The guild hall was loud as usual, Natsu and Gray were already bickering in the corner, and Mira was trying to keep the mugs of ale from spilling as Cana reached for another round. You sat at the far end of the table, lazily twirling a drop of water between your fingertips, shaping it into little dragons before letting them pop with a splash.

“Oi, Waterworks,” a low voice rumbled from behind you. The teasing nickname was always followed by a shadow crossing the light, and sure enough, Gajeel leaned against the bench beside you, a cocky smirk tugging at his lip piercings. “Makin’ puddles again? What, ya bored?”

You shot him a look. “Better puddles than chewing on iron beams like a stray dog.”

The iron dragon slayer chuckled, sliding into the seat across from you, arms folded on the table. “Hah. Cute. I could out-eat and outfight you any day. Water’s just good for baths, anyway.”

The water you’d been holding slipped free, coiling into a whip that smacked against the edge of his mug, splashing him just enough to glint on his face. He didn’t flinch—if anything, his grin widened.

“So that’s how it’s gonna be, huh?” he rumbled, low and dangerous, but with that spark of mischief in his crimson eyes.

Around you, a couple of guild members paused, already sensing that one wrong word could set off another infamous Redfox brawl.

The guild had already gone quiet, anticipating the usual Gajeel-sized brawl. He leaned forward with that wolfish smirk of his, clearly expecting you to take the bait.

Instead, you didn’t hesitate. The water from the guild’s barrels answered your call in an instant, swirling together like a tidal surge. Before Gajeel could even plant his feet, the wave crashed over him, slamming him back off his chair and pinning him flat to the floor with a neat spiral of water chains around his wrists.

The guild erupted into laughter and cheers. Natsu howled from across the room, pounding the table. “Hah! Guess the Iron Dragon’s rusting!”

Levy clapped a hand over her mouth, half-concerned, half-laughing. Even Mira tried—and failed—to hide her smile.

You leaned over the table, resting your chin in your palm as you looked down at him, smug as ever. “One swoop,” you said sweetly. “Didn’t even break a sweat.”

Gajeel blinked up at you, water dripping down his hair. He expected to feel humiliated, furious even, but instead something twisted in his chest. The sharp glint in your eyes, the playful lilt in your voice, the way you’d just owned him in front of the whole guild

“Tch” he huffed, smirking despite himself. “Guess water’s good for more than baths.”

He broke the chains with a flex of iron-hard muscles, but when he stood, he didn’t charge you like everyone expected. He just stood there dripping wet, staring at you with something softer in his crimson eyes—a flicker of realization he wasn’t ready to say out loud.

Levy tilted her head, whispering to Lucy, “Did Gajeel just blush?”

The guild had long since quieted down, most members either stumbling home or asleep over empty mugs. The streets of Magnolia glowed faintly under the lamplight, the air carrying the scent of river mist. You stretched, enjoying the quiet after all the chaos, and started toward home.

“Oi.”

The voice was rough, low, and unmistakable. You turned to see Gajeel leaning against the side of a building, arms crossed, piercings gleaming under the lamplight. He looked calmer than usual, but his eyes were sharp, tracking you as you walked closer.

“You waitin’ out here to scare me?” you teased, crossing your arms.

He snorted. “Heh. You? Scared? Not a chance. You proved that in the guild.”

There was something different in his tone—less bite, more hesitant. He glanced away, scratching the back of his neck like the words he wanted to say didn’t fit right in his mouth.

“Look about earlier.” He shifted, suddenly looking very unGajeellike with how awkward he stood. “I’m used to people tryin’ to take me down, y’know? Used to people hatin’ me, or just wantin’ to prove they’re strong But you”