(f/n) sighed as she sat in the guild. She'd just finished a big job, and had enough money to last her a short time. Team Natsu had gone out on a mission, so it was considerably quieter than usual. Team Shadow Gear was out on a mission too, and Juvia was waiting for her precious 'Gray-sama' at the bar. Even Kinana and Mirajane were looking bored.
"So, Romeo went out on his first mission alone?" (f/n) glanced over, hearing Wakaba.
"Yeah, all grown up, eh?" Macao grinned.
Even Cana looked lonely. Gildarts had taken a short S-Class mission, leaving Cana to drink alone. (f/n) sighed and stood up.
"I'm going home for the day, Mira." (f/n) called as she stood up and exited the guild.
(f/n) decided to go home and do something more productive than getting drunk, when she slammed into what felt like a hard iron wall. She was about to fall back on her butt when one strong arm snaked around her waist, a hand grabbing her wrist. (f/n) looked up to see Gajeel, who looked completely unaffected. A hint of panic lit up his deep red eyes.
"Hey, Gajeel. What are you doing here?" (f/n) asked, confused at seeing a tiny tint of pink on his cheeks. Gajeel quickly withdrew his arms.
"You're a girl, right?" (f/n) blinked, slightly offended.
"Of course I am! What kind of crappy question is that?" (f/n) demanded heatedly.
"Come on." Not waiting for her consent, Gajeel grabbed (f/n)'s arm and started her dragging her in a different direction.
"Hey, Gajeel, let go!" (f/n) whined, fingers clawing at his muscular arm.
"You know how to handle a sick person, right?" Gajeel said gruffly, not slowing his pace.
"I guess. Why?" (f/n) asked, growing annoyed.
"What about cats?" Gajeel asked, not paying attention to her question.
"I don't know, I don't own a cat! Oh, is it Lily?" (f/n) yanked her arm free as she came to the realization.
"I don't know! Just c'mon." Gajeel said gruffly. (f/n) smirked.
"Aww, is somebody a little worried?" (f/n) teased, smirking lightly.
"Hm. As if. I just want him ready for our next mission." Gajeel muttered, glancing away as he slowed his pace so (f/n) could catch up.
"Fine, fine. I'll believe you once." (f/n) smirked as they reached Gajeel's place.
"This place needs MAJOR renovation." (f/n) announced.
Piles of scrap metal were littered around the dusty apartment, along with some supplies for missions, food wrappers, and a few unwashed articles of clothing.
"Tch. It's fine. Now, you gonna check on Lily or not?" Gajeel snapped, picking up a chunk of iron and biting off a piece.
"Ew." (f/n) muttered as she walked through the junk to find Lily in a small cot.
Lily was huddled under a blanket, hacking and shivering, sweat dripping down his forehead.
"How are you feeling, Lily?" (f/n) asked, placing a cool hand on his soft, furry forehead.
"I'm fine." Lily muttered hoarsely.
"You're burning up! Don't hide it, you're sick." (f/n) scolded. "Hey, Gajeel, get some cold water and two little towels or something." (f/n) called.
Gajeel came back a few minutes later with a small bowl of cold water and a little towel.
"Okay, so dip one in, fold it, and put it on Lily's forehead." (f/n) instructed. His large hands had trouble as they tried to fold the small cloth.
"Really? Here." (f/n) took his hands lightly in her own and helped him fold it. Gajeel tried as gently as he could to lay it on Lily's forehead.
"Good boy."
Gajeel looked up in annoyance.
"I'm not a dog, woman."
"Are you sure?" Gajeel spluttered in protest as (f/n) dipped in the second towel, folded it, and gently placed it under Lily's neck.
"I'll make him something to eat. If the towels cool down, take it off and dip it in again. Don't let Lily kick off the blankets or he'll get cold." (f/n) instructed before leaving to go cook.
"I guess I'll go classic and make soup. Chicken noodle without the chicken. You should eat light while you're sick. Maybe some saltines or bread, too." (f/n) muttered as she found a mostly-stocked fridge. Good enough.
While (f/n) let it simmer, she found some saltines in the cupboards. She put a small bowl of soup on a plate and put some saltines next to it, with a glass of water if Lily got thirsty. She carried it over to see Gajeel tenderly laying the cloth back on Lily's head. (f/n) smiled. He looked just like a father.
"Gajeel, I brought some food for Lily." (f/n) called softly.
Gajeel didn't look up.
"Come on, eat something Lily." (f/n) tried to coax Lily's mouth open. He didn't budge.
"Hurry up, or you ain't coming on my next mission." Gajeel informed Lily irritably.
Lily reluctantly ate.
"Be nice, Gajeel. Lily's sick." (f/n) scolded.
"Whatever." Gajeel walked away to the kitchen.
"I can eat by myself. Go talk to him." Lily told (f/n), sitting up.
"Okay. If you need something, just yell." (f/n) stood up and walked to the kitchen to find Gajeel looming over the sink, shoulders shaking slightly.
"Gajeel? Are you sick too?" (f/n) ran over and gently placed a hand on his forehead.
All of a sudden, Gajeel grabbed (f/n)'s wrist, turned, and slammed her down on the kitchen table.
"Gajeel!"
"Quit tempting me during mating season." Gajeel whispered in a low, deep voice, sending shivers up (f/n)'s spine.
"G-Gajeel, stop!" (f/n)'s eyes widened as Gajeel crushed his lips on hers in an aggressive passion.
Slowly, Gajeel worked his way down her neck, and bit on her neck before pulling away with a satisfied face.
"Gajeel-!"
"Don't deny it. You like me too." Gajeel stated bluntly, smirking as (f/n)'s hand flew up to her neck.
"Baka, how am I supposed to explain that?"
"Gihi. So you do like me." Gajeel smirked wider as I glared, and he kissed me again.
"So, now you're mine. No talking to flame-brain or icicle-pants." Gajeel's arms tightened around (f/n)'s waist.
"You're mine, and mine alone."