Task 8: turning the page (part 2)

Delicate noise behind the door was heard more distinctly now. Sounded like someone was standing there, probably for some time now, doubting what to do. Whoever it was and whatever insecurities he/she had they were solved somehow, and strong knock accompanied by Lily's voice found its way into the room.

"I beg you pardon, Levy, and sincerely hope that my interruption didn't occur at the most undesirable moment but, unfortunately, I have no alternatives. I postponed it as long as I could" - Suppressed irritation was palpable in Exceed's voice. - "Gajeel, please, get your ass up and bring it here! I am done with entertaining your sanguine guest! If you didn't catch I mean your fellow-Dragon Slayer. I had enough of flames and smoke, I want to enjoy clean air and some tranquility again! Do you hear, Gajeel? Get here this moment! I am not joking!"

Only several seconds managed to pass after half naked, disheveled and growling Iron Slayer left his bedroom, when sudden shiver run through the whole house. Thundering noise followed, which, as Levy deciphered, consisted of the longest string of curses she ever heard. The girl hurried into the sitting room, where, definitely, the epicenter of a new catastrophe was located. But she didn't get here. Lucy run from the door, hurriedly closed it behind herself, grabbed Levy's hand and dragged her away.

"Lu-chan..." - Script Mage tried to protest.

"Levy, quickly, create some shield!" Lucy interrupted her. "They are about..."

What Gajeel and Natsu (who else can it be) were about to do Levy never found out. The whole house shook again, then rose in the air and shattered into pieces. Script Mage summoned her Iron Skin, managed to embrace Lucy only to land on the soft fur of Lily's broad chest, whose wide opened arms and calm elaborate movements confirmed the assumption that he came here purposely to help them.

Exceed had stared at her silver body with round eyes for a few moments then gently placed both girls to the ground more or less free of debris, and hissed:

"Levy and Lucy, I am glad you aren't hurt. And before I'll go and kill these two idiots, I have an honor to pass your Shagotte's invitation to attend the Ball. The Queen would be glad to met both of you! I am not sure if your cavaliers will be in shape to accompany you, so, please, accept my apologies beforehand. In case they won't survive,... and they surely won't!" He added fiercely "I'll escort you personally. Now, excuse me!"

With that black cat gave vent to his irritation and dove into the ruins, leaving the girls alone: Levy still in her armor, Lucy bewildered and gaping.

"What...what's this?" Celestial Mage extended her hand and slightly touched Levy's. Shining surface didn't react.

"It's an enhancement, very ancient, a gift the man, who was with me at Vulkan's den, I told about him yesterday, granted me. Without it, most likely, I wouldn't have survived. It's similar to Gajeel's scales in its physical properties, and I can use it along with my own magic". Levy shyly answered. "Thanks to it now I can be actually useful in fights. I can fight alongside you, Erza, Gajeel and others. It makes me so happy, Lu-chan!"

By the time Levy finished her answer Lucy had already hugged her.

"It so, so great, Levy! It looks magnificent on you and standing next to Gajeel, when he will have his scales on, oh, I want to see it! And I want to write about it – everything about your adventure – it will be wonderful story and..." Blond Mage made a meaningful pause, "There probably will be a happy love ending, am I right?"

Levy, whose skin already was free from silver armor, turned red.

"Lu..."

Lucy jumped excitedly: "Yes, I am right! Oh, that's fantastic, I am so happy for you!"

Celestial Wizard did several dancing steps, then stopped, turning to the other girl with curiosity.

"Mind if I'll ask why among all men you choose him, Levy? Why Gajeel? You two are so alike, in everything… don't think I disapprove or anything, just wonder – why?"

Levy smiled tenderly "I don't know, Lu-chan, really. I have asked myself this question many times. When I at last understood that my feeling isn't just compassion or friendship or interest, I tried to find an answer, dissuade myself, even tried to get rid of it, but couldn't do either. Then I started to watch him closely and I noticed that behind all these rudeness and cockiness he hides a big heart. His real personality is very different from his facade. Perhaps I felt it subconsciously before I actually acknowledged it. And, besides," Bluehaired Mage's cheeks again turned a little red, "he looks really good. I am fascinated by his eyes and his black mane is gorgeous and..."

"And, I suppose, you like his studs too, right?"

"Yes, I do." Levy admitted, embarrassed, "Do you think it's strange?"

"No, I think it is just right". Lucy assured her. "It suits him and now, maybe, with your new armor, you would like to have some metal decoration too?"

"No!" Suggestion was so unexpected that Levy even jumped a little. "I mean, maybe, that is, I don't know, I never thought about it!"

"Then do! Something tough and nice at the same time. Several studs in the ears or one in the naval. Or..." Lucy, through they were alone, had lined closer and whispered "you can pierce your nipples. He'll definitely like that!"

"Lucy!"

"What? It's most likely painful and needs time for healing, but looks really cool and must be very appealing for the mage who manipulates metal. Just imagine his reaction when he'll see it".

"Stop that! Stop!"

Levy was brightly red now and the biggest part of her embarrassment was caused by her own imagination. She liked the pictures it created and was mortified by it! Lucy meantime continued:

"Why? You are a couple now. And you admitted you like his, emm, appearance.. Aren't you looking forward to such things?"

"Yes! No! Yes! God, Lu-chan, it is improper to talk so casually about such private matters! You embarrass me!"

Lucy took her friend's hand, her big beautiful eyes looked seriously and solemnly.

"Levy, I have no intention to embarrass you. I just, you know, have no personal experience for now, so I need a first-hand information. For my stories".

Another shock for Scrip Mage. Another invasion of red color.

"Are you planning to write about it?"

"Yes!"

"Oh, my God, Lu-chan, you are joking!"

"I don't! I think it's very interesting genre of literature. You disagree?"

"Ehh..."

"Lucy! Levy! What's is going on here?"

Girl's conversation was interrupted by Erza's commanding voice. They both were shocked to discover Re-equip Mage standing before them, viewing deadly silent remains of Gajeel's house. Was the battle between Dragon Slayers and Exceed over? Then where are all three of them?

"I inquired what is going on here?" - Erza repeated. - "You both look suspicious. Is there something I should know?"

"Erza," Lucy started, when Lily's muffled voice duplicated her, sounding clearer as Exceed's head and shoulders appeared above pile of broken things.

"Erza, pardon my impolite appearance. Although, due to some circumstances, I am unable to greet you properly here, let me assure you that everything is fine. We had an intense sparring session with Gajeel and Natsu. Maybe too intense, but that's expected from such hotheads. So, they are resting now and will be for some time. And we, meantime, can go to the Guild".

"But, Lily..." though Levy knew Exceed couldn't intensionally hurt Gajeel, not mentioning how strong both Slayers were, she still was worried.

Exceed read her thoughts.

"Don't worry, Levy, they will be able to attend the Ball" Pantherlily's unperturbed voice matched his straight face, "And, I am sure, we'll see them in about an hour or maybe a little more. Let's go, I am hungry and probably you'll appreciate some food as well. I wonder what delightful dishes Mirajane prepared for today. Are among them any cakes? Maybe you knew, Erza?"

Of course, Erza knew. She and Lily were engaged in the animated conversation all the way to the Guild. Levy and Lucy walked behind in silence, worried. But after arrival to Fairy Tail, the first thing they saw where two Dragon Slayers, in bruises, sitting on the ground back to back to each other. Lily produced unidentified noise and came inside, Erza followed, not sparing them even single glance, too used to their fierce endless fights. And she needed to reach her dessert as soon as possible. Girls flew to Natsu and Gajeel.

"He owns me a new house!" Gajeel informed Levy when she came closer. Everything under his left eye was black. "With furniture! Two changes of clothes and full stock of iron!"

"What are you talking about, Metal Chump?" Natsu had three big bumps on the head. "It was you fault! And, besides, clothes? You are wearing some beggar's dud all the time!"

"Are you just said I look as a tramp?"

"Of course, you are. Look at yourself, disgusting!"

"You are done, Salamander!"

"Oh, really? I am all fired up!"

"It is the last time you are able to feel it!"

"Ha-ha!"

"That's it! Iron Dragon Slayer Breath Attack!"

"Fire Dragon Slayer Breath Attack!"

"Guys, please, nooooo!"