"Alright, ice pixie, I'm a thousand times more professional than you! They'll be begging me to take up that position!"

Gray crossed his arms. "Oh, really? Says the guy who's had his fly down all day."

Natsu blinked, looking down slowly and scowling. "You're one to talk! You run around half-naked all the time! They only reason they keep you on staff at the gym is because the girls keep coming. I bet you don't even know what a shirt is."

Gajeel took a bite of his sandwich, tiredly looking back and forth between Gray and Natsu. It was like watching two teenage girls fight over a shoe. There was an opening for a position as a personal trainer at the gym they worked at, this one offering better pay than what they were currently making. And as they were the gym's best instructors, they were both being looked at for the position. And both wanted it—very badly. They each taught classes, but a one-on-one training position appealed to both of them.

Gray and Natsu had stopped Gajeel that morning after Macao's class to see if he wanted to get lunch before he left for work. He needed food if he wanted to have energy for his shift that afternoon—not that he did much work anymore. He helped out however he could, but there were some parts of his job that had become a bit too physically demanding. He'd eat all the food he could stomach, despite the lack of appetite, and some conversation would keep his mind off darker subjects. But they'd been arguing since he got there. Gajeel snorted. At least it was a good distraction.

"Are you two done yet?"

They looked over to Gajeel furiously. "Hey!" Natsu pointed at Gray. "This is important! I can't let this snowflake steal the job I've worked so hard for."

"And you think I'm going to let some idiot like you take it?" Gray asked.

Gajeel sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, scratching at the studs. "You've been screaming at each other for ten minutes. Don't blame me if they kick us out of the restaurant, ya dumbass."

Gray laughed and Natsu was ready to retort when Gajeel's phone started ringing. He looked down at the screen, smirking when he saw Levy's name. The cat fight across the table continued, and he rolled his eyes, turning away so he could hear better.

"Hey shrimp."

The first thing he heard was her sobs. "Gajeel—"

Now he was alert. "Lev? What's wrong?"

This seemed to catch Natsu's and Gray's attention, because they both shut up and looked over at him. He heard Levy crying. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you, I—"

Gajeel shifted the phone to his other ear. "Where are you? Do I need to come get you?"

"No, no… I'm at the studio, on break." Gajeel sighed, a bit relieved. At least she wasn't in danger. A small hiccup made him frown. "I just don't know if I can do this, Gajeel! I'm dreading this performance!"

Her trial performances had been completed, but now she was facing her final performance, the one for all the scouts. The one that really mattered. Levy had mentioned several times how she was starting to not enjoy ballet, how the pressure was starting to get to her. He knew she loved to dance—that part of her would never go away. But the career was too much.

"Take a deep breath, Lev," he murmured. "You don't have to do this. You don't have to do any of it. I'm gonna be damn proud of you no matter what!" She laughed. "Do what makes you happy. If that means dropping out, then do it! I'll support you."

He could hear her sniffling, but then she laughed. It wasn't a genuine laugh, but it was a start. "Thanks, Gajeel. I think it's just jitters. I— I'll be fine. I'm just nervous. I'm sorry I bothered you."

"Shorty, I'll have to arrest ya if you keep talking like that." Her giggling brought a small smile to his face. The line fell silent for a moment. Softly, he asked, "You gonna be okay? Do I need to come over there?"

"I'm okay. And no, you have to work. I'll see you tonight, so don't worry about me. I just… I had a stressful moment. I just needed to vent a little bit," she said. "I'll go on with the performance, and I'll be okay. Thanks for listening, Gajeel."

"Any time, shrimp. I'll be by to pick you up after work tonight. You'll be at the studio?"

She took a shaky breath, exhaling slowly. "Yep. Same one."

He nodded slowly. "You sure you're okay?"

That time she actually laughed, and he felt reassured. "I'm fine, I promise. I just needed to blow some steam. I'll see you tonight, okay?"

After a quick goodbye, Gajeel ended the call and shoved his chair back, standing slowly. Gray looked up at him. "She okay?"

"She's fine," he said. "Just stressed. Ballet's starting to get to her."

Gray nodded. Natsu balled up the wrapper from his burger, smiling. "Let me know if she needs anything! Me and Luce will be glad to help."

Gajeel almost said thank you, but then he smirked. He'd become too sappy lately—he needed to remedy that. "I think you need to get help for yourself first."

Natsu sputtered, Gray cackled, and Gajeel simply waved at them over his shoulder. "See ya."

Gajeel stepped off the bus, pulling his hoodie a bit tighter around him. Winter was his favorite season, but as sick as he was, the cold was nearly unbearable. And with the weight he'd lost since his diagnosis, no amount of layers kept the cold out. The biting winter air went right through him. A snowflake landed on his jacket and he sighed. As if he wasn't cold enough.

The stars were sparkling and the wind was gently caressing the trees as clouds moved overhead, casting shadows in the moonlight. These were times Gajeel liked best—moving unseen in the night. The campus was always so quiet and peaceful around this time, as barely anyone came out in the evening because most people were out at clubs or bars on a Friday night. He could move slower, as his body needed, not having to worry about other people.

After his shift ended, he went home to take a shower—didn't want to go see his girl covered in motor oil, plus the steam released some of the ache in his body. It also helped to wake him up a bit, give him that push he needed to make it through the rest of the evening. Sting was giving him less work and shorter hours, which Gajeel hated but admittedly needed, and it gave him time to get a nap before going to pick up Levy. He felt considerably better by the time he left the apartment. If only he could get rid of the pain in his chest and stomach. And the fatigue. And the muscle soreness. And the nausea. And the shitload of other symptoms he was feeling… Then he would feel great. But this was the best he could do. Now all he had to do was get Lev, then he could get back to the apartment and order Chinese. Perfect evening.

He moved down the sidewalk slowly, passing building after building until he reached the small practice studio Levy used. She had ballet practice earlier, but as her final performance was coming up, she was squeezing in more and more practice time. And after her breakdown on the phone earlier, he was completely convinced that she needed a break for the weekend. He was determined that tomorrow night he would hold her hostage in his apartment. Maybe in his bedroom. Yeah, probably (definitely) in his bedroom.

When he reached the studio, he was expecting to see light cascading across the sidewalk through the tall windows, but he was surprised to instead see the soft glow of candlelight. A shadow of a delicate form moved through the light on the ground, and Gajeel looked up to see her.

His heart sped up, his cheeks tinted, and all he wanted to do was watch her. Reach out and touch her, hold onto this moment forever. She was perfect and ethereal, and if her instructors still thought she needed work they were batshit crazy. Her performance for the professional scouts was less than a month away, and she was more than ready. From her lean legs to her curved hips, the arch of her spine, her flexibility, and—

Damn.

Gajeel watched her, a small smile plastered on his face. He was content to just stand there and observe, soaking in every moment. If he could spend the rest of his time left on earth doing anything, it would be watching her dance.

He took a breath and stepped into the studio. Levy noticed him and smiled but kept dancing. She moved into a graceful pirouette, then moved into a grand jeté, her legs stretching into a split, before finally settling into her final move. She stretched one leg out in front of her, toe touching the ground. Levy arched backward, her back curving low and her arms stretching out behind her until she was in the shape of a tight U.

The music ended and she straightened, blushing when Gajeel clapped for her. "Ya look good, shrimp."

"Thank you!" She smiled and adjusted her leg warmers. "But it still needs work."

Gajeel opened his arms, folding her in an embrace. "Why? Your instructors are crazy. You're amazing!"

She sighed. "No, no. They're right—I need to work on my arabesque. It's sloppy."

Gajeel snorted. "Shorty, I don't know what the hell an arabesque is, but ya look great. I've never seen something so beautiful." He brushed his knuckles over her cheekbone, brushing away her hair. Then he smirked. "Should I go kick someone's ass?"

"No!" Levy batted at his chest, and he chuckled.

"So what's with the candles?"

Levy stepped back and adjusted her headband. Gajeel just took the time to drink her in—the plunge-back leotard was covered with a cropped black wrap-shirt, revealing the small of her back. Everything she wore when she practiced had his heart racing, but this was beautiful. Something about her today had his heart going crazy.

Levy looked around at all the candles. "I'm trying to get adjusted to the lighting."

Gajeel's expression softened. "You look beautiful." When she blushed he barked out a laugh. "Would ya calm down? You're gonna do great, shorty."

She huffed, her wild cerulean locks bouncing when her head fell back with her loud groan. "I'm so nervous."

"Hey, hey," Gajeel pulled her into his arms, angling her chin so she could look him in the eyes, "what is there to be nervous about?"

For a moment, she avoided his gaze, but finally her golden eyes met his scarlet ones and he could see the hesitation. "The performance is making me nervous enough as it is. I mean, there are going to be a lot of scouts there. But the outfit I have to wear—" she bit her lip, "Well, you've seen it. It's a bit revealing."

Gajeel quirked a brow.

"It's just more than I'm used to. I'm not used to showing so much skin. It was one thing for the practice performances, but for some reason, with the final…" Levy sighed. "I don't know, it's just freaking me out." She laughed bitterly. "Everything is freaking me out."

It seemed Levy's brain was grabbing anything it could find to push her away from a ballet career. When she finally battled one concern or fear, another one arose. Earlier today it was the stress of it all, now she was worried about her costume. It was all an excuse to cover up the fact that she was terrified. That she was miserable. That this path she'd chosen might not be the one meant for her.

Gajeel let go of her when she moved to grab the water bottle from her bag. "Can you wear something else?"

She took a long sip before answering. "No, it was designed for this performance. Margaret would kill me! And I can't drop out, I've been working so hard for this."

I never asked if you wanted to quit, Gajeel thought. But now he knew the answer for sure.

Suddenly she was rambling in some language he didn't understand. Her tiny fists balled at her sides as she barreled on. Gajeel watched for a moment, finally laughing softly. "Shorty," he grabbed her and held her still, kissing her forehead. "You're gonna do great."

"I'm just not used to costumes like that…"

Gajeel studied her, smoothing his thumbs over the soft skin of her hands. So delicate… He bit his lip, hungry eyes feasting on her. The contour of her neck, delicate collar bones, the dip of her waist and generous hips… When Levy looked up to meet his eyes, she blinked and blushed.

"Gajeel?" His hand moved to the bow tying her wrap-shirt on, and she panicked. "Wait— What are you doing?"

"Helping you." He untied the bow, meeting her eyes briefly to reassure her, before pulling off the wrap slowly. "You just have to get used to it," he said huskily. "Trust me, Lev."

The wrap fell from her frame, leaving her arms and back completely bare. Levy's face lit up in flames, but before she could say anything Gajeel guided her over to one of the chairs lining the wall and motioned for her to sit down. She did, confusedly. "Gajeel?"

He didn't answer—instead, he knelt down and gently peeled the thigh-high leg warmers off her legs, carefully lifting her feet to pull them off completely. Her skin was on fire now, and she was more exposed than she was used to. No tights, no leg warmers, and not even a wrap. Just a very revealing leotard. It wasn't like Gajeel hadn't seen her before—they'd slept together, and he was more than familiar with her body. But being this bare, not in the privacy of her own home, was scary.

Gajeel's heated gaze moved over her curves for a moment before he stood, pulling her with him. He led her to the center of the room. "This should help you adjust," he said. "You'll get used to it."

Levy's cheeks felt tingly she was blushing so hard, and Gajeel could sense her hesitation. After a moment, he pulled his off his hoodie and all the layers underneath, leaving him completely shirtless. He ignored the cold air, he ignored his own insecurities. He let himself be vulnerable for her. A few years ago, he'd have no problem in taking his shirt off. But back then he didn't have cancer. Before his diagnosis, he was in the best shape of his life, strong and rippling with muscle. Now, he was thinner and his muscle definition had disappeared. But Levy had seen him before and never cared, never said anything about his unhealthy weight. She never asked. She never judged.

Gajeel could reveal himself for her if it helped her to grow, if it made her more comfortable. "There, now we match."

Levy giggled. Finally she was starting to settle down.

Gajeel pulled her close and smoothed his hands down her back. "Dance with me, shorty. Teach me something."

"Eh?"

His lips brushed her ear. "Teach me something."

Levy swallowed. "What do you want me to teach you?"

"Anything."

His hands moved up her back, and suddenly they were dancing. Levy had paused only to turn on some music. It was awkward and funny at first as she taught Gajeel some basic moves for danseurs, but eventually he grasped it enough to keep up with the complete noob beginner's pace she set for him. She showed him where to put his hands when she jumped into his arms, so he could lift her properly. She showed him how to move alongside her and with her, like an extension of her soul, until eventually they were just dancing to the beat of their own tune. He was hurting more than he ever had, and he was so achingly exhausted, but he danced for her.

Gajeel never danced. Ever. Natsu and Lucy danced through the hallway when they were drunk. Even Gray danced when he was drunk (along with taking his clothes off)—he actually danced well, surprisingly enough. Gajeel had seen people dance in clubs when he passed by the windows at night. He'd seen older couples dancing in the park on weekends. But Gajeel Redfox never danced.

And now, dancing with his beautiful girlfriend, he couldn't think of anywhere else he'd rather be.

She gracefully pirouetted across the room and right into his arms, and he caught her easily, just like she taught him. Occasionally he'd twirl her out and she would awe him with her flexibility, gracefully extending a leg straight into the air or bending back at some insane angle. She fit her style into his awkward, clumsy mix so beautifully and smoothly that it looked like that was how it was supposed to be.

Gajeel laughed when she playfully leaned back where he held her in his arms, her back arching and pressing her chest against his. This was exhausting him—too much exertion, not enough stamina. He was feeling weaker and weaker by the second, his body growing more tired and muscles more strained. Not to mention the burning in his lungs, the trembling in his arms and pain in his stomach. But this moment was one he couldn't let die.

Levy's tiny hands found their way into his hair, scraping his scalp and making his eyes roll back. He squeezed her rear where he held her up, and Levy gasped, sliding down his chest. When her feet touched the floor, he spun her around so her back pressed against him, and when her arms went up for her hands to entangle in his hair, he took the opening to smooth his hands from her hips upward. Soft lips grazed her neck, wringing a sigh from her.

They were so breathless and caught in each other that they didn't even notice the music coming to a close.

Gajeel held her there, his hands slithering up her stomach and brushing the undersides of her breasts. He smirked when she squeaked and he placed hot, open-mouthed kisses to her neck.

"G-Gajeel…"

He moved his tongue across her skin, reveling in the feel of her pressed against him, the heat of her skin and the softness of her touch. Compared to his tall frame, her petite curves molded against him with divine perfection, like they were made to hold each other. She turned in his arms, kissing him softly, and all his troubles and worries just melted away. The world was forgotten, and no longer was he the ex-gang member with terminal cancer, he was just a guy in love with an angel.

"Lev…"

His eyes widened. It was coming like a freight train, forcing his knees to buckle. He could feel it rising in him, could see the world fading, but he couldn't stop it. Gajeel doubled over, grasping at his stomach as he gasped. The pain was unreal, worse than he'd ever felt—he really overdid it. Exhaustion slammed into him, and he could barely hold himself upright.

Levy moved to him, alarmed, and when he shakily reached for the wall and slid down to the floor, she gasped. "Gajeel! Are you okay?"

"Fine," he rasped. "I'm fine—"

A coughing fit cut him off, and he doubled over as he coughed into his hand. Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead and temples, his skin going pale. Levy was by his side in an instant, pushing his hair away from his face. When he pulled his hand away, she nearly screamed. Blood dripped from his chin and pooled in his hand as his eyes rolled back from the exhaustion.

Shit. Not like this— His mind reeled, his head pounded, and when he found himself losing strength altogether she pulled his head into her lap. Not like this. I didn't want to tell her like this.

He could barely hear the sirens when the paramedics arrived, but he could hear Levy's screams crystal clear.

Time passed in a blur. Seconds and minutes melded together, and Levy couldn't say how long she'd been pacing in the waiting room. She hadn't even bothered changing when she left, she just slipped on her jacket and leg warmers and went in her leotard. Lucy had arrived shortly after they got there—Levy called her best friend in a fit of tears, and Lucy told her she'd be there in half an hour. The blonde woman arrived fifteen minutes later in sweat pants, one of Natsu's t-shirts, and slippers; her hair was still in a towel. She dusted the snow from her coat as her eyes scanned the waiting room for Levy, who found her immediately. Arms open, Lucy ran to her, and Levy collapsed into her arms, sobbing.

Natsu and Gray arrived a few minutes later, both giving Levy a hug and some food from a nearby fast food place, which Levy barely took a bite of. Natsu was surprisingly subdued and quiet. While he was usually more…animated, he was the calming presence Levy needed. The three of them kept Levy company while she waited for a nurse to come and get her.

When they arrived at the hospital, only a few blocks off campus, Gajeel was barely conscious, and the emergency staff rushed him into the back for tests. They politely, but firmly, refused to let Levy go back with him, despite her threats. They were thankful when Lucy arrived to help corral her to the waiting room.

As of now, according to Lucy, it had been roughly an hour, and Levy was going crazy. The tears just couldn't seem to stop, and her legs had a mind of their own as they had continuously bounced out of nerves since her arrival.

"Hey, it's going to be okay," Lucy said softly. She took Levy's had and gave it a squeeze. "We're all here for you, and for Gajeel."

Levy nodded, but didn't answer.

"Yeah, Levy." Gray moved to sit beside her. "That lead-head is tough as nails, he'll be fine."

Natsu stood and ruffled Levy's hair. "You need some chocolate, right? Maybe some gummy worms, too. I'll be back!"

Despite her tears, she actually laughed.

"Sorry we're late! Where's Levy?"

Levy turned around and saw Erza, Jellal, Mira, and Juvia entering the waiting room. Her eyes immediately welled with tears when she saw them all. "You guys…"

Erza gave Levy a big hug and kissed the top of her head in a sisterly gesture. "We're all here for you. It's going to be okay, I promise."

"Yeah," Mira said sweetly, rubbing Levy's back. "Everything will be just fine!

This only made her cry harder.

Everyone took turns hugging Levy, and it became clear to her how close everyone had become to Gajeel. When she first met him, he wasn't that close with many people. He had the guys he worked with, but that was about it. Now he had a whole room full of people that cared about him—they were all worried sick. Levy already knew most of them, but after meeting Gajeel she came to know even more people, and they'd all become her friends. She couldn't imagine her life without any of them, especially now.

Erza pulled her coat off and slung it over Levy's shoulders, brushing the snow away and rubbing her back—this was the first time she saw Erza so…unpolished. Her hair was in a messy bun, and she was wearing a simple pair of jeans and a sweater. She didn't even have time to put in contacts, instead wearing black-framed reading glasses. Levy looked around and noticed everyone looked a bit disheveled. They all rushed over to visit Gajeel as soon as they heard. Juvia wore pajamas tucked into her boots, Jellal was still in a suit from work… Heck, Lucy was in sweatpants!

"You all came here for Gajeel…"

Juvia smiled. "We all love him. And we all love you, so we came as soon as we heard."

Jellal handed Levy a fluffy white teddy bear. "Erza saw this in the shop downstairs, and we thought it was very fitting for you."

Levy laughed, sniffing back her tears, and took the bear. "Thanks."

Behind them, the elevator pinged, and Levy barely looked up to see Rogue and Sting rushing in. Rogue was still in uniform, grease staining his cheek and shirt, and Sting looked green with worry. Levy stood and went to them.

"Levy," Sting breathed, taking her into his arms. "God, we've been so worried… Have you heard anything?"

She pulled back, accepting another hug from Rogue. "No, they haven't let anyone back yet. I— I don't know what's going on."

They looked so guilty, not meeting her eyes. Like if the earth opened up, they'd gladly fall into its depths to escape what they were about to face. It hit her suddenly: they knew. They knew what was wrong with Gajeel. Sting actually looked like he was about to cry, but he masked it well; Rogue actually was crying, hastily wiping his eyes on his sleeve. The fact that they were so scared and upset only solidified her assumption. Levy gave them a sad smile. "You know, don't you?"

They looked frozen to the spot, panicked. Finally, Rogue sighed. "Levy…"

"It's okay," she whispered. Tears spilled from her eyes. "I'm sure he told you not to say anything. I'm not mad at you. I'm actually relieved to know I'm not crazy."

Sting pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed at her eyes. "We wanted to tell you what's going on," he said quietly. "But it's not our place. This is something you need to hear from him."

Her heart sank. Whatever it was, it wasn't going to be good.

Jellal and Natsu stepped up to greet Sting and Rogue. Natsu had met them once before, and Jellal was just introducing himself. They were all here for the same person, and they were all in this together. It also gave Levy a chance to step aside and gather her emotions, and by that time Cana entered alongside Freed and Laxus. Unfortunately Levy couldn't answer their questions, because not even she knew the answers. Mira cut in to give Levy a moment to breathe, squeezing her shoulder as she stepped in to answer whatever questions they had.

When the nurse finally emerged, nearly the entire waiting room jumped up. The poor woman looked alarmed and she quickly said they were only letting his girlfriend back at that time. They all understood and agreed to stay put—some with more persuasion than others. Levy was led back down a series of hallways until she reached Gajeel's room. The nurse barely even touched the door handle before Levy barreled into the room.

Her heart broke when she saw Gajeel. He was in the hospital bed propped up against the pillows. His skin looked sickly pale, and his eyes almost seemed sunken in from exhaustion. An IV protruded from his hand, and when he saw Levy, he gave her a weak smile and held up a shaky hand to wave her over.

"Hey, shorty," he said softly. It was quiet and slow and raspy, like the words were hard to get out because he couldn't catch his breath.

"Oh, Gajeel…" She took his hand and sat in the chair beside his bed. "I've been so worried… What's happening? Are you okay? The nurse didn't tell us anything, and—"

"Us?"

Levy smiled through her tears. "Everyone came to see you. They're all worried."

Gajeel nodded and leaned back into the pillow. "Got it."

"What's going on?" she whispered. "Don't you dare lie to me, Gajeel Redfox. You were coughing up blood— I saw it! Tell me what's happening, I'm begging you."

"Shrimp…"

"Don't you 'shrimp' me!" she cried. Her lips trembled and a sob broke free as she dropped her head, shoulders shaking. "Gajeel, I was so scared. I had no idea what was happening… I didn't— I just didn't know—"

"Levy. Hey, hey," he murmured groggily. Her tears dripped onto his arm where she bent over him, and he wiggled his hand free to stroke her hair, tucking a loose curl behind her ear. "It's okay, Lev. Don't cry."

"I know you're sick, Gajeel!" she cried, face buried in her hands. "I know something's going on that you aren't telling me! I-I'm not stupid! I've known for months, I just don't know what it is!" She looked up at him. "Is it some chronic case of bronchitis? I know that can make you cough blood… I don't know— I just don't know— What makes you cough blood? I don't—" Levy looked down again and more tears dripped down her cheeks.

Gajeel hooked a finger under her chin. "Look at me."

She looked up and he almost lost his resolve to tell her. She didn't deserve this. This angel didn't deserve the pain. But then his rational side fought his fear. She also didn't deserve to not know. She didn't deserve to watch him die without having a clue why. But this hurt so much more than he could've ever imagined. He didn't want it to be this way. He didn't want to have to tell her this way. It hurt so much.

"There's something I have to tell you." He swallowed the lump in his throat. "I didn't want to tell you because I love you, Levy. I didn't want to worry you— I didn't want you to see me differently. You've only ever seen me, not all my baggage. And it scares the hell out of me that that could change."

Levy looked up at him, confused. "What are you talking about?"

Weakly, he reached up to wipe her tears away, careful of his IV. She leaned into his touch, and his heart crumbled. He hated himself even more now. She shouldn't have to deal with this. He'd selfishly fallen for her and kept this side of himself hidden, and now it was too late to turn back. But he couldn't keep lying to her… He couldn't keep leading her on. Gajeel took a deep, stabilizing breath, mentally preparing himself for what would undoubtedly break them both.

"I'm dying, Lev."

A/N: Deep breaths, guys. Chapter 22 coming on Friday! See you then!

PS... Don't hate me!