Hey guys! A chapter with a chunk of feels (to fit with the anime and manga of this weekend haha).
Hope you're gonna like it! The song is Alone by Heart
Fairy tail belong to Hiro Mashima
Till now I always got by on my own
I never really cared until I met you
And now it chills me to the bone
After yesterday party Levy was so tired, she slept until 2pm, waking up Sunday afternoon. She had the worst bed head ever was the first thought that came to her as she was looking her reflexion in the mirror. She didn't drank enough to have a headache, but she was still quite somnolent.
After a quick shower and a snack, Levy crashed in her couch and opened her laptop, TV and checked her cellphone for messages. Nothing from Gajeel but one from Lucy that was sent just a couple of minutes ago. It poked Levy's curiosity.
omg Levy I feel so bad.
Oh no. What could she have possibly do? Nothing she might regrets, Levy hoped. She answered quickly.
What? What is it? You didn't... you know... did the thing...?
No! I... I just slept at Natsu's home. In his arms. And it felt good. But nothing more!
OK then I don't see the problem...?
idk why I just feel guilty. Like if I cheated on Gray. But I didn't! Aaah!
Stay calm sweetheart. Just take it as a great night and come back home. Take a hot bath and idk write something. How's your novel anyway?
Pretty good since a lot happened lately, it's really inspiring! Anyway I'm home, see you tomorrow.
Yeah! Have a good day!
Levy put back her cellphone on the couch besides her and put her attention back to her laptop screen. She didn't really know what to do but decided to go read some social media drama. Sadly, there was nothing interesting. A bunch of selfies taken by coworkers at yesterday's party. They all seems so different. It's always funny to see people outside of work. They act differently, they speak louder...
Upon looking, Levy found a picture of her and Gajeel when they finished their dance, their fingers intertwined and a powerful, passionate stare at one another. The photo was really pretty with the light making them looks like movie stars. The way they looks at each others... at the moment the bluenette was too out of breath to realize anything, but with an outside point of view... they looked like a couple. And that sight was enough to produce a thousand of butterfly in her belly. A couple... two persons who loves each others and will protect one another forever. Or, well, until fate decide to separate them. In any case, it felt weird and Levy didn't know if she was liking that or not.
A notification sound got Levy out of her thoughts.
Tomorrow is your friend Lucy's Heartfilia birthday!
- Oh no! I totally forgot and didn't buy a gift, shit! Ugh, I don't have many more time left... maybe making a gift?
She was thinking about every possibilities possible when a text message stopped her train of thoughts.
Oi shorty. Awake yet?
Gajeel! It's Lucy's birthday tomorrow! I don't know what to do!
How should I know? Bake a cake idk...
A cake! Of course it was a great idea!
Oh, yes, that's gonna be perfect! But... idk how to cook ;_;
She almost felt his sighed over the phone.
I can help ya want. I'm doin' the best cake ever anyway.
Oh really?! That's fantastic! Let's go shops for ingredients. Can you come pick me up?
omw shorty
- No, Lucy won't like this!
- What? Why?
- Because it's not feminine enough.
Of course their shopping for groceries was not as smooth as Levy expected but hey, at least she's got someone to help.
- Let's do a strawberry shortcake! With wipe cream!
- Ugh. If ya want. I'm tired of arguing with a shrimp. Gihi.
He looked at her with a smirk and she returned with a disapproving glare.
- Whatever. I just wanna do something she'll likes. She'd been trough a lot lately and she deserves it!
Gajeel found her attentions really cute but didn't let out any emotions, keeping his annoyed expression even if he was super happy to be here with her.
- So... watcha do... y'know... when I went back home?
- Nothing really. People were too noisy and waiting for Lucy was a pain. I ate candy and that's about it, haha. Why? Were you... worried?
She gave a playful smirk toward him. He answered with a "tchk".
- Speaking of which, have you seen the photos of the event on Fairybook?
- ... I ain't got an account. Full of bull crap. Not interested.
- Oh... OK then. Haha.
It was probably better that way. He didn't need to see those pictures. He would get the wrong idea... because he don't love her like that. It would simply be embarrassing. She's just a shrimp after all.
Back to Levy's house, they started preparing the ingredients and searched for a recipe online, which was fairly easy. Next thing they had to do was...
- Mix the dry ingredients together. Rest. Alright, so... the flour, baking powder and salt, right?
- Why d'ya ask me? Want me to show you the difference between dry and wet? Gihi.
The bluenette went from snow white to crimson red in one second, embarrassed by her friend words.
- Gajeel! That's so wrong! Why would you say that?!
- Wha- oh ya dirty minded shrimp! Always thinking naughty things. I was speaking about splashing water at ya, dirty little woman!
She went even redder (if possible). She was not dirty! His sentence sounded fishy! He did it on purpose just to fluster her she was sure! She couldn't... why did she thought about that anyway?! Her brain was playing games with her and she was not enjoying it one bit.
- I'm not- it's your sentence that sounded SUPER suspicious. You did it on purpose I know it!
- Stop it! I ain't no half baked pervert! This kind of humor ain't my thing at all.
She looked at him with eyes that means "you don't believe it yourself".
- ... What with the look? Tchk. Annoying dirty shrimp.
- Perverted beast! Mh!
She stick her tongue to him and he answers back. Worst than children. But it seemed so natural to mess like that and tease each others. Her time with him was so fun and free of stress and problems. It was just the two of them and even if they had the habit to annoy each others, they never went to the point of being mean. Both didn't enjoy trouble and drama anyway. Just being there, slicing strawberry, mixing ingredients, making wiped crea-
- Ah!
She was so lost in her thoughts, Levy didn't see Gajeel coming and poke her nose with the fluffy, creamy mixture.
- GAJEEL!
- What's the problem, shrimp? Or should I say... clown shrimp?! Gihi!
- Grrr! You're so immature!
Her cheeks turned red and as she was licking the substance on her nose, a strawberry hit her right in the eye.
- Hey! Stop it, stupid Gajeel!
- "Stop it, stupid Gajeel!", he says, mocking her. It's gonna take you more than that to shut me down, vile clown shrimp!
She was starting to get into this childish game. Vile clown shrimp, uh?
- Then you'll get what you want, evil iron dragon!
- Iron... dragon? Where did you find that?
- Oh, in a book I borrowed one day. Anyway. En garde!
She threw a handful of flour in his face. He looks so funny! He who is usually so dark with his long dark hair (tied in a ponytail for the occasion. She felt bad for finding him kind of sexy). As she was giggling, he answers with a glass of water.
- Ah! Cold cold cold!
She fought back and they continued until they hear the bell to indicate that the cake is ready. When Levy finally noticed the state of the house, the kitchen was a terrible, gigantic mess. At least the cake was perfectly baked! The bookworm started laughing really hard and Gajeel followed, less enthusiastically but as amused as her.
- It's your fault because you start it so you clean!
- Oi that's your house. And ya followed me so ya clean too!
- OK, OK, we need to wait for the cake to cool out a bit anyway. Let's do this!
After the cleaning and making of the cake, they both drink a good, hot coffee like everytimes they meet. Sitting on the couch with some music in the background, Levy couldn't hope for more. Except maybe being in his large, strong arms.
Don't start thinking things. He doesn't love you that way. And you're not ready, remember?
- Thank you for helping me today! It was really fun.
- Eh. Yeah I guess. She better be happy with all the cleaning that cake made us do.
- I'm sure she will be the happiest!
They both take a sip of the dark and warm liquid, appreciating the tranquility. There was a question Levy died to ask for a long time now but didn't want to make things awkward. It was so touchy to speak to Gajeel about his past though, being so mysterious and secretive about it.
- Say, Gajeel...
- Watcha want? I know ya wanna ask me something important when you start your sentence like that.
- Oh, um..., she must admit she was taken aback on this one. I just... just wanted to know if you already had girlfriends... in the past.
Gajeel's head was starting to think really fast. Shit is this some kind of trap question? Will she be mad at him if he says yes? Will she be sad? But he didn't want to lie. Not to her. Ugh he hated those kind of conversation.
- Ya got maybe 1... or 2. Nothing serious y'know.
He was not lying. Not entirely. He didn't remember the number but it was never real. More often than not it was one night. He was not a guy for relationships. But Levy... Levy is different. She is not your everyday mainstream girl. She is special and precious to him. He didn't want her to think he was some kind of go go boy. Her face was serious and she didn't seems sad. Good. He handled it smoothly. At least he thought.
- You don't have to lie, haha. I will not be upset. I just wanna know for the sakes of curiosity!
A woman words can sometimes be deadly. It was like walking on a land full of mine.
- Eh. In all honesty... t'was most of the time just one night and shits like that. Like I said, nothin' serious.
She didn't know either she was reassured or not. It was always nice to know that he didn't have a real girlfriend before (she felt a bit less alone) but... if he always did one night stand, maybe that means he's just no made for a relationship. But maybe she was reading too much into this and it's just that he never found a girl perfect for him. He seems hard to please after all.
- Oh, I see. Haha. I never got a boyfriend before... pitiful right?
I could arrange that right away, shorty.
- Nah. Ya better have one true love for your entire life than a ton of craps. It's not the number that count, ain't that right?
Levy replaced her sad expression with a beautiful smile. Why was she so pretty? Is that some kind of gift to be the most perfect shrimp ever?
- Yeah!
Her heart felt so much lighter. Judging by Lucy's state, the bluenette was the best person to know that one good is more worthy than a thousand rotten. Gajeel was right; number didn't count. What if he got a ton of one night? Levy was sure she's worth more than just mindless sex!
- Oi shorty.
- Mh? What do you want? When you start your sentences like that it's often to say something important. Hihi!
Her giggles made him smile.
- Never think you're not attractive, a'ight? Ya don't need big palooza to be sexy. Ya have your own sex appeal and I never wantcha see you cry over your physic. It's stupid. Never think ya never had a boyfriend 'cause of your body. It's just that boys are blind and dumb.
She was absolutely astonished. He looked her in the eyes during the entirety of his speech. He never talked so much in her presence and to say such beautiful things? Levy was breath taken. He... didn't want to see her cry. Because... because she is his friend. Right?
- I... thank you so much Gajeel!
She jumped in his arm, tears in the corner of her eyes but a big smile glued on her face. The man turned his head, pink tinting his cheeks. It was so out of character from his usual silent and annoyed attitude. But he just... felt like he had to say something. He didn't want her to put herself in question because of some stupid and mindless girls he never even knew the name. Maybe they were pretty -he didn't remember - but no one in the world could be prettier than Levy. His little shrimp.
When he came back to reality, he realized she felt asleep in his arms. She was still tired? He sighed and smirked, circling her petite woman body with his large arms, somnolent himself.
He took a second to smell her and he realize she had the scent of books. It was weird but so relaxing and... Levy like.
She's driving me crazy.
After she passed out in Gajeel's arms, the bookworm slept until Monday morning when she realized where she was.
- What am I... Gajeel?!
- Uh...?
- What are you doing here?!
He was still sleepy but managed to answer anyway.
- Ya felt asleep on me yesterday and didn't wake up. I felt asleep right after.
- Oh, right. Haha. Oh! We should get ready to work!
- Ah crap...
Reality hit hard. He was so good staying like that with her. But duty is calling and needed his best janitor. Gajeel sighed.
After a quick shower (one after another) and a breakfast, they took the cake and put it in a box before leaving on Gajeel's motorcycle. People were not asking questions about them anymore since they were always together but never showing any romantic feelings. They were bored because there was nothing to say so their present victim was, of course, Lucy. Her love stories always fascinated her coworkers and lately has been even more entertaining. The fight between the model duo Natsu and Gray and Leo, the CEO of the rival magazine: who will be the prince charming who'll take her heart?! Their story was almost a cover all by himself. Poor Lucy... she wasn't even sure herself who she wanted. And that's why she's gonna bring her a beautiful cake!
Once at work, Levy decided to out the cake in the fridge of the employee break room and unveiled it during lunch time where everyone will sing her a Happy birthday!
Speaking of the devil, her blonde friend entered the building soon after the bluenette and she was humming a song. She seemed really happy!
- Good morning Lucy!
- Good morning Levy! You know which day it is?!
- ... Monday?
- No! Um, I mean, yes! But it's a special day! Come on don't say me you don't remember?!
- I don't know what you're talking about!
- Oh... alright.
The look on Lucy's face broke her friend heart but, hey, she knew she didn't forget about it. It's just so she can have a big surprise later!
Natsu and Gray simultaneously entered the building right after and when Levy made sure her blonde friend was out the way, she made sign to the boys.
- Hey, guys, come here!
They get closer with a puzzled look.
- You know it's Lucy's birthday today?
- Oh! I didn't know about it!, expressed Natsu.
- It's alright. Me and Gajeel made a cake for her. With just need you to hold yourself until the lunch break where we're gonna sing her a happy birthday! I faked that I forgot, so do the same and pass the word!
- Alrighty! You can count on me!, said loudly the pink haired man.
- Not so loud! She's gonna hear everything!, answered back Gray, visibly annoyed.
She's gonna be so happy, Levy knew it. Just a little bit of patience...
- Happy birthday Lucy! Happy birthday Lucy! Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday Lucy! Yayyy!
Everyone chanted for Lucy's special day. Due to the cold outside, they decided to do it in the company cafeteria's. The blonde redactor was crying tears of joy and was at a loss of words. All of her friends were here and she couldn't be more happy.
- Me and Gajeel made the cake yesterday! We hope you like it!
- Wow he is beautiful! Thank you so, so much, Levy - and Gajeel -
The bluenette give a quick glance at Gajeel, who is looking outside, seemingly day dreaming. Was he thinking about something? He seemed really concentrated.
- You're welcome!
Levy hugged her friend and went back to the tall man, still fixing and imaginary point outside. She took advantages of the loud crowd to whisper at her friend.
- Hey, Gajeel. Are you alright?
- Uh?
He wasn't paying attention. At all. He was still thinking about what he said yesterday and the more he thinks about it, the more he finds it stupid. Not only that, but he received a troubling letter the Friday before Halloween and didn't know what to do about it. He had to keep it secret though for her sake.
- ... are you alright? You seems distant. Thinking about something?
- Uh? Nah. Just daydreamin'.
Her looks shows that she don't believe him at all, but he don't really care. Some things need to stay in the head. If only he could say it... but he was tied with the silence chuckles.
- Mmh... OK. If you say so...
One day shorty... maybe one day you'll know. I hope I'll be here to tell it.
At the end of the day Gajeel proposed, like usual, to take her home. The travel was in silence while both of them were thinking.
What was he thinking? Did Levy said something wrong? Is he ready for a long and stable relationship? Did her question from yesterday afraid him? He was really mysterious lately. Was he hiding something from her? If yes, was it important?
Once they arrived home, Levy gripped Gajeel by his leather coat. She had a bad feeling, that really uncomfortable stomachache you have when you are nervous. Why was she in that state anyway? Everything was OK, right? Nothing can go wrong? Yes?
- Gajeel.
She was almost tearing. Why? Why does she have such a bad feeling?!
- Don't cry, shorty. Everything's a'ight.
- Can I say "see you tomorrow"? Or... will you disappear? Answer me! You've been so silent lately I feel that you hide something from me! You can say it! Please, don't let me alone...
He felt so bad. He couldn't say what she wanted. He couldn't say anything. He was tied... tied with chains he couldn't break. Not yet.
- Don't worry, ya'll never be truly alone. Now stop cryin' would ya?
He took her in a huge, warm hug. He smells her hairs. Old books... Levy. That scent he had to remember always. He didn't lie: she'll never truly be alone. Because he's gonna think about her and keep his little shrimp in his heart.
Her tears were flowing. He didn't say anything and yet, she was so afraid and sad. She had the worst feeling. The feeling she would loose him. The feeling she... she would loose someone very dear. Someone... she didn't want to admit it, but someone...
Someone she loves.
In a last resort, like if it could make him stay here with her, she raise her head and kiss him. He's surprise at first but quickly answer, their lips intertwined in a passionate, soft and heart breaking kiss. Even if she's crying. Even if he feels bad. It's like nothing else exist around them. It's just those two. Just the two of them, here in that eternal embrace. It may be the best day ever for them and yet, the sadness they feels doesn't seems to get away. When they finally separated to get air, Gajeel's face was a mix of infinite sadness and incomparable happiness. Levy, with her eyes red and her sad smile made Gajeel feels even worst.
- Ah, didn't know a shrimp could kiss so well. But ya lips may be the sweetest thing ever, I still need to get back home gihi!
Play it smooth. Stay silent. You don't have the choice.
- I- um... see... see you tomorrow then?
He smirked, trying to reassure her.
- Yeah. See ya tomorrow shorty.
He put his helmet back after putting a last, fast kiss on Levy's lips.
When she went back outside the bluentte realize how red her cheeks were. Did they just... did they just kiss? Like... like in movies? It felt so... bitter sweet. She couldn't help the feeling inside of her gut. But she was so happy, almost ecstatic. Her sadness didn't get away entirely, but it was probably the best day of her life. She loves him! She, Levy McGarden, loves Gajeel Rexfox! Are they a couple? Oh no she didn't ask. Is there something to say in those moments? Or does it go naturally?
She jumped on her cellphone as soon as she saw it and texted her best friend, forgetting for a moment all the fear and sadness she felt.
Lucy! Lucy omg I kiss Gajeel! I KISSED HIM. IDK WHAT TOOK OVER ME.
Her friend answered almost immediately.
AAAAAAH OMG LEVY THATS INCREDIBLE CALL ME AND TELL ME EVERYTHING! NOW.
The two girls talked the entire evening, Levy telling about her worries and Lucy telling her she was reading way too much into this. It reassured the bluenette a bit but still, she knew something fishy was happening behind her back. For now though, a good night of sleep full of sweet dreams will put all her problems away.
She kissed Gajeel!
Tuesday morning at work, as Levy was checking today's appointment, she noticed something fishy.
- Uh? Why does Gajeel have an appointment with Erza at 9? It's not her usual... oh, hi Gajeel!
The tall man entered the main door, ignoring the little woman and heading directly for the elevator, much to her disappointment. Didn't they kiss? Shouldn't he at least smile at her? His total ignorance made her stomachache worst than yesterday's. He couldn't have forget, right? Maybe she shouldn't have kiss him? Oh, what did she do?! Crap, she was so clumsy, maybe her kiss was the worst ever! It would be so embarrassing!
15 minutes later, Levy saw Gajeel comes back toward her desk, his face still emotionless. He was heading toward the door before the bluenette block him. He could have push her aside but he let her say what she wants.
- Why are you going? You won't... disappear, right?! You didn't forget about yesterday?!
He smirked.
- I'll be back asap, shorty.
She took a step on the side and watched him go. Where is he going...? Why so mysterious? Once again on the verge of tears, Levy shook her head and sat back at her desk. He'll be back, so everything's alright. No need to worry.
Erza went to the reception a couple of minutes later.
- Levy I need you to fill those papers, they are important.
- OK... say, Erza, why did Gajeel had an appointment with you? Pretty unusual.
- Uh? He didn't say it?
- He sure seems to like his secrets
- Oh. He um... well... he gave me his letter of resignation.
It's like something broke in Levy's brain. Did she really say what she thinks? Impossible was the only word running in her head.
- Impossible...
Her eyes went blank. Why would he do this?
- He said he was moving out; didn't say where though. Confidential information.
- ... impossible...
He moved away? Without her? But he said... he said he would never ever let her alone. Impossible... why? Why of all moments?!
- Levy, are you alright?
Erza was starting to worry. Levy suddenly jumped off her chair.
- I have to find him!
She ran outside, screaming his name in the streets full of people.
- GAJEEL! GAJEEL!
Never Levy ran that desperately. She knew he wasn't hearing her. She knew he was already far away. But why? Why didn't he talk about it?! She was not giving a care in the world for anything now. It was her and her tears alone.
The she stopped. There was thousand of people walking around her yet the world seemed to stop completely. All of that information she absorbed in the last minutes went from max speed in her head to full slow motion. From 100 to 0.
It's not... possible. Why would he... leaves like that...? Gajeel tell me you're gonna get back soon... I... I don't know... what to do anymore... everything is fuzzy around me... what is happening... is not real, right? It's just a dream, right...?
"You'll never be truly alone."
His words were echoing trough her head. What did he means? She never felt so alone in her life. It was only her and her tears. Tears flowing down her cheeks. Bitter, hysterical tears.
People walked by, ignoring her. Another annoying brat. Her sadness... was inexplicable and yet there it was, eating her from inside, destroying her heart bit by bit, in a slow and painful way. Why...?
Lucy finally reached her lost friend after hearing about the situation and she was almost afraid. She never saw Levy like that.
- Levy! Levy it's Lucy! Can you hear me?!
The blue haired girl hided in the blonde arms, still crying.
- He ran away, Lucy! He disappeared! What am I gonna do?!
- It's OK sweety, calm down...
The 3rd of November. She will never forget that date. That date when she lost not only her love interest but her best friend. When she realized how much she loved him and how precious he was.
And that's when Levy understood the meaning of "You don't realize what you have until it's gone."
I wonder where you are tonight
No answer on the telephone
And the night goes by so very slow
I must admit it was a very emotional chapter for me! I almost cried
while writing it. For real, I'm so saaaad haha. Let's just say it fit
with this weekend's manga/anime. Have a good day and above all,
you are awesome! ;)