CHAPTER FIVE
"Class dismissed. See everyone next Thursday!"
Gajeel stood and rolled his shoulders, wincing at the tense knots in his back.
Students filed out of the large classroom like ants kicked from their nest. When Gajeel made his way to the front of the room, Macao motioned him over.
"How ya doing, kid?"
Gajeel shrugged, scowling as someone bumped into him when they walked by. "Fine."
Macao rolled his eyes. "As chatty as ever. Look, I just wanted to see how you were doing. Our last conversation left off on a bit of a sour note." When Gajeel snorted, Macao sighed. "Come on, kid. Talk to me. I've been worried."
Gajeel sighed, scratching at the studs on the bridge of his nose. "I told ya, I'm fine."
Cancer had been kicking his ass more than usual lately. The medication Porlyusica prescribed him was highly effective at stopping his stomach pain in the beginning, but as she said it would, his system adjusted to it, and now it barely worked at all. Even at that moment, he was experiencing near excruciating stomach pain, but he'd gotten used to it. His energy levels had dropped even more, too, but he refused to stop exercising. Porlyusica was furious about it, but he didn't care. Gajeel refused to let this cancer take him down. Dying was one thing and he'd accept that, but having his body give out because he was so weak from not working his muscles was another. Porlyusica said that she'd find him a new medication plan that would work, but it would be more aggressive than the last (this happened every time). So the symptoms from the pills would be worse (this also happened every time). It seems each round of medication made him better for a month and then ten times worse than the last. His symptoms were becoming worse, the cancer more aggressive, and it was becoming and harder and harder to find medications that actually worked.
He wasn't lying to Macao though—he was fine. More than fine. While he felt like he was on the brink of collapsing into an eternal sleep in hell, he also felt like he'd been brought back to life by an angel. Dating Levy had been the best moments of his life, and they'd only been on two dates officially, if you didn't count their study sessions at the coffee shop—which he didn't.
After their first date, study sessions became a lot more interesting. Sneaking glances and whispered promises, "accidentally" brushing against her skin. Levy had started sitting closer to him, her knees pressing to his, and when he reached up to tuck a lock of her cerulean waves behind her ear, she would blush and smile up at him.
He'd watch her dance every opportunity he got. On his way home from work or class, he'd stop by the studio and just watch her. She never minded. He'd sit outside and just watch as she moved to the music, stretching and twirling in ways he didn't know were possible. Other times he would go inside to watch. Then he'd walk her home, kiss her cheek, and go home.
Then on their second date, his love for her only grew and solidified—without a doubt, he knew she was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. He tried to ignore the fact that he was dying. At this point he was just so happy being near her that he almost forgot about it.
Their second date to the movies was the previous weekend. Gajeel had taken her to the theater to see some movie she'd been excited about. Both had blushed when their fingers laced together as she leaned against his shoulder—her touch was like an electric current, sending warm tingles throughout his whole body. And when something scary popped up on screen and she jumped and buried her face into his shoulder, he just chuckled and used that as an excuse to wrap his arm around her. She didn't mind at all, practically clambering into his lap at the invitation. The movie didn't look that exciting initially, but Gajeel's opinion changed entirely after that. If she did that every time they watched it, he'd buy the damn movie and hit replay until the remote broke.
Dropping her off at her apartment led to another kiss on the cheek, and another to the forehead as his lips lingered longer than he meant for them to. He would've been more than happy to kiss her properly, like a man should kiss a woman. But he didn't want to scare her away. Their pace was comfortable, so he'd wait. Gajeel was more than satisfied with how things were going as it was.
To sum up: yeah, cancer sucked, and Gajeel was definitely feeling worse than he had at his diagnosis, and even worse than he was a month ago. But he was also feeling more alive than he ever had, as ironic as it was.
"Hey." Macao thumped Gajeel in between the eyes, and he scowled in return. "You in there, kid? You spaced out again." Macao narrowed his eyes. "You sure you're alright?"
Without thinking, Gajeel smiled. "Yeah, teach. I'm doin' great."
He left, leaving Macao in a stunned silence, but was immediately cut off where Gray and Natsu waited by the door. Natsu slung an arm around his shoulder, and Gajeel rolled his eyes.
"Hey, man! How about that match now? Winner takes on Gray. Just get ready," Natsu threw his fist into the air, "I'm all pumped up! I'll kick your scrawny ass, then I'll kick his." He jabbed his thumb in Gray's direction.
Gray snorted. "It's cute that you think so, Natsu. I'll destroy you."
"What did you say?!" Natsu grabbed Gray's collar and got in his face, nose to nose. "Fight me, popsicle, and we'll see who's stronger!"
Gray returned the challenge, pushing closer to Natsu as he grabbed him by the scarf. "You're on, pyro. Winner takes Gajeel."
Gajeel scowled. "You ladies done? If you're gonna fight like little girls, at least get outta my way."
"What the hell, man?!" Natsu frowned and released Gray. "Come on, we have a match to settle!"
Gajeel resisted the urge to ram his palm into his forehead. These guys were insane. First winner takes Gray, now winner takes him? These damn martial arts majors… Funny part is, Gajeel didn't remember agreeing to fight either one of them. Besides, he had work in two hours, a cat to feed, and a beautiful dancer to visit that evening. If he sparred with them now, he'd be in bed for three days just from exhaustion.
"Sorry girls, I gotta get to work." Gajeel looked over his shoulder, grinning dangerously. "Next time I'll kick your ass, Natsu."
He left, ignoring Natsu's outraged yelling. Though it was sweltering out in the summer heat, the warm sun felt good where the rays hit the bare skin of his shoulders. His muscles were tired and achy all the time lately, side effect from one of his medications, so the heat actually helped. Gajeel hated summer, but he loved being able to wear sleeveless shirts again.
After getting back to his apartment to feed Lily—who practically demanded to be held when thunder rolled somewhere in the distance—and resting on the couch for a bit, Gajeel changed into his work shirt and took the bus to the stop nearest Sting's shop. He'd been feeling weak lately. No matter how tired it made him, a trip to the gym was happening on the weekend. It had been over a week since his last workout. It was almost shameful.
The bus came to a screeching halt, nearly throwing Gajeel out of his seat. He grumbled as he stepped out onto the sidewalk. Damn psychotic bus driver…
A bell jingled when he entered the lobby of the repair shop, the receptionist waving at him without looking up, and he moved around the front desk to the door leading to the workshop. The building was small, with large windows off the front lobby and a big hand-painted sign that said 'Eucliffe's Automotive Repairs.' Not much to look at, and definitely not fancy, but it was the best repair shop in town.
A red sports car that had practically been destroyed in an accident was elevated on floor jacks. Some idiot was going too fast in the rain and hydroplaned into a tree. They were fine, thankfully, but their car would need some work.
Gajeel stepped over Rogue's legs, where he lay on a creeper under the car, and moved to his own station. "How's the engine?"
Rogue must have been startled, because Gajeel saw his feet twitch when he jumped, then he heard a yelp preceded by a wrench clanging onto the floor.
Gajeel snorted and pulled his hair back into a ponytail. "Smooth, idiot."
Rogue wheeled out from under the car and shot him an annoyed look. "You scared me."
"Yeah, I can see that." Gajeel frowned and grabbed a cleaning rag from the bin. "There's a cut on your nose. Did ya drop the wrench on your face?"
Rogue's face heated up and he scowled, wheeling back under the car. Gajeel just laughed. He grabbed the note off his work bench from Sting. He left a list of jobs tacked up there every time he came into work so they could tackle them. First on his list was replacing an ignition coil on an older silver car in the back lot. Gajeel groaned—it wasn't a difficult task, but it wasn't one he particularly enjoyed. He could do it in his sleep if he needed to, and he was sick to death of it.
"Where's Sting?"
Rogue wheeled out from under the car and stood with a sigh, wiping his hands on a work rag. "Where do you think?"
"I'm guessing something to do with Yukino," Gajeel said flatly.
"Correct."
Gajeel shook his head. "Unbelievable. Loser gets a girlfriend and all of a sudden he's a lovesick little shit."
He could feel Rogue's eyes burning holes in the back of his head, and he turned around and quirked a brow at the younger man, staring him down. His short black hair was pulled back away from his face and dark motor oil smudged his cheek right under his left eye.
"What?"
Rogue smirked. "Doesn't Sting remind you of anyone?"
Gajeel deadpanned. "What the hell are you talkin' about?"
"You know, someone else who's lovesick and hopeless?" Gajeel didn't take the bait, and Rogue narrowed his eyes, his scarlet irises glinting mirthfully. Rogue tried a different approach, crossing his arms and walking around the car casually, as if examining the paint job. "How are things with Levy?"
Gajeel reddened and scowled. "I ain't lovesick and hopeless!"
Rogue didn't answer, instead giving him an incredulous look as he grabbed the correct sized wrench he was searching for. He lay down on the creeper again and wheeled under the car. Gajeel didn't like his lack of response—it pissed him off.
"I'm not half as bad as Sting."
He heard Rogue swear under the car. "No, I'll give you that." He wheeled out. "Hand me that ratchet."
Gajeel huffed and handed him the tool he needed, frowning when Rogue disappeared again. He turned away, sifting through the tools on the top of his work bench.
"Seriously though, man. Congrats. It's good to see you smile."
Gajeel blinked, looking down at Rogue's feet poking out from under the car. He'd known Rogue and Sting since before his diagnosis. Once he decided it was time to turn his life around, he tried every place he could find to get a job, from the largest businesses in Magnolia to the most run-down shacks he'd ever seen. Fast food restaurants, car washes, gas stations. He tried working in a bar, he tried larger retail stores. No one would look twice at him. You find out someone has a particularly rough criminal background and it's all over. But Sting didn't care, and hired him instantly.
Sting was just a year younger than Gajeel, and he'd been skeptical to work for him at first, but he was just so happy to have a job he didn't care. Sting and Rogue were two of the nicest guys he'd ever met, and neither of them judged him for his past. They cheered him on when things started looking dark, and if he were being completely honest, he couldn't ask for better guys to work with.
Rogue came out from under the car and took a sip from his water bottle.
Gajeel chuckled. "Don't go gettin' all soft on me." He clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Thanks, man."
Rogue blushed and nodded before disappearing back under the car again. The next three hours were monotonous and grueling. It was a slow day—as the thunder started rolling in and the rain began to fall, customers lessened and lessened. Gajeel had already completed his task list for the day, and since Rogue was just reclined in a chair reading a book, and Sting was still MIA, Gajeel grabbed his phone and keys and took off early, nodding to Rogue as he passed by.
The rain only got worse on the bus ride back to campus, falling in thick sheets and splashing off the ground, casting a glow of mist over the concrete. Gajeel groaned, pulling his hair from the ponytail, and smoothed his hand over his face. Levy's studio was about a five minute walk from the bus stop, and if he wanted to get there without being completely drenched, he'd have to run. Fast. Would running like that be a good idea? He'd be so tired when he got there… But if he stayed in the rain, he could get sick. Cancer weakened the immune system, and the medications made it worse. It was a double-edged sword—he'd have to just run and hope he wouldn't pass out once he got there.
He stepped off the bus, running as soon as his feet hit the ground. Halfway there his lungs were already burning in his chest, and by the time he reached the studio, ducking under the overhang of the roof, he collapsed against the brick wall and slid to the ground.
He nearly blacked out when he hit the ground, the pain in his stomach bordering unbearable. He needed to call Porlyusica…this new medication he was on didn't work for shit. After several minutes, he weakly pushed himself up and stood, legs wobbling. He'd be damned if he didn't see Levy—passing out would have to wait until he got home.
Quietly, he slipped in through the door, slumping into a chair in the corner. The music was playing, which meant practice was in full swing, and when he turned to look at Levy, he was surprised to see her instructor dancing alongside her, making corrections when necessary.
"Foot out," the woman said sternly over the music.
Levy adjusted her foot and continued with the move.
"Good, now plié!"
Levy angled her knees and then jumped. Gajeel was mesmerized. She moved like a flower in the wind. Everything about her was delicate and soft. The short chiffon wrap skirt she wore over her leotard floated around her as she danced. An angel in every sense, pure innocence.
"And pique turn! Arms in second!" Levy did as instructed, bowing her arms out and twirling on a diagonal across the floor. "Very good!"
She gracefully twirled into a double pirouette, then after angling her foot like the instructor said, she leaped into the air, extending her legs out in front and behind her.
"No, no." The instructor paused the music and came beside Levy. "Let's do that grand jeté again. You're not straightening your legs enough right there..."
Levy tried once more and the woman shook her head.
"No. Arch your spine like so," she pushed against Levy's back as she held her arms up, "and when you leap, straighten the legs. Now try again."
Levy nodded and leaped, kicking her legs up high. The woman sighed again and shook her head. Gajeel frowned. He wasn't an expert, and he was relatively new to the whole ballet thing, but Levy danced beautifully. In his opinion, the instructor just had a stick up her ass. The woman looked like one hair out of place would send her into a panic. Her bun was so tight it pulled her cheeks back, and her brown eyes were stern and harsh.
"Come now, let's stretch that out."
Levy nodded, and Gajeel scowled when he noticed that the sparkle in her eyes was gone. "Alright."
She cast a glance in Gajeel's direction and smiled tiredly. The woman—apparently named Margaret—had Levy place one foot against the wall, high over her head. Levy was already in a vertical split, but when Margaret pushed against her back, stretching Levy's hamstrings and groin, Gajeel winced.
"Alright, one last time and we'll dismiss for tonight."
Levy nodded and stepped away from the wall, leaping into a grand jeté. Sweat beaded her brow as her legs kicked up into the split, and when she landed, arching her back elegantly, Margaret nodded.
"Good, much better." She smiled and Gajeel had to force back a snort. He was mildly surprised she knew how to smile at all. "Practice that move, everything else is looking good. Rest up tonight."
After the instructor grabbed her things, she left the building, barely acknowledging Gajeel sitting near the door. He stood and smiled at Levy.
"Sorry, practice ran late today," Levy mumbled. She stepped into Gajeel's open arms, burying her face in his chest.
Gajeel frowned. "What's with the face?" She muttered something inaudible into his chest and he laughed. "I can't hear ya, Lev."
Levy pulled away and sighed. "I said, I'm just bummed. I've been working really hard on that jeté and I'm still not good enough…"
Gajeel watched as she slipped a hoodie on over her leotard before pulling her short curls back with a headband. She flopped onto the floor in a very ungraceful, un-ballerina fashion and pulled the pointe shoes off, rubbing her feet. Gajeel scowled when he saw the bleeding blisters.
"Lev…"
She smiled at him reassuringly. "I promise I'm fine." He stared at her flatly and she laughed. "Really! It doesn't hurt that bad… I'm just tired."
He nodded, handing her the comfortable shoes sitting by her bag, watching as she slipped them on. She looked so…defeated. He'd never seen her look down about anything. Levy was the most upbeat person he knew! Gajeel took her hand and pulled her to her feet, kissing the top of her head—the blush spreading over her cheeks was adorable.
"Listen here, shrimp. You're doin' great. When your performance gets here, you'll blow away every scout there!"
She smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes.
Gajeel brushed the hair away from her face before taking her hand. "Come on."
"Where are we going?"
"Takin' you to get some hot chocolate." Her lips poised to protest, and he held up a hand. "That's an order, shrimp."
"But it's summer!"
He shrugged. "It's raining. You need chocolate."
A brief moment of hesitation passed over her face, but she finally smiled and nodded. The tension almost melted from her shoulders. "Actually…hot chocolate sounds amazing… I haven't had hot chocolate in years…"
Gajeel looked at her, shocked, and picked up her bag. "All the more reason!"
"This is so good…"
Levy reclined into the plush sofa, happily sipping from her mug. She'd been so bummed after practice, he had to do something. Hot chocolate was the first thing that came to mind—who didn't like hot chocolate? He brought her to the coffee shop and they claimed their usual couch. Levy had stars in her eyes when she saw white hot chocolate on the menu. And since she was breaking her healthy eating routine for the night, she asked for jumbo marshmallows and whipped cream as well. When they brought the steaming cup to her, she almost squealed. So adorable.
He smiled. "Glad ya like it, shorty."
She sighed and snuggled back into the cushions. "I really do… Thank you, Gajeel!"
"Anything for my girl."
He could tell she was tired. Her eyes kept fluttering closed once she'd finished her drink, her lashes brushing the freckles on her cheeks. When she curled into his side, his arm going around her on reflex, she sighed.
"Don't ever change," she whispered sleepily. "I think you're perfect."
Gajeel quirked a brow and looked down at her. Where the hell did that come from? He wasn't perfect, not even close. Demons who love angels aren't perfect. They're sinners. Levy peeked up at him where she rested against his shoulder. Scarlet eyes searched hers of molten honey, and he was lost. Looking into her eyes was like swimming through an endless pool of warmth, sparkling under the sun. He could stay there forever and just look at her. His confusion faded and suddenly he felt calm and reassured. This, right here, was what he wanted. However long his cancer would hold out, however long he'd live for, he wanted to be by her side.
Gajeel laced his fingers through her hair, gently brushing over the small white flower tucked into her headband.
"Be my girlfriend, Lev."
Her cheeks brightened and she blinked. But then her lips quirked upward and she flashed him the most beautiful smile that stole his breath and made his heart ache. "I thought you'd never ask."
And then she snuggled back into his side, and he couldn't fight away the red creeping into his skin. Two months he'd spent watching her, becoming best friends with her, before he had the courage to ask her out. Her acceptance floored him, because somewhere deep down he fully expected her to say no. But she didn't. Then nearly another month later, and here they are. How he managed to actually win her over, he'd never know, but he'd spend every moment left of his life making her smile.
A soft snore had him looking down, and he chuckled when he saw her asleep against his shoulder. His heart swelled just by looking at her—so peaceful and beautiful and warm and perfect. Summoning the remainder of his energy, he hoisted her into his arms, pulling the hood over her head, and carried her out the door. Thankfully they lived close by.
Levy barely even stirred, not until they reached her door. Gajeel woke her up and set her down carefully, taking her key from her bag and opening the door. When she swayed on her feet, he picked her up again and took her inside. Thunder rolled in the distance, and she snuggled closer to him.
Ideally, he would have stayed with her and just watched her dream. Curl against her warmth and sleep for a thousand years. But looking at her, innocent and precious, he couldn't bring himself to move their relationship faster. Gajeel already knew his feelings for her, despite the short amount of time he'd been dating her. Now that she was his officially, it only solidified that fact. He loved her, wanted her in every way. But he wanted to savor every moment she gave him and take things slow. He wanted to fall in love every day and wake up beside her, know every side of her.
Gajeel rolled his eyes internally. Some cheesy little shit you've become.
Carefully, he lay her down on the couch, remembering to dodge the piles of books this time, and pulled a warm blanket over her. Just as he was turning away, she reached for his hand, and he stopped.
"Goodnight, boyfriend," she murmured sleepily.
Gajeel softened and bent over, kissing her cheek. "Sleep well, shrimp."
By the time he got home, he nearly had to crawl through the doorway. He made it just to the couch before his energy gave out. Breathing was becoming a struggle at this point, and the searing pain in his stomach had pushed him to his limit. He gasped when Pantherlily pounced onto his stomach as thunder boomed in the distance, but then relaxed and held the trembling cat.
"Sorry, Lil," he bit out, eyes sliding closed. "Looks like I overdid it."
A/N: Thanks for reading! :) The next chapter is one of my favorites, and I'm really excited about it, so I can't wait until Friday! Thanks for the wonderful reviews on the last chapter!
Also, JUST IN CASE... I will be out of town this weekend for just a few days. I should still have my chapters posted on Friday and next Monday as usual, but just in case something goes wrong, I PROMISE I'll have them up once I get back. I doubt this will happen, but just in case ;)
Take care, and I'll see you next week!
