My Submission for Gruvia Month Week 1 ! Gruvia is everything!

Juvia and I walked through The Streets of Magnolia side by side for the first time since the 100 year quest had ended. Team Natsu had been successful of course and the time had come. I immediately thought of all the times his confession had been halted abruptly.

I knew I needed to live up to the words I said to Juvina on that rooftop. After all, we bested the hardest quest known to man.

I was a man who could protect my girl, I just needed to make it official. I thought about different ways to show her, to tell her, but nothing felt right. I couldn't understand why the words only surfaced when we were facing death.

Juvia, oblivious to the mental angst I was facing, but sensing my nervousness. "Gray, are you alright?" Juvia asked.

She always knows when something is wrong. She made me feel understood.

"Yeah, I'm fine, just thinking. You know, I really am happy you're still by my side. This is the longest someone who loved me has ever survived."

Juvia stood for a moment, before our eyes met. "I will always be by your side, Gray. You are my strength to live just as much as I am yours." nudging my arm with a light chuckle.

Gray smiled slightly, "I guess you're right. We both died for one another and somehow, we were granted a second chance. Being able to live an honest life, it's what my dad wanted for me. I'm happy it's with you."

Tears filled her eyes as she watched. I could feel a light blush appear on my cheeks as she spoke. "The last thing he said to me was to take care of you. I promise, I always will."

As the words left her mouth, I needed to hold her. I pulled into my arms. I held her close to his chest. Today, right now, I was ready. I thought back to our dates over the years, how her face occupied my thoughts. How even my father had seen our connection.

"Juvia, you know it's hard sometimes for me to express how I feel. Before something weird happens again, I have to say this. I love you and I want you to be my mine. I've wanted to tell you for so long, but it never felt right. Hearing my dads words, having our bodies switched, seeing you in the depth of my heart. It's your happiness I want. When you're happy, I'm at peace.

Dropping to one knee, I watched her eyes glisten as I revealed a sky-blue velvet box, opening it to unveil a stunning diamond ring adorned with delicate light blue accents

"Juvia, Will you join me in becoming a Fullbuster?"

Juvia leaped in my arms, ecstatic, wiping the tears from her eyes, "My darling, of course. Your words feel like a dream come true. I love you."

We held each other, breathing gently in the moment until our lips met.

The kiss was magic. I couldn't tell if it was the moment, but I felt our power overflowing with bliss, with purity, and with hope.

After our kiss, I looked around and saw the result of our love. Our elemental connection resulted in the most beautiful snowy night around Magnolia.

We walked hand in hand and the snow melted on our fingertips to the guild, excited to celebrate with their family.

Almost instantly as we entered the guild, Gajeel approached.

"So you finally did it." slapping my shoulder. "Honestly, it was starting to get obvious you were into her. Congrats Juves, you deserve to be happy. "

"Thanks Gajee!" Juvia gleamed

"Grays finally a real man " Elfman cheered. Lisana chimed in "Yeah Gray! What a great birthday present right Juvia?"

I looked at Juvia in shock, "Birthday?"

I cursed myself. How could I not know the day she was born. I thought back to try to remember if she had ever told me. I couldn't remember. Suddenly she grew red.

Juvia was flushed. "Today isn't my birthday, it's next week. But I don't like celebrating my birthday because I never had the opportunity to. Now it just brings back bad memories of being the rain woman."

I looked at her, my eyes full of worry. I truly hated seeing Juvia sad. I hated the thought of how lonely she must have felt throughout her life. She deserved better.

I balled my fist, "You know you should celebrate your birthday. It's the only day all about you. You give so much to the guild, let us throw a party for you !"

Lisana chimed in, "That's a great idea Gray!"

Juvia looked at me and nodded, "If you insist, my love. But only because you're my icy hunk and I can't say no to you."

I felt shy. She always made me smile with her words. But this night was far from over. Before my face deepened harder with a blush, I grabbed her hand pulling her out of the guild.

"I don't want the guild in our business. But I did want them to know you were mine. I can't wait for all the fun we'll have. You know it took all my strength not to devour you tonight. You look incredible Juves."

"Gray, you don't need to hold back with me. Like I said before, I'm into everything. We'll have lots of fun tonight."

I kissed her. The kiss began slowly, but soon changed directions with our lips, our tongues were engaged in a sloppy make out session.

As we arrived at my place, I could tell tonight we would get very little sleep.

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The next two days I struggled to pay attention to anything. My mind raced with thoughts of the perfect birthday gift. I approached Erza and Mira, slowly speaking after saying Hello. "What would you two get for someone who is special to you?

The girls glanced at one another before replying in unison "You mean Juvia?"

"Obviously, look I want to get her something nice for her birthday but I'm struggling. She just means the world to me."

Erza smiled, "I'm proud of you Gray. She deserved an answer and you gave her one. You both deserve this happiness. Get her something from the heart. Maybe something that holds one of your memories."

Mira smiled brightly, "Juvia will love anything from you. Just make it from the heart!"

"You're right ! Thanks! "

Suddenly, the thought of a gift so perfect for the girl who had become my world came to mind.

Finally, a confidence built within me. I would change the memory of her birthday to a pleasant one.

The night before her birthday, I invited her out to dinner. I wanted to give her the gift at midnight so she would smile every second of her birthday.

I waited anxiously for her arrival, my mind racing with doubt. I could only hope I was ready for this.

She looked ravishing in a two piece crop top, slit set with Light blue and silver. I couldn't move my eyes from her. As she walked toward me, I immediately felt my body leaning in to kiss her lightly.

"Juvia, you look amazing."

"Thank you Gray! You look great too !"

As we sat for dinner, I spoke, "You know, with the quest over, we can finally go on more dates. It was fun to travel with Team Natsu but traveling with you, that sounds like an adventure."

"Let's just agree not to Shack up in an abandoned village again."

She always made me laugh, "That's fair. I mean you are going to be my wife. If we settle anywhere, it will be where I can love you as publicly as you loved me. I was a jerk sometimes trying to deny my feelings. I'm just happy you never gave up on me."

"How could I give up on you when you saved me. I would be dead if you didn't grab my hand, only knowing a sad life being used for someone else's gain. You gave me true freedom and happiness."

Juvia leaned in, kissing me deeply before stopping. "Oops I forgot we were in public. You just awaken something in me. I love you Gray."

"I love you. Juvia. Listen, it's about midnight. Happy Birthday! I got you something so you could remember your birthday differently. A girl as selfless as you deserves no day of misery."

I handed her a gift box wrapped to perfection. "Gray-Sama, did you get this for Juvia?"

Gray raised his eyebrow, "I haven't heard you talk like that in a while, are you okay?"

Her head nodded, "I'm fine, I just sometimes get a little shy when you're so bold. Any gift from you is perfe—. She was at a loss for words. My eyes lingered as she stood frozen admiring the necklace. In the box was a beautiful silver necklace with three birds flying."

"It's the first thing I saw with you. When I saw the sun for the first time, the birds in the sky, the tears in my eyes and you. Gray, you changed my life. I am so happy to be yours."

I couldn't help but smile, pulling her hair up to place the necklace on. "I just want you to know, that day, it changed me too. I could see the sparkle in your eye. I had been a death magnet until you. When I saw how your life had changed, I knew mine would too. I use to think my dream was a family with you surrounded by my dad, Ultear and Ur. But my real dream, it's just having you. The girl who loved me when I didn't think I deserved it. You showed me loyalty beyond comparison. I will spend every day of my life making you happy."

I watched her face as she fought her tears, not wanting to ruin her makeup. But it was Juvia which meant eventually they were in tears, so much so half the room was flooded.

I laughed, giving the owner my number so I could pay for the damages.

"Happy Birthday my blue bird. Here's to a lifetime of celebrating the most beautiful woman alive."

Juvia gazed at me, her eyes mesmerizing as she whispered, "Thank you for the best birthday. I'll always be by your side. Thank you for trusting me with your heart… You make me so happy."

We went back to my place, where the night unfolded in the most passionate way. Juvia had completely changed my life, and with every touch, every whispered breath, I knew—she was my soulmate. As I worshipped her, bringing her endless pleasure, I felt it deep in my soul… she belonged with me.

This birthday wasn't just a night to remember for her—it was a moment we would both cherish forever. And from this day forward, I would protect her, cherish her... because she was mine.