I'm making progress. Hooray! Thank you for reading if you made it this far, haha!

Gray collapsed onto his bed and sighed, recalling the events that occurred just prior to his retiring for the night.

Dinner with Lucy was surprisingly fun. The two conversed easily, laughing as they told the other stories of every kind. Stories about Natsu and his stubborn idiocy, stories about Gray's adventures with the Fairy Tail Guild before he finally settled down as the God of Ice, stories about Lucy's life as a human when she was alive once upon a time.

"What was it like being human?" Gray asked with curiosity.

Lucy smiled, nostalgia in her eyes. "It was different, that's for sure. Mama took care of me while Papa was busy with work. I never did see him much, even after my mother's death. I remember I was obsessed with the night sky, with the Zodiac in the stars. I think my love for the constellations landed me where I am today." Lucy raised a brow. "And what of you, Gray? How was it to be born a God?"

Gray groaned. "It was filled with responsibility right from the very beginning. No one is ever sure what kind of God or Goddess they are when they're born. It took a while, but it was evident to all that I would be following my father's footsteps. When Dad died, I became the new God of Ice, though I didn't inherit his powers as an Ice-Devil Slayer."

"Are you upset about it?"

Gray chuckled. "Are you kidding? More power, more work, more effort. I was almost jumped with joy when I realized I didn't have to partake in Slayer training."

Lucy giggled. "Well, congrats then."

He grinned. "Well, thank you, my lady."

But it was how they ended the night that made Gray's heart skip a beat. He thought about the feel of her lips on his cheek, the way her eyes flashed with something akin (but not quite) to wanting. It stirred something deep inside him, as if something about the moment just felt right. But what was it?

Gray shook his head. No matter. There wasn't any use in pondering over it anyway. He had a job to do.

And so, for the next couple days, he watched over Wendy again with Lucy at his side. The two helped the little girl, telling her to concentrate on the air currents, warning her to stay focused on the clouds, making sure she balanced the amount of sunlight and precipitation that fell to the Earth below them.

"Have you met Juvia, the Goddess of Rain?" Gray asked one day.

Wendy shook her head. "I haven't. Is she nice?"

Gray shrugged. "She's okay. I was with her not too long ago."

Something dark and green blossomed inside Lucy at the words. Gray never noticed the scowl on her face.

"I think she might be able to help you," continued Gray. "Juvia's a powerful Goddess and she's got complete control over her element. Hell, her body is even made of water. When it comes to precipitation, Juvia is your best bet. I'm sure she'd be more than happy to help you."

Wendy's eyes lit up. "Do you really think so, Fullbuster-san? I'd love to meet her. She sounds like a lovely person."

Gray grinned. "That she is."

Lucy wanted to cry out, wanted to stop the nonsense that was occurring right in front of her very eyes. They didn't need this goddess. Gray and herself were more than enough to help Wendy. But Lucy kept her mouth shut. If there was anyone who could help Wendy succeed, she would definitely want them to do so. And so, Lucy kept quiet as Gray called up Natsu to ask for permission to invite Juvia over.

Please say no, please say no.

All hope was lost when she saw the bright smile on Gray's face.

Lucy was immediately envious. The Goddess was beautiful. Long, wavy blue hair that fell a bit past her shoulders, the perfect hourglass figure, and a kind look on her face. Even her manner of speech was cute.

The Goddess of Rain bowed upon meeting her. "Juvia's name is Juvia. It is very nice to meet you, Lucy of the Constellations. Juvia has heard much about you."

Lucy blinked. "Whoever from?"

Juvia smiled. "Why, from Gray-sama, of course." She giggled. "He seems to be a fan of yours. He had nothing but respect for you when he and Juvia were speaking."

Lucy blushed the smallest of blushes, but didn't let her words get to her. Respect was one thing. Lucy's heart yearned for something more. "How long will you be staying in the Land of Days and Nights, Juvia?"

"As long as Gray-sama permits!"

Lucy's eye twitched. "Right. If you'll come with me please." She turned on her heels, not even waiting to see if Juvia was following her.

I don't know how I feel about this chapter, but I think it sets a good tone for Lucy and her realizing how deep her feelings may be becoming. I think that's exciting just by itself :)

Review please! It's the best motivator!