The Book of Gajevy

8. In His Arms

The ride back to Magnolia was a long one, both dragon slayers groaning to the others amusements. Levy continuously apologized to Gajeel for not have enough energy to help him, but he would hear none of it. After reaching the guild the pairs split, each  going to their own homes. Gajeel carried Levy on his back, his hands gently grasping her thighs so she wouldn't slip. A soft sigh from the script mage had him glancing back at her. "What's up Shrimp?" He asked. She puffed out her cheeks at the usual nickname but let it go. "I don't want to go home." She mumbled quietly into his shoulder. He said nothing, but instead changed his direction from Fairy Hills to the edge of town.

"You can come to my place then," He said quietly, and she couldn't help but smile as her arms tightened gently around his neck. It didn't take them long to reach Gajeels home and after carrying her inside he gently set her on the couch. Lily came padding out of his bedroom, "How did it go?" He asked as he hopped onto the armrest beside Levy, Gajeel having disappeared to retrieve their first aid kit. Levy grinned widely. "It went fantastic! It's down to four contestants. Gajeel, Natsu, Grey and Lu-chan. Alzack and Bisca created an avalanche and caught Cana and Romeo with it. We fought Laxus, and out smarted Elfman and Evergreen. " she gushed as Gajeel came back. "And the rain woman basically gave up." He snorted as he sat on the couch beside the petite girl.

She giggled lightly as he gently took her burned hands and unwrapped his messy bandaged from earlier. "It would probably be best for Levy to get cleaned up before you start trying to treat those." Lily commented as Gajeel started cleaning a blister. "I don't have anything to change into though." She sighed. "I'll find somethin for ya. Go ahead and take a shower." He ruffled her hair with that soft smile he saved for home. With only a little help, Levy made it to the bathroom and stripped her tattered and burned clothes, grimacing at some bruises she had aquired during Evergreens attack. The warm water stung her skin but helped her tensed muscles relax.

She stole some of Gajeels shampoo and began cleaning herself, when a soft knock sounded. "I have some clothes for you," Lily called through the door. Levy smiled softly, "Thanks, you can come put them on the sink. I trust you!" She said with a small giggle. The door opened and she heard Lily quickly set the stuff on the small counter before beating a hasty retreat. Levy smiled as she finished her shower, stepping out and wrapping the large and surprisingly fluffy towel around herself. Once dry she pulled on her underwear and unfolded the clothes Lily had left. A large baggy shirt, whose logo was long gone and a pair of shorts with drawstrings. She pulled the shirt over her head, and it was long enough that she didn't have to fight with the shorts.

She left the bathroom with the towel wrapped around her head, and an amazing smell entered her nose. Her stomach growled and she groaned to herself. "That smells awesome." She muttered as she entered the kitchen to find Gajeel putting some steaming food on plates. "I didn't know you cooked." She said as he turned around, smiling at him. Gajeel simply stared at her, a dusting of pink on his cheeks as he took in the sight of her in only his shirt. "Uh, yeah..." He muttered as he shook himself, sitting at the table with her. Lily, who was quietly watching from his spot on the counter, chuckled at the blushing dragon slayer.

The three ate in a peaceful silence, Levy surprising the two as she devoured her food. "Quite an appetite shrimp, gihi." Gajeel chuckled, causing her to blush. "Well, I forget to eat sometimes when I'm reading. So when I actually do eat it's like my stomach tries to catch up to all the missed food." She chuckled. Gajeel rolled his eyes, "Why am I not surprised?" Gajeel grumbled, shoving another fork full into his mouth. "Gajeel is always making extra food," Lily started, "If you want I can bring you the leftovers, so you always have food." He offered. Levy perked up and smiled. "That would be great!" She said with a smile.

"You think so?" Gajeel asked, blushing slightly again. Levy nodded enthusiastically. "Your cooking is amazing Gajeel! Unlike mine," she laughed a bit nervously, causing the boys to both raise an eyebrow. "I burn water.... Yes it's possible!" She cried at their stunned faces. Gajeel burst into laughter, eventually half laying on the table as he clutched his gut in laughter.

"It's not that funny! I just get distracted, and then Juvia has to run in to put out the fire!" Levy whined, only causing the dragon to laugh harder and even Lily had a hard time not laughing. Levy pouted, crossing her arms over her chest and looking away from him.  "Come on Shrimp, it's funny!" He said, wiping tears of mirth from his eyes. "Not that funny." She muttered through her pout. Gajeel got up, still chuckling slightly as he lifted his tiny girlfriend into his arms with a squeek. "Come on Lev." He grinned. Between that smile and the new nickname, Levy thought her heart would burst and her face burned. Gajeel, still grinning, planted a soft kiss on her lips before setting her back in her chair. Levy was slightly brain dead as she watched Gajeel clean up the kitchen before going back to her.

"Ready to get some sleep?" He asked and she nodded, feeling suddenly tired. He offered her his hand, which she took, and pulled her up. He never released her hand as he lead her into his bedroom. She was a bit surprised by it, a little on the plain side but still not what she was expecting. It was clean and tidy, a metal desk sat on the far side beneath the window, the large bed was covered in a red comforter and a small night stand stood beside it with a simple lamp. Shelves lined the walls with small metal statues and bits that she assumed he collected from missions. What really shocked her was the two bookshelves beside the desk, full of books.

She turned to her dragon, who was now crimson in the face. "You read?" She asked in shock. Gajeel didn't look at her, staring intently at one of his sculptures. "Just a little... Nothing like you though." He grumbled, almost to quiet for her to hear. She grinned as she hugged him tightly, shocking him slightly. He hugged her back tightly, surprising her with another squeek as he lifted her up bridal style. He plopped her onto the bed with chuckle, ruffling her hair as he grinned. He dug in his drawers for some sleep pants and disappeared to get changed. He came back in briefly. "I'll be on the couch if you need me." He said quietly, and Levy frowned slightly. "It's your bed, and your the one who really needs to sleep." She got up and took his hand gently, her face slowly turning scarlet. "I don't mind sharing the bed." She muttered.

It was Gajeels turn to blush as he looked down at the tiny girl. He took a deep breath before picking her up yet again and carrying her to the bed. Instead of dropping her on the bed, her lifted the covers and crawled underneath with her. "Get some sleep Shrimp." He muttered, holding her close as he closed his eyes. Levy smiled, leaning up to plant a tiny kiss on his lips. "Good night Gajeel." She whispered as she snuggled into his chest. That night, in his arms, she had the best sleep of her life.

{A bit of fluff in the exams XD}