The next morning Levy woke and walked to one of her many bookcases. She found the worn book and slid it silently out. The Beauty and the Beast tale was one of her favorites but this version was the one she turned to over and over again. Maybe it could give her some insight. She traced her fingers over the title. Rose. Levy stood holding her book thinking about beast in her life. Gajeel... She knew that she could never come to love her beast as the heroine was able to in the story. Levy wasn't even sure she could accept Gajeel being a member of Fairy Tail but she could tolerate his presence... she hoped. Maybe even forgive him. The thought of him being in the same room as her sent chills down her spine. How was she going to be able to do this? Be brave Levy. Looking down Levy realized she was digging her nails into the book's soft leather cover. She took a deep breath and released it slowly, willing her fingers to relax. The bluenette hugged the book to her chest and walked out the door. You can do this Levy. Her eyes were downcast, watching her feet, instead of where she was going, and she smacked into Fairy Tail's newest member sending both bluenettes flying to the ground.

"Juvia is sorry she wasn't watching where she was going." Juvia kept her eyes averted, staring at the pattern in the carpet.

Levy reached out her hand and placed it on Juvia's shoulder. "It's my fault I wasn't paying attention to where I was going. I'm Levy McGarden. It's really nice to meet you Juvia. Are you my new neighbor?" Levy forced back her dark thoughts and managed her signature smile. Maybe talking to Gajeel's former guildmate wouldn't be so hard.

"Yes. Juvia has the room next to yours." Juvia paused before continuing "I... I heard you scream last night. Juvia didn't want to intrude but... was everything ok?" The look of concern on Juvia's face made Levy's heart clench. It had been Juvia's first night in the dorm and Levy had already disturbed her sleep.

"I'm sorry I woke you up. I wish I could tell you it won't happen again but..." Deep breath Levy. You can do this. She told herself. Levy rushed to get the words out before she lost her resolve. "I have nightmares....Every night. " tears started to roll down the small girls face. She quickly wiped them away. "That's why Laki switched rooms. I kept waking her up. I won't blame you if you do too." Levy hated that she was so weak, that she was falling apart in front of a total stranger.

Levy suddenly found herself wrapped in a hug. "The rain follows Juvia. Wherever she goes the rain follows. Your nightmares won't bother Juvia. If the rain doesn't depress you... then maybe you could be Juvia's friend?" Juvia looked hopeful.

"I love the rain!" Levy exclaimed "I love nothing more that sitting by the windows reading a good book and listening to the rain." Levy gave a small smile.

"Then when you have nightmares Juvia will make it rain." The rain woman pointed to the bags under Levy's bloodshot eyes. "Maybe then you will be able to sleep. I know what Gajeel did to you is unforgivable but I hope you will give him a chance. Gajeel has had a rough life." The smile vanished from Levy's lips. She could feel her body start to shake. Get a grip Lev! She thought. He isn't even here.

Levy clenched her teeth and took another deep breath. Forgiveness. I can do this I can forgive him. "I would appreciate the rain. Thank you. As for..." Levy gulped "Gajeel.... He isn't the only one who had a rough beginning. But we made choices and ended up here. Those choices for good or bad make up who we are. 'It is our choices that show who we truly are far more than our abilities.'" Hearing professor Dumbledore's words come out of her own mouth made her smile. "Unfortunately he has made some very bad decisions." Thank you captain obvious. She thought. "But if he truly wants to redeem himself, I don't believe that any one is so far gone that they are unable atone for what he has done. 'Redemption won't be easy. Knowing that you have to face the consequences for all of your past mistakes.'" Levy smiled again proud that her love of reading would help her say such powerful words. But do you really believe that? She wondered. He certainly had made a lot of mistakes.

"Gajeel doesn't feel that he will ever be able to atone for his past." Juvia said with a sigh looking out the window. An image of the Beast from her storybook flashed through Levy's head. She knew Gajeel's path wouldn't be easy if he truly wanted to change. "Juvia wants to atone for her past as well." Levy tried to focus on the other girl's words. "Juvia has cut her hair and is trying new clothes to symbolize her new beginnings."

Levy took in Juvia's shortened hair and her new clothing. If she hadn't been so distracted she would have noticed it sooner. Still using her dark blues and bright whites her clothing had completely changed. The teru teru bōzu was gone, as well as the heavy jacket and warm hat. Instead she wore a sleeveless blue and white dress that went down to her knees. White sleeves that attached to her forearms, blue and white knee high boots and a blue and white hat completed her look. "I like it Juvia." Levy responded with a smile. "It suits you. And it's perfect for a fresh start."

Levy, thinking about ways to get her own fresh start, opened the front door of the dorms and stepped outside. She closed her eyes and lifted her chin enjoying the warm spring air on her skin. A shadow blocked the suns warmth causing Levy's brown eyes to open wide in surprise. Jet and Droy stood in front of her with scowls on their faces and their arms crossed. She was not ready to talk to them.

Juvia gave her a worried look. "It's ok Juvia go ahead without me." Levy said internally scolding herself. What am I saying? If I left with Juvia I could avoid this conversation! "H-h-hey guys!" Levy's voice shook a little. She gave a small awkward wave. "What's up?"

Both Jet and Droy's eyes narrowed "Why did you agree to let that Demon into our guild? He almost killed you!" Jet yelled.

Levy sighed "Master Makarov and I couldn't let him become a member of a dark guild. He was able to destroy our guild and nearly took our lives while working for a guild that was supported by the council. Can you imagine the destruction he could cause if he was let loose and joined a dark guild? He would become like Erigor. He would be worse than Erigor. Besides we have lots of people to keep an eye on him here." Levy knew that answer wouldn't satisfy them but she was done defending Gajeel. In fact Levy was already regretting the fact that she allowed the master to talk her into letting him join Fairy Tail. She stomped away toward the guild letting the boys decide if they were going to follow her or not.