Hello everyone! How have you been doing? I got a little action for you all, so I hope you enjoy!
You'll be My Gal
No matter how much Gajeel hated admitting it, Jade's ideas were usually crazy, but did somehow work in the end, Lily and Gajeel got their song edited and finally perfected before having it released under Fairy Tail Records. The people took it well and sales were doing well, but it wasn't a hit yet.
Juvia looked down at the fresh record—the center decorated with a gray circle and inscribed with 'Gajeel Redfox and Lily Cat.' She chuckled. "The Lily Cat? Well…Juvia doesn't know what to say."
Redfox rolled his eyes. "I have no idea why you just didn't use your name."
Lily smiled and shrugged. "Every great has a nickname."
"You could have put Lily." Juvia replied.
"Whatever. If this is what he wants." Gajeel grumbled. "…sales are decent."
"Time will tell, Gajeel-san. You just have to wait." Juvia sighed.
"Yea and after what you said Jade-chan told you, it seems like you want Jose's attention back on you." Lily replied.
Gajeel grumbled. "No I don't. I just don't want to tossed aside like a used tissue. I'm good."
"Juvia understands, but it still isn't safe enough to say that we're safe to say the least." The songstress replied.
"Who knows? Maybe we'll jump the charts overnight." Lily smiled. Gajeel only sulked deeper into his couch. Yea right…
He couldn't believe his eyes. What the hell is this?!
In the latest release from successful bassist, Gajeel Redfox, a slow melodic bass accompanied a newbie in business—by the name of 'Lily Cat' Not much is none about the man, but listeners can hear a well made partnership between the two. If you haven't heard 'You'll be My Gal' you need to quickly take your ass to the store, because this is a true hit from Fairy Tail Records—competing companies better watch out! I'm no expert singer, but I know that Redfox is well on his way down the road.
Jade Blueshepherd, Editor of the Magnolia Corner.
Gajeel couldn't believe this. The Kid wasn't one to drop something for anyone. They've known each other for some time, but she wasn't one to do favors for nothing. This meant she was actually impressed. Gajeel thought a bit longer and groaned. He was going to have to owe sooner or later…
Gajeel sighed and turned to where they posted the music charts. He nearly choked on his coffee. He rushed to the phone.
"Lily!" Gajeel replied into the phone.
"Gajeel, you're so loud I can hear you from next door! What's wrong?" Lily replied.
"Not a damn thing! We got number one in the charts!" Gajeel couldn't help, but smile. There was silence on the other line. "…Lily?"
Suddenly, it could be heard from the walls cheering and clapping. "Woohoo! That's what I'm talkin' about! My first release and it's a hit!"
Gajeel realized that. He grumbled. He will never live that down. Gajeel didn't mind though. It felt good to be this joyous. Surely, everyone was feeling it now.
…well everyone except maybe Jose Porla and the entire employees working at Phantom.
Another bottle smashed on the wall and the crowd of workers held their heads down. They were going to be ridiculed and it was never a pretty sight to see.
Jose threw several newspapers in front of the crowd. "Every single damn paper, company, charts, and shop sales has Redfox as number one!" The papers dropped to the beat of his voice. "I thought we were doing good; Redfox was suppose to get worn out—but he's here with a number one!"
The owner finished a glass of wine before throwing it at the wall. "My target is McGarden. I need Redfox taken out. There should be no reason those fucking fairies should be owning number one! Got it!?" The room nodded vigorously.
A thin puff of cherry scented smoke filled the room. It was followed by a chuckle. "Well someone seems to be upset." A hearty voice snickered. The crowd was shocked that someone would make such a witty remark at Porla, but it was silently agreed that whoever this person was, they certainly didn't know the wrath of Porla.
Jose angrily looked around. "Who goes there? Where are you?"
The voice chuckled. "Don't worry about it. You wouldn't be able to find me anyway."
Porla straightened up and for some reason was collective. "It's the Jiver isn't it? I was beginning to give up on you."
The woman chuckled. "Oh that would be a shame. It gives me something to do in the when I'm bored. Oh, and sorry about those boys, but you caught me on a few wrong days."
Jose gestured to a few boys and they nodded—starting to search for the woman—in the direction of where the smoke came from. "Well, what do I owe the pleasure?"
The shadows answered. "A little birdie told me you were after Redfox and I wanted to peek in." She laughed. "But I guess, all hear is your rant. Why would you even bother with the boy?"
"You seem to know Redfox on a personal level." Porla replied.
The woman knew to watch herself. "Not even, but no one wants to see any greats disappear."
Porla's face scrunched up. "What are you accusing me of?"
"The same thing you can't do to me. But that's beyond the point." Smoke appeared from the opposite side as before. "Anyway, I'm just advising you to leave Redfox alone. Greats come around, but hidden geniuses are rare jewels. You're not going to win Porla, not against Redfox and not against the fairies." The woman's voice was stern.
Smoke came from the Porla's left. "But that's for you to realize when it's too late." She chuckled. "See ya soon."
Porla snapped. "Find her! Where is she!?"
"We don't know!"
"Well, she can't be far! Drag her ass here!" Porla slammed a fist onto a table. The group didn't know what to do. "All of you! Now!" The crowd quickly dispersed in all directions, but it was no use.
…
Jade looked down from the Phantom Records building roof as people flooded from all exits. She smirked as she blew out the smoke.
"Oh the fools…" she laughed. She led out a content sigh. Well at least I know that Porla may go after Red for my Little Blue. She let out a heavy breath. Gosh, since when did I ever turn into the hero? Jade chuckled and began walking. I'll be taking my leave for now.
Levy groaned as she hung up the phone. That's the twelfth one… While it had been a while since her article on Redfox, Gajeel's new song had caused a spark in the business and newspapers across the country were calling McGarden up to see if she would leak any resource where they could get in touch with the bassist.
She turned them down.
It was only because a good reporter should never reveal her secrets—if there was any. In all honestly, if Levy hadn't ran into Jose's thugs while they were targeting Redfox and Lockser, things would be different. A lot different.
In reality, Levy hadn't heard the new song at all, and was just too tired to care really. The Editor—somehow—got in touch with Big Momma and convinced the woman to get Levy to practice every day.
Mornings were always busy with kids running around and Momma getting breakfast, so that left the evenings—which in some cases, started really late with Levy coming home from work and such.
Levy looked at her clock. 6:30p.m. Levy groaned. I need to get out… not home or I'm going to get dragged into singing lessons…maybe I'll stop by Loke's…yea that sounds nice.
The phone rang and Levy looked at it before picking it up only to hang up. Loke's it is.
Loke's wasn't exactly a juice joint, but it wasn't just a simple diner either. Some called it a gentleman's club, but that wasn't true as well. Sure, girls' clothes would find its way to the floor, but could be expected any place where there was alcohol. Or a flirtatious, charismatic owner like Loke.
Levy patted her light green shirt down to her tan pants before entering the wooden building. She went straight to the bar, ignoring the glances paved her way. She sat at the bar.
A man with orange hair under a dark brown porkpie hat winked at McGarden as he rolled his shoulders—making his matching suit follow his movement. Levy casually threw up a hand and rested her head in the other. The man made his way over with a smile.
"Hello there stranger." He chuckled.
Levy smiled. "Hey Loke."
The man pulled out a small glass and placed it on the counter. "A drink or," his voice trailed off so Levy could finish.
Levy shook her head. "No thanks, but I'll take some sweet tea if you have any please."
"Anything for you dear." Loke poured some ice into glass. "You look exhausted. Rough day?" He took out a pitcher.
Levy stretched her arms. "Not rough, just boring. Everyone was calling to see if I could connect them to Redfox, seems like his latest is a hit."
Loke gasped as he put down her sweet tea. "You haven't heard it?"
Levy sipped her drink and waved her hand. "No." She took another sip. "Why'd ya-,"
Loke shook his head. "Stay there, I'll be back." He left Levy alone at the bar.
Levy sighed, not even bothering to wonder where he left to. Levy rested her head on the counter and didn't take any notice when the record was interrupted and a new song began playing.
It was first quiet, but soon humming began and was accompanied by a heavy bass melody. Soon singing began.
Girl, you keep me on my toes
everywhere I go
Doll, those eyes so big and brown,
I've never seen a girl like you.
Ever since I laid my eyes on you.
You winked and blew a kiss,
but I'll never miss
the flicker in your eyes
filled which so much pride.
A gal like you—
with confidence in your stride.
Baby take my hand,
so we can dance around the clock.
You giggle as you shake hips,
swaying to rhythm with such bliss
Darling you just take my breath away.
We danced for a night,
but what I fright
when I say you with another guy.
You were having more fun as you try—
to leave a hole in my heart.
But sweet darling,
I'll be waitin'.
For you to be mine,
For the night again.
The moon will witness,
the stars will smile,
when we dance the night away
for another day—
when you'll be my gal.
It finally hit Levy. She gasped.
Loke gave a knowing look and nodded as he refilled her glass. "Exactly, that's one hell of a song-," he paused as a woman walked by; a smirked appeared on his face.
"Loke." Levy said to get his attention back.
The man seemed to jump slightly and cleared his throat. "Yes! Anyway, you have to admit it's a good song. Your boss even said so in the paper."
Levy was shocked. "The Editor? You're kidding."
Loke shook his head and pulled a copy of the day's paper from under the counter. "You haven't read it?- Oh yeah you were busy." He gestured at the paper. "Well read it cutie."
Levy eyed him. "What did I say about flirting with me?" her voice warned, but not threatened.
Loke threw up his hands. "My bad, but go read while I see if the band is here."
Levy sipped her tea; she couldn't believe the Editor actually gave Redfox some accreditation on the song. Yes it was fantastic, but even McGarden knew it takes more than a few good notes to impress her. Hell! She was the Jive Swinger afterall!
Levy went on to read the rest of the paper, not taking much note of the commotion that was coming by. It was probably just the band Loke brought. These were usually good bands, but ones really good don't come around so often. They always wanted money that Loke didn't have.
However, the usually noisy hangout got quiet after the band seemed to have set up. A light piano started off not long before a bass joined in and a drum kept a simple beat. A wonderful trombone joined and played a smooth melody. A trumpet signaled some lyrics. A hearty, smooth voice began to sing.
Now me and my baby~
don't get along no more, oh no
…Now me and my baby~
don't seem to get along no more~
Now that gal don't do no better.
I guess I'll have to let her go~-oh!
Now she was born in March-
got a mind like a wind.
Every time I see her talking to another man,
She says, 'Meet my little boyfriend!'
She a bad actin' woman.
Don't do no one man, no good.
Yea I really, really hope the poor thing will do better,
if the poor thing just understood. (She just don't understand)
Now she get in like a bear-,
with an errel on her face,
but what don't know is she's run a human race!
She a bad actin' woman.
Don't do no one man, no good.
Yea I really, really hope the poor thing will do better,
if the poor thing just understood.
When Levy looked up to see who was singing so well, she nearly joked on her drink. Her big, brown eyes grew wide. I can't believe it…Jellal? The trombonist was definitely known, but liked to keep in the background when he could.
Levy smiled to see who else was on stage. She chuckled. Loke seemed to go back to his drums—flirting the entire time; Gray played his sax while Natsu kept a countermelody on his trumpet. Levy peered her eyes a bit. She giggled a little. Wendy was on the piano with Gajeel lurking in the corner with her—watching the crowd as he played a background. Levy raised her glass when she came in eye contact with Loke. He grinned and winked. Soon the band played for a while and Levy just loved looking and listening to the performance. Gosh, they sound wonderful. I mean, each and every one of them; it's a miracle that Gray and Natsu haven't started fighting too. Time seemed to fly.
Or maybe because Levy ended up passing out from exhaustion. Either one.
The next thing she realized, Levy was tiredly waking up to some loud laughing. She looked up to see Loke grinning at her. "Hello sleepy head!" he giggled. Some laughter erupted again.
Levy sat up and rubbed her eyes. "Gosh, I'm missing the party, huh?"
Loke chuckled. "Well I do make it my priority that the place is always having a grand, gay time, but there's always some for you. Anyway, you've been here for a while. Let me get you some food." Levy was about to object, but the man had already gone.
A deep voice spoke from behind. "Hey there shrimp."
Levy didn't have to turn around. "Redfox." She grunted.
Gajeel took a seat by the bluenette and signaled another gin-millist. He put up a two. "Thanks Redfox, crowd seems to like it." Loke nodded as he put down Levy's bowl of chowder. "And congrates on the hit."
Gajeel smirked. "Thanks."
Loke left the two and the worker came by. "Two Planter's Punch." He put them down in front of Gajeel and Levy. Gajeel paid and the two were alone.
Levy was silent for a bit before chuckled amongst herself. Gajeel raised a brow. "What the hell is wrong with you?"
Levy swallowed a spoonful of the chowder and grinned. "Nothing, just didn't think you were much of a rum drinker."
Gajeel smirked. "Eh it's stronger than what they make here."
Levy raised a brow. "Is it?"
"Of course doll, I get the good stuff shipped from the Islands." Loke smiled as he passed by and picked up Levy's empty bowl.
Levy smelled it. "It's strong." She commented. "White rum?"
"You supposedly don't drink often, but you can recognize that?" Gajeel said.
Levy shrugged. "Well I have worked with Cana at her place." She lifted her glass and examined the deluded green color. "Though this does seem like a lady drink, Redfox."
"Sure, sure. Just drink it." Gajeel grunted. Levy took the straw in her mouth a sipped it. Her cheeks tinted red. "Oh don't tell me it's too strong for you."
Levy stuck out her tongue. "Dry up! I just shouldn't be drinking right now." She sighed. "What time is it? I should be heading home."
Gajeel snickered. "It's not even late, stay out will ya?"
Levy sipped the drink. "I can handle myself, but I rather not walk home so late."
"I'll take ya home—'ll call a cab." Redfox retorted. Levy grumbled something inaudibly but didn't argue. Soon the rest of the band came by.
"So I see Loke got you on stage, Fernandes?" Levy smiled as the man leaned against the bar.
Jellal gave a shy smiled. "Well, I haven't played with Gray and Natsu in a while and to miss Redfox would be a real loss. It was nothing."
"But it was wonderful!" Levy told the humble man.
"Yea, but how come I had to play the countermelody? Who's ever heard of a trombone leading?" Natsu complained.
"Shut it hothead. You know the scene is changin' and you loud mouth trumpeters won't be going any time soon." Gray rolled his eyes in his new dark blue suit.
"That a compliment ice-balls?" Natsu replied.
"Oh don't start. You should have some sense what you say around a lady." Loke commented.
Natsu raised a brow and blinked twice. He laughed. "Well my bad Madam Fullbuster." He snickered.
Like most cases, Levy found Gray's suit jacket on the ground in a split second and his white dress shirt rolled up. "Want to go?"
"Not here! Take it outside." Loke interjected before a scuffle could start.
Jellal chuckled. "Those two will never change."
Levy sighed and shook her head. "Nope, but who knows what things would be like if they did." She finished up her drink. "I best be gettin' home Loke."
"Aww, so soon? I don't want you leaving liquored up." Loke replied.
Gajeel rolled his eyes. "I'm goin' with her."
Loke didn't look satisfied, but knew he didn't want to argue with the man. He sighed and took out some money. "Well dear, lovely seeing you again." He took Levy's hand and kissed it. "Until next time my dear."
Levy smiled. "Thanks Loke." She then got from her seat and exited the building. Gajeel followed. "You don't need to follow me Redfox." She said as she watched the cars pass in both directions.
Gajeel stood by her. "Eh, I needed to go—too much time with those two idiots."
Levy chuckled. "You act as if you don't like Gray and Natsu."
"They're too rowdy." Gajeel grunted and pocketed his hands.
"So are you." She giggled and sighed. "But I will admit that Loke still has the skills. They all used to be in a cover band when we were younger—even Jellal. They've gone so far." She paused. "But you know you like playing with them. Music bonds us, and jazz lets us let go of our troubles."
"Let's us tell a story." Gajeel muttered.
"What did you say?" Levy asked, turning to him.
Gajeel shook his head. "Nothing. Let's get you home." He flagged down a cab. Levy didn't argue and entered the car after she saw Gajeel awkwardly hold it for her.
The two sat in comfortable silence. The radio played softly in the background. After a while, they were soon at Levy's house and the two stepped out the car. It drove away.
The bluenette turned to her companion. She gave a simple smile. "Thank you Redfox."
Gajeel scratched his head. "No problem." He didn't know what to say.
"…well, I'll be heading in now. See you later?" Levy grinned.
Gajeel smirked. "Of course." Levy nodded and he watched her climb up the steps and enter the house. He sighed. That girl.
Gajeel remained where he was as the sound of footsteps grew louder from behind. He didn't turn around. He sighed. "Evening' Jose."
Terms Used:
Juice Joint: a speak easy.
Dry up: shut up
Gin Millist: a bartender.
Song-
Bad Actin' Woman- Jack Teagarden (One sung by Jellal)
You'll be My Gal- Mine. :)
Cliffy! I know that's mean since updates have decreased, but I'm trying my best. I hope you like this chapter. More will come, I promise. As for the song, I tried my best to find a year, but I couldn't. If it's not in the time period, I'm sorry. I just think Jellal would be the one to sing it. Though you all should give it a listen.
Please review, pm, comment, and share any feedback you would like to give me. It's all welcomed. Thank you very much.
Until next time! :)