Author's note: Here's the next chappie! Honestly, I had most of the chapter written for more than half a year, but inspiration runs away from me these days... I would love to keep you guys updated more...

To pre-answer your questions, yes, hubby was and is that awesome. He took me waaaaay slow, letting me get accustomed with... everything, really. Men like this exist! And I wish all of you to find such a man to love you! Because everyone deserves something so special!

Sketcher , I'm glad you enjoy it! No worries, you can ramble anytime! I love ramble, makes me smile! OO, OO, I do hope he/she will be healthy! Aaaand since when do you have a bf? Huh, huh? YAY for you!

SailorSilentEarth , nope, nothing bad, just uncomfortable. I think she'll be in the story again, Gajeel needs to get over that.

faiarypaige98 , you have no idea how much your words mean to me

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)

Thank you for the infinite patience, my Misty~es! Lots of love from yours truly, MistyQue!

Chapter 18: Last day of fun

Levy managed to get away for a moment to watch the spectacular sunrise out on the beach, but didn't get to enjoy it too much. Menacing clouds were already threatening to spill, a few lightnings striking the beautifully lighted clouded sky. Soon enough, big droplets of water started falling from the sky, Levy looking behind her with a mischievous grin. Good, no one saw her out there, so she ran out on the beach, the rain picking up. She ran to the ocean, stopping just before the cold water slashed on her feet, looking up at the sky and enjoying the rain that was seriously picking up. Unknown to her, a certain blue mohawked man was sipping a whiskey, silently watching her. He turned on his heels and headed for Gajeel's table with long, bored strides.

Bickslow approached Gajeel's table with a strange look on his face, knowing the girl standing in the rain outside was Gajeel's new girlfriend. As he got closer to Gajeel's table, he saw the raven haired man doing everything in his power to ignore him or at least give him a clue his presence wasn't required.

"Yo, Dragon, I got a quick question for ya." Gajeel sipped his drink, not bothering to really listen to the idiot. After all, he showed up with his ex and tried to hit on Levy. "Is your girl alright in the head?" This made Gajeel snap his eyes on him, glaring murderously.

"What, just because she's got wits enough to refuse your sexual harrasment, she's nuts? Or are you just dying for a foot up your sorry ass?" Gajeel itched to get up from his seat, but refrained, fearing he wouldn't be able to stop himself and really send him flying over the tables. But he wouldn't ruin Laxus' moment.

"So you found out, huh?"

"I saw the whole damn thing, asshole! I just wish she wasn't so pure hearted and just break the damn arm off!"

"Ouch, Dragon… Really, that hurts me right…" He patted his heart. "…Here…" He faked a pout, Gajeel getting up from his seat. "Hold yer damn horses, Metal Head! I ain't here to fight!"

"Ya pretty much declared war when you showed up with my ex and grabbed my girl's ass."

"To my defense, I didn't know she was your girl. And the thing you had with Deanna is long gone, right? What's wrong with me having some fun with some used goods? She's nothing more than a quick fuck, ya know? I wouldn't let her near my nest after what she did to you." Bickslow shrugged, Gajeel's eyes darting quickly behind him. He choked a smirk, then continued his chat with Bickslow.

"Is there a reason you made me choke and spill my 1952 Dalmore? 60 year old whiskey is hard to find." Gajeel grabbed his glass of gold liquid, sipping it carefully.

"Naw, I just saw your girl outside in the pouring rain, just... Staying there. I though you should know, ya know? Personally, I was wondering if she's not coo-coo..."

"And you know how a sane person acts, because you're so normal." Gajeel didn't hide his sarcasm, smirking when Bickslow's gaze darkened threateningly.

"Fuck you, too, asshole. Sorry for worrying about her catching a cold or something. It's the last time I care."

"If this is you caring, I'm afraid to know the un-caring you." Gajeel got up before Bickslow could take his leave.

He grabbed an umbrella from the main dressing, the busboys looking at him questioningly, but letting him be. He ran out the mansion, looking around for his bluentte, squinting through the heavy rain. He noticed a figure on the beach, so he hurried to it, trying to keep his shoes clean. Once he was close enough, he recognized the blue haired girl. He stopped a few yards from her, watching her intently. Levy was facing the sky, eyes closed, just... enjoying the rain, or so it seemed. Gajeel watched her silently for a long moment, the girl not even noticing him. A few minutes later he approached her, placing the umbrella over her. When she couldn't feel the rain on her anymore, she opened her eyes and looked around.

"Gajeel! Wh... what are..." She said embarrassed, Gajeel cutting her.

"Don't want my girl to catch a cold." She smiled sweetly, stopping his breath. "You look like a wet cat." An adorable wet cat.

"Thank you!" She beamed. Gajeel stared. He expected to take it as an insult. "Cats are very adorable when they're fur is all wet, like helpless little children that want a hug." The man stared at her, not believing she just read his mind. She took her shoes off and started for the wavy water.

"Wait, you'll get wet!" Gajeel shot next to her. She replied with a drool 'no, duh' face. "Point taken, you're already drenched. But that's not what I meant!" He said fast, thinking of a smart comeback. "What're you doin' out here in this rain? Come back inside and dry up."

"I actually came here to watch the sunrise, but I didn't get to see it much, since it started raining. But I love the rain, especially in the summer. It was raining so lovely I couldn't help myself. And the water is warm, so no worries about me catching a cold." She smiled serenely and hurried in the ocean, giggling as the cold water touched her feet. "You should try this, it feels amazing!" She raised her voice a bit as the rain came down stronger. Gajeel merely stared at her, a smile twitching on his lips. He extended his hand to let the drops wet his hand, feeling the rain. He then took off his jacket and placed it on the sand, then took his shoes and socks off, placing the umbrella above them. In a few seconds his white shirt was sticking on his skin. It felt... good. So Gajeel lifted his closed eyes to the sky, feeling the rain pour down on him.

"See? It feels good!" Levy joined him, placing her hand in his. Once Gajeel lowered his red eyes to her and smiled, she hauled him into the ocean.

"Ah! Coldcoldcold!" The raven haired man jumped in the crashing waves, Levy laughing. She splashed around contently, Gajeel watching her intently. She was amazing. She could make a very cloudy and rainy day as bright as it could get. She didn't get all depressed when the clouds hid the sun. She became the sun. And he felt like the bluenette was brightening all that was him. She was warmth. She was gravity. She was power. She was light. And, for a moment, he saw his whole life go through his eyes, one where she was beside him, holding his hand. And he liked it.

So Gajeel hurried to Levy through the cold ocean water, waves crashing at his feet and rain bucketing down on them, grabbed a very surprised girl and kissed her senseless, like she was the air he needed. It was like never before, the passion Levy felt from his lips making her knees weak and her head spin. It was hard to keep up with his scorching kiss, not being able to match Gajeel's ferocity. She melted on the spot, leaning into his chest so he could hold her better. After all, she didn't trust her legs anymore.

The two of them were so long outside one of the busboys got worried. So he went outside to look for Laxus's two guests, when he noticed the two making out in the heavy rain. He doubled back, heading straight for his boss, even though he was quite frightened by his reaction. Who'd want to be bothered like this on their wedding day? So, with hurried steps, the busboy approached the married couple's table. Mirajane noticed the short, shy boy battling with himself over something, so she approached him with a soft smile.

"What's wrong, Kyle?"

"I beg your pardon, madam, I know this is a bad time for intru..."

"Hon, just break it to me and lay off the suspense. It's not good for the baby." She winked at him, waiting for an answer.

"Well... Master Redfox and his companion are out in the rain and I was wondering if it's OK I go tend to them?" Mira stared at the boy.

"What do you mean they're out in the rain?" Her emotions shot up, turning on her heels and not-quite running to the main door of the mansion. As soon as she was out the doors, she stopped suddenly, taking in her surroundings. She was about to start running through the heavy downpour when she noticed two figures in the rain. As the white haired woman squinted, she could finally see what the figures were doing. And she smiled.

"Ma'am? Should I go tend to them?" The busboy asked fearfully as he joined his mistress.

"No, I think they're fine. Let's get back inside. And thank you for your concern over our guests." She patted him lightly on the shoulder as she headed for the main doors. Just as she was about to reach them, the door was flung open, startling Mira. She got a glimpse of vivid pink hair, smiling when she heard the groan that followed the only man she knew with pink hair.

"Natsu! Stop! You're gonna ruin my dress! You maniac, stop!"

"I'll buy you a new one!" Natsu said with a large grin, scooping Lucy up and placing her over his shoulder. She shrieked when the rain started pouring down on them as Natsu ran in the middle of the beach with his fiancée.

"I swear you're crazy!" The blonde kept complaining, but she was smiling warmly.

"Look." Natsu said in a shushed voice, something out of the ordinary for the usual hot head. But, when she glanced where Natsu pointed, she froze, forgetting all about the pouring rain. Natsu came behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her neck. "I figured if he was doing this, it must be good. I was right." He turned her around to capture her lips, Lucy forgetting all about her perfect hair-do getting drenched.

Mirajane watched the two couples with fond eyes, summoning for the cameraman. Laxus followed the puzzled man, worried about his wife.

"What are you doing here, all by yourself? I was about to fetch you for a dance." He kissed her on the cheek, unconsciously placing a palm over Mira's belly.

"I was taking my sweet dose." She extended a finger towards the giggling couples, Laxus making a 'heh' sound.

"Never thought I'd see him smile again, never mind laugh his heart out." His eyes flashed mischievously, the grinned crookedly. The cameraman snapped photos like crazy, a shriek followed by a laughter making him raise his eyes from his device. Laxus picked Mira bride style, then stepped into the pouring rain, Mira holding onto his shoulders and giggling like a teenager.

"Your eyes were begging me to do this."

"You know me too well." Mira said with love in her eyes, letting her head fall backwards to feel the rain better. A few moments later, Wendy and Romeo came running through the rain, whooping and yelling around Natsu and Lucy. Gajeel shrugged at Levy, knowing their peaceful moment was ruined, might as well join the crazy bunch. After Wendy and Romeo came running, Sting was seen pushing a blushing Rogue out in the rain, Laxus stopping midkiss to scold his two top chefs.

"The hell are you guys doin' out of the kitchen?"

"Oh, please, we're not women to boss us around. Besides, your team of cooks is pretty good, we're finishing the final dish and they'll serve it in a few minutes. Figured if Metal Head was out here enjoying the rain, of all the things, it must be good. I was right! Eh, Rogue?"

"Don't put me in the same spot as you, you're the family idiot."

"Hey! You're gonna pay for that!" Sting started chasing a beaming Rogue, Natsu and Wendy laughing while Gajeel and Laxus shook their heads.

"What the..." Bickslow came with his hands in his pockets, hearing about the whole beach party from a few gossiping busboys. He had to see it for himself. The big man Laxus carrying his wife out in the rain while the Dragon family played like toddlers. He couldn't help but smile at the scene, the two Strauss siblings following their older sister. Elfman was pulling a shrieking Evergreen, his partner, Bickslow bursting into laughter once Elfman managed to pull her into the rain. So he shrugged and joined the coo-coo crew. Heh, it did felt good. What a strange family...

The five couples and the two chefs returned to the party laughing their heart out, not caring their clothes were leaving small puddles on the marble floor. Laxus told everyone to get changed and get back to the party, everyone scurrying off to their rooms. They resumed the party after a while, cake being served. After that most of the guests filed out, leaving the Dreyars and their relatives alone to enjoy a quiet day.

Everyone was too tired to sleep, so they just hung out in their rooms, Natsu running down the halls and knocking on everyone's door.

"The sun is out! Let's hit the beach!" Levy heard Natsu yell enthusiastically, giggling slightly.

"I wanna take a shower first!" Gajeel replied his brother after he cracked the door open, then closed it.

"I'll let you go first." Levy said as she sat on the bed, bouncing slightly.

"Nonsense!" He lunged for her, took the bluenette in his arms and headed for the bathroom.

"Hey! Stop! Put me down!" Levy squirmed in his arms, her face flaming. "I'm not taking a shower with you! Hey!"

"Why not? You're my girl."

"B… but I've never seen… a naked guy before!" Levy stuttered slightly, Gajeel smiling crookedly.

"It's nothing we can't fix…" He said in a husky voice as he placed Levy on her feet. She bolted for the door as soon as she felt the floor under her feet. "Hey! Wait! I can leave my underwear on if you wanna, just don't go." Gajeel placed his hand on the door just as Levy tried to open it.

"And I'm not ready to let you see me naked, either." Her cheeks were still red.

"Well, put on a bathing suit or something."

"Didn't pack any…" She said in a low voice, looking away. Gajeel beamed as he yanked the bathroom door open. Levy stared at the opened door, watching Gajeel as he searched the drawers, then shouted victoriously as he pulled out a two-piece blue bathing suit.

"You have a whole drawer of them, you can pick whichever you want. Personally, I love this color on you." He shoved it in Levy's hands, closed the door on the outside and let her be, the bluenette staring at the door. "Don't take too long." She shook her head in disbelief, the smiled warmly as she changed. The bluenette got inside the shower cabin facing the wall, not being able to suppress the scorching blush.

"You can come in…" She said over her shoulder, Gajeel opening the door slowly. He looked around, noticing Levy standing with her back to him. His breath stopped as his eyes caressed her skin. His mouth started watering at the sight, gulping when his red orbs rested on Levy's bottom. He started undressing, making sure he left his boxers on, his eyes never leaving the bluenette's body. Gajeel left his clothes where he took them off, his hands itching to feel some soft skin. He closed the cabin door, Levy twitching slightly when he placed a hand on her waist to turn her.

"You're so tense…" Gajeel chuckled, lowering his lips to her neck. "I'm not gonna do anything, I promise." He whispered in her ear, Levy shuddering. "I just wanna enjoy a shower with you, that's all." He turned her around, Levy keeping her eyes lowered. Gajeel turned the water on, taking his hands off Levy's back to set it to the right temperature and settle the shower right above them. Gajeel returned his eyes to Levy's lowered head, scowling slightly.

"Hey…" He placed his hand under her chin, forcing her to raise her eyes. "Look at me." Gajeel waited for Levy to make eye contact, then continued in a soft voice. "You can trust me. I will never force myself on you."

"I know, it's just…" She gave a shaky laugh. "I've… never done anything like this with anyone… Everything's new… Every fiber in me is saying kick him in the balls and run away." Gajeel cupped himself, taking half a step back and mocking a scared face.

"Not the jewels, please. Anywhere but the jewels." Levy laughed, relaxing slightly. "I'm so glad you're fighting your instincts." She laughed harder, Gajeel joining her. "You know… I've never done what I did with you this morning either. Enjoying the rain…" He took her in his arms, the warm water pouring down on them.

"Never?" Levy raised her eyes to look at him, Gajeel shaking his head.

"My parents were very strict, so… I didn't get to play in the rain. And as an adult…" He trailed off, caressing her back. He grabbed a bottle of shower gel, squirting some on his hand, then returned his hands on Levy's back.

"You've been missing a lot."

"You have no idea…" He moved his hands over her arms, raising goosebumps on Levy's skin. "You surprised me. In a good way. Your view on the world is… I can't wrap my mind around it. And I wanna protect it. I wanna protect you."

"I don't need protection." Levy said with confidence. Gajeel chuckled, cupping her face in his big hands.

"I see you. And you're not what you're trying to make everyone see." Levy's breath stopped, staring at him. "Ever since I first saw you something told me to protect you. Sure, you can protect yourself, you know how to defend yourself, but… You want someone to protect you. And here I am." Levy choked a sob, grateful for the water pouring down on them. "So, please. Don't cringe away from me. Because I will never hurt you." Levy stared. She always prayed for the one man who would see her for who she really is, but she never thought it would be the one who captured her first kiss. Gajeel watched the torment in Levy's eyes for a moment, then lowered his lips to her mouth, kissing her gently. "Are you alive? I don't feel you breathing." Gajeel chuckled as Levy released a shaky breath.

"I'm… I… can't find my words…"

"How about we just shower?" Gajeel took Levy's hands and placed them on his chest, Levy's cheeks reddening. "You've touched my chest many times during the massage sessions, so…"

"It wasn't like this…" She bit her lip, not moving her hands. Gajeel laughed, then turned around.

"Okay, okay, I get it. How about you wash my back for starters?" Levy smiled, thanking him in a soft voice.

Half an hour later, they were heading for the beach. A clear blue sky greeted them as soon as the two stepped out of the mansion, the gang already playing beach volley. Levy and Gajeel placed their towels on two lounge chairs, Levy starting to undress, oblivious to Gajeel's stare.

Gajeel almost let his jaw drop when Levy took her shorts off right next to his hungry gaze. After disposing of her shorts (and bending over to set them aside), Levy took off her top.

"Are you trying to make me jealous or something?" Gajeel rough voice stopped her just as she pulled her head from the shirt, looking curious at him.

"What?"

"What's with the outfit?" Levy followed his eyes as Gajeel scanned her from top to bottom, her cheeks instantly flaming.

"W… well… you said I could pick any bathing suit… And I wanted to swim a bit in the ocean, since it's my first time seeing it."

"First time, huh?" Gajeel smiled crookedly as he approached her. "I like the sound of that…" Levy could see his red eyes blazing as his hands snaked around her waist, but didn't go any lower.

"We're not alone…" Levy felt her knees going all gooey as Gajeel lowered himself to brush his lips over hers.

"So…? You're my girlfriend, people should know better than to even dare glancing at you."

"So I'm making you jealous?" Levy smiled and pressed herself on his bare chest, fluttering her eyelashes.

"I'm barely fighting my urges…" He growled deep in his chest as Levy pressed her bathing bra on his wide chest. "I see you like to play dirty…" His lips searched her mouth hungrily, moving his tongue on her parted lips. "You're killing me, shrimp…" Gajeel wrapped his arms around Levy's waist and lifted her easily off the hot sand, heading for the cold, salty water. His mouth didn't release hers as Levy jumped slightly when the cold, ocean water touched her body. The next thing she knew, Levy was thrown into the water, the last thing she saw before submerging being Gajeel's evil smile.

"You sneaky lil' bastard!" Levy reached the surface easily since the water was waist deep, Gajeel's booming laughter filling the air. She splashed Gajeel, wiping the smirk off his face and starting a whole water war with him, the raven haired man chasing her around on the beach, only to catch her and throw her and himself in the ocean. They played like that for a while, Levy getting tired. So she got out and headed for her towel, lying down to catch some sun.

Gajeel came behind her and shook his wet locks over her heated back, waking Levy instantly. She grabbed her water bottle and threw it at him, realizing she fell asleep.

"I'm hungry!" Natsu complained loudly, Laxus grabbing his phone from the table next to him and making an order for his guests.

"Seriously? You just ordered food?" Natsu scowled at the blonde man.

"Uh, food is eaten when one is hungry." Laxus chuckled, earning a slap on the bicep from Mira.

"Dude, we're by the ocean! On a freakin' private beach! It's barbecue time, not fancy-ass restaurant grub! Steaks and pork chops and grilled potatoes!" Everyone cheered for Natsu, Laxus shaking his head.

"Okay, okay, lemme tell one of my guys to get the barbecue going."

"I'm usually the one who sets a barbecue when we're out on picnic." Levy suddenly said, all eyes turning to her. She felt self-conscious all of a sudden, dropping her hand.

"I'll go grab some firewood!" Sting turned on the spot and ran along the beach with a smile, Rogue rolling his eyes.

"I'll go get the grill." Everyone cheered, already feeling anxious for the food.

"I'm taking care of the fire!" Natsu ran after Sting to get firewood, Levy getting up from her chair when Rogue brought the metal grill.

"I suppose the old fashioned one is better than the electrical one." The dark haired man shrugged, Levy already hurrying to him.

"It's perfect!" She made sure it was stable, then looked around for some wood. Natsu and Sting came running, dropping the large pieces of wood next to the grill, then scurrying off back to the mansion.

"I guess they're bringing the food."

"Yo! Get some veggies for Levy!" Gajeel yelled after his brother, knowing his girl was a lacto-vegetarian.

Soon enough, Levy started the fire, Natsu bringing a huge bag of coals.

"Awww, I wanted to get the fire going!" He pouted, everyone laughing.

"She did a better job than you, we would be out of wood with you tending the fire, pyromaniac." Laxus said as Levy placed the vegetables on one side of the grill and the meat on the other side.

"Now I'm really hungry…" Natsu's mouth was watering, the wonderful smell already in the air.

"You're always hungry." Gajeel muttered, making everyone laugh.

The rest of the barbecue was spent in laughter, the guys starting a wrestle competition just before food was ready.

They spent the whole day on the beach, admiring the beauty of the setting sun. Soon enough, the temperature dropped, sending the gang inside. Levy would've liked to stay up a little longer to go stargazing, but, as soon as she stepped out of the shower and lied on the bed, she was out cold. Gajeel opened the door with his elbow, steadying a tray of food in his hands.

"Shrimp, I got us some food. Shrimp?" He closed the door with his heel, noticing a sprawled Levy on the bed. He placed the tray on a table, heading for the bed. He smiled gently when he noticed she was fast asleep, pulling the blanket over her. "Looks like food is gonna wait." He changed his clothes and got under the blanket, pulling Levy closer to him. He sighed contently in her hair, letting sleep take him.

TBC

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