"So Levy, what's your codename gonna be?"Jet asked.
"I'm not sure yet, Artificer is fine, but it doesn't roll off the tongue. What about you Droy?" She asked her friend.
"Probably Plant Man, what about you Jet?"Droy asked, already having a hint of what his would be.
"Obviously Speedster, I am fast right", he laughed while making a gesture to pretend he was running.
The three friends left Makarov's Home for the Gifted and went off to school. These three, like many other teens at the home and school, were mutants. Levy could use her hands to materialize objects, Droy could control and grow plants, and Jet could run really fast. Most of the mutants who live at the home were wary about people knowing what they really are. Natsu on the other hand, told his non-mutant girlfriend, Lucy, that he was a mutant on the first date. The girl was actually thrilled, she thought that he could keep her warm being that he can use fire.
When Levy walked into school, she saw a few familiar faces…the kids from the Phantom Lord Orphanage. They were a group of mutants who were open about who they were. Gajeel, who could turn his skin to iron; Juvia, who controlled water and was also dating Gray; and Totomaru, who controlled fire just like Natsu. Levy thought that Juvia was the nicer of the bunch, but Gajeel usually hassled her about her height.
"Hey Shrimp, what's it like down there?" Gajeel blurted out.
"Gajeel, stop making fun of Levy." Juvia slapped Gajeel with some water.
"It's fine Juvia…I don't mind, honest." Levy said in a plain tone, trying not to seem bothered.
"Obviously, it's not fine since you didn't return the greeting," Totomaru said as he played with the fire from his lighter.
"Well, I don't use names like Gajee-", Levy was cut off.
"Gray-sama! When are you gonna give Juvia a tour of your gifted home!" Juvia cried as she saw her boyfriend, who unknown to her and others, was a mutant.
"I don't know, it's not really open to the public you know…" Gray said, scratching his neck.
Meanwhile on the other side of the school, Zeref, a mutant with a deadly power, was trying to get himself ready for class at his locker.
"Hey Zeref!" Mavis, his girlfriend cheered.
"Hey Mavis, I missed you last night." He smiled at her lightly, knowing she couldn't really tell under his mask.
"Aww", Mavis tried to kiss him but he put a gloved hand over her mouth.
"Even if I'm in a mask, I don't wanna risk you kissing me Mavis. My touch of death shouldn't be flirted with."
"That's why you should come to see Professor Macorov, he could try to help you control it. He's helped everyone control their powers." She tried to persuade him.
"Do you really think he could help me?"
"Of course, if he can't do it, nobody can."
"I'll come after school today," He patted her head with his gloved hands.
"Just keep it discreet, okay, don't wanna draw attention." she smiled.
They both walked to their particular classes for the day. Zeref had had his powers since he was 6 years old and ended up killing the family dog because of it. His parents feared him so much that he was made to stay in his room for everyone's safety, and even had his brother be sent away for fear of killing him. His brother was only a year younger than he was, but he couldn't even remember his face, or anything about him. He was a senior in high school now, so that would make his brother a junior, wherever he was. Ever since then, he's been wearing gloves and covering all body parts while in public. Mavis on the other hand had the power of illusion. She'd developed them in middle school, about the time she had met Zeref. They'd been friends ever since she showed him what she could do. Now they were inseparable. People had started to assume they were dating, so they went with it.
Trying to hide mutant powers at school could be an issue for many, but for Makarov's kids, it wasn't the hardest thing to do, but it was always tempting to try getting ahead, they were still teens after all. Jet was the type of guy who'd probably use his powers to be the best at gym class or get to class on time if he was running late. Even Levy used her powers at school, but only occasionally. Sometimes if she forgot a pen or something, she'd reach into her bag and make one appear. Otherwise, they were all pretty decent about not using powers in school.
Lunch was quiet, like usual. Zeref and Mavis sat alone on the far end of the cafeteria; Natsu always ate with Lucy, Juvia, Gray, and a sporty, non-mutant girl named Erza. Levy usually ate with Jet and Droy, sometimes, like today, Gajeel would join them.
"Gajeel, do you only eat with us because of Levy?" Droy asked after biting into his onion sandwich.
"No, I see you guys as friends too. But of course, I wouldn't eat here nearly as often if Levy wasn't here, gihee"
"Wow, you really had me in the first half, not gonna lie. How's the music career by the way? Jet said, making some small talk while they waited on Levy.
"It's rough, guitar is easy, but singing, I hate to admit it, but I'm not the best at it." He whispered the end of his sentence.
"Ever try a different genre? Maybe jazz just isn't your thing." The more chubby boy stated.
"Nah, if I give up, I'll never improve. And I wanna be the best modern jazz artist out there!" Gajeel cheered and stood triumphantly, turning his whole body into steel as he flexed.
"Gajeel…don't you think you're being a bit too flashy with your powers?" Levy said, setting her tray on the table.
"It's not my fault I was born with such a flamboyant power!" He kept flexing, even after he powered down.
"True, if you could choose your powers instead, what would you like?" Levy asked.
"I never thought of it, but honestly, I wish I wasn't a mutant at all sometimes. I mean, I don't hate being one, but I'm not gonna hide who I am to make people comfortable. That's just not me, but I think it might be nice to be seen as normal. Like how I feel with you guys…" Gajeel had given the most heartfelt answer known to man.
"Whoa, that was really deep. I didn't know you felt that way." Jet was floored, he'd never seen Gajeel be so raw with his emotions before.
"Yeah, don't get used to it, Sarusuke." Gajeel rolled his eyes as he jokingly used Jet's actual first name.
The rest of the table giggled, knowing Jet didn't like his real name, that's why he went by his middle name instead. Sarusuke wasn't a bad name, he just didn't like how most people had a hard time saying it. Jet was a three letter word and it was one syllable, no one was gonna mess it up. Although he wasn't a huge fan, he just shrugged his shoulders. They were friends so it was no harm done in his mind.
After lunch, it was back to class. Gajeel and Levy shared a couple classes, like zoology. She'd encouraged him to take courses that were a bit more niche and advanced during their sophomore year, and he was surprised that he enjoyed them. He wasn't the smartest, but he had to admit the courses were fun. They had a test coming up so he really needed help studying. His grades were pretty average, but he knew he could do better; that's where Levy came in, she set to be valedictorian of their class the next year, so her grades were all A's. Levy took all sorts of advanced courses to get ahead in college, but she always took the time to help her classmates and friends with their school work. So she started offering to help Gajeel study for class.
She always insisted they study at the library or at Gajeel's place, never at the mansion. It was too risky, so she always changed the subject, which only added to Gajeel's annoyance. So today, when he overheard Gray finally cave to Juvia's plea for a house tour, he jumped at the idea. Telling Levy it wasn't fair that Gray was gonna let Juvia come over, she just rolled her eyes and let out a defeated sigh. She did however let him know that despite Juvia being there for a tour, they were gonna study. He was fine with that, just happy to get his way.
Levy sent a text to Gray, letting him know how irresponsible he was being and told him that now they had an extra uninvited guest coming over. Despite all of them being mutants, Levy knew they couldn't compromise the secrets of their housemates, so she decided to send a text to everyone in the mansion that they need to refrain from any use of their powers and to watch what they say this afternoon until Juvia and Gajeel left. Everyone replied in agreement, until Mavis chimed in to say that Zeref was coming by. She explained that they were seeing the professor privately, so it shouldn't be a problem. Aside from the fact that he knew they were mutants, he never mentioned it, it wasn't his business.
On the walk home, it was a bit quiet, and kind of awkward. Jet and Droy had told Levy they couldn't walk home together as they were both heading out to the store to pick up some things they needed. So it was just Natus, Juvia, Gray, Levy and Gajeel. The mansion wasn't too far of a walk from the school, but the silence was so unbearably awkward. It got to the point where Gajeel had to pipe up just for there to be some sort of sound.
"You know you don't need to babysit us Natsu, this is typically a day when you hang out with that cheerleader right?" Gajeel smirked, knowing it'd get a rise out of the pink haired boy.
"Lucy's outta town this weekend, Metalhead. And I'm trying to go home, which just happens to be where you're going, so I ain't babysitting!" Natsu pouted, thinking of what fun place Lucy would be off to.
"Don't fight, it won't end well, Natsu. Gajeel can turn his skin to metal, it's an advantage." Gray was being very clear with Natsu, trying to be stern so their cover wasn't blown.
"Darn right I-" Gajeel was cut off, getting his arm hooked by Juvia.
"We should really get to the mansion, I want ample time to look around." Juvia said in a sweet voice, she didn't want Gajeel messing it up.
Natsu pulled Gray and Levy further back so they could have a quiet conversation without the other two hearing.
"I can't believe you two right now!" He whispered while also screaming.
"You bring Lucy all the time, and Mavis is bringing her boyfriend." Rolling his eyes Gray let out a scoff.
"That's because they know we're mutants already, now Gajeel is coming too." Levy chimed in.
"What's so bad about them knowing? They're mutants too!"
"Because some of us enjoy our privacy, Gray. And this goes for you too Natsu, I hope you and Lu-chan last because I don't think I want another one of my best friends to learn from someone else that I'm a mutant." Levy walked ahead to where Juvia and Gajeel were, a tad peeved.
"She's actually right Natsu, that wasn't very cool." Gray followed, leaving Natsu kind of huffy.
Once they got to the front gate, Gajeel and Juvia gazed at the landscape in awe. It didn't take Juvia long to start running all over the place after Natsu opened the gate. Juvia ran straight for the fountain in the middle of the yard, causing the water to move erratically as she waved her arms in a joyous manner to impress her boyfriend. Gray tried to calm her and keep her arms still, but it was in vain as even her finger movements were enough for the water to continue flowing. Gajeel on the other hand, kept his composure as he gazed at all the topiaries. He noticed that some were in the shape of women, while others were more freeform and geometric; unbeknownst to him, they were all works of Droy. The scenery actually made him think of a little song on the spot.
"Me and Levy, two of a kind. Studying like topiary, oh how divine. Sweet as a wild cherry, shooby doo ba!"
"Not to critique your new tune, but cherries aren't always sweet." Levy let out a small laugh.
"Yeah, but you gotta admit it sounded nice."
As they got closer to the front door, they noticed Gray and Juvia behind them, her looking a bit sad with a small stream of water following her like a slime trail. Natsu was already inside the mansion when they got to the door, a large man with orange hair standing before them, watching with a raised eyebrow.
"Levy, Gray, who're these kid's and why are they here?" he asked.
Gray started first, "Well, Gildarts….um this is Juvia, my girlfriend. And that is Gajeel, he's our friend and Levy is studying with him." Juvia waved shyly while Gajeel stood stiff as a board.
"Is that so, Levy, is this true? You wouldn't lie to me right?" Gildarts gave her a little smile.
"It's true. I'm tutoring Gajeel and Juvia just wanted to hang out with Gray." She couldn't help but shift.
"Very well then, let's get you all in." They all shuffled into the mansion, but Gildarts pulled Levy aside, saying, "You're smarter than this Levy, I would expect something like this out of Natsu or Gray, but not you.
"I know, and this wasn't my idea. Besides, me and Gray aren't the only one's beginning company." She rolled her eyes, annoyed that she was held to a higher degree than the guys because of the cool head on her shoulders.
"We already know about him coming, plus Mavis has been trying to bring him in since they met, you know that Lev. Anyway, go on ahead with your study buddy." Gildarts sighed and then sent her a wink and a smirk that made her blush.
She led Gajeel toward the lounge area. It was filled with burgundy furniture with gold accents. The chairs they sat in were velvet tulip chairs with gold trimmings. Gajeel had never been in such a nice room before. They would typically study in the library or at the orphanage. Not that those places weren't good enough, it just wasn't this well put together. They'd been studying together for the last month for their zoology class, per his request of course. Although it wasn't always productive, Levy could see a slight improvement in his grades on the homework and tests for the course. She had assumed that she was just unlocking his hidden potential or that she was just a good teacher, but no matter what it was, she was just glad she was having a positive effect.
"So…I thought this was gonna be a private session in your room, gihi." He leaned back in his chair, giving him a smug grin.
"No, this is fine, our personal rooms are off limits to visitors or anyone who doesn't live here."
"Ya sure it's not because I'm a guy? Or maybe because I'm a filthy mutant." Gajeel spat his words with disgust.
"You know that's not it, Gajeel, it's house rules. If being a mutant was an issue, I wouldn't have you over at all, much less even be your friend. There's nothing wrong with being a mutant, you can't change it. You're you, and I accept it, it's who you are."
"You wouldn't understand, you don't get looked at as being dangerous for something you can't change, or even have people avoid you in general for being different."
"Listen Gajeel, you're a good person, a bit of a jerk sometimes, but still good in my eyes. And maybe if you want people to give you a chance, you could be a bit more discreet with your powers in public. I know you hate hiding, but it could be worth a try. By the way, aside from house rules, we're out here so you don't suggest any unconventional study tactics." Levy tried to lighten the mood a little.
"Ugh, that was one time Shrimp! Just because I suggested we strip once, doesn't mean I'll do it again. And it was a joke, Shorty, I wasn't being serious about it." Gajeel let out an embarrassed sigh as he explained himself.
"Sure it was Gajeel. Now, we really need to focus on this lesson." Levy said sarcastically.
On Gray's side of things, the overall tour was starting to go sideways. Juvia was interested in everything, wanting to look at every picture, in every room, and look at everyone. Gray had to make sure she wasn't going into any unauthorized areas. He knew it was stupid that he caved, but he really didn't want to keep disappointing her as his girlfriend. He had to admit, he wasn't one for affection all the time and his overall attitude was indifferent when it came to their relationship; yet, Juvia was just happy to call him hers.
"Juvia, please slow down, we don't want anyone getting hurt." Gray yelled after her as she ran gleefully down the hall.
"Don't worry Gray-sama, Juvia's fine, she's just so excited about your home!"
"Uh, how bout we go to the pool?" Gray suggested this as he put his hands on his knees, started to lose his breath, he really needed to work on his endurance training.
"A pool! Then Juvia can put her powers on full display!" She cheered and hugged him tight.
"That'd be awesome Juju, come on."
It didn't take them long to get to the pool. People were always hanging out in the area, some looking at Juvia and Gray walking by. Several of his housemates were having a good time, splashing each other, particularly a young girl with blue pigtails and an older guy with a scar on the left side of his face. Juvia could tell they were buddy-buddy, despite the gap in age. She didn't want to disturb them, so she summoned some water out of the pool to make a small orb the size of his head.
"What do you think of Juvia's powers?" She moved the water to form a cocoon around them, giving a little more privacy.
"I think they're great Ju. Controlling water is a very beautiful thing, you know." He said.
"Yes, it can be. But unlike Gajeel's they are not flashy." Juvia blushed and the cocoon of water fell to the ground.
"Did you lose concentration?"
"Yes, Juvia wasn't prepared for your answer."
"You can cut the act with me Juvia. I know you only speak in third person because you feel insecure. But you don't need to feel that way with me, got that?" Gray kissed her cheek.
"That was very sweet of you Gray…can we finish the tour now…?" He made her blush so hard that she felt steam coming from her head.
"Yeah, but only if you hold my hand and don't run." Gray said with a stern voice as they walked from the pool.
As Juvia and Gray continued the tour, Mavis and Zeref hurried into Makarov's office.
"Sorry we're late professor, something came up at school." Mavis said as they came into the room.
"That's quite alright, I'm just glad Zeref is here with you. I've been looking forward to meeting with you young man." Makarov said, holding his hand out as if to shake his hand.
"Can you really help me sir?" Zeref asked, rolling his eyes and ignoring the obvious ironic situation.
"I can sure try! Now please, can you show me what you can do to that plant over there?"
Zeref walked over to the plant that Makarov had motioneed him toward. He picked it up by the pot and brought it back over to the other two before setting it down a small coffee table. He then took off one of his gloves and reached his hand on a petal, making the whole flower wilt and die. He frowned at the now dead flower, giving them a look, like he wasn't surprised that it happened. Makarov told him to try again with a different flower, but to concentrate on life, trying to hold back on what could trigger his powers. This time, he prolonged the life of the flower for a few more seconds than the first time.
"Already, there is progress."
"I knew you could do it, Zeref!" Mavis cheered.
"When can we do more?!" Zeref was eager to learn how he could control his mutant abilities.
"Baby steps, we will start with techniques for concentration. I hope Droy won't be too upset about his plants after all this." Makarov let out a hearty laugh.
"Well, it'll give him more experience and practice." Mavis giggled in response.
With their session being short, Mavis and Zeref bid each other goodbye. Since she couldn't touch him, they always just blew kisses to each other.
Back on Levy's end, studying had gone surprisingly well. Gajeel had been so focused that they had moved onto his math homework, one of his weaknesses. But between the homework, Gajeel had noticed a few familiar faces from school, not realizing they too lived here like Levy. One thing that did surprise him was the age range of inhabitants, noticing another older guy like the one who had greeted them. Everything was pretty quiet until Levy noticed a certain someone standing behind a hardworking Gajeel, eyeing daggers into the back of his skull, Knew she had to step in.
"Laxus, we're studying, can you stand around menacingly elsewhere?" Levy said, making Gajeel go full metal and stand up, not even realizing the blonde was standing behind him.
"I'm not doing anything yet. Just wondering why he's even here."
"As you can see, we're studying. Like I said."
"You're right, I can see. But I know why he's really here. You just wanna take my sweet Levy. Thankfully I'm here to keep that from happening." Laxus spoke in a teasing tone, walking around to hook an arm around Levy's neck with a devilish smile.
"Ha, don't make me laugh. That's ridiculous, I'm smart enough to know that she's not your girl." Gajeel rolled his eyes and sat down.
"Then why do you act like you're not smart enough to make good grades, huh? Oh yeah, because Lev here is a sucker for tutoring. Tell him sweetheart." He smirked and leaned closer to Levy.
"Ugh, screw off Laxus." She threw his arm off as Gajeel eyem him.
"Whatever you say. By the way Redfox, I was here first, don't forget it." He said before taking his leave.
"Don't listen to him. He's just trying to get into your head, does it all the time with Natsu."
"How's a guy like that get accepted to live here?"
"He's the owner's grandson, he's a shoe-in. But he's not totally bad. I grew up with Laxus, he's only gotten mean like this in the past few years."
Levy's father and professor Makarov had been good friends, bringing Levy around as a child. She and Laxus met at a young age and became fast friends. When her powers started coming in, he brought her around more often to show Makarov what she had been up to. But when he died, Macarov took her in; she didn't remember what happened, but she was sure her abilities were what saved her life. From that day, Laxus became like her protector, an older brother. They spent a lot of time together, playing, using their powers, or just hanging out. But as they got older, Levy started to crush on Laxus; however, he started to drift away, becoming a high schooler while she was still in middle school. Her crush never truly went away, but Laxus stopped spending much time with her all together. She was sure he knew about it, but they never spoke in it. Recently though, Levy's crush on him was just about gone, until they had a small party where they shared a kiss.
Levy knew the kiss wasn't real, but she was annoyed that he even referenced it. Sometimes he'd bring it up if he was teasing her, or to pull a "big bro" move.
"Shorty, maybe it's time I get Juvia and leave?"
"Are you sure Gajeel, I promise Laxus worn bother us again."
"Nah, I know when I ain't wanted." He said, picking up his phone to call the water mutant.
When she picked up, he told her it was time to go home. Levy made a note to have a talk with Laxus after they left. Levy and Gajeel waited for Juvia and Gray to come, standing awkwardly in silence. A few moments passed before the couple came, hand in hand, all smiles. They bid them goodbye and Levy told him what happened with Laxus. Gray figured it was a mix of his superiority complex and the "big brother" attitude he has for her. She wasn't sure, but she knew she needed to confront him about it.
When Gajeel and Juvia got home. They each went to their own rooms, Gajeel not wanting to talk about what had happened, and Juiva not asking. But it was definitely bothering him. He didn't want to pry, but he couldn't help but wonder what kind of relationship Levy and Laxus had. So he decided to text Natsu about it.
Gajeel: -Hey Natsu, we're friends right?-
Natsu: -That's debatable, but please, continue.-
This made Gajeel roll his eyes.
Gajeel: -I know it's none of my business, but what's the history between Laxus and the shrimp?-
Natsu: -It's not my place to tell you, but it's not like it's a secret either.-
Gajeel: -Then what's the deal? Why'm I in the dark about it?!-
Natsu: -It's a long story, and you don't live in the house. I don't see the harm in letting you know, but this is just what I know. By the time I was sent here, Laxus and Lev were already buddy-buddy. Me and Levy were still in elementary school, but Laxus was in middle school. Every time I wanted to hang out, he was there, barely let her out of his sight. Later, they would go out to the movies or whatever alone. I figured they were like dating or something.
Gajeel: -THEY WERE DATING!-
Natsu: -I don't know, let me finish first! Anyway, like I was saying, they would hang out alone. But Laxus stopped hanging out with her once he hit high school. I never noticed them the same since, but I figured she had a crush on him. Fortunately, Jet and Droy came and you know how close those 3 are. But recently, Laxus has been really weird. They kissed at a party we had maybe a month ago, I don't know if it was for real or anything though.-
Gajeel: -So you're telling me she had a crush on that jerk and they kissed!?-
Natsu: -If that's all you got from that, you're pretty shallow. They have a deep past. They were inseparable, so I'm not surprised that he might feel a bit peeved about her hanging out with you. You're basically like a rival to him.-
Gajeel: -That's surprising, he never acted like I was anything to him. I guess it makes sense since the shrimp is involved. But doesn't she always hang out with Droy and Jet?-
Natsu: -I mean, she's already rejected them, and said she just wanted to be friends. But you know, Laxus is a complex guy. Anyway, please don't tell Levy that I told you.-
Gajeel: -Good to know a high schooler's got a grown man shaking in his boots. I wouldn't dream of telling the Shrimp you told me-
Back at the mansion, Levy was having her own conversation with Laxus about what happened. She couldn't believe he would do that to her. It was pretty childish for a guy who was about college aged.
"You didn't have to be so rude, Laxus. We were trying to study." Levy threw a punch at the tall blond before her.
"Course I did, you don't think he's studying with you to get smarter right? Plus, you need to be using my code name in training" He quickly dodged the punch, ducking under her arm and getting behind her.
"Not every guy is like you La- Raiju. Gajeel actually wants to do better at school." She said while turning to face him.
"Keep telling yourself that and see what happens. You know he likes you, we all know it." Laxus threw a bolt of lightning in her direction.
Levy jumped to the side where the lightning struck. "We said no powers!"
Laxus cocked his head to the side as electricity sparked from his hands. He smirked and said, "You think an enemy would actually keep such an agreement? You should never underestimate your opponent, or assume they're as noble as yourself."
"We have no enemies Laxus, I don't see why you feel the need for everyone to train."
"Times are uncertain, if push comes to shove, I need everyone to be capable of protecting themselves. I won't be here to protect you forever."
Sometimes, when Laxus showed his more caring side, it seemed so out of character. He was rough, harsh, and not always easy to get along with, but he truly cared about his housemates and friends, not just Levy. But many of them knew the ultimate goal was to learn to use their powers productively, and help people, not to fight. Ever since her powers started the manifest, Levy knew she could help people, sure she couldn't shoot fire or lightning from her hands, but her's seemed practical. Object creation was her power, yet she hadn't mastered it, she could do a lot. From small objects like pencils, to bigger things like fire extinguishers. She was still trying to work on even bigger items, one reason Laxus trained her.
"How're your powers coming along? Making anything new"
"I've been trying, I started with making cement walls. But it takes so much out of me. I guess I need more practice.
"Of course you do. If you continue practicing, you'll be able to do more than hand to hand combat. You may even be able to beat me, but I doubt that." Laxus smirked and held his hands behind his head.
"I'd rather not. I don't care about beating you Laxus."
"Suit yourself." He left the training room. Leaving Levy alone to get a ping on her cell phone.
She opened the message and read a text from Gajeel.
Gajeel: -You wanna hang out this weekend? That is, if Laxus is okay with it.-
Levy: -Sure, but Laxus doesn't dictate what I do or where I go.-
Gajeel: -Great, where ya wanna go?-
Levy: -Idk, the mall?-
Gajeel: -That's kinda lame. I thought it would be like a real activity.-
Levy: -Fine then, the sports complex.-
Gajeel: -Sounds like a plan!-