Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail or its characters. They belong to Hiro Mashima. All the songs in this chapter belong to their respective artists.
As midterms came and went people realized that the concert was this Friday. People became frenzied when someone pointed out that this Friday was also Friday the 13th and wondered what bad luck would befall the group of 16 Ensemblers. Levy's jitters weren't as bad as some of her fellow singers, but she was still wondering if her nightmares about Minerva were going to come true. Gajeel could see the worry in his little Shrimp's eyes.
"If you keep worrying about her doing something you will end up hurting yourself." Gajeel spoke as he grabbed her hips and pulled her into his lap
"I know, but I also know that she will do anything to get my spot." Levy replied as she turned around to straddle his hips
"Bora's going to reprimand you if he sees you mounting me like this Shrimp. Gihi." Gajeel chuckled
"Yeah, but he won't do much about it because he needs me tomorrow." Levy quirked
"Damn straight he does."
The rest of their class went fairly normal besides a few minor freak outs by some of the other members of the class. That night at Ensemble practice they went extremely well. They went through their numbers a couple of times before Bora was absolutely convinced that they were perfect. Everything was going swimmingly and Levy couldn't be any happier.
The next morning was the first time Levy truly felt butterflies. Not just because of her sense of impending doom for Minerva's revenge, but just being nervous in general. It didn't help that Minerva was acting as cool as a cucumber. That made Levy worry even more.
At lunch she asked Lucy if she was going to be going to the concert. Levy didn't know if she could do it with out Lucy there. Even if Gajeel was by her side the whole time.
"You know for being such a smart person you sure do ask some dumb questions. Of course I'm going silly. I wouldn't miss my best friend's big debut. Go kick some ass!" Lucy shouted as she wrapped her arms around Levy
"Of course. What was I thinking? Haha." Levy giggled as they sat down at their usual lunch table
Everyone greeted the two girls and then proceeded to talk about the concert. What outfit would they be wearing for each number? Levy and Gajeel wanted to keep their outfits for the last song a secret since they were slightly different than the others. What were they singing? Were they nervous? Everyone wished Levy, Gajeel, Mira, and Juvia good luck. Gray winked at Juvia when he said that and she fainted. He had to keep her from falling over. It truly was a sight to see.
When Levy got home she immediately went upstairs to take a bath and relax her nerves. She got the water just right and let the tub fill up as she went to get her toiletries and some clothes. Levy set her phone on the closed toilet and her music on to help her mellow out.
Levy washed her body carefully before she leaned back and relaxed. She closed her eyes and submerged her head under the warm water. It was so cozy under the water that Levy almost fell asleep. Then his eyes popped into her mind and caused her to sit up quickly and begin coughing.
"Levy dear are you ok?" Michelle asked as she cracked the door open
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just lost my footing and slipped under the water." Levy fibbed
"Ok. I was just passing by and wanted to make sure you weren't drowning." Michelle replied with a kind smile before leaving the bathroom
After reassuring her mother, Levy got out and got dressed into her tank top and shorts before travelling to her room. She looked over to her clock and noticed it was just a little after 4. Just enough time to finish up the homework she didn't finish at school. Around 5 Levy shut her Calculus book and started getting ready to leave the house for the school. By 5:15 she had her jeans on, her outfits gathered and was on her way downstairs to tell her parents goodbye and leave.
Levy arrived at Fiore High around 5:30 and quickly rushed to the choir room. When she got to the choir room she found Gajeel already there. She took her place at his right and gave him a quick kiss.
"Gihi. Seems like I'm beating you to class a lot lately Shorty." Gajeel chuckled
"Congratulations! You win absolutely nothing!" Levy remarked enthusiastically
"Someone is sassy tonight. Gihihi. I like it. Means you're back to normal." Gajeel purred as he nuzzled Levy's neck
"I'm remaining vigilant even though I think Minerva would have done something by now." Levy sighed as she laid her head against Gajeel's as more students began walking into the room
"You never know what that bitch has up her sleeve." Gajeel growled
The choir room quickly started getting full with various students from different classes. At 5:45 Bora dismissed the Ensemble class to get ready. Gajeel gave Levy a quick peck before they parted for their respective dressing rooms. The girls first outfit consisted of black skinny jeans with holes, a red jacket and black tank top. The boys outfits were similar except they a black jacket and a red tank top. Levy finished up her look by adding a black bandana. Gajeel did the same except he wore a red bandana to bring out his eyes.
Bora gathered the first class and had them line up backstage before he came out onto the stage to give a speech and talk about the classes.
"Welcome ladies and gentlemen to Fiore High's fall choir concert. I am Bora the choir teacher. I cannot tell you how hard all of my students have worked to get to where we are tonight. Especially my Ensemble class," Bora inhaled "Each class will sing three to four numbers with our Ensemble class performing one number between each set to allow for wardrobe change. So, without further ado our first class of the night, Chamber Choir." Bora grandly announced
The Chamber Choir members silently walked out on stage and lined up. They only sang three songs and before Levy knew it, it was time for the Ensemble class to perform Thriller. Everyone lined up in groups of four as they trudge out on stage. Then the music starts.
'Cause this is thriller, thriller night
Everyone was dancing and singing along as the music continued. Levy looked over to Gajeel who was on the other side of the stage and saw that he had one of his creepy smiles. This song truly was perfect for him. Everyone was having a grand time as they performed. Levy noticed that Minerva had been glaring at her the entire time causing her to have a slight misstep, but quickly recovered like a pro. This caused Minerva to become angered and she glowered at the small girl for regaining her footing.
The crowd cheered wildly as the 16 teens finished up their first performance. The high Levy felt from the performance continued as she ran backstage. Gajeel wrapped his arms around Levy's waist and picked her up bridal style before planting a big kiss on her lips and setting her back down. Levy wrapped her arms around his body and pulled him close to enjoy the moment.
Soon they pulled away from each other so they could get ready for the next song. Levy and the other girls arrived to their dressing room and quickly dressed into their knee length silky black halter top dresses. The guys went to their room and on their outfits which consisted of baggy sweats, a tank top and them wrapping their knuckles. Levy and Gajeel walked out of their respective rooms at the same time and their eyes immediately lock with the other's. Gajeel of course told Levy how beautiful she was and Levy complimented him on how rugged and handsome he looked. He took her small hand and they walked towards the entrance to the stage. The girls lined up as the class before them walked off stage.
Let the sky fall
When it crumbles
We will stand tall
Face it all together
The girls of the Ensemble class effortlessly glided across the stage as they made graceful twists and spins. Everyone was having a great time until Minerva tried to overshadow the rest of them by putting herself more in front of them as they sang the chorus. At the end of the song she dramatically bowed as if to assert herself like she was better than the rest of the girls.
The girls waited for the applause from the audience to end before they headed off stage. Bora scolded Minerva by telling her to stop it with her petty jealousy or she will receive a failing grade. She snarled and stomped off stage in protest to get ready for the final performance. Gajeel embraced Levy as she came off the stage. He told her he was very proud of her performance despite Minerva's actions as the next class took center stage.
Levy and Gajeel and most of the rest of the Ensemblers watched as the class on stage performed their songs. Before long they were finished and Gajeel had to leave Levy behind so he could sing and dance.
It's the eye of the tiger
It's the thrill of the fight
Rising up to the challenge of our rivals
The boys were finally out there and sang Eye of the Tiger. It was like they were training for a boxing match. Just like Rocky Balboa. Levy found it very interesting how Gajeel looked perfectly natural out there performing like that. Absolutely hunky. As Gajeel cockily walked off stage Levy wrapped her arms around his waist and gave him a quick kiss.
"You sure you want to hug and kiss me while I'm all sweaty Shrimp?" Gajeel asked as he continued to pant from dancing
"I could care less. You did amazing out there." Levy boasted proudly
After a couple more moments of sweet nothings Levy and Gajeel departed so they could get ready for their biggest performance yet. The girls wore a dress similar to the one they wore for Skyfall except this one had spaghetti straps and tied in the back. Levy's dress was similar to the other girl's dresses, but hers was silver instead of black. Likewise while most of the boys were wearing white dress up shirts and a black tie, Gajeel wore a black dress up shirt and a gold tie to set himself apart.
Everyone was watching the group ahead of them as they waited patiently for their final performance. Levy was more nervous than she ever thought she would have been. Gajeel wrapped his arms around her, effectively calming the small girl down. She buried her face into his chest and breathed in his earthy, metallic scent. She loved the way his scent made her calm down. Levy backed up and gave him a quick kiss.
Juvia and Meredy called over to Levy because the tie on the back of her dress was crooked. As Levy walked over to the two girls she passed Minerva. Minerva was so disgusted with the way things were going. Out of petty jealousy she stuck her leg out and tripped Levy. Levy twisted around to where she landed on her butt instead of her face and shrieked in pain.
Gajeel raced towards Levy's side. He turned to Minerva with all the hatred in the world. He had never hated someone so much as he hated Minerva in this moment. Cheating on him and using him was one thing, but hurting his precious Shrimp was a cardinal sin. Minerva smirked evilly. That spot hers now.
"What the fuck bitch? Did you seriously just trip my girlfriend so you could get the lead? What the fuck is wrong with you? I should bash your fucking head in right now you ignorant bitch!" Gajeel shouted in a rage
At this point everyone was surrounding Levy trying to see if there was anything they could do. Levy held her injured ankle as her classmates gathered around her causing her to become flustered. Gajeel pulled her closer to his chest and held her head against his heart hoping that it would calm her (and him) down. Levy looked into his piercing eyes. He could tell she was trying to hold back the tears. She was trying to be strong.
"Everyone except Gajeel please back away from Levy. She needs to be able to breathe and you guys crowding her won't help in the least. Minerva I was going to give you a shot at having a lead position at the Christmas concert, but not only did you prevent that from happening you will also be receiving a failing grade for the concert." Bora exclaimed
Minerva started throwing a fit. She was completely enraged. Bora said she would receive an F for the rest of the semester if she kept her shit up. This made Gajeel internally giggle. The bitch deserved it after she hurt Levy.
Gajeel continued to hold Levy to his chest as she couldn't hold the tears in any longer. Levy was frustrated with herself because she wouldn't be able to perform now. She has now let everyone down. Her tears were more out of frustration at this point and no one seemed to care. Of course besides Gajeel.
Suddenly a lightbulb went off in Gajeel's head.
"Oi Rain Woman and Wendy! Sit with Shrimp. I've got something to do." Gajeel grumbled
As soon as they were at Levy's side Gajeel disappeared into the audience. Gajeel got to the bottom of the stairs and scanned the audience for his target, Levy's father. He sure was going to give him hell for this. Once Gajeel found Elliot he bolted for him. Bora announced that there was a minor complication and that they will resume as soon as it is fixed. The people in the audience grumbled at the news of having to wait.
The McGarden's were sitting closer to the top. They probably didn't get there until last minute and that angered Gajeel. They should have been here as early as possible to see their daughter perform. Gajeel ran through the aisles and apologized to each and every person he bumped into until he finally made it to Elliot and Michelle.
"Dr. McGarden you need to come with me right now." Gajeel urged
"Why would I do that? We're just waiting for the complication to be resolved so we can watch Levy." Elliot hissed
"Because Levy is the complication. That bitch Minerva tripped her and now she is hurt. Please come quickly." Gajeel all but shouted
"Why didn't you lead with that jackass? Just another reason we don't want you around her." Elliot spit at him as the trio started making their way towards backstage
Elliot and Michelle rushed to Levy's side as soon as they saw her in Juvia's arms. Levy sat up and let her parents embrace her before Elliot began his examination of Levy's ankle. After a few minutes Elliot backed away to deliver the news.
"Well Pea it seems like you have sprained your ankle. We need to go to the hospital right now." Elliot calmly explained
"NO! I worked too damn hard for this. I'm not giving this up to the bitch who did this to me to satisfy her ego." Levy shouted, enraged by her father's assessment
"Levy dear you need to go. Stop throwing a fit." Michelle ordered
"But all my work. The hours I put into this are meaningless now." Levy whimpered
It took Gajeel all the strength in the world not to run over to his girlfriend and hug her and embrace her and tell her everything was going to be ok in this moment. He couldn't though. He couldn't risk them finding out that him and Levy are in a relationship. Not until she was ready.
"Can't we just accommodate her in some way? She can sit in a chair with her leg propped up and her ankle iced. Her and Gajeel don't have to dance, just sing. I can't pull Levy without pulling the whole number." Bora exclaimed
"Pea do you think you can endure the pain for a little bit longer?" Elliot asked
"Of course I can." Levy grinned
Elliot and Michelle agreed to the conditions Bora set before hugging Levy and back to their seats. Kagura, Romeo and Ren set three seats on the stage closer to the front as Gajeel and Jellal helped Levy to the chairs. Lyon came up behind them with a bag of ice from the athletic trainer's room to help with the pain in Levy's ankle. After getting Levy situated they started performing their final song.
So I'm gonna love you
Like I'm gonna lose you
I'm gonna hold you
Like I'm saying goodbye
Levy gently cradled Gajeel's stubbly face in her smooth, gentle hand as Gajeel gently squeezed Levy's knee. They tuned the entire world out as they performed this song. It was like it was only them in the auditorium. By the end of the song their foreheads were touching. Their lips just inches apart. It was so tempting to close the small distance to taste Gajeel's lips. Levy loved the taste of his lips, but she knew her parents were going to be suspicious enough.
Once they were backstage Levy asked Wendy to get her phone and keys and asked Juvia to take care of her of her outfits and take them to her tomorrow before her parents got back there to get her. Levy waved goodbye as Elliot picked her up gently and carried her to the car.
After a few hours in the E.R. it turned out that Levy had a Grade 1 sprain. She was pretty goofy from all the painkillers they gave her. She insisted that she didn't need them, but her parents wanted her to have them anyways. Ugh this was going to be a long night. Especially since Gajeel wasn't there.
Omg that took so long to write and I am sorry about that. Still a bit under the weather with the allergies and all, but hopefully they'll be gettingbetter soon. I wanted to tell you guys that I won't be updating this story next week. i only have one more chapter outlined and I want to focus more on that. A New Adventure, A New Life will still be up by Friday hopefully. Hopefully I can plan out a few more chapters of His Saving Grace too. I've been having trouble coming up with coming up with something for that one. Anyways please leave reviews. Even if this site is messed up and I can't read them I still appreciate them.
