An Amazing Night

She turned to face him after finishing her tea, their knees touching. He looked to be extremely interested in whatever she had to say, which was really rewarding! To be acknowledged by the king! "Okay, I'll start with the smaller idea first. I was thinking of getting a petition or something out there for regular citizens to sign for a volunteer clean-up day in Hargeon."

Okay, that was something he could get behind. He grinned at her, he seemed to be smiling a lot these days. "I like it a lot."

"That way, instead of forcing people to do it, we can get the ones who actually care to go out and help!"

He saw the stars in her eyes as she spoke, she was so passionate about this, and he loved it! "It's a good idea, but it's gonna take longer than a day. Maybe we can create a schedule. Like once a week, or somethin'."

"We could do one neighborhood a week, maybe on a Saturday!" She continued bouncing ideas off him. "And post sign-up sheets for each session so people can choose which ones they want to help with! If they want to help out every Saturday until we've cleaned up the whole town, that's fine, too!"

"But Levy," he had to bring the part that a lot of people didn't understand to her attention. "Those people… they won't give a shit that we're cleanin' up the streets. They want me ta do somethin' more proactive."

That upset her! She gripped his knees in frustration. "But this is proactive! That town needs all the love and care we can give it! We have to start somewhere!"

He put his hands on top of hers, his thumbs stroking her wrists soothingly. "Yeah, but they don't get that. They want me ta make a drastic change now, or nothin' at all."

"Why do they think that way? It's infuriating! You know, a homeless guy approached me while I was there, asking for spare Jewel. I found some and I gave it to him, and Lily told me I shouldn't have helped him!"

"He gets it, Lev. I bet the guy didn't even show appreciation, did he?"

She thought back to the weird interaction, he was right. The guy just grunted and stared at her as she walked off. She didn't think too much of it; she just figured he had poor communication skills. "He didn't…"

"See?" He squeezed her hands. "They don't care about the help they've already gotten. If it doesn't make everythin' all sunshine an' rainbows, they don't want it."

Her shoulders drooped, this was depressing! Wanting to help a town that didn't care was tough! "Even still… once we've cleaned up the whole town, I'm sure they'll appreciate that, right?"

He gave a sad smile, she finally understood that it wasn't so easy doing the right thing. "Yer right. They should, at that point."

"Well, I've written up a few different sign-up sheets for different scenarios, so I can look at what I've got and tweak some things, then I can go submit them to someone who can have it broadcasted!"

Wow. She truly was a diamond in the rough. She'd thought of everything! "An' where d'ya plan on leavin' these sign-up sheets?"

"We can mail them to each post in Fiore and set a deadline for people to go and sign up, and when the time's up, it will be arranged that they just mail them all back to the Crocus post! Lily and I can go pick them up!"

"Who are ya gonna have broadcast it? It needs ta be a live event, so everyone can see," he said, loving each part of this plan.

"My best friend's a journalist! She knows all the right people!"

"Okay." He needed no further convincing. He was sold! "Let's do it."

She lit up more than he had in a while, her face breaking out into a huge smile. She couldn't help but lean forward, throwing her arms around his midsection in an unexpected hug. "Oh, my Gods! Thank you! Thank you!"

Oh, fuck! He wasn't ready for this! She was pressed against him, touching him more than she ever had so far! But he'd be damned if he didn't hug her back! His arms went around her, nearly trembling with the urge to just pull her into his lap! He liked it when she was happy! He'd do anything to keep her this way, holy fuck!

"It's nothin'," he turned his head to hide the soft rose on his cheeks. She was going to be the death of him! The way she felt in his arms was so divine, the way her chest was pressed against his torso, Gods. If he positioned the covers right, he could hide the massive hard-on he was currently sporting! Thank fuck she couldn't see it right now!

"What do you mean, 'it's nothing'?" She unwrapped her arms and put her hands on his shoulders, smiling brightly at him. "This is the best thing ever! We're finally going to get Hargeon the help they need, the help they deserve! And it's all thanks to you!"

He looked at her, his strength crumbling instantly. "It was yer idea, Shorty."

"Yeah, but you're making it happen!" She paid no mind to the large hands that were holding her waist. When did his touch become familiar?

"Levy…" his hands went up to her face, cupping it gently. He was already drowning in those honey eyes, unwilling to be saved. She did it. She trapped him. And if it was foolish to be swept up in her wave, then he'd gladly take the title of the biggest fool in Fiore.

He held her face and she felt so cared for, so warm. His eyes told a story of vulnerability, and she just wanted him to feel safe. She may not have ever experienced intimacy on this level before, but she definitely read enough romance novels to figure out what was coming next! And she was all for it! She looked at him in anticipation, their eyes locked for what seemed like an eternity. 'Well? Get on with it!'

He was almost certain she wouldn't reject him by now, at least he hoped he wasn't reading the look on her face wrong. It was like she wanted it! "Can I kiss ya?"

She nodded before he could even finish his question; he really didn't even need to ask! But she was a little nervous! She'd never kissed anyone before! Embarrassing for someone her age, she knew that, but still! She closed her eyes as he leaned in, and just… wow. His lips were softer than she thought, and the coolness of his studs felt nice against her skin. She let him take the lead, guiding her lips in the way they needed to be guided. His tongue brushed against her lips, asking for entry and she granted him access. His fingers laced themselves through her hair as he held the nape of her neck, exploring her mouth with his tongue. This was all so intoxicating! He was so tender and sweet with her, this was a side she never would have imagined he'd have!

She never wanted this to end.

He needed to stop. He needed to slow his roll before his dragon decided to take her right now! She was so eager, so delicious. She moaned lightly into his mouth, and he could smell her again… she wanted him, and it sent blood rushing to his lower half. He pulled her closer, this was beyond anything he could have imagined! Then she held his face, pulling him closer to her! He… he couldn't! With great might, he pulled himself off of her, her hazy, lidded eyes begging for more. "Levy… it's not time yet."

She could barely hold herself together! They broke apart and she hated it! His ruby eyes, now glowing brightly pierced right through her. Was… his dragon presenting himself to her? A voice deeper than his normal one sounded, telling her it wasn't time yet, and somehow… she understood.

He gave her a soft kiss on her plump lips, hoping that was enough to satisfy her for the time being. She looked bummed and it broke him, but he could tell they had the type of chemistry where they would keep going once they got started. "I know. I'm sorry, Lev."

"I get it," she said, her voice but a whisper. She let her hands fall from his face and onto his chest. "I get it."

He took her hands and kissed them, rubbing her fingers. He needed to make a ring for her. Maybe he could make one when he made her chains. Would she even want them? Was she as innocent as she seemed, or was there a deeper, dirtier part of her? He had to know! "Let's get our minds off this, hm?"

"Yeah, you're right," she fought to recover her breath, sharing in a small laugh. This felt good. It felt natural. Gods, why was she fighting it? He was clearly the one! "Can I… have another hug?"

"Ya can have more than a hug, Shorty," he said mischievously, reaching out for her. Everything he had to offer, was hers.

She rolled her eyes playfully, lunging into his arms happily. Was this what true happiness felt like? "Oh, yeah! My other idea!"

"Let's hear it," he said into her hair. Could he get her to sleep there tonight? Probably.

"Okay, this one is a huge one, and it'll probably ruffle a lot of feathers, but it will weed out the bad ones," she sat up, adjusting herself so that her back was against the wall again.

"Oh, I'm a master at rufflin' feathers," he scooted next to her and put his arm around her waist, pulling her so that there wasn't a hair of space between them.

"I know!" She poked him in his side, leaning into him. "But seriously, I put a lot of thought and reasoning into this. I think you should make it a thing for all mages to register their abilities."

Have them register their powers, huh? He understood how that could make some people unhappy, but he liked the idea. He had his own reasons and explanations as to why he liked the idea, but he wanted to hear her reasoning behind it to see if they were on the same page. "An' what's yer reasonin'? What kinda thoughts did ya put in fer this?"

"Okay, so I figured we… you, could have the Council conduct a sweep of some sort…" she trailed off again when he looked at her questioningly. "What?"

"It's 'we', Lev," he said firmly, squeezing her side. "We're in this together. Continue. I'm listenin'."

She blushed, hiding her face in his comforter. "Okay… well, we could have the Council of each town conduct a sweep and log names and powers, that way we can keep track of the types of powers that are around and monitor certain areas closer if need be."

He wondered for a bit. If he did that, he'd have to call a meeting with the other dragons, including Sting and Rogue. He hated meetings!

"And," she said, an index finger up with an idea. "For the mages who have an issue with it, they can be dealt with!"

"Dealt with, how?"

"I dunno, lock them up, or something until they register!"

He rubbed his chin with a chuckle, she was funny! It was good to know that she had a… stricter side to her. "Lev, we can't do that! It's wrong."

"What do you mean? If you pass a law, people have to follow it, or deal with the repercussions!"

"Repercussions fer what, Lev? Wantin' ta protect their best interests? We can't punish people fer not wantin' ta disclose personal information," he explained. "If we do this, they're gonna feel like I'm takin' away their livelihood!"

"Don't think of it that way," she said, looking up at him. "Think of it as protecting your people. This way, no one can go power crazy, and if they do, we know exactly who they are and what powers they have. We'll be able to take proper measures to restrain them until they cooperate."

He snorted. "A pipe dream."

"Hey!"

"I mean, don't get me wrong, I love the idea, it's just…" he sighed. "Go ahead an' try ta explain that ta the public! They're gonna rip yer face right off!"

"Oh, Gajeel," she put a cautious arm around his torso.

"I mean, I'm gonna hafta call a meetin' with the other dragons, an' shit," he groaned, holding her arm. "I don't wanna talk ta them!"

"But don't you have to meet with them to talk about the clean-up plan?"

"Nah, fer that, I can just send out a communication."

"Which I can help you send in Dragonic now~" Levy grinned up at him, happy that he was learning so well, even with her acting like she was. "Isn't that exciting?!"

"Yeah, I guess I do gotta great teacher," he said nonchalantly. "Really."

"I'm not that good, stop it," she looked away, her voice tiny.

"I mean it," he noticed the pink on the tips of her ears and was pleased that he seemed to have found one of her weaknesses. He leaned down, his breath on her ear. "Yer brilliant, Lev. Yer so full of wisdom an' good ideas."

She couldn't take this! It was too much for her! He was so… smooth. Like he knew exactly what to say to get her worked up! "Gaj…"

She trailed off while saying his name, and he hummed. That sounded nice. "Call me that more. I like it."

Oh, Gods! She was finding it hard to breathe, her body getting warm. How was she ever going to get used to this? She turned her head, now burying her face into his side. He really smelled so good. "Okay…"

"An' don't worry," he said, stretching his legs with a sigh. "I like yer idea, but it will cause some uproar. I wanna run it by Lily tomorrow, if ya don't mind."

She nodded in appreciation. "I like the fact that you include him in your bigger decisions."

"Well, yeah. He's been with me fer so damn long, he knows just as well as I do. His input has never steered me wrong."

"Yeah," she yawned, inadvertently holding him tighter. "He's got insane intuition."

"Ya tired?"

"A little," she said, sad that she was nearing the end to a perfect night.

"Sleep here."

He really said that with zero hesitation! And the crazy part was that she wasn't bothered by it! She knew he wouldn't do anything that made her uncomfortable, and she was looking forward to being held properly all night. "Okay."

Yes! He did it! He was just full of victories tonight! He kissed the top of her head before unbundling himself and standing to close his bedroom door. He moved around his room, getting ready for the night, taking his shirt off and tossing it at her. He gave her a mischievous look, should he ask her to wear it? Or was it too soon?

Not that she was complaining, but did he want her to wear this? She held it to her nose, inhaling deeply. She couldn't help herself! Well, whatever he wanted her to do with it, he wasn't getting it back! Why? So he could put it back on? What a terrible idea! She was getting the best view right now! And the way his pants hung low on his waist, showing off that delectable 'v' that she just wanted to drag her tongue along…

"See somethin' ya like?" He had to.

"No, not at all!" She chirped, laying down and getting comfortable. She had to think about something else! She tucked herself into his thick comforter, hiding her blush.

'Sure~' He watched her cozy up in his bed, offering what he'd been secretly begging for all these months. He liked this. She looked comfortable. Even with only honey eyes and a wild blue mane visible, it was still the most exciting sight he'd ever seen.

"What do you usually wear to bed?" She asked, breaking the silence.

"Gihi! That's a naughty question, there, Lev," he poked, digging around in his dresser.

"No! Not…! Ugh!" She couldn't win with him! "Just…!"

"I'm just messin', Shorty," he grinned, dangling a pair of shorts from his hand. "I usually sleep in my boxers, but I don't wanna overload ya!"

She wanted to protest, badly, but it was probably a good idea there were more than a few layers of clothing between them! "You're an idiot!"

"Yeah, but ya like it!" He took the opportunity to quickly change into his shorts while she was hiding, thankful for the fresh air on his legs. He didn't like exposing them much except for when he slept. "So, d'ya usually wear that big shirt ta bed?"

"Sometimes," she said, rolling onto her back. His bed was entirely too comfortable! "Only when I'm feeling lazy."

"Did one of yer other boyfriends give it t'ya?" He tried to be cool about it, but there was no way in hell she was buying it! He went to his window, cracking it a bit. He liked his room cold so he could bundle up and stay warm. It was cozier that way.

She wanted to laugh, but it was embarrassing that she'd never been with anyone! She looked around nervously, how would he view her if he knew she was inexperienced? "No! I bought it for myself!"

"Uh-huh," he hummed, crawling in next to her and facing her. He lay on his side, propping his head up with his hand. "Ya sure that librarian didn't give it t'ya?"

Ugh. It wasn't like this before, but just the thought of Freed at the moment made her skin crawl. "Ew, no! I don't like him like that!"

"Okay, okay, gihi!" He left about a foot of space between them, for his own good and hers. Though he was itching to touch her! "Next time, wear mine."

His voice dropped a pitch or two lower when he said that, and she nearly shuddered from the tingles it sent through her body. She covered her face, he was insane! "Gajeel…"

"Nuh-uh," he smirked at her, knowing exactly what he was doing. He could read her like a good book. "Call me 'Gaj'. I liked that."

"Stop teasing me!" She squealed into his pillow, ignoring how good it smelled. Maybe she could steal it and take it to her room!

"Say it first, an' I will," he flashed her his best smile, loving the reactions he was getting out of her. He could get used to this.

Two could play at his little game! She lifted her head and looked at him with a small hint of determination in her eye before she moved closer to him, a dainty hand caressing a chiseled face and landing on a bare, broad chest. She gave her best pouty lips and dragged a finger down his pecs. "Oh, Gaj…"

He froze, his mouth agape as blood went rushing to his lower half. This little vixen! He couldn't wait to get his hands on her! He grabbed her wandering hand, it had a mind of its own as it began trailing along his abs. He had to stop her! He let out a strained grunt, closing his eyes. "L-Levy…"

This was way better than what she expected! And he felt so good, how could she not admire the work of art that was his body? "You don't like it, do you? See!"

A low rumble erupted from the pit of his stomach, fighting to keep his dragon in check. She'd gotten dangerously close to him, it felt like they were both trying their hardest to resist the magnetic attraction between them, and failing miserably. "Ya don't even know the half of it."

"You know…" she said, her voice soft. "This is a really nice night."

"I agree," he rolled onto his back, his hands behind his head. "Ya deserve a nice night after what ya went through today. Sorry ya had ta go through all that."

"I knew what I was signing up for," she smiled, wanting to tuck herself against him. Instead, she just kept her cool. "No need to apologize."

"No, Lev. I do. It's 'cause of me, ya went through that shit."

"…I know." She played with a lock of his thick black hair. "You scented me."

"I'm sorry, Levy. I didn't mean ta do that…" he glanced at her, she was still looking at him so sweetly. His heart!

"It's okay… it wasn't your fault. It wasn't anyone's fault, it was just something that… happened."

He rolled back onto his side, facing her and brushing a lock behind her ear. "Ya really don't mind?"

"Well, I'd known for a while, so I had time to process it. But it was because of that, I was able to get you Rogue's shadow," she said sheepishly.

His eyes grew, she willingly walked into danger?! "Levy…"

"I know, I know, it was risky. But it all worked out, didn't it?"

"Please…" he held her hand to his chest. "Be more careful. Things are different, now."

"You're right," she was sad; she didn't like upsetting him! "I'm sorry."

"Lev," he pulled her in so that she was now against his chest, that foot of space no longer existent. He'd give anything to not see that look on her face! "It's okay. Ya did real good."

She was so warm against him, he held her so tenderly. She could get used to this. But there was something she felt like she was forgetting! It was going to drive her crazy! She buried her face in his chest, Gods, she'd give anything to feel his skin on hers, but damn her shirt, in the way of things! "You promise?"

"I promise. Yer the only one who coulda gotten that fer me," he said, taking in the scent of her shampoo. She was brave, that's for sure!

"What were you planning on doing with it?"

That was a good question. He read something somewhere many, many years ago about some dragons being able to eat specific things to gain abilities. He just hoped it worked! "I'm gonna eat it!"

She couldn't help but push herself off him and look at him incredulously. Was he out of his mind?! "You're going to… eat it?!"

"Why not?" He rolled onto his back again. "I read somethin' sayin' I could."

"You think I don't know that? I've done my research, too! There could be serious repercussions to doing that!" And he wanted her to be safe? This was crazy! "Your body could reject it! Do you know what would happen then?"

"Hey, I figured Laxus probably did the same, an' he's a human. If a human can do it, then a dragon could probably do it, too!" He explained his silly way of thinking, understanding her point of view. He liked the fact that she cared.

"But what if it doesn't work? What then? You're just gonna leave me and Lily hanging like that?"

"But what if it does…?"

"Ugh!" He was so hard-headed! Gods! "Think about your people. Who's gonna run this place if you decide you want to kick the bucket because of your foolishness?"

"Lev, yer not lookin' at the full picture, here. I am thinkin' of my people… as much as I detest 'em, I'm doin' this ta save 'em. I can't enter Hargeon without 'em takin' it out on those people, an' they've already had enough. If this works," he took her hand, his voice softer. "Lev, if this works, I can make the moves I need ta make. I can move around easier, I can go an' see Hargeon myself. I can confront 'em properly. I'll be stronger."

"You… really hate your people?" She didn't understand. She thought all those times he said bad things about them were to bother her, but he really felt that way. Why? She knew he cared at least, but to hate them? "They're the ones who bring fruition to your land. They look up to you."

"I care 'bout 'em, but I don't like the way they treat the land. They litter, they lie, they cheat, they have no respect fer their surroundin's or the ones that actually care." He hoped she understood his reasoning. "It's not like I want ta hate 'em, I just can't help it. I've been around fer a while, an' I've seen some shit, Lev. They don't care as much as ya think they do, but I care. I care enough ta make a change, ya see that, don'tcha?"

"I get it."

Her voice was small and sad, and he didn't like that. But he couldn't change how he felt! Though, as the king, he couldn't have asked for a better mate. The love and care she had for this nation were grander than he'd ever seen. She was the yin to his yang. He combed his fingers through her hair. "We'll make a great team, together."

"I just worry, you know?"

"I know, an' I appreciate it. No one 'cept fer Lily ever really cared about me. Thanks."

"Just…" she closed her eyes and sighed. "If you're really serious about eating that stuff, at least let me be there while you do it. Or have Wendy come by so she can heal you if she needs to."

He had high hopes that it would work, and didn't really think he needed the kid to be there, but Levy? He'd let her stick around for anything. He grinned. "I'll let ya watch. An' if somethin' happens, I have faith that yer gonna be able ta fix me right up!"

She guessed a small victory was better than none. "Okay, fine."

"Gihi!" He hugged her close, letting his eyelids get heavy with sleep, but there was something bugging him that he wanted to clear up before they dozed off for the night. "Can I ask ya somethin'?"

"Mhm," she hummed, her eyes already closed.

"Why did ya hate me so much?"

She looked up, putting some space between them and sort of curling into herself. That's right! She was supposed to clear that up before she'd cozied up to him! Was that what she was forgetting? "Well…"

He noticed her go back into her shell and he frowned. Whatever it was, he had to clear his name! "What is it? Tell me."

She turned away from him, she hoped she had it all wrong! Though, for some reason, she couldn't look him in the eye! "I hated you because of the state Hargeon is in, but now… I understand that you care, and that you're making a change. I just wish you would have done this sooner."

"Yer right, I shoulda done somethin' a long time ago but, I was scared, Lev. I was afraid of what would happen ta the people if I went in an' harassed their leaders. They'd be the ones payin' fer my actions."

"…that's not an excuse," she said hesitantly, but firmly. "What's the difference between doing something then, and doing something now?"

"I didn't have ya here with me."

Thank goodness her back was to him! Her mouth dropped, was she really that much of an influence on his life? Even with her being so mean to him these past few months? She turned cherry red, he truly didn't realize the weight of his words! "Don't say that…"

"It's true."

"Still!" She had to stay strong, which she found ironic since they were both currently laying in his bed half undressed! At least it was easy to be a little strong when she wasn't looking at him! She decided to make a mental note of that for future use! "That's not the only reason!"

"What else?"

"In the beginning… I thought you only cared about wealth," she said, realizing that sounded silly! "I thought you prioritized money over the happiness of your people."

He let out a small chuckle. "Lev, have ya seen the way I'm livin' now? I have the bare minimum. An' I'm fine with it. I make weapons usin' my own iron and give 'em ta members of the Council. In every city. Sometimes I feel like I'm nicer than I should be."

Levy remembered Lily mentioning something about that to the guard at the gate. So, that's why he spends so much time in his shed. He was making hundreds of weapons by hand on a regular basis! Luckily for him, she didn't have anything to say to that!

"Anythin' else?" He smirked. All these damn assumptions are what kept them apart for so long. Is this how some people really viewed him? He knew he would be disliked by some, but for those reasons?

"All those years ago…" every time she thought about it, she got so emotional. "Right after the war… all those people…"

He couldn't stand this anymore. He reached for her, closing the space she created and curling his body around hers. She protested slightly, but quickly gave in when he spoke into her ear. "Levy…"

She was so over her body just caving like weak lawn furniture! This was probably that same crazy magic or whatever he used the time she fell asleep on him on the couch! She couldn't fight him off even if she tried! Not that she wanted to.

"I didn't do it."

She furrowed her brow, was he… lying to her? The books clearly told her what happened! "Don't lie to me…"

"I'm not. I swear. Although, I'm surprised," he was still in her ear, knowing the effect it had on her, but he needed her to stay put and listen! "With ya bein' such a bookworm, I'd assume ya already knew that it was my piece of shit of a father who did the killin'. Not me."

She… was really wrong about everything? No wonder Lily vouched so hard for him! He kept telling her to talk to him, to give him a chance and try to understand him, but she was just so damn stubborn! She became a lot less tense, her worries floating away. But being the way she was, she couldn't help but try and hang onto something that validated her previous emotions. She didn't want to seem like a lunatic! She huffed. "Even still! Where were you during all of that? Why didn't you stop him?"

He felt her relax against him again and he gave her a light squeeze. "I was just a kid, Lev. There wasn't much I could do but stand on the sidelines with the rest of the young ones."

Caught up in irrational anger, she hadn't considered that. Silly, but true.

"Is that all?" He grunted into her ear again, thinking perhaps it wasn't such a good idea she was pressed against him like this. He needed to control himself before she felt something she wasn't ready for yet!

She nodded ever so slightly, just enough for him to catch it.

"Good," he drawled into her hair. "D'ya still hate me?"

She shook her head, why did he keep smelling her hair?! Even though she was warm, a chill ran through her body, goosebumps present on her arms and shoulders. She was going to have to stock up on her shampoo!

"Even better," he mumbled, letting sleep take over him. He decided to test his limits, seeing what she'd let him get away with. He rubbed her arm before he let his fingers trail up to the base of her neck, resting his hand there lightly. He heard her sigh and felt her completely relax into him. 'Oh, fuck she's into it!' What other kinks was she hiding? "Sleep here from now on."

He wasn't slick! But she didn't care. The way his big hand felt on her chest and neck, Gods. She was in no position to deny him, that's for sure! She smiled softly. "Okay."

And they both drifted off into a sleep deeper than they'd ever experienced.