DAY OF INTERVIEW 

JUVIA'S POV

"How are you, my child? It's been a long time since I saw you, Juvia" Principal Makarov was pleased to see me.

"Indeed it's been a long while, master. Juvia is doing great. Hope to hear the same from you, master." I said with a smile and handed him my portfolio.

After taking a glance at it, master Makarov spoke,

"Juvia, I know how talented you are in swimming because I have personally seen your talents. 
       Even the certificates which you earned speaks volumes about your skills. I'm happy to say from tomorrow you can join our school as a swimming coach. 
     All the best, my child. Hope you enjoy your life here in Magnoliqa just the way you have felt from your first experience.
 Welcome to Fairy Tail once again."

Master's encouraging words brought a warm feeling with me which surely has raised up my hopes and confidence level.

Once the interview got over, I thanked master Makarov once again before taking my leave.

From there, I went to the sports faculty room which Erza-San showed me while touring around the school.

In these many years, our school hasn't changed much except for its lavish furnishings along with a few hi-tech campus facilities.

There I saw Cana-San and Mira-San who were extremely happy to see me.

Before I could greet them, they tackled into a hug which made me lose balance, we were down on the floor while Erza-San chuckled.

"How are you, girl?" 

"Where were you, Juvia? We missed you." They said simultaneously without breaking the hug.

It was Erza-San who helped us to get up from the floor. "So are you fine being here in Magnolia? No hard feelings right?"

Cana-San asked for which I nodded in agreement earning a smile from her.

"Juvia, here's your schedule. Your timing is from 10 AM to 5 PM, same as Erza. Got it?"

"Yes Mira-San" 

After chit chatting for half an hour catching up with our life stories.

It was time for Cana-San and Mira-San to leave as they had classes to attend.

"Bye Juvia. See you Tomorrow." They left, leaving me and Erza-San alone.

"Finally, you are back here with us, Juvia. So how are you feeling right now?" She asked me.

"Juvia is actually feeling happy for some reason. She had many things in her mind before coming here.
    But once Juvia set her foot in Magnolia, she gained confidence everything would turn out alright and no need to worry about it."

I said in a confident voice which made her believe in my words.

After spending sometime with Erza-San before she got busy with her classes. I took my leave and assured her I would visit her house during this weekend.

On the day of my arrival, Gajeel-kun and Levy-San had arranged a small welcome party for me where all my close friends came except for Natsu-San and Gray-sama.

It was Lucy-san who convinced me that they were both busy with their assigned case, thus, couldn't attend the party.

But I had a hunch that none of them would have informed him about my arrival.

Even if I'm here in Magnolia, it's no use now as he's anyway going to get married to the lady whom I saw back in school.

As pretty as her name Dianna sounds, even she looks beautiful. From what I saw today, she seems like a perfect match for him. 

I have lost him and it's been a decade since I had lost him. If it weren't for my clingy nature as he calls, who knows where would I have been in relationship with him?

I decided to take a solo trip around the school campus relishing my fond memories which I cherish.

As most of the campus design remains unchanged, it's easy for me to relive those moments in my mind.

With a big smile plastered on my face, I went around the football ground. It was here that I saw Gray-sama for the first time in my life. 

That day, I didn't get to talk to him as he was playing with his class. I had to watch him from far when Lucy-san introduced her friends.

I can clearly remember as if it was yesterday. I was still new to school and town. It was on my second day, I got along with Lucy-san.

She was the first ever person who was willing to make friends with me.

Unlike me, Lucy-san was always an extrovert, jovial and popular for her looks, status, good nature and lovely personality, a perfect product of the Heartfilia family.

It's through her, I got introduced to Gray-sama and my other friends. Of course, her friend's gang welcomed me with open arms. It was through me Gajeel-kun entered this gang.

Unlike others, Gray-sama was a bit reserved and took nearly a month to be comfortable around me and Gajeel-kun.

This football ground has another important significance this is where Gray-sama broke up our two years of relationship.

I never sensed any usual behavior or attitude change from him. When I thought things were going in a cherry blossomed path, this moment came to a dead end.

As I stood near the goal post, my memories took me to that exact moment.

FLASHBACK 

"Gray-sama, finally we graduated. Juvia is looking forward to her college life."

"Hmmm"

I pouted, "Why are you being silent since the ceremony got over? Is something wrong, Gray-sama?"

Gray-sama looked at me. His onyx eyes which always seemed dreamy were suddenly filled with some kind of burden.

"Juvia, can you do me a favor?"

"What is it, Gray-sama? Do you want Juvia to withdraw her application from Hargeon university?"

I gently placed my palms on his cheeks and caressed them.

He took in his breath and caught hold of my wrists and my palms away from his cheeks which I felt odd. 

My heart was beating rapidly out of unknown fear. It made me wonder whether Gray-sama was in any sort of trouble.

"Juvia, let's break up. I had enough of this act. I can't do it anymore."

Finally he said what was within his heart but my ears and mind was not ready to accept and made wonder whether I was hallucinating.

"Gray-sama, don't go kidding around. Juvia suddenly had a heart attack. She knows you love her just as much as Juvia loves you."

I laughed sheepishly to cut down the tension around us.

Gray-sama looked serious even his voice sounded dead serious,
"I'm not joking. It's you who's fooling around. Can't you grasp what I'm trying to say?
     I said, let's end this relationship. You are way too clingy and obsessive. I can't go on like this.
    You better just go away from mine and my friends' lives. Let's end it here…."

Before he could end his sentence, my reflexes took better of me. I had slapped him across his face hardly.

Tears began to spill from eyes uncontrollably,
"Why? What did Juvia do wrong? She always made sure you were happy but why did you decide to break Juvia's heart, Gray-sama?
    Don't you know how much Juvia loves you? Then, why are you breaking up?"

Soon I fell down on my knees and began to cry. I expected him to console and say it was just a prank but he never came up to me.

All I heard was footsteps fading away. He didn't even show an ounce of concern just walked away from my life just like a passing cloud.

END OF FLASHBACK 

Without knowing myself, tears were spilling down from my eyes as I remembered those heartbreaking moments which were accompanied with a stabbing pain in my heart.

I wiped my tears and decided to leave the school before I broke down in front of the students.

'Juvia, let's just forget that. Come, you have to find a place to reside. Let's go for apartment hunting.' I said to myself to cheer up my mood.

POLICE STATION 

GRAY'S POV

"Here's the whole details and reports of that bank robbery case. The culprit was arrested on Saturday evening by me and Natsu Dragneel, Sir."

Natsu handed over the files to Laxus who looked through it as I explained a few things to him.

Laxus Dreyar, our super senior in school and college is the commissioner of Magnolia. 

It's been said he's the youngest ever to get this post solely based on his talents, training and powers.

He got married to his longtime girlfriend, Mirajane Strauss a few years back. She was our senior in school and college, Erza's classmates and old rival. Now both of them are proud parents of a six year old girl, Nova Dreyar.

"Good job, both of you. Carry on with this sincere job. For some days, both of you focus on the pending cases until a big case comes to your way." Laxus ordered us.

"What about our promotions?" I enquired him. 

It's been five year since I, Natsu and Gajeel joined the police department after clearing both written and physical exams.

Currently, we hold the post of inspector. The next level would be superintendent with higher salaries and benefits which also means bigger cases for which I was ready.

"About that, I have given three names from our station, yours, Natsu's and Loke's. Now it's up to the higher ups to decide. 
     Don't worry, I'm sure both of you would be promoted but one of you will be transferred to the crime department. Let's see which one of you will be transferred? Now get going." 

His words brought some confidence within me that I will get promoted this year.

"Finally, we can have some relief for a few days." Natsu commented. I nodded in agreement.

"Oh I forgot to ask, what was the occasion that the metal-head had arranged a party which you were ranting about how you missed it?" I asked him. 

Apparently, Gajeel had arranged a party which Natsu couldn't attend.

I didn't attend the party because, basically, he didn't invite me. What a good friend he is?

"Don't know, let it be. Come let's go, I'm starving. Today Luce made lunch for me. I'm excited to see what's in store for me."

Natsu exclaimed like a child which made me laugh seeing his antics.

"I'm sure, she would have made lunch which can be fed for at least five more people, knowing your appetite."

I chuckled while he nodded in agreement which showed he was damn hungry as he didn't catch the insult in my comment.

Once we reached our chambers, Gajeel and Loke were already eating their lunches prepared by their wife.

"Are you guys trying to mock my unmarried status? What's with this wife made lunch today?"

I questioned them before sat down to eat my lunch which consisted of some rice, vegetables and egg.

I had to prepare this early morning before leaving for work so that dad doesn't strain himself later on with this.

"Looks like someone is jealous. Anyways, you are going to get married next month, man." Loke retorted.

"Yep.." I decided not to disclose my wedding getting called off. They might make some unwanted scenes. 

Whatever I'm gonna do with my life, I want to do it myself. If I want to make things clear with Juvia, I'm the one who's going to do it, not these people.

After eating our lunch, it's time for dessert.

"So whose turn is it today?" Natsu asked and looked at us like a predator.

GAJEEL'S POV

"It's my turn. Here enjoy your dessert." I presented the sweet vanilla buns and chocolate cookies which Juvia had baked yesterday for Emma and Shou.

I insisted that she bake extra, which she agreed to.

That day for the welcome party, I didn't call Gray as Erza was like let them meet coincidentally.

Moreover, she had a feeling that he might invite his fiancee and things might get awkward for Juvia.

"What only these? I was expecting cake and doughnuts." Loke exasperated while Natsu looked pissed but Gray remained silent.

'Looks he's reliving some memories.' I smirked and passed them the box so that they could take some.

Once they had a taste of it, both Loke and Natsu were pleased and wanted a second serving.

Gray's eyes were widened due to surprise. He had a soft expression on his face which clearly showed he was fondly remembering some moments but at the same time, his eyes showed a pained expression.

"Wow, Metal-head, didn't know Levy was such a good Baker? These cookies and buns are delicious." Natsu praised my shrimp.

"Yeah, I agree with Natsu. Levy is such a professional Baker. I suggest you set up a bakery for her. You could earn some money with these."

Loke joined Natsu and both were praising my wife. But the actual credit goes to my best friend, Juvia.

"What about you, Stripper? Aren't you gonna praise my Shrimp?" I taunted him just to hear him speak about how this recipe and dish belonged to his ex-girlfriend.

"They actually taste good. It reminds me of someone. Both the recipes are similar. Levy is doing a good job in learning this."

He said as a matter of fact without hinting anything which he felt for Juvia.

"Who is this someone?" Natsu teased him.

"Maybe his fiancee" Loke answered for him.

But Gray shook his head in denial, "It reminds me of Juvia." He said with a sad smile which didn't go unnoticed by us.

'Damn you, Stripper. Why can't you be honest with yourself for once?' I thought to myself.