The prompts for Graylu Week 2024 have been finalized!
Graylu Week is a week-long celebration and appreciation of the relationship between Gray Fullbuster and Lucy Heartfilia from Fairy Tail. This celebration will consist of one prompt per day for seven days, plus a Free Day. Fans are encouraged to submit fan art, fanfiction, AMVs, graphics, chat posts, cosplay, or any form of media!
#grayluweek2024 is the official tag. All Graylu Week posts must include this tag so they can be easily found and reblogged to the event site!
Remember to check our Guidelines and feel free to ask questions if you have them! Get excited! Graylu Week is on the way!
Hello everybody ! I’d like to say a BIG thank you to @nonochuu for beeing here and orchestrating graylu week so greatly ! Thank you for beeing so active and caring about the event *^.^* !! A big thank you to all the participants ! Even if you were less than last year you were there!!
So thank you and congratulations to everyone who made GRAYLU WEEK 2017 a joyful event. Oh and let us know if you have late fanworks and you want us to reblog them. Well… see you again, dear graylu family!
ヾ(゜∪゜★)ノ゛・:*:・｡₀: *ﾟ✲ฺβyё βyё✲ฺﾟ*:₀
Special thanks to: @handsome-kakigori , @oujo-heartfilia
A - E || @anorielthiliedis (tumblr + FFN) , @becausewhenyoupracticeyouimprove
Lucy sighed as she watched the vendor across the street restock his flowers. Their shapes were beautiful, some still buds and others blooming with maturity. She often watched as men stopped by the stall, leaving with a bouquet of flowers each time. The roses were popular. The vendor always sold them all, men often leaving disappointed if they came past a certain point in the afternoon.
Lucy, the aspiring novelist that she was, liked to imagine different scenarios the men would buy the roses for. Roses had different meanings based on their color, and Lucy liked to guess what color each man bought and for whom. Her mind was filled with romantic proposals and secret admirers. She was a romantic at heart, longing for the day her soul mate would walk into the little book store she worked at and bring color to her life.
She was a classic beauty, long blonde hair falling down her back and huge golden brown eyes bringing attention to her face. Most people had made the bet that she would meet her soul mate by the time she was eighteen. How could she not? She was kind and beautiful. Everyone who knew her loved her. Some called her an everlasting dreamer, but there was nothing wrong with that. She had an active imagination that needed to be set free, and what better way than to envision the stories she committed to paper?
She was twenty-five now, almost a decade past the age she herself had expected to finally begin her life as a woman who no longer saw everything in grey.
She never gave up hope like some of the women her age who had settled down with people who were not their soul mates. She stayed true to the belief that you would meet them when you were supposed to. Lucy liked to think she hadn't been ready for her soul mate at eighteen. Maybe they hadn't been ready for her.
Still, Lucy longed for the day that someone would bring her roses.
With a small sigh, Lucy focused on the inventory she was supposed to be imputing. Customers came and went, most looking for books by well-known authors. Lucy forgot about her soul mate woes as she dreamed of finally making it to the top of the bestseller's list.
Well, first she had to actually publish a book.
Lost in her head, Lucy didn't hear the door to the book shop open. The black haired man didn't spare her a glance as he went straight to the reference section. It took him ten frustrating minutes to find the book he needed. He walked up to the counter, slightly annoyed that the blonde manning the register had her back turned and didn't even seem to notice him. Looking around, he sighed as he realized she was the only employee in the shop.
He cleared his throat, causing the blonde to give a little scream and spin around to face him.
Lucy opened her mouth to scold him when she noticed it.
His shirt was blue.
Lucy didn't know how she knew this, she certainly hadn't seen the color before, but she did. His shirt was blue, his hair was black and he was looking at her with his mouth hanging open.
He was perfect.
Her heart pounded as they drank each other in. She had never given up hope, and here he was. She'd always thought that when she was finally able to see color that she would have eagerly soaked up all the shades she hadn't been able to before. Now that it was finally happening, all Lucy could do was stare at the man she was going to spend forever with.
Laughter from outside brought the two out of the world they had slowly sunk into, one where no words were exchanged but their eyes had said it all.
She held her hand out, a sunny smile on her face. "My name is Lucy."
He took her hand, keeping his eyes on hers as he brought it to his lips. "Gray."
Summary: Lucy meets Gray at a metro station, which leads to the beginning of an unusual bond between them.
A silent connection is stronger than an obvious one.
Lucy Heartfilia was tired, sleepy and in dire need of coffee. All at the same time. She walked drowsily towards the Metro Station.
Moving to Crocus was proving to be more difficult than she thought. Apart from her apartment that was smaller than the one she lived in Magnolia and the crazy neighbors, she had to catch the 4 AM train in order to make it to Clover at 7AM. For this, she had to wake up almost in the middle of the night to get ready and reach the station on time.
It had just been 6 days and she was already dreading that early morning alarm. Moreover, the previous night her very inconsiderate neighbor decided to jam up his music, preventing her from sleeping peacefully.
Lucy was so sleepy that she didn't notice the step and found herself tripping forward, but landing on someone's chest. Wide awake now, Lucy stared wide eyed at her savior, who held her by her shoulders. He was a foot taller than her and had spiky black hair.
He looked really concerned, "Are you okay, Miss?"
Lucy felt heat rising above her neck for being clumsy and bowed her head, “Thank you so much for saving me.”
“It’s alright.” The man half-smiled. Lucy nodded and went on her way deeper into the station.
The train arrived after a few minutes of waiting. The moment it started moving Lucy felt drowsy all over again, so she removed her head phones and listened to music and watched the landscape of the rising sun. She felt someone sit next to her but didn’t bother looking for she was lost in her thoughts.
-x
“Next stop, Hachibana station...” Lucy faintly heard a woman say. She felt her head leaning on something and heard the steady voices of people. “Next stop, Clover station...” It was that voice again. The train was slowing down. Was she dreaming?
Her eyes snapped open as she looked around frantically and realized that it was already 6:45AM and the train was reaching Clover station. She quickly gathered her things up and waited near the door. She turned back to check if she’d forgotten something and saw a familiar face. But before she could react the doors of the train opened and she was pushed outside along with the rushing crowd.
-x
The next morning Lucy hurried towards the station, holding her umbrella high to protect herself from the torrential rain. She decided to quickly grab a coffee and newspaper so that she would not fall asleep again. She bought the newspaper from the small mart outside the station and rushed to the small bakery inside the station. Today she was surprised to see a long queue before the cashier. Without wasting any time, she stood in the line waiting for her turn, but after waiting for over 10 minutes she realized that the queue wasn’t moving at all and found that a grumpy man was arguing with the cashier. Glancing at her watch, she hurried towards the train and had to sprint as the doors were just about the close. Someone saw her come running and pressed the button to stop it from closing and Lucy managed to get in, saved by a few seconds. She thanked him curtly and rushed to grab a seat.
As she settled down, she found that her newspaper was wet and sodden. Sighing in frustration, she muttered to herself, “Curse these rains.”
“Are you okay, Miss?” She heard a familiar voice. Beside her was the same man who had saved her from falling the other day. Lucy put away the newspaper and smiled, “You’re the guy who helped me yesterday.”
He smiled upon being acknowledged. “You remember.”
She nodded, “Of course I remember. Thanks again.”
“No problem.” He replied. And they spoke no more. Lucy thought that this morning excitement would keep her awake, but she was mistaken, as this time, she missed her stop and then had to board a bus back to Clover and arrived late to work. Lucy thought that it was the most terrible day ever.
-x
And once again, she was surprised at how the small bakery was crowded but she didn’t stop by and waited for the train to arrive.
Upon seating herself, she saw the guy who saved her coming towards her purposefully with a brown paper bag.
“Hello.” He said sitting next to her. “I believe this belongs to you.” He pulled out a pink umbrella from his backpack.
“Oh!” Lucy exclaimed. “It is mine! Thank you so much! I thought I left it on the bus yesterday.”
“You left the train in a hurry yesterday and forgot to take it,” He explained.
Lucy laughed, “I’m really clumsy. Sorry for troubling you so much!”
“It’s alright.” Silence fell over them. When Lucy started feeling drowsy once again, she slapped herself and mentally repeated in her head to stay awake. She didn't want to be late again and be scolded by her boss. Moreover, she really didn't want to do overtime, no matter how she really needed the money.
“Here.” The guy was offering her coffee.
Lucy was surprised, “For me? Oh no I really appreciate the gesture but I can’t accept this!”
“Take it, you really need it.” He pressed the drink towards her. He was right, the aroma of the coffee was tempting but how could she accept a drink from a stranger, even though he did help her twice?
“How do I know you’re not trying to poison me?” Lucy asked and immediately regretted it as it sounded very rude and offensive.
The guy looked surprised for a moment and then laughed loudly, attracting attention from the other passengers.
“Well, I have one for me too,” He said pulling out another cup from the paper bag. “It’s black coffee, but if you don’t mind a strong one then by all means, please have mine.”
Lucy blushed, “I’m really sorry that was very rude I didn’t mean to offend you. I-I’ll have the coffee.” He smiled as she accepted the drink.
“I’m Lucy. Lucy Heartfilia.” she said shyly.
“Nice to meet you, Lucy. I’m Gray Fullbuster,” he nodded.
She sipped the coffee which was warm and surprisingly, helped her to stay awake for the rest of the journey.
-x
The next morning, Lucy clutching a paper bag found the guy she was looking for waiting to board the train. She grabbed his arm and smiled, “Good morning!”
Gray grinned, “Morning,” and for the first time, Lucy felt he looked handsome, dressed in jeans and a loose shirt.
They boarded the train together and sat down on their usual seats. After a few moments, they both said to each other in unison-
“I have bagels for you!” said Lucy. “I have coffee for you,” said Gray. They laughed and exchanged the bags, and munched on their breakfast silently. Something had changed and Lucy had started to feel less dreadful about the mornings as this fell into an ordinary routine. They would wait together for the train, he would give her coffee, while she would bring varied baked goods and they would enjoy the company of the other without having to exchange any words.
Some days, she found Gray reserving a seat for her as she would arrive late sometimes. She tried to do the same for him whenever she was early, but Gray was seldom late.
The silent exchanges changed to short conversations about what book she was reading, or how the weather was turning cold day by day and soon she was exchanging books with him. She particularly enjoyed when they read some parts together. They would read the newspaper too, which sometimes they brought along. Lucy, in no way enjoyed humor at the expense of another, but couldn’t help it when Gray made a snide remark at a fellow passenger and laughed until she would almost slide off her seat.
When she had forgotten to carry her earphones, Gray had silently realized this and shared his with her, and found that they had the same taste in music. Although, whenever Lucy would start dozing off, Gray would gently wake her up and then she would be off while Gray would continue his journey.
She was curious about him; did he live in Crocus? Where did he live? Where was he going every morning?
But she didn’t need any answers, for she felt comfortable with how things were. Something told her that Gray felt the same.
He was always there, with warm coffee, and a reassuring smile. Lucy no longer felt miserable, and on the contrary started looking forward to the mornings in the train. She was happy.
One rainy morning as her eyelids dipped and she was almost on the brink of falling asleep, Gray whispered, “Lucy, your stop is coming,”
She blinked away the sleep, “Right, sorry,” She gathered up all her things and stood. “See you,”
Gray, who looked slightly uncomfortable today, said, “Hold on Lucy,” She turned back and sensed his discomfort. “Yes Gray?” The train was slowing down.
He hesitated for a bit and then as if magically, he conjured a single white flower, which Lucy recognized as a Gardenia.
“For me?” Lucy asked, genuinely surprised.
Gray nodded, and then said, “Yes, it’s for you.”
Lucy felt her heart pound against her chest and smiled widely as she accepted the flower, “Thank you, Gray!”
And before she walked out, she turned behind and beamed at him, waving the beautiful white petaled and strongly fragrant Gardenia, while he reciprocated; waving back with a dashing smile.
-x
“You look very happy,” Mirajane, her best friend and colleague pointed out.
“Do I?” Lucy smiled and glanced at the blooming Gardenia that decorated her desk.
Mirajane, noticing the flower, with overwhelming curiosity at its sudden appearance asked, “A Gardenia? Where did you get it from?”
“It was given to me,” Lucy replied casually.
“Hm? Given to you by who?” Mirajane leaned in teasingly. “A boyfriend?”
Lucy, who had been drinking water, choked and struggled for air. “A b-boyfriend? Where did you get that idea from?”
“Oh well, I don’t know. It’s neither your birthday, nor are you sick.” Mirajane said simply. “So obviously, a boyfriend would give flowers completely out of context.”
Lucy whined, “Please! He’s not my boyfriend!” Then she gasped at what she said.
Mirajane did not drop the golden opportunity, “’HE!’ “ she emphasized. “So there is a guy after all!”
“Oh my God, Mira!” Lucy put her head down on her desk.
“Okay so he’s not your boyfriend.” Mirajane concluded. Lucy thought that Mira would call it quits, but of course not. “So what, a secret admirer?” she inquired.
Lucy giving it a thought, blushed and immediately shot down the notion, “I don’t know.”
Mirajane squealed and jumped around, drawing the attention of all the other workers. “Mira! Put a lid on it!!!” Lucy pleaded.
“I just can’t!” Mirajane squealed once again and Lucy groaned.
-x
Due to Mira’s constant teasing, Lucy’s thoughts were directed towards Gray Fullbuster. Reflecting back on his companionship, she realized that he was so kind to her, and felt that he always had her back and was genuinely concerned for her. He wasn’t just an ordinary train partner anymore. He was so much more than that. He had made her feel happy about something she hated. He had made her feel contented.
Being lost in her thoughts, she didn’t notice Gray sitting next to her, watching over her tenderly. And when Lucy, as usual, dozed off, he didn’t mind when her head dropped on his shoulder. He didn’t mind waking up twice as early to make it in time to avoid the queue for the coffee. He didn’t mind sacrificing his sleep to watch over her as a shield. He didn’t mind as long as he could see Lucy's pretty face conjure up a smile.
With the beautiful colors of twilight falling in from the windows of the speeding train, for once, Gray let the tiredness in him take over for a moment and let his head drop.
-x
Lucy yawned as she walked out of the station, the stars shining bright in the sky. She stopped by for a moment to admire them. She thought that for some reason, they looked prettier today. Her phone binged and found that she had a message from Mirajane.
“Caught you!” It said. And attached therewith was a snap, painted with the colors of orange and yellow, with Lucy and Gray in the train, dozing off with Lucy’s head resting on Gray’s shoulder and Gray’s on her head.
-x
a/n: Gardenia symbolizes purity and sweetness. They indicate secret love. They convey joy and tell the receiver you are lovely.
This was inspired by the ideas the graylu week published on their page. I hope you enjoyed this! xx
Lucy always thought that Gray was like winter, cold and dark but it can be jolly and beautiful sometimes. When she shared her thought with him, he mocked her.
“You know what Gray? You’re like a winter to me.”
“Tch! So I’m quiet, harsh, depressing, dark, cold, icy, bitter…” Lucy immediately covered his mouth with her hand to stop his words.
“Stop it, Gray! Yes, you can be so cold when you want to, but that’s not what I mean!”
Gray tilted his head slightly.
“Winter is misty, sparkling, white, indoor, toasty, peaceful, cozy, snowball fight, ice skating, blankets, long nights, and much more. So winter can be jolly and beautiful too.” She pronounced it one by one with her eyes shining.
Gray smirked. “So you think I’m beautiful, Lucy? I prefer if you think I’m handsome though,” he laughed at her.
“What?! No! I…”
. . . . .
His train of thought stopped when a bunch of snow fell from a tree branch and hit his boots. He jerked backward and his back touched a big tree behind him. Gray shook his head weakly and continued his walk.
While walking, his mind wandered again.
“Sorry, we didn’t tell you sooner, Gray…”
“She always wanted to look best, look healthy, in front of you.”
“It’s not fair!”
“Please don’t look at me like that, Gray.”
“Thank you for always making her smile.”
The raven-haired guy paused as he fixed his woolen coat. He climbed the stone steps to the top of the hill. It was late afternoon and the sky was already dark. He stepped carefully by looking straight ahead.
Step
“Is that you, Gray? You came to see me?”
Step
“You look dashing in that uniform, officer!”
Step
“Promise me you’ll take better care of yourself, okay.”
Step
“Just hold me, please…”
Step
He arrived at the top of the hill. Not far from him, he saw a tombstone filled with bouquets of flowers and stuff.
“Apparently they’ve come here before me, huh!” he whispered bitterly.
Gray stood stiffly in front of the tombstone after placing the hot beverage he was carrying. “Hi Lucy, how are you? I brought your favorite. And I…” He cleared his throat before pulling something out of his coat, a flower crown. Gray carefully placed it on her tombstone. “I made this for you as you did for me when we first met.”
A few minutes of silence passed with snow falling slowly to the ground. And the sky grew darker but it didn’t faze him. Instead, he shifted a bouquet of flowers from one of their friends and sat next to her, as if he wanted to enjoy the snowy landscape with her.
He took a sip of the lukewarm beverage after glancing over his side. There’s a sad smile on his face…
I love love love the short stories people are contributing!! Everyone is so talented and captures them so well. I wish every week was graylu week. Thank you to all that are contributing.❤️
