
Did matters of the heart make Gray squeamish? It would certainly explain why he found the risqué portraiture so upsetting. Maybe she should suggest that Juvia take things down a notch. But if Gray couldn't acknowledge his own feelings, it wouldn't matter how tame Juvia's advances became.
"Gray… is it possible that you might feel something for Juvia?" Lucy asked. "Romantically?"
Gray's eyes bugged.
"If you did, it wouldn't be surprising to find such feelings confusing or uncomfortable," Lucy said.
"Why are you worried about me and her anyways?" Gray asked. "Shouldn't you be more worried about your own relationships?"
The delicate balance of her own relationships was not something that she wanted to think about.
"Juvia's my friend. And so are you. I want to see you both happy. Please, Gray. Please, just give her one more chance," Lucy said. "For me?"
Gray sighed. "If I must. Now can we please change the subject?"
Gray hadn't accepted her hair.
Juvia had thought he might appreciate her spontaneity, but that was foolish. Patient, methodical, Gray was obviously a planner. Spontaneous wasn't in his vocabulary.
Of course, he had turned up his nose when she shoved a chunk of her hair in his face! Presentation mattered. She'd have to get it made into an actual present. But what?
"Hey, do you care if we stop over here?" Natsu asked, jabbing his thumb towards a brightly lit store display.
"If you'd like," Juvia said, shrugging.
She wasn't interested in talking with Natsu. The prince of Draghi was dull and as ordinary as they came. If only Gray had come along!
Maybe Gray would actually tell her what he wanted. Then it would be easy to find him a proper present.
Juvia could tell that when Gray tried, he could be very clear and direct.
When he said not to follow him around, that was easy to understand. Juvia knew that she'd have to watch him through her scrying bowl instead of in person. (Unfortunately, she hadn't brought her scrying bowl to Magnolia, but she'd know better next time.)
When Gray said not to send any more artwork, Juvia knew that he had gotten bored, so she'd have to find some other sort of present.
But when he slipped away from her in that vague, general way… did that mean no? Or was that a maybe? Juvia could never tell.
Why did he have to be so confusing?
Maybe it was secretly a yes. Like, yes, come chase me. Why else would he be keeping away from her?
"How much for this?" Natsu was asking, pointing at something in one of the cases. Juvia couldn't see what he had picked out. It looked like some sort of a pendant or a brooch, which was actually pretty clever.
Maybe Gray would like something that he could actually wear, like a piece of jewelry.
"I'll be back," Juvia said.
"What? Hey, wait—" Natsu said.
"I'll meet you back at the castle."
This was a most important errand, and nothing would keep Juvia from it. She was going to find someone in town who could put her hair into a locket or something.
After looking all over town, Juvia finally found someone who wove keepsakes out of human hair: the undertaker.
He showed Juvia lovely samples of mourning jewelry crafted from the hair of the deceased. There was an intricate cuff that had caught her eye. Juvia would have gladly shaved her head to get Gray a cuff like that, but that would have taken too long. Instead, she settled for having a small bit of her hair braided and coiled beneath the watch glass of a pendant.
Now, all she had to do was present it to him and get some of his hair in return.
She could do it tonight.
So... I had way too much fun with the hair-thing, lol. You see it in old novels a lot: lovers exchanging locks of hair as keepsakes, often before long separations (wartime, for instance). Sometimes these get curled way inside a locket or something. But as I was looking up the history of this tradition, I found that the Victorian families kept hair of deceased loved ones in the form of mourning jewellery. Thematically, it's similar: both are keepsakes of love for a period of separation, but they give off very different vibes.
So, how about Gray, and his attempt at clearing things up with Juvia? XD. That's going to need another go-round.
And Lucy... thinks this is 'harmless,' huh? You're going to hear that word thrown around a lot. Natsu's been using it, mostly because it's not worth fighting with Lucy over this. And Lucy uses it... because she believes it. (I might be throwing you for a loop here, but bear with me.)
Next time, in Toxic, Lucy walks in on something: "I wouldn't have pegged you for a knives in bed type, Gray," Lucy said. "Don't worry. I'm not judging."
Stop back next Monday for the next installment, or just follow me, Karine of R011ingThunder.
