"Hi Gajeel! Nice to see you and Lily here at the library! I don't suppose you know where Levy is?" Lucy smiled at her two guild mates. Gajeel pointed to the map room and the blonde nodded her thanks. The mage and exceed started studying the ads in earnest.

Shutting the door tight behind her, Lucy ran over to Levy and clapped her hands. "How goes the Gajeel hunt?"

"I think I messed up big time Lucy!" Levy sighed and dropped the atlas she'd been studying. "I'm trying to emulate some of the characteristics I admire about Gajeel like those relationship books suggested, but I can't seem to growl cutely. I tried and it came out angry. I've tried to be confident, but I think I come off sounding like," she whispered, "a bitch."

Lucy allowed herself a small chuckle before hugging her distraught best friend. "Relationship books need to be taken with a very large grain of salt! The people who write those usually aren't even in one!"

"I've gone so far outside my comfort zone, I may need a passport to get back!" Levy dropped into a nearby chair and turned her woebegone face to Lucy. "The biggest bad piece of advice I took was saying no when I wanted to say yes - basically doing the opposite of everything I would normally do. I made him think I didn't want to be with him."

"I don't think he's gonna be chased off by anything you said!" Lucy said encouragingly. "I've seen him watch you in the guild."

The bluenette raised her sad eyes to her friend, "He basically said we were mates and I said I didn't know if I wanted any more of what he was offering - I told him he'd have to court me! I've ruined everything!"

The blonde celestial mage dropped into the other chair facing Levy. "Oh my word. Gajeel outright said he was your mate?"

Frowning in concentration, Levy remembered more of the conversation, "He said I was his mate...he considers me his and I won't ever be able to get rid of him. I said I hadn't agreed and I refused to believe him. I said if there was only passion between us, it wouldn't be enough!"

Thoughtfully Lucy drummed her fingers on her knee. "You're right about that."

"I am?" Levy tilted her head confusedly, "I haven't ruined everything?"

"Of course not! Some of this is just too fast. How long have you been crushing on Gajeel?"

"Um, pretty much since Tenrou Island."

"And how much have you interacted with him?"

"Not really a lot - but he joined the Dessert Club the week after I did. We have meetings about once a month."

"And suddenly you're thrown into his orbit and he goes all Juvia on you? No wonder you're confused! No matter how much you like him, it's too sudden a change." Lucy leaned forward and patted Levy's knee. "Stick to your guns and have him court you. Throw out that relationship book and just be yourself. He likes you, not that distorted reflection that book is trying to turn you into."

"Heh, nice image Lucy! I just imagined Gajeel with hearts in his eyes declaring his love for me in front of the whole guild!" Levy felt the churning in her stomach start to subside. "To be honest, I think we have more than just passion between us. He respects my magic and intelligence." She laced her fingers together and sat them in her lap, giving Lucy a soft smile. "He didn't really go full-Juvia. Can I even really say that? He told me I was his - Juvia always tells Gray that she loves him."

Matching looks of surprise and comprehension chased across their faces. Lucy sat back and crossed her legs. "Sounds like he's told you he'll have you as mate but he isn't making it a two way street. Personally, I dislike having my choices made for me - even if my answer would've been the same."

"He's made it abundantly clear he wants me, but does he love me?" Levy produced a smile, "As long as there's a seed, love can grow. I can be a damn good gardener." She giggled and excitement shone in her face. "I'm going to be myself! No more relying on second-rate relationship books."

"Good for you! We should double date! How about the day after your club meeting?"

"Oh, that's a good idea, but I have a mission planned with Lily and Gajeel. I can't believe I haven't told you before now! You did leave the guild slung over Natsu's shoulder -" Levy blushed and tittered louder, "before Lisanna could pass me the mission paper. There's an inheritance hiding in Tilden swamp with clues hidden in some sort of journal."

Lucy smirked, "Is this a Mira special mission? I highly recommend them!" The blonde pushed herself up and out of her chair. "I promised to meet Natsu over at his house, in a bit - I have to be going."

The petite blue haired girl jumped out of her chair and fiercely hugged her best friend. "Thanks for talking this through with me. Let's hang out soon."

"Of course, any time!" Lucy returned the squeeze and took a small step back to peer into Levy's eyes. "Be yourself and everything will turn out fine." She turned and opened the door to exit the map room. Gajeel was walking in at the same time and almost collided with the celestial mage.

"Excuse me! Nice to see you, but I gotta run," Lucy playfully punched Gajeel in the shoulder. "Treat Levy good or you'll answer to me." She giggled and exited swiftly, her mind flying ahead to her rendezvous with Natsu.

Lily saw the blush on Levy's downcast face, teary eyes, her trembling hands and gave a mighty internal sigh. Quietly, he closed the door and sat guarding against intruders.

"So, Shrimp..." Gajeel reached out to lightly touch her shoulder, "...what's got you so quiet and upset looking?"

She took a deep breath, held it and slowly let the air escape. "I want to apologise to you Gajeel. I haven't exactly been myself lately."

"Whatcha talkin' about?" He shoved his hands into his pockets, trying to keep from encroaching her personal space. "More important, what were you and Bunny Girl flapping yer yaps about?"

"In a minute, right now I gotta come clean Gajeel!" Levy clutched the bottom of her skirt and twisted the fabric nervously. "You know I've been reading books about dragons and slayers to gain knowledge. I also read and, I, uh...followed some not-so-good advice from a relationship book." Her face steadily grew brighter with embarrassment. "I've been emulating some of your traits I find admirable. I've said yes when I really wanted to say no and vice versa..." Her soft voice trailed off as she shifted her weight and her eyes darted all around the room, avoiding his steady gaze.

"Look at me, woman."

Wide hazel eyes hesitantly lifted to meet with wine red orbs. Levy licked her suddenly dry lips and stood immobile as the predatory male knelt down to bring his gaze level with hers. Strong hands cupped her chin and sent her heart racing. She blinked frantically, trying without success to keep her tears at bay.

"You find me admirable?"

Not trusting her voice, Levy nodded.

"What did you say no to?" Gajeel grunted softly as a few tears escaped Levy's control. He carefully brushed the rivulet of salty fluid away and waited for her to respond.

"I - I...It wasn't no, so much as replying the opposite of what I truly felt. I said I didn't believe you when you stated I was your mate, and I wasn't sure if I wanted what you were offering." Levy took another deep fortifying breath. "I didn't really say yes to anything I meant no to either, I gave myself permission to be bold and touch you like I've wanted to. To break out of my shy bookworm persona and live the passions I've only read about."

Gajeel wrapped his arms around the amazing girl fate had gifted him with. She tensed up and then relaxed as the iron studded mage made no further remarks or demands. They clung to each other in the silent room. Levy let out a startled shriek as Gajeel stood up, hoisting her off her feet.

"Let's back up a coupla steps and have a do-over, Shrimp."

"Not too many steps," Levy sighed into his ear. She was being held flush against his muscular chest, trapped in place by his talented hands cupping her derriere.

He angled his lips to her ear and whispered, "I do like the idea of courting you. But I gotta warn ya, Dragons like to chase."