The open window carried a the sounds of happily chirping crickets and a deathly cold night breeze. Levy lay still as a startled deer as she finished the last page of her book. It must have been well past midnight but Levy couldn't put the book down, she was just getting to the good part.

When the last page was turned and the last sentence read Levy slowly closed the book. She looked around in a daze completely unaware she'd spent so much time reading. The chill from the window distracted Levy. She got up to shut it. Levy looked again at the book she read, then at the clock; 1:30. She yawned, turned off the flashlight she was using and climbed under her covers.

Levy balled herself up tight. She focused on trying to relax, she even tried the breathing practices the doctors had taught her. None the less it was another hour before Levy could fall asleep, something that always came with bitter sweetness.

The next morning was different from the last, Levy promised herself that. She didn't want to leave her room, and after her encounter with Gajeel, she had more than enough reasons not to.

That plan failed miserably when Gajeel appeared at her door, though. She thought it had been the nurses giving her the daily medicine but when she opened up the door she nearly screamed. Levy's hand clasped her mouth holding back a gasp, she began shaking immediately.

Gajeel seemed to be looking away with his hands in his pockets. If he wasn't deliberately in front of her she would have sworn he was just waiting around for no particular reason. Gajeel turned to Levy when she opened the door. She tried to close it quickly but he caught his large hand in the middle and forced it back open.

"Oi, shrimp. I wanna talk to ya."

"No. Please just go away!" She squeaked out hiding behind the door as she kept trying to shut it.

Gajeel took a step forward and forced the door open with no intention to leave. "Will ya listen to me!" He shouted, and she could almost feel his anger growing to match her anxiety. Levy had no choice, Gajeel wasn't going to leave unless she listened. She stood quietly her hand still on the door handle and her eyes focused on the ground. Gajeel continued. "I'm sorry 'bout yesterday." He said through gritted teeth.

Despite her anxiety and fear Levy looked into Gajeels eyes, he stood a good foot and a half taller than her and the light was very unflattering but Levy could see how he was holding back. His lips were held thin and his jawline twitched. It was the same look Levy had when trying to hold back her anxiety. For the first time she saw something in him that, yesterday, had been invisible.

"It's just that sometimes I get so angry...I-I didn't mean to scare ya." Gajeel's arm went behind his head as he scratched the back of his neck. His unusually sharp teeth were clenched in concentrated restraint.

Levy went silent. She didn't know what to say. She had expected to never see Gajeel again, not for him to apologize face to face. In fact she hadn't even expected an apology whatsoever. She most certainly hadn't planned on forgiving him, but as she looked at the way he was trying to stay calm, Levy sympathized with him. That was every day for her wasn't it? Just trying to stay calm? Maybe we are alike in some ways… She thought then realized she'd gone too many minutes without saying anything.

"Hey squirt were you even listening!" Gajeel's anger showed just a little but his face remained stoic.

"Y-yes. I'm sorry. It's just, I wasn't expecting you to apologize…"

"Yeah, well I did…"

Levy didn't know what to say so she stuck to formalities. "Thank you for the apology. But I think it's best we don't see each other again…"

Gajeel went silent this time. He seemed to be thinking, then finally he said, "Actually, I'd like to buy you lunch...To, y'know make up for..yesterday." Levy was about to refuse when Gajeel added; "It doesn't have to be anywhere special. I'll let ya pick where you want to go. That way we don't have to stay in public…"

No one had ever considered her anxiety before, they all just expected her to be fine and when the time came that her panic attacks got the best of her, everyone's immediate reaction had been to hospitalize her. Yet here he was offering not only to buy her lunch but keeping in mind how she hated public outings, something she hadn't thought Gajeel would pick up on after their first meeting.

She stayed quiet for a while again, thinking over whether she should go with him. It wasn't as if she would go anywhere else today but it wasn't as if she wanted to go anywhere either. Gajeel was going out of his way to keep his anger issues at bay so he could give Levy a worthy apology. The least Levy could do was accept his offer, and not having to deal with public crowds was a bonus.

"O-okay then…" She watched Gajeel's eyes widen and his face perk up. "Take me to get fast food, then we'll eat in the garden." Levy was surprised by her own initiative when she spoke, although it still sounded like a mouse squeak she found a new confidence that she'd never known had been there. Gajeel laughed a bit, it was a weird laugh one unique to him that she'd never heard before.

"Ghihihi." You got it."

She grabbed her purse, packed a couple books and told him she was ready to go. Because Gajeel and her weren't severe cases in the hospital they could leave hospital grounds when given permission by their doctor's.

Levy hadn't left grounds in so long she forgot what freedom felt like. Her panic attacks normally kept her inside, though that never bothered her until now. When Gajeel and Levy checked in Doctor Porylusica was lenient.

"Normally I'd say no, especially after what happened with him." She glanced to Gajeel in the other chair. "However, you have been controlling your anxiety. And I don't see any harm if you stay away from large crowds. Be back an hour before lights out." Her tone was firm and Levy got the message she didn't say.

I'm letting you go this time on a leap of faith, don't prove me wrong. Levy nodded and forced a smile. She shook Dr. Porylusica's hand then rose and followed Gajeel outside of the hospital.

When the sliding doors opened a warm summer breeze filled her nostrils and tangled her hair. Levy took a deep breath, for the first time in a long time she would be leaving this place, at least for a little while.

A nice summer breeze couldn't blow away her anxiety though and she kept her head down as she followed Gajeels ganter to his car. Or what she thought was his car. Levy stopped when she saw Gajeel mount a jacked up motorcycle. Everything about that thing spelled manly man, and that meant danger. Levy's anxiety built, she picked at her nails again, then began alternating between running her fingers through her hair.

"I can't...I'm not going in that thing!"

"C'mon don't back out now!" He almost shouted as he kick started the engine. The motorcycle gave a loud rev and Levy visibly jumped, stepping back to the hospital doors. Gajeel caught her mid escape. "It won't hurt you. Just hold on to me tight and you'll be fine."

Levy blushed. Yesterday she had never thought she'd be allowed to go outside again let alone outside riding around on an exposed death trap. She gritted her teeth and tried to smooth over her goosebumps.

"Fine." She sighed finally, resigning herself to sit behind Gajeel. His long black hair tickled her face as she wound her tiny arms around his waist. She couldn't even get her hands to come full circle and the helmet he offered her was much too big. Levy's uncertainty grew, but she couldn't escape now as Gajeel revved the engine once more, then tore out of the parking lot, Levy screaming and holding on for dear life the whole way.

She felt a heavy rumble in his belly at her surprised scream and she kicked his shin for laughing. At the same time Levy realized what she was riding. The wind ruffled her clothes so much so she thought they would fly off. The scenery passed by in a blur and they easily passed through Magnolia traffic as Gajeel weaved in and out of lanes. Levy felt a true smile curve at her lips. The familiar tug that meant she was having fun, something she hadn't experienced since she came to the hospital.

Gajeel pointed to a spot down the street and shouted something incoherent over the rush of traffic and sound of the incredibly loud engine. Levy realized what he'd said as he pulled into another parking lot by a fast food restaurant. The bike grumbled to a stop and Levy almost forgot to take off her helmet when Gajeel dismounted.

"You can stay here if ya want. I'll go inside and order us something. I know it ain't a real fancy place but I figured its better to get the food quickly then head for the garden spot you wanted to eat in...or something like that." He added when Levy said nothing. She nodded then told Gajeel what she wanted.

"Salad? That's it? No meat?"

"That's all I want."

"Do you want sausage on that or something?" He asked thoroughly confused with her order.

"No! I hate sausage. Just get me salad."

Gajeel grumbled something about vegetarians and walked into the restaurant. Levy was left alone by his bike, she gingerly placed his helmet on the handle and tried to stay calm while she waited for him to come back out.

He was taking too long for her liking and she felt nervous again. Although there was no one around, aside from the passing car, Levy felt exposed and in danger. She couldn't explain the feeling but it increased when a surly blonde jock type approached her. Levy put her head down hoping that he would pass and walk to the car beside her.

But he didn't and Levy heard a rough voice call, "What are you doing out here all alone?" The question seemed innocent but the blondes tone suggested something less friendly.

"I'm waiting for someone." She spoke without looking up. She prayed to god he would leave, she didn't think she could stop a panic attack if one happened here. And what would Dr. Porylusica say if her first visit outside the hospital in a year resulted in a panic attack?

The blonde scoffed. "Seems to me you're all alone." He stepped forward and leaned in close forcing Levy's chin to met his eyes. She gritted her teeth at his closeness and smelled the booze on his breath. The man got even closer still pressing their bodies together. His arms wrapping around her, trapping her in an embrace she wanted nothing to do with. "A pretty lady like you shouldn't be alone." He mused and Levy almost puked.

She tried to shove him away but wasn't strong enough. "Get away, please!" She shouted helplessly, her panic rising inside her like a cauldron about to boil over.

The blonde lowered his hand until it rested on her rear. She struggled even more, the panic almost overwhelming her. "Stop! Let me go!" She squirmed but the blonde had a firm grip as he forced sexual kisses to her neck.

Levy's anxiety had reached it's peak when the man pulled back- no, he was forced back. His body slammed against the side of a car and a large muscled arm came down on the blonde's neck almost choking him to death.

"Ya think it's funny to harass girls!? Huh, punk!" Gajeel shouted, his face turning red, a fire in his eyes. "I should teach you a lesson!" His arm reeled back and punched the blonde square in the jaw.

Levy in the meantime was having a hard time just breathing. After her anxiety had gotten so out of control then the danger disappeared quickly her body was looking for an outlet to relent pent up emotions. But Levy didn't lose control and she hyperventilated as a result.

Gajeel kept throwing punches and kicks, throwing the blonde around like he was a punching bag. The blonde's head was lolling and he lay on the ground with two black eyes, a swollen cheek and both lips split. Even after all that Gajeel couldn't stop. The anger inside him burned and boiled in his blood. He had too much of it and needed a way to release all the negative emotions.

He knew he went too far, but the anger boiled to the top and even when it simmered down, he looked over at Levy leaning over his motorcycle trying to catch a breath, the anger came back all in an instant. He looked back at the limp man he had pinned to the ground.

Gajeel was about to unleash another wave of punches when tiny fingers wrapped around his thick wrist. He stopped, startled and looked over. Levy was holding his arm back, a determination in her eye along with a sadness she hadn't shown him before. He thought the drunk had made her upset but the look in her eyes told him it wasn't just the blonde she was afraid of.

Somehow it made Gajeel think of what he was doing, he lowered his hand and his anger was tempered...for the time being anyway.

"Stop it, Gajeel! Let's just leave. Now, please!" Gajeel looked one last time at the man he'd almost punched to death, if Levy hadn't stopped him he couldn't be sure if he would have killed him or not.

Gajeel stood up and threw Levy's helmet back at her, she stumbled as she caught it. He picked up the meal he'd dropped, shoved it in the luggage compartment of his bike and revved the engine. They tore out of the parking lot before any sort of crowd could be drawn.

Levy was riddled with anxiety the whole way back. She couldn't stop thinking about what that man was about to do to her if Gajeel hadn't stepped in. The main thought that stayed with her well after the day had ended though, was how easily Gajeel had knocked the blonde unconscious. How simply it was for him to unleash the kind of violence she saw on serial killers. The vicious look in his eyes as he swung punch after punch was...unforgettable.

She knew now just how bad his anger controlled him. Maybe I shouldn't have gone with Gajeel today… She thought helplessly as the fierce wind ripped by them. I'm such a fool! This would never have happened if I'd stayed home!

A million thoughts like these raced through her head until, by the time they pulled back into the hospital parking lot she couldn't get off the bike fast enough. Her fear must have shown because Gajeel was quick to catch her before she got too far away.

"Where do you think yer going?" He demanded an answer with the sheer force behind his words. Levy couldn't look at him, she was afraid and she was nervous. All she wanted to do now was go into her room and disappear behind the pages of a book. A cold silence fell between them, one Levy dared not break lest it make him angrier. Then Gajeel's voice lifted, the anger was gone from it replaced by only a half-hearted easy going tone. "We still have a meal to finish." Gajeel smiled showing his sharp canines while holding up the meal they'd gotten from the restaurant.

He let go of her hand and for some reason her fear and anxiety faded just a little. After everything that happened he still wanted to treat her with a nice lunch. Levy appreciated the offer of course but she was still unsure of herself. None the less she didn't want to let him down for no other reason than she hated letting people down. Levy faked a small smile and nodded. "Okay. Let's go find a place to sit in the hospital's garden."

Gajeel followed her the whole way, this time a comfortable silence rested between them. Levy couldn't believe she'd ever feel comfortable with Gajeel around but as they found a secluded spot in the garden that idea didn't seem so farfetched.

Levy always enjoyed sitting in the garden alone, something she did many times on her late night walks. It was different at night than it was during the day though, no crickets were heard, only birds. No fireflies flew around, only butterflies. If anything Levy would say it was more peaceful during the day when she could see every flower in full bloom. She quietly enjoyed her salad. It wasn't until Gajeel struck up a conversation that she said anything.

"So...do you come here often?" Such an idiot Gajeel! Why did I say that! Only cheap movie lines and assholes say that!

"Sometimes, I like to walk the hallways at night when no ones around. I usually end up here, listening to the sounds of the night. Sometimes I'll pretend I'm not even here and that I'm just a part of the forest like the fireflies or the flowers." That was stupid to say! He probably gonna think I'm some sort of tree hugger now! Or a freak! Or both!

"I wish it were that simple." Don't fuck this up, Gajeel! "I've tried almost everything to escape but people just make me so angry! I can't stand it. Sometimes just a face is enough to piss me off! Like that stupid therapists face. I hate saps who meddle in 'disabilities' as they call them. Makes me wanna kick their ass." You fucked it up.

I knew it, he's just like me! Plagued by the disease of overactive emotions."Have you tried breathing?"

What is this chick getting to? "Breathing? I'm alive aren't I?"

"No, I meant controlling your breathing. Sometimes it works for me to calm my anxiety. Other times though it's not so easy." What am I saying? Who's to say it will even work for Gajeel I'm probably just giving him false advice.

Gajeel turned away, contemplating the advice Shorty had given him. Of course that's what she meant, why did I not pick up on that sooner? I must look like an idiot to her. In truth Gajeel just wanted to make up for yesterday. He normally hated when his anger got out of control which of course only made him angrier. The more he talked to Levy though the more the weight of the guilt from yesterday pressed on his chest. She didn't deserve what he'd done and he was afraid that no amount of free lunches would make up for that.

"We're really not all that different then, huh?" Gajeel turned his confused gaze to her. "I mean we both have troubles controlling our emotions. Yesterday I thought you were the biggest asshole I'd ever seen."

Gajeel frowned, "Thanks, shrimp." He said with venomous sarcasm.

Levy stuttered on her words. "N-no I didn't mean-! I mean now I don't-"

Gajeel placed a large hand on her head and ruffled her hair a bit. "It's okay, I know what you meant." He said without looking at her and the guilt pressed just a little harder on him.

Hours had passed since they'd finished their lunch and Levy and Gajeel were still in the garden. Walking around looking at the vegetables and flowers that grew, lost in conversation. Both parties wanted to make the other feel comfortable and avoid awkwardness in general. That proved harder than Levy thought. More than once she'd spilled the beans on her strange habits and could only hope Gajeel wasn't judging her too harshly.

Eventually the sun began to fall and the garden fell into a trance, everything was quiet no more birds chirped and the butterflies were gone, but the crickets weren't out yet either which left the garden in a sort of sleepy state. A golden blanket of light rested on the surface of the flowers bringing out the colors more vividly than when the sun was high in the sky. Gajeel had never considered garden's to be this pretty, looking around now he understood what Shorty meant by spending time out here.

Levy noticed Gajeel staring off into the distance. His gaze spanning horizons and then resting on the setting sun. "It's beautiful isn't it?" She came up beside him, their height differences more blatantly obvious than ever before.

"You sure know how to pick out the relaxing places don't you, Shorty."

Levy blushed. Gajeel was the first person she ever showed this garden to. It was open to all the patients of the hospital but no one ever came out here. Sometimes Levy thought she was it's only visitor, even on days when the staff should have been out here to care for the garden Levy was the one picking the weeds and watering the flowers. The staff members didn't seem to mind, in fact Levy came out here so often she felt like she was the garden 's caretaker now.

"Gajeel," She grabbed his attention, her gaze still turned to the dimming light of the sun. "Thank you." She smiled, her cheeks grew a little rosy and Gajeel could have sworn he saw the same look on an angel once. The sight stopped him in his tracks and held his attention better than anything ever did, or ever could. "I'm glad I went out with you today, even after what happened in the parking lot. I've never had anyone protect me like that."

It was Gajeels turn to blush as he thought back to what happened. It wasn't as if he'd meant to protect her, he just hated men who forced themselves upon women. But it wasn't as if he didn't mean to protect her either. In the end it was all a part of apologizing for his snap yesterday. Gajeel turned away so she wouldn't see him blushing and returned the stoic look to his face. He placed an arm on her head like an armrest, all the better to avoid her gaze finding him caught off guard.

"No problem, Shorty." He spoke with a kind of sincerity he hadn't heard from himself in a long time. "I'll always protect you."

Gajeel wasn't entirely sure what he meant by 'always', but judging from the look on Levy's face it was appreciated. Gajeel stole another glance at her. The way the light traced her every outline, framing her jaw to perfection. She looked so soft, like a dream. Her face was perfectly molded so that Gajeel found himself lost in the beauty he was standing above.

He looked away, Don't get any ideas, He told himself. After yesterday you're lucky she even agreed to have lunch with you. The guilt surfaced again, and Gajeel focused back on the setting sun. He was happy, for once, to have this feeling of contentedness spread over his cheeks when he thought about the day he'd spent with her. Gajeel closed his eyes and made a wish on the setting sun.

Please don't let it go away…

AN: This chapter was mostly inspired by Disney's, The Beauty and the Beast and the relationship Belle has with the Beast. He's strong and unyielding, and she's soft. In a sense she's his better half, the patient half that isn't afraid to get really sappy at emotional times. I love the idea that Gajeel and Levy are basically Beauty and the Beast, I also love Disney movies. :3 So I incorporated some of those ideas into this AU.