Gajeel quickly tossed the pill bottles into the basket under the sink and sighed. Taking medicine when Levy was over was always nerve-wracking. It was Saturday morning, and Levy actually didn't have rehearsal. Margaret let her have an extra day off (for once), and Levy had taken the morning to relax at Gajeel's place. As far as he was concerned, this was the best weekend he could ask for. Levy, sleeping in, and no crazy ballet instructors. Gajeel was content to just indulge in a blissful morning with her.

Winter had steamrolled them on its way into the year, bringing the first snowfall and frigid temperatures as a greeting. Levy, being as tiny as she was, was freezing. Gajeel's weight loss put him in the same boat. When they weren't making out, they were wrapped in blankets and sweaters. Levy had been wearing huge, chunky scarves, and had ditched her usual headbands in favor of knitted hats. Not that Gajeel had any objections… The fluffy puff ball sitting atop her head when she wore a knit hat was hilariously cute, and the wild blue curls that poked out of the rim were beautiful. Lack of summer sun brought paler skin, too, and that made the freckles dusting her cheeks stand out. Needless to say… Gajeel was screwed. Levy was just too damn beautiful in the winter for him to function properly.

Stepping into the living room of his apartment, he was blindsided by the most endearing sight he'd ever been blessed to see. Levy, wearing only a sweater and tall socks, was sitting in front of the fireplace amidst a pile of nearly every pillow and blanket Gajeel owned. What was so perfect about it was how Pantherlily was curled up on the pillow beside her, purring happily as she scratched his ear. She was talking to him again. Gajeel smirked—whatever she was saying to him must've been good, because he looked far too pleased, occasionally squeaking in response.

She lifted a mug of hot cocoa to her lips, golden eyes spotting him over the rim of her cup and brightening upon noticing him. "Gajeel!"

He blinked. Froth from the marshmallows had given her a tiny mustache. Damn, she's so adorable! He laughed and stepped forward, tipping her chin up with his fingers and licking the froth from her lips. The red in her cheeks didn't disappoint.

"Ya had a marshmallow 'stache, shorty."

Flushed cheeks and a dazzling smile took over her features, and he was so taken with her that he couldn't stop himself from kissing her again. Levy giggled when he pulled away and brushed her fingers over the studs against his chin. "You're in a good mood this morning!"

"Damn straight." He leaned in closer, smirking. "How could I not be after last night?"

She slapped his shoulder, and he laughed again. "I made you some pancakes earlier," she said softly. "They're on the stove, and I have a pot of coffee ready, too."

Always going above and beyond… Gajeel kissed her forehead and trailed into the kitchen to eat as much food as he could manage. Levy's favorite cookbook was propped open on the counter, alongside her reading glasses. He loved seeing her things around his apartment—as time went on, more and more of her items were migrating to his place. Books scattered in the living room and on the night stand, a bottom drawer that he cleared kept her spare clothes, and now the star-patterned blanket was the newest addition. Which, to be honest, he felt was a little girly. But it was hella soft, and it smelled like Levy. Secretly, Gajeel would curl up with that when Levy wasn't there.

Gajeel only managed to eat one pancake, but it was more than normal. A few sips of coffee made him feel a bit more alert, too. He was even able to take all his medication when he woke up. It was turning out to be a pretty good morning.

By the time Gajeel came back, Levy was sprawled out on the floor in the pile of pillows, the fire heating her skin. Pantherlily had decided that her stomach was his new bed, as he'd curled up almost protectively on her belly. Gajeel looked at the cat and smirked. Damn little traitor.

"I see who your favorite is now, Lil."

The damn cat winked at him.

Gajeel watched them for a few moments, just taking it all in. His favorite girl, and his favorite cat, sound asleep by the fire. Levy was barely visible in the pile of pillows, couch cushions, and blankets—aside from where Lily was curled up, only her head was visible. Blue curls sprung out wildly from behind her headband. Quietly, he carefully laid down beside her and pulled them both into his arms, pulling the worn star-patterned blanket she'd brought from her apartment over them.

Levy curled into his chest, and Gajeel couldn't stop the warmth spreading in his stomach. He was tired, so tired. Muscles sore and tense from overexertion, and bones aching from all the medications and just general decline in health. Porlyusica had stopped changing his medications, and she hadn't spoken about his numbered days once—Gajeel took that as a bad sign. If he ever asked how much time it looked like he had left, she somehow changed the subject.

He sighed in contentment and tugged Levy closer, breathing in the scent of vanilla and coconut from her shampoo. The heat of the fire was pulling him in, lulling him into a deep sleep. He went willingly, holding his girl close and letting his mind drift off to dreamland.

Hours later, Gajeel groaned and stretched as he woke. Scarlet eyes scanned the room. The fire had died down, embers glowing in the fireplace, Pantherlily had come to curl up with him for a change, and Levy was awake. She still lay curled in his arms, but she had a book open, biting her lip in concentration as she read. Gajeel just watched her for a moment. Levy was content in her own little world, blissfully unaware of him watching. If he could capture Levy in any moment, he would pick this one. Watching her dance was an otherworldly experience—beautiful and delicate, she captured the eyes of her audience and left Gajeel breathless. But other moments were just as precious—when she cooked and she skipped around the kitchen, or when she ate her morning muffin and got crumbs on her face. But this moment here, her reading glasses perched on the bridge of her nose while her eyes widened and her lips twitched into a grin as she read, completely absorbed into her imagined world…this was a moment he'd cherish.

Placing a chaste kiss to her neck, he grinned when she jumped.

"Gosh, you scared me!"

He chuckled. "What are you reading?

"Some book Lucy suggested," she said. Gajeel was mildly shocked Lucy enjoyed reading. "It's a true story about a man who opened this restaurant and used the money to fund charities. It's actually really good…"

Gajeel took the book from her hands, quirking a brow. "This sounds boring. Who wants to read about a restaurant?"

Levy poked her tongue out and snatched it out of his hands. "I do." Putting the book down, she rolled over to face him and kissed his chin. "Speaking of, do you still want to go to dinner tonight?"

Gajeel blinked. He'd completely forgotten about dinner with the group. Natsu had discovered a new barbecue place that he wanted to try, and Lucy had invited everyone to come along. "Yeah. Why wouldn't I?"

She shrugged. "Just making sure." Her fidgeting gave her away. "You've just looked kinda…tired, lately. Almost sick. I'm just making sure you're alright."

The guilt that had been eating him alive since he'd started dating her hit him with full force, and he barely managed to offer a small reassuring smile. "I'm fine, Lev. Don't worry about me, alright? You think I'd pass up barbecue?"

This time she giggled, and he pushed forward.

"I mean, we can stay here, but we won't have any food." Brushing his lips against her neck, he added, voice deep and smoky, "Or I could just eat you. Saves us the trouble of leaving…"

She blinked, then pouted. "Stupid Gajeel…"

He laughed. Levy was still so shy, surprisingly. He tugged on a cerulean curl, and she looked up at him. "How's practice been going?"

"Exhausting." Her head fell against his chest dramatically. "Margaret has been kicking my butt. I finally get one move down and another issue pops up… And my performance is coming up! I get the grand jeté perfected, then it's my arabesque, then all of a sudden my back flexibility is looking too weak… It never ends!"

Gajeel would've laughed at her rambling had she not been so stressed. She looked up at him, frustration clear on her face, and brushed her thumb over the studs in his chin absentmindedly.

"Not to mention, practice has been getting longer and more tiring…"

That much he knew. He would pick her up from practice or just come to see her at rehearsal, and she'd barely have time to take a break and eat. She would get out of rehearsal super late, he'd drag her away to eat dinner, then she'd do homework and crash. They'd curl up in bed and practically as soon as her head hit the pillow, she'd be out. Not that Gajeel minded—he felt worse now than he ever had, and he normally collapsed in bed alongside her.

Though, there were moments like now, when the weekend had arrived and there was no work or rehearsal, no classes to attend, and they could just be together (while not being half asleep). Saturday mornings, Levy had rehearsal and yoga, but by the afternoon, she was out, and Sunday was always free. Thankfully, Margaret had given her the morning off. Must've recognized Levy was dead on her feet and needed a break. Good thing, too. Gajeel was just a hair away from busting some sense into the crazy, asshole of a coach of hers. He had half a mind to tell that woman to take her schedule and go shove it up her—

"We need to get ready for dinner," Levy said, effectively pulling Gajeel from his internal war. "Erza and Jellal will be here soon to pick us up, and I'm starving!"

Gajeel blinked. Had they really just slept the day away?

Her stomach rumbled, and he grinned. "Damn, Lev. When was the last time you ate?"

Levy turned away from him, blocking her flushed cheeks from view. "Well…I had a pancake for breakfast, and that cup of hot chocolate. But I forgot lunch…"

Gajeel eyed her with scolding eyes. "Shrimp—"

"I'll eat more! I promise!" Jumping to her feet, she backed away. "I'll eat a ton tonight, I swear!"

Slowly, Gajeel pushed himself to his feet and stalked toward her. "Ya sure about that? If you don't, I'll have to tie you down and force you to eat."

"I swear!" she squeaked, running back into his bedroom. He just chuckled.

Nearly an hour later, they were ready for dinner. While Gajeel pulled on a leather jacket and combat boots, considering this to be a decent enough outfit, Levy stunned him with her effortless beauty. A short dress, tights, a cardigan and a scarf had never looked so damn beautiful… He licked his lips as he watched her pull her hair away from her neck to spray on some perfume. What was that scent? Rose? Vanilla? Maybe both?

Shit, Gajeel thought. That's not fair. She can't look like that and smell that damn good, too…

Gajeel gripped her hips. "You look gorgeous, Lev." And you smell downright edible.

Levy brushed her hair, securing a headband atop her head. Gajeel swallowed thickly, resisting the urge to scrape his teeth against her neck, leave bite marks on her throat and collar bones. And other places.

"Gajeel?"

He cleared his throat, lusty haze clearing. "Uh— Yeah?"

She giggled. "I think I heard someone knock on the door. You ready to go?"

Nodding, he stepped into the living room. He was eager to get away from her, only because standing behind her, watching her getting ready and smelling her perfume…well, if he stayed much longer, they wouldn't be going out to dinner.

Gajeel opened the door when another perfectly spaced knock tapped against the wood. Erza and Jellal were both waiting in the hall, smiling when he greeted them. "Good evening," Erza said. She frowned. "You look terrible. Are you well?"

He rolled his eyes. "If it ain't Levy, it's you…" He nodded at Jellal, who smiled and shook his hand.

Levy stepped up beside him, excitedly talking about how cute Erza's dress was. Then she and Jellal indulged in one of their highly normal intellectual conversations, and before he knew it, Levy and Jellal were making their way to the car, discussing their respective majors and how they intercepted. Erza just shook her head and smiled. "Those two…"

Gajeel smirked. "Yeah, she— Oi! Lily!" Sneakily, the black cat stepped over Gajeel's foot and darted out the door, running down the hallway. Gajeel sighed. "Shit. I'll be right back."

Erza laughed when he chased after the cat. Leaning against the doorframe, she blinked when her foot brushed something that crinkled, and she looked down. A paper was stuck underneath the edge of the small table by the door, and she frowned. Fearing it was something important that he'd lost and forgotten about, she reached down to pick it up, but when she read the words running along the top of the paper, her eyes went wide. Scarlet eyes blinked once, twice, and with trembling hands, she put the paper back where she found it.

She'd had her suspicions that Gajeel's health was declining, but she had no idea that it was so serious. The list of chemotherapy options only confirmed her suspicions that he was, in fact, sick, while also proving to her that it was so much worse than she'd feared. Erza's heart fell. She wondered if Levy knew. Actually, she knew for a fact that she didn't—Levy had confided in her recently that she was worried Gajeel was getting sick. She was worried he wasn't getting enough sleep or he had a stomach bug, or how his appetite had just diminished over the last couple of months, or how he seemed a bit thinner than when she first met him. But the poor girl didn't even know…

"Sorry 'bout that," Gajeel said, breathless, clutching his stomach and attempting not to wince, while simultaneously holding Lily captive.

Erza jumped, waving her hands. "N-No! That's perfectly fine, I was just…" She looked up at him and noticed how pale he looked, how he was struggling to keep the pain from showing on his face. Biting her lip, she took a deep breath and forced a smile. "I just thought I would wait for you since our dates abandoned us."

Gajeel smirked. "Can't say I didn't see it coming." Pushing the cat back inside, he shut the door quickly. "Damn cat runs too fast…"

Erza followed him to the elevator, commenting only when necessary. Even in the car, when everyone was talking together, or at the restaurant when all her friends were rowdy and excited, she didn't hear a word they said. All she could think about was the paper in Gajeel's apartment, and the hurt Levy would endure when she found it.


A/N: Sorry this chapter is a bit short. Chapter 16 will be longer, so I'll make it up to you! So things are getting serious now... And we have now officially hit the halfway marker. Let the drama begin!

Leave me a review and let me know what you think! I hope everyone has an amazing week! I'll see you all on Friday :)