Chapter 24

Intimate

A little over a month has gone by and Axos hadn't attacked again. They were always on guard just in case he did. Levy had taken a few small jobs here and there with Gajeel and Lily for a little extra Jewel to throw into savings. He'd been making it a little harder for her to hide their relationship by being almost attached to her hip. She didn't mind, but Mira had already said something to her about her suspicions.

A while back, Mira decided to conduct her own research by watching when Levy shows up to the guild. Gajeel always walked in about two minutes after she did, and the times he didn't, she noticed Levy would go looking for Lucy or Cana. She tried getting information out of the fortune teller, but she never succeeded in her endeavor. Lucy would always find a way out of the conversation, which frustrated Mira to no end. Lucy was supposed to be the one to spill the beans, no?

Recently, she'd noticed Gajeel was a lot closer to Levy than usual. He'd sit next to her and follow her around almost everywhere. She never tried talking to the dragon slayer, maybe today she'd be lucky. She scanned the dining hall for Gajeel, spotting him talking to Juvia. She tried to get closer to listen to what they were saying. Who knows? Maybe Juvia knew something.

"Juvia thinks everything will be ok," Juvia said, putting her hand on his shoulder.

"I hope so," he said.

"She is strong. Juvia has seen her withstand so much more and come out stronger because of it. Don't worry too much about it." Juvia stood up when her beloved Gray caught her eye and quickly made her way toward him, brushing past Mira.

"Gray-sama!"

Mira was content she was able to catch the end of the conversation, but she didn't get enough information to come to an answer. All it did was raise more questions. What was wrong with Levy and what did Gajeel have to do with it? She contemplated speaking with the water mage, but she was always too consumed with Gray. Mira would have to get her alone if she wanted anything out of her.

Right at that moment, Levy came through the doors. Mira was surprised. Levy was alone this time, as Gajeel was already here. She seemed to be looking for someone. Putting two and two together, she figured she was looking for Gajeel. The Take Over mage hung back as Levy searched. Gajeel stood to leave, most likely smelling the script mage. He scanned the crowd, his face lighting up when he found her. Mira took note of that as she watched them leave the guild together.

Gajeel walked Levy home. She was getting a bit tired and needed to rest.

"Are you sure you'll be alright Shrimp?" He asked, laying her in their bed.

"Yes, I'll be fine. I just need a nap," she said, her hand on his cheek.

Truth was, he was scared. She was tired all the time, and barely had any magic power and he didn't know what to do. She explained to him that it was normal, and even brought him with her to Porlyusica's for her checkup to assure him everything was fine.

Levy saw the worry in his eyes, wanting to do anything to make him feel better.

"Lay with me? I usually sleep better when you're with me, anyway."

He happily obliged, crawling into bed with his mate.

They slept well into the evening, Levy waking first, feeling rested for the first time in a few days. She went to the bathroom and prepared water for a bath. As she stripped out of her clothes, she looked at her body in the mirror, noticing a very small bump. She smiled, her hand resting on the bump. She thought about how much longer she could hide it from everyone. For now, it was unnoticeable at first glance and could be easily hidden.

She hurried back to the bedroom, shutting the door behind her.

"Gajeel," she said softly.

"Mmm?" He opened his eyes slowly, his heart skipping a beat when he saw what was before him. A stark-naked Levy, bearing his mark and his child.

"I'm showing," she beamed as she moved toward him. "Feel."

She grabbed his hand and put it on her stomach, feeling butterflies at his touch. Gajeel was speechless. He grabbed her by the hips and pulled her down so that she was straddling him.

"I think this is how we got in this situation in the first place," she blushed, giggling.

"I can't help myself, Shrimp. You're so fucking hot. And yer carryin' my kid. What more could a guy ask for?"

"Well at least let me stop the water," she said, remembering that she left the water running.

She got up and made her way to the bathroom, turning around to see her tall, olive-skinned man standing in front of her, lust in his eyes. He walked toward her slowly, Levy backing up until she backed into the tub. She knew he was about to pounce, and it'd be a lie if she said she didn't want him to, but she loved making him work for it.

"There's nowhere to run, Short Stuff," he said, closing and locking the door behind him. "Come here."

She walked toward him slowly, until she was just within his reach. He closed the remaining distance, kissing her tenderly.

"Gajeel…"

His kisses moved down to her neck, where his mouth landed on his mark. That spot was especially sensitive to her ever since he marked her, and it sent waves of pleasure through her whole body whenever he did anything to it. Her body shuddered, her knees almost giving away. He swiftly wrapped his arm around her waist to keep her steady.

"I love you so much," he whispered in her ear. "I don't know what I did to deserve you, and yet, you've given me everything."

Levy smiled, though inside she felt like she's brought nothing but pain and stress. Maybe it was just the hormones, but she just wanted to cry. She felt overwhelmed with a sudden surge of emotion. Gajeel picked up on it and wanted to put her mind at ease. He kneeled, kissing her belly.

"Do you want a boy or a girl?" He asked, rubbing her bump.

"I will honestly be happy with whichever," she smiled, although she secretly wanted a girl. "What about you?"

"I kinda want a girl."

That surprised Levy. She expected him to want a boy just like him.

"A girl?"

"I wouldn't mind having a little Shrimp," he chuckled at the thought of Shrimp #2.

She beamed at him, so grateful for having him in her life.

The two went into each other's arms, the electricity and passion between them that grew stronger every day taking over their bodies. He lifted her gently as she wrapped her legs around his waist, their tongues exploring each other's mouths as he carried her back to the bed. Even though he wanted to bend her over in that bathroom, he wanted her to be as comfortable as possible.

He laid her down on the bed, stepping back and taking in the view. He still couldn't believe his eyes, that he had created life with this beautiful goddess. He felt she deserved better, yet she chose him. She chose to become his mate and chose to bear his child. It was all so surreal, he often felt as if he were dreaming.

His eyes scanned her body. He started at her short, but somehow long, smooth legs, stopping to admire the soft curves of her hips, connecting to her small waist. His eyes lingered on her bump, a warm feeling encompassing his entire body. He continued up her body, her breasts rising and falling with every breath she took. He looked at the mark on her neck, a satisfied grin creeping onto his face. He locked eyes with her and started moving toward her. She smelled so good, he was almost drowning in his desire to fulfill her every want and need.

Her body was hot in response to him staring her down. She felt good to have someone who looked at her with so much love. He only saw her, and she loved that. She reached toward him, wanting to feel his body against hers, getting goosebumps when their bodies made contact.

He hovered maybe a few centimeters over her, his hand pinning her wrists above her head. The electricity was almost visible between the two.

"Gajeel…"

Levy was barely being touched, and still, her body was going nuts for the dragon slayer. So much moisture had built up in between her legs, she was almost quivering under his slight touch.

"Damn, Shrimp," he smirked, kissing her. "You want me bad, huh?"

He nuzzled her neck as she nodded. She needed him.

"You know what to do," he said, nibbling on her ear.

He wanted to hear her beg for it, and she knew it.

"Please." She was barely able to emit the word, as he unexpectedly had his fingers inside her core.

"Say my name," he growled in her ear.

"P-Please…Ga…jeel,"

"Tell me you need me."

"I…need… you," she moaned, getting louder as his fingers moved faster.

His crimson eyes watched her body tremble as he slowly removed his fingers from her.

"You wanna taste?" He grinned devilishly.

She took his hand and brought his fingers to her mouth, tasting her own essence along with the taste of his iron. Her eyes widened at the realization that his iron tasted amazing and gave her a little bit of energy.

Gajeel noticed the slight surge in her energy.

"Whoa, where did that come from?" He asked, surprised.

"I-I think it's your iron."

Gajeel covered his fingers in his iron scales and Levy took them in her mouth, getting a sudden flow of energy. Gajeel, on the other hand, was getting immensely turned on by the small blue-haired woman sucking on his fingers.

"Levy," he said, his dick throbbing. She was unintentionally driving him crazy.

She was too distracted by the new energy she got from his iron to realize that he was lining himself up with her. He eased himself inside, causing her to moan his name loudly.

"Gajeel!"

"You make me so fucking crazy, I can't control myself," he said as he thrust slowly.

She dug her nails into his back, her toes curling in pleasure. She was a lot more sensitive than usual, so she felt every movement his dick made. From throbbing, to the studs on the sides, she felt it all. They made love for the better half of the evening, until they were tired and tangled together.

It had been a few days and they decided to make an appearance at the guild. Levy was getting dressed as she noticed her dress was a little snug around her waist.

"You can wear one of my shirts, if ya like," Gajeel grinned, knowing she wouldn't go to the guild in one of his shirts.

"It's tempting, but people will catch on quickly," she said, rooting around for a sweater.

"People are gonna catch on in the next month or so when ya can't hide my baby anymore," he said, hugging her from behind.

"I know, I just want peace as long as possible," she sighed.

Levy was getting tired of hiding their relationship too, all the sneaking around was getting difficult with Mira always hanging around and Levy knew it'd be a weight off her shoulders when she came clean, but she really wasn't looking forward to all the commotion it would cause. She thought there would be a commotion once the guild found out about their relationship, imagine how they would react when they find out she's pregnant! Levy shook the thought from her head, finally finding a sweater baggy enough to cover her belly.

"I'm ready!" She beamed at her mate, as he picked her up and carried her off to the guild.

They got to the guild and almost everyone was there, laughing, drinking, and having a good time.

"Oh, no. I shouldn't be here," Levy said under her breath.

"Relax, Shrimp, nobody will suspect a thing," Gajeel said, trying to calm her nerves.

"Levy!" Jet and Droy simultaneously said. "I feel like I haven't seen you in ages!" They gave her a hug and led her away, giving Gajeel a side glare as they walked off.

"Tch." The slayer rolled his eyes and made his way to the bar for a drink.

Levy caught up with her old group, chatting about current events and whatnot, when Jet offered her a drink.

"Oh, no, thank you," she smiled and declined the offer.

"Come on, Lev! Have a good time!" He offered her the drink again.

"Sorry, guys, I just don't feel like drinking today."

Mira was at the bar when she overheard Shadow Gear offering her a drink, and Levy respectfully declining it. She didn't think anything too weird from it until she saw Gajeel staring daggers into their backs, unintentionally smashing the cup in his hand.

"Gajeel," Mira said, startling the dragon slayer.

"Shit!" He jumped. "Damned She-Devil. Don't sneak up on me like that!"

"What's wrong?" She asked innocently.

Gajeel almost vented to the Take Over mage but caught himself before he could say anything. "None of yer business!" He nearly spat and got up, headed Levy's direction.

Levy was still talking with Jet and Droy when they sighed and rolled their eyes.

"What's wrong?" Levy asked, confused. She then felt a tap on her shoulder.

"Come on, Shrimp," Gajeel said, standing behind her.

"Gajeel?" She figured it was just his territorial nature kicking in, so she just decided to go with him to avoid a grumpy Gajeel.

"Sorry, guys," she said, standing from the table. "I'll see you later!" She smiled at them as she walked off with Gajeel, her hand unconsciously resting on her stomach. A small detail no one noticed, except for Mira, who figured out what was going on instantly. She was giddy, but also annoyed that Levy was hiding it, -all of it, from her and the guild. She would definitely get them back for this.

Gajeel led Levy to the library, where he knew it was always quiet and almost empty.

"The She-Devil is on to us," he said, his eyes darting around.

"What did you do?" Levy asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

"I crushed a mug when the idiots were trying to get you to drink. I know she saw me staring them down. She asked me what was wrong, and I had to get out of there before I spilled everything."

"Maybe we should take a break from the guild for a few weeks?" She suggested.

"That's probably the best thing you've said today," he smirked.

They left through one of the side doors and started toward home when they were greeted by Lily flying toward them.

"Lily! We were just headed home," Levy said.

Lily landed at their feet, a distraught look on his face.

"Lily," Gajeel said. "What is it?"

"There's a problem, guys." He said.

Gajeel tensed, picking Levy up and darting off in the woods, following Pantherlily to their hut.