So. I'm not going to commit to a regular update schedule, because by now, any of my followers should know that my inspiration and motivation is lacking this past decade.

Now, since I was tired of great stories being forgotten (like all of mine) half way through, I decide to write my own story.

So this story will have human exceeds, no magic, and set in modern times.

Rated M because of language and for potential graphic scenes later on.

I make no profit off of this. Characters are not mine, just this plot bunny.

I'm writing on my phone, so if its shite, let me know. And as always, R&R.

Gajeel's POV

The rain brought a chill to the evening air clinging to every inch of my being. I rub my hands together, but the worn, hole ridden gloves did nothing to take the sting from the air. Thankfully I could see the dim flickering light at the end of the street telling me where I was. I take a final drag of my smoke before flicking it the pavement in front of me and grinding my boot into the butt.

The faded red letters of the bar's name had a calming effect on me. At the end of a long week of ball busting bullshit, this dive bar looking hovel was the best place to be. Pushing open the door the scent of polished wood and rich whiskey assaulted my nose. I try to brush my shoes off on the front mat with little success: shaking my hair out like a wet dog I take my coat off and make my way inside.

Heading to my usual spot at the bar, I groan as I take a seat: the cold air still clinging to my aching joints and muscles. I have been working overtime at the shop trying to make more bank at the cost of my body it seemed. But no matter how many hours I worked, it seemed to only leave with chump change and a shit load of half empty advil bottles. That is why this little hole in the wall was my haven from reality. I wasn't a blue collar grunt, I wasn't a highschool dropout raising two kids back home, I am just Gajeel.

It also doesn't hurt that this place is owned by my best mate who in exchange of looking like a badass and knocking a couple heads here or there gave me free rent and board along with at least one or two drinks a night. Easiest work I do all week honestly.

The sound of a glass sliding down the polished wood bar had me instinctively reaching out to catch the glass. Looking over at the direction in which it slid I felt the corners of my mouth tug into a grin and I held the glass over my forehead in salute over towards Lily.

Lily was best mate, he was a head taller than me with a faded scar over his left eye and a dark complection.

"Thanks baldy!" I laugh.

His hair was a touchy subject; he had some, but it looked like a mix of peach fuzz and moss depending on what patch you looked at.

His brow scrunched together and he turned towards me, a vein pulsating on his neck, "Baldy?! Take that back you knucklehead punk!" He walked over while cleaning another glass, "And did you seriously just walk through here with your muddy boots on-I just had this floor cleaned!"

I slam the drink back before yelling back at him, "Shit time to clean the floors! Not my fault the weather turned to hell!"

"I have a paved entrance-no mud outside my store, which means you tracked this shite in from work!"

I set the cup back down, "Obviously, where do you think I have been all day? Sitting in a tree and having a nap?"

Lily just pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, "You are staying late to clean this up...but first you go wash up before you make a bigger mess.

I stand up and push my chair in, "yeah yeah." I wave him off as I climb the stairs to the upstairs living quarters to shower and get ready for the night.

Levy's POV

I pulled at the hem of the skirt Lu had given me for tonight: mentally screaming at myself for agreeing to this idea. It's been three years since I was in a relationship, much less a date. This was insane. I should have taken my phone with me when I went to the bathroom, then I would've ended up in this mess.

Flashback~

I went over the Lu's house early to help read over the new draft to a manuscript she was in the middle of working on; hoping to get the work done as fast as humanly possible so I could gush over little man. Readjusting the toddler on my hip and the bag over my shoulder I knock on her door and was greeted by a dark circled pink haired man.

"Good morning Natsu!"

"Good morning uncle Nazu!"

Both me and Mavis say at the same time and laugh together, Natsu joins us in the laughter before he opens the door fully.

"Come in girls, I was just making some breakfast and coffee"

"Zeref keep you up again?"

Natsu just laughed, "Nah, Zeref slept like the dead...his mother on the other hand...couldn't stop clicking away at that keyboard. I was half tempted to toss it into the incinerator at 2am last night."

I just laugh as I set Mavis down and take off her shoes and jacket before removing mine and stepping inside.

"Typical Lu." I shake my head as we walked into the kitchen while Mavis ran a head to go play with Zeref. They were only one year apart in age, Mavis being the older one, but they were already thick as thieves. Playing house and building with their blocks and dolls, they could go for hours without getting cranky and in need of a nap.

"Good morning Levy, you are here early" Lu yawned as she rubbed her eyes.

"I'm not early, its ten Lu!"

Her jaw hit the floor I swear as she swirled around to look at the clock on the wall, "sweet Crocus! It is that late already! Here let me go get the new pages of the manuscript," she pauses and turns to her husband, "Can you get me-" She was cut off when Natsu handed her a cup of coffee and a kiss to the cheek, "Thank you!"

And like that she was in the other room rummaging around for her pages, while I sighed at the sight. It wouldn't be a lie to say I was envious of Lu: she had a beautiful family, and the perfect relationship with her husband. Those two had been high school sweethearts, dated all through university, even if they were two cities apart. They fought hard to stay together after Lucy's father disowned her and cast her aside since she didn't follow her family's tradition of arranged marriages, and for choosing to follow her dreams of being a writer. Even after Natsu's father was on his deathbed, and with no parental support they thrived for the lives they wanted and the future they wanted together.

They were so much in love, it's hard not to be envious of that kind of relationship. My romance from my university love went up in smoke like an atom bomb. His intellect attracted me to him, plus he had an exotic look to him. We would always debate and discuss things we both found interesting, but eventually those debates turned into arguments. Heated topics now turned into heated make up sex. Nights alone used to be filled with loving text messages and phone calls just to hear the other voice, then the silence of a lonely night was a blessing.

But everything came crashing down when I was accidentally sent a photo of him in a very compromising position with his best friend Laxus: and when we next get together I showed him the picture and we both sat their in tears as our relationship came to an end. Three weeks later I discovered I was pregnant.

We both agreed to not get back together just because of the pregnancy, but we decided we have to grow up a little bit. He knew he wasn't in a place to have custody over the child when the time came, but he wasn't going to abandon the life he helped create. And every since she was born, he makes sure to send money that is put into a savings account for when she is older. But he buys her clothes and books and if I am ever short he helps pay for some of my bills. Once school is out for the summer, Mavis will go speed a few weeks here or there with her father, and they rotate holidays and birthdays every year. We both share a love for one another, but not enough to make any sort of relationship blossom between us again. Now our love is reserved for our daughter, and that's enough. But I need more.

"Here you go Levy! Take a look and let me know!"

Shaking my head to remove my current train of thought i grab the parchment and reach for my glasses from my bag, "Awesome! Let me take a look!"

~time skip~

"This is going to be your next best seller I swear! I circled and couple grammar errors and wrote you a page of suggestions, but honestly! A guild filled of wizards taking on dragons and demons! Where do you get your inspiration!"

Lu laughed and took the pages back, scanning over my red pen scribbles, "Honestly, from Natsu and his insane storytelling to our son, I am thinking of naming this series the "Books of Zeref" but I think it might embarrass him when he gets older."

I laugh with her, "That's an amazing idea! Do it!"

I felt an uncomfortable pressure in my lower abdomen and I sighed, realizing I must have consumed my weight in coffee while I read, "Hey Lu, can you watch Mavis while I go to the bathroom?"

"Sure thing!"

~End~

And that is how I ended up dressed in a dress way too short and way to tight and black of all colours. My makeup was done for the first time in years, and my hair was missing my signature bandana. All because Lu had to answer a text message from a work friend who for the last three months has been trying to get me on a date.

"Lu, I don't know about this…this seems a little too much, I don't even like him that way, this will just give him the wrong message." I sigh.

She on the other hand just tapped her chin, "Here, try this one on instead!"

It was better, still a little on the short side, but at least it wasn't as skin tight, and it wasn't such a harsh colour.

"Are you sure you can watch Mavis for the night?" not that I was planning on staying overnight anywhere with this guy.

"Yes, Yes! We have her toothbrush and extra clothes for her too! Just like every other one of the kids sleepovers, we got this!" She pushed me out the door and towards the uber her had ordered for me, "Now go have fun!" she leaned in and whispered, "I slipped a couple condoms inside your purse, you know, in case things go well…"

Beat red i turned to look at her, my jaw flapping in the wind, "LU!" And just like that the car door closed shut and I was zipped down the road in an instant towards a bar I've never heard of. I sank into my seat, I just want to go home.

I was standing outside what looked to be a ran down dive, I panic thinking that I was dropped off at the wrong address. Looking around the area to see if there were any other bars in the area I see nothing but closed shops and convenience stores. This is the only bar on the block, I take out my phone, ready to dial Jet to make sure he sent me the right address when I hear a throat clearing behind me, smiling when I see the familiar orange spiky man bun.

"Good evening Jet,"

His eyes looked me over, and he ran a tongue over his lips: and I want to go home.

"You look great Levy, I hope I didn't keep you waiting?"

I smile, "not at all, I just got here! Thought I had the wrong address!"

He just laughed and fling an arm over my shoulder before pushing the door the bar open, "Nah, this is one of the best joints in all of Magnolia!"

Well, I will admit I judged from the street, but inside was like a classy prohibition era style bar. Red brick accent wall behind the bar, dim orange lighting that accented the black cabinetry and the dark hand scraped wood floor. Smooth jazz could be heard over the patrons. Overall it was a classy establishment and I feel bad for thinking this place was a dive.

Jet guided us over to a tall table, and I puff my cheeks out; high tables just make me look like a child with how short I was. But I swung my leg up and pressed my hand onto the table to lift myself up so to speak, into the chair. I heard Jet snort and try to hide that and his laugh with a cough before sliding effortlessly into his chair: this is patronizing.

"I am really glad you agreed to come out tonight Levy,"

Oh god, smite me down, this is going to be a long night. I laugh as my hands make a fist on the hem of the dress under the table, "Well, its friday night and Lu practically kidnapped my daughter so I had no real plans," except a bottle of wine and good book, "so I'm thankful for the invite to hang out, outside of work." I laugh.

I refuse to lead this man on, he's been a good friend on the school we teach at, and the last thing I want to do is make it anymore awkward than it already was. His constant flirting was damn near obsessive, borderline draining to be perfectly honest. He was a great friend and was always the first one to help me out with anything, but sometimes I think he's trying to use our friendship to push it towards something more. And I have no feelings for him like that.

I'm tired of falling for like minded men, I'm tired of my only options are safe. I need someone who can spark that desire in me, to not be intimidated by my knowledge. I need someone who is his own person outside our relationship. Someone who will make me strong when I feel weak. Someone who isn't there for just me, I have Mavis to think about too.

Jet was safe. He never argued with me; I'm pretty sure he'd willing lay down at my feet to let me walk over him.

He cleared his throat and I smile awkwardly, as I come out of my internal thoughts, "sorry, I zoned out a little there Jet, what did you say?"

He just smiled, "I asked if you knew what you were having to drink yet?"

"Oh yes, should we go order?"

He laughed and stood up, "Its all good, I will go order the first round, what are you having?"

I blush knowing that my go two was a little childish but it is still my favourite, "Fireball with Ginger Ale and a splash of pomegranate juice if they have it, if not just a glass of their house white"

He just smiled and made his way to the bar and I took that opportunity to text Lu.

Lu, when can I bail? This is so awkward.-

Dont! You haven't been out since before Mavis! Drink be merry, hell even be messy! Enjoy a date even if it's a dead end one!-

I puff and put the phone back into my purse, "devil woman" I mutter to myself as Jet approached with two drinks I'm his hand.

Sighing inwardly I take Lu's advice, I might not see this as a romantic date, but a friend date is still something to enjoy. I take the glass of wine to my lips after thanking Jet for the drink.

Hours pass and we share stories of field trips gone wrong, office gossip and drama. It was actually nice to be able to talk to someone who understood the teacher life struggle. And to be able to complain about the awful parents that thought their devil spawn was god's gift to humanity. The busy friday night crowd slowly seemed to dwindle and it looked like last call was about to be made any minute now.

Playing up the yawn that was building up, "well, I think we should call this a night,"

Jet agreed and stood up, offering his arm to assist me on my decent off the tall chair; I laugh and willing take it to help me jump off the stool.

"Thank you-" my sentence was cut off by his lips pressing against mine, gasping I take a step back and push my arm out to give us space between us.

"Jet...I am sorry, I don't feel that way for you-"

He was now red, "Shit...I'm sorry, I must have read the room wrong huh?" He looked down at the floor as he rubbed the back of his neck.

I smile and take his hand, "Its okay...we can still be friends though right?"

He smiled softly, "Yeah, for sure...huh do you need me to call you an uber?"

I shake my head, "No, that's alright, I can call my own, I am just going to go to the bathroom first, so I guess I will see you monday?"

"First thing, I think we have supervision in the morning."

"That's right, so see you then, have a good night Jet, text me when you get home!" I leaned in to give him a hug, an embrace that he willingly returned.

"You too! Have a good night Levy." And then he was gone and I let my shoulders drop before turning backwards the bar to order myself a shot before I went home.

Gajeels POV

Friday nights were always busy, no matter what the weather. And each friday brought a new version of crazy. There is always a guarantee of an office party that gets a little rowdy. A couple that are either on the verge of messy sex or a night of heavy drinking over a breakup. The old grumpy man who spends his pension on rent, smokes and booze; and not always in that order. Then, there is always the awkward date. Tonight it looked like a friend zone date for the orange pineapple and the shrimp that entered earlier.

He watched them come in, the look on her face almost made him approach to see if he was bothering her; but after a couple moments the atmosphere of a date fell over them and I couldn't help but watch the train wreck that was befalling the poor sap.

It was obvious that he was the one wanting more from whatever they have between them. And she looked like it was a brother that was laying moves on her.

Leaving the tragic lovebirds on their own, I scan the other patrons. Already annoyed that it's not even late into the evening and I'm already having to parent these people. The office blokes were boiling over, threatening to take their business outside like whatever their beef was movie line cliche. Grabbing the two drunk idiots I hauled them outside where waiting taxis were ready to take them to whatever address was listed on their license. I didn't have time to babysit corporate butt munchers.

Hours passed and more taxis were called, and more drinks were getting replaced with water and ice. Over serving was a massive disservice, so no one was charged for their ice waters that replaced whatever pretentious bullshit they ordered, but at least it was able to sober them up enough to get tired and want to go home. Which was good since we were nearing last call for the night anyway.

Scanning the near empty bar, my eyes found the friendzone disaster and I couldn't help but want to clap when pineapple head planted one on her. The boy had a set, but clearly it was in vain at the end of it. He left and she darted to the bar and unexpectedly ordered a very strong shot of whiskey and knocked it back as soon as she got it.

I laughed when I heard her groan and gently banged her head against the bar.

"Rough night Shrimp?" Don't ask me what compelled me to talk to her, but it happened.

She laughed, not lifting her head from the counter but raiser her hand to single for another shot, "you have NO idea," she sighed before sitting up and turning her body towards me.

I see her eyes widen when she gives me a once over and I can't help but internally roll my eyes, everyone nearly shits their pants when they look at me. I have piercings literally everywhere; ears, nose, eyebrows-and those are just the visible ones. I also have hair that is maybe a little too long and out of control, pair that with my ink and black clothes: I look like a hoodlum to everyone.

But when she leaned back in her chair and crosses one leg over the other in her chair, which causes the dress to fall down her thigh, giving me a better look at her well toned legs, I swallow. Looking back up toward her face, I see a little twinkle in those hazel eyes before they closed thanks to a full faced grin and looking back over the bar. She smiled and took out her phone, making a couple taps on the screen before taking that last shot.

"I like this place, I'm going to have to come back here more often."

And like that she jumped off her stool and walked out the entrance: and I watched her walk away. The way her curls moved with every step, the way the fabric clung to her curves. I coughed and shook myself from my thought, I was sounding like a horny bastard. She was beautiful I will admit that, but it's not like I'd ever meet her again.

Pushing off the wall I start to escort people towards the taxis outside after bills were settled. Once everyone was gone the sign was switched off and the door locked. I yawned and started to make my way towards the stairs when I hear a cough and I groan.

Lily just walked past and handed me a broom, "goodnight Gajeel"