Pleasurable Agony

What's a good thing to wake up to? Well, let's name a few—waking up to breakfast in bed? Or how about waking up with a refreshing feeling to good scenery in the countryside? Waking up to a stress free day, perhaps? How about waking up to know that there's a nice bath waiting for you?

What about waking up to the person you love in your arms?

Because that was the current predicament that Gajeel was situated in. He tried to remember what happened last night. He was sure he attended the party in the guild. Oh, that's right, he groaned inwardly. I drank. He was sure that Levy was the one who brought him back home. Worse part of it all, he remembered everything that he said last night. To Levy. He made a fool of himself.

Now she was asleep, in his arms, and in his bed. And he now understands why she always loved to hug her pillows while she sleeps. She just automatically holds on to something while she sleeps, and currently, he has fallen victim to that.

Her face was nuzzled in his chest and her arms were wrapped around his torso. Her right leg was wrapped around his waist, and he couldn't get out of her grip as she slept. She was literally hugging him as if he was her pillow, and truth be told, he hardly felt like a victim in his current state. On the contrary, he felt warm and…and aroused.

Damn it, he thought. I shouldn't be feeling this way right now! It's not right! He tried to get her arms and legs off him gently, but she refused to budge. Instead, she held him tighter, and she pressed herself closer against him. No, no, no, no...Please Levy, you can't do this to me, he thought, flustered as he could imagine a lot of things—dirty things, he admitted—that could happen between them.

A soft giggle was heard in her sleep. He looked down at her, and saw a small smile on her face. She must be having a nice dream, which also made him wonder what she was dreaming about. He relaxed for a moment, relishing her warmth before she woke up and caused a commotion. He paused in his thoughts. What if she willingly came here? No, that would be strange. Maybe he did something! He blanched. People do all sorts of things when they're drunk, and he was no exception. He must have done something, or said something for them to end up asleep in the same bed.

He groaned inwardly. What a situation. In the meantime, Levy was having a sweet dream of her being in a relationship with Gajeel. She would have found it strange in reality, but she was deep in her dream and in the dream, she found it completely natural. She was having a good time. They were just in the house, but she was in his arms as they stared into each other's eyes, and she blushed. His eyes were so red, she realized, and their lips were slowly closing the gap between them into a kiss…

She opened her eyes slowly, still half asleep and her thoughts in a dream. With half lidded eyes, she tilted her face upwards to look at an embarrassed Gajeel, and her lips curved into a sleepy smile. She stared at those red eyes of his, and her hands slowly moved up along his chest and then placed it on his cheek, her lips moving agonizingly slowly towards his. Gajeel froze. Was she willingly doing this? What was on her mind? What if she would regret this? He didn't want her to regret.

"Lev—" He was silenced by her lips upon his, and even though he wasn't sure why this was happening, her lips were coaxing him to give in. And so his arms circled her waist and he delved in deeper, the kiss becoming intense.

Levy gave a soft moan when her eyes shot open in realization of the situation they were in. She rolled off the bed and her face turned beet red. "What did I—What did you—What happened?" She asked in shock.

Gajeel sat on his bed, looking down at her confused state without any surprise. He expected this, and he felt guilty for it. And if she was going to blame him for it, he'd accept it. After all, he did steal a kiss from her without her knowledge.

"I'm sorry." She said as she walked out of the room, much to his surprise. He heard the door of her bedroom close softly, leaving him to wonder why she was acting unusually different.

Levy buried her face in her knees as she sat on her bed, her knees drawn to her chest. She couldn't get the confession Gajeel made last night out of her head. In addition to that, she kissed him just now! I knew something was wrong! She screamed in her mind, but when she took a deep breath and felt the lingering feeling of their lips and more, she knew something. A blush spread across her cheeks and a small smile on her face was hidden behind her knees.

Her smile faded, and she was left to ponder on what would happen from now on. She couldn't look him in the eyes anymore. It was too embarrassing, and too scary. She had fallen in love with him but whether she could trust him, or even herself, she didn't know.

There was a soft knock on her door and her head shot up. Even she had little dreams of him coming inside to give her a gentle kiss…or something of that sort. But dreams like that rarely happen. "Levy, I should apologize. I should have stopped you earlier." Gajeel said from the other side. She frowned. This wasn't what she wanted to hear. She didn't care whose fault it is. She walked towards her door and opened it, looking at a slightly surprised Gajeel.

"Do you regret it?" She asked him.

Although taken aback, he decided to be honest. "No." He answered softly.

"Then don't apologize." She said curtly.

Gajeel looked down at her stern face. There wasn't a bit of regret in her expression. "Are you implying that you don't regret it?" He asked.

She blushed, but nodded.

"You can't mean that." Gajeel said.

Her eyes widened slightly. "Why not?" She asked.

"Because you don't…" He faltered. It would be a bad idea to bring this up, he thought. She didn't have to love him to kiss him, although he wished she did. After all, knowing Levy, she wouldn't handle this well.

Levy cast her eyes to the floor. "Let me sort out my feelings first." She said softly, but it was loud and clear enough for Gajeel. He wanted to double check if what he heard was right, but he was afraid she would say something different.

He would have offered to help her, but he guessed that this was something she needed to do herself. He smiled. "Alright. I'll wait." He said gently. He looked down at her meek face. "But grant me this," He said as he leaned down. Levy's heart beat faster, hoping that he would kiss her on her lips, but she felt a soft peck on her cheek. She stared at him as he grinned at her.

She couldn't help but fume at him. "You did that on purpose." She hissed.

"I haven't t the slightest idea what you're talking about." He said with an innocent smile.

"You…you…fucking idiot!" She yelled, slamming the door on him. She heard a chuckle and she threw her pillow at the door.

"Okay, I'm sorry, Levy." He said. "I'd give you a proper one if you'd open the door."

"I don't want one." She sulked. "Go. Away." She said.

After a small pause, she heard a sigh. "Alright." He said, and soft footsteps were heard moving away from her door. Her sulking stopped, and she went to the door and opened it slowly only for it to be fully open by Gajeel. She stared up at him with her mouth slightly open, and he took the opportunity to scoop her in his arms. She yelped, and he threw her on her bed. She puffed up her cheeks.

"Stop playing around! I can't believe you're acting just like a kid!" She said.

Gajeel laughed. "Look who's talking, sulking like that just because I gave you a kiss on the cheek." He teased.

She blushed lightly, and pushed him away gently. "Go away." She sulked again.

"This time, I will." He said softly, giving her a gentle kiss on her other cheek. "To work, of course." He grinned, as he went to his bathroom with a fresh set of clothes, and after a few minutes, he reappeared.

Levy needed time to think. The answer was obvious, but she felt hesitant. He grabbed his notebook and his wallet, stuffed them in his pocket, and gave her a smile as he placed his hand on the doorknob.

"Gajeel," She called out to him, stopping him from opening the door. He walked towards her. "I…I love…" She cast her eyes to the ground, a blush spreading across her cheeks as well as uncertainty in her eyes.

He patted her head. "I said I'd wait, Levy. Take your time." He said as he gave her a loose hug. "And I said I won't leave you." He said.

She nodded and he released her from his hold, waving as he left the house. The door closed softly, and she was left to berate herself. "I'm a fucking idiot." She mumbled to herself as she got ready for the day.

"Will you write for me, Gajeel?" Jellal asked the freelance writer as they sat in the King's private lounge. The blue haired man was serious, and Gajeel was sure that he couldn't leave without an affirmative answer.

"What do you mean by that?" Gajeel asked suspiciously.

Jellal looked at the writer for a moment, and then smiled. "I am not asking you to write about me with sugar coated words. I want you to write for this country. Of course, you've always been doing that, but I'm requesting something…deeper. It is a lot more dangerous than before, and if you'd rather not then I would not blame you for it." He explained.

Gajeel looked hesitant. Getting into deeper danger was something he would like to avoid, but the thought of it made him shiver in excitement. There was something he could find out and tell the country. There was so much to discover. "Let me think about it." He said.

King Jellal nodded. "Well, if you ever decide to take up the job," He handed a folder to the writer. "I trust you'd keep this to yourself." He said.

Gajeel nodded as he held onto the folder. He gave a bow to the King before leaving. As he walked back home, his mind drifted to his earlier discussion with the King. Would it be a good idea for him to step into that area? His life would certainly be targeted by various people, more than he already was. And then there's Levy, who he promised he would never leave, and he intends to keep his promise. If he put himself in danger out there, she would worry. She did worry after for that little article he wrote about illegal trading, so she might even freak out if she heard about this.

"What's wrong, Levy?" Mirajane asked as she placed a breakfast plate in front of the blue haired girl. "Did you get into a fight with Gajeel again?" The barmaid asked, and then her lips curved into a suspicious smile. "Or did something interesting happen?" She asked eagerly.

Levy blushed as she started eating her meal unusually quietly. "I love him." She mumbled very softly.

"I didn't catch that, Levy." Mirajane said.

The colour of Levy's cheeks became brighter. "I-I love Gajeel." She said slightly louder, but only for Mirajane's ears.

Mirajane looked at the blue haired woman. "That's old news." She said indifferently.

"What?" Levy's head shot up to stare at the barmaid. "What do you mean, 'that's old news'?" She asked incredulously. It was then that Lucy sat next to her and snickered.

"Oh little Levy. It's so obvious that you love him." Lucy said with a grin. "It doesn't take a genius to figure that out. Even Natsu knows." She said, and the pink haired man grimaced.

"What is that supposed to mean, Lucy? I'm not dumb." Natsu said indignantly. Lucy shot him a look and he cringed. The blonde then gave a sweet smile at him.

Levy rolled her eyes. "I just keep thinking of things that could happen—bad things—and I get scared." She mumbled as she drank her juice.

Lucy snorted. "You're a fucking idiot." She said.

Levy shot her a glare and sighed. "I know that." She muttered.

The barmaid giggled. "Stop caring about those things. Think happy ones. Like going on dates, or holding hands, or kissing, or making love—"

"M-Making love?" Levy blushed a deep red.

"Wow, all this love made Levy a putty girlie." Lucy snickered.

"Fuck off." Levy said awkwardly. "Why are we even talking about this?"

Mirajane giggled and Lucy snickered. "You're a lot more innocent than we thought." Mirajane said.

"You guys are more lewd than I thought you would be." Levy retorted.

"Oh please," Lucy scoffed. "You know you want it too." She snickered.

Levy looked elsewhere, but the blush forming on her cheeks were too apparent for the barmaid and the blonde. "Of course she wants it." Mirajane said sweetly.

Gajeel sat in the apartment, gazing upon the folder that he had just received from the King. He didn't allow himself to read its contents until he decided to take on the job, but it seems that the answer was close to an affirmative. There was no denying that he wanted to do it, but he still had doubts about whether it was worth risking his life over it. Nevertheless, he took the folder and opened it. He pulled out a piece of paper and photographs of short man wearing a suit, hat and a pair of shades.

Reading through the paper that he pulled out, he blinked. "Mafia?" He whispered, surprised. He hadn't expected there to be such a large organization in the city. Well, it is the city after all…

He couldn't help but feel excited. "I'll take on the job, your Highness." He mumbled with a grin as he left the house with the folder in a rush.

"Gajeel—" Levy entered the house enthusiastically but spotted no sign of the man. "…Is not home." She mumbled disappointedly, but she wasn't too worried, since he would be back at the end of the day.

…Or so she thought.

Two days passed, and he didn't return for two days. She was hardly worried, but she was angry. He left without a word, not even a note. How could he, after she came back home that day, ready to tell him that she wanted to be in a relationship with him! She clenched her fist when she entered his room once again, only to see no presence of that damn writer. She gritted her teeth. "Go to hell, Gajeel!" She yelled, when the doorbell rang frantically.

Levy stomped towards the door and opened it with irritation to see a panicked stricken Mirajane. "What's got you all distressed about?" Levy asked with a quirked eyebrow.

"I just got news that Gajeel…Gajeel's been shot!" She said, and Levy froze.

Gajeel's been shot? What had he been doing for the past two days? She thought it was just work. But knowing him, he must have been doing some stupid investigation again! And now he's shot. Damn that man. He said he wouldn't leave, and yet…

Is he going to die? She thought, fear settling in. Is he going to be okay? How bad was it? Why was he shot? Who shot him? Would she lose the chance of telling him everything she wanted to say?

"Levy!" The blue haired woman snapped out of her thoughts and looked at Mirajane. "Are you alright? Let's go to the hospital, now!" She said urgently.

"Um, yeah." Levy said in a daze. Mirajane took her hand and pulled her along, and Levy's feet felt like jelly, only being able keeping up with Mirajane's quick strides. Levy hadn't said a word since then, and Mirajane knew Levy was afraid and concerned for Gajeel's well being.

"Get a grip, Levy. You have to be okay." Mirajane said sternly, and she spotted a quick nod from the woman at a glance. And then she heard soft mumblings.

"…got to be kidding…" Levy rubbed her eyes with her free hand. "…what do I…" She mumbled, and that was all that Mirajane could make out as they arrived at the hospital.

Mirajane hastily asked the receptionist for Gajeel's room, and once she found out, she grabbed onto Levy's hand and dragged her along as well. Levy was busy trying to keep herself composed. It was not long until they stood outside Gajeel's room. Levy took a deep breath. "I'm opening the door." Mirajane said softly, and Levy nodded. The barmaid slid the door open and they saw Gajeel giving a light chuckle at the King, who looked extremely apologetic. Beside the King stood Erza Knightwalker, and with the sound of the door opening, the three looked at Levy and Mirajane.

Gajeel was bandaged up around his torso, and he seemed to be in pain although he smiled. The King and Erza excused themselves. When the King passed by Levy, he gave an apologetic expression. "It's my fault, Levy." He said as he patted her shoulder before leaving the room.

Mirajane smiled in relief. "You seem okay." She said.

Gajeel gave a small smile. "Frankly, it was a close one." He said. He looked at Levy, who still stood at the entrance, facing the floor. "Levy?" He called out to her, grateful and relieved to see her, but she didn't come any closer. He looked at her in surprise when she looked at him, tears streaming down her face. Mirajane gave a small smile, and pushed Levy towards the bed gently. "I'll leave you two to sort things out." The barmaid said as she left the room, closing the door as she left.

Even though Mirajane brought Levy closer to the bed, there was still a distance between them. "You're standing too far away, Levy." Gajeel said with amusement in his voice. "Come here."

"Why should I?" She asked bitterly. He cocked his head to the side and looked at her with confusion. She rubbed her eyes furiously. "Do you think that it's okay to just act as if nothing happened?" She raised her voice angrily. "Why are you smiling and laughing like that?"

"W-Well, even if you ask me why—"

"You didn't even leave a note and you disappeared for two days, and now I see you wrapped in bandages and lying down on a hospital bed after a gunshot?" She yelled.

"L-Levy, calm down—"

"Calm down? Are you fucking kidding me?"

The door slid open and a nurse entered. "It'd be much appreciated if you kept it down, miss." The nurse said irritatedly. Levy scowled at the nurse as she left.

"I'm sorry, Levy." Gajeel said.

"Sorry doesn't cut it." Levy said.

"Then what would?" He asked.

"I don't know." She felt a lump in her throat as she tried to hold back from crying again. "I don't know, but you piss me off!" She said.

"Alright." Gajeel said. "But come closer, I missed you." He said, making her blush shyly. She took a few steps forward and was now standing directly beside him. He grinned as he held onto her small hand. He wiped the tears that spilled from her eyes. "I'm glad." He said.

"For what?" She snapped.

"You're crying for me." He chuckled. She tried to pull away from him, but his grip on her hand prevented her from moving away. "I was scared that I wouldn't be able to see you again." He said.

Levy frowned. "That's your fault. What were you doing?" She asked.

"Yes, it is. I was…helping the King." He said. "And the person I was sneaking up on shot me." He caressed her cheek as he was reminded of every inch of her face. Her eyes, her lips, everything; he thought he would never see it again.

"You said you wouldn't leave." She mumbled.

"I know. I was stupid. I let my excitement get the best of me." He said apologetically. "But I didn't think I'd be in this predicament."

Levy's eyes trailed down to his wrapped up torso, and saw a particular bump where he must have gotten shot. She gently placed her fingers over his wound, and her eyes softened. "I was scared you were…" She stopped.

Gajeel sat up slowly, and brought her face down. Their lips met, and as if they were long lost lovers meeting after years, they shared a long kiss. When the kiss broke, Levy hugged Gajeel tightly. "I love you." She finally said as she sobbed onto his shoulder. He grinned. "Fucking asshole." She added.

"I love you, too."

Notes:

And that's the end!

Naw, joking. But I can say it'll be ending soon, because school is starting and I'm starting to feel as though I'm dragging the story. *is sad*

Reviews, please?