"Nyx!" Gajeel ran through the streets of Magnolia, calling out for the missing girl. He scanned the crowds desperately. He had already checked the Fairy Tail girls' dorm. He figured that she had to have found somewhere to sleep if she never went home last night. They wouldn't allow him in to look for her, and they gave him a bit of difficulty when he tried to ask about her. Finally he had caught sight of Juvia, who had told him she hadn't seen Nyx since she left with him. His first instinct after that was to check the station. He had to be sure she was still in the town. Once he got there, he shoved through the lines of people waiting to get tickets, ignoring their angry shouts and comments. He slammed his hands down on the ticket booth, and the girl working it looked up at him, terrified.

"C-can I help you s-sir?" she asked nervously.

"Did a girl with black hair and blue eyes come through here?"

"I-I don't-"

"Damnit, think! She's about this tall," he said motioning with his hand to a little below his shoulder. "And she's got scars all down her left side." He explained the last part, his voice trembling slightly. The girl at the ticket booth shook her head.

"I haven't seen anyone like that come through here." Gajeel relaxed, letting out a sigh of relief. He muttered a quick 'thanks' to the girl, and hurried back to his search. He didn't know where else he could look, and his agitation escalated. As he wandered the streets, his search seeming more and more hopeless, something dawned on him. He had yet to check the park where they first met. He wasn't sure she'd be there, since they hadn't exactly met under good circumstances. He flinched at the thought of their confrontation, but he knew he had to look everywhere.

"Come on Nyx, please be there…" The park was quiet in comparison to the busy cobblestone streets of rest of Magnolia. The buzz of the crowds seemed distant as he went deeper into the park. The only sound was the breeze rustling the trees. As the wind picked up, a familiar scent tickled his nose. He whipped around in the direction the wind was blowing from. "Nyx!" He ran until he came to the largest tree in the park. He recognized it by the remnants of metal restraints and scarring to the bark. He walked around to the back of the tree, and at the base laid Nyx, sound asleep. He sighed and kneeled beside her, brushing strands of black hair out of her face. "You idiot…" He sat back against the tree and pulled the girl on to his lap. As he moved her, she began to stir. Her delicate hand took a hold of his shirt as she sat up. Her blue eyes blinked open.

"G-Gajeel?" she murmured, her voice laced with sleep. Suddenly she snapped into awareness. "Gajeel!" She let go and tried to back away from the dragon, but he just pulled her to him, wrapping her in a warm, albeit unexpected, embrace.

"Uh-uh. You ain't going anywhere, you've already caused enough trouble." Slowly she relaxed into his arms.

"Gajeel, I-"

"What the hell were you thinking? You...I…" He let out a frustrated grunt at being unable to get his words out. Instead of his words, he hugged her tighter, crossing his legs around her. Not sure what else to do, Nyx wrapped her arms around his neck, returning his hug.

"I'm sorry...I just needed to think. Away from Gray, away from you. You're both too distracting. Guess I must have fallen asleep," she said, letting out a small laugh. "I mean, you left me pretty confused yesterday." She pulled away from him slightly, scanning his face. His usual stern expression was there, but his crimson eyes were different. There was something there that she couldn't quite identify. She rested her hands on the sides of his face. "You didn't even give me a chance to react."

"Wha-" Before he could finish he was cut off by her lips on his. Gajeel was shocked for a moment, but then he relaxed, closing his eyes. Her taste mingled with her scent. As much as the moment exhilarated him, it also opened the way for a small doubt. This girl feared him, and had every reason to. He didn't deserve so much as a glance from her, yet here she was, giving him so much more. When they pulled away, they looked at one another for a moment. Gajeel then looked away from her, an embarrassed scowl appearing on his features. Nyx let out a laugh as she grinned at him.

"Gajeel, I-" He rested a hand on top of her head.

"We should get going before your brother has my head." A small gasp escaped her.

"Oh no, Gray! I completely forgot…" Gajeel got to his feet, lifting Nyx up with him. He carried her all the way back to the guild without a word. He put her down as they walked through the doors, and her friends were upon her in an instant. "Guys, guys, I'm fine," she insisted, as Lucy, Happy and Juvia bombarded her with questions.

"Nyx! You're safe!" Gray exclaimed, running up to her. She nodded.

"I'm sorry Gray, I shouldn't have run off like that." He shook his head.

"I'm just glad you're alright." Nyx laughed.

"So glad you couldn't keep your shirt on?" He shoved her gently.

"Shut up. Come on, Mira has some lunch waiting for you." He began to pull Nyx away, but she stopped him and looked back at Gajeel.

"I'll catch up with you later," he assured her, unable to meet her eyes. She smiled and nodded. Gray pushed her gently in front of him. Once she had walked away, Gray glared up at the larger man.

"Stay away from her," he warned. "You're no good for her, and you know it." Gajeel just held his gaze for a moment. Finally with a huff he turned his back to him and waved a dismissive hand.

"Yeah, whatever," he grunted. Though, as he walked away, Gajeel couldn't help but wonder if Gray was right.