I Love Ya

Gajeel wished that when he had finally told Levy that he did love her that it had been all romantic and perfect. Sadly, Gajeel's confession of love was one that far from ideal in his mind. If you were to ask Levy however she would gladly tell you that when Gajeel finally told her that he loved her back it was one of the best moments of her life.

The first time Gajeel told Levy that he loved her was right before they had been hired by the magic council. Levy had been ill for a week when she had collapsed. The young mage had known she was ill but had done everything to keep Pantherlily and Gajeel in the dark. Gajeel had panicked and carried Levy to the nearest healer that he knew of in the area. Gajeel had been worried when the healer had told Gajeel and Lily to sit outside and wait. Gajeel had spent the next hour pacing waiting for any word on Levy. When the healer finally came out to talk Gajeel and Lily her face was worn and drawn. Gajeel felt his heart sink low in his gut.

The healer paused. "She should be fine. I just got her fever to start going down. She has been ill for a while. Her body mainly collapsed from exhaustion. It looks like her fever had been going on for several days."

Gajeel was in shock. He had not ever noticed that Levy had been ill. Yeah, she had been walking a little slower but she had kept pace. Levy had not once complained that he and Lily had been going too fast. She had never said one word about not feeling well. Gajeel was feeling awful.

"Is she awake? Can I go sit by her side at least?" Gajeel asked the healer. She nodded her head "You may go see her; she is not awake so I ask that you keep quiet."

Gajeel nodded his head and uttered a quiet "Yes ma'am" before slipping inside the small hut. Gajeel did not think that his heart could not sink any lower, but when he saw Levy lying so still on the healer's cot. She look so small and frail. Gajeel clenched his fist; shame overcame him. He should have known that Levy was ill.

"Gajeel don't blame yourself. Levy knew she was sick and did not say a word to either of us. You know that if she did not want us to know that she could easily keep us in the dark." Pantherlily's deep voice rumbled from the slayer's shoulder.

Gajeel turned to look at his Exceed partner. "But Lil' I have heightened senses. I should have noticed. Also why would she not tell us that she was sick!"

Lily watched as Gajeel quietly paced back and forth while pulling on his wild and tangled hair out of frustration. After a few minutes Gajeel sat down in a wooden chair next to Levy's bedside. Lily floated down to the space at the end of bed.

"Gajeel let's face it. Levy more than likely knew that we would not have been able to afford medicine. She was more than likely making her own as we traveled. In the months since Fairy Tail disbanded we have not really had stable work. She does not want to be a burden to us and you also know just how strong she wants to be."

Gajeel glared at Lily, but only let out a sigh; knowing that his partner was right. Levy was a proud person who had sworn that she would not cause any pain or hinder them in anyway. Gajeel looked at Levy's face. His stomach clenched at the sight of her relaxed face his brow furrowed with worry at the beads of sweat dotting her forehead. Gajeel looked over at Lily.

"Keep an eye on Shrimp here, I am going to see if I can do some work for the healer and see if we can pay her back that way."

Lily nodded knowing that Gajeel needed to think some more. Since they had begun to travel with Levy; Lily had noticed that both the Solid Script Mage and the Dragon Slayer had been having a hard time processing their feelings for one another. Lily knew that Levy loved Gajeel; she had admitted as much to the Exceed one night while Gajeel had been hunting in the forest for their dinner. The exceed also knew that without a doubt that Gajeel even with his thick head loved Levy as well, but was to chicken to admit it. Levy had saved Gajeel just as many times has he had saved her, if not more. Lily really wish that his two friends would stop dancing around one another and just take that leap of faith, but he knew that he had to let the chips fall where they may.

Gajeel was chopping wood for the healer, Jane. She had been very understanding when Gajeel had explained that his trio was strapped for jewels at the moment. Jane had agreed for Gajeel to help her out while she was treating Levy. Gajeel paused to take a sip of water, sweat ran down his back. Scratching the back of his head Gajeel began to think about the past few months that he had been traveling with Lily and Levy. Gajeel wanted to find a place for them to be stable, but he did not want to leave Levy or let her leave. Gajeel swore to himself that he would make sure that Levy was never alone and always taken care of.

Over the course of the next few days Gajeel continued to help Jane around her clinic. Lily also helped around when he was not watching Levy. Levy slowly began to get better with each passing day. Gajeel was still trying to think of a way to keep his trio safe and provided for.

On the day that Levy finally woke up three major things happened. Levy finally confessed that she knew she was sick, and that she did not want to worry Gajeel and Lily. Gajeel cried when Levy finally woke up and hugged before telling her that he would always take her of her and Doranbolt showed up late that night.

Gajeel found himself glaring at the Fairy Tail member who could wipe people's minds. "Not that I don't like my guild mates and all, but just what are ya doin' here?" he growled.

Doranbolt gulped before looking Gajeel in the eye. "I have a job offer for the three of you. Now if you would please listen until I am finished." Doranbolt spent the next two hours explaining his job offer for Gajeel, Levy and Lily. After listening to Doranbolt, Gajeel asked to have to night think it over and talk with Levy and Lily.

"I am all for it. It means steady pay and a constant bed to come home too. I know we may not be on the same squads, but if we are both working for the council we can still keep in touch." Levy gave her opinion.

Gajeel looked at Lily, whom just gave an affirmative head nod. With a sigh the dragon slayer said "Alright, Shrimp. We will accept but just know that before they spilt us up…" Gajeel placed his hands on either side of Levy's face before placing a gentle kiss on Levy's lips and whispered "I love ya, Levy."