A single sliver of sunlight shone through the narrow gap between the curtains and illuminated the room. Outside, the sun had slowly begun to rise over the horizon, its glow painting the clouds a peach colour and driving away the shadows of the night prior.

Drifting in and out of the dream realm, Grey stretched his body, trying to awaken his muscles. As he did so, his arm came to a gentle rest on something warm and soft. Not sure as to what this object was, all his sleep addled mind could think to do was to reach over with his other arm, wrapping it and bringing it close to his chest. For reasons he couldn't explain, it somehow felt right.

A gentle, almost minute movement came from the shape. Slowly opening his eyes, Grey was greeted by Juvia's prone sleeping form. Blood rushed to his cheeks as he took a while to remember what had had happened the night before. Content after a few seconds that nothing amatory had happened between them, Grey allowed himself to relax again. Briefly he considered moving his arm from under her but ultimately decided against it, not wanting the disturb the blunette's sleep. Instead Grey merely lay still, holding her in his arms.

"Strange," he thought as he lay there, watching her, "I've never seen Juvia like this. So peaceful."

Something soft brushed his leg. Surprised slightly, Grey reached down and grabbed it. As he pulled, he felt resistance and heard a quiet whimper from Juvia. Holding his breath, Grey pulled again but more gently. The thing came free of Juvia's grasp. Grey's eyes widened as he pulled out the object from underneath the covers.

The doll was soft and appeared to be handmade. It's eyes were two black buttons polished to the point that they looked like black gemstones. Even in his sleep addled state however, Grey could not deny that it bore an eerie resemblance to himself. Yet neither could he deny the fact that it appeared tp have been lovingly made and crafted. The raven hair was soft and comforting to touch and the level of detail was astounding, right down to the guild mark upon the doll's face.

"Did she make this?" Grey mused as he glanced at Juvia then back at the doll, "Its a little..." he struggled to think of a word. "Much but I had no idea she could make something so well. All the same, I'm going to have a talk with her about this. Well at least she doesnt have an army of them."

A gentle moan like the song of a dove startled Grey slightly and caused him to drop the doll. Turning his head toward the sleeping girl, he saw Juvia's eyes slowly flicker open. Propping herself on her right elbow, Juvia yawned before smiling at Grey. Her sapphire eyes seemed to almost sparkle in the light.

"Good morning my love. Did you sleep well?"

"Yeahh, fine I guess." Grey responded. Briefly he toyed with the idea of mentioning the doll to her but quickly discarded it. No need to accidentally upset her as he had a habit of doing with girls. Instead he just smiled and nodded toward her. "And you?"

Juvia smiled. "I could sleep anywhere with you beside me Darling." As she yawned, Juvia went to stretch. Instantly the blanket began to fall revealing glimpses of her smooth, pale body. Grey's face went completely red as he realised and faster than anyone could have predicted, he turned his head so as to not see Juvia's exposed flesh. Juvia tilted her head slightly.

"Are you alright my love?" She asked crawling closer to him, in turn making the blanket fall even further down. "You seem a little red."

Grey felt her brush his arm. Blood began to trickle from his nose. "Uuh yeah. I'll I'll be fine Juvia."

"Oh god Grey Sama," Juvia squeaked, "You're bleeding. Here look at me. Let Juvia clean you up."

"No thanks," he quickly replied, shaking his head. "Not until you cover yourself up at least!"

Juvia gasped slightly and looked at her body. Almost dejectedly, she picked up more of the blanket so that it now covered her.

"Does Grey Sama not think that Juvia has a nice body?" She whimpered quietly. "Does he hate it?"

Grey opened his eyes and turned towards her. He could see a tear starting to form in the corner of her eye. He sighed. He hadnt meant to offend her, quite the opposite in fact.

"No it isn't that," he said softly, placing a gentle hand upon her shoulder. At his touch, Juvia looked up at him. "It's just that I didn't want to make you uncomfortable by seeing you..nude."

Juvia smiled faintly. "Really?"

"Of course," he replied. "I know I don't exactly have the best record for wearing clothes in public but that doesn't mean I'm some perv going around, trying to find girls as they're changing.

As for your body, you have nothing to worry about. Its perfectly fine. Some would go as far to say attractive even."

Juvia blushed at the hidden compliment. Although she wasnt sure if Grey had intended to say it or if he was making an observation, Juvia didnt care. Carefully she climbed out of bed, making sure to keep the blanket covering her as she made her way to her clothes.

"Thank you. But know that Juvia doesnt mind Grey Sama seeing her like this."

Grey thought back to the doll. "I bet you wouldn't ," he muttered under his breath. Shaking his head, he made his way to the sink and turned on the cold tap. The water rushed out, making a splashing sound as it hit the clay basin. Blinking slightly, he cupped his hands underneath the running water before jerking them upwards so that the water splashed over his face. It felt bitterly cold yet surprisingly refreshing as Grey washed his face. As he finished, the ice mage reached for a towel to dry himself before reaching for his clothes.

Juvia sat on the bed, watching as Grey got dressed. In her hand, she brushed her hair to make herself appear more presentable to him. She always spent close to half an hour on her appearance before she went to the guild hall in hopes of catching Grey's eye.

Blushing, she remembered the previous night. Truth be told she could have easily dealt with the men at the bar herself. But the way Grey had interveened, it had almost made Juvia literally melt away at the thought. He had been her knight in shining armour (or rather lack of). And when he had fallen asleep, she had cuddled up in the warmth of his embrace. It had been everything the blunette had imagined it to be and more.

"Did you hear me Juvia?"

Juvia nearly jumped as she heard Grey's voice. Shyly, she turned towards the ice mage. "Sorry Grey Sama, Juvia's mind was elsewhere."

Grey rolled his eyes, although it wasn't done with annoyance as it may have done if it had been Natsu or someone else. Rather it appeared that he found her absent mindedness almost cute.

"It's okay. I said maybe we should head..."

A loud knocking came at the door. Grey growled in annoyance this time and stormed over. Flinging open the door, he found nothing but an empty doorway. Frustrated, the ice mage was about to slam the door shut when he felt Juvia's soft hand on his shoulder. Bending down, she daintly picked up a piece of paper left underneath the gap between the door and the floor. Opening the letter, she placed it in between the two of them so that Grey could read as well.

The letter was written on cheap paper that looked like it had been ripped from a binder. The handwriting was scrawled and barely legible. It simply read:

" If you want answers, meet me at the town gates after dark. Beware! They are after you! They know! He knows! They are watching the Blind Pig. Move! For God's sake move!'

R"

Juvia felt shaken as she read the letter. A quick glance at Grey did little to reassure her. The ice mage had gone silent. Before Juvia could say anything, he ran to the window and peeked through the curtains. A dreadful pervasive silence filled the room when suddenly Grey drew away from the window.

"Grey sama?" Juvia asked, her voice little more than a whisper. Grey turned from the window and looked at Juvia. His face appeared calm but Juvia could see something flash in his eyes.

"Get your things. We need to go. Now."