AN: HAPPY NEW YEAR! May 2025 be better than 2024!

Please enjoy the chapter! SO much is going to happen!

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You're a Sky Full of Stars, You Light up The Path – Part IV

#

The next time Juvia was in Velaris, Lucy had a list of places the High Lord owned, and she was free to choose any she wanted – one of the perks to work for him – and after collecting Cana and Lisanna from Fairy Tail, all four females went in search of the perfect place for Juvia.

After a few days of walking all over Velaris, Juvia finally found the one. It was a small two-bedroom apartment (Juvia made sure to have extra space for when Gajeel was allowed to go to Velaris and if he wanted to spend the night, he would do so comfortably) in the skirts of the town, with a view to the river. It had a small living room, a small kitchen but with a working oven so she could bake and a bathroom in her bedroom and a smaller one for visitors. The living room also had a small balcony and as she would be on the top floor, she would have easy access to the roof and upon further inspection, it was just perfect for her daily routine of exercises and training.

Once Makarov had given her the keys, it all felt so unreal. She was really doing it.

Gajeel barged in her bedroom at the inn as he usually did while she was packing and threw himself on the bed.

"Almost ready?" He asked.

"Yeah." Juvia nodded. She didn't have much to pack other than the bits and pieces Lucy helped her to buy when they first met, her weapons (she could finally bring them with her), armour and fighting leathers. It all fit in two bags, as she had her weapons on her body and was wearing the armour to save space.

Gajeel frowned. "Why looking so gloomy? You are moving to the place you have been working to get to for months, the same city your mate resides in. The same Mate, might I add, who is now actually lusting after you. Seems like things are going your way."

Juvia sighed and sat next to her cousin. That was what she was afraid of. "When do things ever work out for us?"

His eyes softened slightly. "Stop this shit. I didn't follow you all the way to this place because you were doubting yourself, the opposite actually." He told her. "I knew it was the right thing to do because I had never seen you so certain of anything else in your life."

Juvia smiled softly. "What about you? You are staying behind."

Gajeel shrugged. "It's doing me good. I am helping the villagers on how to protect themselves the past few months while you have been gallivanting to Velaris. They are quite good now, especially teamwork. There are even some kids." Juvia opened her mouth; she didn't know about those classes. "The parents are always around, and I am not that much of a dick to them as I was to you. They are little shits, rascals, really, but they are progressing." He chuckled and then hesitated for a moment. "I am... building something. I am finally not destroying or harming, I am just... building. I never had this before."

"I am so glad." Juvia held his hand. "I will still miss you. Not the way you barge into my room at all hours or how stinky you can be but everything else."

"You will be here once a week. I am not going anywhere." Gajeel told her. "And remember, I will join you when I am ready. It's fine if you are ready before I am."

Juvia's eyes watered a little, but she nodded. "It's so freaky that you are being the sensible one."

Gajeel made a disgusted face. "Yeah, it's freaking me out too. Change the subject."

The female laughed. "Has Juvia seen a small Illyrian female around the village? Blue hair, holding a book at all times? Pretty little thing. Juvia has been so tired she forgot to ask." The way Gajeel's whole body went still, and his face turned red gave away that Juvia was onto something. "Oh, what is going on and why wasn't Juvia informed?"

"It's nothing."

"Come on, Gajeel-kun!" Juvia said excited. "I tell you everything in detail."

"Yeah, you really shouldn't, I never asked for that." He rolled his red eyes.

"Tell me, tell me, tell me." Juvia started to slap his arms and even though it didn't really hurt him, he played the part with the sounds of pain.

"Fine!" He almost yelled. "Her name is Levy; she is an Acolyte for a new temple they are setting here." Juvia stayed quiet but buzzing in excitement. Gajeel sighed. "She was born too small and Illyrian culture would be to kill her, but her parents must have not had the guts to, so instead they left her at the doorsteps of a temple, where she was raised. That's why her wings are not clipped, but she was... discouraged to fly. Her wings are atrophied so much she has very little muscle on them, she would barely take off the ground now from what I can see."

"That is almost as bad as clipping her wings!" Juvia gasped. Illyrians were amazing warriors but had some brutish costumes such as clipping female wings so they couldn't fly anymore. The High Lord had forbidden the practice, but it still happened. If someone were to take Juvia's water powers now that she felt it as an extension of herself, she would feel empty. "You must ask if she wants you to teach her how to fly!"

"I asked, she didn't want to." Gajeel said way too fast, and Juvia's eyes narrowed.

"How did you ask? Did you ask nicely, or you made fun of her then acted as if you knew it all and told her you would teach her?" His silence was answer enough. "Gajeel-kun!"

"I didn't know priestesses had so little humour!" He tried.

"This is not because she is a priestess, she is a female! At this time and age, we don't like to be bossed around and have a male say they can solve all our problems. We need support, not orders!"

"I bet you wouldn't mind if your male was giving you orders." Gajeel muttered and Juvia's blood boiled – maybe she did share too much with her cousin.

"Don't even go there Gajeel." Juvia hissed. "Wanting to receive instruction in an intimate setting is very different than you trying to show your dick is the biggest one around to impress a female and tell her you know what is best for her." He opened his mouth. "Don't even. You wouldn't know this much of her if you didn't want to impress her."

"She is the only other Illyrian here! Maybe I'm interested in that." He rebuked.

Juvia looked satisfied. "So, you are interested." Gajeel scowled. "Just... remember what it is like to be ordered around and have no options." He looked away. "Maybe ask if she wants to fly with you, so she can see what she might be missing but remember she might be completely content to stay grounded and if she is, that's her choice. Just because you have wings, it doesn't mean you want or are meant to fly."

Gajeel grunted. "Fine."

"Good." Juvia grunted back. They stayed in silence for a few minutes. "I'm going to miss this."

"Again: you will be back next week to visit. I won't miss this shit."

#

Juvia stood in the small living room of her new apartment, her two small bags on the floor and pride bloomed inside her chest.

She had done that. She had her own apartment.

Not because her uncle or her name, but because she fought for it and conquered it.

"This is a very cute place." Cana said, looking around again as she had when Juvia had seen it for the first time and loved it. "Very empty, but cute. When does the furniture gets here? Later today? Personally, I would have set it up for yesterday so today you would just put everything in place."

"Oh." Juvia frowned. "Juvia hasn't bought anything yet."

Cana frowned. "Where are you going to sleep?" The brunette opened the door to Juvia's room and showed her its emptiness. "You don't have a bed."

"Juvia has slept in worse conditions." She chuckled. "A few days on the floor is hardly that bad."

"A few days?" Cana gasped. "I will not allow you to sleep on the floor! You live in Velaris now, we shall go shopping straight away!"

As if just waiting for a cue, they heard. "Hello!" It came from the open door and they saw Lucy and Natsu there, the blonde holding some sort of plant. "Welcome to Velaris. Officially, I mean." She was radiant and her Mate was a few steps behind her, looking around the apartment and nodding his approval. "I got you a plant!"

Before Juvia could thank her, Cana intervened. "That would be the only thing she has. Juvia here didn't think of buying furniture. She doesn't even have a bed."

Lucy gasped as theatrically as Cana, even putting a hand on her chest and Juvia felt like a naughty child. "Juvia was going to buy what she needed slowly, it's not like she can bring it all she needs in one go."

"At least we know what we will be doing for the rest of the day." Lucy and Cana looked at each other and nodded. "Natsu." Her Mate stood to attention. "Find Gray, he had a meeting with the High Lord, but he said he would meet with us later. We need all the hands we can get." He nodded and gave Lucy a quick kiss before going to his own quest. "We will get breakfast first; you can meet us at the café close to our place." She yelled receiving a 'got it!' as a reply.

"Juvia doesn't want to impose-" She tried.

"We are just going to get the basics: bed, mattress, couple of chairs, curtains and if we can find a cute sofa, that would be great." Lucy listed.

"I can winnow the big stuff here, but we will need to assemble some of it, and I am useless with that." Cana said.

"Juvia can do it."

"We'll see. Now, what do you envision for this room?" Cana asked pointed at the bedroom and Juvia frowned.

"A bed, maybe a wardrobe and drawers for clothes?" She hoped that it was what they were asking about.

Lucy smiled kindly. "Any colour palette in mind?"

"Uh..." Juvia looked around. "Not... totally blue? My old bedroom had a lot of blue. Juvia wears a lot of blue because it goes well with her hair. So... maybe... some pink?" She answered and both women smiled at her. "It's my favourite colour after blue."

"That's a start." Cana winked. "Lucy, I know you always have some pen and paper with you." As if by magic, the blonde already had a small pad and a pen on her hands. "Time to make a list of what we need. You go change from your armour and keep the weapons to a minimum please."

As Juvia watched the females talk about all the things she needed, she wanted to smile again. The apartment was not her only conquest: she also had friends now, even if she couldn't understand why their list was getting longer and longer.

As instructed, Juvia grabbed one of her bags and chose an outfit to change into. This was her new life, and she would embrace it.

#

Having shopped with Lucy before was nothing compared to shopping with both the blonde and Cana. They were cutthroats when Juvia pointed out she liked something and they would bargain for it even if Juvia reassured them, she had enough money to buy it.

Apparently, it was the principle, so Juvia just stood chatting with Natsu while the other two females fought for whatever Juvia had chosen. She learned that he had moved to Velaris as a child, his parents had taken him from Autumn and he had lived there his whole life. He had visited all courts and Human Lands a few times and even if he enjoyed Autumn, Velaris was his home.

He had met Lucy five years before in a ball at the Day Court and of course he didn't realise she was his mate and neither did she. They were good friends for a long time and would go on adventures during balls and events until one day, both realised they were in love. It was unusual but both bonds snapped at the same time and they tried to talk to her father but he wouldn't hear of it. Natsu had to leave her behind for a while and having gone though it herself, Juvia knew how much it had hurt to do so.

"-then when we finally had a plan and managed to get her out..." Natsu looked pointedly at Juvia who chuckled.

"Apologies. Again."

"Doesn't matter." He waved her off. "After I won that stupid thing against your brother-"

"Cousin."

"-cousin, no one can take Lucy away from me. Day Court law." He grinned and Juvia was genuinely happy for them. "We are going to have a ceremony soon and we can just be together. It's all I want."

"And you shall have it." Juvia told him.

Lucy and Cana waved both to a store and Natsu said he would wait outside. Apparently, they were at the best stores to buy beds in all Velaris and seeing the prices, Juvia thought she better get her money's worth.

After a few minutes choosing the frame and having Cana winnow the parts to Juvia's new apartment, it was time to choose the mattress and Juvia wasn't too picky, but both Lucy and Cana were adamant she would need the best sleep in the comfort of her own home.

So, for the next fifteen minutes, Juvia, Lucy and Cana took turns trying all the mattress at the store and the last one Juvia tried, she knew it was the one because she let out a sigh of contentment.

"That's the one." Lucy smirked and Cana nodded.

"Oh yeah it is." Juvia chuckled. "It will be difficult to get up every morning."

"That's the point." Cana said. "Purchase?"

"Yes, please." Juvia offered the brunette her purse with most of her coins and she heard both chat to the trader and she giggled when she realised they were trying to bargain the price.

She must have been more comfortable than she realised because it took a moment to realise the smell of her mate in the store and her eyes immediately opened and she propped herself on her elbows to see if her senses were right.

Gray had his usual dark blue coat and looked at the two females with an eyeroll and then found Juvia looking at him from a double sized bed. It was just for a second, but his eyes widened and then returned back to normal.

"I hear you have been kidnapped by Lucy and Cana and dragged all over Velaris to buy furniture and apparently I was summoned to help." Gray smirked and Juvia lied back down on the bed, and she let out a pleasurable sound. "Seems like being kidnapped suits you."

Juvia patted the bed next to her. "Lie down." It was all she said, and he raised an eyebrow, making Juvia roll her eyes. "Juvia is kinky but doing whatever it is you are thinking in public is not one of them." He hesitated but sat on the bed. "Juvia doesn't do that. Anymore." Gray looked over her but Juvia was just giggling. "I am joking. Juvia doesn't share." She patted on the bed again. "Trust me."

Gray was as far away as he could without falling from the bed but he also sighed in pleasure when he lied down. "Oh shit, this is a good one. I might need to upgrade mine."

"Or we could have a sleepover..." She teased and he didn't even look at her, just snorted. "Juvia hasn't seen you for a while."

"Work." He told her, clearly still enjoying the mattress. "Also, after our last encounter I thought it was better to have some... distance."

"Yet here you are, in bed with Juvia at the first opportunity." She teased and he actually laughed.

"By the Mother, do you always have a comeback?"

"Most of the time. Juvia is very persistent."

"I'll say." He muttered and he finally looked her way. "You know, it wasn't nice what you did when we spoke last time."

Juvia was fighting a smile and she all but wiggled her eyebrows. "Please tell me there will be repercussions."

Gray nodded. "Oh yeah and I've decided what it will be." Juvia felt her body heat up, blood boil, her scent changed. What was he planning? "It will be: absolutely nothing."

She froze and propped herself on one elbow. "What?"

"That's what you get for playing with me. Nothing." He shrugged, looked back to the ceiling and was looking way too smug while Juvia looked affronted.

Juvia narrowed her eyes. "Fine." She plopped back onto the mattress. "It seems Juvia will have to try harder."

"And you will get nothing in return." Gray crossed his arms and smirked.

Juvia turned so she was lying on her side, and it caught his attention so he looked at her. "Juvia kissed you on the cheek and you were ready to take me to an alley and fuck me there." Her voice was low and he looked down to her lips. "Trust me, I can do much more."

Gray mirrored her action and their scents were mixed with arousal because of their little game. "Bring it on."

The sound of a throat being cleared made both look towards the end of the bed where Natsu stood, arms crossed, eyebrow raised and looking amused.

"Honestly, you need to get whatever it is that is going on between you and sort it out." He said. "Juvia has a brand-new apartment that is begging to be used. Just go there, lock yourselves in for a week and fuck it out. Get if off your system, no one wants to smell you two horny assess every time you see each other." Juvia felt her cheeks burn a little and she wondered if Gray felt the same. "Cana said they are ready to winnow the mattress now. Good thing because it probably stinks of both of you."

#

It was late afternoon when they were finally through with Lucy and Cana's list and the five of them had so many bags it was ridiculous but, in the end, they arrived back at Juvia's apartment and even though it was a mess as Cana kept winnowing the bigger things into it, it felt more like the place was actually hers.

"Nice place." Gray whistled. "Nice view and nice neighbourhood. You lucked out."

Cana snorted. "We were all over Velaris looking for the perfect place, there was no luck involved." Gray raised

"And Juvia will forever be thankful for all of your help." She told her friends and then she looked around all the bags and pieces of furniture they purchased throughout the day. "Juvia has a couple of days of organising, that's for sure."

"Do you need help to put things in place?" Lucy asked.

"Oh, no. I think... I think this part I would like to do it myself." Juvia replied softly. "Thank you, though, for all the help."

"Of course." Cana replied and put an arm around Juvia's shoulders. "Now boys, you two sort out her bed. The three of us will sort things by room to make it easier for Juvia to organise them."

"On it." Both males said already discussing the best approach to put the frame together.

"You really don't need to do that; Juvia can do it another time."

"Nonsense. That's why we keep them around. Between us of course we could do it but males like to do these things, makes them feel like we need them." Cana snickered. "Now, let's try to at least separate what we bought and what goes to which room." The three females looked at the mountains of bags Cana winnowed and that they brought in as well and she sighed. "See you two on the other side, ladies."

#

At some point Cana left to buy dinner while Lucy and Juvia finished with the last pile – it was mostly kitchen utensils Juvia knew she would have to purchase different ones after, but for the moment, they would suffice.

She tried to go inside her bedroom to see if she could help with anything but both males got annoyed and scolded her and told her that they did not need help, they had it. Juvia had her doubts but left them to their own devices.

"This place is going to look great once you finish with it." Lucy said. "You have a great eye."

Juvia chuckled. "You and Cana bought most of it."

"Once you told us what you liked!" Lucy defended herself. "You will add more of your touches as this place becomes yours."

Juvia looked around and she could see the place looked more like organised chaos than when they arrived. They even managed to buy a small teal sofa for a very fair price.

"I come with food!" Cana opened the door and the two other females cheered.

"I'll get the boys." Juvia said and she opened the door just in time to see them put the mattress on top of the perfectly built bed. She gasped and both looked at her with pride. "That looks great!" Juvia said excited. "Thank you so much."

"We were about to test it out but I smell food so I will leave you two to it." Natsu gave them a knowing grin and a wink, making Juvia blush and Gray looked at his friend as if to say 'traitor'.

Juvia ran to the bed and jumped on it, lying on her stomach and she let out a groan in approval – that mattress was worth the price. "Just as good as I remember."

"I guess we did a good job?" Gray asked, amused, leaning on the wall, watching her.

"Yes, thank you." Juvia sighed and got up. "Food is here, the least Juvia can do is feed you all." Gray hummed in agreement and when Juvia stopped and started to try to shake the frame, he frowned in confusion.

"Making sure you won't fall when you lie down to sleep tonight?"

"Oh no." Juvia waved him off. "Juvia intends to be very active on this bed, I just need to make sure it's sturdy enough that will support it."

"Active?" Gray's scent was the indication that he understood her meaning.

"Yes." Juvia smirked. "And since Juvia won't get anything from you, as you said it many times, Juvia is certain another Night Court male could do the job just fine. The females are not too bad to look either." She winked and she was passing him when he grabbed her by the wrist and onto his chest, making her gasp.

His face was thunderous at best when he looked at her, eyes dark and his scent was making her knees weak. "No."

"Yes." She whispered with a teasing smile, noses almost touching.

"At least wait until we are gone before you two start fucking." Cana's voice came from the living room and Gray let out a snarl, realising with their fae hearing they probably heard all their conversation.

Juvia chuckled and pushed Gray away lightly and he let her go. "Remember: any time you want to stop playing this game, Juvia is right here. Now, let's eat."

#

After everyone was gone, Juvia looked around at her own apartment and decided she would start in the morning, she was too exhausted. She made her bed while she drew a bath and she just soaked in it for a while until she was feeling sleepy. For the first time in a long time, she slept through the night.

As usual, she was awake by the time she sun was going up and she was quick to change into her training clothes, gather a couple of her swords and went to the roof to complete her routine. Since it was the first time, she just stretched and practiced movements with her twin swords for an hour. Maybe she could convince Lucy to go for a run with her later.

Her stomach grumbled and she realised they bought so many things, except for food and she made a mental note to go to the market later. She changed from her training clothes to a comfortable pair of shorts and an old loose shirt and started to organise her new home.

There was no point to bother with the bedroom yet as she still needed to put the drawers and wardrobe together, so she focused on the kitchen and living room. It was easier than she thought it was going to be, really.

The sofa took quite a bit of space, a chair and the small coffee table were all it took to fill out the space. They bought a few pillows but no pillowcases or blankets as Juvia wanted to see what would be the best after she finished decorating. The plant, Lucy's gift, was at the balcony for the moment, taking in the sunlight.

The kitchen was also very straightforward, utensils went to the drawer, plates on a press. She needed another few bits and pieces, especially if she wanted to bake. And oh, how she missed baking.

Juvia looked around and the chaos had subsided a lot and she smiled. Her stomach hurt again, and she couldn't postpone going for food anymore. She would build the drawers when she got home.

A soft knock on her door made her frown and reach for her dagger by instinct. She opened the door, ready to strike if needed just to see Gray leaning on her doorway, holding a bag and she didn't know what smelled better: her mate or the food inside the bag.

He looked to her dagger and snickered. "Expecting trouble?"

"Always." She smiled and opened the door further so he could come in. "Please tell me whatever is in that bag you are willing to share." Her stomach grumbled and Gray chuckled.

"It's all yours." He gave the bag to her, and she was eager to take it and saw a sandwich there and she quickly grabbed and took a big bite. Gray looked at her, amused. "I realised with everything you bought yesterday; you didn't actually buy any food besides the dinner, and we all made sure there was nothing left."

"You are a gods send." Juvia said between bites.

"It's looking much better." Gray said, looking around. "The sofa that way you will get the morning sun perfectly." Juvia hummed in agreement, still devouring the food but that had been her thinking as well. "Less clutter in the kitchen too." He smiled. "You have been busy this morning."

"After practice Juvia focused on getting as much done."

"Practice?" Gray frowned.

She nodded. "The roof is perfect to practice. Today were just swords but I was thinking to check if I could do more with the space."

"You train every morning?" He was surprised.

"Unless Juvia is in a mission or in injured." She agreed. "It's good for the body and the mind."

"So is sleeping in once or twice." He pointed out.

"Sleep is overrated." Juvia smiled and once she was finally finished with the sandwich, she sighed in contentment. "So, have you stopped by just to feed Juvia?"

Gray hummed in agreement. "And if I remember correctly, you have drawers and a wardrobe to put together? I'm an extra pair of hands."

"Oh, Juvia can do that by herself, you shouldn't worry."

"Juvia," Gray sighed and took off his coat, a simple black shirt underneath "you don't need to do everything yourself anymore. You are with us now and as you saw yesterday, if one of us needs help, we will help."

"If you are sure..." Juvia bit her lower lip.

"With two of us we will get it done much quicker, come on." He hesitated to go to her room and Juvia laughed.

"Don't worry, it's safe to go inside, Juvia was too tired to go hunting last night." He threw her an ugly look but went inside her bedroom and she followed him.

#

It shouldn't come as a surprise that they worked well together, but somehow it did.

They spent most of the afternoon building the rest of the furniture Juvia purchased the day before and Juvia had a great time, laughing with him when they did something wrong or just listening as he talked, after she shared how she became part of Summer's army.

He had lost his mother at twelve, the same way Juvia did: an invasion of their village and his father had been away, sure they would not be attacked. His mother had tried her best to defend him and she died doing so, just like Juvia's parents.

Gray only survived because one of the enemies hit him so hard, he lost consciousness and thought he had died from the injuries.

"I was hiding for almost four days before my dad arrived." Gray said, looking away from Juvia and focusing on putting a piece of the wardrobe in place while the female held the rest of it to keep it in place. "I had never seen him break down the way he did. He thought I had died too when he couldn't find me straight away or been captured for being the nephew of the High Lord."

"It must have been terrifying for you, to be alone for four days." Juvia whispered.

"I was in shock; I barely remember it." He told her. "All I really remember is the quiet, no chatter, song, humming. We lived in a small but busy village and while I was hidden away, all I could hear was silence and the sounds of the forest; the wild animals, most of them got to the fallen villagers." Juvia's eyes widened. "I sheltered my mother well enough she was intact when my dad arrived. It was not her anymore, but it was the only thing I could do."

It was a good thing whatever he was doing was completed by the time he finished his story, because Juvia let go of what she needed to be holding and pulled him for a hug.

He was clearly startled and didn't move when Juvia wrapped her arms around him, whispering "I am so sorry." After a few seconds he finally hugged her back, one arm on her waist and another on the back of her neck and he seemed to be taking in her scent. For once, there was nothing sexual about it, just comfort. Her eyes stung with unshed tears. "That's why you were so grateful about the village Gajeel and I fought for." She said. "Did it bring memories?"

"Thankfully, not the way you think." He explained, still not letting her go and she was more than happy to oblige. "I was... relieved you two were there and there wasn't another child who would go through what I did. I am still grateful."

"We could help and we did." Juvia looked up and he looked down to her. "I wish I could have done the same when you were a child." She whispered and put a hand on his cheek. "Save you the pain."

Gray offered her a sad smile. "Unfortunately, there's no going back, but thank you. While my dad left to fight the war, I was raised close by to my uncle, by a friend of his. She is like a second mother to me, even gave me siblings in a way." He chuckled. "She's gonna like you, if we ever stop by Winter together, I can introduce you."

"Can't wait." Juvia grinned.

He looked at the window and his brows furrowed. "It's raining? It was sunny just a few minutes ago."

Juvia flinched. "Sorry. Juvia has a handle on it most of the time, but the story got her feelings a bit all over."

Gray blinked and then asked. "You are causing the rain?" Juvia nodded and his eyebrows shot up. "So... the rumours are true? I never seen it since we met, I thought... That's... wow, that's some serious magical power."

"Juvia has been told." She closed her eyes and focused on good thoughts, the fact that they were together and she wasn't going anywhere. She breathed in, out, in and out again and she heard the rain stop. "That should do it."

He was looking at her in amazement. "That is... remarkable."

With great strength, Juvia let go of him and winked. "You can call me remarkable any day, Gray-sama."

Gray snorted and looking back at the window, he saw a dagger underneath the sill – she had to hide them quickly the night before, but she also needed easy access to it if necessary. He frowned and looked at her in confusion, then looked around the bedroom for a few seconds. "Exactly how many weapons do you have hidden in this room? I've seen three so far."

Juvia had to stop and count. "Uh... six. No, seven if you count the one under the pillow. There are four in the living room and Juvia just assumes all the knives and utensils in the kitchen can and will be used as weapons if needed. Never hurts to be safe." Gray blinked. "Now, where were we with this wardrobe?"

#

As it turned out, just a few days after moving, Juvia received her first mission as a member of the Night Court: escort a lord and a lady to the Dawn Court for a week so they could see relatives. Juvia knew Dawn well and told Makarov as much and in return he gave her the best route to go from the couple's estate.

Dawn's sky was cobalt and tinged by the rose remnants of sunrise long into the day, the edges of soft clouds gild with golden light. The air had lingering dewy freshness. Juvia loved going to Dawn and stare at the sky.

Presently, though, she missed the starry sky of her new home. She had spent more than a few hours lying on her balcony staring at the sky at night when she couldn't sleep.

Known for it's 'clever things', Juvia was sure to purchase a few for her own home and some trinkets for her friends.

Going back to Velaris was a relief and after giving her report directly to the High Lord – she hadn't realised the couple was distantly related to him – Juvia was surprised at how much she was paid.

Makarov was not joking when he said he paid well and Juvia hadn't even finished using the money she brought from Summer, since most of her accommodation and food had been paid for.

Every week she was home, she would ask Cana or Lisanna to winnow her so she could see her cousin and they would spar and catch up.

Gajeel's little army was doing well, so were the children and he had convinced the Illyrian female to fly with him for a few minutes.

"She hasn't spoken to me ever since. It's been two weeks." Gajeel said between heavy breaths as they sparred.

"You didn't speak to me after I told you I was leaving Summer." Juvia hit him on the face with her elbow and he staggered back a couple of steps. "Having an option can be worse than forever be in a leash for some."

Gajeel groaned in agreement and launched himself on Juvia. In the end, she won that round, but she said she didn't claim the victory as he was distracted.

Her next couple of missions were similar to her first and it all seemed quiet. Too quiet.

Juvia had a bad feeling that wouldn't go away, even when she would meet with her friends in Fairy Tail for a drink, not even when she was flirting shamelessly with her mate and making him laugh – she was told they hadn't heard Gray smile or laugh that much in years.

He must have seen it, though, because one night he was escorting her back to her apartment even after she had told him she could take care of herself and he looked at her with concern.

"Is everything okay?" Gray asked gently. "You seem... worried." Juvia stopped walking for a moment and looked at him nervously and Gray crossed his arms over his chest. "Whatever it is, I won't dismiss it or make fun of."

She believed him, she felt the bond in her chest glow in response to his concern.

"It's too quiet." Juvia told him. "Nothing bad has happened in a while and... maybe I'm being paranoid, but I feel it in the air. Something is not right."

Gray frowned in thought and nodded. "We'll keep an extra eye on things around here, you keep your guard up. Still have those weapons hidden around your place?" She nodded. "Go to the smith and get more, just in case."

Juvia nodded and thanked him, they remained silent during the rest of the walk.

A few days later, Juvia would finally know why she was feeling something was wrong.

She was summoned to the High Lord's residence and she thought she was about to get another mission but instead meeting with just the older male, he was not alone. A beautiful red-haired female she recognised as Erza Scarlett stood next to him, Gray, Natsu and Mirajane as well.

With all eyes on her, Juvia felt a sense of dread. "Is it my cousin? Is Gajeel-kun okay?"

"He is fine at the moment." Makarov said and motioned his hand to the empty chair in front of him and she quickly took it. "However, we have received word from Summer today." Juvia's blood ran cold when Makarov opened his drawer and produced a small chest. He didn't need to open it for Juvia to know what it was, but he did it anyways and she saw two blood rubies.

Fuck.

The rubies were the size of a chicken egg, each so pure and richly coloured that they seem crafted of blood, hence its name.

"Your uncle found out you are now at the Night Court and sent me these." Makarov told her. "The note said you and Gajeel Redfox were mortal enemies of his court and-"

"And we will soon be killed." Juvia completed it and she felt the atmosphere change in the room, as if Makarov had only told them part of the meaning behind the rubies.

"Killed?" Natsu was the first to ask, surprisingly.

"He must have gotten word of Juvia's missions around the country and finally found us." Juvia muttered. She knew her uncle would be angry, but she hoped he wouldn't use the rubies on them. "Was there anything else on the letter?"

Makarov hummed. "He said he will rescind the rubies if you and Gajeel return. Or even just one of you."

Juvia opened her mouth to say if anyone should return, should be her since they put herself and Gajeel in that position, but Gray spoke before she could. "Don't even think about it. You are not returning to that lunatic and neither is your cousin." He all but snarled in anger. "You are ours now."

"I was going to say the same in a less... aggressive fashion, Juvia-chan, but I echo Gray's feelings." Makarov told her gently. "I accepted you as one of my own, we don't give them up if things get hard."

"If neither of us return, he will send assassins." Juvia said. "I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me."

"No one will." Makarov told her. "I am sending Erza to Summer to... persuade Jose to let this go."

Juvia shook her head. "He won't. This is about him not controlling his family."

"We will reach common ground." Makarov said. "I just wanted you to know and some of your friends too, so they can keep an eye around just in case."

Mirajane walked close to Juvia and put a hand on Juvia's shoulder. "You will be safe."

"My cousin..." Juvia said but the High Lord interrupted.

"He is in a remote village and is well versed in combat and last I saw him he had a small army himself." Makarov chuckled. "I already spoke to him. He seems... excited to have someone try to assassinate him."

Juvia snorted. "He would."

"Until this is resolved, Juvia-chan, I am not sending you in any other missions by yourself. We can't take the risk."

"If Gajeel can take care of himself-"

"So can you, I know." Makarov chuckled. "Your cousin has a lot of back up, should anything happen, sending you out by yourself would just make us worry." Juvia nodded against her will. "What I will do is send you with the entourage that is going to Winter for a week." She frowned in confusion. "The High Lord is throwing a ball, and all Courts are invited. I am too old to enjoy the festivities so I will send some of you. That way, we can show Jose that we are not afraid of him and his rubies, that we are quite happy and proud to have you with us, and I would rather do that under the protection of a friendly Court. I already sent a letter to Yuki."

"I will talk with my uncle myself and explain the situation when we get there." Gray said from behind her. "We could all stay at the Castle. He likes visitors."

"Very well." Makarov nodded. "Gray, you will be taking Juvia, Natsu-"

"Lucy too. She's heard of this ball and if I don't take her, she will have me by the balls. Especially now that Juvia is teaching her how to fight." He shuddered. "She is terrifying with a bow and arrow now."

Makarov looked at Gray and Juvia assumed he nodded, and the High Lord chuckled. "Natsu and Lucy. Cana as well in case you need to winnow out of there in a hurry by any chance."

Juvia nodded, hesitant. "When do we leave?"

"Erza is going to Summer in the morning, you and the others will leave in two days." Makarov said and the blue haired female agreed grimly, but the High Lord smiled. "Cheer up, Juvia-chan. It's going to be a party!"

#

The preparation to leave for Winter was just as chaotic as Juvia expected, especially when she told her friends she left all her party dresses back in Summer as she could only bring the essentials and gowns were not high on the list.

Lucy, Lisanna, and Cana brought her out to get a "proper" Night Court dress to represent her new home and Juvia let them lead the way – apparently the other two females were also looking for new attires.

Natsu and Gray were casually behind them, checking the crowd as they walked through Velaris and even though the city was safe, Juvia knew it was because of her and the blood rubies. They only got inside the stores to see if there were no threats and then would hang out outside, just chatting and occasionally buying some street food to pass the time.

The bond inside her chest would shiver in joy of her mate protecting her, caring so much for her, but the rational part of her brain was very happy to have friends that cared for her that much.

Weirdly enough, the scariest part of the whole situation were the dresses Lucy and Cana were presenting to her. Lisanna had a milder taste, but Lucy and Cana were all about showing skin.

Juvia came out of the changing room after her third change and all three females clapped and whistled – maybe they had too much ale they offered in that store. "Oh yeah, that's the one!" Lucy exclaimed.

"You look beautiful, Juvia." Lisanna said with a smile.

"If Gray looks at you dressed like that and doesn't fuck you, I will." Cana smirked.

"Cana-san!" Juvia exclaimed and she could feel her cheeks burn – Juvia had her fair of lovers and didn't discriminate when she liked someone, but they were only friends in her eyes.

"Come on, we would make a dashing couple." Cana winked and Juvia laughed. "We could ask Gray to join but I don't think he could handle the two of us. Poor boy would have a heart attack."

Knowing she was joking, and Juvia felt much better to joke back. "Let's see if this dress can work its magic and get Juvia laid first, we can talk after." Cana chuckled and Juvia looked herself in the mirror. Even in Summer she never wore something that revealing unless she was at the beach, but she had to admit... she looked beautiful. Most important, she felt beautiful. And sexy.

"Well, I guess I'll take it. If not to woo Gray-sama, to make Cana-san happy."

"Yay!" Lisanna clapped. "Now shoes?"

Juvia shook her head. "None for me. I actually have the perfect pair I had it custom made in Dawn."

"Dresses weren't a priority when leaving, but shoes were?" Lucy wondered.

"This pair? Absolutely."

#

The first part of the trip took longer as Cana could only winnow so far and with so many people in one go, but it took them less than a day to reach the border of Winter before they stopped for the night so Cana could rest.

The next day, they winnowed just outside the walls of the largest Winter Court city.

"Aw, this is where we met for the first time." Lucy teased her friend. "By the way, you need to teach me that move that knocked me unconscious; sometimes I think Natsu needs it."

"I am right here." Her mate complained.

"I know." Lucy patted him on the cheek and gave him a kiss on the other cheek.

"Last time I was staying at the Castle, I wanted to give those two some time alone." Gray told them and looked pointedly at Juvia, who raised her hands.

"Juvia promises not to kidnap anyone while in Winter."

"What's the fun in that?" Cana chuckled. "Come on, I haven't been in a proper castle in ages."

Even though Juvia had been at the city many times before, it was different when Gray pointed out a place or a store he recognised and he would add, excitedly "I will bring you later!"

It was cleat he loved the city, the court, and its people. His life was in Velaris, just like hers was, but there was no denying his love for his birthplace. Juvia could relate, she wished she could see the beaches in Summer again one day.

They walked right to the Ice castle and even though Juvia had been there before with her uncle, she was never a guest, just the muscle to protect her uncle and cousins. She would stand guard and then retire to small but comfortable quarters designed for people like her, guards.

This time, Gray told them to give their bags to a few servants who arrived to help them, smiles on their faces as they bowed to Gray, who blushed beautifully in reply. Not a prince her ass.

They were led to a large throne room, everything was ice white and Juvia knew there were warmth spells for the people but everything else was pure ice. There were a few people close to the throne and they seemed to be pointing at empty spaces – Juvia assumed it was for the ball.

"The entourage from the Night Court, my Lord." A guard announced. "And your nephew, Gray Fullbuster."

Juvia had seen the High Lord of Winter a few times, and Gray looked the completely opposite of his uncle. He was so beautiful Juvia wasn't sure he was real. Yuki's hair was long and white, his eyes were bright blue and his skin as white as alabaster. He looked like he was made of snow.

"My lord." Gray bowed and the others followed his cue.

She had never seen it before, but the High Lord smiled brightly at the sight of his nephew. "Gray!" With a few purposefully strides, they were close, and the Lord embraced Gray in a warm embrace. "It's been too long."

"Three months." Gray reminded him but Yuki just shook his head.

"Still too long." He put a hand on Gray's cheek and looked at him adoringly then he looked at his other guests. "Now, is there anyone here I haven't met?"

"Yes. This is Lucy Heartfilia, Natsu's mate." Lucy curtsied.

"Delighted, my lady." Yuki tipped his head in acknowledgment, then looked at Natsu. "You lucked out, Natsu."

"I know." Natsu said proudly and in a very informal manner, offered his hand to the High Lord, who happily took it. They let go of each other after sharing a smile.

"Cana, it has been way too long." The High Lord took her hand and kissed it.

"Ten years, give it or take." Cana smirked. "We should have another drinking contest."

Yuki laughed out loud. "Absolutely not. I am not proud enough to go against you again but I would love to share a regular amount of wine with you during dinner tonight. I insist."

"Bring the good stuff and I'm yours."

"Only the best for you." He winked and let go of Cana, his eyes focusing on Juvia. Gray was about to introduce her, but the High Lord was quicker. "You must be Juvia Lockser."

"My Lord." Juvia bowed her head in respect.

"We have met, haven't we?" He narrowed his eyes, trying to remember.

"Yes. Juvia has been here before escorting the High Lord of Summer and his sons." She said, surprised he remembered her.

"The hair and the eyes make an impression, especially here in Winter." He told her. "Apologies I didn't know your name or that you were related to Jose. I would have given you better accommodations."

"No need to apologise, my lord." Juvia offered him a small smile. "Juvia was always well received in your castle."

"And tonight will be no different." Yuki told her. "The ball is tomorrow but we shall all dine together tonight. Unfortunately, I still have some planning to do but please, enjoy the rest of your day. Enjoy yourselves." He looked at a couple of servants who nodded at him. "Lola and Hima will show you to your rooms." They mumbled their thanks. "Gray, if you could wait for a minute." The younger male nodded and told his friends to go ahead, and he would meet with them later.

#

To say her accommodations were luxurious was an understatement.

The room was large, the bed could easily fit three people and the attached bathroom had a bathtub that looked like it was a small pool. Juvia needed to submerge herself and swim in it as soon as possible and so she did.

The warming spell worked with the water too and Juvia sighed with how good it felt. Her bathtub at home was fine, but that one was another level of comfortable. She could get used to live in a palace.

After enjoying the water for as long as she could, Juvia wrapped a silky robe around herself and lied down on the bed, sleep claiming her a few minutes later.

She woke up with the sound of her door being open and she was immediately alert – even the girls would have knocked before barging in.

Juvia pretended to continue to sleep and focused on scents and noise. Two high fae, males, smelled like sweat and blood. By the way they walked, she could barely hear them, so they were professionals.

Assassins.

The blood rubies.

Pretending to move in her sleep Juvia hugged her pillow and grabbed the dagger she had placed there before her bath and waited.

The scents got close, and she could feel they were about to strike so she did it first, she only need a fraction of a second to open her eyes and see where to strike. The first male was standing next to her, his sword raised and Juvia rolled from the bed, falling on the floor gracefully and as the sword hit the mattress, Juvia used her dagger to stab the male on the thigh, removed it and while he screamed in pain, she focused on the second assassin who was already jumping her way, two swords on his hands and Juvia rolled under the bed until she was on the other side, the male fell with a thud and she could see they had their noses and mouth covered.

Juvia got up from the other side of the bed and before they could jump on her again, she used her water powers to reach for a big glass flower pot and threw it at them, but they were too fast and she didn't hit them, but it didn't matter, she wanted the noise. To get anyone's attention.

Technically she could kill both of them easily but she didn't want to hurt the Night Court by killing them, even in self-defence.

Both attacked her and Juvia had to think they were finally recognising what they should from the beginning: she was lethal and taking turns against her would only lessen their ability to kill her.

She threw her dagger on the second male's stomach, hitting it perfectly and it probably wouldn't kill him straight away. He let out a loud scream meanwhile, Juvia was quick to jump out of the way before the sword met her chest but she was nicked on the arm by the first male and she kicked him from behind, her foot on his back and she pressed hard, pulling both his arms back with all her strength, dislodging one from its socket, making him also scream in pain.

Her door opened again and a shirtless Gray was there, taking it all in. Juvia was panting and she was sure her robe was open enough she was showing him most of her body, but Gray's focus was on the males on the floor.

Seeing she had it all under control, Gray said in a soft tone. "You are safe now; you can let him go."

She probably looked wild, his tone instantly calming her down so she let go of the assassin and walked in Gray's direction, and he met her halfway.

"Where did they hurt you?" He asked gently, looking over her shoulder just in case they were to move but both males were just grunting in pain. He quickly closed her robe and Juvia didn't scent any arousal from him, just concern. He was trying to keep her as composed as possible.

"They didn't." Juvia said, confused.

"I smell blood on you and it's not theirs." He told her and he finally noticed the cut on her arm and his eyes flared with rage. He pulled her by the hand and went to the door and screamed for the guards to call his uncle straightaway. He then looked at her. "You will be okay."

Warmth filled her whole body, and she wasn't entirely sure it was because of the mating bond. "I know. I'm with you."

Gray seemed surprised with her words but then they got swarmed by guards and he pulled her to him to let them go inside and started to bark orders.

#

To say the High Lord was livid and furious was an understatement.

Juvia had changed into her regular clothes, her friends and the High Lord plus some of his guards in the Throne room, watching as Yuki walked from one side to the other, the room colder even with the warming spell, showing how he was losing control of his power in anger.

"An assassination attack in my palace. Under my own roof and no one of you stopped them." He pointed at Juvia who flinched. "If Lady Juvia hadn't fought brilliantly like she did, she would have been dead. We have guests coming from a ball tomorrow and we can't defend our own people? I want extra guards everywhere until we figure out how this happened in broad day light. No one must know what happened today, is that understood?" His guards nodded and left the room.

The Night Court entourage was quiet, all concerned about Juvia's safety. Lucy had an arm around her friend.

Yuki let out a breath and looked in her direction and Juvia straighten her back. "My deepest apologies, Lady Juvia." He bowed down his head. "Makarov trusted me to keep you safe and I have failed you in such a short period of time."

"Please, don't." Juvia was embarrassed. "They were professionals, Juvia is alive because she has had training. I apologise for the mess in my room, I could have killed them quietly but I didn't want you to be upset with the Night Court. I was expecting to be attacked, just didn't expect it to be here."

Yuki blinked a couple of times. "You fought them with your bare hands so you wouldn't kill them in my castle so it wouldn't be tied back to your Court?" Juvia nodded.

"This is your Court, my lord. You bestow justice, not me."

The High Lord looked from her to his nephew and they seemed to be having a conversation with their eyes. Yuki nodded and sigh.

"Thank you, my lady." He said. "It does look better if I handle it than if you had. It means I still have some control of the situation. We will find you another room and if you ever need anything at all, do not hesitate to come to me. I will not fail you again."

"She can stay in my room." Gray offered and everyone looked at him. "I don't think she should be alone, at least until the rubies are rescinded. I am from here; I am your Heir apparent. If we kill anyone who tries to kill her, I am within my rights."

Yuki nodded and turned to Juvia. "Your choice, my lady."

"That makes the most sense. Thank you, my lord."

"Let's have dinner." The High Lord suggested. "I think we all need alcohol right about now."

#

Even with the day's events, dinner was a cheerful event, with Yuki telling some embarrassing stories from Gray's childhood and he was not kidding when he said the drink would be the best. Juvia hadn't had ale that good in a long time.

Yuki had insisted Cana sat on his right and Juvia on his left. While Cana was busy talking to Gray, the High Lord was pouring more ale in Juvia's goblet even after she said she's had enough.

"...then one day my sister just tells me she is in love with one of the generals." Yuki was telling her. "I like Silver like a brother, but I didn't want my sister with him. There was no stopping Mika, though. They got married and a few years later, Gray was born."

"It must be hard looking at him and seeing your sister." Juvia said and the High Lord stilled, frowning.

"Most people say he looks like his father."

"Juvia hasn't met him yet, and you are probably right but you two have the same smile, so I assume so did your sister?" Yuki nodded. "Your eye shapes are similar even if the colour isn't. And don't laugh, but your foreheads are the same. After seeing the two of you together, it makes sense. It might be harder for others to see it, but of course you do. It seems like you loved your sister very much and Gray-sama is the one keeping her memory alive. Probably why you miss him so much, and at the same time, you still let him go find yourself, like you did your sister." Juvia's eyes widened and she put a hand over her mouth. "Apologies, my lord. The ale..."

"How long have you been in love with my nephew?" He asked, kindly.

"Do you believe in love at first sight?"

"I might."

"Then about that long." Juvia sighed. "I am trying to make him... look at me. We became friends, but... I am afraid he won't ever feel the same." It terrified her that Gray might never have his mating bond snap in place, but she could live with that. She was even more afraid of never having... him. She didn't need the mating bond, she needed him.

"Sometimes I forget how young you all are." Yuki chuckled. "That boy is so besotted with you it's driving him insane. I have never seen him act the way he acts around you. Whatever you are doing, keep it up." He winked and Juvia giggled and when she looked in Gray's direction, he was frowning at her and his uncle, so she winked at him and it made him roll his eyes and resume his conversation with Cana.

#

Gray's room was similar to hers – if not slightly bigger, even had a small sofa – but the decoration was darker and Juvia had a feeling it was his permanent room at the palace.

"Do you want a bath before going to bed?" Gray asked and Juvia just shook her head.

"It has been a long day." She said and he just nodded. She found her bags and grabbed her shorts and shirt and went to change in the bathroom.

When she returned, Gray was lying on the sofa, an arm over his eyes and Juvia frowned, confused. "What are you doing over there?"

"You can have the bed." He told her.

With a sigh, Juvia walked his way and he moved his arm just enough to look at her. "That bed can easily fit three fae and there's still space left. No reason why both of us can't share it." He looked at her hesitantly. "Juvia promises not to ravish you in your sleep. Do you know how many times I had to share a bed with Gajeel-kun throughout the years? We learn really fast to not move around so much." Gray snorted and Juvia offered her hand. "Come on. You can protect me better if you are next to me."

Gray sighed and accepted her hand. "Didn't look like you need much protecting earlier."

Juvia just smiled and let go of his hand and let him choose his side and go under the blanket, while she grabbed her dagger from her bag. Seeing that he had his eyebrows raised, Juvia just shrugged and brought to bed with her, hiding it beneath her pillow.

"Don't judge, this saved my life earlier."

Gray just shook his head and closed his eyes, Juvia got under the covers and the air was heavy, they were too quiet.

Yup, it was awkward. It had never been awkward between them before. Juvia's mind was racing as she was thinking of something at all to tell him to lighten the mood.

"So much for 'I don't sleep with my friends'." Juvia whispered and she heard him chuckle.

"You have been breaking all of my rules, what's one more?" Gray said and Juvia giggled.

"Oh, does that mean-"

"Go to sleep, Juvia."

And just like that, it wasn't awkward anymore.

#

Juvia woke up from a very pleasant deep sleep, something so rare she could count how many times it had happened. She was also feeling warm and cozy and she did not want to move so she furrowed herself into it even more and the warmth embraced her even harder.

She was feeling rather good as well, heat coming from inside her and there was some sort of a rhythm to it and it felt so good Juvia just let out a moan.

Everything stopped and Juvia's eyes snapped open to see that during the night, it appeared Gray had moved her way and they were entangled, Juvia's face had been on the crook of his neck and a leg over his hips and oh- so that's why she was feeling hot all over.

Both looked at each other with wide eyes and if hers mirrored his, he also had no intention of letting go or to stop unless the other asked and it didn't feel like either wanted that.

Juvia's gaze went to Gray's lips and his hips jerked to meet hers and Juvia moaned when his length rubbed her core just the right way and Gray grunted, trying to restrain himself.

"Please." Gray said and she understood; he wanted her to ask him to let her go. He would do it straight away, she knew. "We shouldn't cross this line."

"Why?" Juvia leaned in, their noses touching a hand on his silky hair and another on his cheek. "What's wrong on making each other feel good?"

"We will regret it." It was his weak argument.

"Never." Juvia whispered. "I won't do anything you don't want, though." She didn't know where she got the strength from but she let go of him and moved away just enough they were not touching. "Better?"

"No." Gray closed his eyes and it probably didn't help that both their scents were now mingled and filled with arousal.

Juvia bit her lower lip. He seemed in so much pain and so was she, the throbbing between her legs not lessen at all.

"How can I help you?" She asked, genuinely. "Do you want me to leave?"

For a second, she thought he was going to say yes. For a moment she thought she would have to go relieve herself in the bathtub. Instead, Gray grabbed her and pulled her closer to his chest, a hand on her hair and the other on her waist.

"Don't leave." He said and she nodded.

"What do you need?" She whispered.

His eyes were even darker than usual when he said: "Whatever you can give me." And a moment later, his lips were on hers and Juvia was certain she was dreaming. The fire in her lower belly light up so quickly Juvia was moaning into the kiss while he grunted in what sounded like relief.

They were both battling to dominate the kiss, both being hungry for each other for so long, but Juvia flipped them over so Gray was on his back and she was on top of him, instinct overtaking her.

She moved her hips on his hardness and gods, they still had their clothes on, how did it feel this good already?

Gray reached out under her shirt and touched her bared breasts and Juvia moaned loudly when he pinched her nipples, her hips moving faster, with purpose.

"Fuck." She heard Gray say and with one swift motion, Juvia was on her back and Gray was thrusting his hips to meet hers, creating the most delicious friction, one hand under her shirt, pinching and pulling her nipples, just how she liked it. His mouth was on hers once again and Juvia was so close, but she feared Gray was closer with how frantic his movements were turning.

She slipped a hand beneath her shorts and underclothes and started to touch herself, gasping at the first contact with her clit. Gray stopped kissing her and looked down and swore again. "Fucking perfect." He groaned and kissed her again, searching his own release while Juvia worked on hers, his hand on her breast stilled and groped it hard, movements frantic, and so were her fingers on her clit.

"Let go, Gray-sama." She said and as if he was just waiting for it, he did, moving his hips a couple of times and stilling and with hooded eyes he looked down and watched as Juvia finished herself off when he kissed her possessively and whispered in her ear. "Come, Juvia. For me, let me see you."

And by the Cauldron, she did. Her body went taut and she could feel her whole body heat up and tingle with pleasure, Gray's mouth found hers and she kissed him until she plopped back into bed, exhausted, satiated and yet she wanted so much more.

Gray pulled her to him, her back touching his front as they tried to catch their breaths.

"I haven't come in my pants since I was a teenager." Gray muttered and Juvia giggled.

"Juvia told you she was good." She said and Gray tightened his arms around her. "Can you imagine how good it's going to be with no clothes on?"

"Please, don't do that." Gray groaned. "I already have to face the fact that you make me come in my pants, we are to have breakfast with our friends who will definitely know something happened. Have mercy just this one time. My imagination is not helping either."

They heard a knock on the door and a small voice of a servant telling them breakfast would be served soon.

"Do you want to take a bath together?" Juvia suggested.

"Adding it to the list of how many things I want to do to you. But unfortunately, we can't. I am sure if I see you naked it's going to be counterproductive to the logistics of us leaving the room."

Juvia frowned. "Too many big words, Juvia shall try better to reduce your brain power to no words."

Gray chuckled. "We have to get ready for breakfast. You take the bath first, I will go second."

She turned around and gave him a sweet kiss, the first of many, she hoped.

"Juvia just want to let you know she stayed on her side of the bed and she had no intentions of ravishing you. It seems you are the one who moved."

He rolled his eyes. "Fine, my fault. I'm sorry I moved your way and made us hump each other. Happy?"

"Oh no, Juvia won't be happy until later tonight." She smiled devilish.

"What about tonight?" He looked at her with suspicion.

"I don't think you are prepared for Juvia's dress and if we are sharing this room again, I am sure you will want to take it off."

Gray groaned again. "Please. Go get ready."

Juvia smiled and trotted her way to the bathroom and looked over her shoulder to where Gray was lying down and she was please to see he was grinning, looking up to the ceiling.

#

AN: Oh no, there was only one bed! :O Gosh darn it!

Next chapter we will have the ball and some interesting things happening.

Thanks to: NessaliaaRossa, ClaudeSimbou, raine_heroine, panda2360 and xxxemzixxx! You guys ROCK!

02.01.25 ~ BonneyQ