Gajeel Redfox: The Big Softy

Chapter One: Disaster

Gajeel was going to do it.

He was going up to her and saying it straight out. That's right, she was sitting right across the room. He just had to move his feet, walk over, and blurt it out. However, the Dragon Slayer's legs refused to move, as if his body knew better than to do so. So instead, he tapped his steel toes on the ground anxiously while grinding his teeth together in irritation.

Pantherlily glanced up at his comrade's face as realization kicked in. Ah, so he decided to do it today... The feline's face scrunched slightly in worry, looking from Gajeel to the woman across the room. He and Gajeel had already talked about the problem at hand, both coming to the conclusion that talking to her about it was best. But Lily could see that his friend was having second thoughts, and he knew why. With this particular problem, there was only a few ways it could end. Most ending badly. Lily glanced back up at Gajeel to see that he was sweating. If he doesn't go soon, he'll lose his nerve. That wouldn't be good.

He placed a paw on his clenched fist. "If you're going to do it, do it now." Gajeel fixed his gaze down at his cat, his frown deepening. "I-I don't think I can do this-gah!" The paw that was once placed on his hand, slammed into his jaw.

Lily was growing annoyed. He had finally convinced the Big Dope to talk to her and now he was chickening out? Not on his watch. He pointed towards her. "Go. Now." At this point, he didn't care if Gajeel was scared of the consequences. This needed to be said.

Gajeel had grunted when Lily had hit him, but he knew he deserved it and said nothing as his cat pointed towards the other end of the room. Right now? He glanced towards where he was pointing and gulped. Gajeel wasn't scared, alright? He just knew how this was going to end, and wasn't sure if he was really prepared for that yet.

However, after having a glaring contest with his partner for a few minutes, he reluctantly stood. He hesitated before starting to walk. Thankfully, only the usual crowd was at the guild today, he wouldn't have to deal with the odd looks of the newbs that had joined after winning the Grand Magic Games.

Oh how the man wished he could go back in time and do that blasted tournament again rather than be walking up to his next biggest battle...But fate was a bloody cruel thing.

He stopped in front of her. She was sitting down, waiting as she usually did this time of day. She looked up at him and blinked. There was a dark shadow over his face as he took a deep breathe. She didn't seem to mind much though as she tilted her head to the side in question.

"Juvia." He began before having to swallow the lump in his throat. "I gotta talk ta you." Though the Water Mage was a bit confused by his sudden seriousness, she nodded, turning in her seat so she was facing him correctly.

Gajeel continued to stand, feeling that if he sat down, he would lose his nerve again and try and change the topic. He was glad that he wasn't gaining any attention from his guildmates, who didn't think anything of it since everyone knew how close the two were, even if they never really proclaimed it. All except Pantherlily, who was watching Gajeel with careful judgment.

Gajeel scratched the back of his head, somehow growing nauseous. He groaned inwardly. Just because his emotions were on a roller coaster, didn't mean he should feel like he was getting motion sickness. He looked down at her expectant gaze, locking his serious expression with her curious one. "Look...It's about Fullbuster..."

She blinked. "Gray-sama?" He nodded, deciding to avoid her worried gaze. "What about Gray-sama? Is Gray-sama alright?" He waved his hand dismissively. "Yeah, yeah, he's fine."

She frowned. "Then what?" Her tone had changed slightly and he gulped. She had probably figured out where this conversation was going. Great. "Alright, so less about him and more about you."