Levy followed Gajeel outside and she really hoped her couldn't hear her heart pounding in her chest. He stopped and looked back at her, "Let's go to a park." he said quietly. This threw Levy off but she nodded. He led the way and she followed behind him quietly. Once they arrived at the park, Gajeel picked a bench and they sat at it.
"Was there something you needed, shrimp?" Gajeel asked relaxing on the bench.
Levy swallowed and put her hands in her lap, "Yes. I did need something." she spoke quietly and knew her voice was shaking. "I-I need to tell you something." she looked up at him. Their eyes met and she went to speak but she couldn't.
"Can I tell you something first?" Gajeel asked, hoping he wouldn't lose his chance. He knew this was going to be his only chance to confess to her for a while.
"Wh-what?" Levy looked at him a little surprised and that was when she realized he may possibly be telling her something she didn't want to hear. If he couldn't hear her heart beating before, he could now.
"I..." the Dragon Slayer bit his lip and looked away. "I love you." he looked back at her and made eye contact with her. He got lost in her eyes.
Levy stood up quickly, "Y-you do?" she backed away a few steps and tried to keep her cool.
Gajeel stood up and turned away, "It's alright. I understand what you feel. I shouldn't have said anything."
"No, Gajeel! It's just, I'm shocked. I came here to tell you the same thing." she was staring at his back and saw him look over his shoulder at her, "I love you too, Gajeel."
He turned back to her and pulled her closer before she knew it. She wrapped her arms around him tightly as she hugged him. He rested his chin on her head as they hugged, "That would explain why you were so cuddly the other night, shrimp." he whispered.
"Yeah. I felt really safe in your arms that night, much like I do now." she looked up and he moved his head back and looked back at her. "I was scared you didn't feel the same for me. I feel like I'm such a burden..." she trailed off and looked down at their feet. She started to pull away when Gajeel took her hands and held them entwining their fingers.
"You'll never be a burden, and never were." he whispered in her ear. He rested his head on her shoulder. Levy blushed a little.
"What were you waiting on?" Levy asked quietly.
"What?"
"Why did you wait so long to tell me?"
"I honestly don't know." Gajeel looked up at the sky and let Levy go. "I could ask the same question, but I'm sure the answer is the same."
She nodded, "We should probably head back to the party." she smiled at him and walked to the path. "Come on!"
"Right." he sighed and followed. "I was enjoying time alone." he mumbled.