It's finals week guys... don't hate me too hard... I have 5 more test to to in the next two days... I'm outta coffee... I'm sleep deprived as usual... and have been trying to take a few days off for Christmas so I can head back to the cities and see my mother for a while... Life sure is interesting right now!
Enjoy!
Chap 9: Close Too Me
Gajeel had returned only a few weeks after departing for the second time. He and Lilly padded home before heading to the guild. Which just happened to be much later. The first thing Gajeel had done was strip down and face plant on his bed, asleep before he hit the mattress. Lilly was a little more conservative, but soon followed the dragon, curling up at the head of the bed. The two were out until the next morning, where the first few rays of the dawning sun poked the dragon slayer in the eyes, waking him. With several dark words and a few glares, the dragon rose and shuffled his way into the bathroom to shower.
After he and Lilly were ready, they made way for the guild hall to report to the master. Gajeel had his hands shoved deep into his pockets slouching as he sleepily dragged himself along, Lilly choosing the easy route and riding on his head. The cat suddenly taped the dragon on the head with a paw.
"Gajeel, the guild is that way." He manipulated the dragons head with his paws.
"Huh? Oh, whatever."
"Still tired I see."
"So what if I am eh? Can't a guy catch a break? We had been walkin' for three days straight, no food, no resting, no iron, no nothin'."
"Oh quit your whining you over sized lizard."
"Whadya' call me!?"
"Nothing. But I'm sure if you ask nicely, Levy will make you some iron to eat."
"Oh Shuddup'…"
Gajeel doubted greatly that was all on the cats mind, but he was still weary from their travels and chose not to reply directly, muttering curses under his breath instead. He had just spit his last oath when the guild came into sight just ahead. The dragons' pace picked up subtly as he neared the structure. His keen hearing picked up the sounds of what he assumed was another fight. Just like Fairy Tail I guess… always looking for a fight. Hn! I wonder what Salamander did this time. Taking the last step to the doors, he swung them open to the crowd inside.
What greeted him was no brawl however. The entire guild was gathered, the regulars, and some that Gajeel recognized, others he didn't know existed, and suddenly the hall felt very small. A flash of blue and familiar shout caught his attention and he instantly mad his way to the waving Levy, new energy filling him making his strides lengthen, back erect, and chest fill with air – a very different dragon slayer than what shuffled though the doors not a moment before. Lilly just rolled his eyes, if he didn't know better he might say the dragon was… 'In looooovvvveeeee!' as happy would say.
The dragon in question gave a sneer and a growl to the two mutts growling back at him from either side of Levy, who was standing on her seat, hands on a pile of books before her and her face pushed towards Gajeel as he flopped down into the spot opposite her. She beamed that smile at him – it held a little more value, and meaning to him, in it now – and he returned with a grin of his own accompanied by the characteristic "Gihihi."
"Gajeel! You're back! And so soon! How was the mission!?" Ahh, how he sort of kinda' missed that voice. A little bit. Ok fine, he missed it a lot.
"Gihihi Shrimp, ya'know I couldn't tell ya' that even if I want'd too."
Levy puffed up her cheeks at him and closed her eyes, sticking out her tongue at the dragon across from her. A wicked glint flashed in Gajeel's eyes as he leaned forward and hooked a finger under her chin. Her eyes snapped open and a flush filled her puffed cheeks, on either side of her Jet and Droy stiffened, ready to move at any second.
"Ya'know," his voice was deep and quiet, rough like she remembered and just as sexy as she had dreamed, "if ya' keep that up Shorty, I'll bite yer' tongue. Gihi." He flashed her a gleaming grin. Her face flushed a dark red, as she was yanked away from the grinning dragon by both Jet and Droy, who were on their feet now glaring at the man across from them.
"You better keep your fucking hands off her!"
"Or else!"
"Gihihihi – aw calm down I'm just teasing her a little Gihihi!"
He was cut off by the lights in the hall suddenly dimming, and a cheer ripping through the crowd as people suddenly pushed their way to the stage at the far wall where a spotlight was on a microphone.
"Huh? So what's all the noise about anyway?"
"It's time for the S-class trials." Gajeel flinched and looked left where the script mage was smoothing out her skirts as she settled down next to him patting her thigh at the same time, inviting Lilly to slip off the table and settle in her lap. Across from them Jet and Droy were just figuring out that Levy had slipped their grips and was now sitting with the enemy. Both boys' jaws hit the floor as the watched Levy scooch up to the massive dragon slayer, who was looking almost as surprised as they were. However, Gajeel was quick to recover his shock when he glanced at Lilly who was grinning at him from the girls lap.
"H-huh? Whadya mean?"
"Every year, the master selects a few members who show him lots of promise to become great wizards, to compete in a series of events to prove to him that they really are worthy of becoming S-class wizards." Gajeel watched her fingers as she stroked Lilly's head absently scratching him behind the ears, only making the grin on Lilly's face grow. The dragon in Gajeel's chest bared its teeth at the cat, daring him to make a move.
"Huh… Like Titania eh?.." he wasn't really paying attention to anything around him – the two boys who had recovered from their shock now moping on the other side of the table, pitiful mutters and whines could be heard every now and then, the crowds rise in volume as the master stood on the stage taking the mike and holding up a hand which only resulted in the crowd cheering louder – he was solely focused on the cat in Levy's lap.
"Yup!"
He had to drag his eyes, literally, from the black fur ball, and toss a seemingly uninterested glace at the crowd of people now being bellowed at by the master – things like "ungrateful brats that don't have any respect for their enders, and who don't know how to behave accordingly!" – But again he wasn't really paying attention.
I wonder who he'll pick this time… if Titania is already an S-Class, then who else… Juvia for sure, she's better than half the morons here… then, I guess Gray and Salamander. If Salamander get's picked then I should be too. Gihihi, oh this is going to be fun… Titania, flame-for-brains and ice-ass… this will be a good fight. Gihihihi.
The master was now announcing the names of who would be competing, and Gajeel was suddenly paying very close attention.
Natsu, Grey – ha! I was right – that Elfman beast, Cana – shit – Juvia – of course – … come on … come on!...Mest? – who the fuck? – Freed – that ass – and… ME!... wait, what? WHAT!?
"Miss Levy McGarden!"
…whaa!?
"WAHOO LEVY!"
"OH YEAH! YOU GOT THIS LEVY!"
"You're gonna pick me as your partner right!?"
"Of course not! Levy's gonna pick me! You're worthless!
"Shut up! I'm a stronger fighter than you are!"
"Oh yeah right!"
"Grrrr!"
Gajeel didn't hear Jet and Droy's argument, nor the rest of what the master was saying, nor the resounding roar of the crowd… nothing but the beat of his heart, which seemed to have missed a few beats and was now trying to play catch up.
Levy?
There was a squeak from his side. He slowly turned to look at the figure next to him. Levy had her hands over her mouth, those big honey eyes wide with delight and surprise, her cheeks flushed in excitement. If it had been any other time, he would have thought her freaking adorable, but he was too lost in his own mind to notice.
Levy!?
He continued to gape at her for a few moments, his senses slowly coming back to him.
Levy!
He closed his mouth, head tilting, face in shadow. Under the table his hand fisted, nails digging into his palm until he smelled the iron of his blood and felt it trickle down his fist. So, the master still didn't trust him with that kind of power, huh? Then why the fuck had he pick him for that specific job!? Wasn't that a show of trust? Hadn't he done enough to show his apology? For fuck's sake, it was that old fart that was the first person to actually believe there was good inside of him…. Well the second, Levy was the first, telling, pleading, begging… that he needed to just find the good, the hope, the light in his chest, that things would be ok, that it would all be forgiven, that Fairy Tail would be his new home, that he didn't have to be doing this that she believed in him. She believed that he was better than this.
His teeth sank into his lower lip violently, blood instantly dripping down his chin. If the master and Levy believed in him so much, then why wasn't he the one that had gotten picked? Was that elf-freak really all that good? Or Freed? He could beat both easily! Levy… there was Levy, how in the world? What had the master seen that he hadn't? Mavis knows he's spent way too much time watching the girl, he would have noticed something!... anything… But no. Levy had his place. Levy was going to compete in the trials, and he was going to find some boring ass job and disappear for the entirety of the trial.
A hand on his arm snapped him out of his depressing thoughts. He glanced at the woman in question on his left, her eyes were still wide, she was still happy and excited, but worried also? Why? He sighed and lifted his head, throwing up the usual walls that kept everyone out. Tossing her a smirk he was about to congratulate her, when she cut him off.
"Gajeel? What's wrong? Are you bleeding!?-" he was quick to wipe his mouth of any blood still remaining, tucking his bleeding hand behind his back so that she wouldn't notice that either, "-Are you upset that you didn't get picked? I'm sorry, I mean I'm really happy that the master has so much confidence in me, but you are way more qualified, I mean, look at the differences here! Haha am'I right?... Gajeel?"
All words died in his throat. She was way too good to be real. This was all a dream, nightmare. How could anyone feel bad about something like this? He faintly wondered if he would ever understand what went on in this girls mind.
He smirked at her slightly, his good hand reaching out and ruffling her hair,"Nahh, don' worry about it. Master picked ya' fer' a reason, like ya' said."
"But Gajeel! How am I supposed to compete when I'm so small and weak? I mean, sure I may be book smart and know a billion different languages, but I'm not exactly fantastic in the muscles department! I mean, I can't really compare to anyone else who got picked, Even Lucy is stronger than me… I'm just so weak and small."
His smirk failed, and fell into a frown, "Well fine then shrimp. I'll train you for the trials. Ya' won't be so small when I'm finished with ya' I'll make you big."
Gajeel flopped to the ground, his legs crossing, hands on his knees, panting as sweat rolled down his forehead, over his nose and into his lap. A few yards away Levy was doubled over, hands on her knees, her body heaving with the effort of regaining her breath. Lilly was sleeping on a tree branch in the shade above where the two mages had dumped their stuff before setting out into the middle of the field to train. That was early this morning, now it was mid-afternoon and they hadn't stopped for a break.
For all her bullshitting about being weak, she was a damn good fighter. He would never admit it out loud, but she had nearly had him there a few times and if it wasn't for his superior dragon speed and agility, he would have had a few more scars on his body. A smirk twisted his lips as he watched her stand fully and throw her head back still panting. He watched her chest rise and fall deeply with every gasping breath she took. She seemed utterly exhausted, he didn't blame her he was pretty tired himself, and Mavis it was hot! A soft breeze rose and he groaned as the cooler air struck his face and body.
Levy's hair flipped around a bit in the breeze, causing her to moan softly. She hurt everywhere! On top of that, she was hungry and hot! It had been a long week since Gajeel promised to make her big and train her so that she would be better prepared for the trials, she thought she had a good idea of what was going to occur in the seven days, but she was way off, it was a lot more work. All she wanted now was to go back to the guild, eat something, cool off in the pool, and take a very long nap.
She was vaguely aware of eyes on her as she straightened again and opened her eyes tiredly. Gajeel was watching her, and she tossed him a tired smile. He grinned back at her and rose to his feet with a groan, walking over to her. She looked up at the dragon towering over her, a sudden wave of relaxation washing over her.
"Well Shrimp… that's all the time we've got, ya' leave tomorrow, early."
"Hmm."
"Have ya thought at all about a good partner for ya'?" Internally he squirmed uncomfortably.
"Hmm? What do you mean Gajeel?"
He shifted his weight to the other foot, a hand working its way to the back of his head and scratching there. He looked away. "Ya' know what I mean."
She stared at him for a few moments, blinking slowly, then she giggled putting a hand up to her mouth to hide it. "Hey! What's so funny?" Gajeel was looking at her again, his studded brows pulled together in confusion. She giggled harder, then launched herself towards him her arms wrapping around his middle, her face burring into his sweat soaked shirt. Gajeel was completely caught off guard, his hands awkwardly held above her shoulders, face flushed with surprise as he looked down at the little mage grabbing onto him for dear life.
Levy turned her face upwards to him, grinning. "You silly dragon, you are my partner! I thought that was obvious. I mean we've spent all this time training together, and I've said that you are more qualified to compete than I am, it would be stupid of me not to have you by my side!" Her face turned a little worried then, "That is, if you will…."
Gajeel stared at Levy, processing what she had said. He blinked a few times then shook his head as if clearing it. His hands dropped to her shoulders and his shoulders relaxed. A small smile tugged at his lips, "Yeah Shorty. Yeah I will." Her face lit up like a light and she squeezed him tighter beaming at him once again. He was caught by the sparkle in her eyes, it reminded him of the light that shown from a thin beam of moonlight through the library window before landing in her eyes making them dance and shine as she looked at him, her fingers lightly stroking his cheek. He bent to her height and pressed his lips to hers.
Levy was not expecting the dragon to kiss her, but she didn't resist either. She saw the thought flash across his eyes before he even knew it was there in his own mind. She placed a hand over the large one that cupped her cheek, jaw and neck all in one, kissing Gajeel back with passion. It was a while before they broke away. And even longer before they broke eye contact. He smirked down at her and ruffled her hair with his classic "Gihihi."
It they had thought that it was hot the day before, then they knew nothing. Today was worse. Everyone one the boat to Tenrou was taking Grays lead and stripping down. Lucy was screaming things at Natsu as he pulled off his pants and boxers and rapped his scarf around his lower regions in something that resembled a diaper with tails. Of course this looked ridiculous, thus prompting a completely nude gray to make a few comments to the fire dragon, something about dressing appropriately for his age, which of course started a brawl between the two elements. Lucy still yelling at Natsu, and Juvia enjoying Gray's bare body way too much for anyone's comfort. In the end, both mages were tossed overboard by Erza, forcing them to swim back to the boat and somehow manage to re-board.
The rest of the members still aboard were eyeing the water almost hungrily, all clad in the skimpiest bathing suits possible. Even Levy had dawned a red and white bikini that showed a little more than her usual bikini tops did. Not that Gajeel minded. Being the tough macho SOB that he was, he had simply removed his iron clad shirt and pulled his hair back in a pony-tail. He was leaning his back against the railing, supporting himself on his elbows, letting his head fall back and catching the slight breeze of the shit cutting through the waves. His eyes closed as he tried to relax as much as possible. Next to him, and parallel to the railing sat Levy in a lounge chair fanning herself with her other arm draped over her eyes.
Her arm lay in such a way that she could see the man before her, but he couldn't tell that she was watching him from his position. She hadn't seen the dragon shirtless before, but that didn't mean she wasn't curious, in fact she was enjoying the view. His much larger body was rippling with toned muscles under taught deliciously tanned skin. Her eyes dragged over the many battle scars on his torso and sides, badges of victories from many fights, it really only added to his sex appeal. His body seemed to shimmer in the bright light of the morning, beads of sweat catching the light as they rolled down his front, over the tight abdominals and into the waist band of the dragons' pants.
Levy had to stop there, her eyes wanting to still follow an imaginary path down the rest of his length. Her face flushed at the thought. Thankfully, no one could see it, and if they did, she could wright it off as the heat. Maybe having Gajeel as her partner was a bad idea after all. But no, he was the only one, he was the one, the one she had the most to prove too. The past week of hard physical training had greatly increased not only her physical abilities, but boosted her self-confidence as well. She now wanted to show the iron dragon that she was a lot stronger than before, in more ways than one.
She was pulled out of her thoughts by the master calling for all of their attention. She sat up with a moan, and stretched. In front of her Gajeel peeked an eye open and watched the script mage stretch, his eyes taking in all of her exposed skin. The dragon inside purred and something in his stomach tightened. He looked away quickly and followed Levy in redressing as the master was calling for. It was time to start the trials!
Levy was now seriously reconsidering having Gajeel as her partner. She rolled her eyes of the hundredth time in exasperation, as the dragon behind her continued to grumble and complain about their situation. She had decided to take the safe path and bypass any fights this round. Her companion was none too happy with this idea, but Levy made the point that everyone else would be worn out by their battles and thus would be easier to take on if warranted in the next phase. She reminded him, as he opened his mouth to argue, that this trial was to test every aspect of their ability, not just their brute strength, this first round was a matter of brain over brawn.
Therefore, they had taken the safe route and the dragon had not shut his mouth in a several hours. Levy was at about her wits end, sure she was patent, but even this was getting tiresome, which was saying something as she had been putting up with Jet and Droy for years. She simply let her mind wander. Of course, with the ever loud dragon carrying on as he was behind her, her thoughts were centered on Gajeel.
The last week had been a little confusing regarding how they stood with each other. The events of the night he had left again to finish up the mission the master had assigned to him had been lingering in her mind ever since. He had been so soft and gentle with her, she had loved the way he had handled her. And then he was gone, then he was back and they had started right away with the training and he hadn't shown the same affection to her all that week until he kissed her yesterday. She was beginning to wonder if that night had even happened at all, or if it was another one of her fantasies.
But then he had kissed her and left her wondering. All that night and the following morning she had been trying to figure out where they stood with each other, even now she wasn't sure, nor sure how to bring the subject up either. At the moment all she was sure of was the fact that she wanted the man of all her problems to shut the fuck up! And as if on que…
"GAHH, I can't take this anymore! I just wanna' punch Salamander in his stupid face… OR! Give me Erza! I'll show her a thing or two… OR That old man Guildarts, I wanna see what he's got… Ahhhhrrrrrggg. I wanna hit something!"
Levy sighed for the umpteenth time and focused harder on the path before them, trying to drown out the whining dragon. "Oh, come on Gajeel, enough already." She moaned when he continued even louder and with more of a whine in his voice. He really was acting ridiculous.
"OI! Shrimp! If we had taken a different path I wouldn't have nothin' to complain about!"
Levy's eyes narrowed as she glared at the ground. What do you mean by that? Do you not trust my decisions? I'm the one who is actually competing, you're just my partner! Was he really lying when he said he wasn't upset about not getting in too? He had to have been by the way he's acting now…
"You know I could'a taken Salamander or Titania! Ya' wouldn't hav' had to do anythin' but stay outta the way. Then we'd be somewhere by now, not piddling aroun' in tha' woods."
Levy came to an abrupt halt, then stumbled forward a few paces as the not-paying-attention- to-where-I'm-going dragon slayer ran into her back. That does it! Doesn't he care about my feelings at all!? All he cares about is getting into fights with people! I wouldn't have to do anything, just stay out of the way!? What the hell does that mean huh!? Ugh! So he really must think I'm weak and pathetic still! Was this last week just to make himself feel better? Stupid Gajeel!
"Oi!? What ya' stoppin' fer?"
Levy took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She could feel tears pricking her eyes but she forced them away with the back of her hand as she turned around to face the dragon. Gajeel thought he saw her wipe tears from her eyes…
"So is that all you think about? Fighting people?"
"Gah, What's yer' problem now, can't a guy catch a break?" Gajeel brushed it off, Nah, she's just tired from all the training, I was just imagining it…
"UGH! So you don't care about me at all do you!?"
"Oh come on Shorty- GAH!" Levy had smacked him in the face with her bag when the nickname slipped past his lips.
"Don't call me that!"
"Ahhh, geeze take it easy Shrimp! That thing's dangerous!"
"Stupid Gajeel! You really don't care about my feeling at all do you? You still think I'm weak and pathetic that I would only get in the way if we were to fight another team right? Has this past week meant nothing to you!?" She was red in the face from screaming at him. Once again and she stunned the dragon into silence. Breathing hard for a second she turned on her heal, "FINE! I don't need you anyway! Stupid Gajeel!"
And with that she ran off down the path.
Gajeel stood rooted to the spot before calling after her. She didn't hear him, or she was ignoring him. Damnit! What was the problem now? All he wanted was a good brawl. For once he found himself missing the guild hall and its random outbursts of fists and broken chairs and chaos. He kicked the dirt and shoved his hands in his pockets, throwing on a scowl and stalking off after the Shrimp grumbling to himself.
OK, Sure… maybe he had been complaining a little too much and too loudly. But the more irritated she got the more she stomped, and he learned very quickly that when she stomped the extra plumpness of her backside gave an extra little jiggle that he found all too interesting. So, I mean, could you blame him? He did recognize that he may have taken it too far… What was it she had said? Something about not caring about her or her feelings was it? Why would she say that? Of course he cared. He just didn't show it like Salamander did to Blondie, not like his choice of a mate was onto what he was laying down. Gajeel had to admit, Natsu really knew how to play dumb, for getting away with the shit he did.
His nose suddenly alerted him to something, and he froze mid step. An unusual chill in the warm air.
Fear. He smelled it. Fear mixed with hints of Lavender…
His ears rang with a scream suddenly, and he was off like a bullet.
LEVY!
He thought he had told her to run away. He thought she was safe, she had put up a good fight, but she needed to be safe, to be with the others, to say out of harm's way, to be ok. So why was she calling out his name? Or was this a dream? It had to be a dream. But the pain, the pain was real. His arm felt as if it had been priced by a sword laced with poison, and it hurt to breathe in fact, everything hurt. There was her voice again, it seemed closer. No. no-Levy, get somewhere safe. Levy. Closer. Too close, like she was right next to him…
"GAJEEL!"
His eyes shot open when he felt her hands on his body, instinctively he reached out to grab her making her gasp in shock at his sudden movement. His fingers closed around her wrist on his shoulder, a growl starting to rise in his chest. Sharp pain ripped through him and the growl came out as a gurgling groan as blood bubbled up his throat and out his mouth.
"Gajeel!"
She was real. She was here. She was bleeding… she wasn't alone.
Levy…
"Gajeel, don't try to talk, lay back down, everything's going to be ok now, just lay down!" Her voice waivered some and he could still hear the panic and fear in it. She pushed lightly on his shoulder and he let himself layback against the bloody grass. He could hear Erza barking at one of the Grimoire Heart members, and his choked laugh, before Erza knocked him out again. There was a sudden bright red light in the sky and he felt something tug in the back of his gut. He didn't pay much attention to it as Levy was leaning over him putting pressure on his chest wound as Juvia was performing the little bit of healing magic she knew on his most serious injuries.
The blackness was claiming him again, but he fought it this time, he wanted to stay here with Levy and Juvia, even Erza. Levy… Levy was talking again, but too much of the black had grabbed his mind.
Apparently the two bluenettes had finished patching him and were talking to Erza. How long had he been out?
Levy, come back…
"Gajeel, come on, I'll help you up. We're going back to camp where Wendy can heal you better." She was pulling on his good arm while she kneeled next to him.
Stay. Stay by my side.
With a groan, and her assistance, he forced himself to sit up. Levy quickly slipped under his arm and helped him stand some, more leaning on her that on his own two feet. He knew he was too heavy for her.
"S-sorry, I'm… a-a little… Heavy for ya', S-Shrim-p gihi..." He managed to pull the corners of his mouth up as he let slip his trademark laugh. "Oh shut up you big oaf!" He caught the fondness in her words as they took a tentative step forward together in their awkward heap. Titania and Juvia called to them that they were off to find the others as Levy half carried, half dragged Gajeel towards the camp.
Stay by my side.
Stay close to me.
I need you now.
Stay.
Once at the camp site, Levy laid the dragon out on a mat and stayed sitting next to him for a moment to catch her breath. Gajeel opened his eyes and looked her over with a frown. She was a mess, her dress was torn and bloodstained in several places, and she had some bleeding wounds of her own. Her headband was gone and her hair was a mass of multiple lengths of blue hair that fell every which way.
With a sigh levy made to get up, but a hand grabbing hers stopped her and she looked at the man lying next to her.
"Gajeel-"
Stay.
"Ah, I'm ok fer now. Rest, ya' need it."
Her eyes lit up with determination as she turned to him fully and pulled her hand out of his, standing seconds later.
"But you are hurt pretty badly Gajeel, right now all that matters is-"
"That yer here. With me. 'nd are for the most part, ok."
That you stay with me. I need you.
The script mages eyes went wide at his words, the sincerity in his voice, the depth of the look he was giving her, how his eyes glowed like molten lava, and a gasp escaped her. He held her with that molten gaze for a long moment, then slowly lowered her to sitting on her legs at his side again. Levy closed her mouth and lowered her gaze to his chest. Gajeel smirked a little and let his arm rest at his side, closing his eyes, content to just be there with her at his side. After a little while he felt her move, opening his eyes once again he was about to protest her movement, but said nothing as she lay down on her side next to him, resting her head on his shoulder and placing a hand over his heart. Gajeel looked at her for a moment, then snaked his arm around her body and pulled her close, ignoring the pain in his ribs from the contact. He turned his nose to her hair and barred his face there. He felt her smile, and he smiled back into the blue mess. They stayed still for a while, grateful for the quiet and for a moment to relax. After a long while, he let her go. She stayed still for a moment longer then sat up and stretched. She winced at something on her side that pained her and his hand rested on her back, rubbing it gently. She tossed him a half sleepy half grateful smile, then stood to get the medical things needed to heal him.
By the time he was all bandaged to Levy's liking, Lisanna, Mira, Elfman and Evergreen had met up at camp, the last two were lying next to Gajeel on the mat. Levy sat back and looked down at the resting dragon, who was 90% covered in white bandages. She smiled tiredly. Not caring who was around, or who saw, she stroked the sleeping man's cheek then bent and kissed him for a long moment.
In that instant, she knew. No matter the feelings the dragon had for her, she knew how she felt about him, and nothing was going to change that. He had told her in not so many words, well none actually, that he was going to protect her no matter the situation. That he would always come for her. That she could trust him to be there always. That he trusted her to be able to handle herself, and that he respected her ability to stand her ground, but that he wanted to always have her back. She just knew that this was right, no matter how wrong it may seem to anyone else, this was right. This was all she wanted.
When she went to pull away, a hand on the back of her head pulled her back down and the rough, cracked and warm lips moved with hers once again, telling her that this was what he wanted too. Her fingers tightened on his face, as his gripped her hair tightly, enjoying each-others closeness. As they broke Gajeel pulled her fully down on top of him, silencing her with a look when she made to protest. Dragging his fingers through her messy hair a few times, Gajeel let himself fall back into the darkness, knowing that for at least right now, they were ok, he could let his guard down, and that she wasn't going anywhere.
How he wished that he still had those carefree moments with Levy now. That bliss seemed so long ago, days, weeks, even though it was only a few hours ago. But now they were all running for their lives. The events of the past hours flashing in his memory, waking to another of the Grimoire Heart bastards trying to kill them all, and having Levy and Lisanna defend them all with Freed and Bixlow, then on their own. Then there was Salamanders battle with the second master, which Laxus crashed. That freak Zeref got away, why were they after him again? And then the dragon showed up.
A million questions jumped into Gajeels mind when the unmistakable sounds of a dragon reached his acute ears. There would be no time to ask, they had tried to make contact and the great black dragon was having none of it. He was huge, nearly twice the size of Metalicana had been, and there was something different about this one, Gajeel could smell it and he was sure the other two dragon slayer on the island could as well. This dragon was bad news. No, Evil. Pure black magic, his only intent was to kill and destroy, and they could do nothing but tuck their tails and run like cowards, clinging to life that was going to end very soon, and very painfully. Gajeel was amazed that the master had enough strength left in his body after two fights, both of which nearly killed him, to go toe to toe with this beast.
Now however, they were doomed. They were all going to die, here now on this damned island, by a freaking dragon that might hold all the answers Gajeel, Natsu and Wendy had been looking for. Metalicana… forgive me, I've failed to find you… fuck. He had lost. He had lost his dragon. He had lost his home. He had lost who he thought he was. He was going to lose Levy and Lilly. Now he was going to lose his life. Behind them the black dragon threw up his head, collecting power in his throat, and exploded his attack over the landscape.
It was as if the world had suddenly slowed down. There was the light of the attack from behind, and another, brighter, warmer, welcoming light in front of them. Was this what death was like? He was going to lose everything in the next second. But there was one thing that he was going to hold onto even if this was the end. Grabbing Levy around the middle he jumped to the side behind a fallen tree. She was shaking his arms, her hands white-knuckled in his shirt, face pressed between her hands into his chest. Gajeel wrapped his body around the woman in his arms as the two lights collided and enveloped them all, forcing his nose into her hair and telling her that he would protect her.
That he was going to be there forever, protection her and keeping her safe.
Stay close to me…Levy…
Better late, very late, than never right? I will see where I get with the next part, hopefully by Friday (?) that would be lovely then we're back on track. I had a few headcannons related to the holidays pop up when I was studying so we'll see what happens with those too. Unitil Next Time!
