Hey guys! Sorry this chapter is kind of late, hehe ^^' I had to do a lot of drawings for the
GrayLu week haha. Anyway! Pretty... intense chapter I guess? The story is (sadly) soon coming to an end!
I think 2 chapters + an epilogue after this one and we will wrap up this most unexcpected journey! I never
thought I would do a story this long, haha. It really went a long way from the first chapter. I don't even
plan things that far ahead, so everything just come up while I write. Whatever! Enjoy! (The lyrics are from See you again,
by Wiz Khalifa)

Fairy tail belong to Hiro Mashima!


We've come a long way from where we began
Oh, I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
When I see you again


The week after her breakdown Levy was looking like a ghost. A pale, frail ghost of herself. She felt empty. She was eating what she needed to stand but that's about it. Everyone at work was worried; no one ever saw the bluenette like that. Not even Lucy. Erza asked her if she wanted a week of break but Levy always refused; working was her only escape. Even books couldn't chase the void that became her being. Without him... he's been here at her side all those months and then suddenly... boom. No where to be found, maybe moved in another country. Who knows. He said he'd be back soon.

- But where are you?!

In her rare alone time, she only had dark thoughts. Her head was her worst enemy. Because when you are alone, you have time to think. And no one can stop you. Even if what you think about is completely farfetched, your brain make you believe all sort of terrible things and last thing you know, you go sleep, crying for the 7th consecutive night. Being alone, sometimes, can be so... frightening. Particularly when you are anxious or nervous.

- COME BAAAAACK!

She started crying in her pillow. Again. She was so lost without him. Now that he entered her life, he had no right to go away, letting her alone like that!

- It's not fair!

Sleep got her late in the night but as tired as she was, her head was imagining again and again atrocious nightmares. So much worries make the subconscious go wild... and Levy didn't appreciate it. At all. But four little words were keeping her sane.

Be right back, shorty.


Monday morning. For Levy, it didn't make a difference. Every days were the same. Another day without him... she couldn't even bare saying or thinking about his name again.

- Levy, you look worst than Friday. Do you want to stay at my home until Ga- um, he shows a sign of his existence?

It was their morning pause and Lucy and Juvia were trying their best to help her in anyway they could, letting their own love story aside. Levy was in a worrying state of distress and was more important than any man on earth.

- Yeah! Juvia can bake you lunch!

Levy was touched - really - by her friends attention. After one week negating any help, maybe she should take it. She sure was not in her normal state and it was starting to get unbearable. A week crying to sleep and having nightmare was not something she ever asked for.

- I... I don't wanna bothers you...
- Levy! You know you won't bothers me!
- Juvia would be really happy to help you, Levy!
- T- thank you... I, um... I'll move with you tomorrow, alright?
- Excellent!, said enthusiastically Lucy, trying to cheer her friend up. We will have help from Natsu and Gray so everything is alright! Oh, I think the break is finished... you'll be okay sweety?
- Yeah. Thank you very much. Both of you.

She smiled and it warmth her friends heart. At least she will be able to move on with someone...


Levy was alone again in her apartment. Still feeling empty inside, she is a bit less sad. She'll be able to move on eventually... and continue without him. Life was full of moments like that where you have to let go but he was someone Levy didn't want to let go. They had just kiss... he... they shared the same feelings toward another. And he disappeared for no reasons the day after.

What a mess.

But now that her brain wasn't blind because of sadness anymore, she could start to think things rationally. Like why did he go away? He probably didn't decide until the day before he moved away. She knew he was always the independent style, but he wouldn't vanish like that without at least telling her... he was hiding something. But what and why? It must be something really important because he was usually quite frank with her. Maybe his past was catching up? Wait a second.

His past. Phantom Lord.

He said that when Juvia wanted to go away from the group their boss tried to stop her. He didn't say anything about when he wanted to go. Oh no. Did they find him? Did they... blackmail him? Or even worst... threaten his safety? So that's why... at least, that's what she didn't hope for. And that he will maybe, one day, come back.

But she's better not interfere in any of those things. She was not qualified and furthermore didn't want to put him in more trouble.

Ironically those thoughts made her feel a bit reassured. She could probably find the force to have a full night of sleep tonight. She had to move on. Living waiting for someone is not how she is. She must... let go. Not think about it.

But what if he's in danger...? He is the strongest, he will not get caught so easily. For sure!

Sleep was around the corner and, closing her eyes, the bluenette finally slept something looking like a peaceful sleep.

I'll be back asap, shorty.


The day in the evening after the work, Levy moved a couple of clothes and her laptop to Lucy's house. She realized something quite important she couldn't know how she forget.

- Oh no, Lily! Lucy, I'll go take Gajeel's cat, is it okay?, she was feeling better enough to call him by his name again, even if it hurts a little.
- Uh? Oh..., she looked at her apartment and sighed. Yeah... I guess that's alright for now.
- Thank you! I'll go search for him!

The bookworm start rushing to the said house and once she arrived, she was surprised the door wasn't lock or anything. Maybe he knew she would come and check? Something was definitely fishy. Maybe it was just for the cat?

- Lily? Lily! Come here kitty!

Nothing. Did Gajeel take it with him? Probably... because he would usually jump in her arms as soon as she enters the house. Levy knew it was not okay but curiosity took the best of her and she started raiding the house. It was surprisingly clean and there seems to be nothing out of the usual.

Until she reached the bedroom.

All the pictures usually hanging on the walls were all gone. He took them with him. The bed was cleanly folded and on it were resting two letters. One on a really scrapped and rumpled sheet of paper and the other in an envelope. They were placed in a way Levy knew he did it on purpose.

He knows me all too well. Now, let's start with the scrapped one.

She took the sheet and started reading word written in red ink with really poor spelling. It made her head hurt. Ugh...

We no were u ar
And u no hoe we ar

Except for the spelling errors, Levy got a shivers at those words. They found him? Exactly what I thought. Good thing I read a lot of police novel, haha!

The other letter seemed directed at her but she didn't want to make false assumption, so she sat on the bed and opened slowly the envelope. There was something in it but she wanted to read before anything. Once again there was a lot of mistakes but as soon as she started reading, it's like she forgot about them.

Oi shorty. I suck at that writing thing.
Anyway. Um... I can say nothing. Err sorry.
I know im a jerk and everything but i wantcha to know that your not alone.

Nothing new, it's almost like he said the day before. Except he said he's sorry. She continued.

I had business to attend. Dirty business. And I dont wantcha to be a part in this. Ya can forget about me,
hate me, do whatever the fuck ya want. Ill be back once everything is settled (if ya still want me...). And whatever happen, dont you do anything stupid. Ya hear? Dont worry Lily will come with me. Ugh I really suck at writing. I hate it. Anyway. Don't wanna looks cheesy or anythin but... I love you. A lot. Youre my shrimp. So if ya hate me i understand. But i sure wont hate you gihi.

He even wrote his laugh! Maybe he knew she would feel alone. But he said it. I love you. Of course she will wait for him! He's so stupid... thinking she would hate him for that. Oh, there's a post scriptum at then end.

But just as she was about to read it, her cellphone rang. To her surprise it was not Lucy but the library.

- Levy here.
- Yes good evening, ms. McGarden.
It was not the usual librarian. It was a man and he seemed snob.
- We just saw that you forgot to bring back one of our book.
- Uh? Which one? I thought I gave them all ba...
- Beauty and the beast, the kid fable.
Oh! That's true! She let it at Gajeel's house. Wait. Did he...? She read the note at the end of the letter.

PS: I took ya book with me. Yknow with beast and beauty? Twill make me somethin to do haha. Ill pay for it maybe one day

Of course. She started laughing even if the man on the other side of the line didn't seems happy at all.

- This is no laughing matter, miss McGarden!
- I... I lost it. Sorry. I'm... I'm gonna pay for it.
- Well you better do it or else-

She hung up. Never she would have done this. Normally. But she was not the same Levy anymore. She was the Levy who wanted to live life as she go. To live her life to the fullest and in the most random way, like Gajeel taught her to do. That letter... gave her hope. And more joy than she had in a week. Of course he was not with her, but that didn't mean he wasn't there. She knew that somewhere, big Gajeel was reading Beauty and the Beast and that simple thought made her smile. It's like he took a bit of her with him.

She took the other thing hiding in the enveloppe and it was... a picture. Such a simple, platonic picture and yet, she cried. Cried of joy. Because... because she was someone important. Someone precious. The photo was taken on a random day of a random month, at Gajeel's house. She was smiling, Lily on her laps and Gajeel, being Gajeel, looking away not seeming to care at all. She took it with his cellphone so he would have a memory of them. So he did care. She was move by the beautiful attention...

- Gajeel...
She got a glimpse of the hour and, suddenly realizing she was making Lucy waiting and probably worrying, Levy went out of the apartment. She took both letters with her, keeping the one Gajeel wrote for her and the photo close to her heart. He was there. She was not alone. He'd be right back.


- Ugh those mistakes... I wanna cry.
Levy gave the letter for Lucy to read once they were installed on her couch.
- Haha, yeah I know... but in that case only the thought count more than anything.
- Yeah... you're lucky in your bad luck. At least he wrote something!
- Yup. Finally I got answers. But I wonder...
- What kind of business is he talking about, by the way? You seems concerned about something I don't know.

Oh, that's right. Lucy don't know a thing about Phantom Lord.

- It's... a really long story.
- I'm all ears.

Levy explained everything to her friend, who was listening with attention. Once she finished, the blonde looked at the bluenette.

- So you think...
- That they found him here and he moved in order to protect himself.
- It would make sense... how could he settle something with a gang though? He's alone after all...
- I... don't know. But I trust him. I know he's gonna do something crazy and one way or another come back.
- Haha... I'm sure he would do anything to see you again. He loves you a lot, Levy.

They both smile. Now that the petite woman is alright, it's her turn to talk about love. She knew her friend wasn't in the best of shape neither after all.

- Anyway, enough about me. What about you? Have you decided? Gray or Natsu? Or... Loke?!

The blonde turned red.

- Well... you see, me and Juvia talked about it and... and she said that if I want Gray, I can. But I don't know. It's like he lost interest in me? He seems to care a lot about Juvia. And you know what? I don't care that much anymore.
- Did Lucy level up? +1 in maturity, haha!
- Ah stop it, you! I... It's just that I grew really attach to Natsu. He's really sweet with me! Not that Gray isn't, but I just seems to spend more time with Natsu than the other and I think that influence something.
- It's funny how a couple of month ago you didn't even talk about him.
- I know right?! But he always make me laugh and it's like he can't see me not being happy.

Levy was happy. Because she knew her friend would be more than satisfied with either of them and that they would treat her like a woman they cherish and love. Lucy always had a hard time with her boyfriends and it seemed like every problems she had with the others didn't occurred with neither Gray or Natsu. The bluenette didn't mind one more than another, both being really nice and caring toward Lucy.

- Well I sure hope you all the happiness in the world!
The blonde smiled back.
- You too, Levy. I think we deserves it!

After a friendly hug the two girls went to sleep; Levy on the couch. She was looking at the ceiling, thinking.

- Good night!
- Yeah, good night too!

Once Lucy closed her bedroom door, the bluenette closed her eyes. It feels like in the old days... unless now they had more problems. And work.

And love.


Juvia was a bit tormented about Gajeel. She hoped he didn't get any problems with Phantom Lord... they could be terrifying when they wanted. She knew it. And for an unknown reason, she had a feeling they were behind his sudden disappearance. But Levy was probably the most worried of the bunch; he was really close to her after all. Juvia was feeling bad for her. What would happens if Gray did the same thing? Without a word? She probably would be devastated too.

Speaking of which, Juvia felt like he appreciated her more lately. Did Lucy say something? Or does his feelings changed for her? Oh, it would be amazing!

Juvia was in her bed almost sleeping when something grabbed her attention.

- Oh, I forgot I bring that back.

The letter Lyon gave her. After all those months, she didn't open it yet. Maybe she should... she opened her bed lamp and took the petite, delicate envelope. Inside was a sheet of paper with words written in a sophisticated and pretty handwriting. He really took his time writing this... Juvia feels bad...

Dear Juvia,
I know your feelings toward me are not the prettiest nor the greatest. I am probably a nuisance for you - and for that, please excuse me - but you can't control who you loves (you know it more than anyone) and I feels bad. I feel bad for forcing things out of you. So I will wait. I will wait until you come for me by your own will and talk to me. You can talk about anything; my ears will forever be ready to hear your goddess like voice. I'll write down my number here if you ever want to contact me for help or simply talk.

Yours truly,
Lyon

There was a number at the end. She felt her lips grows into a thin smile. He always was so devoted to her. Lyon... he deserves all the love and happiness in the world. She just wasn't the one for him and they both knew it. But love is something so stupid and crazy and abstract and sudden, you can never see it coming.

- If Juvia ever needs help, uh...

Juvia had a feeling she would need help soon... so that surely will come handy. She looked at the flower pot near her head and looked the new set of flowers she bought. They were the same blue lily like kind of flowers Lyon gave her the first time. They were so pretty... and for some reasons, soothing. Her eyelids were slowly closing, sleep soon coming for her.

- Good night... everyone.


The day after everyone seemed in a much better mood than in the previous week and to be honest, Erza was happy about it. She was their boss of course but she acted like a mother figure for them so it sadden her when one of her precious children is sad. Let alone almost all of them. With Gajeel not here anymore, she needed someone to replace him, so Levy had to check again in the pile of CV she received months ago. It was breaking her heart but it was temporary until Gajeel come back. Even if he resignated, Erza knew he would come back.

- Ugh... I don't know who to choose.
- What about this one?
Lucy point out one of them. His name was Jet and he had bright, orange hairs.

- Why him?
- I dunno... he's the less worst of them bunch. I guess.
- Lucy! We cannot take someone in because of their appearance!
- Didn't you do just that for Gajeel?
She smirked.
- N- no! Not at all! He- he was the most competent of them! That's all!
- You're a terrible liar. Anyway. I was just trying to help.
- I know..., she sigh. It's just... no one can replace him.
- It's alright, I understand. But don't forget; it's a temporary replacement for a janitor, not your boyfriend.
- B- boyfriend?!

She didn't think about it before (not like she had the time) but... are they a couple? Well of course, he said that he loves me. And we kiss. So I guess. But boyfriend? It's so... strange.

- Well, duh! Unless you're not...?
- No! No, I love him very much and I'll always do. It's just... we didn't say anything directly. Everything happened so fast... I didn't have time to think about it.
- Think about what? You seems to feel better!

Erza appeared behind Lucy and both girls jumped, surprise.

- Oh, Erza! We were just talking about the temporary janitor and...
- No need to justify yourself Lucy. I totally understand that Levy need comfort. But you seems strangely happier. Any good news?
- Oh, more or less. I don't really wanna talk about it. But um, about the janitor...
- Yes?
- I guess I found someone. I'll call him if you are willing to interview him.
- Let me look at that.

Levy handed Jet's application to her boss. She looked visibly not really interested but Gajeel was doing such a good job, it would be hard to replace him.

- ... Alright. Call him for an appointment at 3 today or 2 tomorrow.
- Roger!

Once Erza and Lucy went back to their office, Levy looked at the phone number and composed it.

One ring. Two rings.
- Hello?
- Good morning Mr. Jet I am Levy McGarden from Fairy Tail magazine and we wanted to know if you were still interested in the job of janitor.
- Uh? Uh, yeah, of course!
- Excellent. Our boss is available today at 3 or tomorrow at 2 for an interview. Which do you prefer?
- Today at 3 will do.
- I'll write it down. Have yourself a good day, Mr. jet.
- Yeah you too!

And they hung up. It's weird... it's like all those months never existed and everything was starting again. A strange feeling of déjà vu, but bitter.


- U- um... Ms. McGarden?
For the fifth time this afternoon, Levy raised her head toward the ginger haired man.
- Yes, Mr. Jet?
- C- can I have your number?
She sighed.
- I'm sorry but no. You should concentrate on your cleaning and let me do my job.
- But we could talk! I heard you just lost you boyfriend and...
- Excuse me? Who talked about such things?

Her eyes were full of anger.

- I- I heard it form someone, I don't know!
- Well let me fill you in then.
The bluenette remove her glasses, stand up (for what it count) and look the man in the eyes.
- My boyfriend is out of town for an unknown period of time. I'm not interested in having any romantic relationship with someone else. Now if you'll excuse me - unless I wasn't clear enough?- I'll go back to my work and you should go back to yours.

Her speech finish, she sat back, put her glasses back on and continued working like nothing happened. The man who just got rejected (?) was speechless. She sure was clear enough. Enough for him to go back to his labor and shut his mouth for the rest of the day.

Much to Levy happiness.

Long story short, a week passed since the arrival of the new janitor and, well, he had a not so subtle crush on Levy. She hated it but what could she do? He was always speaking to her, trying to flirt and make advance and she wondered when he would understand that she is not interested. Even Lucy and Juvia told him but it's like he don't hear it. Her friends found it funny but Levy thought it was more of a pure annoyance. She should write "Already taken" on her forehead. Even there he probably would continue anyway. Sigh.

Please Gajeel, come back. Fast.


It was Friday night and Lucy and Juvia wanted to have a bit of fun. With everything that happened lately, everyone was still a bit gloomy and they decided to do something to cheer them up; a diner at the restaurant! Levy gladly accepted the offer but felt she would be like a third wheel, Juvia and Lucy being with Gray and Natsu. It didn't pleased Juvia too much but, for the sake of her friend, she invited Lyon along so she wouldn't feel too alone. Which the bookworm appreciated.

So here they are, sitting in a pretty fancy restaurant all dressed in pretty clothes. Levy enjoyed those kind of sorties where they talk and laugh and have fun. The thought of Gajeel wasn't escaping her head neither, however. She was still wondering if he was okay wherever he could be. Shew was sad to not be here with him. It's not that Lyon wasn't really the talkative type, but Levy just hadn't any affinity with him.

- You just have to ask Levy!, shouted Natsu.
The saying of her name got her attention.
- What? What are you talking about?
- They want to know which of the three is the coolest, Lucy informed her.

Levy didn't like this. She couldn't think of anyone. For her, Gajeel was the best. But they would not shut up until they have an answer.

- Mmmh... I would say... Gray!
Even if the coolest is Gajeel, hehe.
- See? I'm hotter than both of you, haha.
- Whaaaat?! Levy, you must be blind! This cold hearted idiot can't be cooler than me!, answered back Natsu.

Everyone start laughing. Levy, while waiting for her food, put her elbow on the table and her face in her palm. Her eyes were fixating the windows and the scenery outside. A couple of snowflakes already had fall and the dark sky could show a bunch of them falling gracefully on the ground. The air was way colder and you could feel the month of December coming. December... Christmas... maybe she should buy a gift for Gajeel. He surely will be back by that time. At least she hoped.

- Your meal, milady.
Levy jumped in surprise and Lucy giggled before whispering to her.
- You seems to think about something... are you okay? We can go talk outside if you want.
- No don't worry. Let's just eat for now, shall we? It seems delicious!

As expected, the food was excellent. She better be with that cost! Levy was not following the conversation going on around her but she just wasn't interested.

Mmh... I wonder if the tree is okay. He probably lost his leaves by now. I should go check it.

When the dinner was finished and they went to pay, Levy tapped on Lucy's shoulder.

- I'm gonna go somewhere, so no need to take me home.
- Where? Is it far? You'll freeze in this temperature! Let me escort you.
- Oh, it's at like 10 minutes in car from here.
- Really? Alright then!

They finish paying, say good bye to one another and Levy embark in Lucy's car.

- Where is it?
- It's... outside the town. Just continue straight and it's at the peak of a mountain.
- What a weird place! Why here?
- It's a... special place.

The blonde don't ask more and proceed, curious.

They arrived at the mythical looking place. Lucy really wanted to see but didn't want to disturb her friend. It seemed like a special place for her and Gajeel and she felt she would break a bit of their intimacy if she saw it.

- Go on, do your things. I'll wait here.
Levy appreciated the attention. She needed to be alone for a couple of minutes.
- Thank you.

She got out of the car and directly went for the tree, covered in a gentle powder snow. Even without the colorful flowers or the green landscape, the place was still a wonderful sight to see. The white coat under the clear moonlight was shining, almost like magic.

- Gajeel... I hope you're okay.

Levy was looking at the city, head in the cloud. I wonder... where are you now? Will you... really come back? You have to, the tree miss you.

She laugh. Stupid thoughts thinking a tree can have feeling. She's probably too tired to think clearly. Yeah, she better get going.

Returning back to the car, Lucy smile at her friend.

- Feeling better?
Levy look at her with a puzzled look.
- You were really quiet during the diner. You worry for him more than you make it look, uh?
- ... yeah. What if they find him? Will they kill him?

The car went silent. Only the sound of the motor could be heard in that cold night. After 5 minutes of thinking, Lucy broke the silence.

- Don't worry, Levy. If anything is bond to happens; me and everyone will be there. We're a family, remember? And Gajeel is part of that family, too. We couldn't let him in trouble!
- Yeah. Yeah, you're right. I just..., she sigh. If they never find him, will he continue acting like he's dead and never come back?
- Gajeel himself told you he would come back. Trust him. I don't know him as much as you do, but I know he means what he said. It may take weeks or months, but he'll come back one way or another.
-... thank you. I needed that, Lucy. I... I truly hope you never get in my situation. It's pretty stressing, haha.
- Don't worry, I don't date bad boys. She winks. But you probably have the sweetest bad boy of them all, haha!

Both of them giggled. The night was so calm...

It's like everything went back to normal. And yet...


- Hello?
- Levy McGarden, I believe?

It was on the night of the last day of November. The bluenette received a phone call that gave her shivers. Lucy was not far, trying to peek at what the voice was saying.

- Yeah...?
- Y'know somethin' 'bout Gajeel?

Her blood froze. She tried to stay calm but her voice was shaking so much she feared she would cry.

- Y- You know about him?
- Hey that's me who ask the question missy. But yeah let's just say I know him all too well... Gajeel say hi to the poor little girl.
- YA ALRIGHT SHRIMP?! DID THEY DO ANYTHIN TO YA?!
- GAJEEL! No, I- I'm safe... I'm so happy to hear your voice!

The stranger took back the phone.

- How cute. Now now. Ya wanna save him?
- Save him...?
- DON'T YOU DARE YOU PIECE OF SH-

She could hear someone hitting Gajeel, almost beating him.

- Ya better shut that big foul mouth of yours, Gajeel. Anyway. If ya really want him back... I think we can make a deal.

- Y- yes...?

Lucy was holding the little woman arm, her whole body shaking.

- We can make a trade. Money for that dumb ass. Watcha think?
- DON'T ACCEPT. DON'T LISTEN TO THAT SCUMBAG. USE YOUR LIL SHRIMP HEAD FOR A CHAN-
He was hit again, making Levy crisp herself even more while already biting her lower lip.
- ... how much?
- I don' know... mmmh... how much does silence cost? Maybe 5000? 7000? Mmmh... 10 000$ and we good.
- T- Ten thousand?! B- but-!
- Dontcha want to save your pitiful boyfriend?
- I...
- LEVY, DON'T.

Another hit. She couldn't bear it anymore. She had to do something. He saved her that day, it was her turn! She couldn't stay here doing nothing any second longer.

- Deal.
- NO.
- Kekeke... excellent.
- When do you want the money and where?
-... mmmh... I'll give ya one week.
- O- one week?! But that's not enough!
- Find your way. One week. That's all. And let's meet... mmmh... watcha think about the mountain near your location? Ya know, the one with the tree. At 8pm.
- What?! Why... of all the places... She sigh. OK. Alright. So in one week... at 8 pm... ten thousand dollar...
- Ouh, so ya are actually smart. Kekeke. Any last words, Gajeel-poo?
- DON'T DO IT. Please...
- Oops, too late! What kind of last words are those? Really, still no clue how to treat women that stupid goof ball. See ya in one week. In hope he survives until then...
- What? DON'T YOU DARE-

It hung up. So... that's how it is. She wasn't feeling sad nor angry. She was just... dumbfounded. Is it real? Is she dreaming? The look Lucy was giving her seemed the most real for her.

- What did he say? I couldn't hear clearly... are you alright?
- If you forget that my boyfriend is taken as an hostage somewhere I don't know, that I must give a street gang of an unknown scale ten thousand dollars and that he will probably die if I don't do it... if you forget all of that, then yeah, I'm the happiest girl on earth.


Everything I went through you were standing there by my side
And now you gon' be with me for the last ride


Hey guys! I also forget to thanks all the reviewers! Thank you SO, SO much for giving such overwhelmingly positive feedbacks O:
I hope you enjoyed the story this far and may we meet in the next chapter! See ya~!