Actually, after rereading this chapter, I think my Gray may be even more of a Juvia than Juvia herself. Oops.

Chapter 5

Juvia watched in confusion as Erza walked away from poor Natsu-san, who was still buried up to his neck in sand. As Erza stormed off, Juvia walked over to Natsu. She summoned a length of water from her hand and wrapped it around his neck. She pulled hard and yanked him out of the ground. He was still naked from when Erza had torn apart his bathing suit. But Juvia didn't notice. He had his hands wrapped around his neck and made choking noises as she carried him off. "Natsu-san, Juvia wishes to speak with you."

Lucy walked over to her. "Juvia, you may want to let go of his neck." Juvia tried not to glare at her rival in love. Juvia knew Lucy was plotting to steal Gray-sama from her, but Juvia had more important things to worry about. Juvia had seen how Natsu-san looked at Erza-san. Natsu-san was in love with Erza-san. Just like Juvia was in love with Gray-sama. And Juvia knew how hard it was to be in love. Gray-sama barely seemed to notice Juvia, especially when she was following him on missions. It was very strange. "Um, Juvia, you've been standing there for a couple minutes, and Natsu's still having trouble breathing. Maybe you should let him go?"

Juvia looked at her rival in love in contempt. "Lucy, I know you're just trying to distract me. I need to speak to Natsu-san though. If you'll excuse me. Natsu-san, follow me." Everyone watching face palmed as Juvia dragged a now gurgling Natsu behind her.

Natsu took several deep gulps of air. "Thanks for letting me breath again Juvia." Natsu had no idea why Juvia had, literally, dragged him out here, but he was going to focus on breathing. Natsu had forgotten how nice it was to be able to breathe. Breathing was wonderful.

Juvia waved her hand dismissively at Natsu's gratitude. She still didn't realize she had been choking Natsu. She also didn't realize Natsu was still naked. She tried to focus on how she was going to say what she wanted to say. "Natsu-san, I know how you feel for Erza, and I'd like to help. Now, tell me what Erza-san likes."

Natsu didn't quite understand the first part of her statement, but Natsu instantly knew what Erza liked. "Erza likes to hurt people!" Natsu had a huge grin on his face; he was so proud of himself. He remembered all the times Erza had beaten him and Gray into unconsciousness.

But Juvia just shook her head in negative. "Something you can give to her."

The still very naked Natsu thought about that for a few minutes. Finally, Natsu came to an answer. "Erza loves cake!"

Juvia nodded. Of course, Erza-san was always eating cake. That would be perfect. Juvia knew how to bake, and there was a kitchen in the hotel. "Alright Natsu-san. Then why don't we go bake a cake, a cake for you and Erza."

"Really Juvia?! You'd bake me a cake? Thanks Juvia!" Juvia decided not to point out that the cake was for him and Erza to share. He was just joking. Probably. And so Juvia and the still painfully naked Natsu walked back to the hotel to bake a cake.

As Juvia watched Natsu-san and Erza-san destroy the cake, she recalled that Natsu-san had been naked the whole time they had been baking. Juvia was amazed she hadn't realized it until after the fact. She smiled, Gray-sama did the exact same thing. Running around naked. It was one of the countless things Juvia loved about Gray-sama. She smiled down at Erza-san and Natsu-san. They were having so much fun.

Then Natsu paused. He stuck his nose in the air. He sniffed around for a moment, and then his face split into a huge grin. "Juvia, come down here and have some of this cake you helped bake!"

Erza looked around in surprise, and then saw Juvia looking down through a hole in the ceiling. She smiled and said "Yes Juvia, come down and enjoy this delicious cake with us. You're going to have to show me your recipe." A dark look came over Erza's face as she said "Are we clear on that?"

Juvia just laughed as she turned into water and flowed through the hole to join them. "Of course Erza-san. I didn't think it was special, so I didn't think to share it with you before. But I'd be happy to."

They all smiled and laughed as they enjoyed the cake. Juvia loved Fairy Tail. It was always so nice to be included in happy moments like these. After all the years Juvia had spent alone, there was nothing she loved more than moments like these, moments she had only gotten to experience because of Fairy Tail.

Erza and Natsu both turned from their cake at the same time. "Are you okay Juvia?"

Juvia paused for a second, and then realized that she was crying. "Don't worry, Juvia is crying tears of happiness, not tears of sadness. Juvia has cried enough tears of sadness in her life to know the difference."

Erza shook her head. "Juvia, I love your optimism. Your optimism and loyalty are the things I love most about you. I don't know why Gray doesn't see it the same way as the rest of us."

"Yeah Juvia! You're awesome!" Natsu shouted.

The tears came with a vengeance. "Juvia just loves everyone in Fairy Tail. You don't have to make a big deal about it. You're all so kind to Juvia all the time." Juvia could never express her joy at being let into Fairy Tail. Even though she had fought them. Especially because of that. Everyone was always so kind to Juvia. Especially Gray-sama. But he would love her eventually. Juvia knew it. Because Juvia loved him. With all her heart.

Time passed, and eventually the cake had been completely eaten. "Well, I'm going to head to bed now. Goodnight Juvia." Erza smiled. "Goodnight Natsu. I hope you sleep well." Then she turned abruptly and left.

"Natsu-san, I think she may be returning your feelings for her. And in such a short time." Juvia smiled weakly. "Unlike Gray." It had been over seven years since Juvia had met Gray. But he still felt the same. He still didn't love her.

Natsu-san didn't seem to realize what Juvia was talking about. He simply replied "Thanks Juvia! And thanks for helping me bake that delicious cake too!" Juvia just had to smile at his naivety.