Author's note: For all of you guys asking if what I wrote in Chapter 7 is true, I started with Reiki Usui and I reached the final stage before Master, Shamballa. Also, I continued with Munay-ki (shamanism) and I did 3 out of 9 steps so far. As a massage therapist, the work with divine energy is essential, both for the patient (for healing) and for me (for protection). Also, between the ages 16 and 18 I started seeing energetical stuff, like spirits, energy waves or auras (sometimes). Don't get me wrong, the spirit stuff is not like in the movies, like actively seeing them and speaking with them (but, I'm sure there are people with such powerful gifts), but if there's something present in the room, I get flashes.

Sketcher1994 , thank you for all your reviews! and I'm really glad you enjoy my works so much!

BlackLothus , I know the fear. Lucky me I had my mom to help me out. She has it, too, and my brother (aparently it was something we both got it from mom). When I started seeing non-physical things, it was horrible. I couldn't sleep because of all the whispering and other weird noises, if I opened my eyes I would see smoky-foggy things... It was a difficult time. And it was hard for me to open up and tell my mom about it, because I thought she wouldn't believe me. And then, she sais 'oh, no worries, I have it, too, and your big brother'. Mindblown much? She told me the easiest way to get over my fears was to try to reach them, ask them if they need anything, help, guidance. And it helped. I started feeling their 'intentions' and I found out they weren't there to scare or hurt me. They were just lost and saw my light and followed it. As for your own light, everything happens for a reason. And it's not a 'no big deal'. You have a gift, as well. And I believe that, if you truly want to be on a lighted path such as myself, the Divinity will send you people who will help you with it. It happened for me as well.

Robin-rose-sama , he will make it better. It is a Gajeel x Levy fic, right? *wink wink*

crystalroes12 , yep, I'm a walking, talking abnormal human being ^_^ And thank you for liking my works!

AGAIN, THANKYOUFORYOURINFINITEPATIENCE!

All in all, thank you for all the patience and love and reviews and reading my fics... And everything! By the way, I'd love to see a review/comment in your native language! (Of course, please consider the writer, as well, since I only know 4 languages: Romanian, English, Spanish and Japanese, so add a translation, as well, if you guys happen to not be a speaker of those 4 languages)

CHAPTER 8:

A few days passed since the little incident, Levy continuing her daily routine. Wake up, take a shower, eat something, spend some time inside her now empty apartment and go to work. Except for the days when Natsu would call her for his session. The dark haired man was never mentioned in front of her after Natsu saw how down Levy was. When he asked what was wrong, she'd smile and say everything was just perfect. But she wasn't perfect, and Natsu noticed it. So he decided to make Gajeel a taboo subject until his idiot of a brother would make things right.

As any other night, Levy was the last to leave from work, closing everything and securing the salon. Just as she checked the railing and turned to leave, a voice startled her.

"Yo." Levy spun around to see if there was an attacker, only to gap at the person behind her.

"Gajeel! What are you doing here?" Levy watched him as he leaned on his Mustang.

"Out for a night ride." Gajeel slapped himself internally for such a silly answer.

"Oh... Well, then, have a good night." Levy smiled after a few moments of awkward silence.

"Wait!" Gajeel moved from his car, heading for the bluenette. "Could we... talk?" Levy looked surprised at him, not expecting to ever see him again after the way he reacted a week earlier.

"Uhm... Is that such a good idea?"

"Well... I dunno... But I wanna apologize." Levy watched him intently, searching for some sign of rejection or falsity, but she found none. "Hear me out. Please?" He looked intently at her, Levy seeing his fear of rejection.

"Okay..." A smile spread on Gajeel's face, opening the door for her and waiting for Levy to get in the car.

"Did you eat?" He asked once he was inside, placing the key in the ignition.

"Not yet. I was planning to go home and get some dinner."

"Do you mind if we... go get something?" Levy looked shocked at him, not knowing how to react or what to answer, remembering she didn't have too much money to spend until her next pay. "My treat." Gajeel answered her internal torment, winking at her.

"Uhm... okay..." She answered shyly after buckling up. She was surprised to see the wide smile that spread on Gajeel's face after she accepted his invitation.

"Wanna feel it purr again?" Gajeel asked after a few minutes of riding without a word.

"I'm good, thanks." Levy looked ahead, not daring to glance his way and see the disappointed look on his face. She twined her fingers together, placing them on her lap. Gajeel didn't say anything, but he pursed his lips after he looked at her. She's still upset... He turned the radio on just to end the growing pressure between them.

A few minutes later, Gajeel parked in a drive-in, hurrying to get out of the car to open the door for Levy, but she already beat him to it. Levy had a blank face, part from the tiredness, part from her trying to keep her grudge on the pierced man. She waited for him in the middle of the parking lot, Gajeel speeding up to match her pace. Once they were close enough to the door, Gajeel's hand shot out before Levy's and opened the door for her, making her blush.

"Thanks..." She answered, averting his eyes. The tall man led her to a more private table, being greeted by a cheery waitress.

"Good evening! Can I take your order?"

"Just a veggie burger and some fries, please." Levy answered in a small voice. Gajeel was next to order, the waitress leaving them be after she wrote down the order. A moment later, the waitress placed two glasses of water on their table and let them be. Levy was looking at her glass intently, not daring to say a word. Gajeel was unsure how to begin his apology.

"Uhm..." He started, Levy raising her eyes to look at him. "So... How you've been...?" He slapped himself internally for his stupid question.

"Nothing special... Mostly work."

"Oh... Did you receive the flowers?" Gajeel sipped his water slowly.

"Th... those were from you?" Levy felt her stomach drop.

"Yeah."

"I... I didn't know... I'm sorry, I gave them away cuz I don't like flowers..." Levy could see the hurt expression from Gajeel's face.

"I didn't know you don't like flowers. Cuz I know all girls like flowers..."

"Not me. I hate seeing them wilt and die in a vase. I like 'em in a pot or a garden."

"Duly noted." He sipped some more water thoughtfully. "How's Blondie doin'? Is that flame brain treating her right?" Gajeel felt stupid. She was usually so easy to talk to, but the coldness he felt from her made him lose his words.

"Yeah, she's really happy. They're even talking about marriage. I'm happy for her." She said in a neutral voice, looking at her glass.

"Please, stop your excitement, it's killing me." Gajeel snickered sarcastically in an attempt to ease the tension, but all was in vain. Levy kept her poker face, not looking at him. "I could've sworn it sounded a little funny. I mean, in my head I was fucking hilario..."

"Get to the point, Gajeel, I don't have all day." Levy cut him before he could finish his sentence, Gajeel twitching from her harsh tone.

"You're right, I'm just stallin'..." He watched her carefully for a long moment, noticing the dark shadows under her eyes and her pale cheeks. "I've tried calling you..."

"I think you made it clear you didn't wanna talk to me anymore."

"Well, if you'd have answered the phone, you would've found out that I'm sorry for my outburst and I wanted to apologize. No! Shove it! I'm doing the talking now!" Levy opened her mouth to say something, but Gajeel cut her. He was starting to feel a little angry. "Natsu... 'warned' me about you before... it happened, but I didn't listen. I'm a guy that likes to keep his private things very private, and you describing my ex-wife was... a bit scary, to tell you the truth." Gajeel inhaled deeply and continued, Levy listening intently. "I've worked with dangerous people and I know I made a ton of enemies, so I assumed the worst, because it's all I know."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence..." Levy said in a small voice, but Gajeel was oblivious, so he kept pouring his heart out.

"The other thing you... saw... Even less people know about that. My father disappeared without a trace together with Natsu and Wendy's fathers. We're siblings from out mother's side. So, you, a total stranger - no offence - come waltzing in and start mentioning these two very private stories from my life... I freaked out, okay? I still am, to tell you the truth, and mind blown, and torn, all at the same time. And it feels horrible. But I still wanna make amends, because you're the most selfless, caring, warm person I've ever met. I... cherish your company because you have a vast knowledge of everything and I never grow tired of chatting with you. And I totally miss your hands after almost two weeks..." He ended his monologue with a smile, hoping Levy wouldn't hear his heart beating fast. He waited expectantly a long moment before the bluenette uttered a word.

"Apology accepted." He exhaled heavily, a smile spreading on his face.

"So, friends again?"

"...I don't know..." Gajeel's face dropped. "I'm trying to figure out some stuff... I have some contradictory feelings... which aren't making things easier... I'm confused... and..." Levy bit her tongue so she wouldn't reveal her feelings for him. After all, why would such a nice guy look at her? Especially since she was almost 10 years younger than him. And, from her point of view, not hot enough for such a good looking man.

"I don't wanna lose what we have..." Levy snorted.

"Sorry to burst your bubble, but you kinda threw it all away."

"Well, I'm willing to get it back!" Gajeel burned his red eyes into her surprised ones, the waitress ending the awkward staring contest when she came to bring their order. "Dig in." He bit off a French fried potato, watching her intently as Levy ate her veggie burger. They ate in silence, neither daring to speak. Gajeel called the waitress back to get the check and pay, leaving a few moments later.

"Can I give you a ride home? It's pretty late for a bus." Gajeel asked when they were outside the diner, Levy thinking hard. "You're being stubborn again, aren't you?" He smiled warmly, heading for his car. He opened the door for her and went to the driver's seat, letting the bluenette choose if she would join him or not. He wouldn't pressure her or make her get inside. He decided to give her space. He started the car, leaning back on his seat. Levy pursed her lips, looking at Gajeel and at the opened door. Oh, fuck it. She got inside, closing the door and buckling up. She didn't look at Gajeel to see the wide smile on his face, she merely stared at the road.

"A penny for your thoughts..." He said in a small voice after he drove out of the parking lot and onto the street.

"You're making it hard for me to keep a grudge." Levy smiled crookedly, playing with her fingers.

"Point for me. My hard work pays off." Gajeel was glad he could talk to her so freely once more, the heaviness from his chest lifting slightly. "Besides, I don't want you to keep a grudge. As I said, I want you as a friend."

"I need time to forgive."

"I can give you that. And space. Whatever you need." Levy couldn't suppress the blush that warmed her cheeks, smiling at him. Gajeel parked the car in front of her apartment building, turning towards Levy. "Thank you."

"What for? You took me out for dinner."

"For giving me a second chance, even though I don't deserve it. I can be... a little rough." Gajeel took her hand, squeezing it slightly while staring deeply in Levy's brown eyes.

"You're welcome..." Her stomach flipped when she felt his hand. "I... should go... Thanks for dinner and the ride."

"Anytime, squirt." With this, Levy got out of the car and went home. Gajeel exhaled heavily, feeling very happy he swallowed his pride for once. For a split second, he could see himself with the slender bluenette, and he liked it.

TBC

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