MEANT TO BE | GRUVIA

26

"You work the weirdest shifts," Juvia said, taking a drink of her milkshake.

"That's because I work part-time," Gray said. He leaned against the counter, unconsciously sighing. He was pretty bummed about lunch that day.

"Mom said she is having a Christmas party tomorrow," she said, oblivious to her boyfriend's mood. "You're obviously invited."

"Who else is going?" he asked. He was going to go anyways, but he figured he would ask.

"Uh," she thought. "You're family, Chase, a few people I don't know, and our friends from school."

"Does that mean Ciel will be there?" he all but hissed.

"Why do you have a problem with him?" Juvia asked. "I understand that he kissed me, but it's not like it happened again. If you're jealous or some shit, don't be."

"How can I not be? You guys dated for two years. You even lived together," he said.

"But I'm not dating him anymore. I'm dating you," she said, jumping off the counter. "I don't cheat on people, so there's nothing to worry about, okay?" She hugged him around the waist and put her face against his chest.

"You wouldn't leave me for him?" he asked, putting his chin on her head, hugging her back. He hated how insecure he was being, but he really did think she would.

"Of course I wouldn't," she said.

"Do you still love him?" he whispered, remember what Ultear said.

"I thought I did," she confessed. "But seeing him again, I realized I just missed him like a sister would her brother."

"That's a relief," he sighed. He picked her chin up and kissed her. She happily kissed him back.

"Excuse me."

Gray pushed Juvia away and saw a customer. She did not look happy.

"Uh, how can I help you?" he asked nervously.

X

"Mom, you are putting way too much thought into this," Juvia sighed.

The dojo had streamers hanging from the ceiling, covering every inch. The room was lined with tables, covered with food and drinks. She put up wrapping paper along the walls. Christmas music played in the background. To top it off, she was wearing a Santa suit.

"Just put your elf costume on," Jennifer said. "David is wearing his." Yes, David was wearing an elf suit. He had the pointy ears and everything.

"Hell no," Juvia said, trying not to laugh at her brother.

"What about a reindeer?" Jennifer asked. She held up another costume. Juvia thought a moment. She got an idea. She grabbed the costume and ran upstairs.

Ding!

Ding!

Ding!

Ding!

One by one, everyone arrived. They all admired Jennifer's work. She was glad that someone appreciated her efforts.

Juvia came downstairs just as Gray and his family arrived. All the guys in the room gaped at her. She was wearing tight brown yoga pants. Brown socks were on her feet. Her shirt was a super tight tube that covered her breasts. A little bell ring was in her belly button. She wore brown gloves that left the fingers free. Her hair was down and flowing. Her nose had red lipstick on it, and antlers were on her head.

"Juvia!" Jennifer gasped. "That isn't the costume!"

Juvia shrugged. "I wasn't going to wear your stupid outfit. I just decided to make it my own." She smiled at her mother before walking over to her friends.