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heademptyonlygruvia · 4 years ago

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Gray’s love for Juvia developed gradually throughout the entire Fairy Tail series

Most of the time, those who dislike Gruvia are quick to say Gray was “constantly rejecting” and “constantly annoyed” by Juvia, and now “all of a sudden” he loves her, so it’s OOC. But that’s not true. Gray was not constantly annoyed by Juvia, nor did he constantly reject her. More over, he cannot be “forced” to love her. He isn’t so weak willed, and will say no to things he doesn’t like. He chooses to be with Juvia himself. Juvia is Gray’s main partner; someone who stands proudly by his side, and he wants her there. She is the only girl that he has romantic development with. Gray and Juvia spend time together of their own accord. Furthermore, these people are focusing way too much on the comedic moments, that are meant to be laughed at, and ignoring the ones that really matter. They also fail to remember that Gray falls under the tsundere character troupe. He is shy when it comes to romance, like most Japanese people are. Humor is subjective, but what falls under the umbrella of humor is not. You don’t have to think it’s funny, as long as you know it’s a joke. No, Gruvia is not toxic. Mashima likes humor, and that absolutely includes Juvia’s silly antics and Gray’s reactions to them. These things are exaggerated on purpose for dramatic effect. Japanese love this type of humor use in their mangas. This is also a fantasy manga, meaning it does not have to meet real life standards. Most of the characters have quirks that would not be acceptable in real life.

Gruvia is one of, if not the most romantically developed couple in Fairy Tail. All on panel. Gray being more open about his love for Juvia in the sequel, 100 Years Quest, makes complete sense. If the manga itself for some odd reason hasn’t shown you why, this post surely will. After all, I am using the manga to prove my point.

Before I begin showcasing Gray’s development, I’d like to recommend everyone read this post: Juvia isn’t a stalker. The message of Gruvia is not “stalk someone so much until they love you back”. Rather, it’s more along the lines of “love can turn someone’s life around”. Mashima has only ever portrayed Juvia’s love for Gray as a positive thing for both characters.

As you read through, notice how the scenes I chose (and it was hard, Gruvia has way too many panels) are mainly, if not all, from Gray’s side. The scenes displayed here are almost entirely serious ones, not comedic. Nor are they just panels of the two standing next to each other (in which there are also a lot of in the series, might I add, but I am focusing on moments that are actually meaningful). And looking at the amount of panels, it’s further proof that Gruvia isn’t all humor.

Now, let’s take a look at how Gray’s love for Juvia progressed throughout the series, step by step in the most simple way possible. I say simple, but the truth of the matter is this post is pretty long… ^^’

How Gray Fullbuster fell in love with Juvia Lockser.

I. Enemies

Phantom Lord.

Self explanatory—Gray and Juvia were enemies when they first met. Juvia was shunned her entire life, and was once a character who had forsaken love until she met Gray, who took away her rain and showed her the sunny sky. This is where their love story began.

II. Allies

Tower of Heaven.

When Juvia appears before Gray for the first time since their fight, he already knew who she was, her name, and that Phantom Lord had been disbanded. He personally doesn’t mind Juvia joining Fairy Tail, though he wonders what the master will say. The two now become allies, protecting/defending each other from Simon and when the blackout happens. They work together throughout the entire arc. Erza asks about the “element 4″ girl at the end, and Gray responds, “Oh, Juvia. She went home.” as well as mentioning she wants to join Fairy Tail.

III. Guild mates

Fighting Festival, Edolas.

Gray is happy about Juvia joining Fairy Tail, and the two are now officially guild mates. Makarov even thought it was good for them to go on a mission alone together. Plenty of small interactions between them occur throughout these arcs, but the notable ones are of the two making an ice water castle together, and Gray teaching Juvia how to eat caramade franks. Alzack and Bisca, a canon couple, note that Gray and Juvia are being lovey dovey. At that time, Alzack and Bisca actually wished they could be more forward, like the two they were watching.

IV. Friends

Tenrou Island, Grand Magic Games/Dragon Invasion, Tartaros.

Gray and Juvia undeniably became close throughout these arcs. Gray thought about Juvia multiple times during the S-class exam, especially after she didn’t make it back to camp. He wanted to have a battle with her, therefore he was disappointed she lost to Erza. He was worried about her after sending her off to chase Zeref, and protected her during Acnologia’s attack. And of course, Meredy’s sensory link would not have worked if they weren’t close; she even comments to Ultear that Juvia is close to Gray. Like clockwork, Gray swoops in and saves Juvia from Ultear’s deadly attack. This is likely the moment that showcased Gray could eventually fall for Juvia. The two are no doubt, good friends. The Grand Magic Games was a long arc that showcased Gray and Juvia’s strong bond and teamwork that is unmatched. Gray would have accepted Juvia’s lunch date request if not for Lyon and his ridiculous bet that Gray didn’t even agree to. During the fight with Lyon and Chelia, Gray comforts Juvia by placing his hand on her shoulder, and she returns his touch. They do a unison raid, winning the battle, and both smiling at each other as they hold hands after. And of course, when the dragons attack, Gray sacrifices his life for Juvia without hesitation. Bonus: 413 Days special shows Gray, blushing and accepting the scarf Juvia made for him, commenting that it’s warm with a smile, one of the biggest signs his romantic feelings for her are growing. When Juvia offers Gray her “Gray-bread”, the only reason he didn’t want to eat it was because it had his face on it, hence why Juvia also made “Juvi-bread” too. Watching the interaction, Cana comments that she thought Gray shot Juvia down before, a reminder of his so called “rejection” right after the GMG. She notes that Gray’s actions (eating the bread Juvia made and being affectionate with her) contradict that “rejection”. Mirajane also affirms this, stating it’s back to status quo, confirming the “rejection” was indeed a red herring as nothing negative has changed between Gray and Juvia. Basically, Mashima was telling us to forget that “rejection” even happened. Further evidence that “rejection” meant nothing includes what happened following the bread scene; everything in the Tartaros arc and beyond. Gray holding Juvia’s hand stating “I’m here with you” is very intimate. Juvia having a significant panel/presence in Gray’s mind before attempting iced shell. Gray’s father, Silver, asked if Juvia was Gray’s woman and then said to take care of him. At the end of the arc, Juvia confessed to Gray it was her that killed the necromancer controlling his father, and said she had no right to love him anymore. She was about to walk away from Gray forever, a selfless act that no crazy “stalker” would ever do. But he didn’t let her. He grabbed her, and sobbed in her chest, thanking her for what she did. The two share an intimate hug as the snow falls. While I placed the Tartaros arc under the “friends” section, you could argue it became obvious Gray started to love Juvia romantically by the middle, or end of it. At the very least, it was clear if they were to end up with someone, it would be each other, no one else.

V. Lovers (romantic/love interest)

Avatar, Alvarez Empire (war), Fairy Tail Final Chapter. Fairy Tail 100 Years Quest (official canon sequel). By this time, it is absolutely clear that Gray and Juvia are meant to be each other’s love interests in the series. A character such as Gray would not just live with a girl (who is in love with him) if she was only his friend. Gray and Juvia shared a house together for 6 months, which again, is deep for this type of series. As we know, Gray leaves her without a word to infiltrate Avatar. I have my own issues with the Avatar arc, but that’s a different story. When the two reunite, we can see that Gray is truly sorry for leaving, as he has trouble looking at her directly when he apologizes. The two fight together, side by side once again. Juvia also picked up Gray’s stripping habit. Before the war, Gray was flirting with Juvia on a balcony, offering her the rest of his candy bar. In this scene, Gray himself trashes all anti-claims about him being annoyed she’s always with him. “I’m grateful to have you. You’re always by my side”. Yes, Gray wants Juvia there with him. Always. He is not repulsed by her, he does not hate her, she does not annoy him. A strong romantic vibe was felt during this moment, as Gray promises her an “answer” (which is presumed to be about his feelings for her) after the battle is over. He would not be saying this if his answer was “no” or if he didn’t have feelings for her. He would not make Juvia wait around for another “rejection”, that makes no sense whatsoever. Anyway, most people agree at this point Gray loves Juvia romantically. During their fight with Invel is when it’s 100% confirmed that Gray loves Juvia, through words AND actions. See the breakdown of the Japanese raw here, including confirmation from a Japanese native. But in sum when Gray said 「仲間を…��や…お前をキズつけたくない…」 “I don’t want to hurt a friend… no… I don’t want to hurt YOU”, “Nakama wo… Iya… Omae wo kizutsuketakunai”, he starts to say “comrade”, but then corrects himself (he actually says “no”), indicating Juvia is more than a comrade. The direct word order would be “A friend… no… it’s YOU I don’t want to hurt”. So now we have the word part down, let’s talk briefly about Gray’s actions. He and Juvia did the same thing (committed suicide) for the SAME reason. They did not want to hurt the person they LOVE. The manga speaks for itself; Gray’s screams of agony and tears upon thinking Juvia died, holding her close, begging her to wake up, beating Invel’s ass in rage mode, blaming Natsu (the book of demons) for taking Juvia away, and his passing out from relief of seeing her alive… that’s love. Period.

As for Gray’s “answer” this was it. I truly believe it was chapter 499. But I also believe because of what happened in this chapter, it caused Gray to hold back telling Juvia how he felt, since we learn later he feels guilty about the scar and that he’s not strong enough to protect Juvia yet. Onto the final chapter of Fairy Tail… I felt it could have been handled better, but I won’t get into detail. The point is, in Mashima’s mind, Gruvia was canon. The west and Japan have very different ideas of what “canon” is. See post: What the word “canon” actually means (Japan vs The West). Japanese fans consider “canon” couples to have clearly defined mutual feelings or are extremely obvious. Meanwhile, the west needs “canon” to be far more explicit, such as dating, marriage, and/or kids. But this is a Japanese manga, written by a Japanese man, and mainly geared towards a Japanese audience. Therefore, as readers, we must consider the Japanese point of view as the intention. Anyway, Gray and Juvia talk about their respective scars, in which Gray feels guilty for her receiving one. Gray said “Your body is mine”, but what he meant was “you’re mine”, all of Juvia belongs to Gray. You do not say this to a friend. Gray is shy, and his mumbling afterwards is irrelevant. Watch this video by a Japanese native to fully understand what Gray meant in the final chapter and why this means he loves Juvia romantically. Juvia herself knew what Gray meant also, hence her excited reaction. Thus, this was meant to be Gruvia’s canon moment, before the sequel arrived that is…

100 Years Quest

While it was confirmed in the original that Gray loves Juvia romantically, it became even more clear in the continuation. Those who say Gray did a complete 180 in the sequel and is now too “lovey” about Juvia must not have paid attention beforehand. Because Gray loving Juvia isn’t out of left field, it makes total sense given the development up til this point. Gray is more open about his feelings now. It’s wonderful character development.

This is the official sequel to Fairy Tail, taking place directly after the original left off. Hiro Mashima writes the story/draws the storyboard, meaning he creates the plot, rough drafts, and character’s lines. Since he’s very busy, he doesn’t have time to ink it too, so Atsuo Ueda does the art, which is very similar to Mashima’s as well. Mashima also promotes/endorses it on twitter and other places. There are flashbacks in the sequel that use panels/art directly from the original Fairy Tail. That is only allowed because he is the author of this (sequel) story. Anyway, everyone agrees that this sequel is canon. Continuing on…

I have never seen Gray blush so much over Juvia as I have than in this sequel. Even in general, Gray has never been so flustered before. He has really come a long way, and gained so much character development. To put it simply, his goal in the sequel is to be with Juvia, for good. When the topic of romance is brought up, Gray blushes with a dorky, but so-in-love smile thinking of Juvia calling his name. This scene confirms once again that Gray loves Juvia, since his comment was “ren’ai ne…/love, huh…” 恋愛 (ren’ai) = specifically romantic love. Following this, we see Gray interact with Juvina, Juvia’s doppelgänger from Fairy Nail. The point of this chapter was to take a look inside Gray’s heart, and for him to gain insight on how Juvia might actually feel waiting around for him. Juvina pointed out some key factors: Gray’s unhappy face thinking about her being a topless dancer because he doesn’t want other men seeing the woman he loves naked, the fact that he did not deny he loves Juvia, that Juvia won’t wait forever, that she feels bad for Juvia, etc. Juvina also told Gray about Glen, and how he acts reminds us of how Gray acts. Although we find out later Juvina and Glen are actually together, it seems like Juvina was simply trying to give Gray some perspective lol. And all those people who still claim Gray hates Juvia, he said “I don’t hate you!” (about Juvia) right in this very chapter. He then proceeds to say Juvia means the world to him, but he doesn’t think he’s good enough for her right now. We see him thinking of the scar she got from their fight with Invel, feeling guilty about it. While Juvina taunts that Juvia won’t wait for him forever, Gray says he knows that and so that’s why he wants more confidence in himself. Juvia’s smiling image comes to his mind again as he vows to become a man who can protect her, and declares he will make her his. What Gray said, “And then I swear I’ll make her mine/And go get Juvia no matter what” is a set phrase in Japanese with a romantic nuance. See the breakdown of the raw here, along with examples from other manga that use this phrase in romantic context. When Juvia appeared randomly on the train, Gray knew something wasn’t right. he even asked her why she was acting so different. Because Gray knows Juvia. Of course, they are always together throughout the white mage/Aldoron arc. The two fought Metro, and completed another unison raid. Gray saying Juvia is his power to live is also romantic because of the way he said it in Japanese. You do not say this to a friend, but we know at this point Gray is in love with her anyway. And because we know that, we know his line is romantic. Juvia knows as well, hence why she was so happy about it, wanted him to say it again, and teased him afterwards. The meaning in Japanese of “she’s my power/strength to live” is “because there is you, I am living”. After they win, Gray pulls Juvia in for a hug, saying he’s glad she’s safe while holding that typical Gray pout and tsundere blush. After the battle with Aldoron is over, Gray affectionally returned Juvia’s embrace in front of his guild mates, much to their surprise.

Edo Gruvia has a son, Greige. His name is actually very meaningful, as it’s a color (combines the colors grey and beige) like Gray and Silver, and a combination of Gray and Juvia’s actual names. For a more in depth explanation behind the meaning, see this post. Gray took a liking to Greige, calling him too cute and wanting to take him back to Earthland. And of course, imagining a blissful life with Juvia and his son during his final battle with Hakune. This said enemy brought out Juvia as the woman sleeping in the depths of Gray’s heart. He also thought about Juvia before battling neko-Wendy, who teased him about being concerned over her.

Gray’s fantasy speaks for itself. It’s a happy life with his loved ones, and he said this is the world of happiness he imagined. That includes being with Juvia and having their son, Greige. Gray states he wants to stay there forever, but he knows he can’t because it’s just a dream. Gray breaks out of that false reality, stating he doesn’t need to be happy. He wants to make JUVIA happy. Gray is saying he doesn’t want fake happiness in a dream. He wants to make Juvia happy instead, for real/in reality. When you love someone, you want to make them happy. Also, context. It matters. The whole point of this line was to show Gray being selfless; he is putting the woman he loves FIRST. Placing Juvia’s feelings above his own. Luckily… they have the same dream, lol. Juvia definitely wants to be married, and have Greige. At this point, no one can deny Gray loves Juvia without looking like… a fool. Gray wouldn’t imagine a happy life with Juvia, and having a son with her if he didn’t love her.

And in this dream, Juvia is completely in character. Even her “love rival” mode. Gray loves Juvia the way she is. She appears in Gray’s head multiple times throughout the story. And through his eyes, she is a gorgeous, loving woman with a bright smile. NOT some crazy stalker or annoyance. The volume 9 omake shows a scene right before Gray and Team Natsu got transported to Edolas. We see Gray apologizing for putting Juvia in danger, and her teasing him about his “power to live” comment. Gray promises he will definitely come back from the quest. He looks very determined, blushing, and was about to confess something about what would happen when he returned… but then he vanished. lol. Of course, Mashima/Ueda can’t be that nice, haha.

I know it was very long, but I hope this meta did it’s job of showcasing Gray’s character development in regards to Juvia, the progression of his feelings for her, and why it makes sense he is now in love with her. I look forward to his confession (of some sort, as it’s set up that way), and the hopefully eventual arrival of Earthland Greige!

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heademptyonlygruvia · 4 years ago

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surprise kiss~ <3

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heademptyonlygruvia · 4 years ago

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She is aware that he is on a mission Gildarts couldn’t complete in 3 years and lost a limb in the process. She is aware he may not make it alive. Yet she does not even thinking about stopping him. This is exactly how partners should support each other.

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heademptyonlygruvia · 4 years ago

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OMG WE'RE WINNING OMG

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heademptyonlygruvia · 4 years ago

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They were in the same room :))))))))))))))))

OMG WE'RE WINNING OMG

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heademptyonlygruvia · 4 years ago

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She looks so pretty!!!🥺💕💕

My GIRL!!!!

Short hair Juvia was my fav!!!<3<3<3

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heademptyonlygruvia · 4 years ago

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Of Sudden Rains and Lasting Promises

Pairing: Gruvia (Gray Fullbuster & Juvia Lockser) Fandom: Fairy Tail Genre: Romance Word Count: 2,254 words Summary: She had been fairly good at controlling the rain and not letting her emotions influence it too much. But there were a couple of instances in the past that it went out of hand–and it always involved one person. Just like how it did now. Prompt: Tears (Day 4 of Gruvia Week 2021, but I'm so late I don't want to tag it as such anymore lol) You may also read it on FanFiction.net! Check out my master list for other Gruvia fics. Tag list (I'm so sorry I totally forgot to tag you in my last few fics!): @shampooneko @fbflame94 @juviaafullbuster @unvalley @gruviaftw11 (Wanna be tagged, lemme know)

She didn't mean to make it rain. But thank heavens it was just a drizzle.

It had been a while since it last happened. She had been fairly good at controlling the rain and not letting her emotions influence it too much. But there were a couple of instances in the past that it went out of hand–and it always involved one person.

Just like how it did now.

Juvia wiped the thin streaks of rain pelting her face. She decided to sit on the park bench right under a big oak tree, but the rain must be getting stronger now because the thick canopy of leaves had become inadequate to protect her. She heard a man curse and remark how annoying the sudden rain was as he hastened to pack up the magazines and newspapers he was selling.

She was the gloomy rain woman once again.

"You shouldn't be out under the rain like that."

A hand holding a familiar pink umbrella appeared beside her, shielding her from the worsening downpour. She didn't need to look to know who it was.

"How did Gray-sama get Juvia's umbrella?"

"You left it in the guild, so I borrowed it for myself," Gray said as he moved to sit beside her, all the while not letting the shade of the umbrella leave her head. He moved his damp bangs away from his eyes and ruffled his hair to shake the droplets off.

"Gray-sama can use Juvia's umbrella. No need to ask Juvia," she muttered. She could feel Gray inching closer to her to make sure they're both under the umbrella, their arms and legs touching.

"I know. I just happened to see you here, and it's kinda unfair to keep the umbrella for myself while the owner is getting drenched."

Juvia looked at him, his chiseled profile matching the perpetual frown on his face. She already knew how handsome he was, yet her heart still beat fast every time she looked at him.

But she also couldn't help that sinking feeling in her chest when she remembered what she overheard earlier. She sighed.

"You okay?" he asked her.

"Hmm-mmm," Juvia answered. She wondered if she should ask him or just let him broach the subject. Finally, she decided to just stay in comfortable silence as the rain poured in a steady rhythm.

"Juvia?"

"Yes?"

"There's something I've been meaning to tell you."

There it is, she thought, but she didn't dare hope. It could be something else.

"Juvia is listening."

A long pause, with nothing but the incessant downpour and the few people out and about being all that they could hear.

"I'm going on a quest with my team." When Juvia didn't say anything, he continued, "It's gonna take a while."

Really, it shouldn't hurt like this. Mages like them go on quests all the time.

But this one was different, she knew.

"Juvia knows. Everyone was talking about it at the guild." She looked at him while he continued to stare straight ahead as if counting each drop of rain. "You're doing Gildarts-san's failed quest, right? The one that hasn't been solved for 100 years."

"Yes."

What was a previously light shower started to transform into heavier rain, bigger drops falling from the sky and making plop-plop noises on the umbrella shielding them. She could feel drops hitting the right side of her body, and she knew that it would only be a matter of time before the wetness would start to seep through her thick clothes.

She felt Gray squeeze closer to her and reposition the umbrella to cover her entire body. Glancing at him, she noticed that half of his body was getting drenched by the sudden heavy downpour.

"Gray-sama, you're getting wet," she said as she moved even closer to him, grabbing the umbrella and trying to cover him better.

"Don't worry about me," he told her, moving his arm around her shoulders so that they could fit under the umbrella better. The sudden warm sensation as Gray practically embraced her lit Juvia's pale cheeks with a pink tinge, but she couldn't bring herself to say more to him.

After a few beats, he said, "I'm sorry you had to hear it from other people. I was planning to tell you, you know."

Despite the dark clouds in the sky and her heart, Juvia couldn't help but smile. At least Gray wasn't planning to just leave her in the dark this time, like what he did when he disappeared without a trace for six months. The thought of it made tears well in her eyes, and she hastily wiped them with the back of her hand, lest the rain worsened.

Gray looked at her, concern written all over his face. "Hey, you can say no if you don't want me to leave."

At this, Juvia looked at him, her eyes wide. "What?"

"If you're not fine with it, I won't go."

"Is Gray-sama asking Juvia's permission to go on a mission?" she asked, not believing what she was hearing.

Gray blushed and looked away from her. He shrugged. "Maybe."

"But why?"

"Well, you are..." Gray swallowed, as if a thick lump had formed in his throat. "You are... my… my friend. And what you think is important to me."

She should have been sad to be called just a "friend," but for some reason, Juvia felt warmth spread in her chest. Gray wasn't particularly good with his words, but he always made up for it in his actions.

And now, he was actually considering her feelings. Ready to throw away the chance to go on a once-in-a-lifetime quest if she said so.

"Does Gray-sama want to go?"

His brows creased in thought, and it took him a moment before he answered. "Yeah, I think so. There's a part of me that wants to stay, but a bigger part of me wants to get stronger."

Juvia furrowed her brows as she looked up at him. "But Gray-sama is already very strong. Juvia knows she says this a lot, but you really are one of the strongest mages she knows."

"I'm not planning to be the strongest out there," he said. "I just want to be strong enough to protect the people that matter to me."

Juvia rolled her eyes. "Everyone at Fairy Tail can protect themselves. You have nothing to worry about."

"I'm not talking about Fairy Tail," Gray answered, his gaze darting once again to the empty rain-drenched street. She may just have imagined it, but she thought she saw his cheeks darken as he tightened his grip on her shoulder.

"There is... someone... I cherish. Someone I almost lost before. I don't want that to happen again. I want to be strong, so I can keep her safe."

It was so unusual for Gray to talk about his feelings that it left Juvia dumbfounded. Of course, she didn't want to assume or make Gray uncomfortable, but…

What the hell. He was leaving soon, and she had to let him know how much he mattered to her. One more time.

"Juvia is sure that whoever that someone is, she already thinks Gray-sama is wonderful and more than enough," she said. And in a lower voice, she added, "And she believes that her love for him won't change whether he's the strongest mage on Earthland or just an ordinary man without powers. Because she loves him just the way he is right now."

She sneaked a peek at Gray, whose eyes she couldn't see behind his bangs, but his cheeks had definitely turned a dark shade of red. And maybe it was just her imagination again, but was that a shadow of a smile appearing on his face?

The rain was finally letting up, the dark clouds gradually going away. Yet the two of them remained huddled under Juvia's umbrella. Gray started to subconsciously play with the tips of her hair, curling and uncurling them on his fingers. Not that she minded, though.

"I know that. After all, she's the kindest person I know," Gray said. "That is why I want to be the best version of myself. For her. I don't want to be anything less because she deserves only the best."

Juvia could feel the heat rising to her cheeks, but she fought it and willed herself not to boil or turn into a puddle. The dark clouds were all gone now, replaced by the sun's rays taking a peek from the clouds and giving an ethereal sheen to their surroundings.

"Gray-sama is so sweet. Whoever she is, she's one lucky girl."

"Trust me, I'm luckier," Gray said, grinning at her. Then, realizing that the rain had stopped and the sun was out, he closed the umbrella and stood up, stretching his hand for Juvia to grab.

"I guess someone's feeling less sad now?" he asked, and Juvia blushed.

She took Gray's hand, and he intertwined their fingers as they started walking towards Fairy Hills. "How did Gray-sama know?"

"Let's just say I also have a Juvia-radar that tells me when you need a bit of cheering up," Gray told her, and Juvia couldn't help the swarm of butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

Maybe it was due to their interlocked hands and the way his thumb mindlessly caressed her knuckles. Or perhaps the fact that he was walking her home, though he had been doing that for quite some time now. Or maybe it was because of how well he knew her–and actually cared about her.

It was all of the things he had said and done… and even all the unsaid ones that brought unparalleled joy in her heart. Because she felt… no, she knew that she was loved. Deeply and completely.

But she had to ask him one more thing.

"Gray-sama?'

"Hmm?"

"Can you promise... that certain someone... one thing?"

"What is it?"

"Promise her you'll come back."

Gray chuckled. "Of course. I promise I'll come back home to her, no matter what. I will come back as a man worthy of her love. "

She squeezed his hand, and he squeezed back, and they continued walking hand-in-hand, no words needed.

They were at the gate of Fairy Hills when Gray spoke again.

"Juvia?"

"Yes, Gray-sama?"

He had stopped walking and faced her. "Wait for me, will you?"

A bright blush bloomed on her cheeks. Gray had always been indirect with her, yet here he was, asking her (and not a certain someone) to wait for him.

As if there would be any other answer.

"Always, Gray-sama."

And, in a moment of boldness, she tiptoed and kissed him on the cheek, her lips lingering for a second before letting him go. She caught sight of his reddened cheeks before he turned his face away and awkwardly patted her head with his free hand.

"We won't be leaving until the end of the week, so, um... would you like to... spend some time with me?"

Juvia's eyes sparkled. "Is Gray-sama asking Juvia out on a–"

"Not a date!" Gray quickly interrupted. "Just, um, hanging out with each other since I'm going away and we're not going to see each other for a long time."

Juvia smiled knowingly. Nothing would change her mind that Gray was asking her out on a date, but of course, she would let him believe that they were just "hanging out" if that was what he wanted.

"Let Juvia think." She crossed her arms over her chest and tapped a finger on her chin. "Hmm, Juvia wants to eat caramade franks, go fishing–"

"You wanna go fishing? We can do that."

"Really? Juvia's so happy! She was told it's always raining around her, so she can't be taken fishing or camping or–"

"Who said that? That's a load of crap," Gray said, irritated. "Tell me and I'll punch his brains out."

Juvia placed a hand on his arm. "Not important, Gray-sama." She smiled and added, "Tomorrow, then?"

Gray nodded. And before she knew what was happening, she felt Gray pulling her body close to him, her hat yanked away from her head, and Gray's lips suddenly on her forehead. Her hands landed on his bare chest, and she could feel his heartbeat thumping loudly, probably as strong as the beating of her heart at the moment.

It ended as fast as it happened, and she found herself being pushed away by a flustered Gray, mumbling, "See you tomorrow!" As he hurriedly walked away from her, Juvia finally broke from her trance and had enough sense to shout, "Gray-sama, your clothes!"

"Crap!"

Juvia giggled as Gray picked up his discarded clothes and started wearing them, still a bit of pink coloring his cheeks. When he was done, he hastily waved goodbye to her and shouted, "Tomorrow!"

She watched his retreating form until he was no longer within her line of sight. Her heart ached a bit, knowing that he was going away soon, but it swelled with the promise that he would eventually come home to her–a better, stronger, and more confident man.

How that was even possible, she didn't know, as he was already perfect in her eyes. But she also hadn't imagined that she could even love him more, yet here she was, finding herself loving him a little bit more each day as he ever-so-slowly let her into his melting heart.

Clutching her hat to her heart, she entered Fairy Hills.

A/N: I'm still writing Gruvia Week fics? You bet I am! It would be a waste if I don't flesh out those drafts I did before, right? Thank you for still reading my fics. I appreciate them a lot and you inspire me to keep writing. Btw, the fishing thing is a reference to the FT 100 YQ chapter 11 cover. And also to what Bora said to Juvia once. :)

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heademptyonlygruvia · 4 years ago

Text

My heart-

As The World Caves In

Pairing: Gruvia

Fandom: Fairy Tail

Prompt: Kissing in the rain

Note: @empress-of-mischief asked if I could write something for Gruvia with this prompt and who am I to deny a request? I hope you enjoy this love!!! And I bet you wanted something cute and fluff right? I bet that’s what you thought you were getting.

Hope you’re ready to get into your feels.

“Oh, it’s you that I lie with As the atom bomb locks in Yes it’s you I welcome death with As the world, as the world caves in”

-As The World Caves In, Matt Maltese

—

What a magnificent and glorious phenomenon that occurred when it rained. Light showers would grace the earth to allow the plants and flowers to soak up the droplets and heavy drops would turn to puddles for children to splash in. Rainbows would decorate the sky with a plethora of light and add a shimmer to the once dark sky.

The rain was a rejoice for nature, its was simple and clean. He thought that rain was pretty even if it meant keeping him stuck inside for the day.

And then there was Juvia.

She was her own phenomenon. Millions of droplets created her form and he had admired the way she could command a storm without any hesitation. She could rival Mother Nature with her own abilities and tame the seas if she desperately wanted to.

Darkness had no match for the light that radiated from her.

Over the years he learned of her patterns. How the rain would mimic her mood and even the temperature of the water would become engulfed by her emotions.

Light showers of warm rain came during her happiest moments and droplets that could cut through trees had surfaced during battles. She was her own water cycle and he admired her throughout the years.

He remembers the rain of their first kiss. It was refreshing and the water poured down and surrounded them. All he felt was warmth with her. Even in a tsunami of emotions, there was always warmth.

But as he stared at her in the moment, it was as if that warmth had been snuffed out.

The water rained from the sky in a manic cry. He felt cold and frozen and the water almost seemed like hail. He watched as tears dripped from the corners of her eyes, those bright beautiful eyes that looked at him like he was the greatest thing in the universe. The ones he had fallen in love with.

“Juvia!” He called out and yet it felt like he was yelling through a snow storm. She seemed unattainable even though he was only a few feet apart from her.

He tried to move but shackles of water had anchored him to the ground. He couldn’t understand. He didn’t believe anything anyone had told him. That she had left Fairy Tail and abandoned her family. Abandon him.

The dark guild she had been saved from was rumored to be taking her back. She said nothing of this and only left him with a note of goodbye and to never come looking for her. She told him she never loved him, that it was all a ruse to get close to Fairy Tail.

Erza shouted and Natsu almost burned the town from anger. Even Lucy had wept tears but he stared at her handwriting knowing that it couldn’t be true.

Juvia’s face remained emotionless as she watched Gray fall to his knees. His fists gripping into the earth as he screamed her name again. More tears graced her face as she took steps forward until she was standing in front of him.

“Juvia-please.” His voice broke as she stared down at him.

Her heart ached as the rain become frigid and her body felt numb. Her eyes met with the dark ones of Gray’s. The ones who she had loved since the moment she had met him. The ones that stared at her with adoration even when she wasn’t looking.

She wanted to grab him and hold him tight. Tell him that she was sorry and it wasn’t true. That she could still be the woman he loved. What a blissful lie she wished she could offer him.

But she couldn’t. Slowly like an icicle melting just as spring arrived, her heart was breaking. Everything she had ever loved would collapse and the rain would consume her once again, only this time she knew the sky could never return.

The rainbows she had become enchanted by would become a distant memory as she would force her heart into its own water lock. For days she stared at the sky and tried to commit it to her memory. She wanted to feel the sun on her skin before it was taken and evaporated from her world.

Betrayal and heartbreak was clear on Gray’s face as he tried to freeze the shackles off of him but they refused to budge. Her magic was some of the strongest and he knew that when it went into a locked form, there was no use in getting them undone. He tried to stand but she added more on his back legs and let out a sob as she raised her hands.

“Gray, please. Just stop.” She pleaded.

His gritted his teeth down until it hurt. “Not until you tell me what the hell you’re doing! Take these damn shackles off!” He commanded and thrashed once more at the cyan chains.

Watching him try and break free, try to get to her after what she had said. Her heart was pounding. She didn’t deserve him. Didn’t deserve the blind trust he had for her.

She couldn’t take it and fell to the ground. She let out a cursed scream and the rain dove down harder like daggers. She heard Gray hiss in pain and looked to see that some of the droplets had cut his skin, decorating his chest in a few drops of blood.

“No!” She cried and placed her hands on his chest to try and heal him.

Gray forced a hand above his head. “Ice make shield!” He yelled and a thick shield in the shape of a snowflake loomed above them. The thick drops of rain cascaded down and repelled off his magic.

His hand came down to caress her cheek as she sobbed. His voice soften and he could see the inner war flashing across her face. “Juvia. My love.” He whispered. “Please. You said you didn’t love me, but that’s not true. Whatever is happening-I can’t live with that lie. Not when I just earned your heart.”

She shook her head and wept. “They said-they said they would kill Gray-sama if Juvia didn’t come back.”

“What?”

Another sob escaped. “Phantom Lord. They said in exchange for Fairy Tail’s safety and your life-”

“Juvia we could have fought them!” He yelled.

“No!” She stopped him. “They have a wizard with an ability who can kill without contact. They promised that if Juvia returned, Fairy Tail will remained unharmed. Please, Juvia thought of everything but-” Her breath caught in her throat. “She couldn’t let you die for her.”

“And you expect me to let you trade your life for mine?”

“Gray’s life is worth more than Juvia’s!”

Those words struck him like a pack of lighting. He fell silent and stared at her as if she had just burned him.

“You don’t mean that.” He protested. “Your life is worth so much. I can’t lose you. And I refuse to let you go back to that place. Not when we are suppose to have our happy ending.” His eyes flooded with tears as she had the audacity to offer him a smile.

She took his hand and interlocked their fingers as she would when they walked or were laying together. It was a gesture that sweet and kind, but it almost burned now. “Juvia never thought she would see anything but clouds and rain. And even when it does, she can look towards you and see a blinding light. Happiness was obtained from the moment Juvia met you and even if they chain me or beat me or make me suffer, she knows she was loved.”

Anger bubbled within him. “They won’t get a chance. I won’t let them touch you.” He promised.

Above them the rain soften. The mimicked her tears and his shield fell, allowing the water to dance over them. It was warm now, but not the kind of warmth you flourish in. It was the type where the cold ran out and you were left with the last parts of yourself. The good was all that was left to give now.

Slowly she pulled up her sleeve on her right arm. His eyes widen as he saw it. A black swirl of magic was imprinted into her skin. The Phantom Lord crest had marked her.

“Its like a self destruct button.” She said. “If Juvia doesn’t leave before sundown.”

A gasp left his mouth as he realized their situation. His head dropped down as more tears clouded his eyes. “We never got to get married.” He wept. “What about our future?” He pleaded. He wanted this to be a cruel lie. A nightmare that he could wake up from.

Her hand came to lift his head, she caressed his cheek and he leaned into her. “Juvia can’t think about that, but she can enjoy the present that they had. All the moments spent with you made life worth living. No matter what happens, Juvia’s heart belongs to you, Gray. Always and forever.” Her hand found its way under his jacket and to his chest, resting on his heart. “As long as this is beating, I am happy.”

He wanted to scream and yell. Wanted to tell her that she didn’t need to sacrifice herself for him, that she didn’t deserve this. But it didn’t matter. Right now there was nothing he could do to save her. As long as she was alive. So he did the only thing he could think of and pressed his lips against hers.

She responded immediately. She moved closer, desperate to kiss him like she never had before. Passion, desire and pain moved her and her hands came around his neck.

Gray pulled away with a glare and rested his forehead against hers. “Don’t kiss me like you’re saying goodbye.” He whispered. His voice was fragile and softer than before.

“Please just give me false hope. Kiss me like you’ll see me tomorrow. Kiss me as if I were your husband. Be selfish for once and kiss me as if the world is yours.” Gray panted.

And she did just that. Her hands ran through his hair, tugging him slightly so she could angle him better. His lips are soft against hers like that of a velvet dress. Her eyelashes flutter against his and although there is no room left between them, she craves for him to be closer. Craves to have him hold her like a priceless artifact, to cherish and keep her safe.

He’s intoxicating and he was right. She wants to be selfish in this moment and her heart rate quickens against his own. He panting and small noises escape her lips as they pull apart and it hurts more. Her eyes are still shut because she doesn’t want to open them and see his face.

She doesn’t want any of this to be happening. She thought she could be strong and leave easily. She’s done it before, left everything behind. But this was different. This was her world, her future and her strength. He was everything she had dreamed of when she closed her eyes and now its being taken from her and the realization is coming in fast.

“Juvia.” He mutters.

Her eyes open and the way he is looking at her. The way her treats her like she commands the winds and the sky. She doesn’t want to leave. Doesn’t want to be brave but she must because love comes with sacrifice.

“Juvia is scared.” She whimpers. The emotion of fear hasn’t graced her in years because she had him by her side. Her knight in armor, when he remembered to keep it on.

He pulls away for a moment before reaching around his neck.

A gasp escapes her lips as the silver pendent he wore so proudly is being place around her own neck. Her fingers grace the cross. “Gray-”

“You can give it back to me when I save you.”

She kissed him again, this time much slower but not as long.

“Thank you my love.” Juvia sighed. “My beloved, its time.”

She turned to walk but stopped when she felt the tug of their fingers still together.

“Remove my chains first.”

“Juvia has to make sure you won’t follow her.”

“I won’t” He lied.

“You’re a liar.” She uttered. “Until we meet again my love.”

Juvia walked forward, this time the warmth of his hands leaving her and she felt a frost roam over her body as she forced herself to look forward.

Gray tried to run after her, but it was no use. Even though he said goodbye, he wasn’t ready to do so.

“Hey!” Gray called. “I’m coming to save you. I will burn the world down to get to you Juvia. My heart is yours and I will be damned if I let the love of my life suffer. You hear me!”

Her feet halted and she looked towards the clouds. Juvia turned to look at him once last time. She gazed at him with wanderlust, with the look he was used too. And even with the rain pouring down and death coating her arm, she smiled brightly.

“I love you.”

He watched as her figure disappeared into the forest. Above him the rain began to fade and move along and he stood there until the blue sky emerged, yet it looked darker than ever.

In a flash the water shackles evaporated and he wished they had stayed so that he could feel her warmth.

“I’m coming Juvia.” He declared as he made his way back to the guild hall with enough anger to start a war.

—

I hope you enjoyed!

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