After deciding to end Everyday Lives, I think it'll be easier to find certain chapters this way. I hope you don't mind :)

Fairy Tail and it's Characters belong to Hrio Mashima.

Summary: Levy hires a mechanic to fix her broken air conditioner on the hottest day of the year. He just so happens to be an attractive mechanic who needs her help.

'Summers in Magnolia are the worst. Unbearable heat and unbearable air conditioner fix-it men.' Thought Levy McGarden. One of Magnolia's residents.

Levy had been enjoying her morning reading of the latest novel she got yesterday when her air unit decided to quit. Now normally she wouldn't worry, it was eight o'clock in the morning and it wasn't too hot just yet. But the longer she put it off, the hotter it got. So she called 'Phantom Mechanics'.

'Honestly! Is it so hard to get to a place on time? When they said they'd be here?' She thought as she opened another window.

Her friends Lucy, Jet, and Droy had all invited her to their place for a while before she over-heated.

'I know Jet and Droy would love to have me but I really want to finish my book and with them around I can barely hear myself think. Lu's wouldn't be so bad, but with Natsu around It'd probably be worse than with other two. And I'd hate for Lucy to kick him out of his own home..' Miserably she just stayed home to wait on the men who were supposed to save her.

At a quarter to 1, the doorbell finally rung.

"Finally! I've been wai-" Levy rushed to the door only to have it flung back and a rude clownish looking man walked through.

"Good afternoon my dear. I'm Jose Porla and I'll be taking care of you. Which way is the unit?" The man introduced himself, he didn't even look like a mechanic to Levy, more like he belonged in the circus. She pointed to the back of the house. He nodded and as an afterthought said, "His name is Gajeel."

Levy looked back to the door to a very tall, tan, muscular, long-haired, pierced man. Handsome too.

She smiled at the man who just grunted back to her. He was wearing the necessary clothing and tool belt to work at a mechanics shop.

"Come now, my boy." Jose began the trek to the back of the house and Levy swore she saw him flinch.

He snorted and followed him while Levy waited before she followed them to the back door. Once outside Jose expected the damage.

"Looks like an easy job miss. We'll have it fixed for you in no time. Why don't you wait inside and we'll come get you when we're done." His smile hasn't once left his face from when he walked in her home.

"Thank you so much," She smiled warmly to them both, "Let me know if you need anything."

She walked back inside and picked up her book and went in the kitchen to fix a pitcher of lemonade. Mira's special recipe. She could faintly hear sounds coming from outside.

Ten minutes later Levy was on her 'book hammock', as Natsu had named it, when Jose came inside, shocking Levy cause she knew it couldn't be done that quick.

"I'm sorry my dear, but it looks like it's going to take a little more than I thought. I need to run to the shop for a moment and get a few things. I'll be back soon."

"Oh, well alright then, is it going to cost more?"

"Oh for you my dear, none at all." His smile turned creepy.

"Alright, is Gajeel staying here?" She had to force her smile to stay on her face.

"Yes my dear he can work out a few kinks while i'm gone. Now I best be off." He made his way to the door and left quickly. Too quickly.

'Hmm, how odd,' She sat and pondered for a minute, 'I knew I should have called Fairy Mechanics..'

Levy looked back down and started to read again. Her favorite characters had declared their love for one another! It was getting good.

Then her phone rang, it was Lucy.

'Hey Girl, did they ever get there?' Lucy asked.

'Yeah, but the owner is super creepy. I should have called Fairy, but their all the way across town.'

'Aw don't get down! Natsu said that they were pretty busy the last few days and probably were today too. He's been so excited every time he gets a text from Gray like every other hour telling him how busy they are. It's hilarious!' Both Natsu and Gray, along with many of their friends, worked at Fairy Mechanics. The number one mechanic shop in Magnolia. The only reason she didn't call them in the first place is because it really was on the other side of town while Phantom was just a few streets away.

'They don't get many off days in the summer do they?' Levy laughed, thinking of her friends husbands antics, along with Gray's. Those two were the class clowns in high school.

'No they sure don't! I'm glad he's home for a change, especially since i'm off too.' Lucy and Natsu had only been married for about four months. While extremely happy for her friends, she was kinda sad that she had never been in a serious relationship, although Jet and Droy would jump at the chance, she just wasn't interested in anyone. And at 23, that was saying something.

'I bet..WHAT?'

'What? What happened?'

'The guy working said he needed to get some things from his shop and would be back soon, but he left 45 minutes ago!'

'That's horrible! He just left a mess in your backyard? He probably didn't even finish it. But what can you expect from those Phantom guys..' That's when Levy remembered Gajeel.

'Oh I'm so sorry Lu! I just remembered the other guy is still outside, I'll call you back tonight!'

'OK. Good Luck!'

Levy hung up the phone and ran to the back door to give him a piece of her mind, although that train of thinking took a nose dive when she looked out the back door. Gajeel was sitting beside the unit with his shirt off and hair on top of his head. He was sweating so much he looked like he just got out of the shower. He would probably pass out in this heat. She felt bad for him, his boss just took off with his only mode of transportation. She looked back at the kitchen and saw her glass of lemonade. She walked outside.

'Hey, Gajeel!' She stood right in front of him and could see he was breathing hard. Even if you were in the best shape of your life, in this heat you would die without some shade and water.

He looked up, his eyes glassed over. He had been out here for an hour during the hottest part of the day without so much as a water bottle with him. He probably would pass out if Levy didn't help him.

'Yeah?' His voice was dry too.

'Do you want to come inside and cool off? I've got some fresh lemonade if you want it.' He seemed to debate it for a second. She could see the sweat fall in his eyes from clinging onto the studs on his eyebrows.

'You sure?' he asked, although she was sure he was dying to.

"Yes of course, come on." She held her hand out to him. She could practically see the relief, or joy, she couldn't tell, wash off of him. He took her hand, with all the good it would do, and stood up to follow her in. He grabbed his shirt that looked soaked itself and tried to wipe off his face and chest. She took him straight to the kitchen and he sat at her bar, looking at everything in the small house. Small maybe, but quite impressive for a book store owner.

'Here ya go.' She handed him a tall glass and placed the pitcher on the bar, 'Help yourself, I'm going to go get a clean towel for you.'

'Thanks, shrimp' He smirked at her and downed half the glass in one gulp.

'Shrimp?' Levy questioned as she went to her linen closet down the hall. When she got back she gave him the towel and saw the pitcher was almost empty.

'My name's Levy McGarden.' She smiled at him, even though Jose freaked her out, something about him made her happy.

'Gajeel Redfox.' He said as he placed the now dirty towel on the bar. It was then that Levy saw his tattoo.

'Is that the Fairy Tail symbol?' The black ink on his left shoulder resembled the Fairy Mechanics logo. 'Fairy Tail' being the name of the stories that Makarov Dreyer told them as children. It's what prompted his grandson, Laxus, to name his shop after.

'Huh? Yeah, Laxus is a good buddy of mine from high school and college. We got drunk one night and he dared me to do it..' The look on his face said he couldn't remember much else.

'Is that why you're scared of Mr. Porla? She said this lightly, almost as if she didn't want him to hear.

'Nah. I ain't scared. He just ain't the nicest man to work for. Hell, I'd work for Laxus if I could get away from the bastard.' He crossed his arms and scowled. And Levy was just to curious to let it go.

"Do you mind telling me why? A lot of my friends work for Laxus, we all went to school together. His wife, Mirajane, taught me to make the lemonade actually.'

'Thought it taste familiar. She's one hell of a cook. No wonder Laxus married her,' Gajeel laughed but then his face lost all looks of happiness and turned serious, 'I don't mind tellin', it's just a shit story.'

"Go ahead.' She encouraged him as she started another pitcher of Mira's 'miracle' lemonade.

'He goes back with my father. College roommates I think. He gambled allot and borrowed money from Jose to pay it. Well he died from Lung Cancer when I was three. Jose wanted to be re-payed in full, so we went into debt. Debt my mom couldn't pay. He said he'd let it go if I worked for him when I got older. She didn't wanna, but after a while of trying to do it herself she agreed. Every time I see her she apologizes to me about it.'

Levy's smile faded, he was working for a man who pretty much blackmailed him when he was a baby. Then it clicked with her.

"Wait, you went to school with Laxus? Magnolia High?

"Yeah?'

"I went there! How come I don't know you?' She looked at him trying to remember.

"Would it help that flame-brain is my younger brother?"

"You're Natsu and Wendy's older brother!' She exclaimed loudly. She heard a lot about 'Metal Head' as a teenager but had never met him. He was a few years older than them and had graduated and in college when she was a freshman, "Oh wait, I remember you from their wedding, you were Natsu's best man! So Grandina is your mother?' Being a English/History major, this was very fascinating.

"Oh yeah, I remember you. Bunny Girl put you in that ridiculous pink dress, huh?' Gajeel distinct laugh filled the room.

"Bunny Girl? What's with the nicknames?!' Despite herself she laughed, too. Lucy's bridesmaid dresses were a little extreme.

"Yeah, that's Ma. About a year after dad died she married Igneel, her high school sweetheart. They had met right before dad died, and he was there to comfort her and get everything in line. He wanted to marry her after school, but his old man sent to the army. And she met my dad in college. And that's where flame-brain and Wendy came from.'

'You've given everyone a nickname except your own sister?"

'Oh I got a nickname for her. She just don't like it when I tell people.'

Levy giggled, Wendy was three years younger than everyone but she probably the most mature, even to Levy. She can imagine why the younger girl wouldn't like a nickname by her older brother. Picking up her glass she looked at the time, Jose had been gone for almost two hours.

'Um, not to be rude, but how much longer will he be gone?' She was enjoying talking to Gajeel, and wanted to continue, but also needed her air fixed.

"Who knows, he probably went drinkin' or somethin'.'

'WHAT? What about my air unit?' Gajeel got up and walked to the thermostat.

"Don't worry about that, it's fixed.' He turned it on and it instantly cooled down inside.

Huh..' Before Levy could say anything, Gajeel beat her to it.

"This is what he does, and why I can't stand the guy. We both come here and start working, and no matter what I'm the one who fixes it, And I can do it within thirty minutes tops. He comes in and says its gonna be more to it and leaves to go do something, while I stay and fix it. He does it so he charge more for labor. The reason he don't like me is 'cause I always go tell Juvia to send them a refund, and only charge what they actually owe.' Levy smiled, he had a good heart.

'Juvia Lockser? Gray's girlfriend? I didn't know she worked there.'

"Yeah, she got another job though. Fullbuster got for her I think. Starts soon. Lucky girl.'

Levy was really beginning to think of a way to help Gajeel, it was obvious that he didn't want to work there, he said he'd rather work for Laxus himself.

"How much longer do you have to work for him?'

"Ain't no tellin', shorty,' He sat beside her at the bar,'He never told me or Ma how much dad owed, he probably keep me as long as he can I recon. That or for life.' He looked really angry saying that.

'Hmm. Oh! Hang on a second!' She jumped and got her phone to call a friend.

'Shorty?' 'Why's this girl helpin' me? Ain't no one done that before. Someone like her shouldn't even want to be in the same room as me. Ain't bad lookin'.Kinda small in the chest. Got a good pair of legs and nice ass on her though.' He gave a good once over and looked back at her face when she turned around.

"Erza Fernandes."

"Hey Erza, it's Levy," Hearing that name, Gajeel's head turned. She was the biggest lawyer in all of Magnolia.

"Hi Levy, good to hear from you. It's been a while since I've seen you.'

"It has been a while. But I was hoping you could do me a favor?"

"Anything for my friends. What is it?"

"Well I was wondering if you could look up someone to see about how much of a debt he or she owes?" Being as smart as she was she didn't know if that came out right.

"Of course I can. Who has the debt and who is it owed to?"

"One second," She put the phone down, " What's your dads name?"

"Ya aint gotta do this shrimp." Although he was moved by the gesture, he didn't wanna burden anyone.

"No I want to. Wendy always says she wished you didn't work there and Natsu is always saying he wished you saw them more and even worked with him. Their my friends, and now you are too, let me help."

The little speech moved Gajeel, yet again. "Metalicana Redfox." Levy smiled and nodded.

"Meatlicana Redfox owes money to Jose Porla. Mr. Redfox died about 24 years ago." Levy squinted, hoping her math was right. It was not her strong suit.

"Jose Porla. Isn't that Phantom Mechanics owner? He's always stirring up trouble at Mira's bar. " Levy could hear typing on the other side of the phone. And before Levy could reply Erza had an answer.

"It appears that Mr. Redfox did owe quite a sum of money to Jose, but it was only about $20,000. It was paid off a few months before his death. It says here that in his will he didn't want to leave his wife and son in debt.' The longer Erza spoke the wider Levy's mouth got.

"So you mean the debt is paid off?' That got Gajeel attention.

"Yes, there is even a paper stating that Jose received the payment. Why? What's going on Levy?"

"Hang on, Erza," Levy put the phone down and looked to Gajeel, "She said it was paid off before he died, Jose signed a paper saying he got it, it was in your dads will that he didn't want you or your mom to worry about it."

"Dad didn't have a will.." Gajeel was in shock himself. Trying to remember what happened.

"Gajeel. Do you mind if I tell Erza all of this? Maybe she can help you." Levy knew about the problems when a parent dies, but this was pretty horrible. He looked up at her and nodded. he couldn't bear to speak. He'd been working to pay off a debt, that was already paid? He heard Levy tell Erza everything, but still couldn't put his thoughts together.

"THIS IS AN OUTRAGE! HOW DARE JOSE DO THIS! DON'T WORRY LEVY, I'LL STRAIGHTEN THIS OUT! In the mean time tell Gajeel to leave immediately, I'm sure Laxus would gladly hire him." You could always count on Erza to go above and beyond. How did Jellal stay sane?

"Thank you so much Erza!" They said their goodbyes and she told Gajeel the good news.

He gave her a genuine smile and before she knew what was going on the man was giving her a bear hug, her feet were off the ground.

"Thanks alot shorty. I really owe ya one." He put her down and just continued to smile. Levy decided she definitely liked that smile.

"I can't wait to tell Ma. She'll be thrilled."

"I'm happy for you, Gajeel." She smiled, she really was happy she could help, especially now knowing how close he was to her friends.

Gajeel's face turned pink and looked at the wall, 'Um, you wanna go get dinner or somethin'? Ya know, for helpin' me?" he said the last part so quickly she almost didn't hear him. He was cute flustered.

"Sure! Just let me go change." and she ran off to do just that.

About 5 minutes later she came back with a pretty orange dress on with her gladiator sandals. Gajeel had put his shirt back on as well.

"Let's go!" She grabbed his hand and headed towards the door.

As they were walking toward their destination, the She-Devil's Bar and Grille, Levy was definitely glad she chose the wrong mechanics to call. And by the look on Gajeel's face, he was too.

They entered the bar and was greeted by a hostess and before they could even sit down a loud squeal was heard behind the bar.

"Levy! Gajeel! I didn't know you were dating!" The lovely Mira came rushing towards them, her eyes sparkling as she stared at their intertwined hands, that they both forgot about.