Levy soon settled into her new life with Gajeel.

At first, it felt a little awkward waking up to him snuggled into her but she soon got used to it. Soon enough, she stopped feeling like a guest as she found her place in the house. The extra seat at the table, the orange toothbrush in the cup, the peach shampoo in the shower. The little things helped Levy learn to call the place home.

She'd begun job hunting almost immediately after settling in, but she was struggling to find anything suitable. All the local libraries rejected her, having had to also cut staff down. She'd then expanded into looking at tutoring but most parents needed math and science help not english. In fact, she'd scoffed as one parent had come back, suggesting a trial period before they paid her. It seemed hopeless.

In between her fruitless searches, she'd go to the gym to work out the stress. Thanks to being Gajeel's plus one, she didn't need to worry about membership fees.

However, most of her time was spent at home. She'd unpacked all of her books and placed them in alphabetical order (old habits die hard). She'd also been bonding with Lily, who seemed to grow quite attached to her. She'd been banned from the kitchen unless she was getting a cold drink or snack. Not that she blamed Gajeel.

Soon, another month had passed and it was nearing a special time for Levy.

Her birthday.

Well, it actually wasn't the biggest deal for Levy. It was just another year. In previous years, she'd share some cupcakes with her pals at the library, on her break of course, before heading back home to her parent's where she'd have a nice dinner.

This year, however, when Levy mentioned coming home ove the phone, her parents had laughed.

"What's so funny?" Levy asked, confused.

"Honey, you really want to spend your birthday with us, when you have Gajeel,"

Levy had frowned, but her mother seemed to catch on to her daughter's mood, quickly jumping in.

"Besides, I'm sure he has something nice planned for you,"

"I didn't tell him."

"Oh, we already guessed that," her mother had chuckled, "that's why I texted him."

"You didn't!" Levy groaned.

"Oh, I did!"

…

When Gajeel came home that evening, Levy had immediately set on him, insisting that she didn't need anything and that it wasn't a big deal. Gajeel had simply shrugged, nodding before heading off to make dinner for them.

Levy was sure that that was the last of it, and allowed it to rest, satisfied Gajeel wouldn't do anything. However, she was completely wrong.

…

When she woke up on her birthday, Gajeel was not next to her. He probably had work, she told herself.

She slipped out of bed, rubbing her eyes as she padded over to the shower. She began to feel a little more awake after she scrubbed herself clean. She quickly slipped into a pair of khakis and an orange tank top before heading to the kitchen.

There, at her place at the table, were several wrapped presents, a few cards, a bouquet of flowers and a plate of pancakes. Across from all this was Gajeel, grinning at her.

"Happy Birthday, Shrimp," he grinned, holding a mug of coffee.

"Gajeel," she groaned," I thought you promised…"

"You accept a promise from a criminal?" he smirked.

"An ex-criminal," she huffed, smiling as she sat down in her seat. She couldn't stay mad at him.

"Start on your breakfast," he insisted, sipping his black coffee," It'll get cold otherwise."

Levy soon devoured her pancakes. He'd cut up fresh fruit and had even added whipped cream on them, just how she liked them.

"Alright," she said, pushing away her empty plate," Let's start with the flowers."

She examined the bouquet in the china vase. The bouquet consisted of blue irises and orange tulips. It was striking and smelled incredible.

There was no card attached, but judging from Gajeel's slightly red cheeks, she guessed who they were from.

She then moved onto the cards. They were lying on top of different parcels, so she assumed each of them were connected.

The first card was from her family, wishing her a happy birthday and insisting she visit soon with Gajeel. Inside the parcel was a pretty necklace, a simple silver chain with black stone pendant. In the light, there were orange and blue sparkles.

The next card was from Jet and Droy, going on and on about how much they missed her and wanted to meet up soon. She had to chuckle when she opened the gift. It was a small scrapbook, clearly handmade, containing photos of her and them since they met. It was sweet.

The next card was from Gajeel. It simply wished her a happy birthday, but at the end, he wrote,"Love Ya." Typical.

The gift was a pretty white sundress with lace details.

"This is gorgeous!" Levy gasped, touching the fabric. It was as soft as it looked, clearly an item of high quality.

"Put it on, we have to head out," Gajeel said, standing up to clear away the plates.

Levy wanted to question him, but knew she'd be unlikely to get an answer out of him so she instead grabbed her dress and necklace, heading to the bathroom.

She slipped the dress on, amazed that it fit perfectly. It went to her knees and even had a little sash at the waist. How cute! She pulled her hair back with a white headband, curling it slightly before adding a touch of mascara and lipgloss. She completed the look with a pair of straw sandals and her new necklace.

"How do I look?" she asked, as she stepped back into the kitchen.

Gajeel was stunned for a moment before grinning.

"Like a cute shrimp."

…

Even as they were driving, Gajeel refused to tell her what was going on. Not even when she used her "appeal", making small puppy eyes and biting her lip. Little did she know how close he was to breaking, but he managed to keep it together.

Soon they pulled up to the gym.

"I need to let them know I'm taking the day off," he said to her as he stepped out of the car," come with me."

Levy followed him in. She was puzzled by how dark it was.

"Surprise!"

Levy let out a little gasp as the lights flicked on, revealing all her friends from the gym.

"Happy Birthday Levy!" they all cheered.

"Did you plan this?" Levy said to Gajeel, who frowned.

"Nah," he replied," They insisted. If it were up to me, we'd be alone."

Levy blushed at the word's implications but she didn't have long to process them as she was quickly dragged off by Lucy and Juvia.

"Happy Birthday, Levy!" they both said in unison.

"Thanks," Levy smiled," you guys really didn't have to do this."

"Nonsense!" Lucy exclaimed.

"You've been through so much lately," Juvia continued," we all wanted to see you smile more."

"Well… thanks," Levy grinned, realising that she'd lost.

"So what did you get from Gajeel?" Lucy asked, excited.

"He got me this dress actually," Levy said, stepping back so they could see it better.

"Good choice," Juvia murmured.

"And some flowers too!"

"Oh, what kinds?" Juvia asked, lighting up," Gray sometimes gets me flowers and I always feel so happy!"

"I think they were blue irises and orange tulips," Levy said softly. Lucy gasped, causing the other two to look at her.

"What is it?" Levy asked.

"Nothing… well… those flowers have meanings."

Levy grew curious.

"What kind of meanings?" she asked.

"Blue irises mean hope," Lucy explained," and orange tulips represent warmth, happiness and desire."

"So, that would indicate a hope for a future of warmth, happiness and love," she finished.

"Oh my god," Levy whispered, stunned.

"Or he just liked the colors," Juvia giggled.

"Or that."

Levy blushed, but she was interrupted by Cana, who was passing around peach bellinis.

"We're doing presents soon!" she laughed.

Soon the time came for presents. Levy gasped as she saw the chair next to the pile of gifts.

"This is too much!"

"Nonsense!" Erza insisted, pushing her into the chair," Now who's first?"

"Oh, um…" a small voice said. The crowd parted to reveal Wendy and Mest, both holding their gifts.

"Volunteers!" Erza declared," perfect!"

"It's a catnip plant," Wendy explained, handing the birthday girl the plant pot.

"We thought you could use these to bond with Lily," Mest said nervously as he handed over a small mouse toy.

"That's a great idea!" Levy smiled, causing the two to sigh with relief.

"Now then," Erza said," I believe the rest of the gifts are next to you."

Levy picked the first gift of the top. It was a little heavy but was wrapped beautifully. She flipped over the little tag to see that it was from Lucy and Natsu.

She carefully opened the paper to reveal a very worn book, entitled," The Fairy Heart."

"I hope you like it," Lucy said softly," I know you like quite rare books and I thought you'd enjoy this one."

"Thank you so much!" Levy exclaimed, gently touching the book. It was clearly an item she'd need to handle with care and she knew she'd treasure such a precious gift for years to come.

The next present was from Gray and Juvia, a giftcard to a local clothing shop that Levy adored.

"You really liked that shop when we went out a few weeks ago," Juvia explained," so Juvia thought it would be a good idea to get you a gift card."

"This is perfect!" Levy beamed.

The next gift she opened was from Cana. Levy opened the box and was confused by the see through fabric so she held it up to inspect it further.

Big mistake.

The see through fabric turned out to be a peach colored babydoll, trimmed with white lace. The catcalls afterwards had Levy as red as a ripe tomato.

"Cana!" she hissed.

"Don't worry, babes, it'll fit," Cana cackled," I've seen and squeezed ya enough to know."

Levy blushed as she quickly put it away.

The next gift was from the Thunder Legion, aka the group that hung around Laxus, with himself included. She didn't really speak to them a lot, so she was surprised to receive a gift from them.

"I picked it out," Evergreen exclaimed, before wrinkling her nose," God knows what you would have ended up with if I left these idiots alone."

Inside was a bottle of perfume. It smelled lovely.

"Thank you."

She then opened another envelope, from Erza and Jellal. Inside were coupons for free coffee and cakes from a local bakery.

"Oh, this is where your wedding cake was from, right?" Levy asked.

"Yes, it was," Erza smiled," Only the finest cake for my friends!"

The next gift was from the Strauss family, a box of truffles. Levy thanked them, causing her to receive hugs from them, even Elfman.

Finally, Makorav came forward, with a small box. Inside was a badge of the fairy tail emblem in white.

"I - I don't work here though," Levy frowned.

"You're still part of the family though," he said, pressing it into her hand with a smile.

"Now then," Makorav grinned, turning to everyone," Let's celebrate Fairy Tail style!"

...

They continued to celebrate, everyone drinking and laughing.

However, soon enough, Gajeel was giving her the look, the one that said "Let's go. I can't deal with these idiots anymore."

Levy then claimed she was feeling tired and soon she was in Gajeel's truck with her gifts in the back, driving home.

They soon arrived home and took the gifts into the house, setting them on the counter. They'd deal with them later. Levy stretched, noticing Gajeel grinning at her from across the room.

"Are you really feeling tired?"

"Not really," she smiled," I thought that was the best way to get out."

"Smart girl," he murmured, crossing over to her. Next thing she knew, he was kissing her, his hands running through her curls.

"Happy Birthday, Levy," he mumbled, before scooping her up, kissing her as he headed to their bedroom. He kicked open the door, before walking in and dropping Levy on the bed. He leaned over her, continuing to kiss her. Suddenly, Levy was left alone and she opened her eyes to see that he had pulled back.

"What's wrong?" she asked, sitting up on her forearms to look at him.

"I need to know that you want this," he said quietly, staring at her. He was serious.

"Of course, I do," she chuckled," I thought that was obvious."

"I would never just assume though," Gajeel said, shaking his head," Levy, do you remember what I said to you when you came after me into that old building?"

"I said a lot of things," she said sweetly," all of them true."

"You said you didn't want a fairy tale romance," he continued.

"I didn't want a prince or knight in shining armour," she murmured," I wanted a dragon."

"And I'll be your dragon," he grinned," but you're my princess. I want to treat you like a Queen. You deserve everything the world has to offer and I never want to be the reason you're upset or uncomfortable. So I will never assume when it comes to things like this. I will always ask. I will always ensure that you are happy, safe and ready. I will always wait for you, no matter how long. So, Levy, I will ask you again. Do you want this?"

"Yes," she said softly. Gajeel grinned and kissed her.

"Ummm… there is one thing," she murmured. Gajeel immediately stopped kissing her, pulling back.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Well, I… ummm…" Levy took a deep breath, looking away before she continued softly," I don't really have a great body, so I just wanted to let you know in advance…"

"Shut up."

Levy turned to look at him and boy, was he mad. He was staring at her, disgusted and in disbelief.

"Who the hell told you that?" he asked angrily.

"N-no one," Levy stammered, feeling a little nervous," but…."

"But?"

"I'm kinda flat and I'm not that skinny," she confessed, red faced.

"Let me tell you something," he hissed, grabbing her. He sat down and pulled her onto his lap.

"Levy, I'm going to make you understand how fucking beautiful you are, you understand me?"

Levy could only nod.

"Let's start from up here," he said, stroking her hair," The first thing I noticed about you was your hair."

"It's pretty bright," she chuckled.

"It's fucking gorgeous," he growled, running his hands through it," Ever since I saw it, it's my favourite color."

"R-really?"

"Mhmmm," he said, before looking into her eyes," now the second thing I noticed were those big pretty eyes of yours. If I ever need to know what you're thinking, I just look at them. I love when you glare at me or are happy. But I love it when you cry, hell mend me."

"When I cry?"

"They get all big and shiny," he continued," and your tears are like little diamonds. I hate seeing you cry, but I can't deny how good you look."

"I love your little nose too," he smiled," it's so small and delicate. Same with your ears too. You're like a little fairy or something."

"I love your lips," he continued, running a thumb over them," Whenever you're speaking, I can't help but look at them. Smiling, pouting or frowning, I just want to taste them."

Levy blushed.

"Now let's move down," he grinned, his thumb running from her mouth, down her neck," Your neck is so soft, so small. It's sensitive too, I bet."

He quickly kissed her neck, causing her to shiver.

"Knew it," he smirked, before continuing. Levy thought her chest would be next, but instead, he moved down to her hands, clasping one of them.

"Your hands are so small," he whispered, bending down to kiss them," I love how tiny they are wrapped up in mine. So soft too…"

"Now back up," he grinned," Your chest."

Levy groaned, but a quick look from Gajeel silenced her.

"I love your tits," he said bluntly, causing Levy to flush," I honestly don't see the appeal with those massive udders the others have got."

"Gajeel!" Levy scolded, but Gajeel gave her a quick kiss.

"Being honest," he said softly, before continuing," They're perfect. Did you know that smaller breasts are more sensitive too,"

He gave her clothed chest a small squeeze, making her squeak.

"Yep," he laughed," Now your stomach."

"It's so smooth and soft," he sighed, placing a hand against it," This may sound fucking nuts, but I can't wait to see you pregnant, all round and cute."

"P-pregnant?" Levy squeaked, her jaw hanging low in shock.

"I-I know it's a long way away," Gajeel said, looking nervous," but I see us having a future, Levy. Don't you?"

"I do," Levy smiled, kissing him. She jumped however, when she felt him squeeze her behind.

"Gajeel!"

"I love your ass too," he grinned," so bubbly. I've always been more of an ass guy, anyway."

"Your legs, they're so smooth and gorgeous," he said," I can't help but want to nibble them, all the way up."

"Your feet are so small too," he laughed," Again, you're like a little fairy."

"And finally," he said, smiling," you. I love your personality, how tough you are. You don't put up with my shit, yet you constantly make me smile. I love you, Levy Mcgarden. All of you."

He then placed her on the bed and stood up, unbuttoning his shirt.

"But that's just words," he grinned as he pulled his shirt off," so let me show you what I mean."

...

They lay there, exhausted, when Levy rolled over.

"Gajeel?"

"Hmmm…"

"Can I tell you something?"

"Sure."

"Even when I worked at the library… I had a dream. I wanted to own my own bookshop."

"How come you didn't?" he asked.

"I never found the right place," she confessed," It's hard to open a shop and I needed to make sure I was financially ready. But I'm gonna do it someday."

Gajeel was quiet for a moment before kissing her tenderly.

"Let's do it."

"Huh?"

"Levy, we're gonna have a future together. I want to see your dream come true, so I'll help you."

…

Soon, Levy was fast asleep. Gajeel smiled as he looked down at her. Suddenly there was a knock at his door. Groaning, he pulled himself from his bed and went to the door, throwing on a pair of shorts and a shirt before he opened the door.

There stood a delivery man, holding a package.

"Are you Gajeel Redfox?" he asked.

"Yeah," he said, frowning," I didn't order anything though."

"Oh, I know," the man said, before Gajeel suddenly felt something prick him. He turned to see a man in the bushes with a gun. He looked down at his arm to see a dart.

"What the-?" he said, as the world started to spin, darkening slowly.

"We got him," the man said to whoever as Gajeel felt himself fall.

…

The next morning, Levy woke up, rolling over. To her surprise, the bed was empty. She sat up. It was quiet.

She quickly threw on her dressing gown and headed into the kitchen. Gajeel wasn't there. Lily was pawing at his bowl. He hadn't been fed.

Levy frowned. Gajeel always fed Lily when he woke up.

She turned to go get her phone, but then she saw it. A bit of paper on the coffee table. Levy went over and picked it up. Her eyes ran over the words before she dropped it, tears welling up in her eyes as she began to shake.

Levy,

I'm sorry. I can not do this anymore.

Gajeel.