As last one wasn't happy at all, I had an urge to write something lighter. This is how this small story was born yesterday and today received few changes.

Something unexpected

"What with the face?"

"Nothing!"

"Hmm…" Pantherlily hummed, but decided against pushing matter further, Gajeel looked particularly out of the mood. 'Perhaps it's just overall cheerfulness,' Lily thought. 'New Year's holidays don't seem to be favorite time of Iron Dragon Slayer.'

Although he partnered with Gajeel and joined Guild only about a month ago, Pantherlily by this time was acquainted with Slayer's habits and character peculiarities quite well. Man cherished his solitude, but Lily not once spotted broody envious glances he shot from time to time toward laughing and merely chatting guild members.

Last few days Fairy Tail Guild was in special uproar. Holiday time, richly decorated hall, endless noise and bustle. Now mages very busy preparing presents, the most impatient, like Juvia, already managed to gave theirs. Gray was gifted with a rather big stuffed doll, with which, according to his puzzled expression, he hadn't any idea what to do. He held it in his hands and it was enough for Juvia to feel happy.

Gajeel was moody. For last half an hour and it was almost of the time they spent in the guild he looked into his mug, which had long been empty. Lily tried to converse, to ask what's wrong, Slayer barely reacted. Exceed shuddered and decided to live him alone for some time. Sulkiness can be contagious.

He toured around the guild, observing how everyone busied themselves with something. Laughter was heard, friendly frolics took place throughout the hall. Seems only Gajeel was excluded from general fun.

"Lily!" He heard gentle familiar voice. "Can you fly here?"

Fairy Tail's script mage blue head peeked around the corner, inviting black cat to follow her.

He complied and was greeted by lovely sight of guild's gathered girls. Levy and Lucy was there, along with Wendy, Erza and Mirajane. They all stood around small table on which some kind of statue was placed. Lily looked closer and gaped.

It was a very precise and beautifully made statue of his partner and himself sitting on his shoulder. Details were amazing, even Gajeel's epaulet-feathers, partly torn tunic, studs on gloves and boots and Lily's eye-scar were here. The statue was grey and shining, unmistakably made of iron. 'Happy first New Year in Fairy Tail' was inscribed near Slayer's feet.

"How do you think, he'll like that?" Levy asked. She was blushing slightly, looking at Exceed with hopeful eyes. "We decided to give him present from entire guild, since it his first year and he usually not very eager to participate in our celebrations."

"I am sure, he'll appreciate" Lily started, but Lucy interrupted him:

"Of course, he will! It looks great and you spent eternity making it" Celestial mage turned to Lily "It's Levy, who did it. And idea was also hers. Beautifully done, right? She thought we have to include him in celebration even if he is showing no sight that he wants to be in it."

"He just didn't used to Fairy Tail's ways." Levy immediately defended Gajeel and Exceed smiled inwardly.

There was another blush and she lowered her eyes. "Juvia told us in Phantom they didn't celebrate holidays at all. We have to show him, you know."

"We will, don't worry, honey" Mirajane encouragingly hugged blue haired mage. "He had helped the guild a lot in these few months he joined us, it's only right to thank him."

And so they entrusted black cat with a task, not waiting for the party to begin as Iron Slayer surely won't be there. Lily returned to hall to find his partner as broody as before. Spotting Exceed, Gajeel inquired angrily: "Where the hell you'd been? Let's go!"

"I was asked to deliver this to you." Completely disregarding his temper, Lily gestured to next table where girl's gift was now sitting. Gajeel stared at it in complete shock. "Guild's compliment for you, gratitude and wishes for a Happy New Year."

"Me?"

"You." Lily repeated.

Iron Dragon Slayer at this moment looked exactly as his gift-statue, only he was much bigger and in flesh.

Exceed actually was amused, he knew about his partner's social troubles but didn't assumed they were so bad, so he simply added:

"Take it and we may go home, if you didn't change your mind and decided to stay for the party."

"We will be glad if you'll both stay." Mirajane, who, with a tray full of delicious looking cookies, was heading to some customers, stopped near them. "We always celebrate with the whole guild and you are a part of it now." She smiled at them and proceeded ahead.

Gajeel was silent for a few minutes than looked around the hall, his eyes lingered on Lucy, Wendy and Levy, who changed into party's suits and looked like little group of cute elves, than drifted to Natsu-Gray frolicsome brawl and he timidly asked his Exceed: "You think they will be ok if I stay?"

Small cat answered without hesitation:

"I am sure they will, Gajeel!"

A/n It wasn't easy for Gajeel to let himself feel at home in Fairy Tail and start built friendly ties with other members. Levy here already liked him and being kind soul wanted to help. And it worked. :)

I would be glad to see reviews. If you find mistakes, let me know, it will be appreciated. Any feedback is welcome and precious for me.