A day and a half passed before Reya showed up at Levy's apartment. Levy hadn't been worried as much as a bit put out. Normally, her sister told her if she was going to disappear for a while.

"Sorry, kiddo!" Reya offered. "Couldn't be helped. Had some business to attend to and I had to go out of town for it."

"A job, here? Levy asked, suspicious.

"Sort of. Can't really explain. You understand," Reya replied, knowing Levy wouldn't push the issue.

Levy sighed and pushed the food around her plate. She'd made an early dinner, expecting another night without her sister, but now she and Reya were seated at the table.

"We can grab dinner at the guild," Reya suggested.

"I guess. But will this be another night of hero storytelling and getting drunk? That's not so fun for me."

"I swear it will not. You, me, dinner. Promise, kiddo."

"Ok," Levy agreed.

She should've known better. The moment they arrived, Reya was swarmed by a dozen wizards clamoring for more tales of her travels and adventures. She looked over her shoulder at her little sister, pleading and pouting in jest. Levy rolled her eyes and waved her sister away.

"Your adoring fans can have you!"

Levy slumped into a chair at the bar. Mirajane came over, a look of concern for her friend on her face.

"What's the matter, Levy? I thought you'd be so happy to have Reya back for a bit."

"I am," Levy said.

"I was," she corrected herself. "Doesn't feel like we've had much time together."

"Awww, I'm sorry. She is pretty popular, huh?" Mirajane said cheerfully, producing a cup of tea from beneath the bar. "I'm sure she'll be tired of bragging soon."

Levy smiled wanly at her friend and thanked her for the tea.

It looked like none of her other friends were in the guild tonight. She thought about going home and waiting for Reya there. Otherwise, it would be a pretty boring evening.

Cheers rose up from the back where Reya was sitting. She was being begged to show off some magic.

"You guys know Makarov doesn't like that," she said coyly. "I could get in trouble!"

"Awwww come on Reya! Make Warren forget where he lives!"

"Make Bickslow think he's in love with Evergreen!"

"Make Gajeel blush again! That was hilarious!"

Reya started to laughingly protest, when Gajeel emerged from the shadows unexpectedly.

"What did you say?!" he roared, throwing the guy across the guild hall and crashing into a table.

"S-s-s-sorry, Gajeel! J-j-j-ust kidding!"

Reya was laughing uncontrollably now and Gajeel rounded on her.

"Oy! What's so funny Shrimp Senior?"

"You, Stud!" she answered without missing a beat.

"You know, I'm not above hitting a woman if she deserves it," he growled at her, unaware that Levy was watching them now.

Reya got down from the table she was sitting on and slunk over to him purposefully. She stood right up in front of him and pushed herself up into his face. He fought the urge to lean away from her.

"Good," she said in a low voice. "I have a favor to ask you."