Monster

by MsKtK

This night was supposed to be about the girls, because they were all sick of the men in their lives. Levy thought she was going to forget about her troubles, but the only way to do that is by getting herself into a different kind of trouble. She is in the sights of a monster, should she be afraid, aggressive or excited? Gajevy centric, some Jerza, Gruvia, LuLo. M- Dark themes/Smut

12. Blood

SHOUT OUT: To my real life best friend AND fanfic friend AND Fairy Tail obsessed friend Crimsonwolfko! Congratulations on, not only finishing your INCREDIBLE story Beautiful With You, but also for finishing your jam packed with feels and romance TRILOGY! Everyone please, give it a read and then go check out her awesome gajevy story Centaur Paradise that she is currently working on now!

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A/N: So hey guys, I'm back. I'm really sorry for the delay, like I always am. Trust me, I hate saying the excuses just as much as you guys probably hate hearing them. It makes me feel so lame, I get disappointed in myself. Especially when I think about this story so damn much, like every day.

So much has happened and that is just you're warning that this is going to be a long story. I've been working a lot; there were a few weeks there in June, where I did about 15 extra hours of OT, so like 55 hours. We've been so understaffed and I quite honestly felt like I could use the money, so I did the mandatory overtime and the extra. I've got a horse ya know and he is pretty expensive. That, on top of distractions, being exhausted, hosting a 4th of July party, being a 4-h advisor, spending time with friends and my roommates, time with my boyfriend, time with my mom and helping her take care of her new westie puppy, taking care of the house, the yard, Hank my horse and just being stuck on certain parts of the chapter added to said delay.

Not only that, but I had some major family issues right near the end of June when I had originally planned on finishing the chapter. Things concerning my father and his alcoholism. From about Father's Day on, I really wasn't sure about how he was doing and it landed me on a wild goose chase in order to track him down and make sure he was okay. I seriously can't even fully explain what it was like, it was so ridiculous.

Lies and secrets came out. I had to contact people I didn't even know, like his sponsor, family members I hardly ever talk to. I was calling hospitals, I found out his car was parked outside of one, but I still couldn't find him. I took a 45 to 50-minute drive out to a ghetto-like apartment full of strange characters, just in an effort to find him, when I didn't even know for sure if it was the actual place he was supposed to be living in.

Apparently, he had been staying at this place since October, leaving me and my three older brothers under the impression that he was actually still living in a house with his girlfriend, before all of this came out. Hell, we even went and visited him at the house for dinner back in December, so my mind was completely blown away by this whole thing.

Before I knew it, I found myself knocking on the door that was supposed to be his room in that creepy place, terrified by what I was going to find on the other side of it. Him dead from over drinking, or from him hurting himself… Maybe he would be blacked out drunk… Or just the normal kind of drunk… When it comes to my dad, his history has proven that there was indeed merit for all of these worries.

My friend whom I mentioned above, Crimsonwolfko had come with me, as a true friend would, she didn't let me do this alone at a time when my mom and boyfriend couldn't go with me… But when it came to actually facing the situation I asked her to hang back in the lobby of that floor, because I honestly didn't know what we would find and I knew it had the potential to be ugly.

It may have been one of the scariest things I have ever done in my life for these reasons and so many more. For all I knew, I was knocking on the door of some random stranger's apartment. Someone who wouldn't appreciate being bothered by a 5 foot tall, 27 year old girl looking for her dad.

I was trembling each time my fist hit that damn door and I was too scared to do it a lot, because each time I did, the door behind me would rattle. I could feel myself becoming desperate though, so I started to say,

"Dad! Dad! Are you in there?!" I called him by his name, asking him if he lived there, but there was no reply and I was still so scared. My heart was literally pounding and I couldn't stop shaking. I was so afraid that he was in there, but I was also so afraid that he wasn't. I put my ear to the door and I could hear a T.V. on, but nobody would come and answer me. I tried to open it, but it was locked. I then tried to say

"Dad, it's Kaitie!" But finally, at some point I knew I had to stop, because I just wasn't getting anywhere. And I was just so terrified by the whole thing that I needed to get out of there.

Ko and I finally went back downstairs to the lobby of the building. The only proof we could find of him having lived there, was that his name was on a list by the phone, but the number to his room said disconnected each time I tried to call it. And once that happened, I was just done. On the verge of losing it, I just walked out of that building without a word and Ko followed me.

Then finally, I think I said to her,
"This isn't even real."

Because I could hardly believe that it was. It felt more like something out of one of my own stories rather than something that could actually be happening. Like I was a fucking detective working a case, hitting one dead end after another and now I was right back to fucking square one. Dragging her out there with me, only to find nothing… I was freakin' beside myself. Where was my dad?

I went to work the next day telling myself, I'd contact my aunt on my lunch break and if she still hadn't heard anything then I would be calling the police and I would be reporting him missing. My mom kept saying, "I'm so sorry honey. I'm so sorry you have to deal with this." And I kept telling her it was my choice. I didn't have to go looking, but I wanted to, because I needed to know and in the end, nobody could help me anyways. He is my dad, he would do it for me. I believe that, because growing up he was always there for me.

Finally, after speaking to my aunt, my dad finally messaged me and man did I let him have it. I was pretty upset with him, but more than anything I was just grateful that he was alive.

He explained the situation, turns out he had scared himself so bad with his drinking and bad thoughts, that he immediately dropped everything and drove himself straight to the hospital. He didn't even bother to turn off the T.V. he said. He was there for few days, because they pink slipped him and so, he absolutely could not leave. Then finally they transferred him to a rehab facility and he was there for nearly a week, but he had no money, nor a phone charger and so he had no way of reaching anyone, because I guess you have to pay for the phone at this place. Seriously talking about it now, it still sounds like it is something I would write in this story, but this all actually happened.

When it comes to my dad, I like to keep a certain distance between him and myself, whenever I think he is drinking. It is just enough that I can't be affected by everything he does, but when things do get really serious… I feel like it would be wrong for me to not try, and find him, because he was always there for me when I was growing up and so… I won't let him keep me from my life, because I just can't live that way. Worrying over every little thing day after day, but I will also never stop caring. I will never turn him away or ignore him. Even if I'm the only one who ever sticks around, it is my choice to do so.

So yea, that's about it, again I am really sorry. I have my reasons for sharing this and I will say them. It's because I want people, the people who read my works to know that I am still taking this story seriously. And that I will never not take this seriously. And also, because since I am so often preaching the words of 'do what you love, do what makes you happy, don't let life beat you down, when things are falling apart, don't let others deter you from doing the things you want to do, or make you feel bad for doing them.'

These are the philosophies I desire to live by, as I think they are noble ones. They are positive and I truly believe that they will make me a stronger, more caring and whole human being. And so, in saying that, I suggest them to all, simply, because… They work for me and so maybe, someone else out there could find peace in using them as well.

So please… If you are ever struggling, just don't put off the things that matter to you, not for anyone. Put yourself first and then YOU decide how you wish to handle what life throws at you. Open up to the ones you love and keep them by your side.

And now finally about the chapter. I feel like some of what I went through while writing this one shows in it. What with Levy being scattered and emotional, so be warned, there are some feels. Now here comes my third warning, there is also some smut, but it is not gajevy. And in truth it wasn't really needed and that is probably why it feels like something out Game Of Thrones to me, but… It was something I wanted to do regardless. And I actually wrote that scene first; before I had to deal with all of the stuff regarding my dad, so it really had nothing to do with the delay. Forgive me if it feels off, but I think it was also good practice for me, for upcoming scenes I plan on doing and such… Seeing as it is only the second time I have written smut. Oh and also don't worry, it is by no means a long scene and the end part of it actually does have some importance… So I guess it wasn't a complete waste. Anyways I hope you guys will like the chapter, I worked hard on it and I'm sorry it took forever!

I apologize for any errors I may have missed.

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Recap:

Finally, after what felt like forever, because of the pain in his leg returning, he had reached a large clearing. Well, it was kind of a clearing in the sense that, there was no longer a warehouse there. Instead it was just a taped off area, full of ash filled wreckage. It was all that was left from the fire that had ensued earlier, that morning. Gajeel began to walk around it and position himself off to one side, where he would be hidden from view should anyone show up. He found himself a spot on the ground, where there was bit of grass and took a seat, prepared for a long night ahead.

And now I wait… They say arsonist always like ta return to the site of their disasters, just ta see the damage they have inflicted… And I know that includes you… Salamander… Gajeel's eyes narrowed. And you can bet… His fist was squeezing tight in anger, brass knuckles adorned. I'll be gettin' some answers from you…! He thought, as he punched at the ground. His mind picturing the lovely site of Levy's white tattoo over her back, all while she slept peacefully.

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Monster

Chapter 12: Blood

Levy stood there, her eyes fixated on the man who was sitting before her on the edge of the bed. His legs were hanging off the side, his bare feet planted on the wooden floor. He was wearing the same clothes, belted pants and a black short-sleeved T-shirt. He was holding a coffee mug in his one hand up near his face; it was the very same coffee she had made him. The one he had left abandoned on the table beside her bed. His red eyes were smiling arrogantly at her in much the same fashion as his lips, that familiar smirk spreading across his face. And Levy found that she couldn't move while locked in his sights, too stricken with the disbelief that he was actually there with her again.

"Why ya got that look on yer face…?" Came the deep rumble of his voice. "It's like ya ain't ever seen me before, shrimp…" He added, his smirk stretching into a full out, fang-revealing grin.

"Gajeel…" Levy was finally able to utter, with a slight tremble of her lips. "You're here! I didn't think we'd…"

"Tell me…" He interjected, before she could say another word, her eyes widened. His grin was fading into a frown, as he lowered the coffee cup down between his legs; his eyelids were falling shut gently. His head was angling to the side as if he didn't wish to continue, but he did, regardless. "Levy…. Are you afraid…?" His tone was deep and somber as he asked this.

"What…? No…!" Levy gasped, as her hand reached up towards him. Her eyebrows were coming together in sad confusion, over the idea of him asking such a question. "Why… Why would you ask me that?" She brought her hand back up to her chest, her fingers curling over her heart, as she glanced down. "If anything… I'm glad… I wanted to see you again." She spoke, her eyes darting back up to meet his. "I wanted to know that you were okay…" She added, her voice desperate.

"Are ya sure bout that…?" Came his next question, as Levy just looked up at him with misunderstanding. He was staring her down and then, "Look." He ordered, as his free hand came up and he pointed to something behind her. Levy froze, she could feel the dip in her heart and then it was as if her body just moved, a force of its own volition.

She whipped around and there stood the large shadow of a man, towering over her. He had glowing red eyes and a raised armored fist, smothered in blood. His teeth were clamped together, his fangs protruding out over his bottom lip. His studded brow was low as he glared down at her, with an antagonizing expression over his face. The muscles in his arms were rigid and ready to strike at a moment's notice, should she make the slightest wrong move. He was the very definition of a fiend, standing before her like the gatekeeper to hell.

Levy's eyes were widening, a slight shiver from the draft of his darkness was coming over her as she stared up at him, unable to move. The air was stuck in her throat and she was literally choking on the words, almost as if his mere presence was death sucking the life right out of her, with his steely glare.

"Gajeel!" She finally managed through a gasp.

"Black Steel." He corrected her, with a firm growl. Levy could feel herself wincing at the hiss in his voice. Her arms were moving up to the defensive position, should he try and attack, but she didn't dare run away, she stood her ground.

"I-I know that!" She finally managed back in response. Her eyes were closing from the power of her own voice, as she screamed through her fear. "So, don't… Don't you dare…" Her hand came up and she pointed at him. Her eyes opened, the anger was taking priority over her face. "Act like, I don't see it!" She snapped back in desperation, unshed tears had formed in her eyes. She was unwilling to run away from him, but she couldn't hide her trembling. "I am not naïve Gajeel!" She added fiercely, dropping her hand back down. "It is my choice!" She finished in a rattled voice. Her emotions were going haywire, she was lost somewhere between being afraid, worried for him and angry over everything that he was saying to her. And it showed in her every action, it could be heard through her every word.

"Yer better off this way Levy…" Came the voice of the other Gajeel, still sitting on her bed. Levy turned to look at him. "You know that." He stated with finality in his tone, his head was bowed. "Or do ya want somethin' like that to happen again...?" He asked.

His voice was heavy with the weight of warning, as his gaze shifted back up. His stare was piercing right through her with such intensity, that Levy was left with nothing to say. Her mouth fell open, her glossy eyes were deadlocked to his face and she wanted nothing more than to move. She wanted to go to him, she wanted to grab his shirt and demand answers, maybe hit him, or even hug him, but she found that she was unable to budge, her shock too evident.

That was until she heard a groan of agony, from just behind. She turned around once more and there stood Thibault, pulling a large bloody knife out of Gajeel's stomach, the suctioning sound of the motion was sickening. He then whipped around to face her, but Levy was too busy watching Gajeel.

She screamed at the sight of him falling to his knees in severe pain. Then he slumped over with a pain filled groan, his eyes were open, but the life was draining from them. Like a tiny flame suffocating from the lack of oxygen, their glow eventually fading out for good.

Levy's mortified stare shifted from Gajeel's dead face, up towards Thibault who was standing over the body. There was a large grin over his lips; his beady eyes were drinking in her horrified expression with greed. He was holding the knife up by his head; a finger was coming over his lips.

"Shhh…" He hushed gently as he took a step towards her. "Now now…"

Levy was taking a few steps back, but then she tripped over her own feet, landing on her rear and hands. She moved back, but her back was against a wall that hadn't been there before. She was confined once again, just like when she had been in the tiny bathroom stall, at the club. Thibault was hanging over her, with his long gorilla-like arms stretched out, the bloody knife in his one hand.

"We're already here… " He uttered, but something was wrong.

His face looked different, like it was becoming distorted and broken, right before her very eyes. Levy could hear the sound of bones breaking and snapping, the horrible crunch of it all, as it deformed. It was like his face was melting into mush.

"Can't stop now." The blood was spitting from his broken mouth, as he spoke the gurgling and seething words. The shattered bones of his jaw were stretching and tearing at the skin of his face, pieces of it sticking through.

"No please!" Levy was begging, crying in horror. She turned away from his nearing form. She couldn't bear to look any longer, her eyes were slamming shut as she braced for the impact of his knife, her body against the floor.

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Levy's eyes opened slowly, her body laid still, her head resting over the pillow. She could feel the heavy heave in her chest, as her body recovered from the stressful and horrific nightmare. She slowly moved her small frame up to a sitting position; her head was hanging with surprising calmness.

The sweat was lining the rim of her tank top; her hair was clinging to her neck. Her skin felt clammy and her body was stiff with exhaustion. This was the third time she had woken up from a strange dream and it was making her so tired, that her head was pounding. She hadn't been able to get any real rest that whole night.

Levy turned her head towards the window, her baggy eyes taking note of the faint glow of green, in the navy-blue sky. The sun appeared to be coming up; she stared at it for a minute, her mind trying to clear from the fog. She was becoming cold; the sweat was making the naked parts of her skin line up with goose bumps, without the cover of her blanket, over her now exposed torso.

She turned her head again, this time to glance at the alarm clock. It was almost six a.m., still pretty early, but at the rate she was going, Levy didn't even want to bother with trying to find sleep again. She kicked off the covers and got to her feet gently, almost rhythmically stepping towards the small kitchenette to start brewing some coffee, ultimately giving up on the notion altogether. If she wasn't going to sleep for the remaining of her morning, then she at least wanted to be awake enough to read something, before she needed to get ready for her busy day.

Once she got the coffee machine up and running she stood before it, her eyes taking in the semi dark room as she waited for it to brew. The sound of its dripping was bringing her some much-needed comfort. She had nearly finished tidying up the place the night before. All that was left to do, was to go through a stack of books, that she had left by the shelf. She hadn't bothered with putting them away yet, because she hadn't felt like organizing them at the time. She was very particular about the way she put away her books. She had a system that only she herself could grasp, but it was befitting of her personal taste and so she stuck with it.

Levy made her way over to the pile, deciding that putting more books away would be the best use of her time, while she waited for the coffee to finish. She kneeled down, filing through the stack and splitting it into various piles based on the nature of the book, sometimes turning towards the shelf to put one away. Other times she was setting them down on top of one of the many stacks surrounding her.

Within a few minutes she had already made a considerable dent in the work. Meanwhile, the scent of coffee was taking over the small space that was her apartment. She was just about to stop, so she could pour herself a cup, deciding that this next book would be her last one, when she suddenly came across something she hadn't expected.

Levy paused, her eyes glued to the next book on top of the pile with almost startled uncertainty, as though she hadn't thought to lay eyes on it ever again. Her chest tightened as she looked over it, a frown was pulling at her lips.

It was her hard covered, Intro to physiology book and it was one of the only school books she still had left from her freshman year of college. She had ended up needing to sell the rest. Much to her dismay, but she hadn't been able to sell this particular book, only because it hadn't been in her possession when she had traded in all of the others.

Levy's fingers were gracing the cover upon finding it, tracing over the letters of the title gently, as her expression softened with slight sadness. She could feel a memory tugging at her subconscious, recent events making it all the more painful, as she continued to pour over the book, taking it up with both hands. She slowly opened the front cover. Her hand was running down the center of the spine, admiring the craftsmanship of its binding. She could hear a voice in the back of her mind and it made her heart ache in such a way that she hadn't ever thought was possible, before the other night.

"Yea basically… So, take it… Cause I don't want it anymore."
"And you're giving this to me, now? But why? And after all of this time…? I mean… I finished that class last year Gajeel…. I don't even need this anymore." Levy heard her own voice from the memory, in response to his.
"So what…? I'm still givin' it back. Sell it, if ya gotta… I mean hell, I don't care what ya do with it shrimp, but I definitely have no use for it and besides... It ain't mine."

Levy was staring at the hand she had settled over the spine of the open book. Gajeel's voice was fading along with the memory as her eyelids closed lightly. Thinking about him was by no means, easing her troubles. No, if anything, it just made her feel empty inside, but she didn't know how to stop. Her subconscious seemed to be clouded with him. His appearances in her dreams, his memory attached to certain items she had long since forgotten about, but had still managed to find their way back into her hands anyways. How was she supposed to not think about him, at this rate?

Levy was staring at the shelf before her, her mind drifting back to the nightmare with a grave expression over her face. Her grip over the book was tightening, as she thought about the way Thibault's face had looked. It haunted her, seeing that, seeing what Gajeel had reduced him to, but she didn't know… She could feel herself beginning to tremble, as she imagined the scary version of Gajeel standing before her again, just like in the dream. She didn't know if it haunted her more than the idea of never seeing him again.

The coffee machine sounded off, breaking Levy from her trance, with a sudden alertness. She swallowed around the lump in her throat, before letting out a small gasping breath just behind it, sucking in the air like she couldn't get enough of it. She then slammed the book shut and quickly set it back on top of the stack, firmly.

She didn't want to do this… At least that was what she kept telling herself, as she got to her feet and made her way over to the counter. Her brow was furrowed as she began pouring herself a cup of coffee. She was just so distracted, even still, after Juvia had eased most of her worries concerning Gajeel, but it wasn't just about him anymore. Something more was bothering her, something of greater significance.

This… This is going to take some time… She thought, in an effort to calm her frayed nerves. I can't forget what I saw….

Levy set the coffee pot back down in the machine, her head was going up and her eyes were narrowing. The startling visuals of her dreams were still nesting freshly inside of her head. The pure frightening violence of everything she had seen and been through was given new life and meaning, through her sleeping mind.

Nor can I forget what almost happened… She looked down. To me…

Her eyes had settled over the lone coffee mug just below her, on the counter. It was filled halfway to the brim with black liquid, patiently waiting for her to add some milk and sugar to lighten both its color, and bitter taste. A discerning frown was pulling at Levy's lips, as her eyelids lowered over it sadly.

It's okay… She thought. Her hands were slowly wrapping around the porcelain mug to take in its warmth, as if that could somehow make her believe it was true. She could feel her eyes beginning to water, despite the reassuring thought. I… will be okay… Her mind spoke, as she used the back of her knuckles to wipe at a persistent tear that was beginning to drip down her cheek.

Her mind was picturing the kind faces of her grandparents, smiling at her. How much she missed them and how much she needed their support at a time like this. Then came the vague memory of her parents faces shortly after. She could feel the loneliness making her chest want to cave in on itself, as she remembered them all to the best of her abilities.

"I am alive…" She spoke in an agonizing voice, unable to keep it together. "And for that I will always be grateful…" She choked out in a half sob, as she saw all of their familiar images, their faces bringing her strength.

The tears were beginning to leak from her eyes, as the full realization of what she had really been through was finally hitting her, in a big way. The shock of everything that had happened was gone, only to be replaced with something that much more powerful. She now felt truly lucky, to have made it out of that traumatic experience with her life and body still intact.

"Thank you…" She managed between muffled sobs, smiling despite the tears. "For watching over me… I promise I will be strong…" Levy finished, her eyes closing as one of the tears dripped into her awaiting coffee, her form was beginning to tremble.

Her hand was clasping over her mouth, in an attempt to stifle a very loud whimper, her posture was doubling over on the counter. Her shoulders were stiffening with insecurity and that was when she finally began to cry, like a person broken. She sobbed like it was easier to do that, then it was to breathe. Her palms pressing into her closed eyes at times, her fingers bracing the counter. Her body was crumbling to the floor and huddling in on itself, like she could no longer bear the weight of it.

She shook with emotion, allowing the flood, because this was what she needed to do. She needed to let herself have this moment, so that she could embrace the rest of her day, like the true lady her family had taught her to be, before she had lost them all. With her weakness exposed and expelled in these private moments, she would then be able to mend and deal with the next few days in the face of all of her friends and their unanswered questions towards her.

Then finally, after some time, Levy's eyes opened, red and stinging with a shine worthy of glass, she was slowly pushing herself up. Her hands were grabbing at the counter to steady her wobbling frame, as she got to her feet slowly; her throat was dry and her nose runny. She looked around her apartment with a strange calmness, her puffy face showing all of the signs that her demeanor no longer could, as all of the tears were finally gone. She had exhausted them and now all she could do was, go back to living her life, with the hopes of making her loved ones proud, as they looked on from somewhere unbound by the weight of life's hardships.

"One day…" She spoke, her eyes closing gently as she leaned back against the counter, to regain her lost breath. "We will see each other again… But until then…" Her eyes opened. "I still have a lot I want to do..." She whispered.

Then after a long moment, Levy finally moved as if it had never even happened. She set to work fixing her coffee in the way that she liked, sipping at it until it was mostly gone. Then heading towards the bathroom for a shower and to brush her teeth. She had a bit more coffee after getting dressed and then she set to work covering the injury on her head with a bandage in front of the bathroom mirror.

Once she finished doing that, Levy took a moment to just stare at the image of her own exhausted face, before rolling her eyes at how horrible she thought she looked.

I look like I'm turning into a zombie… She thought as she began to walk away from the mirror. Baggy eyes, huge bandage across my head… Yea sure… Nobody will notice that… Her mind added sarcastically, all while shaking her head in annoyance.

She made her way back into the main room, after having decided, to go back to reading the book she had been on the night before, just to kill some time as it was still fairly early.

She was feeling much more relaxed now, despite the lack of sleep and the reading was definitely helping, as it kept her mind from wandering back to Gajeel or anything else. The book she was reading was the fifth in her favorite series, a book full of magic, wizard guilds, celestial spirits and disappearing dragons.

As time wore on that morning, Levy finally decided to put the book down and get ready to leave, as she knew Jet and Droy would soon appear outside waiting for her. The three of them always walked to school together on Monday mornings, because they all had early classes that day.

Her mind was still overwhelmed with the fantastic story and it's amazing characters, as she set to work, putting on her shoes and coat. She made her way back towards the bed, so she could begin to pack up her bag and leave.

I wonder what kind of magic I would have, if I were a mage…? Levy wondered as she stood up from her bed, while draping the messenger bag over her shoulder. That was when something caught her eye, a certain object she had forgotten about. The knife on her dresser, the one Gajeel had insisted she keep and learn how to use for self-defense, the very same weapon that had stabbed him. Thibault's knife.

Levy stared at it for a moment, unmoving, as if the object was somehow judging her for being weary of it. She felt stuck while looking at it, unsure of what to do, take it with her, or leave it there untouched. She thought about her dream and how Thibault had been holding the knife before her. How he had stabbed Gajeel and then used it to move in on her, leaving her to feel completely helpless again, just like when she had been in the bathroom at the club.

Levy's eyes stayed transfixed to the small taunting blade, until the familiar voices of Jet and Droy could be heard from outside. Her head turned and she could see their forms nearing the window in her peripheral vision. She was suddenly becoming illogically worried about the two of them finding out about the knife's existence. Which was ridiculous, because she knew, there was no way they were even going to come inside her apartment and see it. They rarely ever did that before class, unless maybe she was running late. Otherwise, they would normally just wait outside until she came out, but that didn't seem to matter to Levy at the moment. Something about leaving the knife there, out in the open on her dresser, felt like a bad idea. Almost as if just looking upon it, would summon the very knowledge of everything she had been trying to keep a secret. That paranoia was enough to finally make her snatch it up.

Probably something involving words… Levy's mind spoke, going back to the question, about what kind of magic she would possess if she were a wizard like in the book she was reading. She dropped the knife into her bag and then turned for the door. Like an enchantment of sorts… Her thoughts continued as she made her way out, locking the old door behind her. Heaven knows I could use something like that now… She thought as she opened the second door, the one that lead her to outside. Because I still have no idea what words I am going to say to them now… Her mind finished as she stood just before the doorway of her apartment, her eyes settling over her two best friends who were smiling up at her.

"Morning Levy!" They both chimed in unison. Levy looked them over, a small breath was releasing from her lungs. The full impact of the cold air was causing her a slight chill.

"Morning!" She answered lightly; she glanced down at her hands, pulling out some gloves from her bag. "Wow…" She breathed as she quickly slipped them on. "It's cold today." She muttered.

"Yea, they're calling for snow tonight actually!" Jet exclaimed as he stepped forwards. Levy glanced up at him, a small smile appearing over her lips, as if his smile towards her was somehow contagious. She took a step a down from the stoop. "Wow… And it is only fall."
"You're telling me..." Droy muttered with a shiver. "I hate the cold…" Levy looked to him, the smile still over her face.

"Let's get going boys." She spoke gently. They both looked to her, returning the smile, a slight blush over both of their faces.

"You got it Levy!" Jet replied.
"Let's go!" Droy chimed and then the three of them began their walk towards campus.

Levy lived much closer to the school compared to Jet and Droy, so they would often meet in front of her apartment, when they all had classes in the morning. The boys didn't like for Levy to walk alone if they could help it. Issue was, she stayed much later at the school than they did most days due to working, studying or just reading after hours in the library.

The sky was a bright baby blue, tinted pink by the oncoming rays of the sun as it rose ever higher into the heavens. Levy looked on in awe, as its glow greeted her from the surface of each building they passed by. She huddled against the collar of her green coat, in an attempt to warm her already red nose against the chill.

The boys were relatively quiet during the walk. When they finally did speak, it was a normal discussion about how work had gone. They were sure to catch Levy up on all of the restaurant drama she had missed out on the night before. Their stories also managing to make her laugh, while in the process.

Neither one of them asked her any more questions about the origin of her injury, nor did they ask her why she had been so clearly flustered the day before. Proving to her, that Jet had remained true to his word about letting it go, as she had requested of him. They did this by acting completely natural as if none of it had ever even happened and she was grateful for that. It was their way of showing her their support and she was once again thankful to have such understanding people in her life.

After a few more minutes, the three of them were finally arriving on campus, surrounded by students on the move and approaching the quad located in the center of it all. Levy could just make out the distinct pink head of Natsu, among a small crowd, standing around in the frosted grass, between the large admissions building and the school's token cafe. The admissions tower had a large clock on the outside that overlooked the center of the campus for all to see the time. It would also chime loudly on the hour.

"Hey Levy!" She could hear the voice of Lucy, carrying over everyone's heads.

She then could see the blond jogging towards her in excitement, wrapped up in a pink coat with fur trim. She had on a knitted winter hat, with a visor over her blond head and she was wearing a dark turtleneck underneath her coat.

"Levy!" Lucy was calling for her, with an arm waving happily as she approached.

Levy smiled weakly at the oncoming blond, despite the scrutiny that she knew Lucy's presence was sure to bring. She couldn't help it though; the traumatic events of her weekend had managed to make their twenty-four-hour period apart, feel like an eternity. And so, it felt like it had been ages since she had last laid eyes on Lucy. This may have also been, because at some point, Levy had also doubted her own survival during said events and so, she had truly believed she might not ever get to see her best friend again.

"Oh my gosh-Levy!" Lucy was finally saying through a pant once she had arrived in front of her much shorter friend. Her breath was a visible puff of air, due to the cold. She had a hand leaning against her knees, as she recovered from the short run. "It's too cold…" She muttered between breaths.

Jet and Droy continued on past the two girls, who clearly wanted to chat. They were headed towards the remaining two, calling towards Natsu, who was waving to them in greeting. Lucy had turned her head to watch them go, checking to make sure they were out of earshot, before she straightened back up and turned back towards Levy.

"So Natsu's back, huh…?" Levy spoke first, not allowing Lucy the chance. Her head angled past the blond, to get a glimpse at their pink-haired friend, who had long since been absent. Her eyes then shifted back to Lucy who had also turned to look at Natsu.

"Yea… I guess so…" Lucy answered, as she watched Lisanna give Natsu a kiss on the cheek. She could hear her saying her goodbyes to him, as well as Jet and Droy who had now joined them. Lisanna's sights then set on the two of them, Lucy and Levy, before she began to wave.

"See ya later, guys!" She called; Lucy and Levy were both quick to return the gesture, calling towards her as well, before Lisanna took her leave. Levy's hand was coming back down, as Lucy turned to face her. She was once again speaking, before the blond could utter another word.

"Are you glad?" Levy questioned. "I mean… He missed most of his classes last week, right? And you hardly saw him at all."

"Well yea… I mean… I'm relived at least, because… Oh wait!" Lucy started, as realization hit her. "You don't even know yet, Levy! I haven't really gotten to talk to you since the other night!" She exclaimed next, her hands were coming down on both of Levy's shoulders.

"Know what?" Levy questioned, but she was quickly pushing her head back as Lucy's face was coming in close to her own. Her chocolate eyes were looking deeply perplexed, as they circled over Levy's face, finally stopping on a certain spot in particular. And that was when Levy knew that Lucy was staring at the impossible to miss bandage, across her head.

"What the hell is that!?" Lucy snapped and her voice was too loud, so loud in fact, that it caused Levy to wince and step back out of her grasp.

"Uhhh yea…" Levy spoke, turning her head elsewhere, so she could avoid Lucy's intense stare. "I kind of hurt myself the other day…" Levy explained. "No big deal."

"No big deal?!" Lucy repeated in outrage. "That looks huge! What the hell did you do?!" Levy turned back towards Lucy with a weak smile over her face. A small laugh filtered out, once she got a look at her best friend's stern expression.

"You wouldn't even believe me if I told you…" She managed. "It's that ridiculous." Well it wasn't a complete lie.

Lucy stared at Levy for a few seconds in silence. Her mind trying to decide on whether she wanted to pursue the subject any further, or just drop it there, as it seemed like Levy had zero interest in retelling the tale.

She is probably just tired of repeating herself, because I'm sure she had to tell Jet and Droy the whole story… Along with everyone else she works with… Lucy thought as her eyes took in the exhausted features of Levy's face.

Why does she look so tired though…? She then found herself wondering. Could it be…? Because of that guy she was supposedly with, the other night..? Maybe she's seeing him?! Lucy folded her arms at this thought; she had been waiting to see Levy just to find out more about the whole situation, and that was why she hadn't wanted to speak to her, in front of Jet and Droy. Surely those two would have been heartbroken, if they found out Levy may have hooked up with someone from the club.

"Levy…" Lucy finally began, after a shared moment of silence. Levy's eyes immediately perked up at the seriousness in Lucy's voice. "Did you not get any sleep or something…?" She finally asked. "You look tired." She added.

"You could say that." Levy replied nervously, her eyes averting upwards. Lucy's eyes narrowed in on her, in suspicion.

"Oh yea..? Why's that?" Lucy asked next, her voice lifting in question, making Levy glance back down at her. "Did you find yourself a good book to 'read' the other night or something?" Lucy asked, putting emphasize on the word 'good' and finger quotes around the word 'read'. Levy paused as Lucy continued, completely immune to Levy's shock. "I mean heck… Maybe it was so good, that you decided to read it twice..? Again, last night… Tell me is that possible?" Lucy questioned, with a roll of her eyes as she finally landed her stare back on Levy, who hadn't budged. The smaller girl didn't even look like she was breathing, a few seconds passed by, but they felt like forever. "Well?! Did you!?" Lucy finally snapped, becoming impatient.

"Noooooo!" Levy answered back abruptly, but she could feel her face reddening as she began to walk forwards, without thinking. She was moving past Lucy some, so that the blond wouldn't get a look at her heated cheeks.

"Hey!" Lucy called after her, as she whipped around to face Levy's retreating back. "Hold on a minute!" Lucy snapped and Levy did stop, but she did not dare turn around.

Her sights moved over to one side as she could see Lucy in the corner of her eye, her breathing had picked up some. If she couldn't remain calm now, Lucy would never believe her, but she found it incredibly difficult to act cool, while being interrogated. She was so bad at this 'lying thing'. Her heart was thumping hard, as she thought about Gajeel and how badly she wished she could tell Lucy, about him. About how he had rescued her and about how caring he had actually been. She wanted to express to someone, how much their time together actually meant to her.

Don't say anything… She thought as her eyes closed from the stress of it all. No good will come of it!

Levy's eyes were opening, as she could hear Lucy coming back up from behind her, the blond was once again appearing in her face.

"Don't lie to me Levy! Cana saw you!" Lucy exclaimed and at this, Levy was raising an eyebrow at the blond. The mention of Cana got the wheels in her head turning and she was able to calm down a bit.

"Cana saw what exactly?" Levy fired back; now back on her game, because in truth, she genuinely wanted to know.

"She said she saw you leave the club with a guy!" Lucy answered back, her hands settling on her hips. "Was that, a lie?" Lucy asked defiantly. "I mean… You were gone after that…" She added, her hand going out.

"A guy?" Levy repeated. "That's all she said?" Levy questioned, completely ignoring the rest of Lucy's words.

"Yes! Isn't that enough!?" Lucy asked, in utter disbelief, but she only became more confused as Levy suddenly looked thoughtful and continued to not say a word. Another few seconds of silence stretched between them, before Lucy was once again getting annoyed with the go around. What was with the secrecy? Lucy had never known Levy to be this way, and with her of all people!

"So, ya gonna tell me what the heck is going on or not!?" Lucy asked in annoyance, finally earning Levy's eyes back on her, as if she had just remembered the blond was there, talking to her.

"Maybe you should be the one to tell." Levy threw back.

"Excuse me?" Lucy questioned in bewildered confusion.

"What happened between you and that guy I left you with…?" Levy started, as she glanced up in remembrance. "Let's see… What was his name again…?"

"Loke!?" Lucy spat, as her face suddenly turned bright red.

"Oh yea!" Levy replied, a smile appearing over her lips, as she looked back to Lucy's flustered expression. "Oh…" Levy added. "So, does that mean, there is something to tell then?!" Levy exclaimed, becoming excited by the prospect. "Did you.-?" But she was suddenly cut off by Lucy's voice

"I think we're through here." Lucy was uttering, finally ready to drop the subject altogether and then she was the one turning away from Levy. Levy had to stop and stare with wide disbelieving eyes, as Lucy meandered away from her.

Wow, no way! Did Lucy actually do something with Loke after all?! Lucy was so shy; Levy hadn't actually expected her to really do much of anything with Loke, other than just hang around with him at the club. Especially when she was aware of blonde's feelings for Natsu.

"Hold on…!" Levy called after Lucy, as she jogged forwards to catch up with the blond. Once she arrived in step with Lucy, she was looking at her face from one side as they both walked together. Lucy was ignoring Levy though, by just staring straight ahead, as if the shorter girl wasn't even there. "You didn't….? Did you?!" Levy was uttering in question, but still, Lucy said nothing. "With Loke?!" Levy then asked and there was once again silence, but Lucy's face was growing in color considerably, and her lip was twitching awkwardly. Levy couldn't help the smile, that was creeping over her face, as she watched. "Oh my… Lucy." Levy began in a playful voice. "Good for you!" She then added, with an impressed laugh, her tone sounding proud as she nudged at Lucy.

"Will you shut up!" Lucy finally snapped back, as she turned to look at a laughing Levy, just as the two of them had arrived with the rest of their small group.

"Shut up, about what?" Natsu questioned, as he looked at the two girls, who had just joined them. They were now positioned between Jet and Droy in their small standing circle.

"Nothing!" Both girls answered, almost too quickly in unison, causing all three boys to trade questioning looks with each other. It was quiet for a few seconds among the small group of friends, until the unannounced appearance of another showed up, before anyone could say much more.

"Heyyy! So, there are my two awesome ladies!" Came the loud voice of Cana, as her arms suddenly draped over both Levy and Lucy's shoulders, from behind, thus scaring them both. Her head appeared between the two surprised girls, as she pulled them both in close, huddling the three of them together tightly, nearly choking the life out of them. They could feel the slick material of her purple winter coat around their necks. "I've been waitin' to run into you two, cause I know ya both have awesome stories for me!" She laughed with a big grin over her face, her eyes closing happily.

They both gasped, until Cana's grip on them loosened a bit. Then her eyes opened and her head lowered discreetly. Her grin was fading into a dangerous smirk, as her eyes glinted at them, with mischief.

"So how about it, huh?" She asked, her voice was becoming suggestive. "Just how lucky, did you two get on Saturday night?" She finished, causing both Levy and Lucy to look up at her with pure mortification, etched across their faces.

"What?" Natsu was the first one to question Cana's words with confusion. He pushed both of his hands into the front pockets of his green pullover hoodie, as he stared at the both of them, with his head tilted. Jet and Droy were both looking towards Levy with misunderstanding.

"Whoa…!" Lucy exclaimed as she pushed herself out from under Cana's arm. "Look at the time guys!" Lucy added, pointing to the large clock on the admissions building. "I gotta get to class, like now!" The blond uttered, as everyone stared at her and then she began to turn away, breaking into a jog.

"Hey! Wait a minute Lucy!" Natsu yelled as he took off after her. "You said you'd buy me breakfast!" They could hear his voice echoing, as he quickly disappeared just behind Lucy.

"Huh…" Cana shrugged watching them go. "I didn't get to ask for my car back yet…" Cana muttered, but her comment was ignored, as Jet and Droy were too busy looking at Levy, as she too moved away from Cana's arm. Jet's eyes narrowed and Droy's widened, timidly.

"What's she talking about, Levy?" Droy asked.

"Yea, I want to know too…" Jet added. Cana looked from the two boys to Levy, who was quiet for the moment. Levy opened her mouth to speak, but then the loud bong of the clock sounded off, signaling the first morning classes start.

"Shit!" Jet cursed.

"Seriously we gotta get going!" Droy exclaimed, looking to Jet with urgency. "Professor Mine is already pissed at us, for screwing up the lab last week! He'll probably kill us if we don't beat him to class!"

"Yea, I know, you're right. Let's go!" Jet snapped. They both turned towards Levy, who was standing there watching them both with wide eyes. "We'll talk later Levy." Jet spoke, his voice sounding serious. Levy took that to mean he again, wanted answers.

"Lighten up!" Droy added to ease the tension, once he got a look at Levy's concerned face. "It'll be okay!" It was his way of apologizing for Jet seeming too pushy. Levy nodded at them, as they both turned away and began to run. She could tell that the two of them were probably about to have their own conversation, an argument about her, most likely.

Cana was still standing beside Levy with her arms folded, as she leaned on one foot and watched Jet and Droy vanish.

"Well…!" She finally spoke up, causing Levy to turn and look at her. "Those two sure are something, when it comes to you." She commented, sarcastically.

"Yea…" Levy breathed out. "Ya know what… I should probably get going too…" She then said, while attempting to shuffle away from Cana. "My teacher isn't too strict, but still… I don't want to miss anything."

"Wait." Cana demanded, as she grabbed a firm hold of Levy's shoulder from behind. Levy paused at the seriousness in Cana's voice.

"What? Don't you have classes too?" Levy asked with a turn of her head to look at Cana, from over her shoulder. But Cana's violet eyes looked so stern, that Levy found it almost unnerving to see her with such an uncharacteristic expression over her face.

"No… I just came here, because I knew you'd be here and I wanted to talk to you." Cana stated firmly, her hand dropping off of Levy's shoulder. "But if you leave now, I know I won't catch you again for the rest of the day. Hell, maybe even the rest of the week... I don't want to wait that long, just in case." Cana explained. The air of her breath was visible, as she spoke. Her head lowered so that her eyes were leveled with Levy's.

Levy could see the movement of Cana's eyes, glancing over the bandage on her head. She stared back at the brunette for a moment, her own expression easing, as she was no longer surprised after hearing what Lucy had said.

"Would you like to go get a cup of coffee with me Cana?" Levy asked, her voice softening. Her question caused the smirk on Cana's face to return.

"Not as much as I'd like a drink, but I guess it will have to do… I mean if you're buyin' I'm totally game."

This comment made Levy nearly laugh, before the two of them headed over to the school's café.

---

Once they were there, Cana took a seat at a small round table, while Levy headed towards the counter to buy them the coffees. The café was a small rectangular shaped room, an open little nook, attached to the bottom floor of one of the school's many buildings. There were large windows off to one corner of the room that provided a nice view of the street. The counter was tucked back against the farthest wall from the entryway. The colors were a chocolaty looking brown and a warm gold. The lighting was soft, setting a tone for the space, much like the easygoing background music. It was a place meant to help students relax and focus on whatever they needed too.

Cana's table was seated near the windows, but she had her back facing the glass, so she could keep an eye on Levy. She watched as the smaller girl walked towards her carrying a large coffee in each hand. Her forehead was crinkling in curiosity, as Levy approached. She could see Levy's hand trembling slightly, as she set one of the coffee's down on the table.

Cana eyed the coffee that had just been placed in front of her with curiosity; her eyebrow was rising as she set her sights back on Levy, who was now taking a seat across from her. Levy was avoiding Cana's gaze by looking down at her own cup. She had both of her tiny hands wrapped around the cardboard and she looked so forlorn that Cana would have, had to of been completely dense not to sense her unease. It was quiet for a moment, until Levy let out an audible breath of relief and that was when Cana decided to speak.

"So….." Cana began. She looked away from Levy to her own bag, pulling it into her lap, to search for something inside of it. "Ya okay?" She asked, stealing a glance back up at Levy, just as Levy did the same. They matched eyes for a moment, but Levy didn't speak, so Cana continued, but she looked back down to her bag. "Cause… I couldn't help, but notice." The sound of her moving stuff in her bag was audible, between her words. "You seem a little on edge…." Cana finished.

"What makes you think that?" Levy asked, causing Cana to pause the sifting through her purse, to shoot Levy another skeptical look

"Oh, I don't know…" She began, looking back down. "Maybe, because you're shaking like a leaf…." Cana uttered, finally managing to find whatever it was that she had been looking for. Levy turned her head away from Cana, looking elsewhere.

"I've just…" Levy began, looking back to Cana. "I've had a lot of coffee today..." She finished. "This is decaf." She added, gesturing towards her own cup.

"Ah yea? Well… I have something that might help ya relax a bit." Cana spoke as she leaned forwards. Her torso was hovering just above the table, as her hand came out towards Levy. She was sliding something over the surface, a crinkled paper bag with something inside of it. Levy's eyes widened, as she got a look at the top of a flask sticking out of the paper and then she shot a disturbed glance back up at Cana's face.

"Cana?!" She exclaimed in a hushed voice, as she glanced around.

"Shh…" Cana shushed. "Don't freak out, okay?" Levy looked back to Cana. "I always have one on me… It helps…"

"Helps how?!" Levy questioned in outrage

"Alcoholism…" Cana shrugged with a laugh. "And well… For situations like this…" She added with a more serious voice, as she pushed her hand with the flask towards Levy's hand, nudging the girl's fingers with it. They made eye contact again. "Go ahead… Just a sip…" Cana pushed. "It won't kill ya… If anything, it will probably just calm you down…"

Levy stared at her for a moment, before finally snatching the flask up, as ordered and taking the cap off. She then put her lips to it and quickly threw back her head, allowing the liquid to hit her throat. She was hardly in a place to deny anything that might ease her stress, even if it was just a little.

The burn of whatever drink Cana had just given her, was overpowering to Levy's tiny body. She could feel it warming her up from head to toe, almost immediately upon contact. Her cheeks were flushing and her lips were tingling as she nearly coughed some of it up, but she managed to swallow it down, with a slight gag as she pulled the flask away from her mouth. She wiped at her lips in recovery, her eyes had glossed over and she could swear she was also sweating a bit, just from that one swig.

"Nice…" Cana was saying as Levy glanced around, while screwing the flask cap back on. "Bet that sobered you up, huh?" Cana asked, causing Levy to shoot Cana a disapproving stare as she handed the flask and bag, back over to her. "You know what I mean…" Cana replied with a shrug, referring to the irony of her own words.

"Just tell me what you want to talk about Cana." Levy demanded with a cough, and in a hoarse voice. She could still feel the burn in her esophagus, not to mention the loaded effects of the alcohol, which was hitting her body with a slight involuntary twitch. Levy was by no means, capable of handling something on par with Cana's proof. Another sip or two of that stuff and she would have been drunk off of her ass.

Cana began unscrewing the cap off of the flask again. Levy then preceded to take a drink of her coffee, to rid herself of the awful taste. She blinked a few times, her eyes transfixing to Cana, as she watched the brunette take the lid off of her own coffee cup, so that she could pour a little of the flask's contents into her own coffee.

"Black Steel Gajeel." Cana finally announced. The answer caused Levy to practically spit out, what little bit of coffee had made its way into her mouth.

Cana glanced up just as Levy was swallowing and then once again exploding into a small fit of coughing, practically choking on the warm liquid.

"Whoa! Ya gonna make it?" She asked, just as she began to screw the cap back on the flask, thus sealing it tightly.

"How…?" Levy was gasping with a raspy voice, as she wiped at her mouth. Levy had believed Lucy about Cana seeing her with a guy, but she had never imagined Cana would know who Gajeel was, by name and everything. "How do you…?"

"Just breathe." Cana was saying, as she stuffed the flask back into her bag. "How do I, what? Know him? Know about you guys?" Levy was nodding, just as her coughing fit was nearly through. She covered her mouth, her eyes narrowing as Cana continued. "Oh, I know about Black Steel Gajeel… He has a reputation." Cana spoke, as she sat back and took a heavy drink from her own coffee. She then looked at the cup in her hand with a raised eyebrow. "Much better…" She added, before glancing back up at Levy, whose mouth had dropped open. Levy took a moment to think, before speaking, her attempt to once again, remain calm.

"What kind of… Reputation?" Levy finally asked. Her voice was still recovering as her brow lowered. "Do you mean like a… Gangster?" She choked out, especially on that last word. Her head was low as she said this, worried that someone might overhear them.

"Well, there's that, and…" Cana began; her words were tapering off as she looked to Levy. There was silence as they stared at one another. "Levy…" Cana started, but Levy was quick to interrupt her.

"Great…" Levy was breathing out, as she glanced down. She set her coffee down on the table and brought her hands up to her head to run them through her hair. She then looked back up to Cana. "What have you heard?" She asked knowingly, as Cana folded her arms and leaned back.

"That he gets around…" Cana stated. "A lot." She added bluntly. Levy sighed, sitting up herself and leaning back in her chair, folding her arms uncomfortably. "He has a reputation among the ladies, ya know?" Cana explained. "I've heard his name at a few of the bars I go to, and I've seen him around as well… Can't say I've actually spoken to him myself, but…" She looked to Levy, gauging her reaction as she continued, but Levy didn't portray any emotion, other than what appeared to be impatience. "They say he is good for a one-night stand and only one, because… There won't ever be a second." Cana hesitated, locked to Levy's gaze, to see what she might do or say, but once again Levy stayed quiet and so, she continued. "He doesn't get phone numbers. He doesn't learn names. He doesn't date. He doesn't have girlfriends. He is literally just… Sex." Cana finally finished and she could swear Levy's face twitched. They were both silent for a second, locked in a stare down until finally Levy spoke.

"Why are you telling me this?" Levy asked. She tried to say it calmly, but her tone was cold, her defense was building. Cana shrugged, but her expression didn't change.

"Oh, I don't know… You tell me…?" Cana began. "You were the one who called him a 'gangster' after all." Cana added, causing Levy to glance away with a bitter smile.

"It's in the name, Cana. You said it." Levy stated firmly, looking back at her. Her smile was gone and her eyes were distant. "Black Steel? That's obviously a street name… For someone…" Levy replied with a hand out.

The lie was so blatant that Cana's stare actually hardened on the smaller girl, sitting across from her. Neither one of them could believe, that Levy was even willing to keep up with such a front, but she stood her ground, outright denial being her position of choice.

"Yea… Well… You're right." Cana spoke slowly. "It is a street name… Because he is a gangster." Cana began, her eyes narrowing on Levy. "A very dangerous one…" She raised an eyebrow, as she kept her eyes over Levy's face. "With nothing more to give any girl, past one memorable night of possibly hot, but meaningless sex."

Levy turned her head away at that. It was difficult to hear it said so brazenly, especially by someone else, even though she knew it to be true. She could feel something inside of her, beginning to ache and she couldn't bring herself to look up at Cana's face for the moment. She was too hurt.

"I…" She uttered, glancing down at her coffee again. "Still have no idea…" She finally summoned the will to look back up at Cana, but she was starting to crack. "Why, you are telling me this..." Cana's brow pushed together at that, and her expression eased.

"Listen… I don't' normally like to get too involved in other people's personal business…" She began, her eyes scaling over the bandage on Levy's head once more. "That's why I didn't even bother to ask you about that thing on your head…"

"It's nothing." Levy quickly cut in. She had her eyes down and her head was shaking with the answer, but then she glanced back up, as Cana began to speak over her.

"Look, it doesn't matter. I don't care. Because it's your business and I can tell you don't want to share it… But…" She drifted, her body was leaning forwards some. "Levy… You are my friend." She added, her hand was reaching out to touch Levy's shoulder. "So, I can't stay entirely quiet about everything I know." Her hand was leaving Levy's shoulder, as she sat back again. Levy was looking back up at Cana's face, with her eyes narrowed in perplexity.

"Okay..." Levy finally muttered. "Fair enough…" She gestured with a nudge and a glance towards Cana. "Go ahead then…" Cana folded her arms at that.

"Well, for one thing, I know what you are looking for." She stated. Her stare was digging deep into Levy's own. "And it's not somebody like him..." She added with a shake of her head. "It's not a person who could hurt you in all of the many different ways, that he could…"

"Cana…" Levy interrupted, her tone was like a warning, but Cana ignored her and just continued.

"And I'm just telling you this!" She exclaimed, speaking over Levy. Her eyes averted upwards as she continued. "So then, that way, if you ever do run into him somewhere… And if by some miracle, you ever do end up… Ya know… Sleeping with him or something..." Cana explained, playing along with Levy's lie, as her eyes came back down to Levy's face. Levy looked away again, releasing a withheld breath of distress. "You'll already know what to expect..."

"Cana…" Levy tried again, but Cana wouldn't stop. Levy's face had grown considerably pale, as their conversation withered on.

"Because that man!" Cana snapped, her hand pointing elsewhere, as her upper body began to lean forwards again. "From what I hear at least…" Her head dipped down and her voice became quiet. They're faces were so close, that Levy was forced to lock eyes with her again. "He has a way of making women feel 'special' in the bedroom." Cana sat back, once that was out and just tilted her head. "Hell, he gives them the time of their lives and then he just walks away and never looks back." She exclaimed with a shrug of her shoulders. "And even if he does 'see' them again." She finger quoted the word 'see'. "He doesn't give them the time of day, because they were never on his radar to begin with." She added sternly. "Trust me… I would know." Her head angled forwards. "I've heard enough ranting women, to last me a life time…" She finally finished. There were a few seconds of silence, before her eyes glanced back over to Levy. "Do ya catch my drift?" She then asked, but Levy was silent, her eyes were on the table. She was staring down at the surface with such intensity, it was as if she were reading some hidden text, lost within the grain of the wood.

"Yes…" She finally replied, before glancing back up at Cana's face. "I understand." She clarified in a monotone, portraying no emotion.

"He's no good." Cana reiterated firmly, as a nice sum up of her point. "And that's just one reason why… I didn't even get into all of the gangster stuff… Which I actually know a little about, but you seem to be aware so…" She drifted off, looking back up at Levy, who was looking down again, avoiding her gaze. She could swear Levy looked sad, but it was hard to say. She was most definitely thoughtful, at least. "Men that get around like that, are just… Well… Who knows what the hell their carrying? And you don't want anyone like that, Levy. You're…"

"Cana." Levy began, interrupting Cana for the last time. She looked up; her expression was rigid, as they made eye contact. She didn't want to hear it. She didn't want hear people's assumptions about her, because she knew what they all thought of her and she hated it. She hated being seen as someone so weak and frail, that she needed to be shielded or treated like she was naive.

"I don't need your protection." Levy stated. Her voice was firm, borderline angry. It was another warning for Cana to back off. "I can take care of myself… My judgment is sound. I can make my own choices."

"I know." Cana spoke quickly; Levy's tone was not lost on her, because Cana did have a good understanding of people. "I know you're smart Levy… You're together." She added. "You're nothing like me…" Her voice softened and her violet eyes shifted down in insecurity, but she quickly looked back up, in order to move past it. "But that's also why I needed to say this to you, because I know that world better than you do… And I couldn't live with myself if I didn't at least, warn you… Because as I said, you are my friend."

Levy looked down again, once Cana had finished. Both women were silent again, for nearly a full minute. Left to their own thoughts, about what the other was thinking. Levy was taking Cana's words into consideration. She felt guilty once more, for not only the secrets, but for getting insulted over her friend's concern.

"Cana…" Cana looked up; Levy's gaze on her, had softened. "Let me just get this point across…" She spoke gently now. "If, as you said, by some miracle, I ever did meet Black Steel Gajeel…" Her gaze moved downwards. Her fingers were picking at the cardboard sleeve on her coffee cup, as she continued. "And if I ever did happen to take him back to my place…" She turned her head away; her cheeks were flushing, just ever so slightly. "And something did happen between us…" She paused, looking elsewhere as Cana just stared at her, hanging on her every word. "I wouldn't be dumb enough to not only, not be safe… But also… To think, it could mean anything more, than what it was…" She finished, finally turning back to look at Cana, with a bittersweet smile on her face. Cana's brow was lowering though, as she could see the sadness in Levy's expression. "So you see… Nothing to worry about." Levy then added. Her voice was light and her eyes were closing, as she smiled at Cana from across the table, despite the mangled pain that was forming in her chest.

If that's true Levy… Then why do you look so sad…? Cana wondered with a furrowed brow, but she slowly returned Levy's smile, if only to ease the mood.

"Okay… I mean I thought so, but… I just felt the need to say something… Maybe to ease my own mind…" She replied gently. "But you're right, Levy… You know what you're doing. I should have a little more faith in you." She added softly. "I won't be bugging you about that, anymore… But should you ever need a drink…" Cana motioned towards her bag. "To calm you down again… You come find me."

"Ha yea… I think what you mean to say is, if I ever want to get completely wasted." Levy laughed and Cana just shrugged.

"Well yea… That too." Cana spoke. "I did finally get to see Lucy completely drunk, might be your turn next." And with that Levy's eyes widened.

"Wait? Did Lucy really get that bad?" Levy questioned.
That might explain some things…" She then muttered, but Cana just laughed.

"What do you mean!? Of COURSE, she did!" Cana exclaimed. "Man, do I have stories for you!" She then added excitedly and with that, the two of them began to chat about what had happened with Lucy, Loke and Cana at the club. And for the first time since everything had started, Levy was actually, genuinely laughing, to the point that her face hurt. She ended up skipping her first class that day, because for once, taking a break needed to take priority.

---

Her hands were padded flat against the wall. One was sliding down, slick with a film of sweat as it traveled over the bumpy surface, much like the rest of her body. Methodical fingers were making a delicate path across the soft skin of her belly, only to settle over the curve of her hip and hasten their hold. They were, but two naked bodies, one standing over the other, his head facing her back. His eyes were gliding down the path of her spine, only to settle over the roundness of her presented backside.

Jellal's grip on her was firm, it was of great contradiction to his former caress, but Erza remained outwardly unfazed nonetheless. Refusing him such satisfaction by being ever defiant, even while being on the cusp of intimacy. He was shoving his body against her own in response to this stubborn disposition; his sturdy weight was falling over her back. She could feel him rubbing up against her inner most thigh from behind; positioning himself between her open legs.

She stiffened, her lips pursing with an audible intake of air. Her face was flushing; the oncoming heat was inescapable, as flesh breached flesh. Her hands tensed over the wall, her fingers curling with the agony of that feeling. Her head was going up and back some, after the brunt of that contact was over and now he moving inside. His length was sliding up and into her gently, tearing at her insides and leaving her to feel hot and wet. Her mouth was opening, a small moan filtering out; her eyelids were falling shut with the force of his stride. He was moving deeper still, though slowly, there was no intent to stop. Her eyelids stayed closed as she took to his every inch with slight pain, her body cringing from the intrusion of his presence, but then instantly melting in the forbidden indulgence of it soon after. She was made so feverish by the satisfaction of him being within her, that she found it almost difficult to stay on her feet. Her knees were growing weak and she felt as though, she could cave in at any moment, the act leaving her in a trembling heap of sweat and unsorted desire.

He could sense it, her normally strong-willed resolve was already breaking to that of a more carnal nature, and it pleased him. He took a certain pleasure in reducing a woman such as Erza, to this state, because she was the only woman worthy of his efforts. She was after all; his queen and she upheld the title like no other ever could.

Her existence to him was like a hurricane; so full of various emotions and mangled personality traits. Her outward persona was strong and firm, almost downright brutal at times. Her name was well known and worthy of one's fear, for the thrashing she was capable of and the devastation she could reduce one to. She was a beautiful storm, meant only to be admired from afar. Terrifying when her winds were facing your direction. Only he dared to brave her completely alone, because he was one of the only few who knew better. He was one of the only few, who knew her completely to her core… And to know Erza Scarlet truly, was to come at her defenseless, prepared to face the wrath of those spiraling winds.

Inside the eye of her storm the truth would make itself known. This woman was calm to her center; her mind strategic and damn near devoid of panic, which made her the safe heaven when faced with immortal danger. She kept her love tucked away, but close to her heart, much like her weaknesses. They all lay hidden beneath the outer winds, surrounded and locked away, like flesh wrapped in a suit of armor. Only to be released when truly needed.

Jellal contemplated her; his form was now flushed up against her skin and he could go no further, his flesh was sticking to her, in due part to his own sweat. He glanced up at her head, he suspected her lost in the heat of sensuality, but she was quickly proving him wrong by the way she squirmed underneath him.

Ever the fighter, she rarely made things easy for him and this was what made Erza so dangerous. For each and every time she seemed beaten and cornered, it was those same vulnerabilities that would fuel her strength once more, leaving an air of mystery to her each and every action. She couldn't be predicted, and she failed logic in this sense, because she showed every indication of being anticipated from the aura she manifested. Rigid, like her strict moral code and her unyielding tenacity, but then surprisingly caring and naked in her emotional embrace.

Jellal braced his hold over her, he had every intention of answering her back, and in fact, there was nothing he enjoyed more. He found the challenge that was her pride, to be one of the most arousing aspects of Erza's personality. His hand was tearing away from her hip, so that his palm could rest against her chin. His finger was forcing its way into the wetness of her mouth, taking enjoyment out of the way her lips wrapped around it. Meanwhile he was gently rubbing up further inside, his length causing her a sharp twinge of pain, but also lethal pleasure. He rocked against her body once more and this seemed to have the affect he was hoping for.

Erza was caving to him, soaking in the desires, rather than fighting them. His chest was now resting over her spine; she was bent over just enough, to give him the leverage he needed as they both stood. His head was settled over the back of her neck, his face lost in a veil of silky scarlet, as he breathed in her heady scent. His body was huffing with a pant, as he listened to the sounds of her shallow breaths in return. The vibration of each one, was moving into him, while he lay against her trembling form with all of his weight. Her body was gripping to him tightly and so beautifully, molding and adjusting in a pool of blind heat, he could feel the wetness over his eyelids as his head pounded from it. He didn't want to move for the moment, appreciating the feeling with a groan, until he felt the scrape of teeth along the top of his finger.

Jellal smirked; his own hair was sticking to his drenched forehead, as he turned his head, his finger was pulling itself free from the prison of her mouth, but only to wrap his hand around either side of her chin. His fingers were rough and pushing into her cheek.

"My, my…" He whispered arrogantly into her ear, his breath was hot as he panted. It was hard not to sound exasperated, when she was still so tightly wrapped around him. "So, it's going to be like that, then…?" He questioned, his hand letting go of her face roughly, only to move down and grope around one of her hanging breasts.

He gave her a slight jolt, his body rocking painfully further, before he then squeezed her breast tightly. It was filling the scope of his hand, her nipple pinching between two of his fingers. Erza was once again, squirming beneath him, there was a small sound coming from her lips as she twitched, something between a groan and a breath, before she was quickly removing one of her hands from the wall to grab at Jellal's wrist tightly.

Before he could react, she was already ripping his hand away from her breast, her form straightening up enough, that he was forced away from her. She was beginning to move, her body twisting, but this time Jellal was quicker. He was able to catch one of her wrist; she was already facing him, when he was able to snatch up the other. He was wrapping them together in both hands and forcing them back down, but behind her back.

Her defiant stare was fixated on him, as she glared up at him in her compromising position. Her large, bare chest was raised up and made hard to ignore as they shifted with her each and every breath, just below his chin. He knew what she wanted, she no longer wanted to be facing the wall; she wanted him to look at her during. His devious smirk stayed planted, but his eyes grew gentle and Erza tried not to look affected by it. She glanced away, failing miserably, as her expression eased and her cheeks reddened.

His eyes were finally traveling down to her very prominent chest. He finally let go of her wrists; one hand settling over the small of her back lightly, while the other was going to her thigh. The two of them fell back against the wall that was just behind them gently.

Jellal was pulling her one leg up; lifting her some with the wall's aid, enough to provide him with the leverage needed. Her head was now level with his, his face was coming close, and the air of his heavy breathing was blowing against her, before his mouth was coming over her own. His tongue was going between her lips at just the same time as his lower body was pressing up against hers again, she could feel him positioning once more. The throb of his length was prodding at her, before it was once again pushing between her legs.

There was a break in the tension; Erza was pulling away from his mouth to breathe. Her teeth clamped down and her eyes slammed shut, as he pushed inside of her once again, his whole length plunging into her much faster this time. The slickness made the movement more fluent, but she could still feel the weight of him being there as her body reveled in the pleasure of that moment.

"Erza…" Jellal was breathing between pants. His forehead was pressing against hers, both of them drenched in sweat. He was pulling her other leg up, giving him just a little more lead way, as she let out a small pain filled moan, before taking another breath. Her legs wrapped around his torso, her shaky fingers were digging into his shoulders and she finally opened her eyes to look at him. He had pulled away enough so that she could see him smiling at her. His expression was worn, but happy, his gentle nature was coming through, more than anything else. "I love you." He was saying, making her return the smile, with her own tired expression.

"I love you too." She breathed, a shiver running over her. And then she was bracing, her whole body going rigid as he was pressing into her once again. His lips managed to find her mouth through the oncoming chaos. His body was moving, his grip on her tightening, his fingers digging into her as he began to rock himself in and out. Their kiss was sloppy and wet as Jellal's body set the rhythm, up and down.

They pulled apart, both breathing heavy from the constant collision, but he didn't stop. She looked to him; she could feel the seeping wetness mounting, with each time he pulled out and he just stayed focused on pleasing her. His jaw was clenched, his expression serious, yet determined. It was somehow both endearing and provocative to witness his efforts, while feeling them as well. Her arms wrapped over his shoulders as she shuttered. Her fingers were reaching down his back and clawing into his skin. The feeling of him sliding back, was making her pulse with heat, as she clung to his body tightly, she didn't want to let him go. She only wanted more, as much as he could give.

Soon they were both soaked and breathing in wild tandem, Erza's mouth was opening, soft screams coming out. She finally had to push away from him some in exhaustion from the repeated blows, the wetness of their sweat made it feel more like their skin was pealing apart. Her back and head hit the wall, as she moaned in pleasure.

Jellal got a look at her red face, her eyes were closed and her head leaned back. Her body was shifting up and down with his each and every thrust, her breast bouncing with his movements as she panted. Her red hair was cascading behind her and against the wall, dragging over the surface and sticking to her skin. He could hardly stand the sight of it. His body was moving faster, the friction was driving him mad, as he could feel her tensing. Finally, his mouth crashed down over one of her moving breasts. His tongue was dragging over her nipple, quickly swirling around it only once, before he stuck it between his teeth. He was devouring her until his lower half started unhinging, the force and rhythm of his strides instead taking priority, as he straightened back up. Her body was shifting up the wall, each time he rocked forward. She was becoming so taut; her head came down and her face cringed.

"Jellal….!" She moaned his name loudly; it was more like a yell. Spasms were moving through her. She was clawing at him, tearing at his skin with her nails. The heat erupted as her release spilled around him.

"Just a little more…" He was muttering between gasps. His body was pushing into her a few more times, as he tightened his grip. It was hard to fight the feeling of her body tensing over his. He was pushing into her once more, as forcefully as he could muster, letting out a loud breath. He was meeting her wave of warmth; she was so tight upon her series of release, that he found his own body tensing as well. He was flowing into her upon his finish; both of them thriving in the relief of that feeling, elated by the fact, that they had been able to give that to each other.

Then finally Jellal was quickly easing in exhaustion, they both were. Erza felt him begin to give way first, her legs quickly slid back down to the floor, her back still against the wall, but she was once again on her shaky feet, when his head fell to her shoulder. Her arms came around him and then silence took over, as they stayed together like that for a long moment.

Her hand was brushing through the hair on the back of his head as she embraced him. There was a weak smile over her face as her eyes stayed closed, pure bliss that she could only ever feel with him in her arms. He too was smiling as he stayed over her shoulder, his eyes finally opening as he could feel her trembling.

"Erza…" He spoke her name so calmly, as if he wasn't exhausted, when he clearly was. He seemed concerned now. "Are you all right…?" He questioned softly.

"Yes… I'm fine…" She uttered, her embrace tightening, and her smile only growing. "With you here, I could never not be…" She finally pulled away from him and they both smiled at each other with half lidded eyes. "Promise me…" She spoke softly. "That you'll be careful." Jellal's smile only widened.

"When am I ever not careful?" He questioned slyly and Erza could only look on, her smile was fading as Jellal turned away from her. She watched his naked body walk away and then he began picking up his clothes.

It was evening now and the sun was setting. The two of them had spent all day and night together, within the confines of Erza's loft, making love and just enjoying each other's company while they still could, before work was calling them both back to reality. Jellal already had his pants on, as Erza watched him, stepping forward.

"If Jose really is going to try and kill Banaboster…" Jellal paused at Erza's words, his form stiffened and his head turned back to look at her.

"He would send Aria…" Jellal stated. Erza took another step towards him, her eyes were widening with realization.

"Then this could be our chance." She chimed. "If we could catch Aria's attempt on Banaboster, I could arrest him." Erza glanced down. "I need to go make a phone call." She said walking past Jellal, but he grabbed her arm before she could get far.

"Wait." He commanded. "Are you sure that's a good idea?" Jellal asked. Erza turned to look at him, her eyebrows lowering. "Maybe we should try and handle this one ourselves." He offered, his voice serious.

"But Jellal, if we're alone…" She looked up. "We won't have any back up, if something goes wrong."

"I'm aware of that, but considering recent events… Maybe we should keep this quiet." He explained. "We don't need any more fires breaking out." He added and Erza half smiled.

"He wouldn't do that again, not right now at least…" Erza explained referring to Natsu, but Jellal's grip on her tightened.

"I'm just saying… We don't even know for sure, if anything is going to happen. Maybe it's best to keep this operation under wraps." Erza looked down, unsure about what he was suggesting. "Hey…" Jellal nudged at her, earning her eyes once more. His hand reached down and he took up hers in his. "You are the best back up I could ever hope for." He said, bringing her hand up to his lips. Erza watched as his eyes closed, before planting a gentle kiss over her knuckles as she contemplating the whole thing. Then finally, he lowered her hand, his eyes opening again as he smirked at her.

"Fine… We'll do this alone." She stated firmly. "I need you to keep an eye on Banaboster for the next 72 hours." She added and Jellal couldn't help but keep his smirk at the commanding nature of her voice, as she turned away from him. Jellal reached down to grab his shirt, slipping it on over his head.

"You got it." He stated. "You'll be the first call I make." He added while watching her walk away,
"I'll be the only call." She added firmly, but she turned to face him and there was slight smirk on her face, and it only made Jellal's widen.

---

It was silver smeared in red, stretching across his skin, pealing it right down to the tissue and leaving open wounds that wouldn't stop bleeding. Gajeel yanked on, despite the shredding of his body. He gritted his teeth first, his eyes closing as he propelled his much smaller form forward. The tearing at his flesh was causing him to yell out, but it was more out of anger, than pain. He was on the high that was adrenaline, survival being the only objective that really mattered, despite the aftermath of his struggle and the condition it was reducing him to. He could hear the chains clinking together. He was lost somewhere between that and the sound of his own wildly screaming voice, but it wasn't as loud as the words that kept repeating in his head.

Mind over body. They hissed, in that same infuriating voice, that was not his own, but of the man he most despised.

I am still alive to feel it! Gajeel's mind was growling back. And I won't let it control me! He could see that vile grin, practically laughing at him.

Then came the give, that last brutal tear. Blood was leaking down Gajeel's arm as his hands and face fell to the concrete floor. He lay there, pushing himself up slowly with one arm, his throat parched from all of the screaming. His eyes glossed over and his face pale from the severity of his wounds, but there was no time to stop. There was no logical thought, only the instinct to run and so that was what he did. He pushed himself to his feet and began to search for an escape from that hellhole. His eyes were darting around the dark room, that was illuminated by a glow of light blue.

Once you were gone, it became so much easier… Gajeel's inner voice spoke as he thought back to that day.

---

Something cold and wet hit the tip of Gajeel's nose, causing his eyes to finally open. He looked up, only to be met with the dark night sky, overcast in ashen gray clouds. They were snow clouds and it had been none other than a snowflake, that had hit him in the face.

Great… His mind spoke. That's just what I need, as if it ain't already cold enough out here. He thought, his rigid eyelids going back down. He was tired and hungry, not to mention a bit frost bitten. He had been sitting out there, for nearly twenty-four hours, just waiting for any sign of the arsonist in question to show up at the spot of the burnt down warehouse, but it wasn't the first time he had done a stake out, so he was accustomed to handling it. Issue was, he hadn't had an injured leg the last time. And sitting on the frozen ground for so long, was not doing him any favors.

Gajeel's eyes opened as he glanced down at his hands, his fingers were curling up slowly, as he tried to recover the feeling within them. Snowflakes were falling all around him, the water of them, was settling over the leather of his jacket.

How much longer do I wait…? He wondered. If the arsonist doesn't show himself by tomorrow, then chances are he is not gonna come at all… Gajeel's eyes closed again.

Besides… They're gonna start clearin' this wreckage here soon… At least that was what they were sayin' earlier today. He thought, as he remembered seeing some people on the site, inspecting it all in the wee hours of that morning. He had overheard them talking, while managing to stay out of view, as they spoke to police about what all they would be doing next.

Aw well… Gajeel thought, opening his eyes again. I'll give it till noon tomorrow, if he doesn't show by then… Then I'm outta here…

He began to smirk. First thing I'm gonna do is buy a burger, then sleep. He thought, wishing for that time to be now, as his stomach growled. His eyes were glossing over to the wreckage before him, taking in the devastation of ash covered metal. Now if only I could eat that stuff… Then this wouldn't be a problem… His mind suggested longingly. Then he shook his head, as the realization of his own strange thoughts hit him.

Aw man… I must be so hungry, that I'm losing my damn mind… He was running a hand through his slick hair in distress, when the faraway sound of footsteps over gravel, came to his ears.

Gajeel immediately jumped to his feet at the familiar noise, withholding a groan from the stiffness that had built up in his bad leg at the sudden movement. He looked up, his eyes darting around the area for any sign of a person nearby and then he spotted something. Through the wreckage, just some ways off, nearly diagonal from where Gajeel was standing, stood a silhouette in the night. Gajeel could just make out the top of their torso, as they came near. Their form was standing out, among the gray clouds and then he smirked, gently reaching into his pants pocket for the feel of his brass knuckles.

"Finally… He's here…" He spoke quietly, a toothy grin spreading across the whole span of his face. Gajeel then began to slink his way forwards through the dark, completely quiet as if he were nothing, but a mere shadow in the night.

He was sneakily making his way around to the other side of the wreckage, using the longer path, so that he could then come up from behind the unsuspecting figure. The debris provided the perfect cover for his movements, as he kept his eyes over the other person who was making their way very slowly. Finally, he was within range, about ten feet away, hiding behind a wall of broken cinder block.

Gajeel turned; his back was going against the wall of stone that was just behind him, his eyes were closing gently. He was perfectly calm; this was something he had probably done well over a hundred times. Getting the jump on people was easy for him despite his large size; his devious ways seem to provide him with a knack for it. Hell, he did it to Levy nearly every time he saw her, just for the fun of it.

His lips were curling up at the memory of her tiny body stiffening, each time she felt his presence hovering just behind her. The way her shoulders would rise, before she would finally turn around and look at him with a displeased expression over her face. It nearly made him laugh just thinking about it.

His head angled down, as thoughts of Levy began to run rapid through his mind. His motivation suddenly so clear, that there could be no room for guilt even after seeing the trigger that was her kind eyes, in his head. She needed to be kept safe, no matter what the cost was to his own immortal soul.

Gajeel's eyes opened, he had been waiting and listening carefully for the other person's movements. So, he would then know the exact right time to act and now he could tell, that they had finally stopped walking. The fingers he had wrapped around the brass knuckles of his right hand, had stiffened up. His body was whirling forwards, quickly and quietly, through the falling snow. Any pain he felt in his troublesome leg, was once again being completely ignored, taking an immediate backseat to his work as he kicked himself into high gear.

Mind over body. He thought determinedly, as he bit down.

He made his way around the wall at a full out dash; his footsteps were surprisingly light, thanks to his increasing speed. The figure was standing tall, his back facing Gajeel's oncoming attack, until they finally collided. Gajeel's left arm went reaching around the man's front, right around his neck and shoulders area. He was so fast that the figure barely had time to do anything in reaction to Gajeel's crafty movements.

Gajeel had put him into a very secured headlock; his other fist was then driving into the temple, of his assailant's skull. The metal digging in, as the man struggled with both hands over the tense muscles in Gajeel's forearms. Gajeel then swiveled the metal into the man's skin, as if he were giving him a noogie. Something that may have been considered a friendly gesture, if it wasn't for the brutality of his armored fist.

"Well." Gajeel growled between gritted teeth, his voice full of fury. "I thought I smelled somethin' fowl in the air." He added, his fist only digging in deeper, as the familiar voice began to groan out in slight pain. "I knew…" He then hissed into the man's ear, his eyes narrowing in spite. "Somehow, I knew, it was you…" He added infuriated by that fact. "Salamander." He finished as Natsu struggled.

"Black-Steel." Natsu managed through a mangled voice, as he continued to try and pull himself free of Gajeel's vise grip around his neck. His one eye was wincing as he tried to see the man who now, had his hold over him, but it was too hard to move.

The two of them continued to wrestle, Natsu's movements becoming more erratic and desperate by the second, but luckily for Gajeel he had some height over the Salamander, and that gave him a slight advantage for the moment. All he had to do was lift Natsu's feet just high enough off of the ground, that Natsu not only lost leverage, but was also losing oxygen, as Gajeel began to mildly choke him out. Gajeel could hear him gasping a bit here and there, but his grip only tightened, as Natsu's fight showed no signs of dwindling, despite the pressure he was applying.

"So…" Gajeel began, feeling cocky, but still pissed off. "You wanna tell me why ya burned down this warehouse? Huh?!" He asked, as Natsu spat and coughed a little. "See… I knew you were the one who did it!" He stated, with a slight jerk of Natsu's head. "Since you've not only done it before, but also cause yer here, like a damn idiot, surveyin yer own damage!" Gajeel seethed as his arm wrenched Natsu back up, he seemed to be slipping from Gajeel's grip, among their struggle. "Not to mention, I just had this feelin'." Gajeel snapped. "Like I just somehow KNEW, even after all of this time, in my gut, that it was you… The fact that you've managed to get away from me in the past, just din't sit right ya see… It made an IMPACT!" He growled angrily, with another wrench of his arm. "But not this time… So…" He muttered. "Ya better start talkin'!" He then raged. "Or else I'll just suffocate you, until you pass out… And then I'll just carry yer knocked out ass over to somebody, who believe it er not, is a LOT meaner than me…" He finally finished and then he fell silent, as the sound of strangled laughing met his ears.

Gajeel's eyes narrowed in spite, as Natsu's irritating voice mocked him, with the sound of his smug laughter.

"YA THINK THIS IS FUNNY SALAMANDER?!" He barked, about ready to strangle the life out of Natsu as he just wouldn't shut up. "WE'LL SEE HOW FUNNY IT IS, WHEN YER A FUCKIN' CORPSE!" Gajeel shouted, as he lifted Natsu even higher with a violent jerk, his body spinning them both around. He was seriously on the verge of losing his cool, when he could hear Natsu spitting what may have been words, if it weren't for his lack of air. "WHAT!?" He snapped in question, loosening his grip just enough, so that Natsu could speak. There was a loud gasping sound, as Natsu swallowed the air like a fish out of water, and then a few more exasperated chuckles choked themselves out from his damaged pipes, before he finally began to speak.

"Is-" He breathed. "Is this how it started-" He had to huff some more. "With- Thibault?" He finally gasped out between rapid breaths, a grin over his face, despite being strangled.

What the fuck?! Gajeel's mind was questioning in utter disbelief.

His eyes had widened upon hearing the name, his body freezing into absolute shock.

How would Salamander know anything about his attack on, Thibault?! What could any of it mean!? Did he know about Levy then, too?! Is that why he had left the calling card that looked like her tattoo?!

Gajeel couldn't even think, his mind had just been blasted into oblivion, with these few simple words and now he needed to reprocess everything that had just happened in the last two days. Problem was, that wasn't really an option at the moment considering his current predicament and Salamander knew that, and immediately took full advantage.

Gajeel's grip over Natsu had loosened significantly, after being stunned into silence and Natsu took that as his cue to escape. His feet met the floor, his hands taking to Gajeel's arm firmly. He bent his body over quickly, causing the much larger figure of Gajeel, to go up and over him. Thus, flipping Gajeel's large frame right over his much smaller body, so that his back hit the graveled ground, hard.

Gajeel couldn't move for a few seconds, after feeling the full impact of his own weight, what with all of the wind being knocked right out of him. Natsu's head was just above him, still holding onto the one arm he had just used to flip him.

Now it was Gajeel's turn to suck in the air, as Natsu let go of him and then he began to push himself up quickly, but he had to hesitate, as the pain in his leg was suddenly howling at him. He groaned, reaching for the spot of his stitches, to see if there was any blood. His head was turning from his spot on the ground, towards Natsu, who hadn't decided to run, but instead only stepped a few feet away.

"What the hell?! That was too easy! What's wrong with you Black Steel?! Yer talent slippin?" Natsu questioned, with his arms folded and an arrogant smirk, that was somewhat similar to Gajeel's own, but not as evil looking.

Gajeel turned back, slowly getting to his feet. He had to do it carefully, he could feel the stress on his stitches from the impact of his fall, but he was also very pissed off. Natsu tilted his head in confusion, as he watched Gajeel get up like an old man with a bad hip.

Gajeel was brushing his pants off, as he slowly turned to face, Natsu. His expression was angry, but not as angry, as Natsu had expected. It was almost as if something else seemed to be bothering him, getting in the way of his rage. Natsu could only watch in deep confusion, as Gajeel shot him a deadly look.

"How do ya know about Thibault!?" He barked, getting straight to the point, wanting to spare no more time on the witty banter. Natsu's smirk was gone and his eyes narrowed in on Gajeel, his face looking more serious.

"Like you, I had a feeling." He stated darkly. "Ya don't just hear stories about men getting their faces destroyed too often, now do ya?" Natsu added, his eye making it a point to land over the brass knuckles still shielding Gajeel's right fist, before his eye then went back up, to Gajeel's face. "What I wanna know, is why?" He asked.

"Shut up Salamander! I'll be the one askin' the questions!" Gajeel spat, his body jerking forwards some, out of anger, but something seemed up. Natsu noticed how his one leg stayed planted and how his body, seemed to not be putting weight on the one side. "The calling card!" Gajeel continued, shouting in pure anger. "What does it mean!? You better fuckin' tell me, now!" But Natsu just smirked, almost as if he wasn't taking Gajeel's threats seriously.

"I left that for Jose, and I don't gotta answer anythin' else, bout it." He snapped, but then his head turned towards Gajeel in confusion. His eyebrows were lowering, as if something had just occurred to him. "How the hell do you know, bout it anyways ? You got some sorta tie with that bastard, er somethin'? Cause if that's the case…" Natsu's fist was crashing into an open hand in front of his chest, his knuckles cracking. "I'll beat the livin' hell, outta ya." He spoke with a smirk.

"No!" Gajeel snapped. "You need to talk now! I ain't playin' games with you, you fuck head! I need answers!" Gajeel raged back, practically unhinged by the fact of his own words. He was feeling that desperation once again. That helplessness in the pit of his stomach, of not being able to keep Levy safe, if he could not understand why all of this was happening.

"And so, do I!" Natsu shouted back. "Why the hell were you here! Waiting for me?!"

Gajeel's head turned away at that, his patience was completely gone and he no longer cared. He didn't care about his leg, or the pain, or Salamander's stupid questions. All he wanted now, was to make somebody hurt, blinded by the heat of his own rage, as he suddenly went running forwards. His armored fist making their attempt to collide with Salamander's face, but Natsu was far quicker than Gajeel gave him credit for, especially in Gajeel's current condition.

Just as Gajeel was about to make contact, Natsu's body instead ducked down and over, his leg coming out, for a low sweeping kick. Gajeel's body jetted forwards with the motion of his arm, towards where Natsu had been standing, but then, was met with excruciating pain, as Natsu' leg made contact right in the spot of his injury.

Then came the give. That last brutal tear, as Gajeel's body fell to the ground, all of Levy's work on him, instantly ruined. His stitches had ripped and the bleeding was starting, seeping through his pants, as Gajeel struggled to get up and off of the ground.

"What the?!" Natsu was uttering in bewildered confusion, as he watched Gajeel struggle to get up, after the blow. His eyes were widening, as he began to notice the blood. "What… Did I…?" Natsu looked down and then back up at Gajeel's cringing face, in question.

"No, shut up…" Gajeel groaned. "I already had this, you just reopened it, fuckin' moron..." Gajeel uttered, as he let out a seething breath of pain.

"Oh! Well why the hell would you try and fight me like that?" Natsu asked, his arm reaching towards Gajeel, his hand offering to help the injured rival up, but Gajeel only smacked his help away. "Really?" Natsu asked him in a skeptical voice. "You look like you can hardly move and you're gonna deny my help? Yer the fuckin' moron."

"Fuck you, Salamander. All I want from you, is the answer about what I was asking you before. The calling card." He snapped, his hands then going over the wound, pressing over it, in an effort to stop the bleeding. Natsu's eyebrows lowered on Gajeel.

"I told you." He stated. "It was a message for Jose. He's made some enemies and that insignia is the flag of his coming defeat." Natsu explained, as Gajeel looked at him with narrowed eyes, before then struggling to get up from the ground, as Natsu just watched. It took a moment, but he was finally on his shaky feet, all of his weight to one side, his body hunched enough, so that he could keep his hands over the wound. He then finally looked up at Natsu, who was just standing there, in wait.

"Yer lucky..." Gajeel stated gravely. "If this hadn't happened, I'd be takin' you with me and then the truth would come out… Looks like, you'll be makin' a second impact, after all." He added with a slight smirk, but it was gone just as quickly, as it appeared. "Now get lost." Natsu watched Gajeel for a moment in silence, before finally turning away.

"I expect a real fight next time." Natsu then said from over his shoulder, before finally walking away, leaving Gajeel there, completely alone.

Gajeel watched Salamander's form fade into the white blanket of falling snow. Then he looked to sky instead, it was really starting to come down, thick flakes all around him, landing over his face and melting upon contact with his skin. He could feel the chill of it; his breaths had now become visible puffs. The silence of it all, was deafening and familiar, as the pain of his leg continued to assault him, from where he stood.

Well… My phone is dead again, cause I've been out here so damn long… Came his mind. Can't ride my bike in this kinda condition, so… A smirk was forming over his face, as he stared up into the eternal curtain that was the sky. It was decorated in spongy gray clouds, that leaked little specks of white towards him. Guess I'll be walkin'… He thought, his eyes closing, as a distant memory suddenly resurfaced. Ain't like I haven't done that before…

He could see it in his mind's eye and it made his smirk only grow. It was an image of himself, much younger, struggling to walk outside, in the middle of the night with a furiously bleeding arm.

Mind over body. The words said, summoning that willpower to keep going, despite the excruciating pain. You're still alive to feel the pain, so that's how you know to keep going… That voice hissed.

Gajeel's head lowered, his eyes opening and his smirk fading.

"Yep…" He spoke gently. "Time fer a very long walk…" He added almost humorously, as he began his shuffle forwards, through the snow. "I did it once… I can do it again… Cause this… This ain't nothin'" He huffed.

Because I have already conquered the true pain of life… Gajeel's mind thought, as his eyes narrowed. And it became so much easier after that… He thought, as he made his way, very slowly through the frozen gravel, and the cold.

He was once again, picturing the vague face of the man, whom he most despised, laughing at him, for the state he had landed himself in. The very same, whose vile voice was always berating his subconscious, like a damn scratched record each and every time he messed up, repeating the very same mantras.

The very essence of that person's soul was running through Gajeel's veins, like a virus, mixed into his own blood and Gajeel hated it. He hated his father more than any other human being, that had ever existed and ever would.

---

Levy was walking through the snow filled streets of Magnolia that night. Her feet basically dragging as she made her way home, after working her weekly night shift at the school's library. The hour was relatively late, because she had decided to stay there, even after she was done closing up the place, so she could study and do her homework while still being able to use the school's computers.

Something she did quite often and tonight, she had especially needed the solitude. The peace of not having to work in the labs, provided her with a nice break away from everyone, so she could focus better on something that wasn't her confusing life for a while. Her stress levels, compounded with the many cups of coffee she had drank that day, were most likely the only reason she had managed to stay awake, while she worked, considering how little sleep she was still running on.

She closed her eyes; she could feel the snowflakes melting over her rosy cheeks. She was so ready for rest, after nearly a full day of classes. She wanted nothing more, than to be home and warm in her bed, that was until she heard the distant sound of sirens.

Levy paused, her eyes opening up, at the far away sound. She waited, but it didn't get any louder. Instead the noise only seemed to be fading away, which left her sighing in relief, as the scene had almost felt a little too familiar. The quietness, the snow, the hour and then the sirens… It was all beginning to feel like an exact replay of the night she had first met Gajeel, nearly four years ago.

Levy shook her head; her tired mind had inevitably landed itself right back in the place, she had been trying to avoid, but it couldn't be helped. She was done, too exhausted to keep up the fight, as she stumbled slightly over a curve, thanks to Gajeel's face, slowly easing its way back into her thoughts. Distracting her from her current surroundings.

She was just coming to a literal crossroads, when another memory of him was coming to mind. The one she had been thinking about earlier that morning, while shelving her books.

That night wasn't the only time I ran into Gajeel, on my way home… And it wouldn't have even happened the second time, if I hadn't lost my books on that first night, in the alleyway… She thought, as she stood before the two roads, debating about which path she should take home. She looked to the right and then to the left, her eyelids lowering, as the snow made her shiver a bit.

It had been a long time, at least a year, since she had last taken the left path, even though it was the quicker road home. Even more so, after she had moved, but she had made a purposeful effort to avoid it; once she knew it would be taking her right past the building he lived in, as just another way to keep herself away from him and away from his breed of trouble.

Levy lifted her chin up high, before finally making her choice. No longer afraid, she chose to take the left road home, as she knew she no longer had a reason to try and avoid Gajeel. My time with him, is over… She thought, her eyes lowering as she began to walk through the piling slush. He made that clear before he left so… There's no reason to go out of my way, to avoid him anymore… Not when he doesn't ever plan on coming near me again, anyways… She thought, her fingers were curling up from the cold and from something else, as her head angled down. She was staring down at her own boots, as she continued to walk.

After a bit of walking with her head down, Levy realized she was slowly coming up on the place, she had been thinking about. The spot she had been mostly avoiding for the past few years or so, and now her mind was replaying the entire reason why. A particular building entrance was coming into view, as she approached. It was an old-fashioned building; designed to seem very fancy, with its clean looking brown bricks, that towered high. It also had decorative white frames, made of stone around each corner and window.

Levy could feel herself freezing up, as she remembered that night. Walking home alone in the cold, very much like she was now, but without the snow. She had just been making her way past the building, when it had happened. She had, had a feeling like she was being watched. She could feel herself slipping right back into the memory as she retraced those very same steps.

---

She was still. Her mind was on high alert, questioning everything that was around her with cornered suspicion, as something was clearly off. Something Levy couldn't quite explain, but she could feel it weighing over her back, despite not truly knowing. Her feet were planted to the sidewalk, almost as if the soles of her shoes had melted into the concrete. Her apprehension was earned, by a sense of eerie foreboding. Somebody was nearby; somebody was watching her, from somewhere and she hadn't any idea what to do about it.

Levy swallowed, she was trying her best not to tremble. To not show her fear visibly, but she was so unnerved. She had just been on her normal walk home from the school's library, after working and studying there, that night. This was a path she took nearly every week, for almost a year, since around the time she had started her job in the school's library. Halfway through her freshman term and not once, had this ever happened before.

If someone is truly there, behind me…. She gulped. Wouldn't it be best for me to try and figure out, where exactly they are…? Or do I just run? She wondered. Her body was stiffening, as her eyes darted around, but she had yet to actually move.

It was a cold and crispy, fall night. She was wearing her usual winter coat; a school bag was draped over her one shoulder. She was standing in front of a narrow alleyway, as she had just passed by a really fancy apartment building, that she had come to admire the aesthetics of, each and every time she walked by it while on her commute home. The rest of the street was pretty brightly lit, even at such a late hour and surrounded by other nice-looking buildings, so Levy had never had a reason to feel uneasy before that very moment.

No… If I run and they chase me… Then they will catch me, because I am by no means fast…. Her mind admitted. I could just ignore it… She thought, but then... What if they follow me all of the way home? Then what? Levy closed her eyes; in an effort to gather her bearings, as all of the worst case scenarios had just started to run through her head, only putting her more on edge. No… She finally sighed. I have to try and look… I need to see who this person is… She had finally decided, without really having any idea if it was the right choice or not, but her mind was made up.

Levy opened her eyes; reluctant acceptance was etched all over her features, as she inhaled a sharp breath in preparation for what she was about to do. Then finally she whipped around, her small body spinning to face whatever it was that she could sense behind her.

At first, she saw nothing, but it took almost no time at all for her to realize that whatever it was, was coming from somewhere higher up. Levy's eyes were slowly dragging their way up towards the alleyway, off to her left. Her vision automatically being drawn to something on the lowest level of a fire escape deck, hanging off of the side of the very same fancy apartment building she so often admired.

Her eyes widened, he was looking right at her. The red of his irises, were cutting through the darkness like a laser, a toothy grin was spreading across his face. Levy's heart had jammed its way up into her throat, as she stood there, staring like she just couldn't comprehend it.

"Ga-Gajeel…?" She uttered, in a shivery breath, as his lips closed, his grin becoming a smirk.

Levy's eyes were squinting and her mouth was hanging open. She hadn't seen Gajeel since that morning after he had spent the night with her roommate; nearly a month prior, and so she was starting to question if what she was actually seeing now, was real or not. That was until she finally saw him move. He was placing a hand over the railing of the fire escape, so that his legs could then kick their way right over it. His large body was sailing through the air, as he had jumped the rather large gap down from the fire escape to the ground.

Levy could only watch with her mouth still hanging open, until his large boots hit the ground with a thud, only a few feet away from where she was standing. She winced upon feeling the impact of his landing. He was slowly rising up from his bent kneed position, stretching back up to his full height and then looking down at her. He was wearing a pair of gray, worn out jeans, a hunter green T-shirt and a black leather jacket. He was also sporting a pair of fingerless gloves over his hands and he seemed to be holding something in one of them

"I thought I might see ya here tonight…" Were the first words out of Gajeel's mouth, but Levy couldn't even respond for the moment, as she was still trying to get over the fact that he had shown up there and then jumped all of the way down from a fire escape.

"What're you?!" She shook her head. "How?!" She started, her hand was then gesturing towards the fire escape. "And you just?!" But then, she had to stop, because Gajeel has started to laugh at her and that only made her more annoyed. "Don't laugh at me! What the hell are you doing here, Gajeel?!" Her brow was lowering out of anger, as her hands fell back down to her sides. "You were waiting for me?! Wouldn't you call that stalking?!" She questioned, her hands now settling over her hips.

"Whoa shrimp… Calm down…" He laughed. "I wasn't followin' you er anythin' like that."

"Then what the heck would you call it?" She challenged. "And what were you doing up there?" She questioned skeptically, with her arms folding and her eyes gesturing up towards the fire escape. "You robbing the place or something?" She then asked, while her eye paid special attention to the object he was holding in his one hand. Whatever it was, it was concealed within a plastic bag, so she couldn't tell.

"Gi hi, NO… If I was doin that, then I sure as hell wouldn't have let ya see me." Gajeel stated with another laugh.

"Mmm… I dunno Gajeel, you've been sloppy before…" Levy chimed. "I mean we did meet after all… Unfortunately…" She muttered that last part, her head tilting. Gajeel's eyes were practically lighting up, as he looked at her. It was strange, it was almost as if he found her mean comments towards him to be sexy.

"Ha… Good one..." He stated, with a half-smile. "But no, din't screw up this time. I actually live here." Gajeel explained.

"Wait what?" Levy uttered, her eyes shifting up in the direction of the fancy building. "You…" She pointed to the place. "Live here? In this building?" She asked, in complete disbelief.

"Yep…" He answered simply.

"No way." Levy stated, her hand dropping and her head shaking.

"Why not?" He asked. His studded brow was stretching back out of curiosity, for whatever her answer would be. Surely it would be something entertaining to him.

"This place?" She questioned, pointing at it once again. She looked away from him, her eyes settling over it. "I walk by here every week… I see the type of cars that pull up to the entrance… And the kind of people that walk in and out of it… And you're one of them?" She asked. Her large golden eyes were now on him, again. "I just can't picture it." She told him honestly, but Gajeel just laughed at her, once again.

"Well ta be fair, I did come from the fire escape…" He reminded her with a head nod towards it. His smirk was spreading into a full out grin. "And also… I know…" He started. "I've seen ya around a few times…" He looked away from her. "I've noticed you always seem ta come by on the same night…" He added, trying to play if off, as if it was no big deal. Levy was looking him over, as he avoided her gaze. Her one eyebrow was lifting in question. She really hadn't any idea what to say, as that was just strange to hear coming from him.

"Okay… And?" She asked expecting more. He turned his head back towards her; his eyes were doing another once over of her body, as he stepped forwards. Levy was becoming nervous; Gajeel was only about a foot away, looking down at her with a cocky smirk over his face. His hand was slowly reaching towards her, as he began to speak.

"If ya really don't believe me… I could always show you…" His voice was sly; Levy was looking down at his large hand. "There's a nice view of the street from my window…" He added, he was going to touch her; his hand was going towards her arm, his fingers were just starting to graze it. Luckily, she had on her coat, but Levy was still quick to back away from him.

"What are you doing?!" She asked him in alarm, looking up at him with red stained cheeks.

"Flustering you." Gajeel answered bluntly.

"Well, stop it." She replied. "I believe you, okay?" She added defensively and Gajeel just shook his head with another laugh.

"Sorry, I couldn't pass it up…" He shrugged it off with a smirk, his eyes landing over her face again, as Levy rolled her eyes. "But fine, have it yer way, shrimp…" He added. His gaze was then averting elsewhere for a second. Levy was watching him, her brow coming together in confusion, as he was quiet for a second. "But listen…" He finally said, looking down. "The real reason I came out here, was ta give ya this." He explained, as the hand with the object in a bag came out towards her.

Levy's eyes looked at it for a moment, her brow shooting up in question as she reached for it with both hands, hesitantly at first. Gajeel was watching her as she looked back up at him, with a questionable expression.

"Go ahead." He urged and so Levy finally took hold of the bag, it was rather heavy.

"What… What is this…?" She was questioning, as she stretched open the handles of the thick plastic bag, so she could look down inside. She could see a rather large, hard covered book in the bag. No wonder it is so heavy, she thought, her eyes inspecting it from inside the bag. Gajeel was watching her one thin eyebrow go up, until finally she looked back up at him, her mouth falling open.

"Intro to Psychology?" Levy questioned, completely perplexed. Gajeel nodded.

"Yea actually… It's yer book." He stated, his arms folding. "It's one of the ones ya left in the alleyway, that night." He explained, but Levy was cutting him off.

"No…" Levy was shaking her head. "No, it's not. I did have an Intro to Psychology book, but it didn't look like this one… This looks new." She said, her eyes glancing back down at the book, inside the bag.

"Not new… Just got it re-binded." Gajeel stated, making Levy's head snap up and look at him, with complete bewilderment. "The cover was ruined that night, from the snow, so I replaced it. The other books were too wet, to be saved." He explained.

"So, wait… This was my book and you're giving it back to me?" Levy repeated, her eyes narrowing, as if she still couldn't quite grasp the situation

"Yea basically…" Gajeel answered, unsure of why she found his words so confusing. "So, take it… Cause I don't want it anymore." He then added, as Levy was reaching into the bag.
"And you're giving this to me now?" She asked, glancing back up at him as he nodded. "But why? And after all of this time…?" She questioned, looking back down at the book; she had half pulled it out of the bag. "I mean… I finished that class last year Gajeel…. I don't even need this anymore." She explained, her eyes still looking over the book and its new binding.
"So what…" Gajeel replied with another shrug. "I'm still givin' it back." He added as Levy had started to open the front cover, of the book up. "Sell it, if ya gotta… I mean hell, I don't care what ya do with it shrimp, but I definitely have no use for it and besides..." He had started to turn away from her. "It ain't mine." He finished, taking a few steps away. He was about to leave and be on his marry way, while Levy was busy inspecting the book, when she suddenly said something that made him stop.

"Gajeel Redfox…?" She questioned. Gajeel froze, his studded brow lifting as he slowly turned around to face her again, with both hands shoved into the pockets of his leather jacket.

"What…?" He asked, and then he noticed her looking at a piece of paper, that was left just inside the front cover of the book. She glanced up at him after reading it.

"Gajeel Redox?" She repeated the name with a questioning tone in her voice. "That's what it says here on this receipt." She showed him the paper. "That's your actual name?" She then asked him with a raised eyebrow, but Gajeel just turned back away from her at that.

"I don't know what yer talkin' bout." He exclaimed, but in reality, his eyes were closing out of annoyance with himself for leaving that in there. He hadn't meant to leave the receipt in the book.

"Oh… I see…." Levy replied. There was a knowing smile over her face, as she began to close the book and then drop it back down into the bag. She then looked up at Gajeel's retreating form, her smile only growing. He had his head bowed and both of his hands still shoved into the pockets of his coat, as he slowly walked away from her. "Well…" She stated loudly so he would hear. "If you see this Gajeel Redfox character, please be sure to thank him for me, okay?!" She called as Gajeel's head lowered a bit more, at the loudness of Levy's voice.

"Yea, yea… Sure whatever." He called back, not bothering to look, as he raised a hand up in acceptance for her gratitude. Levy's smile only grew at his response and she couldn't help but stand there, and watch him go for a minute. Her mind puzzling over the fact that Gajeel of all people, had done something that nice. And it wasn't as if she had expected him to be mean to her, but she had certainly never expected that either…

She opened the bag once more, to look back down at the book one last time. Her eyes lit up, as she searched over it, her smile softening.

Nope… Not in a million years… She thought glancing back up at the far away form of Gajeel one last time, before finally turning the other way, to continue her walk home.

---

Levy paused. Her mind had just finished replaying the memory, of what had happened between her and Gajeel, in the very place she was standing now, but some years ago. She was just beside the alleyway, right past the fancy building Gajeel supposedly lived in, still trying to get over the residual effects of the memory, as she gathered her bearings.

She glanced down at her numb hands, rubbing them together as the snow continued to pile on the cement around her. It was so quiet, her skin was cold, her hair was becoming wet. Her breath felt raspy and her throat was stinging dry, as her head slowly came up.

She could feel it, the sinking numbness washing over, making her tingle all the way down to her toes. Her eyes widened and her chest pushed out, as she inhaled a heavy breath. Then finally she turned around, her eyes immediately moving upwards, towards the alleyway and it was almost as if she had somehow just known all along, that he would be there.

He was looking right at her. His expression was haggard, but his red eyes were glowing like a tiny flame shining right through the night and all of the snow, just to find her. His hand was settled over the railing of the fire escape deck, on the lowest level, just like in her memory. Except this time, the rest of his body seemed to be leaning on it for support, as something was clearly wrong. Levy's eyes squinted in hopes that it would help her see him better through all of the thick falling snow.

"Gajeel…?" She questioned in complete confusion. Almost as if she were afraid, she was only still reliving the recollection of that night, that was until he moved.

His upper body leaned forwards, his hand still on the railing, but this time, instead of jumping over it, he toppled. His body wasn't sailing through the air, it was falling.

Because once you were gone…

It became so much easier for me…

Gajeel could see the look of terror on Levy's face, her eyes were shining, as she watched him fall.

To become the Monster… Gajeel's eyes were closing.

NO…! Levy's mind was gasping in pure mortification. Her heart had basically stopped beating within those few seconds, as she watched Gajeel's large form go crashing all of the way down to the ground, faster than she could even move.

"Gajeeeeeel!" Levy screamed, her voice claiming the night, like winter's strangled grasp over the fall.

Because I conquered the true pain of life on the day that you left…

Breathe your smoke into my lungs,
In the back of a car with you I stare into the sun,
Still not too old to die young,
But lovers hold on to everything,
And lovers hold on to anything

I chase your love around a figure 8,
I need you more than I can take,
You promise forever and a day,
And then you take it all away,
And then you take it all away

Place a kiss on my cheekbone,
When you vanish me, I'm buried in the snow,
But something tells me I'm not alone,
But lovers hold on to everything,
And lovers hold on to anything

I chase your love around a figure 8,
I need you more than I can take,
You promise forever and a day,
And then you take it all away,
And then you take it all away

So lovers hold on to everything,
And lovers hold on to anything,
So lovers hold on to everything,
And lovers hold on to anything

I chase your love around a figure 8,
I need you more than I can take,
You promise forever and a day,
And then you take it all away,

I chase your love around a figure 8,
I need you more than I can take,
You promise forever and a day,
And then you take it all away,
And then you take it all away

"Figure 8" By Ellie Goulding

---

A/N: There it is folks, 21278 words in this chapter and they are finally reunited! Although things aren't looking so good for Gajeel right now. So, what did you guys think? Please be honest with me. Talk to me, I will talk back…. Always…

-I am very excited for the next chapter or two, as these upcoming scenes are the ones I've been waiting to write for SO long now! I seriously daydream about them at work all of the time! So, I hope you guys will like what I have coming!

-And before anyone wonders why I'm kinda doing the same thing as before with Gajeel's leg… Well I want you all to know that…. Yes, I noticed it, and… Yes, I have my reasons for doing it. In fact, this has been the plan all along and trust me, it has EVERYTHING to do with gajevy's relationship and their development. And lastly, it won't be playing out quite the same as before, so no worries. Just felt like I needed to say that stuff, in case someone was like, 'what the heck'.

And finally…

thank you all, so much for all of the support you have provided me over these last few months! And I truly mean that, you readers are amazing and I will continue to personally thank each and every one of you who review at the end of each chapter! I'll put more Monster facts in the next chapter, because I've already put way too many author's notes in this one, as it is!

---

Responses to my Reviewers:

AyaEisen: I'm sorry I put your brain on overload lol… I actually did the same thing to myself when I was writing this chapter… It was just so hard, too many details to remember and they were ALL so important. Also I am very happy you found my portrayal of Jose to be creepy, I want him to be intimidating so that means I must be doing something right. You are simply amazing, thanks for leaving your feedback with me and thank you even more for just reading!

littlemissvictoria: I really appreciate you explaining to me how the words should be in French, because I had to use google translate for those parts and I was really worried about them being wrong! I made sure to make the corrections you explained too, thank you for reading! I'm happy you could still like my chapter even when there wasn't any gajevy in it!

Rexray: You're incredible! XD Still can't believe you made an account on here just to read and comment on Monster, but I am truly honored! There are so many awesome gajevy stories on this site though and I'm sure you've managed to find a few by now! I am SO sorry about not getting to update it sooner. You were one of the people I had in mind with each passing day that I couldn't get the chapter done. And trusts me it wore on me, I was so sad about it. And no, you my dear are the wonderful one! Thank you for letting me know how much you like my work and I really hope you get to read this update and I hope you will like it!

piranha pk: I don't blame you for missing gajevy! Hell keeping them apart has been driving me crazy, but the next chapter will be full of 'em, that is certain! Also I didn't want to have Gajeel ask Natsu about Levy by name, just in case he didn't know about her. Gajeel is way too careful around her, and yet reckless at the same time, because love makes people do crazy things sometimes! And yea Natsu probably is a bit of a jerk in this at times, but he means well. Anyways I hope you will like this update and as always, thanks for reading and leaving your feedback! You as always, are incredible!

Guest May 18th: I am so sorry for making you wait so long then! . Thank you for reading and reviewing, I hope you will get to see the update finally!

Guest May 21st: I'm sorry it took so long ! . Thanks for reading and reviewing !

Guest Jul 13th: I am so happy to hear that you find my story entertaining as I work really hard on it! I've got so much planned so I hope it will STILL keep you in suspense. Thank you for leaving me your feedback and more importantly for reading my work!

Wingedauthoress: Your review made me so happy! Thank you so much, I am thrilled to hear you are enjoying Monster and that ya don't mind the length, especially cause this one is pretty freakin' long! I try my best with the characters, because I really love them all so much! And oh my god thanks for saying that about Chapter 7, because I about lost my damn mind over that one, with how much I struggled over it and for how long it took me to get it done! I hope you will get to read this chapter and that you will like it too! Thanks so much reading and reviewing!