Gajeel's POV
I don't want to leave the Shrimp!
It's so cold here. I hate the cold. I want to feel warm again.
Darkness surrounds me, why can't I find light?
My eyes opened slightly, but I still couldn't see anything. I could hear voices, but I couldn't understand them. "I don't want to leave the Shrimp."
Darkness again. I'm scared. I don't care if I die, but I don't want to leave Levy. I missed her voice. Her smile. Her scent. Even the way she'd snort at her book when a character said or did something funny.
I feel so tired now. I just want to rest. It pain in beginning to numb.
Suddenly I felt warmth. It was coming from my hand. Softness coated my skin. It made me think of Levy.
I want to hear her voice. I want to hear her say she loves me. I want her to want me the way I wanted- no, needed- her.
"Gajeel." A voice? No, her voice. "Gajeel, I know you can hear me. I've been where you are. In the darkness, the cold. So close to death, but fighting so hard to come back.
I know you're scared, baby, but it's alright." Did she just call me baby? "You'll come back to us. I know you will. I have faith in you just like you did me.
Listen, Gajeel, I know we never talked about it, but I do remember all those long hours where you or Rogue would talk to me or Wendy would read. I know you'll remember everything I say here. I want you to.
From that very first day, when I defended you from those boys when we were kids, I knew you were someone important. I used to watch you in the halls. I was so happy when I saw you making friends and when you joined the football team, I couldn't help but sneak out of the orphanage to watch you play. I didn't care if I'd get punished, seeing you smile as you played filled me with a warmth I couldn't find anywhere else.
I never knew you had siblings until that fateful day when I ran into Wendy. I was so scared seeing her in pain and so worried that she'd pass out from pain, I did everything I could to help her. I was leading her to the nurse when we slammed into you guys. I didn't want to see her cry again so I took the brunt of it. I could feel my ribs shift, but she was safe so I didn't care.
I saw you and felt panic rising inside me. I didn't want you to hurt me like so many others did. Then I realized you knew Wendy. I was glad to know she had someone like you with her.
When she lied, I got scared for her. I didn't want her to go through what I had to. And when I showed you guys the cuts, the bruises, the scars, and the broken ribs, I was prepared for the worst. I waited for the taunts, the laughter, the abuse. When it didn't happen I felt warm again.
I was so used to the cold an the dark that feeling that warmth was heaven. I knew I would do anything possible to feel it again, but then she mentioned Minerva and Ultear. A rage I didn't understand filled my veins and the next thing I knew I was in a fist fight and Rogue was tackling Minerva. I felt you grab me and all I could focus on was your heart beat as it slowly fought off the rage.
The pain was too much and I found myself in the darkness. I was so scared I'd never feel warm or see color again. But you were there. Next to me, feeding me warmth and color through the sound of your voice. I went through a lot those two weeks. But you never left. Not when I woke up. Not when I was discharged. Not even when I was removed from the orphanage and not even in the hospital room while I fought with Jose.
There's an iron dragon on my shoulder blade protecting a tribal fairy. I know that dragon is supposed to be you. You can't leave, Gajeel. I need you to come back to me. I don't want to go through this life without you. And you still have to take me to see my family, you big lug. You promised. Fight to come home, Gajeel. We love you. I love you."
She loves me?
I have to wake up.
I have to tell her.
"I- I love you, too, Shrimp."