Next Day (At the college)

GRAY'S POV

As usual, I got up late for my college. It got even more late because of Juvia, she was taking her own sweet time in the bathroom.

Even though she was staying at home today, then too, she didn't allow me to take shower first because of her arrogance. 

So basic summary, my morning got ruined which is going to affect my mood throughout the day.

As I entered the class, my face  met with an ugly fist. I knew which idiot's doing was this.

"Yo Ice-princess,what took you this long to reach? Don't tell me you wet your pants yesterday, because you felt lonely."

I snapped back at my hot-blooded friend by punching on his face.

"Flame-breath, just got up late. Stop teasing me. Why would I feel lonely? Idiot."

I went and sat in my place. Just then Erza, Lucy and Levy made their way into class.

As soon as Natsu saw Lucy, he hugged and kissed her lips. "Man, it's gross. Just get a room. It looks like someone missed his girl very much." Now I teased him. 

"Hi Gray, how is your new apartment? All settled at your new place." Erza and Levy asked me.

I showed my thumbs up indicating everything was fine. 
      Again another two love-drunken friends of mine came and hugged their girlfriends from behind.

"What's with lovey-dovey emotion in all of you, huh!!!. It was just a day since you saw each other. Now going all mushy, geez." 

"Gray, you will understand once you get in our shoes. It's high time, go find a girlfriend for yourself. 
   Just find a girl from your large army of fan-girls, at least, the number will decrease."
     Levy taunted me. I just rolled my eyes.

All those girls are some obsessed freaks who were willing to go to any extent for my sake. But I don't feel anything special towards them.

Just then Jellal got a call and he went out.

"So guys, what do you say? This weekend let's have a small housewarming party for our Gray Fullbuster."
          All my friends cheered and were excited, making me excited as well.

Just then I remembered Juvia was there in my place. So I can't invite them as the landlady will find out the truth. These people will make a scene out of my condition.

"Well guys, let it be not this weekend, some other time. I'm still coping up with the surrounding as I'm the only bachelor staying there and all the others are married couples. Moreover, the landlady is strict. So some other time guys, fine."

I let out a small sheepish laugh gladly they understood and didn't make any fuss especially Natsu.

Then Jellal entered and told us that his cousin sister will be joining the college tomorrow and that too in our class. 

"Hey Jellal, how come she didn't call me to inform me of this news?"   
       Yeah I forget Jellal and Gajeel are cousins and that means she is also Gajeel's sister.

"She called you several times. But your phone was switched off so she called me to convey the message to you." Jellal told him.

"What's going on? Gajeel and Jellal, you both didn't even once mention anything about your sister." Lucy pouted seeing her reaction Natsu smiled.

Come to think of it, they actually didn't mention anything about their sibling.

Just last year, we came to know, these two were cousins as Gajeel just transferred here last year. Now his sister is going to come too.

"I bet she will be just as ugly as you are metal-head. What can we expect from a sister of this tin can.!!" Natsu laughed while commenting on Gajeel's sister.

TIME SKIP

After sometime thoroughly pounding Natsu, both Gajeel and Jellal entered the class. Natsu had bruises covering his face.

We all sweat dropped once he finished saying his apology, 'serves him right'.

"Hey Levy and Erza, have you both met your future sister-in-law?" 
        Lucy clearly teased them, making both the couples blush.

Both the girls didn't actually know about their future sister-in-law until a few minutes back then.

"Hey guys, I have a plan. Why don't we make Gajeel's sister as Gray's girlfriend?"
          The girls squealed in joy thinking about the possibility of having a quadruple date.

On the other hand, the brothers were shooting daggers from their eyes at me.

"No, this perverted stripper is not fit for our sister. We won't let this happen."
The brothers got overly protective for their sister.

"Hey chill down ladies, I don't have the plan of making this metal-head's and jelly-head's sister as my girlfriend, even if she is the last person on this earth to fall in love." 

Even after my assurance those two were making some idiotic plans to avoid me from their sister.

I thought, 'whoever you are? Sure it is tough to claim you because that person has to go through these two dangerous forests to win your heart.'

JUVIA'S POV

*Achuuu* *Achuuu* 

"I guess I caught a cold. Mrs. Ashley, do you care to have some tea?"

"Sure would love to, Juvia dear."

Just half an hour back, I informed my cousin Jellal that I'm staying in some apartment with a new roommate. 

Yeah, I didn't tell him my roommate was a guy. I tried calling my own brother but he didn't pick the call.

I guess my cousin will do the job of informing him.

I brought the tea to hall and served her some. Then she began to talk.

"Juvia dear, you guys are so young. What led you to get married at this age? 
      Sorry if I'm interfering in your personal space. Just curious you know."

I began to fidget. What lie am I going to say to her? 

"Well Mrs.Ashley, we got married last year and we were dating from our highschool itself.
   The reason we got married was because I got pregnant.    
  Unfortunately I had a miscarriage few months ago."

I began my acting skill as a few drops of tears came from my eyes even she was emotionally affected by it.

"I'm sorry dear."

"That's why we kept shifting in the nearby areas and finally came here.
     Today he has gone to attend his class and I will join him tomorrow." 

I finished saying. I couldn't believe I spoke lies as easily as I breathe.

Then she asked me another question which made me tell another set of lies. I feel sorry for lying to such a genuine lady.

"Juvia dear, so where is your wedding ring? If I'm right, I didn't see one in Gray's finger, yesterday."

"Actually we needed some money. So we kept our rings in pawn shops under mortgage.
   Once we finish paying the principal amount, we will retain it back." I let out a vague smile.

She got up and left the room. I was shocked whether she found the truth.

I was fidgeting and suddenly she came with a bundle of cash.

"Here dear, take this. I'm sure it will be enough to retain both of your rings back.
       So you can keep any jewellery in the pawn shop but don't keep your wedding ring. Understood!!"

"No Mrs.Ashley, we can't accept this . We don't want to burden you with our loan. Please don't."
   I refused her offer. 

Seriously, how can we accept money from someone who is so genuine even towards a lie.

"Think of me as your mother and take this. Return the money to me later, slowly once you get back on your own feet again." 
   She kept the money in my hands and flushed her sweet smile.

I hugged her and began to cry. I began to remember my own mother who passed away when I was 10 years old.

She patted my back and smiled. And I smiled back.

"I think Gray kind of looks familiar as if I have seen him before. But I can't remember from where though. He looks more like one of my friend."

"But still, forget about the past and think of the future and try once again." I blushed thinking about her last sentence. 

'Mine and Gray's baby...... not happening.' 😳😳😳