A/N: Hello! I hope you enjoy Chapter 6!

Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail or Cinderella.

Once again, Levy found herself rushing through the ballroom, away from her prince. She shoved her way past lords and ladies, muttering her apologies.

And once again, she leaped into the carriage and they galloped home. The magic of her godmothers wore off exactly at midnight, and she was a servant once more.

Although she mourned her beautiful costume, she decided to read a book to get the ball off her mind. But for some reason, she kept on thinking about their time in the garden and how she kissed his cheek. She blushed, slapping her own cheeks.

"Levy! We're back!" Angel called, "Make a pot of tea! And grab some cakes! We are celebrating!"

"Celebrating what?" Levy inquired.

"Minerva's success in snagging the Prince!"

-o-o-o-

"So? How'd it go?" Gajeel asked. "Did anyone else figure it out?"

"No one else found out. Just be sure that Miss McGarden comes quickly. Lady Minerva wouldn't leave me alone. She's scary…" Ryos said, shivering. "Just… hide until she shows up."

"Ahhh…" Gajeel said, rubbing a hand down his face. "Another woman I hafta run from…"

"…" Ryos looked at him questioningly.

"Don't ask…" he found himself absentmindedly touching the spot where she kissed him. Ah, fuck.

He had it bad.

-o-o-o-

Levy couldn't sleep. Her thoughts were restless. Even her books wouldn't distract her! She moaned softly, dropping her head onto the pillow.

Why couldn't she get Gajeel off her mind? Oh, yeah. Because she kissed the Crown Prince of the Iron Lands! On the cheek, but still! And she liked it! Was that wrong? What was going to happen at the next ball? What if he didn't like her?

"Augh…" she was going to have a headache in the morning, she was sure of it.

Day broke and Levy didn't have a headache. But Minerva and Angel worked her until she dropped. Preparing for a ball was hard! She ran their gowns to the seamstress for one last fitting, picked up their shoes from the cobbler, and prepared delicate food for them to eat. Angel insisted upon cucumber sandwiches for lunch, made with paper-thin slices of cucumber and bread. Minerva also suggested (demanded, more like) that Levy make lemonade to go with their sandwiches.

"Fresh squeezed lemonade will go lovely with our meal! Levy, be a dear and make some. You know…" Minerva turned her attention to her mother and sister.

"Fresh squeezed lemonade will go lovely with our meal." Levy muttered mockingly. She scowled. "As if I don't do enough for this family. Only saints or slaves would do this work." She crammed a piece of bread in her mouth, getting out a knife to cut open the lemons. Levy winced as the knife slid dangerously close to her finger.

She suppressed a sigh. It was going to be a long day.

-o-o-o-

"Gajeel!" King Metalicana waved Gajeel over. "I need to discuss tomorrow's ball! Come, let's go to dinner."

Gajeel grunted. "Yeah, I'm starving." They strode into the Grand Dining Hall, Lily trailing behind.

"…so, at midnight, make sure you are with the one you like! I want you to propose to her at midnight, at the grand unmasking. You will pose as yourself, and only dance with women you like. Tomorrow, we throw chivalry out the window!" King Metallicana knocked back a goblet of wine. They were sitting at the dinner table, and were chatting about the next (and last) gala.

Gajeel grinned. Even though he hated balls, this was one thing he was happy about. He would easily be able to shake off that demon woman Ryos was talking about if manners didn't matter.

Metallicana grinned back toothily. "Gajeel. Treat that fairy girl nicely. You seem to be quite taken with her."

"Wha-!" Gajeel spluttered, choking on a piece of roast boar. "I'm not- why do you say that?!"

"Because I saw you sneak off with her last night. And I saw that after she left, you went back to sulking in that corner." his father smiled knowingly, shoving another piece of squash in his mouth.

"H-hey! I don't sulk. I brood." Gajeel pouted, taking a drink from his cup.

"Like that's any better, brat."

The prince sighed, shoveling more food in his mouth.

"See?! Sulking!" Metallicana roared, slapping his back. "Cheer up, son! You'll see your girlie tomorrow!"

"I'm tired. Lily, I'm going to bed." Gajeel stormed out abruptly, grabbing his plate. Lily rolled his eyes. Drama queen.

"Yeah, yeah." Metallicana muttered. He took another swig from his goblet. What did she do to him?

"More boar, your Majesty?"

-o-o-o-

"Levy! Hurry up and fix my hair!" Minerva shrieked.

"Do my make up!" Flare called.

"Lace up my corset!" Angel yelled.

Levy rushed around, attending to her step family's needs. Tonight was the last ball, and Angel was determined to go all out. She had made sure that Minerva and Flare got the best of the best, which included rich gowns, elaborate hairstyles, and stylish accessories. All in the latest fashion, of course.

Which meant Levy had to lace, primp, and fasten all of it. Minerva's gown was especially intricate, with enough skirts for two women and confusing lacing. Levy scowled. The ties had tangled again. After securing the last skirt, she hustled out of the room to dress Flare.

Finally, after three hours of work, everything was finished. Between rushing around and putting the final touches on three faces of makeup, she was exhausted. With a tired hand, she waved as they pulled away from the mansion.

Levy mopped her brow with a rag, letting her hair down. She walked to the kitchen. After that crazy day, she was ready for a snack. Suddenly, a bright burst of light clouded her sight.

"Hello, Levy-chan!" Lisanna, Mira and Lucy materialized in the room. Levy marveled at the slowly falling sparkles that wafted off and around the three goddesses.

"Hello Lisanna, Mira, Lucy." she said, addressing them each in turn.

The three women greeted her, and Lucy piped up, "Are you ready for the last ball?"

"Yes, I… I'm ready." Levy took a deep breath, and Lucy smiled.

"Dear, if you're not ready, we can wait a bit." Mira said kindly. "Being late is always fashionable."

"No, I'm ready, I just… you all have been so wonderful, and… this will probably be the last time I see Ga-Gajeel." Levy stumbled over his name. "I just don't want it to end." she closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around herself.

"Oh, honey…" Lucy hugged her, speaking comfortingly. "Oh, Levy. It'll be alright. You'll see."

"…thanks, Lucy." Levy sniffed.

"Now, smile! It's the last ball, and you don't want tears on your ball gown, right?" Mira smiled, and Levy could help but smile back, even if it was a watery one.

"Lucy? It's your turn to design the dress!" Lisanna said brightly.

The blonde gasped. "That's right! I completely forgot! Hmm… Yes, I think I'll go with that…"

And Levy's raggedy old dress transformed.

A/N: Sorry for the short chapter… My excuse is that I'm working on a new fanfic. It's going to be called Dress Code, so look out for it! *shameless advertising*

Special thanks to MakeitHayle, Guest, ItscalledLove, suumelo-onigiri48, FlyingDoll4, Lexie and the anime, and Guest (thank you Lei-chan!)

Your reviews keep me going.

Super-Special Shout Out goes to Agent Deseret! I'm sorry that you're going through a tough time, but I'm super glad I can help cheer you up. *hugs* :) Digital cupcakes for all!

There will probably be about 4ish more chapters.

Thanks for reading!

Miss Quiet Writer.