Cafe Rouge

by Renthesiren

[NSFW] [LEMON] Rookie city cop Levy McGarden moves to the roaring city of Magnolia to pursue her dream of being a police officer. Determined to rise in the ranks despite her inexperience and questionable size, Levy takes her stand as she picks up a case taking on one of Magnolia's most wanted criminals, and he's someone she has wholeheartedly fallen in love with! Cover by Rboz**

14. Chapter 14

A/N: You guys don't know how excited I was to write this!

Also, although this is a very intimate chapter I didn't write a long lemon, I just kept it mild and to the point and made things suggestive. I wanted to focus on the romance and love.

Thank you guys for the sweetest reviews last chapter I am the luckiest writer alive.

Please enjoy this chapter and as always thank you so much for reading!

Chapter 14

Gajeel had never ran faster in his life, and he pushed past civilians and wrecked everything in his path as he tore away from the surgery unit of the hospital. It hadn't even been a full minute, and now Gajeel was crashing towards the room Shagotte had informed him Levy was in. 301 was only a few doors down now, and he was apprehensive about what lied behind that threshold. From Shagotte's fearful eyes, anything could have happened, and that fear propelled him through the building as he tore through the distance between himself and Levy. Gajeel felt his chest tighten and his heart was pounding hard as he urged his legs to run faster.

His thoughts were havoc as all sorts of worst case scenarios played with his mind. Please be okay, please be okay, he begged the universe as he prepared to kick down the entrance of her room, but the door opened just in time for Gajeel to nearly smack all of his weight into Laxus. The two of them exchanged electricity and tension just from looking at one another, and although they hardly had anything to do with each other they both shared a mutual hatred to the other's existence.

Gajeel's teeth clenched and he almost seethed at the sight of Laxus; of course this bastard had to be here. Gajeel's anger subsided immediately the moment he caught a glimpse of Levy behind Laxus, sitting patiently in her hospital bed with her hands on her lap. He noticed the bandages lacing her fingers, but other than that she looked unharmed. He felt the adrenaline release out of him and his shoulders felt heavy. He tried his best to hide how out of breath he was, and all he could do was relish in the sweet feeling of relief.

"Thank Gods," Gajeel whispered to himself, and he leaned a hand against the door frame as the adrenaline released out of him and made his body feel weak.

Laxus, on the other hand wasn't in the least sympathetic towards him. "Sorry, but I'm afraid visiting hours are over," Laxus reminded coldly, and the apology in his words sounded forced and empty.

"I don't give a damn about the hours," Gajeel growled at him threateningly and shared Laxus's challenging glare.

"I didn't ask if you did." Laxus's eyes narrowed and he pressed forward, and his authoritative demeanor practically swallowed Gajeel whole the moment he fell under Laxus's shadow. I'm telling you to leave, and you should do so before I force you to." Laxus warned.

"I'd love to fuckin' see ya try, I'm not goin' anywhere until I know she's okay!" Gajeel roared, and he snapped back into reality when the smallest voice called out his name.

"Gajeel?" Levy croaked from behind Laxus's shoulder. "Is that you?" She asked hesitantly; Laxus's large frame blocked her view on who was visiting her.

Now Gajeel was peering over Laxus's shoulder. The two of them made eye contact, and Levy was surprised to see Gajeel so roughed up and distressed. Worry overcame her then, and her eyebrows furrowed at how cold Laxus was being towards him.

"Laxus, let him in." Levy ordered sternly.

"Levy," Laxus pleaded, but was quickly cut off.

"You told me to rest my voice, didn't you?" Levy asked, and now she was flashing him a stern glare that portrayed just how serious she was. "Don't make me repeat myself," Levy finished, and her words formed a strict order that was almost out of her usual behavior. Laxus couldn't believe what he was hearing, and although his body grew heavy as his mind protested against her wishes, he forced himself to push forward and out of Gajeel's way.

Laxus bared his teeth, "I'll be back in the morning." And he pushed past Gajeel roughly, and purposely shoved him to the side.

Gajeel tensed up at that, but he decided to be the better person. Just because Laxus was important to Levy didn't mean he'd allow the man to disrespect him so easily. However, there was a time and place for everything, and seeing how beat up Levy was he would handle his issues with Laxus later.

"Gajeel," Levy started nervously, and she smiled softly when he closed the door and walked towards her. "What are you doing here—" but she was stopped when Gajeel wrapped his arms around her tightly, and he pulled her so close to him she thought she'd suffocate. Her eyebrows raised when she felt him trembling around her, and he pushed his face into her neck as he buried into her, and it was so out of no where that she was almost speechless. "Gajeel, are you okay? I didn't mean to worry you." She didn't understand why he was so intimate and personal, so she tried to ease his nerves. "I'm fine, really!"

Gajeel pulled away from her then, and now Levy was completely thrown off when he gave her a sharp, challenging glare. She froze up when she noticed his studded brows furrowing into an enraged look. "What's with that mean look, you jerk?" Levy snapped, her voice ringing with irritation, and Gajeel released her from his hold as he was now emotional.

Just the sound of her hoarse voice was enough to worry him. He'd found out quickly that she was involved in a fire, it was all the damn hospital was taking about. He also bumped into that idiot Natsu and the blonde on his way up here, and the news he received about Levy's carelessness was unsettling with him. From everyone's different perspectives, he thought he was going to find Levy unrecognizable and burnt to a crisp, and the details of the fire sounded so deadly and lethal that he didn't know what he was going to run in on. And now here she was, giggling at how cute he was when he worried about her, and he was so relieved and frustrated that he didn't know what the Hell he felt. He walked away from her and collected himself, he didn't want to act too rash, this was Levy he was dealing with, but fuck he couldn't stop shaking.

"You just don't know when to quit do you?" Gajeel's voice rumbled deeply and shook her entire body, and she was startled by just how upset he was with her. He hadn't meant to be so loud, it just erupted out of him. At first she thought he was furious, but it didn't take long for her to pinpoint the pain in his eyes. The force in his voice didn't take her aback, at first it only pissed her off, but now she was starting to feel guilty.

"Wow, you're here to lecture me too?" Levy challenged from her bed, and pain filled her eyes as her glare sharpened. "I'm so embarrassed to think you actually dropped by because you cared about me. Now I can see you just wanted to ridicule me as well. You're such a jerk." Levy snapped her head away before she could give off too much emotion in her expression.

"What do ya expect?" Gajeel roared. "You almost get yerself killed and ya want me to be happy about it?"

"I was doing my job!" Levy defended with obvious cracks in her voice, which didn't help defend her, it only supported Gajeel's statement, and her rough vocal chords were just the top of the iceberg of the damage her body received.

"No, you were doing the firemen's job!" Gajeel corrected, and he stomped towards Levy and stopped at the foot of her bed. Now she could really see how angry he was with her. "Yer job doesn't mean ya gotta run into a collapsing' building that's on fire!" He screamed out. "For fucks sakes Lev, you're here to save people, but that doesn't give ya an excuse to run around asking to get yerself killed!"

"I don't need to be hearing this from you of all people, Gajeel!" Levy bit out, and now they were both stunned by her outburst, even if her voice wasn't that strong. Her heart was pounding so hard that she thought it would explode. She was mad at him, really mad, and yet she couldn't stop the fluttering feeling deep in her chest. That warm feeling that settled in her the moment she realized he visited her was now mixing with the heated resentment coiling in the bottom of her stomach from their current argument. She was angry, and to make matters worse her heart was squeezing, and she couldn't figure out why. Her face was flushed, and she was more annoyed at herself than anything that she found Gajeel even more attractive when he was heated like this.

"Who are you to ridicule me?" Levy asked sharply, and Gajeel backed in on himself, and now he felt a bit shorter than he did when he first walked through the door. "It's not like we're anything, it's not like I'm yours, it's not like you're mine," Levy choked out, and she felt fooled when her words cut her deep when they were meant to cut him. "We're not anything important, you established that already, so why are you charging in here like you care about me?" Levy cried out, ignoring that agony simmering in her throat, which seeped down and made her chest feel like liquid fire. Was it her damaged lungs exploding or her broken heart? They both felt painful.

"Levy..." Gajeel started with wide eyes.

"I can't do this anymore, Gajeel," Levy spoke raspy, and her voice was half inaudible as her words broke both from her sadness and her condition. "I can't keep following you around, waiting for something that isn't allowed to happen. I can't keep hurting myself like this. It's like every time I try to push away you just pull me back in. I can't take it anymore."

"Levy," Gajeel tried softer.

Levy pushed herself out of bed this time, and now they were heated up all over again.

"Levy, what do ya think yer doin'? Ya need to rest!" He yelled again, his voice contrasting with his soft plea moments before.

"No, I'm not gonna just lie down hopeless while you antagonize me! I'm not taking your crap anymore, Gajeel! I'm not just gonna sit around and let you be a hypocrite! You're overwhelmed about me? Think of all the times you've worried me sick! All the times I stayed up wondering about your safety, wondering where you were! You—!" Levy screamed out, and her eyes stung with tears, but she was too pissed off to care about the pain. Levy's voice broke then, and she couldn't speak anymore, and before she could protest Gajeel advanced towards her. "You're the worst!" Levy cried out, and she pushed against his chest like she always did when she was frustrated with him, and reality slapped her sharply when she was reminded of her injured hands. Pain sizzled beneath her bandages as she relived the burning sensation all over again. Levy stepped back quickly and screwed her eyes shut as she tried to overcome the sharp sting.

"Levy!" Gajeel cried out worriedly, and he immediately grabbed her by the wrists and slowly pulled her hands towards him. "Levy, ya gotta be more careful, yer hurt, remember?"

Levy's shoulders trembled then, and Gajeel's frown grew heavier as he watched the small girl in front of him softly cry. She kept her face down to hide her tears, but he watched the way the heavy drops plopped on the green files beneath her feet. "I can't believe you," she sobbed. "I was... I was so happy to see you and you just came in here to yell at me..."

"I didn't come in here to yell at you, Levy." Gajeel corrected quickly, and his hold on Levy's hands softened as to not to hurt her. "I... I was just really worried. I... I don't want to lose you."

"Sure you don't," Levy denied his feelings as she shook her head no rapidly. "It's not like there's anything for us to lose. We're just two people who messed up and stumbled into each other's lives at the most horrible of times. We weren't supposed to get this far, we weren't supposed to do any of this."

"Do you really think that way, Lev? Do you?" Gajeel asked, and his voice shook with emotion. "I don't think that way at all, and if anything, I'm glad things turned out the way they did, I'm glad to have met you."

Levy looked up then, and her eyes were reddened by her oncoming tears. "All I'm good at is inconveniencing you. All I'm good at is getting you in trouble and getting in the way. All I'm good at is making your life harder," Levy sobbed. "And I don't mean to, I don't mean to be a burden, I..." she shook her head no and didn't continue her thought. "You wouldn't have to feel so obligated to stay associated with me if I hadn't of complicated your job with Makarov. I really am an idiot, I should have just stayed in my place as a police officer." Levy cried harder when she received silence from Gajeel, and now her hands felt heavy in his but she didn't pull away. "I must sound so pathetic to you right about now. I'm sorry, I never meant to make you mad," Levy hiccuped.

Gajeel sighed at that, and Levy bristled up. "What?" She asked sharply. She looked up when Gajeel didn't answer, and her eyes widened when their stares met and he advanced towards her. "What do you think you're doing?!" Levy's voice rasped out, and Gajeel's arms secured around her as he held her tighter against him, embracing the small girl against his chest.

"Levy, I was never mad at you," he reassured her, and his voice was soft and gentle, so caring to the point it made her want to cry more. "I never meant to come off that way, Levy, I was just... I was scared."

Levy's expression was puzzled when he said that. Gajeel was one of the most fearless people she knew, nothing ever pushed him back, and no challenge ever threatened him. For him to admit that had to have been hard for him, and now Levy was calming down in his arms, waiting patiently for him to continue.

"Levy." Gajeel started weakly, and she didn't speak a word as she listened carefully to him. His eyes narrowed sadly and he grew weak as he held her. "How many times..?" Gajeel started slowly, trying to figure out what to say, or at least where to find the courage to say it, and as he spoke his voice was low and defeated. "How many times do ya gotta worry me until yer satisfied..?"

"Gajeel..." Levy whispered, and slowly her damaged hands moved upward and pressed into his back as she returned the embrace. "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry for making you feel this way." She cried into his chest, and Gajeel's hand reached the back of her head as he smoothed down her hair.

"It's not your fault, Levy. Please don't cry, Levy," he soothed her, and his genuine words made her sob harder.

"I... I was scared too." She admitted through her tears. "When you got shot, right after you had just finished healing... I was scared this time you weren't gonna make it. I was so scared, Gajeel..." Levy trembled in his hold and he held her tight to stabilize her so she wouldn't fall over. She buried her face in his chest, and she loved the way that Gajeel enveloped around her, and she wanted nothing more than to stay in his strong arms forever.

"I always want to be strong for you," she confessed, and she had no time to slow down and grow embarrassed of how open she was. "That's why I saved that little girl, because I know it's something you would have done and... and I want to be strong like you, Gajeel, but... but I was so scared." She sniffled, and she pushed away from him slightly as her face burned red. She really did feel pathetic, but Gajeel slowly wrapped his arms back around her, and when he sat down on the bed and placed her on his lap where he could comfort her further, she didn't protest. At the end, all Levy really need was some well needed comforting.

"I get scared sometimes too, Lev. Anyone woulda feared for their life in yer situation. That doesn't make yer any less strong than ya are. It means yer brave." He nuzzled his face against her hair, and he felt the way her trembling was slowly vanishing. "Ya worried the fuck out of me, but at the same time I'm really proud of ya. Ya did good, Shorty."

Her tears welled up all over again, and now Levy was wrapping her arms tightly around his neck. Her tears dropped against her skin, but he didn't stop her from holding him. Levy sniffled and nuzzled her cheek against his. "Thank you Gajeel, you always know how to make me feel better."

"I'm glad," Gajeel replied. His face bloomed a cherry shade when Levy pulled away from him and gave him a warm smile. She was so close to his face, and seeing her so at ease made him feel happier himself. She was so beautiful, and although his heart was racing wild he was starting to enjoy the feeling he got when he was around her. Lily called it butterflies, and Gajeel refused to admit to having something so "pansy" floating within him. As much as he wanted to deny the cutesy-poo side of it all, Gajeel enjoyed the sensation of falling in love with her.

"I feel awful you came to visit me, especially this late," Levy started, and she was startled when Gajeel reached out and gently caressed her face; his thumbs stroked against her cheeks and wiped away her tears.

"You really think I wouldn't?" Gajeel asked.

"Well, you're always so busy," Levy reasoned.

"I make time for ya," Gajeel countered, and he looked a bit hurt then.

Levy smile softly towards him. She was straddling him, sort of, as she sat on his lap while facing him. They were in such an intimate position, and yet neither of them felt too bothered by it. Being this close to one another felt natural, like their bodies were crafted carefully to specifically match. Levy pushed forward and landed a soft, gentle kiss on Gajeel's lips, so breezily that he almost thought he dreamed it. It left him craving more, and he watched her with hooded eyes as her eyes wandered into his gaze, taking in every brilliant shade of red his irises had to offer.

The two of them were silent, and now it was Gajeel's turn to return the favor. He kissed her back, but just as gently as she had initiated; soft and loving, and it was the calmest, quietest and sweetest exchange of kissing that the two of them ever experienced. Their romance was fierce, hot and wild, and everything about their love came with power, passion and hunger. However, this moment was nothing like those in the past, it was simpler, still like the quiet night sky, vast and absolutely captivating. It was beautiful, and something that for the longest had longed in Gajeel's chest finally felt satisfied. He felt peace.

Gajeel and Levy continued kissing, softly, slowly, and so much love was felt between them that the two of them couldn't deny it. Something was so obviously clearly there, and they didn't deny it, they didn't stop it. Gajeel couldn't wrap his mind around it, and suddenly he felt like the luckiest man alive. "Levy..." Gajeel was almost inaudible, and his hand landed on her face gently; his fingertips grazed her skin with the most delicate touch, and goosebumps raised over her body at the sensation. She was about to respond, but a door slammed open and the two of them snapped out of their moment.

"Are you serious?" A voice ripped through their intimate moment and made Levy practically jump off of Gajeel. She had forgotten she was completely naked underneath her hospital gown, which couldn't have looked good for anyone randomly walking in. Their moment was anything but sexual, but it would be hard to explain that to the strict elder nurse that Levy had met before. "Gajeel Redfox, I know you're trouble but this is just despicable!" Porlyusica bit as she marched into the room, and she rolled up the magazine in her hand and prepared to beat him.

"W-wait, I just-," Gajeel started.

"Do you know how far past visiting hours it is?" She scolded the two, which made both of them duck their heads down in shame. "Clearly you have no consideration for any of our other patients!" Porlyusica started as she bonked Gajeel on the head with her magazine with the same force she'd use on a small child. The quick, harmless tap only angered him more, but he clenched his teeth but said nothing.

"And you!" Porlyusica pointed her weapon at Levy, and the small girl panicked immediately.

"Y-yes ma'am?!" Levy cried out.

"Didn't I tell you that you needed to be well rested? You didn't just show up cause of a paper cut, you showed up cause you marched yourself into a fire! You're trying to recover aren't you? I don't even think you know the severity of your predicament, stubborn girl!" Porlyusica lectured with a loud voice.

So much for considering the other patients, Gajeel huffed with his arms crossed over his chest and a roll of his eyes, but Levy was more regretful.

"I-I'm sorry," Levy spoke hoarsely, and Gajeel had almost forgotten that her voice did in fact sound as if it was gonna die out on her.

"Now, now, get out of here. She'll be here in the morning when visiting hours resume," Porlyusica ordered.

Gajeel sighed at that, and he placed his hands in his pockets. "Well Levy, you heard her." He started, and he crossed the room where he became eye contact with Porlyusica. "I just need a minute with her."

"Last time I checked I didn't offer you any room to argue with me," Porlyusica scolded, and she narrowed her eyes at him challenging. However, she found it hard to stay stern with him, given something in Gajeel's eyes softened, and if she were seeing things clearly, she may even say he looked a bit worn out.

"I'm just gonna say goodnight to her and then I'll leave, that's all I want." Gajeel promised, and his eyes pleaded with her to let him stay.

Porlyusica's mouth formed a tight line as she glanced over at Levy, who sat at the edge of her bed with a worried look. She played with a lock of her cerulean hair, and she kept her eyes on the ground and away from Gajeel and the nurse. Porlyusica sighed, perhaps Gajeel was more serious than she assumed he was. He was coming of age after all, and she'd have to admit that she'd never seen him more determined before.

"A minute," Porlyusica compromised, and she shot Levy another harsh look, as if to send a reminder that she wasn't going to allow anymore more problems.

Gajeel sighed, and he turned back around to Levy who remained at the foot of the bed, looking up at him innocently. He smiled softly then, and he shook out the tension that filled the room after the two of them got scolded. "The old hag is right. Ya need yer rest."

"Yeah, she's right..." Levy nodded shortly. "If I continue at this rate, I'm gon-," Levy finished her sentence, but nothing came out. Her voice had cracked terribly and no matter how hard she strained to make any sound her efforts were futile.

Gajeel shook his head, "Good Gods. Y'did it now, Shorty. You've completely lost your voice."

Levy clasped her fingers around her neck and tried hard to speak out to him, and she turned red when Gajeel's snicker formed into a full on laugh. "I knew ya were gonna lose yer voice eventually. They told me ya couldn't speak much so visiting you would have to be short." Gajeel smiled when Levy's eyes narrowed angrily and she defended herself, absolutely silent. "What am I gonna do with ya?" He asked her, and when his fingers roughed through her hair she shut her mouth and closed her eyes.

Levy gave him that sad, innocent look again. He smiled whenever she made that face, and his hand made it to her cheek where he tugged on it. "C'mon, let's get ya back in bed."

Levy spoke out of habit but no sound projected from her. She was silent as Gajeel pulled the sheets over her body, tucking them into her sides and resting the fabric just below her chin. "I'll come back in the mornin' when that blonde-bastard-boss of yers isn't hanging around."

Levy smiled brightly then, and she giggled but only a faint noise escaped from her. Gajeel smiled warmly, and he pushed off of her bed and made his way towards the door.

"Ya have to heal up fast," Gajeel started, and he stopped in the middle of the room which caught Levy's attention. He looked behind his shoulder then, and he had a sly half smile that couldn't mean anything good. "So I can take you out on a real date. No undercover business or nothing. Just the two of us. Together." He stepped out the door, and he shut it behind him just in time to see Levy's body sling upright in shock, and he could tell by the look of her face she was completely bewildered, and it was an adorable sight to see just as he closed the door. She needed the rest, and when she was better he'd make it up to her.

Gajeel was blushing heavily now, and he smiled to himself as the door behind him clicked shut. He knew Levy would overthink about it, and he hoped she wouldn't worry to much, he wanted it to be a good time after all. Gajeel almost physically jumped when he noticed Porlyusica beside him, holding a tray of medicine. "I hope you made yer minute worth it, the girl isn't going to be awake much longer." She informed him.

"Yeah, I said what I had to say," Gajeel claimed, placing a mask over his giddy face. He was serious again, the same unwelcoming glare that he gave everyone.

Porlyusica smiled softly at that, "Hmm, I see." She watched as Gajeel nodded at her and turned towards the exit, she observed the way his broad shoulders carried him and how his long hair brushed against the small of his back. He's went through so many physical changes since she'd known him as just a brat, and she worried deep down that he'd never mature and continue to reek havoc forever. Fortunately, Porlyusica saw something flash in his eyes earlier in Levy's room that gave her peace of mind and hope, and now she was wondering when exactly he decided to grow up on her. The mature, calculated side of Gajeel was fitting, and she was surprised that he didn't pick up a fight with her earlier, even when she purposely doused gasoline over his flames.

"Gajeel," Porlyusica called as she waved away the nostalgia circling around her. She gave the smallest smile to him when he turned around. "I'll make sure to wake Levy up in the morning before my shift ends. By nine you should be able to come visit her."

Gajeel nodded at the information, and one corner of his mouth tilted upwards. He descended down the hall and left Levy and Porlyusica to their business.

ooo

That was a week ago. It was a week ago and Levy was still horribly panicking over what she was going to wear. She'd considered so many different things, and it was hard to pick anything out of her limited clothing she kept at Lucy's house. Levy's bedroom was a disaster as she tugged outfits on and shimmied out of them whenever she didn't believe they were good enough for the special occasion. The day after Gajeel announced their date Levy tried in every way to wriggle details out of him. He kept avoiding the answer by reminding her she wasn't allowed to talk since she's already blown her voice out. Eventually he gave her a hint and told her the wear had to be formal, and now Levy was horrified because everything she owned was either too short and flashy or flat out too casual.

She was so distraught in what to wear, and she focused on her very faint makeup as she procrastinated her outfit. She was rubbing a sheer gloss over her lips when a dark figure emerged behind her reflection, and Levy screamed out startled before recognizing the big lump climbing through her window was Gajeel.

"Good God," Levy whimpered. "Considering the last time a man entered my window I killed someone and my entire house was destroyed, I really wish you wouldn't choose that as your entrance."

Gajeel looked apologetic. "I can't exactly knock on yer front door. Lucy doesn't know I exist, so this is the only option I could think of." Gajeel explained himself as Levy placed a hand over her racing heart. "Sheesh, Shorty, this place is a fuckin' mess." He sent her a mischievous grin and Levy clenched her teeth as she felt a fierce blush rush up her neck, but before she could defend herself a rapid set of knocks were banging on her door. Levy gasped before rushing towards Lucy and placing her hands against the wood.

"Y-yeah?!" She asked worriedly.

"Levy, are you okay?" Lucy's concerned voice was muffled behind the thick wood. "I heard you scream, did you fall?"

"Oh, uh, sorry it's nothing! I just— you know how I am! Clumsy as ever, ahaha!" Levy panicked as she rushed towards the door. Levy panicked when the doorknob rumbled beside her as Lucy attempted to twist it open.

"Huh? Why is the door locked? You never lock the door, Lev, are you sure everything is alright? You're not hiding something, are you?" Lucy's voice went up in tune as she grew playful, but little did she know Levy was freaking out.

"Wh-what? Don't be silly! Why would I be hiding anything?! I'm just—,"

"Then let me in, Levy!" Lucy ordered.

"I can't!" Levy practically squeaked.

"Ohhh, I get it," Lucy giggled from behind the door. "Is it those gross dirty books Cana introduced you to? God, the two of you are so gross! Levy, don't do that kinda stuff in my house, don't you have any decency?!"

"What are you talking about?!" Levy cried out, hoping Lucy would get her telepathic message to shut up already and not let Gajeel know all of her secrets. She didn't even want to look behind her shoulder at the man by her window because she already knew the face he'd have on.

"Don't play stupid, I know ever since that sex store you've been collecting those dirty books like some kind of hobby. I don't know, I just can't get into that kinda stuff. I'm more of an adventure person, y'know?" There was silence as Levy remained mortified. "Anyway, I'm gonna go out with Natsu, I was just letting you know. Be safe!" Lucy called out, and Levy listened intently for Lucy's footsteps to fade out and for the front door to slam.

"Oh thank God, she's gone," Levy sighed in relief, and leaned her forehead against the door. Only seconds later Levy's entire body reacted and she stood up quickly, and now she felt Gajeel's hands tracing her sides and following the curvature of her body.

He chuckled, "What books was she talking about just now?" He asked just as his hand landed suggestively on her hips.

Levy turned around quickly, "she's not talking about anything!"

"Hmph, I knew you were a pervert." Gajeel concluded, and he laughed when Levy stomped towards him and started raising Hell. She was going a mile a minute now that she was flustered, and as she overheated and tried to explain herself, Gajeel's words took her completely off guard.

"I'm glad ya got yer voice back," Gajeel started, and he didn't look her in the eye when he finished, "I missed it."

Levy's eyes widened at his words. "Y-you did?" She asked nervously.

"Yeah, you sounded ridiculous!" He laughed, worried of what he said earlier was too weird, and Levy's face melted into irritation.

"You ruined it," She grumbled. "I shouldn't have said anything." She pouted with disappointment and turned away from her.

"I like yer voice," Gajeel shrugged and he landed on his back when he fell onto Levy's bed. "Huh, this is pretty comfortable. Is this the same bed I tied you up on?"

"And I'm the pervert?!" Levy screamed out. "D-don't just say those things so openly!"

"I'm just kidding," Gajeel flashed a pearly white smile as he placed his hands behind his head. Levy pouted at him and turned back to the mirror where she could touch up. In the reflection she took in extra close to detail to what he was wearing; Gajeel really knew how to dress himself up when he wanted to. His suit wasn't too over bearing, he somehow managed to make it look loose fitting and comfortable, and she loved the way the dark charcoal shades intensified the color of his eyes. It was a beautiful contrast of color against his skin, and Levy smiled softly when she noticed an extra special detail.

"I think I figured out what to wear after all," she smiled, and she pulled open the doors of her wardrobe and picked something out that she hadn't been too certain of wearing.

"Ah? What's that?" Gajeel asked just in time to find Levy half naked as she slid on a new dress. His heart clenched then, but not on because she was indecent, his chest tightened when she turned around to look at him with a soft blush on her face. "See? We kinda match now. This dress is the same color as the detailing on your suit." She smiled cutely.

Gajeel smiled back too, and all he could think about was how cute he found that. He took in the detail of her attire. She wore a dark green off the shoulder dress that hugged her body perfectly, and the skin tight material made sure to show off her generous curves and best assets. However, the dress stopped at her mid calves, which helped in making it come off as more formal and modest. He loved the way her pearly skin was exposed, and he took in her neck and slim shoulders that sprouted out from the soft fabric curving around her chest. A delicate necklace was placed around her, just a few inches longer than the length of a choker, and her hair remained the same as she pulled her hair out the way with a matching dark green headband, but this one had a white rose sprouting out and contrasting with he dark colors.

Levy could feel Gajeel's eyes glazing over her, and nervously she ruffled her hair and stared at him shyly. "Like What you see?" She asked him.

"Yeah, you look great," Gajeel gulped and he stood up before he could make anything more awkward. "We should start headin' out. I got us a reservation."

"A reservation? How fancy," Levy beamed, but her smile wiped off when Gajeel began climbing out the window. "Wh-what are you doing? I can't climb out of that!"

Gajeel arched a brow at her in puzzlement. "Yer not the one that has to sneak around... it's yer house." Gajeel found it cute how Levy immediately grew embarrassed. "This place is packed with cameras ever since yer apartment got fucked. Don't worry, I'm parked behind the building."

"R-right," Levy nodded and she watched as he disappeared out of sight. She sighed and turned towards her reflection; she wondered if she did actually look great like he said she did. She worked hard on her appearance tonight. She shook away the insecurities and placed a light coat over her shoulders. Now that Autumn was descending over Magnolia the late nights were growing slightly colder. Levy wasn't lied to when she reached the alleyway between the apartments, and her heart fluttered when she found Gajeel beside his vehicle. He opened the door for her and Levy found it way too overdone.

"You really are surprising me, Mr. Redfox," Levy giggled to herself as she climbed in, and she heard Gajeel huff in response.

"You act like I'm not a gentleman," he remarked, and he met her inside the vehicle.

ooo

Levy kept asking where they were going, but Gajeel insisted it was a surprise. She was confused when Gajeel cut the engine in the underground parking lot of a large skyscraper, and the golden elevator that shot them up into the sky gave her no lead as to where Gajeel was taking her. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other as she started picking off her guesses for the restaurant. "Is it Kaowinsky's?" Levy asked, naming off fancy restaurants that were popular in Magnolia and even more popular with the women in the police department.

"Never been," Gajeel shrugged it off.

Levy pouted at that, she really had no idea where they were now, and she watched the ground grow smaller and smaller beneath them. "The Orange lantern?" She tried again.

"C'mon Levy, I wanted things to be way more special that that shit hole," Gajeel shuddered just thinking about it, and now Levy made a mental note to ask him of what horrible memories he must have made there. Before she could bring it up, the elevator doors opened, and Levy was greeted by men in white button downs and slacks.

"Good evening," two men greeted at the reception desk. A man with smoldering eyes pushed forward, and with a deep voice he spoke towards Gajeel. "You must be the Redfox reservation. I'm Cobra, I'll be your host tonight." The man stated warmly, and when Gajeel sent him a nod but nothing more, the man led them beyond double doors to an elegant seating area. The dim lighting gave an intimate experience, and the first thing Levy noticed was the large floor-to-ceiling windows that stretched across the entirety of the top floor. Levy was shocked at the beautiful view, and she picked her jaw off the floor before Gajeel could tease her.

Soft chatter and hints of laughter filled the vicinity, and Levy's heels sunk into the dark carpet as they were led to a table right by the window. Intricate gold detailing decorated the restaurant, and golden light fixtures warmed up the darkened lighting. Levy was so overwhelmed and sat down in front of Gajeel, and she waited patiently for the host to leave.

"Like it, Shorty?" Gajeel asked, and he leaned his chin in his palm as he watched Levy gawk at the scene and take everything in.

"Wow," Levy gaped, and when she found Gajeel grinning at her she couldn't help but smile. "I honestly don't think I've ever been somewhere so fancy!" She beamed brightly, but her face scrunched up nervously, "This isn't too expensive, is it? I really would have been fine with anything."

"Just enjoy yerself, Lev. I told ya I wanted to take ya out." Gajeel reassured as he reached over for a drinks menu.

"Yeah but..." Levy shifted in her seat, and clearly she was feeling a bit bad about it all.

"It's our first date, shouldn't it be special?" Gajeel asked with a reddened face. When Levy locked eyes on him, he felt his heart beat pick up again. "What do ya like to drink? Aren't you a wine kinda girl? We could keep things simple and get a bottle of champagne for the table."

Levy blushed furiously. She never drank much, but when she did it was usually out of peer pressure or to get absolutely wasted and wake up trashed in the alleyway or someone's front yard. She wasn't a very responsible drinker, so she tried to avoid it, and she didn't want to become a giggly, goofy mess like she always was when she was intoxicated. Also, she doubted this place sold fruity in-a-can margaritas that Lucy picked up from the grocery store, or the trash Alvarian Rum that Cana shoved down her throat whenever they wanted to black out. For fucks sake, Levy wasn't even old enough to drink!

"Just get what you want," Levy waved a hand in front of her nervously. "I'll drink anything!"

Gajeel furrowed his brows as he wondered why she was acting so out of it, but before he could say anything the waitress showed up.

"Hello, my name is Kinana, could I get you something to drink?" She asked politely, and when Levy glanced at Gajeel Kinana's eyes followed.

Gajeel's eyes narrowed as his eyes glazed down the thin menu. "A scotch for starters, the premium..." Levy tuned out his voice as she watched him interact. He ordered something she had never tried before, and with Gajeel all groomed up, his hair tied back by and securely snug in his suit, Levy couldn't stop the butterflies swarming in her. He was absolutely handsome, and he was sitting right across from her, treating her out to this expensive dinner and paying her of all people his attention. It was almost too much to comprehend; her mouth was going dry and her hands were sweating, and although they've been on and off for more than half a year now, Levy couldn't help but feel like this time was more legitimate than the others.

This was a side of Gajeel she'd never seen before. He was so professional, so clean cut and impressively romantic and organized that she felt like she was dining with a stranger. She didn't mind it, however, and although she loved the rough, feral, wild and somewhat rude character she'd been associated and fallen in love with, seeing Gajeel so gentle and romantic was a definite treat as well.

"Levy," Gajeel called her name, snapping her out of her trance. "What are you drinking?"

Levy blinked before realizing she had completely been sent to dreamland. She scrambled for her menu and panicked when she couldn't find the drinks option, and she smiled warily. "Uh, I'll just have a water with lemon."

Kiana arched a brow before turning to Gajeel for an explanation. Levy didn't understand what she did wrong, and when Gajeel places a hand over her's, she almost fainted. She wasn't used to him being so affectionate in public, especially when they spent all their time trying to make sure they weren't seen together.

"What she means is," Gajeel started before glancing a look at Levy. "She'll take a glass of flat with a bowl of lemon wedges on the side."

"A glass of what?" Levy asked uneasily, but was drowned out by Kinana thanking them and proceeding to the kitchen. Levy sighed; since when was Gajeel this proper and into fine dining? She watched as a regular glass of water and some lemon was placed in front of her, and eventually Gajeel's scotch and then the display of wine came to the table. She smiled shyly when the waiters poured the glasses for them, and when Levy glanced at the menu she noticed a crucial detail.

"Gajeel... where's the prices?" She asked nervously.

"Don't need them," he shrugged as he read the many options.

"B-but then how do we know how much we're spending?" Levy practically cried out, and when Gajeel snickered at her outburst she pouted angrily. "I want to be considerate," she explained.

"We'll find out on the tab, so get whatever you want. Oh, and yer not paying anything." His voice was challenging and he made it clear that he wasn't backing down. Levy sighed and decided to go with something easy, and small talk filled the table once their first meal came out. Levy relaxed when she saws how amazing the food looked, but now she was distraught on which fork to use. She was getting a little embarrassed, as this seemed natural to Gajeel, and it didn't take him long for him to find Levy terribly uncomfortable.

"Levy, what's the matter?" Gajeel asked as he saw she hadn't touched their first course, and her lip quivered slightly.

"I'm sorry I'm such a peasant!" She cried out, making a few heads turn to her. "I don't know which fork to use, I, I never..." she stopped when Gajeel placed a hand to his face and looked elsewhere as he tried to hold back fits of laughter. Now she was pouting and watching him angrily. "it's not funny, stupid Gajeel!"

"Levy," Gajeel started as he collected himself. "Levy I don't care about that, what kinda guy do ya think I am?"

Levy kept her eyes down as she tried not to ruin the date. He was right, but she still felt silly about not knowing any better.

"If they judge us let them fucking judge us, I'll kick their fucking ass!" Gajeel promised as he tightened his hands into fists, and now even more heads were turning in their direction, but Levy paid no mind to them. Levy smiled warmly at that, and she felt a little at ease. "I just wanted to bring ya somewhere nice, that's all. It ain't cause I'm snobby or nothin'." Gajeel crossed his arms and his eyes narrowed as he tried not to grow too shy about it. "I... I wanted to impress ya, I guess..."

"I'm very impressed," Levy admitted. "It's a beautiful restaurant, no one's ever treated me this nicely before." She finished just in time for the two of them to lock into one another's eyesit took force for them to snap out of it and return to their food. Levy's heart was fluttering and she tried to play off how much he affected her. "Wow, this looks great, we should dig in." Levy chirped as she grabbed one of the many forks lining the tablecloth; she took a quick bite without thinking anything of it, and she was overwhelmed by the burst of flavor and exquisite taste. It was even better than she expected, and she paused and processed it all Gajeel was amused with her reaction. Something tightened in his chest when Levy flashed him a brilliant smile.

"Oh my God!" She exclaimed happily. "You have to try this, it's amazing!" She cheered as she pushed her plate towards him. The dish looked more like artwork than a meal since the thin slices of tender steak and what appeared to be seared salmon was arranged in a flower like design over her plate; a zigzagged drizzle of sauce and a garnish completed the meal. Gajeel reached for his fork but was taken aback when Levy leaned over the table towards him with her own fork in his face and a sample of her dish waiting for him. "This is one of the best things I've ever tasted!" She informed, and her smile was so vidid that Gajeel could feel his heart hammering against his chest, not to mention the fact that she offered to feed him was something no one did for him before.

Levy grinned widely when Gajeel took a bite, and her smile was contagious. The rest of their meal went lovely, with the two of them catching up on what had been on the other's mind. Surprisingly the subject of work never interfered with their conversation, and Levy laughed joyously at a story Gajeel had never told anyone before. He smiled lovingly at her, but she didn't catch it as she was oblivious to the way he relaxed whenever he was around her. She took a sip of the wine and it went down smoothly while eventually warming every inch of her body. It was so elegant in comparison to the cheap poison she consumed on the daily, and she could finish the whole bottle if she wasn't careful.

"How'd you find this place?" Levy asked curiously as she leaned back and teetered her wine glass side to side in her hand. "I've never heard of it before."

"I went here before when I was younger," Gajeel admitted, and he saw the way Levy grew still and slowly put her glass down. Something shifted in her stare and he caught on quickly to what she must have been thinking. "As a kid," Gajeel quickly explained. "I never taken anyone here before. We came here to celebrate somethin' for my old man."

"Oh, I see." Levy smiled, feeling better already. "I wanna know more about your parents. What are they up to nowadays?" Levy asked before she took a long sip of her drink, her curiosity getting the best of her. However, anyone could notice the way darkness crept over Gajeel's shoulders and consumed him, even if he tried to be subtle with it. Levy sent him a worried look then, and she stopped drinking her wine. "I'm sorry," she added without the smile she had on before.

"Nah, it ain't yer fault." Gajeel reassured. "My mom passed away when I was a kid, ain't got a lot of memories with her. My Dad—," Gajeel paused for a moment as he tried to figure out what to say. "— I'm not really sure what happened."

"I shouldn't have asked." Levy concluded, knowing better than to pry further. She was lucky enough he even trusted her enough to explain what he already had.

His eyes narrowed. "What about your parents?" Gajeel started, and he saw the way Levy bristled up. "I know ya ended up under Makarov's care, but... what were they like?" He asked, genuinely curious in getting to know her.

"Fire." Levy dismissed his question and cut right to the point. He was stunned when she replied so simply, like she was discussing today's events and not the tragedy that ended her family.

"That explains you acting out during last week's incident, then." Gajeel connected the dots as he referred to the Connell's home in flames. Levy remained silent as she pondered what he said, and to be honest she hadn't even considered that.

"Y'know they would have really liked you." Levy leaned her elbows on the table, laced her fingers and rested her chin on her hands. She smiled with her perfect teeth when Gajeel quickly disagreed with her and nodded his head rapidly.

Gajeel tested the wine. "I really doubt that, Shorty. I ain't exactly the take-home-to-ya-parents type." He placed his glass down and shot her a look, and she knew he had to be referring to his abundance of piercings, long unruly hair and scorching natural scowl. "I don't think they woulda liked me."

"You don't know that. I mean, I like you, so I don't find it hard to believe that others couldn't like you either." She giggled then, and now the alcohol was taking its toll on her as she was growing more confident in expressing her feelings. Gajeel had a high tolerance and would take ages to get to where she is, but he didn't need the substance to make him feel warm and light headed. Levy was driving him crazy, and he couldn't remember the last time he felt so head over heels and nervous.

"My Dad didn't like anyone. He barely liked me." Gajeel opened up, and he looked Levy up and down for a moment before continuing. "I think you woulda been an exception."

"I know, I'm pretty great." Levy cheesed as the alcohol had finally buzzed her up, and that managed to make him crack a smile, even in a conversation such as this. Levy sat up straight when Kinana returned to their table.

"Your check, Mr. Redfox," she smiled as she placed it in his hands and left the couple to themselves.

"How much did we end up spending?" Levy asked, and before Gajeel could conceal the paper Levy plucked it from his hands. "We did eat a lot so I am curious—," Levy stopped before she could choke. Her mouth dropped to the floor and she quickly turned to Gajeel who looked indifferent. "Gajeel, we spent 30,000 jewels!"

"Yeah, guess we did." He replied as he pulled out his card, and now Levy was shocked all over again.

"Is that a black card?" Levy questioned. "Like an actual black card?" Levy asked when she strained her eyes to take in the details, and GAJEEL REDFOX was engraved in silver against the dark surface. "No way, it is!" Levy noticed the Fiore symbol on the front and the silver strip on the back. That card was notorious for those that were loaded and only offered to people with incredulous bank accounts; it was practically a staple for status and bragging rights. Now she was staring at Gajeel completely bewildered. "Are you rich or something?"

Gajeel's mouth opened but he was interrupted when the waitress returned for his card. Levy felt a tad bit embarrassed as she might have overreacted a bit, and she sat back and began putting her coat on when they wrapped things up. After the silence, Gajeel turned to her. "Let's get going."

She caught on quickly that he avoided her question and didn't have an interest in answering it, so Levy dropped the thought for another time. Levy nodded at him and followed him out the restaurant. She began walking towards the elevator, but Gajeel took a turn left and went the opposite direction. "Gajeel?" She craned her neck to follow where he was going. "What are you doing?"

"There's somethin' I wanna show ya," he explained as he gave her a final glimpse, and he disappeared behind the corner before she could catch up wit him.

Levy adjusted her coat and followed him quickly, where he waited by double doors that led outside. Levy was confused, but she still smiled at him when he held the door open for her. She felt her heart beat pick up when Gajeel's hand grabbed her's without warning and led her to the railing. The two of them passed through a beautiful roof top garden, with fairy lights hanging above them and lining the cobble stone path. Levy remained close to his side in the cold, but her face was absolutely heated as they remained so intimate.

"This is the real reason I wanted to bring ya out here," Gajeel admitted, and Levy turned away from him to look out to one of the best views of Magnolia she'd ever seen. It was a beautiful city to begin with, but now on the outskirts of the city she could see everything from here, and every tourist attraction sprouted from the ground. She could spot the Magnolian river, the Ferris wheel, the pier and the many lights and attractions that made this city was so adored and well known. She knew it was just the same old city she dwelled in , but this spot in particular was so absolutely romantic. With the flowers around them, string lights and glistening river under the bright moonlight, Levy was absolutely breathless at the scene.

"It's beautiful, Gajeel." Levy whispered as the reflection of the lights made her irises dance.

"Ain't it?" Gajeel asked, and he admired the scenery, and he was showing a more delicate side to him that Levy knew he never showed to anyone else. He was absolutely vulnerable right now, and she couldn't help but feel special. "I knew the moment I saw this view, I wanted to share it with someone. I... I just had to find someone." Gajeel confessed softly, and he turned to Levy to find her crying.

"What the Hell?" Gajeel asked, completely thrown off. "Why are ya crying, Shorty?"

"I don't know," Levy said through her tears and a bright smile. "I'm just very happy you brought me here."

Gajeel relaxed when he realized her tears didn't originate from sadness. "I'm glad ya are, Lev."

"I mean I'll be honest with you, it's very bittersweet." She hugged herself, "this was the cherry on top for one of the best nights of my life. It's ending so perfectly, but it's still ending. By the time it's all over, I probably won't see you for a long time. Just like all the other times, you'll disappear again." She mostly spoke to herself as she couldn't find the courage to look him in the eye.

Gajeel tensed up then, and now he felt absolutely horrible. "Levy, you don't know that for sure."

"It's true," she continued. "I know you try to see me but... but I just really love spending time with you Gajeel, I..." She wiped away her tears and finished crying. She didn't want to ruin the night like this. "I... I don't want to be the girl you visit when you're lonely, or you're assigned to protect me... I don't want to be a job to you, Gajeel. You don't have to do nice things for me like this, just because you felt bad for me in the hospital."

"What?" He asked incredulously, and was so confused as to why she would even think that. "Levy, that's not why I did this, and I ain't ever seen you as a job—,"

"Then what am I to you, Gajeel? What do you see me as? What are we?" She asked then, and her questions rocketed out of her before she could stop them. "What am I to you? Because... because I don't want to be your one night stand, or your coworker, or your friend..." she confessed sadly, and the tears poured out of her more, despite stopping them successfully before. "I don't want to be any of those to you anymore. And it kills me because... because I know despite what I feel towards you, you can't return it back. You can't feel the same because of your job, because of Makarov, because of Ivan, because of everybody telling us we can't be together. And so it kills me everyday, it kills me because no matter how much I want to be with you in the end it never works. It only leads to problems." Levy wiped her eyes with the back of her hands, and now she wasn't sure if she was spilling her heart due to the alcohol or because her emotions were overspilling after collecting for so long.

"Then what do ya want to be to me?" Gajeel asked her sternly, and he was back to that cold self again, the one that hid his emotions and how he felt. She felt it would be easier to admit to him if he was still romantic and sappy like he was earlier. Now it was even more of a challenge to admit her feelings given his defense mechanism had hardened him up again.

"I... I can't," Levy started as she turned away. "I can't tell you." She shook her head and turned away from him.

"Why can't you tell me?" He pressed further, but stop when she snapped at him.

"Because there's no point! There's no point telling you because we aren't promised anything!" Levy explained to him and she hadn't noticed her voice had raised in octaves and now she was screaming at him. "What's the use of telling you how I feel if we can't even be together? If we can't be seen in public? If went can't... we can't..."

Gajeel shook his head as he completely disagreed with her. "Levy, this job ain't forever... just... ya can tell me anything. Ya don't have to keep it to yerself just because—,"

"I love you!" Levy's voice cut him off as she cried out, and she balled her hands into fists to stop them from trembling. "I love you," she sobbed weakly, and she was shaking terribly now. She watched the way his expression changed significantly, and now his furrowed studded brows were raised and his mouth was slightly ajar. "And I'm sorry I feel this way, I'm sorry for making things complicated. I shouldn't... I shouldn't feel this way but I can't help it. Every time I push it away, it just comes back stronger. And I hate it, I hate that I can't control it but I... I'm too deep in now. And I'm sorry." She sobbed, and when she saw Gajeel with a solid stare, she felt her heart drop to her stomach. When she realized what she was saying she quickly stepped away from him.

When Levy pulled away from him, Gajeel was snapped out of his trance. "Oh my God, I'm so sorry, I have no idea what I'm saying." She apologized as she tried to pull away, but was stopped when Gajeel grabbed her by the crook of her arm. Levy's face snapped towards him, tears streaming down her face. She wanted more than anything to run away, but he held her tightly as he stared at her intensely.

"I do too," he spat out, pushing the words that refused to leave his body. Damnit, it's how he felt, so why was it so hard to say? He watched the way Levy's face softened some, but her eyes remained large and startled. "I... I do too..." Gajeel tried again, and he grimaced when it didn't sound right, he clenched his teeth before pushing all of his fears aside.

"You're... you're lying," Levy quickly announced to justify his confession. It just couldn't be real, there was no way, and she snatched her arm out of his hold. "I don't believe you. You... you don't— this was a mistake," Levy panicked as she backed away, but she was stopped when Gajeel closed the distance between them and cupped her face in his hands. Before she could protest he pressed his lips against her's, passionately, lovingly, and suddenly Levy felt as if her body had grown weak. She remained there, craning her neck to give him better access to her lips, and her hands rested against his chest as she leaned against him, relishing in the feeling of being with him.

When their lips parted and they remained inches away from one another's faces, Levy searched his ruby eyes for answers, answers to what the Hell was happening to her.

"Do ya believe me now?" He asked her with a soft grin, and he kept a hand on her cheek as he admired her. Levy took a deep breath in then, and she backed away once more, but Gajeel stopped her. "Levy..." Gajeel started softly. "Please don't go."

Levy refused to look at him, she was so nervous and scared, so worried as to what he thought about her. His grip on her tightened and as she fixated on the river, the twinkling lights, she heard his voice creep up to her.

"I want ya to stay. I want to be with ya, too." He confessed before clenching his jaw. Levy finally looked up at him with questioning eyes.

"How are you so sure? When did you realize that?" Levy asked him quietly, and her insecurities were spilling. She'd been promised these lies before, and she'd ended up so heartbroken and destroyed. She didn't want the same thing that happened with her and Laxus to repeat itself, and now she was absolutely worried about falling in love again. "Did you know it all along or...?" When Gajeel remained silent, she tried to ask again. "When did you learn that you wanted to be with me?"

Gajeel looked at her grimly, but it was just his usual serious face that made it hard to read what he was thinking. He stepped closer then, and Levy looked up at him with worried eyes.

"Remember that night your house got broken into? And ya found me on that roof top?" Gajeel asked.

Levy nodded, and she could feel her heartbeat in her temples. "Gajeel, That was months ago." Levy was almost breathless thinking about it. In the seven or so months they've known each other, she couldn't believe that he'd had anchored his feelings so early on.

"I think that's when I realized things were... different." He tested the words, and he pulled her closer to him, where he held her by her hands. "That's when I started falling for ya... it's when I first realized..." he spoke softly, and it was hard for him to confess but so much time had already been wasted. If Levy could admit her feelings, she deserved to know the truth. "That's when I fell in love with ya, Lev, at the top of Cafe Rogue."

Levy smiled then, and tears strummed down her face just thinking about it, but she smiled brightly in contrast and even let out a relieved laugh. She was so overwhelmed and happy, so relieved and couldn't shake off this amazing feeling. "I'm sorry, I don't know what to say," she admitted, and she squeezed his hands in her's. "I... I can't pinpoint an exact moment where I fell in love with you," she started, and so many memories flashed through her mind as she contemplated her emotions. "I never expected to feel this way, it just crept up on me when I least expected it. I never saw it coming, and before I knew it I was engulfed in the feeling, I was absolutely taken over and—," she stopped then, and their eyes met before she smiled beautifully. "I couldn't thank you more for this feeling."

Gajeel smiled brightly then, and when Levy continued crying, he sighed and pulled him close to her. "Come here, come here." He patted her back, and when she wiped her tears she smiled against him. They stayed like that for a moment, and the two of them watched the stars and the bustling city life of Magnolia, and although so many sources of life were around them, they felt as if they were the only two on Earthland.

"Levy, let's go back to my place." Gajeel suggested.

Levy raised her brows, "are you sure?"

"We can't exactly go to yours," he gave her a half-smile, and the more Levy weighed the options he ended up being right.

"Okay then, lead the way, Mr. Redfox," she beamed at him, and she held her hand out for him to take, in which he gladly did.

ooo

For the second time that night Levy found herself shooting towards the sky in an elevator. The two of them were quiet as they were still processing the scene on the roof top. She watched as the floors rapidly went up to the 77th, and she was surprised when Gajeel led her towards the room 777.

"Wow, you're really high up, aren't you?" Levy started small talk to help ease the silence.

"I like how quiet it is," Gajeel admitted. "Besides, I wanted the floor to myself, I couldn't stand the neighbors."

"You have a whole floor?" Levy asked quickly just in time for Gajeel to open the door to his home. Levy gasped at the view, and she was stunned to see the incredible 360 degree view. Levy stepped in, unable to comprehend that this was where Gajeel slept at night, and her heels clacked against the black hardwood floor.

"Make yerself comfortable," he nodded towards the living space in front of her. "I'll make us some drinks."

Levy nodded without saying anything, and she advanced slowly towards the living room set up that consisted of a large charcoal rug, the gray sectional and the dark wood tables. Everything in the home represented Gajeel's sophisticated and gloomy taste in colors, and she couldn't help but notice how clean and pristine everything was, as if he'd never lived here at all. When she didn't sit down, Gajeel called from the bar of the kitchen.

"Somethin' the matter?" Gajeel asked her, and Levy slowly turned around to meet his eyes. She looked so unnatural in his home, and he felt like he was still dreaming, but there she was in the middle of his living room, with the large windows behind her and the city of magnolia wrapping around the both of them.

"I hate to sound so intruding," Levy started shortly, and she held her wristlet close to her as she thought about her words, "but I really doubt Makarov's paychecks could pay for something like this. It's too luxurious." Her eyes narrowed and Gajeel felt slightly on the spot, but he had seen it coming. "Is it... Is it Ivan supplying this to you..?"

Gajeel released the breath in his chest when he realized that's what she worried about. "I aint want nothing to do with dirty money, Lev, if that's what's bothering you. Ivan pays me, sure, but believe it or not it goes towards Makarov and what we're fighting for. I turned it over because I don't need it, and what Makarov pays me handles the bills and is enough for me to maintain and manage."

"Okay... then how do you have a penthouse on the 77th floor?" Levy asked, and although it was simply curiosity she sounded as if she was interrogating him.

Gajeel formed a grim expression and popped open a bottle without breaking eye contact with her. "Inheritance."

"Inher-," Levy stopped herself short when Gajeel poured two glasses silently, and it processed in her mind what he was telling her. "So you're saying..."

"My dad disappeared seven years ago when I was seventeen." He held the glasses in his hands and walked towards Levy in the living room. "During that time was when I lost myself, got involved with Jose Porla and some of the darkest memories of my life."

"Wait, you were associated with the Jose Porla?" Levy practically gasped as she accepted the drink, and she recalled all of the horrible stories she recalled on the News and everything she managed to find out whenever she eavesdropped on the Master during her teen years.

"There's a lot of bad shit I've done, Lev." Gajeel started shamefully as he took a sip of his drink and trailed his eyes towards the city. "A couple years back Makarov pulled me into his office, gave me some news on my father. Next thing I knew, I was passed down more money than I knew what to do with."

"So whatcha do?" Levy asked, referring to the situation with his father, but Gajeel answered differently.

"Look around," Gajeel huffed as he nodded towards the condo. "I closed myself off."

Levy glanced down at her drink and suddenly wasn't interested in it. She watched as Gajeel downed his glass and set it aside, his back still turned to her. He flinched when her arms wrapped around his torso, and she rested her cheek between his shoulder blades.

"I'm sorry, Gajeel, it must have been really hard." Levy frowned.

"It's over now."

"But still," Levy pestered, trying to show him that his feelings mattered and that he didn't have to keep hiding them, and she hoped he would tell her more than what she was already receiving.

Gajeel turned around then, "Things could be worse." When Levy didn't reply he sat down on the couch, and when he expected her to sit next to him she surprised him by perching on his lap instead. Now Gajeel was stunned with her resting on him, and she gave him a stubborn pout. "What did I say?"

"You can express your feelings with me, ya know," Levy scolded. "You don't have to keep up your tough-guy-act all the time, sheesh, don't you ever get tired of that?"

"I'm not doing no act," Gajeel defended as his eyes darkened.

"I guess you're right," Levy agreed with a mischievous grin. "At the end of the day no matter how scary you act you end up being this big, snuggly teddy bear." She giggled when Gajeel gritted his teeth, he was so adorable when he was flustered. "What's the matter? You're not denying it, big teddy bear," Levy rubbed the tip of her nose against his back and forth in a little "eskimo kiss" to prove her point. She was really laughing now when she watched his skin grow red, and Gajeel concluded that maybe she didn't need that extra drink, she was tipsy enough.

Levy's laughter ceased when she was immediately flipped around, and her back landed on the couch and she found herself pinned down underneath Gajeel. Her eyes immediately went to his face where shadows darkened his features, and all she had left to truly focus on was his glowing red eyes narrowed into slits and his displeased frown. "Huh, sobered up pretty quickly, didn't you?" His face lowered towards her as his hands clamped down on her wrists, "ya say I'm cute, but I've never seen a teddy bear receive such a fearful reaction." His voice dripped out of her liquid metal, scalding her with his hot, passionate and alluring tone.

Levy gulped but didn't back down from the challenge. "You're right, but don't for a second think I'm scared. I could take you on easily." She talked big, even pinned down and completely consumed by his shadow.

"I highly doubt that," Gajeel's mouth twisted into a mischievous grin and he grew even closer to her. "Ya really did it now, Levy. I'll accept your challenge, go on and prove to me you can handle yerself." His voice lowered and grumbled in her ear, and Levy felt her entire core shake at his dark, sinister voice. It was so undeniably sexy that she immediately felt herself grow hot and bothered. She gasped when Gajeel's tongue reached her neck, and the tip glided up towards her jaw where it swiveled against the sensitive spot behind her ear.

Levy's fingers clenched tightly as she tried not to be too obviously bothered, but when his teeth sunk into her delicate skin her breath hitched and her chest pushed upwards as her back arched against the furniture.

"Gajeel!" She cried out when his kisses grew lower, and now reddish-purple marks painted her exposed collar bones and shoulders. Levy was completely under his mercy, pinned down by his strong arms and his knee securing himself between her thighs, there was no running away, and she loved being under his control like this.

"I'm gonna make ya take back yer words, Lev," Gajeel promised as she felt his breath against her neck.

"Do it," she dared, and her wish was granted when he claimed her lips in his. His hold on her weakened and Levy broke free so she could rip at his shirt and pull him closer to her; her fingers entangled in his hair and his hands freely roamed her body, all the parts that he missed so dearly, and the two of them drowned in one another's passion and they tried to close every inch of space between them.

They were breathless, and as they pulled apart from one another Gajeel observed Levy panting beneath him. The shoulder-line of her dress was a bit lower than it started off as, but she was still covered, and he looked at the red love marks blossoming over her skin, her blushing face and the way her lips remain apart as she panted. Her eyes were glowing, and she looked at him with such a loving face, all for his taking, and although they were both terribly heated another feeling dominated his hunger for her. His chest felt fuzzy and warm, and he placed a hand on her cheek as he gently caressed her face.

"Levy..." he started softly, his voice back to delicate and gentle.

"Gajeel..?" She asked him carefully, with one of the softest voices he's ever heard her speak with.

"Be with me, Shorty." He didn't ask but stated, and his face remained hovering over her's. "Be mine."

Levy was silent momentarily, but her stiff form softened as she smiled beautifully. "Gajeel, are you asking me to be your girlfriend?" She teased, finding it cute how he struggled to find the words to express how he felt. She'd remain patient with him, and it didn't matter what words he chose to say for in the end she melted regardless.

"I want to be with you," he tried again. "I want... I want more, Levy." Gajeel's eyes softened and she could tell he was slightly nervous. To ease his worries Levy gave him a sweet peck on the lips.

"I want to be with you too, Gajeel." She smiled lovingly.

"So you..." Gajeel started, slightly shocked that she agreed so easily and calmly.

"I'm your girlfriend!" Levy beamed brightly, and the two of them fell into relieved laughter and embraced. She laced her fingers behind his neck and pulled him lower to her so she could kiss him properly, and Gajeel gladly allowed her to pull him closer.

[XXX]

"Gajeel! Ahh!Gajeel!" Levy's high-pitched voiced shrilled throughout the penthouse as Gajeel rammed into her from behind. Her upper half was completely pushed against the dark gray sheets on the king sized bed and just being in an environment so heavy with his scent drove her absolutely insane. The cold bedding was in sharp contrast to the man's heated skin pressing against her, and she hissed when he bit down on her shoulder blade and left another mark for his own liking.

"Levy..." He groaned. What had originated as a romantic, soft and gentle love-making had curved out of line and somehow ended up being a wild, passionate tango between the sheets. Not that neither of them were complaining, and the soft kisses, sweet whispers and gentle touches were genuinely appreciated while they lasted. However, the two of them learned quickly that they preferred a rougher nature of sex, and that they enjoyed the raw, passionate and steamy sessions. Gajeel was delicate, but it was Levy who pushed his gentle motives aside and did everything in her power to drive him absolutely crazy.

She wanted him to take full control over her, and worked every trick up her sleeve to make him go wild, and her pestering and roaming hands made Gajeel's body tense up until he couldn't take it anymore. Somewhere along the line Levy had advanced onto him, kissed his neck and left marks as she pleased, and the daring, dirty promises she leaked into his mind sent him into a frenzy where he flipped like a switch and absolutely took over her.

Levy had gotten exactly what she wanted, and now she was clawing the sheets so tightly that the skin over her knuckles was turning pale. "Oh God!" Levy shrieked as she screwed her eyes shut, and she bared down on her teeth as she processed the sensations coursing through her. She couldn't even vocalize and inform him of her climax, as it ripped through her so quickly with such little warning that before she knew it her thighs were shaking considerably.

"Gajeel..." she whimpered hopelessly, and by now he knew the visual signs of her climax that she didn't have to announce whenever it occurred. He smiled a satisfied grin and his tongue ran across his bottom lip as he watched her collapse pitifully against his bed. "Gajeel, how can you last so long?" She questioned with a moan, but she didn't tell him to stop. Her back arched beautifully as she shot upwards when Gajeel positioned himself in a different angle, which he knew would drive her absolutely mad. Levy was already reaching her limits, and their love making had past through the deep hours of the night, making this the longest the two of them have ever went. Although she absolutely craved it, she wasn't sure if her body could keep going.

"I'm not done with you," his voice growled. "Isn't this what you wanted? Isn't this what you begged for?" He reminded as he thrusted in and out of her relentlessly, and as he questioned her Levy's vision darkened as she began seeing stars.

"Yes! Yes it is!" She cried out in defeat as his fingers wrapped around her neck and brought her closer to him, arching her back even further. "I wanted this, I want you, I need you-," Levy cried out pitifully as the pleasure overcame her, and somehow she realized after exchanging their desires for one another it had only amplified their sexual experience. Now she craved him more intimately, and that intimacy mixed with their passion and fire to beautifully create a mind blowing sensation.

Gajeel couldn't agree more as he pleased her, and now with her melting in his arms he couldn't help but realize how crazy he felt for her. He wanted to take care of her, and he'd never experienced intercourse where he so helpless loved and adored the person he was with. This was different, they weren't just fucking, they were making love, and Gajeel was addicted to the feeling that swirled in his mind and made him feel intoxicated just thinking of it.

Levy's breath hitched and her whimpering continued, and Gajeel couldn't last any longer after hearing Levy's cries for him. He buried his face into the crook of neck and released the tension that had built into him, and a final cry out caused the two of them collapsed against the bed, exhausted. Levy nuzzled her face into his bare chest as he pulled her close to him.

"Holy... fuck... Lev," Gajeel panted as his arms tightened around her, and he felt his eyelids grow heavier as his body sunk into the bed sheets.

"Have fun carrying me everywhere because I doubt I can walk against after that," Levy whimpered half asleep, and her absurd comments ended up making him laugh loudly.

"C'mon, I didn't go that hard on ya, don't be a big baby." Gajeel smiled when Levy pinched his cheek with disapproval. "You know you liked it," He opened one eye to find Levy lying on her own pillow and staring at him lovingly. "At least it sounded like you did," he added with a cheeky grin, which made her pout angrily. "Huh, good thing I have no neighbors."

Levy giggled beside his ear. "You're the worst, Gajeel." She replied, and she gently kissed his lips. "Goodnight." She whispered softly, and that was the last thing he remembered as he drifted to sleep with her pleased smile being the last thing he saw.

[XXX]

Gajeel awoke in the middle of the night feeling an immediate sense of loneliness. His arms stretched out in a cuddling position but no one lied in his hold. He was left to sleep in the king size alone, and his eyes adjusted to the dark as he looked around for Levy. He stretched his arms and tugged some sweat pants to cover his body still bare from his activities with Levy, and he left his room and descended into the living space where he immediately found her.

It wasn't hard to find cerulean blue hair in the midst of consuming dark colors. Levy was perched on his sectional with a throw blanket over her shoulders. Her back was turned to him as she watched the night life of Magnolia bustling busy as ever given this city never rested, and it kept her company in the late hours of the night as it stayed awake with her. The condo was perched on the shore of the large river, it looked almost like the ocean at night, descending into darkness where it's limits were unknown, and the remaining life on the other side couldn't be seen.

"I can't sleep either." Gajeel started slowly as to not frighten the girl who was staring out into the distance. The whole apartment was surrounded by windows so it made sense that all one could do in this space was admire the city's lights. "What's keepin' you up?" He asked her, and he sat down a few feet away from her on the accent chair parallel to her.

He watched her reflection in the window, and she hugged her knees to her chest as she remained silent. "It's a beautiful view, but I can't help but imagine it would be so lonely to watch by yourself," Levy mentioned as her eyes shifted in his direction and she caught a glance of him. "Watching all these people live their lives, having places to be, families to tend to, and the slow switch of office lights turning off as people settle down for the evening," Levy continued, her thoughts spilling out of her. "I just can't help but think of how lonely you must have felt up here."

"It can get lonely," Gajeel agreed quietly. "But most times I don't mind it."

"But sometimes..?" Levy trailed her voice and waited for him to finish her thought.

"Sometimes it's shit," Gajeel replied roughly. He turned to her then, "When I first met ya I noticed that despite having so many people around ya, ya always stayed to yerself. Ya lived on yer own, didn't have anyone special, and all yer focus went towards yer job. Wasn't that lonely?" Gajeel countered, pushing the spotlight to her instead.

"Perhaps," Levy replied. "I was still new to my job that I was constantly working and trying to better myself, I don't think I even had time to feel lonely, but sometimes it would hit me late at night, just before I'd drift to sleep. I don't think I had enough free time or space in my mind to worry over something like that." She smiled when she realized how much her life had changed since then, and early Spring felt like a decade ago.

Gajeel and Levy didn't exchange words for a moment for a moment as they enjoyed one another's company in the comfortable silence. Gajeel found himself staring at her far too long than he'd planned, and with her bangs brushing against her brows and the moonlight illuminating her pale skin, Gajeel couldn't help but take in how fragile and gentle she was. The woman proved she wasn't a force to reckon with, and she could horse-kick the fuck outta someone into the next universe- Gajeel learned that the hard way - but in the peaceful silence of the condo he couldn't help but understand that she was still so soft.

"Why'd ya choose being a police officer, anyway?" Gajeel popped the question as he leaned back in his chair. "Ya proved to everyone yer not one to mess with, but it just doesn't fit ya at times."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Levy narrowed her eyes at him.

"I'm not talkin' about yer physical abilities or anything," Gajeel clarified. "It's just... why didn't ya pick something with books? Ya love to read, yer brilliant and it's somethin' you're passionate about, ya just seem like the type to be a professor or something with literature."

Levy smiled, "thank you, no one's asked me that before." Levy thought about it, "at least not that nicely." Her smile wiped off and her eyes fixated back onto the city's lights. "There's someone I have to take down."

"Take down..?" Gajeel asked with an arched brow, he wasn't expecting this kind of answer. "You mean like-,"

"I'll kill him if I have to," Levy's eyes tapered with determination, and something vengeful blanketed her. Now there was a tension that filled their silence, and Gajeel couldn't for the life of him stop the abundance of questions crashing through his mind. Levy continued, "For the longest people assumed I became an officer to please Laxus or to make the Master proud, but in the end it had nothing to do with either of them. This had to be done for myself."

"Who are ya after?" Gajeel asked, and his mouth tightened into a line. "Levy, don't tell me it's Ivan."

There was silence then, and Gajeel was uncomfortable when she didn't deny it. He didn't know how to tell her that was a horrible, terrible mistake. He saw the look in her eyes, and that was the kind of look found in someone who had anchored their decision and wouldn't be persuaded otherwise. He remained calm until she brought up something that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand.

"I caught you staring at my scar again," Levy admitted, and it was the last thing Gajeel had ever imagined she'd say to him right now. When he didn't reply she slowly released the blanket draped over her shoulders to reveal that she was still naked after their love making. "Do you want to know how I got it?"

Gajeel didn't say a word, he felt so absolutely caught off guard, not to mention it felt as if someone swiftly punched him in the gut. The wind was knocked out of him, and his blood grew cold as his heart sunk deep into his stomach. Did she know? "Why are ya bringing it up?" Gajeel asked as he concealed the trembling in his voice.

"I've noticed that every time we have sex you try to not look at it, and if you do your face turns sour and you look uncomfortable. At first I was worried you were repulsed by it, I know it's bad..." Levy started as her finger traced over the light pink rigid mark that lined under her breasts. "I don't tell a lot of people about it, and I cover it so often that many don't even know I have a scar."

Gajeel nodded to show he was listening, but he couldn't find the courage to speak.

"Five years ago I was walking home after a music event. I lost my way and ended up in a rough part of town. I was hurrying home when two men attacked me, they tried to kill me, they-," Levy choked up just thinking about it, and every muscle in Gajeel's body tightened when he saw tears threaten her eyes. He'd never thought anything of it after that day, he'd never remembered Levy, but instead when that memory crossed his mind it was associated with his first murder. He never once wondered how her well being was, what his actions did to her mental health. Levy blinked away tears and refused to cry, a guttural voice erupted from her, something sinister and pained that didn't match her at all. It frightened him.

"One of them touched me, he ripped open my shirt with a blade and that's how I got this scar- and the other one had the audacity to watch and held me down," she choked out, but she was less emotional about this than he expected her to be. Despite her trembling voice she was calm and quiet, and it was evident she had accepted this memory a long time ago. Time didn't erase wounds, but it did ease the sting off of them. "For the longest I couldn't shake the feeling of how little my life meant to the world, how insignificant I was to them, how I was so easily taken advantage of. For the longest I thought it ruined me, and this scar is something that will haunt me for the rest of my life, but now..." She placed a hand over it as she took a deep breath. "Now it serves as a reminder that no matter how hard I train and how hard I work, my job will never be done. I refuse to let any other woman go through the same fate as mine, no one deserves it... and although one of those men were murdered, the other is still alive, and he's out there somewhere, somewhere in the shadows of this city."

Gajeel felt as if gravity was caving in on him, the way she spoke about his past self sounded bitter and disgusted, and she spoke of him as if he were the scum of Earthland. Her eyes roamed over the buildings and the streets that looked like liquid gold filling the cracks of dark asphalt. "With everything happening, I haven't dug into the case files yet, I'm sure I'm not even authorized, but I can't let him get away. Until I end him I will not stop my work, I'll keep training, so I can be prepared for when I take him down, whenever that time may come." Levy's face turned to him but she was oblivious to how pale Gajeel had grown.

"That's why I became a police officer," she swore, and she glared at him deeply to show just how serious she was.

Gajeel felt paralyzed, and he turned away from Levy when she stood up and wrapped the blanket back around her. "I'm sure you have your own stories as to why you joined Makarov and his work, especially after being associated with the likes of Porla. However, I'm sure that's a long, juicy story you can tell me later." She sent him a smile, and now her voice was simmering down and returning to it's sweet tune. "It's so late now. We should probably get to bed. Are you coming?"

"Y-yeah, I'll be there shortly. I just need a minute." Gajeel nodded as he half-rejected Levy's invitation. Levy's mouth open for a moment as she wanted to say something, but now Gajeel seemed so closed off and quiet that she'd rather not bother him. She hoped her short speech didn't rub him the wrong way, and she walked herself to his bedroom.

"Y'know... you can tell me anything, Gajeel. Whatever's bothering you... I'll always be here to listen. Please don't close up again," Levy spoke softly behind him, and she waited a few second before descending back into the bedroom.

Could Gajeel really tell her anything, though? He was trembling. He couldn't believe what she had just told him, and never in his life would he imagine that what he did five years ago would shape Levy's life forever. It's the reason she chose her professional and it was all in hopes of casting her revenge and taking him down for good. If before he felt he didn't deserve her, now he didn't even feel worthy enough of sharing a bed with the woman. His mind was torn in so many different directions that he was getting a headache, and he felt nauseous as he replayed the entire conversation in his head.

Just as he believed things had finally become normal, things couldn't have grown more complicated.

A/N: a part of me was nervous that I made them say I love you way too soon, but then I realized we're like 14 chapters and 150k words in so I said fuck it let the LOVE BEGIN. Also I'm bad with fluff I hope this was good enough! Thank you guys for reading! I'm also so bad at fluff this was supposed to be a sweet chapter and look how i ended it, I'm the worst.

And I wasn't sure where to put a title reference in this book (tbh it's so irrelevant I just thought it sounded cool) but now I think it's beautiful that it symbolizes the moment Gajeel fell hard and completely for Levy, it kinda sparked his route of character development and just highlights a very special moment for him. *Tears up*

I decided to place three chapters very close to one another because I have a lot of exams due, and depending on if I come out alive you'll see me soon! Thank you again!

Fun fact: Chicago was my inspiration for this AU of Magnolia, so I randomly found the VistaTowers as inspiration for Gajeel's home. It's the 360 penthouse if anyone is curious as to how I imagined this apartment lmao (and it's right next to the lake which I referenced to Magnolia's river, oh I'm so happy lol).