Letters to You

Chapter 8

I couldn't wipe the smile from my face as I danced around my room, getting ready to meet Gajeel at the pond. I talked to him, I talked to him! And his voice, a deep rumbling thing that my dreams did no justice in making up. I was so distracted that I didn't notice Lucy walk in until I ran smack into her and tumbled to the floor. "Wow Levy! What's up with you?" She asked as she helped me up.

I blushed and smiled a little as I fiddled with the sleeve of my mint green kimono. " W-well... You see... I sort of ran into Gajeel in the garden last night... And uh... I'm meeting up with him again tonight..." I managed to stutter out before biting my lip and looking up at her. She pulled me into a hug,"Levy-chan that's great!" I smiled and hugged her back. " Before I go I'm just gonna check my letter box. Wanna come with me?" She grinned and nodded.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Levy,

I'm staying up later than I should to reply to your letter, but after our meeting just a few short hours ago, I can't sleep at all. Actually, I have a surprise for you when we meet tomorrow at the koi pond. I think you'll like it. Or, I hope you do, at least.

Talking with you was nice. Although it was short, I enjoyed your company. You have an air about you that just brings a smile to peoples' faces. I've seen it while driving you around these past few days, and also last night in the garden.

Going back to your last letter, if your future husband is someone like me, I feel bad for ya. He'll be stubborn and short-tempered, and he probably wouldn't have the sense to admit his feelings to you anyways. But, he'd be one lucky man to earn your love, I can tell ya that. And, I hope your future husband treats you how you deserved to be treated-not like some obedient dog. To think of anyone striking you...well...I'm afraid anything I'd have to say about that wouldn't be suitable for a lady to hear.

I really should be retiring for the night, although my letter wasn't very long this time. I think, though, that I'll be able to tell you moretomorrow night at the koi pond. I'm sure it will be all I'll be thinking about until then.

Also, wear comfortable shoestomorrow night. You'll be wanting them for the surprise I have planned. Gihi.

Until tomorrow,

Gajeel

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I sat at the stone bench as the sun sunk below the horizon and I could barely contain my excitement. While I waited I found myself humming his American song and I couldn't help but giggle to myself. " Evening little bird," his voice said behind me and I jumped slightly. He chuckled as I turned to face him, an easy grin spread on his handsome face. I tried to ignore the heat in my cheeks.

" Good evening Gajeel." I said with a smile. He held his hand out to me, his grin softening into a beautiful smile. " Ready for your surprise?" He asked and I grinned, taking his rough hand as I stood and he tucked it into the crook of his arm as we walked. I blushed, I had never walked this close to anyone before, arms linked, it felt wonderful. I frowned slightly as he lead me out the back gate of the compound and down the back road. " Where are we going?" I asked, but I couldn't stop from looking everywhere. Most of the shops were closing for the night but what few people were out greeted us as we passed.

" Trust me little bird. Think of it as a chance to spread your wings, gihi." He said with a grin and I couldn't help but smile back. Being beside him just felt so easy and natural, kind of like breathing, and his ready smile and laughter made my heart swell.

He pulled us to a stop outside of a small building, there were still lights inside but the door had a closed sign. A tall white haired woman was sitting inside, writing something in a book when Gajeel knocked on the door. The woman looked up and smiled sweetly before coming and opening the door,"Hey Gajeel! This must be Lady McGarden." She said as she bowed to me, barely putting a wrinkle in her red kimono. I used slightly, "Please, just Levy. What is this place, Lady?" I asked and she giggled. " Mirajane Strauss. But please call me Mira. This is my bookstore, I got a letter from Gajeel earlier asking me to stay late for a special guest." She said with that sweet smile.

I looked up at Gajeel in surprise, who was scowling at the white haired woman. " You asked her to stay open for me?" I asked quietly. He scratched the back of his neck with his free hand, my arm still hooked into his other. " Well ya said you've never been, so I figured it would be a nice change." He grumbled and I thought I saw his cheeks turn pink. I could only stare at him as I processed what was happening. He had the owner stay late. Just for me.

I let out a very unladylike squeel as I threw both of my arms around his middle, causing him to stiffen and Mira to laugh. I released him from my death grip hug before hurrying into the store. I had never seen so many books in my life, and I knew I never wanted to leave. As I went through all of the aisles and books, I noticed Gajeel was always there at the end, watching me with a smile as I lost myself in the pages.

I wasn't sure how long I was going through books, but as I grabbed a book that I had been dying to get, Gajeel came up to me. " It's getting late Levy." He said quietly and I sighed a little sadly, hesitantly moving to put the book back. He quickly snatched it out of my hands and took it to Mira. " Gajeel!" I called as I hurried to him. Mira wrapped the book in brown paper and handed it to him, before he handed it to me. " Gajeel don't waste your money on-" "It ain't a waste." He interrupted as he continued to hold the book out to me.

" But Gajeel-" "Just shut it and take it." He grumbled and Mira slapped the back of his head. " The hell woman?!" He snapped, moving as she went to slap him again. I couldn't help but laugh as I took the book from him and held it close. " If you insist." I said with a grin. I had been doing that more tonight than I had in my whole life, and my face was plesently sore.

He returned my grin and held the shops door open for me as we left. I said my goodbye to Mira before heading out. I instinctively hooked my arm with Gajeels, holding my book tight with the other. As we walked I couldn't help but lean my head against his muscular arm, blushing brightly as I did. I felt him tense slightly but he didn't try to move me. If anything his grip on my arm tightened. As we walked in the comfortable quiet, a thought sprung to the front of my mind. A thought that I was both overjoyed with and frightened of. I love Gajeel.