Between The Pages

Chapter 20

The next morning as Juvia was gathering up more flowers, Gray couldn't help but watch her. She had such a pretty smile on her face and her happiness seemed to be contagious because he found himself smiling each time he saw her. No one had ever made him smile like this. It was very strange but he liked it and for some reason he never wanted her to be sad. Just the thought of her being sad made him feel upset. He wanted her to be happy always.

He looked down at the broken music box he had taken from Juvia's bag. She had been awfully upset about it, so much so that it had made her cry. He didn't like it when she cried. Because when she cried it hurt him.

"What are you doing?" Briar asked walking in.

"Nothing." He said hiding the broken music box behind his back.

"You're staring at her again aren't you?"

"Who?"

"That girl!"

"Oh her. Yeah so what if I am?"

"Why are you staring at her?"

"I don't know. Why do you care?"

"You like her don't you?"

"You know I really don't want to deal with you right now. So I think I'll just go. I have for more important things to do right now anyway."

"Like what?"

"None of your business. Now if you'll excuse me."

He then walked away from her. Going down the hall he saw Mirajane walk by with a basket of clean clothes.

"Good morning sir." She greeted.

"Good morning Mirajane." He said politely. "Mirajane may I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Is there anyone near by who's good with tinkering and gears?"

"As a matter of fact Jellal happens to very talented in that subject."

"Really?"

"Yes he does it to make some extra income. Why do you ask?"

"Let's just say I have something that I would like him to fix."

"In that case I'll send for him right away."

"Thank you."

The fact that he didn't deny that he liked Juvia all but confirmed Briar's suspicions and it made her jealousy toward the young girl grow. What was so special about her? She didn't have any special powers or magic like she did. She was no powerful sorceress or magical fairy. She was just some human.

"It would seem that this young woman has quite an influence on him." Alok said who suddenly appeared. "She'll be trouble."

"She should be gotten rid of."

"Is that what you think should be done?"

"Don't you agree?"

"Of course but something like this should be done delicately."

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying we'll need a scapegoat." Alok said looking out the window where he spotted Gajeel working. "And I know just the one."

...

Once Juvia had gathered up enough flowers she set to work on spinning them into fabric.

"There we go." She said. "That should be enough."

"I'm surprised you've actually gotten this far." Gajeel said. "You just might pull this off."

"I hope so."