Your Crush is My Love Rival - InkuEko, cathelerein (2024)

Chapter 1: Finally a Calm Mission (Right?)

Chapter Text

Greeting Nab with a nod, Gray stood before the job board. After a quick scan of the requests, he groaned, disheartened. There was nothing that caught his eye, but he badly needed to find something.

The Ice-Make mage was looking for a solo-mission, being tired of giving up more than half his rewards on every mission. It was unfortunately the reality of being part of Team Natsu. As much as he enjoyed working with them, Lucy wasn't the only one that needed money to pay rent. The month was coming to an end and he did not have enough jewels to make ends meet. Annoyed, Gray swiftly threw aside his shirt. Surely, there was a decent job that would make him earn good dough without being incredibly dull.

"Nothing to your liking?" asked a crystal-clear voice behind him.

He sided-glanced and saw Mirajane smiling, holding a stack of sheets against her chest. Gray realized she was going to pin new requests and he decided to try his luck.

"At all. Anything that would fit an Ice mage? With a substantial reward?"

"Actually, there is! I was going to look for you," she beamed, before searching through the pile. Once she found the one she was looking for, the barmaid handed it towards him. "Here. Judging by the fact that Natsu and the others aren't looking with you, you're planning on going solo?"

He simply nodded, but before he could begin to read the job description, she added, "I still think you'll require a partner for this. There is another specific Magic Type they ask for. That being said, I thought you should have a look at it, first. So, let me know if you're interested!"

The white-haired barmaid resumed her chore, lecturing incidentally Nab for standing all day long in front of the board without taking a job.

Gray returned his attention to the request, that read as followed:

Disappearances of couples from Shirotsume Town

The culprit seems to be a monster that lives beyond the icy mountain range of Mt. Hakone

[Mission better fit for an Ice Mage or an analogue Magic]

All rescue missions: failed. Invisible barrier blocks the way after one-day expedition following lead

[Requires a Mage that can deal with runes]

All families demand continued search.

Before: 500 000 Jewels (now +450 000 J)

He rose his eyebrow, impressed. It must really have gotten out of hand if the town had increased double the reward. Obviously, the mission required an expedition through the snowy mountains, but for a mage of his caliber, it would be a walk in the park. As for monsters, it took more than that to make a Fairy Tail member hesitate. The one thing that stopped him was the rune barrier.

That magic was not up his alley. He knew only two people in the guild who used Magic that could deal with runes: Freed with his Letter Magic and Levy with her Solid-Script. He looked up and searched for them through the guildhall. Most members were there, eating or drinking up, enjoying the early afternoon, today being one of those lazy days when requests were yet to be put on display.

Natsu and Elfman were wrestling dangerously near of Erza. When Kinana brought her strawberry cake, the red-hair woman seemed to remember too well the last time she wanted to enjoy her break which had been cut short by a brawl and decided it was wiser to kick the two men outside. Lucy was chasing after Happy, surely after he said something that hit a nerve. Cana was loudly recalling an anecdote to her drinking crew which consisted of Macao, Wakaba, Lisanna, Alzack and Bisca. The hair of the latter caught his attention, but she wasn't the person he was looking for.

Gray continued to survey the hall, looking for another green-hair head. He then vaguely remembered that Laxus left with his Thunder Tribe for a S-Class mission. So, Freed was no longer an option. Even then, the Ice-Make Mage didn't mind as he knew very little of the man, as Freed always kept to himself and to his crew. It was not that he held a grudge against him or the other Rajinshuu, but he rarely interacted with them. But his absence made his choice obvious. Levy with her knowledge and Light Pen could undo even Freed's runes. Besides, he knew her since he was a kid. The blunette joined Fairy Tail almost at the same moment as him.

Recalling that made memories of their youth resurface. Originally, it was Cana, Levy and him, the kids slaloming between the tables in the guildhall. Then came Erza and shortly after, Natsu. A couple of months after that, the Strauss siblings joined the merry group of children that composed Fairy Young (as they liked to call themselves). It took a bit of time to Mira to warm up, just like Erza, given her history, but quickly she joined their group of friends. However, once the initial reluctance passed, the kids were always stuck together. When they weren't playing, they took simple jobs in Magnolia like pet-sitting or mowing the lawn (although the requests for that quickly stopped after Natsu started taking up those).

Gray grinned at the memory. It had been a while since he thought about good old times and even longer since he took a mission with his other friends of Fairy Young, besides Natsu and Erza.

Decidedly, he looked more closely for blue hair. His eyes caught sight of dark blue wavy hair peeping from behind a pillar near the bar. Without second-guessing, he knew who it was. Juvia looked his way with anticipation, her eyes full of stars. The Ice-Make Mage sighed, not having a clue why she was looking at him this way.

Nearby Gajeel sat at the bar, visibly tense or annoyed, drinking with Lily. The blue-haired girl he was looking was not with them, so he tried his luck with his second-best guess, looking for the two male members of Shadow Gear. Jet and Droy were in the middle of a card game against Warren and Max. Once again, Levy was nowhere in sight. Gray began to wonder if she was in the hall at all, when he spotted a giant book standing on a table, held by two feminine hands. The Ice-Make mage snorted. He should have figured that looking for a book in this sea of doofus was the quickest way of finding such a petite woman. Gray walked towards her, not sensing a sorrowful glance following his every step.

"Yo, Levy," he greeted, standing next to her table.

Seemingly too focused in her reading, she didn't acknowledge his presence. To get her attention, he tapped her shoulder. The blue-haired girl jumped slightly, startled by the contact.

"Oh, hi, Gray," she smiled apologetically, taking off her Gale-Force glasses. "Sorry, I didn't hear you."

Gray brushed off her apology. "Don't sweat it."

"So, what's up?" Levy asked, putting down her book.

"I was wondering if you'd partner up with me for a mission."

Still standing, he handed her down the request. He briefly explained the mission's parameters. She nodded along, as she quickly read the request. Before letting her answer, he added, "Of course, we'd split half-half." Though he doubted she needed the precision. They worked that way before and there was no reason why it would be different.

Levy's eyes shone and she jumped on her feet, as if she caught on something vital. She pointed at the title and exclaimed, "Oh my god, it's in Shirotsume Town! It has one of the two Books & Noble libraries in Fiore! I was looking for a reason to go there."

Judging by her squeal, Levy seemed to be on board for the mission, but Gray wanted to make sure that she understood the nature of their mission and wasn't jumping in on a whim, just because there was a rare library nearby. Although she was normally level-headed, the blue-haired girl seemed to lose some rationality when it came to books. A trait as engrained in her personality as his stripping habit. All Fairies had their quirks, but his didn't make him take dangerous missions without considering the implications.

"Yeah. Well, we wouldn't stay long in town. We'd have to cross through the mountains to get to the monster," Gray pointed out.

"Ah, yes," she agreed. "I'll have to take down the barrier so you and Team Natsu can beat the monster."

There it was. She had already her presumptions about how the mission would go. He needed to make it clear, because he didn't want to feel like he tricked her into coming. Though, he kind of needed her to come along, because he didn't really want to search for some stranger with magic that could undo the barrier. He'd much rather have someone he had fight alongside with, someone whom he trusted.

"Actually, it would be just you and me."

Among the regular ruckus of the guild, they failed to hear a loud gasp coming from behind them.

Levy's eyes widened. "Eh? How come?"

He told her his reasons for wanting to take a mission without his usual group. She nodded, an amused smile on her lips. Still, her frown showed she was still worried.

"Are you sure that it's a good idea just you and me?" she asked. She held her hands up, debunking a misunderstanding. "Not that I think you can't beat a monster, but I don't think that besides the barrier, I can be of much help if you need it."

Gray rolled his eyes. "C'mon, Levy. You were chosen for the S-Class Exam. Have more faith in your abilities."

"Yeah, no," she contradicted herself. "I do have faith. I just don't take combat missions. I'm better with solving problems type of requests, not the "beat a monster" ones."

"Okay, but your combat skills have improved a lot since Tenrou." He halted her before she could protest. "Sure, you don't destroy cities with one sword's swing, like-" He coughed, uneasy. "-some crazy knight we know. Still that doesn't make you weak. All Fairy Tail mages are strong, no?" He rose his eyebrow, challenging her to disagree with him.

Levy sighed, defeated, before smiling back to him. "Alright. You win. I'll go." She held up her index. "But, under one condition."

Gray snorted. "Yeah, yeah, the library. You'll get time to go. Anyway, I wanted to sight-see too. So, yeah, deal."

They playfully shook hands, ignoring the ominous vibe coming their way from two people who was overhearing their conversation. Gray was pleasantly surprised that despite the lack of time they spent together in the last months, their complicity came back naturally. Hell, if he didn't need so much money, he would ask Cana too if she was down to come along.

Necessity required, he brought just one partner. But the blunette was a good companion so going just with her was cool too. Levy was easy to be with. Not only wasn't she destructive or exuberant like Natsu, but she wasn't scary like Erza or so easily worked-up like Lucy. Cheery, but chill, mature, but fun, Levy knew how to make people feel at ease with her. She never forced a conversation or went overboard, as she seemed to understand people's limits, a trait a lot in the guild could learn from. As she needed her alone time, just as much as Gray, their companionship would make this mission a walk in the park. Yeah, he wouldn't come back from this mission, completely exhausted, for once.

"When are we leaving?" Levy asked, putting her things in her satchel, but taking out a pen and a paper sheet as to take notes. "And for how long?"

"Since it takes ten hours by train with one transfer mid-way, I think we should leave today. The next train leaves in two hours." She nodded, approving his suggestion. "Since we don't know how far in the mountain the monster lives, I'd guess at least five days?"

Gray hoped the length wouldn't be an obstacle, now, but he still wanted to be honest. Luckily, she didn't seem to mind. Thoughtful, Levy said, "So we'll need camping equipment…"

The blunette started enumerating what they should bring since half their trip would be wilderness camping, taken in charge the organization. Having camped in their childhood with their friends, they knew the ropes, but she considered the more dangerous nature of this trip. An equipment list slowly took form, as Levy pragmatically listed what they needed in case of certain obstacles they might face, confirming that not only she was coming but that he chose his partner well. They would pull off this mission easily.

Speaking of which. A sense of calmness took root in his mind. No nonsense for a week. No massive destruction. Just beating a monster in a remote place with no chance of collateral damages. Then, he could do some sight-seeing in the local attraction, like their famous Ice-sculpture museum. A well-deserved moment of peace.

Only when she addressed the tent problem, hers being completely torn, did he return to reality. Gray did have a tent, although it was an individual one, it was big enough for two people.

The answer seemed evident.

"I have one. Even for an individual size, we fit the two of us in it," Gray assured her.

Neither noticed the grinding of iron being crushed nor the yelp of pain that followed.

He added with a matter-of-fact tone, "Besides, it's better for not losing heat."

He wouldn't have suggested to a girl he had known for only a year or two, in fear of misunderstanding from both the girl and the rest of the guild, but knowing Levy for so long, he knew it wouldn't faze her. They had been asked once, as kids, if they liked each other, and they laughed it off. Through thick and thin, they grew up together, becoming closer than friends, but simply because their trust laid in something more sibling-like. They both knew that neither could ever develop romantic feelings for the other. So, the suggestion of sharing like they did as kids only seem the most evident solution.

"Yeah, good idea," Levy agreed. "It will also save me the trip to the Hiking Shop. Here." She handed him the list she had made of the things to bring. She pointed the items that were circled and then the ones that were underlined. "These are the ones I have and will bring and those are the ones that you're in charge. Did I forget something?"

He quickly read and shook his head. With this kind of efficiency, they'll make it to the next train. It would have made them lose time and he wanted to be in Shirotsume Town by tomorrow morning to begin the mission on the same day.

"Perfect. I'll notify Mira that we're taking this mission. Let's meet at the train station in one hour and a half. At the ticket booth."

"Okay! I'll just warn Jet and Droy before going home."

Gray nodded, but she was already running towards her teammates. Even if they gained seven years of age compared to the Tenrou group, their faces lit up like teenage boys when Levy came by their table to bid them farewell.Some things never changed, he thought with a nostalgic smile, wishing things could be as simple as before this whole business with the time gap that separated them from a world that evolved without them in it. He sighed and chased those dark thoughts and went on his way to where Mira was.

His mind was so one-side tracked on his game plan that he failed to notice a dark cloud forming at a table nearby where a moping Water Mage and an irked Iron Dragon Slayer sat.

Gray forgot that things rarely went as he planned or expected, as a plan without his knowledge was brewing under that dark cloud…

AN:Already wrote a couple of chapters beforehand (to not drag this story on many years like my previous one...). Next chapter will be posted on July 7th ;)

Reviews are my fuel, so don't hesitate!

Chapter 2: A two-people mission? More like romantic getaway… (Unacceptable)

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As usual, the Water Mage had come early to the guild to enjoy the entrance of Gray-sama through the guild’s doors. Seeing him so handsome so early in the day was a splendid way to start the day in her opinion. His coolness had a way to reinvigorate her. When she saw him stand in front of the board alone, Juvia couldn’t fight her curiosity. Leaving her stool next to Gajeel, she looked at him as he talked with Mira before looking through the guildhall. His eyes looked purposeful as if he was looking for someone.

Juvia’s heart leaped when Gray’s eyes met hers. A radiant smile stretched her lips, feeling hopeful.

Was today finally the day where she and her beloved Gray would go on a mission together? Just the two of them? A hint of a blush colored her cheeks, as she clasped her hands over her chest. She could kiss goodbye her horrible visions of her beloved flirting with the female members of his usual team. So long, Love Rivals, because all her patience was about to be rewarded. Gray was about to see how good of a duo they’ll make together, just like during the Grand Magic Games. Looking intently at him, Juvia tried to convey all her feelings through her eyes.

His sigh struck her heart like an arrow. A small wail escaped her lips, as Gray continued to search the guild without paying her any more attention. Why Gray-sama couldn’t acknowledge that Juvia was a perfect partner for an Ice-make mage like him? Hadn’t she already proven her strength and her passion? She had no idea what the mission was, but they were so compatible that the two of them could complete any mission they put their mind into. Juvia couldn’t believe Gray didn’t see it by now.

Her jaw dropped when she saw Gray make his way to Levy. Had he confused the two bluenettes by any chance? Maybe, his vision had weakened. Imagining Gray-sama with glasses made her swoon. How dreamy! She’d have to make a new plushie with that in mind. Yes, Gray-sama needed glasses! It was the only explanation on why he was going to the Solid-Script Mage. Except that he greeted Levy as naturally as ever. When he lightly tapped the naked shoulder of the petite woman, Juvia lost it.

She dashed towards Gajeel, jumped on the stool next to him, almost tackling him in her frenzy. Interrupting brazenly a discussion between him and Lily about blade efficiency, she grabbed his shoulders and forcefully shook him, trying to bring his attention to the spectacle that occurred in the hall. Lily crossed his arms, with an amused smirk, like every time she came to them, for advice or reassurance. Her ramblings were incoherent, as she was in-between crying and expressing her outrage.

“What the hell, Rain Woman?” the Iron Dragon Slayer growled. Guessing the reason of her agitation, he asked with exasperation, “What did he do this time?”

Being friends for so long, the two ex-Phantom Lords mages managed around each other’s quirks easily. Juvia wasn’t fazed by Gajeel’s moodiness and he understood her outbursts better than anyone else. Although he acted mean, Gajeel was always there to support her, even if most of the time it simply meant he listened to her tirades.

Totally unbothered by his rude tone, she quickly explained her distress, “Juvia has another Love Rival. Gajeel-kun must do something!”

He side-glanced her, before rolling his eyes. “Tch, ain’t because he looked at a girl, that it’s a rival. Get over it, Raindrop.” He took a swig of beer and added, “And don’t involve me in your nonsense.”

Juvia teared up, as she made gestures between Gajeel, the guildhall and herself, as if it explained something vital. She finally stammered, “B-but, Levy-san is stealing Gray-sama away!”

Putting down his pint more heavily than necessary, he glared at his friend and then turned to the guildhall. “Uh?”

Just at that moment, his eyes fell on a happy Levy, squealing in excitement to something Gray said. Clenching his teeth, visibly annoyed, Juvia knew she finally made him see the problem as his full attention was finally directed to the duo, exactly as she hoped. Seeing his scold, Juvia had high hopes that Gajeel would go claim Levy and so, would “take out” one of her Love Rival off Gray-sama.

To her surprised, Gajeel looked away from the scene and muttered, “Whatever. Shorty’s just happy about some library. Nothing to do with yer Stripper.”

“Gajeel-kun doesn’t grasp the situation,” the Water Mage huffed. “Gray-sama is going on a mission.”

“That’s what mages do…” he said, talking slowly like she was dumb, which made her frown, displeased. “Ya know, go on missions and stuff.”

Juvia sighed, wanting to facepalm herself, discouraged by his lack of understanding and was about to explain when Gray said one single sentence that explained it all.

“Actually, it would be just you and me,” they heard Gray say to Levy. Although it might seem surprising that she could hear that as clearly as Gajeel even though their two guildmates were several tables away and she didn’t have an enhanced hearing, Gray’s voice always seemed to reach her somehow.

Juvia gasped loudly, ready to cry a protest, which was rapidly cut off by Gajeel’s gloved hand over her mouth, his eyes still fixed on their guildmates. Although she had her suspicions about Gray-sama’s mission being a two-person job, Gajeel’s scold made it clear that he was now on the same page as her. Juvia wasn’t unaware of his feelings for the petite bluenette. The way his eyes softened when he was with her and their incessant teasing were proof enough of their affection for each other. However, Juvia knew that she should still be careful, discarding no one as a potential Love Rival, even the crush of her best friend.

Simultaneously, not even consulting each other as they were on this matter oddly in sync, the two mages got up on their feet and went to sit on a table to get even closer to Gray and Levy’s table, leaving a discouraged Lily at the bar. Juvia suspected that even with his enhanced hearing, Gajeel had the same reflex, not wanting to miss on the conversation their two guildmates were having. Lucky for them, Gray and Levy had their back towards them, making them unaware of Gajeel and Juvia’s approach.

“Eh? How come?” They heard Levy ask.

Was Levy-san looking for Gray-sama’s praises? Juvia wondered, biting off her nails as she listened to her beloved listing the reasons why he thought Levy was strong enough for the mission. Turning towards Gajeel, wanting to see him as outraged as she was by their clear flirting, Juvia was surprised to just see him nod along what Gray said.

So, what if Levy was a good mage! Juvia was too and a better fit to Gray-sama. Levy’s cute smile to Gray-sama broke the camel’s back, making her restrain falter. She had enough. If Gajeel wasn’t going to be a Love Ally, then she’ll have to settle this situation herself. When she got up once more, a large gloved hand landed on her shoulder. She looked down and Gajeel, with a glance, indicated her to sit.

Just when she was about to protest, Levy’s reply caught their attention once more. Gray was turned towards his friend, which was awfully too close to Juvia’s taste. Their faces were only a foot away, lamented Juvia.

“Alright. You win. I’ll go.” The petite bluenette held up her index and added with a playful tone. “But, under one condition.”

Juvia gasped. She was flirting with Gray-sama! And not even hiding it! A dark aura surrounded Juvia as her mind came up with schemes to get rid of her Love Rival, one she had so far underestimated.

Her beloved Gray snorted. The mocking laugh reassured Juvia, but only for a second, as she heard him say, “Yeah, yeah, the library. You’ll get time to go. Anyway, I wanted to sight-see too. So, yeah, deal.”

Juvia felt her soul leaving her body. Gray-sama had flirted back! While she was growing disheartened, collapsing on the bench, her legs giving out under the weight of her despair, Gajeel clenched his fists against the table.

In front of them, Levy and Gray playfully shook hands, to seal their agreement. By now, a cloud was forming above the ex-Phantom Lord mages. Oblivious to it, Gray and Levy went on about their mission, the petite bluenette asking how long it would take. Juvia’s last hope on letting Levy off with a simple warning went up in smoke when Gray told her the job would take at least five days.

“Five days?” Gajeel couldn’t help, but growl. He let out an annoyed sigh but added nothing more.

“A romantic getaway?” Juvia exclaimed, in a low whisper, more to herself than for anyone. She glared at Levy’s back. “Unacceptable…”

“As hell!” Gajeel tried to calm her down, failing to brush off her worries, with a weak excuse. “…They’re just partnering up by convenience.” Clearly refusing to face her, he rummaged through his duffel bag, picking up a piece of iron to gnaw. Juvia sighed. The Iron Dragon Slayer had always been an emotional eater, always biting off iron whenever he was pissed, stressed or plainly annoyed. Although Gajeel was easy to read, this habit left no doubt about his current state of mind.

However, the Water Mage didn’t know if Gajeel was in denial or what, but she hadn’t expected him to try to control his feelings. The Dragon Slayer had changed since he had joined Fairy Tail. As much as he liked to disagree, he had grown more reasonable. As much as it was a good thing normally, it wasn’t helping them in the slightest as their respective crushes were currently flirting together.

“Juvia is convenient! She can do anything Gray-sama needs for the job,” the woman assured.

He sighed, sounding somewhat exasperated, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Raindrop, your water can’t disable runes. Shorty can. But, why the hell do they need five f*cking days for one monster and one barrier?”

“Juvia is telling Gajeel-kun! It is a decoy for a romantic trip! Gajeel-kun must steal his crush back.”

“The hell you’re taking about? Crush? Ain’t got a crush on Shortstuff,” he snorted, feigning disdain. Juvia sighed heavily. It was official. Gajeel was so in denial. It was almost painful to watch at this point. He should learn from her ways and he would have less problems with Levy. Although, Juvia didn’t doubt her methods, she must admit that so far she wasn’t making as much progress as she had hoped. It was still better than nothing. Gajeel seemed to see her unconvinced face, because he felt the need to add, “For one, you should keep yer stripper on a leash.”

Juvia pouted. “Gray-sama refused…” The closest thing from that he accepted from her was the scarf she made him, a memory that made her heart fluster.

Gajeel looked at her, seemingly dumbstruck. “Ya used to be so badass…Why you act so fangirly?”

Juvia rolled her eyes, not amused by what he implied. Her passion didn’t diminish her abilities, but if he wanted to play that game, two people could play it. Besides, his moods never really impressed nor bothered Juvia.

“And Gajeel-kun used to have guts.”

“Ya calling me a wuss?” he snarled.

Provoking him had always been the quickest way to make him get his act together. At least, that didn’t change. Juvia simply smiled, knowing that not denying his claim would only fuel his displeasure. As he was about to bark a reply, the subject of the tent was brought and so her ears were focused again on the conversation. Levy explained that her tent had been torn and was not usable anymore. Juvia had hopes that this inconvenience would fret Gray, causing him to withdraw his offer. What Gray said next made her heart sink.

“I have one. Even for an individual size, we fit the two of us in it,” Gray told Levy.

Hearing that suggestion, Gajeel crushed the iron scrap he had in his hand, grinding horribly like a scratch against a black board. However, the disagreeable sound was covered by his yelp of pain when Juvia grabbed his arm, digging her nails into it, trying to stop herself from going after Levy.

Gray added matter-of-factly, “Besides, it’s better for not losing heat.”

That last precision popped the balloon of her anger, leaving her totally overwhelmed with shock and disbelief. Gray-sama wanted Levy’s warmth? How had Juvia been so blind and not see how dangerous the bookworm was to her love? She spiraled down in her own mind, unable to see or hear anything, imagining mortifying images of Gray and Levy’s wedding. She came back to reality when Gajeel snapped his finger before her face. The two other mages were already gone.

“Oi, Raindrop, snap out of it.” He shook his right arm, on which she still hung. “And let go of my arm. Might be made of iron, but damn woman, your grip is out of this world.”

She blinked and looked at her left hand, still tightened around his forearm. She let go, seeing slight marks of nails in his skin. She looked back up and declared, “Juvia is going to Shirotsume Town.”

Gajeel frowned at her emotionless tone, visibly apprehensive. “Look, I ain’t liking it either.” If Juvia wasn’t so minded on her goal of securing Gray-sama’s love, she would have been happy that Gajeel was finally a bit more honest with himself. “Stalking them ain’t gonna help. So, what ya gonna do about it? Destroy their tent?”

“It is an option,” she nodded, thoughtful. She then said in her most serious tone, “That being said, Juvia cannot guarantee Levy-san’s safety.”

Her solemnity made it hard to decide if she was joking or if she was serious. She made it sound not so much as a threat but as a fact, which didn’t miss hitting the nerve with the Dragon Slayer. Despite him staying stubbornly an emotionally constipated mess, Juvia knew how to break his weak resolve of staying away from Levy. Gajeel glared at her, showing her he was taking the bait.

Going to Shirotsume was for the greater good. Not only would it help Gray look her way, but it would give the push Gajeel needed.

“You wouldn’t do that,” he said, almost daring her. Getting no answer from her, he massaged his left temple, annoyed, before barking, “Arg, you’re impossible! Fine! I’m coming.”

He was always so easy to give in to her provocations. Playing indifferent or difficult had been his trademark for so long, but Juvia knew better. His words rarely reflected what he really thought or wanted. A well-placed challenge or an insinuation about weakness was usually all it took for him to go for it, whatever it was he wanted to do. Now, what he wanted, even if he kept denying it, was pursuing Levy. Juvia couldn’t bear to watch him stubbornly love in silence and from afar with no show of his true passion. It was going to change, thanks to her love for Gray-sama and her desire of getting rid of a Rival.

“Juvia and Gajeel-kun will make great Love Allies!” she smiled, genuinely, feeling her natural optimism return like a rainbow after the rain.

“Nah, I’m just your rationality. Gotta prevent some of your nonsense,” he said. He then muttered, “Mad woman.”

They both got up and he picked up his bag and told her that he’d wait for her at the train station, making clear that she better not tell anyone of their trip to Shirotsume and even less the reasons behind it. She brushed off his concerns with her hand. They went towards the exit together and went their way to go pack their things before their trip.

As she walked with determination, Juvia now understood the saying “All is fair in war and love”. Partners once again, ex-Black Steel and ex-Element Four were ready to face any obstacle to win over their lovers.

Nothing could stand in their way as they marched through the battlefield of love.

Chapter 3: This Didn’t Go As Planned

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Barely making it to the train, the whistle blew to mark its departure. The doors whooshed behind them. Gajeel cursed, for good measure, relieved to have made it in time. Hadn’t it been for him asking Wendy to cast Troia on him and Juvia going back to get her Gray plushie, they wouldn’t have had to sprint half of Magnolia to catch the stupid train. The two mages had at least something that would make the trip bearable. He just couldn’t understand this woman’s priorities sometimes.

“Train to Oshibasa. Possible transfert to Shirotsume. Time of arrival estimated to 23:57,” echoed an automatic message.

Goddamn trains and goddamn tranferts. A living hell. At least, he won’t have to suffer through motion sickness, Gajeel thought to himself.

The Iron Dragon Slayer hadn’t planned on going to Shirotsume Town. Even when they were overhearing (not eavesdropping, he ain’t no stalker) Stripper and Shorty going on a mission, he pushed aside the feeling gnawing his insides. It was none of his business. They could do whatever they wanted, going on a mission just the two of them, he didn’t care. At all. Good for them, in fact. Sure, he hadn’t planned either to crush his iron snack when he heard the damn Stripper suggest to Shorty to share a tent and heat. It was simply a natural reflex upon the realization that a pervert was going after one of his friends. His annoyance was perfectly justified.

It took him sometime, but he could finally admit that Shorty was his friend. Her forgiving and cheery nature and the fact that she seemed to enjoy his company were beyond his comprehension, but he wouldn’t be the one to make her realize that he didn’t deserve her time and smiles. He loved way too much the pouts she made when he teased her about her height or her love of books.

But, no, he hadn’t planned on going to Shirotsume, even though he disliked how familiar and nonchalantly intimate the Stripper acted. The only reason he accepted that mad plan was to prevent Shorty of getting in the crossfire of Rainwoman’s scheme. Knowing Juvia for many years, he knew how dedicated she was when she set her mind into something. So even though she adored Fairy Tail, Gajeel didn’t want the Water Mage near Shorty when she was in one of her Gray-frenzied trances or whatever.

Despite his inability to not sigh whenever he had to listen to one of her ramblings about the Ice Bastard, Gajeel never sent her away. Despite the perpetual impression of him not giving a damn, Juvia was among the people he did care about and so, her happiness didn’t leave him indifferent. Although her love for the Stripper was something he would never understand, he respected it. For as long as he has known the woman, the rain that clouded her heart always followed her everywhere she went. Now, it was gone, thanks somehow to Stripper.

As much as it annoyed him that the guy acted coldly, the guy was still a Fairy Tail mage and, therefore, he wouldn’t purposely hurt Juvia. If Gray didn’t hurt her by good nature, then he didn’t, out of necessity. Gajeel had make it pretty clear that anyone who hurt Juvia would have to deal with Black Steel Gajeel (and not Fairy Tail Gajeel). Even with the clear threat, the Dragon Slayer suspected that the Fairy Girls had some sort of squad set to quote-unquote “protect Juvia’s pure heart”.

Maybe the Water Mage was just too blinded by her wild imagination to see that no girl would ever go after that Ice Cube, because, for real, there was no love rival out there. Still, she was restless whenever a girl talked to the guy. Seeing enemies everywhere was a trait encouraged by Phantom Lord. Seeing how she still acted sometimes, the saying ‘old habits proved to die hard’ proved to be true.

Now, enemies being mere “love rivals”, her cunning planning and commitment to see her objectives through were used for a more innocent purpose, despite the dark aura she had sometimes. Him tagging along was solely for protective purposes. Going undercover was a talent of his that was particularly useful in this situation.

Someone had to look out for the Shrimp, Gajeel nodded to himself. So, it wasn’t stalking, he thought, gritting his teeth recalling the smug comment Lily had made before he took off with Juvia.

Lily had a knack for misinterpreting things related to Shorty. This trip in particular, but that was partly due to the Rainwoman, talking rubbish about things such as “love ally”. He had no part in that Love Ally nonsense. Gajeel didn’t mind listening to Juvia and her ramblings. Hell, it was even amusing sometimes. However, he disliked when the conversation shifted to him and his “feelings”. Those were not up to discussion. He could deal with his own sh*t without other people’s inputs. He hated dwelling on feelings for too long as they always brought them back to less glorious moments of his life that he’d rather forget. Having a crush was not something Gajeel Redfox had, period. Attachments beyond friendships were doomed to bring more deceptions than joys, anyway. His past was proof enough. Or, so he always tried to convince himself.

His resolve always faltered when meeting a pair of big hazelnut eyes. The curve of her lips also made his heart skip a beat and a draft of her smell, a soft mixture of ink, paper and tulips would make his mind go blank. He had no trouble dismissing such reactions, as being mere echoes of his desire to protect her.

With a groan, Gajeel put down his backpack. He looked at their tickets, assigning them a cabin. Juvia was already frantically looking right and left, looking for their two guildmates. He rolled his eyes. There was no way that she would settle for their assigned cabin. Neither would he if he was honest with himself. This trip was in no way going to be a walk in the park, not with Juvia so on edge. The fact that she was such a bundle of nerves must have affected him also, as he felt oddly tense. It was the only reasonable explanation for the stress he was feeling. Either way, they’d have to find Shorty and Stripper and take the neighboring cabin for her (and therefore, him) to calm down.

He took a sniff, on the lookout for either a paper and flower-like smell or a winter-breeze-like one. Detecting nothing, he decided to take a chance on his left. Juvia nodded and followed. After crossing three wagons, skirting the hallway, inspecting occasional the cabins on their left, he heard his friend gasp. He turned around and when he saw her eyes sparkled, he knew what she was about to say.

“Gray-sama is near!”

That she had such confidence in her statement, even before his nose could pick up the familiar scents left him puzzled. With a gruffier tone than intended, partly being vexed that she made the call before him, he asked, “How’d you know?”

A mischievous smile on her lips, she rested her index on her forehead and said, “Juvia’s Graydar never lies.”

For a moment, he misheard and thought she said “gaydar”, before realizing that she meant the Stripper. Her confidence let no place for doubt. When he picked up their guildmates’ scents, confirming she was right, he frowned looking at her. How could she have done it when she didn’t even have dragon senses to help her? Looked like her stalking paid off, after all.

“Sometimes you’re f*cking terrifying, woman.”

“Juvia will take it as a compliment.”

Gajeel snorted and Juvia simply smiled. He looked around. There were in the good wagon so, now it was a matter of knowing in which cabin they were. They heard Shorty laughing and he swiftly moved, stopping at the door before the one where her laughter was coming from. Looking through the glass, he saw two young adults snuggled against each other. He slid the door, causing them to jump.

“Out!” He barked.

Fear flashed through their eyes, but the man tried to look brave before his girlfriend. However, his confidence wasn’t very convincing as he stuttered, “N-no way. It’s our c-cabin.”

He understood why the guy was trying to defend his spot, as they had a sleeping car room for themselves. However, the prospect of Shorty and Stripper having the same accommodation sour his mood, although he was never a patient man to begin with.

His words died down on his tongue when he felt Juvia gently push his arm, taking the space next to him. He groaned for good measure but knew that it was better to let her do the talking since she was more diplomate than him (though the bar wasn’t very high).

“Juvia apologizes for her friend, but it is very important that we take this cabin. We will pay the difference.”

The guy straightened up slightly, a glimpse of arrogance flared in his eyes. The fool, Gajeel thought. With an air, he said, “As if you could afford it! Those cost double the regular seats. We won’t step aside for you, ruffians.” He unnecessarily brushed them off with a snob hand gesture.

Before Gajeel had the time to cast a glare that would make him regret of even existing, he felt the air getting heavier, as if the cabin was becoming a sauna.

A glare was all it took for the man to quiver in fear.

Her eyes normally lost in a daydream of hers were now deadly cold. Seeing her so often gleeful nowadays, Gajeel tended to forget how people feared her too. He had known her for a long time in Phantom Lord, a longer time than what they spent so far in Fairy Tail, but the latter seemed to overshadow the former, making them leave behind dreadful memories and inglorious traits from their time in the semi-dark guild.

The thought of Juvia being a danger would seem absurd to her Fairy friends, knowing her as the happy-goer Juvia, always talking about love and fawning over the Stripper. Her dark aura only came back when something was threatening her time with her guy and even then, it wasn’t with intentions of killing her “love rivals”. However, right now, the line was thin, her face darkened by her fiery determination.

The squeal that the couple let out was hilarious and they shakily took the money Juvia was offering them before fleeing. Gajeel tried to contain his laughter, as he said, “Gihi, I remember now why we’re friends. Ya gave those suckers the scare of their lives.”

“No, as Gajeel-kun said before, Juvia has put some sense into them,” she reasoned with a measured tone,

He smirked. He gestured her to go first and followed. He swung his bag on the compartment overhead and he unceremoniously slumped on the bed-seat. Kicking his boots, he laid down on the bed, stretching to pop his stiff back. The stress of hurrying took its toll, as he was plagued by knots. What he would do for a good massage… Preferably by a petite bluenette. A man could dream, he smirked.

“Gajeel-kun, it is no time for relaxing!” the Water mage exclaimed, breaking his daydream. “Now that we are here, we must think of our strategy. As Love Allies, it is important that we coordinate our efforts. Usually, Juvia must do it all by herself and so, she is happy that Gajeel-kun has agreed to come…” She gasped in her hands, upon realizing something. “Juvia almost forgot! She must add Levy-san to Juvia’s Love Chart… Where are Juvia’s color pencils?... ” She frowned, an expression swaying between concentration and displeasure, as she surely imagined her love diagram thing.

He knew the drill. When she started on a tangent, the Iron Dragon Slayer knew full well that she wouldn’t stop until she needed a pause to breathe. Only then, he would be able to slip a word. He let her draw on her chart, something he was too damn well familiar, much to his aggravation.

Finally, she mentioned what she had prepared beforehand, which consisted mostly in long-range hearing gear. She was rummaging her luggage, that was a jumble of tech, clothing, a Gray Plushie and dresses. Good thing, he brought the tent, because for now she seemed to have only focused on the espionage. Gajeel cringed at the last word. No. He had stuff to do in Shirotsume Town anyway, subconsciously looking for more excuses. The town had particularly good metals there, some withholding very cold temperature, giving him a new flavor to try out. His eyes fell back on Juvia. She was taking out gear.

“We don’t need no fancy plan. I can hear ‘em just fine from ‘ere,” he yawned, feeling the softness of the bed relaxing his body.

“Well, Juvia can’t.”

She took out her device and climbed on the bed. The mattress probably being softer than she expected, she lost her balance and dropped her knee on Gajeel’s stomach, that not even his iron-hard abs (as he liked to qualify them) could prevent the pain.

“f*ck! Watch it!”

He was now fully awake, once more, and was glaring at the culprit of his pain.

“Gajeel-kun was in the way. He can only blame himself,” she smiled, with a subtle hint of playfulness.

He grunted, displeased, scooped over to leave some space for Juvia. He hadn’t paid much attention to the conversation on the other side of the wall since Juvia’s monologue. Last thing he picked was them talking about their own teams. Nothing really of interest. Besides, now that he thought about it, there was no way anything would happen between Stripper and Shorty. In Juvia’s excitement, he lost sight of reality. Sure, Shorty was a popular girl, attracting attention from annoying guys, but she never seemed to notice nor care much about them. Gajeel prided himself that when he was in her vicinity, he could even make her look up from a book. Okay, out of annoyance, but it was better than nothing. Her eyes were still on him and that was what mattered.

So, no, Stripper was no threat. Shorty wouldn’t be interested in a guy like that. He sneered at that thought, feeling oddly more at ease. However, that was short-lived. As he thought of the petite bluenette, he had subconsciously listened to her soft voice and what he heard struck his heart with dread.

“I didn’t mean to get down on you like that.”

He couldn’t help but notice her shy tone, imagining a blush spread on her cheeks, her cute demeanor meant for someone else than him. He hadn’t realized he was glaring at the wall with an intensity that could have make the wall melt if he had any fire-like powers until a hiss by his side caught his attention. Juvia had apparently heard that too. He looked at his friend, her teeth clenched, and her brows furrowed. Now with headphone on her ears, her long-range surveillance gear made her hear as clearly as he was hearing. If the situation wasn’t pissing him off, he would have laughed at how prepared she was.

“Levy-san…” she gritted between her teeth. “Only Juvia can get down on Gray-sama.”

“Oi, she ain’t! No one is interested in that damn Stripper, but you.”

He was saying that, but he, himself, had difficulties to subdue the jealousy taking a firm grip on his insides. He couldn’t understand why she would say that to that Ice Bastard, but surely it wasn’t what they were thinking.

Gajeel breathed deeply. Don’t let yourself slip into Rainwoman’s infernal turmoil, he scolded himself. Shorty was not stupid enough to pursue Stripper with Raindrop being so clearly smitten by the guy and, besides, Gajeel liked to believe the petite bluenette had better taste than falling for a pervert like that (no offense to Juvia).

“Yeah, I feel it too,” Gray’s voice said.

His eyes widened. Feel what? What was that Ice Cube feeling? It better not be Shorty or so help him, he would… His now violent train of thought was interrupted by muffled grunts. He turned to see Juvia biting furiously her navy-blue shawl, glaring at the wall as if it was its fault her guy was chasing another girl.

“Juvia is putting a stop to this,” she muttered, resolve burning in her eyes.

“Hold up!” He caught her by her collar, stopping her from leaving the cabin. “Ya can’t just barge in.”

She looked at him, like he was crazy. “Why not?”

A legitimate question, he must concede. Normally, Gajeel wouldn’t hesitate to just waltz in and to punch his way through. However, with his time in Fairy Tail, he learnt the difference between amiable brawls and downright-imma-kill-you fights. Right now, regarding Stripper, his fists itched for the latter which would be a very bad idea, because if he did beat the Ice Bastard, not only would Juvia skin him alive, but Shorty would surely not be happy with him, hitting one of her friends. His will swayed between his heart wanting him to take action and his mind trying to reason him to lay low. For now, his problem was to keep his crazy friend in check so she wouldn’t target her animosity towards Shorty. He needed to divert her attention, but how?...

“Heard the Stripper doesn’t like girls that, erm-” He scratched his head, racking his brain that would make his bullsh*t believable. “-frowns.” That was the best he came up with? He signed at his idiocy. He needed to roll with it and do it confidently for her to step down. “Yeah, and you’re frowning like crazy, now. Gonna get wrinkles. Ain’t sure he gonna like that look…”

She gasped and rummaged her bag once again, surely to look for a mirror. He sighed and leant against the wall. Gajeel felt bad for using her gullibility against her, but they dodged a bullet. He bought them at least two minutes of peace. He rubbed his temples, trying to see how they could manage the whole train trip without wanting to jump in-between their two guildmates.

His thoughts were once again interrupted when he heard a clap. His attention had slipped for a nanosecond and now he couldn’t tell if it was a clap or a slap. Gajeel smirked, smug, knowing too well the bluenette’s feistiness. His Shrimp must have bitch-slapped that Ice Bastard. He wasn’t sure what for as he hadn’t heard, but he couldn’t imagine another reason than Shorty putting Stripper back at his place for whatever thing out of line he did. His certainty crumbled as soon as he heard the petite bluenette’s voice.

“I thought it would be a good start for the trip,” Levy’s voice said.

Gajeel frowned, confused. Okay…So, clearly, she wasn’t mad as he first thought. Then, what the hell was going on over there? He cursed himself for not having paid attention from the start. Now, he was going blindfolded in this tailing operation (which was very different from stalking). He lacked too much information. Why was there a slap? His imagination was running as wildly as Juvia’s for some reason. That bastard better not have slap her perfect butt or the cabin would be repainted in red. He clenched his fist against his thigh. He needed to get a grip, he scolded himself. He had to stop overthinking this sh*t. They had to assert the situation correctly before acting. Otherwise, they could find themselves in a tight spot, having to explain why they were on the same train. “Out of pure coincidence” would probably not work.

“The best…” Gray’s voice agreed. The man let out a sigh, that sounded far too close to a moan.

Gajeel’s rationality snapped at the same time as Juvia broke her portable mirror with which she was looking at her supposedly forming wrinkles. Even with close to no information, one thing was clear and that was that Shorty and Stripper seemed to be hitting it off pretty good, judging by the tone of their conversation. If the walls didn’t seem so painfully fragile, he would have punched it just to get some anger out of his system. How could he have been so stupid as to not see…whatever it was that was going on between the two Fairy Tail mages? And yet, he couldn’t help but feel like a goddamn fool. What did he expect? Everything about Shorty was perfect, even her imperfections, and there was simply no way that she would remain single forever. Caring for the girl without ever acknowledging it as love, only teasing her to express affection, was just never going to lead him anywhere with her. That fact was obvious and yet he just turned a blind eye on it, acting surprised that she was now slipping away, getting even further away from his reach. Why was he getting so worked up when he never had a chance to begin with…? Goddamn idiot he was…

Tear pooling in her eyes, Juvia cried. “This is all Gajeel’s fault! If he had man up and claim Levy, we wouldn’t be here!”

He rose an eyebrow, forgetting his sadness and focusing back on his anger. That woman had some nerve to accuse him! The only person who could beat Gajeel up about his bad decisions was himself and no one else!

“My fault?! I didn’t see your “Gray-sama”-,” he snickered, ironically quoting the way she called the Stripper to taunt her. “-have the ball to respond to you.”

The rain woman crossed her arms, defiantly. “Gray-sama has more balls than Gajeel would ever have.”

He almost choked at the insult. She went too far. “Oi,” the Dragon Slayer barked. “Don’t you dare insult my manhood! He ain’t sh*t! So-”

He interrupted himself when the train unexpectedly jolted as if it had hit something on the rails. The sudden movement made the Iron Dragon Slayer feel nauseated despite the spell on him. He cursed the inventor of this torture engine called train and all his descendants. Once the surprise passed, Juvia opened her mouth to defend her crush, but was cut short by the fury they both felt by what they heard on the other side.

“Oh sh*t. Your dress…” Gray’s voice whispered.

What about her dress? Why was he noticing her damn dress? Sure, it always showed off her backside in the most alluring way, but damn it, the Ice Bastard had no right noticing it. “Oi, don’t look at her, you damn perv!” he growled though his only interlocutor was still the wall.

Juvia’s aura darkened once again, the air feeling heavy with hot fury. “Levy-san is a seductress. To believe she was a bigger threat than Lucy all along. Juvia must…”

Her sentence was cut short by what Levy answered, “Nobody will ever know it happen.”

Gajeel’s mind went blank. Again. What the hell was happening?! Not knowing was beginning to drive him mad. However, he looked at it, the situation on the other side was getting oddly steamy and he hated it with every fiber of his being. He really couldn’t help but imagine the worst-case scenario and yet it still felt wrong, false. There was no way Shorty and the Stripper would ever… She showed no interest in the guy. Or did she? No. He would have notice. Not because he particularly observed her or anything, it was just that she was quite expressive and so he figured if she had started to like someone, he would have noticed… There were still things he didn’t know about Shorty. What if that pervert was her first love all along? It sent a shiver of disgust down his spine. His thoughts were running wild with an intensity that could have made Juvia proud if she wasn’t so deep in her own internal turmoil of despair. His mind was spiraling down, and nothing could stop it.

He heard fabric ruffled and all his senses were on high alert, putting a stop to his inner restlessness. The Iron Dragon Slayer was holding his breath, fearing his hearing would fail to pick up a sound or a sentence that could make sense of the situation happening on the other side of the wall.

“Just take it off,” Gray’s voice said, commanding.

That broke the camel’s back. Stripper had crossed a line that he shouldn’t have.

“I’m gonna kill that bastard,” Gajeel growled. His whole vision turned red, as he imagined snapping like twigs all 203 bones of that Stripper. Rarely did he feel more anger bubbling up inside him as he felt now. He could still pretend that it was due to a sense of protectiveness he felt for Shorty. He was a fool, but not the stupid kind, more on the delusional side. And yet, deep down, he knew it was because he wanted her all for himself, heart, body and soul. His conscience would snicker at the obvious irony. A man with the past fit for a monster couldn’t hope to be loved by a woman with a heart of gold and the soul of a fairy.

He felt a hand on his arm, stopping him from leaving the cabin. Her eyes gave a clear warning about the threat he said in her presence. If he were to harm that Ice Cube, she would probably make him pay tenfold. Her powers, already great, took on another level when she was pissed. Oddly, even with that threat, the satisfaction of kicking Stripper outweighed the dread of her wrath.

“Let me do it for you,” they heard Gray insisting.

They both froze (haha, pun intended). Gray wanted to take Levy’s dress off. What else was there to understand? There were no doubts. That fact echoed hollowly in his mind.

His body was tense with anger, but he felt something else creeping, that goosebump that warned someone of being in mortal danger. Her temper flaring had vaporized the tears of her previously sad state. Now, visibly furious and determined, Juvia had turned her body into her water form, her form disturbed by the simmering vapor of her anger. Looking at the Water mage paled, he knew that if he didn’t let his own jealousy slid, things could get messy fast.

“Juvia can’t take it anymore,” she said, springing towards the vent, her water body passing effortlessly through the grid, not even bothering pushing Gajeel out of the door’s way. She was already going for drastic actions. Instinctively, his skin shifted into iron scales, bracing himself for the chaos ahead.

“Rainwoman, don’t!!” he yelled, gripping her legs still somewhat solid, barely feeling the heat through his iron skin. “You’ll boil us all!”

He tried to yank her towards the floor, but she still held tightly to the vent, kicking to release herself from his grasp. He cursed when he received drop of waters on his head, realizing she started crying harder than before, provoking waterfalls. Her strength had seemed to have double, as she wasn’t bulging even with him pulling. Slowly she started slipping away. It left him no choice.

“You’ll hurt your Stripper if you go there!!”

Using his trump card, even at the price of his pride (acting like he cared about the well-being of that pervert), Gajeel felt her grip loosened, clearly taken aback by the prospect of hurting “Gray-sama”. It worked in his favour. However, as he successfully brought her down, water from her form splashed around the vent, some falling on him and some going down the outlet. He heard the muffled voice of Shrimp, asking, “What’s that noise?”shortly followed by the sound of water splashing down and two surprised screams. Had Juvia just flooded their cabin?

Gajeel rubbed his face, feeling oh so discouraged. f*cking hell and be damn all subtlety… They were done for.

Chapter 4: Misunderstanding With Disaster on the Side

Chapter by InkuEko

Chapter Text

Some would say they rarely saw Levy without a book in hand, especially when faced with the prospect of a tedious train ride, but, right now, her latest read remained tidily packed in her backpack.

Levy had been happy when Gray asked her to partner up for a mission. As much as she loved her own team, sometimes the Solid Script mage liked to break out of her routine. Her translation jobs and the typical investigation missions were fun, but she could use a more combat-oriented assignment for a change. After all, she had to see the pay-off of her training. Drilling offensive and defensive spells ever since her nomination in the S-Class Exam, the petite mage had improved. Even if her training was far from being over, there was one thing that she needed to work on: her confidence. Gajeel, and even Gray, told her to have more faith in her abilities and she had set her mind into having that assurance.

She and Gray had talked about everything and nothing, catching up, ever since they got on the train, as it had been a while since they hung out just the two. It only proved that far too much time passed since they last hung out. Rumors aside, Levy didn’t know much of what was going on in Gray’s life. Fairy Tail being as animated as it was, sensible people rarely had the luxury of simply enjoying a pleasant conversation without getting dragged into a brawl or a gossiping streak.

Levy was pleasantly surprised that their chat flowed naturally, as Gray was not normally the talkative type. She never feared that it would turn awkward between the two of them, but she was happy that they fell back in their casual companionship.

Her laugh echoed in the train cabin, as Gray sighed, recalling a particularly hectic mission with Team Natsu. Although she often witnessed the eternal rivalry of Natsu and Gray in the guildhall, hearing about it made her heart ache with a pang of nostalgia. Even though Fairy Young remained close and always hung out at the guild, they didn’t take missions together as much as when they were kids. Their talk instinctively shifted from their latest feats towards their youth. Digging up through her memories, she tried to remember what the last mission she did with the Ice-Make mage was.

“If I recall correctly our last mission together was with Cana and Natsu, but I don’t know when that was...” Levy said, her finger resting on her chin.

Gray crossed his arm, leaning against the bench seat, pensively before nodding. “Yeah, the one where we had to catch the Rhinobugs that were destroying the fields of some huge farm.”

Levy wrinkled her nose at the mention of the insects. The Rhinobugs caused a lot of damage, eating crops as if they had bottomless stomachs, even though they didn’t exceed the size of a fist. The mission was rather simple. With nets provided by the landowner, they had to catch them all. As young teenagers, Fairy Young had few opportunities to take combat missions, to Natsu and Gray’s despair. A chase-and-capture job was the second-best thing in their book, but unfortunately the excitement of the challenge quickly died down as the hours stretched, making the task a laborious one under the scorching sun. The thought reminded how things got out of hand from there.

“Oh yeah, and Natsu got bored, whining about fighting, I think,” Levy smiled. “And you got pissed with him for doing nothing.”

Gray exhaled sharply, the memory still irking him. “That dumbass was letting us do all the work.”

“So, I suggested that we turn it into a game of who could catch the most. Of course, Cana had to push it too far, betting you’d win against Natsu.”

Gray rolled his eyes. “Obviously, I’d have win if that Flamebrain hadn’t gotten all excited and made the factory explode.”

Her eyes widened. How could she have forgotten! The farm was specialized in oversized vegetables so, near the fields stood a factory in which they worked on a growth solution. The information had obviously got lost on Natsu, going in one ear and out from the other.

“Yeah, and the solution to make the vegetables grow bigger fell on the Rhinobugs! They became huge! Like actual rhinos! What a mess it turned out to be…” Levy chuckled, recollecting their faces, when the realization of how much they messed up hit them. Truly unforgettable.

“Well, the four of us managed to kill all the bugs,” he shrugged off, clearly brushing off his part of responsibility in the whole mess. Pushing the blame on the other was almost a trademark with Natsu and Gray, a trait she still found cute and amusing despite them not being children anymore. It was part of their charm and a way to show each other brotherly love despite their bickering, she assumed amused.

“Yeah, but not one crop survived. The owner was so mad!” Levy sighed, unable to refrain another smile.

“Not as much as Erza…” he muttered, dropping a sweat. “She gave us such a beating for making Gramps cry.”

The bluenette shuddered. If there was one thing she didn’t miss, it was being scolded by Erza when a mission ended up bringing more bills than paychecks. Despite some newer members’ belief, the red-haired knight didn’t only beat Natsu or Gray for misbehaving. It had happened to Cana and herself, too, and later Jet and Droy when they joined. Only Lisanna and Elfman were exempt from having an earful from Erza, both being smart enough or sweet enough to stay out of trouble. She suspected that having Mira as an older sister kept them in check.

“The repair bills were pretty upsetting…” she pointed out, now understanding better why they had face punishment as they did. It had been such a big deal that some regulations had been added since that incident. “After that, if we wanted to take a mission as a team, we had to have it approved by Master. I knew I didn’t want to go alone as it was much more fun with other people. I was happy for you when you joined Team Natsu, although I was surprised Master accepted.” She blinked, wondering if her comment would come off the wrong way, as if she implied that they worked badly or something like that. She quickly added, her tone sounding sheepish. “No offense...”

“None taken,” he assured, casually. He distractedly looked out the window, at the moon and then looked back at her, somewhat contemplative as if he was wondering for the first time why he had joined his team. “I just wanted a change of pace, I guess. Solo missions, after a while, become a bit boring.” He shrugged.

Despite his cool demeanor, Levy could tell that he missed the companionship that teams provided during missions. Like her other friends, she grew worried of Gray, being alone awfully often, especially around certain times of the year. She was no stranger to his history. Gray having gone through several period of grief, he often closed off his heart when overwhelmed with emotions. Cana and her were relieved when, with Lucy’s arrival, he joined a team with Natsu, Erza and Happy, breaking off his sporadic isolation. Even more, he softened, and Levy couldn’t help but notice it might be thanks to a certain Water Mage.

Despite his façade of him acting exasperated, Gray undeniably laughed more and showed more emotions around her. It was a subtle change, not noticeable for people who didn’t know him well, but some of his more observant friends did and were happy for him. He hadn’t come to term with it yet, being as dense as Natsu, but differently. Still, it was progress.

Although she sometimes wanted to tease him about it alongside Cana, Levy knew better than to do that if she didn’t want to kill his somewhat talkative mood. So, she decided against her better judgement to continue with their current topic.

“Yeah, that’s why I’m happy I didn’t go long solo after the Rhinobugs incident!”

“Ah yes, it was after this that you started taking jobs with Jet and Droy?” he asked. She nodded and so he said, “Ah, then it’s easy to guess the last time we went on a mission. You formed Shadow Gear three years ago, no?”

“Yes!” she exclaimed and then a daunting realization struck her. “Well, no, actually it’d be…11 years technically, counting our…absence.”

Even after a year, it still weighted on her. Being robbed of seven years hadn’t been an easy thing to swallow. Some members seemed to bounce back quicker than others, but having two of her closest friends, aged of seven years without her, made it harder for her to put it behind her. Something as innocent as her retelling an inside joke could bring her mood down, when Jet and Droy would look at her, puzzled, clearly having forgotten. Through the years, some of their quirks as a trio had been lost on her two friends, although their running gags remained fresh in Levy’s mind. It shoved in her face just how disconnected their worlds now were, and how much she missed out on their lives.

Feeling the warm tingling, an early sign of her eyes tearing up, she tried to discreetly wipe her forming tears. Levy blushed, embarrassed of having let her repressed sadness show by the mere mention of her teammates. She forced a smile.

“Ah sorry, I didn’t mean to get down on you like that.”

“No, I get it must still be, erm, a shock. I’m still adjusting, too,” Gray clumsily reassured her, rubbing his neck. Sensing he wanted to be supportive, but not feeling comfortable with the situation, she saw the Ice-Make mage settled for the middle ground by saying, “Same with Jet and Droy, but the team still stands.”

His awkward attempt to cheer her up worked. There were still things that remained the same and seeing the positive, such as their friendship intact, was the most important. The bluenette was grateful he directed their conversation towards a lighter course.

“Yeah. I was apprehensive at first, but we still do stuff like before. Like our Movie Nights on Friday, sushis on Tuesday and we still go occasionally indoor climbing. We talk like before. Well, kind of. More like catching up. I missed so much of their lives and…”

Her voice died down, not feeling strong enough to continue talking without her eyes threatening to tear up. Not wanting to seem weak nor making Gray uncomfortable, she took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down.

“-and you can’t help but feel left behind?” Gray offered. She nodded, somewhat surprised by his unexpected insight. “Yeah, I feel it too.”

It was true that he did have friends outside the guild that carried on with their lives, and rivals who worked to become strong. Levy wasn’t alone in this and was glad that, even if Gray wasn’t the person most in sync with his feelings, he didn’t refuse to talk about Tenrou and its repercussions.

“Yes, and thankfully, they get it, even if they don’t understand. Just as we can’t get the pain they felt during those years that never existed for us.”

Levy dropped a sweat as she felt the atmosphere grow heavier again. Couldn’t she even manage to put up a strong front like everyone else? Why was she forcing Gray to listen to her complain? She waved her hands, dismissing her depressing words. She awkwardly laughed, averting her eyes from her friend. “Ah, sorry, again…”

“Hey, stop apologizing,” he said, his surprisingly authoritative tone bringing her eyes back on him. His eyes had a seriousness that left Levy speechless. “It’s okay to be sad, as long as it doesn’t keep you down.”

His words cooled the burning turmoil that was taking place in her head, beating herself over not being her usual happy self. He was right. Feeling sadness, frustration and confusion was normal, as long as it didn’t lead her life any longer than her heart needed to process her grief. After all, he knew what he was talking about.

“Thanks, Gray,” she whispered.

He nodded and neither added anything. The silence that followed wasn’t awkward per say, but it didn’t have the familiar calmness to it. Levy racked her brain to find something that could bring the light tone they had earlier. Her growling stomach gave her the diversion she was looking for.

“Oh, I brought us soup!”

The bluenette rummaged through her backpack, taking out two thermoses. Gray’s face lightened up at the mention of the food, a demeanor usually associated with Natsu, but childhood memories often softened people in unusual ways.

“For real?” the Ice-Make mage exclaimed, as he took one of the thermoses she handed over. “Your Creamy Carrot Soup? With the bacon?”

It was a ritual of hers to bring carrot soup when she set off on long missions. Everyone could agree that a belly full of warm soup was a lucky charm and no mission could turn (truly) bad. She always brought a thermos for each person going on the job with her. It was something she did well before Team Shadow Gear and so her other friends had enjoyed her soup, unanimously bestowing upon her the role of “snack-bringer”, a role she kept throughout the years. The way Gray unfold the attached spoon and clapped his hands, thanking for the food. The clap echoed through the cabin. The gesture showed Levy that he remembered their small ritual and it made her happy.

“I thought it would be a good start for the trip.”

He shoved a spoonful of soup into his mouth and let out a sigh of satisfaction, still approving of her recipe. “The best!” he declared.

They ate happily, still recalling some memory now associated with the snacks and Natsu’s motion sickness getting in the way of his usual gluttony. Levy was going to retell a funny incident with Droy when the train jolted, as if it hit something on the tracks. As Gray was getting up to see what was going on, the sudden halt made him lose balance, dropping his thermos on Levy. She yelped more from surprise than from pain, the soup having cooled down between the Ice-Make mage’s hands.

“Oh sh*t,” he cursed. “Your dress...”

The orange and lumpy stain soiled the bright yellow of her dress. It was her favorite, but all her years in Fairy Tail had her prepared for any eventuality, regarding the potential destruction of her possessions. Her friends being as rowdy as they were, she had learnt many tricks to repair or mend things. She had received her fair amount of food on her clothes during brawls, so it really didn’t faze her much.

“Don’t worry, it will wash off,” she said, nonchalantly. And with a mischievous tone, she added, “Nobody will ever know it happen.”

Gray rose an eyebrow, unconvinced, and then shrugged, conceding that she must know what she was talking about. “Just take it off,” he suggested. “It will be easier. You can borrow my shirt.”

Levy laughed, as he was already taking his shirt off. “No need, I think I have a T-shirt and some short in my luggage.”

She got up and turned to her locker overhead. On the tip of her toes, her arms barely reached it. She heard Gray shifting behind her.

“Let me do it for you,” he said, reaching effortlessly the compartment overhead. The tissue ruffling, he moved her luggage and brought it down to her. “Here.”

“Thanks.”

As she unzipped her bag, a clacking sound caught her attention. She looked around, wondering where it was coming from. Gray frowned, puzzled by her search. “What’s that noise?” she asked.

Before he could answer, hot water fell from the vent, splashing their whole cabin. Drenched to the bones, they looked at each other, bewildered.

Gray expressed in three words what they both felt, “What the hell?!”

At the same moment, their door slid open, a wary-looking middle-aged woman pushing a cart full of food and drinks.

“Snacks or refresh-” The lady halted mid-sentence, gasping at the scene before her. “Oh goodness, what happened, you’re drenched!” Not waiting for an answer, she quickly added, “Come with me, we must find you a new accommodation, poor dears! Come, come~”

She motioned to follow her, and they did, still puzzled by what just happened.

Saying that the train ride was a pain in the neck would have been an understatement. Inconveniences happened successively, most of which had no logical explanation. Still, it didn’t surprised Gray as misfortune rarely came alone. They had to change cabins several times due to various misfunctions. One time, the door had been mysteriously destroyed, the culprit never found, and another time, the thermostat was so low, that Levy had to put on several layers of clothes to not freeze to death. While being incessantly accommodated, the staff kept apologizing and the Ice mage knew it wasn’t their fault, but he simply wanted some peace. The incessant back-and-forth in the train made it impossible for the two Fairy Tail mages to get any rest during the overnight trip. The only positive thing in the whole thing was that at least nothing made them miss their connection to their second train.

The sun had begun its ascension, shining brightly over Shirotsume Town, when they finally got off the train. Levy had dark circles weighting under her eyes, and he expected that he had the same tired look on his face. He swung his bag over his back and they both walked toward the city hall in silence, drawing from what little energy they still had to meet with the client. The request had been made by the mayor on top of having an urgency seal, which meant they had to respond as soon as they could. Usually, rescuing missions were asked by the victim’s family, but has the number grew, it became a municipal matter. Gray really hoped the mayor wouldn’t be the chatty type, because all he wanted right now was to collapse on a bed and sleep off the trip’s fatigue and his displeasure.

Levy tapped his arm and showed a coffee shop. He nodded, not bothering with a verbal answer. A good dose of caffeine would do them some good. As proud members of Fairy Tail, they couldn’t present themselves as any less than their sharpest.

She dropped her backpack at his feet and entered the cozy-looking shop, peppier, probably happy with the prospect of a warm drink. He grabbed her bag to move it out of the way and went to the façade. He leant against it, waiting for his friend. His thoughts lazily drifted towards their job and its layout.

The plan of going off in the mountains right off the bat might need to be reconsidered. It would be unwise to venture in the icy mountains, sleep deprived.

They’d have to rent a room and gather some strength before facing the job’s challenges. However, it would mean that they would have to leave mere hours before sundown if they wanted to chase after the monster. Doing so would also be reckless. They’d have to wait for the next day. Although it daunted Gray to delay the mission, no one, even powerful mages, could do anything against the dangers of nature at night.

He frowned and pondered on what to do when the petite bluenette came back with two cups of mochas. It was their favorite type of coffee. It was the perfect mix of sweet and bitter, Gray and Levy both agreed when first revealing their favorite caffeine drink although Erza used to defend her black coffee, saying it should be bitter through and through as dessert should be its sweet counterpart and not some sneaky thing like hot chocolate mixed in it. He gave Levy a tired smile, as thanks, before he took a sip of the recomforting drink.

They didn’t bother sitting at a table outside, at the terrace, preferring being efficient with their time, so they drank as they walked. When they stumbled on the main avenue, they could see the imposing, gothic-inspired building that served as city hall at the very end of the street. The walk took less than ten minutes. The doors on which intricate snowflakes-like designs were engraved remained open, welcoming them with the beauties of the wintery town.

Behind an oak-wooden desk, a young man sprung on his feet when he saw them. Jittery, he approached them and introduced himself as the mayor’s secretary. With a gesture, he invited Gray and Levy to follow him. Quickly, the nervous man went up the stairs, with an ease that let them suppose he had to go frequently back-and-forth the eight floors daily. Despite their good condition, the two mages had difficulties keeping up with the secretary’s quick pace. He knocked quickly on the last door of the corridor. A gruff voice allowed the visitors to enter and so they did.

In the middle of the vast office, a bulky man was staring by the high windows, overlooking the Snow Park below, duly ignoring the wobbly mountains of paperwork that threatened to fall all over his desk at any giving moment. He finally turned when his secretary stuttered their introduction.

“Ah!” the mayor exclaimed, his voice booming across the room. “The Fairy Tail mages! Welcome, welcome!” He gave them both a firm handshake and then motioned them to the lounge chairs, reserved for his guests. Gray followed Levy’s example and sat on the large sofa, perpendicular to the massive armchair on which the politician sat. He loudly encouraged them to be at ease. Gray sighed internally. That man had clearly never heard of inside voices. It was like the mayor felt that everything he had to say was worth shouting.

The secretary quickly handed him the information sent from Fairy Tail when they notified the town that they were sending mages. As the mayor was reading the sheet, the nervous clerk offered them to fetch them drinks, which Gray and Levy both declined. Still, they were brought glasses of water.

With a huff of approval, the mayor put the sheet down and said loudly, “With your aptitudes, you two should have no trouble solving our problem! I thank you in advance for your hard work, Mr. and Mrs. Fullbuster.”

Said what now?

Chapter 5: What’s the Plan: Play Pretend?

Chapter by InkuEko

Chapter Text

With a huff of approval, the mayor put the sheet down and said loudly, “With your aptitudes, you two should have no trouble solving our problem! I thank you in advance for your hard work, Mr. and Mrs. Fullbuster.”

Their reaction was immediate.

“Oh, no, no, we’re not married,” Levy and Gray said perfectly in unison, her with a laughing tone and him with nonchalance. Seeing they talked in harmony, they exchanged a look of amusem*nt and of slight discouragement. Their denial was bound to be misinterpreted.

“Aah~ Not yet,” the mayor winked, evidently viewing their moment of sync as a sign of romantic love.

All his shouting had turned the mayor deaf, it seemed. Gray didn’t get why people immediately assumed that a guy and a girl were a couple. Boys and girls could simply be friends. He didn’t understand what was so difficult to grasp about that concept. The Ice Make mage leant back on the sofa, disinterested, sensing that talking some sense in the man was obviously pointless. Usually, Erza or Lucy was in charge of doing the administrative talk. Gray had never been good with strangers and really didn’t see the point in small talk. The Solid Script mage took it on her to be the interlocutor on both of their behalf.

“No, we’re not a couple. We’re friends,” Levy clarified, politely.

The man straightened, visibly bothered. “Then, how are you supposed to do the job?” He asked.

Levy tilted her head, confused. “Sorry, sir, but I don’t see how the nature of our relationship is relevant in this.”

“Why, young miss, because the monster only goes after couples,” the mayor declared as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “What better way to get to it than being captured yourself? Don’t tell me you were just planning on going blindly to the mountains, hoping to find the culprit by dumb luck.”

At first, Gray had just assumed that the mayor’s insistence simply underlined that the man was just not the sharpest tool in the box, pressing the irrelevant matter of romance when there were more urgent matters at hand. However, when the man voiced the reason why he thought Gray and Levy were together, he saw a flick of logic. Flawed logic, but logic, nonetheless.

The Ice Make mage now noticed that he hadn’t really thought through on how they would find the monster. Indeed, they couldn’t just go into the mountains. The request said Mount Hakone, but with the vastness of the mountain range, it had a lot of space to hide and without proper intel any search would make the whole operation pointless, as it would be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Catching the monster in the act in town would be the most efficient way to approach the problem.

He looked at Levy, who nodded, as she was probably several steps ahead. The bluenette brought back her attention to the mayor and asked, “Is there a pattern to the kidnapping, sir? Like a particular time or location that they occur?”

“In fact, yes, there is,” the man said, scratching his beard. “It always happens after sundown, which one of the reasons why we can’t seem to pinpoint the culprit when he runs away. As for the locations, they are usually romantic spots in the city-” he enumerated them, propping up a finger to each location he named- “like the Ice-Sculpture Museum, the Snow Park or the Books & Nobles bookstore.”

Gray frowned. Giving the fact that the kidnappings happened in so many different locations, the “pretend-to-be-a-couple” plan had a major flaw. Obviously, they would be in only one place and so if it happened elsewhere, they would be powerless to intervene. Splitting up would help them cover more ground which would increase their chances in catching the monster.

Levy asked some more questions to get a better picture of the kidnappings, taking notes diligently. She listened attentively even when the mayor lost track of what he was saying or adding unnecessary information. He finally summarized some of the rescue missions that had failed, as it seemed they always failed to close in. Then, the man said, his shoulders dropping slightly and his brows furrowed, “It is why we can’t properly predict where the next kidnapping will strike…And now, so many young people are missing from our city…Even, my own son…”

Along his speech, his tone had lowered, weighed down by guilt and worry. Gray adverted his eyes, unease with the now tense atmosphere. He itched to just go and get the mission done with.

Having been through a similar situation, having his loved ones taken away from him, he knew the time of uncertainty, not knowing if they were dead or alive, was just as bad if not worse than the striking reality of their death. The finality hurt bad, but the hope of making it on time to save them and then failing hit differently and that pain, that guilt, rarely healed completely.

“I see… Thank you, sir. I promise we will find the missing people and bring them home safely,” Levy said, softly. “With everything you told us, we now have a plan with which we can’t possibly fail.”

The man gave her a weak smile, his sadness taking away his loudness. Her eyes held a confidence Gray was weary of. Such promises weren’t always good to make. Sure, they would complete the mission, beat that monster and they would both try their very best to save everyone, but as much as he hated it, sometimes life just took away without a second thought. Not liking where his train of thought was heading to, he got up. Now that they had all the information, they had no reason to delay their leave. They just get started as soon as possible.

Levy shook once again the mayor’s hand, who assured them both that he would pay for their stay in Shirotsume while on the mission, where Gray simply nodded. They were escorted to the exit by the secretary. The fidgety man handed them two special passes, issued by the mayor that allowed them to visit the attractions freely and that indicated to put the hotel bills at his name. Gray was surprised at that excess of generosity. Normally, mages had to pay for their own hotel rooms when on a mission, but well, he wouldn’t complain if it was offered. Levy had apparently won the mayor’s good grace with her good-nature personality and it was fine by him.

At the doors, the secretary pointed them the direction in which was the Windgust Hotel. Levy thanked the clerk and then the two Fairy Tail mages walked away in silence, each deep in thought. Gray was still pondering on which approach they should take: “pretend-to-be-a-couple” or splitting up. Personally, Gray would be more comfortable with the second option as it would also be more efficient in his opinion. But seeing how Levy took notes and assured the man she had a plan, he figured it would be wiser to ask her input on the matter. He trusted she would have taken into account the possible shortcomings they could face.

“So, do we pretend we’re a couple or we split up to cover more ground?” Gray asked, glancing to the bluenette. “You seemed to already have a plan.”

She looked up, pensively. “I don’t know if we can pull the couple card…” She left her sentence hanging and then looked at him, offering him a cheeky smile, as she added, “I mean, you’re a bit of a tsundere.”

The Ice-Make mage rose an eyebrow, somewhat shocked by this unexpected verbal jab. Had it been someone else like Natsu, he would have punch them, but with Levy, he knew she didn’t mean it like an insult, but rather as a teasing joke. However, Gray still didn’t like being mocked in any way and wouldn’t stand idly by. He settled by returning her taunt in the same fashion.

“I won’t take that from you, giving the guy you like,” he snorted, thinking about the growing intimacy between her and the Iron Dragon Slayer.

To his satisfaction, he seemed to have struck a core with the bluenette, understanding exactly what his tone hinted. Levy’s face turned as red as Erza’s hair. She stammered, “I-I…W-what? How do you…?”

“It’s not rocket science, Levy. Well, for the few of us who actually have a brain,” he said, thinking that Natsu and some others surely hadn’t caught up, being as dense as they were. Seeing her eyes still wide with apprehension, he reassured her, “I won’t tell anyone if that’s what you’re worried about.” He stopped himself from rolling his eyes. As if he would ever gossip.

“Thanks…” she whispered, relieved. “In exchange I’ll keep your love secret, too,” she unnecessarily added, playfully.

He knew that denying anything between Juvia and him would be meaningless, but old habits died hard and so he found himself, averting his eyes, mumbling, “I really don’t…” Hearing how unconvincing he sounded, he stopped and sighed.

Levy rolled her eyes, amused. “You might be able to fool yourself, but you can’t fool me, Gray. Like you said, it’s not rocket science and even if it was, I’m confident my brain could still pick it up.” She grinned, pleased at herself for using his words against him.

Gray groaned, remembering to have thought the petite bluenette would not be the type to push his buttons. Although, he couldn’t find it in himself to be mad. For one, he could say he was somewhat amused by her cheekiness. However, he still dodged the implications she suggested, “scolding” her.

“You’re actually as terrible as the others. I take back what I say about you, being cool.”

“We both know you’re the cool one,” Levy laughed. “I’m the smart one.”

“Yeah, yeah, let’s move on,” he scoffed at her terrible pun. “There’s the hotel,” he said, as he spotted the Windgust Hotel’s elegant insigna.

Upon presenting their special pass, two rooms were quickly reserved under their names. Gray listened absentmindedly, barely registering the facilities listed in the hotel, as he doubted that they would extend their stay more than a single night. The receptionist handed them their keys and pleasantly wished them to enjoy their stay in their establishment.

They climbed the stairs to the third floor and halted in front of Levy’s room which was only two doors before Gray’s.

“Let’s sleep on this and meet at the lobby at, let’s say, four.” Having seen in the lobby that it was barely 11, he counted that it would give them more or less five hours of sleep. “I still have some things to think through for our plan, but I think we will go with splitting up.”

“Sure,” he nodded. “You should sleep a bit, though.”

“Yeah, I’ll take a nap before! See you,” she waved, before stepping into her room.

Gray felt more relaxed upon hearing Levy say the plan would be more focused on covering more ground. The thought of romantic masquerade didn’t seat right with him. Not only would it awkward to fake feelings, but it would be tiresome, period. Besides, another thought struck him even more: Juvia. If the Water mage ever saw Levy and him pretending to be a couple…Gray didn’t dare imagine what would happen. He shuddered before entering the room, rest being most welcome.

___

Juvia pointedly ignored the looks she was getting from the hotel’s employees. Sure, the sight of a hyper vigilant young woman and a gangster-looking guy snoring loudly would have caught anyone’s eyes, but it was mainly for the fact that they had sat in the lobby’s bistro/bar for the past five hours, only ordering a cup of coffee for Gajeel and a tea for Juvia.

The bar was the best place to do surveillance, giving a full view of the lobby. Unexpectedly, the duo was the sole customers of the bar despite the evening starting. Juvia didn’t take into account that their strange appearance was keeping other customers away. The staff was beginning to itch to kick them out, but something in the aura of the two mages told them to go against that idea. The waiters fell back on darting them with disapproving glares, hoping they would understand the message.

Unfortunately for them, Juvia had a thick skin when it came to other people’s judgement of her and so, she had little interest for their displeasure. She was on a mission for a sake greater than they could possibly understand. Gray-sama’s affection was worth way more than their social norms of not monopolizing a whole bar for her tailing.

She hadn’t slept in more than 25 hours and yet not an ounce of fatigue weighted on her shoulders. With her magic and the versatility she could have from it, she had often been given espionage jobs. Sometimes going days without sleeping for the sake of a mission, Juvia had gained an undeniable ability to concentrate thoroughly for long periods of time (a talent she preferred thanking her passionate heart rather than her unsavory time in Phantom Lord).

Her eyes were glued to the entrance from where she knew Gray-sama would arrive from. A quick flick to the clock overlooking the hall let her suppose that he would come down any second now. Having followed them to their floor, but remaining hidden, Gajeel had picked up with his enhanced hearing that Levy and Gray-sama had agreed to meet back at four after a nap. The cumulated stress was somewhat loosened when she heard her beloved ask for two separate rooms. A small smile full of smugness stretched her lips. Despite Levy’s seduction attempts, Gray had rejected her advances, much to Juvia’s joy.

Despite her moment of panic in the train and the small incident that resulted from her elapse, nothing significant had happened between Gray-sama and Levy. Gajeel and her had successfully followed without being noticed by their crushes, as they slipped away in time after the flooding of the cabin, thanks to Gajeel’s quick thinking. Though Juvia still remained somewhat restless, because of Levy’s proximity to her beloved, the Water mage was pleased to see that her crush didn’t engage more conversations with the petite bluenette during the rest of the trip.

She readjusted her oversized sunglasses, a valuable part of her elaborated disguise. Half her face was hidden thanks to them, but she could see the whole lobby in a delightful shade of pink, a color that softened Gray-sama’s manly features, a contrast to his taciturn demeanor she sometimes enjoyed seeing.

Speaking of which, the said Ice Make mage went down the few steps to the lobby. Her eyes were so focused on him that she felt she could see sparkles gleaming from how refreshed he looked by his nap. Her hands clasped against her chest, she signed, contented, all her previous agitation forgotten.

Only when he smiled at Levy who had called him out did she break out of her daydream. With a horrified gasp, she swung her arm, hitting Gajeel in the stomach.

“f*cking hell!” the Iron Dragon Slayer yelled, half-startled, half-angry of being woken up in such an untimely manner. His back slammed against the counter, his detective hat slipping off his head. Although the Water mage had insisted that he had to put a disguise, the only thing he agreed to wear was his suspicious-looking detective outfit which consisted of a trench coat, a hat and aviator sunglasses. A terrible choice, really, but at least he was complying. In a way.

“Shhh,” she hissed. “They’ll hear us.”

A vein seemed to pop from his forehead. Maybe, she shouldn’t have woken him so energetically, after all. “Says the squealing woman,” Gajeel growled, annoyed. His eyes flicked between her and where she was pointing. “Ya can’t think you’re being subtle, for real.”

Juvia scoffed, bewildered by the audacity of his statement. Her friend practically had a sign pointing at himself by how suspicious his costume was. The Iron Dragon Slayer didn’t seem to differentiate stealth and subtlety, thinking he mastered both when he really was just good in the former.

“That’s funny coming from Gajeel-kun, because everyone can see your costume from miles away.”

Saying it, she nervously glanced at their two guildmates who seemed too focus in their conversation to notice Gajeel. Feeling that she needed to step up her game to make up for her friend’s lack, Juvia reached for a newspaper that was stacked on the counter, usually something patrons would read with their morning coffee, opened the large sheet and, as she spun on her stool, faced the lobby in a way to hide her hair, something that could give herself away. Gajeel, at least, didn’t have the reflex to do as she did, which would have been suspicious to say the least. However, she angled the newspaper to hide him too from where Gray-sama and Levy stood. Not noticing a thing, or not caring, Gajeel defended himself.

“My costume is awesome,” he said, smug as he readjusted his coat. “Ya don’t know what yer talking about.”

Gajeel and his stubbornness! She listened to him when he was acting reasonable. Why couldn’t he do the same now? He was quite frustrating at times, thinking himself infallible when he clearly wasn’t. He was sticking out like a sore thumb in his trench coat and fedora. How could he not see that?

She sighed. In this trip, it seemed that not only did she have to school him about love, but also about espionage. Both tasks required dexterity and patience on Juvia’s part, as the Iron Dragon Slayer’s pride would get in the way if she took a direct approach in correcting him when he was curiously confident in his abilities. Espionage was her area of expertise, although he had done undercover work. He was more of a double agent type of man, in her opinion, which were worlds apart.

Judging by his closed posture, confronting him directly was pointless. Fighting a knowing smile, Juvia knew that she would have to use his own weapons against him, giving him an alternate version of when he said her “forming wrinkles” would drive away her beloved Gray-sama from her. The Water mage knew that Gajeel and her weren’t that different…

“Well, if Gajeel-kun wants to creep out Levy, it’s on him,” Juvia said, careful to sound nonchalant. She then added innocently her advice, “A detective is out of place somewhere full of waiters…”

With his male pride, Gajeel would want to think that the idea had come from him, which Juvia had no problem letting him believe that. His furrowed brows showed her that he was taking her recommendation seriously.

“I’m hungry,” he muttered. “There’s iron somewhere near.” He turned away, maybe to hide the faint shade of a blush behind his gruff attitude.

With a smile, she accepted the lame made-up excuse he gave her before he slipped away. His cute and awkward side was endearing and was coming up more frequently since he grew closer to Levy. Juvia was happy to witness her friend gradually coming to terms with his soft side. Well, not quite yet, but eventually, he would.

Now free of her movements, she got up and walked elegantly towards the far edge of the bar, where Gray-sama and Levy were discussing. She didn’t notice the eyes that followed in her wake, solely looking ahead. She settled for the third stool from the left, not to be too conspicuous. She threw her hair on her right and rested her face against her left hand, her appearance casually concealed. Sometimes the best disguise was to hide in plain sight. Without ogling, that is… Focused, Juvia eavesdropped, catching Levy’s voice.

“I’ve been going over the plan and couldn’t help but sensing we were missing something,” Levy explained, with a seriousness similar to a teacher talking to a student. “I mean, let’s say we do find the monster. Then, what? We beat him, but what about the other couples? We’ll never know where they are held. We would have to follow the monster back to its lair.”

“Yeah, but at night, it’d be suicide,” Gray said.

Juvia nodded to Gray-sama’s common sense. She ignored a muffled yell coming from her right, followed by the ruffle of clothes behind brusquely manipulated.

“Exactly,” Levy approved. “So, I figured we just tail him by sticking a locating rune on it. I finished the stickers earlier.” She showed him pieces of paper on which writings covered them thoroughly. “When one of us who find the monster, we will simply stick it on him, undetected, and it will automatically track him down. I have the map that will pinpoint his whereabouts.” She beamed, which Gray returned with an approving nod.

“Awesome. So, let’s split up.”

A surge of joy overtook Juvia. She had noticed since her arrival in the town that there was an awful lot of romantic spots (as she had feared). In her heart, the Water mage had thought she would have to witness the intolerable sight of Gray and Levy strolling in this charming ambience. However, all her worries were lifted by him, turning away the presumed seductress. Gray-sama’s professionalism left no place for distraction; it was admirable and one of the many qualities she loved about him.

“I imagine you take the library?” he asked, his tone swaying between light sarcasm and amusem*nt.

Levy nodded energetically, her happiness being obvious. “And you, the museum? You wanted to see, no?”

“Might as well,” Gray shrugged. Levy gave him a knowing look and started to move away. The Ice-Make mage called out for her, “Don’t forget to eat before you get lost in the books.”

“I won’t,” she laughed. “And you, don’t lose your clothes!” She skipped towards the exit but turned around and said, “Enjoy the Ice sculptures! See you around midnight?”

He nodded and waved. Before the petite bluenette was out of sight, Gray went to the reception, seemingly to ask for a map of the city. She waited for him to be gone before going to get one herself to see where this mysterious museum with Ice Sculptures was when a movement behind the counter caught her eyes. Gajeel stood there in a waiter’s outfit, but his necktie crooked. To complete his disguise, he was polishing a glass with what seemed to be a rag to clean the counter rather than the dishes. She rose an eyebrow, bewildered. She hadn’t expected him to actually go through her suggestion, let alone so fast.

“Where did Gajeel-kun get these clothes?”

His eyes were overlooking her, scanning the lobby behind her. “Uh? Where they go?” he asked, ignoring her question.

“Gray-sama and Levy just left.”

The news made his demeanor go from alerted to exasperated in a flash. “Great.”

“But not together,” Juvia smiled, still happy by that fact. “They each went to a different place. Levy has gone to-”

“Let me guess,” he interrupted, deadpan. “A bookstore?”

Although the answer wasn’t much of a surprise, it was endearing seeing Gajeel knowing his girl so well. Her grin widened in approval. He simply scoffed, “annoyed”, averting his eyes, as it happened undoubtedly each time he let some hint of his soft side show, acting immediately disinterested to “regain” his “I-don’t-care” attitude. Silly Gajeel was shy, Juvia thought fondly.

“DAVE?! What happened to you?” a woman’s voice cried, clasping her hands against her mouth.

Gajeel looked behind him, unbothered. Tiptoeing, Juvia glanced to look at what had caused the commotion. A large man was sprawled in the floor, unconscious, bearing only his underwear. A good bump was already forming on the side of his head. Juvia looked at her friend with mild disapproval. One could think she was displeased about his action, but it was rather about the sloppy way he handled it. He shrugged, disinterestedly, as to brush off his implication. However, the staff didn’t plan on letting it slide.

“Security!!” the abashed woman called out. She pointed at Gajeel and Juvia. “These two assaulted poor Dave!”

Two beefy guys in suit came their way, one of which cracked his knuckles. The guards’ ridiculous display of confidence was funny because, even without moving from where they were, it wouldn’t take one second for Gajeel and her to put both guards down. Having known the Iron Dragon Slayer for several years, Juvia knew that, with him, missions, or even simple outings, always ended with them fighting their way out of situations. It wasn’t the first time Gajeel unnecessarily provoked people, sometimes by defending her from mean comments, and more often than not it would force Juvia and him to display the full extent of their strength to get out of his messes. She didn’t mind his straightforwardness that brought trouble. It made him who he was: her silly and moody best friend. Besides, it surely wasn’t the last time they have to fight their way out either.

Juvia laughed and said fondly, “Gajeel-kun is always overdoing it.”

“Gihi, can’t let things go boring,” he smirked. She rolled her eyes, amused. Missions were never boring with him, that was for sure.

He jumped on the counter and made a run to the door, knocking down glasses and earning the cries of protests of the whole pissed-off staff. One of the guards threw himself to catch Gajeel who dodged, propelling himself by transforming his legs into iron poles, extending above everyone’s heads. Juvia swiftly ran, following his example. The second guard stood, his knees slightly bend, ready to tackle her. Such a brute wouldn’t touch her. Elegantly she slid under him, as a flow of water, reforming herself behind the man. Their escape must have left their pursuers dumbfounded, because after three blocks of zigzagging, they seemed to have lost them. Gajeel and Juvia exchanged a proud grin, slightly panting more from the thrill of their run than from fatigue. Despite the shadows of their past, they had some good memories of their teenage years as friends and avoiding trouble was one of them.

“So,” Gajeel trailed off. “Erm, we meet later? Can’t let Shorty alone when there’s a monster on the loose…”

Juvia nodded. “Gajeel-kun can go save his crush and-”

“She ain’t my-” He tried to cut her off, but she continued, unfazed, talking over him as well.

“-Juvia can accompany Gray-sama to visit the most romantic museum there is.” The Water mage felt a blush of happiness colored her cheeks, as she happily took her leave of the grumpy Dragon Slayer.

Her natural optimism let her hope that fate would let them both have a delightful date with their respective crushes. After all, a girl could dream~

Chapter 6: Ironbound to These Feelings

Chapter Text

“Goddamn Juvia and her big mouth,” Gajeel cursed under his breath as he parted ways with his friend. His exasperation was more part of his usual persona than from actual annoyance towards her. If he were honest with himself, which he rarely was, he’d admit he was rather envious of her confidence. Especially her confidence in… love. Juvia had said loud and clear what he tried so hard to fight silently: his infatuation for Shorty.

Too late did he noticed that his role as a protector, his way of paying amends to the small fairy when he first joined Fairy Tail, had changed into something else. The sense of protectiveness had turned into love. Mortified at first by how someone vile like him could desire someone pure like her, he couldn’t help but feel like he was becoming a better man by her side. Just before the S-Class Exam, he had told her he would make her big, but really, she was the one that helped him grow in more meaningful way.

The Iron Dragon Slayer, despite loathing his greediness, did nothing to distance himself from her. Neither did she. She’d always seem up to train with him and Lily. She even asked for his help, deciphering some parts of Draconic texts. Of course, Gajeel kept himself from asking why she hadn’t already asked Salamander.

He was really one greedy bastard, always looking to have her time, always trying to have her by his side. Yet never did he thought on acting on his feelings. It didn’t matter how much he enjoyed being with her, he always unconsciously told himself to back off, as he was undeserving of her.

Grumpy, he shoved his hands in his pockets and walked purposefully as people parted way upon his menacing aura. Juvia’s words echoed in his mind, the easiness in which she spoke of crushes and love. Gajeel snorted, miffed, startling the pedestrian closest to him. She had acted as if he should follow her example, being the love-smitten mess she was. As if he could.

It was easy for Raindrop to be so open about how she loved Stripper. She didn’t mess up like him. Sure, like him, she had met her Ice Bastard during the dumb war between Phantom Lord and Fairy Tail, but unlike him, Juvia didn’t have blood tainting that memory.

Visions of Shorty’s blue hair dangling in front of her unconscious and battered face, hanging by iron manacles of his making, her pale arms stretched weakly, helpless and crucified, still haunt him. The pale scars that still circled her wrists despite all this time were the grim reminder of the monster he used to be, something that somehow pained him more than Metalicana’s departure ever did.

The nightmare he had put her through made it seem like a sin for him to want her the way he did. He held onto that thought, that truth whenever he felt his resolve grow weak or his heart ache for her. Shorty deserved happiness with a good man, a prince from one of the books she loved so much, to woo her and live her happy-ever-after. This thought showed him what his redemption was, justified the restrain he imposed himself whenever he imagined seeing a spark of longing in her hazelnut, doe-like eyes when their eyes met or when their hands brushed. So far, he had managed to honour his word, his silent promise to ensure her happiness.

However, what happened on the train hit him like a ton of bricks.

All his restraint he afflicted himself, forbidding himself from wanting more than the blissful status quo snapped when he had thought Shorty and Stripper might get together in a more than friendly way.

The Iron Dragon Slayer always prided himself of being strong, but since the previous night, he felt anything but strong. His knees felt weak, ready to give in, whenever his thoughts went back to his previous assumptions. Rarely had something paralyzed him like the prospect of Shorty being in another man’s arms.

The inevitability of her eventually falling in love had been shoved in the back of his mind. The impossibility of a man good enough for her always kept the prospect of her settling down a mere afterthought. And so, turning a blind eye had helped him not getting too greedy. Now, the jealousy he once pegged as justified protectiveness overflowed him when he thought again of when he believed the Ice Bastard was being too forward with Shorty.

A low growl escaped his gritted teeth, scaring some more people, some wondering if they should contact the authorities on the clearly pissed man. Still oblivious, Gajeel shook his head, reprimanding himself for being a terrible person. He had no say in Shorty’s relationships, but damn, did he hate it when any man was acting too familiar with Shrimp. There was one thing he hated more than that: the cowardice he felt. A cowardice he now knew was born from his fear of getting his heart broken, a heart he hid behind iron walls.

Now something overshadowed that fear. The void he felt of having Shorty taken away from him, not being able to tease her, to play with her hair or watch her read, scared him more than the possible rejection, as rightful as it would be.

Torn between his resolution to let her to be happy by being with a good man and his desire of being that man for her, he ripped the bow tie from his waiter costume, feeling suffocated, and threw it aside, wishing he could throw along his cowardice with it. No one around him felt the need to reprimand him for littering. His scowl dissuaded even the fiercest ecologist. At this rate, his thoughts would make him spiral down to a dark place, something he neither had the time for nor the patience, hating with passion his own emotional weakness.

The Iron Dragon Slayer took a deep breath, forcing his muscles to relax. He couldn’t let his jealousy get the better of him. Shorty was out there and so was some forsaken monster. He needed his focus on what mattered. He chased away disagreeable thoughts like the Stripper’s face and focused on what never failed to calm him: Shorty. Even though she was to some extent the source of his turmoil, still the thought of her could soothe him, nonetheless. Relieved from his grey thoughts, he brought himself back to his self-appointed mission.

His eyes flickered around, trying to figure out where his senses had subconsciously taken him. The shopping district bustled with people and activity and shone brightly despite the sun having begun its descent. He walked down the street and looked around, searching for a bookstore. Finding none, he focused on his smell to guide him to the bookworm.

His nose slightly up in the air, Gajeel caught a fresh trail of Shorty’s paper and flower scent, sensing she was nearby. Swiftly he followed it, relying solely on his sense of smell to find Shrimp. His eyes searched the area for any possible sign of threat from the monster Stripper and Shorty mentioned.

Gajeel was shocked by the sight of the humongous and very modern building in front of him. Expecting an old stone building with arks and columns in which would be stack thousands of ancient tomes, the sight of a modern construction made of bricks and tall windows, shining brightly with too many lights on, threw Gajeel off balance. The bookstore, if this really was what it was, blocked the way of the street he was coming from, standing tall and proud. It looked as if breaking the quadric organization of the town was the least the citizens could accept, giving the mighty aura the building gave off. Its name “Books and Noble”, a neon-bright insignia, was the only evident indicator of the building’s purpose.

Looking right and left, seeing no other hint of shops on the street he stumbled upon, it was all but one store. For several seconds, he stood there, dumbfounded, trying to comprehend how and why the freaking bookstore was a whole block long. The Iron Dragon Slayer grew discouraged upon the realization that on top of that, it was four storeys high. No wonder why Shorty had been so hyped about the prospect of going to Shirotsume Town.

Gajeel sighed. So, Shorty was somewhere in there, waiting for a monster to attack. Right. She would more likely get lost in her excitement and bounce around for hours, flipping through the pages of any book that caught her eye. Though he didn’t doubt her professionalism and her seriousness, he didn’t underestimate her passion for books nor bookstores. She once told him that reading and buying books were two separate hobbies, so in this case, she was good to go for several hours. Probably until closing. And after people called Dragons and Dragon Slayers hoarders? Bullsh*t. They had nothing against bookworms. He wondered how many books she would buy this time and how she planned on carrying them back. He sighed again, but this time amused, imagining her doing so.

Giving the fact that she was on a mission, the petite bluenette would probably be more into an internal dilemma than a fun book-stroll. She would make such funny faces while debating with herself, faces Gajeel never got tired of seeing and made him ache to tease her even more.

He didn’t even notice he walked in light steps, eager to see her, his foul mood long forgotten. When the doors opened before him, all his senses were flooded, as the bookstore was packed with people. Looking for a tiny blue-haired mage in there would be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Lucky him that he was a Dragon Slayer and had enhanced senses or there was no way he would ever find the bookworm in this maze.

He made his way towards the imposing staircases that sat in the middle of the store, splitting in two to ascend in a winding fashion, a design more fit for a castle than a bookstore. The arrangement was repeated between each floor. His nose brought him to the third floor. A placard indicated that it was where the Romance and Contemporary section was alongside a café. Taken aback, Gajeel rose an eyebrow. He was sure she was going to be in the language section or ancient texts on the last floor, where more academic topics seemed to be.

When he saw the coffee shop area, he understood why she headed there first. The rest area seemed to be the epicenter of love and her mission being about kidnapped couples, who must probably go to cheesy spots like that, thus where the monster would most likely strike. He had heard that Shirotsume Town had many romantic spots for couples, Juvia hammering him with unlikely scenarios in which Ice Bastard and Shorty were on a date on such locations, but seeing the bookstore now, he understood what they all meant.

Even downstairs, there was a sober elegance to the place, its immensity softened by pastel tones and simple book-related decorations. However, the third floor clearly had love story as its theme with pale pink on the walls, tall windows giving view to the city, bouquets of flowers thoughtfully arranged and low chandeliers with dim light hung over the café area where tables for two were placed in front of a stage where undoubtedly musicians played soothing songs. Although it said to be a café, it had a bar vibe to it, too, surely adapting itself depending on the time the patrons came to the counter. At the moment, the tables were all packed, people chattering, facing an empty stage, seemingly waiting for some sort of event, a glass in hand. He turned his attention away, still fixated on finding the petite bluenette among her fellow bookworms.

Only one step in and heads were already turning in his direction. Normally, his height hadn’t been a problem; in fact, it often helped him in combats and such. Now, he towered most people by at least half-a-head and his dark self clashed acutely with the soft pink around. Fortunately, he wasn’t wearing his usual combat attire. He was still clothed with the waiter’s outfit, a casual chic kind of suit. He pulled the collar, uncomfortable, hating that the shirt felt a bit too tight, wishing that Dave guy had spent more time at the gym to build some muscles and wear reasonable-sized shirts. The only advantage he saw was that, at least, he blended more, as most of the men were wearing “nice outfits”.

Suddenly, the sight of blue hair moving amid the bookshelves snatched him out of his thoughts. It brought him back to his current problem: he still stood out too much. He couldn’t even use the bookshelves, as they seemed to stop at his chest, given that all he could see from Shorty was the top of her head. Gihi, she really is a tiny shrimp, he thought humorously. Even if the fact that everything was made so small annoyed him more often than not, he couldn’t stay mad as it just made her look even cuter than she naturally was.

Instinctively going in her direction, his eyes glued to her, he walked stealthily, only stopping to a bookshelf further, opening a random book to not look suspicious. Looking at her, he saw a vision he came to be familiar with; her with head slightly bend over, reading through the titles, her eyes full of stars, a smile plastered on her face.

Gajeel chuckled at his forgetfulness, now recalling something vital. Discretion was irrelevant.

Shorty, once in the vicinity of books, could not be bothered by anything. At all. Not even brawls in the guildhall could break her concentration, which at this point could be considered a superpower in its own right.

Only sometimes when he was particularly determined to annoy her would she look up from a book, but while browsing, he bet he could stand next to her and she wouldn’t even notice him. As much as it wounded his ego, he knew it to be true. Hell, now that he thought about it, even the Ice Bastard wouldn’t measure up to be a decent rival, not when it was clear that who he battled most of the time for her attention was books.

Gajeel exhaled sharply, half-sighing, half-snorting at the thought. Goddamn books. He thought that, but in the beginning of his friendship with Shorty, he gave reading a go, wondering what the buzz was about. After that, although he never admitted it, Gajeel kind of got hooked on crime novels, unexpectedly enjoying the mind games, the suspense and the badass attitude of detectives and, before he knew it, he needed a bookshelf to stack the books he bought.

Only Lily knew and it was because they were flatmates and because he built the bookshelf in Lily’s room in case Shorty visited them. The Exceed teased him about how Gajeel should tell her about it, saying it might make some progress in wooing her but he stubbornly refused. First, because he wasn’t trying to seduce her and second, even if he were, the Iron Dragon Slayer refused to use such devious way to do so. He wasn’t a bookworm, wouldn’t act like one. Gajeel wouldn’t deceive her, making her think he fit some of what would be her dream boyfriend, because he knew he was light-years from that.

From where he stood, he saw Levy opened a book, brought it to her nose and flipped the pages, taking in the smell of fresh paper, humming softly. Closing the book and examining the cover more closely, she brushed her thumb against the book cover, fondness in her eyes, as if she was holding a treasure. His tiny dork was so f*cking adorable, he thought fondly.

And that’s when it clicked. The use of the possessive pronoun when referring to her made him realize. He was in love with her and there was no point in denying it. Not anymore. It clicked because despite everything it still felt right.

Before he could feel guilty of wanting her, Gajeel pushed away the annoying little voice in the back of his head. The pain of imagining someone else taking Shorty away from him was still too fresh for him to listen or care about what his conscience had to say.

His feelings were too strong to be ignored. Hell, he had just traveled hundreds of miles on a whim simply because of his untamed jealousy and desire. Until now, he had never acted upon his feelings because of cowardice. When would he stop denying himself this chance of happiness? When it would be too late? Why mopped and act jealous when he was the one who put himself into the same goddamn pattern of “I’m too sh*tty for her, she deserves better”? Well, yeah, she did deserve better than a bastard like him, but why did it stop him from doing something, anything, about the warmth he felt in his chest whenever he looked at her?

Maybe, he could afford to be selfish. Maybe, he could afford to try his chance with her. Her standing there, radiating calm happiness, was a light he would eternally feel pull to. Why was he even trying to deny his attraction anyway? The worst that could happen was that he would receive the punishment he deserved, a vibrant “no” from the woman he loved but hurt the most. The only thing that could get his emotions under control was that one word said with disdain and aversion that would shatter his heart, but quite rightfully so.

He mentally rolled his eyes at his melodrama. As if Shorty could be cruel and break his heart. The girl was too kind for her own good. The greedy bastard that he is was simply taking advantage of her forgiving nature to his own gain. She really did deserve a better man than him, but he’d be damned if he ran away still. By facing his feelings head-on, he would either walk towards a bright future or get the “no” she had every right to say.

To squash the remaining guilt that still hung on his heart when his resolution solidified, he swore to himself that his past mistakes would be a reminder to always thrive to make her happy. The thought lingered just like his eyes did on her, as she twisted a lock of hair between her fingers, still entranced in her browsing. No matter what he was to her, he would ensure her happiness. As a friend, if she allowed it, or as a lover, if she desired it…

An amplified voice made him jump out of his wits. “Ladies and gentlemen! I hope you’re all having a lovely evening!” Gajeel turned his attention towards the stage from which the voice came, glaring at a grey-haired man dressed in a striped suit, a microphone in hand. He had a mustache so long it stretched past his face each side, sticking out like two caterpillar defying gravity, giving the man a whimsical air to him. “I’m so glad so many of you came to our event: The Bookish Couple Tag! We’re already at our ninth edition of this contest, can you believe it?”

People cheered, expressing their approval and joy. Minding the commotion, Gajeel concealed himself behind a pillar, in case Shorty walked away from the event, as he really couldn’t see what the thrill was about. Although when he turned to Shorty, he noticed she had stopped looking the titles to listen. It must be quite the event to even make her stop her browsing. The Iron Dragon Slayer, whose interest had plummeted, was now curious.

“I’d assume most of you know what the game is about, but in case, there are people who don’t know, I’ll explain!” the host said, punctuating his sentence with a low bow, unnecessarily overacting his persona. The last precision felt like a jab directed to him so, for good measure, Gajeel rolled his eyes. “As the name suggests, it is a game for couples, loosely inspired from the Newlywed Game. One will be designated as the book lover and the other as the book lover’s lover.” The man winked, playfully, who was way too proud for his lame word play. “I, your devoted host, will ask bookish questions to the couple. They both must answer as the bookworm of the couple would. For each identical answer the pair has, they will earn points. Naturally, the couple with the most points will win our grand prize! May I remind you that it is a Books and Noble gift-card of 50000 Jewels along with two book themed shirts that match!”

Shorty’s eyes shone with awe and delight; her mouth slightly open in disbelief. Even the Dragon Slayer couldn’t deny that the prize was kind of impressive. They really went big on it. The people went on cheering. Another employee jumped on stage and whispered something in the animator’s ear. Moving the hand to uncover his mic, the gray-haired entertainer revealed a slight change of plan.

“Due to technical difficulties, the event will be delayed by approximately fifteen minutes. However-” He lifted in the air a glass box filled with folded papers. “-it gives you more time to sign up if you haven’t already! Don’t miss your chance! Now is the time to show your bookworm how much they mean to you! Show them how well you know them!”

The announcement of the contest felt like a sign of destiny, as if the heavens actively encouraged him in his courting. He frowned in disbelief. Sign of destiny? Who was he? Juvia? He was clearly spending too much time with the Rain Woman for thinking such nonsense. He didn’t know if he should thank his friend for the inspiration her babblings had brought or if he should take a break from her and her romantic frenzies.

Yet he couldn’t help but feel that these words were meant for him. Instinctively, Gajeel looked at Shorty. What he saw made his heart sink. She had averted her eyes from the stage, looking down, her shoulders slightly dropped. Even without seeing her face, he knew that no smile was illuminating her demeanor. She was sad and it upset him.

All considerations about tailing (still not stalking), discretion or precaution flew out of the window the moment he heard her sigh, resigned. His tough talk or Juvia’s schemes didn’t matter anymore. Happiness was the only emotion he wanted to see on her cute face. Or annoyance (he still wanted his fun at teasing her). But not sadness. Not when he could do something about it.

Without completely cleaning the slate on their common past, because unlike her, he didn’t have the strength to forgive the monster he had been, so without forgetting, he could still take this opportunity for a new beginning. The first chapter in which he would resolutely pursue her.

A mischievous grin stretched his lips when he looked towards the stage. Shorty was in for the surprise of her life…

Chapter 7: He’s her Favorite Trope

Chapter by InkuEko

Chapter Text

Levy turned away from the stage, unable to restrain a resigned sigh. Of course, some romantic event with a bookish theme would take place in this bookstore, pegged as a must-see for couples.

Normally, witnessing romantic activities didn’t really bother her, but recently it made her feel…low-spirited. If she lied to herself, she could say it was because she was disappointed to be refused the right to participate to a bookish event simply because she was single. However, the truth was that it wasn’t the book part that bumped her; it was the reminder of the fact that she wasn’t with a certain someone. She hadn’t really care before if she was in a relationship or not, but lately it seemed to daunt on her.

But again, it wasn’t her relationship status that disheartened Levy. It was rather the fact that whenever she was faced with something remotely romantic, her thoughts always wandered back to a topic both her mind and heart were particularly fond of in the last months: Gajeel.

Levy couldn’t pinpoint a moment, a precise event on which she could tell she fell in love with him. After accepting his help for the S-Class Exam, she never expected to grow so close with the Iron Dragon Slayer, but it clicked so naturally. Behind his gruff attitude and his scowling face, which really was just a façade, there was a fascinating soul.

As she got to know him, the bluenette found herself discovering sides of him she never would have guessed he possessed. His gentleness with children. His patience when teaching others. His particular love for music. His not-so-well-hidden softness for everything cute. His sharp mind when it came to strategy, fighting and intel. His frustrating habit of teasing her about everything, especially her height.

Without noticing, she started to look for him whenever she entered the guild. Without noticing, she started to spend more and more time with him, even finding silly reasons to justify seeing him when she felt a weird shyness holding her back. Without noticing, she was talking with him everyday and missed him whenever he was out on a job.

Despite having developed her mind through extensive reading and learning, her brain took its sweet time to catch on what was happening. It wasn’t until the snickering remarks and sly glances from her friends nagging her about Gajeel that she did catch on her feelings.

At first, she denied having a crush with passion, but after some time, she finally admitted it out loud. Though, it was obvious to see that her friendship with him didn’t feel the same as with the others. His teasing and their bickering should have been good hints that she had a crush, because his words made her react unlike anyone else’s. She could ride highs and hit downs simply by the way he looked at her or something he said. Never before had her emotions been on such a roller coaster. It was tiring, but also exhilarating.

And yet, Levy couldn’t find it in herself to work up the courage to face her feelings and act. Confess to him. Make a move. No, a petty voice in the back of her mind told her. He would never see her as anything other than that shorty, nerdy friend.

She never had a problem with her self-esteem, although she could admit she sometimes felt envious of some attributes her girlfriends had that she didn’t. Even if she never considered herself particularly beautiful or sexy, Levy knew that she was kind of cute and had some pretty traits, like her hair, her lips or her eyes. Still she couldn’t help but feel that guys prefer the sexy over the cute. Surely, that’s what Gajeel would like…right?

Well, it didn’t matter, she tried to convince herself to move on. They wouldn’t be a good match, she thought without much conviction. Their interests were too different, weren’t they?

Even in the improbability of him returning her feelings, Gajeel would never accept to do such a couple thing with her. She never saw him reading a book for fun. So, no. It wouldn’t interest him in the slightest, and therefore, there was absolutely no reason to be sad. Books were her thing and he made it quite clear whenever she talked about her latest read.

Still, there was this intensity he bore when looking at her, listening seemingly intently when she talked about books which made her uncertain about her belief of his disinterest. Gajeel might tease her relentlessly, but he never dismissed her fangirl talk and always listened, not making her feel silly about what she loved.

Maybe, he felt something similar to the fondness she felt whenever he talked about something he liked or was passionate about, like his trainings with Lily or his manual work with the scrap metal he hoarded. The hint of excitement he carefully buried beneath his rough demeanor would gleam back on the surface, a sight she never got tired of seeing. Levy couldn’t help but feel somewhat privileged of seeing his layers slowly shading off in her presence, a sign of trust that would make her heart flutter with anticipation. It made her hope that… No. No false hope.

The bluenette massaged her temples. Her weak attempt of moving on was obviously not working. As much as she fought it (and it wasn’t much), Gajeel still haunted her mind. She simply was looking for excuses to justify why she shouldn’t tell him about her feelings. As if she could convince herself that because “they would be ill-matched”, she should give up, and then moving on. As if it would be somehow more bearable.

Could she even manage to do that?

After all, her heart would flutter every time he was near or when their eyes would meet unexpectedly or when he replaced a lock behind her ear or when she knew he was trying to make her smile. Every new discovery about him enraptured her more and yet it was never enough. Levy wanted to know everything about him, to solve this mystery of a man, to have him for herself... She couldn’t help but to compare the evolution of their relationship to one of a novel. Like in a book, they went from enemies to friends. It was a trope she was fond of, particularly when the two characters ended up becoming lovers. And even if Gajeel and her weren’t lovers, she did fall hard for him.

She chuckled lightly. She was such a nerd, always bringing everything back to books. Just like Gajeel always says. What could she say? She was a helpless romantic. Which meant there was no way she could move on. Not without trying. Her heart was already too invested for her to quit without a fight. She had to tell him. The conversation would make him feel awkward, and she would feel bad about it, but it was necessary because she knew that his “no” would be the only thing to make her move on.

Yet, even with the rational part of her mind telling her that, a fleck of hope still lived on in her heart. It might be crazy, but she sometimes got the impression that… they were about to kiss. It seemed to be on the brink of happening after a long talk or a particularly heated argument. Her wishful thinking could swear that in those moments he was leaning towards her as she would subconsciously tiptoe. But then, he would look away or she would feel too overwhelmed.

After the moment passed, she would curse her cowardice, still wishing it would happen some day. Though waiting idly never proved to make things happen.

Maybe she could be bold and ask him if she could kiss him. Never had it graze her mind to simply kiss him on impulse. She personally disliked when characters would do that in books, kissing without any form of consent being given. Knowing that she wouldn’t like that a guy she wasn’t interested in romantically kissed her without warning, it was only fair to not subject Gajeel to such a thing. If she saw an opportunity, she should ask… but she didn’t feel she had enough courage.

She still feared his reaction, the awkwardness that unrequited love could cause to their friendship. Losing their current closeness was scary. Could she really risk it even for something more, something even better? Not that friendship was any less than romantic relationships, but with him, she wanted something different, because she felt differently about him than with her other friends. She wanted to mean as much to him as he meant for her. She wanted a more intimate relationship, feeling her love always growing. She wanted to build a future with him, be a family…

She sighed, discouraged. She was getting intense again, but she could hardly help it. Even though she was more discreet than Juvia or Erza, she still had those sweet dreams of love. The only problem was to work up her courage.

A good start would be to stop finding excuses, she scolded herself. Maybe she could act upon a sign, something fate or life would send her way to give her the courage she currently lacked. Yeah. She’d wait for a sign of destiny and she would tell him how she felt. Convinced it wouldn’t be anytime soon, she felt both relaxed and thrilled by the prospect of her future confession.

“Last question!” the host shouted, jolting Levy from her reverie. “With a possibility of two points, let’s hope you can straighten your score…”

The bluenette bit her lips, both amused and discouraged by herself. It was bad enough that the thought of him made it difficult for her to focus, namely on reading when they were both at the guild, but it was worse when it kept her from focusing on a job when he was hundreds of miles away.

No cry nor commotion so far. The peace indicated that the coast was still clear of any kidnapping monster. She checked her satchel, in which was carefully placed her pen and the tracking stickers. If or when an attack would happen, she could quickly reach for both. Giving a quick inspection of her surroundings, she concluded that if the monster struck, it would indeed be on this floor, and it would come crashing through the windows for a swift in-and-out incursion. It would be illogical to go through the staircase as it would alert the people of its coming. So, the windows were the most sensible option. She stayed clear of the tall bay windows but kept a watchful eye on them.

In the distance, bells rang, announcing 6 o’clock. There was still time before anything happened. Skimming the information the mayor provided them on the kidnappings, Levy noticed that the hours of the assaults kind of followed a pattern, depending on the day. If her assumption were correct, as of tonight, it would happen in an hour more or less. She shared her finding with Gray and so they agreed that if neither of their stakeout place was attacked, they would try to find separately the actual location of where the monster was, as quickly as possible. It wasn’t the most flawless plan she came up with, but given what they had, it was the best they could manage for now.

Levy decided to allow herself a five-minute break before focusing seriously. She walked to the bookshelves against the wall, that elevates higher than the ones in the middle of the large room. The books were all so inviting… Buying one book wouldn’t hurt. Besides, there was a couple of new releases she was impatiently waiting for that were probably out by now. After that, the bookworm would feel much better, or would at least stop reminiscing her feelings. Books could take her mind of anything, so why not indulge herself with one innocent buy?

The label read “paranormal romances”, this genre being exactly what the bookworm’s mood was down for. Maybe reading about fictional characters pining for each other would take her mind of her own fruitless love life. Looking at the colourful spines, she still debated with herself if she should or not. Those books were always light and fun, the writing setting a nice flow, making the read quite enjoyable. Though, should she really when on a mission?

Being surrounded by books cleared her thoughts from the ache she felt, but it also kept her away from her responsibilities, one of them being to keep people safe from a monster going rampant. Even if she had “time”, it was no reason to actually go book-shopping.

No, she shouldn’t.

She wasn’t here for books. It didn’t matter if it helped her, emotionally. She just had to pull herself together, the normal way, the non-bookish way, like a mature woman such as herself would. She wasn’t sure what it entailed or meant, but at this point, she simply had to try pushing away the temptation of books.

Levy turned away, crossing her arms, as if it would solidify her resolve. Her willpower wavered. Her eyes flickered back to the bookshelf. One book would really take her mind off what her heart couldn’t have, soothe the turmoil within. And then she would be able to concentrate on the mission at hand.

Giving in on her weakness, indulging herself with one exception, she read quickly the titles from down to up when she suddenly recognized a book she was looking forward to get her hands on. Unfortunately, the book was neatly shelved two feet higher. No stool rested nearby, and no employee were in sight.

The petite bookworm pinched the bridge of her nose, annoyed. Why were bookshelves always too high for people with normal heights? Even on the tip of her toes, her fingers wouldn’t even brush the shelf on which it was. Gajeel would be able to reach without difficulties.

She sighed, discouraged with herself to always bring everything back to her crush. She really needed to get a grip and stop thinking about him. Well, at least, not so often. Before she could set her mind into asking for help from an employee, a muscular arm grabbed the book. Strangely, light was caught on dots on said arm, looking very similar to studs. Her eyebrows shot through her hairline when she spun around and came face to face with none other than…

“Gajeel?!” the bluenette gasped.

The absurd belief of having summoned him by mere thought did cross her mind. The odds were so improbable. He must be an illusion. Yet not even her daydreams could pay this much attention to details. Before she could utter another word, Gajeel, or his illusion, smiled his trademark smirk, handing her the book.

“Ya would have reached it if ya had drunk enough milk as a kid, Shrimp,” he snickered, visibly proud with his comment.

Momentarily forgetting the improbability of him being there, she huffed, “I’m normal size! You’re the giant one!”

“Yer just jealous because bookshelves are designed for people my height,” he said, falling back to their old bickering routine, as if his presence there wasn’t the most improbable thing to occur. He ruffled her hair, messing up her neatly tied orange bandana. She waved his hands away, trying to ignore the heat surely coloring her cheeks because of his touch. He was real. Obviously. But, why was he here of all places?

“Stop messing my hair! What are you even doing here?” she asked, bewildered. Could she have missed something at the guild? Maybe, he was here for the same reason as her. “Are you on a mission?”

“Of sorts,” he said, a shadow of a smile on his lips, as if he was amused by a joke only he knew of.

There it was again. The fleeting sight of a secret, just out of her reach, one that her curiosity was dying to discover. It was frustrating how disarming he could be with those smiles, rare and always full of mysteries. She was not going to settle for that weak explanation, because coincidence like that just didn’t happen in real life. Evasive answers wouldn’t do it. However, true to himself, he found a way to take control of the conversation with one teasing remark.

“Vampires, huh?” he smirked, referring to the book she was holding. “Yer into biting or something?”

“I am not!” Levy immediately denied, feeling weirdly embarrassed. He just had that knack to push her buttons in the most surprising way.

“Hey, not judging you for your kinks, Shortstuff,” he said, too smug to her liking.

She crossed her arms, defiant. However, no matter how reactive she had become since being friends with Gajeel, she always gave him a run for his money because, after all, two could play that game.

“That’s rich coming from a guy that looks like a vampire,” she sneered, before patting wittingly her canines. She could have alluded his red eyes too, but his long canines deliver her message quite eloquently.

“Oi, I ain’t some goddamn sparkling vampire!” he objected, almost growling, subconsciously showing his teeth, as if he wanted to prove her point. “I’m way more awesome.”

Levy laughed at that. “You brood just like one.”

Gajeel stared at her, a stud eyebrow rose with defiance, softened by his smirk. “Ungrateful shrimp,” he scoffed. “Just you wait, I’ll put back that book high and see who’s laughing then.”

He made a move to take the book back. Levy promptly pulled it away. She knew full well how Gajeel would not give up his playful threat and would most likely hold the book out of reach, in hope of making her jump hopelessly to catch it. Instead she gave in this time, apologizing, good-humoredly, “No, no! I’m sorry. It’s obvious you’re cooler.”

“Damn straight I am.” Gajeel crossed his arms and held his chin higher, proud that she recognized his awesomeness.

Levy rolled her eyes and laughed lightly. He was such a dork. Whenever they were together, they would start to bicker or act witty with the other. It was almost impossible not to. After all, they did nag each other, even on missions. Speaking of which…That thought made her remember that he still had evaded her question.

She looked at him, hugging the book against her chest. Why was he here? Just when she thought of him? Just when she decided she would confess upon a sign of destiny? Why had life such a wicked sense of humor? After all, even if the stars had aligned and he was indeed on a mission in Shirotsume Town, what were the odds that he would be in the same bookstore as her? Gajeel might be stubborn but so was she.

Her willpower on getting answers would not waver whatsoever and if he hadn’t learnt it by now, he would discover it tonight. She straightened herself and faced him, although his attention was turned elsewhere, seemingly towards the stage.

“No, but seriously, how come you’re here?”

Before she could nudge him and tell him to stop avoiding her question, a booming voice interrupted her.

“Couple number 3: Levy McGarden and Gajeel Redfox!”

She jumped out of her wits when she heard her name being announced. Why on Earthland was she being called? Her overthinking brain went rampage, trying to understand. Going from the most insane explanations to the rational ones, she figured someone might have recognized her as a Fairy Tail mage. The guild being so popular, it happened that people would approach her to take a picture, have an autograph or simply talk. Not quite often as Erza or Mira, but it was a possibility. One thing that puzzled her was the amplified voice. It seemed to come from the stage. Wasn’t that for the Bookish Couple Tag? Why? She never signed up for that. Wait, hadn’t they called Gajeel too?

Turning towards him, she saw the Iron Dragon Slayer unfazed, which only confused her more. Frozen in place, she watched him walk towards the stage, as naturally as ever. It could only mean one thing…

“Y-you signed us up…?” Levy stuttered. She was too surprised to even judge her own lack of aplomb.

Could this evening go any crazier? It was only mere minutes ago that she had deemed this scenario impossible, this scenario of Gajeel and her doing a bookish activity together. Like a date. Like a dream.

Yet, there he was, standing there looking oddly pleased. Was this…planned? She simply blinked, unable to compute. Giving her his signature smirk, he nodded towards the stage and said, “C’mon, Shrimp, we have books to win for ya.”

It hadn’t been romantic words by any stretch, but those words coming from his mouth made her stomach flipped, swarmed by an army of butterflies, and her cheek heated with shy happiness. She followed him without a word, afraid of losing her composure when plagued with so many emotions.

The showman welcomed them warmly before turning to the crowd, hyping them with the current scores. She barely caught on what the commentator was going on about until he turned towards them. Her dizziness was barely fading away. Everything was still too surreal for her rational mind, even after realizing it was indeed reality and not some dream.

“First, before we begin, who’s the book lover and who’s the bookworm lover?”

The question abruptly brought her back to her senses. Before she could answer in an automatic response that she was the book lover, she halted herself at the second part. Bookworm lover? As in…her boyfriend? Would Gajeel…

“The Shrimp’s obviously the book lover,” he said, not batting an eye at the question’s implication. Levy hoped with all her might that she wasn’t as red as she thought she was.

“Alright! So, the question will be addressed to you!” the commentator announced, cheerfully, pointing at Gajeel. “Once again, I’ll tell how the games goes! You both have a white board before you and you both have to answer our bookish questions as the book lover, in this case, Miss McGarden would. Every identical answer will give you a point. The more points, the more chances to win our big prize. Currently, the best score is 8 points out of 10. Good luck!”

It was a good thing that Levy already knew the game because she had not listened to a single word. She was still too dazzle over the fact that Gajeel hadn’t deny the “bookworm lover” implication. She fought her heart to not have too much hope, but it was hard. Despite being considerate, Gajeel never allowed himself to have his relationship label beyond partnership. Besides, hadn’t he said they were there to win some books for her? He probably saw her long for the books and wanted to help. How ironic that she longed for him more.

An assistant came up with two white pads and erasable markers and handed them to the white-haired showman. Her heart was pounding against her chest. She had to clear out the misunderstanding before her hopes about the possibility of him reciprocating her feelings piled up.

“Gajeel…”

“Trust me, Shrimp, we got this,” he cut her off, as if he thought she wanted to back down. He opened his pen and gave her a smile full of co*cky confidence. “Just answer ‘em truthfully.”

Levy tilted her head, amazed. All her uncertainty was forgotten. That smile…That damn smile. It could have made her forget even her name.

The host called them out, “Okay, no more talking! We start with an easy one! First question: what’s your bookworm most recent read?”

It was the book she brought on the train and finished before her nap, earlier. She couldn’t recall if she had brought it with her to the guild before leaving. The bluenette gulped. The game was off with a bad start. However, as Gajeel asked, she truthfully wrote the title of her last read. She turned her board when the countdown hit zero. Her eyes widened when she saw the answer on Gajeel’s board. Gods of Shadow and Jade. Just as it was written on hers.

“Why, miss, don’t drop your jaw! Your boyfriend does listen to you,” the host joked, to which the crowd laughed.

That wasn’t the point at all! She hadn’t talk to him about the book. How did he even manage to catch that title? It took her less than a day to read it. Well, maybe, she mentioned it once to him, because she had waited for the book for a while, but even then…had he really listen so intently to her to remember such a detail? He cared. Not just about her, but the things she loved. The thought brought her more happiness that she would dare to admit.

“Question number two: Hardback or paperback? Extra points if you add why!”

Now she was curious on just how much he could answer about her love of books. She turned towards him, and saw Gajeel giving her a small nod, confident. Levy rose an eyebrow and wrote her answer quickly. She bet he could answer the first part, as it was quite easy, but there was no way he remembered the reason.

When the countdown struck zero, they both turned their white boards at the same time. She almost dropped hers when she saw her exact answer written in his square-ish calligraphy: Paperback. Cheaper and they’re easier to carry around.

Her dumbfounded expression drew a smirk on his face. She returned his smile. Maybe, she should stop underestimating him. The man was, after all, full of surprises.

“Question three: Do your bookworm read a book in one sitting or over several days?”

Gajeel snorted loudly. Levy herself had difficulties restraining an amused smile. He answered A book in one sitting, if not several books where she modestly wrote the first option.

“Question 4: A book your bookworm always recommends you.”

Once again, they had the same answer: A Study in Scarlet. Although Levy must admit that if he didn’t know that one, she would have taken offense on it. After all, every time they went to the park where he would sit by her side while she read, he would complain about boredom after five minutes, on which she would invariably recommend that book. The bookworm knew he complained simply “for good measures”, because he had no obligation to stay by her side. He simply did. However, she could not not recommend a book; she found satisfaction in getting back at him like that for complaining.

Besides, having discovered he kind of appreciate the whole detective kind of persona, she figured there was no harm in recommending a crime novel. Sure, he hadn’t read it yet, but she always had her copy ready, just in case he wanted to borrow it. A mystery and an awesome partnership, two things he liked! One day, he might let his curiosity get the best of him and give it a try. Just like Lily had. A girl could hope.

“Question Five: Favorite trope.”

Gajeel paused, looking a point on the floor, as if stun by a trick question. The host caught on his expression.

“Sir, do you know what a trop-”

“Yeah, gimme a minute,” Gajeel cut him off.

Levy was nervous because honestly, she couldn’t tell if she knew the answer to that because, well, there was no good answer. It was the kind of thing that changed with her mood. She bit her lips, looked at him, then back at her board, before scribbling the first one that came to her mind.

Unfortunately, her Enemies-to-Friends-to-Lovers answer mismatched his Dark and Mysterious Love Interest. She wanted to facepalm. There was no way he would have guessed that! It was way too specific.

Too specific… She felt her cheeks heat with embarrassment. What an idiot she was! Couldn’t she more clearly spell out that she was in love with him?

“Well, well,” the host laughed, looking at Gajeel’s board. “Judging by your answer, sir, you do know why this young woman is with you, do you not?”

Levy almost choked on air. She re-read his board. How did his answer tell anything on their relationship…?

“I’m sure you were her dark and mysterious love interest,” the host spelled out for her, wiggling his eyebrows to her. He then turned to Gajeel, looking as if he had something to add. What she saw surprised her. Despite his tan, she could swear there was a faint blush coloring his cheeks. Their eyes met and Gajeel quickly adverted his, re-directing his attention towards the host. The imposing Dragon Slayer had the exact same face he had before jumping to Natsu’s or Gray’s throat. The white-haired man sensed the danger and quickly dropped the subject.

“Okay, question 6 is the contrary: Tell us her least favorite trope.”

Gajeel’s scowl lessened, now considering the question, looking for the answer. Levy couldn’t help the smile forming on her lips. His embarrassed side was so cute, and he could never completely hide it, much to Levy’s joy. Her own embarrassment was long forgotten, overshadowed by the silly happiness of him, being there and trying to remember her bookish quirks. She wasn’t even sure her childhood friends from Fairy Young could have answered as much as him. She stared at him, feeling overwhelmed by the affection she felt for the Iron Dragon Slayer.

No, she wouldn’t deny it.

It wasn’t like with Gray, where the thought of them together as anything else but siblings felt weird. With Gajeel, it felt good, felt right. She realized she had been lost in thought when she saw the countdown hitting 3. Hastily, she wrote her answer and showed it, matching this time with Gajeel’s: Girl’s Life Changes Because of a Boy. Another point was added next to their names on the list of contestants. They were faring fairly well with their five points, exceeding the last couple’s score.

“On with the next question! And try not being jealous~” the host winked to Gajeel. The man seemed to have no basic sense of preservation. Keeping up with his cheekiness, Gajeel’s patience would wear thin. “Who’s her fictional husband?”

Gajeel scoffed, as if the mere thought of him being jealous of a fictional character was the most absurd thing he had heard. However, he wrote with too much force, clearly annoyed by the question, probably out of embarrassment and was now pointedly avoiding Levy’s eyes. She bit her lips, trying to contain her laugh. She would have to cast some iron for him to thank him for doing this with her. The bell rang and they both gave their answer. She burst out laughing when she saw Gajeel’s matching hers with one glaring difference: f*cking Mr. Darcy. The crowd joined her hilarity, and some guys shouted their approval to his choice of word. Gajeel simply shrugged, acting indifferent to his unwavering streak of good answers while Levy was smiling so much it was starting to hurt her cheeks.

“Question 8: The fatal flaw of your bookworm!”

Gajeel rolled his eyes, a smirk halfway between amusem*nt and exasperation, and Levy was ready to be displeased by an obvious jab coming her way. She un-huffed her cheeks when she saw the accuracy of his observation: Cannot DNF. Must always finish the book. They now had seven points.

“It’s going good, they might catch up with our finalists!” the host said, excited. “Question 9 will be tricky, though! What is their favorite book?”

The Iron Dragon Slayer gave the man a look that roughly translated to “man, you got to be kidding me with that stupid-ass question”.

“So far, no couple has succeeded in having the same answer! Let’s see if the streak will continue or will break here!”

Levy let out a discouraged sigh. Well, that was unnecessarily defeatist, but the host surely wanted to keep things interesting by adding some suspense. She exchanged a look with Gajeel and they both shrugged. Levy didn’t mind that another impossible question for bookworms was thrown their way. She didn’t mind if they didn’t win. She had way too much fun with Gajeel to dwell on such an insignificant detail. One of her secret dreams had come true and there was nothing that could spoil it. What wasn’t her surprise when once again on both boards was written exactly the same thing: Too many.

The host’s jaw dropped while the spectators let out an admirative “woooah”. The improbability of a bookworm being decisive about their favorite book was what prevented anyone of having a perfect score. And yet they did it. Levy couldn’t contain her joy, jumped off her chair and went hugging Gajeel. She sensed him stiffened, but before she could back off, worrying of having been too forward, he wrapped his muscular arms against her. His signature laugh eased her worries.

“Gihi, we’re winning this sh*t, Shorty,” Gajeel grinned. “Told ya you could trust your ma-, trust me with this.”

“You’re really the best,” Levy said, pulling away from the hug to admire his co*cky smile. She felt so thankful to have him by her side and her emotions made it hard for her to articulate what her heart yearned to express. “I really don’t know what to say…” she finally admitted.

“Your praises are a nice start.” His voice had grown quieter, as if volume would diminish the meaning of his words. “But, really, anything for ya, Shrimp…” His hand held hers, soft and warm. With his thumb, he struck the back of her hand. Amazed by the tenderness she saw in his eyes, she forgot everything from where she was to what they were doing and bluntly asked, “Can I kis-”

“Okayyy, lovebirds, before celebrating, let’s wrap this up with our last question. Question 10: The upcoming book your bookworm is most excited about?”

Levy jumped and nervously laughed. Gajeel downright growled at the white-haired entertainer. The bluenette went back to her seat, anxiously replacing her bandana which hadn’t move at all. She timidly asked the host to repeat the question and then wrote on her board the book release she was most excited about. One she had just talked with Gajeel, half an hour ago. Her answer was Midnight Sun where his was more crudely put as New sparkly vampire book that titled Midnight Something.

“Do we give it to them?!” the host asked to the crowd. “It was close enough, wasn’t it?”

The crowd agreed as one. Normally, Levy’s heart would have raced with thrill in the anticipation of new books, but right now she only had eyes for Gajeel. And the attention seemed to be reciprocated as his eyes were on her. His rough features were softened by the grin he gave her.

Oh, how she loved him. There was really no point in denying it. Besides, what had just happened was anything if not a sign. Why bother with uncertainty? She was going to tell him, tell him she loved him.

However, someone suddenly came running from downstairs, clearly distressed. The woman, visibly an employee, panted, took a deep breath and yelled the news she was carrying, “THE ICE SCULPTURES MUSEUM IS UNDER ATTACK!”

It took only a second for the news to sink in. Gray! She thought, the panic making the magic of the moment dissipate in an instant. Levy looked at Gajeel, who seemed as alarmed as her. In a silent agreement, they rushed towards the exit, both running to aid theirs friends.

Chapter 8: The Ice Prince and the Water Witch

Chapter Text

Under the darkening sky, Juvia walked in light steps, quite pleased with herself. Despite Gajeel’s brush-off, the Water mage knew that he was going through an emotional growth regarding his true feelings. As a Love Ally, she rejoiced in the thought of his future date almost as much as the prospect of her own. She could almost picture it; Gajeel would try to play it cool with his gruff attitude but would grow soft as soon as he’ll see the petite bookworm read.

Juvia knew the drill; it didn’t take more than five minutes for Gajeel to walk up to her, either to talk or most likely to tease. Ten minutes and thirty-two seconds had been the maximum he achieved, and it was only because she had made the remark to him about how often Gajeel and Levy were together. Even his ridiculous male ego hadn’t succeeded in keeping him away from her. Juvia wasn’t complaining; she found it quite endearing.

It was on Tenrou Island that she had noticed the first spark. Without wanting to build too much hope, she had wished that her friend would soon know the joys of love. It was a hope she had for him ever since she discovered these joys with Gray-sama. In Phantom Lord, despite their friendship, Gajeel had always been awfully alone. He always said he liked it better that way, but Juvia knew better. Solitude drained the heart.

He seemed way happier now, which overjoyed her. He did deserve more love in his life, and she was glad Levy could bring him that. And not only because it would mean the bluenette would stay away from her beloved Gray. She would be happy for them. Genuinely happy.

Juvia wondered if Gajeel would finally tell Levy that he loved her. Had he listened carefully to her exposé about maiden’s pure hearts and how to swoon them? She hoped so. It would help him in case of doubt.

She abruptly stopped on her tracks, punctuated by a loud gasp that startled a passerby. Had she forgotten to tell him he needed to change his approach strategy?! Tease Levy wouldn’t do it this time, if Gajeel hoped to achieve real progress with her! Juvia bit her nails, racking her brain, trying to remember. Had she failed as Love Ally? She sighed in defeat. She would have to trust Gajeel’s own judgment not to mess up. He might be a Love Newbie, but she believed in him.

After all, his love would surely make him think of romantic gestures. Hadn’t love proven to be stronger than anything? It would overcome Gajeel’s typical gruff attitude and show his true feelings. And then a new couple would be formed! So long, Love Rival #7. Then, she’d only have to deal with Lucy, Erza, Wendy, Cana, Ultear and Lyon.

She let out a miffed sigh. As much as she understood why Gray was so popular (after all, he was the dreamiest of them all), it still annoyed her, having to deal with so many rivals. Some of them seemed to have some advantages over her, such as shared childhood memory. She even heard an appalling rumor saying he once took a bath with a girl. Even if he were a kid at the time, her mind couldn’t help but see it as an unforgivable lead from one of her Love Rivals. Had someone already stolen Gray-sama’s heart? Was she too late? She shook her head, wanting to chase those unpleasant thoughts, solely focusing on her beloved Gray. She needed to see him to soothe her mind.

Focusing on her surrounding to get to him more quickly, she looked around. Couples were walking holding hands, enjoying the evening in pairs. A man even had his boyfriend partly wrapped in his jacket to protect him from the cold. The sight warm Juvia’s heart. She couldn’t wait for Gray-sama to do such sweet attentions to her.

Though she hoped, she knew for a fact that it wouldn’t be anytime soon. Still, it made her wonder. Why hadn’t Gray-sama reacted to her advances? Not that she minded, but the status quo between them confused her at times. Her feelings for him were quite clear, but his answers never were. Her hope still lived on as he never gave her a flat “no”. The Ice Mage might seemed cold to some people, but Juvia knew that there was more to it. Something was holding him back.

She wouldn’t pry though. As curious as she was, she respected his boundaries. However, sometimes she couldn’t help but hope for an answer. Any answer…

Instinctively, she brought her hand to her winter hat, lightly brushing the yellow flower brooch. It had been a Christmas gift from Gray-sama, although no one knew it was from him. She remembered the day quite vividly.

*****

The guild had thrown a huge party for Christmas, and Mirajane had organised their traditional Secret Santa event. She had drawn out of the hat Cana’s name. Of course, Juvia had never considered not giving a gift to her beloved Gray no matter the drawing results, and so she had prepared two gifts for the party.

For Cana, she had sewn a body pillow, in the shape of a bottle of beer, which made the Magic Card Mage grin happily and say something along the line of how she had even less reasons to have a boyfriend since she would be more comfortable with her new pillow.

For Gray, she had sewn him a long dark overcoat, with white outline, a style she figured would underline his strong build and his natural coolness. She had waited for the short moment between the gift exchange, and the many other activities and games that Mira had planned, judging it to be the perfect time to give it to him.

As expected, Gray didn’t want to accept it at first, saying the rule said a gift per person. It was a tradition to only do as such in order to not bankrupt anyone by having to buy gifts to everyone in the guild, a feat above anyone’s paygrade. However, Juvia didn’t let it go, as she was sure it would still make him happy. Gray then sighed but accepted it.

As he teared the happily smiling snowmen themed wrapping, Juvia saw his eyes widened with a faint spark of amazement. When he held the overcoat in front of him, examining it, her heart leaped in happiness. His contentment was short-lived when Erza and Cana started to chant for him to do a fashion show. Red in embarrassment and anger, he refused adamantly until both Erza and Mira’s dark auras made him comply.

Juvia’s happiness was complete when she saw how handsome he looked in her gift, and despite his bashfulness, he seemed quite pleased with his new piece of clothing. She could tell by the ghost of a smile on his lips when their eyes briefly met.

The rest of the evening went just as well, people drinking and dancing after the series of mini games they had. As people began to fall from exhaustion, Juvia looked around and noticed that most girls were also already sleeping on the floor. Being the only one standing still from Fairy Hill, she decided to head home by herself.

She hadn’t taken more than three steps outside that a voice had called her name. His voice. Averting her eyes, his cheeks slightly red, he had said in a low voice, “At this hour, there’s a lot of weird people outside… So...” He scratched the back of his head and instead of finishing his sentence, he started walking towards Fairy Hills, only pausing to make sure she followed.

Overwhelmed with happiness, she hadn’t minded his roundabout way of telling her he would walk her home. They had walked in silence, admiring the beauty of the snowflakes falling on this peaceful night.

They had stood outside Fairy Hills in silence for a few seconds, allowing Juvia to admire Gray-sama’s profile as he watched the sky. Having thought it was the conclusion of his gentleman-like attention, she had wished him once more “Merry Christmas” and “Good night”. As she had turned away to open the door, she heard him clear his throat. Curious, she had turned back to him, wondering if everything was alright, and had seen him hold a small white box with a red ribbon.

“Figured you’d give me something… So, here,” Gray had said, nonchalantly, but still averting his eyes.

Juvia had felt like the whole universe had lighten up. Feeling a cozy warmth spread through her body, she had taken the gift between her hands, her vision tunneling to this sole thing. She had taken off the lid to see a beautiful yellow brooch, the flower shape highlighted by embedded gems with a darker yellow shade.

*****

A light blush colored her cheeks. He did care for her, but he was shy with his emotions. It wouldn’t damper her own feelings. Juvia was a patient woman. She could wait for him. However, it didn’t mean she wouldn’t try to help him understand and face his feelings.

She looked up to read the street name to situate herself in the city. Currently at the intersection of General Winter Street and Boreal Avenue, she knew that the museum was only a few streets away. She had checked a map of the city while in the hotel and had memorized it, paying more attention to the romantic locations pinned down for unaware tourists, the Ice-Sculpture Museum being the one that caught her eyes for obvious reasons.

The Water Mage quickened her pace and finally reached the famous attraction. The Museum was an impressive structure, its white stone giving it the appearance of a construction made of snow. It was an artwork of its own right. Juvia could have stay there to admire it longer if she hadn’t seen the silhouette of Gray-sama inside. Her heart flustered. He looked so cool and mature with his hands in his pockets and his coat loosely flying as he disappeared inside. His appearance was as sharp as his jawline, Juvia sighed in awe.

Emerging from her daydream, she hurried towards the entrance, hoping she wasn’t too far behind. She pushed eagerly through the revolving door, just in time to see Gray entering the first exhibition room as coolly as ever. Juvia went to the counter and asked politely but earnestly one ticket. She had already her Jewels in hand to pay, but the woman had another question before charging her.

“Would you like the audioguide?” the kind lady asked. “It really brings the whole romantic side of the exhibition.”

Normally, nothing would stray her from Gray-sama, but the word “romantic” echoed in her mind alongside her hope for a date.

“The romantic side?” Juvia tilted her head, now interested.

The cashier nodded, an engaging smile on her lips. “Yeah. Each statue has a different story. Some come from legends, others from real life. But, they’re all beautiful, in my opinion. Especially “The Ice Prince and the Water Witch”, a story from our local folklore. With the Fire Princess and the Water Sorceress. A story of love, jealousy and passion.”

Juvia’s attention had been lost after the mention of the Ice Prince as her imagination had already reign in, visualizing an image of Gray in a prince attire.

“Juvia will take one, please!” she exclaimed, already ready to hand her Jewels to the startled cashier.

“Ah, I should have mentioned first,” the woman smiled, a little apologetically. “But it’s an extra of…”

Before the woman could finish her sentence, the Water Mage had already more Jewels in hand. Bringing them closer to the cashier, as if to insist that she’d take it, she said, “Juvia doesn’t mind. At all.”

The cashier had a nervous laugh (maybe intimated by so much enthusiasm) and slid both the ticket and the audio guide through the slot.

“Thank you! No need for the change!” Juvia waved energetically, already bolting to the last place she saw Gray. She barely heard the “O-okay, have a nice visit…” from the cashier. After all, she was a woman on a mission, she tried to remind herself.

Hurrying up the flight of stairs, the thought of her mission flew out of the window as soon as she laid eyes on the first exhibition room. The dark blue walls stood tall and mighty, giving the impression to be inside a castle rather than a museum. Placed in a way that no statue hid another, they shone with a faint glow, the ice reflecting the chandeliers’ light. Knights, princesses, creatures of legends and little people posed with a transcendent grace. They look so realistic, that it seemed they were real beings froze in the middle of their motion. Even from afar , Juvia could see how detailed the statues were, how much work went into them. They were absolutely breathtaking. True artwork, unlike she has ever seen. The delicacy and the elegance of the ice shown to its most polished way. A beauty that brought tears to her eyes.

Juvia walked towards a first one, mesmerized by a beautiful woman holding a flower to her nose, seemingly at peace. Her eyes lingered on the intricate embroidery on her dress. The lines were so sharp yet so detailed, a talent she only saw in Gray’s Ice Make. She had no doubt her beloved would be able to replicate such complex designs. At the thought of him, her head snapped up. Where was Gray-sama? She only lost sight of him for a few seconds and he was already gone.

The Water mage walked steadfastly towards the second room where surely Gray had gone. However, her motion was brought to a stop when her attention got caught by the sight of an ice sculpture that look like her beloved Gray. Wearing a lavish outfit and sitting on a throne, she suspected the statue to represent the Ice Prince the cashier had mentioned. He had the same unkempt hair and sharp features. The figure even held the same kind of melancholy she could see in the Ice Mage’s eyes sometimes. She gawked for what seemed like a few seconds when someone cleared their throat to call her attention. Startled, she turned her head to meet the eyes of an elderly couple.

“I’m sorry, my dear,” the old man gently said, bundle up with hand knitted layers of clothing, surely made by his wife. “Could you manage to give us a little spot in front of the statue? We have reached this part of the story and my wife can’t see properly if she’s not close… If you don’t mind.”

The elderly couple looked at her with kind eyes and soft smiles. The man stood taller and the old lady was holding onto his arm, her other hand on her cane. The query made her realize she had been inconsiderate of people around her, of which she quickly apologized. “Juvia is so sorry! She didn’t realize! Please, do take her place!”

“No need, dear,” intervened his wife. “We can all look at it together. Aren’t you still listening this part of the story?”

“The story? Oh, no, Juvia was just looking…”

“Oh, but sweetie!” She protested. “You can’t miss out on the narrative! You can’t start the story in the middle~” She gently scolded her, punctuated with a playful wink.

Juvia tilted her head, confused. The old man caught on and explained, “There’s an order to the story. The first statue is that one over there. You simply follow as the audio guide tells you. As locals, we highly recommend it; the Ice Prince story is beautiful.”

Hearing the praise of this story for a second time, her desire of looking for Gray-sama was (for a first time) outweighed by her curiosity. It would have been normally impossible, but the legend included an Ice Prince who looked awfully like her beloved. Besides, Gray-sama was on a mission and had to stay in the museum. She’ll be able to catch up with him when she’d be done.

“Then, Juvia shall follow your advice and listen to it properly. Here, take her place.”

With a gesture, she invited them to stand where she was. As they moved slowly, she noticed a movable bench to her right, where they most probably were beforehand. Juvia quickly went to retrieve it and then placed it behind the couple for them to sit.

“Thank you, sweetie,” the old woman smiled. To which the old man, added, “You are most kind. The person who is in your heart is very lucky.”

Juvia smiled shyly, her mind flickering back to Gray-sama. She bowed her head slightly to bid them farewell.

“Thank you both! Juvia will let you enjoy the rest of your date! Goodbye~”

They both waved. The old man handed an earbud to his wife, sharing a single audio guide. The sight made her heart melt. Growing old together seemed to be such a wonderful thing. Sharing their lives for so long, they must have so many happy memories together. With a happy sigh, she skipped to the statue the couple had pointed as the beginning of the tour. It was the same character, the melancholic Prince, but on this installment, he was standing on what seemed to be a balcony, his eyes casted down, surely to portray the loneliness of royalty and the distance he felt from his people.

She looked at the small inscription at the bottom and then she inserted the number written on the bottom part in the tape guide. A deep yet soothing voice started narrating the story titled “The Ice Prince and the Water Witch”.

Long ago, when magic was still but a seed yet to bloom lived a young Prince with a cold demeanor but a warm heart. He reigned with kindness, as life had taken a lot from him and taught him to never take happiness for granted.

After that last word, a bell sound rang, the cue indicating to move to the next statue. In the midst of pine trees stood a scary figure, of a woman with diabolical features. Half hidden, her stance was clearly predatory, a threat. With this statue, the emphasis was more on the atmosphere than the character.

One day, rumors came to his kingdom in which was said that in the Medio Forest a Witch turned people into puddles of water. The Prince then volunteered to put an end himself to this terror, fearing for his people’s wellbeing and for the peace.

The third statue was one that played with perspective, the prince closer to the viewer, both observing a pretty woman with a somewhat rustic apparel, sitting near a cascade.

After many days of travel, the Prince finally found the Witch near a waterfall. Readying his sword, he heard a melodic voice, asking him to not come closer for his own good. His curiosity piqued, he asked what she meant. She explained that she was cursed as a child with the magic of water and that anyone who meets her gaze turn into water, forcing her at the same time to be alone forever.

The next statue was the woman, the rumored evil witch, her back turned and her face hidden between her hands. Her posture showed a clear desire to protect the Prince from her curse, though he stood besides her, his hand extended to reach for her.

Her story had touched the Prince. Seeing no ill intention in her, he felt the need to help her. Turning the problem in his head, the Prince came up with an idea to bypass her curse. For her to have a normal life, he risked it all when he looked through the ice cap. The Witch tried to stop him, fearing for the life of the first person who cared for her. What wasn’t her surprise when she saw he was alright. As the two young people looked at each other, something changed. Hope took a hold on the Witch’s heart. Hope and a love for him that wouldn’t cease to grow the more time she spent with him.

The bell rang once more and Juvia moved to the statue where both characters stood in what seemed a town, the witch now wearing a pair of glasses.

The Prince invited her to come with him and live in his kingdom, since, after all, the Witch was now freed from her solitude. As soon as they arrived, he ordered a pair of protective glasses for her, so she would see but not turn people into puddles. At first, people were wary, but soon they quickly stopped to fear her. Although she grew closer with people, the Witch felt displeased as she had to share the Prince with others.

Now, the statue had a third figure, a princess which beauty was mesmerizing. The prince was turned towards this new character while the witch had her back turned but her face angled in a way that she was still watching. Her expression was twisted, unlike her happier demeanor on the previous one. Juvia felt a twinge of compassion for her.

Meanwhile, having heard of the heroic feat the Prince did, the neighboring kingdom offered to form an alliance to strengthen both kingdoms. The Prince agreed, foreshadowing an era of peace. However, what had begun as a purely political agreement bloomed into something more when he met the Princess. She had a beauty that could rival the stars and a bright personality that could overshadowed the warmth of the sun. Love blessed their encounter, and an engagement naturally followed.

The Witch was mortified by the news and wanted to put a stop to it. No matter her schemes, the incidents only brought the young couple closer. The date of their marriage was just around the corner and the Witch felt the Prince slip away from her.

Unable to take off her eyes of the statues and totally absorbed by the narration, Juvia felt her heart tightened and her eyes burn with forming tears. The last sentence was hitting too close from home, but she couldn’t bring herself to stop listening.

Her jealousy reaching a peak, she planned to get rid of her rival once and for all. Her love had become obsession and so the thought of having him taken away from her was unbearable. When the door opened, expecting his fiancé, her cursed eyes met the Prince’s. In shock, her mind barely had time to grasp the amplitude of her mistake that he was already fading away, becoming water.

As her eyes went to the next statue, Juvia felt her knees weakened when she saw the distress on the Witch’s face as the Prince slowly dissolving into water, lost forever. The Water Mage could feel the woman’s grief, her heartache as it was her own. The similarities with herself were simply too much and the climax, this tragedy, scared her as if she was the cause.

The pain, the guilt drove her mad and so she jumped out of the window into the ocean, becoming one with the thing that poisoned her life. Water, when hurled by a storm, by jealousy, becomes unpredictable and cruel.

Juvia let her tears run down freely, overwhelmed. She had to rationalize. It wasn’t Gray-sama. It wasn’t her. She repeated it like a mantra. Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling of dread she felt. There were many parallels she could draw from her own life.

When meeting her love, Juvia, too, was first bemused by his prince appearance, his handsomeness, his coolness. Just like the Witch, she had been grateful and relieved beyond words that her rain was gone, the sun brightening the sky thanks to him. Just like the Witch, it was the first reason why she liked Gray-sama. On top of being beautiful, he was kind, even to his enemy, a quality she saw oh so rarely. Among her previous guild, niceties always hid intentions, hope of repayment. So, when she met Gray, it was a shock, but also a blessing. Someone who didn’t know her, from whom her (ex) guild had done harm, helped her, out of the goodness of his heart. Thanks to his kindness, she felt hope that people could simply be kind. That people could like her despite her quirks. That people like her deserved second chances.

From the outside eye, her love at first sight might seem superficial or a silly reason to like someone so much, but to a romantic like Juvia, Gray was an ideal she could only dream of. Both handsome and good, it was enough to make her fall in love. In the wake of Phantom Lord disbandment, a new beginning presented itself when Master Makarov reached out to her. Not only would it allow her to be close to the person whom she now hold dear to her heart, but the old mage gave her the opportunity to walk a better path.

As soon as she joined Fairy Tail, she looked for ways to repay the Ice mage’s kindness. In the form of gifts and of attentions, she showered him with her love. Unable to contain the affection she felt, Juvia might have gone overboard with social norms, but her heart had so many emotions to live. Most of her ex-boyfriends fretted at her enthusiasm and her romanticism which led them to either run away from her or push her away. Although Gray-sama was frequently (not to say, always) embarrassed by her eagerness, he never made her feel bad about it. His kindness overshadowed his bashfulness. Eventually, she managed to understand and to deal with his embarrassment as she got to know him.

Her resolve to show her gratitude by making him happy was solidified when she noticed a sadness in the depth of his dark eyes. She realized that just like Juvia, he carried a weight, a sorrow hidden behind his detached demeanor. Maybe, a fear of getting hurt? Being very aware of such pain leaving scars best left untouched, the Water Mage didn’t pry. She knew everyone healed differently. All Juvia could do was to be there for him. For this secret pain of his, she would be there to bring joy in his life and maybe comfort him, if he ever needed. Some people dealt with their trauma by internalizing it to learn to live with the scars. Not all pain faded away no matter how much time passed by. Juvia knew it too well.

However, her life was better now, a huge part of which was thanks to Gray-sama. She wanted to bring him the same peace and happiness he gave her. Once again, just like the Witch, she wanted to be his special someone, to have a special place in his heart. The smiles he gave that were not meant for her scorched her soul. Her ever growing feelings for him inadvertently ignited something in her, something like selfishness, something that she never allowed before. Although she knew she couldn’t possibly be the one girl in his life, the only one to whom he looked and smiled, she couldn’t help but wished to have all his love and attention.

But now, seeing the tragic end that happened to someone who was driven by envy and jealousy, it scared her. Wasn’t she too jealous sometimes? Was she driven Gray-sama away with her passion? She fidgeted with the headphone’s wire. Her thoughts brought her to Lucy and now Levy. It stirred something in her. The seed of envy and jealousy was still there. Could it bring the same destruction as in the story? No. Juvia would never hurt Gray-sama. However, she feared it could taint their relationship.

As much as she sometimes noticed that her jealousy was flaring unreasonably, she never seriously looked into the matter. Out of fear, she ignored it, but if she allowed herself to be honest, she knew what caused her jealousy. It was her past scars. They itched when a girl got too close to Gray-sama. It flashed memories of loneliness, of every time she got rejected. The fear of not being accepted and loved for who she was never faded away. The thought of his rejection ached her heart more than any of these past deceptions. When the dark part of her mind was especially wicked, all she could see was Gray-sama’s back, as he walked away from her, leaving her to her solitude.

Under her optimism laid quiet insecurities. She never paid much attention to them, but they were there. On the days where Gray seemed overly embarrassed or worst annoyed, Juvia couldn’t hold them back. She was aware that she could come too strong on people, but that was simply how she was. There was no way she could change herself to her core. The clouds would gather, and she would spiral down, trying to find what she did wrong.

The girls would try to cheer her up, putting in perspective the incident. Gray, despite his stripping habits, was easily embarrassed and there was nothing that could be done about it. One time, during a Fairy Hill sleepover, one of the girls even suggested to move on, saying that a girl as enthusiastic and lively as Juvia would be happier with someone not as taciturn and close-off as Gray. Beyond the belief that it was a ploy orchestrated by a Love Rival, the Water mage explained that it was in fact because of their differences that Gray and her would make sense. They balanced each other. The turmoil and passion that lived inside her was soothed by Gray’s proximity. He also continued to inspire her to never give up and work hard to make the world a better and safer place for her loved ones.

Where some people judged Gray to be a bit paradoxical (stripping versus easily embarrassed), Juvia saw a fascinating complexity to his character. Behind the discouraged smile he had when he watched his friends goofing around, laid the affection he had for his foster family. Behind the detachment in which he partook dangerous missions, laid a fierce desire to protect the weak. Behind his stripping habits, laid his abs, erm, a past that shaped who he was now.

Getting to know him, Juvia discovered more reasons to love him. But, maybe along her love, she let her jealousy grow just as much. Now, seeing what it could bring to someone, even though it was a legend, a story, made her put some things into perspective. All she wanted for Gray was for him to be happy. If her love, as true as it was, put that into jeopardy, what was the point?

Juvia clenched her fists. She would never hurt him. She wouldn’t allow it. No matter the degree, she wouldn’t. She had to learn to control her dark thoughts. She had to. It would be a long and tedious road, but for him, she could do it. As painful as it would be to see him with someone else, it wouldn’t be as unbearable as being the cause of his misery. Her heart grew heavy, but her mind was clear. The most important for her was for Gray to simply be happy because he deserved it and much more. For that, even her heartbreak would be worth it. This resolution wasn’t her giving up on Gray. It was the will to make this love truer. Jealousy couldn’t bring anything good as it was a negative emotion. To overcome it, she’d have to face her hidden insecurities head-on and vanquish her envy. It wasn’t as if others could steal away the moments she had with Gray nor the connection she felt they had.

Although Juvia was made of water, she wouldn’t let herself be like the sea under a storm, uncontrollable and cruel. She was stronger. Her negative emotions wouldn’t get the best of her. They wouldn’t poison her relationships.

She looked at the statues once more. These people made of ice, frozen in their story forever, had taught her a valuable lesson. On her hand clenched over her heart, she felt a drop fell on it. Surprised, she realized she had been crying. With her index, she caught the tear forming on the corner of her eye. She looked at it, remembering the nights when she would silently cry, wondering if people would ever like her despite her rain. Her tears were the only reminiscence of her rain. Without consciously naming it that, her powers had felt like a curse. Seeing it as such, she let it reign over her life. Now, she could see it made her who she was. A girl who lived passionately to make up for the lack of sun in her life and who never took anything for granted.

However, she couldn’t get greedy and want all the sunshine for herself. She had to… share her beloved Gray to some extent. After all, friendships were also important. It would tear her heart if she had to give up her friendship with Gajeel for Gray-sama’s love. Her reason knew that, but her emotions had a hard time to follow through. Maybe, somewhere else in the museum, there was a story, a moral that could guide her on how to fight the jealousy, this enemy within.

Having found a noble purpose, one that would help her secure Gray-sama’s happiness, she walked with determination through the second room. Observing carefully the statues and the inscriptions below to see which one would best fit her predication, she settled for the sculpture of a demoness who wanted to be human. Her expression of distress appealed to Juvia, as the sculptor presented the scene in which she acquired a human heart and felt overwhelmed by the emotional range. The Water mage eagerly entered the statue’s number to hear how the demoness overcame the novelty of feelings.

As the deep and soothing voice narrated the legend, Juvia became less and less aware of her surroundings, being totally immersed in the story, feeling what the protagonist was feeling. She hadn’t heard the footsteps of someone approaching. She didn’t feel their presence as they abruptly stopped near her. However, she couldn’t ignore the sound of her name.

“Juvia?”

She tore her eyes away from the statue and turned to where the voice came. Gray-sama was standing there, seemingly dumbfound. His obvious surprise didn’t remind her that until now, she had been following him incognito, and that there was no logical explanation to why she was in the same museum as him, miles away from Magnolia.

“Gray-sama, you have to listen to this,” Juvia promptly said with the delight of a fangirl.

As she said that, she grabbed his arm to bring him closer. She then took off her left earbud and gently placed it on Gray-sama’s ear.

“Juvia will rewind to the beginning, so you can enjoy it as much as her,” she beamed, happily, barely noticing the redness of his ear. She pressed the button, and the narrator started the story once more. The girl then turned towards the sculpture; the improbability of the situation completely forgotten in the mist of her current bliss.

Gray was puzzled. Several things made no sense, but oddly enough they also made sense. Juvia was here. As improbable as it was, it didn’t surprise him that much since she was always somewhere in his vicinity. It kind of became a constant in his life. So, no, it wasn’t her presence that surprised him the most, but rather the fact that he was the one who spotted her first instead of the other way around.

Normally, Juvia would instantly flock to wherever he was. Yet, this time, he was the one who went to her. Otherwise, she might not have seen him, oddly enough, as she was happily listening to an audio guide in the same museum as he was, not paying much attention to him. Or not as much as usual. Not that Gray wanted to be hug-tackle, but the contrast unsettled him. Was she alright?

He glanced to Juvia. Her eyes sparked as she looked at the statue in front of them, hanging on the narrator’s every word.

She looked more than alright. She looked happy. And beautiful.

His brain threw that last word unexpectedly, making him realize he had stared. Abashed, he turned his head, pulling the earphone. Quickly, he put his hand against his ear to prevent the earbud from falling. He risked another glance and saw that Juvia was now looking at him, worried.

“Are you okay, Gray-sama? Is the story making you uncomfortable? We can change if you…”

“No,” Gray cut her off. “It’s nothing. My ear itched, that’s all.”

She accepted his lame excuse with a smile and turned once more towards the statue, giving it back her attention. Gray couldn’t understand why he was so on edge. He should enjoy the calmness that surrounded Juvia, a rare but welcome sight. He should be happy to see her so calm and not being all over him. Then, why was he so agitated? He had absolutely no reason to be. Trying to not give too much thought to this detail, he decided to focus on the story.

As he listened how the demoness had overcome the hardships life had thrown at her, he had to admit that the audio guide was a nice addition to the visit. Juvia sighed, contented with the ending. She looked at him, expectedly.

“Now, it’s your turn to choose a statue, Gray-sama,” Juvia said.

Although he had waited to ask her why she was here, the sparks of happiness in her eyes stopped him. Clearly, she was having a blast and questioning her now would break the mood. It wasn’t as if he couldn’t ask her after the visit. Even though he was the one who find her first, she would most likely stick by his side. They had time. He could ask later.

He thought about her question, but he didn’t really care which statue they went to next. However, he knew that Juvia was asking him because she didn’t like choosing everything as she didn’t want to impose her desires onto others. Without looking nor thinking, he pointed a general direction behind him. “That one.”

Juvia looked past him. Her expression shifted from happy to confuse. She turned to him and asked, “Are you sure, Gray-sama? Doesn’t this type of display usually embarrass you?”

Not having the faintest clue what she meant, he turned around to look at the statue he had randomly pointed. He followed her gaze which fell on a statue of four naked people sensually flirting with each other, a scene clearly depicting an orgy-like tale. Instantly, Gray felt his face heated with embarrassment. He felt like an idiot. Of course, he had to point the one explicit statue in the room. Fearing Juvia would extrapolate on his choice, he wanted to set things straight, but she beat him to it.

“Oh, did you mean the other one?” Juvia asked.

This time, the Ice Mage looked at the statue to not make the same mistake twice. She was now pointing to the statue of a knight in prayer. The light reflecting in the ice made his armor shine, something that would catch anyone’s eye.

“Yeah,” he said.

Juvia clasped her hands, amazed by its poise. “Excellent choice! It makes more sense that Gray-sama would choose a war tale! Juvia apologizes for her silly mistake.”

She walked cheerfully and Gray couldn’t help but stare at her in disbelief. It was confusing how often Juvia threw him off. She would say the most embarrassing things so naturally, like expressing her love, and would see nothing abnormal with it. Yet, on anything other than her demonstrations of love, she would make sure that he felt at ease. She would be oblivious to his discouragement, but never to his embarrassment. Juvia was…thoughtful. It surprised him that he only noticed now. Was he oblivious himself? No… He knew, but only now did it really hit him.

Seeing he wasn’t following her, she gestured him to hurry up by her side, waiting for him to start the audio guide. He sighed through his half-smile. She handed him the earbud and once he put it in his ear, the soothing narrator’s voice started telling the story of the statue before them.

Gray knew that he should wonder more about how and why Juvia was there, but she always was nearby, somehow. A year prior, it might have startled him, but her intensity gradually became something normal to him. Sure, her passionate demonstrations of love still triggered his embarrassment, but Juvia was simply an enthusiastic and romantic person. They were her quirks, and Gray, having grown with intense and quirky people in Fairy Tail, adapted somewhat quickly to weirdness. Well, except of course when the embarrassing attention was directed toward him.

But he knew that, at first, he misjudged her; however, not about her character. He knew since day one that she wasn’t a bad person and that she simply was unlucky to have affiliated with the wrong crowd. Rather, he misjudged her “feelings” for him. He didn’t see them as fake, simply as ephemeral, bound to fade with time.

Not only did Gray consider himself as someone rational and practical, but he knew by experience that attraction was a fleeting thing. Or so he thought. Not to be presumptuous, but Gray was somewhat used to attract girls. He knew that his features and his build made him handsome and appealing. During his school days, he would always find letters from random girls in his locker and he would have to deal with the mess that was Valentine’s Day. Although it bothered and embarrass him, he tried to politely decline.

As someone who didn’t give too much thought on superficial matters such as his appearance, he figured he was handsome because girls (and sometimes guys) often looked back when he walked back (well, even when he wasn’t inadvertently stripping) and would ask him out.

As soon as they got to know him, girls would grow disinterested. Some would say that his personality was too detached, others would complain he was always too busy and never made time for dates or whatever. Eventually, they drifted away, and it didn’t really bother or hurt him at all. Anyway, these people always complained about not being prioritized enough, as if they couldn’t bare their own company for more than two minutes. Such people were not a good match for him. He liked his alone time and he had bills to pay. Obviously, he would prioritize his work over a date, and anyone who would get mad because of that didn’t deserve his time.

So, when Juvia expressed her affection for him at first, he didn’t take it seriously. Like all the others, she would grow bored of him or get mad at him or even both. He relied on time to prove him right, thinking how his embarrassment would be short-lived as soon as she’d get to know him.

Weeks and then months passed by and her eagerness hadn’t decreased. It had in fact increased. Not that he thought too long about it, but it surprised him that she still expressed her affection. They had spent time together, long enough for her to realize by then that he wasn’t as extraordinary as she gave him credit for. Someone as lively and intense as Juvia should naturally gravitate towards passionate people…no? There was no way she could enjoy the silence of his company.

Yet, whenever it was only the two of them, he felt relaxed, at ease. Her usual energetic self was peaceful when they spent time without the others. It was a side of Juvia he hadn’t expected and that he enjoyed. Unlike what one might think, Juvia wasn’t afraid of the silence. The two of them could just be, side by side, in silence and neither would feel uneasy. Even when he felt down, she wouldn’t pry. Somehow, she would know that he’d prefer not to talk about it and simply comfort him with her presence. She could read his mood unlike any other, making him feel like they have known each other for decades rather than only a year and a half. Which was strange for him, since he had trouble as a kid, but also now to allow people to come close to him, not wanting to get attached. Yet, he didn’t even feel the need to push her away, although he still did that with new people. Maybe, it was because she never forced him to “move on” from his past, as the others had so often tried. She simply let him live his emotions in peace.

As for her sadness, although it bothered him that he was the cause more often than not, he knew that going to see her was enough to chase her melancholy or anguish. Not to say that Juvia was simple as a person, but he somehow understood her better than other girls or people in general. She wore her heart on a sleeve, or at least that was how it seemed to him. She never hid her emotions, which saved Gray the pain of guessing the reason behind her actions or reactions. He simply understood because Juvia was always true to herself, a quality that was rare nowadays.

Speaking of which, a loud sob caught his attention. Gray then realized he hadn’t pay attention at all to the story. Juvia, on the other hand, was crying profusely, babbling through her hiccups. “I-it was sooo *hiccup* b-beautiful! H-he d-did all this for his loved ones even if t-they exiled h-him…”

A tear rolled on her cheek. Instinctively, Gray tapped his pockets, looking for a tissue. Finding one in his coat’s inside pocket, he handed it to her.

“Thank you, Gray-sama,” she smiled, fondly. She then folded the tissue, pulled her fur-lined collar of her cropped cape and slipped it in her bra. From it, she pulled her own pale-pink tissue on which was embroidered a red heart. She turned slightly and blew her nose.

“What the- I just gave you one. Why use your own?” Gray asked, baffled. Clearly, she had sewn her own but why get it dirty when he gave her one that was disposable? Despite having thought seconds ago about how he knew Juvia, some of her reactions still threw him off.

“Juvia can’t soil a gift Gray-sama had made her.”

“It’s just a tissue.”

The Water mage shook her head, looking down and smiling. “It’s still a nice gesture and Juvia wants to keep it. Anything she can get, she will treasure.”

It was an innocent sentence with no ill undertone, but it felt like a hit in the guts. Did he give back so little that she would even treasure something so insignificant as a tissue he gave her? Has he only ever given her the flower brooch? Or did he really give her nothing else in their year and a half of knowing each other? Although he never understood why she went out of her way to make him gifts for the silliest reasons, such as their “413th day anniversary”, he must have shown her his gratitude in some way. Hasn’t he? He racked his brain and yet couldn’t find anything. Nothing to thank her for her embarrassing Gray/Juvia breads or the scarf or even simply for being a good friend.

Gray frowned. Why did it bother him so much to think that? Never before had he thought that maybe he didn’t do enough for a friendship. He was there for his friends in the good times as much as in the bad ones and for him, it seemed enough. Why wasn’t it the case with Juvia? What was different? Was he somehow affected by her intensity? No, that wasn’t it. Then, why?

Juvia broke the silence that had taken place without him noticing. A dreamy look in her eyes, she was still staring at the statue before them, as she said, “It must be wonderful to be able to create such beauty with one’s own magic.” She then turned towards him and a soft smile grazed her lips. She added, quietly, “Juvia envies Gray-sama.”

His eyes flicked back to the statues. It was true that they were really something impressive. Still, couldn’t she see that her powers were just as amazing as that? He could still remember the sparks through the water spiral she casted to match his attacks when they did an Unison Raid, showing how complementary they were.

“Without water, there wouldn’t be ice,” Gray said, looking at her, unable to avert his eyes this time.

Her lips slightly parted, surprised evident in her widen eyes, she stared at him. Just when he felt his face growing red, he averted his eyes, not fast enough to miss the faint blush that also coloured her cheeks.

“Gray-sama…” she called him, her voice full of emotions.

Juvia took a step forward and looked like she was about to say something. However, she was cut short by a loud crashing sound, followed by screams. It took less than a nano-second for Gray to react. He sprinted towards the commotion instinctively.

When he arrived in the first room, he saw a gaping hole where stood a 40 feet-tall monster. Pale blue, the beast could almost be camouflaged, assorted with the museum’s color scheme. However, his skin shone, like it was made of metal like a robot, but his overall appearance rather recalled one of a demon, kind of like the ones in the Grand Magic Games’ Pandemonium.

With one of his clawed hands, he hung from the roof, observing inside. He must have punched his way in, judging by the wreckage. A few statues had suffered damage, but luckily no visitor had been harmed. Still, it was no reason to stand idly by. Gray took a combat stand, ready to confront the monster. Suddenly, the Ice Mage felt an oppressive aura, one that sent all his senses into alert mode. The strange thing was that it wasn’t coming from the monster.

Juvia marched with deliberate slowness towards the monster. She wasn’t even in a combat stance but her whole being exude a sense of danger and threat. Gray could only see her profile. Her eyes were focused on the monster with a glare so cold and yet so deadly.

“Gray-sama,” she said, with so much seriousness it startled him.

He didn’t have time to answer, as she continued with this deadpanned tone so unlike the lively Juvia he was used to. “Please, look after the civilians while Juvia takes care of this nuisance.”

Had it been Natsu or anyone else, he would have strongly rebuffed a plan that left him in the sidelines. However, he didn’t feel the need to fight back. Her voice was not subject to appeal. He simply nodded. Even though her animosity wasn’t directed towards him, it still stupefied him. Her jealousy fits were nothing compared to that. Although he had met her as an enemy, never before had he seen Juvia so threatening. Gray almost felt safe to be assigned to “civilian” duty. Juvia looked beyond pissed, as if the attack was personal.

The blue-haired girl crouched, ready to jump into action. Invoking her Water Slicers, she shrieked, “How dare you not only destroy these works of art, but interrupt Juvia’s date with Gray-sama?!” She jumped high and struck several hits on the monster, who roared resentfully.

Ah. It was personal. Gray sighed, discouraged, and smiled. That monster stood zero chance. As to prove him right, Juvia’s attacks made the monster lose its balance. She continued to twirl middle-air, joining one attack to the other in rapid succession, leaving no time for the monster to counterattack. Gray rose an iced wall, creating a corridor for the visitors of farther rooms to exit the museum safely. He still kept an eye behind in case rumbles fell his way, ready to defend the civilians. Seeing an elderly couple, he ran to them and gave them extra assistance. When he finished escorting them outside, he came back to the room where Juvia was still fighting. Suddenly, a voice rose above the combat’s commotion.

“Put me down!!!”

Gray blinked, confused. Was it him or did he hear Levy’s voice? An iron poll came crashing into the monster’s face. Then, a tall and dark figure came into view, retracting their metal arm before the beast counterattacked. Signaling the visitors to run towards the exit while making sure no rubble fell on them, Gray tried to see who intervened. On their back was a small figure, hanging for their dear life. Someone with blue hair with a dash of orange if his eyes saw correctly.

“Oh my god, Gajeel!! Put me down before fighting!!!” Levy shrieked, as the Iron Dragon Slayer landed another hit.

Juvia, a hand extended towards the monster, having it imprisoned in a water lock, shouted to the newcomer. “Gajeel-kun! Don’t butt in, this monster is Juvia’s! He ruined her date!”

From the ground, where he landed to let the petite bluenette of his back, Gajeel loudly replied, “Sucks to suck! You didn’t take care of it fast enough!” He promptly jumped back into the action, to Juvia’s obvious displeasure, while Levy scolded the Iron Dragon Slayer for being rash.

What on Earthland is going on?

Chapter 9: Fight the Monster, Not the Feeling

Chapter Text

Gajeel felt like laughing, giggling even (as weird as it sounded for a grown-ass man), as he landed a solid punch on the monster. His evening had been nothing like he expected; it had been a thousand time better. He hadn’t given much thought on what he’d do besides making sure Shorty was okay. He didn’t doubt that she could handle herself, but he couldn’t help but feel protective of her. And so, he hadn’t planned to engage with her. Hell, how would he have explained his presence in Shirotsume Town?

And yet he ended up throwing all his common sense and went in there, as if it was the most natural thing. Just for the happiness in Levy’s eyes, it had been worth it. And who would have thought that participating in a bookish contest would be so much fun? Definitely not him, but there he was, still feeling light-hearted, thinking about the moment Shorty and he shared in the bookstore. The way she had looked at him… Gajeel could almost believe she liked him just as much as he did.

Although it should have annoyed him to have his time with Shrimp cut short (gihi, short puns) after having such a breakthrough, the fight came in a very timely manner. Evacuate the extra energy his joy gave him so he wouldn’t appear too eager or whatever. Tiring himself should bring him back to his usual level-headedness. His grin widened as he landed, ready to propel himself once more to strike the beast with his arm-saw. Out of nowhere flew two watery blades hurling the monster out of the hole it made in the ceiling.

Gajeel turned sharply towards the attack’s source, which was none other than his pain-in-the-ass best friend always stealing his targets, and shouted to her, “Oi, I had it!”

Juvia sprayed her arms, now forming water-like whips. She didn’t even look at him and said, “Juvia already told Gajeel-kun. It is her business. It ruined Juvia’s date.”

The Iron Dragon Slayer let out a felt sigh. Of course, she had to take it personal, but it was no excuse to keep all the fun to herself! He wanted to fight something too, dammit! One can’t keep distracted from wishful thinking if one cannot fight a damn monster!

Annoyed, Gajeel looked away. “Ain’t like I wasn’t busy myself,” he muttered more to himself than anything else.

Apparently, it was loud enough for his friend to hear him, because her sour mood totally dropped and she turned eagerly towards him, gasping like a fish, her hands joined in front of her chest like some happy nun. A big smile plastered on her face and delight sparking in her eyes, she squealed, “Gajeel-kun!! Did you really confess-”

In her excitement, Juvia tended to jump back and forth in her questions and speculations, which sometimes made it difficult for her interlocutor to follow her. Whenever her imagination went on a rampage, her voice became a background noise, only picking up parts here and there, enough to get the main idea of her ramblings. This time, her eagerness triggered his uneasiness. Hell, he just allowed himself to love, so forget about confessing. Besides, confessing sounded so… mushy. So… not him. Not that he ever thought long about relationships and sh*t, but he always kind of imagined it naturally happened without big announcement. Like pieces of puzzle just fitted when they were put together.

Clearly, that wasn’t how Juvia saw those things. She was always getting hype on dumb sh*t like romance. Ironic that she went for the densest guy out there, the one that would take the longest to do anything. But, heck if Gajeel understood the workings of Juvia’s mind sometimes…

Before he could set the record straight, he heard Shorty’s voice which automatically caught his attention, “Gray! Cover for me!”

Levy swiftly casted a Jump Solid Script in front of her and ran into it, propelling her directly towards the monster who reappeared from where it was hurled. Gajeel felt his heart drop when he saw the beast’s mouth charging a beam of power, one that could obliterate Shorty. Before he could move, the monster lost its balance, shooting its laser towards the roof. It took a second for the Iron Dragon Slayer to realize that Stripper had freeze the whole floor and had sent a row of swords crash against the monster’s legs to make it fall. Their attack was perfectly coordinated as if they had worked together their whole life.

“I got it, Gray! It’s placed!” Shorty yelled from on top of the metallic beast.

Gajeel didn’t even wondered what she meant by that, as he was already running in her direction, seeing the monster had noticed her. The Ice Mage caught on too and shouted “Levy, watch out!”

She dodged its arm but lost her balance. Before falling, she propelled herself away from the monster with her legs. Gajeel’s whole being and senses were fixed on her, rushing to catch her before she got hurt. An iced slide materialized under Shorty, breaking her fall smoothly. His relief was short-lived. As the monster still struggled to find its balance because of Stripper’s ice floor, it struck the slide in its fall. The ice shattered and the impact sent Levy flying. Gajeel was ready to jump and catch her, worried as he saw her trying to reach her pen she had accidentally let go of. Without it, she wouldn’t be able to cast a word to break her fall. Quickly analyzing her trajectory, the Iron Dragon Slayer noticed the Ice Mage getting ready to catch Shorty. He halted himself, not wanting to collide with the guy and risking injuring Shrimp. Stripper caught her.

“You okay?” Gray asked, putting her back down on her feet, but leaving a hand on the small of her back to make sure she wouldn’t fall, tried to rationalize Gajeel. She had been in his arms less than a few seconds, but still, he found the image of Shorty in Stripper’s arms, princess-style, unpleased. He tried to focus on the relief he felt of her being unharmed.

The petite bluenette replaced her bandana which had slipped during her stunt. “Yeah, thanks,” Shorty smiled.

Before the Iron Dragon Slayer could make his way to them to make sure she was alright, the loud mechanized bip sound echoed in the room. The monster’s eyes were focused on the two Fairy Tail mages that attacked him. What came out of his demonic, robotic-like mouth left Gajeel speechless to say the least, “Short female and naked male... Relationship analyzed... Couple confirmed… Target locked…”

Levy and Gray groaned in unison.

Hearing that, Gajeel’s reaction was instant. Barely noticing the twist-like pain in his chest, his head turned to Juvia, ready to see the beginning of Armageddon. In his many years of knowing her, he knew by now how intense she could be, but boy did he not expect the level her affection for that Stripper would reach; it was out of this world. So, needless to say, he anticipated (not feared, he was no wuss, but he definitely wouldn’t like to be on the receiving end) a strong reaction from her.

However, the Water Mage stood still, her face impassible and no dark aura emanating from her. With slow deliberation, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her frowned eyebrows and her clenched fists were the only clue of her displeasure, something quite mild compared to her usual outbursts.

To say the least, he was utterly floored. Juvia, composed, in the face of a clear statement of Gray being another girl’s boyfriend. What the f-…Wait. A. Goddamn. Second. So, what if Juvia didn’t lose her sh*t about the insinuation of Stripper and Shorty being together? Why should he give a sh*t? The mortification he felt about caring about this more than Juvia made him totally forget the irked feeling he felt at the sight of Shorty in the Ice bastard’s arms. If anything, he felt relieved that she didn’t get hurt, even if he felt the urge to superglue the sh*t out of the Stripper’s clothes so he’d stop getting naked in front of Shorty.

“And I’m not-” Gray tried to deny as he looked at himself, only to realize abashed that he was in fact naked. “Wait, where are my clothes?!”

Levy stood, her pen out, ready to fight. Seeing her frowning, visibly concentrating on plans to thwart any attack, reminded Gajeel that behind her cuteness was resilience and intelligence that could rival to none. Yet even knowing she was a capable mage; his sense of protectiveness couldn’t be subsided. What good were his power and strength if not used to protect the ones he loved?

“You ain’t getting Shorty,” Gajeel growled to himself. “Now, scram.”

The monster shifted, giving the impression it was going to jump towards them. Almost instantly, the whole room grew heavy as the temperature and humidity raised at an alarming rate.

“If you dare touch Gray-sama-!”

A blaring sound, which seemed to come out of the monster, cut her outburst short. Gajeel clenched his teeth and covered his ears, his dragon hearing overwhelmed by it. Fighting the pain, he tried to stay focus. Suddenly, the monster disappeared into thin air and with it, the hellish sound.

Confused, Gajeel looked around frantically. It couldn’t have escape in the time of a blink of an eye. Did the bastard teleport somewhere or something? Could have, because his dragon nose couldn’t pick the monster’s smell. A part of the ceiling broke further and fell, hinting that something had hit it. Juvia realized at the same time as him.

“The monster turned invisible!” the Water mage shouted; her eyes still peeled to catch a hint of where it was.

_______

Levy’s eyes widened. The monster had the ability to turn invisible. It explained so much, namely why it had been so hard to track back the kidnapped couples! The mayor did tell her that the search party had only stumble by accident on the rune barrier and they did the math that it probably hid the culprit. Luckily, invisibility wasn’t something that could be a hindrance for the tracker she worked on earlier. With it placed on the monster, it would successfully pinpoint the location of its hideout.

“Oh no, you ain’t leaving like that,” Gajeel growled, ready to jump in its pursue.

However, an angry Dragon Slayer could be a problem in the equation if he did wreck the monster, destroying their only lead to the missing people. She jumped in front of him, halting completely his momentum.

“No!” she cut him off. “Let it leave.”

Levy had no doubt he would be able to leap above her without any difficulty, but seeing her in front of him, he had the courtesy not to do so. Nonetheless, Gajeel seemed dumbfounded, and understandably so.

“What the- Why we’d do that?”

His tone made her frown; he sounded as if she was out of her mind although he didn’t know the parameters of her mission at all. Her hands on her hips, her head tilted, Levy huffed, “I have put a tracker on it. The monster will lead us to its lair where the couples have been taken to.”

Barely finishing her explanation, the tall bluenette went to her, towering her with at least three quarter of a head. With a serious tone that was unlike the usual cheery Water Mage, she said, “Even so, Juvia thinks we should go right away. We can’t let it strike back.”

“I agree with Raindrop,” Gajeel nodded, his arms crossed. “Let’s go.”

Ready to defend her stance once more to make them see how rushed this course of action was, she felt a presence behind her. Gray had retrieved his clothes lost in the battle.

“No way, it will soon be night,” the Ice Mage intervened. “We wait until tomorrow morning.”

“Yeah,” Levy nodded, which oddly enough seemed to displease Gajeel. “This is the smartest thing to do.”

“Don’t worry, Shrimp. If you’re scared of the dark, you can hop in my backpack, ‘cos it’s shortstack-friendly, gihi,” Gajeel smirked.

Her face grew hot, out of embarrassment. “You idiot!” she said, backhand slapping his arm. Apparently, that response was all her “big” brain could come up with. Obviously, it only amused him more that the well-read Levy McGarden couldn’t come up with a better comeback to his teasing. The butterflies she felt in her stomach every time she saw his co*cky smirk always seemed to wipe out any braincell she had. She wasn’t even mad that he teased her about a real fear she had, because she knew that he was trying to help in his very Gajeel-like way, which meant teasing and no sugarcoating.

“They’re flirting…,” Juvia whispered behind her hand. Her eyes were widened by surprise, but her half-hidden smile seemed way too playful. Which only made Levy’s embarrassment grow stronger, making her wonder how red her face was.

Clearly disinterested in their banter, Gray looked around and sighed, discouraged, “Just when I thought I’d have a quiet mission without repairs to pay for…”

That brought Levy back to reality. As she looked around, the exhibition room was indeed in a poor state, as almost half the statues were damaged. No doubt that the pieces of art each cost a fortune, by how detailed and exquisite they looked. As if the universe was mocking Gray, a piece of roof cracked further and fell down smashing one of the intact statues.

“Oh, come on!” the Ice Mage groaned.

Immediately, Juvia tried to cheer him up. “It’s not Gray-sama’s fault! When we catch the bad guy, we will make him pay for the repairs! Juvia will make sure of it.”

Still seemingly annoyed, the Ice Mage scratched his neck. “Honestly, Dragon Slayers and their recklessness…”

“Oi,” Gajeel barked. “At least, I get the job done unlike a damn stripper.”

That struck a nerve with Gray. “The job isn’t to destroy the museum, Metalface!”

“It ain’t creating ice slides either!”

Levy tilted her head, slightly confused. She wasn’t sure what ice slides had to do with anything, but it strangely seemed like something that annoyed him, like they personally offended him.

“What the hell are you even talking about? Arg, Metalfreak is even worse than Natsu!” the Ice Mage groaned.

“Don’t insult me or I’ll rearrange your dumb face, Iced prick!”

“If Gajeel-kun dares to…” Juvia mumbled, menacingly.

Watching the two men having a facedown while Juvia was glaring at Gajeel. Levy sighed, suddenly feeling very tired. Having gone on a mission without Jet and Droy, she thought she wouldn’t have to be a mediator of conflicts. After all, like her, Gray was a reasonable person. Well, when he wasn’t arguing with Natsu, that was. Now, looking at him and Gajeel throwing insults back and forth, it did seem the Ice Mage had a hard time with Dragon Slayers, despite being friends with them. It surprised her she didn’t take that into account when going on the mission.

And then, it finally hit her. How could it have slipped from her mind? She chuckled to herself before looking up and seeing Gajeel still insisting that they should go right now.

“Gajeel, you are aware it is Gray and I that took that mission, right?” she asked, not so innocently.

“Yeah, but someone gotta-” he began before stopping himself, her words having sunk in. He turned away and Levy could swear she heard a faint “sh*t.”

Seeing his face going from annoyed to taken aback was quite satisfying, as he had teased her all evening long. She now had the upper hand, and she was going to get answers. Besides, it wasn’t that often that she got to see his embarrassed side.

“Yeah?” she encouraged him cheekily, unable not to nag him a bit.

Gray had taken a step back, looking at the Dragon Slayer dumbfounded. “Yeah, Levy’s right. Why are you even here? I mean, Juvia…okay, but you?”

Levy bit off her smile. It was true that wherever Gray was, Juvia wasn’t far behind. Still, seeing how he accepted it as part of his life was cute. Just as her friend, it didn’t surprise Levy that Juvia was there, given how much she liked Gray and how her presence helped the Ice Mage’s mood in subtle ways. Yet, Gajeel’s presence added an unknown variable to the situation. If it was only Juvia, the reason of her presence could be put on her typical enthusiasm. However, with the Iron Dragon Slayer also there, it hid something more. The only logical explanation would be that the two of them were on a mission, but then why would Gajeel not tell her that from the get-go?

“Yeah, I asked you at the bookstore but got skipped,” Levy pinched in. “I’m hoping I’ll get an answer now.”

Since her first interjection, Gajeel had been avoiding eye contact. Judging by the looks Juvia and he exchanged, they didn’t seem to agree how to respond to the question. It could only mean two things: 1) they both came for different reasons and were just as surprised as Gray and she and therefore, didn’t know how to answer or 2) they came together but they (or one of them) didn’t want to answer truthfully. The first option seemed unlikely, seeing how they interact while fighting. So, one of them or both didn’t want to tell the truth for some reason. The deduction only made her more curious.

Fidgeting with the hems of her shawl, Juvia finally gave in to the awkward silence.

“Well, Juvia and Gajeel have overheard that-”

Gajeel quickly placed his hand over her mouth. So, it was him who try to hide something. She couldn’t come up with any reason. She couldn’t imagine Gajeel accepting to do anything that would embarrass him, willingly. He wouldn’t follow Juvia’s love schemes either. Then, what was the reason?

“…that Shirotsume Town had awesome trek routes,” Gajeel added to her explanation. “So, yeah.”

Levy sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. She usually found the fact that Gajeel couldn’t lie to be endearing. However, when he came up with the lamest excuses, she couldn’t help but feel exasperated by them. It wasn’t the fact that he had his secrets that tilted her, but rather the fact that he thought he could get away with his half-baked excuses. She could usually indulge him into “believing” him when he dodged some subjects, but for some reasons, this time she didn’t want to let him off the hook so easily. Why was he lying on why he was in Shirotsume Town? Was it because the real reason was…embarrassing him? Levy couldn’t really come up with any hypothesis, but one thing was sure; she didn’t buy his explanation one bit.

“You two came here to hike?” Gray asked, equally unconvinced.

“Yeah,” Gajeel scoffed, more annoyed than usual. “Got a problem with that?”

The Ice Mage rolled his eyes. “Then, don’t interfere with our mission.”

Turning away, Levy didn’t miss that he slowed while looking at Juvia. He started walking away, grumbling about having to talk to the museum’s administration regarding the damages and something about the IQ of dragons. The petite bluenette looked between Gray and the ex-Phantom duo, not knowing what to say. She sighed, resigned. She was feeling a bit deflated that she had to part way so soon and that she wouldn’t get to know why Gajeel was here, but she knew she had to prioritize the mission. She hadn’t taken a step away that she was stopped on track by Juvia’s voice.

“We can help with the mission!” she offered, eagerly, which made the Ice Mage stop on his track.

The Water Mage wasn’t looking at her, but beyond her, surely at Gray. She couldn’t figure what face he made, but she quickly added, “For free, of course!”

Well, that was an unexpected turn of event. Levy turned to her partner. Gray was walking back towards them, pensive. Her eyes traveled between him and the duo. From the corner of her eye, when they thought she wasn’t looking, she could see Gajeel and Juvia’s silent argument and decided to vouch for them.

“I think we could use the extra help…” she said.

Gray pursed his lips, visibly having something on his mind. She then remembered the reason why they took the mission as a duo. Not wanting to expose his situation, she walked closer and whispered, “I know you’re pretty short on Jewels, but this mission is more than we originally bargained for… We could manage fine, but I think it’d be a good idea to accept their offer since they’re here. And, I can have a smaller part of the reward, it’s not a problem.”

Gray sighed, scratching the back of his head. “No, let’s not money become an issue. It’s not that big of a deal.”

Although he talked in a fairly hush tone, Juvia seemed to hear just fine as she eagerly said,” “Juvia would gladly help with the mission without any part of the reward.” She glanced at her friend and back to her crush, adding, “So does Gajeel.”

Before he had time to interject, she elbowed him. After letting out a felt “Tch”, he crossed his arms and said, “Sure, whatever.”

Levy exchanged a look with Gray to see if he was on board with the idea. She smiled at his ‘why-not’ shrug kind of agreement. She then turned to a beaming Juvia and a grumpy Gajeel.

“Get your camping equipment ready for another trek,” the petite bluenette said, having a blast seeing the Iron Dragon Slayer’s face going from smug to ‘oh sh*t’. She blinked innocently at him and added, “Because we’re leaving tomorrow at dawn.”

Levy bit the inside of her cheek to refrain herself of laughing. She sure hoped for them that there were some hiking shops still opened at this hour.

Chapter 10: Love Allies in Action

Chapter Text

The sound of snow scrunching under their boots was the only thing that could be heard. It had been several hours since they started their trek on Mt. Hakone and Juvia was starting to feel restless. Not because she had barely slept the night prior as she ran through Shirotsume Town to find a Lovey-Dovey Sleeping Bag for her to share with Gray-sama – unfortunately without any luck. Also, it wasn't because she was way too excited by the prospect of a mission with her beloved. No. The reason was right in front of her.

Gray-sama and Levy were walking ahead, talking together. Way too close if she might add. And there she was, trailing behind with a grumpy Gajeel. She only realized she had slowed down to match his speed until she became unable to hear the conversation her love rival was having with her beloved. If it weren't for her pledge as Love Ally to her friend, she would have joined Gray-sama. However, she had a duty to fulfill as a Love Mentor.

Gajeel and her hadn't had the chance to talk the evening prior after the attack and the agreement to help with the mission. And so, she had no clue to why he was in a foul mood. In the morning, when they packed and left the four of them, he seemed alright, although a bit on the neutral side with Gray-sama. He had kept his interactions with Levy to the minimal, although with a hint of something similar to shyness. However, whenever Juvia tried to talk to him, he would go straight to his gruff self. Juvia wasn't the type of person to let things stay sour for long. She let him have his space almost all day, but now she would confront him.

"Why is Gajeel-kun brooding?" Juvia asked. She glanced at him, seeing his frown accentuating. "…Again."

"I ain't brooding," the Iron Dragon Slayer grunted, as he glared at her. Unimpressed, she gave him a knowing look, suggesting him to cut the BS. He sighed, a bit less annoyed and a bit more… self-conscious? "Whatever, it ain't yer business."

"It is Juvia's business if you're only givingherthe cold shoulder."

Seconds passed by in silence. He readjusted his huge backpack, the tent strapped on it dangling a bit in the motion. Juvia looked at him, intently, waiting for his answer. He let out a 'tch' and finally answered, "'Cause you almost threw me under the bus."

She tilted her head in confusion. She hadn't expected that, wondering what he was referring to. Aside from fighting the monster and having the brilliant idea of joining Gray-sama's mission, she hadn't interacted a lot with Gajeel during the evening.

Gajeel probably saw her puzzled expression, as he had in a lower tone, "You were about to open yer trap about crushes… and sh*t."

That made her gasp.

"But haven't you confessed?" she asked, earnestly. "Juvia thought you two were a thing now."

She was sure he was about to rebuff her, but his answer was different. As well as his demeanor. Was it a faint blush she was seeing?

"Haven't had the chance to say a thing," Gajeel shrugged in false disinterest.

If Juvia wasn't so excited and happy for her friend, she would have been displeased with his ego, downplaying his feelings. However, she couldn't expect too much from her friend, as his head was as hard as the iron he snacked on. She was simply glad his stubbornness didn't undermine his happiness anymore.

"Do it now!" Juvia squealed, spontaneously.

"Now?!" he whisper-yelled, as he anxiously looked at the pair a few yards ahead of them to see if they heard anything before regaining his usual composure. "No f*cking way," he growled, shaking his head, annoyed. "Not with you and yer stripper here."

He walked faster as to end the discussion, but Juvia jogged to catch up, feeling ecstatic with his progress. His only excuse was the presence of outsiders and not the feel of guilt he carried for far too long. Juvia could already picture Levy and Gajeel at a chic restaurant on a date, sharing spaghetti. Recalling his pretext, even better daydreams of her beloved and herself came into mind.

"Juvia can deal with Gray-sama," she offered, blissfully.

Gajeel rolled his eyes, looking both discouraged and amused. "Yeah, I know ya can," he scoffed. "But that ain't the point."

Now, it was Juvia's turn to feel discouraged. She hit lightly his shoulder to catch his attention, as she insisted, "Do it now before you chicken out."

"I donotchicken out," Gajeel snapped, letting out a faint growl, his canines showing, his dragonic heritage showing. "Never have. Never will," he huffed, more calmly, as if he was simply stating facts.

"What would you callthisthen?" Juvia asked, raising an eyebrow amused by his denial.

"Minding my own business. You should try it one of those days," the Iron Dragon Slayer smirked, smug.

Juvia chortled. Gajeel-kun always had the funniest ways to dodge conversations he didn't want to have. A movement ahead caught her eye. Gray-sama and Levy had turned their heads to look at them. She didn't think she had laughed loud enough for them to hear her. Gray-sama's slight frown told her otherwise.

Juvia wondered why her beloved was looking at them like that, until she realized he was mostly staring, or rather glowering, at Gajeel and not at her. It made her wonder why Gray-sama was somehow displeased with Gajeel-kun, even if he hadn't interact with him. No tangible reason came to her mind. Maybe, he was jealous, her wishful-thinking mind whispered. The Water Mage brushed it off, finding this 'explanation' quite unlikely. She was surely overanalyzing the situation.

Nonetheless, she wanted to be by his side. She thought of an excuse to do so, and remembered she had snacks on her that she could share. The Water Mage swung her bag in front of her. As she continued walking, she rummaged through the smaller pockets of her bag. She grabbed two granola bars, hoping they would be to her beloved's taste.

Ready to run to Gray-sama, she turned to tell her friend, but stopped on her track. Unaware of her gaze, Gajeel was unguarded as he was looking onward, looking at Levy, with a sense of softness unlike anything Juvia had ever seen in him. A faint smile could be seen if one gave heed to it. Juvia was shook. She knew he loved Levy dearly, but she was somewhat abashed to realize that he loved his crush as much as Juvia loved Gray-sama. It made sense, but at the same time, it was so new to see it so clearly. He never talked openly about his feelings with her; she could always guess at best – although his façade held no more secrets to her. Now, she could confidently say that they were truly Love Allies, no matter what Gajeel liked to say or pretend. They were both lovesick for their respective crushes and, as a Mentor, it was her duty to guide him as best as she could.

Juvia already had a way to include him in her plan. She took Gajeel's hand and energetically gave him one of the granola bars. "Watch and learn, Gajeel-kun!" The Iron Dragon Slayer looked at her, utterly lost. She was gone before he could ask her anything.

She jogged eagerly and when she had almost caught up with him, she called for him. "Gray-samaaaa~"

He had slowed down as soon as he had heard her footsteps, or so she liked to think as to why she caught up so quickly. He looked at her and asked, "Yeah?"

Although she knew him by heart, his deep voice always blew her away. His coolness was out of this world. Overwhelmed with emotions, she took a deep breath and punctuated it with a smile. "Here, have this, Gray-sama!" Juvia said, giving him the granola bar she had. "It's good for you!"

"Thanks?" Gray said, looking slightly puzzled. Before she turned around to take her leave, she didn't miss the petite bluenette's presence. Besides him, Levy had been smiling brightly at Juvia, her eyes having a knowing look in them. Was she aware that Juvia was making her move to secure Gray-sama's love? No Love Rival stood a chance against – Juvia chased the idea right away. Hadn't she learned anything yesterday? Jealousy would not turn her into a Water Witch. Her heart and reason knew. Levy was not a Love Rival. Levy was meant to be with Gajeel; they liked each other; the Water Mage reminded herself. Besides, she was helping them both,right now.

Although it had last no more than two seconds, the turmoil in her mind calmed down and she continued to skip happily away. She went back to Gajeel's side, not missing his look of disbelief. Or was it mortification?

"Ya can't be serious," her friend said, sounding oddly exhausted.

"Juvia is always serious in everything she does," she assured him. Seeing him, sighed as he looked back and forth between her and the duo ahead, she encouraged him. "Giving food to your significant other is a sign of love. That you care."

"We ain't animals," he deadpanned.

"Says the dragon," Juvia pointed out. He opened his mouth to retort something and, after a second, closed curtly. She encouraged him further. "You don't have to say anything. Just give it to her. It's a nice attention."

Gajeel groaned at that, acting a bit like a kid who didn't want to go to school. He walked in long strides towards their guildmates. Suddenly, Juvia felt nervous. Was he going to be alright? Would he blow all his progress with his crush? No. She had to have more faith in him. Surely, he wouldn't just toss it her way and run away.

Gajeel caught up with their friends just as she thought that. Levy jumped a bit, seemingly startled by his unexpected presence. He snickered, making the petite bluenette huff in displeasure. Juvia smiled, looking fondly at their banter. When she had met Gajeel for the first time, she would never have believed that teasing would be his way to show affection, but she must say it fit him and it was rather cute to see.

Unconsciously, she had picked up her pace to be able to hear their exchange. However, she only caught the last part. Gajeel handed out the granola bar and simply said, "Eat that or whatever." Not letting her the chance to answer, he quickly left, as if his honour was on the line.

This tsundere…Juvia internally groaned. To say that she was discouraged would be an understatement. She had given him all the tools to have a nice moment and he threw it all away with his dumb 'Eat that'. How was it romantic? Or caring?! The only reason why she didn't scold him was that Levy and Gray-sama were looking at them with equally puzzled faces.

From where she stood, she could hear Levy ask Gray-sama a question that would seem ridiculous if they both didn't look so perplexed, "Is it a Phantom Lord thing?"

Juvia sighed. So much for the romantic element…

Matching Gajeel's pace, she walked, already thinking of ways to teach him how to swoon his crush. After much thought, Gajeel might need more help than expected to understand the subtleties of romance.

"Ouch," Gray and Levy said in unison, as they hit an invisible wall. Taken by surprise, Levy lost balance and fell in the snow. She rubbed her forehead and chuckled, "Guess we found the rune barrier."

Before Gray could ask her if she was okay, Juvia and Gajeel caught up. The Water Mage looked worried. "I'm okay," he assured her, noticing she was glaring at the invisible wall.

"You alright, Shrimp?" the Iron Dragon Slayer asked, also seemingly worried.

"Yeah, just didn't expect the barrier to be there," Levy said.

"Aren't runes kind of your thing? How the hell did you miss it?" he said, as to scold her, seeing she was fine.

"It's not because I can undo runes that I canseethem beforehand. Since, you know, they're meant to beinvisible."

Gajeel snorted. "It's like if I said, 'can't eat steel, it ain't iron'. Never stopped me."

Half-listening, Gray put his hand against the invisible wall, a flash of runes faintly reflecting at his touch. He looked right and left, wondering how far the barrier stretched. He wondered how long it would take Levy to undo them. He had heard that during the Battle of Fairy Tail, she overcame Freed's runes in thirty minutes. However, it was only a barrier that circled the guild. Maybe, this one would take longer. He wanted to ask the Solid Script Mage, but he was cut short by their still-ongoing banter.

"Would it kill Gajeel-kun to simply say, 'be careful'?" Juvia said, sounding discouraged.

Gajeel growled at Juvia's previous remark, but his attention quickly refocused on the petite bluenette, as she sighed mildly annoyed, "Not everyone has your dragonic predispositions, Gajeel."

The Slayer didn't seem to notice – or rather didn't seem to mind – her annoyance, as he smirked wickedly. He walked closer to her and bent a little, as if he was examining her in a scientific kind of way.

"Makes me wonder what kind of Dragon Slayer ya would've been, half-pint. Book Dragon Slayer?" he falsely pondered, clearly enjoying himself. His eyes widened, as if he had a brilliant idea, and his gaze glinted with mischief, as he added. "Damn, would ya dare eat books to power up though?"

Levy huffed at that, "You think you're being clever?!"

"I know I am," Gajeel smirked.

"They're flirting again," Juvia whispered behind her clasped hands.

While they still argued, Gray continued to look around, examining their surroundings to judge their next take of action. From where they stood, they could see Shirotsume Town, slowly lightening up, as the sun was setting up. The trek, as expected, took most of their day. They were halfway to the top, but according to the information the mayor had given them, the monster was surely hidden in one of the caves that lay behind the barrier. It was as far as they could get today. It would be reckless to fight during nighttime. The best would be to camp there for the night and to finish up the mission tomorrow. He still asked Levy how long she expected to need to overcome the rune barrier.

"I think it'd take me a solid two hours to undo them. I could do that now, but I don't think we'll still have enough daylight to continue on for today," Levy admitted, still seizing the runes that appeared whenever something touched it.

"Then, we should start to set up camp," Gray said. "It will soon be night."

"Good idea, Gray-sama," Juvia agreed, hugging his arm. She led him away and explained, "This spot will be perfect for our tent."

Feeling a bit conscious of her sudden but not unexpected proximity, he looked away, as he asked, "Don't you have a tent?"

She energetically shook her head. "Juvia wants to share the tent with Gray-sama."

Gray suddenly felt bothered by the heat. Maybe, it was because he still had all those layers of clothes. For good measure, he removed his arm from her grasp and decided that keeping a decent distance from the Water Mage would be for the best. He put his bag down and unclipped the straps that held his tent, trying to busy himself.

"Not happening," Gray said, taking off his coat, still feeling far too warm. "Three people in a tent would be too much."

He sensed a sharp movement behind him. He turned to look at Juvia. Shock was written all over her face, and even in her posture, as she had taken a step back.

"Gray-sama want to sleep with both girls…" the Water Mage gasped; her eyes widened.

The insinuation hit him in the guts and his discouragement skyrocketed. He quickly and strongly denied it, "No!" He sighed, trying to regain composure, hating to feel so agitated. "I meant, with Gajeel. Because we only have two tents from what I gather," he further explained. "We would be too tight in there."

Seeing that Juvia had calmed down, he sensed himself relax as well. It was however short-lived, as Gajeel unnecessarily added, "Yeah, nah, I ain't third-wheeling, that's for sure."

Before Gray could protest the implications, Levy intervened, "And me, being alone in a tent would be weird."

"Yeah, with your size, you'll get lost in there," Gajeel smirked, already trying to tease the petite bluenette again.

"We're talking about a tent, not your disproportionate ego," Levy counter-attacked, smiling, not letting herself faltered this time.

"Ya think yer funny, shortstack?"

"I know I am," Levy beamed, being way too happy to reuse his own words against him.

Juvia abruptly cut them off to Gray's relief – although once again it would be short-lived. "Gajeel-kun and Levy-san can share, so Juvia can be with Gray-sama."

Trying to ignore the second part, he focused on her first suggestion. "Juvia. You can't expect Levy to agree to that."

"Oi, what does that mean?" Gajeel barked, annoyed. "I don't see how you have any say in that when you were going to share a tent with her to begin with."

The Iron Dragon Slayer was looking at him, defiantly, which annoyed Gray immensely. Who did that guy think he was? Everything in the Dragon Slayer's demeanor made the Ice Mage want to hit him. Before he could listen to his itching fists, Juvia sighed, "Everything would work out so nicely if everyone listened to Juvia…"

Gray hadn't realized he stood in front of Gajeel before Levy intervened by standing between them, interrupting their showdown. "Alright, people. Guys and girls separated. We're losing light so let's stop fighting over trivial things."

She stayed there until both guys took a step back. Gajeel let out a felt 'tch', looked away and said, without talking to anyone specifically, "Goddammit, I don't wanna share a tent with that damn stripper."

That hit a nerve with Gray. This blockhead was the reason everything was so difficult with his stupid attitude! As much as the Ice Mage knew that the original plan of guys and girls separated was the best, the Dragon Slayer was getting on his nerves. Yet he couldn't think of any other arrangement. He couldn't share the tent with Juvia, because it was… well, embarrassing. But he couldn't bunk with Levy, or it would make Juvia uneasy. The only way was to be with Gajeel, but despite knowing it was the simplest way, it didn't make him feel better about it. Gray went for the second-best thing, which was letting his displeasure be known.

"Don't think I prefer this arrangement, Metalface," he snapped.

"Juviareallythinks it's better to separate by couple," she insisted, once more. She looked at him, pleadingly, as she added, "Maybe, it will lure the monster in."

Gajeel turned to look at her, looking somewhat exasperated. "That's a dumb ide –" He interrupted himself, as if he realized something. His features became thoughtful before he looked at Juvia, mildly impressed. "– Actually, not a bad idea, Raindrop."

Although he knew it was a habit Gajeel had to nickname everyone, Gray really didn't know why the one the Slayer had for Juvia annoyed him so much. Even the ones the Iron Dragon Slayer used to call him didn't annoy him as much, although they were meant to insult him. It probably was because today he found the guy extra insufferable.

Gray tried to shrug it off and tried to focus on something else, namely Juvia's suggestion. The prospect of not having to deal with that dumbass any more today was tempting…almost enough to make him forget the embarrassment he felt in the perspective of spending the night with Juvia. No, that still wouldn't be the arrangement. It probably meant that they should split to the original duos they came as, which would be him with Levy and the two ex-Phantom together. Right? Besides, at first, it was supposed to be just him and Levy and they had initially thought they would share a tent, he reminded himself. Going back to this former arrangement was for the best.

And even though he wasn't petty by any mean, he couldn't help but to add, "It'd save me from having to go with Metalface."

"Go bury yourself in the snow, Iceprick."

"Guys…," Levy sighed, sounding exhausted.

"Okay, that settles it!" Juvia exclaimed, not caring about the tense atmosphere. "Juvia and Gray-sama together and the two others together!"

"No way," Gray exclaimed, feeling his face growing warmer as he remembered he had yet to clearly oppose to this arrangement. He should have known she would take his 'agreement' literally and would picture herself with him instead of the logical thing, aka pairing the obviously platonic duos together. "I'm not sharing a tent with you."

He tried to push back thoughts of the chaos it would be if Juvia was to sleep in the same tent. He gulped, feeling uneasy to say the least.

"Why not?" Juvia exclaimed, abashed. "Gray-sama said he preferred that arrangement! Is it because Juvia forgot to bring her Doki-Doki Sleeping bag of Love…" She wondered, sounding concerned.

He felt his face burning at the insinuation. No answer came to his mind. None that would sound as disinterested as he'd hoped or none that wouldn't ignite Juvia's imagination. Thankfully, Metalface diverted her attention by saying, "That's probably why he doesn't wanna." It simply earn him a glare from Juvia.

Levy sighed. "You guys figure it out. I'm going to set up this one," she said pointing at Gray's tent that laid on the ground.

A loud gasp echoed through the snowy scenery. All turned to the source, which was no other than Juvia. Her eyes teary, she looked at Levy.

"So, Levy-san wants to share a tent with Gray-sama," Juvia said, bamboozled. Pensive, she looked in the distance. With a soft, regretful tone, she whispered, "She is a Love Rival, after all…"

Gray couldn't help but sighed, exasperated. It baffled him that during this whole trip people had misunderstood their partnership. Why couldn't people justnotjump to conclusion for the most ridiculous reasons?

Coincidentally but not surprisingly, Levy felt the same, as she groaned, "No! Why does everyone think that?!"

Gray wondered the same thing. Why did everyone always think a guy and a girl together were automatically a couple? Couldn't people just be friends in peace? Although he understood that Juvia liked, or rather loved, romance, Gray would like if other people didn't see love everywhere like she did. (One Juvia was enough for him.) Before he could pondered on what he might have insinuated, the Water Mage's outburst caught his attention.

"So, it's true?" Juvia exclaimed, her expression wavering between astonishment and distress.

Taken aback, Levy blinked, speechless, before quickly denying it, "What? No! That'd be, erm –"

Seeing his friend at a loss of words, Gray intervened, "– weird. We're friends."

Levy seemed to be even more astounded, looking at both him and Gajeel, as if she was asking for his help. Gajeel was grumpily looking away for some unknown reason. As for him, Gray was just as lost as the petite bluenette. Seeing no help would come, Levy turned to Juvia and tried to reason with her.

"It's nothing of the sort, Juvia… We grew up together, you know. We're family," Levy insisted.

She looked at him, intently. Gray nodded, and added, "Yeah, exactly. We're like siblings."

Juvia sniffed, still hiding her face. Gray searched his pockets, still having his pants, and got a tissue, although he didn't know if she would still keep it as a souvenir of if she'd actually use it this time. He tried his luck and was glad to see her accept it. She turned slightly to blow her nose in modesty. When she stayed slightly away, he felt the need to make things clear. He didn't want Juvia to misunderstand. Although he must admit, he was pleasantly surprised, because she had been acting strangely tamer about her jealousy since he met her in Shirotsume Town, compared to her previous outbursts. Usually, the mere insinuation of Levy and him being a couple would have made her lose her sh*t. Even if she wasn't reacting as strongly, Gray presumed it'd still bother Juvia. How could he make her see that his relationships with his (girl) friends were and would always be platonic? Maybe, comparing it with one of her friendships would do the trick.

"You know, we're like siblings, a bit like you and Gajeel," Gray offered, confident she would make the parallel and understand.

Gajeel scoffed, as if Gray had said the stupidest thing he had heard. His demeanor irritated the Ice Mage, but before he could tell Gajeel a piece of his mind, the Iron Dragon Slayer cut him short.

"The f*ck you're sayin'," Gajeel shook his head. "We ain't like siblings. Hell, Juv' and me have dated a while b–"

Juvia quickly clapped her hand on her friend's mouth to shut him up, shouting. Her distress seemed to have give way to stress, as she hissed to her friend, "Gajeel-kun is saying unnecessary things." She turned to face him and Levy, now smiling. "Juvia's heart is wholly Gray-sama's andonlyGray-sama's," she insisted vigorously, still holding on Gajeel who now seemed to be disinterested in the whole thing.

.

.

.

Wait, what? Gajeel and Juvia dated?

Gray needed a moment to process.

Chapter 11: It's Not Easy Being Dumb

Chapter by InkuEko

Chapter Text

Previously onYour Crush is My Love Rival

Gray and Levy went on a mission to Juvia's despair and Gajeel's annoyance. The Phantom Duo decided to go on a quest to uncover the truth behind this so-called mission in a romantic city (definitely not following them out of semi-jealousy). In Shirotsume Town, the Fairy Duo found out that a monster has been kidnapping couples and has hidden them in the snowy mountain range. Gruvia 'unexpectedly' met up in the Ice Museum while Gajevy 'surprisingly' got caught up in a Bookish Contest for couples. When the monster struck the museum, all four fought it back. Not digging too much on the 'how' nor the 'why' of Gajuvia's presence in Shirotsume Town, the four guildmates agreed to continue the mission together. After a day of trekking in the mountains, they must set up tents to spend the night, but with only two tents for four, chaos ensue on the sleeping arrangement. Before a consensus could be reached, an explosive secret was brought forward, as Gajeel and Juvia have dated in the past.

And now…

If there was one thing Gajeel hated more than anything, it was to be forced into a situation, especially when there was no mean of escape. Well, there was several things he hated, like the taste of rust, high-pitched fake laughter, and dumb clients, but right now, being forced to bunk with Stripper won the number one spot. By far.

To the point that he even considered sleeping outside in the snowy mountains with only his sleeping bag to keep him warm. The only reason why he decided against it was because he couldn't possibly let Stripper have the tent, making it look like he lost against the ice prick (and not because he would have frozen to death).

And so there he was, setting his stuff to spend one of the worst evenings there could be.

Unrolling his sleeping bag on his half of the tent, he wondered how he could manage to kick the Stripper out. Though…it would mean he might spend the night in Shorty's tent since there was no way in hell that Juvia would let her precious Boy Toy sleep outside. Just imagining the guy way too close to Levy annoyed him to no end. Without realizing, he let out an annoyed 'tch', mostly angry with his stupid-ass imagination that was pissing him off more than he already was.

No, mostly angry because of Juvia and her stupid plan.

No, more with that dumb Popsicle.

Arg, everything annoyed him.

Normally, when his emotions were this high, or in this case, this negative, he would go train to tire himself out. However, it was too late for that, and it was cold as hell outside. His mind wandered, listing his few options of activities to pass the time. Maybe he could read…

No way in hell. He wouldn't tolerate the possible comments.

There was really no way out of this boredom. Gajeel would simply have to live out his annoyance until tomorrow morning by going straight to sleep. He signed.

Apparently, too heavily, because it seemed to be what broke the camel's back for his forced tentmate, as Gray put down his alarm clock down with more force than necessary and said, with a snappy tone, "Would you shut up?!"

If Gajeel had taken two seconds to consider, he would have spotted that it was rather surprising for the Ice Mage to snap like that – well without clear provocation. However, the Dragon Slayer had no such interest in his guildmate and simply saw the first degree of it all, being that Gray was in a foul mood and saw it as an equal opportunity to bite back.

"What the hell isyerf*cking problem?" Gajeel growled. "I didn't say sh*t."

The remark somehow made Gray stop on his track. He signed, his shoulders following the movement, now a bit hunched as if he was exhausted. He rubbed his face and muttered, "You breathe too loudly…"

Gajeel was taken aback, taking away the snarky remark that was just about to be thrown. What kind of sh*tty reason was that? If he didn't know any better, he could almost believe that the Stripper was… Then, suddenly, the realization hit Gajeel and made him snicker.

"No way… Don't tell me yer in a sh*tty mood 'cos of what I said."

At that, Gray turned to him, frowning, his annoyance visibly increasing. It only made Gajeel smirk even more. The ice princess rolled his eyes as he let out a felt sigh and groaned, "No, it's because I'm stuck with the likes of you."

Gajeel figured that while he was indeed stuck with the guy, he could at least make the most of it to make it entertaining for himself. Annoying the guy was probably the most fun he could have, given his forced cohabitation.

"Sure, that's the only thing that got your panties all twisted," Gajeel snickered, not believing that was all there was. "Nah, it's pretty obvious it's 'cos yer jealous or something."

His comment hit another nerve, as Gray snapped, "The hell?"

Gajeel barely contained a snort. The guy was too easy to annoy. It seemed like it was a shared trait among the mages of Fairy Tail. Well, the Dragon Slayer wasn't about to complain about that; making people's life hard was like a hobby of sorts for him.

As a matter of fact, Gajeel was beginning to enjoy himself despite his evening's sour start. His bag placed under his improvised pillow made a perfect cushion on which to lay back and got comfortable, stretching his legs and taking a bit too much space, testing the limits.

"Don't worry, Juvia and me ain't happening no more," he said, smug. "We figured we ain't each other's type." He let the silence stretch a bit before dropping a new bomb. "So, you might actually have a shot."

Gajeel knew that Gray was by no mean an expressive guy. To be fair, neither was he, but with Gray, it was pushed to another level entirely. So, maybe that's why he could catch it, but the Dragon Slayer could swear that the Ice Mage had experienced a vast range of emotions in a couple seconds, all only transpiring in his eyes. His lips, pressed together in a fine line, had slight tremors, as if he was battling himself to not say what was on his mind.

He finally settled for, "Juvia's tastes used to suck."

Which Gajeel received as a disrespectful remark. "As if you were the greatest prince charming out there. Don't get co*cky, 'cos you ain't sh*t."

"I'm co*cky now? Looks who's talking like he's some kind of expert," Gray said, side-eyeing him, in a way that felt condescending to Gajeel.

And now, the Iron Dragon Slayer wasn't liking the turn the conversation was taking. If there was one person getting annoyed, it certainly wasn't going to be him.

"Don't make me laugh!" the Dragon Slayer sneered. "As if your stuck-up attitude was a girls' magnet."

"As if your Wanted Poster kind of face was," Gray had the audacity to counterattack.

Gajeel felt his dignity was on the line. He had to put this guy back to his place. Even if usually sharing such information felt beneath him and it made him want to scratch his eyes out, he had to make some things quite clear with this punk.

"I dated way more than you, so I know my worth and ya don't," he stated, keeping his eyes towards the feeble roof of their tent.

Gray let out a single amused sound, as if he heard a good joke. "I don't think that dating one person makes you a big shot."

Gajeel hated that that punk had seen it through. Still, he had started to push up that hill so, for the sake of his dignity, he would continue to push forward and die on that hill.

"Still way more than you. Ya can't understand emotion to save yer life."

"Shut up! You don't know a thing about me."

That Gray had thenerveto say that when he was Juvia's closest friend simply proved his own belief that the Stripper was, in fact, a dumbass.

"I know Juvia and so I know a lot about you," Gajeel spelled it out for him. "Against my will, believe me," he felt the need to add.

The silence stretched for a moment, making him think that the conversation was over (and that he had won the verbal fight), but then, Ice Stripper said, "Well, I heard from Levy that you're insufferable. Not that I care. Though, it is very true."

The not-veiled insult made him sit up and denied, "Oi, Shorty doesn't think that."

What he say made him feel a vein popped out in annoyance. Gray was getting far too relaxed and there was no way that he would allow that. If one of them had to be roasted, it would have to be that Stripper, not him.

"What would you know? All you do is annoy her," Gray shrugged, still laying down and not looking at him.

Gajeel opened his mouth to deny but halted himself. There was some truth in what Popsicle had said…He did like pushing Shorty's buttons and annoy her on occasions. It was just so fun to see her reactions. Though some people, namely Lily, would call his teasing 'flirting' and, whether that was true or not, Stripper didn't need to know that.

"At least, I talk to her," he simply said, still smug.

The undertone, one making Gray understand that he was viewed as a wuss, made the Ice Mage sit up. He reached for his water bottle, faking that it was the reason behind his sudden movement. However, his white knuckles against the innocent bottle told a different story.

"I don't even get why Juvia would settle for you even for a short while," Gray said, coldly before drinking up.

"And I don't get why Shorty accepted to go on a mission with ya," Gajeel replied, as if it was something equally aberrant. "Yer just a vanilla boy."

On that last comment, Gray turned with an air of complete disbelief and incomprehension, eloquently asking, "What the hell are you talking about?"

Inside Gajeel, a turmoil started to unfold, as he realized his mistake. He kind of showed unintentionally that he was butt-hurt by the fact that Levy had gone on a solo mission with Gray. Not jealous. Just insulted. Because he was obviously a way better choice for a partner than Stripper over there and that, no matter what the mission was. He absolutely had to change the subject before the Ice prick caught on…

"Wait…" Gray asked before Gajeel could divert the conversation. The Ice Mage seemed to be getting more confused and dumbfounded by the second. "…You're jealous."

With his tone, it sounded with a question, even though it was phrased like an affirmation. Gajeel cursed at himself, but mostly at Popsicle, for being sharp for once.

"It ain't me who was jealous," Gajeel 'skillfully' denied. To put the finishing touch, he decided to divert the attention back. "You were all salty about Juv' and me."

Gray looked slightly unimpressed and somewhat bothered. "Get over that."

The Ice Mage put away his bottle, looking weirdly conflicted. The guy added, "Anyway…" He stopped himself and let out, "Ugh, nevermind."

Gajeel hated that he was disappointed to see the Stripper's last-minute backtrack on sharing a bit of his thoughts. That goddamn guy could really play on anyone's last nerve. Couldn't Stripper be clear for once in his stupid life? He really couldn't fathom how Juvia could like that guy so much. The Dragon Slayer decided to distract himself by poking fun at Stripper some more. "Oh? Look at you wanting to gossip."

Gray groaned and, without looking in his direction, said, "Just let. It. Go."

Spontaneously Gajeel took the opportunity to set the record clear with the guy, "Speaking of letting it go, ya could maybe let Juv have a clear answer. Just a f*ckin' thought."

Truthfully, he wasn't expecting an answer. The Iron Dragon Slayer was simply looking out for his oldest friend. Sure, he wasn't the kind of person to show it exponentially, but he did care about the well-being of his friends. Usually, he preferred to manage it in a more discreet way, but with Popsicle, it was more than time to be direct. Memories of Juvia's tears were still crystal-clear in his mind. If he could help prevent them from returning, he would. Even if it meant semi-playing the role of Love Ally or whatever Juvia called it. Gajeel just wanted her to be able to live without a stormy cloud hanging over her over-active mind.

"Mind your own business," Ice Princess said, sternly. His stoic air crumbled a bit, revealing a vulnerability Gajeel could barely perceive but had, for sure, never seen on the guy's face. Before Gajeel could try to change the subject not wanting to hear a sob story nor wanting to go further down that path now that he had said what needed to be said, Stripper said the stupidest thing he had ever heard someone say.

"…Anyway, what she feels will fade away soon enough."

Gajeel felt the urge to be extremely transparent on how he felt at that precise moment.

"I've never met someone so stupid and dumb in my entire life, holy f*cking sh*t…" he sighed, hands clapped together in front of his face, in a stance of prayer. "Poor Juv'," he concluded.

"Shut the hell up! No one asked you to butt in. Juvia will realize…"

Juvia will realize? Realize what? That she had been playedagain? That she will wasted her tears over a prickagain? That goddamn f*cking punk. That made him snap.

"Who are you to talk about her like that? You don't know sh*t about what she went through and what she can bare. Whatever. I won't let her waste her time on you no more. I can't believe you're letting hersacrificeher lif-"

A fist connected to his face before Gajeel hadn't finish his sentence. A familiar, metallic taste filled his mouth. If adrenaline and bloodlust weren't already fueling his body, the Dragon Slayer could have figured out he had crossed a line that shouldn't have been crossed. However, his fighting spirit was taking too much space for that consideration to be accounted for.

Gajeel snickered and spit out some blood in Stripper's sleeping area.

"Bitch, yer on!" he growled before striking back.

As expected, Gray blocked the fist aiming for his face, but didn't have the time to sense the uppercut that was coming from a forming iron pole. The Ice Mage flew back from the impact but didn't even seem to be fazed. An aureole of frozen swords and polearms were floating around him. Gajeel could sense danger from Stripper's aura. The guy was not playing around. Luckily for the prick, neither was Gajeel.

The Dragon Slayer materialized two claymores as his arms and was already mid-swing when Stripper sent his icy weapons towards him. A quick jump back saved him from getting kebabbed by literal popsicles, which would have been the dumbest way to die. He shook the snow and ice off, smirking. Though, the smirk faded away when Gajeel properly sized his opponent.

The guy could normally be described as cold, but what was in front of Gajeel was something else entirely. Gray's darkened air was sharp and unforgiving like an unexpected blizzard, silent and deadly. Even against enemies, Gajeel was pretty sure that the guy didn't sport this kind of air. Slowly walking towards him, rematerializing weapons, Gray swiped out the corner of his mouth, maybe of blood.

The heavy silence hanging between them was only heightened by the faint howling wind of the mountains. The heaviness of the air surrounding Gray was irking him, almost as if he had done something that he shouldn't have. Finding it uncomfortable, Gajeel decided to do one of the things he excelled the most at, which was breaking the silence by provocation.

"What? Ya mad about the truth? Then, freaking do somethin'."

Each word was almost buried behind the sound of the ice weapons crashing against Gajeel's claymores. Seeing that his flying weapons didn't do the damage he intended, Gray created a giant sword which he skillfully swung towards the Iron Dragon's momentarily weak point, which he managed to block in extremis. Getting increasingly annoyed by his guildmate's obstinate silence, he swung an upfront attack that was blocked. In a show of strength, they both obstinately stayed in that stance, groaning under the effort of making the other one step back.

Gajeel took the opportunity to yell at him some more, "Yeah, that's right. Keep up with yer dumb silence. That'll help ya."

Annoyance seemed to work as Gray barked back, "I don't want your goddamn opinion!"

"Oh, but ya need it."

They both jumped back, ready to go at it again. Strike after strike, their weapons wearing down, they would create new ones to try to knock out their opponents. Now, having forgotten the initial heavy silence, Gajeel was simply having a blast to spend energy on fighting to tire himself out of his annoyance. Though, it was short-lived as Gray made an icy patch under one of his feet, making him slip which made him go on one knee. Seeing his opportunity, the Ice Mage jumped forward with a giant war hammer. Gajeel rolled away and got up on his feet, receiving thousands of tiny ice pieces on him from the hammer's impact.

The Iron Dragon rolled his shoulders and felt the need to add to his previous statement, "Y'know, ya got 99 problems and they're all because ya don't f*cking talk sh*t out."

Swinging a punch, Gray deflected it, going back to hand-on-hand combat. "I don't want to hear that fromyou."

Gajeel rolled his eyes. Sure, he wasn't the chattiest lad, but he was nowhere as annoyingly secretive as the Ice Princess. Of that, he was sure. Gray took a step back, lowering his combat stance, but keeping his hands ball into fists itching to hit.

Taking a sharp breath, the Ice Mage let all his frustration out in the longest tirade Gajeel had ever heard him deliver, "We're not friends. I canbarelytolerate you. Why would I want to talk aboutthat, of all things, with you? I know you care about Juvia, but don't push your agenda on me. Do you see me getting involved in Levy's stories even though she's a childhood friend? No, because I'm not a pain in the ass like-"

His monologue was cut short when he tripped over something and fell. Both guys were too surprised to react -or in Gajeel's case, laugh his ass off. Gray turned over to see what had the audacity to make him fall. His face grew red when he saw the culprit being a mere pillow. Unceremoniously, he kicked it while getting up. At that, Gajeel snickered which earned him a glare.

Gray opened his mouth, looking ready to continue his rant, but something stopped him. He looked around and asked, "Where's the tent?"

That stunted Gajeel. Then, the realization dawned on him just as it seemed for Gray; they had inadvertently destroyed their tent and were now without a place to sleep.

"That's just brilliant," Gray sarcastically said. "Well done, metalbrain."

"Shut it, ice prick. It takes at least two people to fight. So, ain't no way yer putting all the blame on me."

"Well, good luck getting some rest now."

Before Gajeel could bark back a well-thought insult his way, something behind the ice prick caught his eye. He chuckled and walked towards his guildmate.

"Talking for yourself, popsicle," Gajeel grinned, tapping the guy's shoulder before continuing to walk the other tent.

Gray seemed to have caught on what Gajeel intended to do.

"You're not really going to…"

Gray's voice got buried under the sound of a loud gush of wind going through the mountains. Or maybe it was Gajeel who tuned out his annoying voice. Or both. Either way, Gajeel ignored him and pressed on. His sensitive hearing somewhat caught on steps behind him following him, pressing as if the guy wanted to get ahead.

Gajeel picked up his pace, not out of pettiness but as a matter of self-respect. When the sound grew closer, the Dragon Slayer also accelerated. In a moment, both guys were running towards the girls' tent.

Gray had the audacity to propel himself forward with ice polls, reaching the door first by a mere second. Knocking (or whatever it was called when one tried to signal their presence to someone in a tent), Gray said, "Hey Juvia? Levy? Sorry to bother but-"

Gajeel shoved him, interrupting him, "-But that asshole destroyed the tent. Let me bunk with you, guys. He can make himself an igloo or whatever."

He must have pushed a tiny bit too far because Gray turned to him with fury in his eyes and sharply said, "f*ck off."

For the ice prick to swear, it was a new achievement unlocked for Gajeel. However, he didn't really had time to revel in his unexpected victory, because he was beginning to freeze his butt off.

"OI, Shorty?! Wake up! Raindrop?! Answer me dammit!"

Gajeel felt an elbow crashing against his ribcages. Although his metal-like build didn't feel much, it was a matter of respect. And so, Gajeel took it upon him to pay back twofold, aiming for the face. Gray deflected, with a strong-arm block. The Dragon Slayer then unfolded his arm to karatechop the Stripper's head, which fueled the alteration. Their 'fight' was more tamed, maybe because they didn't want to break a second tent, especially since it was the last one and the girls didn't deserve that bad surprise.

Suddenly, a loud zip sound was heard, and a doorway appeared, with a frowning Juvia peering at them. Gajeel bit back a loud sigh. He had hoped it would be Shorty who would open… Not because he wondered what kind of pyjama she would sport (nooo, not at all), but because he knew that with Juvia, he stood no chance against her stupid Stripper. Apparently, Ice Prick knew (consciously or subconsciously) because he spoke up first, "Sorry to bother…

Gajeel couldn't hold back an eyeroll at that. As if that guy could ever bother Raindrop, the hopelessly romantic and head-over-heels girl in love with him. Too many instances came to mind of moments when Juv' would go crazy over that guy for no reason… Gajeel snapped back to reality when he heard the Ice Princess say, "Could I bunk with you and Levy? As you see…"

Before Gajeel could make clear that Gray could go die in a ditch, Juvia spoke up, shutting them up both. She said smiling with starry eyes, "Juvia is sorry but Gray-sama and Gajeel-kun will have to find a new accommodation. We girls are busy."

Shorty's head popped up in the picture and said, "Yeah, sorry, guys! I'm sure you can somehow fix it up with your abilities and make it viable for the night."

Gajeel's brain court-circuited for a moment, seeing her in a fluffy and pinkish hoodie and with low pigtails. Was there a limit to this woman's cuteness? There had to be. Being this adorable had to be a superpower of sorts. Gajeel was, for the first time this evening, grateful it was so cold, because his face was naturally with a reddish shade, while trying to have this memory engraved in his mind.

"Indeed!" Juvia exclaimed, looking quite happy. Gajeel looked at her, perplexed, having forgotten what they were talking about. "Well, good night to you two and good luck!"

On that, the tent was re-zipped shut and left the two guys to freeze outside.

That was the pause needed for Gajeel's mind to put the pieces back together.

Gray and he were still outside in the early stages of freezing to death.

For the Iron Dragon Slayer, since it was Juvia who answered, it didn't surprise him to be left outside, even if he was her best friend. Sure, it was still slightly insulting, but it was to be expected. However, the real surprising turn of event stood beside him. Gray was still looking forward, eyes slightly bewildered.

Although he should have been alarmed by their precarious situation, Gajeel found it f*cking hilarious. It must have been the first time that Gray was rejected by Juvia and his face was priceless. And so, Gajeel made it a point of honour to add insult to injury.

"Dude, you ain't her priority anymore…" Gajeel said with a false sense of empathy.

However, seeing how the guy wasn't responding, as if it had broken his mind. He might be pushing it a bit too far. He added, this time with some sincerity, "That's rough, buddy."

His survival instincts were already planning how he would get through the night, but his thoughts were still somewhat attracted to one sole question just like his guildmate who was still in utter shock: 'what the hell were the girls doing for Juvia to reject her stripper?'

To be continued

Chapter 12: New Plan: Girls' Talk

Chapter Text

The silence hung heavy. Each girl was busying herself into setting her place in the tent. Levy didn’t know how to break the ice. Truthfully, she didn’t know if she wanted to. Her head was in a turmoil. Gajeel and Juvia dated… As much as the revelation shook her, a part of her, the snarky part of her mind where lay her insecurities, wasn’t surprised. Of course, Gajeel had dated Juvia. She was beautiful. Tall, curvy, perfect face, perfect hair. And busty.

Levy internally groaned. Couldn’t her insecurities take a backseat? Give it a rest? Did this new information really change anything? Just yesterday Gajeel and she had a moment at the bookstore, hadn’t they?

Or was it all in her head? Maybe, she didn’t know the Dragon Slayer as well as she thought. Maybe, the tall busty beauty was his type after all…

Subtly, she glanced at Juvia. She was blowing air in her mattress, her back to the petite bluenette. Her hat was tossed on the side, letting her long hair cascading on her back. Juvia’s hair had the perfect shade of blue, and her waves didn’t look messy, but looked rather graceful unlike her own. The type of hair people would love to run their fingers through… Her heart clenched. What about Gajeel? An image of him playing in Juvia’s hair made her heavy heart sink. She shook her head, chasing away her cruel imagination and hopefully the dread she felt.

She didn’t know what she was feeling. Jealousy? Disbelief? Hurt? It was all such a mess.

She must have let on that she was feeling restless, as Juvia’s voice arose,“Is something bothering Levy-san? Is it the arrangement?”

The petite bluenette felt bad when she saw her guildmate’s worried frown. It wasn’t Juvia’s fault that her insecurities had struck back. And although she was friend with the Water Mage, she didn’t feel comfortable enough to share such information about herself. However, she couldn’t let Juvia think that she was bothered by her or the arrangement, as it truthfully was the only viable option for her nerves. She knew her insecurities were pushing it a bit too far, but it was difficult to reign them back to halt. It really didn’t matter what Gajeel’s past relationships were. What was important was the present. She’d have to talk to Juvia eventually to not make things weird, but not tonight. She wasn’t well-put enough to be coherent, but she wouldn’t run away anymore.

“No, the arrangement is fine,” she assured her. She added the best excuse she could come up for her unusual taciturn attitude. “I’m just tired, I think… I’m going to sleep. Good night.”

Levy reached the lamp to turn it off when the Water Mage’s voice halted her.

“Juvia wanted…to tell Levy-san something if she doesn’t mind.”

Despite her previous decision to go to bed with as little interactions as possible (not to make a fool of herself), curiosity had the best of her. She nodded, allowing Juvia to ask her question.

“It’s about Gajeel-kun. Juvia and he–”

Her heart threatened to crush all her organs.

“It’s okay,” Levy quickly interrupted her. She wasn’t sure why she didn’t want to hear the full story. At least, maybe not right now when the surprise was still so vivid. She tried to get herself out of this conversation as tactfully as her panicked brain could manage. “You don’t need to… I didn’t mean to… I’m sorry. I didn’t know you two dated…”

Seeing how poorly she was faring with her attempt to look nonchalant with the whole ordeal, Levy’s voice progressively faltered. She didn’t know what the best course of action was. To wait for her imagination to calm down or to rip the bandage right away? And should she apologize to Juvia for not being more observant and not having caught on that the Water Mage had dated Gajeel or would that be weird?

Although they were guildmates and friends, she realized she didn’t know Juvia that well. Levy knew for a fact that Juvia only had eyes for Gray. The whole world could see it. Hell, even Gray knew, one of the densest people she knew. However, the Script Mage didn’t know if her going for Gajeel would throw off the balance within the guild. She had never been confronted to liking a friend’s ex, although she was closer to the ‘ex’ aka Gajeel than the friend aka Juvia. Her mind was spinning and hundreds of questions and what-ifs continued to come and go. The fact that she was also exhausted from a day-long trek didn’t help her to think rationally. So focused on her inner turmoil, Levy almost missed the amused smile Juvia sported.

“Levy-san has no reason to apologize. It was a long time ago,” Juvia confessed, reclaiming Levy’s attention. “And only for two dates. Juvia and Gajeel both decided that they were better as friends.”

“How could you be so sure after only two dates?” The question escaped her lips before she could stop herself. How nosy of herself! Levy would hit her head against a wall if she had any nearby. And what was she playing at? Trying to question Juvia on to why she's not with Gajeel? Was she a complete masoch*st? “Ah sorry again, it’s none of my business to meddle… You really don’t have to tell me.”

“No, no! Juvia insists!” the Water Mage assured. “She really wants Levy-san NOT to misunderstand. Gajeel-kun and Juvia weren’t a good match, romantically. He was just being nice to Juvia, as a friend.”

“I see,” Levy blinked, perplexed. She didn’t really know what to do with that piece of information. The equation didn’t make much sense to her.

Seemingly seeing that she was unconvinced, Juvia pulled a board from her bag and showed it to her. “Look, there is no pink link between Gajeel-kun and Juvia. Pink is romantically coded. We are Love Allies. Only Love Allies. Juvia only loves Gray-sama.”

The board was rather wide for something being brought on a mission. Tens of pictures were glued on it with different lines of colors drawn in-between. Most of them were girls except for Gajeel, Gray and a white-haired mage who was with Lamia Scale if she remembered correctly. Levy finally registered what Juvia had said and couldn’t help but wonder, “Why is there so many girls with pink links towards Gray?” Then, she saw her picture. “Wait. Why am I there too?”

“It’s an old version,” Juvia quickly said, hiding it away. “And not relevant anymore. Since Levy-san and Gajeel like each other.”

The Water Mage said it so matter-of-factly, as if she had said that the sun would rise as per usual the following day. Levy was so startled by it that she eloquently said, “What?”

To which Juvia repeated the exact same sentence.

Again, Levy’s brain court circuited. Had the petite bluenette been that obvious on her crush? She shook her head. After all, ‘to like someone’ had a very vast semantic and so the petite bluenette decided to take the safest route possible and said, “Hum…of course, we are friends.”

Now, it seemed to be Juvia’s turn to be startled.

“Juvia meant…romantically.”

Levy felt herself blush. Alright, so Juvia did mean what she thought she meant. She had noticed, just like all other Fairy Tail girls were officially onto her and her massive crush on Gajeel. Truthfully, she didn’t know how to approach the subject anymore or at least not for now. Her mind was still too scattered to say anything coherent.

“Ah…hm…no, it’s just…”

Before Levy could try to explain that it might be a bit too early to talk about romance since until recently she was almost 100% that her crush was one-sided, the Water Mage grew paler and gasped so hard that it scared the petite bluenette.

“You don’t like Gajeel?!?!”

Levy couldn’t fathom how Juvia had come to that conclusion, but spontaneously she told her the truth.

“No, of course I do!” Levy exclaimed, before blushing furiously as she realized what she said. Maybe because of the strength of her reaction. Though, her bad habit of denial came back even against her better judgement. “I mean, I like him fine.” Seeing she had failed to sound any bit convincing, she conceded to tell the whole truth. Or at least, her own perceived truth. “It’s him that only sees me as a friend.”

Juvia tilted her head, baffled, “Levy-san… Juvia thought you were smart?”

“I am!” Levy assured her before realizing it was way more arrogant than what she actually meant. “I mean, book-wise, I think I am. For life, I’m not so sure anymore.”

Juvia bit her lips, frowning. She seemed to have an internal fight, debating what she wanted to say.

“All Juvia can say is that she has never seen Gajeel care so much about someone,” Juvia finally said. “Levy-san shouldn’t discard him so quickly.”

There was a vulnerability in her voice that deeply touched Levy. She noticed so much affection in what Juvia said. Like what family would say about their kin. Levy felt the need to reassure Juvia about Gajeel.

“I won’t. It’s just… I got surprised by what he said. About you two.”

The Water Mage nodded gravely and comprehensively. “Juvia can’t blame you. She would have been shook in your place too if she had learnt such a thing about Gray-sama.”

“You don’t have to worry about that,” Levy chuckled softly. “He never dated anyone in the guild. And as for outside, I never heard of a girl that was interested past the first date.”

“Pfff, none of those peasants could nor can handle Gray-sama’s coolness,” she brushed off her outdated rivals with a nonchalant hand gesture.

Levy snorted at that. There was truth in Juvia’s statement. His offhandedness had cooled down more than once the passions of potential girlfriends. “Yeah, I think you’re the only one that can.”

Juvia gasped and clasped her hands over Levy’s. Her eyes were sparkling. “Does Levy-san really think so?!”

The petite bluenette smiled, fondly. The Water Mage’s enthusiasm was contagious. Her low-spirited mood was completely forgotten.

“Yeah,” Levy nodded. “You really seem to get Gray. I mean, I’ve never seen him so open with someone he didn’t grow up with before.”

At first, on her knees, Juvia now sat down comfortably in front of her, looking eager to hear more.

“Oh, it’s true Levy-san grew up with Gray-sama!” She rummaged through her bag and took out a notepad and a pencil. The pencil lead looking sharp and ready, she looked at Levy, stars in her eyes. “Tell Juvia everything.”

Levy was stunned by the sudden attention. Though it didn't last long as Juvia's enthusiasm made her mind rattle to find something she could share. Her thoughts went to the train ride.

“Oh, Gray loves soup. Cold never bothered him, but he really enjoy warm soups. Especially my Creamy Carrot one with bacon.”

Juvia was nodding as she was writing down the information. She decisively put a period and then looked up to Levy, with more seriousness than the petite bluenette had ever witnessed from the Water Mage.

“Would Levy-san be okay with sharing such valuable information with Juvia?”

Levy softly laughed, charmed by her friend’s solemn voice to her query. It sounded almost as if she was asking for national secrets.

“Yeah, it’s no problem,” Levy agreed, cheerfully. “I’ll copy the recipe for you. And I could even help you out for your first try, because I think I go a bit freestyle on certain measurements…”

“Oh, that would be so nice of Levy-san…” Juvia’s eyes sparked. Levy could really understand why Gray who was normally so reserved could open up to a girl like Juvia. Who couldn’t?

Levy was surprised when Juvia’s now strangely timid voice brought her back from her thoughts.

“Hm, can Juvia ask if...Can Juvia call Levy-san Levy-chan?” The way the Water Mage asked was like a little girl asking if she could call another one her friend. There was the innocent shyness of it in her demeanor, which melted Levy's heart.

“Y-yes, of course”, Levy said. She felt like she also wanted to be better friends with her and so she asked,“And can I call you Juvia-chan?”

Her friend beamed at that. “That would make Juvia quite happy!”

The two girls smiled at each other for a moment, happy to have put the awkward silence behind. Eventually, Juvia rekindled the previous topic by asking, “What else can Levy-chan share on Gray-sama’s tastes? From what Juvia has read, a man falls in love through his stomach. Juvia is more of a baker herself, but she’d like to try her hands on meals though to keep Gray-sama healthy.”

Levy smiled brightly, having immediately thought of something that would be of interest for the Water Mage. “I imagine you noticed how Gray likes cats?” Juvia frenetically nodded while writing something down. “Well, there’s a cat café near Magnolia, one which I know Gray sometimes goes. Although he keeps it a secret, I saw it by chance because it’s across from a bookstore I like. I tried it and it was super cute with fluffy kitties, a nice variety of desserts and their coffee is to die for!”

“It sounds like the perfect date spot…” Juvia said, dreamily.

“Honestly, yes! But you’d have to pretend that you don’t know he knows the place, but rather that it was your idea… Gray doesn’t know I know about his favorite coffee place…”

“Oh well, of course! Never would Juvia do something to embarrass Gray-sama!”

“Yeah, but you know how he is. He gets embarrassed easily though,” Levy chuckled, remembering some funny situations from when they were kids. Like the time he was a blushing mess because the others had heard him apologizing to a door after having crashed into it. “By the strangest things, really. A bit like Natsu, now that I think about it… Maybe it’s a guy thing.”

“Well, Gajeel-kun also gets fuzzy over strange things. Like him wearing an apron when he cooks. It’s silly, because it is practical to wear one-”

“He what now??” Levy inadvertently interrupted her, too perplexed to hold back her half-ass question.

“Gajeel-kun cooks. Very well, if Juvia may add. She really doesn’t get why he hides it. Juvia finds that he would win points if that fact was known.”

Levy felt her cheeks getting hot, surely furiously blushing. The image of Gajeel cooking while wearing an apron, a picture so domestic of a guy wanting to appear so sharp around the edges, warmed her heart. She could even feel herself rocking a silly smile. Juvia seemed to have spotted it too, as she slyly said, “Juvia knew it would be something that would hold Levy-chan’s attention.”

“How could it not?” the petite bluenette softly laughed. “The duality of him is so…” Once again she was left speechless by the thought of Gajeel. This man had a way of making her forget words in all languages that she knew. There was simply not a word out there to describe how amazing and interesting he was to her. Juvia broke her daydream with her enthusiasm.

“Well, it’s perfect, it’s Juvia’s time to repay her debt with the valuable information that she now has the privilege of having!”

“Oh, you don’t have to, it’s my pleasure to have a girls' talk with you,” she said, gently squeezing Juvia’s hand to show her friend their deepening friendship. “No need to overthink it, it’s just fun! And I can’t remember the last time I had a cozy girls’ night like this, so thank you.”

Juvia was looking at her hand, covered by Levy’s before looking up with doe-like eyes. Levy wondered if she had said something wrong as it seemed tears gleamed in the corner of her dark blue eyes. She was about to ask when her friend beat her to it with an unexpected question.

“...This is a girls’ night?” the Water Mage asked with a tiny voice. Before Levy could say anything, Juvia added, “Juvia never was invited to one…”

Juvia seemed lost in her imagination with a far-off look on her face. Levy’s heart broke for her. How could a girl as sweet and funny as Juvia have never been to a girls’ night? From her sunny personality, it was easy for people to forget just how alone she was before joining Fairy Tail, Levy realized. Her resolve strengthened.

“Let’s change that immediately,” Levy exclaimed, straightening her back, ready to get down with business. “We will do a traditional one since it would be your first!”

“Sorry, Juvia isn’t sure what it implies,” she said, sheepilish.

“Well, we’ve started pretty well so far. Talk about crushes for example, like now, but we also eat snacks, rant and/or fangirl about things, do pillow fights (careful with Erza), doing each other’s nails or hair…” Levy enumerated, wondering if she forgot anything. Juvia’s eyes were sparkling a bit more at each activity. “We used to do such sleepovers often at Fairy Hills when we were younger. Cana, Lisanna, Mira, Erza and I, that is. Not so much anymore… I miss it,” she confessed, sounding sadder than she expected.

Juvia clasped her hands and made her look up. Beaming, the Water Mage said, “It all sounds wonderful! Let’s have lots of fun, Levy-chan! Juvia is in your care!”

Levy chuckled. How very Juvia to comfort someone else when the initial plan was to comfort the Water Mage. Things would continue to change for the best for Juvia and the Solid Script Mage made it her mission to make sure Juvia would have a lot of girls’ night in the future. But, first she would make the first one memorable!

“Yes!” the petite bluenette grinned. “I don’t think I have a lot of snacks unfortunately, just blueberries… But! I have more to tell you about Gray.”

Juvia squealed, overexcited. “Juvia has chocolate so we can eat choco-blueberries! And she can’t wait for more talk about Gray-sama. However, Levy-chan should prepare herself for the new information she will have of Gajeel-kun.” Her devilish chuckle made Levy even more curious about what that implied.

Before she could ask, they were interrupted. A faint commotion seemed to be getting closer but before it could raise some worries, they distinguished voices they knew. Of two guys they knew well and who seemed to be in an argument. Unsurprisingly if Levy was quite honest with herself.

The zipped-frame bent a bit as someone ‘knocked’ on it, in an attempt of politeness. Probably, Gray. She bit her smile as her hypothesis was confirmed when they heard him say, “Hey Juvia? Levy? Sorry to bother you but- ”

The girls heard a mass stagger and a new shadow replaced Gray’s. Towering the tent even more, it was easy to recognize Gajeel even with just his shadow. Levy sighed, being able to imagine the scene clearly of him shoving aside the Ice Mage. His unmistakable voice gruffly complained, “But that asshole destroyed the tent. Let me bunk with you, guys. He can make himself an igloo or whatever.”

Levy stifled a laugh. Surely, there wasn’t more to that than what Gajeel had said. However, this time the petite bluenette wasn’t particularly curious about the current events with the guys. They had been so engrossed in their conversation that they didn’t even hear any fighting outside even though it must have been quite obvious. They just tuned out the outside world, unconsciously.

She surprised herself even as she felt disappointed by the interruption. Normally, Gajeel’s presence always brightened her day (or night) but this time, she just wanted to have girl time with Juvia with whom she wanted to get much closer to. The two girls were indeed guildmates and good friends, but Levy felt that their bond still lacked the closeness of girlfriends. Tonight would change that. Or so did Levy hope before the interruption. She felt guilty about these thoughts as the guys seemed to be in trouble. Of their own doing, most likely, but nonetheless in need of help.

Sheepishly, she looked at Juvia. She didn’t want to impose and prevent Juvia from spending time with Gray. What wasn’t her surprise when she saw the resolved gaze of her friend, feeling that she wanted exactly the same thing as Levy. Before they could voice their thoughts or even just answer the guys, Gajeel impatiently called them out again, “Oi, Shorty?! Wake up! Raindrop?! Answer me, dammit!”

Juvia sighed, annoyed. She turned towards Levy and reassured her, “Juvia will take care of this, swiftly.”

She unzipped the doorframe and let into view Gajeel and Gray. Even on the sidelines, she could see that they were quite dishevelled and covered in snow. Gajeel had even a bruise forming on his left cheekbone and Gray had a slight cut on his jaw. Levy couldn’t believe it; it hadn’t even been less than two hours since they'd split into their respective tents. How could they have found a reason to go at each other this strongly was beyond Levy.

"Sorry to bother…” Gray started, moving a bit closer. Even without seeing Gajeel anymore, she could imagine his annoyed face. “Could I bunk with you and Levy? As you see…"

Juvia interrupted him, though still sounding apologetic. "Juvia is sorry but Gray-sama and Gajeel-kun will have to find a new accommodation. We girls are busy."

Gray blinked in surprise. Levy could have laughed. It must have been the first time that he wasn’t Juvia’s first choice. The petite bluenette felt quite honoured at the thought that she somehow climbed up the ranks of Juvia’s priority. Most likely, just for tonight, but it was still nice to see she wasn’t the only one craving a girls’ night.

She got closer, stretched herself to peak over her friend’s shoulder and chimed in, "Yeah, sorry, guys! I'm sure you can somehow fix it up with your abilities and make it viable for the night."

Her eyes naturally fell on Gajeel. She was past denying that her attention wouldn’t find a way to focus on him when he was there even among a crowd. The poor guy seemed to be freezing with his cheeks being quite red. Still, Levy felt it would be a good learning experience to fully understand the saying ‘You reap what you sow’. Besides, she was confident they would figure something out; they were two bright mages that got into other dire situations. They would manage just fine.

"Indeed!" Juvia exclaimed, looking quite happy. Both guys looked at her, perplexed, almost slack-jawed. "Well, good night to you two and good luck!"

Juvia re-zipped the tent, leaving the guys to their predisposition.

“Where were we?” the Water Mage turned around, sporting a playful smile.

Levy laughed. Once again, never had she thought that she would see the day on which Juvia would choose to spend time with someone else over Gray. And that someone else being her was rather flattering.

“We were exchanging information on crushes,” the petite bluenette said. There was absolutely no point in denying at this point that Gajeel was her crush and a major one at that. She realized that Juvia brought forth honesty, thanks to the girl's unapologetic sincerity in everything she did. It encouraged people around her to be honest to themselves, as Juvia was to herself.

“Right,” Juvia clapped, eagerly. “So, before we continue that, could Juvia try to do a hairdo that she believes would suit Levy-chan perfectly? The pigtails are very cute, but Juvia thinks high buns would also be quite pretty.”

“Ooooh, I'd love that! And after, I could braid your hair too, into a French braid.”

Levy couldn't see Juvia as she had taken her place behind her to style her hair, but she could feel her friend's excitement.

“Gladly! It is not a style Juvia's done often.”

“It fits with your elegance,” Levy pointed out. “If you want, I can ask Mira to show you how to do it on yourself. I forgot the technique since my hair is too short for that now.”

Juvia already getting looking for hairpins and the likes simply hummed in agreement. She took in her hand one of Levy's pigtails to untie it, which provoke an instant reaction.

“Wow, Levy-chan's hair is so soft. Juvia is quite envious.”

Levy felt herself blush, having such a gorgeous girl compliment her so spontaneously.

“Thanks,” she simply said. “I could show you my products back at Fairy Hills. If you want, of course.”

“Gladly,” Juvia said, happily tying the first high bun. “Juvia is always up to discover new products. She is quite fond of bath bombs.”

“Oooh, I enjoy them too! My favorites are from Delicatesse. Though as popular as they are, they only have a shop, their original, in Oshibana.”

Fixing the second bun, Juvia confessed, “Juvia has never tried them. She always sticks with the one from the city she lives in.”

“I totally recommend Delicatesse, it's definitely worth the trip!” Levy said. “I can give you one so you can test it first.”

“Levy-chan is spoiling Juvia,” the Water Mage said, a smile in her voice. “Let's each share our favourite!”

“Great idea! I'm curious about your tastes.”

Sensing that Juvia was done with her hairdo, she offered to trade places so she could braid her long wavy hair. The tall bluenette hadn't even settled down yet that she followed up on the topic by adding, “Well, even before meeting Gray-sama, Juvia has always like fresh icy smells, like the crisp air after the first snow.”

The endearing comparison made her think of something that would thrilled the Water Mage. Although judging by her natural enthusiasm any piece of information about Gray simply seemed to elate her, Levy had no doubt this particular one would be even better.

“Speaking of first snow,” Levy said, slightly mischiveously, “when it happens, they inaugurate Magnolia's Ice Ring. It is great because it really initiate the Holidays' spirits of everyone with its multicoloured, fairy lights. A lot of couple go skating there since it has such a romantic place...”

She let the suggestion hang in the air, though now she regretted that Juvia was facing the opposing direction and not being able to see her expression. Her dreamy sigh was a good indicator of her state of mind. Still, Levy pushed further as she had yet to deliver the final blow, the cherry on top.

“And Gray would always go first thing in the morning, at the opening, before any couple would arrive. He always liked to ice skate but has always done it alone so far.”

It was a good thing that Levy was finshing tying her hair as Juvia abruptly turned at that. Starry-eyed, she said, “Oooh, it sounds wonderful! How Juvia longs to see the Ice Ring and most importantly to go with Gray-sama~”

“It would make a perfect date for you two,” Levy agreed. It fitted their elements and their vibe.

“Right??” Juvia asked. “Juvia can already picture it and it is everything Juvia has ever wanted for. Some shopping will be necessary beforehand, because Juvia must find the ideal outfit; warm, cozy but breathtaking at the same time, so Gray-sama will look only at her.”

“That won't be a problem,” Levy smiled, knowingly. “You have a way of catching his eyes, even if even himself doesn't always realize it.”

A faint blush coloured her friend's cheeks, making her look even prettier and more elegant-looking than she normally was. Love really brightened people, she mused, fondly.

“Levy-chan is too nice to Juvia,” she said, feeling the warmth of her face, as a young maiden would do. Then, seriousness settled on her face. “Now, it is time to help Levy-chan with her own perfect date with Gajeel-kun.”

Her heart leaped at that. And yet not because of the prospect of it, but rather for its memory. Her mind replayed yesterday's unexpected encounter with Gajeel at the bookstore. A coincidence worth one of her romance novels she'd read tugged under a pile of blankets on her sofa with a hot cocoa. She hadn't realized she was grinning (like a fool) until Juvia asked about it.

“Well, we kinda had one already,” Levy admitted, bashfully. And then, she realized and felt the need to add, “Well, I don't know if it actually was a date, but it was perfect nonetheless. To me, at least.”

Juvia gasped. “Really, when?? How?? Where??”

Under the flurry of questions, Levy sheepishly retold the events of yesterday with Gajeel. She could have believed herself an excellent storyteller by how enthranced Juvia looked by the story and so she spared no details about how she felt through the whole thing. The tall bluenette squealed along the parts in which Levy felt she'd blushed the hardest and would smile knowingly whenever the spotlight was on things Gajeel would do or say.

“Aww, Gajeel-kun, well done,” Juvia said, sounding like a proud mother.

“So, yeah, I don't know if I could think of something that could top this for me,” the Script Mage smiled.

Her friend vigourously shook her head. “Oh no, believe Juvia, it can only get better!” Seeing that her message wasn't fully understood, she added, “After all, you two haven't kissed yet.”

Levy choked on air. Wide-eyed, she looked at Juvia who started laughing. “Isn't it the perfect conclusion to a perfect date?”

Levy would lie if she'd said she hadn't imagined the scenario a thousand different ways. However, there was a significant difference between imagining and actually happening. And though it wasn't like she'd never kissed, but with Gajeel, it felt...nerve-wracking. Maybe, it was the reason why it was bad bottling up one's emotions as she felt like she was on the brink of exploding everytime their banter resembled more like flirting. And the undeniable pull she felt whenever they were close. Sometimes, she could barely focus on what she was reading. Ugh, she had it so bad.

Juvia half-hid her playful chuckles behind her hand. She must have seen the turmoil within the bookworm.

“Well, there's no hurry. All good love stories take time, don't they?” the Water Mage asked, while taking out the chocolate she had mentionned earlier.

The bookish parallel was, of course, not lost on Levy. And though Juvia was talking about their own lives, she felt the growing need to talk about some said romance books. Her friend must have sensed it, as she tilted her head with a soft smile, an invitation to fangirl about books. Or so was what Levy thought and hoped, albeit it never really stopped her before.

“Yes, absolutely. My favourite love stories always are the ones that put emphasis on their individual feelings, especially pre-relationships,” Levy said, dreamily, as she opened her bag of blueberries. And then she sighed, “Though I know, one should stay in the incertainty of it too long.”

“Juvia agrees with it all. And it gives good inspiration and advice for our own lives. Speaking of which, does Levy-chan have some recommendations?”

“Every day of my life,” she expressly said. “About any trope you might like.”

“Trope?”

Popping a choco-blueberry in her mouth, Juvia surely missed how wide Levy's eyes widened at the question. Definitely not out of judgement of her not knowing, but rather amazed by the vast possibilities Juvia would soon discovered.

“Oh, Juvia, you're in for a treat,” Levy beamed, reajusting her position, ready to talk about a topic she could go on easily for hours. “So, within the genre of romance, there are a variety of tropes, which is kind of like a theme. For example, the soulmates or the enemies to lovers...”

And hours flew by, just like that. Both girls seemed to have completely forgotten the initial topic and were simply enjoying talking about books and stories. Juvia had read a few series and now that she knew more terminology about it, she had a better idea of what type of stories she liked. Juvia had discovered she had a soft spot for the love between enemy kingdoms. Especially if both protagonists had some sort of connection from their childhoods. Friends to Lovers seemed to be pretty high in her list. The conversation was going so organically that they hadn't realized they were now laying down on their sleeping bags, still listing their favorite things.

Then, yawns became more frequent. After the fourth exchange of yawns, both girls bursted in laughter. They were really fighting a losing battle, like kids wanting to extend their pre-bedtime. The rational part of Levy scolded her, the boring little voice advicing they should really just go to sleep, or they were going to be sleepy tomorrow just when they'd get to the culprit of the adductions. Rationality was right, though a killkoy.

Levy voiced her better judgement, even if they were a tiny bit against her wants, “We should accept that we're tired and go to sleep.”

“Levy-chan is right,” Juvia sighed, fluffying her pillow. “How Juvia wished we didn't have a mission tomorrow.”

“Same.” The petite bluenette adjusted her sleeping bag next to her friend's. Even if they had plenty of place, there was magic in falling asleep while talking next to your friend.

They were now facing each other, their eyes dropping a bit more every passing minute.

“Next one, let's make sure no obligations the following day,” Juvia smiled. “And it doesn't have to be just with Juvia. Levy-chan can invite other people.”

“I'd invite just the girls at Fairy Hill and Lucy,” Levy confessed. “I love all my friends, but I spend a lot of time with my team. And it’s cool, but girls’ nights are just… so cozy and easy and fun.”

Juvia nodded. Her eyes remained closed, letting Levy believed that she had fallen asleep. However, a whisper told her otherwise.

“Juvia is glad her first was with Levy-chan.”

As touched as she was by Juvia's confession, a mischievous thought crossed her mind, which she couldn't resist to share.

“Don’t tell Gray or he might get jealous that I get one of your firsts~”

Juvia laughed at that. Opening her eyes, a spark shone in them.

“Oh, but Gray-sama has no reason to. He will get all the others.”

Levy couldn't contain her laugh, “Don’t say that in front of him or he’ll die. Of happy embarrassment (?)” The image of it was priceless and kind of made her want to see his reaction to Juvia's bold statement.

Her friend seemed to receive her telepathic message, as Juvia playfully smiled, saying, “Juvia might just do it then…”

Their happy laughters filled the tent, punctuating their first girls' time and their last waking moment of the day.

Chapter 13: Dynamic Change

Chapter Text

To say that Juvia woke up in a wonderful mood would be an understatement. Even her lack of sleep that tried to make her body feel sore didn't deter her feeling that today would also be a wonderful day. Her eyes would normally sting a bit after short nights of rest, but with the memories of her first sleepover ever, if the feeling was there, it went above her head.

Her mornings were usually slow to start, preparing a nice cup of cocoa and doing her washing-up, but today even without it, Juvia felt refreshed. Sitting up, she tried to not make any noise while checking what time it was. However, Levy started stirring, as if aware that morning was there.

“Morning,” the small bluenette said, with a tiny, still-asleep voice.

Grinning, Juvia answered back, “Good morning, Levy-chan. Juvia hopes she didn't wake her up. She is usually a morning person.”

Levy sat up and stretched, looking like a drowsy kitten. “Don't worry, I always wake up early when on a mission. Even though I'm not normally an early bird.”

They got ready, idly chatting, as long-time friends would do. Juvia still could sense the soreness in her cheeks from smiling too much the previous day. Although during the mission so far she had been very focused on Gray-sama (and helping Gajeel-kun), she had to admit she was grateful and happy for the time she had with her guildmate who she could now proudly and entirely call a girlfriend.

Helping each other rolling the sleeping bag in a well-coordinated manner, there was now only the tent to undo.

“We should see if the guys are up,” Levy said, pensively. “Should I go or do you want-”

To the prospect of being the first thing Gray-sama would see in the morning, Juvia perked up and volunteered.

“Alright,” her friend laughed. A knowing look lit up her eyes. A smirk musing her lips, she added, “Gray likes a hot beverage, first thing in the morning. Makes him less groggy.”

At that, Juvia beamed. “Just like Juvia! Oh, yet another reason as to why Gray-sama is perfect for Juvia.”

“I think it's a bit more the other way around, but sure,” she punctuated with a playful wink.

The compliment made her heart all fuzzy. To have someone think she was a perfect match to Gray-sama and express it out loud was something new for her. Normally, people tried to downplay the whole thing. From Gajeel, it wasn't out of malice, purely out of protectiveness, though he would insist that he simply thought she could do better. The thought was aberrant in itself. And now to have a friend say she was good for Gray-sama turned out to be something she unknowingly craved for.

“Levy-chan is making Juvia blush.”

“I'm just saying facts,” Levy winked playfully. Then, she scooted over to let her pass and get her winter coat and boots. “I'll be right behind you. I'm going to start undoing the tent.”

Juvia nodded. Quickly, she dressed warmly and unzipped the tent once she was sure Levy-chan was also in her winter gear.

Poking her head from the tent, she scrunched her nose when the cold hit her face, not expecting the gust of wind. Everything was packed inside, but now they had to pack up the tents. Well, the tent.

She now recalled that the guys had come by to ask to squeeze in the tent, having destroyed their own. Worry suddenly crept in her heart. She hoped Gray-sama had managed to sleep well. Her eyes quickly looked for them both as Levy was stepping out of the tent. She noticed two triangular shapes near, with one of them being significantly bigger.

Before she could wonder further what those were, the answer became clear when Gajeel broke through one of the two improvised igloo. Pieces of ice were flung everywhere and curse words shortly followed.

“Good morning, Gajeel-kun,” Juvia stifled back a laugh.

Her friend had visibly slept in many layers of clothes and a tightly-wrapped sleeping bag. Beside the tip of his nose being slightly red, he seemed rather fine. Well, besides his equally visible displeasure.

“'Good morning', my ass,” the Dragon Slayer muttered, while roughly brushing off snow from himself. The rest of his irritated ranting was hushed by Juvia's squeals when Gray-sama pushed off the door of a better-designed igloo. The idea of Gajeel having slept in a made-up ice tent that looked more like a tomb than anything else by its shape and size flew right out of Juvia's mind when she saw Gray-sama's somehow still stylish bed hair. Snow made his raven-black hair somehow gleam in the morning light. He looked absolutely princely.

“Good morning, Gray-sama,” she said, bathing in the usual warm, fuzzy feeling that his presence made her feel.

“'Morning,” he soberly said. Ruffling his hair of the snow, he added, “Slept well?”

Even when he hadn't slept very well, judging by the faint dark circles under his dark blue eyes, her love was still enquiring about her well-being. Swooned, a tiny voice in her head still felt the need to remind her she had turned him away, which meant she was partly responsible for his not-optimal night. Memories of the previous night with Levy-chan made her guilt fade away. It had been worth it and Gray-sama was sure to understand that!

“Yes, but not enough,” Juvia smiled. Wanting to somehow justify her turning him down, she continued, “Juvia had a wonderful girls' night with Levy-chan.”

Gray-sama blinked, somewhat taken aback. “...Levy-chan?”

Before Juvia could further elaborate, Levy-chan joined them and said, “I'm boiling water for anyone who wants coffee or tea and, for breakfast, we'll have to settle for tender bars, unfortunately.”

Behind her, a casserole was sitting on a burning Script word that could read 'Fire'. Juvia sometimes forgot how versatile Levy-chan's magic was. Being quite modest, it was easy to overlook Levy-chan's abilities if one didn't stop and think it over.

“Yeah nah, tender bars won't cut it,” Gajeel objected. He turned to Levy-chan and said, Juvia not missing his face softening even if almost inperceptibly, “Give me iron and I forgive you for last night.”

Levy raised an eyebrow, hands on her hips, the image of 'no-nonsense', “Forgive me? For what? Encouraging you to destroy your own tent?”

Her friend shook his head, sending some snow towards Levy-chan who yelps when seemingly one bit hit her neck.

“Come now, Shrimp. Could've frozen to death yesterday.”

“You're too stubborn for that. But even so, I'm not to blame, you reaped what you sowed.”

Juvia tuned their banter out, not getting what Gajeel answered to that, as she walked to Gray-sama. He was taking out the things he hid in his made-up tent. Having heard Gajeel-kun feeling neglected (though Levy-chan was right, he had reaped what he had sown), she felt the need to somewhat pamper him with a nice attention.

“What would Gray-sama like to drink? Juvia will prepare everything.”

Without looking at her, he shook his head and said, “No need, I'm almost done. I can take care of my tea. And yours.”

“Juvia insists!” she smiled. “It's the least she can do.”

“Whatever Metalhead is saying, it was our own fault. Don't fret over it.”

Juvia didn't have time to marvel to Gray-sama's maturity. She still really wanted to do this small thing for him.

“What kind of tea?” she asked, reaching for the kettle before him.

He sighed. It didn't deter her. A finger softly tapping her chin, looking up, deep in her thoughts, trying to remember the teas she had brought, she started listing them to him. There was no need to check if he was listening or not. Gray-sama was too kind to ignore people. And judging by his orders at the guild when he wanted a hot beverage, he liked descriptions of his options. And so, Juvia, in her listing, was giving profusely details on the origins, the blend particularities, the best way of preparing each and with what snacks it was best to drink it with.

When she was almost done to present the 8th and last one, he aprubtly said, “The 3rd one, Boscan Caravan.”

It had been one of the first she had listed, also stating that this tea was among her personal favorite, being a delicate black tea with a faint desertic flower touch to it. She particularly liked it as she often drank it when she could eat a scone with jam and cream. It also contained a good dose of theine, which could give sleep-deprived people the kick they needed to take on the day.

Happily, she nodded and said, “Right away!”

Juvia took care of the teas for everyone. Gajeel-kun somehow ended up packing the tent under Levy-chan's mischievous guidance. And when everything was packed and the rachitic breakfast was served, they ate on makeshifts ice seats, Gajeel-kun's being for some reason shorter and smaller than the rest, which earned Gray-sama a glare. However, Gajeel-kun's mood lightened when an 'Iron' appeared between his hands. The little heart in the 'o' wasn't lost on Juvia. And on Gajeel-kun's, neither, most probably, judging by how after his gruff 'thank you', he averted his eyes 'to look at the cool view' as he had eloquently put it when asked.

Eventually, a somewhat comfortable silence settled between the group. Everyone simply enjoyed the warmth of a well-brewed tea. Juvia hummed in satisfaction. Levy-chan turned to her and said, “Juvia-chan, you'll have to show me where you bought this tea. It is divine!”

Juvia beamed to her friend and started making plans with Levy-chan, so engrossed in their conversation that she didn't even realize how they naturally set off to continue their mission.

The two girls were walking side by side, once again in their little world of fangirlish happiness. Gray-sama was slightly ahead, keeping a good pace but never too fast to widen the distance between the rest of the group. Gajeel-kun was sulking in the back, back to a grumpy mood.

Now that she pondered about it, Juvia realized that not a lot of words had been exchanged with the guys since their departure. It hadn't struck her nor Levy-chan since they naturally fell back on the romance book they had mentionned just before falling from exhaustion. Levy had brought it up again because something that happened in her dream made her think of that novel she assured Juvia would love. And so they happily chatted, leaving the guys to their respective broody thoughts.

Yet she noticed how Levy-chan would discreetly look back to see how Gajeel was. When their eyes met, she smiled sheepishly.

“Maybe we should check up on him. After all, he isn't as resistant to the cold as Gray. And even if he is stubborn, maybe he is bothered by the cold now.”

“Gajeel-kun could out-stubborn a cold if he wanted to,” Juvia said, remembering when he tried to convince the guild that he wasn't dying inside from eating a ghost pepper. In the end, he had managed to somewhat compose himself enough to stay with everyone and not spit fire like Natsu.

It made Levy snort. “Stubborn to a fault, indeed.”

“For sure,” Juvia agreed. Though, she realized it was less true nowadays. He could admit that he did deserve a second chance in life, although the process to acknowledge it was long, it had happened. Thanks to Levy. Earlier was proof enough. “But he listens to Levy-chan.” The bluenette now averted her eyes, seemingly feeling shy once more. “She should join him. Juvia will go comfort Gray-sama.”

Levy broke into a smile. “I'm sure he'd like that.”

Juvia didn't wait any longer and started running towards her love. “Gray-samaaaa, wait up!”

He didn't say anything when she caught up, but Juvia didn't mind. This morning seemed to cost him a bit. A comfortable silence settled and she simply fell in rhythm with his pace, while looking the snowy landscape. The trees, white blankets hugging their branches, softly rocked, following the wind's dance. A black nose popped from the snow and, then a full head. A young white fox was looking curiously in their direction until a bigger fox, surely its mother, came seemingly displeased and pushing her baby towards the forest.

Gray-sama's deep voice took her attention from the scene. “Wouldn't you prefer continue to talk with Levy? I'm not up to talk much.”

Juvia turned towards him, though he still kept his eyes straight forward.

“It's no worries. Juvia can guess Gray-sama hasn't slept very well. Simply keeping him company is more than enough for Juvia.”

He spared a glance towards her and then quickly returned his attention to where they were going. “If you say so.”

The silence would have settled once more if it wasn't for their companions behind. They seemed to be catching up when they could hear Levy say, “Wait, Gajeel! Don't be so dramatic!”

Juvia hadn't heard what her friend had said, but Gajeel-kun did tend to blow things out of proportions. Often. Especially when feelings were involved.

“I ain't f*cking dramatic!” Gajeel tried to deny. Even if he had sped up, the Dragon Slayer didn't go so fast that he would truly distance his crush. Juvia could bet on it. “Just stick with hanging out with your new best friend.”

Juvia bit a smile. She might have been a bigger influence on him that she had initially given herself credit for. Poor guy was all over the place. Surely, Levy-chan would set him straight.

“I can't believe you're jealous over your friend being my friend too. I thought you'd be happy!” Levy said, a hint of laugh in her voice.

She could perfectly imagine Gajeel-kun's sour, petty face when he sarcasticly said, “So happy that your lil' sleeopver was more important than saving my ass from freezing to death.”

“But did you die, though?”

Somehow, Levy-chan had said, without missing a beat, the most 'Gajeel-kun' thing that even the man himself couldn't have placed better if he had the chance. Juvia chuckled.

“Dammit Shrimp, that ain't the f*cking point!”

Gray let out an annoyed sigh and sped up. Eyes widened, Juvia's mind started adding one plus one. Slightly jogging, she easily caught up once more and asked the question that he probably didn't want to hear but that she desesperately wanted to know the answer to.

“Is Gray-sama also jealous of Juvia and Levy-chan's sleepover?” she asked, while controlling her smile not to look too happy. She still felt the need to reassure him. “Just so he knows, Juvia knew he wouldn't have frozen to death. He's too cool.”

Gray-sama looked at her with eyes bigger than saucers. Imperceptibly shaking his head, he composed himself.

“No. I just can't stand that guy. He's-” He stopped himself. As if judging that it wasn't worth it insulting Gajeel, he settled for, “The worst.” He exhaled almost loudly. “Whatever.”

The Water Mage jogged, almost frolicking, trying to get ahead and turned towards him, walking backwards, hands clasped behind her back, said heartly, “Juvia simply hopes that Gray-sama doesn't think she loves him less because she spent time with Levy-chan instead of him.”

A myriad of emotions passed through his dark blue eyes until his heart settled to patient playfulness. She returned by his side and was satisfied with their mutual understanding on what happened last night.

“...I'm glad you had fun with Levy,” he said, a soft smile underlying further his handsome features.

Overwhelmed with happiness, she couldn't stop herself from adding, “And we talk about Gray-sama so much. It was amazing. Juvia learned a lot.”

He finally turned to her, his face burning up, his eyes widened as if it was the craziest thing he had heard.

“I swear to Mavis, this mission can't get any worse,” he groaned, his face between his hands, not completely hiding the redness that extended to his ears.

“Oh no, Gray-sama, worry not,” Juvia said, quickly, not wanting him to imagine the worst. “It was nothing compromising or embarrassing. We simply talked about tastes and some fun anecdotes.”

“Not helping.”

“It is something solely between Gray-sama and Juvia. And well, Levy-chan. But no one else shall know anything about what was said during the Girls' Night. It is a sacred rule and Juvia will never break it.”

A moment passed. He took a deep breath and finally said, “I trust you.”

Juvia beamed.

“But I need to talk to Levy,” he added sternly.

Her smile melted away to let place to a worried frown. She decided to plead for her newfound girlfriend.

“Oh please, Gray-sama. She was only helping Juvia. And she never compromised Gray-sama's integrity. Juvia swears it.”

She batted her eyelashes, pleadfully, overplaying it a bit, but Gray-sama had a soft center that would always give in to demands nicely asked.

“Fine,” he signed. “Guess it is what it is.”

Juvia thought the rest of the walk was going to be in silence, but almost too softly, Gray added, his eyes averting hers, “Next time, ask me.”

Her astonished face must have been funny, because Gray-sama turned to look at her only to avert his eyes again but biting his lips to hide his laughter, a tiny mimic that would have been lost on anyone but people from Fairy Tail. Before she could let the full force of her happiness strike, her crush stopped on his track and looked to their friends. The Ice Mage squinted, as if he was making sure he saw something correctly.

“Guys,” Gray called to the others. “I think we found the lair.”

Two entrances on the mountain flank, like flaring nostrils, greeted them. Neither really gave clues to help them choose between the two. Eyeing both, they weren't sure how to proceed. They could definitely not go into solely one and realized too late that they made the wrong choice. There seemed to be only one solution to their problem.

“We should probably split up,” Gray-sama brilliantly suggested.

“Yeah, 'cos that always turns out well in horror stories,” Gajeel sneered.

“Do you have any better idea, Metal Peabrain?”

“Yeah, ya could learn yer place, for a f*cking start.”

“Guys, we're not doing this again,” Levy interjected, already interposing between the two mages. “Would it kill you guys to not get on each other's last nerve? Why is it always so tensed between you two?”

“...Tension?” Juvia said, trembling. Her thoughts went back to the previous day and their conversation. The new things Levy showed her. She turned to her friend and gravely asked, “...Is this what we call 'boys love'?”

Both guys looked instantly grossed out and took a couple of steps away from each other.

“What the f*ck, Juv.”

“Juvia should ask that. How could Gajeel-kun do this to Juvia? You were supposed to help me with love rivals, not join them.”

“Raindrop, I would rather rust for all eternity than get with your Boy Toy.”

“And yet, you guys are never indifferent to the other's presence,” Levy said, adding oil to the fire.

“Levy,” Gray said, with a finality in his voice. “I would rather jump in a volcano than spend more time with that guy.”

“Then, you guys pull it together and the faster we will finish this mission and the sooner you won't have to hang out.”

“Say no more, Shorty. You come with me and we take the right entrance.”

He didn't even let her interject that he slung his arm around her shoulders and guided her towards the cave.

He barely turned his head and said, “Juv, you take care of the left with your accessory. Quick and swift. See ya in a bit.”

“I hate that guy,” Gray simply said.

Juvia could live with that fact, because no matter what, Gajeel had been an excellent Love Ally so far.

Chapter 14: By Her Side

Chapter Text

Hands deep in his pockets, Gajeel was walking, feeling conflicted. He should be relieved. Finally, Popsicle McFrostbrain was out of his way. He should be normal. He was hanging out with Shorty and it was a normal occurence to be by her side. So why did he feel so on edge?

'Cos you finally understand how you feel about her, dumbass, his conscience told him with a voice that sounded annoyingly close to Lily's.

The Iron Dragon Slayer let out an displeased sigh. Shorty glanced up his way and when she caught his eyes, she turned away, a thin smile on her lips. f*ck. Now, she was probably thinking he was in a foul mood still and that it was somehow her fault. It never was, so why on Earthland would she so often imagine that he would think anything but the absolute best about her?

...Well, because he never actually voiced it, did he? How could he when the only word that could describe his predication was absolutely f*cking whipped. ...Great, that was three words; he was now such a fool in love that he couldn't even count properly. He was so out of it.

How the f*ck did he act before realizing? Like an annoying punk, his Lily-esque conscience whispered to him. Alright and, so what? At the end of the day, she seemed to enjoy his company, so it couldn't be such a bad thing. Man, he missed their banter. Maybe, he could tease her to break the silence. No, wait. He wasn't a child. He could start a conversation without jabbing at her height. Or her love for books. Or her cute reactions.

Realization damned on him. How did one talk to the girl of their dream without being annoying (as his partner too often put it)? He never flirted. Not consciously, apparently, as Lily mocked him. Dammit, maybe he should have paid attention to the mushy movies Raindrop would make them watch when it was her turn to pick for their movie night. Gajeel doubted he could pick up a romance book and not fall asleep to it, but surely he remembered a thing or two of what made Juv' go completely insane. Surely, he had caught on some dumb, flirty things the male lead would say. He racked his brain and, instinctively, he decided to go with the sole idea that came up.

“Do you like cheese?”

What. The. f*ck? In what goddamn universe did his brain thought it was a good ice-breaker?

Gajeel barely caught himself before facepalming. Luckily, his face remained stoic. Or so he hoped. It was painful to see the sheer confusion in her golden hazelnut eyes trying to figure out why the hell he asked that and then, the faint spark of humor that flashed in them made him want to disappear. Somehow, Shorty managed to answer with a somewhat straight face.

“Hm...yes? And you?”

He nodded, his eyes set straight ahead, not daring looking at her again. “Cool,” he concluded.

It was the only thing to say to cut short that nonsense he started and to save what little was left of his dignity. Because, f*cking dumbass.

If he were alone, he would run into the wall. That was all his brain deserved at this point. Why did he choose the one line of the movie where the female lead tries to awkwardly teach the male lead to flirt? The whole scene was a joke and, of course, it was the one thing he remembered. Could the universe give him a break? There was too many new things he was feeling; it made his brain cells short-circuited too easily.

And why wasn't she talking? Normally, she was often the one to start up conversations with him. ...sh*t, did it seem like he wasn't interested? Or was this a test? No, Shorty wasn't that kind of person. Maybe, she was just tired. Or maybe, she got bored with him.

Just as dread took hold on his heart and fear started clawing his guts, his whole mind trying to find a way to save his relationship with her, a thought halted him. Was that what Juv' was living on a daily basis? That thing that people called 'overthinking'. Wow, it was sh*t. Was there any way of unsubscribing or was it something that consequentially came with a crush? He hoped not.

Luckily, Levy got him out of his head with one comment.

“I'm surprised you've watched a chick flick, even as good as it is,” she said with a smile that had a laughing touch, but devoid of judgment. “Doesn't seem like your type of movie.”

Thanks Mavis for Shorty's tolerance in weirdness from growing up in Fairy Tail. In her place, he would have been creeped out by himself with the sheer awkwardness and nonsense that exuded from him in that one flirting attempt. Hopefully, she hadn't caught on... Wait, no. If she recognized it, it meant she got the reference. f*ck. He had to create a diversion. If only he knew how without looking suspicious. He settled with a dismissive answer that he hoped would branch out to another topic, far from his mishap.

“It ain't. Watched it with Juv. She said it was, erm, a football movie. Should have known better.”

Playing with the hem of her shirt, just like whenever she was got in her head, she said in a tiny voice, “Must have been a fun date, still.”

...Could he dig his own grave any faster? Him and his big, stupid mouth. Gajeel didn't have anything to hide on this front. Yeah, he had dated Raindrop, as he had so brilliantly exposed, but only for a few days and it had honestly not felt any different from their usual companionship. He really only brought it up to shut the Popsicle with his dumb comparisons. Never would he have thought Shorty would still be hung on that. It almost felt as if she was...jealous?

His being radiated from relief. Maybe, it was a delusional hope, but that possibility felt good, although only for a second. Last thing the Iron Dragon Slayer wanted was for Levy to misunderstand the situation. He did what he knew best; he lightened the mood with his playful gruffiness.

“Well, she got a new best friend, so now ya'll be the one stuck with movie nights.”

That seemed to do the trick. She snorted, that cute sound that never failed to make him smile too.

“You're still hung on that?” she joked.

“Of f*cking course,” he said with a huff. “It almost cost me my toes.”

Shorty rolled her eyes and lightly pushed him, the contact so brief and yet leaving a sense of warmth. He finally got her to look his way and to make her smile.

A comfortable silence settled, making Gajeel feel so much lighter. Their steps echoed on the rocky walls of the tunnels, the darkness and dampness becoming more oppressant the longer they walked. He wasn't a guy who particularly dislike enclosed spaces. Tunnels and caves actually did feel nice to be in. Maybe, it was some deep dragonic instinct within him that made it seem like comfort. He wondered how Shorty was faring and was puzzled to see her looking right and left with an uneasy air. Then, it came back to him. Shorty didn't like dark places. How could he distract her from her uneasiness?

Looking around, Gajeel felt a memory resurfacing and, with a wicked smile, he asked, “Ain't you get a sense of déjà vu with this creepy place?”

Levy arched an eyebrow, waiting for him to elaborate.

“Come on, Shorty! Don't tell me you don't remember the first time we teamed up.”

She averted her eyes, tugging a strand of hair behind her ear, a habit he noticed she'd usually do when she was embarrassed.

“How could I forget?” she smiled, softly, still not looking his way. “We had had the chance to pick the No Danger one and you were quite displeased with that.”

“Hell, I was promised fights and challenges, of course, I was bummed out.”

Levy hummed in reluctant agreement. f*ck. Did it sound like he was bummed out to be on her team? He tried to find something to say to completely discard that absurd interpretation. She didn't seem angry by any mean, but she looked... reserved? Down? It was stressing him out. Was he still doing that 'overthinking' bullsh*t? It didn't matter he tried something.

“Though I shouldn't have wished for sh*t, because Acnologia was a bit of an overkill,” Gajeel said, trying to fill the unsually heavy silence.

He heard her heart speed up, oozing a bit of fear. f*cking hell. Why did he mention that god-complexed, crusty-faced, salty-assed dragon? Bad memories weren't a good change of conversation by any mean. He was really making things worse, effortlessly. He really ought to put his ego aside and ask Lily how to act in society, because holy-

“Gajeel,” she said, barring his way with her thin arm, her eyes fixed on something.

He tried to follow her gaze, seeing nothing at all. Before he could ask her what was up, Shorty casted a 'Wood' in front of her and sent it flying in front of them. It hadn't flown two meters before a dozen of spears appeared stabbing the space where they would have walked if not for Shorty's quick insight.

She turned to him, a small smirk, looking oddly pleased. “Looks like we didn't choose the No-Danger tunnel this time.”

I f*cking love her.

“Gihi, they ain't got a shot against the two of us!”

With Shorty's sharp observation skills and his fast reflexes, they managed to evade every obstacle that crossed their path, from grumbling sections of the floor to falling stalactites from the keystone. An outsider could have thought it was part of a workout routine they had by how easily they bypassed them all.

Without a scratch and not even breaking a sweat, the two Fairy Tail mages looked back at the mess the traps had caused in their wake. Gajeel snickered. It would take so much more than that to even slow them down. It had been a long time that he knew that Shorty and he were an absolute power duo when working together. Finally reaching the end of the tunnel in which they had been walking for some time, a doorway kind of entrance let them taking in a vast room that appeared to be a junkyard, many mechanic parts laying around.

“I think it's safe to say that we're on the good path,” Levy chuckled, wiping her brow. “They wouldn't put so much traps if not, right?”

“Elementary,” Gajeel approved.

Shorty looked at him with eyes bigger than saucers. Before he could ask what was wrong, the brightest smile illuminated her face.

“You read the book I recommended you,” she said, her eyes sparkling with joy. “And you didn't just read 'A Study in Scarlet', but multiple of them.”

Gajeel looked away, reprimanding himself. So much for keeping a low profile into taking interest into her passion. He really didn't want her to see him as a reader. The reason was too self-serving for that. However, there was no point in denying that he had read quite a few. Though it pained him that he made such a rookie mistake as to forget that he used that catch word with Lily only, as to not sell himself out. Holmes would be disappointed in his lack of attention to details.

“How did you like them?” the petite blunette asked with so much anticipation that it was hard to dodge her question. And so, he would answer as truthfully as he could.

“They were fine.”

Well, that was a f*cking understatement, but his image refused him to appear too eager. It just didn't match with his whole persona. Also, he would be on the receiving end of the teasing. Although her smug face was among the most adorable thing he ever saw, pride made him lay low. For now, at least.

“Who is your favorite character?” she continued, not deter in the slightest by his short answer. She somehow always seemed to read right through him. Maybe it was a superpower bookworms acquired after having read more than ten thousand books; they somehow could read people just as well.

“Holmes. He's cool.”

Once again, with her grin, Gajeel knew she read between the lines.

“Next time we hang out, I'll bring you my favorite adventure!” she squealed, totally forgetting the mission and the deadly obstacles they just passed. “A reading date would simply be the best.”

He felt his heart grow three times over and yet he knew there was place for even more happiness. How did a bastard like him get so lucky?

“A date, huh?” he smirked, looking forward to her realization and the follow-up reaction.

Gajeel was indeed not disappointed at all, as Levy became red, from ears to toes, in record time. Biting her lips, as if she was reprimanding them for letting such words leave, she averted her eyes and with a stammering voice, she said, “I-I mean, erm, L-lu-chan and I have reading dates often. It d-doesn't have to be, erm, you know. Nevermind, let's keep going, okay?”

Although it didn't always look so, Gajeel did listen to Juvia. And he remembered the big picture. People who were friends did not react like that at the prospect of a date. Hope shone brighter than ever.

She had started walking, picking up the pace, her face buried in her hands. He, however, had stopped on his tracks. Hands in his pockets, feigning a nonchalance he didn't possess, he said, “Could be the followed-up part of our date in the bookstore that got interrupted.”

Levy aprubtly stopped. Slowly turning to face him again, her bewildered face was like a magnet. He didn't realize he walked up to her until he felt her breath caressing his neck. Her head lifted to meet his gaze, a sole sound left her, although breathless.

“Gajeel...”

Oh, how he loved that when she was made speechless, the only word left on her tongue was his name.

Levy opened her mouth wanting to say something more. He could hope it was exactly what he was about to. Yet he didn't want her to be the one to expose herself, be vulnerable. Gajeel felt that it had to be him; it was his turn to be. Now was the time to tell her. He had to. He would.

“I know words are yer thing, but I gotta say it. My actions usually do the talking but... Not this time. It's just that I...”

And once again the universe proved it held a grudge to him. A defeaning roar shook the tunnel in which they were in, and yet sounding far too close. Truly, just the perfect timing. Once again, just his f*cking luck.

In the far end of the room they had reached, a familiar mechanical monster rose up from a mountain of scrap metal, surely waking up from a nap. What a sorry excuse for a metal-like monster. Metalicana would have sneered at the state of the nest. Truly pathetic and umkept and full of rust. The metal didn't even look appetizing. And to be disturbed by such a thing that passed itself as a metal-centered being. What a lame-ass joke, Gajeel cursed under his breath.

Shorty snorted. Surprised, he turned to her and, looking at him, she said, “Now, I'm definitely getting a sense of déjà vu.”

The reference of the bookstore attack wasn't lost on him. First, interrupting a 'maybe kiss' (or so was what Gajeel had read into their interaction) and now, getting in the way of his... confession. No, not a confession. It sounded like admitting to a crime. Maybe, it was his first language influencing how he felt about the word, but no, it wasn't a crime. Loving her was not a sin. He could accept that now. In the way of his declaration. Seeing her laugh, he could semi-begrudgly appreciate the irony of it all.

Gajeel laughed his trademark laugh and, with a nod, turned his attention to the monster. Crounching to hyperjump, Gajeel propelled himself towards the mechanical beast, his fist connecting with its face. The shock reberevated across the room and the monster went flying, hitting the wall behind. Falling back, it staggered to lift itself.

Shorty sent a big, vibrating 'Shock' into the fragilized wall. The impact was the last straw and the wall started crumbling onto the monster, burying him despite his wrathful cry. Gajeel looked at her, beaming, pumping his fist in the air. His pride was cut short when the monster shook off the rumbles from itself.

The Iron Dragon Slayer transformed his left arm into a chainsaw-like sword and jumped back in, bringing it down to cut his opponent down. The monster had the insight to jump out of his way and started, scurrying along what remained of the wall. Running after him, amisdt the junk that piled in its lair, Gajeel used Pillar of the Iron Dragon, firing short polearms that more often than not only scraped it. The metal beast seemed to have learnt quickly to take them seriously and to avoid his attacks. Solely on evading, the monster was beginning to annoy the hell out of him. Gajeel paused and took a deep inspiration, preparing his Roar. He was going to blast the goddamn coward.

Feeling the danger, and after having made a full circle around the room, the monster jumped and nestled onto the ceiling and started firing laser beams Gajeel's way. Sneaky bastard. Now, there was no way he could use his Iron Dragon Roar without risking to destroy the keystone and to potentially get buried both him and Shorty. No way in f*cking hell would he ever risk injuring her. The only bright side on the whole thing was that, at least, Gajeel was monopolizing his attention which kept Levy out of harm's way. However, before he could get even more annoyed by the headache of beating that punkass monster, a movement on his left caught his attention.

Shorty had taken advantage of the distraction he had provided to cast a serie of grey, slimey 'Super Glue' all over the floor. That brilliant brain of hers. The plan was so simple yet fiercely efficient. All that was left for him to do was to get it off its perch.

“Gajeel!” she called him over. “Don't worry about me!” Furiously writing, she had created a dome over herself if anything was to fall her way. “Do whatever you gotta do to get it down!”

The Dragon Slayer nodded. Having made a rookie mistake of solely taking into account his opponent (and Levy), Gajeel didn't notice the subtle warning signs of a trap in his surroundings. A few parchments had been sticked to various parts of the lair and could easily be overlooked in the midst of a battle with all the junk around. And so he realized a second too late that he had walked into one such runic trap.

“sh*t,” he hissed as the invisible walls materialized around him.

Last time he had been trapped in such a fashion was a long time ago, a time they now refered as the Battle of Fairy Tail, but he remembered quite acutely that he hadn't gotten out thanks to his own strength. Luckily, Levy was also here. Which didn't however reassure him in the slightest, because the previous time, she had worked on the runes in peace, without any external threat. Now, it was her being trapped between helping his sorry ass and fighting the monster without help.

Pointlessly, Gajeel rammed against the runic cube, slamming his shoulder against it in vain hope of shattering it. Shorty was strong, he knew that, but having to multiple tasks two equally demanding battles would put anyone in a precarious position. And Gajeel would rather die than not being able to do sh*t to help the girl he fell for.

“Don't worry about me,” he roared, when he saw her running towards him, leaving her back too wide open, her eyes solely on him. “Focus on that trash can and beat its ass!! I'll get out of here.” He pounced his fist on it, doing nothing more than sending a vibrating echo around the runic prison. He added more to himself than to her, “Eventually.”

Levy stopped on her track, meeting his eyes with fierce determination. Her bandana had been lost in the heat of the battle, her blue hair wild, giving her an air of fiery that went straight to his heart. Of course, he would still be taking aback by her beauty in the middle of a f*cking sh*tshow. Although understandable, he needed to focus.

“Spot the condition!” Shorty told him, commanding, beautiful. In a stance, she readied her pen, facing the monster who was now looking at her with cold interest. Turning slightly her head, she added, “Tell me what it says and I'll figure something out!”

This beautiful, shrimp-y menace of a woman, Gajeel chuckled internally, admiring her as she casted 'Oil' for the beast to slip from the keystone, for it to fall onto the Super Glue.

He had nothing to worry about. They made one hell of a team, he reminded himself. They would be victorious and there was no doubt on his mind. He felt his body somewhat relax and looked around the runic walls to find what she asked for. A sentence was shining more brightly than the rest. Without thinking he read it loud enough for her to hear from where she stood.

Answer truthfully the following question : “What's the most beautiful thing love has brought you?”

Only when he noticed Levy's body tensed did he realized his own reaction. What kind of condition was that? Gajeel was aware that the mission resolved around couples for some unknown reason, but to ask such things as a runic trap, it seemed so out of place that it stunned him. What was he supposed to answer? He didn't even know that himself.

Continuing to keep an eye on her opponent, Shorty came to him, her whole demeanor underlying the anxiety she could barely conceal. Her eyes traveling between the runes and the monster, Gajeel could guess that she was trying to solve it while fighting.

“I'll get you out of here, Gajeel,” Levy promised, breathless, casting word after word, mixing in offensive and defensive approaches to keep the monster at bay, far from them. “Don't worry.” The metallic beast was dodging them a bit too smoothly, having seemingly learned her prefered pattern of attacks. It was getting closer bit by bit. Her jaw clenched, she added with determination, “You won't have to answer that.”

Before Gajeel could explode, scolding her about saying such nonsense, he got cut off guard by her sad, understanding smile. Was it possible... that she was thinking that he couldn't show vulnerability?

Admittedly, the Iron Dragon Slayer wasn't known to be very open with his feelings. It was part of his personality. Or maybe, more so, of his reputation. Without fail, Gajeel would always dodge or find a way out of any conversation that would get a bit too emotional.

And now, Levy, without complain, was fighting a double battle just for him to keep his stupid pride unharmed. Or so it looked like. No. He refused. Another reason that his conscience whispered that he didn't deserve her. Fine, he'd prove himself wrong. He'd prove everyone wrong. He'd show his heart unprotected. To hell his goddamn ego and pride. The truth was now crystal clear.

“f*cking learnt to forgive myself,” Gajeel yelled upward with all his might, echoing like a dragon's roar against the stone wallls, arms stretched like wings. Heavy breathing, he challenged the monster with a glare that compound everything he was feeling. He continued, his voice low and raspy, but still strong, “That I might have been a bastard for a long time but that I can better myself.” He dug deep, grounded himself and said out loud something that had been at the bottom of his heart made of iron for too long. “And... that I want to live. Truly live.”

Without words on his feelings, as they had been forsaken for a long time, Gajeel hadn't even realized that he was barely alive and with no expectations for the future. And, now... It seemed like the night and the day. His life was so full of light and colours, unlike ever before. And he knew that a good part of it was thanks to someone. He concluded, with a contented sigh, his heart lighter than he ever had been, “Hopefully, by her side.”

The runes glowed, soon shining as brightly as a sun, and, in a flash, dissolved in a rain of sparks. Gajeel didn't let the monster catch on that he was now free. The Dragon Slayer jumped and caught the petite bluenette in his left arm, protectively holding her to his side, as he breathed in, greedily, preparing his Roar of the Iron Dragon. His chest puffed, he released his attack that went full force towards the beast. Striking it, the impact blew it past the keystone, parts of his metallic limbs falling through the gaping hole in the ceiling. No doubt, a good indication of their victory, Gajeel smirked. Still, he waited, his attention directed to any sound that could indicate a second round. A few seconds passed and the Dragon Slayer huffed approvingly, figuring he had concluded it with a one shot, one kill move.

A hand faintly gripped on his shirt and Gajeel remembered that he was still holding Levy. He loosened his grip, giving her the liberty of leaving his arms but not completely removing the contact, still wanting her to linger there. She didn't move away, he noted happily, but her face sobered him up from his joy. She looked distressed. Or maybe, conflicted.

She stirred her eyes from the hole and looked up to him, her hand still on his chest, surely feeling his heart racing. Suddenly, Gajeel felt his blood run cold. Teary, she said, “I'm so sorry I couldn't undo the runes. You had to say things...very personal and... You...”

“Don't worry, Shrimp,” Gajeel said, tighting slightly his hold, hoping to be reassuring. Although, it might have been his heart that'd need to brace itself. He had to continue bearing his feelings bare. “I meant it all. And it was meant for you to hear. Yer the only one I wanna share stuff like that with. Well, besides Lily.”

She let out a small, relieved laugh. “I'm happy to hear that.”

Gajeel couldn't help but tensed when he felt her, move closer to him, nestled in the crook between his arm and his side, fitting oh so perfectly. Her honey-hazelnut eyes shining with soft happiness were a vision he would never get tired of and in which he would gladly lose himself. This woman would be the end of him. And he thanked his lucky star for it.

“Makes me feel like I have to tell you...” Levy whispered, her voice thick with something he couldn't pinpoint.

Almost imperceptibly, she rose herself on the tip of her toes, making Gajeel's brain short-circuit for a second when his eyes, on their own accord, traveled down to her lips. He refocused on her and what she had just said. To calm himself down, he bended as to rest his forehead to hers. Shorty snapped her mouth shut, clearly taken aback by it, but not step back from his contact. Looking illegally cute with her surprised face, Gajeel was looking forward to the blush that was already creeping in and would colour her face in the most beautiful shade.

“Hope it's going along the lines of what I'm gonna say,” he grinned.

Ah, and there it was. Levy averted her eyes, but not fast enough for him to miss the hints of what could only be hope. With how bright they shone, it could only be this. It didn't feel like a forbidden dream anymore, but something he could grasp and make his own. The reality of not just him feeling so much love, but for them to actually be shared.

To walk towards a reality in which he could finally allow himself everything he had longed for, for as long as she would have him. He could see it. In the way she would hide behind the waves of her sky-blue hair, her smooth skin colouring itself because of their proximity or their banter. In the way she would try to hide the most expressive pair of eyes to humankind behind delicate fingers that held entire worlds made of paper and imagination. In the way her lips would part with a shaky breath when they would nag each other a bit too much without realizing how close they had physically gotten.

For someone who was often told that he didn't have a brain nor a heart, they sure were full of her. So much so that it was hard to remember a life before her. To that thought, he somehow could feel his past self snicker to how whipped he was for her and really pitied the guy. How hollow his life had been. There was nothing to envy from Kurogane's life. The sole things worth fighting for laid before him, in a shape of a short, feisty, bookish mage. He wanted her. He had never wanted something so much in his life.

Gajeel then realized that 'I love you' would simply not cut it to tell her. It felt too plain for what he felt for her. It felt surreal how much he felt. She had to understand that much. Surely, he could find words to convey his feelings. Their intensity seemed to match what his father had once told him about what treasure represented for dragons. How protective one would be for it. How unbearable life without it would be. How much purpose it gave to one's life when one finally found it.

And just like that Gajeel knew exactly what to say.

“I found my treasure in you.” He took a hold of her hands. Her bewildered eyes didn't look away from his. On impulse, he brought them to his face and kissed them, her delicate scent caressing his nose. From where he stood, slightly bended, he only looked up, still in a half bow. “Let me stay by your side, Levy. I'll cherish and protect you for as long as you'll have me.”

On the last stretch, nervousness invited itself and he couldn't bear looking at her, not knowing what to do with her surprise. Was it good or was it bad? His brain was such a mess that he surely couldn't even tell a fish from a bird at this point. Even though the silence stretched, his ears felt full of the thundering sound of his heartbeat. His breath cut in his throat, he forced himself to offer her a smile. What he saw startled him. Through her teary eyes, her smile shone brighter than he had ever seen.

“Can I?” she asked, shakily.

Mechanically, he nodded, not sure what she was asking permission for. If he thought his brain had shut down before, he was sorely mistaken. The moment her lips touched his, nothing else existed, his brain least of all. Even Laxus' unforgiven attack during their first encounter hadn't been so electrifying.

Even though she had been standing on a discarded wheel, her arms around his neck, she leveled herself to deepen the kiss. That shook him, becoming hyperaware of how good it felt. Despite the turmoil within, he snaked his arms with as much care as one handle a gem, his hands resting on the small of her back, just above that delicate curve, pressing her against him, marveling again at how she fit in his arms so perfectly, just as if she belonged there. And she did.

A second could have passed as well as a day when she slightly stepped back, her breath still hot against his face. Never had Gajeel seen an image more tempting than the sight of her slightly bruised lips, now knowing how soft and warm they were.

“You're a liar, Gajeel Redfox,” she said, catching her breath, soft-punching his chest so lightly that it felt more like a caress.

However, for good measure, because who the hell throw someone under the bus, after such a kiss? And using the full name, on top of that?!

“What the hell, Lev?”

“That was the most romantic thing I've ever heard, you goofball of a dragon. I don't think I will ever emotionally recover from it.”

Gajeel laughed out loud, feeling both proud and smug. So, it seemed he had nothing to envy to her 'fictional boyfriends' as he had heard Bunny Girl refer to the many characters that Levy liked through her reads. He'd shown that he was better than whatever guy made of words. Not that he was jealous of people that didn't even exist, but still he was going to be better than all of them. And knowing that he was faring well so far was nice to know.

“Gihi, yer man has been learning the art of words.”

Her laughter joined his. Shorty took his hand and squeezed it lightly. With his thumb, he brushed the back of her hand, basking in the feeling of their closeness. He lowered his head, eager to kiss her, now that he knew he could. But then, the universe, of course, had to butt in. Again.

A sudden earthquake shook down the whole room. The wall, behind them, barely holding together, split open in a deafening grinding of stone. Gajeel turned into iron and covered Levy with his whole body, not risking moving them in fear of getting her injured.

When the disruption calmed down, Gajeel peaked over his shoulder and looked down on Levy, who still had her face buried in his chest. Endeared beyond words, he patted her back, reassuringly. She tighted her grip on his shirt.

“Just our luck,” she muttered, looking up. Surely seeing his confusion, she clarified, “Almost dying just when we're finally...”

Her voice faltered as if unsure. Unsure of what, Gajeel couldn't say because he had never been more sure of anything before.

“...Together,” he completed for her, for them.

Levy bit her lips, not managing to hide the pleased grin that she sported. She tiptoed and landed a kiss on his jaw. A finger under her chin, he held her face up and kissed warmly, earning a soft, contented moan. He would have gladly stayed there and enjoy their little bubble, but her pragmatism took the upper hand.

Levy drew back, but remained a few centimeters away, still holding his whole attention. “We should go see how the others are faring. This seism could mean they need us.” Gajeel groaned, midly annoyed to be reminded of the mission. How he wished they could skip town already. She must have read his thoughts, as she added, “We will continue this conversation later.” She gave him a knowing smile. “Somewhere more comfortable, maybe.”

“Sure thing, Shorty,” he chuckled, liking where this was going, what she was implying.

His laugh must have sold him out, as she rolled her eyes, with a hint of playfulness.

“Let's go,” she said, extending her hand to him.

Gajeel took it and followed after her, basking in the joy of knowing that loving her was and would be the most natural thing he had ever done and that he now knew he was allowed to.

He finally knew they were on the same page.

Right side by side.