The Iron Dragon's Mark

Relax and Enjoy the Show

"So, where's this bonfire?" Gajeel asked as they watched Lily walk away.

"Oh! I think it's in that direction," she said, pointing behind them. "If I remember correctly from the map."

"You've got a mind like a steel trap. I'm sure you're right, Shrimp," Gajeel teased her.

She didn't know what to say to him as they walked along. She wished she could feel comfortable with the silence, but she felt so awkward right now! Lucy complained that Natsu never seemed to stop talking - unless something was wrong - and Levy wished for that problem now!

"You look nice," Gajeel's rough voice interrupted her thoughts. "I like that dress on you."

Oh my Mavis! Did he just give her a compliment?

"Thanks," she said, blushing yet again. "You're not looking too bad yourself," she teased, trying to lighten the mood.

Gajeel shrugged. "You know me - I'm always a handsome guy."

She patted his arm. "Of course you are!" she pandered in a light tone.

He placed his other hand on hers. "You did a really good job today. You see what I mean when I say you're a stronger mage than you think?"

She nodded, noting he did not move his hand away from hers. They continued on that way for awhile until they reached the bonfire. He let his hand drop, so she did the same.

There was a crowd of people in front of them. Set up in the middle of the square was a circular iron fence that contained the bonfire. The flames crackled as they lept skyward.

"Good thing Salamander's not here - he'd probably destroy the festival by eating it all up," Gajeel smirked.

Looking around, Levy saw food stands and a few market stalls. There were also benches set around the square. People were also sitting on a nearby hillside on blankets, watching professional dancers and what looked to be different performers in front of them.

Levy gestured to Gajeel and they made their way through the crowd to the hillside. It was a thick crowd and Levy was afraid Gajeel would do his usual and throw her over his shoulder. If he does, he'll hear no end of it! She thought angrily to herself.

Instead, he turned and reached out a hand to her. "Don't want you getting lost there, short stuff," he simply said as he held her hand. He parted the crowds in front of them and led her over to the hillside.

They found a spot and Levy used her solid script magic to produce a blanket for them to sit on. Gajeel immediately lay down and put his hands behind his head, his legs going over the edge of the blanket. Levy sat with her knees pulled to her, wrapping her arms around them, watching the performance wide-eyed.

She glanced once back at Gajeel and saw he had his eyes closed. Well, they did have a long day and he was probably tired. He was nice enough to come here with her. I guess I shouldn't be mad at him for falling asleep, she thought with a sigh.

Gajeel watched her through slitted eyes. He enjoyed her profile in front of him. Ever since Salamander had chosen bunny girl to be his mate, Gajeel had toyed with the idea of asking Levy. Well, no, what wasn't quite right. He had thought about it before, but had never taken it seriously. It wasn't like Levy was going anywhere. He didn't want to scare her off with all that mate talk. I mean, yeah, she was the one. He had known it when he had first joined Fairy Tail, but was afraid she wasn't going to forgive him after what he did to her when he was with Phantom Lord. But, this was Levy - of course she forgave him and welcomed him to the guild with open arms.