Levy nearly collapsed onto the floor when Margaret told her to take a five minute break. Even in the winter, a leotard with an open back and tiny straps still wasn't cool enough to keep her comfortable. She was burning up with the amount she'd been dancing… With her big performance just two months away, Margaret suggested that Levy start practicing in more risqué outfits. Not scandalous, by any means, but pieces that showed more skin. While the costume she wore for her portion as the goddess of light was rather modest, once her transition to goddess of death began and the fabric was torn away, what was underneath left little to the imagination.

She'd never been one to show off, and getting used to wearing less fabric in practice wasn't a bad idea. Today she ditched the long-sleeved leotards she'd been favoring for the winter and instead chose one with a plunging back and thin straps, and only leg warmers rather than a wrap skirt. The black costume for the performance did have a tiny skirt, but it was too short in comparison to any of the wraps she wore for practice, so she didn't bother.

Levy took a sip from her water bottle before pulling her headband tighter and securing a loose cerulean curl with a barrette. Only an hour more of practice and she could leave to pick up Lucy and Erza. They had made plans a week ago to go hang out at the mall, and she'd been looking forward to it all week. Thank god it was finally Saturday. Then Gajeel would be joining her for dinner at her place… It was going to be an amazing day.

The upcoming performance looming over her head had been so stressful, and she couldn't wait to just get it over with. There would be dozens of scouts from different professional dance companies from all over Fiore. This performance would make or break her career. Literally.

"About ready, Levy?"

Levy blinked and looked up at Margaret. "Oh!" She jumped to her feet, laughing. "Yeah, sorry about that. Let's go."

Her feet were killing her, but she could manage another hour. Levy moved into her routine, starting from the beginning. This part was her favorite. Graceful and delicate, it perfectly mirrored light and purity. She performed the grand jeté with ease, then moved into a pirouette before extending her leg out behind her.

"Back arched," Margaret said. "Yes, that's perfect, Levy!"

Truthfully, ballet was becoming more and more of a chore rather than a passion. It was heartbreaking, because she had loved it so much for her entire life. Over the last few months, she'd tried to like it. She'd tried so hard to feel that same love for it. She genuinely loved dancing—it was in her blood. But she was finding it almost impossible to love a dance career. Now she was just so confused, she didn't know how she felt about it anymore. Quitting now would be years of practice and hard work wasted, not to mention a scholarship straight out the window… No. She'd find a way to love it again. This was all just pre-show jitters.

Margaret nodded, cutting the music. "Good, good. Let's work on that arabesque, okay?"

Levy performed the move again, and Margaret instructed her on how to correct the spots that were lacking. "How was that?"

"Better. Once more."

Again, she performed, and "once more" turned into seven more. But at least Margaret was finally satisfied. Not that it was surprising…she had this annoying knack of promising only "one more" about a hundred times. To end with only seven would be considered a lucky feat. To finish, Margaret helped Levy stretch out her muscles, pushing against her legs to stretch her hamstrings. This was easily the most important part of practice. The one time Levy skipped stretching was the one Levy will never forget. She was sore for days!

By the time Margaret announced the end of practice, waving to Levy and saying she'd see her Monday morning, Levy was already pulling off her pointe shoes and slipping into her boots. It was like pulling nails out of your foot and then stepping on a cloud.

"Heaven," she sighed.

Usually Gajeel would pick her up, but she was going shopping, so she told him not to worry about it. He decided to go finish up a job at the shop, anyway. Levy slipped on her jacket, grabbed her bag, and ran to the bus stop near the studio. She didn't think she'd ever been more excited about a weekend before in her life.


Levy hummed to herself as she rode the elevator up to Jellal's floor. Lucy had been having some difficulty in her higher level astronomy class, and since that was Jellal's major, and he had a master's degree in the study of astronomy, Lucy had been studying with him upon occasion. Levy adjusted her sweater and knocked on their door, Jellal answering a few moments later.

"Levy, it's good to see you," he said. "Come inside."

She smiled, stepping through the doorway into the modern apartment. Always so clean, and organized to perfection. The kitchen was to the right, finished with stainless steel and marble countertops. The living room, which was unoccupied, was in front of her, and the dining room was to her left. Levy's eyes found the pile of textbooks and notes on the dining table, alongside a frazzled Lucy. "Hey, girl!" Levy said. "You ready for a break?"

Lucy blinked and looked up. "Oh my gosh, is it that time already?"

"Don't tell me you forgot!" Levy looked at her pointedly. "I'm sure you've studied enough for today. Come take a break."

Lucy dropped her head to her textbook dramatically, blonde ponytail bouncing over her shoulder. "I don't know… This exam is killing me."

Jellal appeared beside Levy, a steaming cup of tea in his hand. "She has studied quite a lot today. I think a break is well deserved."

Lucy's head popped up. "Are you sure? I don't think I'm ready…"

"You are," he said, chuckling. "You're welcome to come back tomorrow if you need more help."

Lucy groaned. "Thank god. Jellal…you rock. Why couldn't I have found you before Natsu?"

He laughed again. "Don't let Erza hear that. You know how she gets." He turned to Levy with a polite smile. "Can I get you some tea?"

"No, I'm fine. Thank you, though." She watched Lucy run off to restroom with a small makeup bag before sitting at the barstool near the counter. Jellal had apparently been in the middle of preparing lunch, and once she'd assured him that she planned to grab a snack at the mall, he continued cutting the carrots. "How was practice today?"

Levy sighed. "Well, it was practice," she said, flatly.

He smirked. "That bad?"

She watched him add the carrots to the pot. "No, not exactly. I'm making progress, it's just… I don't know."

He brushed the deep blue hair from his eyes, picking up the cup of tea he'd abandoned earlier and leaning against the counter. "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, I guess," she said. "Ballet has just been…a struggle lately." She twirled her hair in her fingers before adding, softer, "I don't enjoy it like I used to."

Jellal nodded in understanding. "You'll figure it out. I know that doesn't sound very helpful, but I know you will. You're the only one that knows what's best for you, after all."

"Yeah, I know."

He handed her a pastry from a box on the counter, ignoring her protests. "Take it," he said. "I know you said you're eating at the mall, but I have a sinking feeling that you haven't eaten yet. Gajeel told me you haven't been eating enough lately."

Levy giggled. "Gajeel worries too much."

"Can you blame him?" he asked. She sighed, and he smiled. "It's got chocolate inside…"

Laughing, she took the pastry. "Thank you. I'll try to take better care of myself, alright?"

The pastry really was delicious… She'd been so stressed about the performance that she just didn't think about eating. But apparently her lack of a proper diet was starting to worry her friends, and, more importantly, Gajeel. A bit of chocolate wouldn't kill her. She looked around, frowning. "Where's Erza?" she asked through a mouthful of pastry.

Jellal dipped below the counter in search of something in a lower cabinet. "She's not feeling well, so she doesn't know that she's going. I'll go ask her. I'm sure she—"

Erza appeared seemingly out of nowhere, wide eyes flitting between Jellal and Levy. Levy couldn't make sense of the look she was giving her. What emotion was that? Confusion? Panic? Sadness? It was well masked, but Levy could see it.

"Erza?" she said, tentatively. "Are you okay?"

Blinking, she nodded, almost robotically. "A-Ah, yes. I'm just fine."

"Are you sure?" Jellal came to stand beside her, pressing the back of his hand to her forehead. "You don't feel warm," he said. "You've been acting strange lately. Is everything okay?"

Erza froze. "Yes, of course. I— I'm probably just tired. I was at the gym for a bit too long yesterday." She stepped away, kissing his cheek. "I'm perfectly fine, so there's no need to worry."

He gave her a look. "You're stuttering."

"Are you feeling well enough to go shopping?" Levy asked.

Erza jumped. It was like she forgot Levy was there. "A-Actually, I think I'll just stay home, Levy. I'm really not feeling well today, and I would hate to be the cause if you fall ill."

Levy smiled sadly. "I understand. I'm sorry. Maybe next time, then!"

"Yes!" she said, too suddenly. "I would love to go shopping next time."

Jellal raised a brow. "Did you sleep at all last night?"

She winced. "No."

He sighed, pointing the wooden spoon toward the hall. "Bed. Now," he demanded. He kissed her forehead softly. "I'll bring you some soup when it's done."

"Right." Nodding, she stepped back. "Well, I guess I have orders. Have fun, Levy."

Then she disappeared into the hall. Jellal and Levy shared a curious glance when they heard Erza give a very uncharacteristic squeak somewhere down the hall, and a moment later, Lucy appeared, throwing a horrified look back down the hall.

"What happened to poor Erza?" she asked. "She looks like she saw a ghost! It was kind of terrifying… I bumped into her and she actually squealed…"

Levy shrugged. "I have no idea."

"You'll have to forgive Erza," Jellal said, a smile in his voice. "She gets a bit jumpy when she's tired."

Levy frowned. "I hope she's okay."

"Me too," Lucy said. "Well, come on. Let's go get Juvia. I'm sure it will take at least ten minutes to pull her away from Gray." She packed her textbooks into a bag and waved at Jellal. "Thank you so much, Jellal! I might be back tomorrow…if that's okay."

He laughed. "Of course."

"Thanks for the pastry, Jellal!" Levy called, as she was tugged out the door. "See you later!"


As expected, it took several minutes to pry Juvia off of Gray. It took him kissing her cheek and whispering a promise to do something devilish later on to convince her to leave. What he promised, Levy and Lucy didn't know (and didn't want to), but it made Juvia very happy. And while Gray grabbed a six pack and made his way to Natsu's place, the ladies took to the mall.

Juvia was a bit of a shopaholic, and the stores that she surprisingly wasn't interested in, Lucy was. Needless to say, Levy would be exhausted by the time this was over, but every now and then a good mall trip was just necessary. Their first stop was a shoe store. Juvia squealed when she saw a pair of thigh high boots that she'd been looking for, and Lucy got a pair of black stilettos. They tried to get Levy to buy a pair of red sandals she'd been eyeing, but she politely refused them. Dancers didn't exactly have the most beautiful feet. Covered shoes were much better.

They also stopped by the pet store. Lucy had suggested going in so she could buy a toy for Natsu's cat, Happy, who had been tearing up his couch out of boredom. Levy ended up doing more shopping there, though. She bought several things for Pantherlily. His collar had been looking pretty old, so she got him a black leather one with metal studs (Gajeel would approve). And then she found a couple of different toys and treats. Gajeel had been really tired lately and hadn't had time to play with him as much, so Levy thought a little star treatment was in order.

Following the pet store, they hit nearly every clothing store they came across. Juvia had a formal coming up for some club she was a part of, and she needed an evening gown. She settled on something silver and floor length, made of chiffon and silk that draped her shoulders in a Grecian fashion. Gray was her escort for the formal, and he'd be lucky if he could take his eyes off of her for more than a second.

"Gray's going to die," Lucy had said.

Juvia only giggled happily.

Three stores, two dresses, a warm sweater, and something for Gajeel's eyes only later, and Levy nearly collapsed into the chair at their table in the food court. She was starving and tired from hours of shopping. The food court would hopefully be the last venture they went on…she was just ready to get back to see Gajeel. As Saturday night dictated, they were having dinner at her place. Well, he'd stay the night, too. And this time he was bringing Pantherlily, so she was just looking forward to getting back to her boys.

Juvia, holding a pink smoothie, sat down across from Levy and Lucy. "That was fun, but Juvia is ready to go take a nap now."

"Oh, Levy, how's Gajeel doing?" Lucy asked. "Natsu says he's been looking pretty rough lately. Is he sick?"

"Gray-sama has told Juvia the same thing!" Juvia said.

Levy sighed, the fantastic mood she'd been in deflating. The truth was, she had no idea. She wasn't stupid, she could tell he was sick. The last several months, he'd been looking more tired and thin. She'd noticed him losing weight, or how he would black out if he moved too suddenly. Sometimes getting out of bed was a chore for him, and he just seemed sick. Then there was that horrible bruise on his abdomen that was apparently came from Natsu—though, she doubted that was true.

Tucking the hair behind her ear, she gave them a tight smile. "I don't know," she said softly, plucking a french fry from the basket in front of them. "He says he's fine, but I know he's lying. I'm really scared something's going on that he's not telling me about."

The tears gathering in her eyes were completely unexpected, and she huffed angrily when they rolled down her cheeks. Lucy and Juvia moved closer to her, Lucy wiping her tears and Juvia giving her a hug. Levy forced a laugh. "I swear I didn't mean to get emotional. I was in such a great mood today, too…"

"It's going to be okay," Juvia whispered.

And then she cried harder. "I'm just so scared. I know something's going on, I'm just too scared to ask. And I think he knows I'm getting suspicious. He doesn't think I notice him sneaking away to take all kinds of medicine, but I do," she said, with a grim laugh. "I have no idea what to think. What if he has pneumonia or something? Or some chronic illness? I heard him throwing up the other day when I woke up in the middle of the night. I mean, he barely sleeps, he's been losing weight and he's gotten so weak. I'm really worried… I have no idea what's going on." She squeaked out a hiccup, Juvia patting her back comfortingly. "And I'm his girlfriend! I should know this stuff!"

"He probably just doesn't want you to worry," Lucy soothed.

Juvia smiled. "Yeah! Juvia thinks Gajeel is just fine. Even as a child he was always the tough guy."

Could she really rely on that, though? This wasn't just some cold, at least it didn't seem that way. Whatever he had going on was rough. But perhaps they were right. Gajeel always put her feelings first, and he was probably just thinking of her. He just didn't want her to panic, and while she appreciated his consideration for her feelings, she wanted him to talk to her about things.

Lucy smiled reassuringly, the pale blue of her sweater making her brown eyes sparkle. "Seriously, Lev, he's probably just keeping you from worrying. I'm sure that he'll tell you if it gets too bad."

"You're probably right." Juvia handed her a napkin to wipe her cheeks with, dabbing at the tears trailing her skin. Thankfully she wasn't wearing mascara, or she'd really be a mess. Levy giggled. "I probably look insane. Crazy girl sobbing in the middle of the food court…"

Lucy pulled her hair over her shoulder, eyes glittering mischievously. "Ignore them," she said. Her eyes caught a guy looking at Levy curiously, and she gave him a pointed look. "Hey, buddy, you got a problem?" His cheeks darkened with shame and he looked away. "That's what I thought."

"Lu!" Levy swatted at her shoulder, laughing.

"What?" Lucy pulled her v-neck sweater lower and sighed dramatically. "They just don't know how to handle three gorgeous women, they can't help but stare…"

Levy giggled again. She was more thankful for her friends each and every day. Lucy and Juvia just knew how to cheer her up, and they were always there when she needed to vent. No matter what happened, they were by her side. And now that Gajeel was finally opening up to the group, they were taking him in, too. But it seemed like everyone was worried about him, which only made Levy worry more. She pulled the scarf around her neck up, inhaling the scent of Gajeel's cologne. He rarely wore it, but when he did it made Levy's insides turn to jelly. The scarf was also a gift from him, and Levy sprayed his cologne on it before she left. It was like aromatherapy—comforting and familiar, and it just made her think of him.

Juvia stood suddenly, taking Levy's hand. Her blue curls bounced over her shoulder as she hoisted Levy up from her seat. "Come on. Juvia thinks the best way to heal is by eating chocolate." Her navy blue skirt floated around her as she grabbed her smoothie and tugged Levy along. "That's the best medicine! And there's a good candy store here."

"Oh, I need to get some more chocolate for Gajeel. That would make his day," Levy said.

"Why bother?" Lucy rolled her eyes and smiled, plucking the hot pink bag from Levy's hands. "I'm pretty sure his day will be made when he sees what's inside this bag."

Well, there was that, too.


Levy sunk into the couch beside Gajeel. As soon as she got home, she changed into a flannel shirt dress and pulled her hair back with a headband. While her day was fun, it was also very long, and she could think of nothing better than a huge bowl of spaghetti and a nap on the couch with Gajeel. She'd texted him almost immediately, and he was in the door before she was even fully dressed, pressing her against the wall with deep kisses.

Now, belly full, Levy reclined on the couch. Gajeel's arm was wrapped around her shoulder, his fingers drawing lazy circles against her arm, while Pantherlily was curled against her side.

Clearly Gajeel was exhausted, too. Neither of them felt like talking all that much, just enjoying each others' company. Levy had turned on some old movie, the black and white picture grainy and the sound a bit crackly. Gajeel didn't really watch much TV and didn't really have a preference, but Levy seemed to love old films. That's all that was ever on at her place.

Gajeel scratched at the studs on his chin, tightening his hold on Levy. "I don't understand why the hell he feels the need to sing just because of some damn rain."

Levy giggled. "Oh, stop. It's a classic!"

He shot her an incredulous look, but instead got caught up in her beauty. Innocent moments like these, when she wasn't wearing makeup and her hair was wild and untamed… How her eyes danced with happiness when her favorite parts of the movie were playing, or how she mimicked the smiles and frowns of the actors subconsciously. She was perfect, and in the little moments that only he saw, it just made him love her more.

Levy picked up the remote when the credits rolled across the screen, tapping a button to change the channel. She clicked a few times until she hit a news station, then settled in closer to Gajeel again.

"-inmate has escaped Fiore Federal Prison. As of right now, we don't have any more details, but we do know that he is dangerous and likely armed. Police are asking everyone to take caution and call authorities immediately if you have any information." The reporter looked to the man beside her and he smiled at the camera. "In other news, the winter bazaar will be held this weekend in Crocus-"

Levy shuddered and shook her head. "Another inmate escaped? That's the second time in a year!"

Gajeel laughed. "I'm sure it's fine, Lev." Pressing a kiss to the top of her head, he adjusted her so she faced him. "How was the mall?"

TV forgotten, she grinned. "So much fun! I feel like it's been forever since I just had a girls' day, you know?" Suddenly her eyes widened and she hopped off the couch. "That reminds me… I bought some things for you and Lily."

Both Gajeel's and the cat's heads popped up with interest, and she laughed when she returned with the bags. They looked like a pair of meerkats with the way they were staring at her. "What did ya get me, shorty?"

She sat beside him, curling her legs underneath her. Pantherlily poked his head into the nearest bag curiously, mewing appreciatively at its contents. Gajeel carefully picked up the cat and sat him down in his lap.

"Well, I guess we'll start with you then," Levy said. She pulled out the collar first. "I know his collar is a bit worn, and this made me think of you. I think it suits him."

Gajeel and Lily inspected the leather studded collar, and Gajeel nodded in satisfaction. "Pretty badass, huh, Lil?" Gajeel unsnapped the dingy red collar Pantherlily had been wearing, fastening the new one on. If he didn't know better, he'd say Pantherlily was strutting. Gajeel snorted. "Well, someone likes it."

"I'm so glad!"

Scarlet eyes softened as they met Levy's. "Thanks, Lev."

"Oh, don't thank me yet! You haven't seen the rest." She pulled out some treats, giving Lily a few, and then from a separate bag, a box of the gourmet chocolate Gajeel was secretly fond of. "I know you like them, and I couldn't resist."

His mouth practically watered at the sight. Caramel filled, coconut cream, double chocolate, white chocolate, milk chocolate with white chocolate filling, dark chocolate ganache… Damn, it looked amazing. Even with his lacking appetite, he couldn't wait to dig into that box. There must've been at least thirty different pieces of chocolate in there! He reached for one piece, hesitating. He eyed Levy. "Don't tell the guys about this."

Golden eyes sparkled mischievously. "Wouldn't dare."

He popped the small circular-shaped chocolate into his mouth, sighing when he bit into the ganache center. It was pure heaven. He took another piece and leaned back into the couch cushion, pulling Levy into his lap. "What did I do to deserve someone like you, huh?" He pressed kisses to her neck, smiling against her skin as she giggled.

"Hm… I believe you rushed into my dance studio and swept me off my feet."

Gajeel barked out a laugh. "Well, that's one way to put it."

Levy pulled back to look at him, and his heart nearly burst. That look…that smile. It was so full of love, so genuine. There was never a time in Gajeel's life when he thought that he would be on the receiving end of such a look. But the way Levy looked at him every day was more than he'd ever deserved. Her lips crashed against his and he groaned as her delicate hands reached around his neck to tug on his hair. He blinked. This was new, but not in a bad way.

She tugged again and he complied, breaking the kiss to tilt his head back. "Lev, what— Shit."

Her lips found his neck and he groaned at the contact. His hands found her hips, her back, her arms—anywhere he could reach. He could kiss her for the rest of his life and never tire of the feel of her. Levy nipped at his neck, just under his ear, and then leaned back to place a kiss to his nose. "I love you, Gajeel Redfox."

Dazedly, he blinked at her. "I love you, too, Lev."

And then she hopped off of him, leaving him both frustratingly aroused and floating on a cloud. That was very new. Levy only initiated small tokens of affection. Kisses, embraces, the occasional flirtatious gesture. But to take control like that… Damn.

And just as soon as she'd ended the kiss and hopped off of him, she was digging through a box of books on the floor. "I still have five boxes of books to unload and no room on these shelves…"

Gajeel snapped himself out of the daze, glancing over at the four custom built-in shelves. She'd been so excited about the shelves when she had them built, thinking she would finally have enough space for all of her books. But now, four expensive custom bookshelves later, and she was still running out of room. It was almost hilarious. There were probably enough books crammed into those boxes to fill another two shelves, not to mention the shelves she had currently were slammed full. She needed a library.

"How many books do you own?"

Levy turned around, a brilliant smile on her face. "I lost count after four hundred and ten!"

Gajeel's jaw dropped. "Holy…"

"And I have no room," she said, sighing.

Gajeel knew it could be a risky thing to suggest, but the obvious was staring him right in the face. "Uh, Lev—"

"I am not getting rid of my books, so if that's what you're about to say, you can forget it."

He chuckled. "Alright, alright. I get it." He picked up his mug of coffee, murmuring into the cup, "Maybe you should've bought another shelf instead…"

Levy turned that idea over in her mind, but it only reminded her of the other purchase she made today. The one hidden under her clothes. They'd gone into the lingerie store to get Juvia a bra that would work under her formal gown, and Lucy just wanted something sexy. Levy had never owned anything like it before…but the mannequin on display in the store window just called to her. Lucy had eyed her and grinned, shoving her into the store to find the lingerie that caught her eye. Light pink lace and chiffon, with a plunging neckline that would make even her flat chest look alluring. Her cheeks flushed as she turned around to face Gajeel.

"Oh, Gajeel? Speaking of shopping," she said, "I forgot to mention… I bought something else at the mall, as well."

He heard rustling fabric and blinked when her dress hit him in the face. "Oi, what are you—"

Then he saw it. His eyes met Levy's face, cheeks tinted pink, and then trailed down to see lace in a similar color. Lots of lace. She smiled at him sweetly, turning on her heels to reveal even more skin that the lingerie didn't cover. Over her shoulder, she glanced at him. "Would you like to come see it in detail?"

And then she disappeared into her bedroom. Gajeel didn't know if it was the pink embarrassment on her cheeks or the beautiful smile, but that combined with the downright sinful lingerie she wore had his heart rate skyrocketing. With a sneaky 'gihihi,' he hopped off the couch and ran after her.


A/N: Victory dance! Guys, things are about to start getting real. And like the truly evil person that I am, I'm super excited about it. On a side note, I have way too much fun writing scenes with Jellal. I just really love him. This chapter was a ton of fun to write, and I hope you all enjoyed! Chapter 17 coming Monday...this one will be fun!

Leave a review and let me know what you thought! As always, thank you so much for reading, and I'll see you next time! :)