Shrimp had calmed down and went to meet up with the others in the cafeteria. At least she didn't have that terrorised expression on her face anymore... But Gajeel knew more then well that they weren't out of the woods yet. Ivan was coming, he was now sure of it. Gajeel was himself starting to have that uneasy feeling in the pitch of his stomach. He had lived countless years all by himself, his life constantly submitted to changes. However, it had been a while since he was worried for anything. He finally had a reason to get out of bed every morning. He could finally hope to think more than a day at the time, maybe even have some projects... But Ivan was threatening all of what he just got. And that not mentioning Levy who didn't deserved all of this. Not that girl always filled with joy, who was seeing good in everything, even in him. Not her. She had absolutely nothing to do with that kind of rotten universe.

Makarov had asked them to join him in the basement after their shift. He had something to give them. The young man clenched his fists. He had to wait... but he couldn't bare to wait anymore. He walked randomly in the hostel until he crossed Laxus's path. With the look on his face, Gajeel understood the young Dreyar was thinking the same thing as him: he hated the wait. He had his hands in his pockets, lost in his thoughts. Gajeel stated to walk around him, thinking Laxus haven't even see him. Anyways, as weird as it could sound, he didn't want to engage in any kind of confrontation. He just wanted to be alone for the moment. But the blonde man lifted his eyes on him.

Both men stared at each other, but, for the first time since their meeting, neither seemed to want to mess with the other. That silent exchange lasted for a moment, then Gajeel kept going on his wandering along the building.

- Why did you save her? Asked flatly Laxus in his back.

- Who? Gajeel asked now facing him.

- Mira. Why did you save her? He asked again.

Gajeel stared at him then shook his shoulders.

- Probably for the same reasons that pushed you to get me out of there, he simply said.

He didn't have the answer to Laxus's question. It simply had seemed like the thing to do at that moment. Laxus didn't seem to know what happened either. He thought about the first time he had met Laxus and how he was throwing him one punch after the other without even caring if he would survive the next hit.

- Gihi! Finally laughed Gajeel. You and I will probably never be friends, but I'm ready to ignore the fact that you are getting on my nerves most of the time until we give Ivan the beating of a lifetime, he said hitting his fist in his hand.

- Idiot... Ivan isn't the type of guy you can easily beat, let out Laxus annoyed.

- Don't tell me you're afraid of your daddy, Dreyar! He snickered.

- You don't have any idea of what he can do, started to rage on Laxus while clenching his fists.

- Another reason to kick his ass as soon as possible, he said. And as annoying as you can be, I'd rather have you on my side than not.

Laxus didn't answer. He had to admit, Gajeel was himself a good fighter and even though he learned how to fight in the streets, he knew was he was doing. They didn't add a thing. Neither was at ease with words, but it was clear enough: it was their way to make a truce.

Gajeel left on his side. That short talk with Laxus just gave him a boost of energy. His fears weren't gone, but his fists were now itchy and he was looking forward to slam them on Ivan's skull.

He wandered another moment before finding himself in the cafeteria. It didn't take him much time to find Levy sited in her usual spot. Her two lap dogs where there...great, he though with sarcasm. He came a little closer to see what she was doing.

- What's wrong Levy? Was asking Jet and Droy.

- Nothing, don't worry for me, she told them.

- Is it that tall brute that's always around you? Insisted Jet.

Levy threw them a questioning look, then understood.

- Gajeel isn't a brute! She raged.

Gihi! That's my shrimp, thought Gajeel. She's so cute when she gets all worked up from her five feet of height. And that not considering the fact that he couldn't help to feel satisfied... a little, that she was defending him like that. However, his smile fell quickly when Jet insisted more and more, getting closer to her. He was about to hold her in his arms. "No freaken way". Gajeel didn't even think about it and place his hand where Jet was about to get closer, sitting between both of them on the cafeteria bench.

- What's your problem! Complained Jet.

Okay... Maybe he went a little overboard. But he still didn't like these two glued to Levy's side and simply stayed there, glaring time to time to them.

- Gajeel? What the? She started before being interrupted by an alarm on Droy's cellphone.

She knew that alarm well. It was remembering the two deliverymen that their lunch break was over and that they had to leave. Jet sent her a worried look. She smiled to reassure them that everything was fine, then, once her friends were gone, she turned to Gajeel, the later still extremely close to her.

- What was that about? She asked, her arms crossed.

- Nothing.

- Nothing? You almost attacked Jet!

- He's too sticky, he said crossing his own arms, avoiding her gaze.

Levy looked at him before changing from annoyed to amused.

- Could the great Gajeel Redfox be jealous?

- Where are you getting stupid ideas like that? He shouted.

- Ah. She simply said. If that's the case, I might accept Jet's offer to go out...

- Why would you do something like that? He said grumpier by the minute.

- Because the guy I like doesn't seem to understand what's happening, she let out.

Gajeel turned to her. Levy's cheeks were redder than ever. Then he remembered Natsu's words. The fact that she was always the first one he saw wherever he went. The fact that he never managed to really get mad at her. That weird feeling in the pit of his stomach every time she was there or when he was simply thinking about her. If that was love...well it was a pain! But at the same time, he couldn't help to want to be next to her.

Gajeel wanted to tell her he didn't knew much about it. That he didn't know what to do. But in the same time, he was sure he would rather receive all over again all the damages he got in the last month than to see her going out with another guy. With his natural talent for words, or you could say inexistent talent, he finally answered.

- It would be stupid to go out wit him.

Then, not knowing what to say, he quickly kissed her before leaving the table, knowing that the real stupid thing would be to go out with him. As for Levy, she looked at him while he was getting further, a hand on her lips. Her heart was beating so fast even with a kiss that short. She smiled. He didn't say much but it was like a promise he would do his best. "What am I supposed to do with you Gajeel Redfox" tough the young woman.

***

Mira went to the basement as M. Makarov instructed them to do. She was one of the first to get there, but soon enough, the room was filled with that energetic bunch of employees.

- Good! Now that everyone's here, I have something to give to you.

The tone of the small man was serious. He looked at the door to make sure it was closed then tossed useless things aside before reaching an old furniture. He also put the later aside to reveal a lot of weapons in a hiding place within the wall. Most of them where handguns, much like those used by Ivan's men.

- I hate the thought of using them but chances wont be even without them, he let out with regret.

Mira turned white. She had one of those in her hands. She almost killed. She almost committed something as awful as Ivan, only guided by revenge. No way she would touch a gun ever again.

One after the other, they went to get something to protect themselves. Even if they weren't technically taking part of the fight, the owner insisted that Lucy and Juvia take a weapon as well so they could use it if needed. Mira saw Gajeel put an handgun in Levy's hands despite her disgust for it before whispering something in her ear. Whatever he said, it seemed to put Levy a little at ease, closing finally uncertain fingers on the weapon. As for Natsu, he was insisting on having a flamethrower, but Lucy objected to it, mentioning that she cared for her apartment.

Mira was so focused on watching the others from a distance that she jumped when Laxus put a hand on her shoulder.

- Calm down.! It's only me, he said with annoyance.

Just like Gajeel did with Levy only minutes ago, Laxus put a handgun in her hands. Those trembled so much she would have dropped it on the ground if the young man haven't catch it.

- No way I'm taking it, she said pushing Laxus's hand in witch the gun was.

- Don't be such a child Mira.

- I don't need it.

- Are you kidding me? You're strong, I'm well aware of it, but you still almost got killed last time! He said with anger.

- I found a way...

- By picking up Ivan's gun! He shouted.

- And I almost killed him with it Laxus!

- So what? You deserve to live! Not him.

- I don't want to become like him, she said, tears rushing to the corner of her eyes.

He clenched his teeth then turned around. She would have liked him to stay, but she couldn't be mad at him. She would have herself been mad if Laxus would've take a decision that could put his life in danger. But was could she do? Then he came back, dropping something else in her hand. This time, it was a dagger.

- Take this at least, he said with a mix of firmness and gentleness, as opposite as those two concepts could be.

To her hesitation he added.

- You reacting that way is a proof in itself that you're nothing like him. Just promise me you'll use it if you're in danger.

She hesitated a little more then nodded.

- Good, he said putting his hand on her head.

The affection mark made her blush a little but he left before seeing her reaction. She turned to the young man, hoping whit all her heart she'd never have to keep her promise.

And that's how ends their preparation for the battle. Next chapter, the attack begins.

I hope you enjoyed it! :)

Lily xx