From the author: This is so exciting! I love new stories so this is awesome. I hope the romance is just enough for you all, and this is a really short story. I hope you enjoy it!
Disclaimer: Fairy Tail and its characters belong to Hiro Mashima.
"Ah, what a day, eh, Pantherlily? Let's go grab some metal feom the scrapyard, whaddya say?"
Pantherlily looked up at his friend Gajeel Redfox. He had on his toothy grin and he looked happier than usual.
"Fine," said Pantherlily. "But there's something up with you. Ever since we came back here from Tenrou Island you have seemed different."
"I'll tell you all about it, okay? Let's just get moving."
The two slammed the doors open out of the guild, with much yelling from Makarov and Macao. Magnolia had never looked better after they defeated Twilight Ogre some days back. Pedestrians amiled at Gajeel and Pantherlily as they passed by. On the way, the two friends stopped to buy food, or well, Gajeel found hordes of silver pouring out of a shop, so he grabbed a couple pieces.
"This tension is annoying, man!" said Pantherlily once they arrived at the scrapyard. "What is so new about you? I can't figure it out!"
Gajeel burst out laughing. He looked at his Exceed friend with a smile on his face.
"There is this weird feeling inside of me. It happens when I am around someone I know. It feels almost crappy, but at the same time it hurts."
"Who is that person then?
"Erm...Levy."
This time, it was Pantherlily's turn to laugh. Gajeel threw a string of curses at him ("Damn you stupid cat!"), but to no avail.
"I knew it!" Pantherlily was still grinning a little. "You've been clinging to her since we got here. It's also the other way around. Why don't you do something about it? Man up a little, will you?"
At this point, both of them couldn't help but think of Elfman giving Gajeel a manly speech.
"I guess I'll try, you," said Gajeel.
Both Exceed and mage made their way back to Fairy Tail, but upon arriving they were greeted to a party. Barrels of wine and beer were being chugged by Cana, the classic Fairy Tail partygoer. Plates of food were being laid out by Mirajane and Lisanna, while the drunkards in the room linked arms and spun around in circles. Immediately, Gajeel spotted Levy in the crowd by herself, clapping to the tune of the music being played. He sat next to her with a grunt. She looked at him and felt herself blushing.
"Hello, Gajeel. Back with Pantherlily?'
"Yeah. When did all this start? It looks like they've been at it for hours."
"We began once you left. Makarov said it was your punishment for almost breaking those old doors," Levy explained, laughing."I know we have peaceful days coming, but the Grand Magic Games are coming, and even though I was not picked to participate, I am still very nervous for the future of our guild."
Gajeel took his chance and held Levy's hand. "I'll fight for the guild, so you don't need to worry. I can do it for you, and for the sake of this guild."
Levy smiled and they sat together for a short while, until Natsu ruined the moment, hurling into Gajeel with fire in his eyes.
"Aha, sorr-"
"Damn you dragon breath!"
In the midst of the action, Pantherlily smiled. "I knew it."
"What is it Pantherlily?" inquired Charle.
"Yeah. What is it?" asked Happy.
"Nothing," he replied. "Nothing at all."
This was really just a short story I whipped up to clear the confusion. I guess it's just a fan's perspective of what Gajeel's feelings are, and how he does have a soft side. Sorry if there are errors, and please review the story. Thanks!