**Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail. I don't even own a t-shirt from Fairy Tail. Yet**
Levy smiled when Gajeel settled onto the couch. She had her back to the arm, her feet at his side. He stared right at her, making her feel as though he could see into her mind.
"Watcha readin', shrimp?" he asked.
"Oh, it's just a…book."
"Gihi. I can see that. What's the title?"
She turned read, shrinking, trying to disappear into the pillows behind her.
"Ah. Is it a naughty book?"
"N-no. Not really."
"Read it to me."
"What?"
He leaned close, "Read it to me."
"O-okay. Should I start at the beginning?"
"No. Continue," he grinned at her, "After all, if you can read it in your head, why not aloud?"
"It's a bit different."
"Scared?"
"No. It's just…I can't do all of the voices, so it loses some of the magic," she said with a stiff nod.
He grinned, "Magic, huh? Then I'll help yah. You can read the part of the woman and I'll be the man."
"What makes you think that that's the character set up?"
"Gihi. The title's etched on the side of the book, shrimp."
Levy gasped and checked. Sure enough, the words "The Dragon's Woman" were printed neatly on the spine. She might have taken off the dust cover, but his observation skills had been too strong.
"So you like dragon romance?" he teased, flashing a toothy grin.
"And if I do?" she shot back.
Gajeel's smile fell, "Do you?"
"Maybe."
"Why?"
"Is that important?"
"Indulge me."
"Very well," she closed her book and set it down, "They're very protective, dragons. And while I hate being babied, sometimes it's nice to have someone who wants to keep you safe. They're also big."
"You like big?"
She smirked, "Oh yes. I have tall friends because I feel dainty next to them."
"You are dainty."
"They have large chests. I like pecs. I like to imagine running my nails down them."
"What else?" his breathing grew harsh.
"Hands."
"Hands?"
"Big hands. Talented hands. And scar. I just want to run my tongue along you—their scars."
"What else?" he was leaning in, towards her.
"Dragons have mates. I find the concept romantic."
"Romantic? But it's not fair to the woman. The dragon wants her, but she has her own like. He doesn't want her with anyone else, would attack anyone who came near her, yet he cannot be with her. He feels…dammit. I don't see how it's romantic."
"Maybe women think the idea that the dragon only wants one woman and will not stray ideal. Maybe they believe that having someone devoted to you is amazing. But there is one more thing."
"Yes?"
"They're all really well hung."
Levy bit the inside of her cheek to keep from grinning as she reopened her book and pretended to read.
Gajeel stared at his shrimp as she read that damned book. He wanted to snatch it away and demand an explanation, but didn't want to be a brute. So he watched her instead, searching her face for any clue of what was going on in her head.
"Well!" she finally said, snapping the book shut, "I'm doing to take a bath!" There's warm water."
"Oi, don't use it all."
"You could always join me."
He leaned in, inches from her face, "Don't joke like that, shrimp. I might just take you up on that offer."
"Promise?"
She slid off the couch and made her way to the bathroom, adding a little swing to her hips.
"Move," Lily demanded, changing into his battle form, nudging Gajeel off the couch.
"Yeah, yeah. I'm going."
Gajeel lumbered off to the bedroom. He stripped off his shirt and boots, then flopped onto the mattress with a groan. He looked over at the empty spot on his side. Levy would be sleeping there soon. Within reach. So close. Yet not his.
He cursed himself for their conversation earlier. Why had he pushed the issue? What was it about her that made him want to tease, to poke? It wasn't like him. He wasn't a jokester. Yet, with her…it was as though he couldn't control himself.
"Control? Gihi. Yeah right. Tonight is going to be torture."
Levy took a deep breath and examined herself once more in the mirror. She was trying to summon the courage to leave the bathroom. She usually slept in silk and satin, but no one ever saw her in them!
"You can do this Levy. Deep breath, go."
She opened the door and stepped out.
The bedroom door opened slowly. Gajeel's body tensed, he held his breath. This was it. The start of a very long night. Quite possibly the longest.
She was a vision of…of…he didn't know. His brain refused to form a single coherent sentence; all of the blood from his head rushing to pool between his legs.
She wore a sheer black silk nightie and underneath he could see her red demi-cup bra and matching panties. He wanted to rip them away with his teeth. Her legs were smooth, shining. He longed to run his hands up hem. The met her tiny feet and little red-painted toes. Fuck. Even her toes were sexy. Her damp blue curls were piled onto her head in a messy yet sexy bun, and she had her little red glasses perched on the edge of her nose.
She casually walked over to his side of the bed and laid down, flush against his side.
"I don't mean to be a bother, Gajeel, but would you mind scooting over? I'm about to fall off the bed."
"I…I…huh?"
She giggled, "Silly Gajeel. You must be so tired. You've been working those big muscles all day long," she gave his arm a squeeze, "You don't have to move. I'll do it."
Instead of getting out of bed and walking around, Levy did the unthinkable.
She climbed over him.
Gajeel was nearly shaking. His whole body fought for control. He could barely take it any longer. Why would she…
His thoughts were cut off when he perfect ass slid over his crotch.
"Aw fuck, Levy!"
He grabbed her hips and flipped her onto the mattress. He climbed on top of her, forearms resting on each side of her head.
"Gajeel?"
"Levy, I can't. I can't do this. You can't do this."
"Do what?" her face fell, "You don't want me.
"Damn it! That's not the problem!"
"Then tell me what is!"
"Fuck, Levy. I don't want to hurt you."
"I'm not made of glass."
"No. You're not. But I could still hurt you. I already have."
"Oh will you let of go that already?" she pushed his away, rolling off the bed. Levy pulled a kimono out of her bag and slipped it on, tying the sash.
"How could you just say that? I'm a monster."
"No. You were a monster. Do you regret your actions?"
"Of course I do!"
"If you could go back, would you still do what you did?"
"Never."
"You've changed then. I know you're a good man, that you want to be a good man. Lily told me about the jobs you take. Why do you keep punishing yourself?"
"I'm stained. I'm selfish. Hell, I put you in danger just because I wanted you near."
"Maybe I want to be near you."
"You shouldn't."
'But I do," she sighed, "I don't know what I was thinking, dressing like this. In ever wear my lacy things around others, not even the girls," she crossed her arms across her chest and looked away.
Gajeel opened his mouth, about to protest, but closed it. Then he smiled, "Gihi. What did I say about lace, shrimp?"
*Sorry about the delay, guys! Been super busy. But only 5 days of class left! I'm thinking about another fanfic. Gajeevy, of course, they're my OTP. I'm considering a couple of soul mate AU's, as per a request from a friend. Also, thanks to Rboz for getting me into Fairy Tail with her amazing artwork. Check her out on Tumblr, she's amazing. Also, one last note. I know that I'm not super specific with events that took place in the show/manga. This is because I don't want to spoil anything for newer fans. I had that happen to me before. Anyway, thank you for reading!*
