Cold Waters (GrUvia)

Chapter 5

One week later...

It's been a week since I returned from the mission and I still hadn't went to the guild. Of course nobody came to check on me or wonder what happened- I was supposed still be on the mission. But I just couldn't bring myself to move, eat, or sleep. It was too soon. I just wished that I'd been able to tell her before all this happened.

I groaned as I pushed myself to my feet, the painful memories flashing through my mind. As I felt the tears threatening to spill out I sighed and pinched myself. I promised I wouldn't think about that and cry like a kid.

I slipped on clean clothes and tried to make my hair look like it didn't go through a hurricane. After 10 minutes of arguing with myself about whether or not I should go, I decided to. I stepped into the cool evening air, and made my way towards the guild.

As I entered, I saw the cheerful faces of everyone inviting me in, but that still couldn't numb the pain. I tried to smile, for them, as everyone asked how the mission was or told me how much they missed me. I thought I was doing fine until levy spoke up.

"Where's Juvia?" She asked, not expecting the reaction she received.  I broke at the sound of her name. I collapsed at their feet, and everyone dispersed. I couldn't stop the tears from falling and I felt like shouting. It wasnt fair.

Natsu crept up behind me and cautiously rested his hand on my back.  "Gray?" He asked tentatively, as I tried to force myself to stop crying. I looked up, embarrassed. How could I break down like that? I was supposed to say strong.

As if she'd read my mind, Erza approached me and engulfed me in a hug. "You don't have to hide your emotions or feelings, Gray. Tell us what happened. Let it all out." She whispered into my ear as she let go and sat back expectantly.

I took in a deep breath and choked back the tears. "Juvia..." It even hurt to say her name. But I had to tell them. "Juvia... S-She didn't come bac-ck from the mission," my voice wavered as I felt a new wave of tears trying to force themselves out.

I closed my eyes. "What happened? Did she stay?" Lucy asked,  only making it harder. I wish that's what Had  happened. "N-no... She w-was killed," I choked out and the guild fell silent. I took a shaky breath and forced myself to continue. "I had been knocked out and J-Juvia died p-protecting m-me.." I sputtered. I hung my head and a fresh set of tears streamed down my face. "It's all my fault...".

I heard someone running towards me, and the next thing I knew I was dangling in the air. Gajeel was holding me up by the collar of my shirt.

He stared at me with eyes burning with rage. He gritted his teeth and punched me in the stomach. He let go and I fell over, groaning in pain. Gajeel kicked me in the ribs and started yelling. The words were blurred and I couldn't concentrate due to the physical and emotional pain. Once I was able to sit up, I listened to Gajeel.

"YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO PROTECT HER, NOT GET HER KILLED! YOU IDIOT, SHE SHOULD NEVER HAVE TRUSTED A COLD HEARTED JERK LIKE YOU!" He yelled while he started to shake.

"I-I'm so-orry, I didn't m-mean f-for it t-to happ-pen" I stuttered.

Gajeel kicked me in the face and I flew backwards. I struggled to a sitting position and watched as Gajeel turned around and started to leave. "This would never had happened if you weren't so weak..." He mumbles as he walked out of the guild. I sat there, Gajeels voice ringing in my ear. 'He's right,' I thought. 'I am pathetic...'