Hi guys. This chapter is going to be a bit painful for Gajeel...thought I'd warn ya first ;). Also thanks to the guest that left the last review. I appreciate it and I'm glad you're enjoying the story, I hope you enjoy this chapter and the same to everyone else reading. Anyway lets get started.

"Gajeel, Gajeel, wake up" said Wendy as she tried to shake her brother awake. This is not working...hmm...of yeah!

"Charle get me that bucket of water please" as her lady-in-waiting went to grab the bucket, Wendy tried once again to wake her brother up with no success.

He's really out of it, did he sleep here? Like this? What happened last night? Did he have a fight with father again or worse Levy? As she assessed her brother's state she noticed his bleeding hands hanging by his side. His head was hanging low, as he sat sleeping on the floor. We need to tend to those hands first and then maybe I'll have some success in getting him to open up to me. But first lets wake him up.

"Here you go, I don't think this is a good idea though Wendy. What if he gets mad?"asked Charle as she reluctantly handed over the bucket of water to Wendy.

"Oh please the most he does when he gets mad is storm off, which he would probably do anyway judging by his state of being. It's not my fault he doesn't want to wake up" and at that she splashed her brother awake.

*Gasp*"What the fuck?! Wendy, what are you thinking?!"

"Language Gajeel. And what are you thinking sleeping on the floor with those bleeding hands. They need medical attention so we're going to my room. First though go take a bath, you stink."

"No, now get the hell out of here."

"Please Gajeel. I promise I won't ask anything (yet) just please let me tend to your hands and go get some decent rest. Today is your free day anyway so you might as well take advantage of it." she pleaded.

Damn those puppy dog eyes of her! Why couldn't the old man find me he would have just left me alone. Like I believe that she won't ask me about it.

"Argh...fine, fine just promise you actually won't ask any questions!"

"I promise"

"Fine I'll see you in a half hour in your room, and you better not tell the old man about this." he warned.

Forty minutes later Gajeel knocked on Wendy's door, got his hand bandaged while avoiding any and all questions coming from his sister and giving her a good glare the entire time. He did flinch anytime she mentioned Levy though, which made things very difficult as she caught on soon enough. Then all her questions ended up being about Levy, which really did not help his mood. He felt sick, sad and a whole lot of other horrible emotions every time he remembered that kiss. Her first kiss (if it really was their first) and it was with Acnologia, his asshole cousin that is known for ruining women's reputations. What is he planning with Levy? Since when has this been going on? Heck until he saw them kiss he was contemplating on their almost kiss. Maybe I should have gone through with it? Why am I such a coward? Was she thinking of him, we do look alike after all? That thought hurt most of all. So he decided to mute his thoughts...maybe I should go punch something again. No, the kid would probably worry again. Reading? No books just remind me of her. Drinking? Yeah that sounds good, I'll just steal some from the old mans office.

As he quickly made his way towards the alcohol after escaping his sisters interrogation room, he was faced with probably the last person he wanted to see right now.

"Ah, Gajeel! Just the man I wanted to see!"

"What do you want? I'm busy!" said Gajeel while glaring and trying to get away.

"Oh, do not worry. I will only take a minute."

"Well, spit it out then!"

"I am sure you noticed myself and Levy yesterday evening" at that Gajeel involuntarily flinched, and a smirk made his way onto Acnologia's face. A smirk Gajeel was just itching to punch off his face.

"Yeah, what about it?"

"Well, my dear Levy is concerned about what people will think since I am not officially courting her. So we would very much appreciate it if you would keep quiet about this to anyone. It won't be for long anyway. I talked to her father and he has accepted my courtship of Levy. I think we will probably give it the customary 1 or 2 months before we announce an engagement. What do you think?"

WHAT DO I THINK? WHAT DO I THINK! "What does Levy think of this?"

"It was her idea actually. If it were for me I wouldn't wait that long, but what the lady wants, the lady shall have."

Her idea! That realisation alone broke his heart more than he thought possible. She really wants this with him. She wants to marry him. She loves him.

"Do you love her?"

"Love? Sure, what's not to love. She is attractive and will make a fine match, better than any other so far. Of course, there is one problem."

"What would that be?" She is perfect you moron and if that is all you can see in her you really do not deserve her! God, I want to punch you so much right now!

"You"

"Me? Why am I a problem?"

"Well, it's simple. You're in love with her and you work with her. That makes me very uncomfortable, knowing that my prospective wife will be working in such proximity to a man that feels so strongly about her. You are my cousin after all, I have seen the way you look at my Levy. I suppose I will have to ask her to quit her job at the publishing house."

YOU PIECE OF SHIT! "SHE LOVES THAT JOB!"

"I know she does. But like I said I cannot accept my wife working with a man that feels so strongly about her. Unless..."

"Unless what?"

"Unless you were to leave. I am sure uncle is ready to give you bigger responsibilities and you can find someone else to help Levy with the publishing house. She truly does love that job and I would like to support this endeavour of her, as unusual as it may be. I'm sure we both want the best for her. Think about Gajeel." and with a pat on Gajeel's back he walked away, leaving his stunned cousin to stand in the hallway.

Once he could actually shake him self out of stupor, Gajeel stormed his father's office, and took the first bottle of scotch he could find. He then fled to his room. He really did not want to be disturbed by his sister again in the morning. Tomorrow he might have to actually deal with this at work but for tonight he was just going to get drunk and not think about the losing the love of his life, not only as a possible love relationship (which he did not think he deserved anyway) but as a friend as well. He always imagined he would get to be in her life in some shape or form but if she marries Aconologia...Fuck! No thinking Gajeel! Time to get drunk! And with that last thought on his mind, he took his first of many shots for the night.

Sooo...this was kinda painful to write and sorry for all the cussing but you know Gajeel and the story is rated M anyway so. Tell me your thoughts. Hope I didn't upset you too much. Reviews always make me happy, and criticism is appreciated since it helps me improve :)