Here's the new chapter!
She wasn't supposed to be jumping for joy at the mention of groceries. And yet here she was. Squealing with delight, gripping her phone so hard it could actually break.
She had just casually mentioned to Gajeel that she was heading out to do some groceries in their conversation - not that they were regularly texting, pfft - when he offered to come with. Apparently he needed to grab some stuff too. All of a sudden she wasn't dreading the long walk to the store and back.
Now, why was she uber excited that Gajeel was tagging along? Well, it certainly wasn't because she liked him. Nope. At least, that's what she said to herself as she got ready to go. She wanted someone who was gentlemanly, polite, and had a way with words. He was the exact opposite. Heck, they were exact opposites. Besides, he was a giant. Even if they kissed, the height difference would be too big.
Not that she actually ever thought about that.
She shook her head. Kissing should've been the last thing on her mind. Levy inspected herself in the mirror, immediately blanching at the sight. Yeah, I'm not wearing this. She had initially opted for whatever outfit that she found on her chair. But she was meeting up with Gajeel. Levy couldn't afford to look lousy. At least, not pyjamas-and-slippers lousy.
She changed again, this time she ended up banging her head on the wall. Now she was too dressed up. This isn't a date! You're going to the grocery for crying out loud! At least she still had time to… Damn it.
Where the hell is she? They had arranged to meet at the station ten minutes ago. He was tempted to call her, but chose to text instead.
You on your way yet?
His phone buzzed almost immediately.
Yes! I'm rounding the corner now…
He turned his eyes to the corner and when he finally spotted her, he couldn't help the snide remark. "You took forever, to change into that?"
"S-Shut up!" Levy trudged forward, pointedly ignoring his teasing smirk.
They browsed through the aisles, occasionally picking one thing out and putting it in the shared cart.
Glancing at the contents, she spotted her deodorant placed right by his own.
It was a strange feeling, looking at their stuff mixing together; but not entirely unwelcomed. Rather, she found she liked it. She quickly pushed the thought down. What was with her lately?
She snuck a peak at his face, nearly snorting at the serious face he had as he decided between two brands of truffle oil. He eventually picked one and put it down next to the countless other products he chose earlier. Speaking of which…
"Do you need that many ingredients? I mean, you've got like a dozen different herbs and spices, and a few cuts of meat. It's like you're a chef or something."
"Something wrong with me being a chef?" He frowned, reaching for a bottle of shampoo she had been trying to reach for the last five minutes.
"Well, no, but I can't say I'd have you pegged as one."
"That's probably because you haven't tasted my cooking yet Shorty." She huffed, but said, "Does this mean you'll cook me a meal someday?"
"This Friday night if you're free." Her eyes widened. "R-Really?"
"Yeah. I've actually got myself a new place so I'm throwing a party."
"You, throwing a party?" He absentmindedly steered her away from an incoming cart.
"An idiot with sissy hair insisted. Besides, they'd probably come even if I said no. So might as well…" He trailed off as he spotted yet another product to fall victim to his scrutiny.
Levy muttered under her breath. "And Lucy thinks I take long in the grocery."
She followed him regardless, offhandedly wondering how long it would take to comb through that grisly hair of his.
They finally finished and were now on their way. Gajeel had stubbornly walked her home despite her protests. But then again, what was new?
By the time they reached the front door of her apartment, it was dark out, and they still had school tomorrow. Levy dropped her bags for a moment and leaned on the door frame. "You sure you're gonna be okay? I mean its pretty late, maybe you should just call a cab or-"
"Worrying about me huh?" He interrupted with a smirk.
"You wish!" He snorted, crossing his arms and raising his metal-studded eyebrows. "That all you got?"
"Ooooh you-" Gajeel ruffled her hair with his spare hand, and gave short wave. "I'll see ya tomorrow Shrimp."
"Yea-Wait, you haven't told me you're new address!" Smirking, he looked back at her, all the while fingering something in his pocket.
"Ah, about that…" With a 'gihi', he fished out a key…
And unlocked the door right across her.
He'd done it again. Gajeel the Great had rendered Valedictorian Levy McGarden speechless once again. She was currently gaping, mouth opening and closing irregularly, with eyes bulging out so hard he might've been concerned under different circumstances.
One more look at her and he simply couldn't keep in the laughter. He burst out in carefree laughter, something rarer than she would've thought, and clutched his stomach.
"Redfox you have some explaining to do you, you-ugh!" He was still chuckling a little as he entered his new home, waving back at her the whole time.
"Night Shrimp." And with that, he shut the door, grinning all the way. He had fun today, not that he'd ever admit it.
Sighing contently, he slowly started to arrange the groceries. He had nearly finished putting them all away until he heard a familiar creak on the floor somewhere behind him. So that's where he ran off to. Not even pausing to look, he picked up a knife and threw it with reckless accuracy.
The visitor dodged it with ease, simply leaning on his other side as the knife imbedded itself into the wall with a soft thud.
"That how you greet an old friend?" He tsked then, finally turning around. "Just because you've known me since I was shitting in diapers doesn't mean you get to snoop around my house Lil. And stop standing in the corner will ya? Look like a freaking creep."
A tall man stepped forward, feline features as prominent as ever as he offered a small grin. "I see your attitude hasn't changed one bit, Lord Hades."
Gajeel leaned down and grabbed two beers, popping them open as he cocked an eyebrow. "Told you not to call me that here."
"Yeah well something's come up. And it requires your immediate attention." He clicked his tongue and motioned for Panther Lily to sit with him.
"I thought I told you, I'm taking a break from ruling hell and all that. Can't you get one of the furies to attend to it?"
"Lord Hades-" Gajeel cut him off with a wave of his hand. "Lil, the name's Gajeel. You should know that, you were there when they sent me in a cradle to the underworld. Hades is my title, not my name. Like yours is Lily, not Cerberus. So drop it."
The older man wiped his face, exasperated but hesitantly complying. "I used your title, because the situation calls for it."
Gajeel grunted, taking a sip from his beer. "That serious huh?"
"Ay. You're gonna blow a gasket."
"Hurry up and tell me what it is then." He steeled himself, preparing for the worst.
"Zeref's loose." Gajeel promptly choked on his beverage, hand shooting out to beat on his chest.
"What?"
"Something felt off, so I flew in to check on his cell a few days ago. It was completely destroyed. It looked like someone had bombed the place. There was shrapnel everywhere. Nearly pierced my wing with a broken bar that fell from the ceiling."
"And what of the guards?" Gajeel asked, bangs shadowing his face, already dreading the answer.
"Dead."
A deadly aura surrounded him, whispers of death and murder filled the air. Mist wrapped itself around Gajeel's form as silhouettes of the damned formed on the walls, screaming silently in pain.
Lily sat still. He hadn't seen him this angry in ages. When he spoke, his voice was quiet, yet seething with barely restrained rage. Lily couldn't see his eyes, but he knew what they looked like.
The flames of hell.
"How long ago was this?"
"Three days ago." Gajeel clenched his fist, completely squashing the can of beer in his hand.
"I assume you've already sent out search parties." Lily nodded, unable to look at him in the eyes.
"And from your silence I can conclude that none have returned?" After a few short seconds of quiet, Gajeel rose from his seat, and stared out the window.
"Have you tried going into Tartaros?"
"I have, but all the entrances are sealed. Someone else is assisting him. I have my money on Acnologia himself."
He cursed under his breath, starting to grasp just how bad this was.
"Acnologia? He's been dormant for centuries. Why would he come up now?" While he racked his brain for answers, Lily got up as well and went to stand by the door.
"Shall I call for a meeting?"
"Immediately." Lily dipped his head in respect. "Very well. I'll let you know as soon as possible."
"Thanks Lil."
"And Gajeel?" He turned to face his Cerberus, waiting for him to speak. "It might be best to avoid Ms. Levy for now. If Zeref or Acnologia knew of your relation with her, she might very well be in danger."
"I know."
Lily nodded once more, and slipped out, leaving Gajeel alone with his thoughts. Just when he was getting the hang of being a normal human too, he thought with morose. He washed his face with water, feeling tired and a little disappointed.
Looks like he'll have to cancel the dinner.
And voila! Hope you enjoyed it and don't forget to leave a review!
