Between The Pages

Chapter 21

The next day Juvia decided to take a little break from her work and explore the labyrinth. She hadn't really done much of that since she arrived and it wasn't everyday that she was in a magical world. With Jellal as her guide she saw some very interesting places.

"And over here my lady is the hedge maze." The knight said. "A very confusing location, a person could be trapped here for days if they did not know the way."

"Good thing that you're such a smart guide." Juvia said.

"Well I wouldn't exactly say smart." He said feeling very bashful. "Experienced maybe but smart? Heavens no."

"You don't give yourself enough credit. I really appreciate all that you and Mirajane have done for me.  You've been nice to me ever since I first arrived. I thank you for all your kindness noble sir."

"My lady." Jellal said bowing respectfully to show his gratitude for her compassionate words.

They continued down one of the corridors in the hedges and during the walk, Juvia spotted Gajeel. He was alone which wasn't so unusual but he looked troubled. She decided to see what was the matter.

"Hello Gajeel." She greeted with a smile.

"Ahh!" The troll cried, feeling startled by her appearance. "Don't sneak up on me like that! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you."

"What are you doing here anyway? Shouldn't you be sewing or something?"

"Probably but I decided to take a break and look around. See the sights and I don't mean to pry but you looked upset. Is something wrong?"

"No!" He denied. "And even if there was I wouldn't tell you! Because it's none of your business!"

"Well don't get angry. I was only trying to help. That's what friends do you know."

"There you go again calling me your friend."

"But you are my friend."

"But I don't want a friend. I don't need a friend."

"Everyone needs friends." Frosch said popping out from Juvia's jacket pocket. 

"Don't pretend to be so hard." Juvia said. "But I know deep down you're glad that we're friends. To be honest I think I'm actually starting to get through to you and a lot of people here. Including Gray."

"Now that's a laugh. Nothing could get through his thick skull."

"I wouldn't insult him if I were you." Jellal said. "You know how he is, he can be anywhere in this place at any time. You never know if he could be listening and if you make him angry well...I'm not sure what he'll do but it can't be good."

"Honestly I don't think he's as horrible as everyone thinks he is." Juvia said. "I mean alright he's very difficult and stubborn but I think he has a good heart and that he could be a really good person if he tried."

"Just don't be too trusting of him." Gajeel told her. "He's the Alok's son which means there's no telling what he's capable of."

"Oh Gajeel you do care." After giving him another smile she leaned over to give him a kiss.

"No! Don't kiss me!" He cried. "Don't kiss me!"

But in the end her lips planted a harmless little peck on his cheek and the very moment she did that the floor moved out from under them which sent the three of them falling into the bog of eternal stench. Luckily they manged to latch on to the edge of a wall which kept them from landing in the foul smelling lake.