I'm so very sorry. More than two whole months for just one measly chapter… I tried my best to add a little more every night before sleeping, but sometimes it just felt truly impossible to contribute to the story. Today, I finally got it all done (more words than normal I believe) and seriously worked on something not explored much by the manga. Other than the head-band giving, this is probably the latest key Gajeel x Levi moment that's occurred, so I hope I did it justice. THANKS FOR FOLLOWING AND WAITING, HOPE YOU ENJOY!

"Three months of training!? NOW THAT'S HOW TO BE A MAN!" Elfman yelled out, for everyone to hear. The joyful group, even in the cramped little guild, roared appreciatively. Lately they had all been cheering at just about anything they heard.

It was decided by The Master that in these remaining three months, the group would do all the training they could manage. They were to set out at most in a mere two days; just enough time to pack up, plan and nothing else. The Master would be working with any other organizational aspects either in fixing the guild's current problems or in entering the games. Gildartz was off doing on his own travels, leaving the rest of the group to depend on their own power in order to progress forward.

"Wow, where should we go!?" Lucy was excited, brightening up at the aspect.

"How's about the ocean! Let's train to see who can get the most fish!" Happy was flying around, his usually cheerful expression aflutter.

"How's about a volcano/snowy mountain!?" Two voices called out simultaneously, from two very predictable sources. The two looked at each other with frustrated scowls.

"You trying to get us all burned up, Natsu?"

"You trying to make us a stripper like you!?"

The two lunged at each other, throwing fists around wildly.

"Well, if they keep up like that, it's already training enough…" Lucy noted with a sweat drop.

Levi began laughing happily at the sight. The prospect of training with everyone felt nostalgic and very enjoyable… she wanted to be someone who could finish a fight with her power. She wanted to get strong so that next time… she wouldn't need protecting.

So don't leave my side.

Surprised at the sudden blush on her cheeks, Levi shook her head. What an embarrassing thing he said so casually! Typical of someone who can never read the mood or circumstances. Ugh!

Levi began looking around to change her thoughts, and see what people were saying. Macao and Wakaba were talking intensely with the Master, trying to figure out how to manage the situation the Guild was in. Luxus' team was all gathered around him, huddling in secret. She overheard Bixlow make a snide comment.

"Well then, Ever, where are you going to train?"

"Huh? Are you an idiot, Bixlow!?" The blonde shot him a nasty look. "That's what we're talking about! Now that we've settled on a place, let's go asap!"

"What Bixlow means is, that's where WE will be going." Freed responded, with a tempered voice. "What we want to know is… where will YOU be going?"

"… huh?"

"Oh, you and Elfman haven't decided yet?" Bixlow's voice was echoed by his small puppets.

"HEY!" Evergreen began snapping at them, screaming profanities all around.

"Just why are you screaming so loudly, Ever!?" The man who was ironically the cause of his own question came up.

"SHUTUP!" Ever launched an attack on him, leaving the man very confused.

As laughter began to commence, Levi noticed that most of the people were forming groups. The majority were staying together, but some were separated. The Thunder God Tribe would be off by themselves, and it appeared that the Straus siblings were planning a hiking trip with Cana involved, and the older hands would stay with Master. Well, most of the older hands…

"I'm so excited, Levi!"

"Where should we go, Levi?"

Her two best friends were prancing around in joy, thinking of the training trip as some kind of bonding vacation. They themselves probably weren't in the mood to train much, but simply goof around like they always did.

"So it is decided!" Erza spoke, boomingly. "We are going to the beach!"

"Oh man, what kinds of hellish training would Erza have…!?" Gray said in panic.

Erza ex-quipped, and suddenly she was dressed in a swim suit and surrounded by beach toys.

"The training shall be intense." Erza spoke coldly, but the floater around her waist begged to differ.

"The beach! So Juvia can see Gray-sama in his swimsuit!"

"Umm… Juvia, isn't that the same as always?" Lucy pointed out.

"Lucy! So you are aiming after that as well!?" Juvia's eyes flashed fiercely.

"JUST WHO IS!?" Lucy exclaimed, and once again laughter went all around.

Levi giggled, looking around happily. It was still such a great sight for her to see Lucy being teased, or her teammates fawning stupidly, or Natsu fighting Gray, or Gajeel grabbing a drink, or Elf-

What?

"Gajeel!?"

Indeed, the Iron Mage was leaning against the bar counter for what appeared to be a quick drink, soaking up information from the Master who was explaining everything.

Levi hurriedly rushed over.

"Gajeel, when did you get here!" Levi was looking at him in a confused manner, not noticing his entrance. After all, he didn't say anything.

"Hmm? Just now." He continued sipping from his drink.

"Gajeel and I have been really busy, Levi, sorry we didn't contact you before." Lily spoke up from Gajeel's side, ever the middleman.

"Busy with what?"

"There were… a lot of claim issues going on about where we're staying. We had to also manage some of our debts, and knock a few heads around."

"I have some shit to take care of, but it's nothing I can't handle," Gajeel stated, effectively finishing that particular part of the conversation. "What have you been up to? And what's this I hear about the Grand Games?"

Levi finally began to speak to him. With a smile, she spoke about all the things that had been coming up… her moving issues, the damage to her books, the old friends, the kids who were now her age… she found that his reaction of listening to her with an emotionless look was constant, and wondered if he would end up moving away or cutting her off.

But he merely listened, asking an occasional clarifying question. Lily smiled watching the interaction, happy to see that Gajeel could at least have that much civility in him. From the background, Jet and Droy watched.

"Oh no… she's… oh no!"

"Calm down, Droy! Stop eating that!"

But Jet's words sounded just as sad, as the two observed with stupidly sad faces Levi's current conversation. How quickly she jumped to him, how happily she was talking… it was all like salt on seven year old wounds.

Lucy and Lisanna were also watching the scene, and decided to come in to cash in on their earlier ideas.

"Sooo… how have you been, Gajeel?" Lucy came in, with a sly voice.

"… The hell?" He gave her a strange look. "What's it matter to you?"

"Oh, don't be like that!" Lisanna came, chiming in. "We were worried about you! Especially Levi here…"

"HEY!" Levi knew this was coming. Why couldn't everyone leave her alone? Jeez… but she couldn't deny a small excitement. What would Gajeel say? How would he react?

"Hmm, well she didn't need to be."

Levi deflated slightly. Of course. The other two girls did not, however.

"Aww, but she can't help it! You disappear without saying anything like that… she kept asking about you!"

"Hey, no I didn't! I just thought Master would know when he got back, so I asked a couple of times!"

"Yeah…" Lisanna nodded. "A couple of times an hour…"

"GUYS!"

As the duo laughed and Levi blushed, Lily watched from afar. The girls, he noticed, had no problem using much more direct methods in egging the couple on. It made for good entertainment.

"But anyway, Gajeel…" Lucy continued. "You have to be with Levi now! Who else is gonna train her?"

"Hmm? Training?" Gajeel's expression finally changed. Levi thought of how typical that was.

"Yeah, for the Grand Magic Games! Didn't you hear about it?"

"Yeah… but what's this about training?" Gajeel was now paying much more attention. Lily slapped his face at the muscle-head's stupidity.

"Well, we have three months left! We were gonna go off and train." Lisanna explained. "I'm gonna be with Mira-nee at the mountains… but Levi's going with Lucy."

"And where's that?"

"To the beach…" Lucy said, putting her arms around Levi's neck. "We need to try out our new swimsuits, right?"

"New swimsuit? Lu-chan, wha- ach!" Levi was silenced with a pinch. Lucy gave her a look that said 'there will be a new swimsuit!'

"Hmph, so you're gonna be there for the next three months, training?"

"Yeah…" Levi said. "Well, I think it would be fun if we, um… did some training again. You know? Like before. Would you want to?"

Levi became frustrated as she spoke. Lucy and Lisanna's eager grins were making this much more stupid. She'd trained with Gajeel before, and it worked wonders! What's wrong with wanting to do it again!? It would be twice as effective, maybe!

But she realized that Gajeel wasn't saying anything.

"Umm, Gajeel?"

"Levi, Gajeel and I will need to see about that." Lily came up, speaking in his place. The conversation took a turn it didn't need to take.

"I'll get back to you later, shorty." Gajeel replied, putting down his drink and getting up. "Our work isn't done yet."

"Oh…" Levi felt a little confused, and somewhat put off by his reaction. Was she just being put off?

Before, didn't he make the extra effort to invite her for training? Or was that just to pass the time, fighting people…

No! Levi couldn't stay doubtful about that… even if he was an idiot, she had to believe that he did care for her. The way he saved her and said those things could only mean he saw her as a true… friend.

Levi felt a strange drop in her chest as she thought that. She watched him walk off, ambling quietly. Lily gave her a somewhat apologetic glance, and flew off. Lucy and Lisanna exchanged worried and confused looks, and immediately sat down next to their friend. Levi however forced a smiled at them and started talking about the training instead.

*Two days later*

The girls were all laughing on the boat together, practically glowing with anticipation.

"This gonna be so fun!"

"It shall be the training of a lifetime."

"Gray-samaaaa~"

Everyone was in the highest spirits. Levi hadn't felt so excited to help and work for the guild since… well, a few weeks ago according to her memory. But for Fairy Tail, that was a long time!

And in any case, all previous times had been a matter of life of death, with survival being the main goal. Here, it was all about improving one's skills and experiences, and helping everyone grow. It was, in a way, exhilarating to think about it. They reached the island, and Erza immediately lead them to the beach.

"Woo-hoo!" Lucy jumped into the water and began swimming. Erza laid out a mat, ready for her harsh "training menu" as she pulled out some sun tan lotion. Gray and Natsu immediately began competing, and Jet and Droy began looking at all the girls with a rather… silly expression on their face. But Levi didn't care about that! It was time for some fun. She joined Lucy and took out a beach ball Erza had brought, and they spent the morning playing actively.

After a little bit more fun, Lucy noticed the members who were missing from their group. While Levi explained most of the missing mages, Lucy realized on duo still was unaccounted for.

"Gajeel and Lily…" Happy noted, in the water. In his mind, he was thinking about how it was the perfect chance for him to train and surpass Lily. Not that anyone else cared.

"Oh yeah, where are they?" Lucy asked, realizing how easy it was to miss the presence of the normally quiet duo.

"They went on some secret training!" Levi frowned and pointed out. She quickly remembered the event she had been forgetting about all day so far…

*Two days ago*

Levi was walking out of the guild, headed towards Fairy Hills. It wasn't long now till she would reach her room, and get down on her packing. She had a lot of things to take care of… it wouldn't be so easy. But, she would manage it! As long as she had her books and reading requirements, Levi could work with the bare minimum of clothes. As long as she had her books, afterall…

"Hey, bookworm."

Levi stopped instantly and whirled around. She was not expecting to see Gajeel that day again. What was he doing here, on the way to her room?

"Gajeel!" Once again, she felt her heart skip a beat slightly from the surprise. Perhaps a little bit of a pleasant one.

"You gonna get ready for your beach trip?"

"Yeah, and it isn't just a vacation, you know! We'll be training everyday, like hell. So… are you coming along?"

Levi found her voice falter slightly, and she gulped as she spoke. Something about how coolly he walked away earlier irked her, and for some reason she found herself a lot more nervous about his answer. When Levi got nervous like this, she would start to ramble.

"There won't just be me! There's gonna be Lu-chan, Gray and Wendy!"

Yeah, he liked Wendy right?

"Oh, and Juvia! She'll be there. Natsu too! I bet you haven't had a good spar against him in a while!"

Levi mentally cursed as she remembered the tiff they had mere days ago.

"Erza's there if you want a real challenge… and um, Jet and Droy are gonna be there too, I guess."

Levi frowned, realizing the last one didn't have much relevance. What she didn't notice was a momentary scowl on Gajeel's face; the last one bothered him more than she would have expected. However, it did not bother him enough.

"Sorry, but we ain't gonna be training together. I'm going with Lily, and we'll be training alone the whole time."

Once again, Levi felt that sinking feeling in her chest. Only now it fell so fast she wasn't able to process it fully at first.

"Huh… why? Why do you need to do that?" Levi didn't waste time causing a fuss, she just didn't want to believe he'd still be acting like this. Was he ignoring any bonds with the guild again, like they didn't matter?

"It just works better. I'll be doing my thing, and I won't be messing with anybody else."

"Who says you're messing with anyone!?" Levi was upset by that answer. She wanted something special, like he was ordered to train alone, or that he was going to some Dragonslayer only thing. But he was with Lily, and he had a reason which did not make her feel any better.

"You spar with us all the time!" Levi continued. "It's the same as that! I mean, you can be by yourself most of the time, but you really can't be with us at all!?"

"It's just better that way, okay?" Gajeel was getting a little less composed.

"Why? Aren't you a part of Fairy Tail now?"

"Yeah, I am, but still… if I need to get serious and train I'm not gonna be hanging around those guys all the time. That ain't how I am."

"Those 'guys' still see you as their friend, you know?"

"Sure! But this one thing ain't something I wanna do with them!"

"Then, what about me?"

"Huh?" Gajeel was not sure he understood the question. However, he ended up understanding it perfectly.

"What if I come to this training? We've worked together… so what's wrong with it?"

"Wait, you kidding? What about all your friends?"

"It's for training; I can see them later." Levi was speaking quickly and not really thinking. But even as she relaxed, what was wrong with this? Training with him would be tough and rewarding. What was wrong with being with him…

"W-what!?" Gajeel was practically flustered. Did she realize what she was asking? Was she… that willing to be near him?

This wasn't out of friendliness anymore. Not just to make him feel welcome or be nice. This was…

As Gajeel felt a strange kind of rush inside his stomach, it immediately got washed over by much more potent emotions. Mainly, the resolution not to let himself get caught up in anything like… this.

This was weird. It felt weird that a girl wanted to get to know him so much, and even though he found it a little fun now and then he was worried it could only lead to problems. Gajeel was considered pessimistic when it came to things not related to his own fighting ability, true, but he found it a useful attitude to have. He was starting to wonder nowadays about what it would be like to… form different kinds of relations. Not out of curiosity, but the idea entered his head without permission. And he couldn't let it, because it was not what he wanted and he had too much he needed to do. Too much he needed to do alone.

"No." He looked at her firmly now. "You're not coming with me; you're gonna train with the others, and I'm gonna do my thing. We'd both be better that way."

"SERIOUSLY!?"

Gajeel was startled by the sudden yell. Levi's face looked red and puffed up, and even though it was still cute in a way, it was uncomfortable seeing such malice on her face.

"You're still going on about that!? There's nothing cool about going off by yourself, you know! You just get lonely and don't… see anyone anymore!" Levi wasn't breathing enough, and her face started getting a reddish-purple. "Is that it? You don't wanna be near me!?"

"I'm avoiding everyone, except Lily!" Gajeel didn't like that. He didn't say anything as mean as that, he was sure.

"Right, coz-" Levi stopped herself, knowing a comment of why Lily and not her would be too embarrassing. "Why is he the only one you can trust!?"

"It's not just about trust! We're the same; we work together properly. It's best for us!"

"Right, cause I couldn't keep up… guess I'm just still too damn we-"

"I NEVER SAID THAT!" Gajeel practically roared, and could almost feel the iron accidentally tearing out of his mouth. "Stop saying that over and over! I wouldn't go on this trip with anyone else, not even Titania or Salamander!"

Levi became quieter now, but she wasn't satisfied. There was a medium, she felt. A mix of either how close you were to Gajeel, or how strong you were as a fighter. Erza and Natsu had strength, but not enough closeness. So where was she then? Enough closeness but not strength? Or neither; was he only nice to her before out of indebtedness, and never once because he actually liked her, as a person?

"Levi, please listen, it's not what you're thinking!"

Both mages suddenly turned their heads to see floating in from the side.

Gajeel frowned, not having sensed his approach. The conversation had been pretty emotionally distracting, it appeared.

"Lily… what do you mean?" Levi found her voice to be crackling slightly. Speaking calmly after all that yelling felt strange, and she was also fighting a lump in her throat.

"What I mean is that we have a reason for training alone. Trust me, it isn't something that we'll just purely enjoy."

"Yeah right!" Levi snorted. "I bet he's just gonna have the time of his life butting heads with you for three months!"

"He may be that kind of fool, but you need to trust me when I say this about Gajeel." Lily looked at the man in question, who now had a sour look on his face, realizing that something embarrassing was about to be said.

"Lily…" Gajeel began quietly, but he stopped upon noticing Lily's expression. It was stern, and surprisingly resolute.

'DON'T say anything. Don't hurt her feelings anymore' was the message Lily's face was getting across. When he considered their validity, Gajeel indeed let Lily finish.

"He will miss you. He would have liked to be able to go with you. But, for the sake of the guild and his individual progress, it's just more logical for things to be like this. We are as sorry as you that it'll be three months before we see each other. Can you please forgive us, Levi?"

Levi blinked, and turned to stare at Gajeel's face. She was waiting expectantly for some snarling or disapproval. But instead, for just one brief second, he was looking at her. It was similar to when he was asleep that time… devoid of any scowl or expression. After the brief moment he turned away and began walking.

"Sorry. But make sure ya get strong in the meantime. See ya in three months."

Levi sighed. She didn't know how to feel about the experience… now on her way to the beach island, she still couldn't help but feel a little sad. Almost guilty, considering how angrily she yelled at him. But… maybe that's just how he was. She wasn't exactly happy with it, but what else could she do?

So, when Lucy asked her about the missing duo, she had been reminded of what she had been temporarily forgetting.

"They went on some secret training!" She said, frowning. "I asked to join them, but they rejected me…"

Levi frowned, remembering how painful and just… embarrassing the whole affair had been.

"Oh… so you wanted come along, Levi-chan?" When Levi noticed Lucy's coy expression and the not-so-subtle implication, she immediately realized what the entire memory could have been misinterpreted as.

"No- no! You got it all wrong! Don't tease me, Lu-chan!" Levi immediately began splashing her friend, hitting the water hard. It was as if she was trying to push the strange feeling she had right out of her body… how embarrassed she was!

Was that how he had taken it as well!? Oh no… what was he thinking now? He was he gonna act when he saw her next!

… 'Next' was THREE MONTHS FROM NOW!

Levi spent the rest of the morning a little too worried, and a little too anxious. Thankfully, the training took her mind of the problem and made her feel better.

When the time night came, they all had a relaxing time in the bath, and eased up after the day's worth of rigor. As Levi looked at the stars, she knew that all of her guildmates were out there, training and struggling just like she was. She wondered what they were doing, and how they were. She didn't try to stop herself as she thought of Gajeel (and Lily) and for the first time in a while allowed herself to wonder about their situation. She felt a small tug at her heart, and sighed, staring at the sky. Her emotions felt like something out of a book she had read, though oddly she couldn't remember which.

Gajeel grinned despite his pain, looking at the same sky.

What a day it'd been… getting to this remote location was one thing, but doing it without being seen by anyone was just something else. And then, training on it, all day long…

"Hehe, it's been a while since we fought like that, Gajeel!" Lily said through pants.

"Gihihi, you've managed to maintain your transformation, Lily! I can't wait to see what else you've got."

"Hmm, if I wasn't stuck like this, I'd be REALLY teaching you a thing or two."

The two laughed merrily.

Lily was glad to see this. Gajeel had been in a quiet mood; the situation with Levi was something he probably hoped would be smooth and without problems, but obviously life didn't work that way. He had been somber all boat ride, and only after beating out his frustration did he feel the much desired relief.

But, he had no choice. Levi could not come with them. Not only because of their different needs in terms of a training atmosphere, but because of one another thing; Raven Tail.

Gajeel shivered as he remembered the encounter with Ivan. Seven years and he had barely changed; just as evil, just as deranged. Only now, strangely pleased.

"I'm so happy you're alive, Gajeel-chan!" Is what he said. What Gajeel heard was 'I'm so glad I get to destroy Fairy Tail with my own hands'.

Gajeel still didn't really know the full history, but took note of the new guild. Many of the previous members who were just kids before had become older, and as such noticeably stronger. Not to mention, noticeably more messed up.

"Hehe, I can't wait to watch them all get destroyed." Kurohebi was as odd as before, though now much more confident.

"Gajeel… you've come back!" As Flare happily grabbed onto Gajeel's arm, he couldn't help but feel an unusually uncomfortable tingle. He saw, to his confusion, Levi's face pop up in his mind momentarily. He realized he didn't quite enjoy the new Raven Tail.

But, they most certainly enjoyed having him. Finally, their dream could be continued.

Gajeel had to meet them in secret, being shown the shikigami without warning not too long after reaching the current time again. He came, had his meeting, and was given many instructions. Go scout these areas, get this done, come meet us over here, etc. The most exciting news had been that of the GMG, which Ivan looked very excited about. Apparently there was gonna be a good chance to make their move then. Gajeel was worried, but went along with it.

Essentially, he wouldn't just be getting stronger these next 3 months. He'd be working for Raven Tail, and keeping himself absorbed with a lot more responsibilities. While there was nothing he could do about it, this would be a very busy time.

As Gajeel finally went to sleep that night, resting after the day's work, he remembered Levi's earlier words to him.

What if I come to this training?

He shook his head and turned. Saying it like that, how embarrassing… Gajeel pushed his face into his makeshift pillow, as if trying to rub out his wide grin.

HERE IT IS! Hope it was long enough. Will do my best to start out the next one as soon as I can, probably talking a little more about training, but mostly jumping into the GMG and the formation of Team B, arrival of Gajeel. Hope it comes out well! (Btw, the manga fights really aren't doing it for me much either… might skip over them mostly).