#also juvia's scar was in the wrong place

[natsubeatsrock]

My Incredibly Unpopular Thoughts on: Fairy Tail’s Ending

To start with, stop.

I don’t care what you think about the ending. I don’t care what you think about the series. I kind of care why you’re reading this post. (Hi.) Just stop.

Now, do me a favor and take a deep breath.

Before I start to talk about this chapter, I just want to say that this has been a crazy ride. I started Fairy Tail in October of 2014 and I never would have thought that I would be running a blog about Fairy Tail and such a relevant name in this fandom back then. I’ve had tons of fun running this blog for years and if it weren’t for Fairy Tail, I probably wouldn’t be an anime/manga fan. Even though this series is nowhere near perfect and this arc is nowhere near the best, I’m glad that I’m a Fairy Tail fan. And this ending hasn’t changed that for me.

Also, I actually did make a Quick Notes about this chapter. So if there’s something you think I missed in this post, check that one. I also talked about my thoughts on Nalu’s ending in a separate post, which goes exactly how well you’d think a post about it from me would be. This was supposed to come out the same week, but… 

Life.

So, with that out of the way, let’s talk about this chapter.

When I saw that this last chapter was going to be 45 pages, I was pleasantly surprised. Consider that the end of Naruto is simply two normal length chapters that came out at once. Likewise, the last chapters of Bleach and Death Note are about as long as a normal chapter. So seeing that this chapter was going to be that long gave me the hope that more ground will be covered than in those endings. Though. Rave ended with more than 20 pages more than this and, looking back, I’m not a huge fan of some parts of that ending.

Speaking of those series, the last chapter starts with a jump to the future. This is a weird trope for me. My only real issue with the Naruto ending was that it felt like there was a huge disconnect between the Last, which I had just finished, and this chapter. However, the ending of the other series (yes, even Bleach) worked so well for me because we got to see how the world moved on after the events of the previous chapters.

I’m glad that Lucy won an award for her novel. I’m also glad that the popular fan theory that Lucy was writing the events of Fairy Tail out for a story is also proven wrong. I never liked that theory and I’m glad Lucy won by coming up with her own original story.

Even though the main character based off her.

And seeing how the guild is acting at this party makes me realize that Lucy’s friends are jerks to Lucy. I said this before, but I’m shocked that they’re even worried about other people ruining their reputation when they’re so good at making themselves look terrible. I have to believe that Erza and other members of the guild are genuinely concerned about a thief pretending to be a Fairy Tail mage. But hey, she was worried about other people in the guild at her introduction.

And Juvia is still stripping…

You know, I remember when Juvia stripped to join Gray during the anime for a thing she didn’t need to. It was messed up, but it was kind of funny.

Only kind of.

And then Gray and Juvia stripped together in the Avatar arc. Like I thought it was cool back when I shipped Gruvia. But looking back, it’s weird that Juvia developed the same habit Gray formed that after training in fewer clothes to get used to the cold and doing ice magic that even the person who had the idea to do it thought was unnatural…

Because Gruvia is a “good ship”. Like, why else did this need to be a thing? Mashima should have stuck with the water body thing because that’s awesome and only kind of comes back later on in the series.

Anna is in this timeline as a teacher which is kind of cool. I guess, since she wanted to teach the dragon slayers, she gets to teach another group of young kids. Gajeel jokes to Natsu about liking Anna and…

I’m conflicted. 

See, in pretty much any other case, I’d be totally fine shipping Natsu with anyone that people joke about him liking except Lucy. But, aside from not even thinking he actually liked her the way Gajeel meant, I’m not sure I can be comfortable shipping Natsu with anyone when the age difference is much bigger than that of Jerza-

I mean Graytear.

So we learned about the other guilds. Lamia Scale has a thing called Thanksgiving Day and they dragged Wendy into performing with Chelia. I’m actually excited for this to be animated. I hope we get an actual full song from the earlier performance of these two. For those who might be wondering why, Wendy’s Japanese VA, Satomi Sato, has also been in some roles that have involved her singing.

And then there’s Mermaid Heel. (Get used to this phrase. I’ve used it a lot.)

So, out of everything that happened in this chapter, I’m shocked that this didn’t get more people angry. What even is the point of having Mermaid Heel be exclusive models for Sorcerer Weekly? That was never important to them before. Kagura even questions what the point of this was. It’s almost as if Mashima was saying, “Screw anyone who thought I was going to give the only all-girl guild a dignifying ending! This is Fairy Tail!” 

Oh, but it’s okay because not many people cared about them and of course we’re going to have sexy girls in outfits so we can appeal to the target demographic of teen boys and where do I stop?

The other guilds did stuff. Like, I know that a lot of people love people outside the guild and I have my favorites from outside Fairy Tail. But, I don’t have much to say about what we learned about the other guilds.

And then we got a block of ship moments. Oh, the boys.

We started with Gajevy. And, man, I wish I had anything to say about them. I really don’t want to continue the trend of not talking about them. I have a few posts for them in the works, but for now…

I guess they had sex?

And then there’s Gruvia. 

I can’t just leave it there, right? No?

So I’m not actually sure that Gruvia is actually canon.  Yeah, me having a view that seems very different from most of the fandom. Shocking, right? I mean, there’s a lot of noise on both sides and it was a weird scene to include. But I didn’t see that conversation as a “Gruvia definitely is/isn’t canon” moment.

When I saw Gray say that Juvia’s body belongs to him, my mind immediately went to chapter 499, which I’ve had to look at multiple times for a post I’m going to get done on August 30th. When Juvia (somehow) revealed to Gray that she (somehow) used Water Make Magic, she told him that her life belongs to him. So Juvia’s body does belong to him.

Kinda.

So, the questions I think a reader of this should have to answer is whether Gray feels awkward about this because he likes Juvia or because even kind of owning Juvia freaks him out. As you can tell, I’m not really sure how to answer this question. Of course, this doesn’t mention that Gray might also be hesitant in making a statement Juvia may think is either offensive or romantic, as different people in the fandom have been arguing it is.

At any rate, this was the kind of ambiguity I was afraid of. I wanted to voice my fear that we’d get an ambiguous Gruvia ending. However, I was assured by the Gruvia fandom that Gray would definitely give an answer and that that answer would be yes. So, while I disagreed with the latter, I bit my tongue on the issue. It turns out, neither was the case and I was right to be worried.

Elfgreen is probably canon. I don’t think it’s a huge leap of faith to say that. (Yeah, that’s all I got.)

All the popular guy-girl Laxus ships have been de-confirmed in one go. I’m actually impressed that Mashima did that. I said this before, but I find it hilarious that Mashima made sure to empathize Miraxus as a rumor. I feel like the Laxana camp is as huge, but he had to take shots at that other ship. I’m honestly not sure what that means for Fraxus. And to be honest, I don’t really care Laxus ships.

And then there’s Jerza.

Like many people in this fandom, I’m actually shocked by Jerza in this chapter, but for a different reason. I was actually shocked that any time was given to Jerza at all in this chapter. I honestly wasn’t expecting Mashima to address this issue in any way at all. But, oh the boys, did he address it. While I understand the frustration of the Jerza fandom, I actually pretty cool with this ending. I figured he would give Jerza a non-canon ending. 

This kind of situation feels reminiscent of Roy Mustang and Riza Hawkeye’s relationship from FMA. They’re nothing like each other, material wise. However, in both cases, it looked a lot like they liked each other. However, the series ended without them hooking up. (At least officially.) I figured this kind of thing would happen a long time ago so I’m not surprised by this.

What did surprise me was about 5 pages spent on Mashima’s Zervis AU. Or any time at all spent on any version of Zervis at all post ‘taking Nalu’s One Magic” a while ago. And I kind of liked it. It makes no sense to exist in any way shape or form, but it was kind of cute and I think this is better than real Zervis.

Somewhere in all of this, we learned that Makarov lost the ability to use his legs. Well, something had to happen because of Makarov’s return. I’d actually be disappointed if everything was fine. My big complaint about the Rave Master ending, without spoiling much, a lot of losses and sacrifices made in chapters prior were rewritten. So, in this one aspect, Fairy Tail’s ending is better than Rave Master’s ending.

But, similar to Rave Master’s ending, Chelia can use magic. This is was one of the other big things I was afraid of Mashima doing in the last chapter of the series. To be fair, it’s only to a limited ability, but it’s still pretty annoying. I hinted at this, but I didn’t say it out right because I was in a fight with someone who thought I hadn’t read Rave at the time and I wanted to be petty.

So, Lucy blanked out and wakes up in her house. And, pretty much everything about this scene up until the flashback annoys me.

After 541 chapters and almost a decade of both real world and in-universe time, Natsu still breaks into Lucy’s house. Happy decides to polish Lucy’s newly acquired trophy with his claws. And this is all played for laughs. Like I’m actually supposed to look at this and think that this is funny and not sad.

Keep in mind that people were able to get past this point and still think that Natsu was going to confess romantic feelings. Look, I think that Natsu and Lucy have an amazing bond, but it would be really bad if this was just before a romantic confession. I can understand people who were disappointed with the Jerza ending. If you thought this was going to lead into a Nalu ending, you played yourself.

Luckily, there’s more to be annoyed with. Lucy ends up remembering the embarrassing stuff she did when she was drunk. A while ago, I made a post about being annoyed with the way things were made up. This is a great example of this.

Why did we need this? This isn’t funny and I didn’t learn anything about Lucy. I don’t like these “I’ll never get married over this” jokes in anime unless it’s over something legitimately embarrassing enough to warrant the reaction. She’s not ashamed because she was teachers yelled at her for promoting a club she was dragged into while being forced to wear a sexy red bunny outfit. (You either get this reference or you don’t) She did some stupid stuff in front of two people while she was drunk. (And apparently, she liked one of those people.)

But Natsu uses the joke to segway into a reminder that they can still work together. And Lucy remembers many of the missions they shared together. Considering recent events on my blog, it’s funny how there’s nothing from the Galuna Island, but she remembered being wrapped in towels with Edolas Lucy. At any rate, she thanks Natsu and Happy for changing her life for the better.

It’s times like this that I have to remember that Lucy’s dream was to join Fairy Tail. (A point I had to remind fic writers of.) It’s only because she met Natsu that she was able to. Recently I’ve been rereading the old arcs and it’s crazy to see how much has happened since Lucy has joined Fairy Tail specifically because Lucy has joined Fairy Tail.

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: you don’t have Fairy Tail without Lucy and Natsu. They don’t meet, they don’t go on adventures. They don’t go on adventures, the world would probably cease to exist at about the time we would get to Edolas. Remember, Mystogan needed her and Gajeel to help Natsu and Wendy. If Lucy’s not in the guild, Gajeel’s not in the guild. So assuming everything else is the same, which would probably be a stretch, they’re screwed.

Anyway afterward, Natsu takes Lucy on the mission with him saying that the fact that their lives are different doesn’t matter. And yes, I think it’s a jerky thing to have done. Of course, if you thought this was going to be a lead-in to a Nalu confession, I can’t help you. But that doesn’t mean he did a good.

However, I like the reasoning. Natsu isn’t worried about the past. He’s excited for what the future is going to bring them… 

…and the rest of Team Natsu…

On the Century Quest!

This is probably my favorite thing from the chapter. I actually screamed after seeing that they were going on the quest. Forget Nalu, this is probably one of the most Natsu things that Natsu would be excited for.

But I have two big problems with this.

First, if Gray’s conversation really was a confession, does that mean he left Juvia after confessing to her? Even if he told her that he was going on the mission, that’s still a pretty messed up thing to do. By the way, if you think that Gray’s scar comment was bad, this would probably make it worse.

Funny enough, I saw a comment on this. OP questioned whether or not people really believe the Century Quest would actually last 100 years. And my response is…

That’s the other problem: we don’t know how long this quest is supposed to take. Now, chapter 165 tells us that Decade Quests take at least 10 years to beat and so it should stand to reason that Century Quests will take at least 100 years to beat. However, consider everything that we’ve been told about the Spriggan 12 at the beginning of this arc and how free they ended up being. So will this take shorter than expected or will it actually take 100 years?

As a side note, is this the same Century Quest Gildarts failed or is it another Century Quest? It’s referred to as “The 100-Year Quest” and we’ve only known about one Century Quest? And why is it 100-Year Quest here instead of Century Quest? 

The fic writers are going to have a field day with that.

So, overall, what did I think of the chapter? After reading the chapter a few times and thinking about the things that have happened in order to make this post, I feel good about it. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of issues left unresolved. I totally understand (some of) the reasons people don’t like this ending and I absolutely think we could and probably should get more. However, I’m fine with this being the way the series ends. And, as I’ve said before, I’d happily reread this series again.

Now comes the main reason that I want to talk about the ending in this format. Fairy Tail has officially come to an end. I feel as though there is two knee jerk “my series ended” reactions I want to address.

The first is the feelings over everything in the ending.

As I said in an earlier post, nothing is wrong with feeling sad or happy or angry over anything about everything that has happened in this series. Nothing is wrong with expressing or explaining those feelings. That’s fine.

What isn’t fine is getting mad at or blaming people for the things you don’t like about the ending, including and especially Hiro Mashima. What isn’t fine is destroying everything Fairy Tail related you own out of spite.

I’d even say that it’s not okay to feel betrayed by the ending. Mashima doesn’t owe you anything. He doesn’t owe you ships. He doesn’t owe you moments. He doesn’t have to bring characters back. He doesn’t have to kill anyone. About the only thing Mashima had to do for his fans was get the next chapters of the series out on time. Even though those chapters weren’t always necessarily good, that was about all he owed us.

The second one is a desire the series to continue on, either it should continue on as a spin off or just never end. Some of you might want him to get to working on his completely new series right away.

Not so fast.

I get the desire to want to see more of a series or writer you’ve enjoyed for however long you have. I get that you might think the series didn’t have a proper ending. I get that you may have no idea what you’re going to do now that Fairy Tail is over.

That being said, I think Mashima should take a break.

Don’t get me wrong, I’d also love more Fairy Tail, even as I’ve ragged on some of its failings. But this guy’s been writing Fairy Tail for more than a decade. It’s one thing to be an artist whose job depends on how much you’re able to create. Having to create something new in an ongoing series every week is baffling to me as a musical composer. It takes me weeks even months to get works done to a level they can be called finished.

Mashima’s work on Fairy Tail is nowhere near the best thing in the anime/manga world, but I’m not going to accuse him of not working hard. I want this guy to enjoy the break he’s getting for now before he launches head first into his next series. For now, I’d like to see what fans do now that the story is complete(-ish).

Speaking of which, many people might be wondering what I’ll be doing on this blog now that the series is over. I still have things to say about Fairy Tail as a series and I’ll definitely have some things to say about this fandom as the dust settles. I have some posts I’ve been working on specifically to show after the end of the series and, thankfully, I only have to change a few paragraphs because of this ending…

I don’t know that I’m going to start throwing my focus onto any one other series. I’ve said this before but despite any and all problems this series has, Fairy Tail is the only series I feel comfortable running a blog for. I’ve seen other series I think are better and I have things to say about them you might see on my main blog. But I don’t see myself getting so into another series that I could do everything I’ve done with Fairy Tail.

To that point, I do have series I have been reading. To give a sense of the time I’ve been planning this post for, when I started writing this post, I had over 100 chapters of Bleach left to finish. I’m sending this off having finished that series and (as I promised) started reading My Hero Academia. Incidentally, I’ve started writing posts for those series I may post to my main blog as well and I’ve had to pull myself away from reading MHA to finish this post.

I’ve also been reading Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches and, once I’m done, I’ll finally be able to catch up with Twin Star Exorcists (yes, I’ve decided to turn to the dark side). I’ve also started reading  Astra: Lost in Space. I’m not sure this will be the next breakout hit in the manga world, but I’m enjoying where this series is going.

Somewhere along the way, I started reading Yona of the Dawn through the volumes and collecting Bakuman volumes which I will read all at once. And of course, I’ll still be buying the volumes for Rave Master and Fairy Tail until I’ve collected them all. 

To wrap it all up, there is one more question some of my followers may be wondering that I want to address: When will I read One Piece? 

Soon.

At the very least, I want to catch up with the currently running series and get all of that I’ll be following weekly and get/read all of Bakuman before getting into the beast that is One Piece. At the latest, I’ll end up following my Big 3 tradition of starting to read the series at about the time it’s starting to end. And if your fandom causes another stir over ships, I think I’m actually going to go crazy

In Conclusion:

Fairy Tail’s ending was pretty messy, but I’m fairly happy with the ending we got. But even though Fairy Tail ended, I’m still going to have fun talking about it and other things. 

I’m all fired up!!!!

[gralunaisland]

Not Being Allowed To Be Anti

This post will touch on the topic of being an Anti-gr///vian, not specifically about gr//via.

Many times when I meet people who disagree with me, certain Pro-gr///vians, they are quick to point out and accuse how I have a blog dedicated to being Anti, how I make posts dedicated to an Anti stance. I've seen the same attack against other fellow Antis.

Let me just say,

I cannot understand that thinking at all. I don't see how it's a valid attack in the first place.

I've had to defend myself over and over again, and I'll state just what I say and more here.

I am allowed to have my opinion. I am allowed to post about my opinion. I am allowed to make blogs dedicated to supporting my opinion. I am allowed to have a negative view of something. I am allowed to discuss that with people who think differently as long as I am respectful and don't go on other people's blogs or posts looking for a fight.

Why is it that since I am an Anti, I suddenly don't get to have a presence on the internet? This isn't even that big a deal, Pros. My existence doesn't invalidate yours, (and my side is much quieter than yours), so why do some of y'all try so so hard to invalidate mine?

What's more, some of y'all try to use it as a reason why I'm in the wrong, disregarding my words or arguments or points.

My question is how?? Why??

Are my arguments so good that that is all you're able to attack? I highly doubt that's what you believe.

I don't go around saying you don't get to post what you want, that you're not allowed to have Pro blogs, so why is my existence so egregious? If you disagree, fine, let's talk about it (Or don't! That's fine too! Some of y'all say I'm trying to entrap you by asking for a discussion, so please, avoid the trap, it's only your right!), but don't go telling me I shouldn't exist just because we disagree.

Just because you're Pro something doesn't mean you're somehow right. There are things that should be objectively opposed, and so just because you have a positive view on something doesn't mean you're also objectively correct.

I also don't have to not exist because I make you uncomfortable. Since you are entitled to your voice, so am I. Please leave my voice alone. Block me if I am that bad of a scar on the face of Tumblr.

What’s even more, I’ve had people use the fact that I have a blog dedicated to an Anti opinion as an attack against my character. “Oh look at you, you have a whole blog dedicated to sh*tting on a character, why don’t you grow up? It’s just fiction. Obsessed much?” Is basically the sentiment I have to deal with.

And this comes from the same people who have whole blogs dedicated to praising gr//viugh. Hypocritical much? Plus, who cares if I am sh*tting on a character?? I’m allowed to do what I want on the internet without your permission or blessing, especially if I’m not attacking real people. juvia is fictional, yes, and therefore she doesn’t have feelings, so stop letting me bashing her hurt yours!

Stop acting like I’m super immature for talking about fiction. Discussing this is merely for fun. Fiction is for fun. Fun doesn’t have to be immature.

If I am super immature according to you, then you also have to stop talking about fiction. It goes both ways.

Plus, this is Tumblr, people. Are y'all virtue-signalers really here to do grown-up things? This is a place to relax your mind from school or work, not to be hit in the face with people telling you you're immature for discussing fun things you like on Tumblr, a social media platform, of all places.

Anyway, do better by your Pro position by actually refuting my actual arguments. It only makes your stance look weaker when all you can put me down for is that I disagree with you adamantly.

Edit: Y’all are just making it too easy. A Pro is in this comment section calling me immature for running a hate blog (and also bashes Pros too and yet is a Pro so that's hypocritical). Thanks for proving my point. You're merely a statistic now!

Closing Notes:

This is not directed against the entire Pro fandom, it is specifically directed towards those who believe this and who try to use it to prove that I or any other Anti are wrong for existing and wrong for having our beliefs.

Anyway, sorry for such a heated post! I'm just tired of this treatment. If you've experienced the same things, please do comment. Even if you haven't, feel free to let me know what you think. Please have a good day, and thank you for your time!

[juviaafullbuster]

Angst 5 - gruvia

Give me the angst

Okay, it turned out longer than I thought it would but: HERE IT IS! You really challenged me with this one, I have to admit.. 😅

Angst - Prompt Nr. 5:

"Forget it, you're a fucking asshole."

Juvia stood in front of the building, clutching her bag to her chest. It has been so long since she had last been there.

She wondered whether everything was still the same. Probably not. Taking a deep breath, she made her way inside, ready to face the people she called family.

The first thing she noticed was that the guild was still as loud and lively as it used to be. She found some unfamiliar faces in the crowd, most likely new members who had joined the guild over the time she was gone. It took her a while to find someone she knew. It was Mira who she recognized first. She was standing behind the bar, busy serving customers.

Juvia made her way over, trying to find more familiar faces in the crowd.

"Juvia?" It was Lisanna who approached her first. Juvia turned to her with a small smile. "Oh my God, it really is you! You're finally back!"

Juvia found herself enveloped in a tight hug. Soon after there were more people around her, all familiar and Juvia couldn't help but feel warm and welcome. Some things might not have changed after all. She greeted everyone warmly and tried to answer as many questions as she could but she was being overwhelmed. It wasn't until Master Makarov appeared that they all became quiet.

"Juvia, welcome back dear."

"Thank you, Master."

"From what I heard so far the mission was a success?"

"Yes, Juvia completed it a few days ago and has been on her way back here since."

"Well, congratulations. I'm very proud of you, my child."

Juvia smiled and thanked him. When she had first chosen to go on this mission, Master had refused her request. He had said that she was letting her emotions cloud her judgements and that she would regret taking on this mission. But Juvia was stubborn and kept insisting until he agreed with a heavy heart. Juvia knew that it wasn't a simple decision, she would be away for two years after all. But she had made her choice and she wouldn't go back on it. She needed to leave for a while, needed to get away and this mission made for a water mage was the perfect opportunity. So she had taken it and left with a heavy heart. But she was back now.

"Juvia.. you're back." She turned around and found Natsu, Lucy and Erza looking at her. Juvia gulped. If those three were here, that could only mean he was somewhere close to.

"Welcome back, Juvia. It has been so long." It was Erza who got out of her shocked state first and patted Juvia on the shoulder. "That was quite the mission you took on. We only got updates from master occasionally, but they weren't enough to keep our worries in bay."

"There was no need to be worried about Juvia. The mission was successful, there was nothing Juvia couldn't handle."

"I was sure about that. You're a strong mage after all."

"That didn't stop him from worrying."

There was an awkward silence followed after Natsus comment. Erza glared at him for being so blunt while Juvia visibly paled. He.. he had been worried about her? But why? For all she knew he didn't care about her after all. Suddenly Juvia just wanted to get out, get back to her place and hide under her covers. She was tired and there was so much she still had to do. Natsu however didn't seem to register that. Unbothered by Erzas glare, he continued talking.

"That was a really stupid move. You don't just abandon your family like that."

"Natsu.."

"Do you even realize what your leaving did to him? I never saw Gray like this, not once. You broke him!" He was talking calmly and yet Juvia could hear the anger hidden behind the facade. He kept going on about how she was wrong, selfish and unconsidering, ignoring the warnings from Lucy and Erza.

"You're really good at running from your problems, aren't you?"

Juvia snapped. She didn't mean to lash out at Natsu, he was just being a protective friend after all. But there was no way she would stand her and let him throw accusations at her. Because he was there back then. He had seen and heard what happened. Juvia didn't forget and she sure as hell, wouldn't let him forget either. Yes, she ran away from the problems, but what else was she supposed to do? She was tired of fighting and he was tired of her. It was the best she did for both of them.

"Don't you dare. Don't you dare put it all on Juvia. Don't you dare paint Juvia the villain here. You were there. You heard it all. Would you have stayed?"

Natsu grew quiet. You could have cut the tension with a knife at this point. Everyone around them had become quiet but Juvia didn't notice. She was too engrossed in the moment. It took him a while, but Juvia saw his features soften before he pulled her into a hug.

"Look, I'm sorry. I know why you did what you did. I understand. It's just.. you leaving, it changed a lot. He's my best friend and I hate seeing him the way he was when you left. But you're also my friend and I'm glad to have you back."

Juvia felt the tears running down her cheeks. She tried to stop them, she really did. But she couldn't help it. There were just too many memories coming up, memories she had tried to erase.

TWO YEARS AGO

Fairy Tail was being attacked and they were slowly reaching their limits. Everyone was tired, outpowered and if they didn't find a way to stop them soon, there was little hope they would get out alive. Gray and Juvia had been fighting alongside each other all day and where reaching the guild hall where the leader of the attackers was hiding. They just needed to take him out and it would be over. When they arrived there, Natsu was already engaging in a fight with him.

To their dismay however, it didnt appear that he was getting anywhere near beating him. Gray and Juvia had joined him but it was still so hard. He had managed to knock out Natsu and Juvia was fighting consciousness while trying to lift herself up. There was only Gray left and he was desperate. He had to stop him before it was too late.

Next thing Juvia saw, was Gray in the Iced Sheel stance. He wouldn't.. would he? She called out to him, desperately trying to stop him, but he wasn't listening and she couldn't move, couldn't get up. The ice was starting to envelop him. Juvia kept calling out to him, kept begging for him to stop. But the temperature kept sinking and he kept going.

And then it all stopped.

Natsu had woken up and interfered. Had stopped him from using the spell that would cost him his life. Everything after that was a blur to Juvia because she lost conciousness, outpowered by her emotions.

When she woke up, the enemy was defeated and Gray was sitting next to her. Natsu was sitting not to far away, but had their backs turned to them, an attempt of giving them privacy. Juvia tried to get up but Gray just pushed her back down.

"You need to rest. The others will be here soon. Don't worry, it's over."

She wasn't having any of it. He had tried to sacrifice himself. Again. And she wouldn't just let that go.

"Why?"

"Hm?"

"Why did you use that spell?"

Silence. Then a sigh.

"I wanted to save you. Natsu. The guild."

"And sacrificing yourself is the answer?"

"We were running out of options."

"This is never an option. How can your life mean so little to you?"

Juvia put her hand on the spot that had a scar on it. The scar she got after she almost killed herself, a desperate attempt to save him. Back then, there wasn't another option. It was either him or her. But this, this was different.

"I sacrificed my life so you can live. And that's how you go ahead?"

"I never asked you to!"

"That's not the point."

"It is the point. I don't need you to save me, protect me or whatever. You're not my girlfriend, nor my family. You shouldn't care about me, don't you get that?"

"But I do care! And I will always care!"

"Stop. Stop it. I didn't ask for this. I didn't want this."

"What is this? What is it you didn't ask for? Didn't want?"

"You, damn it! I didn't ask for you!"

It felt like Gray had stabbed her. His words had cut her deeper than any knife. Because Juvia was used to this. Used to being unwanted. She had been rejected all her life. And yet, it never hurt her as badly as it did when he rejected her. He had told her no before, ignored her advances. But this, this was different. Juvia forget about her wounds, the pain that had been inflicted on her during the battle. She got up, desperately trying to hold back the tears that were filling her eyes. Barely able to walk, she started limping out of the guild hall.

"Juvia.. wait."

"No, let me be."

"Juvia.. you're hurt."

"What do you care?"

"Juvia.."

"No. Don't talk to me that way. Don't pretend to care. It's over. I finally got your message. From now on, Juvia won't bother you anymore. You're free."

"Don't be ridiculous! Sit down and wait for Wendy so she can treat your wounds."

"Don't tell me what to do."

"Juvia, stop being so stubborn!"

"You didn't want me, right? Juvia is only fulfilling your wish. So just let me go."

"I can't believe you."

Gray was looking  at her in disbelief. She had finally reached the guild door and flung it open. She turned to him, not sure how to say her final goodbye.

"Gray.."

"What, you're coming to your senses?"

"Nevermind, forget it.. you're a fucking asshole."

After that, Juvia had avoided going out until she found the requests she had later took on. Now that she thought about it, her final words to Gray haven't been her best. Juvia wasn't one to curse, wasn't one to throw around such words. She had called him a fucking asshole! The guy that she loved with all her heart.

Juvia freed herself from Natsus hug and excused herself. She really needed to go to her place and have some time for herself. She greeted a few more people before she made her way to Fairy Hills. Good thing that job earned her enough so she was able to pay the rent she owed for the past two years without an issue. She couldn't wait to be back in her room, in her cozy bed. The bed that was filled with letters as she noticed when she walked in. They were piling up, hundreds of them. Juvia wasn't one to get letters. She really didn't have anyone to write her letters in the first place. She dropped her bag and took one of the envelopes from the bed. Her name was written on every single hand, sometimes neater like the person took the time and sometimes a little sloppy, like they were in a hurry. It was clear however that they were all from the same person.

Juvia opened the envelop in her hand, only to drop it when she saw the name at the end of the letter. Gray. They were all from Gray. Had he been writing her letters all this time? But why.. he knew they wouldn't reach her, so why?

She spent the entire day reading them. Sometimes laughing, sometimes crying. She found herself clutching every one to her heart. After she sorted them all after date, she took the first letter into her hand again, reading the words he had written for her two years ago.

Dear Juvia,

Master informed us about the mission you took today. When he first told me, I didn't believe him. I ran to Fairy Hills. But when I got there, all you're things were gone. I also saw that you got rid of your Gray dolls.. I should be happy about that considering they freak me out. But somehow I'm not. I really messed up this time, didn't I? I wanted to talk to you, apologize. But everytime I thought about what I had said, fear would overcome me, fear that it was really over, that you wouldn't forgive me. So I chickened out and said that I would do it the next day. I was an idiot and now I'm too late..

Master also informed us that there is no way to reach you. So I don't even know why I'm writing a letter in the first place. But I decided that I will write one everyday for you. So I can inform you about everything that's going on here. I know that I'm the reason that you left. And I don't want you to miss everything because of me. So I hope, that when you read those letters, you will feel like you never left. You're going to be very busy reading when you're back. And you will come back. I have to believe that. I can't lose you forever. Because what I said back then, it wasn't true. I was being stupid, believing that I would protect you if I pushed you away. I always mess up, don't I?

I really miss you Juvia.. you have only been gone for a day and I still miss you like it's been forever. I know I deserve it, but this is pure torture. I hate not being able to see you, talk to you, know how you're doing.

Please be safe out there and come back to me soon.

I'll be waiting for you. Because I love you. I truly love you Juvia and I always will. And you need to come back soon so I can tell you that in person. I promise to use this time to become a better man for you, so when you're back I can be good enough for you. Because you deserve the best and I'm not there yet. But I will get there. For you, I will do anything.

I love you, your Graysama.

When she put the letter down and looked up, she found Gray standing in her doorway, a look of disbelief on his face.

"You.. you're really back."

"Gray.."

"Natsu told me. But I.. I didn't believe him. But you're here. You're back."

"Gray.."

"I'm so sorry, Juvia. I'm truly so sorry. I didn't mean any of it, I never did. You're everything to me. I.. I don't.."

Gray kept rambling, nervously shifting and Juvia couldn't help but fall in love with him all over again. She had forgiven him already, the letters said more than she had ever expected. She believed him, believed him that he didnt mean it, that he loved her. Because he wouldn't have sat down every day, pouring his emotions in a letter, if he didn't.

"Graysama.."

He stopped talking. It had been so long since she called him like that. Juvia knew that too. She got up and walked towards him. Before he could react, she had put her arms around his neck, pulling him closer and kissing him softly. After a moment she felt him relax and kiss her back.

Yes, these past two years where torture for the both of them. But it was what they needed. And now, now they would be inseparable. Juvia was finally back home.

[doyouevenshipbr0]

gruvia dabble

author's note: bruh. yall knew i had to write SOMETHING!!! these last couple weeks have been CRAZY for us gruvia lovers ughhh im so happy!!! and ok im probably eventually going to write what i think will happen in the upcoming chapters before they come out, but i usually don't like to write fics based on like what i think will happen in the next chap. cus then when my fic is just completely disproven by the following chapter im kinda like "eh thats kind of a waste." u know what im saying?? ik theyre called "fan fiction" for a reason but idk. i like to write things that could actually be in the realm of possibilities for the canon. ok does that make any sense??? ok well this fic is heavily inspired by our beautiful chapter 26. also it is soooo like 192727 other drabbles ive already written hehe. also this literally doesnt rly make sense tbh. i just wanted gray telling juvia his thought process like he did w juvina. so. enjoy❤️❤️❤️

*

"Gray-sama would you like to-" Juvia eagerly approached her dear Gray. Since the guild was finally up and running again after the Alvarez war, she couldn't wait to spend actual quality time with Gray. They hadn't really gotten to since they were so busy with the construction of the guild.

"Nope. Goin' on a job." Gray casually walked passed Juvia with his hands in his pockets.

"Eh?!" Juvia snapped her head around and watched Gray leave. "So soon?! Can Juvia at least come with?!" She called out as he continued to walk.

"Nope. Talk to ya' later." Gray didn't turn around. He just stuck a hand up and waved, still heading straight out the door.

Juvia was taken aback for a moment, but she understood. As much as she loved to shower Gray with affection, she knew he was a lone wolf at heart. And with constantly being surrounded by his guildmates as they all fought for who would get to use the hammer next, he was certainly drained.

Juvia nodded with determination. "It's alright. Next time." She said with certainty in her head.

However, over the next three weeks of Gray taking mission after mission and constantly dismissing Juvia, she was frustrated to say the least. She watched him walk out that door with hardly acknowledging her for the last time.

Without even thinking, her feet began to strut their way to catch up with Gray. She picked up her pace and finally caught up with him before he could leave the grounds of the guild.

"Gray-sama." Juvia called, and Gray paused. She used the time to catch up with him, and there they stood in the courtyard.

"What's up?" He simply asked.

"Juvia was just-- well--" She began to get nervous. She cheeks reddened as imagery of she and her beloved Gray danced through her head. She shyly put her hands behind her bag and wiggled her foot a bit. "Juvia was hoping to spend some time with Gray-sama, now that everything's finally calmed down."

"Yeah. We can later." Gray turned right back around and began walking again.

"Wait!" Juvia reached out and grabbed his wrist, stopping him in his tracks. She let go after a brief pause and Gray looking back at her with his piercing eyes.

"It's just-" She looked away, her eyes saddened. "Juvia's been trying to talk to Gray-sama for about three weeks now, and you've done nothing but ignore me." She pouted a bit. "Just when will later be?" She finished.

Gray sighed. "I dunno'"

"You don't know?!"

"Yeah. I don't know when later will be." His voice was firm.

Juvia was startled at the harshness of his voice and sheepishly caved in a bit. "Has-" Juvia stammered, clearly nervouse. "Has Juvia done something?"

"Huh?" Gray rasied a brow.

"Has Juvia done something to make Gray-sama mad at her?" Her eyes were suddenly glossy with tears, and Gray's eyes reacted by opening up.

"N-no! Not at all! You said it yourself, we haven't hung out in weeks. How could I be mad at you?" Gray was guilty for his tone.

"But why haven't you spent time with me in weeks Gray-sama?" Juvia pried, almost begging. "There's got to be a reason."

Gray's face regained composure. He remembered his purpose. He looked away. "I'm busy."

"Busy with what?"

"Busy with work."

"Well, you don't have to be so busy. And if you need to work so badly, you can always bring Juvia with you on-" Her voice regained its spunk as she began to form a new idea, only to have Gray shoot it down.

"No." He was harsh again.

"No?" Juvia's voice quivered.

"This doesn't have anything to do with you." Gray still looked away.

Juvia's heart sunk. "Oh." Tears began to well up again. "Well." She was looking for the right words to say, but she was at a loss. "Juvia will just mind her own business then." Just as she turned away to sulk back to the guild, Gray caught a glimpse of the tear that rolled down her cheek.

"Wait!" This time, Gray was the one reaching for Juvia's wrist. "I'm sorry." His voice was smoother.

"N-no..." Juvia's voice was timid. "Juvia is the one who is sorry for-"

"Stop it. You don't need to apologize." Gray loosened the grip on her wrist, but pulled her back a couple steps.

"I was lying." Gray said as Juvia finally faced him again, tears glassing over her eyes. "This does have to do with you." He blushed.

"Then why can't Juvia come with-"

"Because, that's not why it has to do with you." As Juvia cocked her head to side, clearly confused, Gray realized that what he was saying sounded silly.

"Gah!" Gray called out and hit himself with his palm, feeling frustrated for bot understanding how to form the thoughts in his head into words. "Do you wanna' sit somewhere?" He finally asked.

Juvia was still confused, but of course nodded in agreement.

The two found a nearby bench that was sitting right in front of a big, clear lake. The sunset reflected on the water, and created an image almost as beautiful as the water itself. They looked at in admiration for a moment, and Juvia turned back to Gray.

"So how does this involve Juvia?" She finally asked.

"I-- I--" Gray remained looking at the lake and ruffled his hair. "I gotta' keep going on missions."

"But why?" Juvia asked, sweetly.

"I... have to get stronger." Gray grumbled as he leaned forward.

"Stronger?" Juvia chuckled. "That's silly! Gray-sama is already the strongest man in the whole world! There is no one thay can compare to you, dear! Why would you think a few missions could improve that?" Juvia swooned.

"If I was the strongest man in the world you wouldn't have that scar." Gray finally said something clearly. Juvia choked on her breath.

"Eh?" She said, softly. "Juvia gave this scar to herself."

"And it was to save me." He seemed like he was growing angrier.

"Yes, but-"

"If I was strong enough, I would've been able to break his chains before that happened. I would've been able to stop it and save you." The composure in his voice was clearly wavering.

"Gray-sama..." Juvia reached an arm and placed it on Gray's back.

"I'm sorry Juvia." His voice shook, and he still did not look at her. "I know I promised you an answer, and at the time i meant it. I still do. It's just-"

Horrible images flashed in Gray's mind, making his skin crawl. "After Invel, and almost losing you, not begin able to protect you... it--it killed me." Gray gritted his teeth, almost like he was biting back tears.

"Darling... You know Juvia is just fine protecting herself." She reasoned.

"Yeah, but you don't understand." He spat.

"Juvia is trying to understand."

"I need more confidence in myself. I need it. I need to know I can protect you when the time comes. And I need to know with 100% certainty." He finally looked at her, and Juvia swore she could see tears trying to break loose from his eyes. "I thought I knew back then, but I was wrong. Just like I was with Ur, Ultear, my dad, and anyone that I've ever loved, but wanted to protect. Just when I thought I could, it was too late. I thought it was too late with you, but it wasn't. This is my second chance, Juvia. I need to know for certain that I'll be enough."

Juvia scooted a bit closer. "Gray-sama, there is always going to be something out there that will pose a threat to you or me. It's inevitable. All that matters is that we do everything in our power to protect one another. As long as we try, our love will always prevail. You were more than enough for me from the moment we met, and Juvia would think you would see that by now."

"I know how you feel about me, and I know how I feel about you. I just need to make sure I'm the best version of myself for you. Please, understand. I have to do this." His eyes were beckoning for her.

"Gray-sama, Juvia just-" She paused when she saw the desperation in his eyes. "When will it finally be enough? When will you know you're strong enough?"

"I've decided I'm going to take the 100 Years Quest. After that, I'll be ready. I'm certain of it." Determination was plastered in his face once again.

"This is so unnecessary." Juvia sighed. "But if this is what Gray-sama must do, Juvia will wait. Juvia understands that you must do this for yourself, but I just wish Gray-sama can see that he is already more than enough for me." She put her hand atop of his and gave him a reassuring grin.

"Thank you." Gray smiled back and gave her hand a little squeeze. "I know I'll be ready soon, and once I am, I'm gonna' go after you." Gray gave a smirk, Juvia's face became flushed with his sudden forwardness.

The two shared a heartfelt gaze, as they looked in each other's eyes and finally understood one another. They gave calming smiles, finished by another hand squeeze from Gray.

"No matter what."

[bonneyq]

Gruvia Week 2019 - Day 02 - Marriage

AN: One more day! I hope it’s a cute one and also ‘educational’, I guess.

Gray and his son, Gris, were returning home, the older Fullbuster holding the tiny hand as they made their way. Gris talked about his day at school, very excitedly while they were on their way to the Guild to meet his mother.

Ever since they had put Gris in school, whoever had just arrived from a mission, got Gris from school for a few days. Juvia had cut off her missions a little since Gris arrived – as much as she loved being a Mage, she loved being a mother more and wanted to spend as much time as she could with Gris. She still went to missions, but not longer ones anymore and she always told Gray how lucky she was she could do both.

“Daddy?” The five-year-old asked and Gray hummed to let him know he was listening. “I want to get married.”

Gray almost stopped walking, but kept walking instead and the words finally sank in. He chuckled – Gris might’ve inherited a lot of Gray’s traits but that was pure Juvia.

“Is that so?” Gray asked, as serious as he could be.

“Yes.” The dark blue haired boy nodded in all his seriousness.

“Alright, what’s her name?”

“James.”

That made Gray stop and Gris stopped too, confused. Gray cleared his throat and they resumed walking.

“I don’t remember a James in your class.” Gray said casually.

“He’s new.”

“I see.” Gray nodded. “So… what makes you want to marry James?”

Gris shrugged. “He is so fun!” The little boy said, excited. “He is my best friend now! We play at free time, he has lots and lots of toys and he shares with me.”

The older Fullbuster nodded in agreement. “Sharing is very important.”

“If I marry James, then we can sleep in the same house and play all the time, until morning like you and mama do!” Gray couldn’t help but to feel his cheeks get warmer with his son’s words.

One day, Gris had almost caught Gray and Juvia mid-act and they explained as being a game they were playing, but just for grown-ups. Juvia didn’t let him touch her for three days after that.

“Well.” Gray cleared his throat. “It’s nice you like him so much, but you can’t get married yet, kiddo.”

Gris whined. “What?”

Gray actually laughed. “You are still a child, the law doesn’t allow that and if it did, it would be wrong.”

“Aw.”

“Besides, you would have to move from home, away from mama and me.” Gray said and Gris’ eyes widened. He wasn’t ready for that at all. “How about this? Tomorrow you show me who James is and who his parents are and we can arrange a playdate so James can come over or you can go to his place too.”

“Okay, I guess.” Gris didn’t sound as hopeless as before, even perked up a bit.

“You don’t have to marry a friend to hang out with them, Gris. But marrying a friend is a good thing. Your Mama was my friend before she was my wife.”

“Fiiiine.” Gray sounded bored, but Gray felt he needed to add something, so he stopped his son and kneeled in front of him.

“Gris, I know you are still young but I just want you to know that your mother and I will always love you, no matter what and we want you to be with someone who loves you just as much as we do. We won’t care if it’s a boy or a girl, as long as you are happy and loved.” The little boy tilted his head and Gray chuckled. “In a few years you’ll understand. And if in 20 years you still want to marry James, I’m sure you’ll have a beautiful wedding.”

That time Gris made a disgusting face. “I don’t want a wedding.”

Gray laughed. “I didn’t either, kiddo, yet there I was” he showed his hand with the gold ring on his finger “and we have so many pictures of it I get lost when I see them. But we’ll see, you’re still little. Maybe you won’t want a wedding, just to get married and your mother will cry but I think I can bargain something with her.”

The boy pondered for a moment. “Fine.” He said as if he was granting his father a favor. “Now can we go? I want mama’s bread.”

“Sure, buddy.”

After receiving hugs and kisses from his mother – everyday she welcomed him as if he had just returned from war instead of staying a few hours at school, Gris went to run with some of the other kids – Juvia made sure he took enough bread to feed all of them.

Gray kissed Juvia’s cheek and sat next to her – she had a good view of where the children were outside. “So, I found out today your son wants to get married.”

Juvia’s eyes widened and then she all but yelled: “What? To whom?”

“James, he’ new in his class. I talked him out of it, don’t worry, I don’t think he’ll run away in the middle of the night. I think he won’t.”

It took Juvia a few moments to take it in. “James?” Gray nodded in agreement and Juvia furrowed her eyebrows. “Gray-sama… what did you tell him?”

He rolled his eyes at his wife. “Don’t worry, I didn’t scarred our son for life neither told him he could only marry girls.” Gray started to tell her about the conversation and how he assured Gris he would marry anyone he wanted when he was older, as long as he was loved back and Juvia’s eyes watered. “Did I… do it right?” He hesitated for a moment.

Juvia smiled and pulled him for a kiss. “Yes, you absolutely did, Gray-sama. You didn’t diminish his feelings, you made sure he understood why he can’t get married now, and he knows he is loved no matter what.”

“Good.” Gray sighed in relief. “He is so your son. Not even six years old and already wants to get married.”

Juvia slapped his shoulder lightly and both laughed before looking to where their son was playing.

AN: I hope you guys’ like it. I wanted to show love and acceptance from Gray and Juvia towards their son, no matter what. He’s still young so we don’t know what’s gonna happen, but all any parent can hope is for their child’s happiness!

Thanks for reading! I’ have 3 edits for the next 3 days, this year I’ll be taking part in 5 days instead of all 7, I hope you enjoy them!

[fantasyandromancelover]

The Tale of Tales Chapter 25

Juvia begged Gray not to tell Gajeel and the others about how she was almost assaulted because she knew how protective they were and if they found out about something like this they would never let her go out alone again. Gray told her that he wouldn't tell because he didn't really care much to her relief. When they returned to the cottage the dwarfs decided that now that Gray's foot didn't hurt as much as it used to, he needed to give Romeo back his bed. Juvia made him a cot in the living room for him to sleep on. She had asked Gajeel to make Gray a proper bed but according to him there wasn't enough material.

Gray, Gajeel, Elfman, and Romeo went to bed after dinner but Juvia stayed up just a little bit longer to finish up on her needlework. She was mending up one of Gajeel's shirts because he had torn it while working in the mines the other day. She had just finished it when suddenly she heard a noise that disturbed her. It sounded like whimpering.

She lit a candlestick, stepped out of her room, and quietly crept downstairs into the living room where the noise was coming from. It was Gray. Who appeared to be in a very troubled sleep. He was tossing and turning on his cot while sweating, shaking, and whimpering in his sleep. She walked closer to him and the light of the candlestick allowed her to see him better and she saw two things that surprised her. One was the fact that Gray didn't have a shirt on exposing his very strong and well built chest which made her blush hard but her shyness quickly faded when she saw the second thing that shocked her.

When Gray turned to the left in his sleep Juvia saw his back and it was covered in scars. She recognized what kind of scars they were, they were the kind that came from hard lashings and whippings. She put her hand over heart when she saw them and she began to imagine the horrible acts that had been done to Gray that left those scars. She kneeled down and carefully moved her hand toward his back. Her fingers had just barely touched one of his scars when suddenly Gray's hand grabbed her wrist and he sat up awake.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" He asked her.

"I'm sorry." She said. "You...You looked like you were having a bad dream so I tried to wake you up. Are you okay?"

He released her hand and then looked away from her. After a moment of silence that seemed to last for much longer Juvia spoke.

"Where did you get those scars on your back?"

He tensed before answering.

"It's none of your business."

"You were beaten weren't you?" She deduced. "I know those scars, you only get them if you've been whipped and lashed. Someone lashed you with a whip didn't they?"

Once again he looked away from her, tensed up, and was quiet for the longest time. Juvia was just about to leave when he started to speak again.

"I was eight years old when I got them." He said still not facing her. "They said my parents were devils because they took in a man for the night who happened to be a wolf of the cursed race. They forced me to watch my mother and father hang and then they strapped me down and whipped me for hours because they thought it would cleanse my soul. The Reverend said that he was doing God's work but would God really want a man and a woman to die for helping someone? Would God want a child to be tortured because of the paranoia of others? They called my parents devils but they were the real devils."

Gray turned to look at Juvia and he saw that she was crying.

"What's wrong with you?" He asked.

"That's awful." She sobbed. "How could they do that to you? To kill your family and then put you through that kind of torture. I'm never heard of anything so horrible and sad in all my life. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry that they hurt you. No one should have to go through that horror."

She embraced him comfortingly. Gray was stunned. He thought back to the day he had been tortured. As he was strapped down to that platform and suffered beating after beating, he screamed and cried like any other eight year old boy would but when it finally stopped and he had collapsed from the pain he had searched the crowd of people watching him to see if any of them felt any remorse, sympathy, comfort, or compassion for him. If any of them would shed tears for him but none of them wept. They only laughed or gave him looks of disgust or judgement. They didn't care if he lived or died.

But Juvia shed tears for him. She was comforting him. What had happened to him ten years ago had hurt her, she felt compassion for him. But why? Why would she cry for him? Why would she comfort him? Why would she be so kind to him? He felt his heart skip another beat and it worried him.

"Hey it's no big deal." He said gently pushing her away. "I got over it years ago. Listen I'm sorry if I woke you up. It won't happen again now if you'll excuse I think I'm going to get some air before I go back to sleep."

She was about to ask him if that was a good idea but he was already gone.

"Poor guy. I didn't know he had it that bad." Juvia was startled by the sudden appearance of Gajeel.

"Gajeel you scared me. What are you doing up?"

"Same reason you're up. I heard him whimpering and went to see what was up. You got here first so I decided to just watch."

"I can't believe that happened to him. How could anyone be so cruel?"

"They are people out there like that Juvia, it's sucks but it's the truth."

"Seeing him suffering like that hurts my heart. I wish he didn't suffer so."

"Oh no. Juvia don't tell me you're falling for him."

"What?" She said blushing. "What...What would give you that idea?"

"Oh please everytime you're around him your face basically turns into a tomato. I got eyes sister."

"Well I must admit I do feel something but is it really love?"

"I can't tell you that because I don't feel for him like you do thank God. But I wouldn't be so quick to dive into love if I were you."

"Why is that?"

"Because as great as love is it hurts worse than anything else in the world. There's no pain on earth greater."

"Gajeel have you ever been in love before?"

He tensed up and went silent for awhile like Gray did but also like Gray he eventually answered her question.

"Once. It was years ago, before I met Elfman and Romeo. I was living by myself back then because well I'm not exactly that good looking, you'd be surprised how many people mistook me for a troll. Anyway I had been charged with guarding a book of dark magic and witchcraft because everyone was afraid of me, everyone except her. I had it pretty bad. She was as beautiful as a fairy and she actually cared for me."

"What happened to her?"

"After spending a year together we decided to get married. I had mined a special diamond that I was going to propose to her with and I built this cottage so we could live here together. Last time we met she wanted me to give her the book because she said that she had found a safer place for it then told me to meet her at the edge of the kingdom at night but she never came."

"Never?"

"I waited for a month but nothing. She had left me, she used me to get the book. But I should've known better, after all how could anyone love someone as ugly as me?"

"I love you Gajeel." She said hugging him and kissing his cheek. "You're one of my best friends in the whole world and you're not ugly. Not in my eyes."

"Thanks Juvia. I love you too. You're pretty much the little sister I never had."

"It's late. I think we all should go back to bed."

"I hear ya. Goodnight Juvia."

"Goodnight Gajeel."

Juvia went back upstairs to her room while Gajeel returned to the room he shared with Elfman and Romeo. Before going to bed he opened one of his private drawers and pulled out a small portrait of of beautiful girl dressed in yellow with short blue hair.

"Oh Levy." He sighed while gently running his fingers down the girl's face in portrait. "Was I really too ugly for you to love?"

[grayzaweek]

Rain

Erza wasn’t often one to openly deny the company of other people, especially after she had learned to open her heart to allow the comfort of her friends inside, but this was a day where she decided she needed a bit of time alone.  She needed some space to think over the past and decide if she was happy with the way her life was progressing into the future.

She supposed that was why she found herself outdoors and by the river.  Since arriving at the guild during childhood, it had become her place to think.  The reflection of the water also made reflection of the self somehow easier.

A still body was also helpful to a still mind, though she also noted to herself that remaining still made one more susceptible to being sneaked up on.  It had happened to her a couple times at this spot… always by the same person…

Gray was a person she trusted with her life.  There were many people like that here at the Guild, each of which had earned her friendship, trust, and respect.  But he somehow managed to find her precisely when she didn’t necessarily want it, but needed it.  He also managed to make her feel better, even if she had abandoned company to think about rather unpleasant things…

Jellal had become a topic of much thought for her within the past few days.  After his rejection and his pushing her away, Erza attempted to convince herself that perhaps it was better that he had done so.  They had known each other as children, and much had changed in their lives.  They both had wounds to heal from, to learn from.  But there was a chance that growing—that changing in any way could affect how compatible they were with one another. But Erza still wanted to love him, despite the looming idea that doing so would require that she remain stagnant, unchanging for his sake.  Deep down, she knew that such a thing would end terribly for both of them.

Jellal felt he needed to atone.  Erza saw no need.  Jellal would refuse her to punish himself.  Erza saw the action as hurting her as well.  Just how much would he sacrifice—who would he sacrifice in order to feel redemption?  She felt time would help to heal his wounds, but what would he forsake in the process?  How long would he hold himself back?

And would he ever truly be able to embrace forgiveness long enough to realize who would be willing to support him?

Erza had thought he would.  She had truly and deeply believed that he would, though his heart remained closed to her, closed to the world, and she began to wonder why it was that she had set so much of herself aside for him.  She wondered how much of herself she was willing to sacrifice to the scars of his past, big and heavy as they were.  She wondered whether or not he would be able to love in a romantic capacity and if she were willing to sacrifice the opportunity to grow and nurture herself for the chance that, in time, he would.

The sudden turn in their relationship had been the topic of thought for the longest time, and she had devoted many a quiet night to deep contemplation of the subject during the Grand Magic Games.

But one night, she had been joined.  She had been joined by her friend and partner, who somehow already knew that she was not her usual self.  He had claimed a need for fresh air, but she had known.  Of course she had.  He might have been tired of Juvia’s persistence and Leon’s banter, but he had also come to check on her.  She knew it by the way he insisted on getting an answer from her.

She had told him she was all right.  Because she had thought that her situation with Jellal had been on the mend.  She had thought that, perhaps, she was just willing to sacrifice whatever was necessary to wait for him.  But then, her own advice returned to haunt her.

“She deserves a straight answer.”

Gray had looked rather petulant at that, but she knew he had taken her words in.  Possibly because of the truth that rang within them.  Any person who cared deeply for another, any person who hoped to enter into a meaningful romantic relationship with another person, deserved a straight answer.  Were she and Juvia so different that Juvia deserved a straight answer and Erza had to bend over backwards to scramble at scattered hopes?  Even after Jellal’s actions and words had stated quite clearly that he was not interested in having a romantic relationship?

Erza stopped beside the river, gazing at the water that seemed so still.  She, however, knew how quickly it moved from stone to stone, how everchanging it was beneath the surface.  If she were to throw a stone into the water, it would ripple and there would be an effect, but then the current would wash the change downstream.  It would not dwell, but instead continue to change.  Perhaps humans were meant to be the same way.

Perhaps she deserved a straight answer just as much as Juvia did.

The realization came with a wave of pain.  It also came with recognition of the fact that she had been putting herself on hold for a man who did not see a future with her, a feat she could do no longer.  Her heart, which she had worked so hard to protect, ached terribly.  Realizing that Jellal’s rejection should mean a well-and-true rejection instead of some romantic plea to see past his hardened exterior and into a heart that ached to love her gutted her, but she could and would kid herself no longer.

At first, she believed that the wetness on her skin came only from the tears streaming down her cheeks, the raw ache that came with having to face and embrace a painful reality.  Then, gradually, she realized that her clothes had become soaked.  Her ears opened to the multitude of sounds that were all around her.  The soft thuds of water hitting dirt beside her, the splashes that came with water hitting its own kind.  She became aware of the petrichor around her, giving her something truly fresh to enjoy.  Her skin relished in the renewed feeling of water hitting it, making rivulets and carrying a small portion of her anguish away and into the ground.

It was rain.  And it was entirely welcome.

There was something cleansing about the rain, something healing.  The fact that it came just after she’d made her decision only helped her to solidify her course of action.  She would treat Jellal’s rejection as a true rejection and attempt to move on with her life.  She knew she would not be alone in this endeavor as she knew her friends would support her.  She would not stop her friendship with Jellal, of course not, but she would no longer keep her own life on hold in order to anticipate what he would need in a romantic partner.  She would live life on her own terms.

“You know, if I’d known you were out here, I would have brought an umbrella.”

Erza turned around to see a figure standing on the trail to her left, facing the direction she had just come from.  And looking just as drenched.  “Gray.  What are you doing out in this weather?”

“Needed to go for a walk,” answered he.  “Clear my head.  You?”

“Roughly the same.”  Now, with her issue sorted, she felt no need to deliberately avoid company.  However, she wondered if perhaps Gray needed some time alone as she had.  Though perhaps he would not have called out to her if he did.  “Are you headed to the guild?”

“No.”  Gray’s answer came quickly, but he coughed to seemingly cover his haste to answer the question.  “No…  I’m just…just taking a walk.”

“I see,” said Erza.  She briefly surveyed her surroundings to decide which was the best way for her to get home.  Cleansing and beautiful as rain was, wet clothes were not something to be worn for too long.  She turned to Gray.  “I’d advise you not to stay out in this weather for too long without an umbrella.  You could catch a cold.”

Gray nodded in her direction and she took that as his farewell.  She made quick work of the slight hill to the path so she could begin her trek home when she was halted.

“Erza, wait.”  She turned to find Gray looking at her, a frown on his face as he seemed to search for the words he wanted to say.  “I just…wanted to say thanks.”

Confusion beset the young woman.  “Thanks?  What for?”

“You gave me some solid advice during the games,” said Gray.  “I know you said you had no right to give lectures, but that one helped me out.  So, thanks.”

“I see.  Then you and Juvia are…?”

“Huh?  No, no… I told her I’m not interested in her in that way.”  Gray shifted from one foot to the other and looked away.  Erza could only assume that this development had happened recently, as she had believed that there was nothing wrong with the two the last time she saw them in the hall a few hours ago.  “I still want to be friends with her, but it’ll take time.  I think she’ll be glad that I was so direct with her later on, but it’s…going to be rough for a while.”

“I understand,” said Erza.  And she did.  “I’m in a similar position myself.  I plan on taking a few quests to gain some distance from my own situation and begin to heal.  If you would like, you’re welcome to join me provided that you don’t catch a cold.”

Gray’s head snapped back towards Erza, confusion evident in his features.  “Wait, I thought that you and Jellal…?”

“No,” stated Erza, as much as the truth still stung to admit.  “I intend to remain single for a long while.  Whatever the future holds for me, I hope to be ready for it.  I cannot spend my time waiting for a direct answer to change.”

While she knew she had only told Gray a part of the situation, it seemed enough for him to understand where she was coming from.  Perhaps the nature of her advice and the comments she had made about being in a similar position had been all the information he had needed.  His confusion melted away from his expression, leaving behind a sense of compassion and comradery.

“Makes sense,” he said.  “Then I’ll see you at the guild tomorrow?”

Perhaps there would be pain tonight.  Perhaps there would be pain for a week, a month, perhaps longer.  Perhaps getting over her love wouldn’t be as easy as she was making it out to be, but with a lot of effort and the goal of improving herself in mind, time would tell whether or not the choices she made in the rain was a good one.

For now, however, she nodded at her friend with a determined smile. 

“Tomorrow, then.”

[ycmiis-blog]

now recording {chapter nine}

When upcoming YouTuber Lucy Heartfilia finds herself collaborating with popular channel Fairy Tail, she ends up getting more than she bargained for. ( ff.net // ao3 )

( ONE  TWO  THREE  FOUR  FIVE  SIX  SEVEN  EIGHT )

Natsu: gray keeps complaining that i keep moving his shit to make room for happy's

Natsu: like does he think he's more important than happy?

Natsu: nO

Lucy giggles as she checks her phone. It sits in one hand while a handful of folded clothes sits in the other. She's packing for their trip right before they're about to go, and while she'd intended to be far more organised, Laxus dropped the bomb that they were leaving four hours earlier than expected, and so she has to rush a little more. Not enough to stop her from checking and sending messages, though. She gently places her clothes inside her suitcase before responding.

Lucy: As much as I love Happy, you can't just move Gray's stuff out of the car.

Natsu: fUCKIN TRY ME

Natsu: going with all of us in one car is gonna get on my nerves all 5 seats are gonna be taken

Lucy: Five? Aren't there only four of you?

Natsu: happy and carla get a whole seat to themselves this is what happens when wendy keeps spoiling them

Lucy: Well, if you guys get desperate, I could swing by and you can shove some stuff in my car. It's only me and Plue, so I have plenty of room.

Natsu: GODDESS LUCY OUR LIFESAVER

Natsu: wait cana says it won't be necessary idk what she's up to but

Natsu: SHE'S PULLING ALL OF GRAY'S CLOTHES OUT OF HIS SUITCASE

Natsu: "you won't need them anyway gray"

Natsu: I MEAN SHE'S NOT WRONG

With a roll of her eyes, despite the instigator not being around to see it, Lucy zips up her last suitcase (because she has several, naturally) and heads out the door, Plue at her heels. She locks up before heading to her car and sending one last text before she opens her boot and slides the remaining suitcase inside.

Lucy: Do you need me to come or not?

Natsu: nah

Natsu: we'll make u late anyway

Lucy: I can't say I'm surprised. I'll see you there!

And with that, she sets her phone up so its only function for the next few hours is so she can play music. As tempting as it is to check both her private messages and the group chat while she's driving, she would rather not end up in an accident, and so all she does is set up her playlist and ensure that Plue is buckled in before taking off towards their holiday (or not-holiday, as Laxus insists) destination.

It takes a couple of hours for Lucy to reach the resort, but she decides it's worth the wait the moment she pulls into the car park. The resort is located by the coast, and it shows, what with the gorgeous blue waves that shimmer in the sunlight. She can see a few beach-goers and surfers, but they look like ants from the top of her hill. The resort spans as far as the eye can see and is much taller than she expected, and she has to take a moment to just stand there and take it all in. Even when she was living with her father, surrounded by lavish luxury, it was rare for her to actually go on vacation, so this may as well be completely new to her.

"Lucy! Hey!"

Plue sits close to Lucy's feet as Erza and the Strauss siblings head their way. She vaguely remembers them mentioning that they would be travelling together to save time, money, and space, but she wonders how on earth they could be saving space when Erza looks like she's pulling her whole house behind her. She needs an entire cart for her belongings.

"Uh, hey," Lucy greets, briefly wondering if she didn't pack enough, but the sight of everyone else's sparse luggage puts her at ease. "Anyone else here yet?"

"Laxus and the rest of his group are here," Mira says as Lisanna bends down to pat Plue. "They went inside to confirm our reservations with reception. We're waiting out here so we don't crowd the front desk. I got a small peek at the lobby, though. It's gorgeous."

"And huge," Lisanna adds, standing up straight again after Plue has licked her hand clean.

Lucy reaches into her bag and takes out her camera. Most of her equipment is in one of her suitcases, but she kept her camera on her immediate person so she would be able to vlog their trip at a moment's notice. The others quickly see what she's doing and jump beside her so they're in frame.

"Hey, guys!" Lucy says once the camera's tiny light turns red. "We're here at our resort destination where we'll be staying for the next month. Laxus and the others are inside confirming our reservations, and other than them, it's just us here at the moment. The view is beautiful, by the way, I'm glad I brought my bathing suit, because I'd be screwed otherwise."

She turns the camera so it's facing the coast, watching the camera's LCD screen to ensure she's capturing it all from the best angle. She's about to say more when two cars roll into the parking lot, one that she recognises and one that she doesn't. Without thinking, she focused the camera on them, waiting for the occupants to get out. It's only when Levy slides out of her car in all her grinning glory that Lucy speaks again.

"It looks like the others have decided to join us!"

Gajeel grumbles as she climbs out of his own car, or at least Lucy assumes it's his car. She doubts the rusty Chevy belongs to Juvia. "How can you be so happy after driving for so long?"

Juvia quickly apologises to Jet and Droy as she almost collides with them on her way out before responding to her best friend. "Don't be so down, Gajeel, it was only a few hours."

Before Gajeel can complain any more, Levy makes a delighted sound and Lucy moves over to her to see what all the fuss is about. She's quick to find out. A black cat around the same size as Happy is curled up in Juvia's arms, eyeing them all warily, and Lucy swears there's a scar right beside ones of his eyes. Despite the scepticism in his look, he's just as adorable as the rest of the pets, and Plue nudges Lucy with his nose, a clear sign he wants to get to know this new friend.

"Your cat is so adorable!" Levy says as Jet reaches out to pet the cat, who seems less wary once warm hands touch his fur.

"Oh, he's not mine," Juvia says, awkwardly twisting her body so she can gesture to Gajeel without disturbing Jet's patting fest. "He's Gajeel's!"

The look of surprise on everyone's faces says it all. Lucy swears the cat's eyes seem to narrow, as if they can sense their collective opinion about his owner. Gajeel, on the other hand, looks almost embarrassed, as though it was supposed to be some sort of well-guarded secret.

"His name is Panther Lily, but we just call him Lily," Juvia continues, oblivious to her friend's pain. Either that, or she doesn't care. "He was a rescue cat, you know. It was storming and Gajeel found him, it was the cutest -"

"Okay, Juvia, that's enough of that, I'll be taking my cat" Gajeel scoops Lily out of Juvia's arms with minimal effort. "Thank you. Let's get our damn bags out of the back, yeah?"

His eyes flicker towards Lucy's camera and she looks down, only just remembering it's there. She takes the hint and is about to change the subject for the sake of both Gajeel and her vlog when a voice bellows across the parking lot.

"Mirajane! Lisanna!"

As soon as Lucy sees Laxus storming towards them, the Raijinshu at his heels, she turns the camera off, but not without spinning it towards her so she can give the audience a 'welp' look. While she definitely wants to film whatever Laxus has in store for all of them, she has a feeling he wouldn't want that, and Mira and Lisanna's sly expressions have her more concerned than his anger.

"Is there a problem, Laxus?" Mira asks. Her tone is scarily innocent.

"Of course there's a fucking problem! You and that model receptionist friend of yours -"

"- Jenny -"

"- are conspiring against us! Leave your weird matchmaking habits at home!"

As soon as Laxus uses the word 'matchmaking', Lucy knows exactly what Mira and Lisanna have been up to. Or at least she can take a guess. She should have known that the two of them would put their heads together and think of some way to push things along, though she also thinks the two of them have a different definition of what a 'thing' is than everyone else does. This will most likely end in an awkward turn of events.

"Was there a problem with the rooms, Laxus?" Lisanna asks, smiling sweetly. "Don't you like your roommate?"

Freed's cough is stifled by his hand, but Lucy hears it. He doesn't look as angry about the situation as Laxus (and Evergreen, now that she sees her properly), just embarrassed, and Bickslow claps a hand on his shoulder. He seems to be the only one of the Raijinshu enjoying himself.

"That's not the problem," Laxus quickly insists as several cars turn into the parking lot, and once again, Lucy recognises a few. "The problem is that you did all this without asking any of us first!"

"We're all friends here, aren't we? We've had sleepovers at the office before, this won't be any different," Mira says, and before Laxus can retort, she heads over to where the newest arrivals have parked. "Guys, hey, welcome to the resort!"

Lucy watches as Alzack and Romeo help Bisca out of the car. She swears that Bisca looks five times bigger each time she sees her, even though she only spoke to her yesterday. Laki and Kinana are the first to lock up their cars and join them, but Lucy barely notices. She's more focused on the absolute mess that is Natsu and the others. Their car is overflowing with bags, and Wendy is running beneath the car to drag Happy and Carla out from underneath. Cana is the only one actually doing something about the bag problem as Natsu and Gray have already started arguing. Lucy wouldn't be surprised if they were fighting during the whole trip up.

The only people they're missing now are the rest of the boys. Laxus doesn't seem to care, however, and continues on as normal. "I guess we better start handing out these keys," he says through gritted teeth.

"I'll do it!" Lisanna says, plucking the bundle of card keys from Laxus and sorting through them. "Okay, so these belong to me and Mira." She hands Mira hers and keeps one for herself. "All of us are on the same floor, so there won't be any problems if we need to see each other right away."

The real problem starts once she starts handing out the rest. "These are Laxus and Freed's." Freed takes his card with a hesitant hand while Laxus snatches his own. "And these are Elfman and Evergreen's." Elfman coughs and splutters while Evergreen steps on Bickslow's foot after he bursts out laughing.

"That's what you get for trying to trick your sisters by saying you two are engaged," Mira says to Elfman, nudging him in the side with a smirk.

"Here are Cana's, Erza's, and Wendy's." Lisanna holds the three cards like she's a magician about to perform a trick. "You guys have a bigger room, obviously. And then Kinana and Laki, and Jet and Droy." Hearing her roommate's names but not her own has Levy frowning, and Lucy has a sneaking suspicion she knows what the end arrangement might be. "Bickslow, you take the cards for you and the boys who aren't here yet." Bickslow salutes and swipes the cards. "Alzack and Bisca have a joined room with Romeo. It's technically two rooms, but they're joined by one door, so Romeo will be there to help you if you need it."

Bisca smiles as she takes her key card. "Thanks, Lisanna," she says, and Lucy wonders when the baby is actually due. Not during the month they'll be away, surely.

Lisanna finally stops in front of Lucy, and Lucy isn't even surprised when she says, "Here are Lucy's and Natsu's." It still makes her slightly nauseous, though, and she convinces herself it's from embarrassment rather than anything else.

Natsu doesn't seem bothered. On the contrary, he appears relieved. "Thank god, I thought I was gonna be stuck with Gray."

Gray punches him in the arm as Lisanna moves on to Levy. "Here are Levy and Gajeel's."

Lucy only just manages to swallow her laughter at Jet and Droy's outbursts and Levy and Gajeel's shocked faces. She'd expected Levy to be roomed with Juvia, and she's glad she's not the only one paired with someone she doesn't actually have a crush on. Still, she can't help but be worried based on the expressions of the two involved.

"It was a process of elimination, really. We want Gajeel to get along with us, and what better way to do that by getting to know one of the people he hacked?" Mira says, the smile on her face a stark contrast to her victims' mood. "We could have put Gajeel with Jet or Droy, but..." She gives the two boys a sympathetic look. "We didn't want either of you to end up dead."

"What's that supposed to mean?!" Droy frets, but he's ignored.

Lisanna turns to the last people left: Gray and Juvia. "You guys are left, it just sorta ended up that way. Here you go."

Juvia quickly takes the key, rocking on the balls of her feet, and Lucy swears she's humming some sort of uplifting tune. Gray is less enthusiastic, but he takes the card with begrudging expression. "As long as I'm not with Natsu."

Natsu raises his card like a glass of wine. "Here, here!"

"Wait." Everyone looks at Evergreen. "How many beds are there in each room, exactly?"

Mira shrugs, grinning. "We told the reception to surprise us."

'Mira is lucky that everyone loves her,' Lucy thinks as Laxus blows his top again.

When Lucy and Natsu walk into their suite with Plue and Happy at their heels, she doesn't think she's ever been so relieved to see two beds in one room. They're one of the lucky ones. She can still hear Evergreen and Elfman arguing down the hall over who's going to sleep on the couch and who gets the bed. So far, Evergreen is winning, but Elfman's 'I'm too big to fit on the couch, you're nice and slender!' is a compelling argument.

"These beds are huge!" Natsu says, dumping his travel bag on the bed furthest from the door and diving into the neat arrangement of pillows, completely messing them up. Happy quickly joins them.

Lucy takes more care with her belongings. "They're bigger than expected, definitely, but I'm not complaining. And the view is great." She gestures to the glass doors that lead onto the deck. They're on the eighth floor, and they have a perfect view of the ocean from where they are. It's amazing.

Natsu laughs joyously, rushing over to the window like an excited kid, throwing the door open and letting the breeze rush through his hair. Lucy can't help the fond smile that creeps up on her face. She slowly moves over to join him and he pushes the door open just that little bit further so she can settle in beside him.

"You're right," he says, lifting Happy into his arms when the blue cat mews at his feet. "This is a great view. Gramps knows some amazing people, huh?"

Lucy hums in agreement, too entranced by the sea to give him a proper response. She doesn't know how long she stares at the glistening waves, at the families playing in the surf, at the couples walking along the shore with their hands intertwined. The scene reminds her of when she was younger and her father would actually take time off to spend with her and her mother. The beach was one of her favourite places to go when they were on holiday, and she remembers that her mother always loved the sunset.

Before she can dwell on the past any further, she forces herself to look away. It breaks whatever moment she and Natsu were swept up in, as he follows her inside and shuts the door as soon as she's retreated into their suite, but he doesn't ask her why. She appreciates that.

"So, we have some time until lunch," she says, unzipping her suitcase. "I'm ready to run some lines, how about you?"

During the week leading up to their little trip, Lucy, Levy, and Freed managed to finalise the script, and she has to say that she's quite proud of it. There are a few things she wasn't able to convince the others to get rid of, though. Or rather, just one thing, and that's the big kiss at the end of the film between the princess and the dragon. She knows that it makes the film complete, the pièce de résistance, but she couldn't help but attempt to refute it when it came up. It's not like kissing Natsu is the worst thing in the world. It's that she's scared.

She just doesn't know what of.

They don't have to practice that right now, though, and she makes a point of opening to the very first page, not even glancing at the last one. "Do you want to practice the scenes the two of us are in, or do you want to help each other with our other lines? I'm down for either."

"The second one sounds good," Natsu says, grabbing his own script. He doesn't handle it with as much care as Lucy and she cringes at just how many creases there are already. "You're onscreen first, right? Let's do this."

And so they begin. Even when their characters are not in the scene, they're still reading the opposite lines with enthusiasm and vigour, and Natsu jokes mid-way in that the two of them could carry the entire film on their shoulders. Lucy isn't surprised by how good Natsu is. Of course his natural charm and charisma would carry over to his acting skills. She just hopes that she's nearly half as good as he is.

They're about halfway through when there's a knock on their door. Lucy struggles to roll over to the other side of the bed to reach it, and she grumbles when Natsu laughs at her, but she gets there eventually. Laki stands on the other side with changed clothes and contacts instead of her usual glasses.

"We're about to go down for lunch, and Laxus wants to talk about what we'll be doing during this trip. He's in a bad mood, too," she says, and Lucy doesn't have to be a mind-reader to know why Laxus is in such a foul mood.

Natsu laughs behind her, already slipping his shoes back on. "Who wants to bet he and Freed got one bed?"

"Let's not bring that up to him, okay?" Lucy says, sliding her handbag over her shoulder. "I'd rather survive this trip."

They decide to leave Happy and Plue in their room, since they have plenty of space to run around, and they won't be bored if they have each other. Their room is towards the end of the hall, right between Laki and Kinana's and Juvia and Gray's, the latter pair exiting their room at the same time. Juvia still seems as happy as she was before, but there's a tinge of embarrassment in her expression that Lucy knows wasn't there before. The now shirtless Gray just looks grumpy.

"So," Natsu says, sliding up beside Gray and throwing an arm around his shoulder. "One bed or two?"

It's Juvia who answers, her face hidden in her hands. "One."

"I'm sleeping on the couch, though," Gray clarifies, shrugging Natsu's arm off and walking towards the elevator.

Natsu starts laughing, not put off by Gray's attitude in the slightest, and continues to bother him about it. Lucy ducks out of the conversation once she sees Levy and Gajeel leave their room, Lily perfectly content in Levy's arms. She meets them halfway to the elevator and nudges Levy, who already looks exhausted. Lucy hopes it's just lethargy from travelling.

"How are you doing?" she asks. She tries to be subtle, but she's very aware that Gajeel is close enough to them to hear, and his ears may as well be as good as Natsu's.

"We have two beds, so that's a good sign," Levy says. "And this little guy seems to like me." She lifts Lily up and he snuggles against her forearm. "What about you?"

"Two beds," Lucy says. "We got lucky."

The elevator isn't big enough to fit everyone, so the entire group has to take two trips down to the dining area. Even then, it's a tight fit, and Lucy finds herself squished between Levy and the elevator wall. It doesn't take long for them to reach the ground floor, but Lucy makes a big show of gasping for air as they file out into the lobby.

The dining area is more of a covered deck than a restaurant, and they grab the biggest table there is, which just so happens to have the best view of the beach. Laxus ensures that he's sitting at the head of the table as they all take their seats, and Lucy is relieved to see that he doesn't look too agitated. Looks could be deceiving, though.

"Alright, before all of you order, I spoke to the owner of this place. He said we can film anywhere we want as long as we're not harassing any of the other patrons or breaking any laws," Laxus says, his tone extremely business-like. "Since Lisanna's still finishing off some of the costumes, we'll just handle the shots of the scenery during the day tomorrow, plot some things out, and at night we can start filming properly. There's gonna be a lot of filming in the middle of the night, so be prepared for your sleep schedules to get a little fucked up. And if we need you on set, we need you on set."

They all nod in confirmation. Lucy doesn't see any problem with the rules. As long as they're doing their job, there shouldn't be a problem, right?

"And remember, this is a business trip, not a time to party," Laxus finishes off before opening his menu.

"Got it," Cana says, sounding just as serious until she rises in her seat and flags down the waiter. "Five bottles of your finest wine, please!"

On Cana's right, Juvia says, "That's so nice of you to treat us, Cana!"

As the waiter nods and rushes behind the bar, Cana blinks at Juvia. "I'm doing what now?"

Laxus bangs his head against the table so hard that Lucy's cutlery falls onto the floor.

[fatedsong]

My Opinion

So I thought about the Fairy Tail ending a lot after sleeping it through and then after I finished a bag of takis here’s my two cents for whoever cares:

I’ve been reading FT since 2011, it’s just been so many years and has been with me for a big important transition in my life. Fairy Tail came to me when I needed it the most and it has taken such a big part of me, so no matter what it would had become of it, I will always still love Fairy Tail for the rest of my life. I will always love the story, the characters, the music, everything about it. I also joined Tumblr for Fairy Tail. 

-Nalu: Actually I was expecting it to end somewhat like this so I am not surprised. The possibility of having nalu together in a way we don’t see them become a couple but its heavily implied that in the future when they are ready they will become a couple was the most probable. The first thing I found really sweet was were we see Natsu taking on the role of carrying Lucy and taking her home safely  it showed how that is a place and trust only given to Natsu. No matter what happens, the time, the place, he will always make sure she goes back home safely every single time. Now to the main scene, we have Lucy remembering all the times and memories she has with Natsu which then leads to her hugging him, crying and being thankful to have met them because it’s because of them she is who she is right now. To me that was very special because Lucy has thanked Natsu many times, but this is the first time we see her hug him from the front and seen his reaction so clearly to it. It also paralleled with Haru and Ellie. Now the situation that happened afterwards was that, it was a scene were it was shown that they both acknowledged their feelings for each other. In Lucy’s case she was ready to kiss Natsu, she was nervous, surprised, but had closed her eyes, she was ready and when he didn’t kiss her she was shown upset and embarrassed. If Lucy really didn’t want to kiss Natsu she would had pushed him away, it was only because it was him, she closed her eyes, at that point Lucy had already admitted to herself she does indeed love Natsu and if it’s with him she was ready to start a romantic relationship. Natsu is not dumb he knows exactly what was about to happen, it looked like he was about confess or even kiss her, at that point he clearly knows their feelings are mutual, but then he sensed it might not be the time just yet, he felt they might not be ready or were rushing to it, so he quickly went back to the issue about work, telling her in his own way that there was no need to rush because they will always be together because they love each other, so everything will fall into place when it needs to be when it’s meant to be. This was basically a confession and a promise of his part to be always by her side and when the time comes at their own pace they will  take as step forward and begin a romantic relationship. To me that was very fitting for them ,it felt so Natsu and Lucy. It was the best way of making them canon in their own naluish way. So for nalu I don’t have any complaints, I mean sure it would had been nice for a kiss and so but I think it’s fine this way too. It’s canon.

-Gruvia: For this I was actually expecting to see Gray’s confession right after the war, so while I still preferred seeing it and in a more serious environment and could had been more fitting, I am still happy with this scene because despite being small it implicates many things. Since it’s been a year already, their conversation and actions are of people who are already together. Juvia gets drunk and starts stripping and the first thing we see was Gray who quickly rushes to stop her. The thing to note was that Gray was taking care of her, throughout the party he was keeping an eye on her, so when he saw what she was about to do he was able to quickly go stop her and then take her to a more private place were she could calm down. The next thing we see was that Gray was visibly jealous because others had seen her and you could tell this in his annoyance when he ironically scolds her for stripping, he pulls her out in order for her to sober up and because he doesn’t want others to see her. Before whenever Gray got jealous he was more subtle about it, he couldn’t say much or get in the way because it would give out his feelings, something he wasn’t ready for, but now he can finally do something about it. Then Gray asks Juvia if she had asked Wendy if she could do something about her scar, but Juvia doesn’t mind because he has one too. The scar for them is important, it’s a demonstration of how far they will go for each other, it’s a mark of their love, despite how different they act concerning their loves, their feelings mirror each other, the fact that they both decide to keep it is meaningful, especially since Mashima has barely ever lets a female character keep her scars so it means so much. I didn’t think she was going to have it, (also correct me if I’m wrong I think there’s a thing about women having scars and keeping responsibility of it something on Japan so there’s that too). Gray had asked her about it because he was worried about her, when Gray said something about ‘Men and women bodies are different... because.... you’re mine...” he was basically saying “I don’t want you to keep me in mind and cherish your body because you are important to me because I love you.” I like that part because you can see how much Gray struggles expressing himself with words, but he has reached a point with Juvia, were even though he hesitates, and stumbles a lot trying to give excuses, as he promised her, at the end, he is honest with her. They basically kissed after this btw. So it wasn’t what I expected but I am happy with it.

-Gajevy: It was like I expected, I thought we had seen the implications of twins many times and because of this Mashima would give us something that will demonstrate the twins did happen in canon, because of this I thought we might see the next gen, so to have Levy whisper to Gajeel she is pregnant is a good way to end them. It was something that was there and one of the things Gajeel was shown he wanted with her, he wanted to live and be with her forever and, have a family with her, so that part is shown. There really isn’t anything more I can ask for them since they are complete.

-Jerza: lol I thought we would get a kiss or a wedding tbh so I get the frustration. After I started thinking about it I get why this happened. If it was a year and in that year Jellal’s crimes had barely been pardoned I get why we didn’t see them enter a relationship just yet. You could tell by Jellal’s words he was still not sure of how to “live on” and what will be the right next move, it would indeed take at least a year for him to settle down and only after that to start a relationship with Erza. Jellal’s timeline consists of him being a slave, then being brainwashed, killing a bunch of people, losing his memory, then finally hearing about Erza disappearing for more than 7 years and since then never letting himself be happy trying to mend for those sins creating a guild to destroy Zeref. It was only until now that in the first time of his life Jellal is truly free. So it would had been too sudden to see them kiss right after a war and for a wedding it would had meant at least more of a year timeskip, which would change the whole chapter. So I think ending it with Lucy noticing Erza has been taking care of herself and her hair, which was something he loved about her, is meaningful because it implies they already meet once in a while and there has been change between them. One of the first things Jellal did was to contact Erza which means their relationship is progressing and proves how Jellal, himself, is changing, he is learning how to “live on” accepting it is okay to be with Erza and let himself be happy with her. While I do think Mashima could had given them at least an interaction I can see this still fitting in the story. So while I accept it I can see why others would still want more, especially with everything they have been through, but in order for them not to make it seem like Jellal was just waiting to be forgiven to hook up with Erza we would had needed more time.  For me while I would had wanted an interaction I am content with it, also it is very canon. 

-Zervis: I thought we were only going to see them mentioned, but seeing them reincarnated is one of the messages FT always gives, everyone gets a second try in life to be happy so it is fitting. It’s also nice to see what would had happened, how they will had acted if tragedy hadn’t fallen upon them, they will have met normally and fallen in love with a happy ending.

For the whole thing I am happy we got to see them being themselves, they are still Fairy Tail despite everything. Seeing them in a group, Natsu and Gray fighting, Erza stopping them, Gray stripping, each character was doing what they always do every time, it was what I was expecting so it brings out the nostalgia.I thought we might have seen Lucy narrating this closing some book called “Fairy Tail” but I am very pleased seeing her in her own award ceremony having one of her dreams come true. It’s good that we see how all the other guilds are doing well and Chelia can do magic again.I thought it was funny how Anna was still there, kinda feels outta place, but that’s fine. I liked how Mashima didn’t forget Cobra and Kinana lol a couple we didn’t know we needed confirmed. Laxus has a harem. It was nice to see Hisui take the throne and begin her reign a forgiving and prosper one. Anyway I loved how it ended were it began, Natsu and Happy entering her apartment like the first time then pulling Lucy to another adventure and all of Team Natsu saying goodbye to us while they go on. That part was the one I wanted the most and got, to see everyone in Fairy Tail and then to have our team set off into a new adventure as to say that it isn’t truly over, they will always be the same, they will continue moving forward to a new adventure, always, even when we don’t see them.

While the ending could had been better, of course there are things here and there I would had preferred or was expecting, some things that still need to be answered and I will always want more especially for my ships, I am content with it because it feels like Fairy Tail itself, it ended peacefully like it began and how they have always been. I never needed anyone to die, I wanted all of them to be happy and that’s how they did so I am happy.

To me it’s like it feels like FT ended but at the same time it didn’t and it’s an odd feeling.

[ejm513]

UNDERSTANDING JUVIA

It is no secret that I am a gruvia fan, in fact gruvia is my OTP and Juvia is one of my favorite Fairy Tail characters. So it always saddens me when I am perusing the gruvia tag (as I do daily) and I see hate not only for the ship but for Juvia. Now I am in no way saying you must like the ship or Juvia-far from it. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and everyone has their own taste when it comes to what ships and what characters’ appeal to them, and I respect that. Not only that but I love open and constructive conversations about why we like or dislike a certain character or ships. Some of these negative posts are simply nasty and cruel. I understand this is the internet and people can be very vicious, I’m not that naïve. This post is not about chastising those who have a different opinion from me, because I think there’s enough of that.

Instead I’m going to try and look deeper into my favorite character, Juvia, to try and get a better understanding why she behaves the way she does. This is not to excuse some of her behavior (because I agree it can sometimes go too far), but trying to understand why she’s the way she is. Please note that I am not a profession psychologist, nor have I studied it beyond a class in high school and personal curiosity. This is just my view on Juvia’s character and is pure speculation. This was written just for fun (and to wake up my brain after I took a nap so I can continue reading a novel in German).

Okay, are we ready? Let’s do this!!

The best place to start is from the beginning. This is tricky, as there is not much known about Juvia’s past (at least that I’m aware of). However there are a few things we can infer. Like many of the main characters of Fairy Tail, she probably has a dead parent, no parents or absentee parents. I’m leaning more towards having no parents, as I remember in a manga spin off about Gray’s journey to Fairy Tail, she was heading to a relative (I think it was her Uncle). We know for certain that she did not have friends growing up and was bullied and excluded because of her powers. This means she had limited interactions with children her age, and that interaction was negative.

This did not give her a chance to socialize properly, and this is where I think the biggest problem stems from.

There are certain people I know who for one reason or another did not get a lot of socialization with children growing up, and they’re… well they’re a little different. I don’t mean that in a cruel or mean way it’s just true. They’re not as skilled in reading other people’s body language and emotions or just being socially aware. What I mean by that is they’re not completely mindful of how their actions are perceived by others. This can result in people not being as aware of other people’s emotions and being blunt and rude.

So how does this idea effect Juvia? Most of the time she is not rude, so that part does not apply to her. Everything else does. Juvia is very blunt about her feelings towards Gray, to the point of being a nuisance at times (note that I said at times because there are times where Gray enjoys her presence and is comfortable with her). Juvia is also not aware of how her actions effect Gray and others until someone out right tells her or her well-meaning intentions blow up in her face. This can best be seen in the episode 413 Days. Yes-one of my favorite episodes that also happens to have one of the worst Juvia moments (washing herself with Gray soap…. just…. just why?).

It perfectly shows how unaware Juvia is of her actions and how they affect Gray. Now to be fair Juvia did not know that day was the anniversary of Ul using ice shield. However, when we see Gray, it was clear that he was suffering and grieving. Juvia either didn’t or could not read his body language and there for fell upon him with a tsunami of joy and happiness. This results in Gray snapping at her, but it brings Juvia back to reality and she does apologize in the end. The point is though it took Gray snapping at her to bring her back to her senses, to get her to admit that she was a selfish fool. In my opinion that is very positive, as she is learning that she is not as mindful of other people’s body language and emotions as she should be, and that this can have consequences. But you know she tries to thrust a body pillow at Gray so… there’s that.

Baby steps people… baby steps.

So now that we covered a possible reason why Juvia is so oblivious and blunt, let’s try and examine what many people see as not only Juvia’s biggest flaw but one of the biggest flaws in Gruvia, and that’s Juvia’s obsession and attachment to Gray.

I think if we want to even begin to understand her obsession and attachment, we need to look at her past relationships people.

As I mentioned before the manga and anime shows that Juvia was bullied in her childhood and most likely didn’t have a stable home life. Not only that the one romantic relationship shown ended with the jerk brushing her off because of the rain. That kind of treatment can scar a person. I myself was a victim of bullying from childhood until my mid-teens and it affected me. I was confident, outgoing child who would smile even when she got beaten up (that actually happened). By the time I entered middle school I put myself in a shell and it took me until high school to come out. I’m going to be twenty-two in about two months, so I’ve pretty much put what happened behind me.

However, I cannot pretend it hasn’t shaped me into the shy, reserved person I am today. I also had a lot of help to overcoming the bullying. I have a good family support system, and I went to a childhood therapist a saw a school consoler once a week from six grade until I graduated high school.

Juvia did not have that kind of help and support. So when someone showed her just a little bit of kindness she latched on to that person. Add to the fact that she is naturally an emotional and imaginative person, and that she was not socialized properly, Juvia does not know how to act properly when she likes someone. She also does not know how to handle her overwhelming emotions and imagination (which even she admit was getting out of hand), so in the end you get someone who gets way to attached and is more than a little obsessive.

All right, I guess there’s only one other point to touch on.

Knowing that Juvia has all these issues (and lord knows Gray has his own host of issues) why do I still ship Gruvia so much?

Well there are a few things I like to keep in mind:

1-All of the major ships have something off or disturbing about them. Gajeel attacked Levy and seriously hurt her and her team mates. Jelall tried to and came close to killing Erza. Natsu is constantly entering Lucy’s apartment without her permission and gives her no privacy (I can’t keep track of how many times he’s seen her nude). I don’t dislike these ships any less for these issues (particularly Nalu… dear god I love Nalu). Gruvia’s biggest issues are Juvia’s attachment to Gray and Gray being somewhat emotionally closed off. Remember, Erza mentioned that there’s more to than underneath that “cool guy” persona, and what’s underneath is a lot of grief and pain. The point of the matter is none of the relationships are perfectly normal or healthy, but we still love and ship them anyway. That is probably the number one reason I get annoyed when people say Gruvia is unhealthy, because even though I don’t think they are entirely wrong, the other ships also have major issues that would never be acceptable in the real world.

2-Fairy Tail has been around for quiet some time and has well over 200 episodes and over 500 manga chapters. This means there is a lot of time for the characters to grow and develop, and Gray and Juvia are no exceptions. People always claim that Juvia has no character outside of wanting Gray, and while I could understand why they would think that I would have to politely disagree. When we first meet Juvia she was cold and emotionless until she got angry. Despite claiming Phantom Lord gave her a home and understood her, you could tell she wasn’t happy. In fact I would say she seemed down right miserable. It took her some time, because in the Tower of Heaven arc she was still a little cold and haughty. It is when she joins Fairy Tail that we see development. She becomes happy and much more open and loving. Yes I said loving and not just to Gray. She has shown that she cares not just about other guild members but the guild itself. Remember when she willingly got struck by lightning so Cana could fight and to keep the guild safe? That’s insanely dangerous for a normal person, but I imagine having a body made completely of water makes it even more dangerous.

Not only that Juvia’s more… eccentric tendencies have calmed down. It is important to keep in mind that the anime took the stalking gag and ran with it. In the manga the gag only lasted for an arc or two. I also think she is coming out of her own little world more and more. I remember reading a post somewhere about how selfish Juvia was when she told Gray about killing Silver, because she said she didn’t have the right to love him and was more focused on her relationship with him than him. Once again I can understand why someone would think that, but I must politely disagree. Yes I believe she was concerned for her relationship with him, but I don’t think it came from a selfish place. She knew how much losing his father a second-time hurt Gray, and that it was her who killed Sliver. I can’t begin to imagine how guilty she must of have felt. In fact, she felt so guilty that she was willing to let him go because of how much pain she caused him.

Now what about Gray? How has he changed?

The biggest way I would say he changed was becoming more open and slowly by slowly dropping the “cool guy” persona. The first moment we really see this is when Juvia is telling him about Silver. In the beginning of the show, during the Galuna Isalnd arc, when Gray started to cry in front of Natsu and Lucy he quickly stopped the moment they saw and claimed he wasn’t. He kept most of the pain and loss he suffered to himself, at least until a situation forced him to talk about it. If I remember correctly, on the anniversary of his masters demise he drank his pain away (which… I don’t even want to think about that it’s too sad). Basically he was one closed off, stubborn little tsundere.

That changed after that conversation with Juvia.

Gray balled his eyes out to Juvia, something he would have never done before. That was the breaking moment in my opinion. After that we see a Gray who is willing to cuddle and Exceed and gush about how cute he is. We see a Gray who’s more open with his emotions and more content with himself (you know… when they’re not fighting for their lives and trying to save the world). It seems like he’s becoming less and less of a tsudere, and more in tune and at peace with himself.

Again when the world isn’t crumbling apart and in peril. Poor baby is probably going to have a whole new batch of trauma to get over, like the rest of the guild.

3: Recently, I read a post critiquing Gruvia shipper’s argument that because Gray accepts Juvia’s feelings that makes the ship okay and healthy, and said that the ship is still unhealthy. On some level I agree with it, two people can love each other and be in an unhealthy relationship. Again I understand that there are some elements of an unhealthy relationship in the ship, and a big part of it was that Gray was a little bothered by Juvia’s attention in the beginning and rightfully so. I would say if Juvia had not calmed down and grown, and had Gray continued to show his discomfort I would not ship them.

However the fact of the matter is Juvia has calmed down, and Gray has started to reciprocate Juvia’s feelings. Again that does not necessarily make a healthy relationship, but if you look deeper you will see that it is. For me the biggest clue is in the year time skip after the Tartaros Arc. Gray and Juvia lived together for six months, and there was no indication that there was anything unhealthy about that situation. In fact it seems like they lived a very normal life. They shared their meals together and trained together, and created what seemed like a very calm and peaceful environment.

Now I understand Juvia is “persistent” for lack of a better word, and there have been times when Gray has said no to her and she hasn’t listened. I’m not denying that or saying it’s okay. On the other hand, Gray has shown he’s not afraid to tell her no and show his displeasure at her actions. If he was really bothered by her presence he wouldn’t have lived with her for six months. Now I don’t know if they mutually decided to live together or if she just showed up and didn’t leave-but judging by what we know about their time together I’m leaning more towards the former than the later.

I hope you all liked the post, and please remember that I am not criticizing those who are not fans of Juvia or Gruvia. This was simply an exploration as to why Juvia is the way she is and why I love Gruvia. It was just written for fun and I hope you’ll take it that way.

Now time to watch more anime and pretend that I don’t have half a novel in German to read by Monday.

Ah the blissful joys of procrastination.  

[marichat-sins]

Letters To Lucy (Epilogue)

Word Count: 1,824

Also found on FF.net

To everyone's curiosity, neither Natsu nor Lucy spoke about what happened. The only answer Natsu would give his guildmates when they asked what he did and why he was gone for so long was that Porlyusica refused to let him leave, on the thought that he would ruin all her hard work.

Lucy, on the other hand, was a different story. Like her rose-haired best friend, she didn't tell anyone anything that had happened while she was missing. In fact, she hardly spoke the entire week she's been back. The only person that she'd have a somewhat complete conversation with was Natsu, and eve then it was hard for him to get her to talk.

But Fairy Tail had an idea. After all, two months of being Zeref's, the black wizard, prisoner was something no one except for those who witnessed it could understand.

But that wasn't the only reason Lucy never spoke of it. A big part was that she couldn't even remember most of her time as a prisoner. They were fragments inside her head that didn't make any sense, which scared Lucy even more than it would have if she had her full memory. Was the time so bad that her brain forcefully blocked the horrid memories? It wasn't heard of, Lucy knew.

She stared at the neatly stacked letters on the desk near her bed, fingers aching to reach out and hold them close to her as she often did with her keys. But she refused to reread them another time and experience all the pain her dear family had felt while they wrote them.

She was relieved to be home again after all this time, even with her closet being filled to the brim with Natsu, Happy, and Plue plushies, courtesy of Juvia. Though, the original Plue Lucy had on her hospital bed with her was resting on her pillow. She gladly welcomed the comfort of her home, but it still didn't feel safe, not yet. Not until Natsu arrived.

Her gaze moved from the letters to the scar on the palm of her hand. A delicate finger traced over the fresh scar as the memory of where it came from resurfaced.

Lucy was being held in a cell once more. Her clothes, the same ones she was wearing the day she got taken, were tattered and covered in grime. In front of her Zeref glared down at her wickedly, his black eyes teetering to red before switching back, flickering like a dying light lacrima.

"How did you lead him here? What did you do?"

What she did? Lucy didn't know but she wasn't about to tell him that. She knew who was here, who would always come save her even if he had to walk through hell and back to get her. She knew that he was going to come bursting through like a ball of fire any second now and take her home. Natsu always did. And he doesn't like to give up easily.

A burning in Lucy's chest made her reel back. That was only part of the story to her scar. That was the day of her rescue, no doubt, but the entire memory was just fragments like the rest of them. There was a knee to her gut that had flown her halfway across the room like she weighed nothing more than a feather. That was when Natsu came in.

Dust and smoke collected in the air as it followed a loud explosion. In front of Lucy stood a great wall of fire, surrounding her in an almost protective nature as it shielded her from further abuse given by Zeref.

Natsu was her first thought.

She was right, he was here for her, and he came in just as she thought he would. Through the flames he walked, his scaled scarf whipping around behind him until the man she'd been waiting for stood in front of her.

"Natsu…" He didn't respond to her soft voice, instead dropping her celestial keys into her hands as he got into his familiar fighting stance. The fire died down and Zeref stood unscathed as he glanced at his brother.

Natsu's forearms were morphed into scales, the same as the scales that were highlighting his cheeks. His onyx eyes were slit and his flames burned hotter than ever before. A deep growl emitted from his chest as he glowered at Zeref.

"I will burn you to ashes for what you did to Lucy!"

It was a blur on what happened next. A dull throbbing came from the two identical cuts on her hand as she thought about what happened next.

The battle wasn't to Natsu's advantage anymore. He was strong, but that didn't mean that his magic power was limitless. Zeref released a powerful surge of magic towards his younger brother without mercy and from what Lucy could tell, it was going to be a direct hit.

Her right hand clenched around the key she had blindly pulled from her keyring, Taurus' familiar power flowing through her veins. The axe-shaped tip cut into her skin, leaving behind trails of blood as she flung her wrist.

"Open, gate of the bull, Taurus!" Lucy cried. The spirit came out, axe slicing through the black ball of energy and successfully saving Natsu from what quite possibly could have been his imminent death. "Star dress; Taurus form!"

Lucy wasn't sure what had happened after that. She knew that she was low on magic after those months and that summoning Taurus took a lot out of her, as did the star dress. She didn't last long in the fight against Zeref, but she did last long enough to give Natsu enough time to recover. But those were all things that Lucy just assumed. She didn't have all the exact details on it either. After a black surge came her way, and a blur of pink, it was blank. It was like a story that had no ending, just empty pages.

A series of knocks erupted at her window before the person slid himself in like he owned the place. Technically speaking, for the rest of the month he did.

"Luce, I think that's all of it." Natsu was smiling as he plopped himself on the bed before noticing the look Lucy held. "What's wrong?"

"What happened, Natsu? After Taurus, what happened?" He was taken aback by the fact that she spoke two sentences rather than the choppy ones he's been getting accustomed to. She looked up at him with doe-like eyes, patiently waiting for him to answer her.

"It's simple, Luce. I beat Zeref."

"Natsu."

He could never just lie to her, not even if he wanted to. She always knew when he lied to her, because she knew him like the back of her hand. His smile dropped as he stared straight ahead.

"It wasn't anything bad Luce, I promise. I did exactly what you told me."

Natsu didn't know how they got here. All he knew was that this man, Zeref, almost killed Lucy. And he was not going to let him live long enough to regret it.

That was how he ended up on top of Zeref, his fists engulfed in hot flames as he slammed them repeatedly into his brother. He was blinded by red, his only thoughts being Lucy and terminating their enemy. It wasn't until he heard her croaking voice did he realize how close he was to succeeding in his plan.

"Stop, Natsu…" His balled fist paused abruptly, mere millimeters away from its target. Lucy's hand that bared her guild mark reached out towards him, obvious fear clouding her pretty brown orbs. Those two words made his heart drop before he glanced down at the mess he had made of Zeref's face.

He had almost killed someone.

"After that, the Royal Guard had come to take him away, and Gajeel had found us. I told Gajeel to take you to Fairy Tail."

"Why didn't you go?" Natsu leaned back against the window as he stared at the letters that Lucy had neatly laid on her desk, next to her precious book.

"Because I love you. You read my letters right? So I left so I could become better for ya. Ya don't deserve someone who was E.N.D, and ya don't deserve someone who nearly became a killer. But I couldn't stay away from ya. I still had something to give ya anyways." From a hidden pocket in his one sleeved top, Natsu pulled out a beautiful sapphire necklace that looked familiar.

Maybe the reason why it looked familiar was because it was the same one that she had seen in Hargeon so many months ago.

The two didn't say a word as Natsu delicately pulled her long blonde locks to the side so he could clasp the necklace around her raindrop shaped sapphire hung perfectly, resting just below her collarbones.

"So? I just confessed to you. I'd feel a lot better if ya'd say somethin'" Natsu waited as patiently as he could, but why should he? He always attacks things head on, so what made this any different? And Lucy wasn't one to beat around the bush either. Well, at least not when it came to her best friend.

"I've always loved you, idiot." She didn't give the rose-haired man much time to celebrate his returned feelings as she leaned forward to place a chaste kiss on his lips before withdrawing instantly, her face a color that could rival Erza's hair.

Natsu only pulled her closer in response.

The rest of the night was filled with laughs, kisses, and some very warm cuddles.

Though the two went through much together, they still had each other and their family at Fairy Tail. And who knows? Maybe in the future, they'll be writing letters to their children, telling them about their mom and dad's beautiful love story. But those thoughts weren't on their minds for now. No, for now, they're going to enjoy the time they have together.

Because letters just don't do justice to Fairy Tail's precious time.

That's it! Thanks for staying with me this long for this short story, and I hope that you all loved it as much as I did when I wrote it!

Be sure to check out my other works like Breaking The Ice!

Until next time, peace!

[juviatho]

( hospital visits | self-para ! )

    All that was audible was the sounds of distance chatter that was coming from outside the room and the annoying rhythmic beats of the heart monitor that was already driving her insane as she tried her best to open her eyes. It took a good minute or so for her to be able to fight the pain medication they’ve given her, exhaling loudly through her now parted lips eyes landing on the IV resting on her arm looking away almost instantly not wanting to pay too much attention to the needle in her arm. The petite brunette tried her best to sit up on the uncomfortable bed but with every movement that was made an obnoxious squeaking noise followed which didn’t fit well with the beeping of the heart monitor finally giving up and staying in the position, she had managed to get in. Hazel eyes glanced around the bland white room, though it was already a given especially with the faint smell of bleach in the air that she was in the hospital.             Her memory was blurry due to the painkillers they’d given her, yet the only thing she could make out was her father’s face and that’s all she really needed to place all the scattered puzzle pieces together. He had gotten bailed out of jail and wanted to finish what he started a month ago. The young girl knew it was just wishful thinking that she was able to stay living in her own happy and carefree world for too long without paying for her actions; she also knew her dad was one of the most powerful men in Greenville so it was no surprised that the jail couldn’t hold him for long.               After a few minutes of sitting in silence, the memory of the previous event rushed into her head, as she inhaled sharply. Her aunt had invited her over for dinner along with her cousins back in the mansion that they suddenly inhabited (not that she could blame them since it was a place that looked like it belonged in a fairy tale but if the walls could talk they’d tell them about all the nights Juvia spent crying praying for the pain to be over, or what rooms her father had laid a hand on her. If they knew that they wouldn’t even set foot in that place. ) Juvia didn't see any harm in going so she accepted the invitation as the petite brunette walked down the long driveway before even being able to reach the door all she could hear was the echo of angry screams that belonged to an all too familiar man. Fear and panic instantly arising inside the young girl turned on her heels and picked up her pace realizing what a bad idea it was to have even come but it was already too late as she locked eyes with her father as he stormed out of the mansion.               “There you are, you bitch!” he yelled as he practically sprints towards the brunette she could outrun him easily and go back to Nari's or even Jae's anywhere was better than here at the moment but for some reason, her legs stopped working as she found herself standing still. “You ruined my career; this is your entire fault!” he yelled as he finally reached her. Once again she let her father take out all his anger on her but he had a point, it was all her fault he lost everything he worked so hard on just because she was being a foolish girl. Juvia wouldn’t cry nor scream for help because she knew she deserved this, deep down she was scolding herself for that damn day back in January when she looked at the driver for help and now has to suffer the consequences of her actions. Time seemed to have slowed down as she felt her father's hand wrap around her throat, the faint screaming of her family getting closer and that was it. All she remembered was her father screaming his string of insults at her face as he didn't hold back as he continued to punch wherever he could on the young brunette as she laid still on the freezing snow that stung her exposed skin just praying silently for this to be over before blacking out due to the lack of oxygen.             At the sound of the jingling doorknob hazel hues slightly widen as she watched her aunt practically run towards her noticing the brunette was finally awake, “il mio tesoro!” she kneeled next to the bed taking Juvia’s hand in hers, “You’re awake! Thank goodness,” her aunt's voice sounding as if she had been crying, “I can’t believe your father went this far… if we would have known sooner about this we would have come and stopped him. But don’t worry you're safe now.” She knew her aunt’s words were meant to comfort her but all they did was make the petite girl feel nauseous and uneasy.  How could they say they didn’t know all of this was going on? It wasn’t exactly something she could hide all the bruises and scars that were more than noticeable whenever they came to visit, they knew exactly what her father was doing and just turned their heads until now. Juvia pulled her hand away from her aunt’s as she crossed her arms over her chest, “It’s fine, don’t worry about it, this isn’t anything new,” She responded idly. Her aunt furrowed her brows together as she looked at the petite girl, “it’s not fine, he could have killed you…” she muttered, her eyes watering up again but those words didn’t seem to faze Juvia in the slightest; she was all too used to it. The petite brunette just shrugged what else could she do? “After you’re released from here, we’re going to the airport right away and you’ll be staying with me.” the older women stated in a soft voice placing her hand on Juvia's shoulder. Now that had caught her attention as she turned slowly looking at her aunt in confusion, "What?" hoping she heard the older female wrong there was no way she was serious about taking Juvia back to Italy. "You can't be here anymore...it's too toxic and I'm worried about your mental health you know situations like this tend to cause a lot of mental illnesses and we just want to make sure you're okay." her voice was soft but yet seemed as if there was another reason as to why she wanted to take Juvia away. It was no secret that Juvia had her own problems starting with her anger problems along with her other health issues. "I'm nineteen; I can take care of myself." Her voice coming out more bitter than she intended, which received a loud exhale from the other woman. "You're still so young; you'll thank me later for this. I know it." Once again trying to reassure the brunette that Italy was a good idea though Juvia knew it wasn't. "No." Juvia protested. "What do you mean no? Your father got taken back to jail and I think this time he's going to stay there...you have no one here—" The woman instantly cut off by the younger girl. "What do you know what I have here or not? You've been in living away in Italy for all these years and you've not once cared about anything remotely related to me, so why now?" Juvia questioned clearly annoyed with other's word. Sure. Juvia wasn't exactly prom queen but the few friends she had were special to her and giving that up was too much to bare. "That's not true, Isabelle. You know that everyone cares about you back home...stop being so stubborn about this and just think about it, okay?" flashing a weak smile over at Juvia, before Juvia could reply the sound of her aunt's phone cut her off instantly receiving an apologetic look from the older female as she excused herself and picked up the call. Juvia wouldn't necessarily have called it ease dropping but the woman wasn't being as quiet as she thought she was as she began to speak. "Yeah, she's here with me—why?" she exhaled as if annoyed with the other person, "I'm trying to do that right now— she's being stubborn as always—look, she'll say yes no doubt about it—we're going to be rich again after that." and with that she hung up the phone and cleared her throat making her way back to the brunette who pretended to have been paying attention to her phone instead of the conversation. “So! Where were we?” “Who was that?” Juvia asked nonchalantly. it was funny really how everyone in her adoptive family thought of her as dumb even though Juvia was the only one to even get accepted to a college. “Oh no one just your uncle asking about something dumb.” she played it off in a honeyed voice. Juvia simply pulled a face and pressed her attention back to whatever she was last looking at. “It’s almost time for lunch, do you want something to eat?” she asked clearly wanting to start a conversation but the brunette could care. “I can’t eat anything here don’t worry about it.” she shrugged. The tension building up in the small closed room, as her aunt sucked her teeth before speaking.

“Alright, okay, I’ll find something else for you to eat,” she said dryly before looking back over at the brunette, “have you given thought to go to Italy with us?” she repeated a hint of hope in her voice. “I’m just confused on why exactly I have to go, there’s nothing for me there and I just can’t get up and leave the university,” Juvia stated hazel hues fixated on the woman next to her. “It’s because we just want the best for you.” That statement alone won a scoff from the young girl. “Cut the shit, I’m not fucking stupid so just tell me why the fuck I need to go back to Italy,” her voice louder than before and filled with irritation. “Fine, we’re not financially well back home but you can help us by marrying into one of the wealthiest families there...they have a son around your age and I think you guys would look cute together.” her voice sticky sweet. Juvia simply nodded her head as if she cared, how could after that family has put her through think that she’d help them in any way? She was hospitalized her father was trying to keep his end of the promise he made not so long ago, his words echoing in her mind. A sudden wave of sadness and anger rushing over her thinking back to everything he’s ever done to her. Every single little scar and bruise he left on her as if nothing and now his family needed her? “I don’t do marriage find someone else.” Juvia huffed out as she rolled her eyes. Just those words seemed to have triggered something in the older female as she glared over at Juvia; the hand that once meant to comfort her was now grabbing a fist full of the brunette’s hair yanking it closer towards the other.

“Your father was right about you, you’re just another ungrateful orphan,” she spat at the petite girl, which caused her to flinch slightly as she winced in pain but she couldn’t find her voice or her strength to push the other aside. “You’re going back to Italy with us whether you like it or not, I don’t give a damn about the pathetic life you have here. I should have told your father to leave you in that orphanage and root away.” Her words cutting like knives, her aunt being added to the list of people who hated her. Juvia wasn’t sure what she ever did make them hate her so much but she was surely going to give them a reason now as she nodded weakly feeling the stream of tears roll down her cheeks. 

“Yes, I understand I’m sorry,” Juvia spoke softly as her voice broke.  “Good, I knew I could count on you,” her aunt smiled bitterly as she let go of the other's hair before patting it down and brushing it with her fingers, “You’ll be a beautiful bride.” Hazel hues dropping down to her hands as she nodded in response, her aunt stood up and pecked a kiss on her forehead as she walked away as if nothing had ever happened. 

             An exasperated sigh left her parted lips as she rested her head back on the uncomfortable pillow once she heard the door close, another miserable day inside the bland hospital room. Juvia picked up her phone to see what time it was but she was simply greeted with a tear stained childlike girl looking back at her, bruises all over her face with a scar on her lower cheek it took her a few seconds to realize that person looking back at her was, in fact, herself as she lifted up her shaking fingers to touch the scar softly wincing at the stinging sensation not being able to stop the flow of tears that she held back. Inhaling sharply, her nose stuffy from her crying she finally unlocked her phone and looked at the date and time realizing she’d been in the hospital longer than she thought quietly doing the math in her head it had been exactly 49 hours and 34 minutes since she had last properly looked the night sky, her only comfort in times like this but instead, she was stuck inside an overly white room. Juvia had a million thoughts running through her mind at the moment how was she going to say goodbye to everyone she held dearly? No. She wasn’t going to. She had to think of a plan and no matter how long it took she was coming back to Greenville and wouldn’t have to deal with her adoptive family anymore.