『鉄⁞ ‒ Jii-sama's words― even now, after vacating himself from a premise he's privy with, do his words, nay, his order, remain stagnant; running rampant in the free and clear one would say. Like any other stable menagerie of excelled mages, one had to undertake the more.. foreboding tasks. Secrets to remain within their veils, thugs who require that extra bit of attention, any mission that shan't reach public ears, he had to ensure, stayed that way. Sure, it's not exactly the cleanest job when those proverbial chips are down, but given his hospitality and enigmatic (albeit questionable at times) disposition, who better?
It was roughly mid-day, around that time when Magnolia's denizens barraged the tavern for beverages and food― a most apt window for these discussions to go down. Long after his clad palm removed itself from Makarov's door, as fleshy anchors writhed in studded boots careen that narrow hallway, betwixt the vermilion orbs that scan their surroundings, he was thinking when to go, what provisions he might require and whether or not his Exceed will be accompanying him as well. The latter was already decided, Lily will remain, understanding of this choice like a trusting companion would. But then, from the corner of his eyes did something occur he wouldn't have expected.
“― 'Yo, didn't expect 'ta see you out the tavern so
early. Figured you'd be buried with jugs 'n plates.”
Neither surprise nor hesitance becomes Gajeel, it couldn't. Had he respond with any kind of the former, something outside his demeanor, suspicion would be lifted like a woman's skirt when Loke's around. But to the matter at hand; with his departure from the wing their guild master's room is located, curiosity might have planted itself within the barmaid's mind... let's hope it doesn't hatch.
