Pausing at Lucy's front door, he smiled at the sound of carefree laughter coming from inside the apartment, before knocking loudly. He heard the laughter stop, a loud thump, and then more laughing before the door opened revealing Lucy who was hopping on one leg, holding her opposite foot.
"Hey Gajeel. Come on in!" He followed her into the apartment, eyeing her odd position. "Oh! I banged into the table when I came to let you in. Levy's in there". Following her inclined head, he headed into the sitting area, finding Levy on the couch, a small pile of books on the table in front of her.
"Geez Shrimp, don't you have enough at home?"
"Gajeel! Look at what Lucy got us!" He couldn't help but smile at the excitement on her face, but quickly rearranged his face back into something less expressive - it wouldn't do for everyone in the world to see that side of him.
"How about you show me at home? Bunny girl probably wants us out of her hair when Salamander shows up".
Lucy was about to protest that she liked having them there, but the thought of Natsu and Gajeel destroying her apartment had her rushing to agree. "It's not that I don't like having you guys here, but the landlady would kill me if I trashed place!" She finished packing Levy's books back into the bag, and handed it off to Gajeel, who took it mutely. Grabbing Levy in a tight hug, she whispered quietly "I'm so happy for you!" Pulling away, she smiled at Gajeel, before she wrapped her arms around the stunned man. "Congratulations, you big lump" Stepping back, she had to laugh at the sight before her. Gajeel, frozen in place, complete shock etched on his face. "It's called a hug, metal head. You're going to get a lot of them when everyone finds out. Better get used to it!"
Gajeel shook himself slightly, coming back to his senses, and reached out to ruffle her blonde hair. "Thanks for being there for Levy." Turning to the tiny bluenette, he held out his hand. "C'mon Shrimp, time to go". Now it was Lucy's turn to stand there in shock.
Levy just laughed at the interaction, squeezing Lucy's hand as she walked past, letting themselves out of the apartment.
They'd been walking quietly, fingers intertwined, enjoying the cooling afternoon air. They were halfway home before Gajeel piped up, breaking the comfortable silence.
"So, what's in the bag? Weighs about a tonne"
Swatting his arm playfully, she laughed. "Lucy bought us baby books, so we'd know what to expect. I think she's secretly more excited than we are!" She brought his arm to rest around her shoulders, snuggling into the warmth his body exuded. "Pretty sure she's trying to secure a spot as god mother".
Chuckling softly, he held the tiny woman close to his side, happy to feel her against him. "Did you learn anything?"
"Mmm, but you can read them yourself. I'm not doing everything for you!" laughing at his frown, she continued "I'm growing the baby, the least you can do is read a few books. And no arguments!" She started, sensing he was about to do just that.
Pouting, he realised it wasn't worth the argument, and more importantly, that he wanted to do whatever she asked - as long as it made her happy, he'd do anything at all.
They arrived home just as the sun was setting, its final rays casting a warm glow over everything they touched. The cottage looked homely and warm, cheerful smoke rising from the chimney indicating that Lily had lit the fire, warming the house in preparation of the cold nights that were starting to set in. The couple stopped, content to just stand together and enjoy the moment, before the smell of Lily's cooking wafted to them, and Levy's stomach grumbled loudly. They chuckled softly to each other, and Levy let herself be tugged towards the familiar cottage. Except, something seemed different. Stopping suddenly, she almost laughed at the puzzled expression he wore when he turned to face her.
Crossing her arms, she tried to look as stern as possible. "Gajeel Redfox. What did you do?"
Shrugging, trying to disguise his excitement, he just reached for her hand. "Show you inside. And it wasn't all me! Lily did it too!"
Taking his offered hand, she steeled herself against whatever disaster they would find, and entered the house.
Levy shivered as she felt the warm air wrapping around her - she hadn't realised how cold it had gotten outside, winter must almost be upon them - and looked around. The fire was crackling in the hearth, the blanket still thrown over the back of the couch, her book open on the coffee table. Looking into the kitchen, she saw the table set and Lily in his battle form standing at the stove. So far, everything seemed to be in place. Looking around, she saw Gajeel's barely contained grin.
"Levy? Close your eyes, yeah? We want this to be surprise". Obligingly, she closed her eyes, jumping slightly when a pair of large, rough hands closed over them. She let herself be steered - best she could tell, he was guiding her past their bedrooms, down the hallway. Except that, where she swore the hallway stopped, he kept her walking a few more paces.
Removing his hands from her eyes, he stood beside her to whisper in her ear. "Open your eyes, Shrimp".
As her eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the light, Levy could see that where the house used to end, there were two new rooms. The one on the left was still empty, but someone had started to fill the room on the right. There was a pale green rug on the floor, incredibly soft underfoot as Levy walked into the room. Pushed into one corner was her rocking chair from her room back at Fairy Hills. Someone - she wanted to bet Lily - had gotten it out of storage and brought it here. In fact, she felt that maybe Lily had put together the whole room, everything was exactly to her tastes, and there was no metal to see. Or so she thought, because when she turned around to see the cot under the window, something above it glinted. Almost in a trance, Levy walked over to gently touch the shining mobile. It was made of iron, that was immediately obvious. As she looked closer, Levy could see that it consisted of books, stars, and tiny, incredibly detailed, magic circles. The top of it was a dragon, curled on itself, red eyes shining softly.
"Gajeel. Did you?" her voice came out as a whisper, overwhelmed by the gesture.
Moving to stand behind her, wrapping his arms around her still tiny waist, he nodded slightly. "Laki helped do the rooms, and Lily did the rest. He wouldn't let me do anything except for that" his chin raising to point towards the gently spinning mobile.
Completely stunned by the gesture, and the effort that her boys had gone to, Levy started to softly cry. "Thank you. It's perfect".
Gajeel's arms tightened around her, hands resting just above where their baby was safely nestled. "You are. I'm glad you like it".
The expectant parents stood there, enjoying the fruits of the afternoons labour, until Levy's stomach rumbled loudly in the quiet room.
Laughing, she moved towards the kitchen. "This is definitely your baby! It's already eating like you!"
Gajeel followed behind her, enjoy the wafting smells from the kitchen, and those that occasionally drifted from Levy. Now that he knew what the smell meant, he didn't understand how he'd never realised it before. Stopping as they entered the kitchen, he watched Levy nearly smother Lily in a hug, trying to show her gratitude for his part in the renovations. Gajeel wondered what else he'd been missing.
Over dinner, he was quiet, happy to let Levy and Lily talk about their days, paying particular attention when she explained that her rocking chair had belonged to her mother, who used to nurse her whilst sitting in it. Another piece of the puzzle, he thought to himself.
Returning to his silent musings, he closed his eyes and focused his sharp senses.
His eyes flew open. Can that really be it? Underneath all the chatter, and Levy's own heartbeat, there was another one. Quieter, sounding more like a hummingbirds wings than his own steady beating, there it was.
"Levy!"
Startled, both her and Lily turned to stare at his sudden outburst. She looked alarmed as he stood, and came around the table, sinking to his knees beside her.
"I can hear it" he whispered, face breaking into a huge grin. "I've been hearing something for weeks now. I didn't realise that it was the baby"
Eyes wide, she just stared down at him. Today was proving to be full of surprises.
He leant in, placing his ear against her belly, and gasped when sure enough, the sound of a tiny, rapid heart beat filled his hearing. Reaching to grab Levy's hand, he brought it to rest just next to his head. "There" he breathed. "Our baby is right there, underneath your fingers".
Lily, not wanting to intrude on their moment, silently tool to the next room, tears of joy quietly working their way down his furry cheeks.
Looking up, Gajeel realised that Lily was no longer in the room. Peering around Levy's back, he spied him just inside the living room, looking in their direction. Crooking a finger, Gajeel beckoned him to come join them. When he entered the room, Gajeel picked him up, and placed him on Levy's lap. Indicating the spot, Lily imitated Gajeel's position of just a few minutes ago, and pressed his ear against Levy's stomach.
At first, the exceed could hear nothing, but when he moved his head slightly, he could hear it faintly - his ears, whilst being better than a humans, still had nothing on Gajeel's sensitive hearing.
Smiling, the exceed floated up to look at both of them.
"A strong heart beat. But with parents such as yourselves, I'd expect nothing less".
After a night spent cuddled together, and a sickness free morning - thanks in most part to Lily, and the toast he brought awoke Levy with - the trio decided to head into the guild hall.
"I have to tell Jet and Droy before we announce it to everyone. They're my friends, and they deserve to know" the look on Levy's face told Gajeel that this subject wasn't up for discussion. "And anyway, didn't you promise Laki the truth?"
Groaning, Gajeel let himself be pulled along into town, wrapping his arm around Levy's shoulders as they approached the guild hall. "Don't be nervous. Everyone will be happy for us".
Levy knew he was right - after the initial shock of their relationship had worn off, everyone was supportive of them, helping him fix up the house before he had asked her to move in, and then helping them move all of her things out of the dormitories. But, it was still huge news she was about to drop on them, she couldn't help but be nervous.
As if sensing her hesitancy, he squeezed her lightly, pointing out the table where Jet and Droy were sitting. "You go get started, I'll get you some breakfast from Mira". Gently pushing her in the direction of her former team mates, he hurried towards the bar.
Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself, and walked up to their table. Trying to keep her voice bright, she called out to them "Morning boys!"
Almost instantly unison the waved, smiles spreading across their faces.
"Levy! Are you feeling better? Lily said you were sick" Jet asked as he moved to sit next to Droy, leaving room next to Levy for Gajeel.
It had taken the two men the longest to come to terms with her relationship with the dragon slayer, but now they were fully on board - even friendly with the imposing looking man. They knew now how deeply he cared for their Levy, and as her best friends, all they wanted was her happiness.
"Much better, thanks. Actually, I'm starving!" As if on cue, Gajeel appeared next to her with a steaming plate of food. Nodding in greeting to the men opposite him, he slid in next to the bluenette. "Mira's a bit swamped. Figured we'd share" he offered as he handed her cutlery. "How was the job?" He inquired of the team, filling the silence so Levy could eat before she talked.
"Good, much less trouble than we expected. Probably has something to do with all that torture you put us through!" Droy clutched his shrinking waist as he laughed. "Honestly though, I appreciate it. Job's aren't nearly as difficult now". Gajeel just shrugged off the thanks, and the three men continued to make small talk as Levy ate.
When she picked up a piece of bacon and devoured it, both Jet and Droy stared at her.
"Uhh, Shrimp? You gave it away" he mumbled into her ear, smirking at her puzzled expression, before pointing out the remaining bite of bacon on her fork.
"Oh! Oops" she giggled slightly, putting her cutlery neatly on the table.
"Uhh, Levy?" Jet looked at her like she'd grown a second head. "Aren't you vegetarian?"
Droy looked between Gajeel's poker face, and Levy's barely contained smile. "What's going on?"
Levy looked up at Gajeel, who nodded his encouragement. "Guys, promise you won't make a noise?" They both nodded rapidly, heads almost in sync, dying to know exactly what was happening.
Taking a deep breath, Levy looked squarely at them, the smile bursting across her face. "I'm pregnant".
Stunned into silence, the pair only stared at her. Jet, always faster, reached across the table to take her hand.
"Really?" a smile began to bloom on his own face. "That is fantastic news!"
Droy finally caught up, the news sinking in, and tears began to gather in his eyes.
"C'mon. No water works" Gajeel growled out. "No one else here knows"
Hiccupping slightly as he brought himself under control, Droy ran the back of his hand over his eyes. "Sorry guys. I'm just so happy for you!"
Levy grabbed Droy's hand in her free one, squeezing both men at the same time. "I know its tricky, but can you keep this between us? Just for the moment. We want to tell a few people before we announce it". She again got the unison head nodding, laughing as she released their hands.
One at a time, they reached across to shake Gajeel's hand in congratulations.
"Your secrets safe with us" Jet promised with a wink, as the couple stood up from the both, waving their thanks as they moved off find everyone on their list.
Laki was the next one they ran into, in the hallway leading to Makarov's office.
Levy launched herself at the girl, hugging her as she thanked her for her work on the house.
Standing back, eyeing the couple, Laki just raised an eyebrow at them. "Pretty sure even you don't have that many books, Levy. Want to tell my why the sudden need for an extension?"
Levy just smiled, and gently elbowed Gajeel in the ribs. He smiled at the girl standing opposite him - out something she'd never seen before - and shrugged. "We're having a baby"
Squealing, Laki threw her arms around the couple, hugging them tightly. "I knew it! I knew you were lying about the books yesterday! Congratulations guys, that's so exciting!" Releasing them, she stepped back and winked. "I won't tell anyone until you announce it publicly. Squealing again, she threw her hands in the air, and skipped off down the hallway.
Turning to look ay each other, they smiled at each other.
Just Wendy, Natsu, Juvia and the master to go.
Taking a deep breath, Gajeel knocked on the door leading into their masters office.
"Enter!"
Swinging the door open, Gajeel followed Levy into the room, gently shutting the door behind them. Taking Levy's hand, they approached Makarov, who was sitting on the edge of his desk, legs swinging.
"What can I do for you, my children?"
Gajeel, suddenly too terrified to speak, gently nudged Levy.
She turned to their guild master and smiled. "Well, Master, we wanted to warn you. Tonight will probably get a bit wild in here".
The old man just cocked his head, and waved his hand to continue.
Clearing her throat, Levy went on. "Well, this guild loves to party. And today, we're going to give them a reason" She squeezed Gajeel's hand for support. "We wanted to tell you, before we announce it to the entire guild. I'm pregnant. Gajeel and I are having a baby". She sighed, relieved to have gotten it off her chest.
"Well, its about time!" Makarov stood on the desk, and reached his arms out to pull Levy into a hug. Releasing her, he extended an army to clap Gajeel on the shoulder. "Well done, son. Now, I don't want either of you going out on jobs any longer. Levy, you can continue with any translations that come in. Gajeel, no leaving Magnolia. There's plenty to do here in town. Take it from an old fool, you don't want to miss any of this. Now, out! I'm sure there's lots of people you want to tell! And send Mira in - we're going to need extra everything if we're having a party!"
With that, the couple found themselves dismissed, and somehow outside the office. Shrugging, Levy wove her fingers into Gajeel's and pulled him along.
As they re-entered the main hall, Gajeel called to Mira "Makarov wants you!"
Looking around, he laid eyes on a head of curly blue hair. Pointing, he led Levy off to follow the rain woman.
Coming up behind her, Levy called out so as not to startle the woman.
"Levy! Gajeel! Juvia is happy to see you! Juvia was sad to hear that Levy was sick".
Chuckling at the odd inflections Juvia always spoke with, Gajeel spoke quietly. "A bit of morning sickness is to be expected, really". His smile broadening as he watched her decipher the meaning of his words.
Understanding bloomed in Juvia's eyes, and she hugged both Gajeel and Levy in turn. "Juvia is very happy for you both! That is wonderful! Juvia hopes that you're feeling well, Levy".
Levy nodded, holding her fellow bluenettes hands. "I am, thank you Juvia. We're going to announce it to everyone later, but Gajeel wanted to tell you first".
Stunned eyes looked at the man, watering with unshed tears. "Juvia is honoured. Juvia is happy to have such wonderful friends!" Spying Gray by the jobs board, she quickly dried her eyes. "Juvia will make sure everyone is here to celebrate later. But Juvia won't say anything about the baby!" And she ran off to distract an eager Gray from leaving on a job just yet.
Looking around, Levy saw the last few people walk into the hall. Tugging on Gajeel's hand, she pulled him towards their table. "Wendy and Natsu just got here".
Making their way across the room, they watched Natsu get up and walk outside. Probably waiting for Lucy Levy thought - her friend wasn't a fan of getting up before noon.
Wendy looked up as she heard them approach her table. "Hi guys!"
"Hey kid. Me and Shrimp want to talk to you about something" Gajeel slid into the booth, pulling Levy down next to him.
"Oh. I already know. Congratulations!" Wendy smiled sweetly at them.
"What? How did you know?" this was twice now someone had pulled this on Gajeel - he was starting to think he was getting old.
"Oh. I've been learning heaps of things with Porlyusica. And I've been able to hear the heart beat for almost 2 weeks." She looked at the shocked faces opposite. "I figured you were waiting to tell everyone".
"Wendy, I only found out a few days ago. But thank you for not telling anyone, we really appreciate it". Levy took the young girls hands and gave them a reassuring squeeze.
"Now just one left. Why'd flame brains go outside for?" Gajeel stared at the open front doors.
"Oh, umm, something about it smelt funny in here. I don't know, he's a bit weird today"
Gajeel just snorted, reaching over to ruffle her hair. "I'll talk to you later kid".