In Secret (Sequel to Behind the Scenes)

Screws-for-brains

Gajeel's P.O.V.
As we walked along, I took a few full steps to even out with the shrimp. Wouldn't want her to catch me admiring her...assets. I skimmed the titles of the pile of books I carried, being careful not to drop them. "That's quite the variety of books ya got here, Shrimp."

Her shoulders tensed when I called her that, but she didn't say anything about it, making me want to laugh. "Well, I'm interested in everything, so that's what I read about. Do you even read? I mean-- that is-- I mean--" she trailed off, muttering something about not trying to imply that I couldn't read. I stopped walking and looked at her for a minute, deciding if I was going to mess with her or not. "What, ya think I'm too dumb to read? Screws-for-brains Gajeel?" Every word made her blush deepen. "No! I never said that! You just seem to be more of a physical type person!" She looked sharply at me as I started to laugh. "Oh man, Shrimp. You should see yer face. I'm just messin' with ya. Yer not the first person to think there's nothin goin' on upstairs."

That didn't seem to make her any happier, "How are you okay with that? I'd hate for people to think I was stupid." She slapped her hand over her mouth, thinking she'd insulted me again. I just threw my head back and laughed harder.

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Levy's P.O.V.

"No! I never said that! You just seem to be more of a physical type person!" Gajeel started to laugh, a deep rumbling sound. I looked up at him, surprised he didn't seem to be angry. "Oh man, Shrimp. You should see yer face. I'm just messin' with ya. Yer not the first person to think there's nothin goin' on upstairs." No! That's not what I meant at all! I was so frustrated with myself. Usually I'm so good with my words!

"How are you okay with that? I'd hate for people to think I was stupid." I could have bitten out my tongue, I was so embarrassed! I'd done it again! To my surprise, Gajeel just laughed harder. There was a funny warm feeling settling into my chest at the sound. "Um, can we just start this conversation over again?" I couldn't bring myself to meet those ruby eyes.

"Gihi," he choked off his laughter. "Sure, Tiny. So... That's quite the variety of books ya got here..." I could hear the laugh still hiding in his words. I huffed at the nickname, "Well, I'm interested in everything, so that's what I read about. What do you like to read?" That almost did him in again, and I heard a snort as he started to answer.

"I don't read..."

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Gajeel P.O.V.

Damn, she's adorable all flustered like that. Wait, what? The tiny bluenette was staring at me laughing at her, so I swallowed the chuckle that almost escaped as we repeated the beginning of our conversation. She rephrased her question about my reading habits, and it was so polite I just couldn't help it anymore. I did try. Kind of. I snorted out a laugh as I replied, "I don't read." The heat from her glare put me over the edge, and I started laughing again. She gave me up as a lost cause, and started stomping up the road again.

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Levy's P.O.V.

I whirled around before he could see my grin, and started stomping up the road towards my home again. He's teasing me! Who knew there was such a gentle side to Gajeel? I knew he wasn't as mean as he tries to act, but this is...unexpected. Well, two can play that game. I don't ever want to be completely evil, so I won't use tears as a weapon, but I'm not without my tricks. I've used them before to get my team to behave. They might work on Gajeel too.