This show is so full of feels it should be illegal. UGH. On the other hand, I love it to bits and tiny pieces, so there's that. XD

"You don't have to carry me."

"Tch. Stop making a fuss."

He shifted his grip on her, and she half-hid her face in his hair, cheeks blazing. His back was warm, as were his hands, something she hadn't been expecting.

"You're iron— so why're you warm?" She mumbled, watching the sun dip down below the rooftops of Magnolia. She was desperate for something to talk about, aside from the mess he was carrying her away from.

He chuckled, and she felt it rumble into her bones. "Sittin' in the sun'll warm even the coldest iron up."

He shifted, turning to look at her, and she felt his piercings brush over her cheek. She looked at him, and he grinned.

"You got something you wanna say, Kia?" He teased.

"You don't have to carry me." She repeated, suppressing the urge to try and bite his grin off.

"Would ya quit yer wining?" He grumbled. "You can barely stand. I saw what happened to you… You might be one of Fairy Tail's strongest, but you took a heck of a beating today. You're lucky you're alive. So just shut up and accept it."

The water wizard tightened her grip around his neck, pressing flatter against his back. "Gajeel…"

"Hey, don't get all mushy on me! Stupid Salamander will never let me live that down."

Kia laughed, giving in and kissing his cheek. "Never would have guessed it…" She muttered, resting her head lightly against his.

"Guessed what?" Gajeel grumbled, tightening his grip on her slightly.

"That a dragon would have an iron heart." She teased, yelping when he dropped her.

She nearly fell, her knees practically giving out from the impact. Gajeel caught her, slipping an arm around her waist, the other holding her arm over his shoulders.

"Calm down— we're nearly to the guild hall." He smirked down at her, continuing to walk. "Just cause you got to see a glimpse of my heart doesn't mean I'm ready for everyone else to."

Kia grinned, just as Natsu appeared in the doorway of the guild, mouth agape at her battered appearance.

"Guess for now I'll just enjoy the view." She teased back, looking up at him.

He grinned, red eyes meeting blue, and for a moment Natsu's angry tirade was drowned out in a rush of quiet. Kia's smile faltered for a moment, her cheeks warming, and she almost fell all over again.

"And I'll be enjoying mine." He replied, winking slyly.

Gajeel is the perfect combination of scoundrel and gentleman, and it is not healthy. At all.

Fairy Tail and its related characters belong to: Hiro Mashima

Kia Hutzpah belongs to: Silver Flame Alchemist (aka Me)