SHOUT OUT: My fellow writer pal Crimsonwolfko is working on a FT fanfic called 'Beautiful With You', that I have been helping her with, here and there. It's the third story in an awesome AU trilogy, which all involve Gajevy, Lulo and some Gruvia, so go check out her stuff!
A/N: Back again, finally! Sorry for the long delay… First, I got a little stuck on one part. Then all through Aug, Sep & Oct I have been working a shit ton of overtime as it is our busiest time of year at work, as well as our busiest year ever! Like record reaching sales. I guess technically that's a good thing, but it gets in the way of at home stuff… On top of that, I have been busy nearly every weekend. I went out of town, ya know, bla bla bla *que excuses. Whatever! I can't really promise that I will update every week with the way life has been going, but I shall try to be better and hopefully you won't have to wait THAT long again, without warning. Work is at least slowing down finally and around the holidays it gets REAL slow, so we should be good from this point moving forwards. Okay now that, that's out of the way…
Here's 20 pages of story to make up for my long absence!
I apologize for any errors I may have missed.
Recap:
"No way!" Came Lucy's yell just as Levy had finished telling her the story. She had made sure to leave out basically the whole part about how she had already met Gajeel once before and any mentions of Jose. "You mean to tell me, that Daphne hooked up with that!" Lucy questioned with her finger pointing towards Gajeel. Levy grabbed at Lucy's hand and ripped it down again, shooting the blond another annoyed look. As if it even mattered if she drew more attention to them at this point, considering Gajeel was already staring at them.
"Yes, and I had to hear about it for days after! About how great the sex was, as if I hadn't already heard enough while they were doing it! It was so annoying! She didn't even know his name, but I do..." Levy replied as she turned back around to look at Gajeel blatantly with a hard stare. "His name is Gajeel Redfox, and he is bad news..." She explained, her eyes staring daggers at him as his smirk widened into a fang-revealing grin. Those red eyes of his were laughing at her, just as they had that morning in her apartment.
Monster
Chapter 4: Fangs
Lucy had a perplexed gaze fixated on Levy's back, as she mused over the story her smaller friend had just finished telling her, about the man who was still staring wickedly in their direction. Levy didn't notice the blonde's pondering, as she was too focused on sending her own menacing glare back towards Gajeel. The display of tension between the two, while in the midst of their stare off was so thick, that Lucy could swear she saw it manifesting a wave of dark energy between the two of them.
Gajeel was eyeing Levy with a look that resembled that of a hungry wolf, staring down a sheep before leaping in for the attack, but unlike a sheep, Levy was perfectly aware of him. Her body was stiff and strong, her feet firmly planted and her fists clenched in animosity towards him. Lucy had never seen Levy give anybody such a look like that before. The whole thing was just too bizarre, it had the blond scratching her head in confusion.
What the hell is going on here? Lucy's thoughts questioned. Okay, so sure. Gajeel had slept with Levy's roommate a year or two ago. And yea, sure… Levy had, had to listen to it, in all of its awkward glory and then he had harassed her about it. Definitely making him out to be an ass and maybe a sexual deviant. That was all understandable and Lucy could see why Levy didn't much care for a person like that. Not to mention his overall appearance was just terrifying, but it still didn't explain the vibe of familiarity the blond was witnessing between them.
It was almost as if Lucy was missing something, that one crucial piece of the puzzle, that just made the whole picture come together clearly. She just kept asking herself… Why, why are they looking at each other like that? There was just so much emotion hanging between the two of them, albeit negative, that Lucy could swear their history with each other, was far more intimate than Levy was letting on.
"Uh… Levy?" Lucy uttered, finally gaining Levy's attention back, as she turned her head back toward the blonde's troubled features. The smaller girl's expression had immediately relaxed, once she ripped her eyes off of Gajeel and matched them to Lucy's.
"What is it, Lu?" She questioned, as if nothing peculiar had happened. Lucy reached a hand out to Levy's shoulder, gripping it tensely.
"Are you alright?" She asked seriously, her face grim. Levy just blinked at the blond, not quite understanding. "What I mean is…" Her voice got quieter and her face closer, so that Levy could hear what she was going to say over the music of the club. "Is there something you're not… Telling me about-" Lucy's eyes motioned towards where Gajeel stood, but then dead bolted back to Levy's, "Him."
Levy's eyes grew significantly larger at Lucy's words. Her mouth fell open and her eyebrows mangled in worry. Does Lucy know more than I thought? Levy's mind questioned, as she could feel herself beginning to panic. Wait, how could she? I didn't tell her anything else… Was her next thought. She kept her eyes skimming back and forth over Lucy's hard stare, as she continued to think, worriedly. Unless! Unless she's heard of Black Steel Gajeel before? Could that be it!? Does she maybe know Gajeel? Levy slammed her eyelids shut, as concern continued to cloud her mind.
Lucy was watching Levy, with no idea of what she was really fretting over, but the blond did clearly notice that her friend looked distressed, from the way the smaller girl was acting. Lucy was now sure that, the suspicion she had been hinting towards was dead on and it made her deeply fearful for Levy. The hand she had rested on Levy's shoulder was squeezing it tighter, making the smaller girl finally open her eyes.
"Levy… I know you're scared, but you can tell me…. If that man is stalking you, you need to tell someone!" Lucy stated firmly.
"What?" Was all Levy could choke out, completely flabbergasted by the blonde's conclusion. Lucy let go of Levy's shoulder and turned away from her, so that she could fold her arms to the best of her abilities while still holding her drink. Just in an effort to send Gajeel her own angry, crossed look.
"If he's after you, then he's in for more than he bargained for!" The blond cheered out, boldly.
"Wait… Lucy. No..." Levy was saying, but Lucy had now moved her free hand to her hip.
"I'll send Natsu after him if I have to! He wouldn't blow off something like this! In fact, I think I'll go send that jerk a little warning right now! Then maybe he will leave us alone!" Lucy cried out, as she began to charge towards Gajeel like a woman on a mission. He noticed Lucy stomping towards him, but he didn't appear at all impressed by the blonde's dagger stares. Before Lucy could get more than a few steps away, Levy was grabbing her arm and pulling her back.
"Lucy wait!" Lucy stopped to turn and look at Levy.
"Levy! What are you doing?! Somebody's got to go and tell this asshole off or else he'll never leave you alone!" Lucy replied, outraged, as she turned to walk away again.
"But he isn't stalking me!" Levy cried out, stopping the blond again. This time. Lucy's body paused and Levy just sat there and watched as the blond slowly turned to look at her with an even more confused face than before.
"He's not?"
"No." Levy answered bluntly, shaking her head. Lucy brought a finger up.
"Then I don't get it." Was all she said. Levy looked at Lucy with a tilt of her head and her eyebrows pushing together.
"I told you everything already. What more is there to get, exactly?" She questioned the blond.
"You!" Lucy exclaimed, pointing at Levy this time. Then her arms went up, "This whole situation! The way you were looking at each other! I've never seen you look at someone like that before! You look so pissed off… If he's not stalking you, then what's the deal?! You can't tell me it's just, because of the roommate thing that one time, like two years ago! And the way he's looking over here?! It's creeping me out!" Lucy finished, her arms going down.
"He's just trying to get to me. That's what he does." Levy replied calmly.
"I think he's trying to eat you." Lucy stated, making Levy's eyes go large.
"Lucy!"
"What?! You don't think so? What kind of look do you think it is then? Can you please explain it to me Levy? Huh?!" Lucy replied curtly.
"Just shut up or he will hear you! I don't want him to know that we are talking about him, because then he wins! I just want to ignore him…" Levy answered, folding her arms
"What…?! Hear us? Seriously Levy? What is he, a dog? He can't hear us from all the way over there!" Lucy stated as she glanced Gajeel's way, then looked back at Levy like she had lost her mind. "Besides, I still don't understand what's going on between you two. I still feel like you're not telling me something."
"Alright!" Levy unfolded her arms and shot Lucy and annoyed, but serious glare. "He came up to me when you were at the bar, okay! Are you happy with that answer?" Lucy moved her head back to look over her friend slyly.
"Okay, now we're getting somewhere at least." She answered arrogantly, making Levy sigh and bring a hand to her forehead. "So… What did he want?" Lucy asked next, letting the word hang as Levy let her hand run through her hair in frustration.
"He just wanted to bug me!" She snapped, making Lucy glare at her disbelievingly, with an eyebrow raised.
"Is that all?" She questioned sarcastically and Levy nodded. "Oh come on! You must not think very highly of me, if you expect me to believe that! I think he came onto you!"
"Would it matter?!" Levy replied, "It's not like I would go along with it anyways!"
"Ha! I knew it!" Lucy cried out with a finger pointing at Levy and a satisfied smile. "He did come onto you, didn't he? You are a terrible liar Levy." Levy's arms fell down at her sides as she looked up at Lucy with her own eyebrow arched this time.
"So what?" She gasped out. "What's your point?"
"My point is, you rejected him and now he is staring at us, or did you forget? Because I can't and I don't like it." Lucy replied.
"Just ignore it."
"That may work for you, but I on the other hand…" Lucy started to say as she whipped around. "I think I'm gonna go tell him off…" The blond mumbled, making Levy grab her again, before she could walk away.
"No! No! Please Lucy, don't!" Levy cried out making the blond glance at her again, due to how desperate she sounded. She looked at Levy's pleading gold eyes. "Please don't talk to him Lucy. Please just do as I ask and let it go this time."
"But Lev-"
"I know you don't understand, but just trust me on this one. Please, just let this go." Levy begged, desperately not wanting to get Lucy involved with anything having to do with Gajeel. He was trouble with a capitol 'T' and that was the last thing Lucy needed right now, but there was just no good way to explain that to the blond without revealing all of the things that she couldn't say about him.
Lucy paused; taking in the seriousness of Levy's expression and the worried tone in her voice. Levy continued as Lucy watched her, now feeling like maybe she was breaking through to the blond,
"Why don't we just move more towards the center of the dance floor? There will be so many people there that he won't be able to see us…" Levy offered, her head turning towards where the crowd was packed. Her eyes still holding the weight of worry in them.
"Okay…" Lucy finally answered, her mind deciding not to push the matter any further. "If that's what you want, but Levy… If something was wrong you'd tell me, right?" Lucy asked, making Levy smile at the blond, both thankfully and relieved.
"Of course I would Lucy. As I said earlier, please don't worry." Levy reached up and grabbed Lucy's free hand. She could still feel the weight of Gajeel's red eyes on her with every move she made. "Let's just go dance." Lucy looked at her face for a moment and then smiled.
"Yea! Let's do it!" She cheered as she allowed Levy to pull her into the tight crowd. "Besides-" Lucy started to say as the two girls weaved through the dancing bodies to try and conceal themselves from Gajeel's stare. "I still got half my drink left!"
Just as Lucy had uttered these happy words a body shoved hard into her side, nearly knocking her over. Luckily Lucy caught her balance, so that she didn't fall, but her glass was not so lucky as it flew out of her hands and then shattered onto the ground. Lucy paused staring at the broken glass near her feet.
"My drink!" Levy stopped after hearing the glass break and turned back towards Lucy.
"Lucy? What happened?" She questioned catching her friend's enraged look.
"Oh… Somebody is going to pay..." Lucy growled between gritted teeth, her head going up and glancing around.
"Well, wait who-?"
"Oh, were you the one I bumped into? I'm sorry about that…" Came a polite male voice from behind the blond. Levy looked up to the person who had just spoken to them. The first thing her eyes fell on was his wild mop of red hair, which flew out in most every direction, in large thick sweeping locks. The overall shape and color of it reminded her of a lion's mane, because of the way the strands framed and cascaded around his face, and what a face it was…
This man's features were graceful, from his nicely angled and symmetrical brow, to the length and subtleness of his nose. His cheeks were full, giving him a very boyish charm appearance, but his jaw line was finely pointed which provided his face with a balance of masculinity as well. His whole look was made complete by two large alluring eyes, masked in a pair of shades that rested on his nose. The shape and narrow cut of them, gave him an intense almost regal appearance, as though he were a man of weight and righteousness.
Slowly Levy glanced down, taking in the rest of him briefly. His body was lean and of average height with very light skin. He was finely dressed in a burgundy button up shirt and nice black pants and black dress shoes. The most noticeable thing about his physique was the build of his proud shoulders and his strong posture; as a whole he was a very good-looking guy.
He stood there looking at Levy apologetically as he continued to speak in a warm, but charming voice.
"It's just so crowded in here." He was starting to say. Levy looked from the man speaking, to Lucy's face. The blond had yet to turn around and see the person speaking to them and ultimately taking responsibility for the hate crime against her drink. Her brow lowered in annoyance for a brief second before she slowly began to turn around, just as the culprit began to speak again,
"I was trying to be careful, but…" His words trailed off as he watched the blond stand up straight and turn around to face him fully now. Lucy greeted the stranger with a clearly upset look on her face as if on the verge of an outburst. Her dark eyes were practically in flames.
"I…" He was starting to say as he got his first gander of her. Levy was watching the two of them now. The man's eyes had grown wide once he got a glimpse of the enraged blonde's expression and he seemed to forget whatever it was he had been saying for the moment. Lucy on the other hand, was about ready to explode. Levy felt herself swallowing nervously, here it comes… She was thinking just as the blond finally snapped.
"You what?!" Lucy cried out, "Careful?! You made me lose my drink! How is that careful?! And I'm broke! Not to mention stuck here, because of my drunk ass friend! I was fine with all of that though! FINE! Fine with my dad harassing me! Fine with my best friend ignoring me! Even fine, with being stuck in this hellhole of a club for the night, with all of its bitchy people and staring creeps, because at least I had my drink! But now! NOW, it's gone!" She pointed towards his chest as she continued to unload all of her stresses on the poor unsuspecting soul. "And it's all because of you! How the hell am I supposed to have a good time now?!" She finished, glaring at him, her eyes burning with rage.
Levy was watching them nervously as if another 'incident' was about to break out like earlier. She ran a hand through her blue hair, why does this keep happening to me… She thought hopelessly as she awaited the trouble Lucy's outburst was sure to bring on.
There was a long pause as the man before them just blinked at Lucy, with wide eyes. Drinking her in, as if she was something he needed to see now, otherwise he might not ever get another chance. Meanwhile, Lucy just had her hands on her hips and her eyes closed. Her face was stern with anger as she waited for either, another apology or a fight, almost anything really, but what he said next.
"Wow." He uttered. Lucy opened her eyes and glanced up at him, as if confused by the one-word sentence.
"Huh?" The blond let out, Levy was also looking up at the man greatly confused. Then without warning his hand was coming up and reaching for Lucy's, taking her hand into his gently. Lucy looked down at the cupped hands he held up before her, noticing the coolness of a large gold band on his index finger. She stood there frozen as her mouth fell open. Why was he touching her all of the sudden!? She slowly and rigidly moved her head up to look back at his face; he was smiling at her serenely, but his eyes were full of confidence, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
"You are so beautiful." He stated, his tone so full of devotion, yet assurance, as if he knew what he was saying was brilliant. "And passionate!" He added, making Lucy's cheeks immediately flush a bright red, as her mouth stayed hanging open. Levy's face didn't look much different, just less vibrant at the handsome stranger's bold words.
"I-I-uh… what…?" Lucy choked out nervously as her body began to quiver awkwardly. The man bowed his head to her some, bringing her hand up closer to his face.
"I can see that you've had quite the rough night and I hate, that I have added to that in any way. I hope you will forgive me." He spoke as it became clear that he was going to kiss the top of Lucy's hand, like an old-fashioned gentleman.
"Oh-you, you don't haveta-" Lucy was stuttering between breaths as he gently touched her hand with his lips briefly. "Oh-well okay…" She uttered as he brought her hand back down and his eyes went back up to hers. She looked back, feeling paralyzed by the look on his face. Oh my god… Did he actually just do that?! Who does that kind of thing anymore?! Who is this guy?! Her mind was questioning frantically as he looked at her serenely. She could feel the warmth in her face only growing with each passing second in his sights. Her heart was beginning to pound harder and her body was beginning to feel twitchy as he let go of her hand.
"Nonsense." Was his response to Lucy's earlier protest, "I want to be a proper gentlemen." He added as he brought a hand up to his chest with the other hand going out towards her. "So please, let me make it up to you…" He finished.
"Uhh…" Lucy was saying as her head shifted in Levy's direction, but her eyes stayed glued to his sincere face. "Levy…?" She whispered out from the side of her mouth nervously.
At this point Levy, had gotten over her shock and was smiling coyly, as if she might burst out laughing at any second. The polite man seemed completely taken by Lucy, despite how rude she had been and Lucy just hadn't any idea on how to deal with it. Levy brought a hand over her mouth to stifle her giggling, as she answered her distressed friend.
"Yea…. Lucy?" She asked back slyly.
"You wouldn't happen to know this guy too, would you?" The blond questioned quietly under her breath, as the red-haired man, smiled at her. Levy giggled lightly before answering,
"No definitely not. Sorry Lucy!"
"Greaaat…" The blond replied rolling her eyes, before looking back up at the man who was waiting patiently. He paused for a moment, once Lucy's attention seemed to be back on him.
"So what do you say? Would you let me buy you a drink? To make up for the one I made you lose, that is?" He questioned politely, that charming smile widening.
"I…um… well…" Lucy was beginning to stutter, making Levy roll her eyes and then elbow her sharply. "Ouch..! Oh… What I mean to say is, I'm sorry, but I don't really know you, so I'm not exactly comfortable… With that…" The blond finally answered as she rubbed her one elbow awkwardly. This answer caused Levy to fold her arms and aim a disappointed glare at the blond, for turning him down, even though she knew it had everything to do with her feelings for Natsu. She elbowed Lucy again, making the blond yelp and glance over at her annoyed friend.
"What're you doing?" Levy whispered with a hand in front of her mouth and a crossed look towards Lucy. "You should say yes!"
"What? But I don't even…" Lucy began.
"So?!" Levy snapped, cutting her off. "What happened to what we talked about earlier? The, 'how you never put yourself out there' thing… Ya know, because of Natsu… And the 'we should take a page from Cana's book thing…?' Remember?"
"Oh yea… that…" Lucy replied looking away sadly.
"Yea, that! He's good looking and polite Lucy… Even after you yelled at him! What the hell are you thinking?!"
"Ah... damn…" Lucy began to say regrettably. Meanwhile the man was just standing there watching the two of them for a moment, as they quibbled back and forth to one another, under their breath. Hiding their words with their hands and whispers.
"Um, ladies?" He questioned hesitantly not wanting to interrupt. They both glanced up at him. Their arms shooting back down to their sides as if they had just remembered he was still there. "It's quite alright." He started to say. "But for what it's worth, I am very sorry I caused you to drop your drink… I'll just leave you be…" He started to turn away, that was when Levy pushed Lucy forward.
"Oh hey!" The blond gasped out, as she tripped forwards, practically running into him. Her arm went forward, her hand landing on his forearm for support. The man gently turned some, his hand touching Lucy's shoulder in a half attempt to steady her shaky balance.
"Whoa!" He replied with a light laugh as Lucy's body rose back up now at a normal standing position. "You alright?" He asked her, looking right into her eyes. Lucy glanced up, his shades had fallen down his nose some and Lucy could now make out the olive-green color of his irises' as they bore into her. Their bodies were now also, very close and she could feel her face warming up again, as she realized just how gentle his expression was.
"Yea…" She began, finally letting go of him. "I'm fine." She answered taking a step back, as she rubbed her elbow with her other hand and smiled awkwardly, "Just… embarrassed."
"No need to be." He replied, smiling brightly with his eyes closed. "After all I'm pretty sure I'm the klutz here." Lucy paused, taking in his smile. He really was an attractive guy and he seemed to be very kind. It was hard for her to admit that to herself, but she definitely could feel his effects on her.
"Yea… Speaking of that… Are you by chance, still interested…? In you know… Making it up to me?" Lucy questioned shyly, her words hesitating. There was a pause as Lucy glanced down. waiting for his reply. He turned back to face her, his eyebrows going up in surprise.
"Of course!" He answered excitedly. "But first…" He held out a hand towards her suddenly.
"You brought up a good point before, when you said we don't know each other… Soooo…" His other hand went up, sweeping the locks of his red hair. "Maybe we should get to know each other. My name is Loke and who might you be?" He asked smoothly
"Oh I see… Right!" Lucy replied lightly, taking his hand gently. "I'm Lucy."
"Lucy…" He spoke her name softly his eyes going up, almost dreamily for a second before he looked back at her. "That's a beautiful name for a beautiful person." Loke stated once again, as he kissed her hand, making her laugh awkwardly. She slid her hand out of his grasp, as she hadn't expected him to do that a second time, let alone the first.
"Uh… you don't have to do that every time…" Loke looked at her and laughed modestly.
"I apologize Lucy, if it makes you uncomfortable." He answered graciously, bowing his head slightly and closing his eyes.
"Oh no! It's not that! I just… I guess I'm just not used to guys doing that, that's all." She replied embarrassed. Loke looked at her with amazed eyes, as if what she was saying was ludicrous.
"Really? I would have never of guessed that! That's a shame; a man should only be so lucky, to get to talk to someone as gorgeous as you." Lucy's face was glowing red once again and her eyes were staring at the ground.
"I uh… I.." She paused not knowing what to say. Loke bowed his head catching her chocolate eyes with his, as he smiled at her.
"Am I embarrassing you?" He laughed and Lucy just nodded.
"Kind of… Not used to all of this… Flattery." She answered glancing up at his inviting smiling. He brought his head back up.
"Well I can't be sorry about that." He stated seriously as he looked up. "A girl like you should be used to it. In fact, you should be showered in compliments on a daily basis! And besides…" He began, looking back at her with another charming smile. "Your embarrassment is too cute for me to stop now." He finished making Lucy's heart pulse again, as all words had escaped her brain.
Loke watched her for a moment, completely enjoying every second of what he was putting her through, before shifting his eyes onto Levy who was trying not to laugh at her best friend's beet red face. He smiled at the smaller girl warmly and offered his hand to her as well.
"And who might you be?" He questioned politely. Levy smiled up at him stepping closer and bringing her free hand up to meet his.
"My name is Levy. No need for the formalities." She answered brightly as Loke kissed her hand as well.
"I apologize ladies, it's just my way." He answered warmly as he let her hand go. "Especially when in such lovely company." He added glancing at the two of them.
"Well that's quite alright then. We could stand to hang around a gentleman once in a while!" Levy answered with a laugh as Lucy just mumbled under her breath, her face still red. Loke smiled at Levy brightly, before speaking,
"So how about we head to the bar now and I buy the both of you pretty ladies a drink?" At this, Levy held up the hand that was holding her drink, that was only about halfway gone still.
"Oh that's okay Loke, I still have a lot of mine left. You two should go and I'll just stay here." At this Lucy's head snapped up and she looked at Levy with large fearful eyes.
"Are you sure? I really don't mind, after all who could complain about having two beautiful girls as guests?" Levy just laughed at him and shook her head.
"I'm sure. You and Lucy go…." Lucy suddenly grabbed Levy's arm.
"You have to come!" She whispered, her face getting close, as if terrified. "I can't do this alone Levy! Don't leave me!" Levy's thin eyebrows crossed over her brow as she ripped her arm out of Lucy's grasp.
"Stop it Lucy! You can do this, you'll be fine!" Lucy brought a hand up to her warm face.
"No… but what if I say something stupid! What if I bring up Natsu!" Levy glanced up at Loke, from over Lucy's shoulder; he seemed to be looking down. Levy could tell that he was checking out the blonde's butt, while she had her back towards him. She looked back into Lucy's chocolate eyes seriously.
"I don't think it will matter." She stated bluntly. "He's already clearly into you… Now just go…" She pushed Lucy some, making the blond step back away from her. "Just go with it, you'll be fine!" Lucy paused and looked at Levy with large almost sad eyes.
"Will you be okay, though?" She asked her voice louder, not caring if Loke heard them now. "Even with… You know…." Levy let out a breath as she looked at her friend with an annoyed, arched brow.
"Of course I will be! Now just go! I'll be right here, when you get back, I promise!" Levy said as Lucy began to turn away awkwardly. Loke brought an arm up and around the blonde's shoulder. Making her body go stiff as she glanced up at him in shock, as they began to move through the crowd. He smiled down at her kindly; figuring if she didn't like it, then she would just push him away.
"It's okay, just trying to help." He assured her as he helped her push through the crowd around them. Lucy swallowed nervously as she felt his fingers lightly touching her bare shoulder, her body was trembling with nerves. It's okay... She told herself. I'm fine… I can do this… Her eyebrows lowered some as she tried to put on a brave face. I have to do this… For myself… It's time… It's time to move on. She thought as she made her path towards the bar in Loke's safe grasp.
Gajeel was watching the crowd from his spot along the wall, when he noticed the blond girl that had been accompanying Levy, walking off towards the bar with a carrot top. Seeing them made his eyes dart around the room carefully, in search for any sign of Levy, but he couldn't seem to spot the shorter girl anywhere. He lifted his body up and off of the wall he had been leaning on and unfolded his arms, letting them drop back down to his sides. He downed what was left of his drink and stared at the empty container in his hand. Eh… Maybe it's time to head out… He thought to himself, until he noticed the shape of a body standing right before him. He glanced up to see Thibault's ugly face, glaring at him with his usual large grin.
"You leavin' buddy?" Thibault asked him sarcastically. Gajeel couldn't help, but notice he was holding an empty glass in his hand and he seemed to be feeling it some.
"Get the hell outta my way!" Gajeel sneered. Thibault held up his hands defensively.
"Hey all right! All right now... No need to be so hostile. I'll go, but first…" He neared Gajeel slowly, with a mischievous grin plastered over his face. "I couldn't help, but notice you, were lookin' at someone earlier…" At this, Gajeel's eyes grew and his look intensified on Thibault tenfold. "Ah see…" Thibault said with a wink and a click of his tongue. "You can't even hide it… That look says it all." He taunted with a finger pointed at Gajeel like it was a gun.
Gajeel said nothing for a moment as he could feel his anger intensifying within him, to a degree he had yet to feel that night. It was taking everything in his will power to not knock the idiot out, as he clenched a shaky fist at his side. He better not… He better stay away from her… Or I'll… He quite honestly didn't even know; he wasn't sure what his anger would drive him to do.
Thibault was noticing how even the mere mention of the girl he had seen Gajeel staring at earlier, was affecting him and he couldn't help, but get a small jolly out of it.
"Aw… what's a matter? You mad bro?" He answered sarcastically. "Don't see why ya should be… If you like her so much, then why don't you just go find her on the dance floor? Pretty sure that's where I saw her go…" He asked mockingly. Gajeel bit down. His mouth went open, showing his clenched teeth and prominent fangs as he closed his eyes "Hmm… Are you maybe… Not… interested anymore?" Thibault asked with a hand over his chin, as if he were pondering Gajeel's silence. "Or maybe… she's the one who isn't interested? Am I right? That probably explains it…." Thibault added smugly, before shrugging. "Either way, she's fair game then, right?" Gajeel opened his eyes and sent Thibault a look only best described as death.
"You better keep away from her, you fucking filth… Or I'll-"
"You gonna hit me in front of all these people?" Thibault questioned, cutting Gajeel off. His face lighting up with an almost evil looking grin, with his large square teeth exposed. "I think you could do without having all of the attention, don't you?" He added as he began to turn away. "Besides… I'll take my chances after getting' a look at that ass of hers…" He started to say as his body turned away from Gajeel.
It was these words that finally pushed Gajeel over the edge. He lost all control and reached out like a snake striking for the kill. His glass slipping from his grip and hitting the ground with a crash as his hand made contact with the back of Thbault's shirt, but Thibault had been expecting him to attack. He had started to turn evasively, just as Gajeel had made his move and was able to twist out of Gajeel's grip. His own glass falling from his hands as well and shattering in their struggle. His head turned back to send Gajeel and ugly, yet arrogant smile.
"Wow you actually tried, huh? Can't believe yer that stupid!" But as he said this Gajeel was lunging towards him, making his face become scared as he realized he wasn't yet out of danger. Thibault jumped forwards and headed towards the dance floor, hastily out of fear. Gajeel chased him up until the point, where Thibault began to squeeze his way through the bodies in panic. Gajeel stood there for a brief moment, looking at all of the packed people, his mind lost in his angry thoughts. This is just fucking perfect… He thought as he realized he needed to force his way through them, but he didn't let his annoyance stop him as he began to push his large body forwards.
Levy was standing among the dancers alone; her body swayed some to the music, but not too much, all due to the drink she was still holding. She eyed the glass in her hand oddly, questioning if she should even bother finishing it at this point. She was thrilled to have possibly found Lucy a guy, but now she was just all the lonelier herself. This night really hadn't gotten any better, where she was concerned and she was starting to consider just throwing in the towel on their failed 'girls night' by just calling either Jet or Droy to come and pick her up. She figured it was about time she forgave them both anyways and she really didn't like the idea of making Lucy and Cana leave, just because she was miserable.
A vision of herself, curled up in a blanket with her pajamas on and a book in her hands came to mind. The whole premise of the vision seeming much more inviting than trying to endure the rest of the night, on the loud packed dance floor. Yea… I think going home is the right move… I think that's what I'm going to do. She thought as she pulled out her phone, it's time I talk to those guys again anyways… I can't stay mad at them forever… She thought, but just as she went to text Jet, she heard a yell among the loud music.
She glanced up in time to see a lanky looking man's head above some of the crowd, as his body pushed through some people into her clearing. His beady eyes landed on her face as he stood before her, causing Levy to look at him with puzzlement, as she could clearly see the panic plastered all over his features.
"Please lady!" His deep voice thundered out fearfully. "You've got to help me!" He cried out.
"Wait what?" Levy uttered out confused, but the man looked up towards the crowd and yelped. Then without warning he was quickly moving to behind Levy's small frame, almost as if he was trying to hide from someone. Levy glanced up to where he had been looking completely bewildered, until she suddenly spotted Gajeel's large body pushing towards them. Oh, no… She thought grimly, her face falling into a deep frown as he now stood before her.
Gajeel's red eyes were narrowed with anger, his sights aimed on the man who was now cowering behind Levy's small body. His face was graced with disgust, that Thibault should be anywhere near Levy, let alone in such close proximity.
"Thibault!" Gajeel's voice growled out with his fangs exposed, ignoring Levy's pointed glare up at him. Thibault just cowered before him now, acting like a complete an utter fool. Levy glanced over at him from over her shoulder and then back up at Gajeel. "You fuckin weasel! Enough games! You stay away from her!" Gajeel shouted.
"Gajeel?!" Levy hollered, making Gajeel finally look at her. "What the hell is going on here?!" She asked severely annoyed. Gajeel just pointed at the man behind her as if enraged.
"This idiot!" He stated. "He's mine!" He barked, making Levy glance down at the cowering man just behind her. She couldn't help, but feel a moment of déjà vu as she realized she was the only thing standing between Gajeel and another man's life potentially, once again. But this time the circumstances were in her favor. For one thing, they were surrounded by people and not alone. Not only that, but she had the advantage of knowing Gajeel better now.
"Why?" She asked looking back up at him bravely. "What do you need him for?" Gajeel's fist clenched tightly.
"Doesn't matter!" He snapped back. "Just hand him over!" Levy's eyes grew large at the response, as she looked him up and down. Gajeel looked very tense, something she wasn't used to seeing. She also realized she hadn't ever seen him appear so angry before. Every word he spouted was like an overly aggressive shout. He reminded her of a rabid, caged dog; with the way, he appeared to be struggling with his rage, trying to hold it all in and keep it contained.
"No." She answered simply. Her voice contradicting his own with its calmness, only serving to upset him further.
"What?!" Gajeel exploded. Thibault on the other hand was grinning madly. Gajeel stomped his heavy boot before her and then moved his body in such a way, so that his large size hung over Levy in an attempt to intimidate her.
"Levy…" He growled breathlessly, trying his best to contain his anger. "Move outta the way…"
"No, I won't do that this time, Gajeel…" She answered defiantly making him snap his head away from her. His body was shrinking back down. He let out an almost animal like growl of frustration, before turning back towards her with his arms up like he wanted to strangle her; his fingers were curled up almost like claws.
"You don't understand! This isn't like the other times!" Gajeel exclaimed, his tone urgent, but still angry. "This guy is BAD!" Gajeel pointed at Thibault. "Bad Levy!" He added, his fangs showing.
"Bad, like you are Gajeel?" She asked making his eyes widen. "You told me your work here was done for tonight! That was obviously a lie, because here you are getting into trouble once again! Tell me why I should trust you?!" Levy replied, becoming equally upset now, as her heart pounded.
Gajeel was staring at her, with shock evident in his eyes. He was just starting to realize how bad this situation truly was. She didn't believe him and there wasn't anything he could do about it!
"Because I don't want to see you hurt!" Gajeel raged back. "You don't understand the situation Levy, but you need to listen to me!" He answered, but Levy had, had it with him. She had been harshly reminded of what Gajeel was capable of when she saw the scared man named Thibault's face, and realized who it was he had been trying to run and hide from. It was all just too familiar.
A vision of the man named Bora appeared to her, his face bloodied and broken. His terrified voice moaning in pain about trying to 'hide' from someone. That someone being, Black Steel Gajeel… Followed by another terrified face, a much more recent memory of a man who had similarly been afraid for his life at the hands of Gajeel. Those nights she had so badly wanted to forget about, but could not, pulsed through her mind with renewed strength. She hadn't been able to do anything to stop him with Bora.
Not again… She thought, as Levy glanced back up at Gajeel seriously, looking over his cold dark features. It was time for her to snap back to reality… No matter what she thought of him or how he acted towards her, it didn't change the fact that Gajeel Redfox was nothing, but a thug.
"No…" She began, shaking her head, making Gajeel's mouth fall open. "No!" She snapped, her voice stronger now as all her anger came flying forward. "I know what will happen if I let you take this man! And this time I'm not going to let that happen! I won't swallow that guilt a second time!" She pointed at Gajeel accusingly. "And you! For once in your life why don't you just be honest and leave Gajeel! Leave me alone, like you said you would!" She snapped, now moving her pointing finger out in the direction of the exit.
Gajeel looked at her with wide eyes after having to endure her outburst. She had made it clear she was done listening to him and that there wasn't about to be any more debate on what she was going to do. Gajeel clenched his teeth so hard that he could hear them crunching in his ears. He suddenly felt very helpless and beyond angry at her stubbornness. There was brief pause, as he stared into her rage fueled hazel eyes.
"FINE!" He answered back, his voice rising to new heights. "But don't you blame me if you get hurt!" He added, shouting at top range now. Then he brought his head down towards hers, his voice becoming quiet again. "But for the record, I have never lied to you!" He added, with a hard-piercing stare, before finally turning away from her.
Levy watched as he began to stalk away, practically knocking people down as he forcefully pushed his way through them. Her face was heated with anger as she watched him go, but something inside of her was making her stomach twist into tight nervous knots. The words he had said… She was actually questioning them, despite her anger. Had he really never lied to her?
It was true that there was a lot of stuff he didn't tell her, but now that she actually had to think about it, she had never questioned anything he had told her. She hadn't ever realized it before, but what he said may have very well of been true. She just didn't know if he had ever lied to her before or not…
"I owe you a thank you!" Levy turned around at the voice. There stood the man Gajeel had referred to as Thibault, looking down at Levy with a large toothy grin. Levy found his happy face a bit creepy, but she smiled despite herself. It wasn't like her to be rude. "He woulda had my hide if it wasn't for you! How did you do that anyways?" Levy glanced down awkwardly, her face flushing slightly.
"Oh well… Let's just say Gajeel and I have some brief history, that's all…" She answered, looking back up at him. "Honestly… I don't really want to talk about it."
"That's fine, I don't blame you! I wouldn't want to either!" He brought a hand up to shield his mouth. "That guy's a real monster if ya know what I mean." He said quietly.
"Yea…" Levy replied half-heartedly with a weak laugh, a pang of guilt coming from within her. "By the way, Thibault was it?" She asked looking back up at him.
"Yes mam." He answered reaching out a hand. "And I was too scared to catch yer name. What was it again?" Thibault asked. Levy looked at his offered hand and then back up to his strange face, with its huge overbearing smile. This guy is really creepy… Like in a whole different way than Gajeel... She couldn't help, but think as she looked him over. Gajeel was at least something to look at, but this guy seemed to have nothing going for him. Now… now Levy. You shouldn't judge people by their appearances… You know better than that. He could be friendly for all you know… If anything, you should at least be kind and not rude to him. She slowly and hesitantly brought her hand to his, almost as if she wasn't sure she should.
"Levy…" She answered, as he held her hand for a moment, his beady eyes looking over her white skin, before he finally let go.
"Well then Levy, how about ya let me buy you a drink, as a thank you for what you did?" He questioned enthusiastically. Levy paused for a moment; her stomach was still twisting uneasily as Gajeel's words rang through her mind.
'This guy is BAD Levy!" "But for the record, I have never lied to you!"
She glanced back down at the drink in her hand; for some reason her gut was telling her to heed Gajeel's warnings. She held up her hand with the half empty glass.
"That's quite alright, because you see, I still have half a drink left."
"Ah… C'mon why should that matter?" Thibault just shrugged and looked at her oddly, before replying. "Yer about due for another, aren't you?" He asked. Levy arched a brow at his persistence; it wasn't a good sign to her. She was suddenly feeling an instinctive need to get away from him.
"Actually…" She began to say. "I was planning on leaving originally and-"
"Oh really? That's too bad… But I can walk you to your car." He stated quickly, cutting her off almost as if we were too eager. Levy's eyes grew some at this, her bad feeling was only intensifying now. She knew at this point it would be a mistake to go outside with him, alone. She looked at him oddly trying to decide what she could do. Her plan had been to go outside in the parking lot and call Jet, but now it didn't seem like he was going to leave her be. She didn't want him to know that she didn't actually have a car there. She could head for the bar where Lucy, Loke and Cana were most likely, but then what? If she didn't actually leave he'd probably just follow her there and hang around them. Maybe insist on buying her a drink still. And honestly, she wasn't sure she'd even find them among the masses of people. Then another idea occurred to her.
"Yea… I'll leave in just a bit, but first I need to head to the restroom." She replied.
"Ah ok, I'll be waitin' for ya when you get out." Levy laughed nervously and he chuckled back. She couldn't help, but notice how those black eyes of his, were scaling over her. His off-putting stares provoking chills from within her. The way he looked at her, almost made her miss Gajeel's staring. She turned away from him with phone in hand.
"Okay! Be right back!" She replied as she quickly began to push her way through the people, towards where the bathroom was.
Luckily it wasn't far; she busted through the door and immediately set her drink down on the sink's counter followed by her nervous and shaking hands. She stared at her panting reflection in the mirror; she could feel her body quivering some in alarm. I should have listened…This guy is a creepy thug who doesn't plan on leaving me alone… She thought. I should have listened to Gajeel and then maybe I wouldn't be in this mess! She thought banging her fist on the counter in frustration.
But you didn't… and you can't change that now… Her thoughts reminded her in an attempt to calm herself. Instead the more important thing to do, is to figure out how you're going to get yourself out of it… She let out a shaky breath she had been keeping. Now just calm down and think Levy… She thought trying to regain her composure as she glanced down at her phone, the wheels in her brain beginning to turn.
I'll just call Jet now, while I'm in here… Then I'll just have him text me when he arrives. In the meantime, I can stay in the bathroom while I wait for him… That way I won't have to be that creep's company anymore... Then when Jet does finally get here, I'll just book it towards the door… There won't be anything he can do with all of these people here… She glanced back up at her reflection in the mirror, her complexion looked pale under the cheap lighting.
Then her thoughts were interrupted when she heard a toilet flush. One of the stall doors opened, the noises succeeding in making her nervous body jump. She had thought she was alone in the small bathroom. The girl who stepped out had pink hair with sweeping bangs and poufy curls at the ends. Her eyes were large and almost timid looking, as she glanced up at Levy for a moment.
"I'm really sorry if I scared you miss!" She spoke in a soft weak voice. Levy just smiled at her weakly in return, she couldn't believe how jumpy she was.
"It's okay! Really… It wasn't your fault. Just thought I was in here alone, is all…" Levy answered making the girl nod in understanding. The girl approached the sink and washed her hands quickly, before walking out without another word to Levy.
"Yea…" Levy spoke out breathlessly to nobody now. Looking back down at her phone she started to search for Jet's phone number. "That sounds good."
Meanwhile Thibault was waiting just outside the door of the women's restroom, unbeknownst to Levy. He watched the pink haired girl Levy had just seen, open the door and step out. He quickly approached her, before she could walk away.
"Hey!"
"What?! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" The girl yelled out in alarm, closing her eyes with fist clenched, looking like she might cry. Thibault tilted his head at her and hesitated for a moment out of shock, from the girl's sudden fear.
"Oh… um sorry... Didn't mean ta scare ya… Was just wondering if you saw anyone else in there? I'm looking for my girlfriend. Can't find her anywhere and I'm just wondering if she went in the bathroom…" He asked nonchalantly.
"Oh! I'm sorry!" The pink haired girl bowed her head in apology before rising back up. "The only person I saw in there was a small girl, with blue hair…" She responded.
"Yup, that's her, thanks a million!" He cheered making the pink haired girl smile and bow her head quickly again.
"Happy to be of service sir…" She replied weakly, before finally turning away from him to walk off. Thibault made sure to watch her leave, taking enjoyment out of the view that her short, tight dress provided, before his beady eyes darted around the room to see if anyone else was paying him any attention. Then he cautiously opened the door to the girl's restroom as quietly as he could. His thin body slid its way inside, before he then leaned his back up against the closed door gently. He glanced over and saw Levy with her back towards him. She was looking at her phone; he could see her frustrated face in the mirror.
"Damn reception!" She snapped out loud, to nobody.
"Yea… It's a real bitch." Thibault smirked before speaking, his voice almost mocking.
Levy's eyes grew as large as saucers, as she felt her heart jump up, jamming into her throat out of pure fear. Her small form whipped around to see his body there in front of the door, blocking her only way out. He was smiling at her with those large square teeth, his face reminding her of a demented clown. Levy instinctively took a step back, with her arms out at her sides, one hand holding her phone.
"That was a nice attempt to try and get away from me..." He spoke now, his tone and words finally revealing his true intentions. "No drink, good excuses… Yer a lot smarter than most of the girls I go after. I'll give ya that one…" He started to say as he stepped towards her. "It's gonna make me enjoy this even more I think…" He stated, opening his long gorilla like arms, to block her from going anywhere. Their length made it impossible for her to even fathom getting past him. "Smart, pretty and the added bonus of you once being Gajeel's girl... Couldn't get any better if I dreamed it up…" He added, his voice so full of glee, that it made Levy sick to her stomach. Then he let out his barbaric chuckle as he took another step closer.
Levy's body was now shaking from head to toe, as she realized just how much trouble she was really in. She was slowly backing away from him, but the bathroom was already so tiny that she was soon to be backed, into a corner. What can I do?! She thought. Her first instinct was to scream for help.
"HELP! Someone! PLEASE!" She cried out as tears began to gather in her large eyes, just as her back collided with the wall, with nowhere more for her to go. Thibault cackled at her attempts to yell for help and narrowed his eyes on her.
"You can shout and scream all you want! That's not gonna save you! That music is way too loud for anyone to hear you in here! In fact, I recommend you scream some more! It might make things more fun!" He shouted back as Levy's wide eyes stared at his nearing form, in disbelief. His long arms still keeping her trapped and cornered. Never in her life, had she ever felt as helpless as she did right now. Her shaky hands brought her phone up quickly, in a last-ditch effort to try and call someone for help.
"Oh whatcha tryin' to do there?!" He questioned, his grin fading as his hand went reaching for hers. Levy took that moment to duck down, avoiding his flying arm and then she pushed off of the wall, propelling her small body forwards, in an attempt to try and run underneath his. She just brushed past him, her legs making a mad dash for the door. Just as she thought she had managed to maybe get away from him, something grabbed her and jerked her small form backwards with such force that her phone went flying out of her hands and across the room. She watched it slide across the bathroom tiles until it thudded into the opposite wall. Thibault had wrapped his large hand around her forearm as he jerked her back a second time.
"NO ya don't!" He shouted pulling her into his body. She pushed and pulled against him with all of her might. Her free arm reaching out in an attempt to grab at anything that might help her get away, but there was nothing, but empty air between her fingers now. Her back was slammed up against his chest, as his other arm went snaking around her waist. Her head landing just under his long chin. He held her one arm back, bending it out and around his frame painfully, as his other arm locked her in place against him. Levy closed her eyes tightly as tears began pooling in her eyes; her mouth was letting out small whimpers as he continued to keep pressure on her thin arm, bending it painfully. Her back end was flushed up against his front and her whole body was trembling, as she felt the shape of his arousal digging into her lower back. Her breaths were labored and full of panic, as her heart continued to pulse through her entire being.
"Pleassee…" She begged. "I won't tell anyone if you just let me go…" She tried, her words breathless and shaky.
"Now, now…" He spoke mockingly as if trying to be soothing. She felt him pushing on her arm so hard, that she felt like her elbow might snap. Her mouth opened, as a cry of pain flew from her lungs. "We're already here… Can't stop now…" He spoke, before suddenly letting her go and pushing her small frame into the nearest door of a bathroom stall, so hard that she crashed into it and fell onto the ground. Her back hit the stall wall besides the toilet, she quickly struggled in an attempt to get up and get away, but it was too hard, because of the lack of room she had. Thibault was hovering above her now inside the stall; he looked down at her with his deranged smile, bringing a finger to his lips.
"Shh…" He said as he latched the stall door with both of them inside. Levy looked to him with wide eyes, then to the floor. She got down further and reached at the wall under the stalls in one last attempt to try and crawl away underneath it, but Thibault was yanking her up as he brought himself down. His knees were now pinning her legs down, making Levy cry out from his weight. His arms and hands were attempting to grab her arms, but she was clawing and swinging at him as much as she could. Trying to fight him off with all of her strength. She could see his face becoming angry and then finally he got a good hold of her wrist.
He jerked her upper body up enough, so that her head was up and off of the ground. Then he quickly jammed it into the porcelain bowl of the toilet, so hard that the skin on the side of Levy's upper forehead split open. Blood came leaking out from the wound and the small girl's eyes that had been full of fight, were now full of haze, her eyelids falling closed briefly.
Levy blinked, her vision had blurred over into a swirl of dark colors and shapes. She felt an odd numbness wash over her and for a moment it was almost as if her body was rebooting. The first sensation that came to her was that of the cold hard floor, against her back. The next feeling, she was able to recognize was something heavy sitting over top of her legs, keeping her stiff body pinned down. She slowly tried to lift her head, which now felt like it had tripled in weight, to no avail. Instead it just fell limply as her hazel eyes glanced around lazily. She couldn't make sense of where she was or what was happening at that moment. Noise had all, but disappeared, her vision wouldn't fully render and sensations seemed to be coming to her slowly, one at a time as she began to feel someone's hands over her. She closed her eyes for a moment, straining to remember whose they were; she couldn't think properly her mind was still dizzy and disoriented from the blow. Then she could feel a warm liquid dripping down the side of her face… That was when she knew; she knew she was in a bad spot.
Now that she could at least remember that much, she attempted to try to move under the heavy body's weight, but she just couldn't. Her mouth opened as she tried to make words… It was so… Difficult though, like everything she seemed to try. Her body and mind felt so tired now, but something was calling fourth from deep within her, to not give up and continue to fight. Then that was when Levy finally heard sound again. It was her own voice she could hear as she almost subconsciously spoke out in protest.
"Noooo…" She moaned out groggily, as she tried to lift her head up again.
"Still awake?" She thought she could hear a familiar voice saying. "That's fine, I prefer that!" It was hard to make out all of the words in her dizzy and confused state, but she knew she didn't like them. Then she could hear something tearing. She didn't know it at the time, but it was her jacket. Thibault was ripping it off of her. The next thing she felt were his cold fingers against her skin, making her cringe. She slowly tried to bring an arm up, to push whoever it was on top of her away, but she couldn't seem to move right. It was almost as if her head just couldn't send the right signals yet. Then another noise sounded off, making Levy's exhausted head fall back to the floor and shift over. Her eyes were looking underneath the bathroom stalls in the direction of the bathroom door, that she could see the bottom of. That was when she spotted the bottom of boots coming in through, as it opened.
Gotta…. Call for help… Her mind finally spoke, her first real coherent thought since hitting her head. Her mouth opened, but words wouldn't seem to fly from her throat. She closed her eyes tightly, out of frustration. She could feel large vibrations through the floor and the sound of steps getting louder. Then another sound resounded in her ears. She didn't know it at the time, but what she was hearing was a knock on the door of the stall they were in.
Thibault shifted his head up quickly out of annoyance.
"Occupied! Can't ya see we're busy!" He shouted to whomever was knocking with great irritation. He had kind of figured most women would just assume they were a loose couple, just having a good time. He stopped all movement and listened carefully. His eyes on the bare skin of Levy's stomach and underwear as he had started to lift up her dress. She was lying on her back before him, on the bathroom floor, her head between the toilet and stall wall, half underneath it. Her eyes were still open, but she was clearly still out of it, as they looked glazed over. The gash on her head was leaving a line of blood down the side of her face, some of it, in her hair.
Thibault moved his head up, listening to the person he could hear just behind the door, he started to hear steps. He let out a small breath of relief, as he realized they must have been walking away.
A large crash sounded off, Levy felt the heavy person on her legs, weight shift forward over her body, before finally being lifted off altogether. There was a bright light that blinded her hazy eyes, as the stall door had opened. She began to hear angry familiar yells, followed by anguished cries. Then a large shadowy person came before her, shielding her eyes from the bright, blinding lights of the bathroom. She blinked briefly in an attempt to clear her vision. The outline of the person looked so familiar, she wanted so badly to make out who it was, but it was so hard.
"Levy?!" A heavy voice cried out in alarm. Levy blinked again, trying to lift her head up. She knew that voice.
"Gajeel…" She moaned out weakly. She felt a large hand gently touch the side of her face.
"God damn it!" He cursed. "I shouldn't have left you…" At this Levy, could feel herself suddenly smiling, as she felt his other hand carefully lifting her head and back, up and off of the floor.
"I made you leave…" She replied. "It's my fault this happened..." She uttered out, as all of the memories were returning.
"Shut up… Idiot..." He cursed lowly, "C'mon we need ta get outta here… Can you stand?" He asked. Levy could now make out his face for the most part. His eyes looked wide and full of concern. She glanced down at herself. She was sitting up now, her dress had been moved up some, exposing more of her lower half than she was comfortable with. Her shaky hands gripped at the fabric of her skirt and she slowly pulled it back down, before looking back at Gajeel who was kneeling down beside her. His head was so close to hers. Her eyes still felt lazy, but she could feel her strength returning.
"Yea…. I think so." She answered, before suddenly feeling a wave of pain in her head. "Ahh…." She let out a small cry of agony. "What the hell…" She moaned in a raspy voice, as she brought a hand up to the spot where Thibault had slammed her head, before letting it fall forwards some, so that her forehead was now resting against Gajeel's shoulder, burying her face, as the pain rocked through her.
"Yea…. Looks like you got clocked pretty good there, shrimp… You're even bleeding… So you might still feel disoriented for a couple of minutes." Gajeel stated, his arm almost wanting to go around her in a half embrace, but he kept his hand hovering over her. Not wanting to make contact, even though he wanted nothing more than to hold her, now that she was safe.
He couldn't believe he had found her in this state, bloodied and beaten up on the floor. His heart was racing from the fear of what he had thought he might find, but now he was just thanking the holy gods he had gotten there in time.
Originally after walking away from her, Gajeel had thought about leaving, but he just couldn't bring himself to do it, out of fear of something like this maybe happening. His gut had been screaming about Thibault from the very start and he wasn't surprised to learn that all of his instincts about the man had been dead on, but it didn't mean he was happy about it. If anything, he was furious with himself for walking away… Leaving her in danger, when he had known better. Hell, Thibault probably wouldn't have even targeted Levy if it weren't for Gajeel's interest in her to begin with. So as far as Gajeel was concerned her getting hurt, was his own fault in multiple ways. He could have prevented the whole thing from happening if he had just stayed.
"It is all my fault…" He breathed out.
"What was that…?" She asked. Her voice slightly muffled as she slowly raised her head up and off of him, looking up into his eyes. He looked back and shook his head.
"Nothing shrimp… Now come on… We need to get out of here, before Thibault recovers. I knocked him down, but not hard enough." Gajeel urged, his hands now gently resting over Levy's waistline. "C'mon I'll help ya stand."
"Okay…" Levy uttered out, as the two of them slowly began to stand, with her leaning on Gajeel for support. Once they were up, Gajeel wrapped one arm around her waist and Levy did the same to him so that she could lean on him as she still got her bearings together.
The room felt like it was spinning slowly to Levy, but with Gajeel's help, they slowly started to move forwards and out of the stall carefully. Just outside of it, Thibault was sitting on ground, against the bathroom wall, slowly rubbing his jaw where Gajeel had clearly punched him. He saw them and carefully began to get up as well.
"Gajeel…!" He shouted at them. Gajeel glanced up at him with wide eyes, before propelling him and Levy's bodies forward towards the door.
"C'mon shrimp! Move!" He spoke pushing the bathroom door open just as Thibault was on his feet. The two of them were now back out and into the club, with Thibault not far behind them. They began to move as quickly as they could among the crowd of people and neon lights towards the exit. Levy tried to keep her head low so that people wouldn't notice her bleeding; luckily Gajeel's body was big enough to cover her for the most part. Levy could feel all of her senses starting to fall back into place, with each step they made towards the door; she once again was feeling fully coherent as they finally pushed their way through the last of the crowds. Gajeel kicked open the door and then Levy finally let him go, as she felt the cool air hit her face. She could now walk freely as they headed into the parking lot. Her dizziness basically gone; she glanced over to Gajeel with wide eyes.
"Now what?" She questioned hastily. Not believing that all of this was happening, but not having the time to dwell on it.
"You just get out of here!" He urged. "I'll take care of Thibault."
"You mean to tell me, that he is still after us?" Levy questioned in astonishment.
"We lost him for the moment, but he's too much of a stubborn fool to let this go. He should be out here any minute, so just go!" Gajeel ordered.
"Gajeel I can't! I don't have a car here! And m y phone is inside!"
"What?!" Gajeel cried out in disbelief, just as Thibault's dark form came barging through the club's doors. His body was nothing more than a silhouette in the night with the lights of the club behind him. Gajeel turned towards Levy with wide eyes,
"Get out of sight Levy!" He cried out, pointing to a nearby car that she could hide behind. Levy quickly obeyed, ducking down behind a Challenger's car hood. Her eyes peeking over, so she could watch as Thibault's angry lanky form approach Gajeel's much larger, taller one.
She could see their two dark forms against the lights of the club, as they stood about eight feet apart from each other, in the deserted parking lot. The ground was wet as if it had rained, making it look black and reflective. The night was relatively warm for fall, with a slight cool breeze. The only noise was the sound of leaves crinkling and lifting in the distance with each gust.
"Gajeel! Quit running!" Thibault cried out as he staggered before Gajeel with a finger pointing. "Cause I'm gonna make you pay for messing up my face!" He added with a pant as he took a labored breath.
"Fuck you Thibault! Is that all you care about?! Yer lucky I didn't fucking kill you for what I caught you doin! Yer a sick bastard!" Gajeel spat back. His arms going out and his fists tightening at his sides, his muscles were clenching with anger.
"Oh is that right Gajeel?! I'm sick? Are you gonna give me a lecture about what I do?! What about you Black Steel!? What makes you think, yer any better than me?! Well, guess what, yer not! If anything, yer worse! You've made a name for yourself doing all sorts of dirty deeds for that snake Jose! Actin' all high and mighty, just cause he can pretend that everything he does is legal, all because he's got everyone in his back pocket! HA! Don't make me laugh!" Thibault pointed at Gajeel. His movements were spastic, putting Gajeel on the defense as though he might attack at any second.
Levy was watching them now, her brow lowering over her eyes at what Thibault was saying. She had already come to these conclusions about the man Gajeel worked for, but that didn't mean actually hearing it straight from the sources mouth, made it any less daunting. No matter what though, she knew who she would be rooting for. Gajeel had actually saved her this time, quite literally, regardless of who he was or what he did.
"No! If anything, you're the sick ones! Justifying everything you do with money!"
"Fuck you Thibault! I don't make a hobby of attacking and raping women!" Gajeel shouted back, his stance strong.
"Oh yea… Yer gonna tell me you didn't want the same thing, tonight?!" Thibault questioned. Gajeel just shook his head in disgust. "I'm just a man trying to fulfill his inner needs. I'm not any different than you are!" Thibualt added defiantly clenching a fist.
"NO! Yer nothing, but a dead man now!" Gajeel barked back. "You should have never made an enemy out of me, Thibault…" Gajeel growled. His body was lowering as if he was about to leap in for the attack, almost resembling a cat getting in the ready position to pounce.
"Not if I kill you first!" Thibault's voice boomed out, as he suddenly lunged towards Gajeel, not waiting for him to make the first move.
Gajeel gritted his teeth and dodged the first punch, as Thibault came at him with a heavy right and then smoothly followed up with another quick jab to the left. Luckily Gajeel had been ready for it and was able to block the left fist with his arm, but just as he did that, Thibault was bringing up his leg to kick him in the ribcage. Gajeel stepped back to evade it, but the lack of footing made him misjudge the ridiculous length of Thibault's long arms, as an uppercut was thrown his way.
Levy was slamming her eyes shut, as Gajeel couldn't regain his footing enough to bend back far enough. Ultimately Thibault's fist came flying up, making contact with Gajeel's jaw, hard. Gajeel's head went up and back from the blow, but his large frame didn't fall back any further. Instead his feet stayed firmly planted and his head slowly came back down, towards Thibault, with an evil smirk exposing his now bloody fangs. Levy's eyes were now open wide, as she watched him in disbelief. She couldn't believe she had just witnessed Gajeel take a blow like that and still be on his feet. The sound of the impact had even made a cringe worthy popping noise.
"Is that all you got….?" Gajeel questioned, his voice sounding as if he were laughing. Thibault stared at him with wide, disbelieving eyes.
"How-how!? How can you speak after taking a hit like that?!" Thibault stuttered out, earning one of Gajeel's signature laughs.
"Gi hi! That's easy…" He spoke as he spat some blood from his mouth down onto the concrete. Then without warning Gajeel's arm was reaching out grabbing Thibault's still up and ready fist. Holding the lanky man's body in place as his other arm reeled back at his side, ready to strike. "Because yer weak!" He shouted confidently as his fist came flying forwards into Thibault's stomach, so hard that the man stumbled back several steps once Gajeel let him go. His arms wrapped around his midsection in pain as he coughed out some spit. Levy couldn't help, but feel her heart leap as she watched Thibault gasp in agony from Gajeel's superior blows.
"Aw did that hurt…?" Gajeel questioned mockingly as he folded his arms over his chest. Levy was watching the two of them, witnessing the whole spectacle from her spot behind the car… Get him Gajeel…. She was thinking when she noticed Thibault make an odd movement, as he still stood there, hunched over.
Wait…. What is he… what is he doing? She questioned, as she noticed he seemed to be holding something in his hands. He didn't rise up from his hunched over position, because he was trying to hide whatever it was, from Gajeel's eyes. Her eyes went wide with realization and that was when she suddenly stood up.
"Gajeel! Watch out!" She screamed, earning Gajeel's attention for a brief second, "He's holding a weapon!" She cried out, but it seemed like her warning was already too late as Thibault had already started flying forwards. His body still hunched over, a knife in his hand. Gajeel glanced forward with wide eyes, just as Thibault's body came ramming into him. His knife going forward and plunging through Gajeel's clothing and embedding into his flesh, with a grunt and one eye wincing from the slicing pain.
"GAJEEL!" Levy's shrill screamed echoed out into the night, between tears.
See that boy just standing over there
He stopped me today said he liked my hair. Ooh
He asked me where you going tonight (err)
And I said I'm with my girls (yeah A was on the run)
To tell you the truth he was just a lil bit fresh
He said he liked the way I put my lipstick on
He said how many sugars do you like in your tea? (umm)
But I stopped listening, he got me daydreaming
Oh my gosh
He's making eyes at me and I don't mind at all
Oh my gosh
He's making my imagination run w-wild
Listen to this yea
There I was with a drink in my hand
No cares in the world didn't have a plan
I turned around and I caught his eye
He made me lose my concentration
Did you get his number? No
Did you get his name? ummm
What score would you give him on a scale of 1 to 10?
I didn't get his number (I didn't get his number)
I don't know his name.
But I think he's hot y'no and I think he is a 10
Oh my gosh He's making eyes at me and I don't mind at all
Oh my gosh He's making my imagination run w-wild
(no no no no no no no)
Oh my gosh He's making eyes at me and I don't mind at all
Oh my gosh He's making my imagination run w-wild
(no no no no no no no)
Ooh I'm feeling you girl
From your head to your feet
Cause you look so good I can barely speak
Give me ur digits a can phone u
Got all things I want to tell you
Oh my gosh I think I love you
Oh my gosh
He's making eyes at me and I don't mind at all
Oh my gosh
He's making my imagination run w-wild
(no no no no no no no)
Oh my gosh
Oh my gosh
"Oh My Gosh" By Basement Jaxx - This song was chosen for Lucy and Loke
A/N: Do you guys hate me, because of this? Sorry. It just made sense… As I always say, there is a reason why I do everything I do… I hope this chapter didn't feel rushed to you all, if it did please let me know. I had a lot to get through. And I'm so sorry about the long delay.
Please be kind and take the time to tell me what you think through review, if you can. I could really use the motivation. Please be constructive with criticism so that I may improve or tell me what you like. Ask questions, spin theories or don't, either way I shall respond to every review and PM's as well!
Just wanted to tell you all Thank you so much for reading this fanfic of mine! I love sharing my writing and telling a story, nothing makes me happier! Thank you even more for letting me know with your reviews! Thank you for following me, favoring me, for following the story and favoring it as well! Plus, you guys are hilarious as well!
Responses to my Reviewers:
ZakuroUta7: I feel so honored that you chose to read my story first as your first GaLe fix! And I'm even happier to hear that you are enjoying it! Gajevy may just be one my absolute favorite ships ever and if you are starting to get into them too, there are lots of great fanfics on this site to read! So, don't feel limited to reading just mine, especially when I make you wait so long! Anyways I hope you will continue to read as I update and thank you so much for reviewing!
Gildedcarouselhorses: OMG! If it was me, I would be all over Gajeel already too! That cracks me up that you said that! He's my fictional character crush, incase ya didn't notice that already by this chapter! And it's good to know ya don't mind long chapters because I write soooo much, I'm so happy you are reading and I hope you will continue! Thanks so much for reviewing and sorry about the longer wait!
.39566: Ha! Your review made me literally LOL! Anyways yes, of course! I would have to imagine Gajeel to be awesome in the sack, because I love him myself! And yes, I feel like I am cruel to Levy, even more so in this chapter, but things are hopefully on the rise for her! Thanks so much for your awesome hilarious review! I hope you shall continue to read!
DBZRocks153: Thank you so much! I'm so happy to hear you are enjoying it! Thank you for reading and even more for reviewing!
Shizuka23: Wow I feel honored that my update was the high point of your week. In saying that, I apologize for making you wait longer. Thank you so much for taking the time to tell me what you think of my writing. That's very important to me, the most important to me! And yes, I picked crazy Daphnee just because I needed someone annoying and she kinda fit the bill. I would say Levy's annoyance with Gajeel was definitely not unfounded considering what he put her through for sure, but deep down she was secretly wishing she could switch rolls with her roommate; P She'd never tell him that though. And as much as I make Gajeel the 'bad guy' it's clear he's got a soft spot for Levy, so no way would he want to burn her books! And as for giving them back… We shall see… I've got a lot of plans for these two. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing! It makes my day to get awesome reviews like this one!
Finny-Kun Goddess: Well I'm very pleased to hear that you are liking my story so far and I sure hope you enjoyed Loke's appearance. He should be back in the next one as well. Not sure how long his part will be, but… We shall see. Hopefully he was okay as I have never attempted him before. Anyways thank you so much for reading and the review! I hope you will keep reading!
Guest: Thank you so much! I'm happy you love it so far and I hope you will continue to read as I continue to write! Thanks so much for reviewing!
Miri: HA! I'm flattered that you hunted my story down! That's pretty awesome to hear and your face shall hopefully stay red if not from Gajeel, then from every time I respond! For if you review I shall shout! It's the least I can do for you guys to show my gratitude as nothing makes my day like getting to read a review from someone, knowing that their reading what I write. Yea, I kinda wondered if people would get at all mixed up in the flashbacks, I apologize for that. As of now there aren't any more in the works as I think I've pretty much gotten most of what I needed to across for these two's history- That is unless the story keeps going past the potential ending point. In that case who knows. Glad you're excited, but I am sorry about the very long wait! I hope you will keep reading and thank you so much for reviewing!
Its Kare Bear: I couldn't wait until I posted chapter 4 either, because it took me forever! Sorry for such a long wait, as for flashbacks… As of now I don't have any more planned. That doesn't mean there won't be any more though, if I extend the story. I'm happy to hear that you are satisfied with my portrayals of Gajeel and Levy as that is very important in fanfiction writing and it can be a bit harder in AU's to make them believable in my opinion. Thank you most of all for saying I am and amazing writer. It fills me with joy to know that someone enjoys my writing enough to leave me such a flattering comment! Thank you so much for reviewing, it means the world to me to know that people are reading what I write and even more that they are enjoying it! I hope you will continue to read!
