Gruff Support Gajeel: Take Two.

As always, thanks for all the love, and happy reading.

Lucy did not see Natsu the following week, or the week after. His birthday came and went without a visit, and she began to worry after the third week. Four weeks after he had kissed her, he finally returned. He said he'd been busy with Zeref, and apologized for not coming back sooner. After receiving his birthday present, a scarf she and Igneel had worked to make together, he'd asked to return to their previous lesson. Confused, she'd decided not to ask about the kiss, and he never brought it up.

In fact, it felt as though he'd created extra space between them. He didn't act any different, but she could feel a distance there that hadn't existed before. Fear had her holding her tongue as she tried to figure out what had gone wrong.

During that time, the gods began to prepare for war. As they actively planned and began to move the humans into action, she avoided them more and more. Since they were busy planning, they forgot about her possible nuptials, so for a while at least she was relieved from having to think about their plans for her.

Levy was so busy she stopped visiting as well, and she found herself in Gajeel's silent company more and more. He never brought up her possible marriage or the war, just existed around her, quietly napping or watching her work. She appreciated the company, even though they barely spoke. Until one day, when he initiated the conversation for the first time.

"Yer thinkin' 'bout someone."

Lucy's hand jerked, causing her needle to stretch the fabric. "What are you talking about?"

"I've been watching ya for weeks, Bunny Girl, you can't hide it."

"When did you become the god of observation?"

"Any god can observe," he said, "and don't change the subject."

"I just don't have anything to-"

"Is it the human yer so attached to?" Lucy's teeth ground together a little and she refused to answer. Gajeel chuckled. "What's got ya so torn up about 'im?"

"Nothing," she said.

Both of Gajeel's eyebrows flew up to meet his hairline. "Did you just… lie?" He sat up, absolutely serious for once. "What's goin' on?"

Despite the gnawing sensation in her gut, she said, "I told you-"

"Don't lie again, Bunny Girl, don't need ya hurting yourself." He studied her seriously. "You don't ever lie. Are ya tryin' ta lie ta me or yerself?"

Lucy shook her head, cursing silently. "I don't want to talk about it."

"Ya should anyway." He shook his head. "If it's got ya breaking yer morals like that, it's gotta be a big thing worryin' ya."

Lucy chewed on her lip as she considered Gajeel. He was a gruff god, terrifying physically, but he was honestly really great to talk to if you could get into his circle. Despite that, she worried about talking to him about Natsu. If she told him, then he'd probably tell-

"I won't tell Shrimp if ya don't want me to," he said, reading her mind.

Lucy took a deep breath and let her inhibitions out with it. After a few false starts, she began to talk. She told him everything, about watching Natsu grow up, and about helping him become a better adult that his humble beginnings had set him up for. She told him about the thoughts she'd had lately, her desires as well as her reservations. She talked about the conversation they'd had, about the kiss, and about how messed up she was over everything now that he was acting like it never happened.

"Well, I don't know why he's being coy now, but he was definitely trying ta gauge yer interest. Because he was interested."

Lucy had thought so, but hearing it confirmed from someone like Gajeel had her feeling flustered about it. "What?"

"Yep. He definitely wants ta be with ya."

Lucy instantly flushed and then cursed as she rubbed her cheeks. Gajeel chuckled a little, but then he stopped to study her. "Why are ya thinkin' about this so hard? If ya want him and he's willing, just bring him here."

"It's… not that easy," she said as she fiddled with her fingers.

"It is." He sighed. "I'm feeling some de ja vu," he mumbled before raising his voice again. "Listen, we gods and goddesses can bang whoever we want. Humans can bang whoever they want. If ya both wanna bang, then bang." He clapped his hands together. "Just ask him. Worst case he says no and ya know where he stands."

He got to his feet with a groan. "This heart to heart stuff is exhausting. I'm gonna go check on Lev and probably head back to my pantheon for a bit." He fixed the pillows he'd sat on to avoid being scolded before heading for the door. "Just woman up and talk to yer human, got it? This better be figured out before I get back or I'm finding another couch to crash on while the shrimp is busy."

"But Gajeel…" Lucy struggled to say the words. She hugged herself, ignoring the way her stars reacted to her stress.

He raised an eyebrow at her as though he just figured something out. "This ain't just about sex, is it?" His frown deepened. "Lucy. He's a human."

"I know."

"Feelings or not, it can't work."

"I know," she said more firmly.

"At best, ya might be able to extend his life a bit, but he'll still-"

"I know," she growled. "Still… I can't just ignore it."

He sighed before walking back towards her. Stopping a foot or so in front of her, he stared at her for a long moment. "Don't ever tell anyone I did this," he said gruffly before pulling her into a tight hug. Shock wore off quickly and she lifted her arms to hug him in return. He patted her on the back a bit before pulling away.

"He might be willing to join ya here, ya know. If he did, his life would be extended and you'd get more time with 'im. But it's gotta be his choice," he said, "and you won't get forever. No god has the power to make a human immortal."

"I know," she whispered, resigned.

He let out a long breath. "You should tell 'im, though. He should know how ya feel." He cleared his throat. "And on that note, I'm gonna go check on Lev. Hopefully find someone on the way to beat up. This touchy feely stuff gives me hives."

Lucy chuckled as she gently pushed him towards the door. "Go on then. Try to not break anything." She smiled as he left, grumbling loudly about goddesses being so emotional.

"Thank you," she whispered as the door closed.