AN: Though I already have a drabble fic out there, I've decided to make another one – this time much more focused on romance and fluff. I hope you enjoy this addition! (And yes, I do take requests. It helps if you give me a prompt too :3)
Genre: Romance/Humour/Drama
Rating: T, though probably K+ for some
Themes: Fluff all the way, with sprinklings of bittersweet chocolate at times
Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail or the characters. Only the writing/story is mine. Also, kindly proof-read by a friend of mine.
Current pairing: Gajeel and Levy, the cutest almost-canon couple in FT! Told mainly from Levy's perspective.
Brief summary: When she feels a (comforting) presence shadowing her every move, the bluenette knows that she'll be alright. At least as long as he stays with her.
Risk it all, 'cause I'll catch you if you fall.
It was true that she normally didn't like it when Jet and Droy fought over her. She wasn't a precious object to be thrust into the middle of a contest, and the bookworm didn't enjoy the trouble and hassle they occasionally caused. However, at this point in time, Levy McGarden had a reason to be thankful for their minor harassment. For they'd given her a perfectly fine backdrop to blush and stammer her way over to her crush. Her target of affections had yet to publicly acknowledge them, but the slender girl was confident he had an inkling.
After all, only Natsu could be so dense as to not even wonder by now.
Entering the guild, the Solid Script mage nodded warmly at her friends, which were in their usual spots. Heading towards Mirajane, she gave the friendly barmaid a courteous nod and a cheerful smile. Ah, Mirajane (Mira to most). Fairy Tail's ever-so-helpful white-haired poster girl. She was popular, pretty and to be honest, Levy wasn't quite sure why no one had taken her yet. After all, this particular one had it all. Unlike herself, Mirajane had looks that appealed to every man, no matter what age, and a personality that matched her honeyed demeanor. Her magical prowess was nothing to complain about, either, unless you were her enemy.
So deep in such laments she was that the bluenette hardly noticed Mira trying to get her attention. As a rough ruffling of her hair brought her back to life, she blinked once, twice as she attempted to comprehend her current situation. The very first thing her hazel orbs landed on was a pair of amused scarlet eyes. Though once they might have only heralded fear and horror, now they were something much nicer than that. Especially to Levy.
A blush crept towards her pale cheeks as the mage quickly averted her gaze. Shooting a pointed look at Mira, she wondered if the Take Over magic user would offer her any help. But, no. Of course not. After all, Levy was smart enough to handle everything, right? Even a sticky situation in which she had next to no experience in? All she received from the platinum-locked beauty was a wink and an assuring nod. The signal to go on right ahead.
Okay, so what if she was smart? What if she loved books, just like her best friend Lu-chan? That didn't mean anything in real life! Sure, it was what had bolstered her ability to use words as weapons and shields, but heck, she couldn't conjure up anything right now!
Mira! Why, why now of all times? You absolutely cannot abandon a friend and fellow lady in need at times like this!
Only then did she notice that the Dragon Slayer next to her was staring at her with a sly grin on his face. Turning her head to face Mira, she dearly hoped that Gajeel was only so intrigued because she had been spacing out for the last few moments. Hopefully?
Apparently not. Lu-chan was definitely the luckiest out of them both, that was settled. Mira's mouth was in a distinctive 'O' shape, but her navy eyes glinted with, oh, what was it. Amusement? Again? Why did everyone laugh at her? Mira finished cleaning the last glass for the day, and she stepped out from behind the bar. Her only words of advice?
"Go easy on him. I don't think he's had too many romantic advances before."
Argh! She felt like tearing her sky-blue hair right out of her head. She knew that Mira was a famed matchmaker in Fairy Tail, rumoured to enjoy setting guildmates up with each other. Yet this was cruelty gone too far. A deep ruby flush had now settled in her cheeks, and Levy stared at her fidgeting hands. Suddenly, it seemed as if every eye were on them. And that was dreadful. Simply, utterly horrible.
As if sensing her discomfort, the Iron-user gave her a sincere smile that only further highlighted his disconcerting feelings of delight at the state of current events.
"No need to be awkward, small one!" A customary gee-hee escaped him. Gajeel was clearly enjoying this.
"I-I'm not being awkward. How am I being awkward? I am perfectly at ease. Anyway, who are you to go around ruffling my hair? I don't see you doing that to anyone else! So why can you do that to me, huh?"
"You're small. And short. And I can do it without being beaten up."
Answers such as those were hardly satisfactory to the thorough little mage. Not to mention his implications were not working to his advantage right now. So, he thinks I'm weak? I'll show him! Jeez, he has better things to do that to be arrogant.
Ah, moments like these simply reminded her of their time during the S-class exam. Sure, maybe he had been focused on trying to defeat their stronger members of Fairy Tail, but in the end Gajeel seemed to actually want to protect her. Going unnoticed by the book-lover, a small smile, full of tenderness had appeared on her face. Gajeel took this as encouragement to his behaviour. Who knew that the girl he … he was comrades with, well, liked his rough habits? In the past, women would often be dissatisfied by his ingrained nature of being condescending, and left. Those were the ones without enough patience and kindness to wait it through.
"And you also didn't seem to mind it before. And I think you find it c-"
"Woah, stop there! Don't go thinking like that, when you yourself can barely understand what someone like me would want, or think! I mean, what would you know? Have you ever wanted to be protected yet admired by someone that you'd willingly put yourself in danger? Have you ever wished for something that could never be, because you're too scared? Have you ever wondered if it was worth the risk to expose yourself and be vulnerable? Have you?"
Levy, a normally quiet girl, had reached new levels – quite literally – with her voice. It had become loud and commanding, something she was not very accustomed to. While Gajeel was left reeling from this sudden tirade of words, she took advantage and ploughed on like a wild train without any brakes. Hah, Mira. You wanted me to go right on ahead, right? Well, I bet this isn't what you planned! She felt a prickle of guilt at her irritated thoughts, for her friend deserved none of what she was thinking. But hey, when you annoy Levy McGarden, you should be prepared for the consequences.
I may be small. I may be weak. I may be useless. But I care for you. I care for my friends. I try my best. Isn't that what counts?
"Oh yes, before you go on thinking that I'm weak and stupid and just a plain nuisance, how about you go thinking about what I might feel? It's stressful, having to carry all these burdens on my heart and having to constantly, constantly think about the consequences of telling you! Of letting it out to everybody!"
Perhaps now she had well and truly done it. Had she broken? Maybe. It was all that dumb Gajeel's fault though. It was all his fault that he was so charming in a weird way, that he could be such a large presence in her life, that he was strong enough to protect her. And that she liked it.
"... Gee-hee."
That instantly snapped the irked girl out of her own little world. What. Had. He. Just. Said. How could he say such a simple phrase, so common and ordinary, when she'd pretty much just went over the edge, and into the deep end as they'd say? Glaring at him with all her might, Levy wondered if a fiercely malicious aura was emanating from her right now as Erza and Mirajane sometimes did.
"You know, you really need to work out how to prevent yourself from speaking your thoughts out loud."
What? What on Mavis' grave could he possibly mean? Surely she hadn't...
"Oh, no."
"Personally, I think it's kind of cute, but each to their own I suppose."
"Oh, no. No. No. No. No! This cannot be happening!"
Her eyes darted to Lucy, only to be met by a stifled giggle and a mildly sympathetic look. Mira didn't even bother concealing the wide beam that stretched her lips. Erza was laughing into her hand. Laughing. Erza! In fact, the entire guild was quiet, except for the titters of laughter that ran through the hall.
Timidness overcoming her, a red-hot blush rose to meet her light cheeks for what, the third time in an hour? Running out of the guild, she could barely stop her dark eyes from turning on the waterworks. Burying her head into her arms, Levy could only imagine the gossip that would surround her and Gajeel for the next few days. She lllllllikes him!No. She refused to allow Happy to make fun of her! It was honestly too much to take, and a feeling of melancholy gloom soon clouded her face.
"No need to get depressed. There are much better things to do than that, you know."
How had she not heard footsteps behind her? He did wear heavy clothes for a guy like him, and he wasn't light or anything. To be distracted to a point of not being able to hear an Iron Dragon Slayer … Ugh! She was so out of touch with reality. Wait. Maybe that's it. This was all a dreadful nightmare! Levy felt a twinkling of hope ignite within her.
"'Fraid not, lil' one. Or should I call you shorty?"
Eyes blazing, Levy whirled around to be met with a smirking Gajeel. Oh, he was so darn infuriating. It made her want to just, just, just … run away! Do something! Rip all her wallpaper! Kick something! Punch something! Oh, she could kick HIM! But Lucy has her signature Lucy-kick. I guess I should have a Levy-punch?
"You can go ahead and try it, if you want to. I doubt you'll be able to hurt me much though."
She had had just about enough.
"Am I so helpless to you? Why? What can I do to persuade you to leave me alone?"
"You could run away, like last time?"
This suggestion shocked her, and her face showed it. Just like the books she loved, her expressions were as readable as an open book.
Sighing, the man next to her plopped down. For once, he wasn't staring at her. He stares at me? Of course, this didn't mean Levy had calmed down. Oh, it would take much more to cool this fiery spirit down now.
"Look, I'm sorry if … if I offended you. I didn't mean it. It's just how I am."
He couldn't be apologizing? But then she should apologize! She was the one who'd put him in a difficult position, in front of everybody...
Just let him say this. It'll do both of you good, I'm sure.
"But I mean, you're so fun to f- tease. And I meant it when I said you were cute."
Why did she have a blushing complex? It was sad, really. That she was reduced to a pile of fuzzy red mush. She didn't want to be mush. Or to die with a pink-tinted face. … What was she saying?
"And in my opinion, you'd be cute even if you were all melted. And with a pink face. But not melted as in actually melted. That would be kind of weird."
Levy had to admit, Gajeel was the epitome of sweet like this. It was quite obvious he was flustered, and the way he carried on oblivious to her silence signalled that he did care for her. Even if it's not the way I do for him.
"So, yeah. I just wanted to say I'm sorry. Do you accept this, shorty?"
Shorty was her official nickname now, huh? She kind of liked it. She was shorter than average for her age, and well. He was tall. Another reason for them not to get together.
Taking in a deep breath, Levy finally faced him and nodded, a wobbly smile on her face.
"Sure. Anyway, it's all my fault. I'm sorry to be such a bother."
"Tch. You don't know what you're talking about. I mean you can be annoying and really -"
"Shut up already."
Feeling confident, the bluenette leaned in and kissed him. Full on the lips. Mira would've been proud of the pure fondness she conveyed. Her first kiss was short and brief, to the point but also very magical for her. And hopefully for him too.
An uncomfortable silence surrounded them. Trying to break the tension, Levy looked down at the grass and told him, "It's okay if you don't feel the same way. I understand … and I want our friendship to stay the same."
Some more silence. How long was he going to think about this anyway?
"Hah."
… What. Her day had been tiring and stressful. Levy honestly didn't know how much she could take anymore.
"Heh. Look, I don't know about you but isn't it normally the guy who kisses the girl to shut her up and declare his feelings for her? Also, I think that such guys are cowards. I mean, you just tell a girl outright if you like her!"
Levy coughed. Was he saying she was a wuss, then?
"I'm sorry for not living up to your expectations."
Her reply was stiff, and she prepared to stand up when Gajeel forcefully grabbed her arm.
"What? You made it clear you don't want anything to – mmf!"
He practically smothered her with a full-on smack on the lips. As her eyes opened wide, Levy panicked for a moment before flinging her arms around his neck, effectively hugging him. A warm sensation encircled her waist as she realized the Dragon Slayer had placed a hand on her hip.
"Guess I'm a coward and a wuss then."
"But you're my coward and wuss."
Smiling confidently, Levy demurely entwined their fingers, leaning on his shoulder. A content, happy sigh escaped her mouth as she gazed at the moon, which had risen rather quickly that night.
"Say, should we go in?"
"I say we do."
As they both stood up and brushed grass off of their clothes, Levy gazed at Gajeel intently, having one last point to make.
"By the way, that was my first kiss. So … just … take care of it, will you?"
Blushing, she had no idea what she was saying. What was wrong with her?
"Don't worry. I'll always be around to protect you. Every single step of the way."
He never failed to surprise her, did he? Letting out a tentative giggle, she felt secure in his arm that held her close to him. Similarly putting one arm around his waist, Levy McGarden officially declared herself to be taken.
As they pushed open the guild doors, Gajeel bent down and whispered to his companion, "Oh yes. And I have felt such emotions, by the way. Fear of getting hurt and all. It's not just girls who are so lucky!"
Levy only gave Mira and Lucy a benevolent expression that told them both that she'd let them off the hook, for now. As she sat down next to them, Erza silently made her way towards her and murmured quietly, "So how was it?" Levy was about to tell her that it had been amazing, truly something worthy of a novel (she would have to give Lu-chan this to use!) and a real, deep heart-to-heart talk with her crush (was he her boyfriend now?) when Gajeel sauntered up to the guys and pretty much bellowed a strange exclamation for someone who'd just gotten a whole lot closer to his soon-to-be-girlfriend.
"I got Levy's first kiss!"
It took everybody about 5 seconds to react.
"Nani?"
You're the sky that I fell through
"Jeez, that girl... she can be so much of a bother sometimes."
His crimson eyes glowed in the darkness as he sneakily followed the bluenette's steps. Sure, he had to take shifty alleys to avoid being detected, but it was worth it. To protect her, all the way. Also, she was strong but he, well, he was a Dragon Slayer! That was all anyone needed.
"Clearly you have picked up an unfortunate habit from Levy."
A black cat wielding a large sword raised a brow, remarking on his spoken thoughts.
"Urusai¹."
And I remember the view whenever I'm holding you.
/ Alright, I hope I did justice to these wonderful characters and their adorable relationship! There was probably a bit of OOC-ness, and I sincerely apologize for that. Once again, I take serious requests (theme/prompt + pairing please!) for this mainly-fluff-drabble-fic, and any crack-requests you can write in a review for my other drabble-fic, the Crack Files (Lucy's up!) Next up will be a NaLu story!
Also, kindly keep in mind that if I write about a pairing here, it doesn't necessarily mean I ship them. If I did support them, you'd be able to tell from my notes. ;)
¹ - Urusai is the Japanese equivalent of Shut Up in English
The song lyrics are from 'If My Heart Was A House', by Owl City.
