Author's Note:

Hi everyone ^_^ I am back with another update, sorry for taking so long, I already said that updates will be slow for a while and I can't really promise you when's the next update going to be. Hopefully soon, I will try my best for all of you. ^_^ Thank you so much for the reviews, seeing all your thoughts on the previous chapter really made me happy and I am glad you are all still around.

Disclaimer: Fairytail belongs to Hiro Mashima.

Enjoy the chapter! *O*

Meredy had been worried for two days, for one her blue haired friend didn't even contact her, she tried leaving messages and missed calls but to no avail. It felt as if Juvia just disappeared somewhere. Meredy got even more worried when Juvia didn't show up for the job yesterday and she herself was so busy with work and Ultear that she couldn't go to her apartment to check on her. She thought about her last message she left on Juvia's answering machine and frowned to herself.

So perhaps threatening to murder her friend the next time she sees her was a bit too overboard but Meredy couldn't help herself, she was angry and worried about her friend. Moreover she tried talking to Gray but her bastard of a boss didn't seem in a good mood yesterday either, she only saw him once and that disgusting scowl on the raven's face angered her. She was in no mood to yell at him in the morning so she decided to let it go.

But this morning when the pink haired woman entered into her office she was surprised to find Juvia sleeping on her couch. Meredy let out a gasp as if she had seen a ghost. She blinked a few times trying to take in that it was really her friend and not just a figment of her imagination. Once the initial thought settled into her brain she burst into anger and stormed towards her now hovering on top of the peacefully sleeping blunette, both hands on her hip.

"Urgh just looking at you makes me sick" she yelled at the top of her lungs. Juvia fluttered her eyes open at the sudden noise and tilted her head up.

"Huh...Meredy...Meredy-chan?"

"Damn right it's me, what the hell do you think you are doing dozing off on my couch?"

Juvia sat up rubbing her eyes still looking a bit dazed. "Sorry, I guess I just fell asleep waiting for you"

"Tch, after I tried contacting you for so many times, now you come to me...guess what, I am not listening to your problems today or any other day or ever" the pink haired girl turned away from her and walked towards her table. Juvia glanced at her and smiled sweetly.

"You are angry with me" Juvia said stating the obvious. Meredy took a seat and glared at her. Juvia looked down and let out a small sigh. "I understand, I am sorry Meredy-chan"

"Sorry isn't enough, I have been worried sick for you damnit" Meredy got up from her seat and pressed her hands down on the table. "I tried calling you and you didn't reply, after that...after that incident you just disappeared, do you have any idea how worried I am for you these days?" Juvia stood up and didn't stop smiling. Meredy looked away, cheeks turning red from anger and embarrassment. How can Juvia smile even after she yelled at her so much, she's is so weird.

"I wanted to call you, I tried calling you but...I didn't know what to say"

"What is that suppose to mean?"

Juvia looked down biting on her lower lip. Juvia remembered waking up to an empty bed this morning. Gray had left a note by her side with a message that said he had already left for work. She thought about Gray's offer last night and Juvia agreeing to it and then thinking about how she was gonna tell all this to Meredy. Perhaps last night she was just so overwhelmed by his offer that she couldn't say no, but now the reality seemed more different. Are things really going to be that easy now that she has agreed to go with Gray? Is she really going to get her happy ending with the man she loves?

Juvia let out another sigh and looked at her mustering up the brightest smile on her face. "I will make it up to you Meredy-chan, I promise, besides I know you can't be angry with me for too long" Meredy raised her eyebrow and crossed her arms over her chest.

"Don't be so arrogant, I am never talking to you" Juvia laughed and walked towards her, grabbing her puffed cheeks and pinching them.

"Meredy-chan is so cute when she's angry..." The pink haired girl yelped and slapped her hand away.

"Damn you Juvia, just tell me what's going on?" Juvia blushed and scratched her head.

"I was just busy...I mean I was with Gray-sama" she blushed and looked down. "He stayed at my apartment for two days, I wanted to come to work yesterday but he told me to take a day off, he even told me to give you a call and let you know that I am fine but I couldn't, I guess I just wanted to stay there for a little while longer, just me and Gray-sama... it all felt like a dream to be honest...I was just afraid to step into the real world again, I have been burdening you with my problems so much these days and I know you are busy with work and you are preparing to leave with Ultear-san that's why I didn't want to..." Juvia glanced up at Meredy hoping that her friend understood what she meant but stopped speaking mid-way when she found her looking at Juvia as if she had grown another head.

"Eh...Meredy-chan?" Juvia waved her hand in front of her friend trying to bring her back to earth. "Meredy-chan...Meredy-chan, are you listening to me, Meredy-chan why are you looking at me like that" Juvia shook her shoulders now getting worried. Meredy blinked at her a few times before shaking her head and pushing Juvia away from her and pointing a finger at her.

"You and the bastard stayed together in an apartment alone?"

"Huh?"

"Did you guys..." Meredy grabbed her shoulders and looked at her with wide eyes. "He did...he took it away, it's all over your face. You guys had sex"

Juvia blinked at her until she realized what Meredy was babbling about. Her face turned beet red as she came out of her grip and shook her head quickly. "Meredy-chaaaan you are so blunt"

"Juvia how could you give your virginity away to someone like him?"

"I don't wanna talk about it, it's too embarrassing" she covered her face with her both hands trying to hide her blush. Meredy came near her with an intent look in her face.

"Soooo how was it? Was he rough...was he good I heard he's really good in bed knowing that he used to screw other people alot, like...alot" Juvia gasped and stepped away from her friend.

"Meredy-chan you are scary"

"Did it hurt...like you know?" Juvia's face turned into a flaming red color as she turend away.

"I don't wanna talk about it"

"Come on, I am curious...maybe I should just ask Gray, you know so I can punch him in the face for taking away your innocence"

"It's not like that, you are making it sound like he forced me into it"

"What, so you agreed to that...I cannot believe it, I thought you were saving it for someone special... hmm I wonder how rough he was with you knowing he's always angry most of the time"

"No..." Juvia scratched her head with blushes adorning her face prettily. "He was quite gentle actually..." she looked down and felt her heart beating so fast she thought it would burst out of her chest.

Meredy studied her face for a moment realizing how beautifully Juvia was smiling. She couldn't help but smile back letting out a sigh. "Man you two are so stupid...but as long as you are happy" The pink haired woman patted her head. "So I guess you pinning after Gray for all these years finally paid off" Meredy grabbed her wrist and started dragging her out of her office. Juvia didn't even get the time to react and blinked at her.

"Where are we going?" they stepped outside and luckily Meredy found her target currently heading into the elevator.

Juvia followed her gaze and gasped stopping her friend at once. "You are not going to do something stupid to Gray-sama?"

"Of course not, I just want to ask him about a few things, it's important you come with me" Meredy started to drag her towards the elevator again despite her friend's protests.

"Meredy-chan wait"

"Over here boss" Meredy raised her hand and yelled out to the raven. Gray stopped before entering into the elevator and turned around to find that annoying pink girl waving at him. Immediately a frown appeared on his face until he noticed Juvia standing behind her, all flushed and embarrassed. "Over here" she called again now cracking her knuckles.

She grabbed Juvia's hand and walked upto the frowning raven before stopping infront of him. "Whatever business you have with me come by later, I am busy" however before he could walk away from them, Meredy grabbed his shoulder and cornered him into a wall placing both her hands on either side of his head. Juvia closed her eyes and let out a sigh.

"Who gives you the right to walk away from me Boss-sama" Gray arched his eyebrow at her, Meredy smirked at him raising her head trying to level with his height even though Gray was way too tall for her. "You thought I was gonna let you go that easily after I just found out that you screwed my friend last night?"

Gray blinked at her for a second before glancing at Juvia. "Is she for real?" the blue haired woman smiled at him with a slight shrug of her shoulders.

Gray let out a sigh and grabbed her arms pulling them away gently and stepping away from her. "I really don't like you"

"Huhhhhh I hate you, you sadistic bastard"

"Meredy-chan!" Juvia tried to calm her down

Gray smirked and bent down to her level, placing his hand on top of her head. A little confused, Meredy blinked at him slightly blushing. "Please look after my girlfriend while I am not here"

"What...?"

Gray moved away from her and walked towards a very confused Juvia. She didn't even get the time to react as Gray bent down and placed a chaste kiss on her lips. Juvia gasped as he turned away from both girls and started heading towards the elevator. "I'll see you later"

Meredy gaped at his back until it disappeared behind the doors and turned around looking at a blushing and smiling Juvia. "Did you...did you just see...I..."

Juvia gave a nod before bursting into giggles and grabbing her hand."Lets go, we have alot of work to do" Meredy sighed and looked away, blushing.

"Damnit he's so charming it makes me want to punch him"

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Ultear couldn't decide whether to slap her hand across Gray's face or just bang her own head against the wall and be done with it. To say he's an idiot was an understatement, Gray has finally damaged all his brain cells one of the reasons why he was talking like he has gone completely nuts.

"Are you out of your mind Gray or are you just born stupid?"

The raven shrugged at her with his usual bored expression. "It's none of your concern, besides I know what I am doing"

"The hell you know, you think asking Juvia to come with you is going to solve everything, are you living in a fairytale" Ultear let out a sigh and took a seat next to him. "I don't know what you are planning but if your father finds out it's not only going to get you in trouble, but Juvia will get involved too"

"I won't let him get to her, I know what I am doing Ultear"

"Yeah you just said that, but do you really Gray? You can't just simply make that decision on your own, your father already has other plans for you" Gray looked at her at once and Ultear had to blink twice at her slip up. But it was too late Gray heard her and now he was glaring at her.

"What plans?"

The black haired woman got up and looked away with a frown. "Nevermind that" but Gray stood up as well and grabbed her wrist to stop her from leaving. Ultear let out a sigh and turned towards him with a frown on her face.

"I never thought you'd actually get this serious with her. Tell me do you really love her, or is this something you are doing in order to just get back at your father?"

"What...?"

"I know you, and one thing I have learned is that you hate it especially when your father still treats you like he has some kind of authority on you, so..."

Gray frowned at her deeply. "It's not that, Juvia is...she is not like other girls, she is important" Gray's face turned soft as he glanced down unable to meet the older woman's gaze.

"Hm..." with a smile she turned away from him and started heading towards the door. "Fine then I expect you to take full responsibility of your actions" Gray glanced at her and gave a firm nod.

"I will"

"Good...oh and by the way don't forget you have to make an official announcement for the opening of the new branch in London tomorrow, make sure you be there on time" with that she was gone from his office leaving Gray in his thoughts.

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"Man I am so in need of a hot cup of coffee" Meredy whined walking next to Juvia as they exited her office.

"Meredy-chan you are really over working yourself these days"

"Don't remind me baka, I don't think I have much strength left in my bones anymore..." they both stopped by the coffee machine."I have nothing against Ultear-san but her methods of teaching is just plain cruel, as much as I am looking forward to working with her in Okinawa, it scares the hell out of me what she'll do to me"

"Maybe we should get some time to relax for a change, it's been a while since we hung out like that" Meredy smiled at her.

"Yeah we'll do that. I hate leaving you like that Juvia, you know I could stay if..."

"No it's fine Meredy-chan, it's your dream to work alongside Ultear-san and you should go for it..." she looked down with guilt taking over her heart. "I also have something to tell you actually..." Juvia knew the minute she'll tell Meredy about her commitment with Gray the pink haired woman would definitely unleash a bomb at her.

"Ah, isn't this a lovely sight to behold" both girls turned around at the third voice joining them from behind. Loke stopped a few inches away from them and smirked before taking Juvia's hand and bringing it close to his lips. "It's nice to finally see you again Juvia-chan"

"Loke-san!"

"I missed you so much, so as soon as I heard you came for work today I couldn't resist, I realized I had to see you" and just as his lips were about to make even the slightest contact with the back of her hand. "I hope you don't mind if I...AGH!"

"Yeah I think we are done here" Gray appeared from behind him and pulled the orange haired man away from a very baffled looking Juvia.

"But...but I was just one step away from claiming my princess...ouch" he cried when Gray punched his head.

"Shut the hell up idiot I thought I told you to wait in my office" Loke glared at his raven haired friend who equally returned his glare, but then a smirk took over his face as he wrapped an arm around Gray's shoulder.

"I couldn't help myself though, when you told me Juvia-chan showed up today for work I had to go see her, you...ouch Damnit bastard stop hitting me"

Juvia who was watching them quietly glaring dagger at eachother couldn't stop the smile slowly forming on her lips. Meredy glanced at her and let out a small sigh. "Seriously, it's like all the idiots in the world fall for you" Juvia looked at her and shrugged.

"Ah but you know I give my love to all the ladies equally...infact even though Meredy-chan is like a monster, she is also so very kawaii"

"Whaaaat! That's it boss hold him right there, I am going to kill him" Meredy screamed. Juvia raised her hands up to calm her friend down.

"I...I..I think we are attracting a lot attention here" Juvia said trying to hold back Meredy from doing anything stupid.

"Meredy-chan is so mean...only Juvia-chan understands me" Gray resisted an urge to punch him again, but it looked like they really were causing a commotion here.

"Ugh it looks like you hit your head somewhere this morning" Meredy said standing up on her toes to his eye level. Loke gave her a smile.

"Yes but Meredy-chan and Juvia-chan are so cute I can't really...ouch...hey why did you hit me...ouch...okay okay i'll stop now...ouch hey...I said I'll stop...agh!"

Juvia let out a small laugh before glancing at Gray and blushed deeply when she caught him looking at her. "Uhmm we were just leaving anyway...Meredy-chan" Juvia walked forward trying to get her friends attention but before that Gray caught her hand and turned her around.

"Come with me for a minute"

She blinked at him for a second before giving a small nod with a smile. They started heading towards the elevator and Juvia felt a bit self-conscious looking around, hoping for no one to catch them like this, Gray was still holding onto her hand.

They entered into the elevator, she turned around and saw Meredy and Loke still arguing and slowly disappearing behind the doors. As soon as the doors were closed she realized they were alone now. And before Juvia could say anything she felt herself being pushed on the wall next to her, a shriek escaped her lips but it was soon swallowed by a delicious kiss that was initiated by Gray right at that moment.

To say she was shocked was an understatement, she stared at Gray's face and he seemed so calm and peaceful, his hands holding onto her face gently bringing her closer. Juvia closed her eyes and pressed her hands on his chest and soon enough she was returning the kiss with same intensity.

They stayed like this for a while before Gray pulled away from her and smiled at her, Juvia couldn't help but stare into the deep pools of blue drowning into them. Juvia could stare at his face forever and not get tired. Gray let out a laugh and pulled away from her completely, giving an affectionate ruffle to her hair.

"Sorry"

Juvia giggled and shook her head. "Gray-sama you don't just kiss someone intentionally and apologize for it" he scratched the back of his head. She clasped her hands behind her back and came next to him slightly bumping their shoulders together. "So is this the reason why you brought me here?" she asked playfully, he looked at her and smirked.

"Aren't you being a bit over confident today" the elevator stopped and Juvia noticed they were on his floor. "Come on, I'll tell you in my office" she nodded and followed him wordlessly.

They entered inside as Gray closed the door and Juvia looked at him with curiosity. "Everything's okay right?"

He gave a nod and turned around smiling at her. "Ofcourse..." he let out a sigh and ran a hand through his hair before taking her hand and bringing her towards the couch. She tilted her head to the side in order to get a better look at his face.

"Gray-sama?"

"My father is holding an opening ceremony for the new branch tomorrow, I am suppose to announce my take over" she nodded.

"Oh it's good then; everything's going according to plan."

"Come with me tomorrow...as my date" he said suddenly making Juvia gasp. She stared at him with her mouth slightly open, she tried to say something but then closed it again. "I want to take you there"

"But Gray-sama everyone will know, do you think it's a good idea?"

"This is exactly what I want, I want everyone to know about us" Gray took her hands, Juvia still not over her shocked and quietly stared at his face. "Sooner or later they will find out and I am serious with this, I am serious with you Juvia, if it had been someone else I wouldn't be worrying over it that much, but I tend to spend my whole life with you" she blinked at him in disbelief. Her heart soared at the fact that Gray would take such a bold step for her.

"Gray-sama" tears welled up in her eyes as she tightened her hold around his hands and smiled sweetly. "But I don't want you to get into trouble because of me" she whispered.

"I don't care about that, I don't care about anything as long as I tell everyone what you mean to me" he brought his hand up to wipe her tears and cup her face looking at her with so much love in his eyes, Juvia felt her heart thumping against her chest so fast that she was sure even Gray could hear it.

"But..."

"You still have doubts?"

She looked down and bit her lower lip. "I am just worried if this is gonna affect you in a bad way"

"Juvia...I"

"Gray-sama I am happy with your decision and I love you for it but going public means everyone will know, what would people think if they found out that you're with someone from a lower class..."

"Don't!" she quickly shut her eyes from the intensity of his voice before slowly looking up at him. "I don't care about status, or what others might think, I don't care and it's none of their business" he frowned down at her before dropping his hands on her shoulders and squeezing them gently.

"Just trust me on this Juvia, I promise I will fix everything" he told her. She looked down and let out a small sigh before smiling at him softly.

"Okay...fine lets do it then" she said. And the smile he gave her after that made Juvia realize that she made the right decision.

"Don't worry, no one can stop us from being together Juvia" she gave short nod before feeling his lips on hers and closing her eyes to return it with a warm feeling floating inside her heart.

TBC

I miss Ultear so much in the manga, she was my favorite female character after Juvia ;_; Anyways Happy Birthday to Mashima-sensei, (there are still few hours left in my country till his birthday is over) Thank you for reading, I will reply to all of your reviews very soon. I am also preparing a one-shot for Gruvia, let's hope I finish that on time and post it here before my exams start. Take care guys, I love you all ^_^ If you see any typos feel free to point it out for me!