The Iron Dragon's Mark

It's About Time!

On the Train, Bound for Magnolia:

"Well, it seems as if you two had a nice evening," Lily smirked, looking at Gajeel's and Levy's joined hands. The iron dragon slayer was currently sleeping, his head tilted to the side. Levy sat next to him, her hand caught in his. She had tried to tug it out of his grasp so she could turn the page of her book, but he held on tight, even in his slumber.

Levy blushed. "You could say that."

"It's about damn time," Lily nodded. "You two have been dodging this for awhile."

"Panther Lily!" Levy exclaimed, using his whole name

"He bothering you?" asked Gajeel, not opening his eyes.

"I'm fine, Gajeel, but I would like my hand back."

"Nuh uh," he replied.

"Gajeel, I've been on the same page for 10 minutes!"

He sighed. "Fine!" he grumbled, opening his eyes. Leaning over, he pulled her onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her waist. "This better?"

Levy let out a squeak. Lily laughed out loud.

"Gajeel," she squirmed on his lap, trying to get off.

"Oi, Shrimp, what did I tell you about that? Not sure you want the consequences," he chuckled.

Levy's face reddened, but she stopped squirming. She sighed, accepting the situation, and resumed reading her book. At least she could get past this page!

A Week Later, at the Guild Hall:

"Hmm, where's your dragon?" teased Mira, setting a mug of hot tea in front of Levy at her table.

Levy blushed. "He and Lily went out on a job. You know that, Mira."

"I know," the white-haired mage sang out. "I just think it's sooo cute the two of you are together! I'm surprised he didn't take you with him!"

"No, this was definitely a Gajeel/Lily job," Levy said, trying to bury her red face in her book. "I chose to stay behind."

Mira sat down next to her, looking around the almost empty Guild Hall. "It's so quiet around here lately. Lucy's gone to train, Team Natsu always out on jobs, Lisanna and Bixlow, Wendy and Carla out..."

"It's kind of nice no one is destroying the hall and yelling insults at each other," Cana noted, joining Levy and Mira. "It's never quiet for long, though," she said, taking a long swallow of her drink.

"Hey, Levy, want me to read your cards?" asked Cana.

Levy shrugged. "Sure!"

"Oh! Me next!" Mira giggled.

Cana sat across from Levy and started to lay her cards out. She grinned as she studied one of the cards. "I see a certain dragon slayer has a thing for you!"

"Boring! We already know that - don't need cards to tell us that!" Mira stuck her tongue out at Cana. "Is that all you got?"

Cana grinned. "Hold on - I'm just getting started! Now, as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted!"

She held up another card and laid it down, pointing her finger at it. "There's change coming in your relationship."

"Is that good or bad?" Levy asked.

"Oh, honey, it's for the good. If you'll allow me to predict without the cards...." she leaned closer to Levy and whispered, "I think someone's looking for a mate!"