The guild hall was louder than usual, which was really saying something.

Laughter bounced off the walls, mugs clinked together, and somewhere near the bar Cana was already on her second round of drinks. In the center of it all sat Gajeel Redfox, arms crossed, boots kicked up on a chair, looking like he’d rather be anywhere else.

“C’mon, Gajeel,” Levy laughed, leaning over the table. “You’re telling me nothing embarrasses you?”

“Yeah,” Natsu chimed in, grinning like he’d already decided this was his new favorite game. “People blush all the time. Even Erza.”

Erza’s glare shut him up instantly.

Gajeel snorted, sharp teeth flashing. “Tch. That’s ‘cause you idiots are easy. Ain’t nothin’ you can say that’s gonna get to me.”

Lucy squinted at him. “That sounds like a challenge.”

One by one, they tried everything—compliments, teasing, embarrassing stories from missions past. Levy leaned close and whispered something that made her giggle. Cana tried flattery. Natsu tried shouting. None of it worked.

Gajeel stayed solid. Unbothered. Smug.

You watched from where you were sitting, arms folded, lips twitching with amusement. You knew him better than anyone else in the room. Knew the way his ears twitched when he was flustered. Knew how his jaw tightened when he didn’t know what to do with himself.

And most of all—you knew exactly which buttons to press.

When the group finally started groaning in defeat, you stood.

Gajeel noticed immediately. His red eyes flicked up, tracking you without even realizing it. “What’re you smilin’ about?” he asked.

You didn’t answer.

Instead, you walked over, slow and deliberate, the noise of the guild fading just a little with every step. He was still seated, leaning back, confident—until you stopped right in front of him.

“Hey,” you said softly.

He blinked. “…Hey.”

You reached out, one finger slipping under his chin, tilting his face up toward yours. His breath hitched—barely noticeable, but you felt it. The room seemed to hold its breath with him.

You leaned in, close enough that he could feel the warmth of you, close enough that his thoughts completely derailed.

Then, in a low, gentle tone meant only for him, you murmured

“My good boy.”

That was it.

Gajeel froze.

His brain absolutely blue-screened. His eyes widened, pupils blown, mouth opening like he’d forgotten how words worked. A sharp flush crept up his neck, across his cheeks, all the way to the tips of his ears.

The guild exploded.

“NO WAY—” “DID YOU SEE THAT?” “GAJEEL’S BLUSHING!”

He finally snapped out of it with a strangled noise, jerking back and slapping a hand over his face. “SHUT UP!” he barked, voice cracking just enough to make it worse. “I AIN’T—!”

You smiled sweetly, giving his chin one last gentle tap before stepping back.

Mission accomplished.