Hey guys. I've decided to continue updating this fic here anyway, despite all the copying sh!t. All but one of the websites are down now, so good job everyone who reported! The stress of that stuff made me literally sick, so I really can't be bothered with it anymore. I'll keep updating anyway.


Levy may be panicking a little.

She had absolutely no idea what to wear for the date, and Gajeel was coming to pick her up soon. She was all clean and showered, her minimal makeup routine was complete - light eyeshadow and mascara, shiny lipgloss - and now she was stuck between two outfits she'd planned in advance.

The first was a silky red spaghetti strap dress with a scoop neckline, that flowed loosely to above her knees at the front, and sat a little lower at the back. Skin-coloured tights and black, over-the-knees socks finished the outfit, and she paired it with her black, cotton-lined blazer and wool-lined ankle boots with a small heel.

The second was a more practical outfit: high waisted, acid wash grey jeans, a long-sleeved black shirt with a deep V neckline to tuck into them, sturdy leather boots and her puffy, green plaid coat.

She'd sent images of herself in both outfits to Lucy, and when the blonde didn't immediately reply, she hesitantly sent them to Gajeel, whose phone number she recently acquired. It was only reasonable, since she had no idea what the date would involve.

Her phone beeped.


Gajeel:

You're really gonna make me choose?

Levy:

I don't know! I want to dress appropriately, and you're the one who knows what we're doing on this date! :P

Gajeel:

Either are fine. You look gorgeous no matter what you wear.

Levy:

You can say that over text, but you wouldn't dare to my face! ^q^


Blushing, Levy checked her other messages and thankfully Lucy had replied much more helpfully.


Lu-chan:

The weather's quite nice tonight! No wind ^3^

It's the first date! Go all out and wear that sexy dress! Don't you dare wear tights with it! Just the knee-highs will be fine, you goof xxxx


Sighing over her friend's antics, the petite woman got dressed into the chosen outfit and styled her hair into a half-up hairdo, clipping a ribbon over the tie to hide it.

She finished in her room, grabbing a small handbag to put her purse and phone in, then ran around the house to make sure everything was turned off. She got to her front room just as the doorbell rang, making her squeak in surprise.

"Hey, you're early!" she exclaimed rapidly as she opened the door, taking a good look at the man on her doorstep.

She could only stare in awe. Gajeel was dressed so suave; in tight black jeans, a dark blue dress shirt, and a sleek black leather jacket with matching boots. His hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail, and his piercings were gleaming.

He was also holding a single red rose.

"For the star of the show," he smirked, holding it out to her.

Levy's skin flushed hot as she hesitantly took the rose from him. Since when could Gajeel be so confident and romantic? She wondered to herself as she stammered out a thank you and hurriedly found a vase for the flower.

She pulled on her jacket as she stepped outside, just barely remembering to lock up.

"Shall we?" Gajeel grinned devilishly, and Levy felt herself smile in response, so she wrapped her arms around his closest one and started to walk them down her garden path.

"Let's go, Mr Suave!"

Gajeel coughed hard at that, and it seemed that he lost his confident bravado. The bluenette didn't mind.

As it turns out, Gajeel didn't have a car, so they walked into town and took the bus to the mystery date location. Levy didn't mind at all; she was just reminded of the fact that Gajeel was still a teenager, and she felt like she was one herself again. It was nice.

She spent the trip guessing what their date might involve. She knew that this bus was heading to Hargeon Town, a relatively big seaside port with lots of tourist attractions and shops. About ten minutes later, Gajeel pushes the button to stop, and pulls her off the bus after him.

She felt that the area was familiar, but it was getting dark out already despite it being barely past 5pm, and so she couldn't tell.

He lead her leisurely, asking about how her week had been and her shop was doing, and he tactically kept her distracted until they reached a cosy-looking building with a warm glow radiating from the windows. The sign outside read "The Red Fox" and Levy laughed at the resemblance to Gajeel's surname.

Inside was a cosy family-run restaurant, with ambient music playing softly and a roaring fireplace heating the whole room. Levy couldn't help herself, glancing at every little detail she could find. Traditional wooden beams in the ceiling, soft carpet and mahogany furniture, candles and soft lights giving the restaurant a friendly, quiet atmosphere.

A waiter checked off their reservation and lead them to their table; located not too close to the fireplace but close enough to feel comfortably warm and have a nice view of it.

"This is amazing, Gajeel, how did you find this place?" Levy marvelled, still a little in awe of how wonderful the place was.

"I used to work here part-time when I was in high school." Gajeel shrugged off his jacket and hung it up across the back of his chair. Levy did the same with her blazer. "The chef gives me a little extra, portion-wise, whenever I come visit. Though I usually come here for lunch; this is the first time I'm here with a dinner date," he finished quietly.

Levy smiled at the thought of a younger Gajeel working here. "Were you a waiter here then?"

"Hmm? Oh, no, I worked in the kitchen." Gajeel scowled. "I tried bein' a waiter, but my face scared people's kids. So they put me in the back."

Levy sputtered out a giggle. "I'm s-sorry," she grinned. "But that's just so funny to imagine."

"I'm glad you find my scary face amusing." the teen deadpanned, but followed up with a smirk.

"I wouldn't be here if I didn't like it," Levy reminded him with a cheeky raise of her brow.

"Thank god you do," murmured Gajeel in reply, smirk dipping into a blissful smile. Levy could feel her heart beat erratically at this; the fact that the young man opposite her was so obviously overjoyed with her company, with being here with him on this date that he spent so much time carefully planning. How had she managed to prompt such emotions in this young, unruly college student? Why her; why her bookshop, of all shops in Magnolia, did he chose hers to occupy that time? What qualities did she possess that first captured his attention? What about her interested him?

How come she was already enraptured by him, despite all of these questions?

"Your forehead will stay wrinkled like that if ya keep thinkin' about whatever it is yer thinkin' about."

Startled, Levy blinked her sight back into focus until the amused face opposite her became clear again.

"What were ya thinkin' about?" Gajeel raised a brow.

"N-nothing.." Levy murmured, looking away with a fidget. Gajeel shrugged and didn't reply as a waiter approached their table. The two men exchanged greetings in short chit chat, having been former co-workers when Gajeel was younger. They were given menus and after a few moments, ordered their drinks and meals. Gajeel ordered a large steak made in a certain way that was unique to the restaurant, he explained, and Levy had stuck with a safe pasta.

Their drinks arrived shortly, and a basket of soft rolls and butter were also placed on their table. Gajeel grabbed one immediately, cutting the warm roll in half and expertly buttering it. Encouraged by his behaviour, Levy did the same and took a bite.

"Ooh! This is so good," she mumbled happily, a hand over her mouth as she spoke with a full mouth.

Gajeel grinned at her, mouth also too full to reply, but he nodded in agreement.

Their food arrived in no time at all, the relaxed atmosphere of the room and the pleasant conversation with Gajeel passing the minutes by quicker than she expected. Everything tasted as delicious as she expected, and the portion was just right; enough to be filling but light enough to leave room for dessert, which Gajeel had ordered for her in secret.

When it arrived, Levy was pleasantly surprised. Only one dessert was on the waiter's tray, a large, square slice of lemon meringue, with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar.

"One 'Couple's Sweet Delight' for the happy couple," Gajeel's friend teased as he set the dish in the middle of their table. "It only comes with one fork, so please enjoy feeding each other." he adds with a small wink, before excusing himself.

"What's this?" Levy marvelled, slightly embarrassed. Not as much as Gajeel though, apparently, if his reddened cheeks were anything to go by.

"Well, I knew you like sweet things, but I've never seen you eat much chocolate," the boy informed her, avoiding eye contact but speaking honestly. "So I thought you might like it. The only problem is that it was only available in the couple's dessert menu. It's for you to have."

Levy smiled bashfully. He really put so much thought into every little thing, didn't he?

"Let's share it," she announced, causing him to glance across at her in surprise. "It was intended to share, after all."

She took action, grabbing the fork and neatly cutting a corner off of the dessert, holding it out towards Gajeel for him to eat.

"Y-You know," Gajeel stammered awkwardly. "I think these desserts were made for the other way around."

"Well, you can feed me the next bite," Levy smirked, holding the fork even closer to him. Wordlessly, Gajeel dipped his head forward and put the fork into his mouth, teeth scraping the metal slightly. It was interesting to watch, Levy found. Especially with his lips lightly pulling the piece of lemon meringue pudding off of the fork. If those lips were against hers like that-

Gasping, she lost her grasp on the fork, leaving it suspended in Gajeel's mouth for a second until he caught it quickly. His brows raised questioningly as she felt her face flush.

"Your turn," he murmured, slicing off a little bit of the dessert for her to eat.

She was aware that even though they've kissed a couple of times now, if she were to eat from that fork, it would be an indirect kiss, and that only seemed to encourage her embarrassment to grow. Nevertheless, she quickly and delicately took the offered bite, and quickly pulled back again to eat it properly.

This back-and-forth system continued for a duration of time, and she eventually calmed down enough to laugh and talk with Gajeel normally between bites. The mood between them had warmed up, and she felt calm and natural with him again, even going as far as to dollop a smidge of cream from the meringue on his nose, using the fork as a means of reach. She laughed heartily, and Gajeel couldn't stay mad at her for long.

They finished the dessert in a few more bites, and after Gajeel paid the bill - much to the worried protests of Levy - they left the restaurant and headed into town with linked arms. The weather had gotten a little chillier, but there was little wind to bother them and they didn't really mind it.

When they reached the centre of Hargeon, Gajeel led them up the main street and towards the town's giant library. Levy was slowly putting the pieces together as they passed more groups of excited teens and energetic children with their parents and just as it clicked, they arrived.

"An ice rink!" she exclaimed happily, giving a little jump in her boots. The rink was huge, rectangular in shape with rounded corners, and there were several festival-style booths with different activities and venues in the surrounding area.

"Yeah, ya like?" Gajeel glanced at her, a little unsure.

"Yes! God, I haven't gone ice skating in years!" she began to pull Gajeel towards the booth for changing shoes. "Come on, come on come on!"

"Gihi, alright Shorty, calm down. The ice ain't goin' anywhere."

Gajeel paid for their shoes, and due to the business of the rink, the organiser explained that they could have about an hour on the rink, depending on how many people stay on it during that time frame. They got changed, locked away their normal shoes, then awkwardly shuffled to the gate to get onto the ice.

With an unsteady step, Levy hesitantly pushed onto the ice, and muscle memory took over from there, moving her along the wall to allow for Gajeel to get on.

Well, she thought that would be the case, however Gajeel took one sweeping step along the wall in order to get out of the way, then stayed put.

"I forgot…" he muttered, "I'm not good on skates…"

Levy laughed hard at that, amused enough not to hide her grin. "Shall I leave you to gather your bearings for a moment?"

"Sure, sure, go for it."

With a twirl, she turned around and skated away, the memory of how to skate coming back to her with each step. When she came full circle, Gajeel was still leaning against the wall, but seemed to have gained some sense of balance and was moving along slowly.

"Want some help?" she grinned, holding her hand out as an offer.

Grumbling, Gajeel took it, though he didn't look too upset about the help. She tugged him along with her around the circumference of the ice rink, and the two of them took their time so that Gajeel didn't lose his balance, and because he'd definitely pull Levy down with him if he fell.

They eventually built up a decent speed going around the rink, and Levy let go of Gajeel's hand once or twice to skate ahead of him and do a few spins, the hem of her dress lifting slightly with the momentum and creating a fun swishy feeling she forgot that she liked. Gajeel didn't mind sliding along and watching her have fun either.

She skated around him a couple times, then danced around in front of him and skated backwards with a smug grin. It may have been years since she'd skated, but the thrill of it seemed to awaken her memory.

The hour flies by quickly, during which Gajeel seemed to have gained enough confidence on the ice to go at a decently fast pace with Levy clutching his arm, squealing in surprise when they go around to corners of the ring at an alarming rate. He even held his arm up for Levy to twirl around under, like professionals in competitions do. Whenever their eyes met, Gajeel would grin and glance away again, like he was a little embarrassed.

Eventually they come to a stop at the gate and exit, making an even wobblier cross on the steady ground beneath them than the first time, now that they'd become adjusted to the ice. They put on their normal shoes and handed the skates back to the workers running the rink, and with joined hands the teen led her along the gathered tents, where a small group or people were selling hot drinks.

"I'm going to get this!" Levy insisted, reaching into her handbag as they stood in line.

"Nope," Gajeel quickly snatched her hand away from her bag, zipped it up, and firmly held her hands to stop her from using them. "I'm payin'."

"Gajeeeeellll," she whined.

"Shaddup, I said I planned this whole thing right? Let me treat ya," Gajeel huffed back at her with a slight scowl. He let go of one of her hands to ruffle her hair as she pouted, resulting in her making a surprised and complaining noise.

"I want marshmallows in my hot chocolate now," she pinched his side in retaliation, causing him to jerk slightly and laugh.

"Sure Shorty, hot chocolate with marshmallows, comin' right up."

It was a couple more minutes before they were able to order, but they reached the front of the line at around half past eight, and after a moment they both walked away from the booth with hot chocolates with marshmallows.

"So you like marshmallows too?" Levy grinned around her cup.

"What? Do I not look like the type?" Gajeel smirked jokingly.

"I dunno. You never really eat when you're in my shop so I can't tell if you like sweet things or not." Levy pointed out reasonably.

"Ahh, fair enough. Well, I'm a bit like you I guess, I don't eat a lot of chocolate but I eat sweet things like marshmallows and cookies… a lot of cookies, actually." he admitted lightly, taking a couple small sips from his hot drink. "I practically live on them during classes."

"Oooh really? What kinds, like chocolate chip?"

"Yeah, just those regular ones from the shop. Sometimes I get the double or triple chocolate cookies, you know, to be a rebel."

"Oh, definitely badass."

"Of course."

They're walking back towards the bus station now, their free hands entwined and the air around them silent apart from the sounds of plastic cups meeting lips as they drank their hot chocolates, both content with the quiet.

A bus back to Magnolia arrives at quarter to the hour, and they slip on with their return tickets and get seats roughly in the middle of the bus, with Levy sitting in the window seat. The drinks take up most of their attention, both eager to finish them while they were still warm. When it gets to Levy's stop, Gajeel dings the bell for them and together they get off the bus and into the chilly atmosphere. Their hands find each other for the umpteenth time that night, and Levy's thoughts swirl in her mind with how their date went.

She really liked Gajeel, she realised. She liked his humour and the way he teased her lightly, enough to irk her in an amusing way but not in a too-annoying way. She was attracted to his appearance; she dated very few people in her life but they were all polar opposites to Gajeel in both appearance and, in some ways, in personality, though she always admired the more 'wild' type - her one attempt at wildness lead her to now sport blue hair, after all. He was genuine and thorough in things that interested him - which, so far, seemed to be cats, his club, and plans. If he had a plan, he stuck to it and made sure every little thing was well thought out. He took care of things under his supervision, like his cat. Lily was probably the most spoilt and loved kitten she'd ever seen, and after the initial surprise, the blunette thought the Gajeel definitely suited the 'catmama' persona.

She also like the way he kept his long hair tidy and well-styled, the subtle build of his muscles, the way her smaller hands fit in his larger ones. His odd laugh, his piercings, and new information of his love of cookies.

Most of all, she liked how adored she felt whenever he looked at her like she held the whole world in her eyes.

She wasn't an insecure woman, she knew her strengths and flaws well, but she never before physically felt another person's feelings towards her like this. She knew her brothers loved her, she knew Lucy loved her like a sister, and her previous relationships had always insisted they loved her (even if it ended up not being the case) - but it was never as palpable as this; her entire body warmed up with each tender gaze the younger man gave her.

Other hand freed from holding her empty cup thanks to a nearby rubbish bin, Levy swung around and curled her arms around Gajeel's middle. The guy in question stiffened up in surprise.

"Shorty?!"

"Shhh, it's just a hug."

She shuffled her arms a bit, eventually digging them under Gajeel's coat and her hands lightly grabbed at the warmth of his shirt against his broad back. Gajeel's arms came to rest against her back and shoulder, and she could feel the shuddering hum that rattled in his chest when he breathed.

She squeezed lightly for a moment, then drew back slowly so that she could look up at him. He looked a little tense, most likely from nerves, but she could still feel affection rolling from him in waves, like an open book. She smiled at him, slowly and sweetly.

"Thank you."

She didn't specify what for, the hug or the date, but he simply nodded in return, and she turned back again and they continued walking back to her house.

They reached it in no time. Levy was reluctant to have her evening end so soon, but the weather was getting colder by the minute and she really wanted to curl in bed with a book and fluffy pajamas.

"Did you.. have a good time?" Gajeel asks before she could unlock her gate. She blinked up at him in surprise.

"Of course! It was great fun," she grinned happily. "Did you?"

"Yeah." Gajeel scratched at his neck. "I had beautiful company with me all night."

Levy gaped a little in surprise, before she let out a chuckle.

"Gajeel, you say the cutest things sometimes."

"Ah, shaddup.."

"Come'ere!"

She pulled on his coat, and in a flash she was in another embrace with him, snug tight against his chest and squeezing his torso fiercely. She was sure her face was as red as her dress, but she didn't mind. His arms were around her a lot more firmer than previously, and she noticed that one his hands brushed through her hair softly, whilst the other held her close against him.

"Thank you, so much." Levy mumbled against his shirt, unsure if she'd be heard.

"I should be thanking you, Shortstuff." Gajeel replied equally quietly. "I'm the lucky one for having a chance to be on a date with you."

"I'd say we're both lucky people then," Levy smirked up at him, and he laughed in return. Their eyes met for a brief moment, before the blunette's eyes wandered to his lips as she nibbled on her own.

"Soo.. I believe you've met all the criteria I gave you to get permission.." she murmured, eyes flickering back to meet his.

He looked confused for a moment. Then a smirk spread across his face, though to her it was more of a boyish grin.

"Ya sure?"

"Mhmm."

They met in the middle, surprisingly gentle despite the fact that Levy had pushed up on her toes quickly and Gajeel dipped his face down to meet her in a split moment, but his lips were warm against hers and every time one of them pulled back for even a moment, the other followed them quickly for another kiss. The teen's hand that played with her hair moved to cup the junction where her jaw met her neck, stroking the skin under her ear with his thumb and causing a string of goosebumps to rise up underneath. Her hands tightened their hold on his shirt, using the grip as a way of balance and leverage.

The kisses stay innocent; for the most part; light and delicate yet bruising to their senses: a flurry of thoughts and sensations in each one. The butterflies in her stomach surprised her, since it'd been a long time since she felt such innocent eagerness and passion.

Her legs twinged a little and she dropped from her tip toes. It broke their kisses suddenly, both surprised at the movement, but after a few moments of silly giggles, Gajeel leaned in to kiss her forehead instead.

"You're gonna catch a cold if ya stay out here any longer," he fretted, turning her around by her shoulders and marching her through her gate and up to her door despite her protests that she could walk by herself.

"Fine, fine! I'll go inside." she laughed, searching for her keys in her bag. She stuck them into the door, but before she could unlock it, two large hands grabbed her cheeks and she was pulled into another kiss.

This kiss had a lot more strength to it, a wave of passion that was built up in the moment, and Levy would have lost her balance were Gajeel not holding onto her. A hand hesitantly made its way to rest on his collarbone, lithe fingers gently brushing against his neck, and Levy grinned as she noticed Gajeel shudder a little at the touch.

He pulled away after a moment, bumping foreheads with her as he paused to catch his breath. His ears were a lovely shade of red, and his cheeks were starting to match, though she did suspect the weather had something to do with it, too.

"I really like you, Gajeel." she murmured, a little shy of herself since she realised the depth of her attraction to her date.

"I really like you too, Levy." Gajeel replied equally quietly, surprisingly serious. He kissed her forehead again. "I'll see ya tomorrow."

"Okay, have a safe trip home."

"Don't ya worry. G'night Shorty."

"Good night."


Thank you for reading and sticking by me all this time everyone. The amount of reviews and followers this story has drives me not to give up on it and succumb to stress ^^ Please let me know what you think!