The sun had set and the remaining participants gathered around the stage once again to listen to the event organizers.
Levy stood in the Omega section and she looked around and noticed that not only her group, but the other group have dwindled quite a bit in numbers.
"Hmm, seems at least half of the participants have already left with their future mates…" Levy thought as she subtly scanned the crowd.
She looked toward the Alpha side and noticed Jake within the crowd but only acknowledged him for a second. Looking towards the back of the group, Levy flinched as she unexpectedly made eye contact with Gajeel who was staring at her point blank for a few seconds before looking away awkwardly.
Levy couldn't help but blush as she quickly turned away and focused on the stage where the announcements were about to begin.
"Welcome everyone! I trust that all is going well with you? As you can see there are many that have paired with another to become mates and we wish the same for all of you as well. We're only a day away from the Hunt so tonight we'd like you all to get out of your comfort zones for a bit. If you direct your attention onto the stage you notice that musicians are arriving to play music for a few hours so that we can hold a dance for you all. We're asking each participant to ask at least one other person to a dance, those asked for a dance must accept unless given a reasonable reason why you decline. There is also the possibility of a single participant receiving multiple requests from many so please be civil with one another and remember that poor conduct is liable to get you kicked out of the Hunt entirely. We will begin shortly so take this time to work up the courage to ask potential mates for a dance!"
Gajeel was tense to say the least.
He felt rooted to the ground as he forced himself to stay.
"Fuck."
He clenched fists in aggravation as he stared at the ground trying his best to mentally prepare for a chaotic night.
Levy was in a similar situation and paced trying to decide if it was okay to go to Gajeel.
"Is it awkward to go over there? What if I get in the way if he wants to ask someone to dance?!" Levy looked in Gajeel's direction and she stilled at what she saw. Gajeel was standing there surrounded by a dozen girls.
"… I guess that answers my question…" Levy said somberly.
Giving herself a light slap on the cheeks she looked away somberly.
"I better start looking for a dance partner… this will be hard since Gajeel was the only person I have spent time with. "
Levy gave one last glance towards Gajeel, although she could tell he was uncomfortable she let him be so that he could fully participate in the event.
"Maybe I'll ask him for a dance once he's alone again…" Levy sighed to herself.
She walked over to a quiet area, letting her mind wander as she watched people begin to pair up.
"Excuse me."
"?!" Levy jolted as she looked to see who had surprised her.
"Hello once more Levy, I think it must be my luck turning around to find you unaccompanied."
"Oh!... Uhhmm, hello Jake." Levy said a little nervously.
Smiling big, Jake gave a little bow and excitedly came closer to Levy before stopping and stepping back a few feet.
"Whoops, almost didn't catch myself there, I wouldn't want to make you uncomfortable." Jake said while looking apologetically towards Levy.
Levy let herself relax a bit at the Alpha's self control but still kept her guard up just to be safe.
"I appreciate that."
Jake smiled all the more.
Levy couldn't help but smile a little at his happy go lucky attitude.
"I suppose you can guess what brings me over? At least I hope you do." Jake said eagerly.
Levy gave a slight nod in affirmation.
"Great! I hope you would do me the honor of a dance?"
"I suppose that would be alright."
"You won't regret this, I am an excellent dancer and I hope to impress you tonight." Jake said with a wink that made Levy blush.
Jake looked over to see the musicians still setting up.
"It looks like we have some time to ourselves before the music begins, I would love to hear about you if you don't mind talking with me?"
Levy's blush turned even darker at so much direct attention by an Alpha in an obvious pursuit of her affections. She couldn't help but glance quickly towards Gajeel whose back was turned as he interacted with the group of girls around him.
"I-I suppose that would be alright."
"Great~ now where to begin…" Jake said excitedly.
Internally he was smirking to himself as his plans were coming together.
"Heh. Too easy. I knew wasting my time with those nobodies females today would come in handy. Since I tricked those idiotic creatures to keep that stupid Alpha busy, I can have Levy All. To. Myself." Jake thought deviously.