Frost and Iron: Gajeel x black oc

Broken Bonds

Chapter 16: Broken Bonds (Levy's POV)

Levy's heart raced as she fled from Gajeel's apartment, her footsteps echoing down the quiet streets of Magnolia. She barely heard Lucy calling after her, barely felt the cool morning breeze against her skin. All she could see—imprinted in her mind—was the sight of Gajeel and Aislyn together in bed.

Together.

It wasn't supposed to be like this.

Levy's chest tightened, and she struggled to catch her breath. Gajeel... She had known him for so long, seen so many sides of him that no one else did. He was always guarded with everyone—rough and cold—but with her, he was different. She had always told herself that she was the one to break through his walls, that he would come to her when he was ready. She thought their bond was special.

And now this.

The image of Aislyn, tangled in sheets next to Gajeel, replayed over and over in Levy's mind. Her throat felt tight, and her hands trembled as she walked, her feet automatically taking her toward the guild. Lucy trailed behind her, keeping a respectful distance, but Levy didn't stop or look back. She didn't want to talk—not yet.

"Levy, wait," Lucy called softly, jogging to catch up. "It might not be what you think—"

Levy stopped suddenly, her breath coming in short, painful gasps. "How could it not be, Lucy? I... I saw them. In his bed. Together." The words were bitter, and her voice cracked with disbelief as if saying it aloud would somehow make it worse.

Lucy frowned, her own expression conflicted. "I know, but maybe... maybe they were just—"

"No,"  Levy cut her off, her voice sharper than she intended. She pressed a hand to her forehead, trying to make sense of everything. "I thought he... I thought Gajeel would come around. I thought... he cared."

Lucy's face softened as she placed a gentle hand on Levy's shoulder. "Levy, I'm sure he does care. But... maybe not in the way you expected."

Levy shook her head, tears burning behind her eyes. "No. You don't understand, Lucy. I waited. I was patient. I've been there for him through everything, and now she..."She trailed off, her heart aching as she thought of Aislyn—loud, sarcastic Aislyn, who had waltzed into Fairy Tail and turned everything upside down.

Aislyn was everything Levy wasn't: bold, confident, quick to banter. Maybe that was why Gajeel liked her. Maybe that was what drew him to her. Levy's stomach twisted at the thought.

"I've lost him," Levy whispered, her voice trembling.

Lucy opened her mouth to respond but closed it again, not sure what to say. The truth was, she didn't have an answer. What Levy had seen couldn't be explained away, and Lucy knew her friend needed time to process what had happened.

"Do you want to go back to the guild?"Lucy asked softly, steering Levy away from Gajeel's place and toward the safety of Fairy Tail,

Levy nodded numbly, her mind still spinning, but as they walked, her sadness began to morph into something sharper, more dangerous. She had been patient. She had waited for Gajeel, and now Aislyn—this newcomer—was standing in her way.

Aislyn had to go.

The thought took root in Levy's mind, and with each step, it grew stronger. She couldn't let this happen. Not after everything she'd been through with Gajeel. Not after how close they had gotten. Aislyn was in the way, and Levy wasn't going to let her ruin everything.

"I won't lose him," Levy murmured under her breath, her eyes narrowing as a plan began to form.