Brain and Brawn

Chapter Four: One of...Everything!

 Levy knew Gajeel lived in a questionable part of town but she didn't know he lived in the shadiest side of town. She stayed glued to Lily, glad now that Gajeel insisted on an escort. He had taken on his battle form to deter any possible attackers, making sure to glare at anyone who stared too long in their direction. His battle form also made it much easier to help carry the bags of books Levy had brought with her.

"You have one bag of clothes to three full bags of books," Lily sighed. "Why is that?"

"I don't know what language we'll up against," Levy said from her spot directly behind the black Exceed. "It's always better to be prepared."

"Well you're right there," Lily agreed.
"Here we are!" He exclaimed as he suddenly stopped. Levy yelped as she slammed into him since she was so close behind him.

Levy peeked around Lily to get a better look at the house. It was one of the better looking homes in the neighborhood but it looked like Gajeel had done a lot of renovations himself. The door was solid metal and three windows were being held together by metal plates. Lily opened the large door and ushered Levy inside we're she notice more metal work done to the interior design as well.

"I take it Gajeel built all this stuff?" Levy asked as she admired the intricate design in the living room table.

"Yes," Lily confirmed, "Gajeel is quite the craftsman. He has a wonderful eye for detail."

"Oy glad you made it Shrimp!" Gajeel called from behind Levy.

"What didn't think I'd show?" Levy teased. She turned to face him and and found herself staring at a shirtless Gajeel with nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist. With his skin still glistening and his hair damp Levy could only guess he'd just stepped out of the shower. She turned away from him to hide her blush.

"What don't like what you see?" Gajeel teased back at her. She could hear his cocky smile in his voice.

Levy shook her head and sat on his couch. "Would you hurry and get dressed," she huffed, still keeping her eyes on anything but the shirtless, wet, dragon slayer. "Our train leaves soon and I don't want to miss it."

Gajeel laughed but disappeared to his room to change. Lily gathered all their bags at the door before shedding his battle form and taking a spot next to Levy.

"He's taking his sweet time isn't he?" Levy asked after ten minutes passed.

Lily smiled, knowing his partner was making sure he looked better than normal for the simple fact that Levy was with them. "I know it may not seem like it but Gajeel takes a lot of pride in his appearance. Still we are on a time schedule. Gajeel hurry up or we'll be late!"

"I'm coming, cat, I'm coming!" Gajeel called back.

He walked out if his room with his bag over his shoulder. Levy smiled at her new partner as she noticed the small changes he made to his wardrobe. His baggy cargo pants had been traded in for a pair of loose fit jeans and his normal black shirt for a rather well fit black tank top. He had spiked his hair a little more as well, Levy noticed. She didn't know how to respond to the change so she just sat there and stare at him like an idiot.

"Took you long enough," Lily said as he returned to his battle form and grabbed some of the bags by the door. He didn't seem shocked by the change at all.

Gajeel shrugged. "I thought I'd change the scenery a little," he smile at Levy and picked up the remaining bags. "Ready Shrimp? Titania said they'd have a room for us right?"

Levy snapped back from staring at Gajeel and nodded. "Yes we will be staying at the Glistening Falls inn, room 231."

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