JUVIA'S POV

Gray promised me that later that night, he would disclose whatever he had been hiding from me.

I know what he was going to talk about and assured him whatever it is I will support him.

So after college, he told me to take leave from my part-time job so I informed Ur about my leave and she granted permission much to my delight.

“Juvia, come let's go on a date.” Gray said in an unenthusiastic tone.

I could sense the tone of sadness in his voice. It was even more evident in his eyes the look of pain and suffering.

“No My Gray, let's go home.” I entwined my fingers with his and squeezed his palms.

“Why Juvia?? It's been a while since we went on a date. Come let's enjoy the evening.” He gave me a vague smile.

This was the first time, I saw my Gray being this upset and tensed up. He failed to hide this from me.

I didn't care about the surrounding area or people around us. 

I cupped his cheeks and made him look towards my face.

“Gray, you look unhappy. I want to enjoy the date only if you are happy and peaceful at heart. 
     But I could see the pain and suffer in your eyes, Gray. Come let's go home and make you relax.” I pulled his wrist and led him home.

GRAY'S POV

Man!!! I thought I was a better actor but I'm nothing in front of my princess. She easily saw through me. 

I told her in the morning that I will tell her something but how will I bring myself to disclose this sensitive news. Moreover, how will she react to it?

All those thoughts were killing me. Suddenly Juvia grasped my wrist and pulled me towards the house.

“But Juvia, I'm alright. Let's go on a date.” I assured her but she was not convinced.

“No, we are going home. That's it!!!” She exclaimed and led me.

After going home, she freshened up then wore one of my t-shirts and a pair of shorts.

“Gray, go freshen up and wait for me in the bedroom. I will come with 2 cups of coffee.” She smiled and went to the kitchen.

I took my own time in the cold shower to cool down my unwanted thought processes.

I need to make myself calm before opening this matter to her. My mood shouldn't ruin her mood further after hearing this news.

Then I heard a knock on the bathroom door, “Gray, what are you doing inside the bathroom for half an hour? The hot coffee might turn cold so come out soon, dear.” I could make out the worry in her tone.

After wiping myself in the clean towel and clean shorts and went out. Juvia was waiting for me on the bed sipping her coffee.

I sat next to her and she handed me the cup. My mind was still rehearsing how I would tell her the news, in what way I should tell her so that she doesn't feel I'm going to abandon her.
    
A part of my heart still desires to pursue that course in that university but it also means I have to stay away from my princess.

Suddenly I felt a tap on my shoulder, “Gray, what is bothering you this much? Keep the cup down, why are you still holding the empty cup?” She grabbed the cup from hand and went to the kitchen to wash them. 

I wonder when I finished my coffee without knowing about it.

I guess, let me face anything. It's of no use to hide this matter any further from her.

“Gray, are you feeling alright?” She asked me while making herself comfortable on my lap. She caressed my cheeks.

“Yes!!! my princess.” I hugged her and sniffed her intoxicating scent. She gently patted my back.

I took this moment to slowly disclose my burden,

“Hey Juvia, I think, I never talk about my childhood dream to you. From the age of 12 years, I aspired to be just like my dad after seeing his talents and confidence in the field of business.

 So from that day, I worked hard enough and excelled in my studies so that one day, I could get into a prestigious university and do my higher studies in business. 

Hale's university in Australia (imagination) is the one which I chose to join after finishing my bachelor's degree in Magnolia.”

I didn't have the courage to lift my head from her shoulders nor remove my hands from her waist.

She remained silent so she was listening carefully. I continued further, 

“Juvia, I applied to that university at the start of final year. But yesterday, I got an email from them that I was selected and I should notify them of my confirmation within this week.
         Juvia, I'm very much confused at this stage. I don't know what to do. Moreover, I have lost the interest to pursue that course. So this is the only stuff bothering me.”

I lied to her. I guess, I couldn't muster up the courage to tell her the actual reason.

For the first in a while, she broke the hug and again cupped my face with her palms and made me look at her eyes.

Then she spoke, “Gray, why are you lying to me? Tell me the actual reason. Why don't you want to pursue that course?”

Her voice carried a hint of sadness and slowly tears were forming in her eyes, “Tell me, my Gray.” Tears were now streaming down her eyes. ‘Don't tell me you know the truth.’ I thought.

I breathed in, “Because I don't want to leave you, my princess. If I go there, it would mean we will be separated for that damn 4 years which I don't want to happen.” My voice choked and tears slowly dripped from my eyes.

She noticed those tears and wiped them but her's was still flowing. “Princess, I don't want us to be separated after every things which happened between us. It's really not necessary for….”

Before I could finish my sentence, she placed her index finger against my lips stopping my talk, “My Gray, didn't I say your happiness is what matters to me than my own happiness. Your dream is my dream, dear.
    How can I be selfish and steal your dream and happiness? Won't this act of mine make me similar to Briar.
     I will support you in any decision of yours. Also I will be by your side in any situation so that we can face it together, my Gray.”

She confessed her feelings with tears flowing down her face.

I quickly wiped her tears. It hurts my heart to see her cry. “ I know you will always be by my side. Won't you??” 

“Yes, I will always be by your side and I know even you will be by my side always, Gray. I love you.” She leaned forward and kissed my lips and I responded back.

I came to know she knew about this matter yesterday itself, that's why she was sad and confused.

She told me what Gajeel and Jellal were talking to her in the morning.

My heart began to ache once again after hearing all those stuffs what Gajeel told her to do.

My eyes were covered by my bangs and my voice began to choke, “So are you going to break up with me?” 

“Don't speak like that, Gray. I intend to live along with you for the rest of my life. I hope you also feel the same.” She asked me. I answered her with the kiss on her forehead.

“So Juvia, for the next 4 years we will go through the aspect of Long Distance Relationship. Are you sure you are fine with it!!!” I asked her with still a little bit of hesitation.

“I'm looking forward to it. You go pursue your dream and make your parents and me proud. I will wait for you.
     I swear you are my life, Gray. So don't worry about me, time flies away very fast. Just 4 years right!!! It will go in a single flick.” She gave her bright smile which encouraged me.

“Thank you for understanding and supporting me, my princess. You are the best selfless person I have ever met in my life. Thank you for entering my life. I love you, Juvia.” I hugged her tightly.

After spending sometime in the bed, she snuggled up to my chest and laid her head on my chest.

“Gray, soon I'm going to miss you. So let me take in as much as I can and spend every minute of the remaining time by your side.” She looked up at me with tears glistening her blue orbs.

“Sure my princess.” I kissed her forehead. Suddenly she got up and made her way to the dressing table, “Hey Juvia, cover yourself. Don't forget the state of your dressing.” I blushed.

Then she got a small packet and came next to me under the covers, “Gray, this packet holds a fortune cookie given by Wendy-chan the day I saw you for the first time. I didn't open this and it's been six months. So do you want to see what it holds for us?” She smiled and looked quite confident.

Then I remembered even I had one which my mom gave when I moved to this house, “Wait Juvia even I have one which my mom gave. I guess I got it that day when we moved here. Let's open it together, my princess.” I grinned and told her to get my bag from the side table.

After I took that fortune cookie, we both opened it together and saw a bit of paper with a fortune, “WILL SOON MEET THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE!!!”

We both were very much happy and Juvia let out happy tears and hugged me. 

“Princess, I want us to last forever but I don't want to rush our relationship while I'm away from you. But I promise you, it will be something pleasant.” I kissed her and enjoyed the company of my lady for the rest of the night.