Series: Fairy Tail.
Pairing: Gruvia.
Spoilers: Chapter 424.
Because Gray’s necklace is missing and my heart is breaking and, ugh, Mashima have mercy on our souls.
They’d gone at it hard that morning, training until their limbs were trembling. By the time exhaustion claimed them stars already dominated most of the night. She’d collapsed on her bed immediately, that cute ponytail trailed over the pillow where she clutched both hands to her chest. Gray had promised himself never to set foot in her bedroom unless it was urgent, yet here he stood, watching her from the doorway. He didn’t want to lead her on when he wasn’t prepared to receive her wholeheartedly. He had things to do.
The mark on his body grew rapidly with each exertion of power he pushed forth. It wouldn’t be long before she worried herself to death. Juvia wouldn’t leave him be if he told her his intentions. Told her that he planned to leave. She enjoyed their life here, enjoyed training at his side, picking up his clothes and making dinner in their small kitchen. And he loved those things too. Loved the simplicity of their daily routine.
Gray would be leaving soon. He swallowed the lump in his throat and stepped into the dark room. Her breathing was heavy, she’d pushed herself too hard. He hated being here like this with her — hated putting hope where there wasn’t any. He had no intention of pursuing anything with Juvia. Not yet. Not until he’d done everything he needed. Not until he was sure she’d be safe.
The floorboards creaked with each footstep, urging him forward with lighter, swifter steps. Before he knew it he was standing by her bed, his eyes locked on the side of her face. What should she do? She mumbled his name in her sleep, as though his mere presence was enough to sway her dreams. He could only hope she wouldn’t hate him for this.
He had no time to think about her feelings. Not really. He had to do this. It would be worth it in the end. It would make sense to her, some day. Yet some twisted part of him didn’t want to leave. Didn’t want her to hate him. He didn’t deserve Juvia’s unconditional love, not after everything he’d put her through. She’d been a source of comfort these last six months. She’d been a shoulder to lean on and a smile in the face of trouble. Gray had nothing to give her in return. His heart was in pieces and she was worth so much more than that. Yet he knew she’d be lonely without him, knew she’d cling to hope that he’d return.
He might never make it back.
The thought made his toes curl. He’d never considered such an outcome. Gray never lost a fight twice… but END wouldn’t given him a second chance. He couldn’t lose the first time. Not against such a worthy adversary. That’s why he had to leave her alone. She’d be in danger. She’d…
Gray didn’t notice his fingers trembling until he struggled with the chain at his neck. He held the necklace in his palm for a moment, letting it soak up his warmth before he wrapped the chain around the cross-shaped pendent and laid it gently in her upturned palm. She curled her fingers around it and sighed gently. His heart yearned to be near her a little longer — but he had to go.
Schooling his thoughts, Gray bent down to brush strands of hair from her face. Her eyelids fluttered but she didn’t wake, instead mumbling his name once again in her dreams. Remorse tangled with his resolve, making it difficult to leave. He pressed his lips to her forehead and withdrew before the feelings took over. Before his heart made him stay there with her.
With one final glance at her sleeping face, Gray stepped out of the room and put a hand where his necklace should have been. She’d take good care of it in his absence. He was going to miss her doting on him and scolding him when his clothes littered the living room floor. He’d miss the smell of her cooking wafting out of the kitchen window and the glow of sunshine in her eyes whenever she smiled. Shit, he’d miss her. He’d miss everything about her. He pressed a hand on the door frame and slowly pulled her bedroom door towards him, her face slowly disappearing behind the wooden surface.
“You’ll make someone very happy someday, Juvia.”
