Chapter 5! Yes!~ Hope that everyone enjoys!

Undergrounders

Chapter 5

Levy gave a sigh as she straightened her clothes out, feeling nervous about her first day working as a waitress in Fairy Tail. After filling out some paperwork that Laxus had given her, and getting the basic rules from Makarov, they had announced that she could start within two days.

She had decided on a simple outfit of a light orange sweater with some faded jeans, and her usual bandanna to keep her hair away from her face. It was cute but comfortable, and hopefully wouldn't attract any unwanted attention, since she had seen that a few of the older members were a little handsy. Not in a lecherous, or dangerous way, but they just didn't care about personal boundaries. However, when the women shooed them away, they did seem to respect that. So, maybe she was just being paranoid and could go in something a bit more comfortable, but then...

"Would you stop that? You're going to bite your lip off." The sudden growl caused her to jump, and release her bottom lip from her teeth. Looking over her shoulder she saw that Gajeel was leaning against her door frame, watching her as she fretted and fussed over everything.

"Sorry...I.."

"Don't apologize when you did nothing wrong. It's fine for you to be nervous, and I'll be there tonight so nothing will happen to you. Those old geezers know to keep their hands to themselves with new members. At least until they get used to them." He announced, and she stared at him for a moment before frowning slightly.

"How..How did you know that I was worried about them?"

"After you came back down to watch what all the waitresses job require, I noticed that your gaze went to them whenever one of the girls were close. They won't do that with newbies until they know that it rather doesn't bother them, or they just get use to it." He explained, and she felt some of the tension that had gathered drain away with a nod. Looking back at her closet, she glanced down at what she was wearing and decided to just go as she was.

This way she still felt comfortable, but wasn't trying to push herself too far. Turning to Gajeel she gave a nod and waited until he moved out of the way so she could go into the bathroom and brush her hair before tying her bandanna in place. Once she was satisfied with her appearance, she turned to him.

"Ready whenever you are." She whispered, watching as he stared at her for a moment before pushing away and moving into the living area. Following behind, she blinked when he suddenly picked up Pantherlily and grabbed his keys.

"You're bringing Lily?" A small smile tugged at his lips at her nickname for the cat, since she had gotten tired of constantly saying the cat's full name.

"I'll bring him along every now and again. Usually when I know that Salamander will bring his, or when Wendy brings hers." He announced, waiting for her to pull on her shoes before holding the door opened and locking it behind them. She took the black cat out of his hands to carry, and scratched under his chin while he purred and nuzzled into her chest.

"Wendy?"

"You haven't met her yet. Our group doctor took her in when she stumbled in, kids gonna be one hell of a doctor when she grows up. If she ever gets over her shyness that is." He muttered, but Levy heard the praise and protectiveness in his tone, and just knew that this little girl had to be something special.

"So, you're not the only one with a cat?"

"Nope. Salamander has a strange blue haired cat he named Happy. And Wendy's cat is snow white, got stuck with the name Carla." He announced, finally reaching outside and she snuggled the cat closer as a cool wind blew around them. Making her realize that she had forgotten to grab the light coat Gajeel had basically forced her to purchase with the other items of her clothing.

"You'll have to start remembering it on your own." He muttered, causing her to pout up at him but give a shrug in the end. She wasn't all that bothered by the cold, since she had been out in it before without any for of protection. At least now, the clothing that she wore was some means of defense against the elements.

"Do you know who else will be working tonight?" She asked, easing into the car with Pantherlily on her lap as she allowed Gajeel to close her door before watching him walk around the front of the car and slid into the driver seat.

"Usually Bunny-Girl works weekend nights. Mira always works the bar. Kinana should be there tonight. Possibly Bisca if her daughter is feeling any better."

"Bisca?" She hadn't met her yet, but the fact that she had a daughter and was still within a group worried her slightly.

"Hm? Yeah. She's a lower class fighter, doesn't take on challenges, but can still pack a punch if it's called for. She actually met her husband in the group, Alzac. Got a little girl names Asuka, and she has everyone wrapped around her damn little finger." He grumbled, causing her to blink at his tone. While he was acting grumpy, there was joy and happiness in his voice. He actually cared about the little girl!

"The group...Knows about her?" The question came out quietly, as memories of Phantom Lord and them knowing about her came to the forefront of her mind.

"Yeah we know! Hell, she was born in the group since we were snowed in and no one could get Bisca to the hospital. Thankfully Wendy and the Old Hag was there." He announced, seeming to miss her discomfort with the idea of a child being involved with a group. She gave a small hum and stared out the window, resisting the urge to gnaw on her bottom lip. That was one thing she didn't think she could overlook, even with a group like Fairy Tail.

From her own experience, she just knew that children should be left far away from Underground Groups. It could just lead to things beyond their control and mess up their lives! She knew she was probably being paranoid, but she couldn't help but think about the danger the child could be in. So many things could go wrong! Especially with the constant fights, she could easily get caught in between one and hurt. Something could hit her if thrown wrong.

"Oi! You went quiet all of a sudden, what is it?" The question had her wincing, knowing that Gajeel probably wouldn't like her line of thought. Forcing a smile on her face, she shook her head.

"Nothing. Just still a bit nervous." She whispered, deciding to just keep an eye on the child if she was there tonight. She didn't want anyone experiencing what she had went through, especially not a child.

Her worries had been for naught, and now she felt like an ass for even thinking of them in the first place. Her shift was going smoothly, and she had gotten to meet Bisca, Wendy, and Porlyusica. They were all great people, and when Bisca had introduced her husband and daughter, all her thoughts on the way over had surfaced. For a good hour, she had been working in a way that kept the child in her view, and had found out that everyone seemed to do the same!

There had been a moment where she had been sure that Asuka was going to get trampled on by Natsu and Gray during one of their fights, since she had ran pass in an attempt to get to Romeo, another young child of the group whose father was one of the older men, Macao.

However, both of the men had became aware of her approach, and actually caught themselves before hitting the ground. It was slightly comical in a way, since Natsu caught a bench with his foot, his back bent back slightly to create an arch, while somehow maintaining his balance on his other foot. Gray was basically hanging off of him like a monkey!

Both of them had grinned and greeted the little girl in passing, causing her to laugh and duck under Natsu to get where she was going. Once she was far enough away, their fight resumed. And the child had giggled over her shoulder at them before finally latching onto Romeo's side and begging him to play with her.

Another point was when Cana had been about to chuck a tankard at someone who had shouted an insult at her, but froze and narrowed her drunken gaze. Levy had followed her line of sight to see that Asuka was close by, making the woman slam the tankard down before merely raising her hand with all her fingers curled down save for the middle one. Then demanded a refill. The action had caused the man who had shouted to look over to his side in confusion before giving a smile as he finally noticed that Asuka was sitting on the bench next to him, having had missed her sliding up to start coloring in the book Freed had given her. It made her realize that if he had known she was there in the first place, he probably wouldn't have thrown the taunt at Cana.

Her worries had been for nothing, because everyone watched out for the well being of this child. They even watched out for Romeo, even though he hopped into the fights willingly, but when he did everyone else started to pull back their punches. She honestly felt like an ass for thinking that these wonderful people didn't care about the will being of the younger members. And that's what they were, at least in this group. They weren't just kids, they were Fairy Tail members, and therefore were treated and watched out for.

"You finally seem at ease with the fact we have kids running around." The deep growl from Gajeel had her tensing before looking at him as she placed his drink and food before him. A blush coming to her cheeks before she released a sigh and hugged the tray she used to carry drinks and food close to her chest.

"Trust me, I feel like an ass for even doubting any of you." She whispered, her eyes going to Asuka who was proudly showing her finished picture to anyone who passed by.

"Honestly, I expected it. It's the reason I brought it up. Levy, you've had some horrible things done to you in the past, but it's good if you see that not all groups are like that." She watched as he took a drink of his beer before giving a small smile.

"I'm beginning to understand that more and more, especially when it comes to Fairy Tail. I really should apologize in some way."

"No need. Everyone here has picked up on how you kept her in your gaze. They are grateful that a new member would be so protective of the little ones. Even among ourselves. They figure that you don't want whatever happened to you, to happen to anyone else, and they respect you for that. Hell, when she stumbled into Gray and Natsu's brawl, a few thought you were gonna jump in and whack them in the head with the tray." His laugh caused her to blush before looking away with a sheepish grin, giving a groan as he laughed harder. It had crossed her mind to do just that, until she watched them stop themselves.

"You've nothing to worry about Levy. No one here would ever harm a child, and never put a child in harms way. You can put your past behind you." He ended, finally pulling his food closer. She gave a hum before finding a true smile spreading her lips before a giggle escaped her lips. She was really coming to like this place the more she stayed here. Giving a small wave to Gajeel, she moved back into the crowd, heading to some tables that looked like they needed refills.

Gajeel watched her leave, his body still in shock at seeing that natural smile on her face while her body was finally relaxed as she moved away. It was the first time he had seen her without any worry on her expression, and it made her look like a whole different woman.

Giving his head a mental shake, he started in on his food while keeping his gaze on her. Surprised that she had found a pattern in the brawls, easily making her rounds within the group without even being phased by the fights. She had even managed to stop in time so Natsu wouldn't crash into her when Gray tossed him backwards, and only smiled when Natsu didn't even blink at her but jumped right back into the fray.

"Her ability is something else entirely." The murmur beside him caused him to turn his head as Cobra sat in the seat beside him, waving down Kinana to get his usual order.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, she has that unique ability to judge someones capabilities, but can also use that to predict outcomes from the people around her. Almost like how I watch the body during fights to predict my opponents next move, she doesn't let a single detail miss her gaze. She thinks of every possible outcome and based on the actions of others, can basically predict the future." He answered, and Gajeel raised a studded brow before leaning close to the man.

"How drunk are you? No one can predict the future." He growled, watching as the man merely shook his head.

"I'm not wasted, you damn Pincushion. I'm just saying that her analytical skills and perception of everything around her is second to none. She constantly makes sure she is vigilant so she can escape the moment she deems something is threatening." Cobra growled, causing him to lean back and look over at the petite bluenette.

She was merely walking around, keeping her distance from the brawling, just like the other waitresses. What the hell was making him think that she was looking for an escape?

"I'm not saying she's going to run away from the group. Watch now! See how she quickly glanced around when Natsu stepped closer, she was judging the distance around her and checking her surroundings to see which was would be the safest route to get out of his way. She's used to looking for escape routes. It's a very unique ability, and could easily be used differently."

"What are you trying to get at?" He growled, wishing that the man would stop beating around the damn bush and get to the reason he was talking about Levy in the first place.

"Gajeel. You just threw a skittish woman into a wild guild known for rowdy brawls. Then tell her that she can put her past behind her. Where and why do you think she learned that ability? Her past, for her protection, and here she is having to use that same ability just to walk around as a waitress." Cobra sighed out, giving a thankful nod to Kinana as she finally delivered his food and drink. Gajeel blinked at him before looking back to Levy. Worry beginning to rise within him.

He hadn't thought about that. He knew that her skill for learning about a human body with a glance was something she no longer had a need for, but he never thought that she would use the same method to help her survive. Although, that did explain how she managed for as long as she had. Maybe this wasn't the best job for her.

"I would normally say that you need to convince her to go elsewhere, but...She actually seems to enjoy it here. So, maybe my thoughts are nothing more than bias opinion from my own past. Still, it wouldn't hurt to be aware of her, Gajeel. You never know what her mind could slip into now that her life has seemingly calmed down." He advised, before picking up his drink. Gajeel looked down at his food, suddenly finding his hunger forgotten.

Levy had only been here for a few days, and already she had forced herself to visit the group, accept a job, and start said job all within a week. All because she wanted to pay him back and not be a burden on him. Shit! She was pushing herself too far! All it would take is one wrong move, one wrong touch or misplaces punch and she could easily break. Why the hell hadn't he seen this sooner?

Giving a growl, he pushed his food away and started to where Levy was. Only to pause when a hand gripped his wrist, causing him to glare over his shoulder at Cobra. Who gave him a bored look, and shook his head.

"Don't think too much on what I said. Hell, I'm only giving you this advice because this is the first time you've brought someone into the group. It's a lot of responsibility and you need to start thinking about her mental health as well as her physical health. Porly and Wendy might have given her the okay with those few bruises that are lingering, but what about what her minds brings up when she sees those bruises? Not to mention, we all saw how she was reacting at knowing that children walk freely within the group. The past is not so easily forgotten, Gajeel. You should know that as well as I." He finished, finally releasing his wrist and watching as he turned from him to the bluenette who was talking with Lucy. A bright smile on her face, and realized just what he had gotten himself into.

He knew nothing about this woman in the week that he had known her. All he knew was that she loved to read and write, and that she seemed determined to keep to herself. He wasn't sure if that she was just building walls, or just found him too intimidating. Easing back into his seat, he pulled his food back to her and glanced over at Cobra. The older man's gaze had moved back to Kinana as she interacted with Macao and Wakaba, the two most notorious drunk perverts in the group, but seemed at ease.

Hell, he recalled when she didn't want to be around any man other than Cobra. She was terrified if one just even glanced in her direction, and for the most part hadn't even been able to be at the bar without freaking out at some point. Rather rushing out, or clinging to Cobra until he finally got her calmed enough to escort her out. Now...Hell, now she would glare at the men and make them walk the line. Turned out under her timid nature, she had a scary side.

His gaze moved back to Levy, recalling the few times he had caught the hint of attitude, or a borderline dangerous tone in her voice as she spoke. She had a backbone, but it wasn't strong because she still bent in order to maintain the peace. Which was probably the reason why she kept to herself, that way if he was cross, she would be docile and always seemed to be aware of where he was...A growl bubbled from his chest. That's what Cobra meant about her ability! If he did become mad or something, she had a means to escape from him, instead of standing her ground, and he didn't like the idea of her cowering before him, or any other for that matter. He knew, deep down somewhere inside of her, was an Amazonian woman, just waiting to get back at the world that had tried to knock her down. Hell, it had peeked through when Natsu's and Gray's fight had gotten too close to Asuka!

"From that expression, I take it that you finally figured some things out." Cobra muttered, smirking as Gajeel shot a glare in his direction. Before staring on his food again, only his thoughts were on how to rile up the little bluenette so she could build that backbone.