Although she arrived fashionably early to the bar, it gave her the time to tell Mira and Elfman not to talk about earlier that day, regarding meeting Juvia and Gajeel at Laxus's home. Although they had questioning looks in their eyes, they only nodded. The bar was busy, with people she now knows. Although she doesn't see all of them all the time. The old men were all paterons, there day in and day out. And a young lady named Cana, who seems to drink as heavily. She travels for work with Erza, a red head who is near and dear to her group of friends. And her father, which was the first time she had ever seen Canas dad. They seem to be in the same line of business. But nonetheless Cana loved to play with cards as a bar trick. So she had a group aweing over her. There were already a lot of drunk people. The TV played local sports, and the bar was filled with happiness.
There she sat at the bar, on her phone, waiting for Lucy. She was still flustered, and as the door creaked she looked over. A very shirtless Gray and Lucy in a soft green dress approached. Both seemed to be in good spirits, as Mira and Elfman waved at their guests. Levy felt guilty staring into her welcoming friends. Her stomach hurt at any idea of lying or telling the truth. So she finished her wine glass.
Lucy, Levy, and Gray proceeded to drink more than usual. Partially because Levy insisted on finishing her cup sooner than later and Gray felt competitive instead of catching her subtle hints and the odd holes in her story. Although Lucy did, and she drank less than her two friends she was still willing to pass off and over ride her doubts with faith her friend would share with her what she needs. Because Lucy and Levy had always been open to share, maybe she needed time to express her feelings.
At some point, they had all drank way too fast and they were given the task to walk home. Although the walk of them stumbling, giggling, and making no sense to others but each other was what they had fun with. Gray, Levy and Lucy could all see the blondes home in sight.
—-{some time after Levy left but before the group departed the bar}
Gajeel drove to his work site, where he was planning on meeting his pink haired boss, a friend of Laxus. That's how he got the job in construction, this odd loud, crazy fella who sure liked to pick fights. Upon arrival Gajeel noticed a group of men surrounding a portable table. When approaching Nastu held two small kittens. They both looked hungry, one black and one blue. Although Gajeel was just there to receive payment the black one really drew his attention. He stopped behind the group, and made eye contact with his boss. Nastu gave a large grin, and said "I'm taking these two home! Gajeel follow me I'll pay you there!" Before any more words, Nastu made a quick dash towards his beat up white truck. Gajeel sighed, walking back to where he came from and followed his boss.
The neighborhood looked familiar, and Nastu was a good friends to Laxus so maybe they had driven through it before. Upon arrival Nastu pulled into the garage, and Gajeel dismounted in the driveway. Following the pink haired man into the large home. Gajeel did not take very many steps into the house. One because he was only there for payment and two because he wanted to leave sooner than later. Something just was not feeling right. It was a gut instinct.
Nastu seemed to have disappeared, and been making a lot of noise elsewhere in the house. At some point coming out with the cats wrapped up in a trash can; towels covering their airways. "What are you doin!" Gajeel took strides towards his boss, grabbing the cats from the trash can and pulling them out, untucking their faces from the towel. "You stupid or somethin? Or just tryn to kill em?" He barked.
The pink haired man looked oddly confused and the only thing he felt was anger. "I'm trying my best, you think I've owned a cat before?!" He shouted back, the boys now neck to neck with two kittens in Gajeels arms.
"Just give me my money!" And at this moment, the door flew wide open. Both men looked at the front door which they had been standing not too far from. Three wided eyed, mildly flushed faces stared into the room.
It took no time for Levy to look at Gajeel, who immediately made eye contact with her. Blue cat in left hand, black cat in right arm. They had been screaming at one another but this is not what she had expected. What so ever. She felt so overwhelmed, mildly drunk, with a little bit of winded from their walk. She had been meaning to tell her friends Gajeel was in her life. But this was not the way.
Gajeel knew he was not supposed to be there, where Levy would be arriving with her friends. But it was Nastus' fault, and these goddamn cats. Somehow he got stuck in a rock and a hard place, and all he wanted was his money.
It took Gray one glance at Gajeel and Levy sharing the same confused look at one another to understand what was happening. "You Bastard!" Gray took strides to Gajeel, grabbing him by the collar. It looked awfully odd due to the height difference, but Gajeel just stared at the drunk man. Pulling the cats just a little closer to his chest.
"Gray, you know this guy?" Lucy still seemed to be missing this big picture, maybe a little impaired by the intoxication. Nastu just seemed to be stunned. He must not be used to Gray trying to fight someone else.
Levy, still staring at Gajeel, wondering how he could be here, feeling disassociated from everyone around. She should answer who this is in Lucy's home. She shouldn't wait for Gray to respond. She shouldn't allow for anyone to interrupt as she makes her friend understand. Although she could just not bring the words, as she herself was still trying to understand everything.
This did not take away from Gray's anger, fueled by the alcohol which was not unexpected from Gajeel. Gray took the arm he wasn't using to hold Gajeels collar, and punched him. Gajeel took it, cats still in hand, he fumbled in his step as blood spilled from his nose onto Lucy's gorgeous floors. "Gray what the hell man!" Nastu now yelled, "there's cats!" Rushing to Gajeels side to grab the cats. Which Gajeel willingly gave to Nastu, as he took a step back wiping his hand against the blood dripping from his nose. Then straightened to look back at the dark blue haireds onyx eyes.
"Gray!" Lucy had a tone of which he better have a good fucking reason why she shouldn't kill him, her floors and her house is a sacred place of their nonesense.
But his eyes were dark, shadows covered his face. His spare hand that he used to punch the iron man, found its way on Gajeels collar. Tightening his grip, Levy could no longer watch. "Stop that Gray, Gajeel doesn't deserve this. He's changed, it was all a misunderstanding!" Levy took a gasp, she had been holding her breath pretty much since they got to Lucy's house, she kept her eyes down, looking at the blood on the floor. Which seemed to be moving underneath her, as her stomach churned.
"Misunderstanding?!" Gray gave a firm shake on the collar of the black skin tight shirt. "This guy? I don't think so!" He growled, staring back at the red eyes.
Lucy seemed to gasp, as she connected all the dots. Nastu made his way to the ladies. Maybe to defend them if the fight broke out, maybe to give them the cats so he could join the fight. But nonetheless Nastus' eyes met Lucy's wide stare. He seemed to look guilty, as if he had not known who Gajeel was. But he knew. He knew, and Laxus and Mira came to ask. It was supposed to be a secret, a secret he held as long as he could. And this was just a mistake on his part.
"Levy?" Lucy sounded heart broken, so many questions and mixed feelings. She sounded as if she was going to cry.
But Levy's mind had gone blank, her heart was beating so fast, she must have been locking her knees. She felt like she was swaying as if she had hit turbulence on an airplane. Because she suddenly fainted. Her head slamming the floor like a rag doll. "Levy!" There Levy laid not too far from Gajeels blood on the floor, it looked like a horrible sight. Gajeel broke free from Gray's grasp, and quickly made his way to the blue haired girl. Levy awoke the minute she hit the floor, but needed to calm down.
It was awfully quiet, as Gray walked to the bathroom to find a towel, and Lucy and Gajeel sat with Levy. Nastu was on cleaning duty, as he was at fault for this whole situation. The blue cat sat quietly in Lucy's lap. And the black cat sat in Gajeels mane on his shoulder. There was a cup of water on the coffee table, and Levy laid still on the couch pretending to sleep. "You know you broke her heart. And I'll never trust you." Lucy spoke softly, not to wake Levy, not to let the boys over hear.
Gajeel didn't know what to respond. He knew she'd say that. But he can't beg her to forgive him, he never wronged her. "I love Levy." He responded, matching the whisper. "I'd do anything for her."
But Lucy did not take that. It was just too easy for those words to be spoken, and if anything all of his actions displayed no sign of him changing. She knows words can just be said, and Nastu was the opposite. A man of promises to others and unspoken promises to others he'd keep for a lifetime. But Levy has yet to move on, to find herself a man to treat her well. "I need to know why you are here." Lucy sighed trying to understand the man's intentions meant she was accepting him in Levy's life.
"Nastu owes me my money, and he got these cats and told me to follow him home, he tried to kill em," Too many words for Gajeels liking, but again he had to try hard to be transparent. To gain trust and acceptance, from and for Levy.
"Nastu!" She yelled at the man coming down the hall with Gray.
"What Luce?" He asked with pure innocence in his tone.
The blonde's face filled with red, her hands squeezed her legs, looking as if she was trying to hold back even more anger. "You knew Gajeel was working for you and you invited him over?" She growled with a very threatening tone.
Gray and Lucy now both glared at the fidgeting pinked haired man. Nastu didn't know what to say. He took a long look at the passed out Levy, and a glance at Gajeel. And then back to his family. "It was Mira, and Laxus. They told me to hire him, tell 'em Gajeel! Tell 'em what Mira told me! What you must've told Levy!" Nastu was determined to plead his innocence.
"MiraJane?" Lucy questioned, looking back at the large black haired man sitting next to her. Both Gray and Lucy seemed to be out of the loop. "Laxus is the owner of the construction company that Nastu and I work for," scowling at his voice echoing in the room, " and MiraJane is dating Laxus."
"ANDDDD!" Nastu howled.
"Shut up," he growled back. Sighing and looking down, grinding his teeth, he had to spill more words. "Mira is taking care of my sister, Juvia." Again that feeling of vulnerability that Gajeel hated to have. Let alone to share it with people of not his own. But he wasn't doing this for him, glancing at Levy sleeping, red flush in her cheeks. Her blue hair is messily laying around her.
But Lucy skipped no beat, "I don't believe you, Juvia does not exist and none of your actions have proved otherwise." It was snarky, and off putting especially for the blonde. But a defensive tone.
Gray pulled his phone out, face timing his boss, which was her preferred way of contact. She always said she preferred seeing people's smiles. But this was no smiling matter. "Hello Gray! Is everything okay?" Mira's blue eyes filled the screen while her face was abnormally close to the screen. Miras smile fell when she saw Gray's firm face.
"Well, we have Gajeel over at Lucy's and Natsu's house. Nastu and him are saying some wild stuff. I'm hoping you can clearly detail some things. If that's okay?" Gray took a couple steps towards Lucy, and squatted down next to the blonde's seat, so they were both looking at Mira. Who seemed to have pulled her phone away so she was more appropriately fitting into the screen.
"Well Gray I am not sure where to start. Knowing Gajeel he's barely started," she put a hand to her chin, then pointing as it seemed to be an epiphany coming to her mind, "has he told you about Juvia?"
Gray took a deep stare at Lucy, then back at the white haired woman. "I think that's a good place to start Mira," the blonde chimed in before Gray could think to respond.
A wide smile came to Miras lips, "Well, she is an amazing girl. Who's gone through so much with Gajeel. Who loves her family more than anyone could comprehend."
"Why have we not met her?" Gray barely let the bar owner finish her sentence.
The smile quickly faded, and Mira looked away, "Well, she's not well. I would not know how to explain it other than you'd have to come meet her." Without a step in her beat, her big blue eyes came back, "But Gajeels attorney Freed is a good friend of my boyfriend Laxus."
"Since when have you had a boyfriend?" Gray questioned, he stood from Lucy's side running a hand through his hair and walked to the kitchen.
"Any more questions?" Gajeel asked to the room, Nastu seemed to be messing with his cat, and Lucy off in thought staring down at Levy. Gray continued asking questions to Mira. Levy stirred, the silence was worse than the tense conversation. She could not see herself sitting through this any longer.
"I expect to meet this Juvia very soon. Maybe at the bar, where we could all meet her." Lucy's voice was stern, bossy, and no resisting this demand. Gajeel had no plans on arguing, although he worried about the conditions Juvia would be in to leave the house and all the stress and possible delusions she may experience. The idea of Juvia struggling anymore than she needed to weigh on his heart. But both Levy, and Juvia had already seemed to want to go out together. And if Mira was there then nothing could go that wrong.
"I need water," Levy groaned rolling to her side, cupping the pillow underneath her. Her blue bangs covered her eyes which almost as an uncontrollable compulsion Gajeels fingers gently rubbed on the flushed cheeks and pulled her hair away tucking the longer strands behind her ear. Levy's face was beat red, as she reached for the water bottle handed to her by Lucy. Both Gray and Nastu came to the back of the couch.
"You okay Levy?" Nastu questioned, as he held his small blue cat in his arms like a child.
Levy gulped, and returned to her position on the couch, and nodded. "I think we had too much to drink, and the walk was a little too much." She tried to deflect all the questions and wanted peace. No more tough conversations. Even though her friends deserve to know, she was probably just too drunk and acting childish.
There was an odd silence, as nobody knew what to say. Levy sat, still her eyes closed, and Gajeel did not move from his position. The little black kitten seemed to have fallen asleep. Nastu, Gray, and Lucy were all more preoccupied in thought. Nastu, with his little cat. Lucy with the fact her two closest friends held these important details away from her. There was Gray who stepped out to strip in the pool. He needed to cool down.
"Oh right!" Natsu announced, he ran with the kitten in his arms and grabbed his bag on the kitchen island. Pulling an envelope out for Gajeel. Running back to the living room, "this is yours."
Gajeel pulled the envelope towards his chest, smirking at Lucy, "the cause of this mess," and stood up. He took one look at the cat in the pink haired man's arms, "be careful with him, he might kill the damn cat." Again speaking to Lucy, as if Nastu was not in the room.
This causes Nastu to get angry, "What!? I don't even see your cat, did you already lose em!?"
Without responding in anger, to match his bosses, he pointed to his shoulder. Lucy giggled into the palm of her hand, "You leave Levy here with me, and go find a good spot for the little kitten."
Levy did walk to Lucy's house, and was in no condition to be walking any distances. He also had his motorcycle and if he didn't have the cat he could maybe get Levy on the thing. But with the cat and Levy it added layers of complications. So understanding he was not directly welcomed to stay any longer in the house, he followed the order.
Leaving through the front door, he drove to Laxus' house with one hand on the steering and one hand holding the cat close to his chest.
But Lucy was not ready to settle for bed, she quickly ordered on amazon cat food, a cat litter box and litter. She found herself making a snack for her little guy, and letting it rest in the downstairs bathroom. Meaning Nastu was also put in the downstairs bathroom, against her mightiest fight. She tried to explain she didn't want a dirty sick kitten in the bed with her. But that meant Nastu would also not come to bed with her. It was a routine they had shared the past couple months.
What a night, Lucy thought to herself as she combed the house, picking up odds and ends. She found herself staring out at Gray, in the pool. She thought about how he felt about all of this. She was pretty certain the two blue haired people would end up together. Would Gray be able to allow Gajeel into his life? Throughout all of this he always supported Levy. Could he still?
And with that she brought herself to Levy's side. Her hand found hers, and she rubbed her knuckles with her thumb. "Lu," Levys voice hitched and her tears held in the corner of her eyes.
"Levy," returned Lucy, as they both simultaneously reached out for a hug.
"Are you mad at me?" The blue haired woman whispered into the blonde's ear.
She patted the back of her lost friend, "No," it was simple. She just could not be mad at her.
"I was gonna tell you, I swear! I just didnt- didnt want to disappoint you." Levys tears came to a slow, as Lucy tightened the embrace of her smaller friend.
"If Nastu says it's okay, and he's okay, then I'm okay." Because that's all she could do, put trust in their opinions and their faith. She pulled away from the hug, both now teary eyed, and flushed. Levy was shocked to see not only how much she accepted her, but also because she trusted Natsu. Could she trust Gajeel like that? She questioned inwardly. It was clear to her that Lucy could put up with so much nonsense. She should try to be more like Lucy, able to handle every situation with a strong conscience. Levy made room for Lucy next to her on the couch. They both sat on their phones for a while. Scrolling through various social medias, Levy's head on Lucy's shoulder. Both trying to sober up.
By the time Gray had came back from swimming, he was pleased to see Gajeel was gone, and happy to see the two sitting on the couch together. They looked like they had made up. Wondering where the stupid flame brain could be and how long he could go with out ruining this moment. "Lucy," Grays voice broke a very long silence, the sound echoing in the quiet house. Both the girls glanced up, "Ima crash here tonight." The blonde nodded, as he made his way up the stairs to another guest bed that had kinda become Grays bedroom.
And that was really all Lucy and Levy remembered of the night before falling asleep on top of each other on the couch.
—-
The following day, Levy walked home. Her phone was dead, she had a massive headache, and she had no idea where she stood with Gajeel. So the breakfast with Lucy was weird, when Lucy inquired if they had been dating Levy said no. Levy carefully left out some details of how he returned. Like the interrogation and the pinning on the wall. But left in the lighter part of him breaking in. Which they both chatted about how it was really off putting.
They also talked about what Gajeel was currently doing, letting her in, giving her insights. Trying to communicate. Bringing her to meet his family. Those things meant alot to Levy. It felt different, he had never let her in before.
And finally another conversation they had was Gray. How unhappy her closest friend was. And how angry he was with Gajeel. Lucy poked and had asked if they had ever dated, her an Gray, or had any feelings or one night stands. Because his reaction was so unnerving and angry she had never seen him like that. But obviously all of those were no's and they had been nothing more than friends. Which she had even said, "not like you and Nastu kind of friends." Which changed the conversation to a defensive Lucy. Leading on a good note to get Lucy out the door before it gets too hot. So before the boys woke up, Levy was leaving just around 830 am.
Arriving at her condo, she walked up the stairs which was the worst part. Her legs burned with every step. She found her keys and shoved her way into the house. Her eyes scanned the living room and kitchen for any signs of life. She was no longer the only one appearing in her home. Deeming it empty, she approached the kitchen, grabbing water and starting a pot of coffee. Although she did think about having a cup of wine it was far too early. She found her phone charger and plugged her phone in next to the couch. Roaming her small layout she looked into the office for a Gajeel. He was not there. Approaching her closed door to her room, she grabbed the door handle.
But she waited a second. Was there any movement she could hear on the other side of the door? No. So why was she hesitating? Why was she scared to know? Three possibilities lied on the other side of the door. He wasn't there, someone else was there, or he's there. Levy's paranoia and inability to feel safe in her own home has become an issue. An issue she would have to communicate to him. Sighing, she opened the door. The room was bright with the blinds being open. The sun is shining on her carpet and bed. With a big figure lying on his back, an arm over his face, and a small kitten sleeping peacefully on his chest.
On initial look they both looked peaceful. But as Levy came closer she could see that there was something on Gajeels mind. No one should have such a firm look while they are sleeping. Levy pat the little kitten, and took her hand brushing it on Gajeels collar bone. She took in his muscles which contracted under each breath. She took in his strong arm, which she found were awfully strong and at times gentle.
Her hand swirled around his chest, as she leaned on her bed. The last day has been an odd one. She had that weird moment before she left where she flinched. And he could sense the fear. She knew as if he could smell it. But there were only moments when his actions were unpredictable and she just had not thought about how she wanted to handle the situation. She just knows that their relationship was the furthest thing from conventional. And although theres been no formal dates, ever, she might add, she is seeing Gajeel. But there had to be time, she had to get used to his presence. She has lived alone, she has had no sexual partners, shes never really dated, and shes never seen herself ever leaving those ways. But she always waited for him. And now he's here, should she fear him so much. His initial moments of return was really just horrible. But he's never hurt her. Physically. So she can handle him. There's no need to fear right?
Gajeel grabbed the denim haired woman's wrist that she had rested on his chest. In fear her hand quickly pulled away. But she felt trapped. Her other hand came from the bedside, to his hand to peel his fingers back. Was he sleeping? This grip was unreasonably tight. "Gajeel?" She whispered, the grip was so tight, she put one leg on the bed frame and pushed. "Gajeel?" She said a little louder, and tears now coming to her eyes. "Gajeel!" She now yelled at him, frustrated and grumpy she was not having this.
Which woke him up. A very grumpy Levy, her brown eyes filled with sadness and betrayal, she held her wrist close to her chest. "Levy?" he questioned. But Levy was at this point ten degrees above boiling point and needed space to cool down. Leaving the room and slamming the door, she had nothing to say. She quickly poured a cup of coffee and brought it to the couch. And turned the news on.
It took a second for Gajeel to truly understand what happened. He sat in bed next to the cat he barely remembered how he obtained. Last night flooded his memory. He tried going home, but he just could not get comfortable. His thoughts were unraveling him all night. When Levy flinched at his touch. How Levy acted when it came to her friends knowing about him. When it came to her, what did she consider them? But he knew he was rushing it. So he would have to wait. So he drove to her house thinking she could have walked home at some point in the night and needed assistance. Or maybe she would just want him to be there.
But his dream had really affected him. The black haired man ran a hand through his mane. Trying to collect all these pieces, to be able to share what he needed for Levy.
Gajeel sat in his cell, facing his wall next to his bed. He was meditating, if he could use telepathy he would be using it then. Pretending Levy was there, on the other side of that wall. Would she still think of him? Has she moved on? Was she going to forgive him? Is the outside treating his little fairy fairly? Could she fly as high as the others? He could only hope that his little Levy was doing good on the other side. Hopefully she had made good friends, hopefully she was happy. Hopefully she could one day accept him. Did she miss the moments they spent in the library? Did she miss his presence?
But his moments of meditation were broken, being in prison was loud, and noisy. An unruly bunch that was trapped in cages. His roommate had walked in and tried ruining his peace. He just wanted one more second, his image of Levy had seemed to be so crystal clear. He grabbed the wrist of his roommate who had grabbed his shoulder. He was going to fight the man to teach him how not to disturb Gajeel.
But that's when Gajeel woke up. And he awoke to a heart broken looking Levy. A face he has come to know, but a face that hurts his heart. Sighing, he grabbed the cat, bringing it out of the bed with him. And down the hall, to the right and walked around the sit on the floor in front of the love of his life. Blaming himself for everything he's done wrong leading up till that moment. Till he hurt Levy. Placing the cat on the ground to roam. Looking up to the shy little lady peeking past her phone. Levy. Her hair far more tamed than normal, she must have brushed it. Her skin was red, dark circles underneath her eyes. She must have not slept. Her knees crossed and brought to her chest. It's odd seeing her in this angle.
Levy felt like a specimen, the way he stared at her. What was she an exhibit? She grew increasingly frustrated, as she thought of a list of things she's frustrated with him about. Here he sat staring at her like the cat. She looked over to the black and white kitten also just staring at her. Was he ever going to say anything? Her brown eyes met his scarlett ones. With a deep breath, "Levy," his eyes searched hers, "nothin Ive done so far seems right. N (and but slang drop the a and d) I don know how. An I know you don deserve em."
This sentence even for Gajeel standards was pretty belligerent, "What?" Levy responded completely lost. She thought she understood some of it. He's trying to apologize, he's trying to say he doesn't know how he keeps miss stepping, but what does she not deserve? His mistakes?
Gajeel glanced around, trying to collect any more words from the air. As if he could, "I, don't think you deserve all this trouble." Gajeel quickly made eye contact with Levy once his sentence was made. Direct, punctual, and clear. Which Levy was taken aback, what was he trying to say? She tried to understand, he would not sleep in her bed all night if he was going to break up with her. So she stayed silent. Waiting if he had anymore to say, because everything she was going to say regarded their relationship. "I was dreamin of bein back in prison, when you woke me up Shrimp. I didnt mean to hurt ya." He sat further back leaning his hands on the carpet behind him. Staring at the ceiling, "Nd I shoulda told ya I was workin for Nastu." Running a hand down his face, communication was so hard. He had no idea if he was getting through to Levy. She was seeing where he was coming from now. His anxieties, his lack of communications, the way he's been acting she doesn't deserve. "But Shrimp, I'm gonna work on it, and we'll get this down."
The cobalt lady blushed, her hands moving to her sides. She had a hard time believing that Gajeel was the same as the one in highschool. They seemed to be nothing alike. This one at least tried to speak real words. "I'm upset with you Gajeel, but I'm also really confused." She paused, looking down to her fingernails. Gaining the courage to push on with being straight forward, like Lucy would. "I just don't like coming home wondering if my house has been broken into or actually been broken into. I don't like not knowing if you're home, or if I'm home alone. It's scary." She glanced up, to see if he was listening. And to her surprise her quick speech seemed to have the full attention of Gajeel. Both hands on his knees, and he sat criss cross staring at her. "And I don't want you to give up on Lucy and Gray. They'll come around." With that Levy stood up, to find more coffee. Although she craved wine.
There was a silence, and Gajeel unexpectedly followed her from the living room to the kitchen. Watching her every move. So she grabbed him a coffee mug, and poured coffee for him as well. Taking the coffee mug she slid to him, without looking up. He grazed his fingers along hers. Her shoulder muscles tensed but she didn't flitch. This time. He stared down at her neck, looking at the white skin on her neck. Where her hair met the base of her neck. How the hair pulled down over her shoulders. How all he wanted to do was hold her. To show her nothing but love. And she could barely handle being in the same room as her. The turmoil that she have towards Gajeel makes him sick to his stomach. How could she have waited? How could she still be here with him? How could he accept him? "Ill have to deposit the cash, an Ill go get a cell phone." He stared down waiting for some kind of response. Waiting for some sort of approval.
The petite woman took a large gulp of coffee, "well go together because we have so much grocery shopping to do. That cat will need food, food bowls, cat bin, cat litter, I need to go to the grocery store. And I doubt you know what you're looking for in a smartphone." With a soft smile, and new found confidence she met his eyes.
Gajeel gave a smirk. And took one more step towards her, so his chest brushed her side. Realizing he was too close and acted far too much on instinct, he quickly added distance in between them. Levy seemed to have not minded that intimate moment, and felt a little saddened when he stepped back. She knew her mixed messages and feelings were clear enough for him to understand. Pulling her phone out, she ordered an uber to pick her up at 930am. Enough time to get ready.
Finding a bowl of water, and some canned fish she left down for the little kitten. Locking him in the bathroom, she threw a towel down on the floor for him to lay on. Brushing her teeth next to the kitten who was excited to bite her toes was not that pleasant. But she had no real opinion on the cat. She wondered how they acquired the little guy, she wondered how Gajeel took a liking to the little guy, and she also wondered if it was even a male cat?
She closed the door snug behind her, and found her way to her room. Changing into a cute summer orange dress, and some black leggings cutting off at the knee. She found Gajeel waiting by the window next to the dining room table. She wondered why he was always looking outside. This was not the first time she found him staring out. "You ready?" He turned to her, with a stern face, and lips tightly shut. She tried to ignore the firm face, grabbing her purse. She glanced down at the notification on her phone, "Hes here, lets get going." She lead the way out the front door, locking it as Gajeel made his way down the stairs. A White Jeep Compass waited on the side of the road.
Following Gajeel, he opened the door for her, and shut it tight behind her. And he walked to the street side to get in. This was the safest shes ever felt in an uber. Not having to worry if she had her pepper spray, or if the driver would make any remarks. It was a smooth drive to Walmart. Climbing out she smiled and waved. Quick to tip via the app, and find herself a cart to push.
Gajeel was never more than a couple steps from Levy, throughout the whole store. Which was very possessive, and not like him. But she ignored it for today, because he came in handy picking the larger things up. They started at the electronic section, where Levy paid for his phone. Against Gajeels' will, but he did not realize Walmarts sold phones. But she said he could pay her back. Which he had every intention of doing. They made their way to the cat aisle, where they picked up all the necessary needs. Then to the food isles, where Levy bought everything she needed. Wine, coffee, real food making sure to buy enough for two. At check out Levy realized there was a key stand copier next to the front exit, so while waiting for their uber, Levy printed two new keys for her home.
This whole time- although for Levy's standards it was an unusually longer trip shopping- made Gajeel realize he never wants to do this again. The day dragged felt so long, watching Levy compare prices of cat foods, and pick up and put down different cat bins. How can you not grab just the first litter box?
Getting out of the uber resting everything next to the staircase to be brought up, was the most exciting part of the day to Gajeel. It meant all this bullshit was finally over. Levy quickly ran up the stairs to unlock the door, set her things down and help her boyfriend out. But she stopped, not her boyfriend. Her friend? Hearing Gajeels footsteps come up the stairs brought her out of what she was trying to define their relationship as. She ran down the stairs past him, him carrying almost everything in one go. Levy grabbed the more fragile things, the phone, wine, eggs, milk and came up the stairs. Locking the door behind her. She's never been so aware of the door locking before.
Quick to put the cold things in their belonged places, and find a home for the litter box in the corner of the living room. Finding a place for the food bowls next to the dining table. She felt she was moving so quickly to get everything done around the house. Gajeel made his way to the bathroom to console the lonely kitty. The house was oddly silent, so she pulled some music on Spotify and used bluetooth for her stereo in the living room. Gently playing sound to make sure she didn't go deaf from the silence.
She finally got to the bag with Gajeels phone and plugged it in. She got whatever straight talk was, and planned on switching at some point. But that was really no rush because now he at least has a phone. She found his backpack, and collected his motorcycle key ring and placed her key on the chain. It was a surreal moment for her. Sharing her home with someone. Specifically Gajeel. They had not seen each other in so long. If you had told her two weeks ago she'd be doing this it would be baffling. Not only this but, she seemed to be doubting if shes making the right choice. Shes only had him in her life for how long and shes making this huge step? But then again this relationship was odd from the get go.
The petite woman got up quickly, and moved to grab another cup of coffee. She came back to the couch to see if Gajeels phone was on. It was. So she opened the phone, and saved her number. Following that she added Nastus, Lucys, and Grays. Just in case. And obviously they could get into contact with any one if need be. "Gajeel," she called out, down the hall. She probably has to teach him how to use this thing. She texted herself, "This is Gajeel Redfox," and began to save his number in her phone.
"Hmm?" He haid coming around the corner holding the cat.
"Do you even know how to work a smart phone?" She questioned, as she started downloading all the necessary apps to his phone.
"No?" he responded, sitting next to Levy on the couch. The weight shifted so she had to fight from leaning into his body weight.
The rest of the morning was Levy teaching Gajeel how to use a smartphone. At some point, Gajeel realized, "Does this thing have a camera?"
"What? Yeah of course," she showed Gajeel the camera app. And Gajeel gave a quirky toothy grin, and took an unflattering photo of Levy from under the chin. In return, Levy was not happy and demanded the photo be deleted. So she tried to pry the phone out of his arms. Which he did not give her. Instead, he stood up, and took another photo of her yelling at him to give the phone back. But this camera thing was pretty cool to him, before he was sentenced the first time he was in prison, cameras on flip phones kinda sucked. These seemed pretty amazing quality.
Eventually Levy gave up, she pouted, and thought who would even see those other than him. So Gajeel sat back down and started poking around on his phone, and Levy rested. Her eyes closed leaning her head on the arm rest of the couch. "What do you want to name him?" Levy kept her eyes shut, as she realized they have now had this cat for almost a day and there's been no room for conversation over the cat's name.
"If it's a boy, Panther." Gajeels quick response really surprised Levy, she was not expecting him to have been contemplating names already.
"And if its a girl?"
"Don know and dont care," Levy rolled her eyes internally. "You can name the cat if its a girl."
But Levy had an idea of girl names. She's had a long time of reading and editing articles, she's had a long time to wonder if she'd be a mother. She's had a long time to talk about imagery novel worlds with Lucy. So one of her favorite names she just could imagine was the name Lily. "I like the name Lily."
And like that, if it was a boy Panther, and if it was a girl her name was Lily. And that was Levy's favorite thing about Gajeel. That he never made her fight for anything. Being a very petite woman, in a man's space of work, she always felt she needed to fight for people to listen to her. And even before that in highschool no one ever listened to her. Other than some of her teachers, and before that was. Jet and Droy. She squeezed her eyes shut tight. Jet and Droy, she missed them so much it was painful. She exhaled. But now, people in her life listen. Sometimes, Gray tries, Lucy listens. But Gajeel allowed her to not have to defend herself, or fight about anything.
Whatever was on her mind, Gajeel noticed it. He noticed how she took slow deep breaths. Her small movements to curl even tighter into a ball on the couch. He wondered how he could comfort whatever was weighing on her. But it was clear he was in no position to be making small gestures. So he sat. Whenever the spell of sadness seemed to dissipate he had thought about what moments kept him in the right state of mind.
"You remember when we first met Shrimp?" But Levy seemed to have been asleep or close to it. "Ya seemed so excited to see me, for what reason?" But Levy still wasn't moving, and the large man did not feel like stopping. This was her fault she's missing all this. But he could say he tried. Little did he know, Levy was holding out on her consciousness. Listening to how he would recall the story. "This small, probably the smallest kid in the whole school, approached me. Someone who would and could snap you into two." Sighing, "and you just seemed like whatever you had to say was so important. But it was just a hello." So had he not ever noticed her before that moment? Interesting. But as Gajeel thought she was sleeping, "But I was with Aria, and Sol. Two people I wouldn't want anyone at that highschool to meet. Or draw attention to." This seemed to clear up those people who waited for coffee with Gajeel. But what was their affiliation to one another?
He paused his thoughts wandering, the pretending sleeping princess eager for him to continue. Eager for him to share those times. Close to a decade ago. They- he had come such a long way. "Then there was every moment after that. I saw this spiky blue hair everywhere." Which made Levy blushed; she never thought about when he had started recognizing her around the school. "English, PE, throughout the halls. Then there was the day my squirt was bein hurt." The large man leaned his head back, giving a large hoarse laugh. "That girl had no idea how wrong she was for hurtin you. Id seen ya around school, sweetest thing in the whole world. Aint no way you deserved to be jumped." She could feel his toothy smile, how could he smile about such a time. "So typically I'd stay out of that kinda drama, but I grabbed the bitch, made her squirm in pain. Just for her to get in trouble from the school." So how did he find her spot in the library? A question she would never get answered, "And that's when I knew, that I couldn't leave your side." Levy's face felt beat red, but by the way Gajeel was acting it seemed that she was passing off as sleeping. The man's hand found its way next to the face of Levy. He wanted so desperately to stroke her cheek, but instead it just hovered. Unbeknownst to the little lady underneath the large palm. And soon enough Levy took a much needed nap after last night.