I Don't Need A Babysitter

by SerenitySnail

Juvia Lockser is the niece of Jose Porla, the leader of The Porla Family mafia, one of the most violent, richest, and cutthroat families on this side of Magnolia. Gray Fullbuster, becomes Juvia's new bodyguard and will do anything and everything for her, but at what costs?

~~The Interview~~

"Well, you are much more than certified to protect my niece." Jose Porla rose from his desk and grabbed two whiskey tumblers pouring just enough in placing one in front of Gray

"So why exactly do you want this job? you do understand who and what we are don't you?" Taking a swig Gray swirled the glass he held by the top in his hand. He sat across this man in an all-black suit with a black button shirt underneath with just enough buttons undone to show off the tattoo he got with his best friends Natsu and Loki on one drunken night a few years ago, and with his left, he was resting his chin.

"I'll be honest with you, I do know your family, but I needed a job and I know I'm more than capable of playing babysitter," Jose smirked at him as he took a swig of his drink.

"I like your attitude Fullbuster. You'll start tomorrow, be here at 7 AM. You won't be meeting my niece until tomorrow morning, though I tell her I forbid it, yet she travels on her own to Mafia Meetings all on her own. That's where you come in. You will follow and protect her at all costs do you understand?" taking the last swig, he placed the glass on the desk Gray stood up and buttoned the jacket he wore

"7 AM." the men shook hands and Jose walked Gray to his slate-colored Hyundai Nvision, with the push of the engine button, the car roared to life and Gray made his way home.

As Gray drove away from the massive estate, his mind replayed the conversation he'd just had with Jose Porla. It wasn't the job that unsettled him—it was the family. Jose's criminal empire was infamous, and Gray had heard plenty of rumors about the Porla family's dealings.

As he sped down the road, his thoughts shifted to Jose's niece. He didn't know much about her, only that she was headstrong, reckless, and had a penchant for getting herself into risky situations, - 'Fuck, I didn't even get her name' he thought- The fact that she traveled to Mafia Meetings alone told him everything he needed to know—this was no ordinary job. He wasn't just guarding some spoiled heiress; he was diving headfirst into a world where a single misstep could get him killed.

Pulling into his driveway, Gray parked the car and leaned back in the driver's seat, letting out a long breath. He glanced at the time on his phone—only a few hours before he needed to be back at the estate. His mind wandered again, picturing what kind of person she might be. He wondered if she was just as dangerous as the world she was a part of.

His phone buzzed, snapping him out of his thoughts. It was a message from Natsu: "How's the new gig? you seen her yet? come on send me a picture of her man!" Gray chuckled to himself and texted back, "You wouldn't believe me if I told you. Let's catch up soon."

Shutting off his phone, Gray got out of the car, ready to settle in for the night. Tomorrow was going to be the start of something dangerous.

As he settled into bed, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was getting involved in something far bigger than he realized, But he was ready. He had to be.

"Name's Lyon, I'm head of the security team here! it's nice to meet you, uh Gray right?" the short bright spikey haired man greeted himself to Gray making small talk as he gave Gray a small tour of the estate. Showing him all of the places that are and aren't allowed in, his temporary bedroom, and the massive garden she stays all day in.

"So you obviously know the niece right? What's she like?" Lyon blushed at Gray's question

"O-oh yeah, I uh I do! she's perfect...wonderful...sexy...massive rac-"

Gray raised an eyebrow at Lyon's sudden fluster, but before he could press further, the rhythmic clack of high heels echoed down the hallway. Both men turned toward the sound, the tension in the air sharpening with each step. Gray's heartbeat quickened, curiosity battling with the professional detachment he tried to maintain. He'd heard rumors and the way people reacted when her name was mentioned, but this would be the first time he laid eyes on Jose Porla's niece.

She rounded the corner coming into view, she walked with purpose, her blue hair cascading down her shoulders, and she wore a fitted black dress with a slit up the side that emphasized her elegance but also her curves. Gray's gaze met hers, and for a moment, the world seemed to narrow down to just the two of them. But he quickly snapped out of it, straightening his posture as he reminded himself of his role. Lyon, on the other hand, practically melted as she approached, his earlier bravado crumbling.

"Miss Juvia…!" he stammered his blush deepening. "I-I was just giving a tour for our newest employee! He'll be your new… um-" Juvia's eyes flickered from Lyon to Gray cutting him off

"Mr. Fullbuster, I assume?" she asked her voice smooth but with an unmistakable edge of sarcasm

"So, you're the one my uncle hired to babysit me?" Gray couldn't help but bite his lip at the sarcastic woman trying not to respond the same way

"And you must be Juvia Lockser. However, Miss, I'm not here to babysit. I'm here to protect you. Whether you need it or not." Juvia's smile widened, her amusement growing. "We'll see about that," she said before turning to Lyon

"You can finish the tour later, Lyon. I need to speak with Mr. Fullbuster alone." Juvia glanced at Lyon, her expression softening for a brief moment as he disappeared down the hall

"I hope you're as good as my uncle says you are. Because if you're not, you won't last long around here." she stared into his dark eyes

Gray met her stare, unflinching. "I can handle myself."

Juvia gave him a small, smirk. "You don't know what you've gotten yourself into, Mr. Fullbuster. My uncle might trust you, but in my world, trust is earned. So don't disappoint me." Without another word, she turned and continued down the hallway, the sound of her heels fading as quickly as they had arrived.

Gray watched her walk away, and for the first time since taking the job, he realized just how complicated this job was going to be. This wasn't just about protecting a mafia princess—this was about surviving in a world where power, danger, and desire intertwined at every step but it didn't scare him.

Beside him, Lyon had returned and let out a nervous laugh, scratching the back of his head. "She's... something, huh?"

Gray simply nodded, his eyes still lingering on the space where Juvia had disappeared. "Yeah," he muttered. "Something." Gray exhaled, running a hand through his hair. He was beginning to understand why Lyon had blushed.

"Uncle!" Juvia squealed as she ran to Jose giving him a tight hug

"Ah, Juvia! You're home early! wait- where's Gajeel?" Juvia let go of her uncle and couldn't help but roll her eyes at the question

"Uncle...when I told him he was fired I sent him back home. I mean that's where he would end up going anyways." Juvia shrugged with an 'I could totally care less what happens to him attitude' Jose's vein popped on his forehead

"YOU DID WHAT?!"

Juvia flinched slightly at her uncle's outburst but quickly composed herself "He was getting too comfortable, Uncle. He forgot his place."

Jose's face darkened, and his fists clenched in frustration. "Juvia, Gajeel wasn't just some bodyguard. He's been loyal to this family for years. You don't just fire people like him without consulting me first!"

Juvia crossed her arms, her defiance evident in her posture. "He was sloppy, and I don't need someone like him shadowing me. He kept acting like he knew better, like I was the problem, and I'm not putting up with that."

Jose paced back and forth behind his desk, his mind racing. "Do you realize what this could mean? Gajeel has connections—dangerous ones. If he feels wronged by us, it could cause major problems. You didn't think this through, Juvia!"

She rolled her eyes again, clearly unconcerned with the consequences. "Uncle, if Gajeel is that much of a threat, then maybe it's better he's not around. Besides, I can take care of myself, and now I have Mr. Fullbuster, don't I?"

Jose's expression softened for a moment, but his frustration still simmered beneath the surface. "His name is Gray and I'll admit he's good, but he doesn't know this world the way Gajeel does. You're playing with fire, Juvia, and now I have to clean up this mess."

Juvia uncrossed her arms and took a step toward her uncle, her voice softening slightly. "Uncle, I'm not a child anymore. I know what I'm doing. You trust me, don't you?"

"It's not about trust, Juvia. It's about keeping you safe. You might think you're untouchable, but there are people out there who would jump at the chance to take advantage of this situation."

Juvia let out an exasperated sigh. "Uncle, Gajeel'll get over it. Besides, I've got Gray now, don't I? He's more than capable of taking Gajeel's place or if he weren't, you wouldn't have hired him."

Jose narrowed his eyes. "He hasn't proven himself yet. You're putting a lot of trust in him."

Juvia gave him a reassuring smile. "I'm not worried, Uncle. With or without Gray, I can handle myself. And with Gray around, I'll be fine."

Jose shook his head, muttering under his breath. "I hope you're right. For all our sakes."

Turning back to her uncle with a playful glint in her eye, Juvia tilted her head. "Besides, I never liked Gajeel's attitude anyway. He was all bark, no bite."

Jose didn't seem convinced, but he couldn't help but chuckle while also trying to temper his anger. "Fine. I'll handle the fallout with Gajeel personally. Don't make decisions like this without me again. I'm serious."

Juvia waved off his warning. "Yes, yes, I get it. But you'll see—I don't make mistakes." She turned to leave the room, her heels clicking as she walked away, but she paused at the door and glanced back. "Oh, and Uncle? Don't worry so much. You'll get wrinkles."

With that, she disappeared down the hallway, leaving Jose standing in the room, still fuming but unable to do anything but trust his niece's judgment—for now

"Wrinkles? I don't have wrinkles..." running a hand over his forehead.

~~Day 1~~

Gray's hands gripped the steering wheel as he drove, his mind replaying yesterday's tense introduction to Juvia Lockser. She had a presence—sharp, demanding, and clearly used to getting her way, The way she had sized him up so quickly. He wasn't sure what to expect today, but he knew one thing for certain: he had to prove himself.

Juvia's icy confidence and ability to fire Gajeel without hesitation stuck with him. She wasn't just a typical mafia princess; she had power in her own right and wasn't afraid to use it. That alone made things complicated. Gray knew he had to be on guard, not just against potential threats from outside, but from navigating the volatile dynamics within the Porla family itself to gather as much intel as he could.

As the cityscape turned into the winding roads leading to the Porla estate, Gray's mind shifted to today's plan. His first full day on the job. Gray had always been good at reading people, staying a step ahead. But Juvia? She was harder to pin down. She had a mystery about her that intrigued him, but also put him on edge.

How's this going to go down today? he wondered as he pulled into the estate's long driveway Keep it simple, he told himself. Stay focused, do the job, and let her come to you...He didn't know what kind of mood she'd be in—or how she would test him.

Pulling up in front of the estate, Gray parked his car and stepped out, adjusting his suit jacket as he approached the grand entrance. The familiar echo of his shoes on the stone steps was the only sound besides the faint rustle of the trees swaying in the wind. A sense of calm before the storm, perhaps.

The front door swung open as he reached for the handle, and there stood Lyon, already waiting, dressed in his sharp suit. "Morning Gray!" Lyon greeted with a grin "Ready for your big day?"

"Guess so," Gray muttered with a hint of amusement, stepping inside. The air within the estate was cool, and the tension from yesterday still seemed to linger in the atmosphere.

Lyon led him down the hall, exchanging small talk, but Gray's focus was already on the meeting ahead. "You'll be meeting Juvia in the lounge," Lyon said as they reached a set of double doors. "Good luck, man." Lyon teased

Inside, Juvia was already waiting, seated elegantly on a plush velvet couch with a cup of tea in hand. She looked up at him as he entered, her eyes scanning him with a cool, calculated gaze.

"Good morning, Ms. Lockser," Gray said, keeping his tone polite but firm.

Juvia gave a slight smile, her eyes scanning him briefly. "You're early. I like that." She gestured to the chair opposite her. "Sit."

Gray obliged, sitting down carefully, his senses heightened. This was it—the real start of his new job. How today played out would set the tone for everything that followed.

"I hope you're ready," Juvia said, her voice calm but with an underlying edge. "Because this isn't just about standing around looking intimidating. If you're going to protect me, I need to know you can handle whatever comes my way."

Gray nodded, his gaze steady. "I'm here to do my job. Which means, whatever you need, I'll handle it."

Juvia leaned back, her eyes never leaving his. "We'll see about that, Mr. Fullbuster. We'll see."

She turned on her heel, the sound of her heels tapping on the marble floor filling the room. "Let's get going. There's a meeting I need to attend, and I have no intention of being late."

As she walked ahead, Gray fell into step behind her with keys in hand.

"So where are we going?" Juvia smirked and walked down the hall saying nothing.

Juvia crossed her legs in the back seat, her eyes focused on the scenery passing by outside the car. Her expression was unreadable, but her lips, naturally pouty, formed a slight smirk when she caught Gray's gaze in the rearview mirror.

"The meeting's with the Alvarez Family," Juvia replied "You've heard of them, I'm sure. They're one of the largest mafia families in the region. We're discussing... business arrangements."

Gray felt a knot tighten in his stomach. The Alvarez Family was no joke—ruthless, powerful, and known for their deadly efficiency. Whatever "business arrangements" Juvia was referring to, it wasn't something to be taken lightly. But if he was already able to get an inside look and maybe scope out the rest of the Alvarez estate while Juvia was in her meeting

"You're meeting them alone?"

Juvia gave a light, dismissive laugh. "I told you, I don't need a babysitter. This is just a formality. My uncle would rather have me wrapped in bubble wrap, but I've handled worse." a smile played on her lips

"And what's the plan once we're there?" Gray asked, keeping his tone professional, though his curiosity about how she handled these high-stakes meetings was undeniable.

Juvia sighed softly, leaning back into the leather seat. "You'll stand outside the door. Just keep an eye on things, and if anything feels off, you'll know what to do, I don't think it's that complex do you?" She met his eyes again through the mirror, her blue gaze piercing.

Gray resisted the urge to roll his eyes, obviously, that was the job he thought, gripping the steering wheel tight. He heard about how mafia meetings worked, even if this was his first time getting an inside look to see the exact workings of the meetings even though every meeting had the potential for danger, especially when rival families were involved.

Juvia shifted in her seat, her gaze falling back outside the window. "You should relax, Fullbuster. I don't bite... Not unless I have to." she winked at him in the mirror and Gray couldn't help but smirk at her comment.

Juvia glanced at Gray's outstretched hand and, with an amused smile, took it as she gracefully stepped out of the car. "Impressed, Fullbuster?" she teased, her tone dripping with amusement as she stood beside him, watching him survey the massive Alvarez estate

"Fuckin' huge." Gray snorted

Juvia let out a soft laugh as she snapped her lipstick tube closed, her eyes briefly flicking to Gray. "Better get used to it. These meetings are always a show of power." She turned her attention forward, her expression hardening as she fixed her gaze on the entrance. "And we're walking into a den of wolves."

Juvia straightened her long sleeveless black satin dress that clung to her curves with a matching blazer and 5-inch heels at least and began walking toward the entrance with her usual air of confidence. Gray followed closely behind, his senses on high alert. They were met by two imposing guards who, after a brief exchange of nods, allowed them to pass through the iron gates. His eyes swept the balconies, the windows, and the guards stationed at every strategic point. Everything about this place screamed danger.

Reaching the grand entrance, the doors swung open to reveal a man in a blue suit with long light blue hair and glasses waiting for them, his expression was unreadable, though there was a subtle, cold sharpness in his eyes. "Miss Lockser, Mr. Fullbuster," he greeted with a nod. "Ms. Lockser, it's a pleasure to see you again, August has been expecting you."

Juvia gave the man a polite nod "You as well Invel. Take us to him."

Pushing his glasses up, the man stepped aside, motioning for them to follow him inside. Gray knew just by looking at the smaller man that he was an oozing scum bag, they were led to a massive room with high ceilings and unique decor. At the center of the room sat a long table, and at the head of it was a figure Gray recognized immediately—the head of the Alvarez Family, a man named August. His presence alone was commanding, exuding an air of silent menace.

August's piercing gaze swept over them as they entered, and a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Juvia Lockser," he smiled, "I've been expecting you, how are you, my dear?"

Juvia smiled, stepping forward with poise. "I'm doing well thank you." kissing August on both cheeks

August's eyes flicked to Gray for a moment, assessing him, before returning to Juvia. "Shall we discuss business?" he asked, gesturing to the seats at the table.

"Oh Gray darling, could you wait outside by the door? This is a private matter." winking at him and shooing him away

As Gray stood in front of the heavy, ornate doors, he tried to shake off the sudden warmth creeping up his neck. Darling? The word echoed in his mind, and despite the tension of the situation, he couldn't help but feel a little thrown off. Juvia's cool, business-like demeanor had been unwavering since he met her, so the casual endearment caught him completely off guard.

He clenched his jaw, willing himself to focus. This was no time to get distracted by small details, but the blush that had crept onto his face lingered, making him curse himself internally.

She's just testing you, probably, Gray thought, trying to rationalize the moment. But still, the thought of Juvia, with her confident smirk and commanding presence, calling him "darling" felt...different. It had to be a slip, or maybe her way of keeping him on edge.

As he waited, his mind flicked back to her demeanor just yesterday, her confident attitude that masked something deeper. He'd only known her for a short time, but there was more to Juvia than the cold, powerful exterior she showed the world. Still, no matter how intriguing she was, Gray couldn't afford to get distracted. The world they both operated in was ruthless. One misstep could cost lives, and right now, his priority was keeping Juvia safe.

Gray stood ready as Juvia's voice floated through the heavy doors, her tone smooth and professional. When she emerged, her face was composed, as if the weight of the meeting hadn't fazed her in the slightest. Gray quickly held the door open for her, maintaining his cool, though the earlier "darling" comment still echoed in the back of his mind.

"Thank you, Gray," she said as she stepped through, her usual poise intact, but her eyes flicked to him with a subtle, unreadable expression.

"Of course," he replied, keeping his voice steady as he walked beside her. His mind raced to figure out what had just gone down in that room with August. Whatever it was, Juvia seemed calm, like she had complete control over the situation.

"So, how'd the meeting go?"

Juvia glanced at him, her lips curling into a small, almost teasing smile. "Wouldn't you like to know? I'm just teasing, August is an old family friend, there's nothing to worry about."

As they approached the car, Gray opened the door for her once more, she slid gracefully into the back seat, her gaze meeting his for a brief moment before she looked away.

Gray started the engine, the low rumble of the car filling the silence between them. Juvia was silent for a few moments, as if deep in thought.

"You did well today," she said suddenly, breaking the quiet.

Gray raised an eyebrow, slightly taken aback by the compliment. "I didn't do much," he replied.

Juvia smirked. "Sometimes doing nothing is exactly what's needed."

Gray nodded, understanding the subtext. She may be a mafia princess but she also valued independence, and hovering too much or showing concern would have been a mistake. "I'm just here to keep you safe," he said simply.

Juvia glanced at him out of the mirror, her expression softening just a little. "And you're doing a good job of it...so far."

Juvia made her way inside slipping her coat off and handing it to one of the many servants in the home, "I'll be in my room," and before she walked away she reached up and pinched his chin "Oh, and Gray, don't disturb me." and she swayed away.

Practically appearing out of nowhere Lyon nudged Gray's arm making him jump

"JEEZ MAN! You scared the shit out of me!"

"Oh, my bad! so how was your first outing?" Lyon asked. Gray thought about it, there was nothing to report, he couldn't even see anything going on so that didn't help either

"I thought it went well, she had us go to the Alverezs to talk "business"

Lyon's eyes widened at the mention of the Alvarez family, his expression shifting to a mix of curiosity and concern. "Man, that's not your average business meeting. She's diving into some serious stuff."

Gray nodded, recalling the tense atmosphere and the quiet power Juvia had displayed during the whole ordeal. "Yeah, But Juvia handled it like she'd done it a thousand times before." Honestly, there wasn't much for me to do."

Lyon let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "She's good at keeping people on their toes, that's for sure. You're lucky it was just a meeting this time. Things with the Alvarez family can go sideways real fast."

Gray raised an eyebrow. "You seem to know a lot about her meetings. Do you always know what's going on?"

Lyon shrugged "Not necessarily. She keeps most of it close to her chest, even from the security team. But we've been around long enough to know how these things work. But the Alvarez family? They don't play games. If Juvia's dealing with them, there's a lot more going on than meets the eye,"

"She's also dating one of them, but he's never around," he said a bit quieter

Gray leaned against the wall trying to ignore the last part, arms crossed, still thinking about how Juvia had dismissed him so easily after the meeting. The way she touched his chin before walking away, her words echoing in his head: "Don't disturb me."

Lyon noticed Gray's pensive expression and nudged him again. "Hey, don't get too wrapped up in it, man. You're still new to all of this. She's got her way of doing things, and trust me, it's best not to overthink it. She'll let you in when she wants to."

Gray smirked, though he wasn't so sure. "Yeah, maybe. She's just... hard to figure out."

Lyon chuckled. "That's Juvia for you. An enigma wrapped in a mystery. But you're doing fine so far. Just keep playing it cool."

Gray pushed off the wall, standing straight. "I guess I'll take your advice, for now."

As Lyon started to walk away, he turned back with a grin. "Oh, and Gray? Watch out for those little moments when you're alone with her. Don't let her get too deep under your skin."

Gray couldn't help but shake his head as Lyon walked off, his words leaving Gray with more questions than answers. Too late for that, he thought to himself, feeling the strange pull Juvia had on him already but couldn't help feeling a bit defeated

So she's got a boyfriend huh?

The thought gnawed at him, though he had no right to feel anything about it. He was just her bodyguard, a professional hired to protect her—nothing more. Still, the way she had touched his chin, the playful tone when she called him "darling," and even the strange connection he felt to her—all of it now seemed clouded by the revelation that someone else held her heart.

He closed the door to his room behind him, sinking onto the bed and staring at the ceiling, trying to push the thoughts away. Why should I care? he told himself. But the truth was, Juvia had already gotten under his skin without even trying. Gray ran a hand through his hair and sighed. He had been in this line of work long enough to know better than to let personal feelings interfere. He sighed again, leaning forward, elbows resting on his knees. There was no use dwelling on it. Tomorrow was a new day, and with Juvia, anything could happen. He would just have to push his feelings aside and focus on the one thing he was here to do: protect her, no matter what.

~~Day 3/11:30 PM ~~

A gentle knock came on Gray's bedroom and he looked at the clock, it was almost 11:30 PM and he was already in his pajamas which were a simple pair of blue and white checkered sweatpants, when he opened it he saw Juvia.

Gray blinked, momentarily taken aback by the sight of Juvia standing at his door dressed to perfection. The way the sequins on her short blue dress shimmered under the dim hallway light caught him off guard, but the urgency in her voice snapped him back to the present

"Uh, Hi Juvia? you do know it's almost midnight right? I was just about to go to bed" Juvia looked impatiently at him
"Yeah, yeah, I know what time it is, keep your voice down! I need a ride to the city!" she whispered urgently,Wait, is she sneaking out?

"You're sneaking out to party at almost midnight? Without telling your uncle?" Gray crossed his arms, trying to maintain a serious tone, even though the smirk she gave him made it hard to stay focused.

Juvia rolled her eyes. "I don't need permission to have a little fun, Gray. Besides, it's just a night out. You can come along, keep an eye on me if you're so worried."

Gray let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his hair. This wasn't part of the job description, he thought. Protecting her during business meetings was one thing, but sneaking out to a nightclub? That was a whole new level of complication.

"A dance club? Juvia, it's late, and I don't think your uncle would be thrilled about this,"

"Gray, I know my uncle wouldn't approve, which is why we're not telling him. However, I've been trapped in this mansion all day, and I just need a night out. Are you going to help me or not?

Gray knew he should say no, call it a night, and leave her to deal with the consequences. But he also knew she wasn't going to take no for an answer. The smirk on her lips told him she was used to getting her way, and deep down, he thought it was just what she needed —even if it was just a dance club at 11:30 at night with her friends.

With a resigned sigh, he rubbed the back of his neck. "Fine. I'll take you. But I'm staying with you the entire time. If anything happens, we're out of there immediately. Deal?"

Juvia grinned, clearly pleased with his answer. "Deal."

Gray closed the door, shaking his head with a mix of frustration and amusement. What did I just get myself into? He quickly changed out of his pajamas, slipping into black jeans and a black T-shirt that clung to his muscles, something casual but appropriate for a night out. Grabbing his keys, he headed down to the car, where Juvia was already waiting by the passenger door.

"Wait, so why are we taking your car?" she asked pulling the visor mirror down the fix her lips.

"That is what I said," he responded sarcastically.

"Why wouldn't we use one of ours? I always do."

"Think of it this way, if your uncle were to wake up and see just one car missing he'd get suspicious whereas if I disappeared in the middle of the night, no one would bat an eye." Juvia, impressed at his quick thinking settled into her seat to enjoy the ride.

"Fairy Tail, huh?" Gray finally said, breaking the silence. "Sounds like quite the place."

Juvia smiled, her eyes glinting with excitement. "Oh, it is. You'll see." She leaned back in her seat, looking forward to the night ahead.

As Gray helped Juvia out of the car, he couldn't help but momentarily lose his composure, his eyes drawn to her as the club's flashing lights danced across her dress. The sequins sparkled like stars against the night, and her long pale legs seemed to steal the attention of everyone around them. The men along the sidewalk stared openly, but Gray quickly snapped out of it, feeling an odd mix of pride and protectiveness swell up inside him.

"Keep it together," he muttered under his breath as he offered Juvia his arm, making sure she had a steady guide toward the entrance. She glanced up at him with a sly smile, clearly enjoying the attention.

"I told you it would be something," Juvia teased, her eyes twinkling as they approached the large doors of the club.

"Yeah, you weren't exaggerating," Gray replied, still slightly in awe of the extravagant building. It looked like a small castle with neon lights flashing its name in bright red, giving it a whimsical yet edgy vibe. People were lined up along the sidewalk, waiting to get in, but Juvia walked with confidence straight to the front, where the bouncer waved her through without a word.

Inside, the club was even more dazzling. The music was loud, thumping through the floor with a hypnotic beat, while colored lights flickered above a sea of dancing bodies. The decor was sleek and modern, with hints of Gothic architecture that made the place feel both luxurious and mysterious.

Gray followed Juvia closely, staying on high alert despite the distractions. "So, where are your friends?" he asked, his voice raised slightly to be heard over the music.

Juvia scanned the crowd, her lips curving into a playful smile. "They'll be here soon. In the meantime, let's enjoy ourselves. Loosen up a little, Gray."

Before he could respond, she grabbed his hand and led him toward the bar. Gray wasn't one for clubs, but seeing the carefree excitement in Juvia's eyes made it hard to resist.

She leaned against the bar, ordering drinks for both of them. As she waited, her eyes met Gray's, her expression softer than before. "You know, I appreciate you doing this for me. I needed this night out."

Gray shrugged, trying to play it off, though the sincerity in her voice caught him off guard. "It's part of the job, right?"

Juvia smiled, a glimmer of something deeper in her gaze. "Maybe. But not every bodyguard would sneak me out to a place like this."

Their drinks arrived, and Juvia raised her glass, her smile turning mischievous again. "To a night of fun, away from the madness."

Gray clinked his shot glass against hers, though he couldn't shake the feeling that the madness was never far behind.

Juvia led the way, weaving through the crowd with ease. She seemed right at home in this environment, her earlier seriousness replaced by an infectious energy. Gray followed closely, keeping his eyes open for any potential trouble, though it seemed that everyone was too engrossed in their own fun to pay much attention to them.

As they reached a large table in a VIP section, Juvia's friends greeted her with cheers and hugs. Gray remained on the edge of the group, observing the interactions and making sure he stayed within arm's reach, just in case.

Juvia introduced him to her friends, and although they seemed curious about him, they were respectful and welcoming. Gray kept up a friendly demeanor, though his mind remained alert. The club scene was vibrant but chaotic, and he needed to stay focused on his Juvia.

After a while, Juvia joined her friends on the dance floor intoxicated at this point, but her movements were fluid and confident. Gray watched from the sidelines, feeling a strange mix of admiration and frustration. She seemed completely in her element, lost in the music and the thrill of the night, while he was left on the periphery, his role clear but his feelings muddled.

Gray couldn't help but smile as he lifted Juvia into his arms, her slight frame surprisingly light against him. Her giggles and sleepy murmurs as he carried her seemed less of a chore and more of a humorous challenge.

Her friends waved goodbye as Gray carried her to the car, and he could hear Lucy's drunken laughter echoing behind them. The night air was cool, a welcome contrast to the stuffy heat of the club, and Juvia's head rested against his shoulder as she drifted in and out of sleep

"Gray *hic* you are so super duper *hic*" she drunkenly yelled before he could get her in the car.

As he gently placed her in the back seat of the car, Gray made sure she was comfortable, adjusting her dress so she wasn't too exposed. He could already tell this was going to be a bit of a struggle

The drive back was relatively quiet, aside from the occasional sleepy mumble from Juvia. Gray focused on the road, his mind drifting to how the night had turned out. Despite the unexpected detour from their usual routine, he couldn't deny that seeing Juvia let loose like this had its charm. It was a side of her he rarely saw—carefree and unguarded.

When they finally arrived back at the estate, Gray carefully helped Juvia out of the car and into the house. She was leaning heavily against him, barely awake, and he had to guide her through the entrance with gentle encouragement.

"Just a little further," he murmured, leading her up the stairs and toward her room. He was grateful that the house was quiet at this hour, making their progress easier.

He finally got her to her room and helped her settle into bed. Gray wiped the makeup off of her pale face, somehow managing to get her into pajamas without looking at her practically naked body and then finally tucking her under her covers Juvia stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open long enough to catch a glimpse of him.

"Thank you, Gray-sama..." she murmured, her voice barely audible as she drifted back to sleep.

Gray snorted, a soft smile on his face as he turned to leave. "Get some rest, Juvia."

"Okayyy*hic*... Juvia loves her Gray-sama!*hic*" she slurred out with a giggle

His cheeks burned, closing her bedroom door behind him and quickly made his way to his room shut his door, and locked it

Holy. Shit. Gray's mind raced a mile a minute I know she's drunk but she's just so CUTE pulling the shirt off of his body Gray stepped into a freezing shower, he never really enjoyed hot showers but he never knew why.

The water cascaded won his sculpted back and torsoStop thinking about it damnit! Gray slicked his black hair back with the cold water his heartbeat began to race at the slightest thought of her.

"I need sleep, I'm way too exhausted to deal with this right now." Gray hurried through his shower before getting into bed. Gray looked over at his alarm clock, it was 2 AM, had they really been out that long? he smiled at the thought that he got to spend it all with her I really hope us sneaking out won't come back to bite us in the ass.

Day 4~~

"Where is she?!" Ajeel yelled at a staff member who stood in the hall with a Daily Gossip magazine in his hand,

"Ajeel, what seems to be the problem?" Lyon asked the man who was the bane of his existence

"Lyon. Where the fuck is Juvia? I need to talk to her NOW." the tall tan man with wild brown hair, black eyes, and red stud earrings that were larger than they needed to be. Lyon was forced to obey him because this man was Juvia's boyfriend. Ajeel Raml is one of the heirs of The Alvarez family and he was a grade A asshole.

"She's up in her bedroom." he had to pinch his finger to keep him away from throwing him out.

"JUVIA!" Ajeel flung her bedroom door open and locked it behind him. Juvia was in the middle of brushing her long hair before Ajeel grabbed her arm ripping her up from her seat and showed her the front of the Daily Gossip. "Care to explain?!" he threw her arm down hard enough that she fell over onto her bed.

Juvia's eyes widened as she saw the picture on the front of the magazine—her and Gray, him holding her in his arms, leaving Fairy Tail together. The flashing lights had caught them at just the right moment, making it look more intimate than it had actually been. A sense of dread washed over her as she looked up at Ajeel, whose face was twisted in anger.

"Ajeel, it's not what you think," Juvia began, trying to keep her voice calm but the sting of a slap across her face cut her off

"Gray is just my bodyguard! I went to the club with some friends, and he was there to make sure I was safe!" Juvia held her stinging cheek

Ajeel's dark eyes flared with suspicion, his grip tightening on the magazine. "Safe? So safe that you had to be carried out of there like some helpless damsel?" He tossed the magazine onto her vanity table knocking over her makeup and glass perfume bottles, the glossy cover gleaming under the lights. "Do you think people won't talk? Do you know what this makes me look like?"

Juvia felt a wave of frustration. She was used to Ajeel's possessive streak, but this was different. His temper was flaring, and she could tell he wasn't going to let it go easily. "I'm not responsible for how people spin stories. I just wanted a night out with my friends—not a scandal."

Ajeel took a step closer, looming over her. "And you thought sneaking out with another man wouldn't cause one? I'm your boyfriend, Juvia. Do you even care about how this affects me?"

"I'm not sneaking around, Ajeel. You know how the media is. They'll turn anything into a story if it means selling magazines. Gray was doing his job—that's all."

Ajeel clenched his jaw, his frustration palpable. "If he's just your bodyguard, then he needs to learn his place. I don't want to see you with him like this again."

Juvia's expression hardened. "You don't get to control who I spend time with. I can handle myself, Ajeel. I don't need you or anyone else telling me who I can trust."

There was a tense silence as Ajeel glared at her and grabbed her face forcefully with a single hand, but Juvia refused to back down.

"Fine. But if I see anything like this again, we're going to have a much bigger problem."

Without another word, Ajeel turned and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Juvia stood there, her heart pounding, staring at the magazine on her vanity. The image of her and Gray felt like a betrayal, even though she knew there was nothing between them. Sitting in front of her vanity, she saw the slight bruise already forming on her cheek from where Ajeel slapped her, nothing a little makeup can't fix, she got to work and began to cover it with foundation, but instead burst into sobs.

"You seem... different today, are you alright?" he pressed gently, hoping she might open up.

Juvia forced a smile, her voice slightly strained. "I'm fine, really. Just a little tired."

"Yeah, I bet," Gray chuckled, glancing at her with a grin. "You were pretty out of it last night."

Juvia forced a smile, her heart heavy. "I just... overdid it a little."

Gray didn't seem to notice her unease, his attention shifting to the store windows they passed. But Juvia could feel the weight of the bruise hidden beneath the makeup, a reminder of how much she had to hide—not just from Gray, but from herself. She had learned to cover her pain with a smile, just like she had learned to cover bruises with foundation.

"Anything in particular you're shopping for?" Gray asked, snapping her out of her thoughts.

Juvia blinked, realizing she hadn't even thought about what they were doing. "Oh, um... no, just browsing, I guess." She smiled again, but it wasn't genuine.

"So...about the magazine..." he mentioned quietly

Juvia's heart sank at the mention of the magazine, her fingers nervously fiddling with the hem of her blouse. She'd hoped to avoid the topic, but it was only a matter of time before Gray brought it up. She winced inwardly, trying to think of how to respond without betraying too much of what had happened with Ajeel.

"Oh, that..." she started, her voice quieter than usual. "It's just the media, you know how they twist things around. They always make something out of nothing." She forced a small laugh, though it didn't quite reach her eyes.

Gray studied her, his expression concerned but not pressing. "Yeah, I get that. But... he does know I'm just your bodyguard, right? I don't want to cause any trouble for you."

Juvia nodded quickly, feeling a lump form in her throat. "Of course, Gray. I know. It's just... Ajeel saw it, and he wasn't too happy about it. He overreacted."

Gray frowned, picking up on the unease in her tone. "Did he do something? You don't have to tell me, but..."

Juvia shook her head quickly, her heart pounding at the thought of telling him the truth. "What? No, it's fine. I can handle it." it felt like her icy walls were slowly building up again.

Gray didn't seem convinced, "Well if you ever need anything... I'm here, alright?"

Juvia smiled, touched by his sincerity. "Thanks, Gray. I appreciate it." Though her words were genuine, a part of her knew she couldn't let him in any deeper. Not with the mess she was already in.

"Gray, let's talk." Jose stood at his office door when the two arrived back home Juvia looked between the two men before hugging her uncle "Uncle, we just got home I think you-" Jose looked at Juvia and she scurried up to her room. Gray walked into the office closed the door behind him and sat in the chair in front of his desk.

Gray felt the weight of Jose's gaze as he sat in the chair, the door closing behind him with an unsettling finality. He knew this conversation was inevitable, but that didn't make it any easier. Taking a deep breath, he met Jose's eyes, determined to keep his cool.

"Sir, I can explain," Gray started, keeping his voice steady. "Juvia wanted to go out with her friends last night, and as her bodyguard, I had to follow. She had a little too much to drink, so I made sure she got home safely. That's all there is to it."

Jose's expression didn't soften. He crossed his arms, leaning back in his chair. "Gray, you're not just anyone. You're her only form of protection. Carrying her out of a nightclub like that—it's not a good look. People are talking."

"I understand that," Gray replied, sitting up straighter. "But my job is to make sure she's safe, no matter what the situation is. I wasn't going to let her leave that place without knowing she was alright."

Jose studied him for a moment longer, clearly weighing Gray's words. The tension in the room was palpable, and Gray couldn't shake the feeling that there was more going on here than just a simple reprimand.

Finally, Jose sighed and leaned forward, his elbows resting on the desk. "I trust you, Gray. You've proven yourself capable, but I'm warning you—stay professional. Keep your distance from Juvia, especially when it comes to situations like this. Do your job, but don't get too close. I won't tolerate any more headlines."

Gray nodded, his heart racing but outwardly calm. "Understood, sir."

Jose gave him a long, hard look before waving his hand dismissively. "That's all. You're dismissed."

He knew Jose was right—he needed to keep things strictly professional. But with everything that had happened in the last 8 hours, now that was proving to be harder than he anticipated.

~~1 AM That Night~~

"Ah Gray if you're here I'm assuming Juvia is out with Ajeel, he's a good man that one Alvarez or not." Gray looked up from his phone with his black sleeves rolled up to his elbows with a chunk of tangerine in his mouth when Jose stepped into the kitchen

Gray swallowed hard, forcing down the knot that formed in his throat at the mention of Ajeel. He nodded, keeping his expression neutral, though his mind was racing. A good man? The words echoed in his head, clashing with the image of Juvia's bruised cheek that he couldn't forget, even if she had covered it up.

"Yes, sir," Gray replied, his voice steady, though his thoughts were anything but. He could still feel the unease gnawing at him, the suspicion that Ajeel wasn't the "good man" Jose believed him to be.

Jose poured himself a glass of iced tea, oblivious to the storm brewing in Gray's mind. "It's not easy being involved with the Alvarez family you know. There's history there. But Ajeel... he's proven himself time and time again."

Gray clenched his jaw, trying to keep his focus on the conversation, though all he could think about was how wrong this felt.

Jose glanced at Gray. "Just keep doing what you're doing. You've been good for Juvia Gray, she trusts you."

She trusts me. It wasn't lost on him how complicated that trust had become. He couldn't shake the feeling that something needed to change. But for now, all he could do was play along, even as the unease lingered in the pit of his stomach.

"Don't worry sir, I'll protect her at all costs," Gray said, his voice firm.

SLAM*

Both men looked at each other

"Juvia Perhaps, she always comes home late from Ajeels." Jose shrugged and made his way back to his office.

Gray slid his phone into his back pocket and jogged to the front hall there was Juvia In a long golden dress with matching heels and her hair rested at her shoulders in loose curls but one side looked like it had been grabbed, and the more he looked the worse it got. Gray's heart pounded in his chest as he took in the sight of Juvia. The dress cut down the middle, the bruise shaped like a hand around her arm, and the terror in her eyes—it all put his stomach in knots. He stood frozen for a moment, his mind racing with the possibilities of what had happened. Ajeel. It had to be him.

Like a deer in headlights, Juvia ran upstairs, and without thinking, Gray sprinted up the stairs after her, his footsteps heavy on the hardwood floor. He reached her door, knocking gently, though his heart screamed for him to kick it down.

"Juvia...it's me," he called softly, trying to steady his voice.

There was no response at first, only the muffled sound of her quiet sobs behind the door. He could feel the anger boiling inside him, the urge to drive to him and smash his face in.

The silence on the other side of the door felt deafening. Gray's hand lingered on the doorknob for a moment longer, before he turned away, but before he could, he heard the soft click of the lock. The door creaked open just a fraction, enough for Gray to see her tear-streaked face. She looked so broken, so fragile at that moment, and it made his heart ache.

Juvia stepped back to let him in, her body trembling as she tried to hold herself together. Gray entered the room and shut the door behind him, his eyes never leaving her. He approached her slowly

"What happened?" Gray asked gently, though he already had a feeling. "Did Ajeel do this to you?"

Juvia's lip quivered as she struggled to keep her composure, but when she looked into Gray's eyes, all her defenses crumbled. She collapsed into his chest, sobbing uncontrollably, her words barely a whisper.

"I didn't... I didn't want him to touch me," she cried, clutching at Gray's shirt. "He wouldn't stop... he was so angry, Gray. I—I didn't know what to do."

Gray's arms wrapped around her protectively and held her close, his jaw clenched in silent fury. He could feel the heat of his anger rising, but for now, his only focus was on Juvia. He had to get her through this. He had to keep her safe.

"Shh, It's okay," Gray whispered, stroking her hair gently. "You're safe now. I'm here. I won't let him hurt you again, I promise."

"Here, let me help you..." Gray had Juvia face the wall and carefully removed the ruined dress and broken high-heels placing them under the bed for now

"Do you want to take a bath?" All Juvia could do was nod, but her body was still shaking in shock.

Gray took Juvia by her hand guiding her into the dimly lit bathroom but as Gray watched her step into the bath, he couldn't help but notice the multiple healing bruises over her body and a brand new very distinctive bruise in the perfect shape of a man's shoe. He clenched his jaw

trying to keep his emotions in check as he watched Juvia step into the bath. The sight of her bruised and battered body made his blood boil, but he knew now wasn't the time to let his anger take over. He had to focus on Juvia—she needed him calm, steady. Yet, the thought of Ajeel hurting her like this over and over again made it hard to breathe.

Juvia sank into the warm water, the heat seemingly offering her some small comfort as she let out a shaky breath. Gray knelt beside the tub, reaching for a soft washcloth. His hands trembled with anger, but he forced himself to be gentle as he handed it to her.

"I'll give you some space," he said softly, trying to keep his voice steady. "But if you need anything, I'll be right outside."

Juvia barely nodded, her eyes distant, lost in her thoughts. Gray stood and left the bathroom, closing the door quietly behind him. He leaned against the wall, running a hand through his hair, his mind racing with questions.

How long has this been going on? Why hasn't she said anything? The more he thought about it, the angrier he became.

He couldn't just let this go on. Ajeel had crossed a line, and now Gray knew he had to do something. But how could he confront Ajeel without putting Juvia in even more danger? His position as her bodyguard meant he could protect her physically, but that wasn't enough for him—he wanted him to suffer the way he'd make Juvia suffer.

Gray leaned his head against her bedroom wall, closing his eyes. I have to protect her. No matter what.

After Juvia finished her bath, he helped her into pajamas and tucked her into bed like he did just a few nights ago. Juvia didn't speak a single word but Gray caught her face wincing as she lay on her back

"It... it was Ajeel," she whispered, her voice so quiet it was almost lost in the air. "He slapped me... after he saw the magazine. He was furious."

Gray's heart sank, though part of him had already known the truth. Hearing her say it aloud made it all the more real, and the anger he had been suppressing surged back to the surface.

"Juvia..." Gray's voice wavered as he reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face.

She shook her head, blinking away fresh tears

"He gets so angry. And I... I'm scared." Hearing those words from her, shattered Gray. He had always admired her resilience, her ability to hold her head high no matter what. But now, he realized just how deep her suffering went—and how long she had been enduring it in silence

"You don't have to do this alone," Gray said, his voice firm but soft. "I'm here. I'll protect you, Juvia. I swear."

For a moment, Juvia just stared at him, as if searching for some sign of hope in his eyes. She looked exhausted, her lips trembling as she whispered, "Gray..."

He tilted his head and watched her roll over onto her 'good' side, -if you could even call it that- and hid pulled her blanket up to her chin

"Yes?"

"Stay with me tonight?"

Gray felt a pang in his chest as he heard Juvia's fragile request. She looked so small and vulnerable, curled up under the blanket, her eyes pleading with him. He hesitated for a moment, not because he didn't want to stay, but because he feared overstepping boundaries. But seeing her like this, broken and scared, he knew she needed comfort more than anything.

"Of course," Gray whispered, pulling a chair next to her bed.

Juvia shook her head, her voice barely audible. "No... here. Please."

Gray blinked, caught off guard, but nodded. He carefully slid into the bed beside her, keeping a respectful distance while making sure she felt his presence. The warmth between them was quiet, and though he didn't touch her, it was enough for Juvia to relax slightly, her breathing steady.

For a long time, they lay there in silence. Gray could hear the soft rhythm of her breaths, the occasional tremor as she fought back lingering tears. He wanted so badly to take her pain away, to make everything right again, but all he could do was be there. And for now, that had to be enough.

"Thank you," Juvia whispered after a while, her voice barely a murmur.

Gray didn't respond with words; instead, he reached out and gently placed his hand over hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. She squeezed back weakly, a small gesture that said more than any words could.

"I'm not going anywhere," Gray whispered, his voice filled with quiet determination. "I've got you."

~~Day 7~~

"Lyon! Hey, man, I have a question." Gray jogged over to Lyon as he walked around the back perimeter

"Hey, Gray! yeah shoot, I'm all ears." Lyon smiled as the two friends came together but Gray's face still showed a hint of anger

"Ajeel, what do you know about him?"

Lyon's smile faltered at the mention of Ajeel. He glanced around quickly to make sure no one was within earshot before responding in a lowered voice.

"Ajeel? Man... where do I even start?" Lyon rubbed the back of his neck, looking uneasy. "He's trouble, Gray. More trouble than I think you realize."

Gray crossed his arms, leaning in slightly. "What do you mean?"

Lyon sighed, his face serious now. "Look, Ajeel's part of the Alvarez family, and that alone makes him dangerous. They've got power and influence, and they don't mind using it. Ajeel's got a temper—he's known for being unpredictable, even brutal when things don't go his way. And he's... possessive."

Gray clenched his jaw, already knowing exactly what Lyon was talking about. "Possessive how?"

"Especially with Juvia." Lyon's eyes darkened. "He doesn't like anyone getting close to her, and I've seen it firsthand. Ajeel's had his outbursts and Juvia... she hides it well, but we've all seen the signs. Bruises, excuses for why she can't come to certain events, that kind of thing."

Gray felt a surge of anger rising in his chest. "So, people know? And no one's done anything?"

Lyon's expression was pained. "It's not that simple, Gray. The Alvarez family isn't a group you can just mess with. If someone tries to intervene, things can get ugly fast. And Juvia... well, she's loyal to her uncle, to the Porla family. She keeps things under wraps because she doesn't want to cause trouble for them."

Gray shook his head, frustrated. "She doesn't deserve this."

"No, she doesn't," Lyon agreed. "But unless Ajeel makes a mistake in public or someone high up calls him out, he's untouchable. That's the way it works with these families. It's dangerous." Gray nodded, fully aware of the risks. But his resolve was stronger than ever. "I know. But I'm not letting him hurt her anymore."

"Oh!" Juvia and Gray bump into each other as he rounds the corner with Lyon causing her to lose her balance and almost trip but not before Gray catches her,
"Oh, careful!" he gave Juvia a small smile as he held her up but she pulled away brushing off her clearly uncomfortable dress, it was a form-fitting blue dress with hanging straps, and gold high heels, and her makeup looked perfect.
"Excuse me, , but I need to leave for a meeting. Now." she said curtly turning on her high heel and walking away from him leaving him stunned

"Guess I'm off then." he tossed Lyon a quick wave goodbye and caught up with Juvia

Gray caught up with Juvia just as she was about to leave the building. He moved quickly to match her pace, his concern evident.

"Juvia, wait up," he said, trying to keep his tone neutral but unable to hide his worry. "Where are you heading? I'd like to make sure you get there safely."

Juvia shot him a sidelong glance, her face still set in its usual determined expression. "It's just a meeting. I can handle myself, Gray."

"I understand, but with everything going on, I think it's best if I accompany you," Gray replied, his voice firm but gentle. "You never know what might happen, especially with Ajeel being unpredictable."

Juvia paused, clearly torn. She glanced at him, her eyes softening slightly. "Fine," she said reluctantly. "But remember, this is just a meeting. I don't want you drawing unnecessary attention."

Gray nodded, falling into step beside her. "Got it. I'll stay out of sight unless you need me."

As they walked together, Gray couldn't help but notice how Juvia's posture was rigid and tense. The dress she wore accentuated her every movement, and the way she walked, despite her attempts to appear composed, suggested she was still struggling with the aftermath of Ajeel's aggression.

"Juvia, if you ever want to talk—about anything, really—just know I'm here," Gray said quietly, hoping she might open up, even just a little.

She looked at him, a flicker of vulnerability in her eyes before she looked away. "Thank you, Gray. I appreciate that."

They arrived again to the Alvarez Estate, Gray stayed close but made sure to keep a respectful distance, blending into the background as Juvia approached the entrance.

She glanced back at Gray, giving him a small, appreciative nod. Then she turned and walked through the doors, her determined stride unwavering.

As he followed behind her, they were greeted by Invel again,

"Ms. Lockser, a pleasure to see you, he's waiting for you in the piano room," he said

"Thank you." Juvias heels clacked against the marble floor as she made her way in. Invel stopped Gray from entering "Excuse me but the master would prefer to be alone with Ms. Lockser." Gray stared him down before heading back to the town car gritting his teeth as Invel's words sank in. The frustration of being kept away while Juvia had to face whatever was going on inside gnawed at him.

Gray made his way back to the town car, frustration simmering beneath his calm exterior. He could feel his fists clenching at his sides, anger at being kept away from Juvia, especially given what he knew about Ajeel.

As he settled into the driver's seat, he took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. He knew that rushing inside would probably be a bad idea and he didn't want to cause a scene.

He pulled out his phone and tapped a few keys, starting to work on a plan. He'd have to find a way to keep tabs on Juvia while she was inside. Maybe there was a way to get information from Invel or another contact within the building. Gray needed to make sure Juvia was safe, no matter how he had to go about it.

As he waited, his mind kept drifting back to the sight of Juvia in that dress, and the way her face had softened for a moment when she looked at him. He wanted to believe that she trusted him, even if she was trying to maintain her control over the situation.

For now, Gray's task was clear: he needed to stay vigilant and be ready to act if things went sideways. He just hoped that, whatever happened inside that piano room, Juvia would come out unharmed.

"I was right, that dress is way too slutty on you," he sneered at Juvia as she stood in the middle of the room looking down at the floor, "God, you look awful in blue. Whatever, let's go." rolling his eyes his hand snatched her wrist and gripped it harder than usual

"Where are we going?" Juvia asked nervously "You wanted to go to the club so bad and get drunk so we're going to the fucking club to fucking drink. Is there something wrong with that?" dragging her close to him

"Ajeel, please," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. "I—I don't want to go," she said, her voice trembling despite her efforts to stay calm. "Can we just—"

"No!" Ajeel cut her off harshly. "You wanted to go out, you wanted to be seen with that guy, and now you're coming with ME and you're going to have a good time whether you like it or not."

He dragged her through the building with a force that left no room for resistance. Juvia stumbled to keep up, trying to avoid making a scene but unable to hide the distress on her face.

As they approached the town car, Juvia glanced back toward the entrance, hoping for some sign of help, but there was none. She felt trapped, knowing that Gray was likely still waiting in the car and might see what was happening, but there was no way to communicate with him.

When they reached the car, Ajeel yanked open the door and shoved Juvia inside.

Ajeel climbed in after her and slammed the door shut, his anger evident in every movement. "Let's get this over with," he snapped at the driver. "To Fairy Tail."

Juvia sat in the backseat, her hands nervously fidgeting in her lap. She knew there was no escaping this, but she hoped that somehow Gray might still be able to help, or at least find a way to intervene if things got worse.

The drive to Fairy Tail felt endless, and the closer they got, the more Juvia's anxiety grew. She was acutely aware of Ajeel's presence beside her, his anger simmering beneath the surface, and she braced herself for whatever was to come.

~~Day 7 2 AM~~

Ajeel's grip on Juvia tightened as he noticed the tear on her cheek, his drunken state making him less restrained and more aggressive. His fingers dug into her sides, and he leaned in closer, his breath hot against her ear.

"What's wrong?" Ajeel slurred, his voice thick with alcohol. "Why are you crying? aren't you having fun?"

Juvia tried to pull away, but his hold was unyielding. She felt trapped, unable to escape the uncomfortable and invasive touches. "I just... want to go home," she managed to whisper, her voice barely audible over the pounding music.

Ajeel's expression shifted from annoyance to something darker, his eyes narrowing as he looked at her. "You wanted to come here, remember? You wanted to be seen and have fun. Or do you only do that with Gray?"

Juvia's heart raced, her thoughts frantically searching for a way out of the situation. She scanned the room desperately, hoping to catch a glimpse of Gray. Her earlier hope that he might intervene felt distant, but she still clung to it.

Suddenly, she noticed Gray standing near the edge of the dancefloor, 'He's here! he's really here!' her tears fell like waterfalls whenhis eyes locked on her with a mix of concern and anger. He had been watching from a distance, clearly uneasy about Ajeel's behavior.

Gray's gaze met Juvia's, and without a moment's hesitation, he started pushing through the crowd toward her. His face was set in a determined expression, and he moved with purpose, his focus solely on getting to her.

"Ajeel," Gray's voice cut through the noise, sharp and commanding. "Let her go. She's had enough."

Ajeel's head snapped towards Gray, his face flushing with a mix of surprise and irritation. "Who the hell are you to tell me what to do?"

Gray didn't waver. "That's my business. I'm telling you to back off. She's clearly uncomfortable, and you're drunk."

Juvia watched as Ajeel's anger flared, but Gray's presence seemed to have an immediate effect. The tension in the air was palpable, and the surrounding crowd began to take notice of the confrontation.

Ajeel's grip on Juvia loosened just a bit, but he didn't let go completely. He glared at Gray, his expression a volatile mix of rage and drunken confusion.

"Get out of here, Bodyguard," Ajeel spat, his voice low and dangerous. "This is none of your business. She's mine, NOT yours. "

Gray took a step closer, his jaw clenched. "It is my business and I'm taking her home, now."

Juvia felt a glimmer of hope as Gray's words reached her. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself as she looked between the two men, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and relief.

The standoff continued, the tension between Ajeel and Gray mounting as the seconds ticked by. Juvia knew that she had to find a way to get out of this situation, and she silently hoped that Gray's intervention would be enough to turn the tide in her favor.

"Ajeel please..." Juvia whispered almost pleading with him to let her go, he looked at her fury still in his eyes and the stench of alcohol radiated off his body but he decided to let go of her arm, Gray reached out for her but Juvia gasped in pain as Ajeel's hand twisted into her hair, yanking her roughly back toward him. The sharp tug made her stumble, her heart racing in terror as she struggled to maintain her balance.

Gray's heart raced as he saw Ajeel's violent move. Without hesitation, he lunged forward, his anger and concern combining into a powerful surge of adrenaline.

"Hey! Let go of her!" Gray's voice was a roar above the music. He grabbed Ajeel's arm, pulling it away from Juvia and forcing him to release her hair. and without a second thought, Gray had knocked Ajeel onto his ass and grabbed his collar seething with anger

"Gray no! Stop it!" she shrieked

"If you EVER hurt her again, I swear to god I'll kill you myself."

Ajeel snarled at Gray his nose now bleeding, "You think you can just come in here and take her away from me?!" his voice slurring with anger.

Juvia took a shaky step towards Gray pulling him off of Ajeel, She clung to Gray for support, her eyes wide with fear

Ajeel's rage boiled over as he saw Juvia clinging onto Gray while he stood in a protective stance.

"You think you can tell me what to do? You can't do shit!" he spat, his voice echoing through the loud club.

Gray's expression was resolute as he loomed over Ajeel. "I don't need to know everything. All I know is that she's not safe with you." he seethed

In the chaos, the crowd around them began to take notice, some people murmuring and others stepping back to give the confrontation space. The club's security, alerted by the commotion, began making their way over, their presence adding to the tension.

Ajeel's face was a storm of anger and frustration. He took a threatening step towards Gray, his hand reaching for his waistband as if contemplating a violent response. Which caused Juvia to tighten her grip on his arm, something told him this wasn't the first time he's acted out like this.

"Enough!" A stern voice cut through the noise. August, having arrived with a few of his own security personnel, stepped into the fray. His gaze swept over the scene, taking in the situation with a sharp, calculating look.

"Ajeel, that's enough," August said firmly. "Let's not cause any more trouble tonight."

Ajeel's face twisted with frustration, but he seemed to recognize the authority in August's voice. He released his hold on Juvia and took a step back, his anger still evident but tempered by the presence of August and his men.

Gray pulled Juvia closer to him, keeping a protective arm around her as he watched Ajeel with wary eyes. "Are you alright?" he asked softly, his gaze fixed on Juvia.

Juvia nodded, her eyes filled with a mix of relief and exhaustion. "I just want to go home."

August nodded to the security personnel, who stepped forward to guide Ajeel away from the scene.

"Let's get out of here. I'll take you home."

Juvia nodded, her grip tightening on Gray's arm as they exited the club. The night had taken a toll on her, but she felt safe with Gray by her side.

~~Day 11 5 AM~~

"How could I have let something like this happen? and right under my nose! Damn that Ajeel..." Jose paced as Lyon and Gray stood at his desk "Sir if I may," Gray interrupted "I wish my room to be closer to Juvias." Lyon's eyes bugged and Jose raised his eyebrow "To keep a closer eye on her! That's it!" Gray blushed, of course, it sounded like he wanted to be close to her now that Ajeel was gone for good but he'd be lying if he was even happier at the thought that Ajeel would be facing prison time.

Lyon chuckled while Jose raised an eyebrow, but his expression softened as he considered Gray's request. "Alright, Gray. I understand your concern. I'll have the arrangements made so you're closer to Juvia's room. Your vigilance is appreciated."

Lyon, still chuckling, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, that'll make it easier to keep an eye on things. Good call."

Gray, still blushing, nodded and tried to look composed. "Thank you, sir. I just want to make sure she's safe."

Jose gave a reassuring smile. "I trust you'll do just that. Now, let's focus on getting everything back on track."

As the meeting concluded, Gray felt a mix of relief and excitement. Being closer to Juvia would help him keep a better watch over her, and he was committed to ensuring her safety and well-being, but the fact that he would be able to be closer to her, was what really made him excited.

It was 11:30 at night as Gray stabbed the instant mac n' cheese he made himself for dinner and scrolled his phone aimlessly until a familiar knock was on his door, making his way to his door in just his sweatpants he opened it, the hallway was cool and dark, and right in front of him stood Juvia in a knee-length black satin nightgown and a matching black robe with her hair in tangles "Juvia?" she looked up at him and fidgeted with her fingers "Can I come in?"

Gray's heart skipped a beat as he saw Juvia standing there, her sleepy appearance and the uncertainty in her eyes tugging at his heartstrings. He quickly stepped aside, opening the door wider to let her in.

"Of course," he said softly, trying to keep his voice steady. "Come on in."

Juvia entered the room hesitantly, her eyes flicking around the space before she settled into a spot by the bed. Gray closed the door behind her and turned to face her, a mixture of concern and curiosity in his expression.

"What's on your mind?" he asked gently

Juvia took a deep breath, her fingers still fidgeting as she looked down. "I… I just needed to talk to someone. I didn't want to be alone."

Gray nodded understandingly "Sit down. We can talk."

Juvia sat down, the silk of her robe rustling softly. Gray sat beside her, giving her the space she needed while still being close enough to offer support. He watched her closely, his concern evident.

"Is there something specific you want to talk about, or…?" Gray began, his voice gentle.

Juvia hesitated for a moment before speaking, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm just… feeling overwhelmed. Everything that's happened lately... It's been too much." she looked at her hands in her lap and began to fidget

Gray reached out and placed a comforting hand on her on hers. "I can imagine... You don't have to go through this alone. I'm here for you, okay?"

Juvia nodded, a tear slipping down her cheek as she looked at him. "Thank you, Gray. It means a lot to me."

Gray offered a reassuring smile, and wiped the tear from her cheek "Anytime."

Juvia took a deep breath and seemed to relax a little, "I just needed to know that someone cares. And you do."

Gray's heart ached for her, and he leaned in slightly, his voice soft. "Of course, I care. You're important to me, Juvia." Juvia looked deep into his eyes and Gray's heart fluttered, and it wasn't long before their lips were moving together.

The suddenness of the kiss took Gray by surprise, but as Juvia's lips met his, he found himself completely immersed in the moment. The intensity of their emotions poured into the kiss, both seeking comfort and solace from each other's presence.

Gray's hands gently cupped her face, his thumbs brushing against her cheeks as the kiss deepened. It was a mix of desperation and tenderness, a way to convey the feelings they had been holding back. Juvia's response was immediate, her arms wrapping around his neck, pulling him closer.

Gray's heart was racing, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. He looked into Juvia's eyes, seeing the vulnerability and the need for connection reflected back at him.

"Juvia…" he whispered, his voice trembling slightly.

Juvia bit her lip, her eyes still locked on his. "I just... I need to feel close to someone."

His heart ached for her, and he gently brushed a stray tear from her cheek. "I'm here for you, Always."

The intensity of the moment and the feelings he had for Juvia clashed with the reality of the situation. His breath was heavy as he looked down at her, her tangled hair spread out on the bed, her eyes filled with emotion, it was almost too much for him.

Leaning down, he tucked a wild hair behind her ear "You are so beautiful..." Juvia blushed but said nothing instead she began to cry

"No one has ever said that to me before." she looked up into his eyes and something in her snapped, a man she'd only known for a week was now on top of her practically half-naked in HIS bed, then again, it was HIS room and he could wear whatever he wanted but now as the two lay there with just a thin piece of satin preventing their bare chests from coming in contact. Gray leaned in and gave her a soft kiss

"I'll tell you every single day then."

Juvia's tears fell silently as Gray gently kissed her again, this time slower, more tender. The vulnerability she felt, lying there so close to him, melted into something warm, something she hadn't experienced in a long time—safety. His words echoed in her mind, a promise she never thought anyone would make to her, let alone someone like Gray.

She buried her face into his chest, her hands resting on his bare skin as she whispered, "You don't have to do that… You don't have to say things you don't mean."

Gray's hold on her tightened slightly, his thumb brushing her cheek, wiping away her tears. "I'm not saying it just to make you feel better, Juvia," he said, his voice steady and sincere. "I mean every word."

Her heart swelled at his words, but doubt still lingered. "But... after everything I've been through… why would you care about me? Why would you even want to?"

Gray shifted, propping himself up on his elbow, and gazed down at her. "Because you're worth caring about," he said firmly, locking eyes with her. "I see you, Juvia. I see the pain, the strength, the kindness... You don't need to prove anything to me or anyone else. You're enough."

Juvia stared at him, her lip quivering as his words sank in. Slowly, she began to smile through her tears, the weight on her heart feeling a little lighter. "Gray…" she whispered, her fingers grazing his cheek.

He smiled softly, leaning into her touch. "I'm here. And I'm not going anywhere."

They lay there, wrapped in each other's arms, the tension easing as they found comfort in the silence. It wasn't about passion or impulse anymore; it was about two people finding solace in each other's presence, healing wounds neither of them had realized were still open. And for the first time in a long time, Juvia felt like she wasn't alone.

~~Day 15~~

Gray groggily blinked awake, his arm still wrapped around Juvia as the early morning light filtered through the curtains. He glanced at her, still peacefully asleep on top of him, her soft breathing steady against his chest. For the fourth night in a row, she had ended up in his bed, and though she claimed it was accidental, Gray knew better.

He smiled to himself, and held her closer to him. He could feel the warmth of her body against his, and for a moment, everything else—the drama, the danger, the uncertainty—faded away. In these quiet moments, nothing else mattered.

Juvia stirred slightly in her sleep. Gray brushed a few stray strands of hair from her face, watching her as she slept, looking so vulnerable yet so at peace.

How did we end up here? he thought to himself, feeling a mix of emotions. It wasn't long ago that they were just coworkers, but something had changed between them. Every night she came to him, he knew she was seeking comfort, safety, and maybe even something more. And deep down, he wanted to give her all of that.

"Juvia…" he whispered softly, not wanting to wake her, but needing to acknowledge this quiet intimacy between them.

He knew she'd wake up soon and make an excuse or pretend it was all part of some routine. But Gray didn't mind. He'd wait for her to be ready to admit it—admit that this wasn't an accident, that she wanted to be close to him just as much as he wanted to be close to her. With a quiet sigh, he kissed her forehead again, savoring the moment before the day would inevitably pull them apart.

Juvia slowly opened her sapphire eyes "Mmm Good Morning." she mumbled into his chest, Gray couldn't help but chuckle at her

"Good Morning sweetheart." Juvia smiled at him and slid out of his bed putting a baggy sweatshirt on over her blue pajama shorts- which were actually a pair of Gray's boxers she had stolen from him one night- hiding her hands in the sleeves and snuggled in Gray's lap

"Don't make me go to this stupid party tonight, I'd rather stay here."

Gray chuckled, feeling the weight of Juvia's body pressing gently against him as she traced his tattoo with her finger. "You know I'd rather have you all to myself," he said, pulling her closer to him "But a party's a small price to pay if it means we get to come back here and do this again."

Juvia let out a playful groan, burying her face into the crook of his neck. "I hate them... Everyone's always judging and whispering. I'd rather be right here where it's warm and safe...with you."

He kissed the top of her cheek, feeling her relax in his arms. "I'll be with you the whole time. We'll sneak out early if it gets too unbearable. Deal?"

Juvia looked up at him with a small smile, her eyes still half-lidded with sleep. "Deal. But you're buying me ice cream after," she teased.

"Anything for you," Gray whispered, holding her a little tighter. With a pinch on her butt from Gray, Juvia scampered back to her bedroom to get ready for her day.

~~The Banquet~~

In the grand study of the Porla estate, Jose, Lyon, and Gray sat around an ornate oak table as the soft glow of the chandelier overhead illuminated the stack of papers before them. Jose, looking as composed as ever, picked up a list of the confirmed guests for the evening's banquet, his fingers skimming over the names with practiced precision.

"The guest list for tonight's event is quite extensive," Jose began, his voice steady. "These aren't just random socialites. We have some serious powerhouses attending, so we need to ensure security is flawless."

Lyon, who had been lounging in his chair, suddenly straightened, flipping through his copy of the guest list. "Let's see... we've got several high-ranking members of the Alvarez family attending. That includes Ajeel's father, August, and his associates. Some influential businesspeople, politicians... and, wait...Ajeel is listed."

Gray's eyes darkened at the mention of Ajeel, but he said nothing, instead focusing on the list in front of him. "What about Juvia? Is she expected to mingle with them tonight?" He tried to keep his voice steady, but it wasn't hard to detect the slight tension beneath it.

Jose glanced at him. "Of course. She's expected to attend and make the rounds as the family representative. Her presence is critical, especially with the Alvarez family involved. I expect you to keep a close eye on her, Gray." it had almost felt like no one cared about the Ajeel incident anymore, and was ready to forget everything.

Gray nodded, his jaw clenched. "She'll be safe."

Lyon looked between the two men, sensing the tension in the room. "There's also Gajeel, another family tie, but he's not listed. Could be a no-show, or maybe he'll make a surprise appearance."

Jose waved his hand dismissively. "Gajeel's unpredictable. If he shows, he shows. Focus on the people who matter—like August. We don't want any incidents, especially with the Alvarez family present. Keep things smooth, gentlemen."

Gray's mind raced, the banquet was at 7 PM tonight and with Ajeel attending, the evening suddenly felt a lot more dangerous than just a simple banquet.

In the garage, Gray began to wash his car with a fierce determination, scrubbing away at the paint as if this would erase the anxiety of tonight gnawing at him. The heavy metal blasting in his ears only added to the rhythm of his movements, each stroke of the sponge against the car's surface a way to channel his frustrations and fears.

The sound of the music was a welcome distraction, its aggressive beats matching the intensity of his thoughts. He couldn't shake the worry about Ajeel. The fact that he'd be at the banquet, potentially crossing paths with Juvia, made his stomach churn. He threw the wet sponge at the wall and slouched against the wall resting his head against it

"What the fuck..." he huffed and ran a wet hand through his hair

He glanced at the clock—less than an hour before the event. Despite the music, he couldn't escape the creeping concern that Juvia might be walking into a situation she was unprepared for. He knew he had to keep a close watch on her tonight, not only for her safety but also to make sure that Ajeel's presence wouldn't endanger her.

He finished up quickly, tossing the cleaning supplies aside, and headed back toward the house to get ready for the evening but stopped short at the sound of shattered glass,

Gray's heart raced as he sprinted toward Juvia's room, he reached her door and burst in, his eyes quickly scanning the room for any sign of trouble.

Juvia was standing near the vanity, her hands shaking as she stared at the broken pieces of a shattered mirror on the floor. Her face was pale, her eyes wide with a mix of shock and distress. She was still in her pajamas, clearly having been in a state of panic when the mirror broke.

"Juvia!" Gray's voice was urgent but calm as he approached her. "Are you okay?"

She looked up at him, her eyes brimming with tears. "I—I didn't mean to. It just-"

Gray moved closer, carefully avoiding the glass shards. "It's okay. Let me help you."

He gently guided her away from the broken mirror and started to clean up the glass, his movements deliberate and careful. Juvia sat on the edge of the bed, her hands still trembling as she watched him.

"It's just... the thought of tonight and Ajeel..." Juvia's voice cracked as she spoke. "I don't know if I'm ready for this. I don't know if I can."

Gray glanced at her, his expression softening. "I understand. It's going to be okay, think of it as just a formality, I'll be with you all night, nothing is going to happen."

He finished cleaning up the glass and turned back to Juvia, taking a deep breath. "We'll go to this banquet and I'll make sure nothing goes wrong. I promise."

Gray and Lyon chatted in the hallways dressed in their best suits as the guests mingled in

"Whoa..." Lyon gasped

Gray's conversation with Lyon trailed off as Lyon nudged him, gesturing toward the grand staircase. Gray turned, and his breath caught in his throat. There, descending the stairs, was Juvia in a long, lace-up dusty rose dress that hugged her figure perfectly. The dress had an elegant yet sensual design, accentuating the curve of her bare back with delicate lacework that shimmered subtly under the soft lighting of the banquet hall.

For a moment, everything around him seemed to fade as Gray stared at her in awe. The way the dress flowed gracefully with each step she took, combined with the soft curls framing her face, made her look ethereal. Juvia's presence was captivating, and Gray felt his heart race as their eyes met for a fleeting second.

Lyon chuckled under his breath, clearly noticing the effect Juvia had on Gray. "Looks like you're not the only one who's mesmerized," Lyon whispered, nodding toward a few other guests who had also turned their heads to admire her entrance.

Gray swallowed hard, feeling a mix of pride and admiration as he watched her approach. He couldn't help but smile, his gaze softening as Juvia reached the bottom of the stairs.

"You look... beautiful," Gray said, his voice barely above a whisper when she was finally close enough to hear.

Juvia smiled back, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. "Thank you, Gray."

It was clear from the way they looked at each other that tonight was going to be special, despite the looming presence of Ajeel. But in that moment, all that mattered was the connection between them.

Gray extended his hand out to her, "May I escort you tonight Ms. Juvia?" asking with a smirk

Juvia looked at Gray's extended hand, her lips curving into a soft smile as she placed her hand in his. "Why, of course, Mr. Fullbuster," she replied with a playful tone, matching his smirk.

Gray gently pulled her closer, linking her arm to his

"I promise you'll be in good hands tonight," he said, his voice low and full of confidence.

As they walked together into the banquet hall, Gray couldn't help but glance at her every few moments, still in awe of how stunning she looked. Juvia seemed to glow, and with Gray by her side, the two of them turned more than a few heads as they moved through the crowd.

For a moment, it was just the two of them in their own world, despite the many guests, lavish décor, and the grand atmosphere of the Porla Estate. "So," Gray said, leaning in slightly, "anything in particular you're looking forward to tonight? Or are we both just trying to survive this thing?" His smirk returned, but there was a softness in his eyes as he gazed at her.

Hushed moans came from behind the locked bathroom door away from all of the party guests. Gray's breath was warm against Juvia's skin as he pressed closer, his hands firmly gripping her thighs, pulling her against him. Juvia tilted her head back, her eyes fluttering shut as his lips found the sensitive spot on her neck, sending shivers down her spine. She tightened her arms around his neck, pulling him even closer.

The quiet intensity of the moment, their shared breaths, and the muffled sounds of the party outside the bathroom door only added to the tension. Every kiss and every touch felt electric, and the world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in their stolen moment. Juvia's fingers tangled in Gray's hair as her heart raced, lost in the passion of the moment.

But deep down, there was always that lingering thought—the risk they were taking, the thin line they were walking between desire and reality. Gray's kisses grew more intense as his hands roamed up Juvia's thighs, their breaths heavy and the tension thick between them. Juvia tilted her head back, her fingers tangling in his hair as she bit her lip, trying to keep quiet.

He pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against hers, his breath hot against her lips. "Are you sure about this?" he asked softly, his hands still gripping her thighs, but his eyes searching hers for reassurance.

Juvia nodded, her eyes half-lidded, and leaned in, pressing her lips to his again with urgency. He smiled against her lips as she nibbled on his bottom lip, groaning at the sensation he moved his hands up further on her thighs.

Gray's pulse quickened as he felt the delicate fabric of her thong under his fingers. He tugged gently, teasing her as his lips pressed firmly against hers. Juvia responded by biting his bottom lip again, her hands sliding down to grip his shoulders, pulling him closer to her.

The heat between them was undeniable, and Gray's breath hitched as he moved his hand up further, exploring her skin with soft but possessive touches. He pulled back slightly, meeting her gaze for a moment, their faces inches apart, as if savoring the tension.

"You're driving me crazy, I just want to bury myself into you," he whispered, his voice low and husky, before capturing her lips again, this time deeper and slower, as if savoring every second.

Juvia didn't say a word instead, she reached behind her and tugged the string that held her dress up causing it to fall to her hips and exposing her naked chest, Gray's heart skipped a beat when he saw her, her breasts were as perfect as the rest of her. His hands shook as he wrapped his hands around them and began to massage them. Juvia leaned her head back and sighed seductively, as he kissed between her breasts he couldn't help but notice the fading bruise of a hand on her shoulder, it must have been from Ajeel.

Gray kissed her shoulder and the fingertip prints on her pale skin, "You don't deserve any of this." he made his way up and down her torso kissing every single bruise. Juvia held back her tears from his words, she knew she didn't deserve any of this but she was trapped. Gray's fingers slid into her ever so slowly and began to rub her feeling her growing wetter by the second. He felt her begin to squirm at his touch

"Do you want me to stop?" he whispered into her ear sending a chill up her spine

"N-no," she managed to breathe out, her breath shaky. Gray continued, slowly building up speed, he knew what he was doing and Juvia couldn't have been happier about that seeing how Ajeel never took his time like Gray does, never asks her first before he touches her, no foreplay, no love behind it at all. But Gray? he was the complete opposite, every touch was like a feather on her skin, she'd never been happier to have sex with someone other than Gray

"I want to show you something," Gray helped her off the sink and faced her to look in the mirror, Juvia looked away from her battered reflection, ashamed at all of her bruises and the way she looked but Gray tilted her chin to look at him in the mirror

"You are so beautiful, these? these are nothing, these aren't what makes you, what makes you you, is your beautiful smile, your compassion, everything about you is beautiful to me. In my eyes, you don't have a single flaw at all," Gray lifted her wrist and kissed the inside of it "To me, you're perfect." the tender moment between the two had both of their hearts racing as she turned around and attacked his lips with hers, Gray held her tight as she wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled his face closer to hers fearing if she let him go he'd disappear.

The two broke for air, both of their faces flushed, Gray's black suit jacket had been pushed off and his black undershirt had 4 buttons undone, Gray Caressed her breasts kissing and licking them feeling her body heating up underneath his touch. He began to undo his pants but suddenly, a knock came from the bathroom door,

"Juvia are you in there?" Juvia froze in Gray's arms, her heart racing. The sound of Ajeel's voice just outside the bathroom door sent a wave of panic through her. Gray pulled back slightly, his eyes narrowing as he heard the knock. He clenched his jaw, his mind racing as well, but his hands remained steady on her thighs.

"Juvia? Juvia open the fucking door!" Ajeel called again, his voice growing impatient. Juvia's breath hitched, and she glanced at Gray, her eyes wide with fear and urgency. Gray quickly leaned in, whispering against her ear, "Stay calm... I've got you." He placed a soft kiss on her cheek before carefully helping her down from the sink lacing her dress back up.

Juvia took a deep breath and quickly whispered, "Hide," pointing to a nearby closet in the bathroom. Gray nodded, slipping into the small space as quietly as he could.

Juvia adjusted her dress and opened the door slightly, peeking out at Ajeel. "Ajeel?" Her voice wavered, but she forced herself to appear calm.

Ajeel shoved his way into the large bathroom locking the door behind him grabbed both of her wrists hard and slammed her into the wall with a rage so intense her head bounced against the wall, his eyes felt like he was looking straight into her soul.

Juvia's heart raced as his grip tightened around her wrists, his eyes blazing with fury. The impact against the wall jarred her, and she winced as pain shot through her back.

"Ajeel, please," she pleaded, trying to pull her wrists free, but his grip was unyielding. "You're hurting me!" she whimpered quietly

His face was close to hers, his breath hot and ragged. "What were you doing in here, Juvia? Who were you with?"

Juvia swallowed hard, her voice trembling. "I was just... I was just trying to get away from everything. I needed some time alone."

Ajeel's eyes narrowed, his anger not subsiding. He leaned in even closer grabbing her face with one hand, his voice a dangerous whisper. "I know you're lying. I want the truth, NOW!"

"ANSWER ME!" He slammed his fist into the wall beside her head, causing her to flinch. "You're lying. You've been sneaking around with him, haven't you? you fucking whore." His voice was venomous, and Juvia felt trapped.

Ajeel smacked her so hard across the face that she fell to the bathroom floor, screaming at her. Juvia yelped and held her cheek with tears streaming down her face

Gray couldn't take it anymore after he heard Juvia fall to the floor, he kicked the closet down without a second thought and tackled Ajeel to the ground punching his face with each blow harder and harder.

The impact of Gray's kick sent Ajeel crashing to the floor, the rage in Gray's eyes matching the intensity of his blows. Juvia scrambled to her feet, her face bruised and tear-streaked, as she watched Gray pummel Ajeel with a fury that seemed to come from deep within.

"Don't you EVER touch her again!" Gray roared, his fists raining down with relentless force, each punch driven by the raw anger and protective instinct he felt for Juvia. Ajeel tried to shield himself, but Gray's blows were precise and fueled by the intense emotion surging through him.

Juvia scrambled to her feet, her face flushed with pain and fear, but she couldn't tear her eyes away from the brutal scene. The sound of the fight, the adrenaline, and the sheer intensity left her paralyzed for a moment.

Ajeel managed to push Gray off, scrambling to his feet, his face bloodied and his anger now mingled with shock. "You think you can just come in here and act like a hero?!" he spat, his voice hoarse.

Gray, breathing heavily, took a step forward, ready to continue, but Ajeel was too quick and began to attack Gray. Juvia rushed to stand between them, her voice breaking. "Stop, both of you!"

The men continued to brawl, crashing to the floor Ajeel managed to get on top of him with a piece of glass from a vase they had broken and sliced Gray right above his left eyebrow.

Juvia's screams of terror filled the room as she watched the brutal fight escalate. Gray grunted in pain as Ajeel pressed the shard of glass against his skin, blood trickling down his face. The sight of Gray's hurt sent a wave of desperation through her.

"STOP IT!" she cried, desperately trying to pull Ajeel off Gray. She grabbed at Ajeel's arms, but he shrugged her away with a rough shove causing her to fall onto the floor again.

Ajeel, still fueled by rage, pressed the shard closer, but Gray managed to twist beneath him, using his strength to push Ajeel away. With a final, powerful shove, Gray threw Ajeel off, scrambling to his feet despite the searing pain from the cut above his eyebrow.

Gray's eyes locked onto Juvia's, filled with a mix of pain and determination. "Get out of here, Juvia," he urged, his voice strained but firm.

Juvia hesitated, tears streaming down her face. "No, I—"

"Now!" Gray shouted, his voice leaving no room for argument.

Juvia nodded, reluctantly backing away towards the door. She looked back one last time before fleeing, her sobs echoing through the hall as she sought safety.

Gray faced Ajeel, his stance fierce despite the injury. The two men were locked in a tense standoff, breathing heavily and covered in blood and sweat

"Get out of my way Fullbuster." Ajeel charged him while Gray braced himself ready for his attack but what he didn't prepare for was the sudden burst of a sharp pain from his right side. Ajeel smirked and pushed Gray to the ground in a puddle of his blood with a long shard of glass sticking out of him, "Shoulda moved." Ajeel smirked and followed Juvia.

Gray lay on the cold bathroom floor, struggling to breathe through the intense pain searing from his side. The glass shard, now embedded in his flesh, caused a wave of nausea to wash over him. He tried to push himself up, but the weight of the injury made it nearly impossible.

His vision was starting to blur, but he forced himself to focus on Ajeel, who was storming out of the bathroom in pursuit of Juvia. With every ounce of strength he could muster, Gray dragged himself towards the door, but the pain was overwhelming.

"J-Juvia…" he managed to croak out, the name barely a whisper on his lips as he tried to stand. But his legs were weak, and he slumped back to the floor, helpless.

As Ajeel barreled down the hall, Gray could hear the distant sounds of Juvia's terrified cries. His heart ached knowing she was in danger, but he was in no condition to follow.

In a final desperate act, Gray reached for his phone, fumbling with it as he dialed for help. His fingers were slick with his blood, and the screen seemed to slip from his grasp. But he clung to it, managing to hit the call button.

"Help…please," he whispered into the phone, his voice barely audible.

The line rang as Gray tried to stay conscious, his vision dimming. He heard Lyon on the other end, but he could barely make out the words. His mind was fading in and out, but he held on, knowing he needed to do everything in his power to protect Juvia, even if he couldn't be there physically.

The last thing he saw before everything went dark was the blurred outline of the bathroom door, and he hoped with every part of him that someone would come to Juvia's aid before it was too late.

Gray slowly opened his eyes, wincing at the bright lights above him. The beeping of the heart monitor and the soft rustling of movement around him were the first things he became aware of. The sterile smell of the hospital room filled his senses, and he turned his head to see Jose and a nurse standing beside his bed.

"Gray! Thank God you're awake," Jose said, relief washing over his face. "You've been out for a few hours. We were worried." as he sat on the hospital chair in the room.

Gray tried to speak, but his voice was raspy and weak. He glanced down at his body, noticing the bandages and IV drip. He attempted to sit up, but the pain in his side made him wince.

"Juvia…" he managed to croak out, his voice barely audible.

Jose's expression turned serious. "She's safe. We got to her in time, and she's being looked after. She's shaken up, but she's alright."

Gray's eyes closed in relief. Despite the pain, knowing Juvia was safe was a massive relief for him. He tried to focus on Jose's words, but the exhaustion and pain were overwhelming.

"Did you get him?" Gray asked, his voice trembling.

"Yes," Jose confirmed. "Ajeel is in custody. We're doing everything we can to keep him there. "

Gray nodded, his eyes fluttering shut again. "Thank you," he murmured, before drifting back into a restless sleep, the pain and exhaustion finally overtaking him.

As he lay there, he couldn't help but think of Juvia and hope that she was beginning to heal, both physically and emotionally, from the traumatic events of the night.

"You should have told him," Lyon muttered as he leaned on his knees

"How can I tell him when he's in this state? Everything is under control so let's keep it that way, and if there becomes a problem, I'll handle it myself this time. For now, I want security doubled outside of the estate at all times." Lyon sighed and headed to the door out of Gray's room looking at his friend asleep in a hospital bed bruised and cut up because of his dedication to this one woman with who he held so much love for 'Something bad is going to happen...I can feel it.

~~3 Days Later~~

As Gray walked through the estate, the familiar faces and greetings felt distant, overshadowed by his urgent desire to see Juvia. He made his way to her room, his heart pounding with anticipation and nerves.

When he reached her door, he hesitated for a moment, took a deep breath, and knocked gently. "Juvia, it's me," he said softly, hoping she was alone. "Can I come in?"

He waited, barely able to contain his excitement. The door opened slowly, and there she stood, her eyes widening in surprise and joy at the sight of him. Her expression softened, and she took a hesitant step forward.

"Gray...You're-"

Before she could say anything more, he stepped inside her room and closed the door behind him. With a mixture of relief and longing, he took her into his arms, holding her close.

"I've missed you so much," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion.

Juvia hugged him tightly, causing Gray to wince in pain with her tight hug, tears of relief and happiness streaming down her face. "I've missed you too. I was so worried…"

Gray winced as Juvia tightened her embrace, but he didn't let go, burying his face in her hair as a wave of emotion hit him. It felt like everything he had been holding in—the fear, the pain, the longing—was finally allowed to surface.

"I'm okay," he murmured into her hair, trying to reassure her, though his body still ached. "I'm here now, and I'm not going anywhere."

Juvia pulled back just enough to look into his eyes, her tears still fresh, but there was a soft smile filled with relief. "You scared me..." she admitted, her voice trembling. "I thought I lost you…"

Gray shook his head, kissing one of her tears away. "You'll never lose me, Juvia," he said firmly, his gaze intense and filled with love. "I'll always be by your side."

The room was filled with a comforting silence as they held each other, both finding solace in the presence of the other. The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them and the promise of a future together.

~~Midnight~~

Gray's room was dimly lit by the soft glow of a bedside lamp, casting gentle shadows around the room. When Juvia entered, her silhouette was framed by the door, and Gray's face lit up with a warm, inviting smile.

As she made her way to him, he opened his arms, and she slipped into them, feeling the familiar comfort of his embrace. Gray's kiss was deep and passionate, filled with all the emotions that words couldn't fully express.

After a long, lingering kiss, he pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against hers. "There's my girl," he whispered, his voice filled with affection, Juvia melted into Gray's embrace, her heart swelling with warmth

"Mmm, I missed this." Gray nuzzled her neck tickling the sensitive spot on her neck.

Juvia let out a soft, delighted shiver as Gray's gentle nuzzling sent waves of pleasure through her. She tilted her head to give him better access, a small, happy smile playing on her lips.

"It feels so good to be close to you," she whispered, her voice barely audible as she pressed her cheek against his.

Gray continued to nuzzle her, his breath warm against her skin. "I missed you too, Juvia. More than I can say."

Her heart skipped a beat and placed a hand on his sculpted chest tracing his tattoo, he caught her wand and kissed the inside of her wrist, Gray's touch was gentle as he kissed the inside of her wrist, and Juvia's breath caught in her throat at the tenderness of the gesture. Despite the pain from her dislocated wrist, she felt a sense of solace and warmth in his arms. For now, she chose to focus on the comfort and love they shared rather than the physical discomfort.

"Gray..."

"Yes?"Juvia's cheeks flushed bright red but Gray smiled at her waiting for her to finish

"Make love to me..." Gray froze, heat creeping up his cheeks as he looked at her still holding her hand

"Are...Are you sure?" he whispered,

Juvia's eyes met his, her expression sincere and filled with longing. She nodded slightly, her cheeks flushed with a mix of desire and vulnerability. "Yes, I'm sure. I want to be with you... all of you."

Gray's heart raced as he looked at her, feeling a surge of emotion. He gently cupped her face in his hands, brushing his thumb over her cheek. "I want that too," he said softly, his voice filled with affection. "But I want to make sure it's right for both of us."

He leaned in and kissed her tenderly, his lips brushing against hers with a deep, lingering warmth. His hands moved to her waist, pulling her closer, and he took a deep breath, focusing on the moment and their connection. His hand slid up her matching black and blue checkered pajama shirt and grabbed her breast while kissing her deeply, she moaned against his lip and tugged his hair.

Juvia unbuttoned her pajama top slowly exposing herself to him, even though he had seen her like this before, but this time felt different, more intimate. Gray's breath caught as Juvia unbuttoned her pajama top, revealing her bare skin to him. He gently cupped her face, his eyes soft with love and desire. "You're so beautiful," he whispered, his voice full of reverence.

He took his time, exploring her body with tender touches, his hands tracing her curves with care. He wanted this moment to be special for her, a deep expression of his love.

Juvia responded with equal tenderness, her hands roaming over his body, feeling his warmth and tracing the ridges on his abdomen. The intimacy between them grew, their movements becoming more synchronized, each touch and kiss a testament to their deep bond.

As they made love, the world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them wrapped in each other's embrace, their love intertwining with every touch and whisper. Juvia gasped with every thrust and she couldn't help bucking her hips into him

"G-Gray...I-I I don't know if I can take much more!" Gray could feel her body tensing under his touch and he smirked taking her beautiful legs and putting them over his shoulders and began to pick up the pace, her breasts bounced like jello every time he slammed into her and it only made him more aroused

"Tell me what you need Sweetheart, what can I do to help?" He mumbled next to her ear, nibbling her earlobe

"Gray, please…" she gasped, her voice breathless with a mixture of pleasure and desperation.

She clung to him, her body trembling with the intensity of the moment. "Just… don't stop," she gasped her voice a mix of need and vulnerability. "I want to feel all of you."

Gray's smirk softened into a look of deep affection. He continued to move with her, his hands and lips working in harmony to bring her the pleasure she desired. He stayed attuned to her responses, adjusting his touch to ensure she was both comfortable and fulfilled.

The room was filled with their combined moans and whispers, the intensity of their connection palpable. They moved together, lost in each other and it wasn't long until she exploded around him, her nails dug into Gray's shoulders as he finished in sync with her.

Juvia's eyes softened as she gazed at Gray, her heart swelling with affection and admiration. The intimacy they shared had brought them even closer, deepening their bond in ways they hadn't anticipated. The room was filled with a sense of calm and contentment, a stark contrast to the chaos that had surrounded them recently.

"That was...," she said softly, tracing a gentle finger along his chest. Her voice was filled with sincerity and warmth. "I've never felt so loved and cared for."

Gray looked at her with a tender smile, his eyes reflecting the depth of his love for her. "It's because you mean everything to me, Juvia. I'd do anything to make you feel safe and loved."

They lay there in comfortable silence for a moment, simply enjoying each other's presence. Gray reached out and brushed a strand of hair from Juvia's face, his touch tender and affectionate.

"Thank you," Juvia whispered, her eyes meeting his. "For everything."

Gray wrapped his arm around Juvia, pulling her closer as they basked in the tranquility of the moment. The warmth of her body against his, the steady rhythm of her breath, and the quiet intimacy between them felt perfect. He could feel the weight of the past few weeks slowly fade away, replaced with something deeper—something lasting.

"Juvia," Gray murmured, brushing his lips against her hair, "I don't think I could ever imagine my life without you now."

Juvia looked up at him, her sapphire eyes shimmering with emotion. "Neither could I," she whispered, resting her hand on his cheek. "I've always wanted to be by your side, no matter what."

Gray smiled, feeling a surge of affection. "Then stay with me," he said softly. "Forever." she smiled against his skin and got out of bed wrapping her robe around herself, "Aren't you staying?" Gray asked a little scared. She smiled at him and shook her head "I have a gift for you but I left it in my room I'll be right back!"

Gray watched Juvia leave the room, his heart swelling with affection. He leaned back against the pillows, still feeling the warmth of her presence lingering. "A gift, huh?" he muttered to himself, smirking at the thought.

As he waited, his mind drifted to everything they'd been through, from the moments of tension and danger to this quiet, intimate peace they now shared. He couldn't help but wonder what she had in store for him, but more than that, he marveled at how deeply they had grown to care for each other.

"How did I get so lucky?" he whispered, his gaze fixed on the door, waiting for her return. Juvia had brought a light into his life that he hadn't even realized he was missing, and the idea of spending every day by her side made his heart race.

He smiled to himself, excitement bubbling up as he heard her coming back to him, a smile on his face and ready to wrap her in his arms again, but it wasn't Juvia.

Gray froze as his eyes locked onto the hooded figure standing in his doorway, a gun aimed directly at him. His muscles tensed, adrenaline flooding his system. Without thinking, his hands raised in a non-threatening gesture.

"Who the hell are you?" Gray demanded, his voice low but steady, despite the fear creeping in.

The figure didn't respond immediately, only tightened their grip on the gun. The silence was suffocating, the tension in the air thick and dangerous.

"Stay where you are," the figure finally growled, voice distorted, as if they were deliberately trying to mask their identity.

Gray's mind raced, desperately trying to figure out how this person had gotten in and what they wanted. Was Juvia in danger? Had they hurt her?

"Where's Juvia?" Gray asked through gritted teeth, his heart pounding.

The figure tilted their head slightly but didn't answer. The gun remained trained on Gray, unwavering.

"Listen," Gray began cautiously, trying to keep the situation from spiraling. "If this is about money, we can—"

"It's not about money," the figure interrupted sharply, voice cold and menacing. "It's about payback."

Gray's stomach dropped, the pieces falling into place. This wasn't random. Whoever this was had come for him—perhaps tied to Ajeel or someone else seeking revenge for what had happened.

But before Gray could make another move, a sharp voice cut through the air from behind the figure. "Get away from him!"

It was Juvia. She stood in the hallway, her eyes blazing with fury as she clutched something tightly in her hand—one of Gray's knives that he had given to stood in the doorway, gripping the knife with trembling hands but fierce determination in her eyes. Gray's heart swelled with a mix of fear and pride. He had given her that knife to protect herself, hoping she'd never have to use it, but here she was, standing her ground. The figure looked between the two of them before dashing off at the sound of Lyon and his team rushing up the stairs

"Hey! Stop right there!" Lyon yelled before to intruder jumped out of the window he must have broken in from, Juvia, trembling, clutched the knife tightly in her hand, her face pale. She looked over at Gray with wide, terrified eyes.

"Are you okay?" Gray asked calmly, but his voice filled with concern as he moved toward her reaching slowly for the knife that was still shaking in her hands

"I-I'm fine," Juvia stammered, though her voice was shaky. "I just… I wanted to protect you." Gray took her into his arms placing the knife on his desk

"It's all right, I'm here," he mumbled against her hair. Lyon looked out the window scanning for the man but he was nowhere to be seen

"We need to find out who that was and fast," he said, his voice tense. "They could come back, and we need to make sure Juvia and you-."

Gray cut him off "No. Not her AND me, this is about Juvia's safety first and foremost. We need to increase security around the estate and make sure every entry point is covered. And Juvia," he said, turning back to her, "stay close. I don't want you out of my sight until we figure out what's going on."

Juvia nodded, tears brimming in her eyes. "I'm so sorry, Gray. I didn't mean to—"

"It's not your fault," Gray interrupted gently. "You did what you had to do to protect us. Let's just focus on staying safe and figuring out what just happened."

Lyon headed back to coordinate with the security team while Gray took Juvia's hand, leading her back to the bed. He wanted to reassure her, to help her calm down after the terrifying encounter.

Lyon was back in Gray's room with a gentle knock on the frame, "Gray, a sec?" He leaned and kissed Juvia right on the lips in front of him "I'll be right back." she smiled as the two men walked out to the hallway closing the door behind him.

In the hallway, Lyon glanced at Gray, his expression serious. "The security team is on high alert. We're checking the cameras and reviewing the footage from tonight. We'll figure out who that was."

Gray's mind still racing from the encounter. "I want to know everything. How did they get past security? What was their motive? Who the fuck even was it?"

Lyon's gaze softened slightly. "We'll get to the bottom of this. For now, let's make sure the security measures are tightened and keep everyone safe."

"Thanks, Lyon," Gray said, his voice low but filled with gratitude. "I'll be in touch as soon as I know more."

As Lyon headed off to coordinate with the security team, Gray returned to his door but when he opened it, his stomach dropped. Juvia was gone. the blanket and her robe were off of the bed in a heap and his bedroom window was wide open "FUCK! LYON SHE'S GONE!"

The estate erupted into chaos as Gray's shout echoed through the halls. Lyon quickly coordinated with the security team, ordering a full sweep of the estate and surrounding area. Jose, visibly distressed, joined Gray and Lyon, trying to organize the search.

"Start from the grounds and work outward," Lyon instructed his team. "We need to search every inch of the property and the surrounding area. Look for any signs of disturbance or anything unusual."

Gray paced anxiously, his mind racing with fear and worry for Juvia's safety. "How could this have happened? We were just—"

"Gray, we need to stay focused," Jose said firmly. "The priority is to find Juvia. We'll do everything we can to bring her back safely. Let's use every resource we have."

The search began immediately. Security teams, police, and volunteers scoured the estate grounds, checking every possible hiding spot and route Juvia could have taken. Gray, though desperate to join the search, was advised to stay put to manage communication and follow up on any leads that came in.

As the night dragged on, Gray could only hope that Juvia was safe and that they would find her before it was too late. His heart ached with worry, but he knew he had to stay strong and focused if he wanted to bring her back to safety.

Gray rested his face in his hands, he was worried, and angry he just let this happen and he couldn't do a thing about it

*bzzt...bzzt...bzzt*

The buzzing of his phone pulled him back to reality, A private number?

"Who is this?" but he knew, he knew in his gut who it was but it just couldn't be possible...

"Ajeel," Gray growled, struggling to keep his composure. "Where is she? What do you want? How are you out of prison!"

Ajeel's laugh was menacing and full of malice. "Ding, ding, ding we have a winner! hahaha!"

Gray clenched his fists, trying to control his anger. Ajeel's voice became more serious. "Got out? Ha! I never even went in. I have connections everywhere Gray, remember that. Now shut up and listen, There's a warehouse on the outskirts of town. I'll send you the address. Come alone if you want Juvia to stay safe. Any attempts to bring authorities will end badly for her."

"GRAY! HELP ME!"

The line went silent for a moment as Ajeel hung up. Gray's hands shook as he stared at the screen, the address blinking at him. He immediately relayed the information to Jose and Lyon, who were by his side.

"I'm going," Gray said, his voice determined. "I'll bring her back."

"No," Jose said firmly. "We need a plan. We can't just rush in blindly."

Gray shook his head. "I don't have time. She's in danger. I'm going."

Lyon, though clearly worried, nodded. "We'll have a team on standby. You go in, get her, and we'll cover you from the outside."

With that, Gray jumped in his car and sped to the warehouse.

Juvia strained against her restraints being tied in a chair as Invel came out of the shadows.
"Well, is he coming?" Invel asked,
"Oh he'll be here, I'm not worried at all." Ajeel snorted. Invel looked at Juvia with a mixture of curiosity and disdain. "You've caused quite a stir, Ms. Lockser. It's impressive how someone so small can make such a big impact."

Juvia glared at him, her eyes filled with defiance despite her fear. "You won't get away with this. Gray will come for me."

Invel's gaze was cold and calculating. "You underestimate him, Ajeel. Gray's determined. And desperate."

Ajeel's face twisted with rage as he loomed over Juvia.

Juvia cried out as the chair toppled over, her head hitting the floor with a dull thud. The ropes dug into her wrists, and she struggled to get back on her feet.

"He's too late. By the time he gets here, it'll be too late for him and you."

Juvia tried to keep her composure, her mind racing with thoughts of Gray. She had to stay strong, for him. "He'll come for me," she said defiantly. "And he'll find a way to get us out of here."

Ajeel's laugh was harsh and cruel. "You think so? We'll see about that. Until then, maybe you and I could have some alone time..." Invel stepped out of the warehouse and closed the big doors. Ajeel whipped out a knife slicing the straps of her nightgown while also slashing her arm. Juvia gasped in pain as the knife cut through her nightgown and across her arm, the sharp sting making her flinch. Blood began to seep from the wound. She struggled against the restraints, her eyes wide with fear as she tried to get away from Ajeel.

"N-no, please!" she cried out, her voice trembling. "Please, stop!"

Ajeel's face twisted with malicious satisfaction as he stepped closer, the knife glinting in the dim light. "Oh, I'm just getting started. You see, Juvia, I've been waiting for this moment. It's time you understand the consequences of defying me."

"No! Stop it!" she cried out, her voice trembling with fear and pain. Her heart raced as she felt the cool steel of the knife dangerously close to her exposed skin. Ajeel's eyes were filled with a twisted satisfaction as he moved closer, his intentions clear. "You're not in a position to refuse me, Juvia." he bent down to whisper in her ear

"I can do anything I want to right now Sweetheart." Juvia's heart sank at the cruel mockery of the pet name she once cherished given to her by Gray. The venom in Ajeel's voice made her stomach churn with fear and despair. She clenched her teeth, trying to suppress the tears welling up in her eyes.

"You're not getting away with this, Ajeel," she said, her voice wavering but firm. "Gray will find me. He's coming for me!"

Ajeel's expression darkened with anger. "Do you think I'm afraid of Gray? He's nothing compared to me!" Ajeel grabbed the knife and to her surprise slashed her restraints freeing her. She scrambled to her feet,

but Ajeel was too quick. He tackled her to the ground with a force that knocked the breath out of her.

"Don't think for a second that you're getting away from me," Ajeel snarled, pinning her down. His grip was tight, and his breath was hot against her face.

Juvia tried to wriggle free, her hands finding the cold floor as she attempted to push him off. Her mind raced with thoughts of Gray, desperately hoping he would arrive soon. She could feel the weight of her fear, but she fought to maintain her composure, trying to remember the knife Gray had given her for protection and wishing she still had it...

Ajeel's rage seemed to fuel his strength, and he tightened his grip, making it harder for Juvia to move. "You think you're so clever, don't you?" Ajeel reached for his knife and tucked it away and out of her reach, Juvia's eyes filled with tears as she felt the crushing weight of hopelessness. Ajeel's menacing presence loomed over her flipping her over to look up at him, she fought back as hard as she could but he was just too strong. His hands found her throat and began to squeeze it making Juvia gasp for air

Juvia's vision started to blur as Ajeel's grip tightened around her throat. Panic surged through her as she struggled for breath, her hands clawing at his arms in a desperate attempt to break free. Each gasp for air became more desperate, her mind racing with thoughts of Gray and the hope that he might still be coming for her.

In her suffocating state, she managed to lock eyes with Ajeel, trying to convey a silent plea for mercy. Her breaths came in short, painful gasps, and the room seemed to spin around her.

Suddenly, a loud crash echoed through the building. The sound of breaking glass and heavy footsteps grew closer. Ajeel's grip faltered as he looked towards the noise, momentarily distracted.

Juvia used this brief moment of reprieve to wrench herself away, gasping for air as she tried to crawl toward the source of the noise. Her vision was still hazy, but she could make out a figure approaching—was it Gray? She needed to hold on just a little longer.

The door to the room burst open, and in the chaotic swirl of activity, Juvia saw Gray storm in, his face a mask of fierce determination and relief. His eyes locked onto Juvia's, and without hesitation, he moved towards her, tackling Ajeel farther away from her.

The room was filled with the sounds of clashing bodies and shattering furniture as Gray and Ajeel fought fiercely yet again. Gray, driven by a mix of fury and desperation to save Juvia, threw himself into the battle, ignoring the sharp pain from his side as his stitches tore open.

Ajeel's rage matched Gray's intensity, and their fight was brutal. Gray could feel every punch and kick, but he pushed through the pain, determined not to let Ajeel hurt Juvia any further.

Juvia watched in horror and hope as Gray and Ajeel exchanged blows. She could see the strain on Gray's face, the way his movements were affected by the injury, but he kept fighting with relentless determination. Her heart pounded in her chest as she saw the struggle between them, hoping and praying for Gray to prevail.

Finally, with a powerful swing, Gray managed to land a decisive blow, sending Ajeel crashing to the ground. The once menacing figure lay defeated, and Gray, though bleeding and exhausted, stood victorious.

He staggered towards her, her tears mixing with the relief of seeing him standing. She reached out to him, her hands trembling as she touched his side. "Gray, you're hurt…"

Gray looked at her, his face a mixture of pain and concern. "I'm okay, let's just get you out of here." He pulled her into a tender embrace, his arms trembling as he held her close.

"I'M NOT DONE YET!" Ajeel pulled out his gun but Gray was quicker, Ajeel now lay in a puddle of pooling blood around him.

The sudden, deafening gunshot reverberated through the room, and Juvia flinched, her eyes tightly shut as she tried to process the shock of what had just happened. Gray, breathless and covered in blood, stood over Ajeel's lifeless body, his face a mask of grim determination and relief.

Juvia's hands shook as she moved towards Gray, her voice trembling. "Gray, is it over?"

Gray's gaze was somber as he looked at her. "Yes, it's over. It's finally over." He took a step towards her, his injuries evident but his focus was entirely on her well-being. "We need to...to" Gray swayed back and forth before collapsing by a wall. "Gray!" Juvia ran over and held his head in her lap "You pushed yourself too far! You're stitches tore." Gray smiled up at her and cupped her cheek

"I'm fine, just need new ones that's all." Gray could feel himself slipping in and out of consciousness
"Hey Juvia? Before I pass out, I need to tell you something." his eyes fluttering a bit trying to stay awake
"Yes?" Juvia squeaked out he chuckled but winced at the pain
"I think I have to marry you...I've noticed that I can't let you out of my sight apparently heh." Juvia chuckled as she returned his smile, her tears mixed with the blood on Gray's face as she held him close. Her voice was a mix of desperation and affection, "Gray, you can't say things like that now. You need to stay with me. Please, just hold on."

Gray's eyes fluttered with exhaustion, but he managed a weak smile. "It's the truth, Juvia. I don't want to let you go. Ever. I want us to be together... forever. Even if it means I have to fight your crazy ex's."

Before Juvia could respond, his vision darkened, and he drifted in and out of consciousness. Juvia pet his hair and placed a kiss on his bloody lips, she didn't care about a little blood, she just wanted help to come "Just hold on a little longer. Help is on the way."

As the distant sound of sirens grew louder, Juvia continued to speak to Gray, whispering words of love and reassurance, determined to keep him conscious until help arrived. Her heart ached with the fear of losing him, but her love for him gave her the strength to stay by his side, holding on to the hope that they would get through this together.

~~3 Months Later~~

The sunlight streamed through the large windows of the apartment, casting a warm glow over the room. Juvia stood in the kitchen, preparing breakfast, humming softly to herself. She wore a baby blue sweater — her favorite. She glanced over at the couch, where Gray sat, flipping through a book, his stitches long gone but still bearing the faint scars from that harrowing night.

They had come a long way since then. Ajeel was gone, and the looming fear that once shadowed their lives had lifted. Juvia felt a sense of peace she hadn't known in a long time, and she could see it in Gray too. His protective nature remained, but now it was accompanied by a softer, more open side of him.

Gray closed the book and caught Juvia's gaze from across the room. "You look happy," he said with a smile, standing up and walking over to her.

Juvia smiled back at him, setting the coffee pot down. "I am. Everything feels...right." She glanced out the window at the bright sky, feeling content.

Gray wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. "We've come a long way, haven't we?"

She leaned into him, nodding. "We have." Turning around in his arms, she looked up at him, her blue eyes shining with love. "Gray... I've been thinking. About what you said that night."

Gray raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance. "Which part? I said a lot of things."

Juvia lightly smacked his chest, blushing. "The part about... marrying me."

Gray's playful expression softened, and he cupped her face gently, his thumb tracing her cheek. "Yeah. I meant every word." He pulled back slightly, reaching into his pocket. "In fact..."

Juvia's heart skipped a beat as Gray pulled out a small velvet box. Her eyes widened in surprise and anticipation.

"I've been waiting for the right moment," Gray said, his voice steady but filled with emotion. He knelt down on one knee, holding the box open to reveal a delicate ring. "Juvia, will you marry me?"

Tears welled up in Juvia's eyes as she nodded quickly, barely able to speak through her happiness. "Yes, Gray. Yes!"

Gray slipped the ring onto her finger, standing up and pulling her into a tight embrace as they both laughed and cried together. This was the moment they had fought for, the moment they both knew they were meant to share.

Together, forever.