[Fairy Tail]

They walked together after they finally arrived at Fairy Tail, him breathing heavily since he carried her and ran most of the way here. Juvia wished he would have just let her walk instead of pushing himself. But there was no point trying to get your way with Gray, considering how pushy he is. Gray-sama is really sweet, Juvia thought, trying to enlighten herself as he slowly opened the guild doors. All of Juvia's friends were inside, and only spotted Gray at first.

"Hey, look! It's the ice princess!" That, of course, was Natsu. "What took you so long to come back? Team Natsu needs to go on a job!" He yelled, stomping his feet childishly. Juvia is glad he hasn't changed.

"Shut up, flame head! I was doing something important!" Gray yelled back, and Juvia wondered if one of their famous brawls would break out. Lucy was clearly thinking the same thing as she sighed and rested her head in her hands.

"Knock it off!" The only Erza Scarlet bellowed, hitting both of them through the floor with her terrifying strength. Juvia paled and yelped as she did so, alerting everyone that she was present. Soon, all eyes were fixated on her. Mostly looks of joy, but they don't know what Gray and Juvia had to go through before they arrived.

"Juvia! You're back!" Said Mirajane with a bright smile as she walked up to the bluenette, taking her pale hand. "What happened to your cheek?" She asked worriedly as she glanced at Gray. Instantly, a dark aura swarmed the sweet waitress. Gray sweat dropped and looked at the angered Mirajane.

"I-It wasn't me! It's just a really long story and I don't want to describe it right now!" He yelled, raising his arms up defensively. Mirajane glanced at Juvia.

"Well? Is this the truth, Juvia?" She asked, but it truly felt like an interrogation to the poor Water Mage as she furiously nodded.

"H-He's right! Gray-sama did not harm Juvia, he actually saved her!"

The room fell silent, even no one breathed as they looked at her. Juvia nervously looked around, blinking rapidly.

"What... what did Juvia say?" She squeaked out, fidgeting with her hands. Out of everyone, Erza stood up with a cocky smirk and looked at Mirajane. Juvia was confused, what was happening? Why was Erza smirking like that?

"I told you, Mira," stated Erza with a proud smile. "I told you Gruvia would happen first!" She exclaimed, pointing a finger at the white haired girl. "It's canon! It's canon!" Mirajane huffed out her cheeks and crossed her pale arms, causing Juvia to wonder more about this 'Gruvia'.

"Well, you know, Erza... another ship can become canon if you are brave enough." Mirajane winked at the Requip Mage, causing her to blush bright red. "I could contact Jellal right now, too!" She laughed evilly as Erza was bowing on the ground in front of her. Begging for forgiveness.

Juvia doesn't understand what's happening, but that's been most of her interaction here at Fairy Tail. She'll just have to catch up with Levy-san and Lucy-san. She thought, walking up to the two while fidgeting with her hands. A sudden worry washing over her, making her want to run out of the guild and never come back. No! That's coward talk, Juvia will not do that!

"Hello... Lucy-san... Levy-san..." Juvia squeaked out, causing the blonde to giggle with happiness.

"Juvia! It's been too long!" She said, quickly wrapping her arms around the bluenette as Levy followed suit. A warmness filed her heart as she relaxed in the hug, feeling close to family. "The entire guild was worried sick about where you were! That was until Gramps told us that we shouldn't worry, after all you are a tough girl." She winked confidently.

Levy started. "Yeah! Lu-chan wrote about you in her book, too, saying how she wished her bestfriend-- mean, by the way, Lucy!-- would come back soon! It's great to have you back, though." She said, smiling bright as Juvia nodded.

"Juvia's glad to be back, too. She just... ran into a lot of obstacles, that's all, or she would have been home much sooner. Right now Juvia just really wants to change clothes..." She said, feeling exposed in the loose, silk robe. Having Lyon's last name on her back as well made her taste something bitter in her mouth.

"Oh! Of course we have a spare change of clothes," Lisanna said, walking up to her with a kind smile. "It's great to see you again, and here, follow me. Some of the other girls have been keeping clothes here for storage. I'm sure you'll find something you like here." Juvia nodded and followed the short girl to get fresh clothes.

They entered a large closet, as Juvia suddenly stopped. A memory washing over her like a strong, cold wave.

"Juvia, you're distracted again." Her mentor told her disapprovingly. "What do you keep on thinking about that's constantly distracting you?" She asked, in a much softer tone.

"Gray-sama." Juvia burst out, as Lisanna looked at her. A contused look resting on her features as she stared.

"What about Gray, Juvia?" Lisanna asked, tilting her head to the side.

"Gray? Wait... what is his last name, Juvia?" Her master asked, desperateness in her tone.

"His name is Gray Fullbuster." Juvia choked out, before shaking her head. "J-Juvia's fine, Lisanna-san. Can you please get Juvia some clothes now?"

Lisanna hesitated before nodding, grabbing Juvia a fresh outfit. Juvia bit back a groan as more memories fled in her head that she managed to ignore until now. Everything her master taught her invaded her body, as if a never ending stream. She took in a shaky breath as she attempted to calm herself, her heart beating as if it was going to break out.

Breath, Juvia, breath. She told herself as Lisanna quickly tossed her an outfit. It was a jacket and black pants with a stripe down the side. Lisanna left the room and allowed Juvia to change into her new outfit. The bluenette was more eager to ripe off the robe and zip up the jacket. Juvia wishes she got a shirt with this, oh well, at least it's better than nothing.

The pants were rather comfortable and Juvia smiled in the only mirror present, until there was ruffling in the clothes. Juvia yelped and jumped back, forming a blast of water in her hand. "Show yourself! Whoever you are!" Juvia yelled at the clothes as a figure slowly emerged.

It was Gajeel. Instant relief washed over Juvia, but he reeked like alcohol. His hair was messier than normal, too.

"Water girl? You're back," he asked, before hiccing. "Finally, I was starting to think you died." The Iron Dragon Slayer stood up groggily and stretched, before pulling Juvia close in a tight embrace. Juvia was rather comfortable in her comrades arms. His strong arms kept her there for a little longer before he finally let go and smirked at her.

"It's nice to have you back, Juvia. We all really missed you, Juvia, you little worry maker."