AN: This is for Gajevy Week 2016. I have never written for this in the past, but if you've read my other works on here, then you kinda know my style. If you haven't, please check out my Gajevy fanfictions!
*I do not own any of the pictures.
*I do not own any of FairyTail - that's all Hiro Mashima.
AN: To lemon or not to lemon. That is the question… Actually, that's not the question. The question is, are YOU able to handle what I'm about to give to you? Graphic depictions below - be advised.
Gajevy Week #4 - Western Draw, Ace's High
A black horse was brought to a halt outside the only saloon in Sheridan, Wyoming. It was easily considered the largest town around for five miles, so busy was usually an understatement. People walked up and down the boardwalks from one storefront to another, for some it was a daily routine. Across from the double swinging doors of the saloon was the general store. It was a vast source of income for the growing town.
Dismounting from his seat, the black haired man secured his steed to one of the hitching rails and then made his way inside the establishment. The wind from outside picked up, and he brought gushes of dust in along with him. It swirled around near the dirty hardwood flooring before dissipating.
The barmaid glanced at the swinging doors as she returned behind the counter. The newcomer was one she'd never seen prior to today. Her eyes scanned his black duster and hat. He looked as though he was a bit confused. "You here for the game?" she asked.
He turned to her, flashing her a pair of intense red eyes. "This is the place it's held, ain't it?"
The barmaid nodded, noting the irritated tone as he spoke. It wasn't a rude sentence, she knew the man was just asking in his own way. Though still, he seemed a bit preoccupied. She decided to respond politely. "It's just through that archway. You'll need to sign in."
Gajeel nodded to her and proceeded to do as she had said. Once through the entryway into the other section, he saw the sign in sheet and scribbled his name onto one of the lines with the pencil. He straightened and took off his hat. Then he took a look around the room, inadvertently snorting when he saw his current competition.
In the corner by a window was a dark haired man, sitting back in the chair facing the back bar across the room. A glass of some drink was in his hand. He seemed confident, but with years of the game under his belt, Gajeel could see the dark haired man was just dabbling. If he was serious or not would be revealed when the it began. A pink haired pretty boy sat beside him. He was a fidgety and constantly flapped his jowls. Already Gajeel had a dislike for him.
Another few he couldn't yet read sat on the other side of the doorway. A blond haired kid sat by another younger looking man, who's black hair covered the side of his face. Another blond sat alone hunched over a drink at a small table, his face ducked down below his hat. His hard eyes and pursed lips gave away nothing except that he was doing the same thing Gajeel was in sizing up his competition.
This wasn't the first time Gajeel had enrolled himself into a high stakes poker tournament; he knew the drill.
"What'll ya have, sir?" The older man at the bar casually asked as Gajeel approached.
"Whiskey, tall," He set himself onto a bar stool. "I'm gonna be here for a while."
The bartender gave him a look as he poured the alcohol. "Sure are confident."
"Yea." He said simply, and thanked him for the drink. Normally he would have picked a seat with his back to the wall. He didn't want to have to endure the stares if he sat facing the others.
Within a quarter hour, the room had filled to the brim with men intent on entering the card game. All tables had been removed from the center save a large one. Small tables and chairs lined the room for the men waiting their turn for the game rounds. Since his name was on the list, Gajeel decided to finish his drink at the bar before joining them. He had a wad of cash in his duster pocket saved just for this occasion, and he'd be damned if anyone stole from him without his knowledge.
As he drained his glass, his ears picked up on a few hushed, but distinct voices through the din of people. One a definite female, the other an annoyed male.
"I don't want to hear it again. Keep your mouth shut 'til this is over."
A hurt female responded. "But these games last all day. It's just-"
"Dammit all! What did I just tell you!" Jet hissed, his hand slightly raised. He didn't lay his hand on her, though he had wanted to.
Gajeel turned around and found his open seat. Straight across from his chair he saw the female flinch at the male's reaction. He frowned. The fact that the pretty face beneath the blue curls winced when nothing happened was a tell. He knew the crowd was the only reason she hadn't been touched. His eyes shifted to the man with her. The smug expression returned to his face and he sat down in the space directly across from Gajeel.
"Alright gentlemen," the female bartender from the front room said cheerfully, glancing to the players around the large table. A tendril of her platinum hair escaped her single braided bun as she smiled and, "This game is a five card draw, ace's high. The winner and runner up of each round will go on to play a final round before the deciding last game. Anything of tangible valuable may be used for the pot. All victories are final. Have fun and play honorably! That means no cheating." She wagged her finger in the air.
Gajeel had heard the whole spiel before. While she spoke, he watched the smug bastard's pretty woman sit down in a chair, her self esteem and confidence obviously low to nonexistent. Her eyes never fluttered up to pay attention to the poker game, she kept them lowered with her hands on her dress covered lap. He wasn't aware that the round had started until there was a card in front of him.
Doing as each man did, he picked up the five cards presented to him. Not really the best of hands, a pair of tens. He held them close to keep stray eyes away and waited for the dealer, who motioned for the first bet. The players threw in their next bets and after the second betting round, one of them folded already. He shook his head and laid his cards face down on the table. Another man set his down as well.
Being the master bluffer that he was, Gajeel easily manipulated the lot of them, betting the right amount of cash to make them think his hand was good, or better than it actually was. Jet smirked and placed another dollar onto his two already thrown. One by one, the men seated on either side of Gajeel folded out until it was just three: himself, Jet, and an older looking man.
Another round of betting took place, and the older gentlemen laid his cards and shook his head. "I'm out."
Behind the smug man in front of Gajeel, the bluenette finally looked up. Her features lacked any emotion. She seemed alone even in an overly crowded room. As Jet finished his liquor, her eyes seemed to grow hard. It wasn't lost on Gajeel. From the slivers of information he gleaned from the situation, it was clear she disliked the man's drinking habit. His eyes briefly wandered to her left hand to check for a band, but the folds of her blue patterned dress covered it.
Gajeel turned to Jet. "What about you."
Jet laid his cards on the table face up. The only significant cards were two nines. His voice held a slight slur. "Two pair."
His cards weren't great either, though Gajeel laid his hand down confidently. He didn't have to say anything, as his higher pair plainly beat out Jet's. The man frowned at Gajeel as he sat there to watch the dealer gather the cash in a stack and hand it to the round's winner.
"Round two players take your seats, please." The dealer's voice rose above the murmurs in the room.
Ignoring the stares he received, Gajeel returned to his barstool and ordered another whiskey. He took a sip before turning to lean his back against the bar. Jet already had his face in close to the bluenette's in an intense whisper. She merely nodded, staring at the floor in front of her. Why would that pretty thing put up with the abuse? Unless she was married to him. Gajeel hoped not. She was too attractive for a man like that.
As Jet continued his no doubt harsh murmuring in her direction, her eyes glanced up and made innocent contact with Gajeel. He stared back, holding off taking a sip of his drink. She acted as though she was apologetic. Her face began to tinge red.
It was then that Jet stood up and strode to the bar. He ordered another alcoholic drink, taking the time to gulp part of it down there before heading back.
"I wish you wouldn't drink that stuff." Levy quietly commented as he sat down beside her. The smell of the alcohol wafted to her nose. She timidly shifted her eyes towards the mysterious, handsome man on the bar stool. He was casually sipping on his drink watching with interest how the second round was playing out.
"What's it to you what I drink? It makes me play better." Jet said, and then took a long drink. He turned his attention the the center game table.
"Too much makes you act like a fool." Levy tsked.
He gave her a glare. "I'm not an alcoholic."
"I never said you were."
"But you meant it."
She crossed her arms over her small chest. "I just mean I'm the one who has to get both of us home when you overindulge. And it will be dark when this is done."
"Tch. You don't know what you're talking about."
"Jet, please, you shouldn't drink at all." She began with a slight huff. She didn't want to fight with her older brother anymore. Not in public. It was embarrassing with how he treated her around others. She felt like a troublesome child.
Ever since their mother passed several years before, it had just been the two of them. Most single men who looked at her with interest would take one look at Jet and automatically assume he was her betrothed or her husband. It was frustrating. She wanted to get out from under her brother's shadow and live her own life. Maybe leave the town somehow and start a new life. She didn't know how to do that though. Part of her was scared to leave the only home she knew, but the other didn't want to deal with the verbal and physical abuse any longer.
He grabbed her wrist and squeezed, producing a tiny cringe on her features. "Don't tell me how to live my life, wench."
Gajeel had been watching from the corner of his eye. His ears had picked up some of the conversation as well. It seemed as though the woman was the one who tried to take care of everything. But she was getting nowhere fast. He noted the way the man grabbed at her. It was no way a woman should be treated. He set down his now empty glass with a clenched jaw.
"Another drink?" The bartender asked, raising the bottle up in question.
Gajeel declined with a shake of his head. "No, I think I'll keep my wits about me."
The afternoon quickly wore into the evening hours and the rounds soon sifted out most of the players. The pink haired boy was out as Gajeel had predicted, as well as the younger looking blond man. Many others lost the rounds and were forced to watch from the sidelines with drinks in their hands. The saloon's front room business of regular drinkers came back to observe the game, finding it a welcome distraction. The call girls too seemed to delight in the over abundance of intoxicated men. They moved about the establishment with a smooth grace in search of paying customers. Soon it was time for the deciding round.
The dealer called for the tournament players. Gajeel pulled his chair out and sat down quietly. Jet also returned to the table, stumbling as he approached the seat. The dealer shuffled the cards and then dispersed them at each man. The minimum bet allowed was raised to two dollars, quite a bit of money. Each man considered his hand, and exchanged certain ones for the cards off the deck.
Gajeel's eyes shifted from the five cards in his hand to the other four players. As he read the expressions of the men sitting around him, he altered his strategy. More bets were placed, and some began to fold under pressure. At the end of it, Gajeel had managed come up with a queen high flush. He glanced around as he held his cards. No one made a move to bet yet, so he added his money to try to coax the others into interacting.
The dark haired man named Grey squinted as he threw in another two dollars from his money purse, adding to the growing pile in the center. Laxus placed two dollars and a shiny ring into the pot. He casually glanced around the table, seeing what each had for cash. Rogue clenched his teeth behind his lips, a sign Gajeel saw clearly when he had watched his round. Jet squinted and tossed in three dollars. A gentle murmur rolled through the gathered audience. Behind him, Gajeel noticed Levy bring her hand to her forehead and close her eyes as she murmured to herself.
After a silent moment, Rogue sighed, placing his cards face down. He looked frustrated and regretful for wasting his money on a bad hand. "I'm folding."
Gajeel continued in his stoic expression, merely observing the others. Laxus smirked as Grey shoved a timepiece into the center. The bets were increasing in value. It wasn't called high stakes poker for nothing. Gajeel's mouth slid into a contented smile.
Grey suddenly folded, breaking under the pressure the others had expertly pressed into the round. Men around the room reacted with disappointed words. The pink haired kid gripped the dark haired man's shoulder and handed him a drink from the bar. The fold left three players at the table.
The three of them stared each other down, waiting to see who would bet next or fold, all while trying to read their poker faces. Gajeel's eyes finally saw Laxus sweeten the pot by pulling out his Colt pistol and setting it gently down by the cash.
The crowd's eyes widened and a growing murmur rippled over the bystanders. A man giving up his treasured weapon? He either had to be stupid with a weak hand or confident enough with a high card combination. Gajeel smirked and glanced at Laxus's protected cards before bringing his eyes up to his face. "You sure about that? Seems awfully stupid to me."
The blond narrowed his eyes, trying to determine just who questioned his thought processes. He had an idea, though if he was wrong, he risked insulting the man. "Watch your own cards, Redfox."
At the last name, Jet stuttered out in surprise, nearly flashing them his cards in the process "Wait, wait. Y-you're Redfox? T-the Redfox? You're Black Steel?!"
He promptly and intentionally pulled out his own Smith & Wesson Schofield from his jacket covered side and placed it in front of him on the wooden table, spinning it slowly with three fingers so the two men and dealer could see it right side. The black steel of its barrel -where Gajeel got his nickname- shown in the light, revealing the detailed design etched into the metal. A large 'R' was embedded into the black handle. Laxus smiled and put his fingers on his chin as he stared at it. Jet's widen eyes only served to show how drunk he was. His actions were choppy and he snapped his fingers.
"Well, shit." Laxus said simply. "The infamous outlaw."
A poker playing, well known gunslinger was sitting in silence across from him. Why he hadn't recognized him until he let himself be known was curious. It was rumored that a dark man called Black Steel helped local Star's catch several bank robbers and various cattle rustlers in the towns west of Sheridan. It was never stated if Gajeel Redfox was a hometown hero or a cooperating outlaw, and no one had wanted to find out firsthand.
Levy gazed intently at Gajeel as Laxus confirmed her earlier intuition. His appearance and quiet scrutiny of everyone led her to believe that he was on the darker side of the law. Maybe it was why she felt the mysteriousness uncertainty roll from him when she had met his gaze. He may have looked like an outlaw, but that didn't necessarily mean that he truly was.
Gajeel never opened his mouth, just sat there with a lopsided smirk and let the questions go unanswered. Laxus's bet was met and raised by his Smith & Wesson. If that didn't speak for the gunslinger, he didn't know what did.
Jet knew he didn't have a gun. He had a Winchester rifle at the homestead, but that didn't help him now. How the hell was he supposed match the raise? He looked at the cards in his one hand. They were good, though just how good, he wasn't sure. If the two others were betting their prized possessions, their hands must be high indeed.
In his greed, Jet cocked his head while taking a glance at the growing pot, complete with two well known pistols, one infamous. He abruptly scooted his chair back and reached behind him, roughly grabbing Levy unaware. She let out a cry as she was yanked from her seat. Her hair flew into her face and her big eyes shown with her sudden fear and confusion. Jet pulled her to his side and pushed her hand onto the table. "I see your bets. Here. Let's end this."
"What! Jet! Jet, you can't bet me!" Levy cried, fear escalating into hysteria. Her sweet voice was shaking and her eyes were quickly reddening with tears. "I'm not a piece of property that you can just give away like it's nothing! I'm your sister!"
"Shut up." He snapped.
"Whoa, man. Is this some form of a joke?" Laxus questioned, his eyes wide as he looked from Jet to his younger sister. Betting objects was one thing. Throwing someone on the chance of a good hand was entirely different. It was stupid. Unheard of.
"Hell no. C'mon, let's play."
The surprise was clear on Gajeel's face, his mouth twisting with his expression. He couldn't believe the drunkard was betting his family. That's a priceless gift, and he was throwing it away. The young woman was visibly shaking, her eyes glancing around the table, no doubt trying to figure out what just happened. Gajeel saw the lust plain on Laxus's face while he took in the new piece of the tournament pot and his mind working on how to win, going through all the different combinations that Jet could possibly have.
The gunslinger resolved to win it. If Laxus did, the poor girl would be subjected to him. He would have fairly won her, and would have every right to do with her as he wished. If Jet won, she'd go back to whatever home life she was already living in.
He studied his cards again. His highest was a queen of hearts. Next was a jack of spades. The rest were number cards, highest being an eight. There was a possibility that either one of the men could have a king or even an ace, which would be a game winning card. He had neither. Though there was also the chance that those valuable cards could still be in the deck. There was a low chance that the folded cards contained them.
Moving only his eyes, Gajeel met Levy's. Tears had fallen and she sniffled. Her brown irises silently pleaded with him before glancing at Laxus with terrified, wet eyes. She didn't expect to be a part of the game, and she certainly didn't want to be given to the blond man. But she didn't want to be given to Gajeel either. She didn't know which one would be the lesser of two evils, assuming Jet's hand was too weak to win.
Gajeel grunted and shifted in his seat, straightening from his slouch to lean on the table. He was all in now. "Alright, let's see 'em."
"You first." Jet said back.
"What did I just say, asshole." He growled and kept his eyes hard. He called the man's bluff.
Laxus turned to Jet, expecting him to show his hand fist. The drunkard dropped his cards, revealing his highest card as a jack of clubs, and a ten of diamonds. The idiot.
"You bet me with a jack!?" Levy cried through her tears, and she balled her fist and slammed it down on his shoulder. "You ass!"
Her brother scowled and brought his hand up to hit her. The bluenette saw it coming, shrinking back, her eyes clamping shut with the expecting blow to her face.
"Don't you touch her." Gajeel growled, staying still in his straightened posture. "She's not your sister anymore. She's not your damn property." He spat out the last word.
Jet shoved back from the table, knocking it and its contents with a jerk and stomped out of the room. Levy's hand came up to lightly cover her mouth. Her brother had lost. Now she belonged to one of the two others. A tear fell onto her cheek.
Laxus tore his lingering eyes from Levy to glare at Gajeel. "Redfox, you can't beat me."
"Depends on what ya got." He murmured and his eyebrow shot up.
"Drop 'em."
Gajeel obliged to the blond man's demand and lowered his cards. At the sight, a smile crossed Laxus face. He threw his cards down and in his hand, was an ace. No fucking way.
"Better luck next time, Black Steel." He stood up and snatched up his Colt revolver. Levy gasped, slightly flinching away from the winner as he neared her with a grin.
Gajeel had lost. He had lost at his favorite game. He sat there stunned, gazing hard at his opponent's winning cards. There was no way he could have drew an ace with no other high card. If that was the case, he would have asked for three new ones when the dealer had offered to better his hand, but he remembered Laxus had declined. At the very least, he should have asked for a re-deal on a dealer's error.
"Shoulda known you'd cheat." Gajeel spoke up. He crossed his arms over his chest.
Pulling his eyes away from his pretty prize, Laxus snorted. "Give it a rest. You lost. Take it like a man."
Gajeel slowly stood up, now confident that the blond had indeed cheated. He deliberately picked up his Smith & Wesson and cocked it at his side. The click was strangely loud. "You wanna confess now, or take it outside?"
The dealer picked up the undisturbed deck and quickly shuffled through it. Gajeel watched the winner frown nervously. It was obvious to Gajeel in that moment. He let his mouth turn into a sly grin. The girl's face contorted into further confusion and wiped her cheek with her fingers.
"It looks like we got a new winner." The dealer announced, holding up the same ace that was in Laxus's hand.
"You cheating son of a bitch."
"Cocksucker. How the hell did you figure that?" The tall blond grumbled. He swiftly pulled back the hammer with his thumb and pointed his Colt towards Gajeel, who raised his own towards the man.
He simply shrugged. "I call em how I see em."
The two stood facing each other with guns ready to fire. Neither testosterone filled man was going to back down unless one was shot or dead on the floor. Sensing the thick tension, Levy walked in between the two of them, in the line of sights. Gajeel immediately shifted his hold on the black pistol, clearing his throat as he pointed the gun towards the ceiling.
She watched him for a moment before turning to Laxus, who still had it pointing towards her, only his finger was outside the trigger guard. "Move."
"No." Levy replied. She wiped her eye with her finger. She didn't care if the man kept it pointed at her. She was dead already the moment Jet placed her hand on the table. The coward. "I'm not something to be shot and killed over. I'm a person."
As the fair winner, Gajeel carefully released the hammer with his thumb and holstered his gun. He placed a large hand on her upper arm, prompting her to move. She complied without protest, giving into her fate. He shielded her with an outstretched arm as he guided her behind him.
The dealer gathered the cash and other valuables, lastly collecting the gun from Laxus. As soon as it was placed in Gajeel's hand, the cheater turned to leave. The people still watching began to disperse, as the game was officially over. Conversations start up and a saloon employee seated himself at the piano in the corner and began to play a lively tune. The establishment resumed its normal, nightly routine.
Stuffing the cash in his money pouch, Gajeel motioned for Levy to follow him. She eyed him carefully. He led her through the crowd and out the front door. The night air had grown chilly and they could see their breath against the dark sky. He untied his black mount's reins and offered his hand towards Levy.
She tentatively took it, having no other choice. He had won her. Risking a glance into his red eyes, she didn't see what she thought she would. Lust wasn't present. He certainly gazed at her beauty, but it was an observation. Considerably taller and broad shouldered, he towered over her. It was if he was offering her protection.
He helped her into the western saddle, touching her legs and avoiding her plump bottom. Once she was secure, he swung up behind her. She could hear his soft grunts in her ear as he situated himself. A blush tinted her cheeks. As a virgin, all of the hormones he gave off confused her as it mixed with her own. Should she be frightened of the man who by all rights owned her? Or attracted? What did this man intend to do with her?
The young woman tensed as Gajeel wrapped his arms around her to grip the reins in the correct position over the saddle horn. He neck reined the beast, shifting the thick reins across one side of the horse's long neck to signal it to walk on. He felt it as well as heard the barely inaudible intake of breath through her lips when he inadvertently held her to him. With his head to the side and above hers, he spoke low. "I ain't out to hurt you."
She shivered at his words, and a gust of wind pushed her back into his chest. There was a warmth that touched her, that radiated from him. Her hair was unbound and it stung his face as it twirled around."I don't know that."
"You do now." He casually replied. He urged the black into a trot until they reached the last few buildings in town before pushing the gelding into a lope. They made their way north out of the town, passing swaying trees.
She couldn't believe what had happened. Today had given her entirely different expectations. It had ended with her essentially being sold off like property. The thought made her eyes well up again until all she could see was the road in a blurry vision. Now she was stuck with an outlaw. Her body began to shake from pent up emotion. She didn't fight the tears.
Gajeel felt her cry, her shoulders bumping into him with each shake. He lifted the reins and the gelding dropped to a trot before halting in obedience. The large man leaned to face her with a huff. "I told ya, I ain't gonna hurt you."
Her hand covered one of her eyes. "I k-know."
"Then why the hell are you crying?"
"Don't you know?" She said through her tears. "I'm now someone's property! I can't believe my brother did that."
He sat there in the saddle, right up behind her. His mind tried not to acknowledge the fact that his front was touching her soft backside. He held the reins in one hand and placed his other on his leg and nudged the horse forward into an easy walk. "It was a shitty thing for him to do."
He was met with sniffles and a quick nod.
"But you ain't my property."
She looked up, her eyes viewing the road before them. "Then, then what am I doing with you? Where are we going?"
Gajeel was quiet for a moment. If he was honest with himself, the thought of eventually making her his wife sounded pleasing. Who knew if it would work out that way or not. Stranger things have happened, and he saved her from the cheating bastard with ill intentions. Was hoping she developed feelings for him selfish? He didn't want to force her, but he didn't want to hold her against her will either.
He shrugged. "I'm going on home. If you want, I could drop you off here."
She looked around in the darkness with only the moonlight for light. She stuttered and gripped the saddle horn. "H-here?"
He smirked as she instinctively leaned back into him. "Why not? Not scared of the dark, are you?"
"No," she swallowed. "I'm concerned about Indians."
With a snort, he flicked the reins. "There's no Indians around here."
"How do you know that?" She snapped, mostly out of fear. He looked at the back of her head with a frown.
"Look. Do you want dropped off here or not?" He tried not to sound mean.
"No…" She hugged herself and shivered again as the wind bit at them. She was cold, he could see it. Leaving her out here was not his intention, but it would be better for her to think it was her idea to come with him.
"Ok then."
He wrapped both of his arms back around her to take a firm hold on the reins. He used his heels to press into the horse's side to urge it back into a lope. The wind was partially blocked by his arms, and she wasn't as cold as he had been. His breath in her ear made things happen inside her. Her breath sped up and her mind could only focus on the warmth of his on her neck.
In the quiet, the sound of hooves on the ground began to draw near, the noise akin to distant thunder. Alarm raced through him, and he pulled up on the reins, trying to hear from which direction it coming. The horse abruptly stopped, and Levy was pulled forward. His hand wrapped around her to keep her upright.
"What's that sound?" She asked innocently.
"Shhh." He strained his ears. He was a wanted man. There may not have been wanted posters of him hanging in towns around the area, but he knew he was. Helping the law catch criminals wasn't what he wanted to be doing with his life, but for a full pardon of his sins, Gajeel would do whatever the lawmen asked of him.
The distinct sound was now coming closer from his left. A voice rose above the din, and Gajeel sucked in a breath. "Shit!"
He jerked the reins to the right and kicked the black into a run. The horse spun into a gallop from a near standstill. The sudden action frightened Levy. She gripped one hand on the saddle horn before her and his arm very tightly with her other.
Leaning forward out of his seat, Gajeel pressed his front into her back. With them over the horse's withers, they gave it a little more balance as they sped through the trees. He knew it was extremely dangerous, and a blow to the head from a low hanging branch at this speed could spell death for either of them, but there was death behind them as well.
He saw the branch coming. Placing his hand over the back of her head, he pushed her down. Her face was low on the side of the horse's pumping neck, and she let out a squeal. His body covered her almost completely. He ducked under the tree branch, then turned to look behind him.
He couldn't be sure who the riders were, but two horses were after them.
They sped on over the grass, springing clear of the wooded area, the four beat gait of the gallop ringing in their ears. On open ground it was easier to fly. Gajeel had no idea where to go. They had almost made it to his home, but he wasn't going to let whoever it was follow him to a place where only he knew.
"Here, don't fuckin' drop them!" He said loudly above the thundering, shoving the reins into Levy's hands.
"What! What are you doing?!" She cried, not knowing what to do.
"Just take them, Shorty!" He snapped. Reaching for his Smith & Wesson, he cocked back the hammer and looked back over his shoulder. He revealed the gun and his arm locked at the elbow as he aimed behind him. The bullet fired from the barrel with a loud explosion.
Levy screamed and jumped, bumping Gajeel enough to mess up his second attempt at losing their tail. Her body disrupted his aim with the contact and his finger pulled the trigger instead of squeezing it. The round shot off towards the right.
"Dammit, woman!" He yelled with a growl. "Bullets ain't cheap!"
Her apology was lost in the wind, and she gripped the reins tighter. The folds of her dress flapped against his legs, the wind whipping through like a flag. Taking aim again, Gajeel fired the pistol. There was a ruffled sound. One of the riders fell off his horse.
"Steer to the left, up the hill!" He shouted to Levy.
She exaggerated the movement she had seen him do earlier and the horse instantly followed. She didn't know how, but Levy guided the horse up the hill.
Behind them, the remaining rider charged up the hill, slowly gaining ground. There was a loud gunshot, and a bullet whizzed past. Gajeel let out a breath. His Smith & Wesson fired and second later, the rider fell backwards off his mount.
"I got him." Gajeel grunted. He holstered his gun and took the reins from her shaking hands. She swallowed nervously in the dark as they made their way back towards his home.
"Who was that? What did they want?" She asked when her lungs complied with her efforts to breathe.
"Dunno." It was all he said. He used his right hand to hold the reins, and wrapped his left arm around her. Whether it was protectively or otherwise, Levy was unsure. But she didn't shrink out of his grasp. If anything, she got as close as she could to the man.
The road in silence. After a while, a small house could be seen against the trees. It was located away from any road, but up on a hill, she could see where the wheel ruts and hoof prints had made one into the grass and mud. Gajeel brought the horse up near the barn settled behind the simple wooden cabin.
He dismounted and helped her down. In the dark, he could see her apprehension. He looked to her, still holding the reins. "Go inside. I'll be there in a minute."
She nodded, hesitating for a moment as she watched him. She then turned, opening the door and disappearing inside. He grunted through his work, hurridly striped the horse of the equipment, then turned him loose into the small corral. He made sure the black had food and water before heading towards his home. A dim yellow light was seen from within through the window.
Once inside with his hat on the table, he noted that Levy had lit the candle by the small steel stove. Pulling the lock down over the door, Gajeel slowly walked to the dark hearth. The wind had picked up and a cold rain had started to pour from the clouds moving from the west. He bent down and fumbled with a match, but managed to light the kindle. Soon there would be a warm fire.
Levy stood in the corner watching him. Her hands had smoothed over her wild blue hair and were held nervously clamped together in front of her. She eyed him, noticing he was moving less fluidly than before as he striped from his duster to hand it on the door.
"What?" He asked when he saw her expression.
She spoke softly, quietly. "Are you alright?"
He ignored her, but began to unbutton his shirt. Blood soaked the top of his left shoulder, above his clavicle. He pulled it over his head and took a look at his gunshot wound.
Levy stiffened. She made her way over to him, grabbing the wash basin next to the hearth. "You were shot."
"You're very observant." He deadpanned.
"It's not bad is it?"
He picked up the washcloth the woman gave him dunked it into the water. "No. Just a flesh wound."
"Let me, please." Levy offered softly, feeling awkward when he winced in pain. The least she could do was help the man who save her. Sort of. She was grateful she wasn't with the blond man. Or with Jet, no matter how much she may have missed him.
She stood over his front, leaning to cleanse the bloody scrape. It wasn't as bad as she that initially thought. It was oddly a relief to her.
He groaned as she pressed her the cloth onto it to stop the bleeding. Her brown eyes flickered to his red ones. His brows were furrowed, but he said nothing as he stared back at her. It was several minutes before he spoke up in a gruff tone. He gazed at her with contented eyes. "Why's a pretty thing like you still single?"
The question took Levy a minute. It had certainly been unexpected. She shifted on her feet before answering. "My parents died when I was younger. Jet was the only family I've had for a while. Every available man was afraid to ask for my hand. I've been alone since."
He didn't move, just kept his eyes trained on her. He blinked once as she licked her bottom lip, wetting the dry and cracking skin. Her face lit up with orange and yellow light as the fire in the heart ignited further. They could feel the warmth rolling out from the orange and yellow flames. The sounds of the rain beat down onto the roof.
Levy finished wiping it and put a clean white cloth over the scrape. It adhered to his wet skin, and she pressed the sticky, white tape to it. As her body warmed, a shiver shook her.
Gajeel saw it and raised his hand, pressing it against her arm. He lowered her onto his leg, and she obeyed, sitting there perched. "I-I-" She began nervously, as if she expected him to want certain things.
"Shh. I ain't gonna do anything you don't want."
She stopped stuttering, her eyes flickering to the covered shoulder and bare torso. It wasn't that bad to look at. Her insides twisted. Why was she feeling these confusing feelings? The intense way he was gazing at her made her heart flutter and her breathing quicken. Should she even go down that path? She had never spent the night with a man. Of course she shouldn't.
He saw her anxiety, but also another emotion that she tried desperately to stamp down. He tilted his head as he recognized it. "Unless you do…" He said cautiously.
"I barely know you." She breathless replied, rising from his thigh. Her boots clicked on the wooden flooring. Could he feel what she did? Was that why he brought it up? What if she had let him take advantage of her, he was a large and tall man. He would indeed hurt her, in more ways than one.
"Alright, alright." Feisty. He grinned and lifted his hands in surrender.
"I'm tired. I shall want to sleep. Alone." Levy added, crossing her arms over her chest.
The man rose from the chair. "All I have is the one bed. With this shoulder, there's no way I'm sleeping on the ground. I'll be too stiff to do what needs to be done outside tomorrow."
"B-but-"
"If yer serious, I won't do anything. I'm not all bad, ya know." He frowned. Leaving the hearth blazing but blowing out the candle, he moved to his bed on the other side of the room. The heat from the fireplace reached even there. The one large room's temperature was rising very quickly.
Levy gulped and slowly followed Gajeel to the bed. He laid down with his trousers still on, signifying that he meant what he said. There were many blankets, all soft and warm when she down on the mattress. Her hand smoothed over a deer hide. Even sitting here uncovered, her shivered had stopped. She bit her lip and glanced at Gajeel.
He faced the wall on his right side, one blanket covering up to his abdomen. There was a problem though. Her dress was heavy, and the buttons were secured all the way from her lower back to her neck. She swallowed. The rising heat would surely kill her and not let her sleep if she didn't take it off.
"Um, G-Gajeel…"
"Hmm."
She closed her eyes before saying, "I need help."
He rolled over to see what she meant. She had moved her shoulder length hair to one side, showing him the buttons. "Just leave it on."
"I can't, I'm already starting to sweat. And these are heavy dresses."
Sighing, he shoved the blanket back and scooted to her. Starting from her neck, he started to unbutton her. Slowly her skin appeared from under the material. She wore a white shift beneath the overdress. Why women felt the need to layer puzzled him.
He forced himself to the task, but his eyes wandered further down her body past the last button. He brought his eyes up to her face, but oblivious to his stare, she began to slip the dress down her legs, still seated on the bed.
Her lips let out a sigh, and Gajeel felt something react to the sound. He returned to his side of the bed and faced the wall again, his mind busy recounting the tasks of the morning. The tasks turned to killing the men who were after him. He focused on that instead of the nearly naked, very attractive woman lying close by. Anything was better than thinking about her soft skin brushing up against his back.
"Keep to your side." He said flatly. His manhood throbbed. Damn, this was not a very good idea. She was a virgin, he'd end up ruining her if neither of them were careful. He swallowed as she touched his back with her own.
"I'm sorry, it's cold under here." Levy purred, her voice quivering from the cold blankets under the deer pelt.
He carefully turned over. She had the blanket pulled to her chin, obviously shivering. Her blue hair fell onto the pillow, making her look more beautiful than she already was. He could see part of her shoulder peek from under the same blanket he was under.
Seeing her made him also feel for her. She looked to be in her twenties, same as him, though she had been alone for most of her life. No wonder she was fearful and nervous. But she was also a little feisty. She had fight in her. That would save her from heartbreak. She was smart.
He inched towards her, intentionally pushing his chest into her.
"What are you doing?" She asked, eyeing his chest before bringing her eyes to his.
"Keeping you warm. It takes a minute for body heat to warm these." He indicated to the blankets. He turned her to face the fireplace and laid his arm over her.
Levy eyed his muscular arm as it touched just below her breasts. The physical touch and the heat made her feel warm, safe even. She relaxed into him. Her eyes closed and it seemed to Gajeel that she had fallen asleep. He took a deep breath, slowly letting it out through his nose. Finally, maybe he could get some sleep himself.
AN: Below is the lemon portion of this story. If you do not want to read it, then this is where you will stop and move on to the next chapters.
Several minutes ticked by. He had barely drifted to sleep when he felt something move. Levy pressed into his chest, pushing her hips into his in a stretch. A small sigh slipped through her wet lips.
Gajeel's eyes shifted from her hips to the mounds on her chest, and ground his teeth. What was he thinking? He could keep her warm, but what else was going to happen? He was a fool to think nothing would.
His manhood reacted to her accidental, sensual action. He pressed himself to her, spooning her tightly. He lowered his head to hers and breathed in. Her scent was so much unlike a man, it was refreshing. Placing his lips to her cheekbone, he silently kissed her.
Her beautiful face turned to him, her eyes still closed. Was she really sleeping, or on the verge of it? She rolled to her back and tilted her head into his chest. She gave a small moan.
With how damn sexy she was -without even trying- he couldn't contain it any longer. He brought his lips to hers. Her eyes slowly opened and she stiffened. He pulled back, gently touching her cheek with his finger.
The look in his eyes. Levy had never seen it before. It was comfort. It was gentleness. The warmth of his breath on her face stilled her, and she stared at his lips as he neared her again with his finger still caressing her cheek.
"Gajeel-"
"Shh." He whispered and touched his lips to hers once again. She let him kiss her, and she closed her eyes with the softness of his touch. She parted her lips, and his tongue entered between them. She moaned, and his actions deepened.
His right hand brushed the side of her left breast, and without any protest from her, he took the mound into his hand. She let out a small sound, but relaxed under him as he squeezed her. His kisses moved at a slow pace from her mouth to her jaw, eliciting another sound from with her. Her hand slipped up his chest and around his neck.
His barely audible moan by her ear as he licked her awakened a primal urge within, and she opened her eyes, staring unfocused up onto the ceiling. The man's touch was like fire, his lips trailed down her neck, his wet tongue slipped along her skin. She found that she liked it. She wanted more of him.
Her eyes closed again as he slipped the straps of her shift from her shoulders and brought his mouth to breasts. A shiver tore through her as his tongue swirled over her pink nipples. A moan escaped her and she arched into him, her hands grabbing at his black hair.
Levy pulled her arms from the straps, and with her signal, Gajeel tugged the rest of the shift down her body to expose her flat stomach, down to her very curvy hips and thighs. She seemed to be from good stock, as her hips were wide, almost wider than her top. They were good for bearing children. What a waste, especially if she were to be single for the rest of her life. She wouldn't if he had anything to do about it. There was little hair down between her legs and as she shifted her legs apart, he saw her womanhood, where no other eyes have laid upon.
He drew his eyes away from her naked form and up to her eyes. They smoldered there, burning into him. His thick manhood throbbed and begged to be let loose. He saw her gaze at his chest move to the front of his trousers. He undid them and tugged them off until his bare legs were touching hers.
Her breathing increased when she saw his member. She knew how intercourse worked, having grew up on a cattle ranch. However she hadn't been with a man. And she hadn't expected Gajeel to be so… large.
Seeing her hesitation, he brought his mouth to hers. When he pulled away, he kept his mouth next to hers.
"Why'd you stop?" She asked, her breath all but gone with his kiss.
He roughly whispered. "We don't have to… I know you-"
She shut him up with another kiss, pulling him by the neck to her lips. He took that has her consent, and it took all he could to pull away from her again. "It's gonna hurt."
"Just do it." She whispered in a rush against his ear.
Her breathless whisper was enough for him. Having already been lying between her, he touched one of her thighs as she spread her legs wider around him, arching her core to give him better access to her untouched slit. Instead of bringing his lower self to it, he bent his head down to her.
His tongue licked up her slit, causing her to shake and moan in pleasure. Her clear juices seeped out and his tongue penetrated into her, licking up the slick liquid. Levy's eyes closed and her head turned onto the pillow, and she breathed in a ragged breath before the moan came out, deep and sensual.
Gajeel used his fingers to open her wider and stuck his tongue back inside. Her wetness was almost too much, and he sucked it up, covering her with lips. She bucked against him. His tongue licked up from within her to the bud of her clitoris. Her moans grew louder and she began to pant with her mouth wide. "Gajeel…" She breathed, a play in the inflection of her voice.
She shook and more of her fluids seeped from her. Her body gave her away and he knew she was on the verge of an orgasm. He raised up and planted a kiss on her stomach, inching his lower half to her prepared and slippery pussy lips. He guided the tip to slip into her.
A moan exited her open mouth. Not knowing if he should enter her slowly or quickly to get the initial shock out of the way, he opted for the latter. He shoved himself into her with a grunt. Her cry was loud, and she gripped him tightly. Her eyes shot open and he stilled within her.
His lips distracted her, caressing hers with care. He braced himself with one arm above her head and touched her face with his other hand. Once she was used to his large size, he began to pump himself into her, spreading her further each time he shoved himself deeper inside. The tightness around his aching dick gave him a strong elation, his body wanting nothing more than to ravage her.
But he was careful, knowing this was her first experience. He wanted her to enjoy it. Her wriggling made him move faster. Her moans turned to cries, and once she started to move her hips with his motion, he let himself go.
Over and over he hit her in the same spot, the tip smashing into her walls. His breathing intensified and he let out his own moan. It mixed with hers, and she opened her brown eyes to find him staring at her. She smiled, then with a quick thrust of his hips, her expression changed and her lips opened as her eyes tightly shut.
This woman beneath his naked body was extremely sexy. He watched as her breasts moved with his thrusting, the sounds she made caused his dick to react. As she bucked into him, he started moving even faster, harder than she expected. The increased force and repeated hits against her inner walls caused a tremor to rack through her.
She bucked hard against him and let out a sharp cry, the orgasm flooding her senses took over. Her breaths were shallow and he felt her tighten against his member. He hummed at the sensation. Before she was done, he began to thrust even harder into her. The sound of her wet lips against him slowly increased in frequency. With every grueling shove further into her, she cried out and he reveled.
He was nearing his end. He moaned into her ear, and without warning, he felt his seed start to shoot. With one last push as far as he could go, he emptied himself into her. He gave a weak push as his own liquid kept coming. She took it, arching into him and her mouth enveloped his.
As he came down from his high, he took a deep breath in between his shallow ones. Pulling out from her, he laid on top of her. Their sweaty bodies started to cool off, but the heat from the fire only warmed them further. They laid uncovered, skin pressed together, wet and slick from bodily fluids. Breaths slowly regulated, and they stared at each other.
"Are you ok?" He asked, still on top.
She nodded. "Yea. That was…"
"Some good sex." He finished for her, a smile spreading his face.
"Well, I wouldn't know."
"You do know. And you ain't gonna experience anyone else." He rolled off of her and slipped his arm under her head. She raised her eyes to meet his, her chin resting on his chest. She pressed her wet core to his leg.
"Oh, really." She raised an eyebrow.
"Yea. You're mine now. And I'm fairly sure I got you good."
Her eyes narrowed with a frown. "And what's that mean?"
He kissed her lips. "You're pregnant."
"What! You're lying!" She cried, but her lips twisted into a grin. "You can't tell that now, can you?"
He smiled. "Oh, yes I can. I've been the first between those slick lips of yours. You're pregnant."
"So what if I am?"
"I told you already." He leaned his head back and closed his eyes, sighing as she snuggled closer to him. "You're mine."