After gym class ended, I headed to my locker to get the books I'd need for my homework. Lucy was at her locker and looked my way when I walked up but didn't say anything. I was halfway through putting my English book in my bag when Jet walked up behind me.

"What're you doin' tonight, Levy?" he asked.

I closed my locker door and turned to face him, smiling. "Gajeel's giving me a ride home, then I'm probably gonna get my homework done and just relax. Why? What's up?"

He ran a hand through his hair. "I could really use help on that poetry assignment. I'm no good with words. You mind if I come over?"

"Of course not! What are friends for? Bring Droy, too! We can have a study group like old times." I noticed Gajeel coming down the hall ready to take me home. "See you soon!" I said to Jet as I went to join him.

"What was that about?" he asked, taking my bag and ignoring my protests.

I huffed. "I told you I can carry it on my own."

"Don't ignore the question, Shrimp."

"He wanted help on an English assignment. We're going to have a study session at Fairy Hills. Would you like to join us?

"I thought guys weren't allowed in the girls' dorm," he said as he held the school door open for me.

"They're allowed in the common area and the kitchen after school until midnight on weekdays and until two on weekends. They aren't allowed in private rooms," I explained as we walked to his Jeep.

"Gi-hee," he grinned. "That's good ta know, Shorty."

When we reached his Jeep, he tossed our bags into the back seat and climbed in to start the engine. I climbed up into the passenger seat and buckled my seat belt.

"So do you want to join us or not?"

He shrugged. "Sure. I don't have any plans today."

When we got to the dorms, I gave Gajeel a tour of the areas he was allowed to roam. Upstairs is strictly off limits to boys.

"I bet I could find a way," he said, smirking when I told him that.

"Gajeel!" I hissed. "The walls have ears and they belong to-"

"Absolutely not!" Erza's booming voice echoed through the front foyer of Fairy Hills. "No men means no men, Gajeel. Boyfriends included."

I blushed furiously as Gajeel slung his arm over my shoulders. "How am I supposed to get any alone time with my shrimp?" he teased.

Erza frowned. "On a date, like a proper gentleman."

She excused herself to go up to her room and change into her karate uniform. She had practice with Master Jura.

When we were alone, I looked up at Gajeel. "Are you really my boyfriend? You haven't been denying it."

"Neither have you," he pointed out. "Gi-hee. Don't overthink things, Shrimp. If ya wanna date, we'll date. If ya wanna be friends, we'll stay friends."

I nodded. "Then I want to start things the right way, on a real date, not just parties and gigs."

"Thought ya'd never ask," he grinned.

Jet and Droy needed more help than I'd thought. I ended up having to help them with not only their poetry assignments, but their math assignments, too. Math isn't my strongest subject, so it was well after dinner time before we finished. Laki and Kinana joined us for dinner, and we all pitched in for takeout. Around eight, Evergreen waltzed past us on her way out the door, with a trill of "don't wait up, Levy," and a wink in my direction. I raised an eyebrow as Gajeel chuckled from his spot beside me.

"What?" I asked him as I began to gather up my things to take to my room.

"The Beast is gonna wreck her," he said, shrugging.

"Gajeel! Don't be disgusting!" I spluttered as Jet and Droy looked at him, shocked.

"Shrimp, look at her, and look at Strauss. You can't tell me I'm wrong about that."

"Elfman and Evergreen? No way," I shook my head in disbelief.

"I dunno, Levy," Droy said. "He has been sitting with the Thunder Tribe an awful lot lately."

"Stop!" I shrieked, covering my ears. "I don't need to imagine that!"

"Mira's gonna eat Ever alive," Jet said, zipping up his backpack and slinging it over his shoulder.

"Nah, my money's on the Fairy Queen," Gajeel said. "She's got some fire in her eyes."

"We're not betting on our friends' love lives," a scolding voice said from the stairs. Erza had come down for her pre-bedtime cake.

"Alright, Red," Gajeel huffed, crossing his arms. "You've known 'em longest. Who d'ya think would win in a fight? Evergreen or Mirajane?"

She thought for a moment. "Of course, fighting is different." She pulled a piece of strawberry cake out of the refrigerator and carried it over to the bar where she pondered and twisted a fork between her fingers. "Mira was in the same martial arts courses as me when we were children, but it's been a long time since she's used those muscles. On the other hand, Evergreen has always focused more on the arts and has never expressed any kind of interest in fighting. If it were serious, Mira would probably win. Although, with Evergreen's temper..." she trailed off as the boys stared at her, Gajeel amused and Jet and Droy stunned.

Erza stood up straight and smirked. "I'll take your wager, Black Steel. Mira would definitely win in a fight."

Jet and Droy said their goodbyes and Erza took her cake back to her room. Soon, it was just Gajeel and me in the common area. I turned the TV on but neither of us really paid attention to what was playing. I leaned against him with my legs curled up on the couch beside me.

As it neared midnight, I felt a bit sad knowing he'd have to leave, and I was drowsy. His scent clouded my head.

"I hate to do it, Shrimp," he said finally, "but I gotta go before ya get in trouble."

I sighed and sat up. "I know," I mumbled, rubbing my eyes.

He ruffled my hair and stood up, gathering his bag and phone, then walked toward the door.

"Friday night. Dinner?" he asked suddenly, his hand on the doorknob. "I know a place."

I smiled. "Mmhmm."

Then I fell into darkness.