Chapter 3

Levy tiptoed through her apartment, trying to be as quiet as she could. On her couch, Gajeel was still sleeping soundly. She glanced at the clock. It was 4:30 in the morning. Gajeel said he might be gone before she woke up, but she guessed he didn't realize just how early she woke up every day. So she let him sleep as she sneaked into the kitchen and started making breakfast as quietly as possible.

It was around 5 when she finally sat down at the table to eat her full English breakfast. She needed the energy it would give her, because she had another 16 hours shift today. She even made a portion for Gajeel, thinking he would need it after losing all that blood. Just as she was thinking about him, he appeared in the doorway of her kitchen.

"Oi, you're up pretty early, huh?" he looked down at her as she ate.

"I have to go to work soon. I'm normally up around this time." Levy shrugged, then motioned to the second plate on her table. "I made some for you, if you want. Figured you'd be hungry."

"Un. Thanks." he accepted, taking a seat across from her and digging in. "You're a pretty good cook, shrimp. How come yer a doctor and not a chef?" he snickered.

"I've always been interested in medicine, and working in the maternity ward is my dream job." Levy smiled lightly. "I don't really enjoy cooking, it's just something I have to do that I guess I'm just naturally good at." She shrugged, earning a smirk from Gajeel.

"I can relate." he chuckled. When she looked at him curiously he shook his head. "I'm not gonna tell ya the details, shrimp. Maybe when ya trust me more." he smirked at her, but his eyes were serious so she dropped it.

"Er... I meant to ask." Levy looked up at him. "Um, how did you end up like that, last night?"

"Shrimp, the less you know, the safer you'll be." he told her firmly. "I'd rather not bring you into my lifestyle. You're better off being a doctor."

"I'm sorry. I'm just curious." Levy sighed, letting it drop as she returned to her meal.

"Curiosity killed the cat, shrimp. Trust me. I'm trying to protect you, but I can only do so much, so don't go snooping around." he warned. Levy could only nod to this. He was right. She shouldn't go snooping around with anything to do with the mafia. It was for her own good. "Good girl. Just do what I tell you, and you'll be safe."

Half an hour later found Levy and Gajeel leaving her apartment together. Gajeel made sure Levy locked her door before he spoke to her again. "I'm gonna send someone to keep constant watch on your apartment, shrimp. You're on the ground floor; it's easiest to break into."

"Y-you don't have to do that." Levy tried to dissuade him but he shook his head.

"My honor's on the line, shrimp. I will pay back my debt. Besides..." he trailed off and looked away, scratching the back of his head. "You're a good person. It would be an honest shame if something bad happened to someone like you, just cause you were tryin ta help someone in need." Levy blushed at his praise. He really thought she was a good person? "Look, just let me do this for ya."

"I... alright." Levy gave in. "Thank you... Gajeel." She gave a small smile, which he returned.

"My ride's almost here. You got that phone on you?" Gajeel looked at her and she nodded, taking out the phone to show him. "Keep that on you at all times, Shrimp." He reminded her. Levy just nodded, and looked at the street as a black van pulled up. Gajeel grinned. "That's my ride. Seriously, shrimp. Thanks. And don't worry about bein in danger or anything like that. I keep my promises." He gave her one last smirk before hurrying to the van. Levy watched him leave, feeling mixed emotions about his departure. She should be glad he was gone but... he was nice company. Despite the teasing. It had been nice to have someone in her apartment with her for a change. She sighed heavily as she set out for work. She sure was one pathetic, lonely doctor now that she thought about it. She hadn't had any friends since high school, hadn't dated since high school. The last person she'd had in her apartment had been her landlord on the day she rented the place. It had been... lonely.

And Gajeel, despite the situation she was now in, he'd completely changed the atmosphere of her home. Talking to him over breakfast had been really nice. She started to realize the allure of having guests in her home.

Dammit, she was lonely.

"Dr. Mcgarden, you look positively pale." Wendy commented when Levy finally made her way into work. "Are you sick?"

"No, just... didn't get a lot of sleep last night." Levy admitted around a yawn.

"No wonder. You got off late last night and now you're here at this hour. You need a break, ma'am." Wendy shook her head at the senior doctor. She never understood why Levy insisted on pushing herself so hard.

"I'm fine. Just need... coffee." Levy groaned as she poured herself a large cup.

"Dr. Mcgarden, I insist. You're going to work yourself to death at this rate." Wendy put her foot down. "Charla and I can pick up some extra shifts; it's not a problem at all." Levy was too tired to argue. She looked at her schedule on her phone and sighed.

"Alright. After Mrs. Fullbuster has her baby, I'll take a week off." Levy sighed in surrender. Juvia Fullbuster was due to deliver in the next three days, and that would give Levy time to work ahead so Wendy and Charla didn't have extra work to do. Wendy gave a little cheer of victory, and the rest of the day proceeded as usual.

Another short chapter, sorry! But I plan on the next one being longer.

Anyways, tell me what you think! I know it's a little slow right now but I promise some action is going to come soon.

Thanks for reading!

-Everythingnerd12