1 Gale-- Gajeel and Levy

"You know I never thought things would end with a kiss for us." Zeref took Mavis's hand and pulled her along, trying to take her attention away from Fairy Tail for just a little while.

She looked up at him, "It's not like things really ended, we are still here and I can still watch over my children while you watch over your little brother." Mavis waited for the thing she knew was coming next.

Zeref smiled dotingly on her, "Can't we just take a little break and take a little time for ourselves?" She raised an eyebrow, "You've been meddling ever since the Tenrou Island incident, what ten, twelve years ago?"

Mavis smirked, "That was just a bit of fun. Do you know how boring it is to be locked in a lacrima for a hundred years?" She said pointedly.

His cheeks colored, he knew full well he was the reason she had been stuck in that lacrima. "I know, I know and I've apologized for that."

She smiled, "There's still plenty of time for you to pay for your sins, same as I have to right the wrongs I've made. I started by pushing my little Elfman into the arms of sweet Evergreen. They get along so well, she keeps him in line."

She pointed to Elfman and Evergreen below them in the guildhall. They heard Elfman say, "Because I'm a REAL MAN!" just before they saw Evergreen stomp on his foot and lecture him for it. Zeref laughed, "That was when I found out you really do have a sense of humor."

She glared at him, "I know what's best for my children and you will not belittle that!" She huffed.

Zeref sighed, "At least that's not as bad as when you pushed Gajeel and Levy together. THat was you purely being a sadist on your part."

Mavis turned to walk away from him, he followed, "You're mad at me for that? You do remember how they met right?"

Mavis rounded on him, "Of course I know how they met but unlike some people, he redeemed himself. Gajeel felt so bad for hurting her back then and only wanted to make it up to her. He spent so much time protecting her…"

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Levy POV

"Sigh." I can't concentrate today, I keep thinking about Gajeel and it's driving me insane. I look back at the books in front of me on the library table and push them aside. I don't understand, we've been close forever, he's always around, he's always saving me but I don't get why. All he does is pick on me and treat me like I'm made of glass.

I leaned over on the table and sighed again. Lucy came into my view, "Levy, what's wrong? You don't look so good."

I frowned, "I can't seem to get anything down today because my mind keeps wandering."

Lucy sat down in the chair across from me, setting down her stack of books. "Do you want to talk about it?"

I made a face and sighed again, I know Lucy well enough to know she's not going to let this go even if she means well. "Can we go for a walk? I don't want anyone to overhear what I have to say."

"Of course, let's go Levy." Lucy waited while we walked for a while. She didn't ask again, just waited for me to open up to her.

I sighed, "Did you know Gajeel told me he loves me and that he wants a family?" Lucy's jaw dropped. I nodded, "Yeah, during that whole fight with Spriggan 12. He said that and as soon as we got back he took off. He's on a mission with Juvia."

Lucy frowned, "I'm sorry that must be hard. Has he said anything since then?"

I shook my head as we walked into the park, "You know that he's always around and he's been there forever. When the guild disbanded he followed me, I had set up the job with the Magic Counsel and he followed me. They only gave him a job because he was making it impossible for me to work without him around." I sighed again not sure how to say the next part. "We lived together during that year and then it was like it never happened. We'd go out and for a whole year it was like we were more than whatever limbo we are stuck in now."

I looked up at my best friend, tears in my eyes, "How could we be so close and then it's like everything went back to the way it was before? I love him Lucy. I don't want to because he doesn't love me but I do. I love him so much it hurts to breathe."

Lucy hugged me, "Oh Levy! I'm so sorry. It'll be okay. Things will work out, I promise. I know you're hurting now but things will get better."

We talked for a while longer before she said, "Hey there's a guild party tonight we should go. It'll get your mind off of Gajeel for a bit and you won't have to see him." I hesitated, not really in the mood for fun. "Come on! It'll be fun, I promise. Let's go, I'll even help you get all dressed up and everything."

I couldn't help it, Lucy's happiness, her need to help me as contagious. I found myself swept up in it. "Okay, Okay. I'll come, but I don't have anything to wear to the party." I found myself laughing despite the pain in my chest.

Lucy squealed happily. "Eeee! Yes! Yes, don't worry about it! Lets go. Let's go!" She grabbed my hand and took off in the direction of her apartment talking excitedly.

I just tried to keep up, laughing along behind her. When we got to her place we showered and she asked her celestial spirits to help us get ready. Before I knew what happened I was standing in front of a full length mirror looking at myself. I barely recognized myself in the form fitting sexy, femme fatal style, halter dress cut in my signature orange. My hair was piled on my head and with these pretty little wisps escaping. Cancer had done my hair, somehow adding more and styling. Lucy had put makeup on my face so I looked pretty and even a bit sexy instead of just plain and cute. I felt my cheeks heat as I blushed.

Lucy was done up in her pink dress similar to mine and ready for the party, "Do you like it?" She asked, smiling sweetly.

I nodded, "I feel amazing Lucy. Thank you. Let's get going!"

We took off, heading for the guildhall, laughing and talking the whole way there. When we got there so many people complimented me on my new look, I was flying high, I felt great. We hung out, dranced, drank and laughed. It was fun for a while, but I caught myself thinking about Gajeel, feeling bad again. I took a shot and turned around searching for the girls. Out of the corner of my eye I swear I saw Gajeel but he was gone so quickly that I was questioning how much I had had to drink. I took another shot. But I started thinking about how much I missed him, how I wished he could be here to see me in this outfit I'd probably never wear again. And another shot. I don't know how long I was drinking for or how long I was alone but I found myself in a corner of the guildhall feeling terrible. Lucy helped me to the bathroom where I threw up and sank to the floor, half crying half laughing.

Lucy half drunk herself helped me as best she could, "Levy, what happened? You were having fun. Why'd you get sad?"

I shrugged, "I keep seeing him everywhere. I know he's not here but I keep seeing his face and I want to get mad and yell at him."

There was a knock on the door and Natsu came in, "Hey Luce, you don't look so good. Oh no, Levy, let me get someone to help you." I threw up again and heard him yell out the door, "Hey, Gajeel, I found her. She's in bad shape."

I heard Lucy and Natsu talking for a I don't know how long while I slumped to the floor again. "Stupid Gajeel. Stupid, dumb meanie." I grumbled for a while.

As I sat there trying to focus on anything, I saw Gajeel squat in front of me, "What have you gotten yourself into this time, Shrimp?"

Gajeel POV

I made it back to the guildhall just in time for the party. I want to see Levy so badly but I don't know how to do right by her. She's been so out of it, not herself at all since we got back to Magnolia after dealing with those fools from Alvarez. I hated getting called away on a mission so soon after getting home, especially since things between us seemed to be changing.

I'd talked to Juvia about it endlessly while we'd been gone these weeks and she helped me realize that I need to do right by Levy. Juvia's been a close friend for a long time and she pushed me to think about my life without Levy. I couldn't bear thinking about it but how can I be the right guy for such a sweet goody goody? I'm such a bad guy, I don't deserve her. I don't deserve to be happy, I don't deserve a family but I can't seem to leave her alone. Levy means everything to me and I swore I'd never let her get hurt by anyone.

I lingered around the edges of the party for a while until she disappeared with Lucy. When I heard Flame-brain calling for Bunny-girl I figured I would help and find Levy while I was at it. As I was coming downstairs I heard Natsu, "Hey, Gajeel, I found her. She's in bad shape."

It came from the direction of the bathrooms in the back, I took off running, Levy's hurt, she's in bad shape. What happened to her? My blood ran colder than Gray's magic. I'm coming, Levy, please be okay.

When I got into the bathroom Levy was puking her guts out, Natsu was trying to get Bunny-girl up off the floor but she just kept giggling. I shook my head and went to Levy. Squatting down in front of her and said, "What have you gotten yourself into this time, Shrimp?"

Her head bobbed for a minute before she lunged for the toilet again and continued puking. I groaned, "Just how much did you drink? You're tiny! One shot's enough to get you drunk."

Levy groaned as I rubbed her back, "Go away stupid Gajeel no one asked you."

Lucy was still giving Natsu a hell of a time and yelled out, "She's in love with you, you ass!"

I froze, I couldn't believe what I had heard. Natsu said, "Shhh. Lucy, shut up. You can't go around screaming at people like this when you're drunk."

She was still giggling and slurring her words but I swear she said, "But Natsu, it's true. Her heart got broken down because… umm that iron metal guy loved her and then went away. That's why I prefer love in books. Can't get hurt that way."

I felt for Natsu dealing with that crazy chick. But realized Levy must have talked to Lucy, she was Levy's best friend after all. I felt my chest tighten, Levy was hurting. I pulled her back against me, "Hey, Levy. How are you feeling?"

"MMmmm. Stupid Gajeel." She was crying and obviously didn't realize I was there. "Why does it hurt so much?"

I picked her up in a princess carry, "Come on Shorty, let's get you home."

I carried her back to her place, listening to her grumble and swear, curing my existence the entire way there. I got her into bed and went to leave but she wouldn't let go of me. "Don't leave me Gajeel. I need you."

I knelt down next to her bed and surrendered, she had my arm and wasn't going to let it go anytime soon. Kissing her forehead she sighed, I said, "Get some rest Levy, I'm right here."

I buckled down and got comfortable. It's going to be a long night. I'm sorry Levy. "Please be okay Levy. I'll tell you soon, but I love you."

Levy's POV

"Ugh, I feel sick." I tried to sit up but there was a weight on my stomach. Slowly I opened my eyes, my head splitting. A hand? A massive hand? I followed the hand up the arm to the shoulder and black hair? A lot of black hair. On instinct I reached out and touched it. So soft, it's like Gajeel's hair… Gajeel's hair? Oh no! "No, no, no, no, no, no. Oh no. No!" The fuzziness of my memory crashed down around me as I realized Gajeel was half in my bed and I was still a little drunk from- half way to a scream I pushed him aside and ran for the bathroom, throwing up.

"Ugh, just what I need. Why'd he-'' I stopped as I sat back against the wall seeing Gajeel still half asleep standing in the bathroom doorway.

He groaned, rubbing the back of his neck, "How are you feeling?"

I turned white as a ghost as I threw up again and was humiliated while he knelt down next to me. Holding my hair back with one hand, rubbing my back with the other. "There you go, get it out. It's okay Levy. There you go…"

I fell back against the wall wiping the tears from my face, "Why are you here Gajeel? What could you possibly want? Why are you always around, always saving me, always watching every one of my failures? Why can't you just go away?" I gave up feeling too sick to care anymore, tears flowing as freely as my pain and anger.

Gajeel looked like he'd been punched in the gut. "Is that what you want Levy? Do you want me to go away?"

I couldn't hold it in anymore, all the pain I felt. He handed me a glass of water now that I finished throwing up. I wanted him, I needed him, I love him and he just could not seem to care any less… "I don't know. It hurts when you're here, it hurts when you're gone. I don't know what's wrong with me. I miss you when you are across the room and I hate it. I don't want to feel this way when you clearly think I'm just some little kid that needs to be taken care of."

Gajeel squatted down in front of me, "Whoa there, I'm not sure I follow. What are you talking about Shorty."

I half screamed, half grunted in frustration, "What's there to follow besides me?! You're always there! Gajeel you've been stalking me since you joined the guild and it makes no sense. Since Laxus tried to hurt me YEARS ago you've always been right there, saving me, helping me, watching me. You were the one that said I could be an S-class wizard. When the guild disbanded you followed me and things were changing. We lived together, it felt like we were finally becoming something but as soon as the guild got back together it was like that never happened. Then you say all that confusing stuff when you thought you were dying and pretend it never happened."

I let out another frustrated half scream, "Why can't you see me as a woman? Why can't you love me as much as I love you? You're here and it hurts so much because I know you could never love me the way I love you because you've been treating me like a kid since we got back and ten you take off without a word and it feels like a part of me is missing. Argh! I hate this. It's not fair." I curled in on myself and cried.

Gajeel POV

I sat there totally at a loss for words, Levy LOVES me? My brain shut down for a solid five minutes and I was trying to catch up to everything she was screaming about but kept hearing her words ringing in my ears, "Why can't you love me like I love you?!"

My heart broke to think she didn't know. When I joined the guild after the old man recruited me to go undercover I promised myself I wouldn't let anyone hurt Levy the way I had that day. I still hate myself for it but as I watched her and protected her something changed. Everyone in the guild hated me but she didn't. The one person that should have hated me more than anyone, she stood up for me and it was in that moment that I saw this tiny, fragile woman as hard as iron. There was more to her then I had originally thought and I started falling for her that day.

"Why can't you love me like I love you?" Levy's words rattled around inside my head. Why doesn't she understand she shouldn't love me? Seeing her like this was killing me. My little woman of iron, she was hurting so much. How do I fix it?

I was at a loss and scrambling to figure out what to do to help her when she looked up at me and said, "You promised you wouldn't let anything hurt me! So what do you do when you're the one that's hurting me?"

Levy POV

Gajeel was squatting in front of me on the floor of the bathroom as I freaked out. Why can't I get a hold of myself? I finally looked up at him and yelled at him, "You promised you wouldn't let anything hurt me! So what do you do when you're the one that's hurting me?"

Gajeel looked like he was going to be sick and also looked hurt and angry. I stopped for a second and looked at him, "Gajeel, I'm sorry. I shouldn't ha-"

Gajeel launched himself at me, his lips crashed into mine. Gajeel is kissing me? Oh my god, Gajeel is kissing me and I just threw up. Aahhh!

He pulled back and said, "Can you just slow down and shut up for one damn minute?"

My fingers touched my lips, the lips he had just kissed. I blinked up at him in shock and nodded. He sighed and sat back on the floor, "Levy, I think we are misunderstanding each other." I nodded still not able to talk, "I never wanted to hurt you, in fact I didn't know how you felt. If I had known I would have done something sooner." He sighed.

"What do you mean acted sooner?" I looked up at him, trying not to hope for anything. "Gajeel?"

"Listen Shorty, it doesn't matter that I love you. Someone like me doesn't deserve-" He never got to finish that sentence, I launched myself at him.

"Shut up, shut up, shut up! I'm not going to listen to you putting yourself down!" I hugged him around the neck, "Were you serious when you said you love me?"

He nodded, I screamed in glee, "Really, really?"

He looked scared and grunted before nodding his head again. "Hey Levy, what are you doing?"

I smirked up at him…

Gajeel POV

Levy nearly knocked me over and had this wicked looking grin on her face. I swallowed nervously, "Hey Levy, what are you doing?"

She just kissed me, while my head was spinning she said, "Promise you won't leave me. If you love me, promise you will try and that you will stop running from me."

I looked at her, still not sure what was happening. "Okay."

She threw herself at me again, "I love you Gajeel and that's not going to change so deal with it!"

Suddenly she was kissing me and the room disappeared, it wasn't until she flew back to the toilet to puke again that I realized she had been sitting on top of me and I had laid down at some point. Ha, when did that happen? (Puking noises) "Oh, crap Levy." I went over to hold her hair back.

When she finally finished I picked her up and carried her back to her bed no matter how much she protested, "Gajeel! Stop it, I'm not-"

I kissed her, "Yeah, yeah. You're fine right? Shut up and get some rest. You were in real bad shape last night. You had me really worried."

She pouted, How cute… "But Gajeel I want to…" She blushed.

"Ge hehe. Yeah, when you feel better we can pick up where we left off." I tucked her into bed and got up.

She grabbed my hand, "Lay with me?"

How could I say no to that. She scooted over on the bed and I climbed in with her. "No funny business little troublemaker."

No sooner had I laid down than she had curled around me, she was already sleeping again. I grunted and tried not to freak out about holding the woman I had loved for so long in my arms.

Levy POV

I woke up after a nap with something solid and warm against my back, the same warmth across my stomach pulled me closer. It took me a minute to realize I had fallen asleep with Gajeel. My heart raced as I remembered my tantrum from earlier and everything that had happened. He loved me, Gajeel said he loved me. I smiled and snak a little deeper into his embrace not wanting it to end.

Gajeel's voice ground softly in my ear. "Feeling better Shorty?"

I nodded and blushed. He was so freaking close. I carefully turned over, still in his arms. Looking up at him I said, "Is this real? Are we really going to give this a try?"

He smiled down at me and kissed my forehead. "I think so. I'm still trying to catch up with you."

I smiled and pushed him onto his back, rolling with him, I was straddling him. I leaned forward and kissed him until I was breathless. "Gajeel.."

Gajeel's POV

Shrimp was sleeping a second ago and now she was on top of me, "Gajeel, I know that I don't have any experience with these things but I've read a lot and I am tired of waiting…"

My jaw dropped, I was still reeling from that kiss she'd just pinned me with. Did she just say what I think she just said? "Levy, we don't have to-" She kissed me again. I felt her body on mine, her heart, her center so close to me. For someone with no experience… how the hell was she leaving me spinning? What was that thing she just did with her tongue? My hands trailed up her sides as I came into a sitting position, pressing her closer to me. "Levy…" I breathed into her mouth.

My shirt was gone and her lips were on my chest, she rocked ever so teasingly back and forth in my lap. Ugh, this was going to drive me insane. Levy was driving me slowly insane. My hands trailed over her body as if they had a mind of their own, I found the zipper on the back of her dress and slowly unzipped it with one hand while trailing the fingers of my other down her spine.

I smiled as she shivered in my arms and licked her throat, drawing a moan from her beautiful lips. I pulled her back up to me, kissing her deeply while I drew the dress off of her shoulders. She froze as soon as her bra was exposed, I stopped, breathing hard, "Levy?"

She looked up at me with her big brown eyes, flushed cheeks and swollen lips. Before I could stop myself I heard myself whisper, "So beautiful." She deeper, this time the pink spread across her chest while she was heaving from our previous actions. "Levy." I got her attention. "Are you okay? What happened? Do you want to stop?"

She shook her head, "No, I'm okay. I just… I can't believe I finally get to do this with you." She pulled on the back of my neck and kissed me again.

She was going at what felt like the speed of light but I was concerned with it being her first time, I didn't want to hurt her. She was buck naked on top of me while I had somehow managed to keep my skivvies on. But that had become her main focus, she backed off and I stilled her hands while she was trying to yank on my boxers…

Levy's POV

Things were going great, we were together and I was finally going to do it with Gajeel but he stopped me. He wouldn't let go of my hands, "Gajeel?"

He brought my hand to his lips and kissed the palm of my hand, "Shh, slow down Levy. There's no rush to get where we are going today. If you keep running so far ahead I'm afraid you'll get hurt." He flipped me on my back and looked down at me, showering kisses all over my face, neck and chest. "Slow down and I'll teach you what those books of yours didn't."

He was kissing, caressing places that I had never thought to touch before. My body was burning for more of him and I couldn't get enough. "Gajeel please…"

He lifted his head from my breast, "Shh, Shrimp, some things are better slow. Let me help you get there okay." I hesitated but what he was doing felt so good, "Do you trust me Levy?"

I nodded, "Yes, I trust you." As I arched up off the bed from the new pressure I felt building, I tried to make sense of what he was doing. His hand was where? His tongue… what was touching my thigh?

He was trailing kisses down on belly when I heard him chuckle, I looked down and he smirked, "Since you can't stop thinking long enough to enjoy it, I guess I'll have to find a way-" He pressed my legs apart and was looking down at my most sensitive place, a wicked grin on his lips.

"Gajeel… what are you-" I squealed as he buried his face against that sensitive place and his tongue was loving, flicking around and over my bud. I arched and wiggled but his hand pressed me back to the bed. What was hap-. "Oh my-AAAaaahhhhhh!" my body came up off the bed as I started to shake and shiver all over. The pressure was still there and everything felt more intense.

I heard his laugh from between my legs, "That's my girl, come for me Levy." Before I could catch my breath I felt something press inside me, the pressure built quickly as he moved his finger this way and that, hitting this spot inside that made me wiggle again. "A little more Levy. Just a little bit more." The pressure built and the friction increased as he added a second finger. In and out he fingers went and as the pressure built again, his tongue found my bud again. I couldn't take it any longer, I could barely breathe.

Suddenly I felt like my whole body was wound so tight that I would snap, I heard Gajeel's sweet voice again, "It's okay Levy, I'm here. Let go."

His fingers moved faster and his words let me free. I screamed and saw stars, "Gajeel! Ahhhh!" I grabbed for him afraid of how out of control my body was.

His fingers slowed as I came back to myself, he was holding me close, whispering to me. He feathered kisses all over my face. I came back to my body panting and shaking. "Gajeel?"

"Shh, it's okay Levy. I'm right here." He looked down at me. "If you're ready we can try more, we need to take it slow. I don't want to hurt you." He kissed me while I recovered.

"If it's you it's okay." I wrapped my arms around him. He looked stunned when I said, "I trust you Gajeel, I love you. I'm ready if you are." Leaning I kissed him, hoping he understood just how much he meant to me.

Gajeel POV

"If it's you it's okay." Levy wrapped herself around me, so open, so accepting as always, "I trust you Gajeel, I love you. I'm ready if you are."

She kissed me, I didn't know how much longer I could hold back but I was so afraid I was going to hurt her. I felt the gravel in my voice as her name ripped from my lips, "Levy… I-"

She kissed me and smiled that smile that melted my resolve countless times before. "Shh, Gajeel. It's okay. I'm right here. You won't hurt me."

I couldn't hold back any longer, lowering myself I entered her as slowly as I could. Levy flinched beneath me, "Levy? I'm sorry."

She devoured my mouth, "Shut up and hurry up! I need you Gajeel."

I surged forward as she broke my resolve again. Just as I found a rhythm she pushed me back and rolled on top of me. It wasn't long before I was totally under her spell. She collapsed heaving on top of me after I yelled her name. But there was one thing that still bothered me… "You learned that from a book?"

She just giggled as she fell asleep on my chest. I reached down and pulled the blanket up over her trying to figure out just what I had done to earn her love.

Time skip…

Levy POV

I yawned and stretched. You have no idea the simple joy I get from waking up in this man's arms every morning. It still feels so surreal. He even asked me about moving in together since we are always together anyway. I had to agree, it did make sense. I mean it's been nearly a year and if we are home we are together. The thing is he was leaving for a short trip and I had been feeling… sick lately. I had a sneaking suspicion as to why but I had an appointment at the doctor to find out one way or another. I wasn't ready to tell him but I knew he watched me closely enough to be worried about my behavior.

I sighed and crawled out of bed, heading for the bathroom. Hoping that I could get through today then he'd be gone and I could find out and figure things out one way or another. I was worried about what would happen, would Gajeel even want this if it was real?

The water ran over me washing the tension out of my back and legs. I was about to get out of the shower when Gajeel came in, his arms going around my waist. He nuzzled my neck. One thing led to another and our shower took much longer than planned.

I had planned to see him off just after lunch.

Gajeel POV

I was worried about leaving today. It was only for a few days, I had promised Levy I would be back in time for Lucy's something or other party but I was worried. I sighed, something was going on and Levy wasn't ready to tell me. She's been acting strangely the last few weeks and her scent has changed. I hope she isn't sick, but she's not going to tell me until she is ready.

She was walking me to the train station and I was trying to find a way to bring up what I knew she'd put off and ignore. We were standing there silent for several minutes before I finally said, "Listen Shrimp…"

She shook her head. "Later Gajeel. I'm fine."

I stood in front of her, trapping her against the wall, blocking her from the rest of the crowd, "No, now. Listen, I know something is going on, you haven't been yourself for a while now. I'm worried about you and if Master hadn't asked for me specifically to go on this job I wouldn't be going right now. You have to promise that if something is wrong, you tell me. Take the next few days and rest please."

She smiled a sad smile, "I know you know but I can't tell you until I know so I will take it easy the next couple of days and we'll talk when you get back." She was on tip toe and kissed me before ducking under my arm and dashing away from the station.

"Damn it Levy. You better be okay." I grunted and got on the train, trying to ignore the motion sickness.

Levy POV

I ran from Gajeel, I can't believe I ran from him. I stopped around the corner and watched his train leave, wiping the tears from my face. Ugh, why am I crying? It's not like this is the first time he's gone on a job without me. I was so frustrated with myself for crying with no reason to cry.

I took my time wandering home and crawling back into bed, suddenly so tired I could barely move. The bed felt so empty without Gajeel next to me. I barely had time to be upset that I was crying again when I fell asleep.

I woke up the next morning with just enough time to get to my appointment. Running out the door I got there just in time. Breathing heavily I sat and listened to the doctor while she talked for several minutes before I finally understood what she was saying. "Levy, I understand you've been feeling ill for sometime. Do you have any other symptoms? Anything else out of the ordinary?"

I looked down and said, "Well I've been really tired all the time and I throw up a lot when I catch the scent of things that I used to like the smell of things I've always liked. My food choices have changed and I get winded or dizzy easily." I sighed, "I think I know what is the cause but I can confirm."

The doctor looked at me and said, "Well given the tests we did when you first came in I can confirm you are in fact pregnant but Levy, I'm concerned you seem upset. Do you know who the father is? Does he know you came here today and why? Are you one good terms? Talk to me, what's going through your head."

I looked up at her and shrugged. "I know who the dad is, he doesn't know why I am here. He's a good man.' I smiled thinking about Gajeel. "He's the best man I know, he knows I haven't been feeling well and has been worried but I told him we would talk when he came home in a couple of days. We are good, I'm not sure how he'll take this but I don't think he would leave me because of it. In fact he's more the type to babysit me, wait on me and tried to lock me away for fear that I'd get hurt or the baby." I put my hand over my baby, our baby. "I'm just trying to wrap my head around being a mom. There's a lot of ways I can prepare and a ton of reading but I feel like this isn't going to be that easy. I'm… I don't know."

She talked about what to expect over the next few weeks and months, things to worry about and things that were nothing to worry about, reasons to come back before my next appointment… I'm not sure how much I heard, I just headed home and was kind of on an automatic until Panther Lily flew in. He landed on the bed next to me while I was reading the papers the doctor had given me for the fifth time. I didn't even notice him.

Panther Lily did something out of character and climbed into my lap, "Levy, Levy, are you alright?"

I flinched and looked down at him, "Lily? When did you get here? Is Gajeel back too?"

He shook his head, watching me closely. "Gajeel will be finished tomorrow and said he'd meet you at Lucy's party. He sent me back because he's really worried about you." He looked at me, ignoring the papers in my hand, "I'm worried about you Levy. What's going on?"

I nodded at the papers I was holding, right there in big bold letters on the first page it said,

Pregnancy-----Positive

Lily turned around and read the top paper, "Levy you're… you're having a baby?"

I nodded, "That's why I've been sick and acting strangely. I went to the clinic today and saw the doctor…"

Lily looked up at me surprised, "Does Gajeel know?"

I shook my head, trying hard not to cry again. "I haven't told him, I didn't even tell him I have been sick." I hiccuped through the tears.

Lily flew up into my arms and hugged me. "Levy, being so upset isn't going to help any. Is this something you want? Are you afraid of how Gajeel will take the news?"

I shook my head, "That's not it. It just… Lily, I'm so... " I hiccuped again, crying harder. At some point I cried myself to sleep. Lily curled up with me, just trying to keep me from falling apart totally. Poor Lily had no idea how to help me and I had no idea what I needed.

I woke blurry eyed the next day feeling like a dried out sponge, but Lily was there, purring next to me. He got up and got me a glass of water and some small snacks before curling back up with me. "Levy, you're scaring me. Can you tell me what's wrong? How can I help?"

I shook my head, "I just need Gajeel that's all. I don't feel well and for some reason this all makes me want to cry. Whenever I feel weak he makes me strong."

He nodded, "Gajeel will be back tomorrow, there's no way to get him back sooner. By the time I could fly there we wouldn't get back any sooner. Is there someone else I can get for you in the meantime? What about Lucy?"

I shook my head, "I don't want anyone to know until I tell Gajeel. Do you think there are any books on how to be a good parent and what to expect? I'm an orphan, I don't know anything about babies." Lily sat and thought for a minute, "No Lily, don't bother her. Lucy is busy."

I watched as Lily flew out the window and lay back down.

Panther Lily POV

I had to do something, nothing I did could help Levy and I couldn't get Gajeel. Lucy was the next person that was close to Levy. I just won't tell her about the baby. Levy can be upset and need a friend. Lucy will come for her. She has to, Levy can't stay in bed and keep crying.

I flew to the guild and found Happy and Carla standing on one of the tables. "Happy where's Lucy?"

"I don't know. She kicked Natsu again because he snuck into her bed." He was looking at Carla.

"Lily, what is the matter? You look awful." Carla said with concern.

"I need to find Lucy, Gajeel is stuck out of town and Levy is in bad shape, I don't know how to help her, she just keeps crying." I shifted uneasily while I told them I had failed in my duty to Levy. Thankfully they took off and helped me find Lucy in a few minutes, "Lucy, thank god. I need your help."

"Panther Lily? Where's Levy?" She spun so fast she almost fell over. Natsu caught her to steady her.

Happy flew right into her, "Levy is really upset and Gajeel's out of town. Lily thinks he broke her and is scared because she keeps crying. Lucy you gotta help her."

Lucy nodded and told Happy to keep Natsu out of trouble. "Lily can you take me to her?"

I picked up Lucy and flew out of the hall. It was only a few minutes before we got to Levy's place, I put her down and said, "I'll go open the door."

I flew around until I found the window open and flew in, my chest aching as I saw Levy still in bed. I let Lucy and and she said, "Why don't you go and stay with Natsu and Happy tonight, I'll take care of Levy."

I nodded, hesitant to leave. She gave me this mean look and snapped, "Out, this is a girl thing now go Panther Lily." I flew for the window again and smiled as I heard her say, "Thank you for taking care of her and coming to get me."

Lucy POV

Panther Lily had come looking for me because he was worried about Levy. He never asked for help so I jumped and went with him. Not knowing what I would find, I wandered into Levy's house. "Levy? Levy Chan, where are you?"

I stepped into her room last, she was curled up in a ball tossing and turning, tears still falling from her eyes. "Oh, Levy. What could possibly have you strung so tightly?"

Heading for the bathroom I filled a bowl with cool water and grabbed a washcloth before sitting on the side of her bed and wiping the cool cloth over her face, neck and arms. "Levy, shhh.. Shh. Levy, it's me, it's Lucy. I'm here. It's okay. Shh."

She settled down for a bit before waking up crying. She wouldn't tell me what was wrong or why she was upset but I sat with her. Talked as sweetly as I could and listened while she babbled. "He'll be home tomorrow, Levy. I know you miss him but he'll be home tomorrow."

She stopped crying and asked, "Can you stay with me tonight Lu-chan? Please, I can't bear to be alone right now."

"Of course Levy." I hugged her tight and got her to eat something before she fell asleep in my arms.

Levy POV

I woke up next to Lucy around lunch time the next day. We ate lunch and she dragged me out of the apartment. "Listen Levy, I don't know what's going on but for just this afternoon you're required to have fun. No more tears, come on. I love you, you're my best friend and you can tell me anything. But if you don't want to talk about it, I am refusing to let you stay locked in that apartment any longer!"

I shook my head and laughed, "Lu-chan, thanks. I feel so much better today. I don't really know what was wrong with me yesterday."

She stopped for a second and faced me. "Are things with you and Gajeel… are you guys okay? Because if they aren't I will Lucy kick him into Erza and let her kill him for you."

I laughed and shook my head, "Please don't kill Gajeel. We really are good but I will explain soon okay?"

She nodded and dragged me around town, to the guildhall and to the hotel where the party promoting her book was being held. By the time I finally had time to stop and think and be upset the party was started and Gajeel was walking in. I saw Lily perched on his shoulder, pointing in my direction, "Gajeel just trust me, she needs you. Levy needs to talk to you. Just go."

I froze as his eyes landed on me.

Gajeel POV

I had finished the mission as fast as possible after sending Panther Lily back home to look after Levy. Something was buggin' me and I needed to get home to Levy to fix things as soon as I could. I got off the train and went straight to Lucy's silly party knowing full well that is where Levy would be. As soon as I got to the door Lily landed on my shoulder, "Aren't you supposed to be with Levy?"

"Shh, she's had a rough couple of days and the only thing she needs right now is you. I did what I could but it wasn't enough, so Lucy stayed with her last night." Lily was more tense than usual, he knew something and wasn't saying what. "Gajeel trust me, she needs you. Levy needs to talk to you. Just go."

I grunted looking around this stupid crowded room. I couldn't see her, cursing the fact that she was so tiny, I smelled her. "There, she's heading for the terrace." I heard Lily say.

"Go away, Lily." He growled at me, I grunted, "And thanks."

I stalked across the floor heading straight for Levy, I think I might have run into something but I didn't care. Stopping just outside the curtains I looked at her, watching as she leaned against the railing, taking in the gardens below. "I'm sorry I was gone so long."

She jumped and turned, "I missed you too Gajeel but there's something… we should.. Later I have something to tell you." She moved to walk past me while she was shaking like a leaf.

I put my hand on her stomach and gently directed her deeper into the shade of the terrace, "Talk to me now. Tell me now. Levy, I know you've been sick, just tell me, how bad is it?"

Levy POV

I felt the cool stone of the wall against my back, the heat of Gajeel's hand on my stomach, over our baby and nearly started crying again. "Gajeel I don't think-"

He growled low in my ear. "We aren't moving until you tell me what's going on Levy. I've been worried sick about you and now you're just going to write it off and walk away?" His eyes bore into me, "I know you've been Sick so tell me, how bad is it?"

I looked down at his hand and put mine over it. Before I could stop myself I spit out, "I'm pregnant."

He stared at me for a solid minute, "What? You're what?"

I looked up at Gajeel, tears in my eyes, "I'm pregnant, that's why I've been sick and tired and grumpy. I'm having a baby, your baby Gajeel." I blinked fast trying not to cry.

"Baby? You're having a... " He looked at his hand over my stomach, "Baby? Our baby?"

I hiccuped from trying not to cry again. "Yeah."

He looked up at me and frowned, "Why are you crying? Do you not-?"

I shook my head, "I'm scared Gajeel. I don't know anything about babies and I don't know what to do. I'm so afraid I'll be a bad mom, I;m an orphan, I was raised by Gramps at the guild, what if-?"

He kissed me, "We can do this. There's nothing you can't do, my tough Shorty, so afraid. It'll be okay, we'll be okay. Do you want to go to the library on the way home?"

I frowned up at him, "The library is closed besides what would I do there?"

He grinned wickedly, "That ain't stopped me before. Besides you learned so much in books who's to say you can't learn about babies and being pregnant from books too. I still can't get over the things you learned from that first night in a book."

I laughed, "Let's go. I have a lot of books to get."

And away we went into the night.

Mavis POV

"Levy is tough as nails but nothing got to her quite like finding out she was pregnant. Poor thing, her hormones were a mess." Mavis said to Zeref as he shrugged.

"Yeah, but that was nothing compared to the next one." He smirked, "I think they might have been my favorite. Oh the insanity of those two."