Chapter 26

Mood

"It's alright," Porlyusica said to the worried dragon slayer. "She's just experiencing a few mild cramps. It's common during early pregnancy. She just needs to get some rest for a few days. Don't let her do anything too strenuous."

"Mild?" He asked incredulously.

"Yes. It all depends on the person's tolerance for pain. While it may be mild for one woman, it could feel extreme for the other."

Gajeel didn't really know or understand what was going on, but he was relieved to hear the older woman say his mate was fine.

"You don't have to stay, as I'm sure you're tired," Porlyusica said. "I can keep her here overnight just in case there are any complications. She is in good hands."

He looked at her like she'd lost her mind.

"Leave? Why would I do that?"

"Suit yourself," the woman said, getting up from her seat and walking away.

Gajeel sat next to his sleeping Shrimp, thoughts of worry barreling through his mind. She then rolled on to her side, her arm draping across his lap. It soothed him a bit. As if to say to him, 'don't worry', but how could he not? There was a maniac after her and they had to be on their toes all the time. Not to mention, they now had to find a new home. He pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration.

"Shrimp," he said, caressing the side of her face. "Everything will be alright, I promise," he said, more for himself than for her.

Porlyusica watched the iron dragon slayer from the door, smiling at the obvious bond those two have. 'They will never separate, for they are one.' She thought to herself as she left him to be alone with his mate.

Levy dreamt of a cottage somewhere in the woods. She looked around, everything looked so homey. She was able to pinpoint a few things that looked like hers or Gajeel's. She walked down a hallway and opened the first door she saw. Inside, there were bookshelves in place of walls, full of books and papers and spells and such. Levy's mouth opened in awe, not ever believing she could fit all of her books and notes into one room.

She looked around the room, seeing a small table with papers scattered on it and a rocking chair in the corner. There was a guitar sitting next to the chair, most likely Gajeel's. She sat in the chair, seeing a sippy cup on the floor next to it. Suddenly, a little boy with wild black hair and hazel eyes came running in the room. He reached for the cup and handed it to Levy, a smile plastered on his face.

"Juice, please!"

Levy smiled. She was confused, but happy. She got up to get the boy some juice as requested and watched him drink it in almost one gulp.

"Wow, someone's thirsty, huh?" Levy said, ruffling his hair.

The boy grinned, revealing a fang.

"You're so cute! You remind me of someone very special," She said, picking him up and holding him in the air.

"A lot of people say I look like my dad," he said, shrugging.

Levy came to a realization. "What's your name, little one?"

"Zeke!"

Levy woke up the next morning feeling fantastic. She didn't know what Porlyusica did, but she definitely worked her magic. She looked to her side and saw Gajeel sleeping in his chair, his hand resting on her belly. She had to pee, but she knew if she got up, he would wake up, and she wanted him to get some sleep.

"He must have been here all night," Levy said quietly to herself, trying to move his hand slowly.

As soon as she moved his hand, he jerked awake.

"Levy," he said, taking her in for a hug. "How do you feel?"

"I feel great!"

He looked at her and could tell she felt better. "How'd you sleep?"

"I was out like a light. I don't know what she did, but it was amazing," she said, standing and making her way to the bathroom.

"That makes one of us," he muttered under his breath.

"Why are you so moody?" Levy asked, hearing his annoyance.

"I dunno, Shrimp!" He said throwing his hands in the air. "Maybe it's 'cos we have to find a new place ta live again, or the fact that there's someone after you, or that I haven't eaten or really slept!"

Levy was a bit taken aback by his sudden outburst, but understood where it was all coming from.

"I wish you wouldn't yell at me," she said.

"Well, I wish I wouldn't get asked dumb questions!" He snapped, realizing what he did after he heard the door to the bathroom slam.

"Oh, fuck… Shrimp," he walked over to the door, knocking on it gently. "I'm sorry Lev, I shouldn't have snapped on ya." He waited for a response, but got none. "I just need some air."

She listened as his steps retreated, hearing the front door to Porlyusica's open and shut. Levy knew he was extremely stressed out, and the pressures of everything going on and the baby, she figured he was finally at his breaking point. Everyone has one. In reality, he hadn't even snapped that bad, she was just pregnant and hormonal and every little thing got to her. Still, she hated when they argued.

She emerged from the bathroom, finding an empty space. 'He must still be outside,' she thought to herself as she made him some iron. She went outside, finding him sitting on a fallen tree trunk.

"Gajeel, come inside."

"I'd rather not," he grunted.

He annoyed her to no end when he was in his mood, but the faces he made, she thought, were so adorable. She loved her big grump. She walked toward him and he perked up at the scent of her famous iron.

"Gimme that!" He was in front of her in a second, collecting the iron from her hands and in the blink of an eye, it was gone.

"Feel better?" She asked, trying to read his face.

"Much. Let's go."

"Go where?"

"I dunno. Maybe the guild? We can't go home."

"Let's see if Natsu is home," she said, linking arms with her tall knight.

They said their 'thank yous' and their 'goodbyes' and headed to Natsu's place.

They got close to Natsu's place, when Gajeel stopped walking.

"We probably shouldn't go in there," he said.

"Why?"

Gajeel smirked. "Flame Brain and Bunny Girl are in there."

"So…?" Levy thought about it for a second, remembering that they finally got together. She blushed when she realized what they were doing.

Gajeel contemplated raining on Natsu's parade when he thought back to when he interrupted him and Levy, but he decided to get him back another time. He was a bit tired and wanted to find somewhere to rest.

Levy felt bad. All she seemed to do was bring him stress. This was why she wanted to keep it to herself for a bit. Now they were looking for a new place to call home, which was a shame; she liked that hut. She thought about the future. That hut wasn't big enough for the soon-to-be four of them. She imagined what their next home would look like, hoping she would finally have enough space for her books. She vaguely remembered a dream she'd recently had. 'What did I dream about, again?' She pondered.

"Where are we going?" She asked, realizing he was leading her somewhere.

"The guild."

"What? Why?" Levy was definitely not prepared to see everyone.

"We have nowhere else to go."

"Wait! I can't go like this!"

He stopped and looked at her. Her tummy was showing through her dress and his mark was visible on her neck. "Where's your scarf?"

"I must have left it at Lucy's yesterday. I thought I was going to stop by the hut first."

"Not until Lily says it's safe to come back for our things."

"Won't I be safe as long as I'm with you?" She asked.

She really didn't want to go to the guild. Gajeel, on the other hand, was going to use this as a perfect opportunity to finally come clean to everyone. Hiding their relationship was one of the main things stressing him out. He knew it would be safe to gather their things, but he was done hiding. He kept walking, not answering her question. He was sure the She-Devil already caught on anyway, so they might as well get it done now, so they don't have to deal with it later.

Levy picked up on what he was doing and stopped in her tracks.

"I really don't want to go to the guild."

"Too bad, Shrimp."

"Please?" She gave him her best puppy dog eyes, hoping he would fall for it. Unfortunately, he turned around and picked her up, continuing to walk to the guild.

"Nice try," he smirked. "Let's just get this over with."

They made it to the guild, and he could smell Levy's nerves.

"It'll be alright, Short Stuff," he said as he put her down.

"I really don't want to do this."

"I'll walk in first if that makes you feel better," he suggested.

Levy unwillingly nodded her head. She knew he was right.

Mira had been on the lookout for Levy and Gajeel ever since Natsu confirmed her suspicions. Her face lit up when she saw the dragon slayer walk through the guild, but then falling when she noticed Levy wasn't right after him. She wanted to catch them together. She studied the slayer carefully, noticing he had a slightly smug look on his face, and that he seemed to be waiting for someone, presumably Levy.

He stood there for about two minutes before she saw him exit through the door.

"Shrimp, you can't stand out here forever," he said, grabbing her hand and pulling her gently toward the door.

He opened the door and walked through, Levy almost hiding behind him. She scanned the room, nobody seeming to pay them any mind. She relaxed a bit as she stayed behind Gajeel.

"Could I get everyone's attention?" Mira said grinning, her eyes locked with Levy's.

"Oh, no," Levy said, ducking behind her mate.

Gajeel chuckled. 'Finally.'

They watched as Mira stood on the bar, everyone getting quiet.

"I have some very wonderful news!" She beamed, looking at the two. "Levy, why don't you tell us what it is?"

Mira knew Levy wouldn't do it, but she had to pay her back for keeping it from everyone.

"Come on, Levy!" She said, egging her on.

"Uh…. U-Uh…" Levy panicked.

"Alright, alright," Gajeel felt her discomfort and stepped in, taking her out of the spotlight. He would never miss a chance to tell the world that Levy was his.

"Levy is mine, nobody else's." He glared at Jet and Droy and then at Freed. "Don't touch what's mine."

Everyone except the three he called out erupted in cheers, a few of them collecting bet money and a few of them saying things like "I knew it, man" or "It's about time."

"There's more, everyone!" Mira said, almost jumping with joy. "Our dearest Levy is also pregnant!"

Almost immediately, everyone rushed them, separating them and bombarding them with questions and congratulations.

"I'm happy for you, Levy," Erza said, smiling softly. She thought of her blue-haired love and what the future had in store for them.

"Congratulations Levy," Lisanna said, giving her a hug. "How far along are you?"

"About three months."

"I knew you two would end up together eventually," Evergreen chimed in.

"Juvia is happy you two have finally come out in the open," the water mage said.

"So, Levy," Erza poked her arm. "Let us see."

Levy had her arms over her stomach at a silly attempt to hide her bump. The girls stared as she moved her arms, their mouths agape.

"Our little Levy is all grown up, now."

Levy blushed, ready to get away from all this attention.

"Does he treat you well?" The Requip mage asked.

Levy nodded. "Yes, like a princess," she smiled.

"If he ever hurts you, let me know." Erza shot him a death glare from across the room.

"Not in a million years," Levy said, beaming as she rubbed her belly.

"Now, to the important question," Cana came up to the group of girls with a barrel of beer. "What's he like in bed?"

Gajeel's bombardment was similar. The guys high-fived and exchanged bet money as they pummeled him with the same questions.

"How far is she?" Elfman asked.

"I think she's like twelve weeks along or somethin'."

"That's MANLY!"

"It's smart that you guys kept it secret for so long," Laxus said, glancing at Mira across the guild.

"You act fast, huh?!" Bickslow said.

"I guess it happened one of the first few times we got together," Gajeel said, rubbing the back of his head. It was a crazy coincidence, but he wouldn't want it any other way.

The commotion died down a bit and Gajeel was walking away when Erza caught him alone.

"Gajeel."

He turned around, seeing a serious Erza.

"If you try to pull anything, anything on our dear Levy," she brought forth one of her swords and held it to his chin. "I will end you."

Gajeel stood still, not wanting to set her off in any way.

"Not in a million years," he said, turning away slowly.

Erza smiled at his words, those same words that Levy said herself. 'Those two are definitely soul mates. I'm glad she's happy.'

Levy and Gajeel sat in the guild's library, figuring out their next move.

"See, Shrimp," he said, taking her into his arms. "It wasn't that bad."

"I guess. I'm just glad we got this over with. It was getting annoying not to be able to be with you in public. I'm exhausted, though."

"Gihi."

Levy knew a dirty thought popped up in his head, judging by that laugh.

"I could give ya some iron," he said, kissing her neck.

"Gajeel," she said, giggling. "Stop it."

"You don't want me to stop."

He was right.

"Here," he said, turning his fingers into iron and brushing them across her lips.

She graciously took his fingers into her mouth and gently sucked, causing him to emit a low growl.

They were so caught up in each other, they didn't realize Lily had perched on top of the table they were sitting at. He'd gotten good at ignoring their sexual acts, as he'd unfortunately been stuck with them a few times before.

"I see you finally told the guild," the exceed said, startling the two.

"Oi!"

"Well, take it somewhere less public," the exceed retorted. "Have you found a place yet?"

"Not yet, we'll go looking tomorrow," Levy said.

"Well, I think it's safe enough to stay at the hut for one more night," Gajeel said. "We need to pack our things anyway."

"I can get Lucy to help!" Levy said, thinking of Virgo.

"Sounds great," Gajeel said, standing and stretching. "Let's go. I'm tired."

The three walked to their hut, thankful to be able to get some rest.