Levy P.O.V

It had been three weeks since Gajeel and I had narrowly missed the coats. We both reluctantly listened to Gildarts about taking a break from jobs so we could heal, so we spent time together at Miras while Natsu and Lucy took care of things. According to the rumor mill, security had been tightened everywhere, and we couldn't even get a hold of our doctors on the inside.

I laid my head on the table with a heavy sigh, frowning when Gajeel flicked my forehead. " What was that for?" I grumbled and he chuckled. " Cheer up short stuff,  the old man is letting us go for a run tonight." He said with a grin and I couldn't help but smile back. Ever since the accident I couldn't help but notice all the little things he did. How his nose would crinkle when he grinned widely, how he would chew on his lip when he was deep in thought or how his hands would run through his hair when he was aggravated. With Natsu around, that one happened a lot. Lucy had made the comment before all this that I might have a crush, and I just brushed it aside. But now that I think about it, especially after that fiasco, I wondered if it was true.

I sat up and stretched, wincing lightly as the action pulled on my stitches. " Well let's go get ready, the party starts in an hour." He said before standing, waiting on me before walking out. Once I got home I quickly pulled on the two piece dress. The skirt would be removable for easy get away, and hid my pants and belt. The bodice was tight and suffocating but I knew i could still run in it. I pulled on my white boots, they were heeled but sturdy. Small gloves hid my calloused hands and finally, a headband to cover the stitched on my forehead.

I was in the middle of putting cover up on the bruise that poked out from under the headband when there was a knock on the door. " It's open."I called, focused on the mirror. The door open and I flicked to the reflection, fighting the blush that spread. There stood Gajeel, a clean pressed white suit, his hair slicked back into a pony tail and his piercings gone. I hadn't got to appreciate it the first time we met, I was too shocked. " You clean up nice." I smiled while staring at his reflection. He snorted and scuffed his feet on the carpet. " You too."He grumbled and I once more fought the blush.

I finished with my makeup and grabbed the small white fan on my dresser. " Ready to go?" I asked as I walked over to him and he nodded, heading out of the room and for the door. Lucy was sitting on our ratty old couch and she gasped lightly, causing me to raise an eyebrow. " You guys look so cute together!" she squeeled and I blushed, shoving Gajeel out the door. It took awhile for the heat to die out of my face as we walked. The streets became cleaner, buildings became nicer, and soon, we were approaching the mansion. I wrapped my arm around Gajeels and I felt him stiffen. " A gentleman lends his arm to the lady, we will stand out less like this." I whispered and he slowly relaxed, bending his arm so my hand was tucked into his elbow.

My face felt hot again but I ignored it as we slowly climbed the stairs to the manor. We were easily let it and Gajeel gently pulled me to the side so we could see all of the guests. " Who are we looking for?" He asked quietly. " Dr . Fernandez" I whispered as I searched for the head of blue hair. Gajeel gently nudged my side and nodded his head across the room. I saw him, a hard look on his face and I frowned. Normally he was chatty and smiling, putting on the act of happy doctor, always surrounded by people. Something was wrong. I gently tugged on Gajeels arm and we worked our way around the room, my eyes never leaving him.

When we approached him he saw us, and he walked down a near by hallway, expecting us to follow. I glanced up at Gajeel, his brows furrowed in a frown as he pulled me after the blue haired man. Once in the dark hallway, we could see a door to the side open, and entered. Dr . Fernandez was standing by the window, frowning as he looked out. " Jellal." I said softly as I walked over to him and he looked at me, his hard look falling into a tired one. He put his hand in his jack and handed me a single case. I opened it to find five vials. " That is barely enough for fifteen people. I'm sorry I couldn't get more." He said quietly and I looked up at him. "What's going on?" I demanded, and he sighed tiredly before sitting heavily in a chair.

" Iv been caught my dear. They will be here in moments to arrest me." He said quietly, and I nearly choked on my gasp. " Why haven't they already?" Gajeel asked then, his voice quiet. He smiled softly at us. "Erza?" I asked quietly, and he nodded. Our Runner, who was hiding amongst the coats. She was the only reason that we were able to get away with as much as we do. She would get them lost, stall, or anything else. But if she was helping him get away, "She's running with you too then?" I asked and he nodded again. " I told her she needed to stay, that you all need her the most, but both she and Gildarts wouldn't have it. She'll come and 'arrest' me, then we will skip town, maybe find somewhere else." He said quietly.

I walked briskly over to him and hugged him tight, catching him by surprise.  "Take care of her, ya?" I asked,  trying to.hold in the tesrs. He chuckled softly and pay my hair before hugging me back. I pulled back then and wiped at a stray tear and his face was back in a hard set. " You guys should know, with Erza gone, things are going to be harder. Serum won't be as easy to come by anymore." He said harshly and we nodded. He returned the gesture before standing and straightening his jacket. " Well, she should be here any moment." He said before heading back out to the main room. We waited before heading back, my arm tucked into Gajeels arm again,  when we saw them. Erza was there with a small squad, only two other women, and the three wore the bright red uniforms. They had no sniffers, thank Mavis, but she glanced at us, her eyes tightening slightly and I could see the apology deep within them. I made sure no one was looking before I raised my hand, pointer finger raised in the salute we runners had adapted. Gajeel raised his beside mine and I could see tears prick her eyes before she looked back to Jellal and cuffed him, leading him out the front door.

We waited to make sure they were good and gone before we left ourselves, both sent as we walked. Even after we had left, my arm was still tucked into Gajeels arm, neither of us letting go. By the time I realized it we were nearly to our drop point. I went to tug my hand free but he held it tightly to his arm and I glanced up at him. He was chewing on his lip, like he did when he was thinking, before he turned and looked down at me. " What's wrong?" I asked quietly.

He gently squeezed my hand before turning to look at me, and I swear his face was pink. " I was thinking," he started and I couldn't help but giggle. "That's dangerous." I said and he snorted, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. "Whatever Shrimp. Anyway, about what Jellal said, and things becoming more difficult. I was thinking about how short this life really is. How we don't know if we will be around the next week or not." He said, his words heavy. " And our close call was like a slap to the face, we nearly bled to death." He said quietly, and I could see shadows dancing behind his eyes before they brightened and he looked at me. " So I decided to stop surviving. And start living." He said with that nose crinkling grin and before i could even smile back, he scooped me into his arms, and pressed his lips to mine.

I squeeked in surprise, my face burning a deep red. My mind had frozen but what I knew was deep in my heart, a love for this man, took over. I leaned into the kiss as i snaked my arms around his neck, tangling my hands into his hair, freeing it from its pony tail. After a few moments we broke apart, both gasping for air and grinning like fools. " Will you be by my side?" He asked and my grin got wider. " Absolutely"