This one will be focusing on our side pairing again hehe;)

the next one

Levy McGarden's heels clicked against the asphalt as she made her way down Strawberry Street. Anticipation had her fall into a half-jog, but she was quick to slow down as soon as her favourite tattoo shop came into vision.

Composure. That was the key.

She didn't know what she was more excited about - Gajeel, or the prospect of another tattoo soon ornating her skin.

Really, she thought with a chuckle, soon there'd be no more space to tattoo on her right thigh. She'd have to use the remaining surface wisely. Which meant even more brainstorming sessions with Gajeel. No problems with that.

As usual, she checked her appearance in the window before entering.

She had tamed her blue mane into two pigtails today, opting for a light lipstick only to accentuate her eyes. The heat wave that had washed over them last week showed no signs of fading, so Levy saw no use in applying much make-up. It would melt off in mere minutes anyway.

Her crop-top stopped just above her belly button, where her high waisted denim shorts left only a small strip of skin on display. Levy loved summer. It allowed her to show off her legs - and the works of art decorating them.

Satisfied with her appearance, she pushed open the door.

Was she imagining things, or did Gajeel seem just a little less grumpy today? Levy returned Natsu's happy greeting, but didn't miss the way his eyes searched for a second person behind her. Then her attention was drawn back towards Gajeel, who was leaning against the counter.

"Hi Shrimp."

"Hi, Gajeel."

"Lemme just fetch your design from the back."

"Sure."

As soon as Gajeel turned his back, Natsu was prancing around her. She almost had to laugh. He really had brought a new atmosphere into the shop.

"So, how's Lucy doing?"

"I'm guessing just as fine as she was when you last saw her? You know, yesterday?"

"Yeah but today. You haven't spoken to her?"

"No. I wanted to drop by after the appointment."

"I see," he mumbled, and Levy couldn't shake the feeling that he was nervous about something. She hadn't known him for long, but some of his emotions were easier to read than an open book. Others, she mused, not so.

She wasn't sure, but there was something about him, under his dorky exterior, that was very sharp. She'd noticed it right on the first day, and had decided she would most likely get along with him. And she had been proven right - as always. Levy McGarden was rarely wrong.

In fact, she hated being wrong.

It was to be avoided at all costs.

Maybe that was the reason why she was so reluctant still - when it came to her own heart. Feelings were not right or wrong - feelings existed. As good as she might be at giving advice to Lucy, as good was she at ignoring it herself.

"Got the quote." Gajeel startled her from her thoughts, waving the sheet in front of her face with a proud grin. The living bird is not its labeled bones. "Between the book and the sparrows, right? Along the curve of the woman?"

"Spot on," she grinned.

"Lemme do some last adjustments. Sit."

Surpressing an eye roll, Levy obeyed. Somehow she was sure not even Gajeel treated his other customers just like this. Now - was this a good or a bad thing? This constant uncertainty drove her mad.

Everything else in her life was under her control.

Why was he so impossible?

"Oi, Salamander, get some ink from the back, will ya?"

"Aye, Sir!" Natsu mocked before he made his way towards the corridor.

"Salamander?" Levy cocked a brow as she watched him disappear. New ink? Wouldn't Gajeel be tattooing her in the back room anyways? Her inner thigh wasn't something she would display for anyone who chose to peek through the shop window.

"Ah, 'cause of all the lizards he's got on him," Gajeel grinned evilly. It seemed to cause him joy to come up with weird nicknames, if her own was anything to go by. Shrimp. The mere thought of it made Levy squint her eyes again. "But listen, shrimp…"

"Do you have to call me that?"

"Yeah. Anyways, there's something… something I wanted to ask ya."

Why was he fidgeting on his chair now? Not even Levy had ever seen him like this. What did he want to tell her? Was that why he had sent Natsu away? But… what did he have to say that required privacy?

Suddenly, Levy's heart was beating all the way up to her throat, and she feared it might escape its restraints any second now.

"…ask me?"

"Yeah…"

The sound of a door closing seemed to snap him out of his awkwardness. There was not much time left.

"D'ya wanna go out with me?" he blurted out.

Levy's eyes widened as her lips parted simultaneously, leaving behind the trace of an incredulous smile. Natsu's steps echoed through the hallway.

"Yeah," she finally grinned. "Thought you'd never ask."

Her courage surprised her. But then again - it probably was because now she could finally be sure of his interest. Lucy had been right, after all.

"Just to, y' know-" he added as Natsu walked over towards them with a capsule in his hand. "-to discuss your next tattoo."

"Your next one?" Natsu laughed as he caught Gajeel's words. "How 'bout you concentrate on this one first?"

Levy smiled up at him stupidly, suddenly becoming aware of the redness in her cheeks. It didn't matter. She had fallen into a sudden state of bliss.

"Yeah," she agreed. "This one first."