A/N: Heigh Ho lovely people.

I finally managed to squeeze in an update! I'm nearly finished the exam period in University so I'll have better and more frequent updates then.

I loved writing this bit! Especially the end! I'm attempting to show what Levy and Gajeels relationship should be now that they are back together again in the story. Though I don't know if I've gone in the right direction. They've both changed you see and they've always had this weird and dysfunctional partnership but it's in a different way now. Basically I'm calling them weirdos. Which is what we all are to each other anyway!

I'm also hinting at what's going on with some of the other ships as well. I just cannot wait to tell the rest of this story! I've got a lot of exciting ideas for it. I might even start adding in some hints!

Happy reading!

Chapter 1: You've Been Replaced

Levy, Jellal and the rest of their closest Fairy Tail family sat up well into the night merrily discussing their reunion but more importantly the days to come. They had all gathered around one of the larger tables of the guild hall when most of the other guild members left for home.

Jellal and Levy were at the head of the table having pulled up seats next to one another, with Levy clutching a reluctantly delighted Pantherlily to her chest. Gajeel was looming silently behind them, his large hands resting on the back of the girl's chair. Levy smirked at this for when she had first leant back and discovered his hands, his warm knuckles digging somewhat soothingly into the back of her neck, she had pulled away immediately and turned round to apologise. However, she stopped when she saw his bewilderingly intense scowl. Were they still going to do this? Levy then decided just to stick her tongue out at him and lean back again. It was her chair after all, he could move his damn hands if he was so upset!

To their right was Erza, who seemed to turn pink every time Jellal would glance at her and smile dashingly and though they were discreet Levy couldn't help but giggle at the two. On Erza's side of the table there was Juvia and Wendy who sat close to one another with Charle on the small dragon slayers lap. Grey too was beside them and had perched himself on the edge of the table with his feet on one of the chairs, his shirt lost in the chaos of Levy's return. He was pretending to stare off into space whilst constantly sneaking glances at Juvia whom Levy had noticed had been utterly reserved throughout the night so far – she had actually yet to speak to the ice mage. Interesting. All she did was participate merrily in the company.

Opposite Wendy, Charle, Juvia and Gray was Lucy and the gruesome twosome themselves who were to Levy's delight as wild and crazy as she remembered. Lucy had grabbed Natsu and Happy by the ear for the fourth time that night and was scolding them fiercely for Natsu had been trying to pick a fight with Jellal and Happy was encouraging him. Lulu had to step in before flame brain singed something.

The only other people in the Guild Hall was the Master and Mira who were at the bar, only half listening to what was Jellal was currently saying.

"I know it may be a lot to ask but I think this town may be in trouble. After I left Levy at the Library and took Meredy to the healer, I took it upon myself to investigate Brigadoon further – I discovered its location, when it appears and that there's definitely something wrong with the place. It's not the ghost town people think. Levy couldn't even find information on it any more than 20 years old." Jellal glanced to the side slightly as he spoke.

"Yeah, it's weird... But I'm actually more concerned with what we found out about the plants." She turned her head up slightly to meet his eye and then back to the rest of the group. "From the reading I did on those poisonous flowers and vines that caused trouble for those towns we told you about it makes me think someone's trying to make a bomb. A big one – the kind of thing that could wipe out a continent easily. After Jellal left, Master Falcon and I managed to dig up some scary stuff. And from what I gather someone could be using Brigadoon – a town that disappears – as a place to cook up this weapon. If you think about it it's really the perfect cover. Minimal interuptions and you'd only have to worry about the people inside and they never leave anyway." Her face was gravely pondering.

"But we won't know until we investigate. That's where you guys come in." Jellal stood up and put a hand on Erzas shoulder. The red head tensed up and blushed comically. "I want you, Erza, to come with me. And Natsu, Lucy and Grey too. I've seen how well you work as a team and you're my first choice." He looked at each of them but his gaze lingered on Erza who nodded normally this time – serious at the prospect of a job. "It might be dangerous, however, you don't have to come."

"Of course we're comin'! I'm all fired up now!" Natsu jumped miraculously from his chair to the table with a huge childlike grin on his face, his eyes squinted shut. "But what about Happy?" He suddenly said causing Lucy to yank his ankles and send him tumbling backwards. She did not anticipated him to fall onto her, although, and she ended up with a seemingly terrified Natsu on her lap.

"It's up to Jellal you idiot!" She exclaimed shoving against him –though he was lodged in between her body and the chair so it didn't do much good.

"Well you can count me in. I was meaning to get away for a while." Grey said this nonchalantly and Juvias head snapped up towards him with an offended look on her face that lasted under a second before she feigned disinterest.

"Good!" Said Levy who felt Gajeels grip grow tighter on the chair, she smiled brightly and ignored him. "I have a few requests too! I want the rest of you at the table! Wendy, Juvia and the Exceeds are welcome if they would like to join us." She could almost feel Gajeel radiating fury at being left out. It was giving her a sick satisfaction. "And maybe you would consider joining us Gajeel? If you're not busy with anything…" She looked backwards over her shoulder at him and she felt a twinge of joy at his half smirk. But when the sky dragon slayer spoke she turned back to the group.

"I'd love to come, thank you Levy!" Came Wendy's sweet voice.

"Juvia would also be delighted to accompany you." She smiled brightly at Levy and then glared up at Grey who looked slightly afraid. Levy would have to ask about this later!

"I'm going if Charle and Natsu are going!" Yelled Happy whilst Charle rolled her eyes at the little blue fuzzball.

"And I shall certainly go with you Levy." Patherlily, who had managed to escape Levy's cuddles was now standing on the table in front of her with his little arms over his chest. "Will you be coming too Gajeel?" Pantherlily looked past Levy and up towards the iron dragon slayers face.

"I've got nothing better to do. When do we leave?" He shrugged it off as nothing.

"In two days time. We'll have about a days travelling to do and we should be able to arrive at the location before the next full moon. That's if it's the right place." She winked at Jellal who feigned offence.

"Just because I missed our first train doesn't mean I'm hopeless Levy! Did you not see me in the Grand Magic Games?"

"Whatever tattoo face, just don't make me regret shacking up with you on this. And you missed our stop here-" Levy nearly yelped when she felt Gajeels hands jump. She had actually relaxed into the feeling of his knuckles on her neck. Why was he so on edge all the time? Was it because she'd said 'shacking up'?

"Not a very clever insult for the 'Great Guardian' now is it? And maybe if you hadn't fallen asleep you could have told me what station was ours." He mocked and she wrinkled her nose at him effectively ignoring Gajeel whose hands had disappeared. She got to her feet and pushed in her chair.

"Shut up…" She liked Jellal and found their conversation entertaining but right now she actually just wanted to get home to bed. Although, she would put some books back in the library first. "Shouldn't we all get to bed now guys? Maybe you wouldn't mind meeting with us again tomorrow when everyone's less tired? And Natsu! How is it even possible that you go from shooting fire everywhere to almost passing out in Lulu's cleavage?" The boy only really had his head resting on his blonde companions shoulder but Levy was pulling a Mira-Jane. He suddenly sat up straight, along with Lucy as Happy flew around mouthing his standard 'They liiiiiiike each other!" Lucy and Natsu both sported red faces. They were quite comfortable with each other, weren't they?

"I agree, we should go and rest. We'll find out more about this and your adventures tomorrow Levy. It really is good to have you home." Erza was so genuinely spoken that it got Levy right in the heart but her next words made her laugh. "Now tattoo face! Do you have somewhere to stay?" She had gotten up and turned to face Jellal, hands on her armoured hips.

"I'm going to the inn…" He shuddered, Levy had met the inn keeper so she knew why.

"No – you shall stay with me!" With that Erza grabbed his arm and yanked him away roughly. The company began laughing. And Mira was half squealing in the background.

"Juvia will walk with you and Wendy to Fairy Hills, Levy." The girl smiled sweetly and danced over to hug Levy with Wendy and Charle at her heels.

"Thanks Juvia but I've got some books to put away here so I'll be a little later tonight." Levy smiled and tilted her head. "I'll see you both tomorrow though. I'm desperate to tell you guys and Lu-chan everything!" The two girls simply nodded whilst Charle flew disinterested towards the door. The girls nodded and followed suit

"Bye Levy!" Gray yelled, running past the girl. "I'll walk you home, Juvia."

"Juvia is perfectly capable of walking herself. Go home Gray." Levy spun around quickly to gape at Juvia sassily leaving a now moody Gray in the dust. What on earth was going on here?

"Now that one's definitely interesting isn't it?" Lucy had appeared behind the girl and squeezed her waist playfully before wrapping her up in a tight hug. "I really missed you Levy. But now… It's as if you never left. I'm so glad you're happier now - it practically radiates from you. And I can't wait for all the other details…" Her eyes travelled to where Gajeel was lingering, past where Mira and the Master were preparing to leave from, and she winked. Levy may have mentioned (many times) the dream spell to her and Lulu was ravenous for details.

"Bye Levy, good to have you back." Natsu skipped past the two but grabbed Lucys hand, dragging her amusingly away.

Happy and Lily flew after them, waving. Levy waved back joyously. She just loved Pantherlily!

"I agree my dear, it's so nice to see you again!" The Master already knew that she was going to put back her books, he also realised she wanted to say 'hello' to her home again so he left quickly.

"See you tomorrow Levy! We have a lot to talk about." Mira grinned widely and skipped out after the Master after grabbing Levy for a hug. She also winked at the girl and pointed back to Gajeel who was now looking at his feet as if he wasn't standing waiting for her. She mouthed something along the lines of 'Do me proud.' Oh Mira...

"Aren't you going home Gajeel?" He brought his head up now and grinned somewhat menacingly at the girl.

"I am." He said simply. His feet remained glued to the spot, however, contradicting this.

"Then why aren't you moving?" She had sauntered over to her book boxes that she'd brought to the library with her. "Or is it more fun watching me? Would you like me to strip?" She giggled and his body stiffened slightly. She was attempting to let him know that she was okay. And she couldn't help but tease him this way.

"No way Shrimp." He folded his arms over his chest looking off to the side in order to avoid eye contact. "I don't need to see all that again."

"Oh Gajeel… I'm kidding you big idiot. And now I'm offended!" Levy attempted to lift the biggest box but failed somewhat when it nearly slipped out of her grasp. It wasn't that it was an unmanageable weight – she'd gained physical strength over the past year too – she was just tired and didn't pick it up properly. When it was about to slip she felt Gajeels large hands envelop her tiny ones and help to support the weight. She looked up towards him with wide eyes.

"Can I help?" Levy was shocked that he was actually, however curtly, asking for a change instead of just grabbing the box and screaming at her for being slow or small.

"Um, sure… Thanks." She let him take the first box in his arms and she picked up the other one. "Would you help me take them up to the resource room?"

Gajeel merely grunted in agreement and Levy was utterly dumfounded. He was being nice - well nice for Gajeel. Maybe he'd missed her. She snorted to herself under her breath.

"Did you miss me Gajeel?" Levy asked mockingly as they made their way through the infamous pool room and up the dark stairway. She saw Gajeel shrug.

"Nope. And neither did those clowns you call team mates." He grunted this and pushed open the door.

"Jet and Droy? Lu-chan said they were on a mission." Levy set the box at her feet and tucked her hair behind her ears.

"Yeah, with the little torture girl. You've been replaced." He also set his box down and turned to face her.

"Laky?" Levy quirked an eyebrow. She'd been replaced?

"Yeah. After you left they started following her around…" He looked thoughtful for a moment but it soon faded back to the neutral scowl. Levy thought he was going to say something else but he remained quiet.

"Wow. I thought it was funny that they weren't here to see me…" She didn't know why but it made her kind of sad. Gajeel must have noticed because he moved towards her and held out his hands.

"But all the rest of those bozos really missed you. Lily wouldn't shut up about all of it…" He looked like he didn't know what to do and she realised she had hung her head.

"I can't believe they weren't here to see me, I wanted them to come to Brigadoon too... I guess we aren't Team Shadow Gear anymore." She looked up and laughed a little. "It'll just be Team Levy. Or maybe I'll steal Pantherlily from you…"

"I knew it, you've been eyeing him ever since you met him! Get your own damn cat Shrimp!" He had gotten all mean and serious again.

"Don't worry Gajeel, I'm kidding. Besides – I reckon I could do jobs solo from now on." She kicked her box against the wall resolving to unpack tomorrow. After hearing that her best friends had basically dumped her she didn't feel like doing anything at all.

"Is that so?" Gajeel folded his arms now wearing an amused smirk.

"I think I may even be able to take you in a fight, Iron Breath." He grinned widely when she said this.

"Gihi. Seriously Shrimp?" He chortled as if he didn't believe her. How rude.

"Yeah!" She yelled and punched his stomach - feigning weakness. She decided then that she would shock him some day soon. Just wait until she got into her Golem form.

"I'll have to take you up on that some time then…" He trailed off and was now looking at her funnily as they stood there in the dark. He had his head slightly tilted and wore another half smirk.

"You will! And why are you looking at me funny?" She was getting all hot and bothered, considering their closeness and the fact that the Guild was now empty.

"You seem good Shrimp." He nodded at Levy as her face contorted in confusion. "You're like… glowing." He reached out and Levy thought he was going to ruffle her hair but instead he kind of ran his fingers through it, allowing his hand to linger at the nape of her neck. It was almost tender. And Levy was now staring up at him, frozen still.

"And you're acting possessed." She didn't know how to react although when he pulled his hand away and cleared his throat she realised she would have preferred him to continue. "Is everything okay?" Gajeel straightened up and coughed. Thrusting his gloved hands into his pockets.

"Are you done here?" He asked ignoring the past minute.

"Yeah, I just need to grab my- Oh shoot!" Levys hands flew up to her mouth in disbelief. "My keys are with Droy. I'm going to need to wake everyone up!" Levy turned round and took off down the stairs in a panic with Gajeel in hot pursuit. How selfish could they have been? Had they forgotten to even give them to Mira-Jane? The worried girl cleared the pool room in a matter of seconds and was very near sprinting to the door.

"Wait! Shrimp!" Gajeel called from behind her. She stopped, realising she'd been rude.

"Sorry Gajeel, what? I'm just panicking!" She wondered if she could just use her portal spell to get in but she was sure Lucy had mentioned something about an enchanted barrier being erected after some issues with Grey and Juvia…

"Um…" He was suddenly looking somewhat flustered and slightly angry. "You can stay with me." He said quickly. As if the words hurt.

"No, it's too much trouble. I'll just-" He interrupted her and grabbed her wrist when she began walking away again.

"My house is closer that Fairy Hills." They both knew it would be awkward but he seemed adamant. "Stop being difficult." Levy pondered the idea for a moment. She used to stay with Jet and Droy all the time - if she couldn't have them maybe she could recruit Gajeel to her new guy friend. He was being nice to her after all. She resolved to just lighten the situation.

"Don't you dare grab me, idiot. That's no way to treat a girl your trying to sleep with." Levy grabbed her wrist away then cocked out her hip to rest the hand on it. If he was going to be so mean all the time hen she would compensate with humour. Her lips curled up into a smile and she swore she saw him blush a little. His mouth opened and closed like a fish before he regained his composure and stood up to his full height.

"Well it's usually a lot easier than this." He fired back at her, grinning. He was actually joking with her!

"Ask me nicely Gajeel. Then I'll go home with you." She laughed and folded her arms over her chest straightening to her full height as well. Although it didn't do much.

"I don't do nice Shrimp." His red eyes sparked when he said this and she almost swooned. That was entirely reminiscent of Dream Gajeel. She sighed and turned away slowly.

"Too bad then." She walked a little bit before she felt herself being lifted by the back of the dress. She had to stifle a giggle and remain serious.

"That's not gonna work for me." He swung her around and she began kicking her legs halfheartedly. This was fun.

"You are literally kidnapping me you idiot!"

"It's just so easy tho-" His laughing stopped abruptly and he dropped her to the ground. She turned round to smile but her face fell when she saw his serious and dark expression. Not again, she didn't want to deal with the mood swings.

"Everything okay Mr Kidnapper?" She joked but he wasn't having it.

"Who did it?" His voice was dangerous and he was pointing at her.

"Did what?" She was slightly worried now and jumped when he grabbed her shoulder and yanked her so that she was facing away from him. He ran his hand over the skin there and continued with his violent muttering. Oh dear.

"Who the hell bit you? I can see it clear as fucking day." His voice was rough but his hands were gentle and when Levy turned round she began laughing. He looked ready to kill.

"You want to know who bit me?" Her laughing continued but he just looked pissed off. She began to dance away towards where she could now see Gajeels little cottage house.

"Tell me!" He yelled at her. She turned round, walking backwards and giggling like a mad woman.

"You did!" She shouted to him, choking on her giggles. But he just stood with a dumbfounded look on his face. "Aren't you coming?"

"What do you mean I did?" He jogged to catch up with her, they were walking up the small path to his home together.

"I mean exactly what I said." She shrugged and stopped at his door. Looking up with her head tilted, his facial expression was a mixture of anger and worry but she was having a rare old time.

"But I didn't… Bite you, Shrimp." He looked a little pale at the thought. "And I couldn't have anyway cause' I didn't follow you to the damn Library. So who bit you?"

"I'm telling you Dragon Slayer – you bit me. And in the throes of passion too. Can we please go in, it's cold." She smiled wickedly up at him as he processed what she said. Then to her surprise he laughed and shook his head, turning the handle on the door and pushing it open to reveal a dark living room lit only by the dying light of a fire. The small blunette had been there before during the day time.

"Whatever you say." He lay his hands on her shoulders and all but pushed her inside. She looked up at him as he closed and locked the door. No escaping now she guessed. He'd thought she was joking.

"It's true! Don't you believe me?" She pouted mockingly as he made his way to his bedroom door, pushing it open. Although it was dark she remembered that this was quite a homey little cottage. She hadn't expected it actually the first time she'd visited. He disappeared into his room and came out laughing, holding something in his hand.

"Nope it ain't. And no I don't. But you're obviously avoiding the subject so I'll drop it." He tossed waht was in his hand towards her. "Here." It was sleeveless black vest made of a soft material instead of the leather he usually sported. She smiled at him and bent down to undo her shoes and take off her socks, placing them to the side. Whilst he leaned lazily against the doorframe and yawned. Okay then – let's have some fun.

"Thank you Gajeel. You're quite practiced in this. Do you often entertain?" She drawled and pulled out another headband she'd bought after loosing her last one. She tossed it nonchalantly to where her shoes and socks were and smiled when she saw she had gotten his attention. He was peering at her strangely. She threw the vest over her head and as she was wearing a dress with ties she simply pulled at them and let the garment fall to her feet. The black fabric of the vest was baggy and hung down nicely, just reaching, mid-thigh. She saw Gajeel visibly gulp and she stepped out of the dress pooled at her feet, picking it up and folding it. He was gaping at her again. "Calm down, Iron Breath. You're such an easy target!"

"What are you talking about Shrimp? And so what if I do, um, entertain?" He attempted to regain composure as she stood there, in his living room wearing only his vest having stripped off in the middle of his living room. Levy realised she may have been taking this a little far, she hoped he still knew she was joking.

"Good! You can tell me all about it then. And then I'll tell you about when you bit me…" Levy smirked and inched closer to the giant dragon slayer who looked as if he wanted to run. It was hilarious.

"Yeah. Maybe we should just get some sleep." He moved back into his room and came back with a blanket and pillow, tossing it over to the couch. "You take the bed." He said this gruffly, expecting an argument but Levy just smiled and shrugged. She didn't want to start fighting loudly, she imagined poor Lily was sleeping in the next room.

"But I want to talk more! And it's scary being in your house at night." She walked forward and grabbed one of his giant hands with both her tiny little ones and pulled him into his room and over to the side of his bed. He seemed too intrigued to say anything so she filled the silence. "We're sharing." With that she sat down cross legged on the edge.

"Shrimp…" He turned his body to face her. Friends sharing a bed wasn't a big deal was it? She did it all the time with Lulu, Jet and Droy. She shrugged.

"Well I'd feel bad taking your bed. And I know you won't let me take the couch. And we're friends aren't we? It's not a big deal. And we've got this hilarious humour filled conversation going on and I know you'll probably be back to your usual overly grumpy self tomorrow so I just want to enjoy the moment you kno-"

"Fine!" Gajeel cut off her rambling and moved over to his trunk, pulling out a pair of what looked like soft grey harem pants. She nodded with satisfaction. "You better close your eyes Shrimp, unless you're in the mood for a show." He grinned, his pointy teeth (the ones that matched the scar on her back perfectly) glinting in the darkness.

"Doubt it…" Levys heart was pounding as she closed her eyes an allowed herself to fall back onto the bed. She could hear the dragon slayer undressing himself and she had to force herself not to peek. If she did she'd never live it down. Her mind ventured back to the many nights Dream Gajeel had come to her and she wondered what would happen if the spell came back tonight. Two Gajeels. It made her giggle at the thought. But she'd never be that way with Gajeel. He was one of her nakama.

The bed tilted to the side so she knew that Gajeel had climbed on, she opened her eyes to find him staring down at her with an amused smirk on his handsome face. It made her feel all tingly but she pushed it to the side.

"Having a nice time?" He said as she turned round and got onto her knees. The fact that he was sitting, legs off the bed and that she was sititng on her heels made them almost the same height. She was literally staring straight into his face for once. But she couldn't help her eyes drifting down to his frankly epic chest. Dream Gajeel, apparently, did not do real Gajeel any justice. He was as big as a mountain and weirdly hairless with rippling muscles and one of those 'v' things - quite frankly he made her feel a bit intimidated. She looked back up to his face quickly ready for the mocking but found that he seemed to be studying her just as hard. So they were both checking each other out. It was Levy's turn to gulp as they were both frozen for a moment.

Tension hung in the air and when they finally met each other eyes - they burst out laughing.

"What side do you normally sleep on?" Levy said and smiled sweetly.

"Uh, this side…" He got up and pulled down the cover. It was a very large bed, although it would have to be for a giant like him. "But I'm warning you, I normally end up all over the place. I'm betting you kick me out soon, Shrimp." Levy scoffed at him and crawled over to the other side, slipping daintily under the covers herself and yanking down the vest when it rode up. She would have to be careful of that.

"I do that too! So I'm betting you send me packing off back to Fairy Hills." She got comfortable on the pillow, which was nice and soft. And when she inhaled she realised it smelled of him. She sighed a little but was stolen from her happy place with what he said next.

"You know, I normally sleep naked…" Gajeel was now tucked up like her although he had one of his large arms out. Levy froze at the thought of him sleeping here like that.

"Well I'm grateful you went the decent route tonight but ew! I didn't need to know that." She giggled and shifted so she was facing him straight on. "So do you really bring a lot of people back here then?" He had been staring up at the ceiling but he turned to look into her eyes and gasped slightly, relaxing only when he saw that Levy's expression was one of mocking.

"No. You're the only girl I've ever let come here. Well - Juvia too but she's barely human nevermind a girl. It's mostly on jobs that I…" He trailed off and looked back up to the ceiling, hooking an arm behind his head.

"Engage in the throes of passion?" She giggled.

"Gihihi, yeah." He laughed but then looked sideways at her with suspicion and apprehension. "And you can stop right there, Shrimp. I don't want to know things like that about you."

"Aw! Why not? I've had my fair share of escapades too!" Levy snorted when she felt him grip the blankets tightly.

"Whatever…" He huffed and Levy turned away from him defeated. She missed having these kinds of joking conversations. She used to have them with Jet and Droy a lot. She supposed that friendship with Gajeel would be different from friendship with her team mates and she'd just have to find something else for them to laugh about. Her thoughts were interrupted by a hand caressing the scar on her shoulder, Gajeel had obviously become interested again.

"What are you doing now, Iron breath?" She looked back over her shoulder to see his concentrated and worried face. He had leaned up on one of his elbows allowing his long black hair to come tumbling over his shoulder. It tickled her slightly.

"Did it hurt, Shrimp?" Levy grew hot under his touch when she heard the genuine concern in his voice. Oh Mavis.

"Afterwards… But at the time it was…" She paused to find the right word and then whispered: "exhilarating." His grip on her shoulder tightened and the blunette had to catch herself before she cried out. She turned quickly to face the Iron Dragon Slayer and ended up very nearly against his bare chest. His breathing was a little ragged. "Didn't Lulu tell you about the dream spell?" He shook his head.

"I wouldn't let any of them talk to me about you…" He looked down slightly and Levy just wanted to grab his face and kiss him. Wait, what?

"Well if you did, you'd know that I decided to use it to help with my training. It was designed to allow me to confront something that scared me to help to increase my powers…" Levy thought back.

"And it was me?" He looked horrified as he glanced at her shoulder. "What did I do to you?" His voice seemed to be filled with grief.

"No no no. It wasn't like that." She shook her hair. "My fear ended up, embarrassingly, manifesting as the desire to overcome my reliance on you. Subconsciously, relying on you and others to protect me was an obstacle on my journey to strength… I had expected the spell to be fighting though. Even when the illusion appeared I thought it was going to be about defeating you in battle."

"It wasn't?"

"No – it was more like a challenge. I needed to overcome my fears taking ownership of me." He looked lost. And it made Levy laugh. "Basically the illusion and I ended up getting quite hot and heavy and the only way to overcome it, and with it my fear, was to – um – dominate your dream form. Instead of letting you…" She stopped when realisation dawned on his face and instead of embarrassment like she'd thought he grinned –deliciously.

"So I bit you during our little roll in the hay?" Levy rolled her eyes.

"Not really you, Dream Gajeel. That's what I call him. It was actually a useful training technique in the end. Every time I was able to win the challange so to speak I could effectively access a greater deal of my power."

"So it happened more than once?"

"Yeah, loads. But I can end it really quickly now. And I know how to avoid you, or him, chomping down on me." Levy was concerned at just how much Gajeel suddenly seemed to be enjoying this now.

"So technically we-"

"No, I know what you're thinking. It never ever got that far!" It was Levys turn to huff now. "And why are you so pleased with this. I thought you didn't want to know things like this about me!"

"But this was technically with me. And it seems to me like you really enjoyed it. It was 'exhilarating'." He repeated the word she used earlier.

"Actually, the manifestation came from my mind. What I thought you were capable of. So technically I was making out with myself!"

"Whatever Shrimp! There's no way your getting out of this one." He stared up at the ceiling again with a smug look on his face. It turned serious however when something apparently dawned on him. "So basically you think sex with me would be all dark and twisted and scary." Levy shrugged where she lay, this was certainly a weird conversation to be having.

"I suppose. But if it helps, I really enjoyed it." She giggled and he chortled.

"Gihihi." He trailed off as they were silent once more. "I'm not like that by the way…" Levy glanced over at him as he breathed in deeply.

"What do you mean?" Levy asked and shifted where she lay.

"I'm not just.. I'm not all rough and mean." He was completely serious but Levy's face deadpanned. That's exactly how she would describe his entire personality.

"Um - are you sure?" Levy giggled and raised an eyebrow at him. He perked up again, grinning dangerously, before his arms shot out and scooped her up turning slightly so he had trapped her on his bare chest. She ended up sqirming around trying to get free. She screamed in disbelief at his next statement.

"I guess you'll just have to sleep with me and find out! Gihihi" He released her then and she launched herself back, half enraged half delighted.

"That's it! Couch!" She punched him right in the stomach, hard. And with her new strength she actually allowed herself to hurt him. His eyes widened and he growled at her in a tone that seemed playful. His grin continued and he jumped suddenly into a sitting position causing her to grab a pillow to hide behind. This was literally so much fun.

"You're playing dangerous games here Shrimp…" She peeked up from behind her pillow and pouted when she saw that he had lain back down and was back to smirking at the ceiling. She huffed. "Get to sleep."

"Okay then, but only because it's your house." She smoothed out the pillow and lay back down facing the dragon slayer who then proceeded to pull the cover up over her before he lay back down himself. Levy sighed happily.

"Goodnight Gajeel. I'm glad we're friends." She whispered honestly, watching his expression which didn't give anything away.

"G'night Shrimp." He grunted and they both lay silently together for a few moments. "Still can't believe you let me bite you though…"

"Shut up. I've let plenty of guys bite me! And those were real guys!"

"Shrimp!"

"What, you were asking for it Gajeel! And you want to know what else?"

"I really don't…"

"I slept with-"

"Can it Shrimp!"

Woo! I finally managed to squeeze in an update! Next chapter will see the travelling to the mysterious Brigadoon! Which I've decided to just go ahead and make intensely Scottish in tribute to my beloved homeland.

See you next time!