Author's Notes: Like always, please read, rate and review.
CHAPTER 26: PANTIES!
"Hey dude.'" Natsu pulled Levy forward, coming to a stop. 'Oh, Luce! You're here too."
"Natsu!" Lucy's voice wavered in her throat, her face blushing. Gajeel grunted a quick 'hello' to the younger mage before turning to Levy, frowning.
"Gajeel?" The bluenette's voice was quiet, her eyes meeting his. Is he angry with me?
"Listen man,"' The pink-haired mage addressed the taller mage. 'I'm sorry." He swung the arm that was still attached to Levy, swaying the girl forward. Gajeel watched, eyes widening; teeth gritted together.
"What for?'" The raven-haired mage asked, his gravelly voice dangerously low in his throat. His boots thudded heavily to the ground as he moved forward; wood floorboards creaking under him. He stood at his full height, towering over the other dragon slayer. 'What did you do to her?"
"What?"' Natsu backed up, feet moving instinctively from the charging dragon. 'I didn't-"
"If you hurt her…" Gajeel grabbed Levy's wrist, prying her from the fire mage's hand. 'I'll kill you, Salamander." Lucy watched her friend get passed from one slayer to the other, more confused than she had ever been in her entire life.
"Wait, Natsu…'" The stellar spirit mage pulled his attention from the other man. 'What's going on?"
"I came here to apologize, and this bastard's attacking me!" Natsu growled, fists igniting. Gajeel's red eyes flashed at the retort, the muscle in his jaw twitching angrily. Levy pressed her tiny palms against Gajeel's muscular chest, touching her forehead to his body.
"Gajeel!" She whined into the fabric of his shirt, feeling his uneven breathing ease. He looked down at her, his expression softening.
"Eh?" The iron mage placed a large, calloused hand on her head, feeling her wrap her arms around his waist.
"Natsu didn't do anything.'" She laughed weakly, her face pressed firmly into his torso. 'He came here to apologize. Don't be rude."
"That depends on what he's apologizing for." Gajeel growled, glaring at the pink-haired mage. Natsu frowned, closing his eyes. Lucy watched her friends with bated breath; all thoughts of their previous conversation gone.
"Dude, whatever.'" He sighed, folding his arms over his chest. 'I'm sorry."
"For what?" Gajeel's eyes flicked down over the little fairy in his arms before darting back to the fire mage.
"Well,"' Natsu scratched at his neck, a slight blush spreading over his cheeks. 'I thought maybe you… attacked Levy."
"What the fuck gave you that idea?" Gajeel snarled, voice reverberating in his chest; ears matching his eyes. His free hand tensed into a fist at his side, shaking.
"Natsu, you idiot!" Lucy stepped up to her teammate, slapping him in the head.
"Ow, hey!'" He moved away from the blonde, face bursting into colour. 'What was I supposed to think?" The fire mage gestured to the small script mage. "She's got a mark on her neck!"
"So?" Lucy hit him again, swinging the heavy book in her hand.
"Plus, his scent's ALL over her!" Natsu flinched, waiting for Lucy to strike him again. The celestial spirit mage froze, turning to face the other two.
"PANTIES!"