A/N: First off, this week's chapter "air" was so awesome! I feel proud of my Levy. If you haven't read it yet, then I suggest you read it! So many feels.
Anyways, I want to note that I finished writing this story and after the events in Chapter 396, I am not going to rewrite it. This story takes place after the Tartarus arc without any knowledge of the outcome of said arc. There is a total of seven chapters (yes, purposely seven), and I will be uploading them weekly. More information after the chapter.
Chapter Three: Fairy Trap
"That woman…" Gajeel muttered to himself. He was walking down the path leading to the guild. "Jeez, they are all monsters!" Gajeel recalled the ill-fated timing of Erza looking out the window and almost witnessing him kissing Levy. "You got to be kidding me!" He shouted to himself, frustratingly scratching the back of his head as hard as he could. "I can't believe—" He paused, imagining how Levy looked beside him; her blue hair scattered in the grass, her flushed cheeks— "Goddamn it!" He roughly dug his hands into his pockets and continued to walk down the path.
Gajeel was thinking if there would be another opportunity like that was ever going to happen for the both of them. Whenever they are together, they were at the guild with other Fairy Tail members. On a job, Lily and sometimes the two annoying bone heads would go with them; which leaves them never just the two of them. He could simply ask her out on a date. Date? It would be just like their usual hanging out without Lily. And what was he supposed to say during their date? He wasn't much for talking to the little shrimp since most of the time they sit in silence as she read her books. Gajeel bit his lip, knowing there wouldn't be another opportunity like that.
"Gajeel." Lily came around the corner.
"Oh, Lily." Gajeel greeted the flying Exceed. "You are heading home too?"
"Yes," Lily nodded, following Gajeel's pace and flapping his wings when he needed another push. "I take it that Levy is back home?"
"Yep," Gajeel grunted.
"What happened?" Lily asked him. No matter how blunt his replies were, Lily knew if something was up. He wondered too if Natsu and Wendy would get that from Happy and Carla. "You look bothered by something."
"Nothing."
"Really?"
"Nothing." Gajeel grumbled. Sadly, it was the truth. Nothing happened.
They remained silent making their way back to their place, walking on the cobblestone streets along the river. Gajeel eyed a certain apartment and apparently the lights were on. With his dragon hearing, he could hear Salamander, Bunny girl and the blue cat making too much noise over some nonsense. Was there a time they were not together? His head returned to what was in front of him; an empty street and closed businesses, even the bars were closed early.
"We haven't seen the town like this since the Grand Magic Games." Lily said, gliding smoothly beside him. "If the eagles win, do you think they'll get a welcome parade too?"
"Beats me." Gajeel grunted. Grand Magic Games. Fiore Cup. What was next? How to build a snowman tourney? Ice Princess would definitely get a crack out of that, and Juvia would follow like she always did.
"We have four days before the game on Sunday." Lily added. "You want to go on a quick job before then?" They approached an apartment building along the south border of Magnolia.
"Yeah," The keys Gajeel pulled out of his pocket were warm from his hands. "We can pick one out tomorrow."
"Maybe Levy would like to come with us?" Lily commented as they climbed two flights of stairs.
"We can ask her in the morning." Gajeel sighed, dreading that once the offer had been made, somehow Droy and Jet would find out about it and tag along. The worse part about them coming along resulted in Gajeel and Lily saving or babysitting them. Sure, he gave them credit for trying, and although their magic was quite unique, their focus needed some work. "Maybe she shouldn't be wearing that."
"What did you say?" Lily couldn't hear through Gajeel's mumbling.
"Nothin'" Gajeel sighed. "I'm goin' to shower, then bed."
"Yeah? Good night, then." Lily said before creeping into the kitchen to grab a nightly glass of kiwi juice.
After a good shower, Gajeel pulled on some black sweatpants and lay in his bed, stared up at his plain white ceiling. Being so plain, it projected many things that only Gajeel could see, like a blank canvas, his thoughts were the paint and his eyes were the brush. He replayed everything that happened that day. An ordinary day coming back from a job with Levy and the rest of the group turned into an intriguing and eventful day, revolving around soccer and a little blue fairy that he admired very much. And today in particular pushed his admiration even further to the point where he almost sealed the deal.
Somehow Gajeel could get Levy alone again without being too brash with his actions, and to not be interrupted by outside interference. Maybe he could go to Juvia for help, though reluctant to do so after recalling her dysfunctional relationship with Gray. Lucy could be another person he could go to since she was really close to Levy. Then again, Gajeel really didn't feel like she could trust the Bunny girl with secrets that could be leaked to Salamander or Happy for that matter. Not that like he didn't trust her, Gajeel trusted Lucy as much as Juvia and Levy; it was he didn't really want Natsu and Happy to find out, because they definitely wouldn't keep it a secret.
That was the reason why Gajeel didn't like asking for help, because he had to include someone into his affairs. For a very long time, he had to take care of himself and resolve problems by himself. And he wanted to be with Levy…by himself.
"That's it!" Gajeel shot right up from his bed. "Gihii!"
It was eight o'clock in the morning and Levy arrived at the guild with her red bag strapped to her bare shoulders and arms cradling two large books. Her happy spirits seemed to diminish when she didn't see a familiar site at their usual table. It was empty. The entire guild was sort of empty, though the only ones that were there are the people who passed out from last night's celebrations, the morning wait staff and Mira Jane. The demon woman, greeting Levy with her trademark smile as she made her way towards the bar. Levy dropped her books and bag at her usual table before taking a seat at the bar.
"Good Morning, Levy-chan!" Mira smiled brighter than the morning sun.
"Good morning," Levy lifted herself up to the cushioned bar stool. "Did Gajeel come in yet?"
"Oh?" Mira set a mug down on the wooden bar and reached over for the fresh dark brew. "Did something happen?" Levy looked quite disappointed at the reminder of what happened—more like what didn't happened last night. "He was that bad?"
"No!" Levy's face heated up instantly, like the steaming coffee in front of her. "N-No! Nothing like that happened!" She frantically waved her hands in front of her, denying anything like that happened. "Wow, I don't know who is worse? You or Erza?"
"Huh?" Mira raised a quizzical brow.
"Something should have happened, but Erza happened." Levy sighed, explaining as simple as possible. "Anyways, I was wondering if Gajeel is in, so we can go on a job before Sunday's game."
"Oh Levy-chan!" Mira teased. "I see you have a plan!"
"Plan?" Levy's turn to be quizzical. "The plan is to go on a job."
"With Gajeel."
"We always go on a job. What makes this one different?"
"Without Lily, Jet and Droy?"
"I don't mind Lily, but—" Levy knew it they would interfere if they tagged along. With the amount of beer they drank last night, it was possible that they wouldn't be coming in until early afternoon. "I just want to make some rent money before the game. If there is a plan, that plan would be watching the game here with Gajeel and everyone else."
"Fair enough," Mira chuckled. "Let's wait for Gajeel and Lily, shall we? The usual?"
"Yes, please!" Levy nodded, hopping off the bar stool and reaching for her hot mug. "Thanks, Mira!"
And Levy waited.
And waited…
"Is that what was bothering you yesterday?" Lily asked Gajeel. The pair left the train station, Gajeel still queasy from the train ride from hell.
"Sorry," Gajeel groaned. "I didn't have enough for three…"
"It's okay," Lily assured him. "I think it would be best if it was just you two."
"Thanks," He added.
"You're welcome." Lily smiled at his partner. While Gajeel was trying hard not to throw up his lunch, Lily held on to an envelope addressed to Levy. It was an impromptu trip to Hargeon, where they waited in line until the broker opened its doors at eleven. Gajeel filled Lily in on what happened and the idea he had, believing that Lily would keep a secret. Unlike Happy, Lily had a Soldier's Oath.
"Oh, it's Gajeel and Lily!" Lucy waved them down as they were heading to the train station. "Are you back from a job? When did you leave?"
"Uh—We left in the morning." Gajeel scratched the back of his head. "Picking up for a client and now we are heading back."
"You guys leaving?" Lily asked.
"Aye!" Happy answered, lifting the ad for their job. "It's easy, so we can be back before Sunday."
"Take it easy." Gajeel said to them. Natsu and Happy continued to their trek to the train station. "Wait, Lucy—" Gajeel called her, stopping and letting the other two continue on.
"Yes, Gajeel?" Lucy asked. "Is there something wrong?"
"No, nothin'" Gajeel shook his head.
"I think there was something." Lucy giggled, covering half her mouth. "Lisanna told me what happened last night!" She teased, making Gajeel turn into a slight red. "Or should I say what didn't happened? Hm?" Gajeel clicked his tongue and crossed his arms.
"About that…" Gajeel grunted. "That was all Erza's fault. End of story."
"Sure—"
"I hope to run something by you first." Gajeel came up front about what he needed to ask. "I got these for Levy." He handed her the envelope and she peeked into it. "You think she would like it?" The blonde's brown eyes widen at the contents of the envelope.
"Are you serious?" Lucy looked surprised at Gajeel.
"Will she?"
"Oi, Lucy!" Natsu waved her down. "We're going to miss our train!"
"Don't tell flame brain about it and the blue cat too." Gajeel sighed. "I'll never hear the end of it. Got it?" Lucy nodded and handed the envelope back to him.
"She would love it." Lucy smiled from ear to ear. "Tell me all about it when you get back."
"I ain't gonna tell you shit."
"That's okay," Lucy laughed, walking backwards towards her partner. "I'll hear it from Levy." Gajeel clicked his tongue again and tighten his crossed arms. "Have fun." She waved.
"Thanks." Gajeel replied and watch her smile before turning around. He could hear Natsu and Happy bothering her about what they were talking about, and as promised Lucy told it was nothing. "Lily, let's head back."
"Yeah." The black cat grunted. "Oh and about what you told me earlier."
"What about it?"
"From what it looks like," Lily pointed to Lucy laughing at Natsu and Happy being goofy. "You're one of them."
Four O'clock.
Levy was tired of waiting, and she needed to get a job soon before she wouldn't have enough rent for this month. She cursed herself for buying three books that she didn't need to buy right now; however, rare finds that might be snatched away by the council historical society are too good to pass up. The table she sat in was literally covered in books. She pretty much read the mini library she brought with her and wasn't expecting to read it all at the guild. If they decided on a job, Levy hoped this would be her reading material on the train and laying over at whatever city they would be heading to.
"Heading back so soon?" A low, raspy voice boomed behind her, having a shocking chill run through her bones, catching her off guard, and dropping the fairly large book on the wooden table. "Gihii."
"Where the hell were you?" Levy shouted, drawing the attention of some guild members. Particularly Mira and Cana.
"Jeez, you have to be so loud?" Gajeel cringed at her voice. "I had a few errands to run. It took longer than I thought. Sorry." Levy glared at him, imploring if it were true.
"It's fine," Levy sighed. "I was thinking on going on a job before the game." She continued to pack up her stuff. "I came by to see if you wanted to come along, so I waited for you."
"Were you waitin' long?" Gajeel asked.
"Nope!" Levy answered quickly, closing her bag and lifting the three large books in her arms. "Not at all. You still want to go?"
"Sure," Gajeel shrugged his shoulders. He then caught two figures coming towards them with beaming smiles. "Crap…" Gajeel muttered softly that only Levy could hear. She looked at Gajeel, noticing something behind her caught his attention, and averted her gaze to her friends approaching them.
"You guys want to go on this job with us?" Jet held up a flier; Destroy Ancient Golems! Written in a deep purple. "It's requesting a polyglot and a few hired muscle to a secret ruin outside of Crocus." Both Gajeel and Levy read the flier saying just that, and concurrently looked at Jet with a blank stare. Both of them, but not each other knowing that the other wanted it too, they wanted to go on a mission together, and secretly didn't want them to tag along. Not only just to be together, but to not split the reward when they both knew the hired muscle was going to be Lily and Gajeel.
The job was perfect for them. They needed to kill time before heading to the capital, and this job's reward had enough Jewels to spend leisurely and pay for Levy's rent. Location of the job was conveniently close to Crocus, where the Fiore Cup was being held, and they fit the criteria needed.
"What do you guys think?" Jet pressed on. Gajeel and Levy glanced at each other quickly, exchanging questionable glances.
"Jet! Droy!" Mira Jane broke the tension and trotted with a piece of paper in her hand. "I have this job that requested your assistance!" While the two of them were distracted by the flyer, Mira turned her head towards Levy and winked at her. Levy nodded her head in response and returned an amusing smile.
"Are you serious? A request for me?" Jet grabbed the paper from Mira and began to read it. "It's in Akane."
"It's urgent and I need you two to go there and help them out during the flower festival." Mira pleaded. "They specifically asked for you!"
"Then we have to return this—" Jet looked at the Golem flier, but it was snatched away by Gajeel. "Hey!"
"We'll take this." Gajeel chuckled. "Levy and I will take this, Mira."
"Okay." Mira nodded.
"Wait!" Droy told them. "It's impossible to do that job with just the three of you."
"No," Lily replied. "The two of them should be fine."
"What?" Jet and Droy said at the same time.
"Levy and Gajeel should be more than enough." Lily stated. "I am more concerned about this…" Lily looked at the Flower request. "I can be your hired muscle.
"Then it is settled!" Mira cheered, but Jet started to retort to the decision. "We'll see you guys on Sunday!" She left them to their own devices and Gajeel looked at the paper in his hand.
"You sure you don't want to come with us?" Levy turned to the Exceed.
"I am sure." Lily nodded. "I have other business to take care of in Akane. It will be killing two birds with one stone." Levy was starting to feel a little nervous now. She was getting what she wanted; alone time with Gajeel.
"Oi, Shrimp!" Levy looked at the Dragon Slayer. "We'll leave in the morning."
"Okay," Levy grinned softly. She adjusted the books in her arms and started to walk towards the door. Levy flinched when she believed her books were slipping from her arms, but it was actually being taken by Gajeel, grabbing the books that weighed heavily in her arms.
"I was thinking." Gajeel said to Levy. "Maybe after the job we could head to the capital?" She eyed the books in his arms, looking like small paperbacks cradled in fluctuating bands of muscle.
"It's going to be crowded because of the Fiore Cup." Levy commented. "And by the time we finish this job, it'll take us a day to get back and that would be Sunday morning. I don't know about you, but I don't want to miss the game."
"Levy!" A very loud whisper caused Levy to look behind her to see Lisanna, Juvia, Wendy, Cana and Mira mouthing something intangible towards her. "Levy!" They were pointing fingers towards Gajeel and what it looked like they were mouthing the word 'date' and 'ask out.'
"Wait, what?" Levy's eyes widen and turned her attention to Gajeel.
"Why don't you guys go away?!" He roared and the group turned around and started to giggle among themselves, occasionally looking over their shoulders at them.
"Gajeel?" Levy wondered if she was the dense one.
"Jeez," Gajeel scratched his head. "Here." He adjusted the books to one arm and handed her the long white envelope addressed to Levy in Gajeel's surprisingly tangible, though still messy handwriting. "That's why I was late." Levy's fingers deftly opened the sealed paper and pulled the contents out.
"This can't be…no!" Her eyes widen and inevitable smile swept across her face. "You didn't?" She looked up to Gajeel who had that signature grin that she couldn't resist. "Is this a joke?" She jumped back at her tone, realizing that Levy sounded a bit offended by the gift. Gladly, Gajeel didn't notice.
"Yes, I traveled all the way to Hargeon by train and back just to get you fake tickets to the Fiore Cup final." Gajeel rolled his eyes. "Of course, they are real." His sarcasm was followed by his trademark laugh. "You wanna go with me?" It was only a courtesy to ask, though Gajeel already knew her answer once he saw the glowing smile on Levy's face.
"Of course," Levy beamed.
"One day, Chestnut." Levy wrapped her arms around his neck, smelling the tobacco in his rough skin. His eyes were dark as they looked out the window of their small studio apartment. Around one of his eyes, splotches of purple and yellow surrounded the puffy eye, accompanied with a crooked broken nose and scabbed lips. "One day, we will go to the final and bet on everything! We could afford a bigger place where we can put all your books."
"Can't we go to see them play, Papa?" Levy asked him. "We don't need to bet anything." She said meekly, only to have the man shook his head.
"It's okay, Chestnut." His raspy voice rumbled against her skin. "It's okay. Remember those stories Uncle Alshon told you about?"
"About Fairy Tail?" Levy smiled for the first time that day, not realizing that hearing her godfather's name still hurt him.
"We're going there!" He forced a crooked smile. "We'll find work and save up for the next Fiore cup! Now, Chestnut—when will be the next Fiore Cup?"
"In two years?"
"Yep," He grinned. "But, until then, we will find a way to get more money."
The afternoon turned into the evening, and Levy's room was more crowded than usual as Juvia and Cana were there asking her questions and telling her advice on how to approach Gajeel since they haven't done anything. Levy wished Lucy was here too, hoping that she would give some sensible advice compare to the woman who was high on love and the other woman drunk on…well, alcohol. The last thing Levy needed was something else trying to drive Gajeel away from her. And another reason why she wanted Lucy there was to ask her something about her father. There was Cana, but she was not sensible at the moment.
"Jet and Droy seemed bent out of shape." Cana snickered, sitting with her legs folded on the book crowded floor. "Hey Levy! How did you manage to have three guys wrapped around your fingers?" Levy silently shrugged her shoulders, not wanting to really answer the question. There was no point, Cana was too happy and drunk to possibly remember this conversation.
"I didn't lure anybody." Levy muttered her answer.
"As long as Gray-sama isn't one of them!" Juvia hissed. "Juvia doesn't want to be Love rivals with Levy."
"I think you should be more worried for Gray's safety if he tried to take Levy away from Gajeel." Cana laughed, cheeks flushed in her signature buzz.
"You guys talk as if we are dating." Levy sighed. "Both of you should know I have no interests with Jet nor Droy. Besides, they have a crush on me and nothing more. As for Gajeel, we're just going to a soccer game." Levy pulled out a bigger shoulder bag from her overstuffed closet, trying to push its contents that were tumbling out.
"Who says you are not dating?" Cana asked her.
"I say," Levy placed the dusty bag on her full size bed, next to the pile of clothes she planned to take with her. They didn't even kiss yet, she thought to herself.
"Did he ask you to go to the game?" Cana continued with the questions.
"Yes."
"Did you say yes?"
"Yes."
"Then you two are going out." Cana laughed. Levy rolled her eyes and started to pack the bag with the essentials and clothes. "Oh c'mon! You don't know how good you have it!" She burped and continued. "A sexy muscular man who gloats and clicks his tongue at every little annoying thing that everyone does around the guild. The blazing red eyes staring at you in silence as you read—" Another burp. "—quietly to yourself. That guy, ladies, is interested in our Levy."
"Well, he's a good friend." Levy said to them.
"Because of you, Levy." Juvia smiled. Levy paused from her packing and turned to Juvia, sitting perfectly straight at her wooden desk chair. "Juvia noticed Gajeel changed ever since we joined the guild. Even more so when he started spending more time with you." A small smile appeared on Levy's face, and immediately turned away from her two friends giggling at her. The jersey was the next to thing to pack, freshly washed and dried.
"Oh Levy," Cana got her attention. "Are you planning on bringing some sexy underwear?"
"Heh?" Levy blushed. "W-Why would I need that?" Her fists closed on the blue jersey, wrinkling the fabric in her clenched hands.
"Oh c'mon! Really?" Cana laughed. "Alone with Gajeel on a mission. Let me see…it'll take you about several hours of connecting trains to get to Crocus. Then, a day to finish the job…short train ride back to Crocus…what are you going to do until kickoff on Sunday?"
"I don't know!" Levy shook her head, folding the jersey and stuffing it in her bag.
"I know who you'll be doing?" She laughed. Levy gawked at her, face as red as Erza's hair.
"Gray-sama!" Juvia blurted out, and blushed.
"Not you!" Cana hissed at the rain woman. "Levy is going to mount that—" Levy turned bright red, like a red hot chili pepper.
"Cana-san!" Juvia blurted out. "Levy, you don't need to do anything if you are not comfortable with it." What if Cana was right? They were going to be alone. No Lily. No Jet or Droy…just Gajeel and her…alone. It was finals weekend, so getting separate rooms might not be possible. A lump formed in her throat when the thought of a single bed was the only thing available at the hotel they would be staying at.
"He's not a forward kind of guy." Levy sighed and resumed packing a few books in her pack, trying to hide her embarrassment.
"Yeah, that's why I said you are going to ride him—"
"Oh god!" Levy shook her head, turning towards a set of bookshelves and disappearing around the corner.
"I am playing with you." She tilted her head back with her lips cradling the opening of the brown glass bottle. "Just in case, though—" wiping off a trail of amber liquid from her chin. "Bring some sexy stuff." She finished with a snicker.
"Okay!" Levy laughed. "I think it's time for you to head back…" Levy held out a hand to the drunk monster. "I got an early day tomorrow."
"Oi, Levy!" Cana glared at the offered hand. "We're not done talking about what you—wait! Better yet!" She shouted, laughing as she slapped Levy's hand away. "You shouldn't bring any underwear!"
"Juvia will take Cana back…" Juvia stood up and pulled on the drunk woman's elbow.
"Levy-chan!" Cana cried. "You are so lucky!" A hiccup. "I wish had a boyfriend…" She trailed off, leaving Juvia to carry her freely without any resistance.
"He's not my boyfriend."
"Have fun if Juvia doesn't see Levy tomorrow." Juvia smiled. Levy walked them out of her dorm and held the door.
"We will." Levy smiled. "I'll see you Sunday night or Monday, okay?"
"Juvia will." She nodded and walked Cana down to her dorm.
"Oi, Levy!" Cana cried out over Juvia's shoulder. "When you get back, you gotta tell me if he pierced his—"
"Cana!" Juvia and Levy shouted at her. Levy slammed her door and leaned back on it, taking in the silence with a deep breath and a satisfying sigh escaped between her lips. Cana's words kept playing over and over in her head, being alone with Gajeel and being—alone with Gajeel all weekend. She shook her head, realizing that she shouldn't be scared of Gajeel. They spent time together all the time and so what if Lily was with most of it. Gajeel wouldn't admit it, but they both knew that they are just friends. Levy repeated herself that they are only friends…which she happened to have a crush on…and almost kissed the night before…
"Crap!" Levy's voice echoed in her library. "Shit!" She covered her mouth with her hand at what she had said; all Gajeel's influence no doubt. "Calm down Levy…calm down…" All the smutty books that she had read started falling back to her, recalling of all the erotic scenes that happened and how it happened. A linger of doubt started to build within her chest at the thought of her body pressed against his, lips exploring their skin, and Gajeel saying her name in a smoldering, gulping moan…
"I am going to kill you, Cana." Levy muttered, stomping to her bed, pushing her packed bag to the foot of the bed, and lying belly down, face buried in the fluffy pillows. Slowly, sexy thoughts turn into heated scenes in the back of Levy's sporadic mind. "I'm not going to sleep tonight." She croaked into her pillow and tried to count backwards from one hundred.
Eventually, sleep claimed her, but her fantasies continued in her dreams in which they were not so kind.
A/N: I know, not an interesting chapter, but the next one will be really long. I promise! So, this week is Gajevy Love Fest is this week, and then this Manga Chapter came out and it was like…as if Mashima knew and wanted to contribute to the fest. Anyways, I will be participating in the fest and it runs this Friday through next Thursday. So, I decided to delay the next chapter until the week of 8/26. Like I stated before this chapter, Bend It Like Levy is finished with seven chapters total. I'm just holding off and upload it weekly (sorry).
I will not upload my Gajevy Love Fest fics on here. They are Tumblr exclusives, so if you want to read some smutty love fics about these two dorks, I suggest heading in the direction of Tumblr. My site name is KissedByIron.
I'll see you guys in two week!
Facts: I know it sounds like I am hating on Jet and Droy. Some people think they are useless, but I honestly don't think so. They are Levy's friends and they went through a lot together. I believe Gajeel is either jealous or annoyed by them when they go squee over Levy, but he doesn't hate them. Nope. They are also his nakama. (omg, corny I know…).
MC
