You can find these collections and more Gajevy prompts on FF and Ao3 under CapAleran2.
Storyline: “Excuse me, I think I heard you wrong. What?” Her voice trembled with the last word.
The only available apartment in the complex had been accidentally rented to two different people.
GW: Roommates Suck #1 - My Roommate is an Asshole.
Well. This was certainly unexpected.
The situation was far less ideal than what was promised to Levy. She had signed the official papers the day before fully expecting a nice, comfortable little space for cheap rent, paid utilities, and on-site laundry. It was absolutely perfect. Or had been up until a few minutes ago.
“Excuse me, I think I heard you wrong. What?” Her voice trembled with the last word.
The only available apartment in the complex had been accidentally rented to two different people.
“What the fuck is this shit?” The sudden, loud rumble caused her to jump in place. His baritone voice was rough. It sounded as though he was a smoker.
With watery-rimmed eyes, Levy turned around to see him shove his copy of the legal document in the manager’s face and hold it there to force him to look at it through his square glasses. The menacing scowl deepened as his voice lowered with enunciated words.
“Fix it. Now.”
Levy found herself silently agreeing with the man, although his demand was downright frightening. Despite their obvious differences in word usage, they did have one extremely large issue in common.
“Ah, w-well, you s-see,” the scrawny man stuttered. He fidgeted under the intense, angry gaze blazing down on him. He touched the frames in front of his eyes. “I can't- there's nothing I can d-do about it. Legally, I mean.”
The taller, well-built man's arms twitched and Levy was immediately concerned that there would be an assault if the situation wasn't remedied. And quickly.
She stepped forward, careful to avoid any contact with the other apparently irate tenant and asked, “What do you mean, legally? There's really nothing that can be done for us?”
The complex manager broke free of the hold on his shirt and righted it on his shoulders. He threw a tentative glance at the other male in the office before answering.
“There are two official documents stating that each of you is now the tenant of apartment 2B, submitted the same day by two different employees. Apparently, there was a miscommunication in the availability.”
He pulled out a file from the grey filing cabinet against the back wall. Within were the separate contracts both had previously signed. Levy McGarden and Gajeel Redfox were written on the signature lines.
“A miscommunication? Is that what you're calling it? I'd say it's more of a royal fuck up on your end than anything,” Gajeel spat, crossing his arms over his chest.
His choice words and their intensity grated against Levy's psyche. Her hazel eyes briefly shifted to him in mild annoyance.
“Given that there are no other vacant apartments and the deposits have already been made, the only thing I can suggest is maybe... try to live there together. Peaceably, preferably.”
The manager winced after he spoke. He looked at Gajeel and hoped the desk that stood between them was large enough.
Both Levy and Gajeel reacted simultaneously.
“No!”
***
“Yes.”
Levy held her phone to her ear and assured her friend that she was okay. She absentmindedly tapped her finger on the top of her water bottle in the cupholder. “I'm sure it'll be fine,” she said confidently.
“But he's a guy. And one you don't know,” Lucy countered. Her voice sounded unsure.
“Yea, well he's, he's…” Levy paused.
She turned to look out of her driver's side window to see Gajeel sitting in his jeep a few spaces over. He punched the steering wheel a few times. It looked like he was talking to himself.
“...he's different.”
“Mmhmm.”
“We will just have to make the best of a bad situation. I doubt he'll be that bad. The office runs background checks before they consider who can apply.”
“If you say so.”
When she said goodbye to her friend, Levy grabbed her new apartment key and headed for the stairwell.
It was enclosed inside the brick building, which would be ideal in colder weather. A vending machine for both snacks and beverages stood at the far end and marked the entrance to the laundry area. It was all just more checks on the list of good things the complex offered.
She smiled when she saw her appointed number and letter on the brown door. The apartment was neither too far from nor too close to the stairwell. She probably wouldn't hear the other tenants coming and going, especially at night. It also meant she would have a quiet place to read and write with the windows open on the nice warm days. Inserting the key and giving it a turn, Levy happily entered her home.
The distinct new carpet smell welcomed her. A tiled floor by the door gave way to the beige carpet. Through a foyer-like space was the large front room. A half wall separated it from the kitchen. All the appliances were there on the countertops, ready to be used. Beyond that were a hallway, the bathroom and the two bedrooms.
She gazed around, mentally picturing where she would arrange the furniture, where she would place her bookshelves and her pictures. What did this Gajeel have to bring to the table to add to their shared home? Until she knew, she couldn't plan everything out quite yet.
Her hands clasped at her chest around the key, a contented sigh escaped through her nose in the quiet.
A rough bang on the half closed entry announced the presence of another. The abused door flew open to hit against the rubber stopper on the wall. Gajeel trudged in carrying a full cardboard box the size of a small microwave. A stuffed black backpack clung to one of his shoulders.
He briefly halted a few paces ahead of his unexpected roommate, his head swung around like on a swivel to survey the empty place. He didn't even give Levy a second glance as he asked, “Why've ya just been standin’ there?”
Levy's dry lips parted. No words formed. Her wide eyes slid down his tall, broad form, from his uninterested expression to the box cradled between two massive arms. He was terribly intimidating; if he had wanted to he could have snapped her petite body in half with minimal effort.
She blinked.
Gajeel left her still standing in the middle of the living area to check out the bedrooms. The toe of his black boot pushed open one and then he disappeared inside.
Out of curiosity, Levy deliberately peered in from around the wall. It was a spacious area. There were three windows that illuminated the entire room without the need for the overhead light.
The box and backpack had been set on the carpet. He was standing in the middle under the light fixture, his head turning as he seemingly looked around at nothing but the walls.
Levy kept silent as she spied. Hazel eyes moved from his shaggy mess of thick black hair to the triangular shape of his neck and shoulders.
He hummed to himself and turned his body towards the far wall, his back faced her. Large hands found the waistband of his jeans and rested there. “I think it'll fit,” he murmured.
“What will fit?” Levy asked with sudden interest.
She felt like she was intruding, but they were set up to share a small apartment. There was bound to be some future privacy issues. She shuddered and hoped they wouldn't be too crowded.
He responded as if he had known she was there watching all along, saying, “My drum set.”
Levy's heart sped up the moment she heard. Her vision of quiet, relaxing evenings was shattered with his nonchalant words about a musical instrument. “A drum set?! Like an actual big, loud drum set?”
“Relax Shorty,” he drawled. He was still standing there with his hands perched on his hips. “It's electric. The sound's through a headset.” He tapped the side of his head.
Her eyes fell, half-lidded with displeasure. Why did he call her that? She crossed her arms. “I'm not short.”
“Sure,” he dismissed with a scoff. His attention was elsewhere. Somewhere in that big -but sort of handsome- head of his. Whatever was in there.
Her apprehension subsided a bit with that knowledge that he would have a headset. She glanced towards the other bedroom and wondered what it looked like beyond the closed door. Her peripheral detected a shift in the light, and she felt more than saw Gajeel brush past her. His arm knocked hard into her shoulder as he turned the corner in the narrow hall.
“Hey,” she announced. Her hand came up instinctively to lay on her collarbone. Her mouth set into a firm line. Her eyes bore a hole in the back of his head. And he just walked away? He hadn't even said sorry.
When he didn't stop, she frowned and put effort into it. “Gajeel!” she yelled.
“What?” He asked in annoyance with an enunciated ‘T’. His boots planted there on the living room carpet and he slowly turned to look at her, his palm held up in the air.
Words that Levy had been ready to let loose on him swiftly left her at the sight of his chilling frown. Instead, she dumbly stood exactly where she had been. Was it fear? Was she apprehensive because of his dark looks or his fearsome and reckless attitude?
“Um, I- uh-”
His pierced eyebrow rose.
Levy stuttered. “W-what are you doing?”
She inwardly cringed. Why couldn't she think of something else, something better to say? That was it? She could confront assholes on the street more easily than this particular one. Her mind was completely blank.
“I'm going to bring my shit up here,” he replied steadily. His tone was notably close to condescending. “What else is there to do?”
And then he simply left the apartment, not bothering to touch the open door on his way out.
With a long, silent huff, Levy quickly shook her fist in the air after him, her anger turned to frustration. She pulled the door closed and headed down to the parking lot after him. Like Gajeel, she too had things to bring up from her car. The rest of the furniture was in the back of a small trailer.
On her way out of the building entrance, Gajeel passed her carrying another full cardboard box, almost running into her once again. It was as if he didnt see her at all. His focus was on the stairs before him as he ascended.
Levy's frown deepened and her mouth fell slightly open while she stared. A tiny sound escaped her throat. What was with this guy?
A sense of dread began to fill her stomach. Maybe she would have to find another place. But then if she did her current deposit was forfeited. She couldn't afford to shell out another moving fee and deposit.
Groaning, she did the only thing she could think of at that moment and start officially moving in. All of the items she had fit in her car she comfortably toted up to the apartment. Unlike her new roommate's, her things went directly to her bedroom, set along the back wall to make room for the bigger items later.
It was small. Smaller than the room Gajeel had claimed. It had built in bookshelves on either side of the doorway, which was a pleasant surprise. But what it lacked in initial space it made up for in a large walk-in closet.
When she strolled out from the hall, the carpet was littered with his junk. Her lip wanted to curl. Was he a slob? Random crates and rickety boxes overflowing with Gajeel's personal items. Mostly clothing, though there was a laptop, music devices, and a distasteful calendar that Levy covered over with a rogue jacket that was draped over the side of a box, among other things.
Her gaze landed on a blue milk crate full of books. It was set apart from the rest, on a haphazardly placed brown end table by the hall's light switch.
Gajeel was a reader? From what she’d encountered so far, Levy would have never pegged him. There really was more to someone than outward appearance.
Gently picking through the books, she found that most of them were classics. Their hard covers were worn from use, the pages creased on the top corners. None of them had bookmarks. She had to tell him not to dog-ear his books like that.
“What’re you doing?” his rough voice announced in question.
The three books tumbled from her hands to fall in a heap by the table. His unexpected voice had scared her. “Um, I was just looking. Sorry,” she began as she bent to pick up the downturned books. “I love to read so I just…” Trying to find an excuse, her lips fell silent.
He considered her for a moment, the drawers to a dresser occupying his arms. It seemed as though he wanted to say something, but thought better of it. His mouth shut. He didn't seem angry, but Levy was cautious.
“Don't ya have yer own things to get?” he calmly asked instead. His red eyes gave her a once over before settling back to her face.
Relief rushed through Levy at his civility. “Yes, but I was waiting for you. I need help. I've gotten everything that I could manage myself.”
He humphed and continued about his business, taking the drawers to his room. When he re emerged some seconds later, he gestured to her without slowing down. “Alright. Come on.”
Without needing to be told a second time, Levy followed her roommate.
“It's the trailer there,” she said once they were in the parking lot. A silver trailer was parked in the back. After they emptied it, she would have to notify for its pickup.
“I kinda figured,” Gajeel commented. There was only one moving trailer on the lot.
“Right.” Levy bit her cheek. Her eyes flickered up to him.
His lips were twisted, as if he was trying not to smile. He turned his head away, seemingly interested in a few birds flying overhead before she could be sure.
Standing by the ramp, Levy let him walk in and start picking things to haul out. She watched with her arms crossed over her chest as he picked up a large, clear tote of notebooks, pencil pouches, and various books with a grunt.
The sound of something rolling around inside abruptly stopped as he presented it, most likely a loose pen or pencil. His eyebrow rose and he looked at her.
“I like to write, okay?”
Her lips slid into a grin when she watched him shake his head and his confused expression give way to his own version of a smile.
Soon only her mattress and the bed frame, her bookshelves, dresser, and a long desk were the only things left. She had no idea how she would have gotten them out and up the stairs without his help. The only reason they were in the trailer to begin with is she had had help in moving out of her old place.
He took most of the weight, letting her steer them once they hit the stairwell. His patience with the desk had nearly expired when they hit the wall as they maneuvered the corner, causing the desk's edge to punch into his stomach.
“Lift it, Levy,” he commanded, looking up at her from the bottom. The legs were scraping the steps.
“I am.”
She threw her weight upwards only for nothing to happen. The wooden box drawers were on both ends, making it nearly impossible for her. They should have taken them out before they started the trek, but they couldn't now in the narrow space.
“Yer doin’ it wrong,” he roughly accused.
“How am I wrong?” She answered back just the same. One of her hands came up on reflex, her palm upwards in irritation.
He lowered his head as she spoke and blew out a quick breath in his own annoyance. He lifted his end once more, but when he did, the corner caught the brick wall, effectively halting his progress before it could really begin.
His body continued right into the stationary edge.
Bouncing backwards from it, Gajeel doubled over. A pained growl rumbled from his chest. His mouth formed around a word, but refrained from spitting it out.
“Oh my gosh, are you ok?” Levy blurted. She let go of her end of the desk.
“Get out of the way,” he ordered. Anger -probably more embarrassment- simmered in his eyes.
She did so and watched with astonishment as he gathered himself and hauled, lifting the long piece of furniture with a deep grunt. He was fast enough to use the momentum and all but throw it and himself up around the corner.
The desk was now set for a straight path up the rest of the way and to their apartment.
Levy was immediately grateful that she had Gajeel for any heavy lifting.
Giving a breath, he turned to her. His eyes were now impassive. “Can you get around it?” He asked.
Levy hummed. There was a few inches of space between the desk and the brick wall, but she knew she wouldn't be able to fit. “Only a kid could squeeze through there. But, I think I could climb over it.”
Gajeel simply stood to catch his breath and let her do what she had suggested. In amusement, he placed his hands on his hips and watched as her tiny form scrambled up and over the smooth tabletop. Her jean shorts accentuated her curves and her plump ass stared squarely up at him for the briefest of moments.
A grin spread on his face. He let himself look, but kept his hands on his waistband.
Once they were at their apartment with the desk safely in her bedroom without further incident, they shut the front door with a sigh.
The place was an absolute wreck. Nothing was organized and nothing was in a convenient setup. The couch was shoved halfway in the kitchen with her clothing totes upon it. There was one visible walkway through the living room to the hall, the rest of the floor and furniture was littered.
Levy was thirsty, but the box containing kitchen utensils was somewhere buried under the mess. It would take them a few days to sort everything out. “What do you wanna do for dinner?” she asked aloud.
“I dunno.” His voice was muffled. It sounded a little distant as he worked on neatly plugging in the tv and game consoles at the outlet behind the big flat screen. “I don't care, do what ya want.”
“You don't have a favorite place to eat?” she asked.
“I'll eat anything, just pick something.”
Levy hummed. “Chinese? There's a place a few blocks from here.”
“That's fine,” he replied, and then popped up triumphantly. He turned on the tv. On the screen was the console main logo. Without turning to Levy, he said, “After we eat, ya wanna try out yer new tv?”
Looking up from the restaurant's menu on her phone, she saw the screen as he punched in his passcode. The more she looked at the set up, the more she felt out of her element. “I don't know, I've never really played on one…”
“Really, well yer gonna learn tonight.” Gajeel cleared an area of the floor a few feet from the tv stand and abruptly sat down. He kicked off his boots and quickly took off his grey shirt, leaving him in a white tank. He picked up the controller.
“What about the mess in here?” She lifted a hand and waved it at all of the things brought up and thrown in no particular order as if showcasing a nice car on display.
Gajeel made a sound with his mouth. “We're gonna be here for at least a year. We can sort it tomorrow. Give yer'self a break.” He added with an afterthought, “Does that Chinese place deliver?”
“Uhh.” She scrolled down on her phone. “Yes.”
“Order it for delivery and then get over here.” He let a genuine smile slip up on his face. He set a black controller beside him as if to save her a seat.
Her own smile appeared as she ordered their food. Then she picked her way through their junk and slowly sat down beside him. He was at ease and relaxed as he started to explain a game he thought she would enjoy. When he presented an eye creasing smile, his red eyes warm, she found herself begin to mirror him. Maybe having a new roommate wouldn't be so bad...
“Do you remember our first date?” Levy was staring up at the ceiling of Gajeel’s room. It was too quiet. Beyond the walls of his home she knew that everyone else was preparing for battle. They had practically dragged each other back home. This could be the last time we get to just… breathe. Gajeel didn’t respond at first, and Levy let the silence wash over her. She felt a big hand gently grasp her little one, and entwine their fingers together.
“Yeah,” he murmured. “I remember.” It wasn’t that long ago. It had been while they were still working for the council. They had just finished their first job.
“What was it you said to me again?” She didn’t have to look over at him to know he was blushing. He had been partially drunk already when he asked her if she would go out for drinks.
“You know what I said,” Gajeel huffed, an irritated lilt in his voice.
“Will you say it for me again?” Levy said, finally turning her head to look at him. He was flustered, and when Gajeel was flustered he was frustrated. He offered her a glare. “Please?” She sat up, leaning over him with a pleading smile. Gajeel groaned.
“Y’know I can’t say no to you, angel?”
“Just say it,” she laughed, leaning in close to him. She could picture him now, leaning against the doorframe of her little apartment.
Gajeel let out a sigh, and then said those familiar words: “Hey, short-stuff,” he sat up slowly, reaching out to brush a lock of her hair away from her cheek, “Want to go get something to drink?”
“Yeah,” Levy smiled, leaning in closer so they were only a hair’s breadth apart, “I’d like that.”
“Is that a promise?” She hadn’t been expecting that, but she let out a soft sigh, squeezing his hand.
“Yeah, it’s a promise. When this is all over, we’re going to go get a drink.” Gajeel closed the distance between them, kissing her deeply and she relaxed against his embrace.
“Hey, I have a secret,” she whispered, brushing a hand against his bare chest.
“Hmm?”
“I love you, Gajeel.”
The dragonslayer froze and doubts filled Levy’s heart. Maybe I’ve said it too soon. M-maybe… maybe he doesn’t feel the same way… “W-what?” He grasped both her shoulders and stared into her eyes, “What did you say?”
It’s too late to turn back now. “I love you.” She said firmly. Gajeel’s whole face was bright red, and his eyes were narrow as if he was trying to decipher whether or not this was all real.
“L-Levy… I…” He paused, eyes roaming over her face.
“It’s okay,” Levy giggled, “You can say you love me, you’ll feel better.” Instead of speaking Gajeel pulled her into his arms, tight against his chest. She almost couldn’t breath. “Ga…jeel…” she laughed.
“I… Love… you…” he whispered, lips brushing against her shoulder. “And when this is all over, we’re getting those drinks. Promise?” He released her, to look her in the eyes.
“Promise,” she murmured, sitting up to kiss him again, “I promise.”
They didn’t know that this chance meeting would lead to the rest of their lives.
In every single life they have lived, they always found each other. No matter their status or situation, they managed to end up in each other’s arms.
Once they were pirates, battling on the deck of a ship. Another time he was a wealthy prince who ran away with the delicate maid and even when they were prisoners in a dungeon, they managed to escape together.
No matter when or where, their fates were tied together.
Each timeline brought them closer. Closer as friends and lovers. Their bond only grew stronger as time moved forward.
And right now, their timeline was on track.
She gazed up at the man who had just bumped into her, her papers spilled on the ground as he muttered an apology while bending down to clean up the mess.
She didn’t know that those dark eyes would be the ones she would read her vows too. And he didn’t know that the bright blue hair she had would be passed down to his children in the future.
One thing was for sure. They would spend the rest of time finding each other, building countless lives together, living as happily as they should. Their past and futures would always collide. They would always find each other, no matter what.
So I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep up with all of these, and I don’t think any of them will be very long, but here’s my first contribution to Gajevy Week!
This takes place at the end of the last season when the guild disbanded because ouch.
“There you are,” with an irritated grunt Gajeel plopped down on the pile of rubble next to Levy. The script mage was staring out at the river, arms wrapped around her legs, chin resting on her knees. After Makarov had announced that terrible news she had felt sick to her stomach, she had to be alone. But, just like always, Gajeel had somehow found her. She didn’t want to look at him. Everything seemed to be falling apart around her. But it was Gajeel Redfox that made Levy’s heart ache more than anything else. Gajeel has no reason to stay around. With the guild disbanded, why would he want to? She realized that the iron dragonslayer had apparently been waiting for her to say something when he let out an aggravated growl and spoke again, “I’ve been looking everywhere for you, y’know?” She didn’t respond, clutching her legs even tighter and closing her eyes. This could be the last moment you spend with him and this is how you want it to go down? “Hey, short-stuff, what the hell’s wrong with you?” Gajeel put a firm, but gentle, hand on her shoulder and she was forced to look into his eyes. Her own vision was blurred with tears, and she hated knowing that he could see them.
“I…” she bit her lip, trying to keep her voice steady, and tasted blood on her tongue. “I know we won’t see each other again. The guild’s disbanded. We don’t… we don’t have anything keeping us together.” That sounds suspiciously like you have feelings for him, Levy. But at this rate she didn’t care. If she wasn’t so scared she would say it outright. She would scream it out into the emptiness of the crumbling town around her. I love you, Gajeel Redfox. She felt him drop his hand away from her shoulder and looked up to see an unrecognizable expression cross his face.
“We don’t… have anything keeping us together…?” Gajeel stood, and took a step towards the river, crossing his arms. He was quiet for a moment before he let out a barking laugh and turned back towards her, “Bullshit.”
“W-what?” Levy whispered, letting go of her legs and sitting up straight.
“What sort of person do you think I am?”
“I—”
“No way I’m leaving you, angel. Even if I have to walk through hell I’m staying by your side.”
The evening grew quiet, but Gajeel never turned his intense gaze away from her. He was telling the truth. Levy’s heart was pounding in her chest. “G-Gajeel.” He held out his hand.
“Deal, short-stuff?”
“You know I hate that nickname,” Levy said, but she couldn’t help but smile and set her hand in his. But, instead of shaking on it, Gajeel pulled her close and began swaying back and forth in a dance. “What are you doing?”
“Dancin’,” he murmured, pulling her closer by her waist, “Can’t you hear the music, Levy?” And then he began to sing a familiar song. It was terrible, there wasn’t very much rhythm and if there was their dancing didn’t match it at all, but Levy loved it. I love you, Gajeel. Hope soared in her heart, and she gently gripped his shoulder pulling him down so she could press a quick kiss to his lips. Gajeel’s face turned bright red.
“What was that for?!” He said, trying to sound offended.
“Thanks for sticking with me, dragon,” Levy whispered, resting her head against his chest. This was perfect. Just the way she dreamed that it would always be.
