Moving on

Chapter 14 : Shelter

Hey Guys! Sorry for the delay :o Big chapter today to thank you for your patience :)

Gajeel ran to Levy's apartment without thinking. Not that it was in his habits to linger on details, but at that moment, he completely had forgotten all common sense. Normally, he would, at least, have checked if they were armed or simply decided that it's not his problem and walk away without a wince. However, every fiber of his body seamed focused on the urge of getting to his destination as quickly as possible. Since when had they got there? Was she hurt? Or worse... no matter how much courage that short stuff could have, she wouldn't be able to hold long against two man of the caliber of those they had already fought.

When the image of the lifeless blue haired woman when through his mind, the unsettling feeling in the bottom of his stomach was more present than ever. He decided to ignore it, as difficult as was the task, and barged in the living room. He felt his heart ease a bit when he saw her on her feet, he baseball bat in her hands, repelling her attackers like she did with him. "Gihi!" Couldn't help the young man seeing that little shrimp standing up to those two big guys.

He didn't stay there to contemplate the scene and, with a boost, crushed violently the heard of the closest man to the wall in it. If the first one was startled by a surprise attack though, the other one would probably be ready to give a good fight. As to confirm what was on his mind, a stifled cry brought his attention back on Levy. To reach him, their attacker had traced a long red trail near her temple, only millimeters away from her eyebrow, missing her eye narrowly. Angry of missing his target, Ivan's mignon was about to hit again but, this time, he wouldn't miss. Listening only to his instinct, he deflected the dagger with his own hand, not without letting out a pained cry when the blade found its way through his skin. He however haven't said his last word and managed to take control of the struggle, now bare handed since his enemy dropped his weapon. When the man was finally out of commission, Gajeel allowed himself to swear, looking at his hand.

- Gajeel! He heard a small voice calling him while he started to reconnect with the real world.

He didn't answer right away, looking his surroundings for a sign of other intrusions. Then, his inspection of the apartment done, he focussed back on Levy, walking to her with a piercing look.

- You...think it was the same men as last time? She broke the silence.

The young man nodded in confirmation.

- They've decided we know too much, she had the same conclusion as Gajeel.

She seemed to be fighting against her fear, then disappeared in her thoughts, staring at nothing. Gajeel continued to look at her for a moment then placed his hand on the side of her face to examine her wound.

- We'll have to do something with that, he concluded pointing the cut in question. But you should get out of it without any stiches.

- And you! She exclaimed getting out of her stupor. Show me your hand!

- Tssss... Never mind, he said flatly.

However, he finally stretched his hand after facing her insistent stare, Levy still having her hands in from of her, waiting. Laying in Levy's hands, his seemed to be bigger then normal. Her big hazel eyes were caught in a frown by her concentration during her short examination. Then she lifted her eyes on him, release now in them.

- I don't think you'll need stiches either, she concluded with a smile. Wait, I'll get the material to bandage it.

She came back, a few seconds later from her bathroom with a first aid kit and started to disinfect the wound before applying a bandage on it.