My Mate, My Everything

So, this is my second GaLe fanfic, hope you enjoy! Please, RxR ;)

Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail in any way, please enjoy!

Chapter 1

Levy sighed as she rested her head against the bar's wooden surface. Her day was not starting off good, and she knew that it was probably going to only get worse as the day went on. First, upon waking that morning, she had nearly caused a book avalanche by tumbling into one of the many stacks, and then it decided to downpour on her way to the guild. Making her arrive soaked, and shivering. Then, it turned out that Jet and Droy had decided to go on a mission without her in order to try and strengthen themselves. Now, she was waiting for her clothes to dry, after borrowing a spare from Lucy who always seemed prepared, just so she could go back home.

Giving another frustrated sigh, she thumped her head onto the hard surface, and closed her eyes as Mira attempted to cheer her up. Today just wasn't her day, and she saw no way of turning it around, other than going back home and going back to bed. There was nothing else for her to do anyway, considering the other missions on the request board were a little too out of her league. At least, that was her thoughts, and with her luck so far she wasn't about to push it.

"Come on Levy. You shouldn't give in so easy just because of a little bad luck." Mira stated, wiping off a, already looking spotless, glass. She just huffed from her position, but tensed when she heard the woman give a soft hum and sensed someone stand behind her.

"Oi, Shrimp. You're coming with me on this mission." The deep commanding voice couldn't be confused with anyone else's. Giving a sigh, she shook her head from where it was and hunched her shoulders just in case he decided to try and lift her up.

"I'm in no mood to go on a mission, Gajeel. Today hasn't exactly been my day." She mumbled, only to give a small squeal when instead of picking her up by the neck like last time, he grabbed her from around the waist and hoisted her up onto his shoulder.

"Not taking no for an answer, Shrimp." He growled, holding her to his shoulder by keeping his arm placed over her lap, as he handed the paper he had chosen to Mira, then started for the door. She glared down at him, and attempted to make him release her by pinching the skin on his exposed arm. Huffing when all it did was make him look up at her with a frown.

"Gajeel! I have to wait for my clothes to dry! Besides, I'm not prepared to go on a mission today." She stated, tensing when they were about to step out into the rain.

"That's why were going to be stopping by both of our places to get ready. Just bring a weeks worth of clothing, and a few of those books that you usually bring. I'll handle bringing the food." He growled, stepping out of the shelter of the guild hall, and into the pouring rain. Causing her to squeeze her eye shut, expecting to be drenched once more. Only to blink them open when she felt nothing, and looked up to see Lily on Gajeel's head, holding an umbrella over them.

"The idiot thought that you two wouldn't need it, but he forgets that not everyone tolerates that rain like he does." Lily stated, and she gave the Exceed a grateful smile before shifting slightly on Gajeel's shoulder.

"Are you going on the mission as well?" She asked, watching as he nodded, and smiled. Remembering to pack the ingredients that she would need to make his favorite kiwi juice. Since she knew that there was no way that she would convince the stubborn Iron Dragon Slayer to leave her alone.

"So, what is this mission exactly?" She asked, looking down at Gajeel as he started toward her apartment, which was closer to the guild hall.

"A researcher is wanting some bodyguards as he studies some new ruins that he discovered. He also said that some extra help in deciphering the symbols would be appreciated, and is willing to pay more. I figured that since you're such a bookworm, it would be no problem for you. While you're helping with that, me and Lily can provide the protection." Gajeel stated, and she thought about it. It was a good job for her, and would be simple because of the point that he pointed out. Still, she had never went on a solo mission with Gajeel before. Well, she had, but not one that lasted longer than a day. She no longer feared him, and had come to trust him, but to deal with his stubborn tendencies for a week or more! She wasn't sure how she would put up with it.

Matter of fact, since she figured that the stubbornness was just another thing with Dragon Slayers, she didn't know how Lucy put up with it. Then again, she had Gray to help there, as well as Erza, so she figured that Lucy didn't have it too hard since she had others to help. Glancing down at the man, she frowned and gave a sigh. Still, a week alone with Gajeel was bound to test her patience, even though she knew that he would at least try and make it as easy for her as possible. Just like he had done when they had done that tournament to become S-rank wizards.

"Alright. Go gather the things that you need. I'll wait here." He growled, causing her to tense when he suddenly lifted her from his shoulder and sat her on the ground. Causing her to yelp in surprise when her bare feet touched cold, wet stones. Making her realize that she had forgotten her shoes back at the mess hall. Giving a sigh, she grabbed the door handle that allowed her into her apartment, and turned to invite Gajeel out of the rain, but frowned when she saw him walking away. Without the umbrella or Lily!

"Gajeel! Where are you going?" She asked, blinking when he looked over his shoulder.

"Back to the guild to get your shoes. I'll be back and then we'll stop by my place before we head for the train station." He stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, before turning and continuing on his way. She blinked and then looked at the black Exceed that was hovering over her with the umbrella.

"Well...That's unexpected of him, and not really necessary." She stated, and was about to call out to him but was stopped when Lily dropped in front of her.

"Just let him go. It's kinda a pride thing for him. He'll be along soon, you should get ready though." Lily stated, she sighed and looked once more at the man's retreating back before turning to her apartment. Stepping inside, she held the door open so the Exceed could fly through and then shut it before turning to maneuver through the stacks of books.

"I really need to reorganize." She mumbled out loud, and blinked when Lily landed on her shoulder.

"Just tell me when you are, and I'll help." He stated, causing her to smiled and pull him into a hug before releasing him.

"Thank you. You know, I should have some fresh kiwi juice in the fridge. Help yourself to it while I gather some stuff." She stated, watching as his eyes sparked and he took off to the kitchen. Causing her to giggle ever so lightly, before heading to her room to get ready. She already knew what she was going to pack, it was what she always packed on long missions, and she was done in three minutes. Giving a nod, she turned and headed to the kitchen with her shoulder bag, smiling when she saw Lily helping himself to another glass of the juice.

"So, do we just wait for Gajeel to get back?" She asked, plopping herself into a chair, and allowed him to sit in her lap as he took a sip. He gave a nod as he lowered it, and swallowed before looking up at her.

"That's the plan. He'll come back here and then we'll head to our place, gather our stuff and then head for the station. We'll probably meet the guy before late this evening, and start with whatever we need to do first thing tomorrow morning." Lily stated, causing her to smile and rub the top of his head as he took another drink.

"Sounds good enough for me." She stated, then blinked when a knock on the door sounded. She picked Lily up, and headed for the door with him in her arms. Looking out of the small peep hole, she smiled as she saw Gajeel standing there, dripping wet, and holding her small sandals in one hand. She opened the door, and moved aside so he could enter.

"Do you have everything?" He asked, looking around her apartment with a frown. She looked as well, and gave a giggle. Her apartment was nothing but a danger zone, with mountain of books every where, and some even stacked haphazardly.

"Yes, I'm all ready to go. But, shouldn't you dry off so you don't catch a cold?" She suggested, blinking when he just shook his head, causing little droplets to fly.

"Dragon Slayers don't get ill this easily. Besides, we best head out now before the weather gets too bad and we get stuck here." He stated, offering her sandals, and then caused her to gasp when he hefted her up on his shoulder again. Once she was balanced, she glared down at him.

"I can walk, you know." She growled, causing him to look up. He just blinked, shrugged, and started back out the door with Lily once again on his head holding the umbrella over them. She sighed, and just accepted the fact that she wasn't going to be walking. Although, she had to admit, that they did reach his place faster since he had longer strides than her, and didn't have to wait for her to catch up.

She blinked when he opened the door to his little place, and settled her inside the door before starting farther in.

"Make yourself at home. I'll only be a bit." He stated, heading for a room to the left. She ventured pass the room, and smiled when she entered the living area. The wood flooring she could tell was recently stained, the furniture was large and tasteful, and she was surprised to see some of the paintings hanging along the wall.

"It isn't much, but..." Lily stated, landing on her shoulder, and she quickly transferred him into her arms.

"I think it's lovely. It has a real homey feel to it." She stated, blinking when a huff sounded behind them, and turned to see Gajeel waiting with a bag over his shoulder. She smiled and moved toward him, looking over her shoulder once more to view the room. It really was nice, and she wished she could renovate her place to look like this. Although, she choose a few more lighter colors for the wall, other than that, it was perfect.

"Lets get to the train. We have a long ride ahead of us." Gajeel stated, picking her up once more as Lily perched on top of his head. She smiled, and this time stayed quiet as he started for the train station. Maybe her day wasn't so bad after all, and with this mission, she could possibly get to know the Iron Dragon Slayer better. Sure, she learned a few things about him from the tournament, but with this mission, she could learn even more. She smiled at the thought, and decided that she couldn't wait to get on the train.