Random Western AU oneshot. Enjoy!
Words
"Read the next four words please."
He obliged grumpily, holding the book outside the bars of his prison cell and read the words aloud. If it weren't for the fact that this book is his current saving grace, Redfox would have ripped it to shreds and ran off like hell. He just had to get caught by Justine, the Deputy of this rundown town, during a robbery by his gang the Element Four. Justice soon sank its claws into his arse and now he was serving time by redeeming the one thing he thought he wouldn't have to prove to anyone. Literacy.
The old cranker of a man, Mayor Makarov, advised that if he can prove to be literate in a week, then he is free to leave Magnolia with no charges. Gajeel agreed, knowing he would be out in less than seven days until his 'teacher' showed up.
A little slim thing with narrow glasses, straight blue hair and brown eyes that made him pause. It was a strange combination on a woman, but what really amused him is her mousy nature. When they first met, his glower made her cry, but the next two visits made him think twice about glaring at her.
He found her cute, and deep down wanted her company. Her bravery in putting up with his presence to help him only made Redfox admire her more. After finishing the rest of the paragraph, Miss McGarden pulled the book from his hands, bookmarked it and set it back into her satchel.
"That is enough for today, Mister Redfox. You have improved greatly. Come this Tuesday, you will be a free man!"
"Of course I will," he grumbled back but didn't look all that excited. McGarden seemed to notice as she paused from heaving her satchel onto her shoulder.
"Aren't you excited?" she asked, kneeling back down to his level.
"I would, if I knew what to do once I got out. My gang isn't the most affectionate of groups. I only joined them to make some money with my skills, but if they haven't turned back around then I'm out of the gang."
Redfox ignored the pity filled look she gave him. He was just about ready to scoot back over to his corner where his blanket and jacket were when he felt a tug on his arm. Tensing up, he glanced down to see her tiny hand gripping the sleeve of his shirt.
"You know…we don't have a good blacksmith here. Mr. Connell is only able to shoe the horses but with minimal maintenance…"
Again, her bravery and her kindness. All ready he was reluctant to leave, if she would just continue these tiny gestures...
"Depends on the verdict," was his only reply, but he looked away when she gave a slightly defeated pout and left him. Only two days left.
"An old cowboy went ridin' out one dark and windy day," Redfox read aloud, very bored. Beside him is McGarden while they stood in front of Sheriff Laxus and Deputy Justine.
"Upon a ridge he rested as he went along his way-"
Laxus cleared his throat and reached for his glass of alcohol, "Enough. You can read, get out of here."
Handing the book over to the teacher, Redfox glowered at the Sheriff, "I won't be followed?"
The blonde young man snorted, "To your new lodgings? Who would want to until you start showing your hard work?"
"What?"
Giggling, McGaden gave him a sheepish look, "I put in a good word for you to the Mayor and he decided he couldn't just let a Metalicana student just walk out of town."
Blinking in shock, Redfox stared at the woman with nothing less than awe.
The smith shop is small and most of the tools unused. Caressing calloused hands along a dust covered anvil, Redfox could almost smell the hot metal and warmth of the coals.
Behind him, McGarden watched him happily, "It isn't much but Mr. Connell is willing to hand over everything."
Turning towards her, the outlaw walked over and she unconsciously stumbled backwards until her back hit the wooden plank wall.
"Why? "he demanded, leaning on one arm to box her from the exit. Her brown eyes widened but it wasn't fear he saw.
"I wanted to help you. I wasn't the only one though. Natsu was the one who recognized your master's crest on your necklace, "she said hastily, pointing to the dangling chain with a Chinese character dog tag hanging from his neck, "and once word that you were Metalicana the great blacksmith's student, it just went from there!
Frowning, he moved away and then surveyed the shop once more. She didn't leave and he didn't move for a few breathes.
"Thank you."
Clutching her satchel, the teacher shook her head. "Not a problem."
"I aint gonna say this again. I mean it. I won't…take this for granted. I won't let you all down."
She smiled behind him, and turned to leave. "I know. We knew this the minute you decided to make up for stealing from us. Trust me, Natsu and Gray have been punished for doing a lot worse of stupid things. The mayor just wanted to give you a second chance."
As he listened to her boots crunch away from him, he closed his eyes. This is his second chance, and he would do right by this little town. Reaching for the forge, he began sorting through the coals so he knew how much ash to clean out.
Twp weeks later, Levy is standing by the doorway of the school, waving good bye to her students as the last of bell rang. The sun would set in two hours so she had just enough time to grade papers, clean up the classroom and cook dinner when she got home. Ever since she stopped tutoring Gajeel Redfox, their new Blacksmith, Levy has thrown herself into her teaching so she could avoid the sweat and coal smeared man. Mirajane and Lucy at the saloon were still teasing her any time she stopped by for lunch about her latest crush.
Sighing, Levy went back to her desk, only to gasp in surprise at what was laying on the windowsill of the open window by her desk.
A thin piece of rectangular shaped metal, stained with blue and white paint of some sort sat gleaming in the afternoon sun. The words in etchy looking script along the length of it is her first name. Levy McGarden.
Picking up the bookmark, Levy holds it to her chest and smiles as she lets her face blush heavily. That man! Now she will have to go back and thank him in person. But before that, she will run by the Strauss Saloon and see if Mira could touch up her hair.
TBC