#siyc

“Oh, this? Your mother got it for me.” Juvia answered, resting the ball at the side of her hip and returning to the free-throw line. “She invited me to go to the central market.”

“That’s good. You guys are bonding.” Gray walked up to her, hands planted on his waist, dark eyes narrowing at that long wicking polyester fabric hanging on his girlfriend’s shoulders. “But what are you wearing?”

“A jersey.” Juvia answered, tone implying that it should have been obvious. “Fiore Knights Jersey, to be exact.” She attempted a second shot and the ball went in perfectly. Juvia was about to run after the bouncing ball but Gray beat her to it.

“I can see that...” Gray sounded like he was about to say something more, purposely leaving his statement hanging. He dribbled the ball thrice before executing a right lay-up.

“I look good in it, don’t I? The girl from the stall said it’s an ‘Isvan Must-Have’.”

Juvia spun around to present herself to Gray. The boyfriend had to admit, there was something about his girlfriend wearing that basketball uniform, which he loved and greatly respected, that made those butterflies in his stomach flutter. Even if the jersey was too big for Juvia’s slender figure. Gray rested the ball against his hip and walked up to Juvia, who was enjoying her Fiore Knights uniform and that long ponytail at the back of her head.

“It’s cute.”

Gray stopped in front of Juvia, staring her up and down. Juvia could feel his dark eyes undressing her of that jersey.

“But you got the wrong number, sweetie.”

Juvia bit her lip in no surprise. It seemed like she knew exactly whose jersey number it was. Yet, she still wore the same. With a stubborn smile she told him, “It’s all they have.” Juvia snatched the ball from him and pushed past Gray, who still had one brow cocked up. “Apparently, yours sell like hotcakes.” Her ball hit the rim and ricocheted.

“Well, missy. I don’t like it when my girlfriend is wearing someone else’s number.” Gray followed the ballerina to the left side of the ring, catching her by surprise as she tried her luck shooting the ball on the side. “Take it off.”

“What?!”

Gray played with the hem where the sleeve was supposed to be, tugging on it. “I said take it off.”

Juvia just stared at him like he was crazy, which she sure Gray was apparently, demanding from her to take the jersey off. “Here?”

“Yes.” Gray answered in a tone that said it should have been obvious.

“I’m not gonna take my shirt in the middle of this court, Gray.” She rolled her eyes at him. Really? They may have been in the comfort of the Mine’s private compound but that didn’t mean Juvia would just freely flaunt herself in that open space. Who knew if someone was watching them through a telescope? Or drone? Or something?

“Wanna play for it?” Gray wasn’t going to drop the subject that easily.

Juvia faced her absolutely shameless boyfriend, her jaw dropping at his audacity. He wasn’t being serious, was he? Because that would be totally absurd. But she asked again, just in case.

“What?”

“If you beat me, you get to keep that stupid jersey. But if I win, you need to take it off.” Juvia would have cracked up, ROFLed, you know, rolled on the floor laughing, if not for that seriousness in Gray’s expression. And to prove he meant business, one corner of his mouth lifted in a challenging grin. “Here.”

Totally. Absurd. She wasn’t really considering it, was she?

“That would be really unfair for me. You’re a professional player–”

“–Basketball god, some would say.” Gray cocked a brow, as he snatched the ball in Juvia’s hands, to prove a point. “No rules. First to reach ten points win.” He tried to sell it but Juvia still looked skeptical. She was at the losing end going up against a three-time MVP. “I’ll even let you have a head-start.” Gray returned the ball to Juvia. While the ballerina accepted it, her guarded eyes remained skeptical about Gray’s terms, eyeing the man as if anytime he’d attack her. She considered the slight possibility that Gray might let her win, if his ego would allow. When she walked a little distance away from him and near the net, Gray just crossed his arms against his chest and watched her score two points. He didn’t move even after that and just waited for Juvia’s other shot.

“That’s four points all in all. I guess that’s enough head-start.”

Like a predator stalking his prey, Gray slowly approached Juvia while the noticeably nervous ballerina still held the ball in her hands. The Team Captain of one of Fiore’s best basketball teams and three-time MVP feigned offense, pretending to suddenly approach her and steal the ball. Juvia jerked back with the ball in hand.

“Quick reflexes, Lockser.”

Gray quickly cornered Juvia, raising his arms on the side guarding the ballerina, who dribbled the ball in front of her but had her back on Gray. She’d hit her back against Gray’s front when he tried to dig.

“Not today, Fullbuster.”

Juvia faked a right turn and eventually shook him away. Gray didn’t take offense from that little trick. He was too amused and proud of that unexpected bluff that won Juvia another two points.

Juvia threw her hands in the air and did a little dance before shoving the ball to Gray. “Keep up, Captain.” It sounded more like a snide name-calling rather than the respectable title it was supposed to be.

“Don’t be so cocky.”

And before Juvia could even react, Gray was already near the ring with his first two points under his belt. Of course, he didn’t let the victory slide. Juvia was again in possession of the ball but she lost it in her hands before she could even blink. Gray shot the stolen ball from outside the three-point line, reminding Juvia why he was the best pointer of last season.

“You are taking this too seriously.”

“Well, I seriously hate that shirt.”

When Gray was rearing towards the net and had Juvia shuffling along with him as she had her hands in defense, the sly ballerina had the greatest idea of kissing him on the cheek, startling Gray and rooting him on the spot.

“That’s eight points in total.”

“So that’s how you want to play the game, huh?”

“Hey,” Juvia threw him the ball and resumed her position as his guard, “you’re the one who said there are no rules.”

“Alright.” He said. Gray wasn’t mad about it or anything. He bounced the ball twice and taunted the ballerina by holding the ball at arm’s length. When Juvia tried to snatch it, Gray jerked his arm away quickly. The couple stayed on the three-point line as Juvia grabbed for the ball that Gray kept above his head, out of her reach. His height played a good part while Juvia was the one who had to tiptoe, sometimes leaning on Gray for support. Hoopster seized the opportunity and stole a kiss from Juvia before throwing in his second three-point shot.

“I guess that’s a tie.”

The game ended with a rare dunk shot from Gray and a score of 8 vs 10, in favor of the boyfriend.

“Not bad, Lockser.” Gray leaned on the ring tower, planting his palm flatly against the side of the pole, taking a shade from the morning sun. He wiped the sweat that wet his forehead with the back of his arm. “Now, time for your punishment.”

“No. It’s not.” Juvia rested one hand on her hips in a defiant manner. She didn’t sound as firm as she was when Gray first suggested the punishment.

“Be a sport, Juvia. Now, take off that jersey.”

Juvia gave him a look, contemplating her options. “Fine.” She dropped her hand on the side and tugged at the hem of her large jersey. “Like this?”

Gray couldn’t believe that Juvia was actually going through with it. Yes, he said he’d be firm with her when he was to demand his reward/her punishment but now that it came to this… he wasn’t complaining but as the bottom of the cloth lifted upwards, his heart was racing – and not because of that brief one-on-one basketball they just had – but because of that teasing twinkle in her eyes that got Gray a little nervous and honestly, turned on.

“Higher.” Gray heard himself order, which was a miracle considering it was a struggle to breathe.

Juvia suddenly became very obedient. She lifted the edge of the shirt higher, revealing white, smooth skin beneath as her knuckles brushed past the band of her shorts and against her stomach.

And Gray… well, his hand mysteriously slipped off the shaft he was leaning on for support and almost fell on the ground, face first. The triumphant smile slowly dropped and he could feel his blood rushing to that one part of his body as he continued to watch the fabric slide past her belly button and further up her slim ribs.

“Higher?”

The only response he could muster was a breathy ‘yeah’ or a low groan. Juvia wasn’t sure, neither was Gray. But the ballerina got the point, just staring at his expression: eyes wide open and lips slightly apart.

The band of her pink lace bra made a peek.

He held his breath as the shirt pulled up a few inches above the band, teasing the lace that cupped the bottoms of her breasts. Just a little more, he thought. Just a little more…

“There you are!”

Juvia pulled her shirt down swiftly.

NOOOOO!

His mother’s voice sounded like nails against a chalkboard – freakishly annoying and hellishly frustrating.

Mika didn’t bother to come down the court and stayed at the pathway. “C’mon! Breakfast is ready.” She started back to the house and turned around again to remind them, “You two change first. Gray, put on a fresh shirt.”

“I know!” Gray was obviously irritated.

“Come here. I’ll wipe your face with this towel–”

“–Mom!” Hoopster whined, throwing his mother a deadly look. If she didn’t get the hint then he just had to shoo her away, “We’ll be right behind you.” And he was glad she didn’t insist on that face-wipe because: one, he wasn’t a child; and two, he would have died right there and then if Mika Mine found out what his girlfriend’s strip tease did to her son’s body.

And Juvia… she just gave him that guilty look. They laughed it off like a bad joke but Gray almost died in suspense.

---

Gray knew that the stay at the mansion wasn’t going to last long. Later this afternoon, they had to drive back to the city and deal with the daily grind on Monday. Back to regular programming. That didn’t mean he couldn’t enjoy breakfast with his family, his team and his girlfriend. Gray glanced at Juvia who was seated beside him. He didn’t notice he was already glaring at her cute tight t-shirt until Loke flagrantly pointed it out. He was then forced to spend the rest of the morning trying not to think about that strip tease his girlfriend did for him, which proved to be a real struggle because he spent the rest of breakfast thinking when she could get to finish the show.

Man, Gray didn’t even know she had it in her.

After breakfast, Mika pulled him by the corner asking about his plans for his birthday. Gray could sense she wanted to ask for another day to stay and celebrate it together. He reasoned he had commitments in the city. She didn’t push it but Gray sure did feel guilty. Mothers – always playing the guilt card. And he was sure it was that which prompted him to agree to come back next weekend. After that talk and a few reminders, he wandered around the mansion to look for his girl in that pink statement shirt – Girl Power – and found her leaning against the railing at the veranda. He was about to join her when Gray realized she wasn’t alone. It didn’t sit with him right, having a certain pink-haired Natsu standing in his place. They looked deep in conversation. Of course, there was no reason to be jealous about it. Fiore Knight Members didn’t steal a brother’s girl. That rule was set in stone. But he couldn’t help that bitter taste stirring in the pit of his stomach. The mental image of Juvia in that jersey with Natsu’s number on didn’t help too.

“What are you two whispering about?”

“Nothing important.” Natsu quickly answered before he peeled himself off the railing, excused himself from Juvia and walked back into the house.

Gray could tell he was trying to act like it was nothing. But it was too casual to be nothing. He threw him a side glance when his Vice Captain passed him by with that forced, toothy smile. The sound of heels tapping on the marble floor pulled his attention back to the woman coming to meet him. Gray abandoned the thought for a moment. He’ll get to the bottom of that later. For now, having Juvia alone in the veranda kicked that mystery off of the priority list.

Gray met Juvia halfway. His hands automatically wrapped themselves around her waist while the ballerina snaked one arm around his neck. The other poked a finger where his furrowed brows met.

“What’s with that frown?”

Gray didn’t answer. He obviously wasn’t going to admit to anything.

“Oh, I get it.” Juvia pulled him closer, if that was even possible, and brushed the tip of her nose against his. “Is my boyfriend jealous?”

Gray snorted. “No.” He tightened his arms around her body and stole a peck on the lips. “Just a little disappointed I didn’t get to see the rest of your strip show.”

“Oh, that.”

A small flame caused by the memory powdered Juvia’s cheeks rosy.

“When will you get to finish it?”

“Not anytime soon. That’s for sure.” answered Juvia before pressing an innocent kiss on Gray’s lips.

Gray mumbled something. Then, getting tired of all that ‘child kiss’, he didn’t let Juvia speak another word, saddled up and kissed his girlfriend like a real man – with tongue.

---

Gray placed their bags at the backseat of his Lamborghini. He still cocked a brow at that sequined leopard duffle. But that was just a distraction. In all honesty, Hoopster was still very much bothered by Natsu and Juvia’s sudden closeness. He wasn’t a jealous type. Not to anyone and especially not with any of his teammates, let alone his best friend. Although, he would never admit that out loud – Natsu being his best friend. They were brothers and they all subscribe to the unwritten Bro Code. Besides, he was happy that the guys liked Juvia – really, really liked her. He didn’t mind them interacting with his girlfriend, encouraged it even. So, why all the mysterious whispers and acting like nothing?

Gray heard his mother’s voice. She was saying something to Juvia, which earned small laughs and giggles from the ballerina. He opted to watch in a safe distance as his parents embraced Juvia and bade goodbye. He, the son, got a wave from afar. He preferred that. Gray wasn’t in the mood to get another hug and pat at the back from the President. Too much unnecessary skinship.

Juvia walked down to Gray’s car, an ear-to-ear smile still plastered on her face.

“Looks like they really like you, huh?”

“Well, I live to please.” She quipped, stopping at the passenger seat’s door.

“Speaking of pleasing, I–”

“–except for that.”

Juvia already knew what he was driving at and no, Juvia would not engage him. His parents were still at the door waving them goodbye for goodness’ sake. And even if the whole thing really did look ridiculous now that she thought back to when Gray’s mother walked in on Juvia stripping… They laughed it off. Still, what would the woman think of her if she actually finished pulling off that jersey? Que horror.

Gray pouted. “No more strip shows?”

Juvia just glared at him. The ballerina swore she wasn’t going to ever do that again – well, at least not in public.

When Gray was about to climb into his car, Juvia raised her open palm at him, asking for the keys to the car instead.

“You want to drive?”

“I know you’re tired so I’m offering.”

Gray shut his door close and leaned over it, mulling over how he was going to play this situation without him receiving the cold-shoulder treatment thereafter. He had been a part of this conversation far too many times not to know it rarely ended well. He never really let anyone drive the Ghini. It’s his baby!

“This is a really expensive car, Juvia.” He said slowly, careful not to strike a chord or else… Female logic was the hardest to read.

“You don’t trust your girlfriend?”

See? In what universe did ‘not letting her drive your car’ read as ‘not trusting her’? The complicated universe of the female brain.

“Juvia…” Gray talked with caution, not wanting to be misinterpreted and to start a fight that early in the relationship.

“Gray…” She kept her hand held out to him, insisting on the keys and taking the same tone he had with her.

Gray steered around his car to walk up next to Juvia, only to whisper his answer so no nosy mother come snooping. Juvia saw his purposeful smile before he leaned in to whisper into her ears, “Only if you finish that strip show, girlfriend.”

But like Gray, Juvia had some trick up her sleeves too. Sensing an upcoming victory, the ballerina played the same naughtiness on her lips. “Really? While your parents are watching?” She challenged. She didn’t even have to wait to get that ugly reaction wrinkling his smug face. Juvia watched him threw a glance behind her; one she was sure was directed at the older man. Because Juvia didn’t spend the week without learning a thing or two.

“Keys?”

Gray withdrew his attention from the old geezer and looked down at the woman who dared… oh, dating smart-asses was such a pain. But he still had one last card to play. He leaned in, pressed a soft kiss on her lips and put up a wide, playing an innocent grin, which earned a serious look from the woman.

“What? I thought you said kiss.” But the glare wasn’t budging. “Although, I have a dictionary in my phone that disagrees with that definition.” Gray seemed to have failed to notice, or rather, chose to ignore the serious look.

But he knew he couldn’t keep up with that show anymore, he got himself a stubborn one. Gray dangled the keys in front of Juvia, which the woman quickly snatched from his hand. He realized then, he just lost and he would keep on losing where this woman was concerned. If he got to steal a few kisses – and a few more real ones too, those which abide by the definition – then he didn’t mind caving in.

And that’s a big commitment coming from the very competitive ‘basketball god’.

---

Gray kept telling her where to go or how to drive, even how slow or slow-er she should go and honestly, he was starting to get on Juvia’s nerves.

“Babe, if you could just sit tight while I drive,” She told him off without taking her eyes away from the road. “that would be really awesome.” Her voice had finality and she didn’t have to throw a glare at him for Gray to know she was serious.

In the end, Gray gave up. If he was in Juvia’s shoes, he’d lash out at that person bossing him around. He settled comfortably in his seat, leaving Ghini’s fate into his girlfriend’s hands. What’s the worst that could happen?

He fell asleep.

Gray was violently woken up by the fact that: one, someone else was driving his Ghini, although that someone was Juvia and he trusted her whole-heartedly, or maybe three-fourth of his heart trusted her, the other one-fourth feeling guilty about betraying the Ghini for letting someone else – who wasn’t him – drive his baby; and two, he shouldn’t be sleeping so peacefully why someone else was driving it! He should have at least kept an eye on that.

“Where are we?!” Gray asked over the loud noise of impatient cars in Magnolia’s heavy traffic.

“Relax. We’re near your place.” She smiled at him, a smile Gray was sure was all about gloating and not the friendly kind.

The Ghini crawled into a neutral and the ballerina on the wheel finally looked at him, “Did you have a good sleep?”

“No.” He answered, inwardly scolding himself for letting Ghini down. Gray sure knew how Julian Lockser felt when his daughter took the Ferrari out for a spin. He’d apologize to his baby later. For now, he’d laid back and get more sleep. “Where are we going anyway?” He absently asked, tired eyes already shut close.

“Home.” Juvia flatly answered.

It forced one shut lid to open, “Yours or mine?” Gray insinuated, the possibility of maybe getting some alone time with Juvia painted a knowing smile on his pulled lips.

“Yours, silly.”

Dark eyes grew wide in shock. Juvia? In his bachelor pad? That could only mean one thing, right? Was he finally getting lai–lucky? From then on, Gray couldn’t seem to keep his eyes closed and his heartbeat steady.

---

Writer’s Corner: Of course I’m not gonna leave you hanging on that drama, right? I gotchu boo! Also, Juvia stripping? Hell yeah! 

Illuminated by natural moonlight, Gray and Juvia covered the narrow pathway, bathed in cold breeze and silver light. On either side of the pathway were beautiful, fully bloomed flowers on trimmed shrubs. But they cleared the path that led somewhere more beautiful, as Gray promised.

“More beautiful than these flowers borne out of the stress you caused?”

Juvia looked around the backyard garden. Mika Mine outdid herself. Or Gray was just a stressful fellow to raise. Page Six did a good retelling of how Gray painted the town red. Looking around the fully bloomed buds around the ‘stress garden’, Juvia had a feeling she didn’t know the half of it. Different kinds and colors scattered around, giving life to Mika’s green-thumb project, like fresh from a Monet painting. If Olivia Lockser saw this, she would have begged Gray’s mother to become best of friends or maybe died of jealousy. That’s a thought.

“Yes. But not as beautiful as my girlfriend.”

Gray pulled her to a stop. As a gentleman who had his fair share of women, Gray knew that off-hand ‘more beautiful’ comment would read as ‘even than your girlfriend?’ He crossed the small distance between them and got himself that kiss that he’d been waiting for. It was just a brief brush of the lips, like a kiss shared in children’s books, at the end of the story, when the prince and the princess lived happily ever after. One innocent kiss like that came so naturally.

Juvia wiped the stain of lipstick that transferred on Gray’s lips. Then, she took his hand, taking the lead this time. They walked down the narrow path, side by side. Her small hand was clasped in his bigger one, her slender fingers intertwined with Gray’s. She leaned on Gray every now and then, wanting and needing the contact. They exchanged stories here and there, talking about nothing much really, until they reached the end of the paved path and a silhouette of a familiar structure emerged.

“That, girlfriend, is my favorite part of this house.”

The ground they stood on was abruptly cut by a grassy, shallow slope, right before the rectangular pavement began. Gray guided the ballerina down the sloping garden, watchful over Juvia who was trying not to lose her footing, and held her hand as he ushered Juvia onto the flat surface.

“Stay here.”

Gray’s absence was quickly missed. It made the breeze feel colder against the skin. Juvia enveloped her arms around her own frame to fight the chill. Her eyes never left the figure jogging towards a shed. Even through the dimness, Juvia saw Gray pushing a lever. The light coming from the lamp posts standing at each corner flooded the playing surface. In the floodlit view, Juvia could make out the unmistaken round hoop attached to the backboard; the rectangular pavement bordered by freshly cut-grass. Juvia knew enough about basketball to recognize the lines painted on the pavement. Although, it did seem to have seen better days. There were obvious wear and tear, a few repairs here and there. When the mansion decided to move forward, that particular part of the house was left behind.

She lost Gray for a moment, not finding him where has just a minute ago. Next thing she knew, her boyfriend was standing next to a covered cart near the stone bench. He peeled off the cover, bent over to pick one ball out. Gray remained standing, feeling the rubber skin in his palms, taking his time, like some sort of ritual. He then waved his girlfriend to come.

Juvia crossed the paved court, her purposeful steps synced with the bounce of the ball in Gray’s hand. But instead of running toward the ring to show off a perfect shot, as Juvia expected, Gray replaced the ball inside the cart. He met her half-way and led Juvia to rest at the stone bench.

“Man, I spent most of my childhood here.” shared Gray. He turned to Juvia, who remained quiet, and held her gaze. “This is where everything began, you know.” The usual confidence in Gray’s smile was hidden safe for the time being.

Gray left her side and covered the pavement with sprints toward the middle of the court. His absence allowed the breeze to touch on her exposed skin, penetrating through the fabric of her clothes.

“My first shot.” He dribbled an imaginary ball and pretended to shoot the same, flicking his wrist like the pro that he was. Juvia imagined the ball went in perfectly and she clapped, humoring him with his ‘play pretend’ game. Then, Gray scampered over to much nearer the ring, executing the familiar two-step footwork before he jumped off his left foot and shoot with his left arm. The ball would have hit the backboard and went into the hoop without miss.

“My first lay-up.” He made a quick chuckle. “It wasn’t a good one. That I admit.”

Gray dashed back to the center, the tip of one shoe nearly touching the white paint which Juvia recognized as the three-point line. Hoopster had his proper posture down to a T: with feet shoulder-width apart; his dominant foot ahead the other; knees bent at the perfect angle; his toned body and shoulders squared toward the basket. His dark blue eyes were unrelenting, drilling a hole on his target. Juvia has seen it far too many times, but every time Gray fell into that stance, her heart skipped a beat. Like any minute now, something magical was about to happen. That’s how he always made her feel. Gray held the ball above his head, elbows bent in the perfect degree, then he snapped his wrist, ending his signature three-point shot with a perfect follow through. Juvia was back at the lower box of the Fairy Academy Dome, her heart in her throat as she and the rest of the roughly six hundred basketball fans waited at the edge of their seats.

His sharp blue eyes, now staring at Juvia’s mesmerized ones, pulled the ballerina out of her reverie. He resumed his rightful spot next to her at the stone bench, drawing a long, slow breath. That little prancing around the court didn’t tire him out. Gray didn’t even break a sweat but showing off to his girlfriend did exercise his lungs.

“My dad always said, ‘Gray… if you. Want to set yourself apart from the others, you need a signature’. He decided, right there and then, that three-point shots would be mine.” He relayed to Juvia. “He trained me day and night until I perfected that shot.” Those perfect three point shots that eventually earned him his nickname.

To Juvia, it sounded like the Fullbuster patriarch was a believer of putting in the time. She knew now where Gray got his hard-working disposition. She believed in that too… nothing of value was ever borne out if taking it easy. Juvia believed in the hustle, too. His father may have had all the connections to make her dream a reality sooner but Juvia was never one to want everything handed to her.

“Or passed out, whichever came first.”

He tried to play it off as a joke but Juvia could see no humor in Gray’s eyes nor that forced smile – because he was talking about his father. Once, when they were just starting to get along, Silver’s name was mentioned in passing. Juvia remembered how his expression turned serious and how Gray quickly changed the subject. It was obvious back then that it was a touchy subject, one Gray would rather not talk about. Ironic, considering how Gray was considered an open book, his tales of gallivanting making headlines. But Juvia understood, that topic was too personal for Gray. This was the first time that the elusive Hoopster was the first to mention Silver Fullbuster to her, which only meant one thing – he trusted her. She knew better than laugh. Juvia sought his hands, took them in hers and giving them a gentle squeeze – one that told him that she was there. This time, she was going to be there for him, like how he was always there for her. It was Juvia’s chance to show Gray that she was going to be the one he could rely on; the one he could trust with his heart. If she could, Juvia would have eased the pain she knew was still there. A big chunk of Gray’s heart was still missing. But there wasn’t much she could do but to lend an ear. Her soft gaze told him she was ready to listen.

Gray heaved out another breath, preparing himself for the outpour.

“I miss him every day, you know. He was my best friend.”

Gray wasn’t looking at Juvia. He was staring at somewhere at the court, remembering. A bittersweet smile touched his lips, eyes looking out at the empty court as if he was watching the figures play on the paved ground – Silver and an eight-year-old Gray.

“He trained me in this very ground. Sometimes, we’d just play around all day until mom calls us for dinner.”

When Gray turned to the quiet ballerina, his eyes were different. The soul behind them was different. He was showing another side of him, one Juvia has yet to see. They said the eyes were the windows to the soul; that they held the truest, most genuine emotions. Tonight, those windows held his vulnerability.

“He wasn’t just my coach, my strict trainer. He was my dad.”

Juvia knew she was only an audience, merely a listener. She didn’t say a word and continued to listen even through the shy moments of silence that filled the in-betweens. A few strands of black hair fell over his forehead. Juvia brushed it away from his face, tucking them back to that shock of coal-black hair.

“What I am now is all because of him.”

Honor and gratitude equally shone through his dark eyes. But there was another one hiding behind that shine – loss. He lost his father. The tears he was holding back was for that important person taken from him far too soon. Juvia knew of the pain of losing someone she loved but she could never fully understand what Gray went through, still going through. It was something that sticks with us no matter what happens.

“When I was in my senior year, my school was up for a championship in the regionals. He stayed behind because he wasn’t feeling well. That was a first for him because he was always present to all my games.”

It’s been more than a decade but the memory was as fresh as if it happened yesterday.

“The neighbors called my mom. They said dad was… my dad was on the way to the hospital. He had a heart attack.”

His last words felt like a silent whisper lost in the soft gust of wind.

“She hid it from me. My mom waited until I finished the tournament. And when I got there… when I got to the hospital,” Gray shifted in his position, his strong jaw tightening at the memory, at the long-forgotten anger that resurfaced. He faced Juvia, finally letting her see that side of him he never wanted to show people. And she saw the tears in his eyes that he tried to hold back. “It was too late. He was there, lying on the hospital bed. His doctor just…covered him in that… in that white sheet.”

He brushed away the tear that managed to fall and for some reason, an awkward chuckle erupted from him.

“I don’t even know why I’m still crying over it.” He said, harshly wiping the tears with his bare palm.

“It never really goes away.” offered Juvia.

“For years I’ve blamed my mother. I blamed her because I couldn’t even properly say goodbye. Then, basketball.” Gray huffed. “God, I hated basketball.”

Juvia remembered that silent, blank space in his career. When he graduated from High School, everybody expected Gray to be the first to be picked out for the draft season. No one ever heard from him since the news of his dad’s passing.

“I should have stayed, you know. I should have been there for him.”

Regret clouded his dark blue eyes like an unkind storm rolling in.

“It isn’t your fault, Gray.”

Gray visibly gulped.

“I know that. But for so long I’ve been so angry at everyone around me.” He struggled to bit back the sob. “If I hadn’t met Natsu at that orphanage, I would have never went back to basketball.”

“Is that why the Home was so important to you?”

His only answer was a gentle smile followed by a stretch of silence. Juvia thought Gray didn’t want to continue but he did.

“I realized, basketball was only way I can feel closer to him. When I touch that rubber ball, the rough texture of its skin, the smell of the rubber, the beat when it hits the floor, suddenly, I was back here.” He didn’t need to point to the open space. “In this court, with my dad, teaching me how to properly hold my first ball.”

He gave her a small smile, a result of a mixed feeling of gratitude and regret.

“That’s why I can never hate basketball ever again.” He expelled a breath that felt like a finality, like an end. The worst part was over. “Why are you crying?”

Juvia laughed it off, looking like some crazy woman as she frantically rubbed her eyes. She told Gray she didn’t even know why. That wasn’t true. Juvia was crying for him, for all the bad things he went through and for all the good things that came after. She couldn’t feel more proud of him, of how Gray overcame that painful moment in his life. Not all could recover from that loss. But Gray was strong. A warm feeling swelled up in her chest. Juvia was grateful he was able to overcome his rock bottom. Now, he was on top of the world.

Gray reached to Juvia, cradled her wet cheeks between his palms. She leaned into the warmth of his hands. Juvia wished she could be there for him back then, to help him go. Through that darkness. That’s all in the past. All she could do was be here for him now.

“Look at us crying like idiots.”

They made a shared attempt to laugh. Then, Gray gathered her in his arms, lending his girlfriend heat against the night chill. But more so, feeling sorry for having Juvia go through all of that. Yet he was grateful to be able to get it off his chest. It wasn’t easy to be so out into the open, to even admit to any weakness. In his world, in basketball, there was no room for weakness. But even if he covered himself of layers and layers of defenses, at the very core he was still vulnerable. When he saw Juvia struggle through her dance albeit being a professional, seeing the stern, no-nonsense ballerina he first met being bothered by the small things as performance jitters or her paralyzing adoration for Aquarius, Gray realized that he didn’t have to keep up appearances all the time. That he could just be him – flawed and human.

Hoopster rested Juvia’s head against his chest, gently stroking waves of her long, silky hair while Juvia listened to his heart’s every beat.

“Man, after all the ugly crying, you still think your boyfriend is cool?”

He used to think that his pain was his weakness. It did almost ruin his career and his future once. He was never going to let that happen. He was never going to let his emotions get the better of him. So, Gray went through all those superficial relationships, if he could even call them that, and worldly fun, albeit fleeting. But now he decided it was time to break down the wall. He was ready to allow himself be vulnerable.

“Much cooler.” answered Juvia as she snuggled into his hard chest. “Much, much cooler.”

Because now he wasn’t just some fantasy Gray Fullbuster that was perfect at everything. He was real.

---

Writer’s Corner: Allowing yourself be vulnerable in front of that person you love, I don’t think it can get any realer than that. As promised, this is a double chapter posting since, as you noticed, this chapter is a little short.

P.S. We got a new design because we are entering a new age.

He cut his engine off and turned to the sleeping figure beside him. He fought the desire to touch her face and kiss her lips. Ultimately, he learned that he had the slightest self-control where the ballerina was concern.

"Hey, girlfriend. Baby?" Gray's words were a soft rumble in Juvia's ears. He gave her a cautious shove, gentle enough not to startle the ballerina.

His girlfriend's lids fluttered open and she stirred in her seat, stretching her arms, heaving her chest up and finally waking from her dream. One set of amused eyes couldn't help but stare.

"Hey, babe, we're here."

"Was I asleep the whole time?"

She wasn't awake enough to make a wistful pout. Neither was she oriented enough to know her surroundings. But the moment she saw Gray, Juvia gave him that snoozy smile and a soft press on his lips.

"Now, that's what good mornings are made of."

She settled back to her seat, heaving out a contented sigh. Gray, wanting more after having a little taste, leaned in to indulge himself.

"If that's my reward, I really don't mind waking you up every morning. Even at night, and in between."

But before he could even reach that sweet pink haven, the evil woman from hell decided to show up.

"Oh, you're finally here!"

The steering wheel suffered Gray's disappointment. "Good morning, mother." He greeted without even trying to hide his irritation.

The ridiculously dressed President appeared behind Gray's mother, blowing a smoke from his pipe. His trademark fur-coat eating at his neck. But he was also leaning on a wooden cane. Gray never seen nor knew that he used one.

It was Juvia who climbed out the car first. She returned Mika's hug and that geezer's. He twitched at the latter. But no matter how much he hated it, Gray knew he couldn't go up that house without having to do it. So, Gray got out of his Lamborghini, already regretting.

President hugged him last, longer than necessary. He still smelled like burning tobacco and strong alcohol.

"Geez, the sun's still up and you're already drinking."

"It's called social drinking, you brat."

President Wakaba patted him at the back with both hands, stronger than usual too, before he released Gray from his hold. But he wasn't done yet. President Wakaba dropped his arm around Gray's shoulder and leaned on him like he found no use of his cane.

"You have good taste, brat." He said as he coughed after smoking his pipe.

Gray's eyes drifted to the direction where President was looking and easily comprehended what he meant. The two unknowingly shared a triumphant grin that guys like them often had talking about their impeccable taste in women.

"Yeah."

Both tilted their heads on the side as they appreciated the retreating backs of their respective women and then lower. Both were unashamed of what they were doing.

"Just like me."

That one Gray didn't agree with. Yes, his mother was a find but no, he wasn't like him. But when he turned to President to tell him off, he witnessed that smile and gleam in his eyes Gray knew all too well. His attention returned to the two women ascending the steps into the mansion. He was caught off guard when Juvia glanced back at him, smiling – that bright, contagious smile that lifted the corners of his mouth.

He knew his smile wasn't as sexy as he intended. It was one of those stupid-looking smiles that men like him knew about it. One of those stupid-looking smiles just like President Wakaba's.

"Let's go inside, brat. Don't keep your mother waiting."

Maybe, they weren't so different, after all.

President Wakaba was a few steps ahead of Gray. But he easily caught up with the man in the cane at the double-door entrance. The mansion felt a little different, a little strange. Gray would always feel that every time he came home, once every year. He needed to adjust to his own house.

"I guess mom is kinda bored again, huh?"

Gray commented, looking around the gigantic interior of his mother's house. Consulting his memory, it seemed that the furniture was moved around and the drapes, he noted, were freshly changed.

"You know your mother. She goes crazy whenever you come home."

Gray followed President deeper into the mansion. The man with the cane led him to an archway where he heard some noise – talking and laughter. He didn't see that absurd orange Mercedes at the entrance but Gray knew his team was here. And whatever his Vice Captain said about the color being lava, Gray would keep calling his car orange.

"You should come home more often."

Gray heard the unsolicited advice. Once a year was enough, right? And his mother visited him in the city anytime she wanted. Oftentimes, uninvited.

"Oi, Captain!"

He was right, Gray's team was already at the long table, enjoying the feast before them, headed by his feel-at-home Vice Captain, Natsu.

"What took your Lamborghini so long?" Natsu asked, gnawing on a piece of turkey leg. "My Lava made your Lamborghini eat dust!" he proudly exclaimed.

"You named that tin can Lava?" he barked back as usual.

"You guys made an interesting stop-over?" Loke asked, his double-meaning look jumping from his Captain and then at the ballerina by his side.

"Eat your food, jackass."

"Gray, manners."

His mother reminded.

"Just sit down. I'm sure you two are very much hungry."

Gray glared at the woman.

"From the travel, geez. Why are you so worked up?"

But Gray knew what she really meant. That wide grin wasn't fooling anyone, just adding fuel to fire.

"Don't mind them."

Gray told Juvia before he took the seat next to hers. He wanted to take her hand in his, place a soft peck on the back of her palm and maybe claim that kiss she'd been teasing him earlier. Just maybe not in front of the guys. He could handle their teasing but he wasn't sure about Juvia.

"And don't mind my cavemen of a team." He added, nodding at the four crudes gobbling the table clean.

Gajeel, Fiore Knights' Center, said something with his mouth full that no one in that table understood. No one except Fiore Knights.

"He said we need the protein." clarified Loke. "And you're the one to say." The self-proclaimed woman's man, pointed an accusing spoon at Gray. "You're just shy in front of your girlfriend."

"I once watched him finish an entire plate of chicken breast and he was still hungry." Juvia chimed in.

"Hey!" he teased.

"What? It's true."

"Don't go feeding my team with that information. They'd think they have something over me."

"It's common knowledge." Natsu joined in. "You haven't seen him guzzle a whole chicken. It's not cute."

"Turns you off, doesn't it?"

Gray felt an urge to punch the man sitting next to Juvia. He might be quite a looker, mysterious and brooding, but a little black eye suits Laxus too.

"Alright, alright. Don't scare my girlfriend away."

Gray knew he would quickly regret it but for the first time he let his men find his weakness. He was never going to hear the end of it.

---

After brunch and an hour of teasing from his teammates, Gray walked back to his car to grab his and Juvia's bags. They were arranged neatly at the backseat; his navy blue duffel and her pink animal-printed… he'll go ahead and just call it a weekend bag. He took the shoulder bag on the front seat and balanced the three on his shoulders. The gleam almost blinded him when the 10:00 a.m. sun hit his girlfriend's sequined bag.

When he entered through the living room, he found his teammates scattered around the sofa, groaning out of overeating.

"Ugh. I can't feel my stomach." Natsu sprawled on the Camelback, claiming it all to himself. "I don't think I can walk."

Gray grabbed a pillow and threw it on the whiner, hitting Natsu right in the face.

"Hey!" Natsu bolted up, regretting it almost immediately.

"No one told you to eat the whole table."

"He's right, Cap." Gajeel joined in. "I think I'm stuck in here."

Gray would have cracked a laugh at the picture of Gajeel, a size or two bigger than the armchair that completed the sofa set. The Team Captain threw the other cushion at Fiore Knights' Center which the latter easily caught in his hands. He had great reflexes and good at catching things.

"Let's not disappoint today." He stated, more sounding like a threat. Then, Gray picked up the bags he dropped on the floor and went his way.

"Fine, fine! Loke will not be disappointing any children today."

Gray was already at the first step of the grand staircase that led to the second floor. Still, Loke's voice reached him. He didn't have any doubts about that. They might look and act like a bunch of overgrown children, but the member of Fiore Knights were professionals. Plus, those cavemen were typically heroes to the young boys from the home. Gray was sure his men never disappoints, or their ego wouldn't allow them.

Hoopster ascended the stairs to the second floor, with his and Juvia's bags hanging on him, adding to his weight. But nothing he couldn't handle. He used the mid-morning sunlight to steer the carpeted corridor.

Gray paused to appreciate one of his favorite installments in the house. The floor-to-ceiling drapes were tied to the sides, putting the endless blue sky to view. The glass wall overlooked his mother's beautiful green garden; its continuous flow interrupted only by a white, double wooden door which led to the veranda. Gray reminded himself to show Juvia his mother's own grown garden. But the house tour would have to wait. There was somewhere else he wanted to take Juvia.

Gray dropped by at the guest room, wanting to know if Juvia settled in. He found her just coming out of the bathroom, sadly for Gray, all her clothes were still intact.

"Hey, beautiful."

Gray was such a smooth talker that his suave greeting earned a soft smile and a little blush from Juvia.

"Oh, hi. Hey, thanks for bringing those up." said Juvia as she took her weekend duffel and shoulder bag from Gray and placed them on the still made-up bed.

"That's all I get?"

The mattress dipped as Gray sat on the edge of the bed, next to Juvia who busied herself by taking out some cosmetic pouches and arranged them neatly on the bedside table.

"My arm felt really," Gray massaged his left shoulder where he carried Juvia's bags and twisted it behind, feigning muscle cramp. "sore carrying that leopard bag of yours. What do you have in there?"

He noticed the slight change in Juvia's blue eyes, probably remembering something – something naughty. The woman cleared her throat first, trying to fight the heat that was coloring her cheeks pink.

"Why?" she asked. "Isn't a 'thank you' enough?" Juvia was now taking out some other travel pouches inside the sequined bag.

Gray noticed she was trying not to meet his eyes, which was weird.

"Huh."

His girlfriend was acting really weird.

"What?"

Gray didn't answer. Instead, he pulled Juvia towards him, wrapping his arms around her waist and spreading his legs to let her even closer.

"Well, thank you is good but I need a…" Gray didn't finish his sentence on purpose and just puckered his luscious lips.

"You want a kiss?"

Gray thought he was being cute. He believed that too when Juvia finally gave him that beautiful smile.

"Yes, give me some of that sugar, please."

Juvia tucked strands of hair behind her ear before she pressed a quick peck on Gray's lips, resting her hands on his broad shoulders as she did.

"Like that?"

"Yeah, but more."

This time, it was Gray who softly brushed his lips against Juvia's, earning a soft 'mmm' from her. But he was the one who broke off the kiss too, albeit resentfully. It took so much of his will power to pull away from that kiss. But young, excited kids were waiting for him and his team. He was looking forward for it too.

"I know I promised to show you around the house." Gray looked up to his girlfriend who was still smiling at him. "But there's somewhere I'd like for you to see first."

"Alright."

Juvia awarded herself one last kiss before she pulled Gray off the bed and out of the guestroom. Downstairs, four Fiore Knights were waiting for them; and one of them – very impatiently.

"Geez, what took you guys so long? Let's go." Natsu didn't have any intention to let the couple answer. He just played with a rather smaller ball in his hands as he started to the door.

"Don't mind him, Juvia." It was Loke who apologized on behalf of his Vice Captain. "He isn't getting any of that lovin' so he's cranky." The rest of Fiore Knights followed behind Cranky. The couple, after sharing a short but guilty giggle, rounded up the close knit.

They took the Ghini for a spin. If Gray wasn't on the wheel with his eyes on the road, he would have enjoyed staring at his girlfriend by his side and it was a picture he'd forever etch in his mind. How her blue tresses rode the wind. How her eyes closed as she took in the breeze that hit her face. But most of all, the curve of her lips as she steal a glance at Gray and he'd catch her.

"You've never been to Isvan, right?" Gray kept his eyes on the road as he navigated the neighborhood. He'd steal a glance at Juvia who leaned back on the passenger seat, looking out into the rich neighborhood.

"Yeah. It's not as I expected."

Another glance showed Juvia now looking ahead the road as the Ghini purred into the main town and light traffic.

The Isvan Capitol was made of hard white-washed brick, topped with spiky spirals. It looked very polished and well-maintained. The surrounding buildings kept the motif going with needle roofs and that dirty white paint. It wasn't hard to spot the buildings which weren't part of the government compound. They looked like cream-colored boxes with solid paint and hard edges.

"It's very… current."

"It wasn't like this when I was a kid." Gray shared, both hands on the wheels as he maneuvered the packed four-lane.

"They named a gymnasium after you?" asked Juvia, amused eyes glued at the building bearing the Fullbuster name they just passed by.

"Not me, my dad." Gray clarified. "President donated it when I won my first national championship."

Juvia couldn't keep her eyes straight ahead as she kept seeing Gray's face all over town.

"Wow, my boyfriend is kinda important, isn't he?"

At one of the commercial buildings, a tarpaulin was hanging with words of encouragement for Gray and Juvia. They chose good photos of Gray and Juvia for the collage, same as the one they saw at the ballerina's hometown.

"That's right." Gray put off his sunglasses for a sexy wink. "Your boyfriend is a celebrity."

Juvia had to roll her eyes and they both laughed.

But Gray wasn't planning on taking Juvia on a town tour. That could wait. At the end of the brick houses, Gray followed the smooth curve. A minute-drive away from the main capital, the four-lane was sharply cut into two.

"This is what I am talking about."

Gray was more relaxed now, driving his billion dollar car into the countryside.

"This is what Isvan is made of."

The two-lane pavement was lined on either side by endless of green and nature, just the opposite of the white-brick capital. The wind colder on the skin as compared to that in the main town. The distinct smell of fresh air brought him back to his childhood, when life was simpler. When he was free to run around the rice fields.

"Hey! What is that?"

Oh, Gray sadly forgot about that.

"Slow down. Slow down!"

He was kind of proud of it. Or used to. Suddenly, a wave of embarrassment was weighing on him. Along with pesticides ads, why would anyone put up a billboard of his abs in the middle of the rice fields?

---

Writer’s Corner: Hi, you guys! I know I should be working hard since we’re on lockdown. I owe you guys some entertainment. I just got side-tracked. Anyways, I hope you had fun reading Fiore Knights interacting.

Also, it was more fun writing in Juvia’s perspective. But let’s shine some light on our best boy. I think you’ll get it in the next chap. 

Anyways, I just wanted to thank everyone of you who keeps inspiring me with your kind words. I’ve received a lot of love lately. I am very much thankful.

thank you to these people, some I have interacted with since the beginning, some I just met, but keeps supporting us until now. I apologize in advance if you don’t see your name here but please know you are all important to me. (your girl feeling a little emotional)

: @cobblepottantrum @sobatsu @alfys-world @jetblackrevival @welp-im-going-to-hell @hekaates @hiccstridhumour @juvialockseroff @icelyn20 @freeezingrain @gruviafan-forever @ship-ambrosia @justbeingtruemyself @gruvia-galaxy @shounenmangaotphell @shampooneko @celestialcontrail

—

Miles away, Gray could already see the sign – Isvan Home for Boys. The Ghini arrived at the entrance where a security guard on post greeted Gray with a one-hand salute. Thereafter, he let the black Lamborghini into the compound.

“Home for Boys?”

Gray only answered Juvia’s inquiry with a glance and a timid smile.

Ghini crawled in front of an average looking bungalow that sit on a wide area of land. All the while, Gray looked around for free space. He parked next to the ridiculous orange that was hurting his eyes, the Lava – Natsu’s Mercedes.

“They’re probably already inside.” He told Juvia as he cut the engine off of his Lamborghini.

He jumped out of his car and dashed to Juvia’s side. But the independent ballerina was already out of the car and had shut the door close behind her. Hoopster settled on holding her hand instead and leading her into the building. An older man waited for them at the entrance.

“Juvia, this is Mr. Gômon.”

The tall, rounder man had a prominent goatee and thick brows. He offered the new face a smile that made his eyes disappear.

“He’s one of my father’s closest friends and he runs this place.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Sir.”

“No need to be all formal, Miss Juvia.” The older man then turned to Gray to give him a quick hug and a pat on the back. “Always excited to see you 'round this time of year.”

Gômon informed the two that Natsu and the others were already inside. But he didn’t go in with the new arrivals. The headmaster left the responsibility to Gray who knew the place like the back of his hand. Gray guided Juvia deeper into the building, navigating the old hallway like he was just there yesterday. In the middle of the seemingly typical bungalow was an open space where the kids could run around on the grassy ground. The figures who were standing on it were familiar to Juvia but the children interacting with them weren’t. The children, all young boys ranging in age, were in uniform – Fiore Knights uniform.

Gray pulled Juvia’s hand into a stop and stayed at the end of the tiled hallway that opened into the open space.

“Every year we hold a sports clinic for these boys.”

Gray hasn’t told anyone but just a sight of these young boys crowded around his team, wearing smaller version of the Fiore Knights’ uniform, bouncing balls in their hands, he felt pride swell up his chest. He was once like them but these kids had it worse than Gray. Gray still had one parent alive. The kids were orphaned at a very early age.

“Something the guys and I do, off the record.”

“So, no press?” Juvia asked.

“No. I don’t like them turning everything into a spectacle.”

Gray turned to Juvia, readying to let a little fact about him slip out the box.

“This was actually my dad’s idea. When he was alive, he brings me here once a year. He’d teach us basketball and I get to play with the kids my own age.”

It was one of the many good memories Gray had with his father. He’d run around with the kids all day. It felt more like actually playing rather than practicing. At least, once a year, he got to play like a real child. But now that’s all it was, a memory. Gray knew Juvia felt sorry for him. He could see it in her big blue eyes. But he wasn’t sad nor sorry. On the contrary, being able to continue his father’s legacy was one of those moments Gray felt fulfilled.

“Hey, don’t fall in too much in love with me yet, alright?”

Juvia playfully smacked him on his right arm.

“In your dreams, lover boy.”

This was supposed to be a happy, important day and he wouldn’t go dampening the mood with sad stories.

“Look! It’s the Cap!”

Gray and Juvia whipped their heads to look at the direction of one of the kids pointing at them. Well, Gray to be exact. Once the other kids saw the Team Captain, everyone raced over and their force tackled him to the ground. Juvia had to step away for a moment before she got tangled in that excited little mob which devoured her boyfriend.

They were talking all together, visibly elated at his presence. Gray swore his brain was about to explode with the kids all talking at once. But Hoopster was able to give each one of the boys a high five; no men left behind.

“Alright, alright! Take it easy, boys.”

“Hey, Captain. Who’s the pretty lady?”

Gray assumed his boys were too young to watch the dance show not to recognize the prettiest lady in 'My Star Can Dance’.

“Everyone, say hi to Miss Juvia.”

Obeying the Captain’s instruction, the boys greeted in unison. It was easy for Juvia to work that crowd; she dealt with little girls in her studio and Juvia’s students loved her very much. She turned on her charm and that big bright smile; even Gray fell for it.

“Hey, Cap! Stop flaunting yer girlfriend and let’s ball.”

It was Gajeel’s turn to tease his captain. But he still made sure he got the point across, because the Center was right, they might just lose some precious daylight if they kept playing around.

“Alright, boys! Let’s give the Captain some time to change into his Captain uniform.”

Gajeel called and gathered the kids back to start quick drills.

“Yes. Change clothes.” Loke winked at Gray, that kind of wink he knew had some double meaning. Loke was the kind of guy who made everything sound sexual, even just the word broccoli.

So, his Captain gave him the finger.

Fiore Knights’ Team Captain apologized for Loke’s joke by telling Juvia to just ignore the dimwit. Gray hesitantly excused himself from Juvia to run back to his car and slip into his uniform. But he didn’t want to leave her alone in an unfamiliar place. Good thing his mother chose that moment to make an entrance, with President Wakaba in tow.

“Go get changed, Gray. I’ll entertain Juvia for a while.”

When Mika Mine walked past him, she decided to act like a real mother and reminded Gray to put towel on his back. She made sure both Gray and Juvia heard it.

“Mother!”

But Mika was already hauling Juvia into the building and leading the giggly ballerina to where the open court was, Gray presumed.

Gray quickly changed into his Fiore Knights uniform. All the way from the common restroom to the outdoor court, Gray reconsidered his decision of bringing Juvia along at the Home. He had no qualms about sharing that part of his life with Juvia. He wanted to open up to her, so that she could get to know him better, deeper. That he was more than just a pretty face and reliable dance partner. He wanted to have that intimacy with Juvia and maybe take the relationship to the next level. The problem was leaving her girlfriend to his mother’s care. That woman could talk! And Gray’s afraid he wasn’t earning the plus points he wanted.

Gray was now trekking through the earthy pathway leading to the open court. The open space design was the main reason why Gray loved the basketball court at the Home. Green trees surrounded the area, warranting that natural, fresh air. It was simply freeing.

He arrived at the basketball court where his team and the boys were doing basic drills. Natsu, Fiore Knights’ point guard, led the footwork exercise. Gray knew the pain of the 'low knee running in place’ exercise, especially now that his Vice Captain wanted to double the speed. But he wasn’t hearing any complaints. Burst of laughters echoed in its stead. It seemed as the boys were enjoying themselves. The girly giggles, one which Gray hoped was not enjoyed at his expense, came from the shaded side of the court where Gray’s mother and his girlfriend were bonding. Oh, Gray hoped Mika didn’t bring any of that embarrassing photo albums.

“Oh, nooo.” His face twitched.

No photo album but Mika was showing something in her phone. The woman actually went digital!

—

Gray jogged to the center of the court and joined the others. But he’s mind was still at the two women in his life sitting at the newly installed garden bench.

“Hey, Cap!”

Loke approached him first, breaking from the group to greet his Captain. Gray walked with him but he wasn’t paying attention even when Casanova audibly hissed.

“That doesn’t look good for you, Cap.”

That one got his attention and he engaged.

“What?”

“That.”

Loke was pointing at where the restrained laughters where coming. Both eyes, one blue and one darker, were still glued at the older woman’s phone.

“I bet now Mrs. President is showing your girlfriend some childhood photos.”

Gray wasn’t worried about that. He was a cute kid! Even when he was younger, Gray was already a chick magnet. Every middle-aged woman in their block loved to pinch his cheeks or place a kiss on them. Juvia would easily fall in love with that face. Such fact was the only thing keeping him sane.

“You know, little Gray. And you don’t want your girlfriend to think about little Gray.”

The Team Captain stopped dead in his tracks, pulling his son of a witch Small Forward with him. Gray turned to give Loke a look that was a cross between very, very confused and 'don’t f*ck with me’.

“Little. Gray.” Loke’s sly hazel eyes drifted down south. And he was very pleased with himself watching the Captain’s confused look morphed into horrified, as the idea registered in Gray’s brain.

Loke jogged ahead, filling the air with his loud 'I gotcha’ laugh.

The Small Forward was just obviously trying to pull his leg. In today’s game, the team of Fiore Knights resident Casanova was going against the Captain’s. He was just trying to get in his head. Couldn’t blame the man. Psy-war was all part of the game. And the ultimate playboy wasn’t above using such underhanded tactic.

—

Juvia heaved a long breath, letting the fresh air enter and expand her lungs. It was one of the things Juvia loved about leaving the city – fresh air and green scenery. It wasn’t only psychological, science backed up the benefits of the outdoors. She loved her life in the city but once in a while, Juvia wanted a change in scenery. That was why she travelled home as often as her schedule would allow.

Isvan wasn’t what she expected at first; it was too much like the city. When Gray won successive championships for Fiore, the previously unknown town became some sort of a tourist attraction. But the moment Gray turned the curve, Juvia saw the real Isvan – a simple country side.

Juvia never expected that Gray would bring her to Home for Boys. She knew Gray was a nice person, that there was something more to him that met the eyes. But she could have never seen it coming. It was Gray. He was a basketball god, on top of his game. He was young, determined and didn’t hurt the eyes. No, he was hot as hell. And when you were that rich and attractive, people say you could have anything you wanted. But if you look behind all those superficies, a real person emerges. Gray was actually funny, kind and despite that Prince Syndrome he got going the first time they met, Hoopster was actually a reliable person. He didn’t think about himself all the time just as those page-six stories would portray him to be. Figures, he was the Captain of one of the country’s successful sports team. His leadership carried Fiore Knights through three championships and it looked like Earthland hasn’t seen the last of them.

Celebrity-athletes like Gray would usually make appearances in just every charitable events some of them didn’t even know what for. For most, it was all for show, to gain some popularity. You could tell. You could always tell. When the kids ran to Gray, almost throwing him to the ground, Juvia felt a warm feeling swell up her chest. As she watched his nose crinkle and his eyes almost disappear from laughing, that warm feeling spread like wildfire.

She was just starting to get to know Gray better and so far, she liked what she was seeing. And when he said she shouldn’t fall in love with him too much yet, it was just impossible. She was falling in love with him every second.

Juvia couldn’t remember the last time she laughed so hard. Mika Mine was telling her all about young Gray’s adventures. Of course, she was thankful for every bit of embarrassing information. She made sure she committed everything to memory. At last, Juvia had something over Gray to tease him about. Icing on the cake? Mika Mine showed her pictures.

There was one with a grumpy, eight year old in a prince charming costume. Mika said Gray wanted to be Spiderman for that Halloween but she didn’t like him hiding his beautiful face. Gray refused to talk to her mother for a week. There was also one with Juvia’s boyfriend in his first basketball uniform three sizes bigger than his 10 year old figure. But her absolute favorite, one Juvia would save later in her phone was Graysia. Gray’s little sister – or so his mother wanted to imagine. Mika always wanted to have a little girl but since they couldn’t afford another child, Gray would do. On one random afternoon, Mika dressed Gray in a pink ball gown and putting on him red lipstick. Oh, Juvia just stumbled on a gold mine.

Like some kind of magnet, Juvia could feel Gray’s presence in the court. Her eyes already drifted to where Gray was, about to join his group, wearing his latest Fiore Knights uniform. He was talking to one of his teammates, Loke. Whatever it was about seemed to horrify Gray. He looked at Juvia’s way and she smiled at him. That seemed to put Gray at ease and about to bury one gloating Small Forward.

After a few stretches and drills, Gray had the ball in his hand. He was talking to the kids and they were listening to him intently. Juvia was sure it was hard to keep those little heads to focus. Juvia had girls and she couldn’t keep their focus for more than fifteen minutes by just talking.

Gray finished his informal speech with two hand claps that really hyped the children. The boys quickly dispersed and Fiore Knights were left in the court.

“Watch this, kids!”

Loke, the show-off, exhibited a clean through-the-legs dribble before his speed brought him near the basket for a clear shot. She knew the guys were just showing off but the kids were extremely immersed. Their young eyes were glued at the five tall figures. And for most of those kids, they were probably watching their heroes in action.

Each member of Fiore Knights showed complicated footwork before perfecting a basket. Natsu’s shot did three rounds of spin and the kids held on their breaths until the ball went inside the. Laxus, the Power Forward, and Gajeel, the Center, jumped and perfected a dunk shot, earning loud cheers from the kids. Gray, staying true to his professional nickname, stayed a little outside the 3-Point-Line arc to make his famous three-pointer. The ball shot upwards and landed on a natural falling arc. It went inside the ring in a perfect curve. The kids frantically howled and clapped as the Earthland National Basketball three-peat champions took a bow.

The Captain waved the children back on the court, dividing them into two groups. In order to distinguish them from each other, one group was wearing the predominantly red Fiore Knights uniform, which the team wore in this year’s championship; the other wore last year’s gold accentuated jersey.

“They’re going for a match.” Mika felt the need to explain. “Gray takes the red team and Loke takes the gold team.”

“The team trains in the City. Who takes care of the boys?” asked Juvia.

“I believe you met Gômon earlier? He might look a little out of shape but he’s a good player. Silver… Gray’s father and Gômon were members of the same basketball team.”

It’s been years since the mention of the Fullbuster patriarch’s accident and eventual death in the papers. Gray and his mother might have a different life now but Juvia could still see hurt lingering in Mika’s eyes.

“The two of them always went here to train the kids long before we had Gray.”

Mika might have been smiling, but it was rather a weak and small one. Juvia knew not to ask about it. Something like that never really goes away.

“Oh, look. They’re starting.”

The kids were in the middle of the court, scattered within the center circle. Two kids were crouched down opposite each other, waiting for Natsu to toss the ball. Juvia scanned the court for that raven-hair she came to miss. He was at the side bench on the other end of the rectangle, holding a board and a short stick, which turned out to be a marker, tucked on one ear.

Juvia has seen Gray in action since he was just an aspiring but talented freshman in the regional basketball league. He captivated Juvia the moment he made his first three point shot. Juvia followed him around after that, always present in his games, even roping Levy in that Gray-crazed phase. Until she saw him kissing the head cheerleader of the opposing team. The memory left an ugly taste in her mouth; she didn’t want that image to get stuck in her mind and ruin the weekend. So, Juvia locked that image inside the drawer labeled 'never to open ever’.

Natsu blew the whistle. The first half of the game wrapped up with a tight score of 30-34 with Loke’s gold team in the lead.

“Uh-oh, that doesn’t look good.”

Juvia turned to Mika, confused.

“He doesn’t like losing.”

That one Juvia could attest to. Gray was crazy competitive. He probably hated that Loke’s team was having a lead on his. But Gray wasn’t screaming at his team; he wasn’t lashing out at anyone. Instead, he was throwing high fives and light pats at his kids. Then, he gathered them in a tight circle, raised the clipboard flatly so that the kids could see something he drew on it. He was giving them instructions, maybe devising some strategy to win the game.

“His always like that when he gets in the zone.” said Mika, her midnight eyes looking over where Juvia was. “When his eyebrows meet in the middle like that, you know he’s serious.”

Juvia squinted her eyes to look closer. Just as Mika said, Gray’s thick eyebrows were furrowed in the middle as he spoke. The woman was right; Juvia have seen that look many times: when the score and the clock weren’t in favor of Gray’s team; when he was about to make those little last minute three points he became famous for; or lately, when Gray wanted to nail a complicated choreography. Hoopster never wavered when he set his mind to it. That was one of the many qualities Juvia liked about Gray – his fiery passion.

After the short break, his usual smile crept up Gray’s lips and he was back high-fiving the kids. He even playfully kicked the other team’s coach on his butt and Loke hit back with words, to which Gray said something back. Knowing Gray, it was probably something kids shouldn’t be listening to.

When the 3rd quarter started, the ball was in Gray’s court. They managed to score six points over Loke’s team. Casanova wasn’t looking happy about it but Gray Fullbuster was full on gloating. Juvia shook her head. Gray Fullbuster was a fine, funny, kind and very, very likeable man but he let that childish him slip out sometimes. Juvia didn’t mind, it made him who he was.

Gray was sending signals to his team. The ball was played by Loke’s gold team and they made the shot, cutting down the score gap. Juvia caught a glance of Gray and he engaged, holding the gaze for far too long apparently because Gray didn’t see the ball coming, hitting him sharply in the head.

By instinct, Juvia bolted up the bench and so did Gray’s mother. But President didn’t move. In fact, he still held on his cane while he put the other hand on his stomach as he let out a straight guffaw.

“Wakaba!” Mika reprimanded.

“What? It was funny.”

But the glare was boring through him like a good 'ol drill.

The kid who threw the ball ran to the coach with the other kids, all worried. The Fiore Knights, on the other hand, shook their heads biting down a laugh. Getting hit in the head with a ball was common to basketball players. It just didn’t happen that often to the great and mighty Team Captain.

“I’m alright. No need to panic.” Gray assured, shouting to the other side to ease the worries on Juvia and his mother’s face.

“See? It doesn’t even hurt. He’ll live, Mika.”

The kids crowded around the Team Captain who just scratched his forehead and still all smiles. He patted the kid’s head, the one who threw the ball that hit Gray, and told everyone to return to the game. They did and quickly finished up the 3rd quarter with Loke’s team still in the lead.

Gray took that hit for nothing.

Loke said something and earned a very discreet finger for it.

At the last quarter, Gray’s team managed to minimize the point difference but the gold team still bagged the win. There was no hard feelings though, it was just a game. Team Captain often emphasized how important teamwork and, of course, sportsmanship were. After the game, the kids automatically fell into two parallel lines facing each other. The coaches instructed them to shake hands. Even if some looked like they weren’t up for it, the kids still obeyed the adults.

“Alright, then. That’s our cue.”

Mika invited Juvia back into the building. In the middle of the green patch were two buffet tables. Round tables cladded in white were scattered around. Once the children changed into their casual clothing, they wasted no time get cracking at the table full of varied treats.

“Oh, look at that. They are already starting.”

Mika didn’t reprimand the kids but ordered the waiters to put more food on the buffet table and refill those which were running out. She excused herself from Juvia so she could assist in the party, leaving Juvia wandering alone at the open space.

“Hey, beautiful.”

Juvia let out a surprised gasp when she was pulled by the waist against a hard figure. She turned around to meet Gray’s meaningful eyes and slightly slanted smile.

“Not in front of the kids, Cap.” Juvia wrapped her arms around Gray’s neck, pressing her body against hers.

“You should call me that more often.”

“Cap? Cap-tain.” Juvia let the word roll on her tongue, which Gray liked very, very much.

“What are you doing?”

Juvia almost pushed Gray away when she recognized the voice, which was that of a child’s, and became highly aware of what they were doing. Although perfectly normal for couples, public display of affection shouldn’t be displayed in front of young eyes, like this one.

“I was just checking his forehead.” Juvia pretended to look at the area where the ball hit. “You know… where–”

“–where the ball made him its fitch? He was distracted.” The little boy said as he shrugged the shock that rounded two pairs of adult eyes.

“What?”

Gray had to crouch down and look the kid straight in the eye. He tried not to sound like he was scolding the kid.

“What did you just say?”

“You got distracted.” The kid answered, point blank.

“No, not that. The one before that.”

“Oh, that the ball made you its fitch?”

“That’s not even a word.”

“Yes, it is. Coach Loke told me so.”

Oh, so he was on Loke’s team.

“Well, Coach Loke is crazy.” Gray stood to his full height. “Don’t listen to him.” He tried to dismiss the kid by slightly shoving him forward.

“But he was right. You were looking at the pretty lady. That’s why the ball made you its fitch.”

“I’m going to kill that little fitch.” said Gray under gritted teeth so the little ears wouldn’t hear.

“Just go eat some hotdogs.”

“Those hotdogs on sticks?”

“Yes, Kenny. Those hotdogs on the sticks.”

“Cool!”

Then, Kenny ran off as if he didn’t just drop that 'fitch’ bomb on the two adults. And like he didn’t just insult Fiore Knights’ Team Captain. This generation’s Michael Jackson, some would say.

“Why are you laughing?”

Gray had his hands on his waist, pretending to narrow his eyes at Juvia, who was biting her lip to keep down a giggle. She couldn’t even open her mouth without laughing. The exchange between Gray and Kenny was quite entertaining.

“Let’s go and eat some hotdogs on sticks.”

Gray pulled her by the hand and led her to one of the long buffet tables. Holding hands was a safe kind of PDA which didn’t gross out the kids. But feeding each other those hotdogs earned a long 'eew’ from the crowd, even the old kids – a.k.a Fiore Knights.

—

Writer’s Corner: Hi guys! Did you see Hiro Mashima’s latest twitter post? It’s a new graffiti telling us what to and not to do during this lockdown/quarantine. Keep safe everyone.

Also, I’ll be tagging here all those who reblogged and commented on the last chapter! Thank you for your support!