Nyx sat at the bar, head in her hands, and let out a sigh. Mirajane looked at her with concern.
"Nyx, what's bothering you? You're usually so happy." She looked up at the kind woman, giving her a weak smile.
"I'm just...trying to sort a few things out." Mirajane gave her look that said, 'explain', and Nyx let out another sigh. "It's Gray, and Gajeel. Ever since Gajeel started here, I've just wanted him to feel welcome. Gray feels differently though...he hates him. We've been fighting a lot. I haven't really wanted to go home lately, or do any missions." Mirajane rested a hand on her shoulder.
"Fighting? You two never fight. What are you fighting about?"
"Gajeel!" Nyx snapped in frustration, then realized how loudly she had said his name. She looked back to see the dragon slayer looking at her, a pierced brow raised. She turned back, covering her head with her arms. "Gajeel…" she repeated quietly. "Gray just refuses to see any good in him."
"Well, I can't entirely blame him. He's looking out for you, you're his sister. If I were him, I'd feel the same after what he-" Nyx shot her glare and she stopped.
"A few days ago, Gajeel asked about my scars. I suppose he's forgotten where they're from. Gray just punched him. How am I supposed to make friends with someone if my brother just goes and punches him!" Mira let out a small laugh.
"Well, Gray's not here now. Go talk to him, " she suggested. She went under the counter for a moment, then came back up, holding a plate of scrap metal. "Here, if I see Gray, I'll be sure to keep him away." Nyx nodded.
"Thanks Mira." She took the plate and turned around. She saw that Gajeel was still eyeing her, her grip on the plate tightening. She hesitantly made her way over to him. She set the plate down in front of him, and stood there, hands clasped, biting her lip. His eyes flicked between the plate and Nyx.
"I thought I told you, I ain't making any friends here," he grumbled.
"Right...sorry, I'll just-"
"But since you're here, you may as well have a seat." She gave him a small smile, and sat across from him. He picked up one of the scraps, and took a bite. "Thanks Jewels, I'm starving." As he ate, Gajeel couldn't help but sneak glances at the strange girl. She was the last one that should be trying to get anywhere near him, yet there she was. He could feel his frustration bubbling up again. Why won't she just stay away from me? he wondered to himself.
"So Gajeel…" Nyx began. She wanted to tread lightly, but also needed to hear the answer to her question. "Why do you push everyone away?" He coughed a little, taken aback by the question. He stared at her, her blue eyes fixed on him. His eyes fell on her scars. He shook his head and looked away. "Gajeel," she pushed. He never seemed to be able to look her in the eye.
"Why do you pull everyone in?" he countered. He let out a sigh. "Look, if it'll get you off my back, I'll take a mission with you." Though disappointed that she hadn't received an answer, she grinned at the response. Gajeel blinked, still unable to comprehend what could possibly go through the girl's head. "The mission will be one of my choice, and don't go making a big deal out of this." She nodded, her grin still wide. Gajeel just looked at her for a moment, baffled. Baffled by how delighted she could be, despite the fear hiding in her eyes. Baffled by how her smile seemed to dull the edge of his anger. "Meet me here tomorrow," he finally said.
"Alright!"
"Now can you let me eat in peace?" he growled.
"Uh...sure thing, sorry." She stood, giving a small bow. "I'll see you tomorrow Gajeel!" she said, waving as she ran off. Gajeel stared after her, almost excited for what tomorrow would hold.