"You guys really don't remember?" Mirajane asked, leaning against the counter and resting her chin in her palms. Natsu and Lucy shook their heads, exchanging glances. Their son, Igneel (Natsu's decision, after hours of begging his wife), was sat comfortably in his mother's lap. Mira sighed and thought back to about two years prior to the birth of the newest addition to the guild.

"Well… It was about two years ago, and I think just a few months before Natsu went through his bad season…"

Two Years Ago…

"Gajeel, man, are you okay? You've been acting weird lately." Gray said, leaning back in his chair and resting his feet up on the table. The Iron Dragon Slayer nodded quickly, taking a sip of his beverage. His eyes darted around the room, before landing on a certain blue-haired bookworm. Loke (who was paying his friends a visit at the time) looked over towards Gray, who was giving Gajeel a weird look.

"Something is totally up between Levy and him…" Loke whispered, staring not-so-discreetly at the man in front of him. Gray nodded before sighing and walking away. Not wanting to be alone with the weirdo, Loke left too.

Gajeel, however, paid no attention to his guildmates, for all he could focus on was the way she was reading that book. Why couldn't she study him like that?

Wait, what?

I mean, sure, she was attractive and all. But she wasn't really his type. She was so tiny and fragile. Someone of his demeanor most definitely wouldn't be able to be with someone like that. So adorable, petite, captivating…

"Snap out of it, Gajeel!" He muttered to himself, shaking his head and tearing his gaze away from Levy. He needed some fresh air, now. Reluctantly, he stood up and trudged out of the guild, aware of the weird looks he was getting. But no matter how far away he got, the feeling in his gut got stronger. It was a strange pulling sensation that made him want to turn around and run right into the arms of the girl he was trying to avoid.

"Uhm, Gajeel!" Someone shouted from behind him. "Gajeel, wait!"

"What?!" He snapped, turning around to come face to face with Levy. His eyes grew wide and his cheeks flushed the lightest shade of red. So not cool…

Levy twiddled her thumbs and gazed at the ground. "I'm sorry if I'm bothering you, b-but… Well, you see… I just moved into a new house and it needs some renovating. Because Jet and Droy are away I don't know who else could help me." Her hazel eyes darted up to meet his.

"Can you please help me?"

Oh god, the way she said that… The tingling in his stomach rushed through his veins, sending a delightful shiver down his spine. He gulped, trying to regain his composure.

"Uh- I… Yeah. I can." Her face lit up and a dazzling smile grew on her lips.

"Thank you so, so much!" She cheered, squeezing him in a hug.

"No problem… It's only because you're so shrimpy."

Levy grinned and pulled away. "Of course it is." With that, she turned around and skipped back towards the guild. "Oh! Come by around noon tomorrow! I live in the house right next to Lucy!"

How the hell was he supposed to know where that was?

The next day, Gajeel found himself back at the guild, searching for Natsu.

"Gray, where's Salamander?" He demanded, corning the ice mage. Gray stared at him for a moment before pointing to the table in the corner of the guild. There, the pink haired dragon slayer was huddled in his chair whilst engaging in an intense conversation with his blue cat.

"Oi! Salamander!" Gajeel shouted, storming towards his guildmate. Happy and Natsu both turned to look at the same time, before Happy covered his nose and flew off, screaming something about 'an unbearable scent'. Natsu covered his nose as well, but stayed put.

"Dude! What's that smell?!" He cried, his face scrunching up. Gajeel glared at him before taking a whiff of his shirt.

"I don't smell anything…" He mumbled, crossing his arms. "Where does Lucy live?"

Natsu's shoulders tensed slightly as his eyes squinted. "Why do you wanna know?" He demanded, folding his arms as well.

Why was he acting so weird?

"Because, shrimpy's house is next door and I don't know where that is." At this, Natsu relaxed and stood up.

"Follow me!" He ran out of the guild, a big smile on his face.


Thought I'd give you guys a little taste before I went full on into a chapter! Do you like where it's going so far? If you have any ideas or suggestions PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let me know! I'm very open to ideas!