"I love you." I woke up with a start. That was one heck of a dream. Rubbing of the sleep from my eyes, I got up and prepped for training. Panther Lily was a sucker for on-time arrivals. I'd be screwed if I was late. Tried it once and had to beg him to stop wasting my hard earned jewel on crates of kiwi. Today was an exception though, because Levy was coming over to train with us. Something about the lapdogs going for a mission without telling her. They need to learn how to finish their own missions anyway. But Levy was moping around when she found out, so he invited her to spend some time with them instead. She cheered up instantly and insisted on bringing lunch. He found himself looking forward to it.

First thought that came to mind when he got to the clearing was, What the hell? Lily was in warrior form, bench pressing Levy, who in turn, was feeding him sliced kiwi. He scowled, half-hoping that she would notice him and do something about the frown on his face, but she didn't. Lily did though. A smirk appeared within miliseconds, and called out to him. "You're late."

"No I'm not. I got here five minutes ago, you damn cat."

"Really? And what were you doing these past five minutes?" Levy was now listening in, trying to hide a smile. "What's it to you?" I faced Levy, and said, "And you? I invited you ever so nicely to come join us and I don't even get a greeting? I come here and I see you feeding the fuzz ball who wasn't even there when I asked you! I'm mildly offended Shri-… Why are you laughing?" She was doubled over, tears forming at the sides of her eyes. "You're really cute when you're jealous Gajeel!"

"W-Who said anything about that?" Struggling to turn this thing around, I started my warm-ups and tried to ignore her knowing smile.

Training came and gone, and lunch time arrived. We all gathered around the little picnic Levy had set up. I was impressed. She was able to make a couple of sandwiches and juice look like first class. "Itadakimasu!" Lily dug in immediately while Levy poured out the drinks. Minutes passed and both of them realized I wasn't eating yet. "Are you okay Gajeel?"

"Oi Gajeel! Levy took time to prepare this! Least you can do is eat it!" I muttered something they apparently couldn't here. "Could you please repeat that?"

"I-I can't eat!"

"Why? Is there something wrong with the food?"

"No! It's just, uh, my hands are dirty." Two pairs of eyebrows were raised in an instant. "You know, touching the grass and all." Dammit, why is it so hard to ask?! Levy reached out for a second sandwich. "Then would you like me to help you eat?"

"Ah, well, yeah. I mean, I guess. It's not like I have no choice." I opened my mouth and gestured for her to start. Her smile reached her ears as she began to feed me.

Gotta love picnics.