A/N: Hello and welcome back my readers from afar! I am so, so, soooooooooo terribly sorry for not updating so soon. I was busy studying for exams and I was out of town visiting my family for four days. I wanted to post this earlier in the week but I had to work and my laptop went through a very frustrating software update…I'm sorry if I appeared dead to the world!
But, I'm back and have finished this up for your reading pleasure. My month long winter break from college has begun so that means I can take some well-deserved R&R and work on this to pass the time.
I just realized that next week is Christmas! Yee Haw!
I'll probably be busy Christmas and New Years with my family so…yeah, it may be another late update…sorry.
BUT! With the posting of this chapter, I have also posted the first (of what I hope will be many chapters) for my new story; Vendetta. (You can try and find in the FT Fanfic page or you can just visit my profile.)
Think of it as an early Christmas present from me to you guys for all of your support and encouragement with my writing. Seriously, I can't thank you guys enough.
So with that being said, here's a shout out to you guys for all your support, encouragement and for 50, positive reviews;
-skelekc: Welcome back, as always I'm glad you enjoy my writing. Yeah, I can understand Igneel's and Lilly's maturity throwing you off a bit but there is a reason as to why they are more mature than Natsu and Lucy. Most people would think Igneel would be like Natsu, being his son and all that. But he takes after Lucy and she's more serious than Natsu in most regards. It's Lilly who takes after Natsu...lord have mercy. I'm glad you got that PM I sent you, I hope it helps you as the story goes on.
-kazenoseiren: Hello and welcome back! I'm sorry for making you wait! It's just that I have everything structured out in my head and I want to build up the suspense for when things are revealed! Just wait a little bit longer, things will start picking up after this story ark; I PROMISE! Yeah, that conversation between Natsu and Lilly was bound to happen; one of the things I think most fathers go through when their daughter brings home a boy. Yeah, Sam and Lilly are an item and I'm thinking of ways that I can show their relationship as the story continues. As for Igneel and Lilly helping bring their parents together, embarrassment and all that fluff included, Igneel said that all his parents needed was a, "nudge in the right direction."
-Tomoyo10798: Hello Tomoyo-chan, welcome back! I hope your cousin doesn't think you're completely nuts! I'm glad you liked the previous chapter…something in the back of my mind told me you would like it. I also got around to reading your own FT story. It has my interest and I'll make sure to continue reading it ASAP. If you ever need help or advice, don't be afraid to ask. And you're right, it is fun to write when you know someone is cheering you on.
-lilpumpkingirl: *let's out held breathe with a large sigh of relief* Oh thank God, I guess I was worrying over nothing. Thank you. I honestly appreciated what you said and I took it all into consideration. I'm glad you're staying for the ride, I would've felt terrible if I had deterred you from further reading. If you feel like voicing your opinion or anything like that, don't hesitate to do so. I take all my readers advice and questions into consideration.
-Syaoran837: So, my story is entertaining you…LIKE A BOSS! (I do like that meme XD). So…my last chapter had you rolling on the floor in a fangirl induced haze…well, I guess that means I'm doing something right!? LOL. I'm just happy to know that you enjoy the story. Trust me, after this story arc, things will start to pick up. As for Igneel being single…sorry to tell you this but he's taken; as your about to see. I will tell him that you say hi however!
-Sesshomaru'sCrazygal: As always, welcome back you wonderful crazy girl! I'm glad you think the story is amazing; if you like what you've seen so far, you better brace for what's coming next. Question; since you saw what I was going to do with Sam and Lilly, does that mean you have ESP or something like that!? LOL. Yes, Igneel has his fair share of secrets…some of which may be hinted at in chapter's 13 and 14.
-Darkhope: Welcome back! I'm glad you liked the Nalu. After this chapter you can expect some Gruvia and their kids! And…CONGRATULATIONS! YOU'RE MY 50TH REVIEWER! You win…err…well…you've won this chapter for you're reading pleasure? *weak smile*.
So, I think I've put this off long enough; let's get started because it's another long one!
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CHAPTER 10: Reconnecting Pt.2 of 4
"Thank you, have a nice day!" Levy said as she backed her way out of the bookstore, her arms laden with a large collection of books she had splurged on.
"Same to you…and be careful!" The owner called out.
"I'll try!" Levy replied with a weak smile.
Readjusting the books in her arms so that they were slightly easier to carry, Levy began the trek back to her apartment.
The purchasing of the books had been something she was saving up for a while now and she had been ecstatic to learn that none of the books she wanted had been purchased by someone else. In retrospect however, she should've realized that she was about to buy a considerable amount of hardcovers. Some were thick while the others were thin but most of all, their combined weight made things…heavy.
Levy was not someone who was known for her physical prowess.
Levy let out a tired sigh. Sometimes her love of books could be curse.
As Levy tried to move in between the people in front of her, her view partially obstructed by the books, Levy cursed the fact that she hadn't asked Lucy for help with carrying the books.
The two had coincidentally run into each other while looking for books. Lucy, unlike Levy, had been looking for a single book and had seemed quite exasperated by the amount of books Levy was attempting to purchase. Lucy had offered her help but Levy, having thought nothing of what she was doing, had politely turned down her best friends help.
And speaking of her best friend, Levy was still amazed by what Lucy had told her.
Levy had noted that Lucy seemed to be in a particularly carefree mood. She even seemed to have an extra spring in her step. When Levy questioned Lucy about her good mood, the Celestial Mage's cheeks turned a bright shade of red but Lucy wasted no time in telling Levy about her and Natsu's first date the night before.
Even though the date had occurred the previous night, Natsu and Lucy's outing was starting to become the talk of the town.
Levy had placed her hand in front of her mouth with a surprised gasp before a wide, beaming smile had formed on her face. She instantly began prodding her friend for details.
The two talked for a while and Lucy gave Levy every nitty-gritty detail that the Solid Script mage sent her way. But, Lucy noticed what time it was and said she had some errands to run. As she left, Levy got the feeling that Lucy wasn't telling her the whole story of what had transpired between her and Natsu.
Oh well, she'd interrogate Lucy about the matter later.
Still, a small frown formed on Levy's lips. She was happy for her best friend. She really was.
But hearing that Natsu and Lucy were now getting together made Levy think about her current situation between Gajeel and Saito.
If Levy was being honest with herself, she would have admitted that she was trying to avoid the two men who were currently the center of her life.
She hadn't really spoken to Gajeel since they had returned from Crocus, if anything he was being stubborn and avoiding her and she was only able to form small talk with Saito. The fact that the Dragon Skin mage was her future son and the reoccurring dreams she had been having didn't help either.
Levy sighed again. She was trying to interact with the two males, she really was. But the whole situation was just…awkward.
Levy was so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn't see the person in front of her. Before she could react, Levy and the stranger collided. Levy let out a surprised "eep" as she fell onto her rump, her books scattering about her.
Letting out a groan and rubbing her back, Levy began to pick up her books.
"I'm really sorry, I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing."
The stranger bent down and began to help Levy pick up her books.
"Normally you're on the ball, something on your mind?" the stranger asked.
Levy paused.
She recognized that voice.
Levy looked at the stranger and her eyes widened in shock. Squatting before her, with a book in his hand, was Saito.
The young mage had a small, amused smile on his face as he gauged Levy's reaction.
"What…how?" Levy asked.
"I was just taking a walk and next thing I know, you're bumping into me with all these books."
Saito picked up another book.
"I know you love books and all that but what are you doing carrying all of these."
Levy lowered her eyes in embarrassment.
"I guess I got a little carried away."
Saito smiled again.
"I guess I'll help you with this…if you don't mind." Saito said as he began to take some of the spilled books into his hands.
"You don't have to do this," Levy said, "I can…I can carry all of these!"
Saito gave a small laugh.
"And run the risk of this happening again; no thanks. You're getting my help on this."
Seeing that there was no point in arguing with Saito, Levy let the more muscled mage carry the majority of her purchase as the two made their way back to Levy's apartment.
Though the silence between the two was prominent, Levy would occasionally peek at Saito through her peripheral vision. He seemed content not saying anything, but Levy got the feeling that he was just being respectful towards her. He probably had an understanding of how she was feeling.
Levy bit her lip. She wasn't being fair towards Saito by not talking to him. If she wanted to regain any semblance towards normalcy, Levy figured she'd try to break the ice.
"So…" Levy said, "How have you been?"
Saito turned his head slightly to face Levy.
"I've been fine. Getting used to things, as the saying goes."
Saito looked forward again.
"Dad is still cautious around me though. I don't really blame him; it's just the way he is."
Levy frowned as she thought about the Iron Dragon Slayer.
"How…how is he?" Levy asked hesitantly.
"…He's okay…I guess."
"You guess?" Levy asked.
Saito shrugged.
"He's been tossing and turning in his sleep a lot recently. I think he's dreaming about something."
The hairs on the back of Levy's neck began to stand.
"And of course, he continues to sulk at the back of the Guild; watching you like a hawk."
Levy swallowed slightly when she thought about what Saito had just said.
In her reoccurring dreams, Levy had found herself back in the Library she had dreamt about during the first night the kids had arrived in Magnolia. And each time, Gajeel and Saito had been there; the former always chasing after the latter. And each time, the two of them had been drawn to that heavy book with the charcoal drawings.
The drawings had been different with each dream and ranged from simple images of her and Gajeel holding hands, Levy resting her head on Gajeel's shoulder, to Levy pregnant with Saito. There were even images of Saito when he was little playing with Gajeel. But when the last page of the book ended, there was always the image of Saito, in his Dragon Skin form, looking at Gajeel and Levy with a strange, forlorn look.
"When you say dreams…what do you mean?"
Saito shrugged.
"He doesn't talk about 'em so I don't know. Why?"
Levy bit her lip again.
Was it alright to talk to Saito about this?
"Mom," Saito said, ignoring the way Levy flinched when he said the word, "if there is something on your mind, just speak it."
Levy took a calming breathe. Saito's bluntness reminded her of Gajeel.
"Ever since we got back from Crocus…I've been having this dream…over and over again."
"What kind of dream?" Saito asked.
"…I keep finding myself in this library. I'm alone and when I try to read a book…I find no words on the pages. Then…you seem to appear out of nowhere. You head off into the library and I chase after you. When the chase ends, I find you…and Gajeel. He seems to have also been chasing after you. But when we meet up, you're gone and in your place is this large leather bound book with drawings of me and Gajeel on the pages."
Levy looked at Saito.
"Does that…does that mean anything to you?"
Saito's lips had been drawn into a thin line and his eyes had widened slightly. His shoulders also seemed to have tensed up.
"Saito…" Levy asked hesitantly, "Is something wrong?"
Saito blinked once and focused his eyes elsewhere.
"No, I'm fine," Saito said, "I have no idea what your dream could mean."
Although Levy didn't say it, as her eyes crinkled slightly and a small frown graced her countenance, she got the impression that Saito was lying to her.
She didn't press the issue, however. Not when she could find the answers on her own.
Saito's pace suddenly slowed as he began to squint at something in the distance. He quirked an eyebrow and smiled.
"Looks like we're not the only one's out and about today." Saito said with a nod in the direction he was looking.
Levy followed Saito's line of site and when she saw what he was looking at, her eyebrows rose.
There walking hand in hand, was Senna and Igneel.
The two seemed to be enjoying each other's company, silently talking to each other as Senna rested her head on Igneel's shoulder. They didn't seem to be heading in any particular direction, just enjoying each other's presence as they walked by the stores and street vendors.
"I…I didn't know those two were together." Levy said.
"Yep," Saito said, "They've been together for, I'd say, two years now."
"…Almost as long as Sam and Lilly?" Levy said.
"Uh-huh." Saito said.
It was then that Igneel and Senna noticed Saito and Levy, Igneel raising his arm in a small wall.
Saito nodded back and the two groups met up.
"Hey there you two," Saito said, "out on a date are we?"
Igneel rubbed the back of his head with a bright smile while a tint of pink formed on Senna's cheeks.
"What gave you that impression?" Igneel asked jokingly causing Levy to giggle, "We're just spending time together, that's all."
"Mhmm." Saito said good naturedly as he quirked an eyebrow.
"What about you two?" Senna asked, "Quality time with your mom?"
"You could say that. I'm just helping drop off a few books at her apartment before I go on my way."
Igneel and Senna noted the amount of books the two were carrying and sweat dropped.
"I forgot how much Mrs. Redfox loves to read." Igneel thought.
"Well, we won't keep you two." Igneel said.
"Same to you."
Saying their good byes, the two groups parted.
"They seem to be getting along." Senna said to Igneel.
"Yeah…but I'm a little worried."
"About what?" Senna asked.
"About how Saito and his father will interact."
Senna contemplated what Igneel had said.
"…I hope to Mavis they don't tear this place apart."
XXXX
It took some effort, but Saito and Levy were able to get inside her apartment.
Saito let out a low whistle.
"And here I thought Dad's place was a mess." Saito said as he saw the stacks of books that filled the mages apartment.
Levy gave a weak smile.
"Sorry, I've been meaning to straighten up a bit."
Saito sighed as a smile formed on his face, setting the books down to where Levy gestured.
"It's alright, I just forgot you had a ton of books that's all."
Saito began to look at the bookshelves, reading the titles on the binding as he did so.
"Do you like to read?" Levy asked as she began to find a place for her latest tomes.
"Whenever I find something that catches my attention; yes."
Saito paused and reached up to pull a book out of its spot before slowly skimming through its pages.
Levy walked over to Saito and couldn't help but smile when she saw that he was reading a book on dragons.
"This was my favorite book when I was little." Saito said as he gently ran his fingers over the paper.
"You would read this to me every night before bed. Heh, sometimes dad would even read this to me…but, he was a little more animated about it." Saito smiled at the fond memory.
The two were quiet for a moment.
"How…how is he…as a father I mean?" Levy asked not sure if the question sounded alright.
Saito looked at Levy as he put the book back in its place.
"He's the greatest man I know. He may come off as brash and cold; hell he's borderline sociopathic. But underneath that tough exterior, he's got a good heart. He'd do anything to protect the Guild and our family."
A faraway look appeared in Saito's eyes.
"He'd do anything."
He then focused back on Levy.
"I know how awkward things may seem right now, but the only way things are going to change are if you just talk to him. He may not talk back…but he'll hear you out."
Levy looked away from Saito and bit her lip again.
"How can you be so sure? I don't even know if he likes me the way I like him."
She looked back at Saito with a pained expression.
"I love him…but I can't find it within myself to tell him that."
Levy crossed her arms across her chest, her hands gripping her shoulders.
"I…I never thought I would fall in love with him. At first I thought he was just a brute…but after all that we've been through…after all that's happened…I can't deny what I feel for him."
Saito was quiet as he gathered his thoughts and listened to what Levy said.
"You're afraid that he'll reject your feelings." It was more of a statement than a question.
Levy nodded silently as her eyes began to water. Saito reached inside his jacket and the sound of a zipper could be heard being pulled.
Saito withdrew a small piece of paper.
On closer inspection, Levy realized that it was a photograph.
In it, there was a picture of herself, Gajeel and a young Saito who appeared to be seven or eight years old.
Levy saw that her future self-had longer hair that reached the small of her back, while two thick bangs framed her face and her hair band was still in place. She was sporting a pair of dark framed glasses and had a small scar near her right temple. She wore a brown leather jacket with the sleeves rolled halfway up her forearms, a black-long sleeved undershirt and pair of fingerless gloves. She was smiling brightly for the camera.
Gajeel was still tall and strong as ever. He wore Saito's field jacket over grey and red, graphic t-shirt. His tri-colored bandana was wrapped around his forehead, causing his bangs to frame his face but his hair had been cut to where it was now shoulder length. He grinned his trademark grin at the camera.
And in the middle of the photo, with both his parents arms wrapped around him, stood a young and smiling Saito. His hair was cut short and spikey and his piercing red eyes, his father's eyes, gleamed in the light. He wore a simple light blue t-shirt.
Levy's eyes were glued to the picture. She and Gajeel looked so…so happy. Saito looked so happy. Levy couldn't help the small tear that ran down her cheek.
The image was so perfect; it was something she only had dreamed of.
Saito put the picture back in his jacket.
"Does that look like a man who would reject someone like you? Someone who has become his closet friend…someone who would give their life to protect him."
Levy felt more tears slowly run down her face.
"I saw what you did in Crocus when you and dad were being hunted by that girl. I saw the strength and defiance you showed despite the odds not being in your favor. You stood by him…and he stood by you."
Saito put his hands on Levy's shoulders in a comforting manner.
"The only way you'll ever know how dad feels for you is if you talk to him. And who knows, you may be surprised as to what you find out."
XXXX
Saito sighed as he walked back down the path from Fairy Hills. He had left Levy to give her time to get her thoughts together after their conversation; Mavis knew she needed it.
"I hope she's alright." Saito muttered to himself as he closed the gate behind him.
"Who's alright?" A deep, rough voice said.
Saito turned around to find Gajeel standing behind him with his arms crossed, his eyes narrowed in a glare.
"Oh!" Saito said, slightly startled by his father's presence, "it's you."
"What're you doing here?" Gajeel said, his voice still deep and commanding.
Saito recognized that tone.
"I was just helping mom carry some books home. She bought a bunch and she looked like she could use some help."
"Is that all?" Gajeel asked skeptically.
"Yes dad that's all." Saito said.
"Though I have to wonder, what are you doing here?"
Gajeel narrowed his eyes again and let out an annoyed grunt as he turned around.
"It's none of your damn business."
"Considering she's my mother I think it is my business."
Gajeel didn't answer and began to walk away.
Saito sighed and followed. His father could be so difficult sometimes. Saito had a good idea as to the "who" and the "why" Gajeel chosen to make his way to Fairy Hills.
The two walked in silence despite Gajeel giving off the vibe that he didn't want to be followed.
After what seemed to be an eternity, Gajeel chose to speak.
"Why are you following me?" The iron mage asked bluntly.
Saito shrugged.
"I've got nothing better to do today, so I might as well tag along for a bit."
The two were quiet for a minute as Gajeel observed Saito from the corner of his eye. He then looked forward again, his brow furrowed as he sorted out an internal debate in his head.
"…I remembered, I have a job I need to do toady…want to tag along?" Gajeel asked hesitantly.
Saito looked at Gajeel, a small smile on his face.
"What kind of job?"
XXXX
Saito and Gajeel stood before a small wooded field on the outskirts of town. Gajeel had explained that a local land owner was looking for some land to be cleared so that he could build a new building on the property. The problem was that all the available labor for working such a job was contracted elsewhere. So the land owner had put in a job request at the Guild Hall. The pay for clearing the field was good and the work was right up his alley.
"So…" Saito said as he looked at the small trees and large rock formations that littered the filed, "why'd you ask me to tag along."
Gajeel shrugged.
"Sounded like a good idea; figured you might be interested."
Saito nodded, guessing that was all he was going to get from his father.
"The owner of the grounds has marked the border with yellow tags. Still, it's quite the workload."
Saito was silent for a moment before he shed his jacket and his t-shirt. He then cracked his neck and knuckles.
"We're obviously in for the long haul on this. So let's make things interesting; a bet so to speak."
"What d'you mean?" Gajeel said as he quirked an eyebrow.
"I'm starting to get tired of sleeping on the couch," Saito said as he outstretched his hand to the field, "the terms of the bet are this; whoever clears out the most of the field gets the bed for the rest of the month."
Gajeel glared at Saito.
"That's my stuff you're messing with." Gajeel growled.
He then grinned and summoned up his Iron Dragon's Sword; the jagged blades begging to spool up thus making a loud "whir."
"You're on."
Saito summoned his Dragon Skin. As his skin hardened to its signature midnight-black color, razor sharp claws formed on Saito's hands. His glowing eyes squinted in a manner that indicated that he was also grinning.
"Bring it!"
The two dashed forward and focused on their desired targets.
Gajeel sliced down a small cluster of trees with ease before using his blade to uproot the stumps. Saito focused on a cluster of boulders and slammed his fists down onto the rock; shattering the hard stone with the dual impacts.
As the rock crumbled, Saito got an idea. He lifted up a large chunk of rock in his hands, his Dragon Skin giving him immense strength.
"Hey Dad; think fast!"
Saito hurled the rock at Gajeel just as the iron mage spun around. Gajeel grinned and held his arm up vertically just as the rock impacted. The blade easily cut the rock in tow.
Gajeel laughed.
"Two can play that game boy!" Gajeel barked.
Gajeel formed another blade on his free arm and used his blades to toss an even larger rock at Saito. As the boulder flew at Saito, the Dragon Skinned mage arched his elbow back and closed his hand into a fist. As soon as the rock connected with Saito's fist, the armored mage put all the kinetic force into the punch and smirked to himself when the rock burst into hundreds of little pieces.
And so the father and son proceeded with their game all the while clearing the field of the obstacles they were tasked with clearing.
The sun was setting by the time the two finished with the job. They sat atop a boulder they had literally cut and sanded down into dust, the two covered in sweat and elbows resting on their knees.
"That's…that's quite the power you have there." Gajeel said, referencing Saito's Dragon Skin.
"Thanks," Saito said as he took a deep breathe, "it has its perks…but it has its weaknesses."
"How so…in Crocus those wind blades were cutting right into you and you took it all; hell, your wounds even healed right up?"
"My Dragon Skin does keep me protected from most if not all physical and magical damage; so long as nothing vital is struck. The only reason those slashes healed is because I have a high pain tolerance and the wounds weren't that deep. However, if I lose concentration, my Dragon Skin will deactivate. Or if I take serious damage to my chest or torso and I start to bleed out, my body won't be able to recover."
Saito looked at Gajeel.
"If I'm struck through the head or chest, especially my heart; I will die."
Gajeel, with wide eyes, blinked slowly. Saito however, gave him a comforting smile.
"There is a catch to my power. I can only be harmed by someone else with Dragon Skin…the power is so rare that I don't have to worry about a serious fight anytime soon."
Things went quiet again after that.
"So…who won the bet?" Gajeel asked.
"I don't know." Saito said as he observed the field.
"I think we're both even."
"…Even?" Gajeel asked, "You mean to tell me that we went through this whole field and neither one of us has beaten the other?"
"Yeah," Saito said, "…look on the bright side, at least you still get to keep your bed."
The two stared at each other for a moment…then burst out laughing at the absurdity of what they just went through.
After taking a moment to get the laughter out of their systems, Saito extended an outstretched fist to Gajeel. Gajeel eyed the fist for a moment before he bumped his fist with his sons.
The two then watched the setting sun.
"Why were you going to mom's apartment today?" Saito asked, not turning his head.
Gajeel was silent and Saito sighed.
"You don't have to answer if you-"
"I wanted to see her." Gajeel said.
Now, Saito looked at Gajeel.
"I've…I've been wanting to talk to her about something that's been happening for a while."
"…Let me guess; you've been dreaming about her?"
Gajeel gave Saito a surprised look which then turned into a cautious glare.
"How do you-"
"Mom told me about it. About the library and the book."
Saito looked at a slack jawed Gajeel.
"Am I wrong?" Saito asked.
Gajeel let out a tired sigh and shook his head.
"I don't know what to make of it…I thought that if I talked to her about the whole thing, she might be able to give me some answers."
Gajeel looked at Saito.
"But I guess she doesn't know either?"
Saito shook his head.
"Do you?" Saito asked.
"No." Saito answered; a little too quickly.
Gajeel narrowed his eyes but let it slide as he ran his fingers through his hair.
"You wanted to talk to mom about something else besides the dreams didn't you." Saito said.
Before Gajeel could counter, Saito beat him to the punch.
"You've been watching her like a hawk ever since I got here dad. It doesn't take an expert to notice that you've been paying extra attention to her. I noticed it. My friends and everyone else has noticed it…but you haven't."
Saito gave his father a look that simply said, "Don't argue with me."
"When are you going to stop beating around the bush and just work up the nerve to talk to her about how you feel?"
"How I feel…HOW I FEEL!?" Gajeel snapped, standing up as he did so, "HOW COULD YOU POSSIBLY UNDERSTAND HOW I FEEL!?"
Saito simply stared at Gajeel, letting his father vent.
"You couldn't understand how I feel about her…I…I've tried to just stay a friend with her…but every time I see her, I have to fight the urge to just make her mine…to claim her as my own."
Gajeel sat down again and rested his hands on his forehead.
"But still…I don't even know how she feels towards me…and those dreams aren't helping either."
"…Who says she doesn't?" Saito asked.
Gajeel's head snapped up.
"What?" Gajeel asked.
Saito shrugged.
"You heard me."
"…H-how do you know?"
"I don't. And neither do you." Saito said. I wasn't necessarily a white lie but it was neither the truth either. Saito knew how Levy felt for Gajeel…he figured he'd let them figure everything out.
Saito placed a comforting hand on Gajeel's shoulder.
"And you won't know until you talk to her."
XXXX
Later…
The Guild Hall was packed as usual, like it always was during the day.
People were conversing, enjoying each other's company and just having a good time.
"Hey, take a look at those two." Laki said as she nodded in Natsu and Lucy's general direction.
"Look at what? Freed asked.
"Just look." Laki said again as the other people at her table began to look at Fire and Celestial Mage's.
The two were standing next to each other and were…holding hands!?
"Hell, it's about time." Bickslow said with a grin.
"Tell me about it," Kinana said, "I was getting tired of seeing those two tip toe around each other."
"I guess people are starting to take notice." Igneel said to Lilly from his spot at the bar.
"Think we did the right thing?" Lilly asked.
The two smiled softly as they watched Lucy rest her head on Natsu's shoulder.
"Definitely." Igneel said.
The door to the Guild Hall opened and Saito and Gajeel walked in.
"Hey there you two," Lilly said, "Where have you guys been?"
Saito smiled.
"We were just taking some time to reconnect, that's all."
Saito looked at Gajeel but saw that the Iron mage was looking elsewhere. Saito followed his father's gaze and instantly saw who he was looking at.
Levy was sitting at a table, next to Jet and Droy, and was trying to focus on what her two teammates were saying. Her however, seemed to be elsewhere.
"Remember what I said earlier?" Saito asked.
Gajeel gave his son a nervous look.
"Just go to her and say what you need to say…you'll be fine."
Gajeel's eye hardened in a confident manner and he gave a silent nod. He then made his way to the table. Saito took a seat at the bar, ordered a drink, and watched Gajeel from his spot. He couldn't hear what either Gajeel or Levy say, but he would still watch.
Gajeel approached Levy and the bluenette looked at the iron mage with a shocked expression. Gajeel said something which caused Levy to blush while Jet and Droy protested. Levy quickly calmed down her two friends. Gajeel extended his hand which Levy slowly took as she stood up. Gajeel then led Levy out the door and outside where they would have some privacy.
Saito watched the whole exchange and waited.
"Is something wrong Saito?" Mirajane asked as she brought Saito's drink to him. Saito simply shrugged in answer to Mira's question.
So Saito waited…he waited…and he waited.
He waited for about half an hour.
Saito was starting to think that something had happened when the door opened. Saito held his breathe…
…And exhaled through his nose when Gajeel and Levy walked back in, their hands intertwined. Gajeel had a shade of red on his cheeks but his demeanor said a great burden had been lifted from his shoulders.
Levy looked the same as Gajeel but a content smile had formed on her face. She then looked at Saito and mouthed, "Thank You."
Saito smiled with a nod as Gajeel and Levy took a seat at an open table. Saito turned back to his drink and chugged the remaining contents down. He then received a friendly pat on the back.
"You're folks seem to be getting cozy…you have anything to do with 'em?" Sam asked.
Saito smirked.
"I may have provided some advice but that's all."
Sam smirked.
"You sly dog."
The sound of hooting and hollering caught their attention and the duo turned to see a large crowd surrounding at Cana's table. Venturing over, the two saw that Wakaba was slouched over in his chair as they stood next to Senna, Jenny, Lilly and Igneel.
"Come on man, I think you've had enough." Macao said to his friend as he placed on hand on Wakaba's shoulder while Cana laughed heartily.
"Eeeeeh…" Wakaba said trying to shoo Macao away, "I'm drunk as not I am you think."
Wakaba promptly fell out of his chair.
"What's going on?" Sam asked.
"Apparently Aunt Cana is holding a drinking competition," Senna said, "whoever out drinks her, which would normally be an impossible feat, wins one-hundred and thirty jewels."
"I take it no one has succeeded yet?" Sam said as he watched as Wakaba was hauled off.
"Nope." Senna, Lilly, Jenny and Igneel said in unison.
Sam sighed, "I thought so."
Saito on the other hand smirked which Jenny noticed.
"Saito…are you thinking what I know you're thinking?"
Saito raised his eyebrows twice in quick succession, his smirk still in place.
"Do be careful." Jenny said as Saito went over to Cana's table.
"What's this; a new player enters the arena?" Cana quipped, "Here to test your blood alcohol levels?"
"And win the hundred jewels." Saito said.
"You sure your liver can handle this?" Cana asked with a confident smirk.
"One way to find out."
Cana's grin widened, before she pounded her fist on the table.
"You're on! Mira we're starting another round over here!" Cana called out.
"We drink till one of us passes out or calls it quits; you sure you don't want to back down?"
Saito cracked his neck.
"Bring it."
XXXX
29 and a ½ drinks LATER….
"Oh my…" Lucy said as she watched the sight before her.
"…I…I didn't think this was possible; guess I was wrong." Natsu added.
Before them, Cana lay semi-conscious on the table while Saito sat back in his chair, slowly sipping the last of the ale from his mug.
"Guess you owe me a hundred jewels." Saito said triumphantly.
Cana said something incoherent before fumbling around in her blouse for the aforementioned bills and setting them on the table. She then promptly closed her eyes and passed out. Mirajane and Lisanna soon came over and helped drag Cana off to the infirmary so the Card Mage could sleep the rest of the night.
Saito picked up the bills, counted them, and then placed them in his pocket.
Everyone's eyes followed him in amazement. It was rare if not impossible for Cana to be outmatched when it came to drinking.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go detox my stomach."
Saito then made his way to the bathroom.
"What does he mean by that?" Levy asked as she watched Saito enter the men's room.
"You're better off not knowing." Igneel said.
Everyone looked at Igneel, who knew people would want answers.
"I won't go into specifics but even though Saito is a stronger drinker, he had a little help this time. He used his Dragon Skin to strengthen his liver…this isn't the first time he's done this."
"Strengthened his liver? Isn't that cheating?" Lisanna asked having returned from the infirmary.
"Not really. Aunt Cana didn't say anything about not being able to use magic so he technically didn't cheat. A little underhanded but he didn't cheat."
"I didn't think he could armor up his organs." Lucy said, turning a little green at the thought.
"He can but it takes a lot of concentration and it saps his energy quickly if he only focuses his magic on one body part."
"Will he be alright?" Levy asked.
"Probably…" Igneel sighed, "But I should go check on him." Igneel said as he made his way over to the men's room.
XXXX
With a violent series of coughs and wretches, Saito vomited the long stream of coal black ichor from his body. Saito, using his one hand to brace himself on the toilet, used his free hand to wipe his mouth.
"I don't know why you torture yourself like this." Igneel said as he stood behind his best friend.
Saito spat into the toilet and flushed.
"Sometimes I ask that myself the exact same question." Saito said as he stood up and made his way to a nearby sink, drinking water from the tap.
"I thought you would've learned after last time. Even though the armor on your liver helped, you still got the mother of all hangovers."
"That was only because I was stupid enough to drink two bottles of 110-proof tequila."
Igneel sighed and looked at his reflection in the mirror.
"I worry about you sometimes."
"Heh," Saito chuckled, "you just worry about yourself and your sister…and your folks." Saito added.
"The same goes for you." Igneel added with a smile.
The two were quiet.
"My mom told me something I wasn't expecting." Saito said.
Igneel's brows furrowed.
"Like what?"
"…She and my dad are sharing dreams…I think she's also developing foresight."
Saito looked at Igneel whose eyes widened at the statement.
"None of that happened until after I was born…and I still haven't figured out why my dad doesn't have his dragon skin."
Igneel drew his lips into a thin line.
"Bro," Saito asked, "what the hell's going on around here?"
Igneel looked back at his reflection, hands braced on the sink.
"I don't know man," Igneel sighed, "I don't know."
XXXX
A/N: Well, that wraps up this chapter folks. I hope it was worth the wait *weak smile*.
So, I wanted to try and write this chapter from Saito's perspective when it came to Gajeel and Levy. I'll leave it to your imaginations as to what the two said but I may hint later on as to what Gajeel and Levy confessed to each other. And, yes, Igneel and Senna are an item.
Next chapter will focus on Gray and Juvia and then the final chapter of this story arc will focus on Jellal and Erza. After that things will start to pick up again.
Like I said, I'll probably be busy with the upcoming Holiday so you may have to wait for the next update. I don't like making you guys wait but I guess we all get busy around this time of the year.
As I also said, the first chapter of my new story is up so I encourage you guys to check it out; I hope you enjoy it!
And lastly, I want to wish all of you guys a very, very Merry Christmas and, in case I don't update, a Happy New Year! Enjoy the time with your friends and families!
Until next time, Happy Holidays!