"Juvia is exhausted…" This could almost be interpreted as a cry for help. Juvia was on the train back home after completing her mission which ended up being nothing like she thought it was going to be.

Upon arriving at the train station, she was greeted by a warm welcome. Three villagers came to fetch her and show her around, mostly the acres that needed help. They showed her around for a bit, gave her some food before immediately getting to work. And at first Juvia did not mind the serenity and easiness of her mission, it was not something she was used to, always doing jobs of actions, catching criminals, destroying dark guilds, fighting monsters and whatnot, she was.

After three days of watering the crops that needed help, Juvia started to wonder why the villagers did not have access to water, after all, she could sense water. It was not non-existent, it was there, despite the dry river and the dry lake but at the same time it felt so far away. Whenever she tried to focus on something else, this would come back to her every time and bother her until one morning, on her "day off", she focused on finding the source of this water she could sense.

It was a long search, so long she disappeared for the whole day but she managed to find the source of this water she could sense when she first arrived at the fields. A camp full of humanoïd creatures Juvia did not recognize constructed a barrage and kept all the water to themselves. At the sight, Juvia could only sigh thinking that her calm mission just got a bit more complicated than the villagers thought. Fortunately for her, they were not that strong, the problem was more about the numbers.

She got hit multiple times and the hem of her dress got completely destroyed. It was only after two and a half hours that the water mage managed to annihilate any threats and made sure that the barrage was destroyed. Upon returning to the village, she was acclaimed as every watering place finally got back to normal, no more dryness, no more despair when it came to high temperatures. The villagers were more than happy to celebrate her efforts in getting the water back and even admitted that they were so panicked they sent word that she had disappeared. Juvia was not fond of the idea, already worrying that her guild would think the worst and she immediately sent another word to say that she was okay, she was in for a long day once she got back…

So the next day, upon Juvia's insistence, she helped them set up sprinklers that were directly connected to the river. Ironically enough, it was during the setting up that Juvia got so many bruises and cuts. It was only more than a week later, more than what her mission was supposed to last, that she finally went back home.

Juvia was exhausted, she almost collapsed on the train's chair when it was finally departure's time. However, she was proud of what she accomplished, a village was finally able to grow their agricultural activities and she even had the occasion to fight alone. To be quite honest, the bluenette did like to use her powers and show her worth in battles, she just did not like the idea of possibly hurting her friends whenever she was on a mission with them. So being alone completely changed her perception of fighting. She did not like Natsu's style of combat, going all out, she thought it was a waste of energy, nor did she like Gadjeel's or Erza's. Of course they were powerful and knew better than to harm a friend during a mission, but it did not match her style so she always found it difficult to adjust to their fighting styles when she used to tag along back when she was still with Gray.

But now that she experienced fighting alone it was… exhilarating. She did not have to make sure no one was near her, nor did she have to only act as a support. She almost had fun, she would have had the mission really about proving one's skill or fighting a powerful opponent but she thought that maybe next time, on her next job, she will take on Laxus' advice and take something a bit more dangerous. Catching a renowned criminal ? Getting rid of a bizarre monster lurking in the shadows when the villagers were asleep ? The opportunities were so diverse, Juvia could not wait to test her abilities and play with her magic's limits.

As a water mage, she does not have trouble creating water from nothing, however she always liked to use the water around her when fighting as it was more complicated. She has to tame those waters, break them enough to prove that she could use it and yet bow in respect for the purest form of nature existing. Juvia was proud to be a water mage, even more so since she joined Fairy Tail and she will show it to the world.

After hours on the train, hours where she amused herself with new ideas of attacks and fantasies of taking down mighty creatures all alone, Juvia was still high on adrenaline. She could not stop the smile on her lips from appearing, she felt hot and sweaty, her head felt heavy and yet her body was as light as a feather. It was really once she came back to Magnolia that she really sunk in the information about what happened during her mission. She could not wait to tell Gajeel, to tell Gray, to tell Mirajane and Laxus too ! She had to thank him for telling her she could do more than what she thought. It was those unexpected positive comments, little praises, those which caught her off guard no matter how hard she tried to act normal upon hearing them, that gave her the most joy.

On the way to her room at Fairy Hills, she did not see any other fellow guildmates attending the same dormitory, which could happen but it was rare, everyone had such diverse schedules no one could escape a little chat with at the very least two or three other girls. But this only meant more fun for Juvia, she could keep her little mission for herself for a while before going to the guild and telling everything that had happened. especially the part where the villagers sent words for her disappearance. If Gajeel was not enough, she knew that the Master would also like to talk to her and say how she should be careful because he does not want to lose a child of his. She thanked the gods for not being in relationship with Gray as he was the one who would always be terrified whenever she was away on a mission without him or when he would wake up after her and not find her in bed, he would freak out so much, Juvia never knew if she should be happy or sad that he always imagined the worst, however given that she would also worry for him when those exact scenarios played out for him, she could cut him some slack.

At Fairy Hills, she met Evergreen in one corridor whom just got back from a date with Elfman - tho she did not say it directly, but the huge blush on her cheeks when she got busted was a little giveaway as to her whereabouts - she unloaded her bag and quickly threw everything to wash for later, except for her dress that got destroyed, that one went onto the sewing table. Juvia loved to sew, everyone knew that, but she hardly used those skills for her except when it was about mending some clothes. Perhaps it was time to use it for her too…

Juvia took a long shower, not that she did not take showers at the village because she did, but nothing could compare to a wonderful hot shower, in the comfort of her own home with all of her favourite shower products all on display for her to use.

She preferred to look as fresh as possible before heading out to the guild, getting rid of any filth that might have stuck on her while coming back home.

As she rubbed her legs she could not help but sigh at the sight of the many bruises and cuts she got from setting up the sprinklers. Who thought it could be so dangerous to be a farmer ? She always thought that this life was simple and easy, this proved her wrong.

And she knew that those would give her friends the wrong idea. Rare were those who came back from a mission scratched, not because they were invincible or because they took an easy mission, of course not, but everyone tried to always come back as safe and sound as possible and not worry everyone. Gray will not ask her questions, nor would Mirajane but Gajeel… It will be harder to convince him that she is okay and that nothing happened. If only the villagers did not send that message…

Juvia finally finished her showers and her skincare routine, for someone as pale as her it was important to protect and take care of her skin. It took time but she did not have the privilege to take as much time during her mission. So whenever she got back home, she would at least spend an hour pampering herself back into her usual skin condition. And it was always rewarding, she felt so much better, she completely forgot her nervousness about facing potential worried sick guildmates. Though it came back at full speed when she arrived in front of the guild's door.

Once actually in front of the door, a lot of mixed emotions flooded her mind. She was happy to be back safe and sound and ecstatic to explain what happened and how she really enjoyed this time for herself. But she could not shake off that odd feeling, she felt almost bad. But Juvia did not have the chance to reflect on this more as the doors opened and some members went on their way, not without waving at her with a smile that she returned. She entered the door and she immediately locked eyes with Mirajane to whom Juvia flashed one of the most beautiful smiles Mirajane saw Juvia have. She knew the white haired barmaid would be an ally and would love to hear back from her adventure and she needed to have some compliments and positive comments before facing Gajeel and his bad temper. But before she reached the bar, someone grabbed her left arm and she was faced with a terribly angry Gajeel. Looked like she would have to deal with him first.

" Gajeel-kun ! It is so nice to see you-"

" Cut the crap rain woman. Why are ya only coming now ? What happened ? We received a paper that said ya were missing." His voice was cold and his brows were so furrowed, one would question if it was not a unibrow. Juvia sighed as she took back her arm and gave him an apologetic smile.

" Juvia is fine ! What happened was actually such an amazing opportunity for Juv-"

" Ya have bruises and cuts everywhere ! What happened ?" Oh, Gajeel was becoming impatient and his tone was getting louder. Juvia did not like to bring attention to her on a daily basis, but bringing attention to her when she was getting yelled at by her best friend ? Even less so. Juvia's brows twitched without her noticing it, this was the odd feeling that was creeping up her neck before entering the guild.

" Juvia is fine Gajeel-kun, he needs to stop yelling ! Juvia is not a child ! Those were not even because of the monsters but it was when she-"

" Why d'ya suddenly want to go solo ? Ya never go solo. Next time, we're going together, I can't deal with this-" At this point, some members of the guild were looking in their direction and she just knew that some were listening to their conversation despite having their back turned. Why is it that when Erza comes back with scratches, no one bats an eye but when it's her, people automatically think that she is helpless ? Was she not ranked the third strongest female mage in the guild ? Juvia's brows frowned deeply, her peaceful expression was long gone and replaced by one of anger.

" How can Gajeel-kun assume that Juvia is helpless and needs saving ? Juvia had those wounds while setting up sprinklers and not because of monsters ! Juvia does not need saving nor is she helpless !" The water mage never yelled inside the guild, she did not like to bring unnecessary attention on her, she loathed even more to shout her anger or frustration but her voice was slowly rising, even Gajeel could not imagine this day would come.

But this was not like Juvia and after she noticed Mirajane who kept on sending her signal to come over, she sighed and her whole body language changed. Her shoulders dropped, she would not look at him in the eyes, and she played with her fingers. Gajeel knew he made a mistake but he did not have the time to say anything, she beat him to it, and with a voice he loathed to hear coming from her, twisting his heart until guilt made its way to his throat into a disgusting sensation.

" The fact that Gajeel-kun thinks so poorly of Juvia's skill breaks her heart."

She was not crying, she would not cry, she was just… a little bit sad. It always tore her heart in half whenever Gajeel or her friends underestimated her. Juvia knows he did not mean it that way, he was just worried and he was like that because he knew she was strong, Gajeel was just clumsy in his way of showing he cared. She knows that, but somehow it always hurts her more than any physical wounds. She hopped all the way to Mirajane before the dragon slayer could say anything and the barmaid gave her an apologetic smile as well as a drink.

"Take this sweetie, it's on the house." Mirajane's catchphrase whenever one of her guildmates was feeling down, but the pet name was only for Juvia. This was her way to show her she cared and was willing to help her or listen if she needed to.

To this, Juvia only gave the barmaid a sigh, a disappointed one, she was beyond disappointed. She took the drink in her hand, made the brownish liquid twirl inside, no intention of drinking it, rather she was only contemplating it. This whole conversation did not sit right with the water mage. It bothered her more than she thought it would, she was used to keeping her calm with her best friend, especially so when he was angry or anxious. It should not have made her snap at him like that, but why… Then, she had her answer. Upon hearing that familiar voice, one that seemed to be bothered yet was strong enough to be heard from everyone, Laxus' voice, she quickly connected the dots as to why she was so angry with Gajeel. The blonde mage basically told her she was too powerful for a mission like this and should take on something more dangerous, and Gajeel being the overprotective friend he is, let his worries take the best of him and called her incompetent and made her feel weak.

"Juvia knows Gajeel-kun did not mean it like this, but Juvia can't help but feel underestimated. Is that how the guild sees her ? A fragile mage ?"

The sudden question from Juvia startled Mirajane. She usually would drink whatever she gave her, and either stay silent for the whole day or cry her worries out. Mirajane really thought it was going to be the first option. But nonetheless, the pretty demon could not help but frown at this question. She quickly scanned the hall to assess where her best friend was sitting and she found him at a table with Levy and Panther Lily, scolding him if she were to guess based on Levy's expression. Good for him. She quickly went back to Juvia and sat next to her, her hand found the water mage's cheek and stroked it lightly as though she was not even touching it, then Mirajane offered her a warm smile.

" Of course not, no one thinks that. Look at me." Mirajane, as softly as ever, raised Juvia's chin and guided her face so that they could lock eyes. The barmaid needed Juvia to see that her words were genuine, that she was not just spitting words together to make her disappear quicker. " You are one of the strongest here. Gajeel has a little problem with showing that he cares and I know he regrets it."

Dark blue eyes met sapphire eyes and Juvia could not help the smile that was forming on her lips. Mirajane always had a soothing presence but since that day in the kitchen, a day Juvia is very much ashamed of today, she learned to really love the barmaid. She did not have a lot of friends, she had a lot of guildmates and a big family and of course she loved every minute of it, and loved everyone. But friends ? Not so many. And Juvia was more than happy to count the barmaid amongst her tiny circle of friends. She took her hand in hers and nodded.

" Gajeel-kun still has a lot to learn from Levy-chan, that's for sure !" She giggled softly and took a sip from the drink, which was immediately followed by another and another. Mirajane gave her one of her favourite drinks and Juvia could cry just because of that. She hugged the barmaid's hand tighter.

" Thank you so much Mirajane! Juvia feels much better now!"

" Don't mention it, I need to go back to work but take it easy on you and rest. You deserve it." With one final smile, the white haired barmaid went back to her service and left Juvia at the bar.

She was alone and contemplating. She felt restless, and all the feeling of adrenaline was still very much alive in her head. She kept playing with her drink, and finally she rested her head on her hand, looking at everything but seeing absolutely nothing. She could not go back to her dorm and sleep it off. Gajeel's words were still resonating in her mind, and then Laxus' words also tagged along in her thoughts. She did not know what to do with all these words, they kept on nagging her until finally, it clicked. She got up, rather quickly, and went in front of the missions' board. Her eyes scanned frantically for something, until she found something at last. And at the same time she reached for the job, another hand also took a hold of it. Her gaze quickly turned to see who it was, ready to plead her case to keep this job for herself and to her surprise, she was faced with Laxus himself who quickly released the paper in his hand to look at her with a raised eyebrow.

" Why is Laxus-san looking at Juvia that way ?" to which he answered by shrugging his shoulders.

" Did not think you would take this type of job so soon."

"Well, Juvia really wants to do this job but if Laxus really wants it, he can take it, she will find something else." At this point, Juvia was only being polite, but she was truly hoping that Laxus would yield that mission to her.

" Does this have anything to do with what that metalhead best friend of yours said earlier?"

Juvia's cheek got redder and redder with shame. He heard that ? Of course he did, he had super hearing and even if he did not, the way Gajeel was practically shouting was enough for all of Magnolia to hear the harsh words he said. Perhaps she had been reminiscing that too much because Laxus's position shifted and he sighed while scratching the back of his neck.

" Listen. I promised the Thunder Legion to go on a mission with them today. But we would not mind your company if you were to tag along."

Juvia blinked. Once. Twice. Then the words registered in her head and she could have gasped. In fact, she did but she did not cry despite her eyes getting watery. Laxus, one of the strongest mages in Fiore, invited her on a mission with him ! This was an opportunity even Natsu would envy ! She quickly collected herself back to her original self and flashed him a smile so bright, and before Laxus could even react she grabbed his hand and would not let go.

" Juvia would be honoured to go on a mission with you and your team ! Juvia was a bit sad thinking that Laxus was going to get that mission but this is even better. Juvia will not disappoint you !" Laxus looked at her with an incredulous look at first, not ready for so much reaction on her part to his attempt to socialise but it faded away into a shrug.

" I think you're making a big story out of it. You're powerful, you can handle yourself perfectly fine and you had your eyes on the mission pretty much at the same time as me."

She did not have any time to answer anything as he left her at the board's missions to go over to Mirajane in order to have it stamped. From where she was still standing, she could only see his back and could not stop from thinking that out of all of her guildmates, Laxus was for certain one of the most intimidating. And yet at this moment she could not help but think that he was the kindest despite his harsh outer appearance. His shoulders are large and his body tall, and from where she was standing, she knew that this back was powerful enough to protect anyone who could do harm to what he held dear to him. However, as she saw his profile, plastered on his face was his usual neutral look, and because he was talking to the barmaid, a mild annoying expression could also be noticed, Juvia could not help but think that this was a lonely fate. She wondered what his eyes looked like when he was passionate about something, or how his laugh sounded like upon hearing something truly funny. When he turned back to her, with Mirajane smiling more than usual, she came back to her and made her way to them.

" Let's meet at the train station at 10 tonight. I'll buy the tickets. Don't be late." Laxus sighed when Mirajane chuckled and left her there, not really understanding what happened.

"Don't take it to heart. I was only telling him that it's pretty rare for him to go on missions with other people than the Thunder Legion."Mirajane laughed at that but when she noticed Juvia's nervousness, she stopped.

"I was not mocking him or you, I am just happy to see him open up to other people and that you are taking the chance on a more dangerous mission." and this sentence was enough to let poor Mirajane witness all of Juvia's anxiousness upon the departure of the dragon slayer.

"But what if he thinks that Juvia is not capable ? What if Juvia fails to help them ?Or- " she was stopped on her rumbling by the hands of the barmaid on her shoulders who had her brows frowned. Juvia knew what would be said.

"Stop it! I don't like it when you're spiralling like that ! You are more than capable of handling this mission on your own. Do not underestimate your power just because you're going on a mission with him. Remember that he's only one of the S ranked mages of the guilds, not the only one so stop pressuring yourself so much." Juvia sighed and played with her fingers, not looking at Mirajane out of embarrassment.

It was true however, that she was making it to be something so incredible while she herself was friends with Mirajane and Erza who were also S-ranked mages. For God's sake she was also as powerful as them, a bit behind perhaps, but not that far, she was ranked third ! Juvia slapped her cheeks several times, gently, in order to clear her head from all those bad thoughts that were consuming her whole and she took the barmaid in for a hug, which ended up being a very tight hug as both women were hugging as if their lives depended on it, and she let go.

" Juvia is going to prepare for the mission ! She will need a lot of preparation for this !" Mirajane smiled and nodded.

" Remember that you got this Juvia !"

With one last smile for the white haired girl, and one quick glance towards her best friend who was also eyeing her, she left the guild and walked back all the way to her room at Fairy Hills. She just came back from a mission and yet, here she was, immediately going back to another one and with a team full of people she never had the chance to work with, with the sole exception of Laxus thanks to the Grand magic games but that was something completely different. She almost ran all the way to her room at Fairy Hills, excited for the sudden mission she was tasked with.

why hello !

I know I said that I moved to AO3, which is true ! I always post there first but now that I took care of my problem with my account here, I can finally get back to posting here. I was confusing, I know and I apologize but I'm normally supposed not to have any more problems with this account so until I say otherwise, I'll get back to posting this story here too ! And for those who follows "Journey" on AO3, you'll get to be VIP as I'll post there first and then a few days later, I'll post it here !

Hope you'll love this story as much as you guys appreciated my previous stories !

'Til next time !