Regret.

Levy POV:

Recently I find myself getting jealous of how affectionate Natsu and Lucy are. They've built a deep connection stronger than my relationship with Rogue in far less time.

I would tell myself it would get better between Rogue and I. But the truth is I got wrapped up in the idea of a perfect love instead of trying to find the real thing. I wanted this to work so badly that I allowed him to dictate my choices, not just for the wedding but in every single part of my life.

It was so much bigger than just manipulating what I wore and ate. He was subtle in his manipulations, making comments about how things looked on me, what was appropriate and what wasn't.

All the things he said and did were meant to make me question myself and undermine my confidence. Worse than that, I let him drag me down and make me feel less important, less valued, less good enough..

I should have taken Lucy's concerns seriously. Otherwise, I wouldn't be alone on my honeymoon wishing I could go back in time and erase the past year of my life, if I did..

Ten months ago..

I scan the room searching for any familiar faces in my department at Sabertooth Media. Who I can strike up a conversation with. As a do a visual sweep I notice a small cluster of men. My gaze snags one in particular. He's not like the others around him. Wearing a fake smile, feigning interest in conversation or seizing this party for business opportunities. I know this because he's looking straight at me. He's a big man. Broad shoulders and thick arms that fit his suit nicely. Piercings above his eyebrow, as if he's flipping off the pretentious dress code of the party. He kind of reminds me of a 1950's mobster. Clean cut, with edges. Interesting..

After what feels like far too many seconds of eye contact. I look over my shoulder to make sure it's really me he's staring at so intently. Behind me is a group of older women with heavy plastic surgery. So his main focus is me. The thought makes my cheeks flush.

A smile pulls at the corner of his mouth, flashing white teeth. He addresses the group then starts walking in my direction.

I don't think I know him, I'd remember a face like that. As he closes in on me I note how captivating his eyes truly are. A shocking shade of ruby, even more vibrant against his dark hair.

"Hey." His voice travels down my body.

"Hi." I break eye contact unnerved by his intensity.

He chuckles bringing my attention back to his face. He shakes his head.

"Sorry for staring, I'm Gajeel."

He extends his hand out.

"Levy." I take his hand.

"Levy... pretty name for a pretty girl."

"Oh, thank you." I feel my cheeks go warm again.

"So did ya come with a date?"

"No, I don't have a date."

"I would say I'm sorry to hear that, but I'm not. This is great news for me."

The cuff of his shirt rides up exposing a sliver of colorful ink.

Hm, I wonder how far that goes?

"Let me get you a drink." He offers

"Uh.." I hesitate

"Relax, I'm not asking you to marry me. Just have a drink with me. We can talk and it'll give me a valid reason to keep checking you out. It'll be fun." He grins

I have to give him some credit. He's smooth.

"Unless you'd rather cut the party and catch the next flight to Vegas? Get to know each other on the way?" He waggles his eyebrows.

Oh god, I laugh at his absurdity.

"I think I'll take the drink."

"Ya sure? Just say the word and I'll have a private jet." He jokes.

"Wow, you've thought this out, huh." I shake my head. Although I'm sure my smile matches his.

"Not at all, I was just giving you some options since you seemed on the fence about the drink." He smirks

"Well I think a drink is good place to start."

"Cautious. I like that. So, what's your poison?"

Men like you..

"A martini sounds great."

"I'll be right back. Don't disappear on me now." He moves through the crowded bar.

I really shouldn't be encouraging him. I promised myself I was going to take a break from dating after the last fiasco.

Almost twenty-four hours detained in an interrogation room, all because what was supposed to be a romantic weekend away, actually wasn't. I found out the hard way that my ex wasn't working with legal imports.

Needless to say, it was a rather long trip home with my outraged father. Promising him no more bad decisions.

"Levy Mcgarden." I glance up to find a vaguely familiar man standing in front of me. Dark hair pulled back. Courteous maroon eyes. Straight nose, with a scar going across it. He actually has some similar qualities with Gajeel.

"Hi.."

"I came to save you."

"I'm sorry?"

"From my cousin Gajeel. I saw him talking to you and I felt I should warn you. He's got quite the reputation. And I wouldn't want you to get caught up in that."

"Oh, um thanks."

Of course I attract the bad ones.

"I'm just doing my duty, saving a beautiful woman from making a terrible mistake."

"I'm Rogue. Are you enjoying my party?"

That's why he's familiar. He's Rogue Cheney, son of Skiadrum the CEO of the company.

"Oh yes, I've met quite a few new people."

"I'm glad. So would you like to dance with me."

Without waiting for a response he pulls me close, in a respectable distance. And leads me around the dance floor. He's an excellent dancer, refined, and poised. Less than my usual type.. his cousin.

"You're new to the company, aren't you?"

"Two months."

"I'll have to stop by to see how you're settling in."

"That's not necessary. I'm sure your far too busy."

"Not at all. I'd love to take you out to lunch, maybe dinner?"

"To discuss what I'm working on?"

He laughs.

"No, I don't want to discuss marketing with you, I would like to take you out."

"Out?" I can't believe this is happening. Meeting with the son of the CEO seems incredibly intimidating. "—Me?"

Plus, getting hit on twice by two hot men seems incredible. The first one was too good to be true. The second one seems less likely to turn into a bad mistake. At least according to his warning about his cousin.

"Yes, a date."

"Wouldn't that be a conflict of interest since I work for the company?"

"It's perfectly acceptable. Unless you're already seeing someone?"

He seems sweet and definitely someone who wouldn't disappoint my family.

"No, I'm not seeing anyone."

"Great! Are you free tomorrow night?"

"I believe so."

"Excellent. It's a date!"

His eyes landing somewhere over my shoulder, and his smile grows wider.

"I'm so very glad I could save you from the wolf tonight." He lifts up my hand and presses a kiss to my knuckle.

Mischief, Malice and Regret.

This is the first chapter of Levy and Gajeels story.

I based it off qualities of Rogue, Gajeel, and Levy.

If you wish to follow or favorite. Which I recommend! There will be drama, hard truth, obstacles, and yes love! But Unfortunately Mr. Tall Tan and Sick is now complete. Don't worry NALU will still pop up. Who knows maybe Natsu will propose? Maybe they'll get married? Have kids? And Levy and Gajeel will be there for everything. Well not everything ;) ..