Summary:   (Modern Au)

After 10 years, Juvia meets Gray and her friends for the first time in Lyon and Meredy's wedding unbeknownst to her that Gray is the cousin who Lyon and Jellal being Meredy's whom they constantly mentioned throughout the years. 
       Juvia and Gray's relationship goes way back to their highschool where they were lovers but broke up for some reasons and she moved to Hargeon to pursue her college course and settled down afterwards.

        Let's find out how much they have changed over the years. Have they moved on from or still harbour their feelings for one another.
       This plot may contain few chapters.

Relationship: Gruvia, Nalu, Jerza, Gale and Lyredy (married except Gruvia)

Age: 28-29

Contains: Love, Romance, Hurt, Friendship, Comfort and fluff(at the end).

Words: Around 3k..
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"Wow Meredy-chan, you look so beautiful. Juvia is sure Lyon-san will once again fall head over heels for you."

Juvia beamed with happiness after seeing her best friend in the white wedding gown which made her look like an angel.

Juvia hugged her which was also reciprocated by Meredy,

 "Thank you Juvia-chan. If it wasn't you who recommended this make-up and hairstylist at the last moment, God knows what would have happened."

" Aw Meredy-chan, you are beautiful to began with. These are just extra touch ups which makes you look even more awesome.
   It's okay, what are friends for? Now are you ready to go? The car has arrived."

Juvia broke the hug and smiled at her.

Meredy nodded and Juvia helped her out so that she doesn't trip over the long gown which the former carried a bit higher elegantly for the same reason.

Once they sat inside the car which Lyon had sent for picking them up. The ladies began to discuss about the wedding destination as Lyon had kept this piece of information under the dark for a long time so that he could surprise his bride, even Juvia was not aware of it.

"Meredy-chan, did your cousin and his wife arrive? Why don't you call them and ask? Juvia is worried as the ceremony would began in an hour."

Juvia looked at her best friend for an answer with a worried look. 

Meredy caught hold of Juvia's hand and squeezed,

"Juvia-chan, stop worrying. You always do this and stress yourself out for my sake. 
       I called them and you know what your worries are baseless because he, his wife and their daughter has arrived already this morning along with some of their friends. 
    Now they are there with Lyon and helping him out. And you know what my cousin and Lyon's cousin are friends. Finally you are going to meet all of them for real. This time you can't escape."

Juvia smiled, "Juvia just doesn't want to be a hindrance when you or Lyon-san went to meet your cousins. That's why, she never came with you both.
   Moreover, Juvia remained ignorant and never got a chance to know about them personally. But Juvia guesses this time no escape. Surely she will meet both of them."

'I'm sorry Juvia-chan. Please forgive me for not disclosing this matter for these many years.'  Meredy thought to herself and had a sad frown on her face which went unnoticed by Juvia.

Once the car stopped at the "Happy Times Beach Resort", both the ladies where spell bound for two things.

Firstly, this resort was one of the expensive resorts in Hargeon and secondly, it's a beach side wedding theme which Meredy always wanted.

"I can't believe he booked this resort for our wedding. I'm really awestruck. Lyon, I can't wait to see you now."

Meredy covered her mouth with palms and begans to shed happy tears as he correctly guessed her choice of wedding theme and made it reality even if they were financially behind.

Juvia wiped the tears from her face so that the makeup doesn't get ruinned.

"Now...now, don't cry. Juvia doesn't want to see this cry baby face. Meredy-chan can always thank Lyon-san with many ways. Now enough soon-to-be Mrs.Vastia. Come let's get inside." Juvia winked at her.

As they reached the entrance gate, they were greeted by their other friends from college days and work place.

But a tall, slender and beautiful lady stopped them, "Meredy, finally have you arrived. Your groom was getting cold feets." She laughed which made her look even more splendid according to Juvia.

Meredy sensed that her friend needs an introduction with the person who stood in front of them,

"Juvia-chan, she's Ultear. Lyon's cousin and my team leader at workplace. And Ultear, this is Juvia-chan, my best friend."

Ultear extended her hand forward for a shake which was reciprocated by Juvia ad well with a tiny blush, "Hello Ultear-San, nice meeting you. Thank you for taking care of Meredy-chan."

"Hello Juvia, I do feel the same and it's my duty to take care of my dear stuff and soon-to-be sister-in-law."

Ultear smirked which didn't go unnoticed by Juvia but she shrugged it off.

'Why does she looks so familiar? Have I seen her anywhere before? Even her name sounds familiar.' Juvia wondered to herself until Meredy shook her gently.

"Juvia, I'm taking Meredy with me for a bit more touch up while you go to the kitchen and check if the buffet items are ready, if it's not a bother for you."

Ultear ordered her which Juvia took in a positive note and agreed.

"No problem, Juvia will look into it and come back."

"Of course, you must come back and get a bit freshened up before the ceremony as you are my maid of honour."

Meredy smiled and parted ways with Juvia along with Ultear.

After checking out the buffet arrangements with the head chef, Juvia made her way towards the room assigned for bride but on the way she got halted by Lyon.

"Oh Juvia-chan, you look so pretty. When did you arrive? Where's my bride? I'm desperate to see her now."  Lyon said with a tiny blush on his fair cheeks.

Juvia smiled and thanked him for the complement and informed him that she was now currently with Ultear.

Lyon began to fidget when Juvia asked the next question, "Is she the only cousin you have or someone else also? Because she appears quite familiar."

Lyon waved his hand in front of her to deny her accusations for now but he knew by the end of the evening she will know the truth.

"Lyon, come on. The ceremony is about to start in 10 minutes. So…."

The voice stopped as soon as Juvia and Lyon turned their head.

Juvia's eyes widened and gasped, "Jellal-san".

Even Jellal's eyes widened but he was happy to finally see her once again.

"Juvia is that you. You haven't changed much. Where were you? How.."

Before Jellal could finish, Juvia looked towards Lyon in disbelief and asked in a calm tone to suppress her anger due to betrayal.

"Lyon-san, how come Jellal-san is here? How do you know him? If he's here then who all are with him?" Juvia lost her calmness and sounded frantic.

Worriness washed over both Jellal's and Lyon's face, "He's Meredy's cousin." Lyon finally told her the truth. 

"Juvia, why are you not happy to see your school friend after these many years?" Jellal broke the silence which made Juvia turn towards him.

'I should not show my emotions and get prepared for the worst. Chances are there even he might be here. I shouldn't break down and ruin Meredy-chan's wedding.' Juvia breathed out and calmed down herself before smiling at him.

"Sorry Jellal-san, Juvia was not informed of your arrival. So even Erza-San and your daughter has come. Finally, I can meet them. Sorry, I couldn't come for your wedding as I was busy in here with my life."

She apologised knowing for sure that her apology won't be taken into consideration.

Jellal smiled, "It's okay. You have your reasons. Now why don't you go to the bride's room and meet up with your other friends and bring the bride so that we could start the ceremony."

Juvia nodded and left the men. She didn't even look at Lyon which made him worry as he and Meredy knew what happened to Juvia before she left Magnolia and why she avoided meeting her friends at any cost.

"She's still not ready to come in terms with her past" Lyon said to Jellal who patted his shoulder indicating that everything will be alright.

With heavy throbbing heart Juvia made her way towards the bride's room, she was still not ready to meet her school friends.

Ever since she left Magnolia with a bad memory, she tried to avoid her friends in the fear that they would remind her of things which she wants to forget and move on.

The first two years in Hargeon were the most gruesome years of her life. According to her, she was back to square one with no one to love, support and care.

These aspects were something she didn't enjoy in her life from the birth as she is an orphan and because of this she was treated as anti-social and outcast at schools which made her life difficult to even make one good friend except for one and for 16 years of her life, she lived believing that no one in this world will ever love her and she will remain unloved.

But once she moved to Magnolia, and those 3 years of highschool changed her thinking and perspective all thanks to one individual who she thought is the sunshine in her gloomy life.

It's because she made friends and led a life like a normal person for those 3 sweet years. Thanks to him.

Until even he decided to cut down his act and abandon her for good just because she was clingy to him.

What a lame reason to break someone's heart. Didn't he knew from the start that she was clingy.

3 years after moving to Hargeon, that Juvia made friends for the first time with Lyon who was smitten over her beauty and personality.

But he eventually stopped those antics once he knew she was not interested and became her best friend from then.

It was Juvia who introduced Meredy to Lyon, the matchstick to ignite the loves of flames between them six years before. Meredy was her room mate when the previous moved out.

Then for the first time in a while, Juvia ever made a girlfriend and that to best friend. Slowly she moved on and tried to be less gloomy and a bit cheerful.

As these two were the one to help her escape the daunting depression, Juvia swore that she would do anything in her means just to see them happy.

Juvia thoroughly cut down the contacts of her school friends by changing her number,  when she received invitations for Jellal and Erza's wedding.

(Back to present)

It must have been 10 minutes since she stood in front of the fountain thinking about the events of past until a sponge ball hit her head making her to break the trance.

Juvia rubbed head and turned to look at the bunch of kids rushing towards her with a sorry face.

"Aunty, we are sorry. Please forgive us."   The pink haired girl and her friends, nearly 3 more who would be around 5 years, apologised cutely which made Juvia smile and patted each of their head and handed them the ball.

"Here you go and play somewhere so that others won't be disturbed. Bye" Juvia smiled and waved them.

"Thank you. Bye pretty aunty" The kids waved her bye. For a moment, she forgot her heavy heart and laughed.

But soon the fear of confrontation haunted her and she decided to face it nevertheless, as it may or may not be that even he's present here for the occasion.

Finally, she knocked the room and it was opened none other by Erza Scarlet ...Fernandez.

Erza smiled widely and hugged Juvia wholeheartedly and began to shed tears, "How are you Juvia? Where have you been all these years? How can you forget us?"

Juvia felt guilty and began to cry, "Juvia's good. How are Erza-San? Juvia was just busy with work."

Soon her eyes fell on two other ladies who stood still with wide eyes filled with tears as they couldn't believe it is really their friend, Juvia.

Both of them rushed towards Juvia and joined the hug with tears flowing down.

"Where have you been Juvia?" The blonde, Lucy Heartfilia asked her.

"Why didn't you call us for these many years?" The petite blue haired Levy McGarden asked her without breaking the hug.

Juvia just stood silent with guilt and kept crying.

"Juvia is sorry for hurting you all. It's just Juvia lost all the previous contacts due to error and she was busy to even come and visit you all. Sorry about that." Juvia finally sprouted the convincing excuse.

All three broke the hug and looked at her 'please-we-know-the -reason' look but decided to discuss all those after the ceremony as Ultear reminded them.

Once all of them freshened up and they decided to focus on making Meredy feel relax which they achieved nevertheless all thanks to Juvia.

Even though, she is disappointed and feels betrayed by her best friend but decides to confront that later as of now it's important that she feels relaxed so that she could enjoy her wedding.

Soon Jellal came by to inform that ceremony was about to start even though it's 10-15 minutes behind schedule.

Meredy took Jellal's hand as he led the way out of the room. Juvia stood still conflicting within her mind whether to go or not.

"Juvia, please move forward." Erza tapped her shoulder which made Juvia realise many things and her intuition was right all along.

'I will behave normal. Why should I cry? It's been 10 years.. I can do it.' Juvia thought to herself and moved out of the room ready to face her dreadful past.

Once Juvia along with Meredy and other entered the hall with sea facing view.

They all were stunned to see the decorations in the room as it was filled with pink and silver white ribbons and balloons and flowers.

The arch in the altar had flower based decorations.

As the background music began to play, Jellal and Meredy linked their arms as Jellal was the one giving away her to Lyon who stood there on the stage along with priest and a raven haired man whose face was not clear from where Juvia stood.

Two cute kids were the flower girl and page boy whom Juvia knew from the ball incident. According to her, they looked so cute.

Juvia and other ladies chose another path to move to their assigned place.

While others stay at the front row, her eyes met the familiar faces, the boyfriends of her girlfriends back then at school and one of them being her first best friend, Gajeel Redfox.

As expected both of their eyes widened but smiled happily and chose to talk later.

Juvia's eyes searched for a very familiar face in the crowd but once she knew that face was absent she felt relieved.

But that's when things doomed upon her, when she turned to reach the stage to stand near the priest so that she can assist the bride. 

Juvia's blue orbs met the dark blue eyes of her past and now the so called best man, who was equally shocked as her.

Tears threatened to flow down her cheeks but soon Lucy noticed that and took her tissue to wipe those tears.

"Juvia, we are in the middle of the ceremony. Please get a grip of yourself." Lucy whispered in her ears and gently pushed her forward so that she could go upon the stage.

Neither of them spoke nor looked at each other. Juvia, if she looked at him once more everything will go out the lane and it will ruin her best friend's wedding which she didn't want to happen.

AFTER AN HOUR

When the reception began, slowly the guests began to give away their blessings and gifts to the newly wedded couple and took photos with them.

One by one their friends and colleagues began to congratulate the couple with heartfelt speech.

When it was Juvia's turn, she just gave a small speech against her well prepared long speech but things from before made her heart heavy that she stopped abruptly with tears flowing down her eyes and apologised to the couples and everyone else before she left. Finally her fear of ruining the wedding did actually became true.

"We should have informed her about this. Look now what have we done, she was so looking forward to stay and enjoy till the very last. We ruined it."

Meredy Vastia began to cry seeing her friend being hurt like this. Lyon consoled her so do Jellal and Ultear but she just couldn't stop.

"It's my fault. I'm such a bad friend to hurt my dear best friend who has done so much for me. She has left this place with a heavy heart. Now Juvia thinks even I have betrayed her."  Meredy whined thinking about the hurtful look on Juvia's face.

"Meredy, please calm down. Everyone's looking at us. Please dear." Lyon tried his best to convince his new wife but failed.

"Meredy-San, please it's all because of me that she's like this. I shouldn't have come at all. I thought she must have moved on but…"

Before Gray could finish his statement, Meredy snapped at him,

"Yeah it's all because of you Mr. Cold hearted Gray Fullbuster. It's all because of you that she's like this. It's all because of you. Why the hell did you come anyways?"

Meredy cried covering her face. Ultear adviced her cousin to take her to the room to console her which Lyon obliged.

Once the couple moved, the entire crowd who were watching Meredy snap at Gray asked him,

"Did you confront her? Did you break her heart again, Stripper?"
Gajeel growled and caught his collar, "Tell us what the heck did you do this time? Why did Juvia leave crying?"

Jellal pulled Gajeel and Natsu helped Gray to his tie and shirt. "I didn't do anything. We just talked for a few minutes and she began to tremble looking at my left hand. Soon she left me and went on stage to give her speech." Gray told them everything that happened a while back.

That's when realisation hit them but Natsu blurted out first, "Don't tell me she saw your engagement ring?"

"Yes, that might be the case. Looks like she hasn't moved on even after these many years unlike you." Erza glared at him with and exasperated.

"Oh please, stop!! don't act as if you don't know anything. Just mind your work. I'm out of here. Ultear, convey my apologies to Lyon and Meredy for ruining their wedding. " Gray glared at Erza and left the place.

Erza and others looked at Gray, "I still don't understand why he did that to her. What's the thing he's hiding from but told you, Erza?"

Natsu asked her making others hyped up to know but she remained silent and went towards the kids to clear her mind.

Throughout the night, the party went on without the zealous and happy demeanor.

Both Lyon and Meredy were guilty and chose to do the first thing tomorrow was to go and console their friend as they know tonight she was not going to stop the water works.

A/N: I'm thinking of making this plot of story into a separate book so that many things can be justified. So please look out for it in "LET'S START ALL OVER AGAIN".