. Oculto .

"Levy, are you sure that you want to take this job?"

From where she was standing in front of the bar, her hands propped on her hips and her lips set in a determined smile, Levy McGarden gave a curt nod. "Yes. I need the money to pay for rent this month and it'll let me afford some books, too."

She paused to think over what she'd said. ...I'm starting to sound like Lucy! she laughed to herself.

"But are you sure that you want to take it alone?" Mirajane fretted, her eyes flashing with worry for the blue-haired solid-script mage. "Where's Jet and Droy?"

Levy grimaced. "We got into a bit of an argument and they took another job without me. Don't worry so much, Mira, I can handle it. I've taken on much worse. You know I have." Mira did not need to know that the basis of that argument had been her eagerness to invite Gajeel on missions with them...

"Still…" Mira looked unhappy at the thought of sending her friend out alone. She couldn't ask Lucy to go with her, as the blonde had gone out on a job with the rest of Team Natsu only a few hours before. And while everyone in the guild were good friends, not many were compatible with the jobs that Levy chose to take. Then again...this was a kind of job most of them were willing to take on…

Levy had managed to pick up a job that requested the retrieval of a wanted piece of treasure that was hidden deep within the territory of ancient ruins, of which were guarded by many traps left by the people that had once lived there. While Levy was smart and cautious and could probably decipher the traps before they went off, it was a dangerous job to go on by herself.

"What about Gajeel?" Mira finally suggested tentatively. "Is he around?"

"No," Levy grumbled. "He went on a job the other day. He shouldn't be back for another week...and stop trying to pair us up, Mira," she scolded. The barmaid blushed with a look of fake innocence on her face that Levy saw past with ease. "I know what you're up to."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Mira said slyly with a smirk. She sighed softly and picked the paper up, studying the information a second time. The payment was steep, which concerned her. The higher the price, the more dangerous the job was the usual ratio, and Mira wasn't so sure that she wanted to allow the young woman to take it. But one look at Levy's pleading face had her sighing as she handed it back. "Alright. I'll let the client know who to expect, but if I don't hear from you once a week until it's done, I'm sending someone after you."

"Thank you, Mira!" Levy squealed in excitement. She snatched the paper back and tucked it safely into her pocket, silently vowing to place it in the safety of her bag when she got home to her apartment in Fairy Hills. "I'll make sure to check in tomorrow morning, okay?"

"Are you sure you don't want anyone to go with you?" Mira searched her gaze, sucking her lower lip between her teeth and chewing on it in thought. "I could go if you want."

"I'll be fine," Levy insisted. She reached up to push her blue bangs out of her eyes - she'd been in too much of a rush to get to the guildhall that morning to put her hair into its usual style - and then gave one final smile. "Like you said, just send someone if I don't send word after I leave, okay? I'll contact you when I arrive at the client's town since it's the one closest to the ruins."

"Sounds good." Mira scooped up a plate that needed to be cleaned from nearby on the bar and headed towards the sink, calling over her shoulder, "See you in the morning, Levy!"

"Yep!" Levy gave a wave and then headed for the doors of the guildhall, pausing only to bid farewell to Asuka when the young girl waved.

She paused to study the slowly darkening sky upon stepping outside, and smiled before heading in the direction of Fairy Hills, a soft pain of loneliness piercing her. Without a certain dragon slayer conveniently heading in the same direction or friends who lived in the same building, it was a lonely walk, and Levy didn't exactly enjoy what came in the dark of night when one wasn't watching out for it.

It took her only close to twenty minutes to get to Fairy Hills, and it turned out that Juvia was leaving in a hurry just as she arrived. Juvia paused to smile and greet her. "Hello, Levy!" she greeted faintly, "Juvia has to hurry...Juvia is late for a train!"

"Then what are you standing here talking to me for?" Levy scolded, "Hurry and get going!"

Juvia giggled and gave a small wave. "Bye, Levy! Juvia hopes to see you soon!" Then she was gone, bustling away as quickly as she could with a bag slung over one shoulder.

Levy watched after the water mage with a smile on her face and then slipped into the building, easily making her way to her room. She stopped in the doorway and planted her hands on her hips as she studied the mess of books around her. She'd have to choose only two or three to bring with her...that would be a difficult choice. But she'd manage.

At least it would be easy to choose which clothes to bring.

Tracking down a map of the country, she spread it out on her bed and pulled the job request out to make sure that it was in the location she thought it to be in. She frowned when she realized she'd been right.

The client was located in Oak Town, and the ruins themselves were to the east, in the middle of a desert. Thankfully, the information promised that the ruins were near a safe body of water and that supplies would be paid for by the client. Nodding to herself, Levy went to work on packing the clothes she would need.

At least it was late fall. It wouldn't be nearly as hot as the middle of summer.

Still, she'd need clothes meant for warmer weather.

Levy tossed a few pairs of shorts into a suitcase, followed by some tank tops. She added a few headbands into the mix alongside her underwear and some shoes that would be good to protect her feet from hidden rocks and those that made up the ruins.

When that had been done, Levy dumped a few books in there for good measure along with some other necessary items that would do her good to have in the desert.

"There," she said when she was done, humming and kicking the suitcase shut. She smirked, and then snatched a book off of the middle of her bed after shoving the map off, climbing under the covers without bothering to change, pausing only to kick her sandals off.

Why bother stripping her clothes off and get into comfortable ones when she was going to be up and going within twelve hours?

Humming, the young woman settled back, her book in her hands and a gentle smile on her face.

Reading would always relax her.

Levy didn't move for the rest of the night, falling asleep in the very position she'd been in hours before.

Hauling the packed suitcase through the streets of Magnolia, Levy hummed under her breath, moving quickly to get to the guildhall. She wanted to check in before she caught a train in two hours that would get her to where she needed to go. She'd decided to pay someone when she arrived or request that her client pay for a mount that she could take with her, so she wouldn't have to walk through the desert and take a longer time to get there earlier in the morning, getting the idea from a book she was reading.

She might even rent an entire cart, so that she could haul more supplies with her.

Levy smiled when the guildhall came into sight, and she found herself arriving at the same time as a cheerful looking Lisanna. The young woman waved, waiting for Levy to rush over before slipping in. "Hi, Levy."

"Hey, Lisanna!" Levy replied eagerly as she entered behind her. She studied the guildhall, taking in the emptiness of it. Not many people came this early in the day; the Strauss siblings were all there alongside Bisca and Alzack, who were talking with Mira, and Asuka, who was running around trying to catch someone who surprised her.

"Lily!" Levy called, frowning. If Lily was there, then Gajeel was back as well. And they hadn't been expected until next week!

The Exceed paused at the call of his name, and it gave Asuka just enough time to gently capture his tail in her fingers. "Got you!" she laughed, and Lily winced before dropping so that she could catch him.

"So you did," he rumbled, amused with the child. "I need to speak with Levy now, if you don't mind."

"Okay!" Asuka released him and his wings reappeared, allowing him to easily fly over to the solid-script mage, who'd set her suitcase upright. She caught him in a hug, a smile lighting up her face, and he chuckled.

"I'm an Exceed, Levy, not a cat."

"You're a friend," she corrected before letting go of him, much like Asuka had. "What are you doing back? You and Gajeel should have been out until next week."

"Yes, well." Lily sighed, shaking his head. "The client that hired us thought that it would take longer than it would. Apparently his daughter had run off with some man that turned out to be not who he said he was. He needed help finding her and with Gajeel's nose, it took us a matter of hours to do what his men had spent weeks doing."

"That's good. I'm glad you found her...is she safe?" Levy asked worriedly. Gajeel was a good person - something she knew more than anyone else besides maybe Lily - but he wasn't exactly an empathetic person.

"She's safe." Lily glanced over to a corner, and Levy's lips twitched, feeling the glare that had suddenly turned on them. It was a dark corner, but she could still see the shape of the very man they'd been discussing. Gajeel was watching them and probably listening in; she didn't really care all that much. It wasn't like a conversation with Lucy.

"Good." Levy grinned and then lifted a hand to wave at Gajeel slightly. He only glared back, but she could practically feel the smile that tugged at his lips as he inclined his head in greeting. Levy giggled and turned towards the bar. "Sorry, I have to go check in with Mira now. I have a train to catch here in the next two hours."

"Oh? You're going on a job?" Lily studied her curiously. "What about Droy and Jet? Are they going with you?"

Levy flushed a dark red. "No. We got into a fight...it's a solo mission. I haven't tried one in a while and I thought it'd be a good idea…"

"Could I go?"

Levy stared at the Exceed. "You...want to go with me?"

He shrugged. "Why not? I have nothing better to do since Gajeel's earned us enough money for the month. And he's probably waiting on Natsu and the others to get back so that he can mess with them, not exactly something I enjoy seeing. Besides, it could be good to have someone seeing things from above."

Levy's lips spread into a huge grin. "Sure. I'll let Mira know. Do you need to go grab anything?" He shook his head. "Okay, why don't you go tell Gajeel, and I'll speak with Mira. Then we'll head out. Sound good?"

"Yes," he agreed with an amused look. He flew off to inform Gajeel on what he probably already knew and Levy smiled before hurrying over to the bar, cautious as she brought her bag with her. It was dangerous to leave your possessions around the guildhall, even with the primary cause behind the destruction off and on a job.

"Hello," Mira greeted upon seeing her. She hurried over and leaned on the bar with a warm smile, her silver hair spilling over her shoulders. "Thank you for checking in, make sure you let me know when you get to Oak Town, okay?"

"Of course," Levy promised. "And Lily's going to go with me now, if that's alright. He offered and I thought it would be a good idea for him to come. As he put it, he can be my eyes in the sky."

"Oh, thank goodness," she sighed. "I wanted someone to go with you...I feel as if this isn't going to be an easy job for you alone, and if the situation requires it, he can take on a larger form…"

Levy shook her head in exasperation. "I know you're worried, Mira, but I'm not that weak you know."

"I know," Mirajane laughed reassuringly. "You were in the S-Class Exams. Okay, I'll see you when you get back, and you better get in touch, you hear me? Even if Lily's with you. I'm going to be worried about you."

"I promise I'll let you know when I arrive," Levy said firmly before turning towards the door and calling, "Come on, Lily! We've got to go and catch our train!"

There was a few more moments before Lily finally flew back over with a heavy sigh. "I apologize, Gajeel was being...Gajeel." He glared over his shoulder at the equally annoyed dragon slayer, who, to Levy's surprise, was approaching. "And it appears he's going to continue being Gajeel."

Levy had to fight back a laugh as the iron mage demanded, "The hell are you off to with my cat?" His dark hair was wild, his body clothed in a sleeveless black jacket. Each hand was gloved with an iron cuff surrounding at each wrist. She recognized the outfit as one of his normal ones, something he wore often.

"A job," she answered. She smiled up at him with a reassuring look. "Don't worry, we'll be back soon. The client's merely requested that I bring some kind of treasure back from ancient ruins."

He gave her a look that wasn't exactly comforting, his piercing crimson gaze locked on her face. "Who else is going with ya? Where are those stalkers of yours, they around?"

"Jet and Droy took their own job," Levy said carefully. "I was going to take this as a solo job because I need the money, but Lily offered. So I'm going to be taking him with me. Is that alright?"

The iron dragon slayer grunted after a moment of studying her annoyed gaze. "Yeah," he finally muttered, "Whatever. Don't take too long."

Levy smiled gently at him, fully aware that she was one of the very few people who were allowed to see the concern in his face, even as he scoffed aloud and turned away. Gajeel pretended to be cold and hateful towards most of the guild, even after the events of Tenrou Island and the Grand Magic Games, but she knew better.

"See you later, Gajeel," she called, sighing. She turned away and gave Lily a large smile. "Ready to leave?"

"Of course," the Exceed said cheerfully. Levy plucked him out of the air with slim fingers, clasping him to her with one arm and her other used to drag the suitcase behind her after they'd left the guildhall. Lily spared a glance up at the blue-haired woman with a thoughtful look in his eyes. "I'm surprised Gajeel didn't put up more of a fight."

"And I'm glad he didn't," Levy replied with a firm smile. "I've been meaning to go out on my own for a while now, I just didn't have the chance to because Jet and Droy were determined to go with me. We're a team, but lately...they've been a bit overwhelming." Levy sighed heavily and shook her head, her blue hair tumbling around her cheeks. "I love them, I really do, but they need to realize I can handle myself perfectly fine."

"I see," Lily rumbled. "I understand. I can refrain from helping you for the most part if you want."

"No, I don't mind your help," she protested as her legs moved quickly, taking them through the streets of Magnolia and towards a train station and the train that would take them to Oak Town. "Your help is alright, because you'll let me fight alongside you if I want to. Jet and Droy try to protect me and keep me from everything."

"That can be frustrating," Lily agreed with a sigh, his tail twitching. "It is an upside to being able to take on a form that other Exceeds can't seem to manage for the most part. It allows me to do more than just fly Gajeel around. Not that I do that most of the time, he does fairly well of hurling himself through the air and getting his head beat in."

Levy giggled, slipping between a few people to get into an alley that would get them to the train station faster. She easily walked down the empty path and emerged onto a busier road. "Gajeel's a brilliant fighter, but he isn't a very tactical person, is he?"

"No, he's not." Levy only laughed at Lily's confirmation and crossed the street quickly to get to the waiting train station. She entered the platform, gently tightening her grip on the Exceed in her grip as she rushed over to purchase a ticket. "Two for Oak Town, please," she requested, grimacing at the price. At least she'd be getting some prize money to make up for it.

The one selling the tickets smiled kindly and took the jewels she offered before sliding two pieces of paper to her. "Two to Oak Town," he repeated, then called, "Next!"

Shoving the tickets into the bag at her side, Levy sighed softly and found a bench to sit on with Lily so that they could wait for their train. She and the Exceed chatted together about minor matters that weren't all that important until the train arrived, and they were quick to board so they could be among the first to find seats.

Once they had, Lily made himself comfortable in the seat across from hers, looking amused as she reached for a book and opened it to the first page. "Always have a book, don't you?"

"Of course," Levy laughed as she smiled warmly at him. "I never leave home without at least three books. Would you like my other one to read?"

Lily sighed softly and held his paws out. "Why not?"

Levy slipped her hand into her bag and withdrew the book before handing it over to him. "Here you go," she told him, "That one's interesting. It's about a warrior who sets out on a journey to save his family and home. Cliché, I know, but I loved it when I read it the first time."

"And how many times have you read it?" Lily questioned with an unsurprised look when she muttered, "Somewhere around ten, but not the point! Just read it!"

Peace fell between the two as the train lurched forward, neither wanting to move anytime soon and grateful for the long train ride to Oak Town.

Upon their arrival, Levy stepped off of the train, humming, with Lily in one arm and her hand grasping her suitcase. The Exceed was huffy about having to get off now, when he'd almost been finished with his book.

Levy was laughing about the matter. "I know how you feel, Lily, you can finish it tonight. I think we're going to stay in town today, get supplies and talk with the client before we head out. Is that alright?"

"That's fine," Lily reassured. "A smart plan...perhaps we should travel at night? It'll be hot in the desert. Much too hot during the day. I vote that we stay for the night and tomorrow as well before heading out tomorrow evening. You'll want to stay away tonight in that case so that you can set up a schedule before we're actually going."

"Ooh," Levy agreed. "Smart. We'll be able to explore a bit, too, have something nice to eat. I can pay for you if you want."

"Nonsense. I have money, Levy, I'll pay for myself."

Levy only giggled. She released the Exceed and his wings snapped into view as he hovered beside her head, following as she headed into the town. It was brimming with people, though it wasn't nearly as filled as Magnolia was, and Levy found herself fascinated once more with the differences. It was warmer here, despite the fact that Magnolia was further south, and the stone buildings and streets captured and held that warmth, as if it was something far too precious to get rid of.

Lily was just as interested as she was. And when they entered a peaceful tavern to grab a bite to eat before heading out to do some research and meet with their client, he took one sniff and declared, "I'll need a drink."

Levy giggled, dark eyes flashing with amusement as she approached the bar and did a wrist flick to symbol that they were ready to order something. "Not too much, I hope, you need to be able to get around and whatnot, and even talk if necessary to the client."

"I'm not Cana, thank you," he huffed, as if annoyed that she'd thought in such a way. He waited until they'd given the barmaid their owners - Levy doubted she'd be as efficient as Mira, but that was alright, because no one could be Mira like Mira could - and then settled back into a seat as he commented, "Gajeel seemed a bit off throughout our last job."

She glanced at him in surprise. "Really?"

"Yes." Lily frowned. "He was distracted. I was concerned that it'd get us killed when we found ourselves fighting, and I had to constantly remind him to focus...it's part of the reason I accompanied you. Do you know of anything that might have been bugging him enough?"

She gave him a look of shock. "What, do you expect me to? Lily, I rarely see Gajeel around, and when I do, he insults me and calls me a shrimp or some other name. I end up having to leave so that I don't have to listen to it anymore."

"You're closer to him than any other mage," Lily sighed. "Even more so than Juvia, I think. He trusts you. And he doesn't place his full trust in just anyone, as you're well aware. I had thought that perhaps you might have known…"

"No, sorry," she sighed, resting her chin on her open palm, her blue hair tickling the back of her neck until she used her other hand to sweep it away. It's getting longer, she noticed in peaceful silent. "I don't know anything about it. We can ask when we get back though."

"I doubt he'll tell," Lily said with a frustrated look. "Gajeel is very stubborn." A pause. "But I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try. I'll do my best to think things over in the process. For all I know, he might have just been worried about the kid that was in danger."

Levy glanced at him anxiously, but the Exceed remained quiet and didn't explain further. Levy was well aware that despite the attitude Gajeel had about everything, he was rather fond of children and did fairly well with them. When Asuka came prying, he simply entertained her. He was gentle with Wendy when she came seeking his help, and he was constantly teasing Romeo lightly about his "secret" crush.

It was something she was fond of about him.

Not that anyone needed to know that. Not even Lucy, her closest friend, knew that she was that fond of Gajeel Redfox.

A content hum left Levy's lips as she watched their meals be delivered. "Thanks," she murmured, reaching for a fork with an eager look on her face. "Come on, Lily, eat up, we have to go meet with our client after this."

The two exchanged a peaceful and content smile before hurrying to eat, eager to get a move on in their travels.

Sooooooo I'm not participating in Gajevy Week really, since I wasn't too interested in the prompts nor do I have the time to write out much, so I figured that I might as well start my newest Gajevy fanfic for you people instead! Oculto updates on Sundays, so expect it then! See you next week!