Task 3: legs (Part 3)

If Erza didn't happen to come by, Gajeel for sure became homeless one more time and probably missed this so important for his Exceed Ball.

Elfman dropped a remark that it's manly to take care of a girl. Natsu added that it's good that Gajeel turned soft and things hellishly escalate.

"Soft, huh? I'll show you soft, damn fire dolt!"

And without further proceedings Dragon Slayers launched a fierce battle, which caused everything around to smoke, crackle and shake.

But Erza did happen to come by (what she was doing at this neighborhood – someone able to tell?) and now she was holding still heated Natsu in her relaxed death grip, while Lily and Levy tried to calm another Dragon Slayer a bit, although without much success.

They both hugged him tightly and due to fight's activities Gajeel already was without his shirt. He quickly changed his battlefield anger to other fervent emotion. Does it mean he calmed down? Not!

As Lily moved away to Erza to discuss how to mend matters between two stubborn Slayers peacefully, which means with as little destruction as possible, Levy gingerly tear herself from Gajeel as well. She was blushing and looking at him with embarrassed but shining with happiness eyes.

And there was this pleasant and confusing feeling again, both inside and on his covered with gooseflesh skin. And his greediness also manifested itself – he needed more attention from her!

As sensing his need she reached for his hands and took them slowly, gently, giving him time to withdraw.

"You all right?" She quietly asked him.

"Yeah." Came equally quietly response.

'Maybe Salamander's foolishness isn't this bad if it lead to such things?'

"I'd tell you he is still ugly looking but inside now all nice and soft!" Natsu yelled from side trying to escape Erza's hold.

'Isn't this bad, huh? Fucking hell! I hate this guy!'

"Gajeel," Levy gave his hands a gentle squeeze and released him. "Natsu always was like this. He is like his element – uncontrollable, passionate, a little wild. Well, not a little, but usually he means well. Just doesn't feel boundaries and doesn't know when to stop. Don't hold a grudge for him. Please."

What can he tell? Surely the guy was excessively dumb and deserve messy death, but when Shorty was looking and asking him like that…

Hell, probably Salamander was right, he became soft. Selectively soft! Yeah, that's all right. He can have soft spots. One or two. For his cat and … her.

Gajeel awkwardly averted his eyes, his destroyed house instantly came into view. It looked worse after their fight, well shit, if he doesn't want sleep outdoors tonight, it's time to start redo.

As Iron Dragon Slayer set to work, he amazedly discovered that the whole gang joined him.

When they discussed what would be better for whom to do, Salamander's blue cat materialized somehow. Short after Lucy emerged, then perverted Ice Stripper with Juvia attached to him showed up (who the hell informed them all where he lives?), then he saw Dragon Kid and Mirajane (is there attracting spell around his house or something?)

With such quantity of skilled hands work went fast. In a couple of hours the wall was restored, debris removed and his partly broken belongings fixed and good as new.

By middle of the day whole company was laying at their backs, forming circle in Gajeel's backyard, covered in plaster, tired but chatting joyfully, all in a cheerful mood.

Even Iron Dragon Slayer looked composed, through mostly silent with a light (Lily would define it as easy) smile on his face.

Maybe because small fingers of blue haired script mage at this moment were brushing his. Subtle touch, feather light, but it was soothing and intimate, their hands buried in grass, so no one had a chance to see. Strangely pleasant feeling filled his mind, pushing all previous vengeful plans and murderous intentions far, far away.

"So," Tranquility was interrupted when one of latecomers decided to inquire "What happened here at the first place?"

Gajeel instantly became tense.

"Oh!" Of course, Pantherlily was eager to relate. "I and Gajeel were occupied making preparations for the Ball. His strides too wide, feet planted too far from each other when he stands still, so we…"

"I swear, cat…" Iron Dragon Slayer felt fresh wave of rage.

"You too thought about it?" Lucy interrupted. "I tried to plant this necessity in Natsu's head!"

"Did you succeed?" Lily distinctly sounded hopeful to hear something like "Of course, not!" He already assumed that Natsu probably wasn't easier to deal with, but still wanted to obtain confirmation that he is not the only person in this world stuck with dense dragon slayer.

He got his wish.

Lucy let a heavy sigh: "I did not!"

"There is nothing wrong with me, Luce!"

Gajeel barked with laughter, but stopped abruptly as Erza in one swift motion jumped to her feet.

"Since you are both here now, it can be settled easy and fast." She switched in her deadly commanded mode and grabbed both Slayers by their dirty shirts.

"Stand up!"

She tugged them.

Fuck, the woman is strong!

"Faster!"

How's he already on his feet?

"I said both!"

Ups, Natsu received another heavy smack.

Gihihi, that's good.

"Stay still!"

Ok, we stand. Now what?

"Stand here!"

She outlined 2 narrow circles with her sword.

Oh, fuck!

"Right here!"

Not enough space!

"Let's start!"

Fuuuuuccckk!

Luckily for Slayers all company decided to participate, so instead of usual Erza's inhumane exercises it rather turned to be fun. Lucy, being experienced in official meetings and balls, had showed them how to move, bow, turn, then all tried to repeat.

It was actually merry-making sight and Pantherlily personally was in heaven, observing how gracefully Gajeel can move when he puts effort.

As for Iron mage he also was glad. It was much better that Lily's bossing directives, he felt as he belongs to Fairy Tail, participating in joint fun activities with the others, and Shorty's hands from time to time brushed his body as they moved around each other, trying to imitate right motions and gestures.

And they are still have the book to read, so it will be more interaction and contact.

He really was looking forward to it.