When Gajeel woke up that morning, he could feel it. He just had a gut feeling that this would be the day that he would die.

The last week had been a rapid decline. Breathing had become challenging, and his stomach and chest were constantly in so much pain. He was throwing up blood, too, and he knew that was a sure sign that the end was near. He'd lost a lot of weight and moving around was nearly impossible without the wheelchair—the farthest he could get on his own was the bathroom. Exhaustion was also a constant, and he could barely keep his eyes open anymore. His body was shutting down more and more each day, and he could do nothing to stop it.

So when he opened his eyes that morning, a morbid sort of calm resignation washed over him. It was mingled with the buzz of anxiety, strong guilt, and fear. He just knew.

There were a thousand thoughts that went through his head as he laid there, stroking Levy's hair. His friends, Pantherlily, the life he could have had… But his mind kept going back to Levy. Leaving her behind was the biggest regret of his life. Out of all of the sins he'd committed, hurting her was the one that plagued him the most. Inside, he was screaming, tearing things apart and breaking plates and sobbing in the corner of the darkest room, but outside he couldn't find the tears. He wanted to hold her close and sleep until he woke up, as if it was all some horrible nightmare that would end. He just wanted to live.

Exhaustion was tugging at him, and he felt heavy and somehow weightless at the same time. In pain and completely numb, like his soul was in the wrong body. And he was so, so tired. He could barely muster up the strength to lift his arms.

Levy stretched against his chest, and after a minute her eyes cracked open. They didn't offer morning greetings or strike up conversation like they normally did. Levy rolled to her side and watched him quietly as he stroked her hair. He was on his back, thin face looking up to the ceiling. His eyes were hollow, his expression neutral. Silence speaks louder than words sometimes, and somehow she felt it too.

"How are you?" she asked quietly.

Gajeel gave her a gentle smile. "I'm okay."

Tears rolled down her cheeks and she nodded, curling back against his chest. For a while they just laid there, Levy crying against his chest. Gajeel spent that time combing his fingers through her hair and soothing her tears, telling her everything was going to be okay. But still, she cried.

"I'm so sorry, Levy," he whispered into her hair. She clung to him tighter, cried harder. "I'm so sorry."

Tears blurred his vision, and he grit his teeth as he pulled her closer. They were both shaking—from her tears or his own, he didn't know. Every memory he shared with her was rolling through his head like a roll of film, a final movie for his mind's eye. Watching Levy dance for the first time—he loved to watch her dance. Seeing her working at the library, then going back to check out books he didn't need every chance he could get. Their first date on the hill, eating Chinese takeout and talking for hours. Their first kiss, and every kiss afterward. Laughing with her. Chasing her through the hallway of his apartment building and listening to her shriek with laughter. Realizing he was in love with her. The first time he slept with her, the feel of her skin. Talking into the early hours of the morning on weekends. Holding her when she cried.

Every moment, every second of his life spent with Levy was precious, and they were the best moments of his life. She made him a better person, she taught him how to open up to others and make friends. She taught him the value of life. Levy took his battered soul and kissed all his wounds, breathed life into his cold veins, and caressed the aches in his heart with support and kindness. She took him by the hand and guided him out of the shadows and showed him a world of color he'd never known. In his gray existence, she brought in rainbows and spectrums of light.

Levy made life worth living.


They stayed in bed for most of the day in shared silence. Gajeel wiped her tears when she cried and held her close. He forced aside his exhaustion and stayed in the present, soaking in the feel of her skin, her warmth. He studied her when she'd cried herself to sleep, memorizing every freckle, every curve. He memorized the profile of her face, her nose and how her eyelashes fluttered, the softness of her hair. He took it all in.

By the time they got out of bed, the afternoon sun was warm and cast light through the windows. Levy supported his weight as she helped him get out of bed and into the bathroom. He didn't bother taking his medicine.

"Let's go somewhere."

Levy looked up at him when he opened the bathroom door. He leaned against the doorframe for support, his breathing ragged. "Gajeel? I don't think… I don't think that's a good idea—"

"Please, Lev."

She looked into his eyes and smiled softly. It didn't reach her eyes. "Okay, we'll go. Just let me get dressed."

Levy dressed quickly, putting on skinny jeans, a sweater and a coat. She didn't worry about looking fancy, she just got dressed into something simple and helped Gajeel put on his coat. "Where do you want to go?"

Gajeel groaned as he eased into the wheelchair. "The park."

The park—where they had their first date. Where it all began. It was sentimental to him, and she gave him a shaken smile. "The park, it is."

The walk to the park was quiet. The wind was subtle, the birds calm. Nothing but a still bite to the air to accompany them. Levy didn't take a bus, instead they walked. More accurately, she walked and pushed his wheelchair. Walking took longer, and she didn't want to rush things. Not today. They were just on the outskirts of the campus park when his coughing caught her attention, and she frantically reached for the handkerchief in her bag. He took it and covered his mouth, hiding it from Levy when he pulled it away—she didn't need to see the blood.

"Are you okay? Do we need to stop?"

"I'm okay," he said, his voice gravelly. "Keep going."

She nodded slowly and pushed the wheelchair to where he was directing. He lead her to a spot in the center of the park where a large oak tree stood proud amidst smaller trees. Its branches, though barren from the winter, still provided shade from the setting sun. When she stopped pushing the wheelchair, he opened up his arms for her to sit in his lap. His arms encircled her waist and he rested his chin on her shoulder when she carefully sat down.

The sun was casting a deep orange glow over everything, and Levy held his hands tighter when the sun disappeared behind the tree line and the sky darkened, stars bursting to life amidst the purple-blue night.

"I'm sorry, Levy."

She blinked, wiping away tears she didn't know had fallen. "What?"

"I'm sorry," he said quietly. "I'm so sorry I can't be there for you. I'm sorry I failed you."

"You did not—"

"I did," he said. "And I don't want you to have to regret anything, Levy."

"Don't you dare say that! Do not, even for a second, think that I'll regret this. No matter what happens, you will be the best part of my life. I found in you what was lost in me," she whispered. She cupped his cheeks and pressed her forehead to his. "You make me whole, Gajeel.

Gajeel swallowed, his eyes searching hers as she wiped his tears. "I love you, Levy."

"I love you, too Gajeel."

She kissed him softly once, twice, then hugged him and held him close, hoping he could feel her love through her touch. When she pulled away, his eyes locked onto hers and he gave her a weary smile. "Dance for me, Lev," he rasped as he brushed the hair from her eyes. "Lay here beside me and laugh with me and all that cheesy shit. Just— Just forget everything and smile with me."

Through her tears, she watched him. "Gajeel…"

"Dance for me one last time before I go. Please," he pleaded. "I don't know how much time I have, Lev. I just— I love it when you dance. I want to see it again."

And so she danced.

She moved through the grass, barefoot despite the winter chill, with all the elegance and grace of an angel. She gave him the best routine she could create, and it was her best performance ever. After all, she had an audience that was worth the moon and all her stars. She would dance. Her tears shimmered in the moonlight, but she didn't let it hinder her. Instead, it fueled her movements and urged her forward in a dance to a silent melody only she and Gajeel understood.

From the wheelchair he watched her, eyes glued to her. He absorbed every second. Every step, every turn and twirl, every test of flexibility and every leap. He took it all in, savored the moment, and swallowed the lump in his throat for the thousandth time that day. She moved to a stop, and he held out his hands. "Help me stand," he said.

Levy ran to his side, taking his hands and supporting him as he stood. "Gajeel?"

Wordlessly, he pulled her close and kissed the top of her head. He just held her there, eyes glued to the stars above. His body was so tired, and his legs felt like they were made of jelly as he stood. But he gathered all his strength, forced himself to fight it off and just hold her.

"You made it all worth it," he said breathlessly.

Levy clenched his shirt tighter, tears dampening the cotton.

"Before I met you, I was in a dark place. But you helped me to move forward. Because of you, I got know what love was, and I made friends. You gave life meaning, and you made waking up every morning worthwhile." He swallowed, cleared his throat, held her tighter. "I never had a home, Lev. I never had a family. I was constantly moving to new houses and new people, and none of 'em cared. I never had a place that I could call home… But I found home in your arms."

"Gajeel…" She couldn't get close enough to him, she couldn't hold him tight enough. She needed more. "You'll never know… You've made me happier than I ever thought was possible. A-And I just…"

Despite everything, he smiled and rubbed her back. "It'll be okay, shorty. Everything's going to be okay."

His mind traveled to his friends. Erza and Jellal would comfort her when she cried. Natsu and Lucy would make her laugh. Gray and Juvia would watch out for her. Cana would lift her spirits any time she was struggling. Mira would bring her food when Levy refused to eat. She would be okay—they would all take care of her. She would never be alone.

Gajeel coughed, blood staining the handkerchief that he hastily brought up to cover his mouth with. Levy supported him as he staggered and helped him to lean against the tree. "Don't let Dragneel dye my cat blue," he rasped.

Levy swallowed. "I'll take good care of him."

And they just watched the stars, the moon. They stayed wrapped in each other, neither one knowing what to say. Gajeel could never find enough words in the dictionary to describe what he felt for her, to tell her how much she'd done for him. She probably took it lightly when he told her how much she'd given him, but he meant every word. He loved every piece of her. His fingers tangled in her hair and he kissed the top of her head when she buried her face in his chest. If only time could stop, then this moment would last forever. He'd never have to lose her.

"Well, if it isn't Redfox."

Gajeel's blood ran cold, the color draining from his face. He knew that voice all too well. No matter how many years went by, he would always remember. He turned around, eyes narrowing at the massive man lurking in the shadows. He stepped out into the light of the street lamp, and Gajeel's eyes widened.

"Aria."

Aria was recognizable anywhere—his frame was tall and muscular, his tanned skin scarred. Though he looked different now—a hat covered his hair, a patch poking out from underneath it that covered his left eye, where what looked to be burn scars marred his skin. Aria was in Phantom, the gang Gajeel had been a part of. He and Gajeel were two of Phantom's best, and Aria was a force to be reckoned with. He was mentally unstable, and he could go from calm to having a meltdown at the drop of a hat. And when that happened, you'd best run for your life.

"How the hell did you..." Gajeel stopped, remembering the news story from a few months back. Some of the inmates in Fiore Federal Prison escaped, but to his knowledge they were never found. Gajeel scowled. "You busted out."

"You think they could keep me there?" Aria shook his head. "I can't believe my luck. I heard you were in Magnolia now, but I never thought that I'd actually find you here so quickly."

Gajeel reigned in all the strength he had left to protect Levy, who stood beside him frozen in fear. He grabbed her roughly and pulled her behind him. "What the hell are you talkin' about?"

"I've been looking for you for weeks," Aria whispered. He looked off, like he'd snapped. His expression was calm, but there was something crazed about him. And he looked like he was ready for a fight—Gajeel knew that was why he was here. "You know, I lost everyone because of you. Everyone—I'm all that's left. When you left and the police found us, they took out everyone. Who wasn't taken into custody was killed in the fight, some lost to rival gangs in jail. And Jose… It's all your fault he's dead. I can't see a thing in my left eye, I've lost everyone and everything I knew. All because of you."

Gajeel's hold tightened on Levy's wrist, and he looked over his shoulder just long enough to make eye contact. "Get out of here, Lev," he said quietly. "Go hide, get somewhere safe and call the police."

"Gajeel—"

"Get out of here!" he roared. "Run, Levy!"

She jumped and backed away, her attention shifting to the man across the park and back to Gajeel. His eyes were pleading with her to run, to hide. But she couldn't leave him. She backed up slowly, reaching for her phone.

Tears rolled down Aria's cheeks. "I'm going to take it all away from you, Gajeel. You're going to suffer just like I did!"

He may not have been a part of a gang anymore, but the smarts never left him. There was a gun on Aria somewhere, it was only a matter of time before he used it. Gajeel had to think of a solution fast. He could hear Levy on the phone with the police behind him. His gaze snapped back to Aria when he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a pistol. Gajeel's heart stopped.

"I'm going to take it all away from you," he said through gritted teeth, tears rolling down his cheeks. "I'm going to show you pain. I'll take everything!"

Time came to a grinding halt when his outstretched hand moved from Gajeel to Levy, the gun aimed right for her heart. She dropped the phone, eyes wide, and Gajeel watched in horror as Aria's finger began to tighten over the trigger. She screamed, and he ran. It was almost like he was moving in slow motion, like time was slowing so he could make it to her in time. Gajeel didn't even hear the gunfire as he used all his strength to propel forward, barreling into her and knocking her out of harm's way.

His ears were ringing and his head was spinning, but he used all his strength to look over Levy. She was safe. She was uninjured. She was alive.

Levy was shaking with fear, then crying in relief when police patrolling nearby arrived and tackled Aria to the ground before he could fire again. She was frantic, her voice shaking and broken by tears. "Gajeel, are you okay?"

Why couldn't he hear her? She sounded so far away.

He tried to answer, but instead he slumped to the ground, the frames of his vision blurry and black. He winced and looked down at his stomach where blood was seeping into his shirt, pooling onto the ground. Levy rolled him onto his back and let out a blood-curdling scream when she saw the blood. Her hands trembled as she lifted his shirt to see the bullet wound.

Gajeel felt numb, so numb. Everything was going dark. He just wanted to comfort her—she was screaming for him, crying. But why couldn't he move? Why couldn't he answer her? She was getting further and further away.

"Please help!" she screamed. Policemen came running, and Gajeel barely heard them yell out to call for an ambulance. "Please, he's hurt! Gajeel, stay with me! Please— Please, I'm begging you, Gajeel! Don't leave me! Please—"

Levy cradled his head in her lap as the police tried to stop the bleeding. But all Gajeel could see was black, all he could feel was the teardrops on his face, on his chest. Her screams faded into nothingness, and he knew it was over. His consciousness was slipping, his body going numb. And then it was quiet, and he was submerged in a chilling darkness, so black and bottomless it rivaled shadow.

Then, a glimmering lone flower bloomed to life.

White and shining, its closed petals exuded radiance. The bud opened up, unfolding to release shimmers of light, like diamond dust. They glimmered as they moved, dispersing into the air. They floated off the flower and cast a brilliant light around him, eliminating all the darkness. All the pain, the suffering. He felt so much peace—it was warm and radiant and comforting, like sunshine. Pure and embracing like a mother's hug. Then there was a voice, even warmer than the light, and ten times as comforting.

"Well done, my boy. You've worked very hard."


A/N: I'm just going to leave this here for today... *evil grin* For real though, I'm very nervous to see your reactions... So bring it on and let me know what you think!

Thanks for reading! And thanks for all the amazing support, you guys are awesome! See you on Friday! :)