A/n This is continuation of the previous one "The note". I didn't initially plan to continue that, by as ideas about different ways how Gajeel and Levy can broke through the barrier which sapareted them and start to get closer appear in my head I can''t do but fintasize about it. Besides I could't leave Levy unhappy, right?


You are important for me

'Stop it! Stop it right now!' She tried again to compose herself. Again failed, tears continued to flood her eyes, obscuring her view. Not that she knew where she was anyway or how much time had passed, was it still morning or not.

She was so upset that after leaving Guild hall she continued moving, at first running then dragging somewhere in pitifully miserable state, his words still thundering in her head. She vaguely registered several passers-by, who asked something, probably worried by her crying face, and even managed to answer some polite nuisance to easy their concern. But tears continue to fall, heart to ache and mind to search any reasonable explanations.

Why he behaved this way?

He is always rude, that's for sure. Arrogant, insensitive, obnoxious sometimes. But never this much, not in such words, with so disgustingly sounded intonation.

What did she do to deserve this?

Was it something in her note?

Mentioning of Natsu?

Maybe she just approached him at the wrong time?

What was it?

She needed to understand, she really needed to understand because it was important, damn it. He was important… even if she initially didn't want it this way and spent unimaginable amount of time trying to change it, to reason herself out of this stupid growing attraction. Because there is no point to hope it can lead to something. It is impossible with him.

'Stop it!' She was angry with herself, sick of crying, feeling particularly weak and hated this sensation. Maybe it was the reason – her lack of physical strength? Yes, knowing him it can be it, but could such cause justify his disdainful reaction?

She raised her right hand and punched hard on her left arm. Physical pain is good distraction from mental or emotional discomfort. She learned it from him. It worked partially, so she raised her hand again, only to find it blocked by someone's stronger arm.

"Don't. Please."

She still couldn't clearly see, but this voice she'll recognize everywhere. It was him, standing near, holding her. Silence fall, as she turned stiff, trying to collect her affected emotions.

"Levy, listen, I… I shouldn't have... It's wrong… I…" Short stuttered speech came. It didn't bring much sense or relief, but she could hear that he was trying. Usually it was enough for her, but this time not. This time she didn't want to swallow his insult. For once in her life she didn't want to be forgiving.

Script Mage raised her hand, which was free, and wiped away her tears. They slowed, although continued to fall, but she could see him now. He looked sullen, mouth shut, eyes pained and worried. Her hurt instantly shifted to concern. She couldn't help it, she couldn't, but it doesn't mean that she's going to show it. Not this time!

She took a deep breath, decision formed and ready for execution. 'It's needed to be done and I can do it! I can! I will!' Levy steadied her face as much as she could, sucked another breath and carefully got her captured hand free. He didn't try to opposite it.

Words had refused to leave her mouth, but she forced them.

"I understood that such insignificant thing isn't worth your time. I won't bother you anymore, don't worry, Gajeel."

It was painful, so much, because despite her conviction she still had hope. Lately he seemed less distant, he even willingly helped her with few trifles and she often caught him looking her way and hoped that one day… No, he just proved she should get rid of this hope. And better to kill it completely!

"And…" it was so hard to utter these words "What you said, I think it makes sense, it's for the best. I wanted to be friends," 'and more, so much more' "but seems it's too difficult to overcome all differences between us. I'll do as you wish. I… goodbye, Gajeel."

It feels like the world she lives in has become lifeless and dull. She knew what he means for her, but till this moment didn't realize to what extent this feeling has grown, didn't understand how painful it would be to cut the unwarranted hope she had.

She turned on her stiff legs and managed to make a several steps, struggling not to collapse. Her chest was hurting so much, tears started to pour again, but she kept repeating that all this will pass, it will be easier in time.

Another few steps and she felt close presence behind her back, light aura of iron scent and tentative touch, very brief and feather like, to her shoulder.

"Levy, it's not what I want. …I don't want it… to end. Never did."

"Gajeel," she didn't know what she felt anymore. She tried to whip around and face him, but his hands were keeping her in place. Rough fingers felt heavenly on her bare skin. They were warm, scabrous, but so unexpectedly tender in touch, sending amazing sensations through her stressed over sensitive body.

"Shit I said earlier, forget it." He continued low and stammering. "I was enraged, out of my fucking mind. I thought that… you were talking about… something else. I didn't see your note by that time, demon's sister brought it after I… you… left. But anyways I shouldn't behave like this, yell at you, throw that shit at you. S… sorry."

"Gajeel," she tried again, but his hands stopped her once more, tightening slightly.

"Don't. It's hard enough this way."

She dropped her attempts and felt his palms relaxed a little.

"I know I am not good as a person and as… a friend, I am suspicious, easily irritable, fast with my fists and tongue. Fuck, I even didn't grasp how you managed to deal with me all this time. But I am grateful. Really. For the friendship you gave me. And the warmth."

His hold became a little stronger again and she was thankful for it. Hearing this made her feel cotton-like, and she already used almost all her strength. But Levy gathered all what was left, she couldn't miss opportunity like that. He had never before shared his real thoughts with her and she absorbed every word, they made her cry. But it was entirely different kind of tears.

Then he added another part and her world crumbled again.

"Aside from Lily… you are the most important person in my life. I want you know that. Remember it in case if I'll say or do something shitty again. I'll try not to, but, fuck… Promise that you'll remember."

She wanted so much to turn around and hug him, but she knew that he would be uncomfortable with that. She can hear how out of his comfort zone he was now and didn't want to make it harder for him. So she slowly raised one of her hands, she could only move in slow motion anyway, placed it above his and press lightly.

"I'll remember, Gajeel."

He produced breath hitched noise and after short silence warily asked:

"So we are still friends?"

"Yes, we are."

"Good," She can distinguish relieved notes in his voice. "Now tell me where this stove is, I'll take care of it and you can read or take a rest or something."

She gave him address and he hurriedly departed, still without letting her take a single glance at him. But truthfully she needed time to make herself move. She was exhausted from crying and mental pain, her body achy, legs unsteady. But his words and tone with which he pronounced them reached the bottom of her heart and set hope which gave her new type of strength, shook and filled her whole being.

Later, when tear-stained but smiling happily girl had made it back home and Lily brought her mage's journal and pleaded Gajeel's case she wholeheartedly assured him that all was ok. She wanted to know what he had told her he misunderstood, but decided to postpone it till later. Now she wanted to make something for him, let him know that things are good between them, thank him for opening up and she thought that she had a perfect idea.

Next morning when Gajeel came to Guild, he was greeted by a white paper lying on his table. He flinched a little, remembering awful events of previous day, which resulted in sleepless self-reproachful night, but then spotted words "to Gajeel" written by familiar hand and something shining which was beneath paper. Carefully lifting it he saw iron heart in the middle of which dragon was inscribed. He took it in his hand, enjoying the smell and feel of her magic, and shifted his attention to paper, there was something written on it. He read and his breath hitched.

"You are also important for me, very important. Please, remember it and don't make wrong assumptions. And, if you ever would like take a mission together I will be glad. Your friend, Levy."

"Well, this one is clear enough even for you" Lily teased good-naturedly, looking at note over his shoulder. "And if I were you, I would focus on the first sentence, Gajeel, and finally do something about it!"

"What do you mean… what to do, Lily?" It was the closest to the shy expression that Lily had ever seen on Dragon Slayer's face.

"Start with being more attentive, talk with her a little using words, you usually only grumble and shrug – that's not the most encouraging way in communication with someone. And about the mission – it's good idea to get closer. I even can go with you. For the first time. If you need me, I mean."

"I…" Gajeel was torn between temptation and insecurity, interaction with other people was area, where he felt himself incompetent as a nutshell. "What if I'll do something wrong again?"

"Surely you'll do," Lily even didn't attempt to reassure him. "But it is the only way to learn. And you are lucky, because she not only understands this peculiarity of yours, but also is a very kind and forgiving sort of person. So, all will be okey. But you have to drop your distant attitude and start to act. Enough of that sulking and waiting!"

«Ok…key"

"Good!" Being in his normal for Earthland small form Lily felt amused teaching his rather huge partner how to talk with girls. "So when she'll arrive you start a conversation with her. Ask about her mission, last book she read, books she wants to read, her favorite book, anything about books – it is easy to find a topic to capture Levy's attention."

"Yeaaah" Gajeel wasn't so sure. Of course, they talk more often lately and even a lot, but as Lily said it was she who always approached him and she did all the talking. He was a man of action, but this form of initiative unsettled him and caused disturbing sensations in his guts.

Life was merciful to him today, not letting him to drown in nervous anticipation. Levy soon shoved up and immediately came to them, bringing along her usual warm and cheerful atmosphere. She asked if she can sit here, placed her small pile of books and narrated how she accomplished her last job by Lily's request. After that she started to read silently and after several pointed glares from Lily and 15 more minutes to work up his guts Gajeel managed to ask her some question.

'Hm, I was military commander in Edolas and became love advisor in Earthland. Unexpected change of occupation' Lily muttered under his breath while watching how Gajeel, awkwardly and stammering, tried to ask blue haired girl about her books. Levy answered happily not noticing or, as Exceed strongly suspected, purposely chose not to notice man's struggles, and Iron Dragon Slayer gradually relaxed. Their conversation continued and soon Lily saw Gajeel started to smile, then heard his laugh.

'Yes, it definitely will be ok.' Exceed resumed his thinking. 'And it will be nice to have female at our home.' This thought led to contemplating how much he would benefit from Gajeel and Levy more close relationship: clean house, normal food, civilized conversations, more content Gajeel, closer participation in Guild's life, more various missions, more time for his own business… – he definitely wouldn't mind these blessings in his life.

Wise little cat smiled meaningfully and start to devise different ways he can help his partner with his love affair.