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The bazaar is busy, filled with people and numerous booths of food and items for sale filled the streets of Crocus. Levy couldn't have been any more excited had she been in a bookshop in the section where newly printed books are stacked. Here, she can read a book and drink something at the same time!
Beside her at her elbow strode newly appointed Council member, Gajeel Redfox. Her comrade looked around the tops of the milling crowd, his signature frown on his face. Unlike the rest of his squad, he didn't constantly wear his jacket, thinking it too "stuffy". She doesn't care though. Every new smell, new anything is welcome! If there is one thing Levy loves, it is learning.
"Don't take too long. I gotta get back soon," he says gruffly, stuffing his hands into his pants pockets.
"I know. I just want to enjoy our date."
He winced at her choice of words, the furrow between his brow deepening. "This isn't a date, ya hear?"
Rolling her eyes with amusement, Levy tugs him towards a stall that catches her eye. Something about metal made bookmarks. Two of her favorite things! As she leaned over the table, pursuing her options on metal bookmarks and other metal made trinkets, she noticed her friend twitch beside her. She knew his intention before he even moved. His large hand reached for several of the metal made window ornaments hanging overhead. She slapped at his knuckles, shaking her finger at his hungry but grumpy face. He doesn't like being denied what he wants.
"Don't eat the wares," she warned, in which the response she gets is a huff. In front of them, the booth keeper eyes them both warily. She had just smacked a Councilman and the man could eat metal? Very strange indeed.
"Fine, but I can't promise the next booth."
Turning back towards the items for sale, Levy notices one of the pieces of twisted metal was formed to look like a dragon. Wings of a glossy metallic sheen, eyes narrowed and concentrated slits. It kinda reminded her of Metalicana, the brief time she saw him. Beside her, Gajeel seemed to notice which one she chose and smirked.
"Sir, how much is this one?"
The seller glanced at the one in her hand, "3500 Jewel."
"What? But its made out of Styxomite. It should be at least 730 J." Not really but its all she can afford right now.
"Take it or leave it."
Looking down at the metal in her hands, Levy pouted at the overpriced unfairness. Since the guild is disbanded and this is her third week with very little money, she cannot afford to splurge anything over 800 jewel. About ready to give up and put the pretty piece of metal back, the seller suddenly lunges forward.
"But for you my dear, I'll cut you a deal. Just don't tell anyone."
Her heart beats faster as she clutches the dragon to her chest. "Really?!"
"Yup! Now hand over the 700 already while no one is lookin'. I'll just draw up a receipt and grab you a business card…" the seller murmurs, hurriedly gesturing for the money. In her giddiness at grabbing such a deal, she doesn't notice the sweat streaming down his brow.
Skipping along with her newest purchase, Levy clutches the brown bag wrapped around her dragon with glee.
"That was so nice of him!" Levy gushed, looking up at her friend.
"Yeah? Some deal, Levy."
Brown eyes shining up at him, she loops her arm through his and tugs him along once more. "Come on! Let's see what other deals I can grab!"
"I want some food. This is my lunch break, short stuff."
"Fine, food then more shopping!"
As he is pulled along, Gajeel cursed under his breath. What Levy didn't know was that he was holding up seven fingers above her head while glowering threateningly at the seller. When the guy seemed hesitant, he whipped out a pair of newly minted hand cuffs and topped it off with a threatening snarl. That changed the guy's mind real fast. But he couldn't threaten every booth in this place! Or could he? His break was up in about twenty more minutes.
Changing the pace so that he was the one pulling her along, Gajeel ran up to a booth selling meaty sandwiches. Slamming his hands down to get their attention, he held up his cuffs with a toothy grin.
"Give me three sandwiches in the next three minutes or I arrest you all for mishandling my time."
Beside him, Levy's mouth dropped open, "Gajeel!"
"Make that two minutes."
They had never seen the cooks move so fast. As they zipped off to the next booth, Levy kind of regretted bringing Gajeel along with her to the bazaar. All he did was slam his cuffs down, flaunt his jacket and get free stuff. After their seventh booth in ten minutes, Levy had quite enough.
Grabbing the back of his new jacket, knowing he would Dragon roar someone rather than ruin his look, it is a good way to make him stop.
"What?" he demanded, glaring grumpily at her.
"You are abusing your responsibilities. What would Lilly say?"
It seemed to make the Slayer pause for a second more. Only the evil grin he gave her made her dread his answer.
"Charge it to the Council of course!"
Groaning as she let her head fall into her hands, he zipped off to "shop" some more.
Till the next one! I am so happy people are still reading this. You don't know how much I appreciate you. Forgive my long absence. Life happens, ya know?
I am still going to write a story for Catalyst. I just had to outline future chapters and figure out all the characters I am going to need to wrangle. But check out my profile page for more updates! HUGGLES!
