[(A/N: Warning: Long chapter ahead. XD btw, since i have time, I've read all your reviews here (thanks for reviewing btw:D). I know some of you were quite uncomfortable (or bothered is it?)with Freed's role here. Actually, I forgot to mention that Freed here was OC so expect that his attitude and behavior was different from the anime/ manga. i hope you'll love him as much as I do, though. lol. XD. P.S: Who among here has already seen the movie trolls? I just love it and find it amazing3 ;P Anyways, Enjoy reading.:)]
Chapter 4: Getting back what's mine.
(10 years ago)
"Levy!" I heard someone called my name so I turned around and smiled when I saw Lu-chan coming towards me.
"Lu-chan!" I waved back happily as she got nearer to me.
"Thank goodness, I've caught you. You sure walked so fast." Lu-chan said as she slightly pants in exhaustion from running. I grinned at her and raised my arms with full of books.
"I was just going to the library to return this and see if there's a new arrival of books. Why, did something happen?" Lu-chan shook her head with a smile and amusement in her eyes. She looped her arm with mine and we resumed walking.
"I heard there are new students who just arrived today. Want to come with me and check them out?" Lucy informed as we weave through the hallway towards the library.
"New students, huh? I didn't know our school still accept students since it's already in the middle of the semester. It's kinda odd, don't you think?" I said and turned to Lucy as we rounded a corner.
"Well…-" Lucy was about to say something when we got cut off as I suddenly hit a hard wall and let out a yelp, also making me stumbled and was about to fall on the floor, if not for the two muscular arms quickly grabbing my waist and envelops me and pulled me forward instead.
"Levy-chan!" I heard Lucy cried out in concern.
"Ow…" I whimpered as I closed my eyes for a moment and tried to ease the pain on my head from the bump earlier. I was still massaging my head, not noticing my surrounding when suddenly a deep and gruff but masculine voice spoke out near my ear, making me shiver.
"Are you okay, miss?" the mysterious voice asked.
I then froze when I heard it and slowly opened my eyes to see myself pressed up in a man's chest tightly and rather…comfortably. Wait! What?!
My eyes automatically widens and I looked up slowly to see a pair of intense red eyes heavily staring at me with a handsome face full of piercings.
We stared at each other for a minute without saying anything before I noticed the corner of his lips pulled upwards slowly into a full blown arrogant smirk.
"Enjoying in my arms, are ya?" he said cockily. I felt his arms tighten around me, pulling me even closer to him until not even a paper could get through between us.
That's when I gasped as I realized our position.
We're practically tangled and pressed up against each other!
Levy's POV
My face scrunched up when I heard Gajeel repeatedly cursed loudly while holding his injured part and glaring at me.
"F*ck Levy! Why the hell did you do that for?!" he cried out in anger while in pain.
I narrowed my eyes at him and crossed my arms.
"It's your fault for sneaking up on me like that you idiot!" I snapped at him.
I saw him reached out his other hand to the side of my car to steady himself as he endured the pain and then he looked at me intensely. More like glare to me if I say so.
'Serves him right.' I thought smugly. I ignored a slight feeling of remorse as I looked at his pained face.
"I just want to talk to you, okay? No need to be so violent!"
"Well I don't want to talk to you. Period." I replied angrily and walked passed him to open the door of my car but he took hold of my arm again in a firm grip.
What's with this man and grabbing me?!
"Where do you think you're going?" Gajeel asked through clenched teeth as he's body still hunched over slightly.
"Away from your ugly face. Now, let me go!" I tried to shake off his hand to no avail. I noticed his eyes glint and he suddenly pulled me closer to him.
My breath automatically hitched and I felt my heart sped up and butterflies erupted in my stomach due to our close proximity.
I cursed myself for feeling this way towards him. I shouldn't be feeling anything towards him now at all because of what he did to me.
Gajeel bent down and pull his face closer to mine before he asked me in a slow mocking voice. "What if I don't want to, hmm? What are you going to do…Levy?" His red eyes gazing at me intensely with an unknown emotion again.
My throat dried up and I couldn't speak as he uttered my name with his deep husky voice. We stared at each other for a moment, lost with each other's eyes. It's been a long time ago since the last time we've been this much closer to each other again. The last time would be when we're still in high school…
Our High school memories….
Him…
Pain…
Me standing in the hallway, crying…
I snapped out of my trance almost immediately just as a bucket of cold ice washed over me, making my mind clearer again and reminding me why I don't want to be associated with this man again.
What the heck am I doing?
I shouldn't be feeling this way and letting him get closer to me again. I should only feel hatred and disgust towards this man.
I made that mistake a long time ago of letting him in and it only ended up with me heartbroken because of this man in front of me.
I'm not going to let it repeat ever again.
I'm not going to let him have the power to hurt me again.
"Levy, are you okay?" Gajeel asked in concern, sensing my sudden change of attitude.
I didn't answer him however I pulled my lips to smile forcefully and stepped even closer to him so we would see each other eye to eye. Our chests almost touching each other with the closeness. Although I have to raise my toes and looked up at him since he's like a giant with a towering height. I barely passed his shoulder. Stupid height difference!
I leaned in and directed my lips near his face. "In the case of what am I going to do to you? Well, you must have already forgotten that you still owe me, Mr. Redfox." I started in a low sweet voice. He looked at me in confusion.
"What are you talki-" I didn't let him finish talking as I pulled then his face even closer to me much to his surprise. Our breaths mingling with each other and I felt him stiffen under my touch as I trailed my finger on his cheek and heard his shallow breathing.
I secretly smirked. Good. Looks like I have an effect to him, after all.
"Allow me to remind you then." I whispered in his ear. After I said that, I smiled sweetly at him, looked at his eyes directly before raising my foot… and slamming it down hard towards his foot.
"Sh*t!" Gajeel cursed very loudly, face scrunching up in pain and his voice echoing in the parking lot as I moved away from him wearing a smug and triumphant expression and watching him clutched his injured foot, hopping slightly.
I snickered at that. He looks like an injured rabbit or should I say, an injured monster.
"What the f*cking hell, woman!" he shouted. His voice lacing with anger and pain.
"That's for insulting and embarrassing me earlier in front of your friends. Enjoy your day, Mr. Redfox and see you around." I said in a sweet mocking voice, making a flying kiss towards him before climbing inside my car with a smirk and driving out of there.
"I swear, you'll pay for this, Levy! Mark my words!" Gajeel shouted as I pulled out from the lot.
"I'll be expecting it then! Bye, Gajeel!" I taunt him waving my hands at him in farewell before speeding away.
Revenge really is very sweet.
I left the place with a smug smile plastered on my face.
Little did I know though, that my action will going to bite me back later on.
Three days passed and I busied myself trying to set an appointment from the secretaries of Laxus, Freed and Gray for my interview since Jellal's secretary still hasn't contacted me even once. Thankfully, I got a response immediately although it's from Freed. I grimaced at that but I'm still thankful even if the only reason why he agreed quickly was because of his plan to pursue me. I'm still waiting though for Laxus and Gray's replies also.
I refused to think about the one person though I haven't tried to contact yet. I'm still not ready to meet him again after our little scene from the parking lot three days ago. Also, if I remember correctly now, he's not the only one I haven't had the chance to contact or even met yet.
I brought the files of them out from my bag and scan the documents, after a minute I saw another name at the back. Yup, I totally forgotten about this guy. Stupid me. One of the most famous and I think the richest among the five of them – Natsu Dragneel. The famous billionaire with the salmon hair and the most difficult person to find. I sighed and put back the documents back inside my bag. I'll try to find his whereabouts later on.
Right now, I'm arranging the things on my table in my office since I have a lunch meeting with Freed. We both decided to meet to talk about the interview we're going to have.
I heard the door opens from my office and I saw Jet and Droy – both a columnists for the sports and food features, entered my office.
"Levy-chan! Thank goodness you're finally here!" Jet said happily and he and Droy quickly ran to hug me, squeezing me between them.
"Woah, guys! What's up?" I asked amusingly as I both hugged them back. In case you didn't know, these two boys were my only guy bestfriends.
"We thought we're not going to see you again since you didn't come to our office for days! We really miss you!" Droy piped in as he hugged me too.
I chuckled at them and they released me reluctantly.
"Come on. Guys. I miss you both too. I'm just really busy right now with the assignment Erza gave me." I explained to them gently.
They both pout sadly.
"We know that. We just wish we could help you with your work." Droy said with sad face. Jet nodded along in agreement.
I just smiled at them and patted their back.
"Cheer up you both and stop pouting. You look like a grown man trying to act like a babies." I teased them.
"We're not!" they both chorused in replying. I just laughed at that.
I took my bag from my chair and slung it on my shoulder. They both noticed it.
"Are you going somewhere? We would like to have our lunch with you though." Droy said in disappointment.
I smiled apologetically at them.
"Sorry, guys. Maybe next time. I have a lunch meeting today with someone. I promise I'll make it up to you guys next time."
Jet nodded in understanding and smiled at me. "We know. Goodluck then, Levy-chan." He said and patted Droy in the back. "Come on big guy. Levy promised to make it up to us. Stop mopping around."
Droy nodded and looked at me. "Okay. I'll wait for that, Levy-chan."
After that, I left the office, sparing only a few minutes to check with my editor Kagura about my progress in my task before venturing out of the building to go to the restaurant where Freed and I agreed to meet. I certainly rejected him when he called to offer to get me from work since it's to prevent from me being the target of many gossips in the company.
It took several minutes before I reached the Crime Sorciere Restaurant which was just a few blocks from the office. As far as I know, Jellal also owned this restaurant. I emerged from my car and entered the classy restaurant. To be honest, this kind of place doesn't really suit my style but oh well. Never mind. I'm here for work after all.
A matre 'd immediately approached me and I talk with her for a minute before she led me into one of the tables where I saw Freed talking or more like flirting with one of the waitresses there.
I just shook my head in amusement as I arrived at the table. I almost laughed when I heard their conversation. Freed really was such a sweet talker. If I didn't know his true nature myself, I would probably believe already everything that he says. Sadly, the waitress was under his spell already. As expected. I rolled my eyes at her naïveness and cleared my throat to announce my presence.
Both of them sprang away from each other since their faces were already close and both turned to looked at me. I almost laughed when the waitress went very red in embarrassment and excuse herself immediately. She's probably thinking I'm with Freed. As if that's gonna happen.
Freed didn't even notice the girl left and stood up from his chair, grinning widely at me.
"Babe! I'm sorry I didn't know you've finally arrived. How are you? I've really missed you." he said lovingly I almost cringed and went to hugged me but I immediately backed away and put out my hand in front to stop him.
"Woah. Who says you can hug me? I'm not your babe, too. Stay put there and let's put a distance between us, okay?" I didn't wait for his reply and sit down myself.
Freed pout and sat down grumbling to himself, throwing me a look like a wounded puppy. I just laughed at him.
Afterwards we proceeded to order a food and eat first before we start the meeting. We talked for a while at first and I just realized that Freed was a great company if you just ignored his constant flirting. I couldn't helped but laughed whenever he shared some of his embarrassing and funny experiences with his past flings. I didn't know I would enjoy hanging out with him.
We were laughing together when suddenly someone cleared his throat from behind me effectively interrupting us. It was like a déjà vu as I stopped laughing to turn around and my eyes widened and I almost choke with the wine I'm drinking when I saw Gajeel and Laxus standing there looking at us.
I opened my mouth to say something but Freed beat me to it.
"Hey, guys! What are you doing here?" Freed asked in surprised voice as he also noticed his friends.
"Hello to you too, man. Gajeel and I decided to have our lunch meeting here when we saw you two here." Laxus answered and turned to look at me. "Nice to see you again, Miss Levy." he said and smiled politely at me.
"M-me too. N-nice to see you again too, Mr. Dreyar." I said and awkwardly smiled at him. Ignoring the piercing glare the man beside him is giving me.
Laxus cleared his throat again when he suddenly realized something.
"Well, we'll leave the two of you then. Looks like we're interrupting your date already." He said in a teasing voice and smirked at us.
I felt myself blushed and I heard Freed chuckled. I slowly sighed in relief when I saw Laxus turned to grab the silent Gajeel beside him to leave but to our utter surprise, Gajeel ignored him and sat down suddenly on the empty seat beside me.
"Let's just eat here, man. You don't mind, do you?" Gajeel asked turning to looked at both Freed and I. I noticed his eyes glint with deviousness and he smiled at me evilly.
I narrowed my eyes at him but he ignored me and focus his gaze on Freed instead.
'This man is clearly planning something again.' I thought suspiciously.
I thought Freed would decline but to my dismayed, he just smiled and agreed. Gajeel looked triumphant after that and smirked at me.
Oh how I wish to wipe off that annoying smirk of his. The nerve of this man!
"Not at all, man. Come on, Laxus. Just eat here with us. I'm sure Levy is fine with that, Right babe?" Freed waited for my reply.
I felt Gajeel stiffen slightly as he heard what Freed called me but I ignored it and I sighed secretly in defeat before I plastered a fake smile and nodded at him.
Laxus looked a bit reluctant as he sit beside Freed. I'm okay with Laxus eating here with us but not with the person beside me. Adding to that was the stupid butterflies which returned in my stomach as soon as Gajeel was near me and how my heart immediately beat faster automatically when our thighs brushed past each other subtly under the table.
I bit my lip and just ignored it although I'm quite nervous since Gajeel and I were sitting beside each other.
"Are you both sure? I think we just interrupted your date." Laxus said hesitantly.
I almost quick to answer. "We're not on a date. We're just having a lunch meeting just like you guys so it's okay, Mr. Dreyar." I replied.
Freed playfully pouted at me. "Aw. And here I thought I already convinced you that this is a date. You cruel woman." He touched his heart as if in pain.
I just chuckled and stuck my tongue out him. Yeah. Real mature there.
Laxus just shook his head in amusement at us. But we jumped in surprise when Gajeel put the menu his holding on the table rather forcefully making the utensils clattered resulting to me jumping slightly surprise.
What the hell?!
Freed and Laxus simply turned to him with a frown, clearly confused with his behaviour right now as do I.
"Dude, are you okay? You're acting really strange today." Freed asked in curiosity.
"I'm fine. I just had a sudden urge to smash something today." Gajeel answered in a cold voice. His piercing red eyes darting from Freed and I with so much intensity.
"That's weird. You sure you're okay?" Laxus asked this time.
"I told you I'm fine, okay. Quit asking me." Gajeel snapped, surprising Laxus.
Laxus merely raised his hands in surrender. "Woah, chill. Just asking man. No need to be so grumpy old troll."
I bit my lip to hide my laughter when he said that. Freed is clearly containing his laugh also since he looked away and pressed his lips together.
Gajeel just rolled his eyes. "Whatever, man. Sorry for snapping at you." His tone slightly guilty.
Laxus just smiled. "Don't worry about it. Well why don't we order our food now? I'm sure you're just hungry that's why you're acting weird today."
A few minutes later, we were all now eating together but I really couldn't concentrate with my food when my thigh keeps brushing with Gajeel's and he didn't even seem less affected as he conversed with his friends. I tried to act also that I was not affected so I carry on my conversation with Freed but after a few moments, I suddenly froze and the utensil I'm holding clattered in my plate as I gasped silently.
"Are you alright, Babe?" Freed asked in concern.
"I-y-yeah, I-I'm fine. I-it just slipped from my hands." I cursed myself silently for stuttering and gave Freed a forced smile. Picking up the utensil slowly with my shaking hands.
I noticed in the corner of my eyes, Gajeel smirked knowingly without looking at me as he continued talking to Laxus.
I gritted my teeth and brought my right hand slowly under the table towards my thigh where Gajeel's hands were currently placed firmly atop of it. This was the reason why I gasped in shocked earlier. Thankfully, Freed didn't seem to notice.
Freed turned to Laxus to asked something and that's when I used the opportunity to leaned a bit closer to Gajeel and hissed under my breath.
"What are you doing? Get your hands off my thigh right now, you jerk." I warned him in a low voice.
Gajeel just simply smirked widely and whispered in my ear, causing me shivers in my spine.
"Make me…babe." He said mockingly in equally low voice with a hint of anger and… I don't know but was that…jealousy I detect?
I shook my head to forget that silly thought. I glared at him menacingly as I tried to pry off his hand from my thigh but he didn't even budge. Rather, I gasped again and my breath hitched when he started to rub his hand slowly and almost subtly in my thigh causing my heart to go erratic even more and I felt the palm of my hand sweat in nervousness and…anticipation.
Damn it! What the hell is this man doing to me?!
As I couldn't take it anymore, I stood up suddenly making the three of them looked at me.
"I-I need to go to the restroom. Excuse me." I didn't even wait for them to answer as I almost sprint towards the restroom. I quickly closed the door and leaned on it when I got inside. I pressed my hand above my heart and felt the erratic beat of my heart. My knees almost going weak as I replayed in my mind what happened earlier. I bit my lip hard and slide down onto the floor. I laid my head on the door for a minute and closed my eyes, willing myself to calm down.
I felt a prick of tears started to form in my eyes and slide down on my cheeks. I shouldn't be feeling like this towards him anymore. He hurt me. He was the reason why I lost my trust to have a relationship with any man. He ruined me. Gajeel ruined my heart not just simply break it.
"Why? Why do you have to come back?" I whispered to myself before I stood up and ran to the sink. I cupped my hand on my mouth to muffle my sob. I pressed my lips hard together and tried to take a deep breath repeatedly to stop myself from my crying and to loosen the tight knot that formed in my chest. I looked at myself in the mirror in front of me and stared at my reflection.
I smiled sadly before I turned the water tap and washed my face to erase the trace that I shed tears. No need to look like a fool in front of him. I stayed at the restroom for a few more minutes to regain control of my emotions and to keep myself calm. It worked since I felt a new sense of determination swept over me.
I tried to smile but wiped it off when I saw myself in the mirror and it looked like a painful grimace to me. I sighed, took a deep breath and opened the door to come out.
Once again, I almost had a heart attack when I saw Gajeel standing in front of the door, leaning at the opposite side of the wall with his hands in his pockets.
We stood there staring at each other. I saw several emotions swirl in his eyes. I don't know why but I think one of it was…longing? What the-
Before I could ask him, he straightened himself, gaze at me intensely with a deep emotion I couldn't decipher and walked closer to me, making my heart beat fast and unsteadily. I stood there rooted on my spot. He stopped right in front of me very closely, I could almost hear his ragged breathing. I gazed up at him to meet his intense eyes as he looked down at me.
"What do you want now?" my voice hard as I asked him.
He didn't replied so I scoffed and shook my head. I started walking passed by him but I felt his hands grabbed my arm, halting me to stop.
"What?!" I snapped at him. I'm really on the verge of punching this man for making me feel these stupid emotions.
I grow quiet and I don't even know what I'm doing as he raised his hand and let him cupped my cheek gently, feeling the sparks between us travelled through each other' skin. I felt his touch encased with longing. My eyes widen in surprise.
"W-what are you doing?" I asked. Confuse with his actions.
After a moment, he released my cheek and stepped back. He stared deeply at me with a serious face I haven't seen of him before. I tense and suddenly felt nervous with his behaviour.
"I made a mistake in the past. I couldn't undone it but I'm not going to let it repeat again, Levy. This time…I'm going to claim what is mine no matter who gets in my way. Remember that…shrimp." He said very seriously and walked away leaving me speechless.
My heart was thumping as I replayed his words in my head. What does he mean by claiming what's his…?
I walked back towards the table feeling even more confused. I don't know why Gajeel's words keep repeating in my head but I shook my head to forget about it temporarily as I arrived at the table. I ignored Gajeel who's already there and sat back down. The only thing that I could do now was to ignore him and his presence completely even if it's only just a wishful thinking. It seems we're on the same page since he didn't even looked at me once as I returned.
"Hey, took you long enough. You okay?" Freed asked me.
I smiled forcefully at him. "I'm fine, don't worry."
"Good." Freed smiled and reached out to pinched my cheek gently.
I saw from the corner of my eye, Gajeel subtly watching us impassively but his fists clenched. Thankfully, my attention was diverted when Freed opened up the topic about my assignment to Laxus and Gajeel. I smiled at him when I caught his eye since I know he's also helping me with my assignment by telling his friends about it. He just winked at me in return.
"So what kind of questions are you going to ask if ever we agree to your interview? I'm telling you now Miss Levy that we really value our privacy right now but I'm willing to listen and try your proposal as long as you can assure me it will not affect my life, privacy and business heavily in a negative way." Laxus said seriously, leaning back on his chair while he sipped his wine.
I also straightened out my back and looked at him directly in the eye in seriousness.
"I can assure you, Mr. Dreyar that this interview will be a good thing for you all. You might lose a bit of your privacy but this will interview will be a good affect to your business even more. Also, I'm planning to give you the copy of the questions first that I'll ask you so you can see if you want something replaced or erased." I answered confidently.
Laxus went silent for a moment, thinking about my proposal. I crossed my fingers and wait for his reply. Finally, he sighed then offered me a genuine smile.
"Okay, I'll do it. Since you also have Jellal's and Freed's trust then I'll trust you, Miss Levy. I'll make sure to tell my secretary to make you an appointment with me."
I smiled at that afterwards. "Thank you so much, Mr. Dreyar."
He just nod and smiled at me.
"Yo, Gajeel man, what about you? Come on. Help out the lady, will you?" Freed tried to persuade him.
"No." His cold voice rang loud and clear.
Didn't say I didn't expect that.
"But-"I caught Freed's eyes and shook my head to stop Freed from talking. I smiled at him telling him it's okay.
"It's alright for me. We can't have Mr. Redfox here be force into something he didn't want to do, do we? Besides, I rather work with people who's genuinely kind enough to help me without hard feelings than to deal with people who have issues." I said in a mock understanding voice as I looked directly at Gajeel. He simply stared at me coldly with folded arms.
"Are you insulting me, Miss McGarden?" Gajeel asked in a low threatening voice.
I simply smiled at him.
"No. I'm just stating my opinion. It's up to the people if they are hit by my words or not." I replied calmly.
I saw his jaw tightened and his fists clenched together. The tension between us was thick. Freed and Laxus must have sense it since they both jumped to pacify us both although their eyes held curiousness at our banter.
I stood up then before readying my things. I looked at my phone to see a text message. I read it for a short moment before turning it off and looking at Freed.
"Hey, I'll probably go first. Sorry I can't stay, my boss just texted me, telling to come to office ASAP." I said and smiled apologetically at him.
Freed stood up also and looked at me sadly.
"Aw, Babe. I wish we could have a longer time. Do you want me to give you a lift?" he offered kindly.
I shook my head and smiled at him. "I brought my car but thanks for the offer, Freed, thank you for everything you did to help me." I looked at him sincerely and with gratitude.
He smiled and stepped closer to me but a voice stopped him.
"Hey. Just kissed already!" Laxus piped in.
My face grew hot and shook my head in amusement. Freed smirked and wiggled his eyebrows mischievously at me.
I just laughed at him but immediately stopped when I felt an intense gaze burning at the back of my head.
I turned and caught Gajeel's eyes but they held no emotion. I looked away and smiled fakely at Laxus.
"Bye, Mr. Laxus and thanks again. I'll wait for your call then to have a meeting." I told him which he returned with a nod and smile.
"Can I at least escort you to the outside?" Freed almost plead like a child.
I chuckled. "Fine. Come on."
I started to walked passed by Gajeel but before I could successfully do that, my heart jumped when I felt a hand enclosed mine for a brief moment before it disappeared, I thought it's only an illusion. I looked back and saw Gajeel chatting with Laxus normally. I turned to Freed if he noticed something but he just simply smiled at me.
I left the restaurant then and drove off. I think I really need a break this day.
I smiled when I remembered the place I used to go to when I'm stress and bothered.
I decided to go there then.
THIRD PERSON'S POV
After Levy left, Freed went back inside the restaurant and sat down with his friends.
"What happened back there, man?" Laxus suddenly asked Gajeel in curiosity.
"What do you mean?" Gajeel pretended not to understand what his friend were asking.
"Come on, dude. Stop pretending you don't what I'm talking about. The tension between you and Levy were very palpable earlier." Laxus said with a smirked.
Freed frowned and he turned to Gajeel. "Really? I didn't noticed. Do you two know each other?"
Gajeel looked at his two friends before he sighed and leaned back on his chair.
"You could say that. Anyway, it's in the past." He said and looked far away. He's once blank expression turning into sadness and pain. He didn't even noticed his friends observing him closely.
Laxus and Freed looked at each other knowingly before Laxus smirked and Freed pout.
"Aw, man. Do I have to give up her then? But I like her already!" he whined to Laxus.
Laxus shook his head and gestured to Gajeel. Freed grimaced but nodded nonetheless in defeat.
Gajeel turned to his friends again, not noticing his friends' exchanged. Laxus and Freed booth smirked as they stared at Gajeel.
"What?" he asked, annoyed.
"Freed here says that it's good then. Since he plans to court Levy for real this time." Laxus said deviously. Freed widen his eyes in surprised. He turned to Laxus to ask what the hell was he talking about but Laxus ignored and simply stared at Gajeel, observing his reaction with a smirked.
Gajeel sat rigid, his face betraying nothing but the way his fists clenched tightly and his eyes getting darker. He turned to Freed and the latter simply gulped when he saw his friend's face.
"Wait, man. It's not what you thi-"Freed started raising his hands in defence but he didn't even finished talking when he saw the sudden change in his friend's behaviour.
Gajeel unclenched his fists and sighed heavily, calming his emotion.
"If you plan to court her, go ahead. Just don't hurt her then or else my fists will meet your face." He said seriously to Freed.
Freed's mouth hanged open in surprise. Laxus barely contained his laughter before he burst out laughing.
Gajeel and Freed turned to him in confusion.
"Man, you should have seen your face, Gajeel. I didn't know you're capable of being extremely jealous." Laxus said in amusement as he wiped his tears from laughing.
Gajeel glared at him. "What the hell are you talking about?"
Laxus smirked at him and patted Freed on the back.
"I'm just messing with you man. Freed here gave up courting Levy after we heard you talked about her."
Gajeel frowned in confusion and shock. "What?!"
Laxus shook his head in amusement.
"Seriously, Natsu and Gray will have a fit when they know how a man like you just run away cowardly from your girl." Laxus said in delight.
Gajeel clenched his fist. "I'm not a coward and she's not my girl…not anymore." He said through gritted teeth, the last words barely a whisper.
"Tsk. Tsk. You said so yourself that she's yours when you're both talking to each other a while ago and you're planning to get her back again."
"How did you-? You eavesdropped on us?!" Gajeel asked in shock.
"What?! How come I didn't know about this?!" Freed piped in surprised also.
Laxus and Gajeel both ignored him and continued staring at each other.
Laxus sighed. "The important thing is that you already declared she's yours. It means back off for us in our bro code." He said and smiled.
Gajeel turned to Freed with serious and inquiring face.
Freed just simply smiled sadly and nodded.
"She's yours, man. Even without our bro code, I might just give her up though since it's already clear that you two have a past and many issues you just have to resolve. I may have ignored it but I noticed how you two looked at each other." Freed said.
Gajeel shook his head and brushed his hair in frustration.
"It's still no use. Levy hates me. It's my fault really for what I did to her many years ago. She'll probably never forgive me no matter what I do. Not that I blame her." He said in defeat.
"Is that why you're being a jerk since the day you two finally meet each other? You don't want to get attached to her again and you're afraid of her reaction when you try approaching her?" Laxus analysed hitting right on the spot.
Gajeel didn't answer. A simple confirmation that Laxus' right.
"That's hard, man." Freed said sympathetically. He squeezed the shoulder of Gajeel, giving comfort.
Laxus also smiled sympathetically and said, "Then why don't you make her fall in love with you slowly again? Do everything you can to earn her forgiveness and make her fall for you without her even knowing it." He suggested.
Gajeel looked at him with small interest.
"And how do you think I should that?"
"Simple. Why don't you use her assignment to get closer to her? Create a situations where you can be together and slowly gain her trust again."
"But I already rejected her." Gajeel said in hard voice.
"Then we'll just make sure she doesn't get an interview with us so she'll run to you instead since she'll have no choice but to seek you." Laxus said triumphantly.
Gajeel went silent after that. Freed smirked and gave Laxus a thumbs up. Laxus just smile smugly.
"Fine. I just hope this will work." He conceded.
Laxus raise his eyebrow. "Dude, you must have forgotten who we are. We're the elusive billionaires of Fiore. We always get what we want no matter the cost we have to pay." He smirked.
Gajeel and Freed smirked also.
"You're right. I'll just have to use everything at my disposal then to get her." Gajeel said confidently as he realized what Laxus was truly saying.
Laxus and Freed nodded smiling. "Don't worry, we will back you up."
'Just wait shrimp. I'll get you back again. No matter what it takes.' Gajeel thought.
'I'm not going to let you go this time. You're already mine.'
TO BE CONTINUED...
(A/N: Go Gajeel!:D Anyways, I just want to thank again those who reviewed, followed and favorite this story. It really means so much to me.:) I hope you like the new chapter, though. By the way, i don't know when I'm going to update again since I'm kind of busy right now due to my projects in school. But i'll try to update sooner.:) I just hope to have more reviews, favorites and follows next time. *cross fingers* One more thing, I'll probably try to put Gajeel's POV in the next chapters of my story. I just don't know what part in the story. Anyways, thanks again to you all for supporting my story.:) Stay tuned, minna-san! lovelots- Aeryellefaith)