I'm so sorry guys, but I have a really good reason for not updating this time. You guys know that boyfriend of mine that I have mentioned a couple of times in these notes… Something serious happened this week and I had to take him to the hospital. He's home now, but things haven't been easy. The whole thing has been very stressful, but he is going to be okay thankfully. Anyways it kept me very busy and I didn't have time to write. I'm sorry, but I have time finally and you shouldn't have to wait long for the next chapter

Notes to those who reviewed below!

Recap:

"Lets get some people together and head to the park or something." Droy said as he shrugged his shoulders. At this Levy's smile widened as she couldn't help, but feel like that would be a great distraction for her to stop worrying about what had happened between her and Gajeel.

"I think that sounds great!" She cheered as she hopped out of her seat. Jet laughed at her and Droy's smile just widened.

"You heard her." Jet said, "Let's do it!"

Iron Gray Chapter 25 Moving Forward

Evening had settled over Magnolia and there was a perfect view of the sky as the sun began its descent from the park where a group of Fairy Tail mages enjoyed it. It had ended up being quite the exhausting day and now everyone was just resting sprawled out over blankets on the grass. All of them with the exception of Elfman were on their backs in a circle as they stared up at the blood red and blackening mass above them. First there was Happy and Natsu followed by Lucy to the right of Natsu. Next to Lucy was Gray followed by Cana and then Jet. Levy rested in between Jet and Droy and Erza laid on Droy's other side between him and Happy to end the circle. Elfman was sitting just off to the right of Cana and Gray's feet leaning back on his hands also looking to the sky with the rest of his guild mates.

They had basically had a picnic at the park for dinner and they had spent the better half of their day in an intense game of disk throwing. It had started that way at least, that was until an argument between Natsu and Gray had caused magic to get involved. It went from being a fun carefree game to an intense competition that Lucy, Happy and Levy sat out of for the end of it. This gave Levy and Lucy a chance to figure out what the celestial mage could do for the miss Fairy Tail contest. Once the other mages had been satisfied with their 'battle' they had all come and joined the three on the blankets just in time to watch the sunset.

There was a serene and blissful silence that fell between them all as they stared up with smiles on their faces. All of them had been together since they were kids, they were more than just friends, they were family and they were all comforted by this as their minds drifted over the events of that day. That was until their thoughts were interrupted by the sound of snores. Lucy's brown eyes shifted over and her head turned over towards the fire dragon slayer beside her.

"Natsu?" She received nothing, but more snores in response and now everyone's head turned towards Natsu's direction from where they lay.

"And he's done!" Happy exclaimed with a paw above his head. Gray folded his arms from where he lay as his eyes held a glare on the part of Natsu's head he could see.

"He's so freakin loud." Gray seethed out annoyed. "Hey fire breath, why don't ya go sleep at home!" His voice rose slightly, but Natsu didn't budge.

"Don't bother him Gray, he's entitled to rest if he wishes." Erza stated sternly. Cana was holding a small flask in one hand and had it rested on her stomach well the other was back supporting her head.

"Yea I think I'm about ready to pass out right here myself." She added, "It's pretty relaxing." Gray glanced over to her with sly grin.

"Are you sure it's because you're relaxed." Cana's eyes narrowed on the ice mage.

"Oh yea… what's your tolerance Gray, huh?" Gray shifted his dark eyes off of her and away as an embarrassing memory came into his head. She just smirked, "I can hold my liquor unlike someone else I know." She started laughing slightly. "Man to bad Juvia wasn't around for that! She probably would have died." Gray's face became slightly tinted as everyone started laughing.

"Yea yea why bring her up?" Gray questioned flatly.

"So oblivious…" Lucy sighed.

"Maybe because she hasn't left your side since she joined the guild a couple of days ago." Cana retorted.

"She looooovess you!" Happy said in his normal sing song tone. Gray just gritted his teeth and closed his eyes.

"Where is she anyways?" Lucy asked. "I kind of thought she wouldn't miss a chance to hang out with you." She added slyly. Gray's face eased up as he pondered for a second.

"Actually she left, because she was looking for Gajeel. She was worried about him, but I didn't see her after that." Gray stated. Levy tensed up slightly at Gajeel's name. "Wonder if she ever found him?" Levy paused wondering if she should say anything. Jet and Droy were actually wondering if she would, but she stayed quiet for the moment. "She seems to worry about him a lot actually. She's been defending him since the moment he walked in." Lucy elbowed Gray slightly.

"Jealous…?" She asked him and he just held his tongue with a scowl as he closed his eyes.

"Well I for one find it admirable." Erza spoke up. "Although I don't trust black steel myself, it's clear that Juvia is very loyal to those she cares about." Levy sat there with her hands clasped together and her fingers twitching a bit nervously as she remembered Juvia's promise to her. She was hoping Gajeel had allowed her to help him… even though she wished she could have been the one to do it. "That reminds me." Erza's strong voice interrupted Levy's thoughts from going any further. "How are you three faring with this change?" Erza questioned clearly addressing team shadow gear as she glanced over in Droy's direction. Then her eye tried to look past him at Levy as her head lifted slightly. "I couldn't help, but notice your concern for Gajeel in the guild hall, Levy." Levy avoided Erza's gaze, but she could feel everyone's eyes on her at once. Of course she had noticed it… everyone had, the whole incident had been displayed in front of the whole guild. Levy felt herself now regretting her actions, as she didn't really know what to say to explain why she had done what she had without having to tell them everything.

Lucy knew why Levy had done what she had and she could tell Levy was struggling with what to say. She was trying to think if maybe she could say something, but she didn't know what to say either.

"I… uh."

"Levy just felt guilty." Droy suddenly spoke up. "She felt like it was her fault Gajeel got punched by Natsu, because she distracted him when she showed up in the middle of their fight." He finished almost too hastily.

"Yea we're not pleased, but we're dealing with him just as the master wished." Jet stated with folded arms.

"That's noble of you, but if I was you I'd be gunning for revenge." Cana spoke up and at this Jet and Droy both tried to look innocent, but failed miserably. They looked guilt ridden and Levy just stayed quiet.

"I see… Well then Levy, why did you say-" But Erza's question was cut off by Lucy's nervous voice.

"Oh Erza! You always got to get to the bottom of everything! You remind me of Mira!" Lucy laughed nervously and Erza stayed quiet after this and did her best to look at Lucy with suspicion.

"It's okay Luce." Levy spoke with a slight sigh making everyone glance over at her. "It wasn't anything really, but I can't stay held up on the past forever. I want to do as the master ask of me… and at that moment I felt like Gajeel needed my help." There was silence once again as everyone thought about what she said.

"I agree… Levy. I applaud you for not allowing the past to rule you. Moving forward allows you to take control and set your own course." Erza replied softly as her mind drifted back to everything that had just happen with Jellal.

Everyone was quiet again with the exception of Natsu due to his snoring; all of them were left to their thoughts. Nothing else needed to be said between them as they all watched the sky fade from the deep crimson to a light pink into purple and navy blue. Stars started to poke through the gradient as the rich navy mass flourished into an even darker almost black color. Elfman was staring up at the sky and he couldn't help, but think of Lisanna at Levy and Erza's words. He thought about her and Mira. How they had done their best to move forward, but keep their sister with them in spirit through how they did it. His eyes were sad, but he smiled despite them finally breaking the silence.

"I wish big sis could have joined us today."

"She was too busy running the guild and helping the master with the festival today, huh?" Cana questioned him softly. Elfman just nodded as he glanced over the circle of mages with a bittersweet smile. He was proud of his sister, she was so strong and sweet and it showed in his smile. Cana smiled back at him just the same her eyes also a bit sad, as she knew what he was thinking. "That's to bad, I wish she could see this view with us too."

"Don't worry guys…" Gray's voice spoke up lightly and he was the first one to finally lift up into a sitting position. Everyone watched him and he turned to them with his usual cool smile. "We will all be together tomorrow." Everyone else slowly started to sit up too and they turned to face one direction with the exception of Natsu and now Happy who had cuddled up with the dragon slayer and was sleeping as well. None of them were willing to leave just yet as their view of the darkening sky only seem to get better. In fact they all glanced at the sleeping pair and giggled at one another with blissful smiles.

Gajeel was walking down the sidewalk alone and listless on his way back to his barren and empty apartment. His mission had been a success… he had gotten in with Ivan and that was all that mattered. There wasn't much more he could do for that day and although he wished there was he accepted the reality of the situation. Information wasn't going to come over night, but at least he knew where Ivan was now and he had managed to gain his trust. He was glad to have something to report to Makerav even though the damn festival was probably going to keep them from getting a chance to talk about it right away.

He felt himself groan annoyed by the whole thing. Phantom never had any such event like this and the whole thing seemed rather high maintenance for his taste, but what could he do? He couldn't complain too much though, because at least he had work and not only that, but the work was interesting and fun. He was really grateful for that at least and now he just wanted to get home and get some more sleep so he could get back to it tomorrow. He figured he'd wake up and catch the beginning events well he ate his lunch and then get back to work and skip the parade altogether.

Gajeel's thoughts stopped when he stumbled upon the park entryway and he glanced around it. I could cut through here to get to my place. It'd be a lot faster than goin around. He thought as he started to walk through the park just as night had completely fallen over the sky.

It was quiet once again as everyone was sitting there admiring the stars as the darkness of night had completely taken over. Lucy was sitting between Erza and Gray as she smiled up at the glittering sky. She couldn't help, but be reminded of the night she looked at the stars with Loke. Cana sat on another part of the blanket beside Elfman with her flask in hand as they too smiled up at the sky. Natsu and Happy were on another part of the blanket happily huddled together, their snores much quieter than before. Then team Shadow gear sat the furthest back with Droy on the right, Levy in the middle and Jet on her left. The sky was really something to behold and all of them were stalling to go home just for that reason.

Levy wasn't normally one to stay out past sunset if she could help it; she wasn't really fond of the dark. Normally if she got stuck walking home after dark she could at least count on the streetlights to help guide her as long as she wasn't out past the time they turned off. That rarely happened, but when it did her next step was to find someone she could walk with so she at least wouldn't be alone. Her hazel eyes shined as they took in the gleaming lights of the stars. There's no way I could be scared on a night like this even if I was alone with no streetlights… the stars are so bright. They practically illuminated everything along with the moon and Levy's smile widened at the beauty of the star speckled sky. She was so amazed and entranced by it that she didn't even notice the two sets of eyes boring into her from either side.

Both Jet and Droy unbeknownst to Levy or each other were taking in every inch of the tiny girl with lovesick stares. Jet looked to the sky and then glanced back over to Levy his face was a deep red, as his thoughts played out a movie of what his first move would be. This night…. it is just to perfect… I gotta go for it! His eyes scaled down Levys' back and then landed to the hand she leaned on beside him.

Droy was also looking upon Levy with a heated face and he practically drooled as he stared at her. He couldn't help, but let his eyes linger over part of her without her knowing. He had pretty much forgotten Jet or any of the other mages were there as his mind began to imagine what could happen between him and the small mage. He finally noticed Levy's right hand resting on the ground near him as she rested on it for support. He felt himself smirk evilly as he knew just where to start. It didn't seem to phase him that he had already been rejected before, the moods just right his thoughts spoke as he lifted up his hand.

Levy sat there lost in the beauty of night sky until she felt a slight brush on her left hand. Her head snapped over and she was met with Jet's fierce stare as he watched her intensely with a slight blush on his cheeks. She knew exactly what he was thinking and doing, but before she had time to react she felt another brush on her right hand. Her head now snapped over to her other side and this time it was Droy's intense stare that captured her eyes. Both of them had their heads leaned in slightly as they stared at her and she could tell they both were trying to move in on her. It wasn't the first time, but never had it happen at exactly the same time in such an awkward way. She felt trapped all of the sudden… she hated hurting them, but she didn't feel that way for either one of them and she had already turned them down numerous times. Her face began to become pink as she tried catching her breath for a moment. What do I do!?

Her small hands shot up out from under theirs as she looked ahead and covered her forehead with them about ready to pull out her hair in frustration. Why do they put me in this situation!? Her thoughts screamed as she let her anger towards them get the best of her, because really she knew that they were both in love with her.

"Will you guys stop it!" Levy shouted causing everyone to turn and glance at her as her hands clasped her forehead tensely clearly showing the stress they caused. Jet and Droy whose faces had been close to hers moved back as they both realized she had addressed both of them. They looked around her to each other with wide eyes and they almost seem to forget Levy was there as they pointed at one another in shock.

"You mean you too!" They shouted simultaneously. Levy looked out from under her hands and rolled her eyes as she knew what was coming now.

"You put the moves on Levy!?" Jet shouted at Droy with a fist up to show his anger.

"Me!? You mean you were!" Droy replied just as angrily. They both were giving each other an outraged look as they began to butt heads.

"Don't play innocent! I know what you were up to! Thought you could use this romantic atmosphere to your advantage huh!?" Jet questioned.

"Your one to talk Jet! Sounds like that was your idea! What were you trying to pull over there huh?!" Droy shouted back, their yelling was getting out of control and they were both on their feet now as they argued. Levy just sat there between them looking up, not knowing what she could possibly say to calm them down. At this point Erza stood up in an attempt to calm the two boys, but Levy had already had as much as she could take. Without warning she stood up and ran off away from the group of mages.

"Levy wait!" Both boys began to shout, but then they just turned to each other once again.

"This is all your fault!" Jet shouted with a finger in Droy's face.

"Don't give me that! I think we know who's to blame Jet!" Droy retorted angrily, both of them were so wrapped up in the argument that they didn't bother to go after her and now everyone was just trying to make them stop their fight.

Levy jogged far enough away that she could no longer hear her teammates yells, but she was still in the park. She stopped to catch her breath as she looked behind her and she felt relieved that nobody had followed her. She really just wanted to be alone for a few minutes to regain her composure.

She stopped and her eyes automatically glided back up to the brilliant sky sadly. She really hated when Jet and Droy fought over her… it made her uncomfortable. She hated being the source of trouble between anyone especially her own teammates, but this happened quite often. In a way she was basically used to it, but that didn't mean it didn't bother her from time to time. Sometimes she wished she could just return their feelings… at least one of them so then that way it would be settled. One of them would finally have her and the other could move on and maybe that way she could stop hurting them as well. But that just didn't seem to be in the cards… In fact Levy had never felt that way about anyone.

And this is how it starts… She had lied awake with these thoughts all to often after reading some of her romance books. They came packaged with the hopeless and lonely feeling of never having loved anyone yet. And it was these feelings that would spur the questions. Oh how she hated the questions, but despite how much she did she couldn't stop herself from asking them… Would she ever love someone? If she did, would they love her back? How would she know when she finally did? Would there be an instant connection and she would just know or was she going to have to actually pursue love and find it for herself? Would they maybe find her first? How come she couldn't just love who she wanted too? Why did it seem so impossible and complicated? Was there really just one person out there who was destined for her or was it all chance? Was it possible she had met him already? What would he be like?

Damn it! Levy cursed in her mind as she ran a hand through her untamed blue hair. Why! Why do I always have to think about this stuff… I hate asking these questions… I feel like I'll never have any answers. Her eyes began to become warm with tears as she could feel the loneliness taking over. Love seemed like such a great thing in all the stories she read and she yearned to know it just as any girl did, but all this time had gone by without even the slightest inkling. She hadn't even really ever had a crush on anyone before and it made her wonder what the heck was wrong with her?

It was just as that moment when a large dark figure caught the corner of Levy's eye in the moonlight making the thoughts vanish in an instant. She wasn't sure, but she could swear she saw wild spikes facing the sky… Gajeel? Her mind questioned and she didn't even think twice about heading in the direction she saw it go.

GaLe interaction in the next chap… then the start of Fantasia and the battle of Fairy Tail! Let me know what you think please.

Thank you to all who are still reading! I promise I won't abandon the story. I intend on finishing it, sometimes things(serious uncool things) just happen and it takes me a bit longer to update.

To/For Reviewers:

ValinNight: Glad your excited it should be a fun challenge for me to write the battle of Fairy Tail! Anyways thank you for still reading and reviewing!

Deborahpflover: Yes hopefully I won't have an issue writing more cute situations for these two as the figure stuff out. You can count on Levy being the wiser of the two even though in this chapter she hasn't quite realized her attraction yet. I again thank you for all your reviews. Glad you liked that chapter… and don't worry I'll continue to write until the story is done and thanks for reading as always!

Your Own Personal Hell: I intend to keep them coming, sorry it took longer this time though, but I won't abandon it! Thank you for reading and reviwing!

LemonzMeringue: Ha yes Gajeel does seem like the brooding type and I definitely love him! ;P And hey thanks for noting my effort between GaLe interaction, because like the reader I'm am excited to get to it too, but the story needs to move along. I'm happy to see you are still reading and enjoying, I thank you for your reviews!