Chapter 3

Surprisingly, Levy only received a small lecture in regards to the fire mishap she started in the main research room. Not surprisingly, she was required to stay long past lab time to clean up the mess she created. It cut back on her library time and she rushed to clean up the space to pristine condition.

By the time she finished cleaning, most of the other research students had already headed home for the day. Levy hurried down the hallways and into the main building, skidding around corners to make it to the library before it closed. Her ear itched and she slowed her pace just long enough to rub away the ache. She shook her head and continued her jog down the hallway.

She sighed in relief at the sight of the open library doors. She finally slowed, heart pounding and ears itching, and quietly entered her favorite room on campus. The rich scent of old paper and wood filled the air and Levy took a deep breath to calm her racing pulse.

Mira sat at the main desk and after giving the librarian a small nod, Levy headed off into the 'Magical Sciences' section. She winced as her ear throbbed. A dull ache formed between her eyes. Levy shook her head and resisted the urge to scratch her ear. It had been irritated all day and she was certain it would eventually bleed from all of her fussing.

Maybe this is my body's way of telling me I'm working too much…but I wish I would have a normal nosebleed, not whatever this is.

Levy sighed and selected a book at random. Perhaps some heavy reading would distract her from whatever her body was fighting off. She walked further down the aisle and curled up one one of the large, upholstered lounge chairs. She flipped to the first page.

Why am I the only one runnin' laps? Coach saw that it wasn't my fault, it was that good-for-nothing–

Levy jerked her head up from the book, her face flaming at the man's course language. She stared down the aisle, silently tisking at the loud voice. Apparently Mira needed to post a reminder on the college forum about proper conduct while in the library.

With a shake of her head, Levy shifted in the chair and resumed reading.

It's stinkin' cold. Why do I have ta do this? Lily was laughin' too, but I don't see his sorry hide out here freezing his tail off.

Levy slammed her book shut and jumped to her feet. She stomped to the end of the shelves, determined to give the loud patron a piece of her mind, but could only stare at the empty aisle. With a frown she headed in the opposite direction, trying to pinpoint the voice's location. The gruff voice spewed curses and threats until Levy was certain her ears would burn.

She hurried to the front desk and all but collapsed on the front counter. Mira grinned up at her from where she sat.

"Now what's that look for? You're going to get wrinkles at this rate."

"Where is he," Levy growled.

"Who?

Levy waved an arm, remembering just in time to keep her voice at a whisper. "The loud guy that keeps swearing in the library!"

Mira leaned forward and placed her elbows on the desk. "You're the only person who ever comes to the library this late. Are you sure you heard someone?"

There, done! Not my fault they didn't keep watch to make sure I actually ran the last lap, gihee! I wonder if they're still serving dinner…a nice, juicy steak with garlic butter, warm bread–

Levy shook her head and swallowed thickly. "There it is again! You really didn't hear that?"

She jerked her head back and forth and almost missed the sly look on Mira's face.

"What?" she asked, leaning back slightly as if to block whatever scheme was coming her way.

"Levy, there are much easier ways to say you wanted to join my club!"

Levy snorted a laugh and rolled her eyes playfully at her friend. "How in the world did any of this give you the idea that I want to join your Soulmate Club?"

Somehow, the blonde mage's grin grew even more. "You mean you don't believe in soulmates?"

Here we go again…

"You know I don't think that," she started, moving around the desk to sit in the empty chair next to her friend, "If we have other magics available to us, then it stands to reason that Soulmate magic still exists as well. I just never gave it any special attention since I have more important things to think about."

"If I were you, I would start thinking about it more."

Levy crossed her arms with a small sigh. "And why is that?"

Mira grabbed her hands and squeezed. "Because it seems like you finally have your very own Soulmate."

Mira's chair squeaked from her excited bounces.

"What do you mean?" Levy asked, yanking her hands away.

Mira leaned forward and whispered, "There's no one else in the library, Lev…it's just you and me."

"Then what about the voice…ohhh," Levy paused, eyes going wide.

Mira giggled and ruffled Levy's hair. "For the smartest person on campus, sometimes, my friend, you're a bit slow."

"But…that means…wait, so who's my Soulmate then?" Levy grabbed Mira's hand and held on tightly. Her heart pounded and her head grew light.

Mira shrugged. "I don't know. I guess you'll have to find him."

Levy shook her head even before Mira finished speaking. "That'll be impossible. All he's been doing is cursing. And talking about steak like a big meanie." Her stomach made a timely gurgle.

"It's not our fault you always forget about dinner until it's almost time for bed," Mira dislodged her hand and patted Levy's knee. "What else is he thinking about?"

Levy tilted her head, but of course the rough voice seemed to have stopped for the moment. She hung her head with a sigh.

"I'm not sure. He was running laps. Something about a track and having to stay after practice."

Mira burst into laughter, startling Levy. The older mage leaned back in her chair, arms clutched to her sides as tears formed in her eyes. Levy blinked at her friend, face turning strangely warm.

"What!? What is it!?"

"I love magic, I just love it!"

"You better tell me why you're laughing," Levy pouted, glaring at the librarian.

Mira choked on her laughter, her words barely tangible, "Of course the smartest, biggest bookworm in the entire college–"

"Hey!"

"Would have a jock for a Soulmate!"