-Standard Disclaimer Applied-

Song - I Won't See You Tonight Pt2

Artist - Avenged Sevenfold

Chapter Four – I Won't See You Tonight Part Two

Levy was at a loss of words. Gajeel had wanted to propose to her. He had wanted to marry her, to spend the rest of his life with her. Levy didn't know the man had such feelings for her. Sure, she knew he loved her and she loved him as well. Still the information had come as a shock to her. Levy knew what it meant for a dragon slayer to marry, it wasn't something to be taken lightly. Still she just couldn't believe how much she disregarded Gajeel's feelings. Gajeel hadn't really voiced how he felt about the their breaking up so she just assumed he was fine. How could she not see the truth though!

Quickly Levy glanced around the guild hoping not too many people had overheard her exchange with the dragon slayer. Luckily the guild hall seemed empty besides Mira, a few people who tried to desperately look busy by the mission board and Master. Levy looked up at the old man and swiftly adverted her eyes. She knew he had been saddened in her choices and the way she had handled ending her relationship with Gajeel. Master had told her many times that she shouldn't have put off the conversation for months like she had and now she understood why. Still she didn't need to see the disapproving gaze of his knowing full well he had heard the real truth behind her suddenly leaving the man.

Breaking apart the ones you love

Levy hadn't told anyone other than Gajeel about the real reason she left him, not even Lucy knew. Levy wasn't dense though, she was sure word had gotten out about her being in love with someone else. She knew that Gajeel had told Lucy. She could tell by the way the blonde tried her best to avoid her. It really hurt knowing her best friend didn't want to speak with her. Levy wanted more than anything to desperately speak with her blonde-haired friend about how she was feeling. She needed someone who would listen to her, someone who would let her get everything off her chest before inserting their own thoughts. Lucy was one of the few people she knew who would listen completely before answering. She felt selfish wanting to rant to her blonde friend considering what happened a few nights ago.

It was still shocking to Levy that Natsu had been unfaithful to Lucy. As much she wanted to be on Lucy's side and tell her Natsu was a jerk she just couldn't. She understood why Natsu did it and she also knew had she chose to stay with Gajeel she would've done it as well. That's why she broke up with him to begin with. Leaving him would hurt but not as bad as cheating on him would have. It didn't make what she did to the man any better though. Still she knew how Natsu was feeling in a way, she struggled with it for many months before she decided to call it quits.

Levy could tell Natsu loved Lucy anyone who had eyes could see it. Perhaps it just wasn't the kind of love Lucy had for him. Not all love is rainbows and butterflies either. For all she knew Natsu and Lucy could've had problems no one knew of. There were many unknowns in what really transpired and only Natsu and Lucy knew the truth behind it all. Levy knew Lucy loved Natsu with a passion. Deep down Levy hoped that the two could work things out, maybe they wouldn't be together as a couple but maybe they could become friends again. Levy knew it would take time for the two to even be in the same room together but she hoped that in time they would mend their bond.

Levy shook the thoughts from her head and walked towards the back of the guild. She had come here for a reason before she ran into Gajeel. First though she need to get herself in order again. As she pushed open the restroom door Levy walked to the sink and quickly splashed some cool water on her face. Taking a deep breath, she looked herself over in the mirror. This was it. Today she was going to tell Freed how she felt. To say she was nervous was an understatement. Still Levy wanted to confess to the man. She had much she needed to say and hoped her words wouldn't fail her now. Quickly Levy straightened up her dress and fixed the headband in her hair. Looking over the mirror again she thought about going home and changing again. She just wasn't satisfied with anything she put on her body. Her short and petite frame often made her look childish. Maybe she was just overthinking it. With a sigh Levy put on a smile, today she would take a step forward and finally start doing the things she wanted. With that in mind she walked out of the restroom and headed straight to the guild's library seeing Natsu on the way, she said a quick greeting to him as she passed.

XXX

Natsu mumbled a quiet good morning to Levy as she walked by heading towards the second story of the guild. It was the first time Natsu had been to the guild since he had seen Lucy that night. He still had bruises on his stomach from where she had punched him. Natsu wasn't going to make excuses and pretend he hadn't hurt her. He knew better than anyone he had royally messed things up. It was one of the reasons he had been avoiding the guild these last few days. Natsu didn't need to hear anyone else tell him how much he screwed things up with the blonde or how he had torn a hole in their family.

Hate runs deep for what you've done

All Natsu had wanted was to find Lucy and explain to her how all this had come to be. He just wanted to tell her how sorry he was for hurting her. But Natsu couldn't find her anywhere. Lucy had moved out of her apartment leaving nothing behind but the lingering scent she had. Natsu couldn't do anything but lay on the floor of her abandoned apartment and sobbed for all the mistakes he'd been making lately. He just wanted to be with Lucy. He wanted a future with her. Natsu never wanted for any of this to happen and now all he could think about was how much he had hurt her. If he could just talk to her and tell her how everything happened. Natsu internally kicked himself time and time again for not telling her the first time he slept with Lisanna.

He had been drunk off his ass and so had Lisanna. They didn't even remember having sex but Natsu knew because he could smell it in the room. To make matters worse he had ended up biting her. It wasn't a mating mark thank the gods but it still meant trouble for him. The mark he had left on her left shoulder was similar to a mating mark. Kind of like a test run was the only way Natsu could describe it, it also let other slayers know the takeover mage was off limits. Most slayers would leave a small bite on their chosen mate. The mark would make the slayer go crazy and crave whoever bared their mark but it also let them know if it was strictly desire or if they truly loved them. Usually the mark would disappear within a month at most and it would either be replaced with the real thing or the slayer would go their way. Plus it made the sex ten times better. Still it meant trouble. For a month Natsu would be pining for Lisanna whether he wanted her or not. A whole damn month he would be chasing after a woman he didn't want to be with because of a damn mark. Natsu had thought taking a job would be the best answer, get as far away as possible and wait it out. But he hadn't excepted Lisanna to be taking a job in the same area. That's when things got even more complicated. The damn mark worked both ways not only would he crave Lisanna but she would also feel drawn to him.

I just want to die

Natsu sighed running a hand through his messy hair. If only he had been honest with Lucy from the start maybe, just maybe, she would've been a little more forgiving of him. Lucy probably would've helped as well. Now things were all mixed up. Lisanna was confused by the feelings the mark was invoking in her and Lucy couldn't be found. Natsu didn't know which woman to pursue first in order to set things right. He knew he owed Lisanna an apology for involving her in all of this but, Natsu really wanted to find Lucy first. With another sigh Natsu finally approached the bar hoping Mira would be kind enough to give him some answers and not murder him on the spot.

"Natsu." The barmaid noted as he took a seat at the bar but nothing more, Natsu gulped knowing she was angry with him.

"Morning Mira." Natsu nervously cleaned his throat. "Can I get something to eat?"

"What do you want?" She sighed putting away a few mugs she just finished washing.

"Anything you got ready is fine." With that said Mira disappeared into the kitchen.

Natsu let out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding. He knew attempting to get any kind of information out of Mira was going to be damn near impossible. Still he hoped that she would at least give him some kind of lead to go on. It wasn't long before Mira returned with a tray of food for him. Mira didn't say anything to him as she dropped the tray in front of him causing Natsu to gulp. Yeah Mira is definitely angry with him. Natsu had to swallow down the complain that nearly spilled from his lips as he exam his breakfast. Of all the things she could've brought him, Mira had managed to bring him just about everything he despised. No meat, no eggs, and no kind of bread. Sitting on the tray had to be the most revolting bowl of oatmeal Natsu had ever seen. Usually Mira would always had some kind of fruit or something to it but, before Natsu sat plain disgusting oatmeal. Next to it sat a couple of English muffins and green health drink he had seen most of the girls and a few of the guys drink and always complain about. Natsu looked up at the barmaid and shivered as she sweetly smiled at him.

"Is something the matter Natsu? You don't look quite satisfied with your food?"

"Well it's just different from what I'm used to." Natsu chuckled nervously, "Thanks Mira."

Thankfully someone else had come up to the bar causing Mira to move on the next person and leaving Natsu alone for the moment. He knew he would have to eat this tray of misery if he wanted answers from Mira. Natsu sighed picking up a spoon and English muffin, spooning oatmeal in the muffin Natsu took a large bite. He had to hold back the urge to spit it out and wash his mouth of the taste. He knew for sure he wouldn't be having lunch at the guild if Mira would be giving him his meals. Though Natsu knew he deserved it and much worse. Natsu quickly worked on finishing his food and chugging down the horrid green drink. Why anyone would drink this shit was beyond him.

"Need anything else?" Mira asked giving him a surprised look as she took the tray from him.

"Maybe a glass of water?" Natsu asked as Mira disappeared into the kitchen.

"Here," She offered him, Natsu nodded his thanks as he took long gulps trying to rid himself of the taste left in his mouth. "Now I suppose you want to know where Lucy is." Natsu nearly choked as he tried to answer.

"Yes I tried looking for her but I haven't had any luck. She moved out of her apartment and her land lady doesn't know where she is staying now." Natsu exhaled waiting with baited breath Mira's response.

"I'll be honest with you Natsu I've no idea where Lucy is staying now and I doubt she would want to tell me either." Mira glared at him pointing a finger at him, "You just had to go off and sleep with Lisanna and I'm sure Lucy doesn't want to speak with me because of Lisanna being my sister." Mira ranted causing a few people in the guild to quiet down.

"I know Mira but I truly didn't mean for any of this to happen. I only want to explain things to Lucy. I don't expect her to forgive me hell, I wouldn't want to forgive me either! Still I need to make things right at least a little. Lucy deserves that much and so does Lisanna." Natsu dropped his head in his hands he just didn't know how to right his wrongs.

"You really made a mess of things Natsu." Mira murmured.

Hate runs deep for what you've done to us

"All I know is Lucy left on a job today with Gajeel. It was a simple mission and they should be back in a week or two. For now, perhaps you explain things to Lisanna. She is really confused and depressed." Natsu nodded.

"I will Mira I promise. I know it won't make things go back to normal I'm not that stupid but maybe it will help somehow. Would it be okay with you if I went to see her?" Natsu glanced as Mira waiting for her reply.

"If I find out you did anything other than talk I will gut you like a fish." Mira sighed, "Now go before I change my mind." She waved him off turning as he bolted from his seat, she only hoped that it was the right choice.

XXX

Levy hadn't been this nervous in a long time. Here she was standing in front of the guild's library about to confront the man she had been secretly in love with for some time now. She didn't know what she would say to him or how he would react. Levy had been fighting with herself not to bolt back down the stairway and out the guild back to the safety of her little home. Even if she wanted to leave she couldn't. Levy had promised to help Freed organize the library with a new lacrima that would sort the books and keep them in order. In order for it to work though, all the books had to be logged into the lacrima first which would be time consuming. It gave Levy plenty of time to bring up her growing feelings for the rune mage. Levy inhaled a deep breath trying to calm down her nerves as she opened the door and prepared to greet Freed.

Levy breathed and exhaled silently she love the quiet tranquil feeling that she could only get from going to the library or book store. She always felt at home, a calm in herself she couldn't quite explain. The smell of old books, some with a light coat of dust collected on them from being neglected. There were so many wonders, knowledge and adventures to be discovered in every book. Glancing around the large room she seen a number of books lying around. Levy knew she had come here with purpose but all she really wanted now was to dive into a new story. Books always offered a comfort she couldn't seem to grasp, nothing compared the escape that written stories pervaded. As much as she wanted to be embraced in that coziness, she needed to find Freed.

"Good morning Freed." Levy smiled as she approached the green haired man.

"Morning Levy-san." Freed glanced at her and shifted from foot to foot as if uncomfortable.

"Is something the matter?" She questioned as her heart began to hammer in her chest.

"Well you see Levy-san I just," Freed paused for a moment rubbing his temple. "I cannot think of a nice way to approach this so I shall speak bluntly, it you don't mind Levy-san." He gave her a look and she simply nodded her head, swallowing hard. "I happened to over hear your conversation with Gajeel-san. I'm not quite sure what truly transpired between the two of you, clearly that's your business. However, something he said bothered me greatly Levy-san." Freed paused again once again making eye contact with her. "Did you leave Gajeel-san in favor of pursuing me?"

"Would that truly be so bad?" Levy whispered as she held his gaze watching as it shifted from one emotion to another until it finally became dull.

Look at my face you pierce with a blank stare

"Levy-san I'm not sure how I should reply." Freed's head fell to look at the ground as he ran his hand through his long green locks.

"Just be honest."

"Than what I'm to say will only cause you more heartache. I'm flattered that you would think of me so but, I cannot return your feelings as I have someone I too love. Perhaps you are simply confused at the moment. Some woman will become infatuated with men after being in a relationship for so long. Maybe you simply crave for someone who is similar to you. Either way Levy-san I think you should think clearly on all of this." Freed studied her carefully waiting for some sort of reaction.

"I understand Freed, thank you for being honest with me. I know I said I would help you and I will seeing as I promised, maybe we could start tomorrow? I've much to think on and wouldn't be of much help with my mind in shambles." Levy tried her best to keep her voice even and to keep the tears at bay.

"Of course, Levy-san."

"Well then I will excuse myself first." Levy gave the man her best smile and she quickly left the room not bothering to give him another look.

Shutting the door behind her Levy tried her best to keep herself together as she walked quickly down the stairs. She needed to get out of there before someone attempted to stop and speak with her. To her relief there weren't many people in the guild and so she knew she could most likely make it out before being noticed. Levy neared the door before she heard the voice of Jet and Droy behind her. It seemed nothing would be in her favor today.

"Morning Levy!" Jet zoomed over to her wrapping his arm around her neck while Droy slowly made his way over.

"Good morning Jet." Levy smiled hoping that it seemed more convincing then she felt.

"Come on we got breakfast and we wanted to talk about that job request you wanted to go on." Jet smiled back seemingly oblivious to her inner turmoil.

Levy opened her mouth, ready to decline and excuse herself when Droy finally made it to them and knocked Jet down. It wasn't long before the two of them were fighting about her. As wrong as it was, Levy took the chance to quickly back away and head toward the back exit of the guild. Just as she once again nearly made it past the bar her team caught on to her escape attempt.

"Levy you're not leaving, are you?" Droy whined trying to get back on his feet.

"N-No I thought that maybe we could sit at the bar today."

"That sounds great! Means the food will get there faster." Droy chimed happily.

Levy sighed knowing she wouldn't be able to leave without her team pestering her to no end. So, she decided she would hurry up eat something explain the mission and get the hell out of there pronto. Yet that sounded so much easier in her head. All she really wanted was to be in the solitude of her home to weep her misery. With a sigh Levy slugged over to the bar taking a seat and waiting for Mira to make her way towards her and her team. Levy had been lost in her thoughts as her team argued over who would sit next to her, she nearly fell out of her seat as she heard something slam down. Glancing towards the noice she saw Mira glaring down Natsu. Sitting on a tray in front of the salmon haired mage were all the things the man hated. As terrible as it was Levy had to suppress the giggle bubbling up in her throat. Levy shook her head as Mira approached them to take their orders.

"Morning Team Shadow Gear! What can I get you?" Mira smiled seeming far more chipper than moments ago.

"Everything on the menu!" Droy replied quickly.

"I'll have the usual." Jet laughed as Mira scolded Droy on going off diet.

"I'll have some fresh fruit and a glass of orange juice." Levy smiled trying once again to be upbeat.

As Mira vanished into the kitchen to prepare their meals Levy couldn't help but steal a glance at Natsu. He seemed determined to finish the food Mira had placed in front of him. Levy couldn't help but feel a little relieved knowing that someone seemed to share her feelings at that moment. Sure, her and Natsu's situations were different but only slightly. Sighing once again Levy decided she would take this time to at least explain the mission to her teammates.

"Okay so the mission is pretty simple. We will be going to Clover Town, we will be meeting with a general merchant and transfer some cargo to Shirotsume Town. The goods aren't necessarily expensive but they are important. Also no train runs through Shirotsume so we will have to rent a magical vehicle to insure we arrive on time." Levy handed the job request paper to her left so Jet and Droy could look over it.

"Seems simple enough." Jet nodded.

"Isn't the pay a bit high for a simple guard and deliver the cargo mission?" Droy questioned taking the request out of Jet's hand.

"Well as I said we will be either traveling by foot or have to rent a magical vehicle. I'm sure the merchant has taken that into thought. Plus, from what I understand Mira said the merchant is only paying a part of the reward the man who we are to deliver to is paying the rest of the payment." Levy sighed thanking Mira as she placed their food in front of them, she always hated explaining missions to her team.

"And you are certain this cargo isn't worth its weight in jewel?" Jet quirked an eyebrow at her.

"Well the mission states it's nothing of value in terms of others wanting to steal it so, I only assume that it must be goods needed that are hard to obtain when living next to a frozen mountain." Levy commented popping a fresh raspberry in her mouth.

"If you say so, for now let's eat we can talk more about it later." Jet smiled taking a swig of his water.

"Yeah let's eat!" Droy rejoiced chewing a piece of bacon.

All in all Levy's team quieted down as they went about eating their breakfast. Levy tried her best to quickly finish her fruit so she could excuse herself. She just wanted to get far away from the guild so she could finally let these emotions inside of her go. She knew that it would be hard to leave though, her team would quickly try to follow her. She could always make up some excuse to ditch them.

She thought about what Freed said and wondered if she was really had just become comfortable in her relationship. She never attempted to work things out with Gajeel, she bottled up her emotions and hoped things would fix themselves. What if she made the biggest mistake of her life? She thought caused her heart rate to sky rocket. Why hadn't she talked with him? Why was she so quick to dismiss everything they had been through. Levy felt her throat tighten, she need to get the hell out of here.

He's gone nothing will take back time

Suddenly Natsu bolted from his seat and ran out the guild doors bringing Levy out of her thoughts. Following his example she did the same. She ran from the guild, her teammates calling out her name as the tears she'd been fighting back fell. Gajeel. She needed to see him. With some stupid luck she may be able to catch him before his train leaves. Levy didn't know what she would say to him, couldn't fathom the words. She just knew she had to set things right before he left. Something deep in her heart told her that once that train left all hope would vanish with him too. She made the stupid decision to keep things from him and now she needed to made it right. What if Gajeel was the love of her life and she ruined it? What if she never got the chance to express her concerns with the iron dragon again? What if he didn't want her anymore?

I need him back but nothing will take back time

She couldn't erase what she'd done, the pain she inflicted on him. Nothing would ever take that heartache away from him. But she could give him the answers he deserved and maybe they could try working through it together. Pushing herself further the train station came into view. She saw him. He stood next to Lucy has they boarded the train. Levy tried to yell out for him but a shallow huff came instead. She needed to go a little further, just a little further. Suddenly the whistle blew and the train started to leave. Levy felt her heart sink as she tried calling out to him again, this time he heard her. Gajeel turned staring at her with wide eyes. She ran down the platform calling out to him over and over again. He turned from her shaking his head, her steps faltered as she crashed to the ground. He turned his gaze from her. A wail left her mouth as her world crashed around her.

I know this can't be right stuck in a dream; a nightmare full of sorrow

XXX

Natsu stood outside Lisanna's house. He could hear her crying, her sobs echoing against the walls of her small shared home. His heart clenched at the sound. Natsu really wished he'd never taken that mission with her to begin with. Wished he'd stayed home with Lucy instead. It would've saved them all a lot of heartache. He knew it wasn't Lisanna's fault, no, the fault was his alone. He didn't tell Lucy or Lisanna about the mark. Instead he tried to figure shit out on his own and hurt the two women he cared for the most.

Lisanna was his precious childhood friend, he thought his world had ended when he heard the news of her death. At that time, he had been in love with Lisanna, planned his entire life with the takeover mage. Lisanna had returned his feelings, he had confessed his love for her before she left on that mission with her siblings. He'd been over the moon with happiness and placed a small kiss on her lips. Lisanna had advanced the kiss turning it from innocent and sweet to one of passion. He could feel her emotions in that single kiss and knew he would spend the rest of his life trying to be worthy of her love. When Mira and Elfman returned without her, he didn't believe them. Natsu ran from the truth, ran to the place they built a tiny home together when children. He cried. Sobbed like a child again when he lost Igneel. His world turned dark and a never-ending storm took root in his heart.

Nightmare, full of pain

Then he met Lucy and it was like the sun had finally came out. The dark twisted storm in his heart started to fade with every moment he spent with the blonde. She saved his life without even knowing it. Lucy had to be the most amazing person Natsu had the pleasure of meeting. She cared so strongly for the people she loved. Even though she acted like she hated him and the rest of their team at her apartment, she always cooked them dinner. Always had their favorite snacks stocked in her pantry. Lucy took care of him in a way no other human being had. She opened her heart and soul to him, made him feel safe. It was strange really that she made him, a damn near dragon, feel safe. When he saw her future counterpart die, it was like someone had reached into his chest and ripped out his beating heart. He'd never felt a pain like that before in his entire life. It was worse than losing Igneel. He also knew in that moment he loved her. Not the same kind of love he had for the rest of his family. He wanted to marry her, start a family with her.

Nightmare, full of pain

Lisanna still had feelings for him though. As he spent time with the takeover mage again, he found that his heart still yearned for her. It made things more complicated than he wished. Both of them were amazing and wonderful people. He loved him each for different reasons. Lisanna had been his first love, someone he had grown up with. Lisanna knew him better than anyone and always had a way of making him feel content in life. With Lucy something deeply emotional took root in his heart. Something he had no words for. He just knew that she was it for him. And yet he messed up, he'd gotten drunk and fucked his childhood friend.

I look back and see the twisted road

Sighing Natsu raised his hand to the door and knocked, he needed to man up and do this. It didn't take long for the sobs to stop and Lisanna yell out a chocking 'one minute.' His heart hurt knowing he did this to her. His heart would probably never stop hurting. Maybe Natsu deserved it, he made the choice to not be honest with either of them. Now he's gotta sleep in the bed he made. The door swung open and Lisanna's tear stained face came into view. For a moment it looked like she wanted to slam the door in his face, not that he blamed her. Lisanna opened the door a bit more and allowed him to enter. Natsu walked straight to the living room and sat in the chair and motioned for Lisanna to join him.

"I owe you an explanation." He tried to keep his voice even.

"I would like that." Her voice was a whisper and she wiped at her eyes again.

Even in a state of misery Lisanna smiled beautifully. He didn't deserve that smile; his heart did a little leap in his chest and the dragon inside him purred. His dragon really liked Lisanna and Natsu always assumed it was because he'd known her since they were children.

"That mission we took a little while ago, the one where we both got drunk." Natsu paused looking up to meet her eyes. "I bit you."

"You bit me?" She repeated back to him slowly. "What does that have to do with everything?" She asked not following his train of thought.

"Dragons mark the one they plan on spending the rest of their life with. The first bite is a test. It determines how hard we need to bite for the final mark. It also confirms if the one we'd chosen is right by creating a bond that lasts about a month. During the month the two become sexually drawn to each other. By the time the month is up the dragon knows if what they feel is lust or something deeper. This applies to dragon slayers as well." Natsu watched Lisanna carefully hoping all of this was making sense to her.

"Did you ever bite Lucy?"

Natsu stopped. His eyes widened slightly. He never even thought of biting Lucy. Not once. Did that mean they weren't meant to be together? Something inside him broke and he needed air. His body wouldn't respond as he tried to push himself out of the chair only to land on the stone floor. He refused to believe it. He loved Lucy. Loved her in a way he'd never loved someone before. So why hadn't be placed the first mark on her? His heart felt like it was trying to climb up his throat and jump out of his mouth. He needed to get out of here. Needed to run from it all. This had to be some kind of dream. Why didn't the dragon in him ever tell him to mark Lucy? Why Lisanna?

I know this can't be right, stuck in a dream

"I'll take that as a no." He heard his childhood friend say as arms wrapped around his torso. "It's okay to cry Natsu." She rubbed his back soothingly and suddenly the emotional damn broke.

He wanted it to be Lucy. Didn't understand why it wasn't her. He'd never felt this kind of way about anyone before. He clung to Lisanna as she offered him comfort. His heart shattering with every beat it took. He thought of when he first met her, how Lucy wanted nothing more than to be a real mage. He thought about their first mission, the time she went fishing with him and Happy. Every memory he possessed of the gorgeous blonde replayed in his head and not once did his dragon stir. How could he love someone so fiercely for it not to be true? How come Igneel never warned him of this happening? He wailed as he clung to the woman he now knew to be his mate, the woman he didn't want, and wondered why life was so cruel.

A nightmare full of sorrow

XXX

Good news, I am not dead. I want to thank everyone for being patient with me and I hope you enjoyed the update. Hopefully I'll be able to update once every few weeks, it will depend on my schedule.

On a side note chapter three three has been slightly changed. It's nothing important though.

MidnightsFireflies