A/N: MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY! Here's my Christmas gift to you, an early update! :D Sorry not sorry for the cliffhanger! Thank you so much for all your comments and likes!
If anyone dared to say Levy doesn't have a good poker face, they are liars. Even though she was screaming internally and ready to run for the hills, she sat proudly with a stiff spine and neutral look on her face. The only thing that could give her away was the bead of sweat that was starting to accumulate on her brow. But if he asked, she'll just say it was the fire's intense heat, even though it was a steady warmth. Metalicana seemed to smile even more at her reaction, eyeing her up and down with a scrutinizing eye.
She wished for him to stop and to finally say something instead of letting them sit there in silence. They say silence is golden, but it was excruciating and grating at her nerves. When a voice spoke, she nearly sighed with relief, if it was coming from the man that sat across from her. No, it was coming from the trees, along with footsteps.
"Yo!" A man yelled breaking through the trees with a boyish grin that looked all too familiar. "You made it hard to find you." The old man had dark red hair, with a scar that sliced across his right eyebrow and cheek, along with a smile that screamed Natsu.
"Wait for me!" A female voice spoke, following close behind the red head. Metalicana groaned, leaning his head back as he ran his hand down his face, cursing loudly. Obviously, he wasn't expecting company to join them.
A woman with long white hair seemed to float into their little area, stopping when her blue eyes met Levy's. The woman was beautiful and held the regal air of a queen. "You're so much cuter in person!" The older woman smiled, taking a seat beside Levy, continuously to stare down at her with a bright smile.
"What the hell are you guys doing here?" Metalicana growled, glaring holes into the two adults. "I told you two to stay away."
Ignoring his statement the white haired woman turned back towards Levy asking, "Was he giving you the silent interrogation?" Unable to answer, Levy nodded her head, too stunned to trust her words. She was sure who the other two were, but she wasn't sure if her eyes were deceiving her or not.
"Melly! I bet you were scaring the poor girl."
"That was the fucking point, Grandeeney. I don't want my son dating some wuss and don't call me Melly, in front of other people!"
The red head, who she could only guess was Igneel slung his arm around Metilacana shoulders, tsking his brother. Metalicana quickly shoved Igneel away from him making him fall off the log and onto the forest floor.
"Uncalled for, Melly." Ingeel pointed at him from his position on the ground, earning a growl for the nickname. The two bickered back forth, Levy seeing the brotherly love and where their sons get their nicknames from. Metal face and flame breath were obviously passed down.
Grandeeney knocked her shoulders with Levy, catching her attention. "They're going to go at this if we don't interrupt them." She smiled looking down at the small woman before looking towards the fire. Waving her hand slowly in the direction of the flames, the orange hue quickly swirled to life, showing the image of Gajeel again.
He was arguing with Porlyusica and she in return smacked him upside the head for his bad mouthing, telling him shut up and let her do her job. Igneel chuckled shaking his head, "Porly was always a bitch."
"Iggy!" Grandeeney chastised, Igneel shrugged his shoulders as he sat back besides Metalicana. They turned their attention back towards the fire, Gajeel taking his seat at Levy's bedside with Lily curled up by her, resting his head on her legs.
"He still has that nasty look in his eyes."
"He's your son, Melly, you both have a nasty look." Grandeeney teased, smiling when Igneel chuckled at her comeback.
The metal dragon was about to respond when Gajeel's voice broke through, putting them into a trance. He was singing, and it was beautiful, with his deep raspy singing voice. Her heart seemed to stop and her breath hitched as she realized what he was singing, it was the tune she always hummed since she couldn't remember the lyrics. The song sounded more beautiful with words attached. It was in Dragonic, and even in the harsh language it was bringing tears to her eyes.
"He's singing the song of love," Grandeeney breathed as awe decorated her features. Levy wanted to ask her what she meant but she was too entranced by the heart breaking tone Gajeel sung. The image disappeared as soon as he finished singing. Levy wanting desperately for him to come back, but knowing if she reached out towards him, she'll just burn her hand from the fire.
All eyes were on her and she immediately felt like she did something wrong. "Do you know what that song meant?" Metalicana asked, a deadly serious look on his face that frightened her. Maybe she did do something wrong.
Unsure of how to answer she only spoke what she heard. "It was about a dragon falling in love with a human and-"
"I didn't ask what it was about, I asked what it meant."
"It means, you're the only one he loves, Levy." Igneel spoke up for her, an unnatural serious look on his face. It was just as frightening as his brother's. "That is a song we do not take lightly in our family. When we sing it to a loved one, it means you're the one they choose."
"Like a soulmate," Grandeeney continued. "No matter what happens, he refuses to be with anyone else but you, so if you die, he chose to stay alone forever."
The weight of their words hit her like a ton of bricks. She would never wish for him to do that and she hoped they knew that. Voicing that would be a great idea, but a sob threatened to interrupt her words as she starred absently into the fire, trying to hold back tears.
Gajeel, you idiot.
"You love him." Metalicana said matter-factly. "I've never seen him care for no one other than his family and Lily, but with you it's different. So…why's that?"
"Way to be father-in-law of the year," Igneel shook his head, but that didn't deter the intense gaze the older man was giving her.
It took a moment for her to respond, but when she did, she was proud that her voice didn't waver. "I don't know, to be honest. I'm still surprised sometimes by how much he cares about me. When I first met him I didn't really know what to expect from someone of his caliber. He could've treated me anyway he liked knowing that he could get away with it, but he still treated me with more respect and care than the past persons that had me in their care. I love your son, Mr. Redfox, way more than you could imagine. I would never do anything to intentionally hurt him."
Metalicana seemed to stare into her soul as if trying to identify if she was telling the truth or not. When he was satisfied with whatever he was looking for, he shot her cocky smirk, crossing his arms over his chest with a proud huff.
"Well then little fairy, I approve." Levy let out a breath, Grandeeney squealing as she pulled Levy into a side hug. "He talks a lot about you to me. It was a pain when he was deciding if he should confess to you or not."
Igneel raised an eyebrow, "Oh really? I remember you ecstatic that he was even interested in someone and wishing you were there to help him." Metalicana shoved Igneel again, telling him to shut his fiery mouth the two quickly falling into another verbal fight.
"Don't tell him I told you, but the big bad iron dad over there already approved of you before you came," Grandeeney whispered. "He just wanted to give you a hard time."
Levy thanked the old woman, finally seeing how alike she and Porlyusica looked. Before she could comment on it, Grandeeney stood up with a clap of her hands catching her brothers' attention. "Alright you two, it's time to go. Let's say our goodbyes."
The men followed her instructions with grumbles as they stood up. "It was nice to finally meet you, Levy." Metalicana grunted out clapping her on the shoulder, a look on his face he didn't want to voice in front of the others.
'Please take care of him.'
"It was nice to meet you too and I will, don't worry."
Igneel came next pulling her into a hug, beaming a bright smile when he released her holding her by the shoulders. "Welcome to the family, little blue."
Grandeeney pulled her into a similar hug. "I'm so glad our little mini Melly found someone to share his life with. Take care and be sure to keep us updated."
As she bid them goodbye, she couldn't help but laugh as Metalicana and Igneel shoved it each other with Grandeeney groaning, calling them childish as they faded into the trees. Her surrounding immediately changed back into the spring meadow as soon as they were out of sight. Spinning around she was confused by the sudden daylight and even more confused by the woman standing in front of her now.
"Aquarius?!" Levy nearly yelled, as the blue haired woman stepped closer to her. "You're dead?"
Nodding her head, Aquarius usual stern gaze softened. "I know Lucy has been looking for me, so please tell her if you can that she can stop."
"But, how did you die?!"
Her blue eyes flared with anger at the memory. "I died that day that crazed dragon king attacked us. I went home to find Scorpio dead, along with a dozen of the kings guard dead around his body. It was all a trap and I was too late to figure it out. I was attacked as soon as I realized what was happening. Taking us out would be easier for him to get to Layla, Lucy and you. "
"I'm so sorry, Aquarius."
Shrugging her shoulders, the woman smiled proudly. "I didn't die so easily and took a great number of his fleet with me, plus I'm with Scorpio so it's cool."
Leave it to Aquarius to smile at her own death. Levy would do the same if she was half the badass Aquarius and her husband was. A thought popped in her head of Gajeel chastising her, telling her that she was in fact just as badass as Scorpio and Aquarius.
"I'll tell Lucy. It might hurt her, but I think it'll bring her some closer."
"Thanks, Levy." She said, patting her on the shoulder, before straightening with a serious look on her face. "Now. Have you decided, whether you're staying or going?"
Needing no further explanation, Levy nodded her head. It was an easy decision her parents and Gajeel's relatives reassured. There was no way she could leave Gajeel and Lily alone. "I decided to go back."
"Good," Aquarius nodded her head. "This may hurt, mainly due to getting the sickness out of you. You ready?"
"Ready as I'll ever be." Taking that as a go, Aquarius cocked her hand back, slamming it into her chest. Levy felt like she was underwater for a few seconds before coming out sputtering, but instead of spitting up water on a beach, she jumped up in her bed coughing.
Lily jumped ready for an attack his eyes landing on her. He meowed loudly leaping towards her, rubbing his head against her face, purring loudly. "I'm starting to have a tendency to make you worry, Lily." She croaked out, her voice hoarse from misuse as she hugged him with weak limbs.
The door opened, showing a surprised Lucy. "Levy!" She yelled, flinging herself onto the bed, hugging her tightly around the neck. Levy patted her friend on the arm, gasping for air. "I'm sorry! We were just so worried about you. Natsu and I came right away. He finally got Gajeel away so he could get some fresh air."
"I should get him right away." Lily meowed, leaping off the bed and out the door. Finally taking a look at her surroundings, she noticed that almost everything was either in a shade of blue or green.
"Where am I?" Levy asked. The bedspread reminded her of a mermaid's tale with its shimmery blue and green scale designs. The carpet was a pretty dark blue with the walls painted a turquoise green. "I've never seen this room before."
Lucy looked around a small smile curling her lips, "It'll be better if Gajeel explains that, but how are you feeling?"
Her headache was gone, so was the intense itch in her throat and stiff muscles. Stretching her limbs, she attempted to get out of bed. "I feel a lot better, but I think I need a bath. I don't want to see Gajeel knowing I haven't bathed in a few days. How long have I been out, anyway?"
Lucy helped her out of bed and towards the bathroom that was decorated similar to the bedroom with it multitude of blue and green shades. "Three days. Natsu and I got here on the second day." She drew Levy a bath, helping her into the water before running off to find something for her to wear. When Lucy placed the clothes on the vanity, Levy urged her friend to come sit beside the tub.
"I really thought we were going to lose you," the blonde sniffled as she kneeled beside the tub, brushing Levy's wet hair. "You should've seen Gajeel. I've never seen him look so….vulnerable. He really loves you, Lev."
Levy was unsure on how to tell her that she knew exactly what he looked like and it broke her heart just to see him like that as well. "This may not be the right time, but I have to tell you before I forget." Levy said, stilling Lucy's movement's with her hair. "I did see Gajeel while he was here. I also saw my mom and dad and….Aquarius."
Lucy took in a breath her body shaking, her eyes wide with shock. "You mean she's…dead?" Levy nodded her head, filling in the blanks for her with the information Aquarius told her about how she died. Levy also explained where she was and how she saw Gajeel. Even though it seemed impossible, she knew her friend believed her.
Lucy pulled Levy into another hug, her wet form soaking Lucy's gown. "Thank you, Levy. I really don't know what to say, but I'm so glad that you're here with us. Please don't scare us like that every again."
"Can't make any promises," she giggled as her friend released her, the two smiling fondly at each other. After a few more minutes of them talking as Levy cleaned herself, Levy chuckled. "I think I'm ready to come out and you're ready for a change of clothes. I don't need you getting sick."
With a helpful hand, Lucy pulled Levy out of the water, just as the bathroom door was nearly kicked in.
"Levy!" Gajeel roared, his eyes landing on her naked form causing his face to turn beet red. Levy let out a scream as she attempted to cover herself.
"Quit staring and get out of here, Gajeel!" Lucy yelled, tossing the hairbrush at him to break him out of his trance. It bounced off his chest, clattering to the floor. He didn't say a word as he quickly turned around and ran out, slamming the door behind him. "He nearly broke the freakin' door down." Lucy muttered as she wrapped the towel around a still stunned Levy.
A bubble of laughter formed in her chest and burst out as she used her friend for support. That was not how she pictured their reunion, but she had to say it was pretty hilarious.
"We're gonna have a sit down and talk about how all this transpired between you two before I leave." Lucy giggled along with her friend. "Are you ok to dress on your own?"
Levy nodded her head, already pulling on her underwear. "I'll be fine and I promise to tell you everything."
Pointing towards her with an accused finger, Lucy declared, "You better. I want all the juicy details too." She left to let Levy change so she could most likely do the same, promising to come back with Natsu.
A/N: Melly and Iggy are children and Grandee is like the mom of the three! And of course Melly just want to give people a hard time! Thank you so much for reading and Merry Christmas Everyone!