When Nyx returned home for the night, she was hoping to avoid Gray, not wanting to give her plan's for the next day away. She had no such luck. Though she was able to sneak past him to her room, as she began packing a couple days worth of clothing, Gray came up behind her waiting in the doorway. He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed over his bare chest.

"What are you doing Nyx?" he questioned. Surprised, she whipped around to see him, then she looked at the clothes in her hand, then back to him.

"Oh, I uh...I'm going on a job from the mission board tomorrow," she explained. Gray smiled.

"That's great! Am I welcome to join?" She bit her lip. She almost always invited Gray to join her on jobs, but knew that there was no way he could join her on this one.

"I uh...already have a partner," she said, hoping she wasn't making a mistake. He looked somewhat disappointed. Then he shrugged.

"Fair enough, who are you going with?" Nyx froze. She couldn't tell him it was Gajeel, Gray would lose it. Thinking quickly, she said the first name that came to mind.

"Juvia!' she blurted. Gray raised a suspicious eyebrow.

"She didn't say anything…"

"Well, we just made the decision before I got home," Nyx lied. Still eyeing her doubtfully, Gray slowly nodded.

"I see...well, you should get some sleep then," he finally said, his tone gentle. Nyx smiled, and nodded. Whenever Gajeel wasn't involved in the conversation, Gray was sweet and brotherly. She wanted it to stay that way, it was the only justification for her lies to him.

The next afternoon, she quickly made her way to the guild. She wanted to get going before Gray could see who she would be leaving with. She walked through the doors, but Gajeel was nowhere to be seen.

"Come on, where are you…" she muttered anxiously. She spotted Juvia at the job board, and made her way over to her. "Juvia!" The blue haired water mage turned, and smiled at Nyx. "Juvia, have you seen Gajeel anywhere?" She shook her head.

"No, why do you ask?" Looking around to make sure Gray wasn't around, Nyx lowered her voice and leaned in to speak with Juvia.

"I'm going on a job with him today. I was hoping to get out of here before Gray saw us, you know how he is." Juvia nodded in understanding.

"Juvia sees your problem...Juvia would be happy to find Gray and keep him away for you Nyx," she offered. Nyx straightened up, scratching the back of her head.

"Thanks Juvia, but, the thing is-"

"Hey girls!" Gray came up beside them without any warning. "I just wanted to see the two of you off!" Nyx laughed nervously.

"Gray-sama!" Juvia exclaimed, excited to see him. Then her brow furrowed. "What do you mean see us off?" Nyx's eyes widened, and she shook her head vigorously, hoping that she could stop Juvia. "Nyx is the only one leaving, not Juvia." Nyx put her head in her hand, not wanting to look at Gray, though she could feel his stare boring into her.

"Nyx, who are you going with?" he pressed. She looked up at her brother, and her heart skipped a beat. Behind him, the tall raven-haired dragon slayer was approaching her, a knapsack slung over his shoulder. She tried to subtly motion for him to stop, but Gajeel was oblivious. "Nyx?" Gray asked again.

"Let's get goin' short stack!" Gajeel growled. Gray tensed up. Nyx ignored him, hoping he would get the hint. 'Short stack could be anyone,' she told herself. Her efforts were in vain. "Jewels, come on!" he ordered impatiently, shouldering past Gray.

"What the hell is going on here Nyx?" Gray demanded.

"I-" Gajeel placed his hand on top of her head.

"She's coming on a job with me, what else?" Gajeel said with a sneer. Gray tore Gajeel's pierced arm away from his sister, and got in between them, challenging the larger man.

"Gray!" Nyx snapped

"She's not going anywhere with you!" Gajeel just stared at Gray with steely eyes. Gray grabbed the collar of Gajeel's black tunic in his fists, shoving him against the job board. Frost began to form on his fists as he moved his face centimeters from Gajeel's. His red glare remained unwavering. "Look at her and tell me you deserve so much as a glance from her!" Gajeel's gaze flicked to Nyx's horrified expression, his eyes only able to focus on her scars, then back to Gray. He muttered something. "What was that?" Gray demanded.

"No," he hissed. Gray's grip loosened. He hadn't expected Gajeel to answer that way, but he quickly regained his anger.

"Gray stop!" Nyx pleaded, grabbing her brother's arm.

"Get off of me Nyx, this bastard doesn't even know what he's done to you!" Lost in his rage, Gray threw Nyx from his arm, sending her to the ground. Gajeel's eyes widened, his pupils narrowing to slits. He had managed to keep his temper, but the line had been crossed. With a roar, he slammed Gray down on to one of the tables. He then lifted him so he was eye level.

"Gajeel, please!" He froze, and looked at Nyx, her icy eyes huge and watery. "Please…" He felt his rage cool as he brought Gray close to his face.

"I know exactly what I've done to her," he said, his tone biting. "I suffer with it every damn day." With that, he put the smaller man down. Gray could do nothing but stare up at the iron dragon. "Come on Nyx, we're gonna be late." Hesitantly, Nyx stood and went to Gajeel's side. He looked down at her, surprised by the rush of pleasure he felt because she had gone to him, not her brother.

"Gray, I'm sorry…" she said in a near whisper, before turning, and walking out of the guild with Gajeel.