Falling Too Far - Gruvia

Chapter 25

AN: I forgot this was in my drafts. I wrote it wayyyy long ago (like back in October). I thought I might as well post it as some kind of closure idk

Might come back to it when I feel like it and finish it

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Gray's POV:

"I thought you weren't coming to stay until next week?"

Those are my dad's first words when he opens the door to my face. Nothing usual, like him being ecstatic that his son has finally decided to visit his old man. More shock than enthusiasm this time. I always come home unannounced so why is this any different.

"Uh, is it a problem?"

"No!" He innocently smiles, "Of course not. Any reason you're back so early?"

Thought the defensive "no" would be his cue to open the door, but I'm still out here in the snow.

"Consoling a friend who lives nearby. I just need somewhere to stay tonight. But if that's too intrusive I'll go somewhere else."

I go to walk away, guilt tripping him obviously. I can't actually stay at a hotel because I have no money right now.

He grabs my shoulder and pulls me towards the door, "Come on, you silly twat. Stop making me feel bad for you." He chuckles.

Yes I lied to Juvia's mum, saying I promised to see my dad. I didn't want to intrude, and to be honest Juvia falling asleep on me was the most I could handle with her right now, and I bet this girl has some nasty coping mechanisms when it comes to dealing with grief.

"Okay," His breathing is sharp, almost like he's done something wrong, "I do have someone else here," My eyes widen, in concern, "a date."

"Does that explain the robe?" This guy's robe was so tiny there's no hiding he's in his birthday suit under it.

He nods.

"Do you want me to go?" I feel on edge in my own childhood home.

"No, you fool. I'm just warning you in case you stumble upon a very attractive woman down the hall."

I bleakly nod with a straight face, uneased by the situation, and he can see that. "Look, if I knew you were coming I would've gone out with her instead. She'll probably be gone by the time you wake up in the morning anyway."

I assure him it's fine and go to shut myself out in what's now the guest bedroom.

My dad's house isn't big, or at least nothing like Juvia's parent's house. Well, he's not as minted as Juvia's father was, he only works nine to five from a Tuesday to Friday, medium wage. It was my mum who earned the money and my dad stayed at home most of the time, taking care of me. My memory of my mum fades little by little, everyday. I kind of want to forget about a woman who caused me the most pain in my life, as much as I loved her.

My mum simply got unlucky. Her depression wasn't anyone's fault. Actually, I guess it is someone's. It's complex.

"Hey, who were you consoling? Are they okay now? Silly break up, I'm assuming." He snorts as he giggles.

It pains me to say it, "Juvia. And no, not a break up."

"Oh," His smile drops, "what happened?"

My eyes are starting to burn, like that sensation you get before the tear ducts open. Why? I never knew the guy. "Uh..." Jesus, now I've got a lump in my throat, "Actually, I won't tell you right now. I don't want to spoil your date, because I know how much of a softie you are." He's bound to start balling if I tell him.