Chapter 2 of Undergrounders! WHOO!~~ Thank you everyone who has left a review I really appreciate and I am thrilled that you are enjoying it! I know that this chapter is short, but it's only to get Levy to Gajeel's apartment. Next chapter will have a bit more! Now, enough from me, time to read!

Undergrounders

Chapter 2

Gajeel felt his chest tighten as he stared down at Levy. Frightened tears were gathering at the corner of her tightly closed eyes, and her body was trembling so bad he was slightly surprised she was remaining upright. What was worse, was that her fear was directed at him because she truly believed that he would harm her. Not because of his looks or because of what just happened with those two assholes from Grimoire Heart, but because she believed that she couldn't trust anyone.

He knew that feeling from long ago, and knew that it sucked and that the natural fear of it was something that could be paralyzing. Hell, if it hadn't been for Makarov, Gajeel knew that he wouldn't have survived until this day. So, to see that fear in someone else, and to be able to understand and see how bad he had once been...It raised something within him that made him want to shelter her. To be there for her in a way that made her realize that some people actually did give a shit about you. Huh, maybe this was how the old man felt whenever he saw a young person in need. If so, then Gajeel understood the want to help them.

Releasing a soft breath, he gingerly slid his fingers through her soft, blue strands and rested his hand on top of her head. Waiting until those chocolate orbs finally looked up, still hating the fear and uncertainty within them. He wanted that look gone, he wanted to see...Hell, he didn't know what he wanted to see, but anything would be better than that look.

"I'm not going to hurt ya, Shrimp. I will never raise my hand against you. I swear. Yes, I know the name McGarden, but like I said in the car, I'm not asking for your story now. Only when you're ready to tell it, then I'll listen...Hell, anyone in the group will listen. But first, lets get there. Alright?" He whispered, watching as she stared up at him, a hand coming to cover her mouth as a sob broke through her lips and she shook her head.

"I..I..I can't! Not..Not an Underground...Underground group! Not again." The whimper that left her had him leaning down and carefully pulling her forward. Bringing her into an awkward hug, but holding her close as she gave another sob and twisted a hand into his shirt. Her trembling body feeling cold to his hands, making him realize that his jacket had slipped off of her at some point. Once again, she was exposed to the harsh cold, and he shifted his body until he blocked the wind.

"Levy, I promise that no one there will harm you. However," He quickly added as she tensed, no doubt about to refuse and fight again, "if you are that uncomfortable with the idea. I can offer my apartment up for you to stay in. I have an extra bedroom that you can use."

He waited patiently as she seemed to think about it, and felt relief wash through him when he felt her nod against his chest. He would gradually get her used to the idea of meeting the group, but until then, he was more than willing to put her up and keep her off the streets.

"I'll...I'll help clean...and cook. I..I'll try not to be a burden." She hiccuped out, causing him to smirk before pulling back and wiping some tears off of her cheeks.

"It's fine. You can just rest and settle in for a few days." He felt the tightness in his chest ease some when she gave a nod and brought her wrist up to wipe away the remaining tears. However, he couldn't help but raise a pierced brow when her cheeks began to turn red and she covered her face.

"I just acted so shamefully. Running from you like that and..."

"Eh? Don't worry about that! Shit, I'm surprised you didn't bolt earlier when you first saw me." He didn't need her going all emotional over the fact that she had run from him, especially since it was a reaction that he was used to.

"Still! You've done nothing but help me so far, and I just decide that you're...what!? Untrustworthy because you're a member of an Underground group! Fairy Tail isn't even all that bad from some of the others, but still..." The haunted look that entered her eyes told him that she had bad experiences with some Underground groups, and that pissed him off. He knew all too well that some of the groups didn't run by the correct rules, and that sometimes the women who were dragged into the groups weren't treated right. Rather being forced to fight or service others, and if they refused then...His gaze locked in on the bruises still visible on her neck and wrists. Maybe not all of those bruises had come from that shitty cook!

Gajeel shook his head, before finally straightening and catching her gaze as she looked up at him. They needed to get out of the streets, and since heading to the group was out of the question for now, he needed to get them home.

"Lets go. It's not too safe to hang around the streets for too long unless you're looking for trouble." He grumbled, watching as she gave a nod and began to follow quietly behind him. He could tell that she was still beating herself up for running from him, and it agitated the hell out of him that he couldn't do anything about it. Releasing a sigh, he escorted her back to the car, waited until she was safely inside before sliding into the driver seat and looked over at her.

"Oi, Shrimp. Don't go running off all the time. It's hard to keep something so small in sight." He muttered, smirking as she practically bristled before shooting him a glare that had him laughing as she crossed her arms and puffed out her cheeks. Sure, making her pissed at him wasn't probably the smartest solution, but it was better than seeing her so depressed.

Starting the car, he eased off of the curb and started down the road again. Only this time so he could go to his place instead of the group's location. He'd still fill the old man in on what happened, but for now he just wanted to get her comfortable. Which also meant stopping so she could get some warmer clothes!

"We're gonna have to make a stop for clothes." From the corner of his eyes, he saw her tense before she shifted around with a sigh.

"I don't have any money. What I have now will..."

"The hell it will. I'll spot you for now, and you can pay be back later. Even though you don't have to." He growled, glancing over to see her frown before she gave a reluctant nod. He wasn't going to accept any money she thought to return to him, but threw the offer out just to appease her.

Giving a mental sigh, he focused on the road before him, and found a smirk coming to his lips. This little woman was a hellcat and a half. She had been beaten down, thrown into a world that chewed up the toughest of men and spat them out. Anyone with a weak soul didn't last long, but here she was. Determination setting her jaw, and a fire burning in her gaze that spoke that she was a fighter. She wasn't going to let this get her down, she would fight if she had to, be it her fears or one of the group members. Once she finally settled and accepted Fairy Tail, he wouldn't be surprised if she became a fighter herself.

Levy felt her eyes scanning the living room of Gajeel's apartment with slight surprise. Since she had learned he was a bachelor, having voiced her worry about intruding in a couple's life, she had expected to enter a pig pen filled with empty beer bottles and clothes strewn about. Instead, everything was neat, organized, and pristine.

"I know it's not much, but it does what it's meant for." The grumble had her smiling over her shoulder before shaking her head.

"I think it's amazing. It actually feels welcoming and homey." She whispered, brushing her fingers over the back of the worn leather couch as she ventured farther into the apartment. The kitchen was small, barely looking like it would fit Gajeel comfortably in much less both of them at the same time. To the right of the kitchen was a small hallway that lead to four doors. Two she suspected was the bedrooms, one she suspected to be the bathroom, and the third a closet.

"My rooms on the right with the closet. You're free to use the left room, and the bathroom is between us." He voiced from behind her, causing her to hum and head to the door that would lead into her room. It was a decent size, enough for a dresser, in addition to the bed that was already there.

The closet had plenty of room for the clothes and hangers that Gajeel had basically forced her to purchase. Which she started to put away as he opened the window to allow the room to air out, before grabbing a fresh bed sheet and comforter.

Levy was lost in her thoughts when a growl from Gajeel drew her attention, causing her to tense before she realized that the agitation wasn't toward her. Instead, it was toward a black cat, with a little scar over its eye, as it padded into the room and hopped onto her bed.

"I didn't make it for you, Pantherlily. So get your ass off." He growled, and Levy found her lips twitching in amusement, before giggling when the cat gave a yowl before curling up tightly and giving him a sleepy gaze. Shaking her head, she moved closer to the bed, where the two were still locked in a staring contest and leaned over Gajeel to offer her hand to the cat. Smiling when he stretched his head up to sniff at her fingertips before giving a soft purr and butting against her palm.

"Where did you come up with the name 'Pantherlily'? She asked, skimming her fingers through the soft fur and found herself respecting Gajeel even more. It was obvious that the cat was well taken care of, with silky smooth fur and was obviously well fed. Not in a way that made him a fat, lazy cat, but enough that he looked sleek and firm.

"Believe it or not, when he decides to scream, it sounds just like a panther. Other than that, he's pretty calm and peaceful like a lily." He muttered, causing her to smile as he sheepishly rubbed the back of his head before finally straightening from his crouched position and pointed over his shoulder.

"I'm gonna go start on some supper. Feel free to roam about and do anything you want. Anything particular you want to eat?" He asked, giving a nod as she shook her head and watched as he leaved. Turning her gaze back to Pantherlily, who still seemed too comfortable to move. Easing onto her side, she stretched out alongside him and hugged him close to her chest. Finding some odd comfort in the cat's presence and nuzzled her face into the soft fur on his head.

"I'm not sure what to do now, kitty." She whispered, relaxing as the cat bumped the bottom of her chin and nuzzled closer to her. Allowing purrs to sound through his small body, and causing a smile to stretch across her lips.

"Thanks." She muttered, finding her eye lids becoming heavy as the thought joining him for a catnap sounded like a good plan.