...ok ... Don't hate me for being late... I give you goodness ya? You reed'a the story and be happy ya!? You leave good review ya!? - yes, I am aware that I totally sound like a Chinese woman in a Buffet... But it was funny right?... right?... RIGHT?

ENJOY!

Chap 10: Where They Left Off

Bright light pierced his eyelids. It was painful after being in the darkness for so long. He scrunched up his face and buried it deeper into the sweet smelling hair under his nose. He didn't know who it was or why he was holding them so close in such an intimate way, but he didn't really pay that much attention to it for at the moment, that damned light was the only thing he could focus on.

With a grumble he lifted a hand to shield his eyes and cracked one open. The light was so blinding that he instantly regretted his decision. Blinking his eyes slowly adjusted and he was able to squint through his fingers at what was making the light. Then he heard it.

"Wake up my child. It is time to wake up now."

A shudder sprinted up and down Gajeel's spine. That voice was not meant for human ears. Instinctively he pulled whoever it was he was holding closer to his chest. He didn't recognize the voice, and he for sure was not their child.

"My child, Gajeel Redfox. Wake up. Wake your companion, Levy McGarden, wake and rejoin the world. The others are waiting for you. They have been waiting for a long time." The voice rose and seemed to expand across a great distance. "Wake up my children, wake and meet the new day!"

Slowly the brightness was fading and their surroundings were becoming clearer to him, as were his memories. They were on Tnerou, Grimiore Heart had attacked. They had beaten them. Then the dragon attacked. Then… nothing. He could see trees and boulders and a glen. He saw a flutter of blue hair and looked down at the script mage in his arms, her face burred in his chest, her small hands gripping his shirt. He remembered running from the dragons' attack, the brightness of the power that was growing from the dragon, then the even brighter light from the opposite direction. He closed his eyes again. His head hurt.

After a moments rest he slowly rose to a sitting position, cradling the little woman in his arms as she slept on. A smile tugged at his lips as he looked down at her. He hated to do it, but they needed to find out what the fuck was going on. He lightly shook her shoulder.

"Hey, Shrimp. It's time ta' wake up. Com'n wakey wakey."

"Mmmm."

"Gihihi, come on Shrimp, Up."

She simply wrapped her arms around his middle and gave him a squeeze as she mumbled something about wanting five more minutes. Sighing the dragon was just about to stand up, she could just hang on to him then if she was going to be this way, when a noise overhead made him snap to attention.

"OOOOOooooooooOoOOOOooooOo! THEY'RE SOOO IN LLLLLOOoooOOooOoOoOOVVVEEE!"

Several things happened at the same time. Both Levy and Gajeel jumped to their feet and away from each other. Levy turned bright red from embarrassment, Gajeel threw a string of curses and a few iron rods at the wickedly laughing Happy, and there was a shout from somewhere off in the woods. Levy having just woken up, felt all the blood drain from her head as blackness once again took her. She managed to whisper Gajeel's name before she was gone. That was all that was needed, with his super hearing, Gajeel glanced at her as her knees trembled. He managed to hit the blue exceed with an iron rod, then sprang to Levy's side and catch her before she hit the ground.

"Oi! Shirmp! What's wrong with'cha?"

"mmm… ahh." Slowly Levy raised a hand to her head squinting up at the dragon. "mmm I think I got up to fast.."

"Hmph. That Damned cat… I outta' skin him for that!"

Levy gave a weak smile before relaxing into Gajeel's embrace, sighing and taking a deep breath, inhaling his scent. She was more than willing to return to his strong, warm and protective arms. She wrapped her own arms around his thick neck, a hand fisting in his hair, as he stood carrying her bridal style. Neither trusted her to walk at the moment, and she was not complaining.

"Oi. Cat. Where did you come from anyway? Where are the others?"

"Hmm? Well if you hadn't been so mean I would bring you back to them. But you're a bully so no fish for you!" The little blue exceed was hovering a few paces off, his paws raised in mock wonderment.

Gajeel glared at the smug cat. "Fine. I'll find them myself. I could'a sworn I heard voices from over there…" With that the dragon stepped off in the direction he thought he had heard people. He had gone only a few hundred feet down the path when he froze in place, Levy letting out a squeak and gripping his shirt.

"This way my children, this way. The ones you seek are this way! Come. Come! Rejoin the rest! This way!"

That voice. It came from everywhere and nowhere at the same time. It was the same voice Gajeel had heard before, the one that woke him. Gajeel glared around at the foliage surrounding them. He growled when the bushes behind them shuddered. He pulled Levy closer as he whipped around to face the attacker.

A sudden blur of blue burst from the bushes with a, "AAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEE!" and crashed into the two mages, causing Gajeel to take a few steps back to stay balanced. Looking down, he saw Happy cowering in Levy's chest.

"Happy?"

The exceed turned big eyes up to Levy and his lower lip quivered. "I'm scaaarreedddd!" Without missing a beat, Levy took an arm from around Gajeel and cuddled the shaking bundle of blue closer to her chest. Gajeel rolled his eyes and bit his cheek as to not retort.

"This way children! This way!"

"Who the hell're you!? Where are ye' at!? Show yer'self!" He was spinning around again, searching for the owner of the disembodied voice.

"This way! Forward my child, the others are ahead of you! Go forth now!"

With a frustrated growl, the dragon stalked forward. The chilling voice occasionally calling out to them directions ad encouragements. They didn't have far to travel, before Gajeels dragon hearing picked up the sounds of people. Er, rather his nose picked up the smell of Natsu, something he was not to fond of smelling. The flame-brained punk needed a shower…Stepping through the brush the little party stood on the edge of a little clearing. In the middle were several of their fellow Fairies, who, upon looking up and recognizing who had just joined them, hurried to their sides, greeting them in their overly emotional way.

A part of Gajeels mind pulled on his sleeve, suggesting that he keep a good grip on Levy and head for the hills, so to say, where the two of them could be alone for a while longer – forever – and not have to deal with these idiots. He was rather tempted until the object of his desires scrambled out of his arms and stumbled to her blond friend who was gushing at seeing her again. UGH. He was never going to get used to this guild.

The return to Fairy Tail was hard for all those who had been on Tenrou. So much had changed; the guild hall, the people, Magnolia, the workings of the town, but mostly their reputation. Gajeel was particularly unhappy that his guild was the bottom of the garbage heap. He was quick to hunt down and pound those who bad mouthed his guild, spending the better part of two weeks on this mission. He was not alone in his hunts, Natsu, Grey, Elfman and that freed punk, and a few of the others from Tenrou had joined the cause, all making sure that Magnolia, and the rest of Fiore knew that Fairy Tail wasn't to be dissed or tucked under the rug anymore. The big dogs were back and they were biting.

Word spread quickly that the Fairies who had gone missing were back, and the request board soon refilled with jobs. With the trouble makers taken care of, life was returning to something like it had been before the S-class trials. To celebrate their return, the city had decided to though a city wide party to officially welcome them home. Gajeel had actually flinched at the idea. Fairy Tail parties were bad enough, and add 10,000 plus people to that did not sound like something he wanted in on. He wondered if there would even be a Magnolia left on the map when the festivities were over…

There was one major difference in the post-Tenrou excitement. Specific people seemed to be spending more time with other specific people. Not that he really gave a crap, but Lilly and Mira had noticed and quickly put their heads together. Lilly had gushed everything to Gajeel on the way back to his apartment, which had very kindly been saved for him by the land lord – something about the iron dragon's presence keeping the crappy renters away – a little while after things had begun to calm down again.

So now Gajeel had all the latest news on who was with who, and who was taking whom where and why and what they were possibly doing and who liked whom but was being pursued by who, and how the new members to the guild factored in and… He had a head ache. All he cared about was the fact that Levy had been spending more time with him, making her way to his table in the mornings and either just sitting and reading or chatting with Lilly or Gajeel, she even accompanied him and Lilly on a few missions – not that he had specifically pick job requests that involved translating a language, or anything to do with a library or books or research or anything like that…. No… he didn't do that at all… – and to top it all off, her two pansy-assed sidekicks seemed to have finally accepted her actions and didn't bother her about being around him. He had particularly gotten a kick out of the one who looked like he had ate the old guild hall in one sitting…

Besides him and Levy, he had taken notice of a few other couples that seemed to have loosely formed. It really didn't surprise anyone that Natsu and Lucy were consciously and openly flirting with each other, they had been forever, but now they were really trying. Gajeel wasn't surprised that Gray seemed to be more accepting of Juvia's presence and consistent confessions of love. There may have even been a moment when he could have sworn he witnessed the two of them in a rather conspicuous position in a far back corner of the kitchens when he had gone in search of Mira's extra stash of metal. He had tried so hard to get rid of that image…

He had also noticed that Elfman had become wrapped around that Evergreen chicks little finger. And that kid Romeo was paying way to much attention to Wendy for his liking. He had been sure to send the message to back the fuck off, when he first recognized what was going on with the two of them, and Wendy being too polite and innocent to recognize the advances. He had enjoyed watching the boy lose all his cool and about piss his pants when he caught sight of the glare Gajeel was sending him. He would never admit it out loud, but he felt oddly protective of the littlest dragon slayer, like a big brother figure.

UGH. He hated gossip, the fact that he was part of the gossip was even worse. He glared at anyone who smirked or giggled or gave any indication of noticing when he sat a little too close to Levy, or when he teased her causing her cheeks to puff up and flush slightly as she glared at him and he "popped" her cheeks, causing all the air to come out in a rush making a "Pop!" sound. Most of his glares were directed at Mira and his own cat, who always were together when he and Levy were together. They were always watching… always there… watching… like the demons they were… waiting for the right time… to strike!

He suppressed a shudder at the thought. They really were evil together. Like now, as he glanced over his shoulder at the two demons in question at the bar. They both smirked at him, and Mira even had the nerve to give him a little wave… Muttering oaths under his breath in dragonish he turned back, facing Levy again.

Levy, who had been reading a few books – at the same time – stopped and looked over the rim of her red glasses that fit her face way to cutely, her big amber eyes growing even larger as she gazed at him her eyebrows rising. He blinked and simply stared back at her, not quite sure what the look was for. Levy quirked her head quietly, some of her hair falling over her shoulder softly.

"Gajeel? What did you just say?"

"Uhhh, what?"

"You just said something, in a language I don't know, which is saying something really. What was it?"

"Oh, that. Uh, well, see it's kinda' hard ta' explain…" her gaze never faulted, and after a moment he cleared his throat and continued, "It's Dragonish, ya'know, Dragon Language."

Levy gasped, "You speak dragon!?"

"Uh, well yeah, I mean I AM a dragon slayer."

"Oh but of course! Of course you can speak dragon, how silly of me. Hmm… I wonder if Natsu or Wendy know any?"

"Prolly' not. The kid wasn't with her dragon long enough, and Salamander is too thick in the head."

As if on cue, said fire dragon appeared at Gajeels side, head, literally, on fire, "WHAT'DYA SAY ABOUT ME!?"

The iron dragon didn't miss a beat turning to a flaming Natsu and glaring him down, well trying to anyway, " Ya' heard me flame brain!"

"Say that to my face ya' scrap yard!"

"I just did! Ya' burned out whatever brain cells ya' had left matchstick!?"

"GGGRRRRRRRR! Come on ya' rusty ol'bag a'boltz!"

"Gihihihihi! Ya' ready for a pounding Salamander!? Bring it on!"

Levy sighed. It was just like the dragons to get in a fight over the littlest things, in fact they did all the time. Gajeel and Natsu had become almost as bad a Natsu and Gray, which was saying something. Resting her head in her hand she watched to two dragons go at it, a group of people gathered around cheering them on. Cana was waving her tankard around calling for bets, which people were radially responding to. A smile spread across her lips as the brawl ensued.

He really is such a dragon. Hmm, I mean look at him. He moves so smoothly and is so athletic. I could watch him all day. Her cheeks pinked at the thought, not that she hadn't before, many times, but it was still a little weird for her. The embarrassing part was when he would catch her looking at him and flash her a dragon's grin, to which she would turn bright red and hide behind her book pretending that she could just sink into the floor and that no one was watching her. I mean, I guess he is, attractive in his own way. Maybe not the nicest person in the world that's for sure. There's just something about him that I just can't place…

Over the weeksfollowing Tenrou, Levy and Gajeel had been attached at the hip. Especially with readjusting to the seven year time difference separating them and the rest of the world. So of course she would be noticing more of the little things about her new companion. Like the way his muscles flexed under his clothing where it was a little tight in some areas. Across his… back for example, where his muscles rippled way too nicely. Or how he was a softer around the edges when they were alone together. She could even tease him to the point of making the dragon's ears match that of Erza's hair. She had done this on several occasions and had loved every minuet of it. She had learned that she could get away with so much more than anyone else, sometimes even Lilly. This sparked her curiosity most of all about Gajeel. She wanted to test just how far the limits of their relationship went. Sure they had made out on a few occasions, and hell hadn't she spent seven years in his arms?

Her blush was back. So just where was this going? What was this at all? Was it anything? There had been little touches, and his hand on her longer than necessary. He would let her use him as a back rest when reading outside. Sometimes, when she was brave enough or crafty enough, she even held his hand, which he didn't really seem to mind. She had found herself longing for his touch more and more even the little things, like him ruffling her hair as he did when she got in a good hit in training or when she surprised him with her smarts or determination, even out of nowhere, simply to show a little affection to her. That's what this relationship was missing. Some good and honest affection. How was she going to get that out of the iron clad dragon?

She ducked and giggled as a broken half of a table went flying overhead from the mess that was Gajeel, Natsu, Gray, Elfman, Max, Happy and a few others. Her and Gajeel still trained together, partly because this is what they were used to, and that ShadowGear had disbanded since their disappearance. Not that Jet or Droy hadn't offered to train with her, it was just that they had gotten so far ahead of her and her skills. Even with Gajeels training before Tenrou, she was still weaker than them, and they were to focused on not hurting her to be much of good opponents anyway, holding back so that she wouldn't get hurt in practice. She hated that fact. She hated always being behind everyone else. But that was the reason she had continued training with Gajeel, even though he was ten time stronger than her in every way, he never held back with her, he wasn't worried about a few scratches on her. Jet and Droy would act like it was the end of the world and refuse to continue to fight, which never really accomplished anything. So she spend most of her time with the iron dragon and Lilly, and between the three of them, they preferred it that way.

"You seem to be enjoying the views, hmm Levy?"

Blinking out of her dreaming, Levy turned to the voice at her side on the table top. "Oh! Hello Lilly."

The exceed smiled politely at her, "It seems to me that you've got something on your mind?"

"What makes you say that?"

"Well… you were watching Gajeel rather closely just now. Couldn't take your eyes off him…"

Her ever persistent blush that had started in the past few weeks, was creeping up her face again. "Oh well, maybe a little…" It was better to come clean than try and lie to this particular cat, he had a sixth sense for knowing when someone was trying to be deceptive. Not that she was a good lair in the first place.

"So, what might you be thinking about there Levy? You seemed to be lost in a happy day dream while watching my partner." He was barely containing the laugh tying to slip out behind his teeth. Levy laid her book down, marking her spot and letting it closed before she folded her arms on the table top and rested her chin on her arms. With a sigh she gave in. Like I was trying really hard to keep this a secret… especially from Lilly who is witness to pretty much everything between Gajeel and me. He probably knows more about this kind of situation than I do…

Levy shot a sideways look at the cat next to her, then back to Gajeel. "Say, Lilly, can I tell you a secret?"

"Of course you can!"

Looking back at the exceed she smirked, "Promise you won't tell anyone? Not even Mira?"

"…"

"…"

"…. Promise."

"hmhmmhhm. Ok." With a sigh she continued, looking directly ahead as if in a trance, "I really don't know how to feel about Gajeel. I mean we're friends sure, but I feel like we're something more than that, but not in a relationship – well not officially – but does that count as anything? I mean we've kissed… a few times… and he's said some things to me that make me think he cares about me more than friends. And I do like him, a lot. On Tenrou he was so protective of me and almost died to keep me safe….But then again, I can't help remembering how we met, and I wonder if he's still trying to make up for that or what…uhhhg, I don't know what to think Lilly!"

Lilly padded forward and petted her shoulder a few times giving her an encouraging look. Levy continued to grumble things that sounded like 'stupid Gajeel' and 'ugh! Men' or 'stupid hardheaded iron brained silly dragon' etc. etc., under her breath as she pouted, making Lilly chuckle.

"Well I do know one thing for sure, that is he loves you."

Levy's eyes widened and her face flushed.

"He may not be fully aware of it, but I bet he is as confused as you are. Sometimes it takes things a while to get through that think head of his."

With that Levy giggled and turned to Lilly a light pink still in her cheeks.

"Do you really think that he… L-loves... Me?"

"I really do. All we have to do is get it out of him."

"W-well I doubt that'll happen anytime soon." She tossed a glance to the brawl a little ways off. She was slightly surprised that most of the guild hall was still standing with the amount of members involved at this point.

"Maybe, maybe not… hmmm."

"Ok, now what are YOU thinking Lilly?"

"Well Magnolia is throwing a festival for us… maybe it's time you and Gajeel go out on a proper date. Hmm yes I can see it now! The two of you walking hand-in-hand around the festival looking at all the bright colored lights and people, stopping and sampling all the glorious foods, playing carnival games – which he will most likely try showing off for ya' – walking around later on just enjoying each other's company, then the fireworks will start and he'll pull you off somewhere romantic to get a better view, and as the colors flash in the sky he'll tell you how he feels and seal it with a kiss! Ahh, how romantic!"

"…"

"…"

"I think you've been hanging out with Mira a little too much…"

"Really? Why do you say that?

"Oh, never mind…"

The festival was held the next night. Levy had been to several in her time with Fairy Tail, but they seemed like little parties in comparison. Magnolia had gone all out for this one. Throughout all the streets surrounding Central Gate Park, were hung colored paper lanterns that lit the streets with a soft rainbow glow. Banners with the Fairy Tail emblem were hung from windows and on doors, Fairy Tail flags flew from every light post in a variety of colors. Venders selling foods and goods were everywhere, everything had the guild mark on it somewhere, stiched onto clothing or incorporated in the design of it, foods in the shape of the guild mark, hats and Erza-esk armor with Fairly Tail painted on the accompany shield and sword, Fairy Tail plush-toys and stuffed animals Lilly's, Happy's, and Carla's as prizes for the multitude of carnival games that were mixed in with the other venders. There was even a vender who sold identical replicas of everyone's outfits. Fairy Tail was everything and was everywhere.

Levy stood at the center of Central Gate Park and gaped in awe at the festivities around her. Every one of Magnolia as well as the entire Fairy Tail guild were packed into a few square blocks. The noise of people laughing, shouting to one another, the sound of carnival games ringing and the staff calling for people to come try their hand at whatever game they were soliciting. Levy spun in a tight circle, taking in all the sights and sounds and smells. A wide grin on her face as she took another spin around, when something caught her eye. She stopped mid twirl, smile falling a little, and stared at the person watching her.

Each figure stood in their own beam of colored light as the two people looked at each other. Levy's grin returned as she cocked her head to the side and trotted over to the dragon slayer, coming to a stop just inches from him, looking up to meet his gaze with big honey-colored doe eyes. Gajeel couldn't help but grin back at her as he slipped an arm around the small of her back and pulled her close, letting out his classic "Gihihihi!" She was just too damn adorable sometimes… which was making quick work of the iron incasing his heart. Sure he may becoming a little soft, but if it was for her it didn't matter.

Levy put her hands on the big man's chest and giggled a little before opening her mouth, "You're here. I know this isn't really your style and I wasn't sure if you'd show."

"Oi, Shrimp, no trust in me huh? I see how it is. If ya' want then I can just leave'n go back to the scrap yard-"

"No! Um. I mean I'm glad you're here." She flushed a little at her outburst, biting her lip anxiously.

"Gihihi, yeah, me too Shrimp." He chucked her on the cheek when she puffed up at the use of her, little, nick-name. Flashing her a toothy grin he ruffled her hair and pulled her off to enjoy the festivities, an arm slung around her shoulders.

Lilly had been pretty much bang on about how their night would go. Hand-in-hand the two mages wondered about the festival, stopping every now and then sampling the variety of foods and daring each other to eat the strange and unusual. Well, mostly it was Gajeel who consumed that stuff – as Levy pointed out – he had a stomach that could digest metal for crying out loud! It wasn't the fact that Gajeel was particularly hungry or interested in the different foods, he was simply enjoying the faces Levy would make when he acted as if the food was the tastiest thing he ever had. In between snacks the two would play the various carnival games, Gajeel trying not to let his competitive side get the best of him but also not letting Levy win. There were somethings that she was naturally better at, like the ring toss, or goldfish catching or anything that didn't require brute strength to win. After every game, whether he won or lost he would make sure she got any prize that she wanted before they continued meandering around Magnolia and the park exploring everything the festival had to offer them.

There was one shop in particular that caught Levy's attention. The shop was a little bigger than the others and was over flowing with – dresses. The color drained from the dragons face, sure he liked the Shrimp in dresses – especially the ones that were just a little too short – but having to dress shop with her was just not his style. As he opened his mouth to say so, Levy grabbed his hand and literally dragged the dragon with her – quite a feat considering their height and weight differences.

Grumbling something about feminism under his breath, he pulled free of her grip just outside of the shop, waiting for her to be done. As he watched her pick out dress after dress his eyes lowered to the table at his hip. On it were hair accessories and more importantly – headbands. He remembered on Tenrou when Levy had lost her favorite headband when Grimiore Heart had attacked. An Idea struck him, something that would make the Shrimp very happy with him.

When Gajeel was tired of waiting he called out to the Shrimp, "Oi, we're gonna miss the fireworks if ya' don' get out here, now!" He waited a few seconds and she emerged to his right giggling. "Ok, ok, I just wanted to have a little fun Gajeel." She teased him as she stood in front of him. He just grunted and put his arm around her shoulders steering her to wards where the viewing area for the fireworks was .

As they approached the end of the park where the fireworks were going to be set off, they were met with a crowd of people. The two stopped and levy looked at the group, "Wow! So many people! It's like the entire town is here!"

"Hn, No shit Shorty." Gajeel tugged on a lock of her hair playfully, to which she stuck her tongue out at him.

Glancing around Gajeel gripped Levy's should a little tighter and steered her away from the mass of people.

"Wha- Hey! Where are we going, the show's over there!"

"Yeah but yer' so short someone'll step on ya' Gihihi. Come on, I know a place with a better view." He, "gihihi'd" again when she playfully slapped the back of her hand against his stomach, but allowed the larger man to direct here where to go. They left the park and Gajeel picked up the pace a little, and they made their way towards the ocean. Suddenly Gajeel picked his companion up by the waist and plopped her down over the wall that prevented people from falling down the slope to the rocky beach below. Squealing her protest, Levy kicked and flung her arms comically as the dragon put her down then hopped down beside her with another snicker. Shooting him a glare that he grinned off the two of them settled down next to each other on the grassy hill side.

Not three seconds later and there was a bright red and gold flash and explosion in the air above their heads. Levy gasped and craned her head back to see the shining lights in the dark night sky. The fireworks seemed to be launching from a large flat boat anchored a little ways out from shore, and Gajeel and Levy had the best seats for the show. Side by side they sat watching the bombs bursting in the air above them. Magnolia had gone over the top with the amount of fireworks they had, there were some that exploded into the guild mark, or the faces of the three cats, or the faces of some of the guild members. The two laughed when Natsu's head showed up with the face part upside down so his mouth was at his hair line and not at his chin. What made it better was the sounds of Natsu's outburst coming from the park, as well as the sound of flames cutting through the night, a few screams and Erza's recognizable bellow for Natsu to shut the hell up!

Levy smiled to herself. This night has been so wonderful. It was so much fun to just, do something with Gajeel. I wish we would do that more often instead of missions or training or sitting together at the guild…. I really liked this. She looked down at her small hand remembering what it was like having the dragon's large one over hers. Smiling to herself still, she found where Gajeel's hand was beside her and placed hers over his, turning her face back to the sky. She could feel Gajeel tighten when she touched him unexpectedly, then relax when he saw what she was doing. His thumb began to stroke the back of her hand softly. Steeling a peak at the man beside her, she noticed a light flush to his cheeks and the redness of his ears, and the fact that he was pointedly looking at the skies above. Giggling, an idea come to her mind, and she acted on it right away.

Taking her hand from his she scooted closer to him and wrapped her arm around his, replacing her hand on his and resting her head on his bicep. Gajeel didn't react the way Levy had been hoping for. Instead of flinching away from the contact or starting comically, the dragon did the exact opposite and leaned into her. She looked up at him with slight surprise. His half lidded ruby eyes were like molten flame, burning, but not like fire, there was a soft small smile on the dragon's face and the flashing of the bombs overhead glittered in his facial piercings as he looked at her, his nose mere inches from hers. Levy had quickly figured out that this was the look that only she had seen, not even Lilly had this luxury. This was the gaze that made her stomach tighten and her heart beat faster, that fueled the desire of this man in her bloodstream. He was so handsome and sweet and Levy was a total goner when he was like this. Her honey eyes locked with his, a light flush on her cheeks. She didn't protest when he pulled his arm free, as he instantly wrapped it around her shoulders and pulled her closer to him, his neck arching and her head tilting back as they gazed at each other, inches apart.

"I meant what I said before Shrimp." His voice was low and gruff and so sexy, her eyes closed for a brief moment as a chill went down her spine – oh how she loved his voice so damn much. Her stomach tightened again, her breath left her as she whispered, "What do you mean?"

His smirk made her lick her lips with want, "On Tenrou, I meant when I said I – I don't want ya' ta' leave my side. Ever." Their foreheads touched as he leaned into her, his eyes closing as he pressed them together. Still in her daze she asked, "What… what do you mean... what do you mean by that?" His eyes opened and bored into hers. "I mean I want you by my side forever and al'ways. Ya' make me happy Shrimp. You and Lilly are the only people in the world I care about more than myself, Gihihi. So don't ever leave my side ya'hear?" He kissed her nose sweetly.

Emotions raced through Levy's frame as the words fell for the dragons' mouth. She almost didn't believe him, but his lips on her nose brought her back to the moment. She gazed at him for a moment longer, searching his eyes to make sure he was sincere, then she leaned up to him and pressed their lips together. He responded instantly as more fireworks exploded in the air, showering the couple in a golden hue. Gajeel pulled Levy into his lap deepening their kiss. Her arms slipped over his shoulder and clasped at his hair, his fingers pressing lightly into her shoulder blades, their mouths working in time with each other.

Gajeel nibbled her lip and she opened her mouth allowing his tongue to slip between her teeth and tease hers. A soft moan escaped her as their tongues wrapped around each other's. She revelled in the sensation of his hot breath in her mouth, their saliva mixing and some dribbling down her chin a little, but oh did he taste good – Levy couldn't get enough of him. Gajeel pulled away suddenly earning a noise of protest from his little Shrimp, and scrutinized her face as if looking for something. Leaning his head back he looked hard at her for a long moment. Levy pouted at him, not pleased that he had so abruptly ended the kiss. Smirking at the face she was making he returned to their kiss with a little more passion than before. He chuckled against her lips when she let out a satisfied sigh and loosened her grip on his mane.

They stayed like that together until long after the fireworks had faded from the skies and the town of Magnolia went to sleep after their partying. Too Levy, it was almost as if this night was a predetermined plan that they had quietly walked into. Lilly had predicted the events of that night nearly perfectly, as if he had planned them himself…but there was one thing that Lilly hadn't predicted; the intensity of those kisses, and the ones after that.

Gajeel slammed her body against the rough stone wall of the Fairy Hills Dorms kissing her hungrily. His hands on the back of her thighs, fingers just brushing the curve of her buttocks, holding her up as he pressed against her body. Levy's ankles locked together around the dragon's waist while her hands griped the sides of his head, nails digging into the short strands of hair there. They're kisses were loud and gruff, gasping and moaning into the other, the sound of wet lips coming in contact with each other, bodies grinding against each other; in those moments they didn't give a flying fuck who saw or heard, all that mattered was the other person. Gajeel tore his lips from hers and kissed her jaw slowly working his way down her neck to suck on the tender spot where her neck and shoulders meat. Throwing her head back against the cold stone, Levy let out a moan of pleasure, and a gasp of surprise when his fangs grazed her tender flesh. She squeezed her legs tighter, effectively pulling the dragon's hard body closer against her.

Instinctively, Gajeel's fingers clawed into her thighs, and his hips bucked forward. Levy's loud gasp of surprise and a sharp pull on his hair made the dragon relinquish her neck and crane his head back to look the woman in the eyes. Her amber eyes were half lidded with the overwhelming sensations dancing through her body, her mouth was formed into a small "o" and she was breathing hard. Her expression and flushed cheeks made the pool of lust in his stomach grow to the point that he was fighting to keep himself from taking her right there. Before he could help himself, he ground his hips into hers, his erection sliding against her lower stomach. Both mages gasped at the contact and Levy practically whined with need, making the dragon lose control a little more.

He bucked into her again, relishing her cries as the list grew in his stomach. His mouth claimed hers again in a deep, lusting kiss that stole his breath away when she began to move with him, her thighs squeezing him closer and encouraging him forward. Levy fisted her hands in Gajeels hair, tugging until she felt a few strands come lose from his scalp, earning a growl for the dragon and a sharp smack to her backside with the flat of the dragons' hand. He pulled away from her mouth and bared his fangs before sinking them into her neck muscle just below her ear lobe. Levy screamed his name into the night and clutched at his thick neck as his lips and tongue worked at the spot. Mavis How she wanted him to take her there and then, and oh how he was oh so willing to do just that.

Instead he forced himself to pull away from her suddenly, letting her down quickly and holding her at arms-length. Panting the two stood for a moment reclaiming their breaths and minds. Gajeel then pulled her close to him again and pushed some of her hair out of her face, cupping her cheek. Gajeel managed a grin as he "gihihi'd" pushing their foreheads together. Levy returned he smile with one of her own. Again Gajeel pushed hair out of her face, noticing that the headband she was wearing was one he hadn't seen before, and it obviously wasn't doing its job. Suddenly he remembered.

"Hey… I almost forgot about this."

"Huh? About what?" she peered curiously at the dragon as he smirked and shifted her in his grasp so he could reach one hand into his pocket and pull something out. Taking a step back from her he slowly let her slid down his body so that she was standing on her own, relishing the feeling of her small but so intensely warm body over his stomach, the need there growing a little more. He couldn't prevent the moan from escaping his mouth. Quickly regaining control of his wondering thoughts, he held up the item from his pocket.

"Wha-? Gajeel!" Levy gasped as she looked at what the dragon was holding. Between his fingers was a piece of cloth that was obviously meant to hold up someone's hair. It was black with orange, yellow, and red designs across the fabric. She reached out and felt the material, letting the silk flow through her fingers like water. Her eyes shook as she looked from Gajeel to the headband.

"When did you – How? Why? I… I. Ohh! It's so pretty! Gajeel!" And she threw her arms around his neck hugging him tightly "Gihihihi! So I take it ya' like it huh?" she nodded against his shoulder. He gave her a little squeeze before she let go of him. "Here…" With nimble fingers he tied the silk over the head band she was wearing, pulling the faded and worn material from her head when he had tied the knot. He leaned back to take a look at her. She flushed a little and gave him a shy smile.

"Ya' look amazing Shrimp." She flushed harder and wrapped her arms around him tightly pulling him close and beaming up at him. Throwing her a smirk as his arms encircled her once more, he bent to her height and kissed her softly.

"'s Late Shrimp, ya' should prolly' be going before Titania has my head fer' making ya scream and moan like that, Gihihi-Mhumph!" He was cut off by her mouth on his as she fisted her hands in his color and pulled him down for another kiss. He didn't resist, but was a little disappointed when she released him. Her eyes glowed with a new light that he hadn't seen before, "I don't care if all of Magnolia heard us Gajeel. I couldn't care less about anything other than you right now. I… I…! ohhhh You make me happy too you big, stupid, hardheaded dragon!" With that she pulled him into a bone crushing hug and for the second time that night he marveled at her strength. Working off his surprise quickly he nuzzled into her neck and once again plucked her off the ground and held her close.

He was happy to stay that way forever, but they couldn't. Pulling away Levy locked eyes with him. "Good night, stupid Gajeel." He was too lost in the sparkle in her honey eyes to give a damn about what she called him right now. She touched his face lightly and giggled, biting her lip. Blinking out of his momentary daze, he pecked her on the cheek, whispering a few things in her ear, causing her to blush and forcibly push him away as he set her down again. With a snicker he touched her cheek and tossed her am uncharacteristic wink before turning and setting off down the dark road. Glancing back over his shoulder as he heard the door open, and watched her disappear into the building.

Peace filled the dragon slayer as he strode away from the building. A peace that he had never felt before. Nothing was wrong with the world, nothing could harm him in this moment, noting could bring him off this high. He was the happiest person, and dragon, alive. Grinning wildly he jumped in the air striking out at nothing in his joy. Pure blis and freedom filled his body as he raced the rest of the way back to his apartment.

And there we have it! hahaha - still mad at me? It't the longest update to date (see what I did there hehehe I'ma sneeky lill' bastard!) so ya'll better be happy hahah just playen the next one might be a little shorter so don't go getting all disappointing on me

Anyone guess who was talking to their "children" on Tnrou? - i'll just tell ya if ya missed it, - MAVIS!

I love her to death and after. I had a friend going over this chapie with me just for some inspiration and all we came up with is that in the first part of this chapie is: Mavis is God… haha Mavis is GOD! We thus spent about 30 minutes laughing until we cried about if Mavis really was God and how the world would be so different and would make so much more sense, and yet… not…. Ahh the late night histarities of two sleep-deprived and over-worked college students!

From this point forward I will no longer be sticking to a weekly updating schedule... not like I have been sticking to that lately anyway, REGARDLESS updates will happen when chappies are finished lol!

UNTIL NEXT TIME!