Iron and Ink

Chapter 10

Gajeel lead us deeper into the city and stopped at this tavern. It was interesting to say the least, a loud gruff place that looks like only the lowest of low life's gathered here. As we walked through the tavern I made sure to keep close to Gajeel and try not to bump into anyone. The place smelled like B.O. and cheap liquor and really made my stomache lurched. I tried not to look at anyone and kept a hand over my mouth. He lead us to a back table and slide into the booth. I sat slowly next to him feeling like a fish out of water and trying not to let me nervousness show. Gajeel spared me a passing glance and waved over a server; hushily relayed his order and sent her away.

" My bad did you want anything Shrimp, a drink or something?"

" No I'm ok."

I fidget nervously in my spot and looked over my shoulder at a rowdy group two booths down from us. All the loud noise was making my ears ring and my head spin. You'd think my time with Fairy tail I would be use to such sounds but something about the environment felt less like home and more like danger. I had no idea why he brought us here but I hope we leave soon. As if sensing my thoughts Gajeel glanced my way with a fading look of concern leaving his face. I looked back at him sheepishly trying not to look so freaked out. He let out a grunt and rubbed the back of his head.

" I got a person here who gives out good tips; I'm just gonna chat with him a bit and then we'll leave."

"Ok." I squeaked.

I tried to straighten up my back a bit and at least pretend I had confidence. I gave him a sheepish smile hoping I still didn't look as shaky as I felt.

" So what kind of mission is this that you needed someone like me?"

"Someone like you huh?"  He asked with a cocked eyebrow.

" I mean yea, you usually take quest alone so its a little weird you asked me to come along. And to say you really needed me is kinda strange."

" Is that so?" He hummed to himself.

The waitress came back and dropped off his order off with a wink. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and didnt know why. Gajeel stare at his mug for a second before taking a couple of healthy swigs and seting it back down. I found myself studying the frown lines in his face and for some reason trying not to chuckle. I think it was because I dont think I ever seen him look so deep in thought. He chuckled to himelf on more time and took another swig from the mug.

" What's so funny ?" I asked with curious tones.

" That you think so little of yourself."

I blushed at the statement and was at a lost for words.

" You're supposed to be the smartest person in the guild. And believe me I asked around; but everytime I was told " Gotta ask Levy". So I would think you would have more confidence in yourself. And I've watched you at the guild; nose always stuck in a book or writing something down. Always helping with anything anybody throw at ya; you're really a little force of nature kid."

His words started a strange feeling in my chest and began to spread. I didn't even know how to respond to his statement; I just sat there looking like a tomato. I glanced back over at him and took on of my bangs in-between my fingers. He always says the most embarrassing things at the weirdness times. I don't even know how I'm supposed to respond to that. Mavis how does he always end up making me feel like an idiot. I cleared my throat which was pretty pathetic attempt and turned back towards him.

" It's not that I think so little of myself but you're clearly the loner type. The last thing I expect is for you to ask anyone to join you on a mission especially me of all people."

Gajeel let out a grunt and finished his mug. He looked towards the door and stood up.

" I see my guy I'll be right back."

I watched him walk away and played with my thumbs. I don't know why it feels like I can't get control of my emotions around him; I don't know what it is about him that makes me feel all twisted up. I took in the place one more time and sighed. I saw Gajeel in the corner talking to a hooded stranger. I could only make out a burn scar near his mouth and a deep scar the ran up his cheek. I bet it went up his whole face if he removed his hood. They shook hands and parted ways. Gajeel made his way back to our table with a smirk on his face. I hope this meant good news and watched as he slides back into our booth. He threw his head back and chuckled with a gleam in his rouge colored eyes.

" Sooo... good news?"

" Yea kid you can say that."

Silence crept between us and I fidget uncomfortably in my seat and focus in on the table in front of me. I needed to look at anything but him. The air felt thick and I was starting to regret not ordering a drink. The soft thud of his mug hitting the table brought me out of my thoughts and made me look up at him. He held my gaze with an intense one and a grumbled sigh made its way out of his body; making his shoulders relax. The natural power that just rolls out his body was astounding and he just carries it with such a rightful aura it was down right horrifying. How could such a creature exist among us? I thought about how strong his arms felt around me and gulped. How easily he could have broken me in two.

"Shrimp..."

The thought of his strength was starting to make my thoughts run wild. I even thought to the fact that he probably hasn't even shown his real power. A cold shiver ran down my spine and settled somehow in the very pit of my stomach.

" I said hey Shrimp."

My head snapped up at the sound of his voice and found a grimace running across his face.

" We can go now Shrimp I can see your nervous but just to let ya know I wouldn't let anything happen to you. I know we got our past but I would... I mean will protect you. I ain't too bad of a guy despite all the other bullshit which isn't bullsh...."

He mumbled the rest of his statement with a scratch to the neck. A bubbly feeling began to bloom in the chest and oddly enough I began to laugh. He flinched at the sound and shrunk into the booth with a stony expression of hurt gracing his face. The action soften my laughter and I began to look at him in a new light. Yes I was looking at his true light. What he did to me and my crew was nothing more than orders there was no true sinister intent. Now I'm not saying it won't always sting but I know now that this wasn't an evil being sitting in front of me. This was a lost soul trying to survive in this world and boy did I know that feeling. This entire time he was going out his way to show me, that yes despite everything I was indeed in fact safe with him.

"I know Gajeel and don't worry I gotcha back to." I said with a smile.

He answered with a sloopy smirk.