"Been there, done that, messed around"
Levy was double checking the mental list she had for the party that night as she was pouring out the jello shots into little plastic containers. "Hey Lulu, Do you think we got enough food?"
Her blonde roommate came into the large kitchen to answer her question, "Levy, I already told you, there is plenty of food." She went to the fridge and opened it to reveal fifteen trays, most piled up with deli sandwiches but some also held a variety of veggies. "Besides, I don't expect people to worry if the food goes as much as the alcohol. Not that you have to worry about that." She added with a knowing wink.
Levy nodded her head mechanically, not really listening to her answer, "Yeah, right." Lucy looked at her friend, sensing something wrong.
Stepping up to the counter to put lids on the little ramekins filled with colorful liquid, she casually looked at her friend before asking "Is everything ok Levy?"
"I'm having fun, don't put me down"
The shorter female looked up from her task with wide eyes, "Yeah," she answered with a smile that didn't quite meet her eyes. "I guess I'm just nervous about tonight. It's my first house party since...Well since I was raped." She blew a breath out of her mouth and then started to make another batch of jello.
Lucy nodded in sympathy, not wincing at the strength Levy had to not sugarcoat her experience. Normally Lucy would change the subject or leave the room because it made her uncomfortable, but instead of keeping her distance this time, she wrapped an arm around Levy's shoulder. "No worries Lev. My house has a top notch security system and I've got my best butlers on ten minute rounds. They will check all the dark corners and rooms that the cameras can't pick up so no one will have to go through what you did. It'll be totally safe, maybe a little voyeuristic and cock block-ey but definitely safe."
Levy smiled at the measures her friends went through to make sure she felt safe and welcome (sometimes even welcome to break down) while in their presence. She put down the pitcher and leaned into the embrace, wrapping her arms around her stomach and letting herself just feel the comfort of her friend only to stiffen when she thought of the expectant guests later that night, "Y-you don't think He'll be here will you?"
"I'll never let you sweep me off my feet"
Her friend pouted at the thought, "Did you invite him?" Levy looked down, with arms still encircled around her abdomen, and shook her head no. Lucy answered "Well, I mean all the other guys are coming but they all had some big falling out with Gajeel last week after Christmas." The shock in her roommate's eyes confirmed that this was new information, so Lucy continued. "I don't really know the details, but Natsu and Grey showed up at my house covered in bruises, arguing about how they'll never help him again. Mira's been talking about how he's been staying at Laxus' detoxing so I just assumed he was having a hard time with his withdrawals." She shrugged at the last bit as if to convey that she didn't know for sure.
Levy took this new information in and started to pour again. He's detoxing? Does that mean he's quit? Why? "Lucy?" She looked at her friend with hesitation, "Do you mind if I invite him? I don't think he'll show up but if he's trying to get clean, then maybe I should try to...well, maybe I should tell him ab-"
"I won't let you in again. The messages I've tried to send."
"I think it would be great if you showed him that you support his decision to better his life." The taller blonde put two hands on the shoulders of the shorter and sighed, "Levy, if you are comfortable with him being here, then I have no qualms to his attendance." The warm smile coming from Lucy told her that she was genuine and only wanted what was best for Levy.
Returning the smile, Levy made a decision, "I think I'm gonna go do that now." She wiped the sweat off of her hands that had started accumulating, "You know, so he has time to get ready. Not that he's gonna say yes. But just in case. Ok. I'm going now" Lucy took over pouring, holding back a laugh at the nervousness her little friend was exuding as she left the room to send the text.
"My information's just not going in"
"I'm burning bridges shore to shore, I break away from something more"
Gajeel was packing his bag when his phone buzzed. Thinking it was Laxus trying to talk him into that stupid party tonight he ignored it by throwing it in the bag and continued gathering supplies. She doesn't want to see me Laxus. Get that in your think skull. The tall male threw the duffel bag onto his bed and went into his closet to get the most important item for tonight. Reaching on the top shelf he pulled out a shoe box that was covered in dust. It had been a while since he had cleaned the item and put it away but if he expected to survive the night, he would need this by his side. Opening the lid, he revealed a black pistol, still shining from the last time it was polished.
With a shaky hand, Gajeel reached in and grabbed it, letting the weight settle in his hands until his shaking stopped. I need to do this for her. She deserves peace. Giving it a once over to make sure he didn't need to adjust anything, his fingers slid over the elegant "FN" surrounded by a circle that was etched into the grip and the barrel. He held it out and aimed it, letting it become an extension of his arm. All those lessons with dad paid off I guess. Finally feeling comfortable with the gun, Gajeel reached back in and pulled out a magazine, which he promptly slid into the handle of the gun. Putting the safety on, he then slid it into the back of his pants, covering it with his shirt. Putting the rest of ammo into his duffel bag, Gajeel zipped everything up and pulled the strap over his shoulder before heading towards his dining room table, which was covered in paperwork.
"I'm not turned off to love until it's cheap"
He double checked all the maps and routes for his destination. Jose will pay tonight. Silently going over his plan, there was a knock at the door and Gajeel went to answer it. Opening it revealed a slim raven-haired beauty looking back and forth in nervousness at the entrance. Allowing space for her to enter his apartment, Gajeel waited until the door was closed before rounding on his guest, "You better not be shitting me, Minerva. If at any point I feel like I'm being double crossed, I will have no hesitation to hurt you."
"Look, I already told you, I didn't know what he did." Minerva was still looking around obviously in unease. "You've got my word. I'll take you to him, but Gajeel," She grabbed at his hands and the look she gave him was pleading for him to understand and listen, "Please don't do anything stupid. Jose is too high up on the drug train and he has plenty of cronies."
"Tch." He shook himself away from her grip, "Just get me to the damn bastard. Then you can leave if you're afraid." Gajeel opened the door and waited for her to exit before following and shutting his door. "He doesn't deserve to exist after what he did to Shrimp."
"This time baby, I'll be bulletproof"
"I won't let you turn around"
The party was going great and everyone seemed to be having a fun time, but Levy couldn't shake the foreboding feeling that had settle on her shoulders. Why didn't he text back? Because he's got other things to worry about than some stupid party Levy. She shook off her thoughts and continued walking through the house, ensuring everyone was ok.
"Levy!"
She turned at the familiar voice, "Droy! Ah! I'm so glad you could make it!" Levy ran up to her old friend and embraced him in a bear hug, "Oh, man." She gave him a once over when they had let each other go, "Droy, you know its called the Freshman Fifteen, not fifty?"
The smile plastered over her face showed that she was joking but that didn't stop him from poking at her arm and saying, "You're one to talk, Levs"
The short girl couldn't help but blush, "Stop, you know that's totally different." I knew I should have laid off the chocolate...and the peanut butter...and the marshmallow cream. "Besides, I look completely normal. You wouldn't have even noticed my weight gain if I wasn't short or a twig to begin with."
"That ass has no idea what you're talking about," Lucy came around the corner to see Levy talking to someone she's never met and decided she needed to investigate. "I mean, come on, if it gets any bigger, I might be able to pick up some wifi." She shared a giggle with her small friend before asking, "So, who's the guy Levy?"
"Oh, I'm sorry," Levy looked between the two of them, "This is Lucy. Lucy this is Droy. Roommate. Former housemate." She pointed a finger between the two as they greeted each other. "Droy was Jet's best friend before I came into the picture and beat him up for the spot."
"Pfft. One, I let you win because you're a girl." He put a hand out to mess with her short curls, "and Two, we were like six." Droy and Levy laughed as Lucy saw the interaction, in awe of how at ease she was with him.
"Well, I'll let you two catch up. I gotta go find Natsu," She left them in the hallway, as Levy just nodded that she heard and continued talking to Droy.
"And tell me now I'm much too proud,"
Levy was having a blast. With her childhood friend arriving, all the doubts of a certain raven haired man vanished. I don't need him. I didn't this morning. I don't tonight. She had bigger things to worry about besides stupid guys. They haven't stopped dancing since he found her and Levy needed a drink before she collapsed from dehydration. Mouthing her thoughts and gesturing towards the kitchen, Droy nodded and followed her off the dance floor.
Once in the kitchen, Levy saw the plethora of drinks and food that still lay out. She put a huge grin on her face and turned to face Droy, who had the same smile. Not caring at the onlookers from the party, they both dove into a sandwich tray and each grabbed a bottle of water to help put the food down.
"Gee, Shrimp this sight looks familiar." Levy froze at the name but the voice calmed her nerves.
She turned to see her favorite drunkard, holding a bottle of her signature drink, Fireball, and hanging off of the guy that was behind the DJ booth not too long ago. "Hey Cana," Levy smiled at the intruders and held her sandwich filled hand out, "Did you want a bite?"
"Bahaha! Nah, I think I'll pass." She nudged her boy toy and continued, "Besides, I'm pretty sure I'll be full of sausage later on tonight, right Bickslow?"
The man next to her laughed openly and responded, "You know it, baby."
Levy laughed at the innuendo as well and put her sandwich down, her appetite satiated, "Well, stay safe and have a Happy New Year." She tugged onto Droy who pouted but followed after grabbing a plate for his and her unfinished food. The two lovers nodded and wished the same as Levy walked out back into the main room and walked right into Jet.
"To walk away from something when it's dead"
"Levy! Droy! I've been looking all over for you!" Jet gave them a huge hug and Levy smelled a familiar aroma surrounding him.
"I'm sure you have," Droy responded with a knowing smile before offering their leftovers to him, which he gobbled up instantly.
"Jet, I told you Lucy said no drugs!" Levy put a stern face on, but couldn't get mad at his sheepish grin and blood shot eyes.
"I didn't bring it in!" He argued, "I just had a little toke with my roommates and some buddies before we got out the car."
On cue, Lucy came storming up to our group with the same sternness as Levy, "Well I hope you're satisfied." A small grin peaked out from the angry mask Lucy had on her face, "Natsu is higher than a kite, going up to anyone that'll listen to him about how he's 'All fired up!' and the Dragon Slayers along with Lyon and Gray are eating all of our food in the kitchen."
"But we just came out of there," Levy turned and opened up the door she literally just walked out of to see a shocked Cana and Bickslow watching the food being devoured by Rogue, Sting, Natsu, Lyon, Gray, and - "Juvia?!" The pale woman looked up from her food before blushing red and hiding behind Gray who was too focused on his food to notice.
"Do, do, do your dirty words"
Levy merely shook her head at the scene and turned with an apologetic face towards her roommate. "Sorry Lu, I told him not to bring anything."
With a nonchalant shrug, Lucy merely responded, "Eh, it's a party. If I don't see you at midnight, Happy New Year Levy." The short woman could only stare in surprise at the ease to which Lucy accepted the current situation and reply in kindness to her sentiment.
"Hey Levy," Jet took her attention away from the retreating blonde, "Do you wanna dance? I kinda want to talk to you about something."
She checked her watch for the time. 11:45. Maybe I should call him before the lines are too busy. "Yeah hold on, I gotta go to the ladies room first." Levy waited until her friend nodded to indicate that he heard her before slipping off to find a quiet room.
Levy sighed when his phone number went straight to voicemail, maybe he's asleep. Resigned to leaving a voice mail, she waited for the beep to begin talking, "Hey Gajeel, It's me. Levy." Get on with it. "Anyways I just wanted to wish you a Happy New Year's and see how you were doing. I heard that you're getting clean and I just want to say how proud I am of you. I know we have a lot of things left unsaid, but I'm glad to know that your priorities are getting realigned. So, yeah," Just hang up already, you're rambling. "I guess I'll see you around, I think you'll be surprised at how much I've changed myself. Good bye Gajeel. I lo-" The phone had cut of with a recorded message about exceeding the available time limit. With a sigh she put her phone back in her pocket and left to go find her best friend.
"Come out to play when you are hurt"
She had found him at the bottom of the staircase she had just went up and put a smile on her face before grabbing his attention. "Okay, I'm back." He turned to smile at her as well before she continued, "What did you want to talk about?"
Jet's smile faltered just a bit before he took a deep breath and grabbed her hand, "Well, I was wondering if-"
"EVERYONE GET READY!" Cana had joined Bickslow back behind the DJ booth and was now projecting her voice through the speaker system. "We've got thirty seconds!"
Levy looked back expectantly at Jet, silently urging him to hurry and finish his question. He took the hint and quickly sent the words flying out of his mouth, "Willyoubemygirlfriend?"
"Oh, um-"
10
9
"Well,"
8
7
6
"Mavis, Jet. I mean,"
5
4
3
"I love you and everything, but-"
2
1
With everyone cheering and celebrating the coming of a new year, Jet was still focused on the words Levy said, I love you, and quickly rushed to kiss her at the stroke of midnight. Levy had met his embrace for the briefest of moments and for a split second her universe split and opened up a whole new expansion. One where she chose Jet and they lived a content, safe life. One where she could learn to love him the way he deserved to be loved. One where she was not happy.
She pulled away from him with a slight frown. The excitement that was running through Jet quickly faded as he saw her expression, "That's not how I expected you to look after I kissed you."
"I hadn't expected you to kiss me until I answered you." Levy sighed, "Jet I love you but I can't give you what you deserve. I can't be the girl that you want me to be and still be me"
"But don't you see?" He looked imploringly into her eyes, "I don't want you to change. I want you just like you are right now." He put both hands on her hips and brought her even closer, "I can take care of you. Anything you need and I'll be there. It will be better, for both of you."
At his words, Levy felt herself tensing up, "I thought we had established that only I know what's best for me. Not you. Not Lucy or Gajeel. Me." Jet opened his mouth to apologize but she cut him off by putting her hand up, "You asked me a question, my answer is no. I hope we can continue to be friends because it would break my heart to realize that the only reason you've stuck around was to 'find the right time'. I need some space." She shoved him away and went back up the steps despite his protests. The celebrations and cheers going on around them seemed long forgotten with the burden on her mind and heart. Today was a bad idea.
"There are certain things that should be left unsaid"
"Tick, tick, tick, tick on the watch"
Gajeel was on his bike waiting for the most opportune moment to catch his prey off guard. Well, at least Minerva pulled through. He made a mental note to thank her if he made it out. He was watching the docks as a jet boat left the harbor and three SUVs pulled away. Quickly surveying the pier, he located Jose and his signature coat. He was surrounded by three well built guys who seemed to be working on the wooden deck as security.
Tch. Jose was always stupid enough to not have someone on his own personal detail. He'd have Gajeel work for him from time to time whenever he needed muscle to get his point across. The raven haired man hadn't done any serious damage to anyone, just a few punches thrown to scare the others into submission, but it was enough to have it hang over Gajeel's conscious and enter his dreams at times.
Gajeel was getting anxious and his legs were falling asleep from sitting on his bike for so long and he was glad he brought his leather jacket since the winter chill had definitely entered Fiore. To help time get by, he wondered what Levy was doing at that moment. Checking his watch he saw the time, thirty minutes to midnight, and figured that she was probably having fun at Lucy's.
"And life's too short for me to stop"
With the cars gone and the shipment obviously delivered Gajeel decided to check his phone one last time and reply to Laxus' text from earlier. Digging into his bag, he finally pulled out his slim silver phone and was stunned at one of the names on his list of notifications. Sure, there was the usual Slayers sending out well wishes and a few of his classmates sent the usual forwards and mass texts for the holiday, but he hadn't expected to see Her name on it.
His thumb hovered over the text icon, debating internally if he wanted to open it. Just do it ya pansy. He put his thumb to his phone and opened the message from Levy.
Party at Lucy's tonight. I hope to see you there, Maybe we can talk and catch up. Text if you need address. :)
He smiled stiffly, Thanks Shrimp. The revving of an engine caught his attention and Gajeel quickly shut his phone off and tossed it back into the bag before zipping it up and starting his own bike. Pulling onto the highway, he followed the beat up cadillac with his headlight off. About a mile down the road, the Cadillac turned down a beat up dirt road and he thought, Perfect, just a little further now. Focusing on the car in front of him and with the roar of his bike, Gajeel failed to notice the two SUVs pull up behind him.
"Oh, baby, your time is running out"
"This time baby I'll be bulletproof."
Levy had fallen asleep in one of the spare bedrooms at Lucy's house, but was awoken by the sound of her phone going off. What time is it? The red numbers displayed from the clock on the dresser next to her indicated it was well past four in the morning. She swiped the green button on her screen and answered with a sleepy, "This better be good."
There was a pause on the other line before a deep professional voice came on the line, "I'm sorry to disturb you ma'am but do you know a Gajeel Redfox?"
She shot up in the bed, fully awake, "Y-yes. Is everything ok?"
The sigh she heard from the other line did nothing to ease her worry, but the words she heard next had her running for the bathroom, vomit threatening to come out of her, "There's been an accident. I'm sorry to ask, but can you come help us confirm identity?"
"This time baby I'll be bulletproof."
A/N: Aw, man Gajeel. What happened? I'm so worried about the next chapter. Poor Levy. :/
SpecialShoutout: ShadowGearRedfox ~ Thanks so much. I do too. Since most of what I had planned out has already happened but I don't see it ending anytime soon.
ThooseAlmighty ~ Thanks, yeah fever dreams are always trippy.
Weezel474 ~ This chapter is still Levy centric but next chapter will fill in alot of blanks for you guys. You could donate the thumbs to science? Maybe try and frankenstein them back on to those you took them from?
RepeatingSimplePhrases ~ It's one of those songs that will ALWAYS put me in the feels. And it's odd because it's a dream (and the by product of my writer's block)
Carchee ~ THANKS! Yeah, the darker something is, the more intricate you can get with the storyline.
Music Credit:
Bulletproof ~ La Roux