My Gruvia theories: grays feelings progress
So when Gray was first getting to know her:he was impressed with her powers. He felt like he was the one in fairytail to know her first so he wanted to give her a kind welcome. He thought they'd become good "friend's"
When she showed her affections he just thought she was crazy. He didn't think those feelings were serious at first. Which they weren't so much.
Once they got to the island for the sclass exam: He gained high hopes for her. He wanted her to do well. She was the only one who he really cared about succeeding. He just wanted to beat everyone else. Once he learned there were enemies on the island, he became instantly concerned for her. He worried for her. He was very uncomfortable with her not being around. When he saved her life he planned to not tell her or anyone else. Very modest of him.
When Lyon stepped in:By then he had become colder towards Juvia...Why?? Let me tell you why. He wanted to protect his heart. He had put a huge guard up because he thought this was protecting her. He thought that if he distances himself, it'll be easier to not be tempted by her. But then Lyon stepping in made Gray angry. Gray believed that Juvia was capable of falling for Lyon. It wasn't because lyon was "taking his guild mate," because...let's face it. if lyon was walking off with cana, Gray wouldn't have given a damn.
The grand magic games:Gray had built a strong connection with Juvia in his heart but he didn't want to reveal it. When Juvia performed her spell for him and he flinched, it was because he's not the type to let his love be known in public. Also it actually could of subconsciously been because Gray took the precaution of protecting Juvia really seriously. I believe that Gray believes that if he reveals his feelings for Juvia or if their bond becomes known to the enemies (demons etc)that killed his family, then Juvia would be next in line. So juvia declaring her love for him could have put her life in danger. Gray could have subconsciously been thinking that.
Their unison raid: He knew that they had a deep connection and that their love itself could make them win. Thats why Hiro called it "sychonised love attack" All of this about their "teamwork" which was initiated by Gray who used other words disquise his love. That's why Chelia called them "beautiful" (romantic) It was actually a very bold sign that they'd turn canon.
when erza confronted Gray about Juvia, it means that she doesn't believe Juvias love is one sided. How can she tell? Because Gray is really on guard around Juvia.
Dying for her:well protecting her was one of his main priorities so it's no surprise at all.
When Juvia confronted Gray about his father's death:the reason why he embraced Juvia in such a tender way was because he was so sorry for her pain and his father's death. But it wasn't just that. His guard fell down completely and at that moment, he wished that he had never been dishonest with Juvia. For example, imagine you had a friend who deeply cared for and loved you but you just ignored him/her even though you cared for and loved him/her too. Then you find out later that he/she did something incredible for you, then you break down into tears and you realise how bad you had been to him. I believe that's why he was saying sorry over and over again. Also he had just lost his father. To lose the love of his life right after that would've made him that much more lonely. That moment would've stayed with him forever. Linking Juvias importance to the importance of his father.
Fastforward to time skip:
when they lived together Gray would've been happy. However, as a guy who has hormones it seems a little fishy he didn't get at least tempted to sleep with her...right?? Well, Gray knew that falling asleep together, obviously that would've meant they were now in a relationship. But he doesn't want her life to be in danger. The demon that killed his family? I bet he believed that a demon would go after her if they were together. He really did. He wanted to Protect her. Just like hiro's quote for gray said..."to protect those you find important. You need a will of ice."
I don't believe he had really thought a relationship with Juvia could really happen for them, until they lived together. Gray just would've believed that because of his tragedies, he can't have love.
Living with Juvia, I think Gray realised then that he wanted it to be like that in the future. And he developed more hope for love and believed that it could happen, but first. ..he'd have to defeat END. So he took off for six months (though he though itd be quicker) because he had to train his power so that he could be strong enough to defeat END and then he'd finally be able to have a future. Which would be his future with Juvia.
When Natsu called Gray a jerk for abandoning Juvia for six months:
the reason why Gray would've stayed silent, is because he believed natsu was right. Gray must've felt really bad being away from Juvia all that time.
When he saw Juvia again after six months: I think he was amazed at how she wasn't upset with him. He got shivers when he heard her voice, so I think he was expecting some drama, but instead she smiled lovingly at him, threw her arms around him, and cheered about how much she missed him. Then he felt like the love he was receiving was undeserved. So he felt deeply bad and said sorry then him and Juvia fought the enemy.
After the time skip:If you notice closely Gray and Juvia are almost constantly together after that. I think Juvia was also a major force of determination for Gray to defeat END. So that she could be safe. Her being with him all the time was a motivation.
I'll give you my answer after the war" balcony scene:
I believe Gray had already decided his answer during the one year skip.
When he said "you're always by my side" he didn't just mean literally...he also meant "loyalty" She always has faith in him and never takes him for Granted. Her "always being by his side" also meant her always loving him. If he didn't love her back then he WOULDN'T have been grateful. He would've felt sorry for her instead and pity.
He said "for now, let me focus" because he wants to defeat END without a thought of distraction.
The latest chapters 499-504:
just before Juvia "died" Gray told her he could never hurt a "friend" and then quickly said "no! I could never hurt you!" Because she's not his friend. She's his future. He told her he just wanted to protect her and she understood what he meant. Then they both "died" but he woke up, she gave her speech, and then he burst out crying so fast it wasn't funny. This would've been such hell for him. She was one of his main motivations. She loved him unconditionally. He DID love her. He'd decided she was his future. He'd waited and not even got the chance to tell her how he felt before she died. He didn't even get to kiss her. (This is why I think the kiss really happened)
Then he kicked invels ass and screamed that he taking away Juvias future was unforgivable. Now let's stop for a moment. Gray Full buster is actually a very forgiving person. He can forgive very quickly. The fact that it's unforgivable proved just how he loved Juvia and how much he thought of her future. He wasn't just meaning "you took away her future" he was also meaning "you took away our future. We were both going to be happy and together!"
Then when Gray tries to kick Natsus ass...well let's just say he's so full of hatred for everything at this point, he really just don't give a f*ck about anything. He's just letting the darkness take over him and kill him. After all, defeating END was more essential to him than anything (except Juvia) so yeah ..that's just some of my clever input. Haha.
I have never been wrong with any romance in anime, or with understanding characters. I just happen to always get it right! Haha. Especially shounen. Thanks and please like if you agree with my theories :)
titsay
ellievsbear
germansingergirl
tangentwithtanner
turnnoffyourmind
gamechangershow
