The next school day, Levy didn't waste time talking to anyone, she went straight for Lucy, who was sitting and talking to Natsu. When Lucy saw her she waved, but then noticed the determined look on Levy's face.
"Lev, are you okay?"
Levy nodded and stood in front of the two. "Yeah, I'm fine. Can I talk to you?"
Natsu butted in. "Well this seems like girl stuff, which I don't want to be around! Later Luce, Levy!" He got up and went to walk off, but a few feet out, he stopped and turned back a bit. "And next time you come over, a little warning so I can put pants on this time!"
Levy grumbled under her breath as Lucy's head shot back to her. "When did you go to Natsu's house?!"
"Gajeel had to watch his little cousin, so we studied at his house instead of mine for once. Turns out, he lives with Natsu." She shrugged. Lucy laughed. "So you walked in on him with no pants on?!"
Levy smiled. "Not exactly. But that's not what I wanted to talk to you about."
The night before, Levy had decided that she definitely had feelings for Gajeel. Now she just needed to figure out what to do with them. And that's why she'd come to Lucy.
As Levy explained, Lucy looked astonished. "Are you sure that you're describing Gajeel? This doesn't seem like him!"
Levy blushed a bit. "He really is nice, Lucy, in his own way. He just doesn't know how to show it."
As she finished telling her all that had gone on with them, ending with the kiss she had given him, Levy was blushing a bit.
Lucy laughed. "Wow! Who thought you'd have the guts to do something like that?"
Levy pouted a bit. "I've got guts."
"Oh, you absolutely do! Just not usually with guys."
She huffed a bit. "Well this one is not only for real, but he's also a lot denser than the guys I've like before."
Lucy laughed. "Well, at least you're honest and not totally brainwashed. So what do you want to do about it?"
That was just the question. Levy was sure that he liked her most than most people, but seeing as he barely tolerated most other people, that wasn't saying much.
"I was thinking that I could...woo him." She was most certainly blushing now, refusing to look Lucy in the eyes.
"Come again?"
Levy ducked her head. "Like, showing him my best, going out of my way to impress him and stuff. So I would be dressing up more, which I'd need you for, but also just being flirty and stuff. Which you know I have no idea how to do. So I'll need help there more than anywhere else."
When she peeked at Lucy's face, Lucy looked like someone had been struck dumb. "You - book loving, innocent, I-don't-need-a-man Levy - want my help impressing a guy? And Gajeel Redfox is the guy?"
Levy nodded. "Yes...please."
Lucy shook her head in wonder. "Well I never thought this day would come."
Levy was a bit pricked by that comment, but let it slide. "Will you help me or not?" Her voice was a bit sharper than usual, the embarrassment causing her to get a bit defensive.
Lucy chuckled. "Of course. I've been waiting for this day for what seems like forever."
By the end of the school day, they had a plan of action ready. Lucy had kept her more bold suggestions to herself, since Levy was already going out of her comfort zone as it was, but Lucy was eager to see the results of her friend's newfound bravery.
So when Levy showed up 15 minutes late to her meeting with Gajeel, her shirt with one more button undone than usual, and medium dark lip gloss on, he took little notice.
Or at least, it seemed that way to Levy.
Geez, get yourself together man. So what if she looks really good? You're here to get your school stuff together, not stare at the beautiful girl sitting next to you.
The tutoring session passed on as normal, but Gajeel was a bit grouchier than usual, and the more Levy tried to get closer to him, the pricklier he got. Eventually, she just sighed inwardly, texted Lucy her failure, and did her job as normal.
She noticed that the more she treated him like a friend, the more relaxed he got.
Oh god, he found out that I like him and is trying to nonverbally shut me down. How humiliating... She then was so disappointed in herself that she made up an excuse to leave early.
Gajeel watched her leave, a bit confused. What was up with the shrimp today? First the get up, and acting all bubbly - more than normal anyways - then she was on her phone for a sec before she just left. Did she get some bad news maybe?
Then a thought came to him. What if she had a date and then it got cancelled? Does she go on dates? Now he was worried that he was in the way, and especially that he was maybe cutting too into her personal time. She could have just told me she was busy! Ugh, now I feel like a jerk.
He decided to text her. Are you okay? You seemed a little down today.
Her response was almost immediate: I'm fine.
Gajeel may not have been the smartest man, but he wasn't dumb. He knew that when women said fine, it was usually the opposite. But he didn't want to pry and piss her off, so he just left it alone. It probably had nothing to do with him anyways.
"How can he not notice me practically throwing myself at him?! I'm trying to be as obvious as I can be here, and he isn't even noticing!" Lucy, now having been subject to Levy's tirade for almost an hour now, just nodded and texted Natsu back, not particularly paying attention. "I mean, come on! What, do I have to actually tell him for him to get it?!"
An idea struck Lucy. "Wait. Why don't you?"
"Why don't I what?"
"Just tell him. I mean, its easier than trying to come up with ways to be overly blunt. In fact, it's the simplest way for him not to misunderstand."
Levy's face flushed. "You- you mean confess? Like, out loud, "Hey, I like you," telling-him-to-his-face, confess?"
Lucy rolled her eyes. "Yes, Levy, it's not that hard."
Levy sent her a scathing look. "Then why haven't you done it yet?"
Lucy blushed, but tried to remain calm. "I have no idea what you're talking about. Besides, we're not talking about me here, we're taking about you. With someone as dense and insecure as Gajeel, its the best way for all parties."
"But what if he doesn't like me back?" Lucy resisted the urge to point out how immature Levy sounded right then.
"Then you're going to have to talk it out. Either way, you've got to grow up, and give him the opportunity to do the same."
Levy huffed, but didn't disagree with what Lucy said. "So, what? I just walk up to him and tell him I like him?"
Lucy shrugged. "You can do it however you want to, all you have to do is say the words. Doesn't really matter when or how."
Levy hummed. Lucy knew that Levy was thinking through the suggestion, looking for reasonable points against the action, but couldn't really find one.
Eventually, she plopped down on her bed. Lucy chuckled.
"So tomorrow I confess my feelings for someone. I always knew I'd get the nerve before you."
Lucy was immediately indignant. "What's that supposed to mean?!" Levy laughed.
"It means, you've been in love with Natsu since we were like 10, and you still haven't said anything."
Lucy plopped down on her face next to her. "Yeah, well that's different."
She felt the movement on the bed and knew Levy was facing her on her side.
"Lucy, it's our senior year, and it's over in a month. You should really say something. Even just for yourself."
Lucy sighed. "Yeah, well, my relationship has been one founded on friendship for 7 years. It's a little different."
"If it's been founded on friendship, then it's also founded on honesty and communication. You should tell him."
"Yeah, well how about this: you confess, then I'll do it. Deal?"
She felt Levy deliberate, then felt her nod against her shoulder. "Deal."
The next day at school, Levy showed up in a orange sundress that she never really had the opportunity (or confidence) to wear. It had a white halter top, and matching suedo orange and yellow sleeves, and showed a lot of leg. With that, she wore red sandals, and an orange bandana with a red flower.
Gajeel felt his eyes nearly pop out of his head when he saw her, thankful that she hadn't spotted him yet. He swallowed, and attempted to put his face back into its more natural indifferent expression. Get yourself together man, you've got no right to look at her like that.
When she did find him though, she didn't hesitate to wall up to him. In fact, her face looked so determined and adorable, he almost smiled. But when he spied a blush spreading across her cheeks the closer she got, he wondered what she had to say to him.
Maybe she has a boyfriend now and has to tell you she can't spoon feed you anymore.
He told that particular voice where he could shove it.
When she finally got to him, she seemed to be forcing herself to look him in the eye, which was a large enough effort on its own, with her height.
He felt a weight of dread settle in his stomach. "What's up Shorty?"
"Um, well I was wondering if maybe I could talk to you." He saw that her hands were twisting in front of her, so he made an effort to soften his voice when he responded.
"Sure."
He stood there a second and watched her eyes go wide. "Oh! Oh no, not here! Somewhere preferably quiet. And alone."
As good as that would've sounded any other time, right now all he was doing was wondering why it hurt so bad that she was about to tell him she couldn't help him anymore. Near as he could figure, it was because she was such a good friend, and he'd trusted her so soon, which he didn't usually do with people. In the short amount of time they'd spent together, he'd really come to care for her.
"Yeah, alright." He led her up to the roof, where he would often slip away in-between classes.
He hadn't realized that maybe bringing a girl in a dress up to the windy roof was a bad idea until he heard her cry out, turned around, and got a perfect view of her dress flying up to her stomach. He swallowed hard. Damn, she had to be the light pink lacy type. Why couldn't she have just worn the crappy, cotton, day of the week ones?! Or kittens or something! But he knew even if that is what she had worn, he still would be just as affected.
Her face had now gone from blushing to radiating pure embarrassment. "S-sorry. So, um, the reason I asked to talk to you was because I have something to tell you."
He was smart enough to know what that meant. God, now I'm gonna have to act fine when she tells me she's done. I knew I shouldn't have asked her, I knew she was gonna break my- Wait. What the hell was he thinking?! He didn't love her! There was no way! But-
One glimpse at her beautiful face, a quick glance over her gorgeous body, remembering every moment between them, he knew he was a goner. Oh hell…
"Um, Gajeel, I think I love you. A little. Maybe." Her voice drifted off, and her eyes refused to lift the ground, so she didn't notice when Gajeel nearly fainted out of shock. But she did peak up at his expression to see his shock.
I knew he wouldn't feel the same way, stupid Lucy!
Before she could think, tears were in her eyes, and she was running back for the door.
Woah, why is she running away?! She'd just made him the happiest man alive, and she was running away, crying?! Hell no. She's not gonna end it like that.
Levy had just reached the door and started to pull it open when a hand came crashing down on it, shutting it again. She started, and turned to face Gajeel, who looked a bit angry.
"Now, why would you run away after saying something like that?" His voice was deep and it sang along her nerves, soothing them despite her being terribly crushed. Ugh, why am I so attracted to him! I can't even focus!
She shook her head and tears started to fall. She looked down and wiped them away in frustration, but they kept trailing down determinedly.
She felt hands glide along her jaw, then her face was being lifted up. She bit her lip. She didn't want him to see her crying over him.
The softness in his face was odd. His thumbs drifted over her cheeks, smoothing away the tears, even though they stopped soon, he still kept up the soothing motion.
Oh yeah, this is why. This is who I fell for, the absolute sweetheart underneath all of that tough guy exterior.
She didn't want the reminder. She just wanted to go home and cry. He just pitied her.
Gajeel saw the humiliation on her face, and decided he better clarify fast, or she'd be liable to rip him a new one. He'd seen her quick temper, and - though he of course thought it was adorable - it was also pretty scary. She had a conniving mind and endless patience.
"Lev, you didn't give me a chance to respond." She started shaking her head.
"I already know what you're gonna say."
He chuckled. "I doubt you do. How about you sit down and hear me out, yeah?" He saw her warring with the thought of listening him out or just making a run for it.
"School's starting any minute." School. Of course she would think of school.
He smiled. "We'll be a little late for Homeroom. Here, sit down."
He sat her down on the other side of the wall, where her dress - and thus his safety of mind - would be safe.
Now that he knew he had a right to touch her how he'd wanted to for a while now, he reached out and took one of her wild blue locks, playing with it, wondering at how it was to simply be next to her.
He saw her confusion. "What are you thinking?"
He chuckled. "I'm thinking you look very beautiful today." He let the lock go, and moved his hand on her cheek, then farther, his fingers sliding through her hair.
Then he kissed her. Simply, beautifully, and lovingly.
"I happen to be in the same position here, so why don't we talk this out?"
Her red face was the most beautiful thing. He loved making her react. Her laugh, her anger, they were all insufferably adorable and he wanted them all.
"W-w-what do you mean?!" Her voice rose in pitch as she spoke. He laughed out loud.
"Why are you so surprised? You didn't think you were the only one losing yer heart the last few weeks, did ya?"
She blushed. "Well…"
He grinned. "You seem to be having trouble with your words today Shorty."
That got her going. "Well excuse me! Here I am, preparing to ruin our relationship forever because I was an idiot and fell in love, and then you kiss me!"
He smirked. "Yeah I did. It was nice. I kinda want to do it again." He leaned forward, but her face flamed up again, and she backed away.
"W-wait, I'm not done!"
"Mhmm." Instead of her lips, he grazed his along her jaw. "Keep going. I'm listenin'."
"U-uh...Oh well, you c-can't just say something like…" His lips were trailing down her neck now, inhaling her scent, even nipped her earlobe. "Eep! Uh, you can't do that while I'm talking. It's very distracting."
His chuckle brushed along her neck and set her nerve endings on fire. "Yeah that's the point." Then he made his way to her collarbone.
"Okay, well, if you're gonna keep going I'm just gonna shut up now, since you're not listening anyways."
"Mhmm." As his lips went to travel back up to hers, a throat cleared behind them.
They whirled to meet Lucy smirking and Natsu grinning. Levy blushed all over again. Gajeel scowled, mad at being interrupted.
One of Lucy's eyebrows went up. "I see it went well." Levy stuttered.
"W-well…"
Natsu guffawed. "'Bout damn time! Now you guys better hurry up before you miss first period."
As Gajeel helped Levy up, he smiled and held her hand for a second too long. "See you in a couple hours."
She nodded, still blushing. Then she walked off with Lucy. Gajeel and Natsu had their first period together, so they made their way down the stairs behind the girls.
Natsu was his usual idiot self, talking about his last adventure with Lucy and Happy, when his cat had gotten out and wandered over to her house again. But this time Gajeel was tired of watching his cousin love the girl from far away, and watching the girl do the same. Screw tact, I just got the prettiest girl in the school to be mine.
So he threw his arms around Natsu and, speaking much louder than he needed to, interrupted the other boy halfway through a sentence. "When are you and Lucy gonna finally get together man?!"
The look on Natsu's face was worth the beating he'd probably give Gajeel later.
"N-never! Why would you say that?"
Lucy's face fell a bit, but she was a trooper. "Y-yeah. Why would Natsu ever go out with me?" Natsu seemed to be able to sense that Lucy was hurt pretty bad.
"Well, it's not you Luce, it's just cuz you and I don't like each other like that. We're best friends!"
Wow. He's really not helping himself here. Both Gajeel and Levy saw the hole Natsu was digging himself into.
Even Gajeel could see the tears starting to swim in Lucy's eyes. Levy looked ready to wrap her arms around the girl.
"Y-yeah, well, that's just not how we are with each other. You would never be interested in me, and a romantic relationship between us would never work out."
Gajeel wondered at how bad it hurt to say those words out loud to the person you loved. He regretted bringing this conversation up.
"Exactly! I think." Gajeel winced out loud as Natsu pounded the final nail in his proverbial coffin.
Lucy ran off as fast as she could, tears already falling, Levy right behind her. Natsu and Gajeel just stood there. Gajeel felt super guilty. Natsu just stood there blinking.
"I said something wrong, didn't I?" The younger man finally spoke.
"Yeah, you really did." Gajeel sighed.
Natsu's answer was so quiet Gajeel had to strain to hear it. "Damn it. If I was good enough, this wouldn't have happened." Before Gajeel could ask what he meant, Natsu's head popped up and his face was determined. "I've gotta go find her." Then he was gone.
Gajeel just walked to class, and waited until the first class he had with Levy to talk to her a bit more.
His phone buzzed a few minutes later. So, we still on for tutoring later? He grinned.
Hell yeah.