Hiding In the Spruce
by SparklyLarry
Chapter One
Three Hours to Midnight
A/N: Christmas is coming! Its time for something romantic and fantastic! All the snow has given me enough inspiration to write this two or three-shot. Just to make it clear:
- there is no Christmas in Fiore, but New Year. It doesn't matter though, as the atmosphere is pretty much the same ))
- Lucy returned to her father after the Phantom Lord's attack, but there was no marriage.
- it's been five years since the Tenrou Island incident. So, Lucy is 21. Sting and Rogue are 21 as well. Why? Because I want it this way =)
- there will be two or three chapters. I will post the last one on the 31st of December.
A sweet fragrance of baking apples and cinnamon hangs over the richly decorated hall with marble floors and big windows. Scarlet bows and ribbons twine round the satin curtains, teasing icicles at the other side of the windows. People in fancy dresses are scattered all over the place, their heels giving a cockish sound of high society against the floor. Candles shyly shimmer as they pass near by, too afraid to ignite some lady's splendid skirt. Viands like sturgeons and shrimps, boars stuffed with peaches, turkeys with creamy dressing lure guests to the tables. A tall graceful spruce stands in the centre, magical snow lies around its roots that run deep under the mansion. You have no idea how much jewels Mr. Heartfillia pays every year to get this miraculous tree in his house. Not only is it alive and huge, but it also shines with milliards of silver stars and golden sparkles that cling to its soft emerald-green needles. There are not many toys there. Only ginger cookies with red bows his daughter insists on every New Year. So, eleven confectioners work hard for a week to cook the delicious pastries his little heiress like so much. Nine hundred cookies are barely enough to adjourn all the branches. Another miracle is snow under the spruce. It is soft and lukewarm like cotton. As stars and sparkles fall down from the needles, they turn into magical snowflakes and accumulate around the tree, forming a spacious white field with high snowdrifts.
As to the spruce's peak, it runs to the very ceiling of the three-storey mansion. A bright icy star crowns the top. The central hall doesn't have the second and the third floors. Instead, there are balconies at the walls from which guests can also enjoy the mesmerizing view of the tree. Festive music reaches Mr. Heartfillia's ears from the next hall. All the tables, the orchestra, dancing places and other entertainments are in different places. The central hall is like a reception-room to gather and introduce the guests. The owner of the mansion stands at the front stairs to welcome the new arrivals as they continuously flow in like an iridescent river.
Jude Heartfillia was very captious. Only the finest and the most famous people of Fiore got their invitations to the annual New Year's ball at the Heartfillia's. After the death of his dear Laila, he didn't have balls very often. Without the hospitable hostess there was no joy in them anymore. Some spirit of celebration disappeared the day Laila's coffin was buried. His grief extinguished all the mirth in his soul. To dull the permanent pain in the heart, Jude Heartfillia devoted himself to work and business, distancing himself from the last reminder of his deceased wife, little Lucy. Too late he realized how wrong this decision was. There was a hope that Lucy would stop mourning her mother if he didn't show her his own weakness. As a result, his adorable daughter got the idea that he had never cared about her or Laila. The wrong image of a strict cold-hearted father was formed in Lucy's mind, forcing her to run away from home and join some magic guild.
Mr. Heartfillia still regrets the harsh way he treated his daughter those days when he finally managed to persuade her to return. There was a lot of blackmail and threats and yells... But Lucy agreed to stay. Maybe it was out of pity... for he couldn't hold it back when she turned away, ready to leave him forever once again. Jude Heartfillia was broken. He fell to his knees and whispered her name, his worries and regrets... There were many things the rich man mumbled that day in his office in front of his proud daughter, he couldn't remember all of them. But Lucy... God, she has taken into Laila more than he has ever imagined. Such a forgiving and sympathizing girl he had... A small hand suddenly touched his trembling shoulder as he raised eyes to meet her determined, but soft look. It was then when she told him mildly "That's okay, Dad".
So, their journey to the peace began. The road was bumpy and rocky. It took Lucy one year to finally warm up to him. Well, Jude Heartfillia understood his parental mistakes also only a year later. At first, the young Celestial Mage would throw a fit every time he tried to persuade her to wear 'decent clothes' or when he reprimanded servants too much. To tell the truth, the rich man never had an upper hand in their arguments. He was literally weaponless. There was nothing he could threat her with. Lucy didn't depend on his money or her status. She didn't need them and never had. It was him, who depended on her all along. The prospect of an arranged marriage was discarded almost immediately.
Then they had a row about her friends from Fairy Tail visiting her. Mr. Heartfillia was adamant and would not allow his daughter to visit Magnolia, so her guildmates found an alternative way to spend time with her. All in all, father and daughter reached a compromise. Her friends would visit Lucy once or twice a month AND use the front door, not the window. So, it became a routine. A pink-haired mage would set on fire one of Mr. Heartfillia's favourite carpets, resulting in both father and daughter yelling at the boy... And the like. However, the rich man continued to avoid the subject of Lucy visiting Magnolia. Neither had she erased her mark on the hand, in fact his daughter had never quitted the guild. It was her silent way of defining and punishing him for hiring Phantom Lord. A nasty suspicion crawls inside Jude Heartfillia as he suspects that his daughter has never fully forgiven him for this action. But she has given him more than he could ever hope for. A chance. Another chance to live as a family they used to be. Laila would have liked it.
That's why the rich man started to have balls every New Year, that was their tradition before... he lost his wife. The first celebration was a success. A bitter smile found its way to the man's mouth... he could vividly recall giggling Lucy in a pink dress in which Laila had met every new year. Her friends were invited as well, of course. For a moment, Jude Heartfillia closes his eyes and sees the fateful New Year's Eve five years ago. It was then when she ran up to him as two boys were chasing after her. Laughing and picking up her fluffy skirt, Lucy hid behind his straight posture like she had done so many times in childhood. Two mages stopped abruptly, their faces lost a few hues of skin color. Was he that intimidating? The boys gulped nervously under Mr. Heartfillia's hard gaze as his hard gaze was appraising the two. Just then a boisterous laugh escaped Celestial Wizard as she pointed at her guildmates. "Chickens!" she teased them, mischief sparkling in the chocolate eyes. Before Lucy rushed away, she quickly pecked her farther's cheek and cried "Thanks, Daddy."
Those two words meant a world to him. They were a key to the bright future he coveted. The last wall separating him and his daughter was broken, he could almost feel Laila happily smiling at their restored relationship. As they were saying their farewells to the guests, Jude Heartfillia mentioned with a small, uncertain curl on the lips that Fairy Tail members were always welcomed at their home. There were tears of joy, kind words were exchanged, and you can't imagine a scene happier after the New Year's Eve.
The happiness was short-lived. Not long after that, Lucy got ready to visit Magnolia. Her excitement was extinguished the moment she entered the guild. Returning home the following day, his daughter refused to explain anything, she shut the door of her room and never came out. It was later that Jude Heartfillia learnt the Celestial Wizard had left home once again without telling anyone to seek her disappeared friends. The rich man carried out a research of his own. He hired the best detectives in Fiore to look for them, invested into searching groups... Still, his efforts were fruitless.
Lucy returned a few months later,sorrow imprinted into her beautiful features like an ugly scar. The core members of Fairy Tail disappeared without a trace. No matter how hard they tried, the result was always the same. The crushing uncertainty. If Lucy had known for sure that they were... gone, maybe she wouldn't have been so restless. But there was that deceptive, but alluring all the same, glimmer of hope. Her deeply loved guild was plummeting like a stone to the bottom. Without its strongest mages, Fairy Tail wasn't much of a challenge. It could hardly make the ends meet. Surely, Heartfillias were eager to help out. But every offer was refused, in a polite but determined way. The most loyal members of his daughter's guild have been suffering greatly for the last five years. They were deprived of many things, however those several weird wizards have never lost their pride and dignity.
Lucy pleaded with them to accept small sums of money. She secretly paid taxes for them. Stepping on his paternal worries and shutting unreasonable concerns, Jude Heartfillia said nothing as his daughter went on missions for her guild. It brought some peace to her tormented mind and distracted her from the sorrows.
Since then his daughter has stopped to attend the New Year's balls. His servants rummaged the mansion every year during the party, checking all the possible places to hide. Jude Heartfillia heaves a sigh and massages his temples as the last guests enter the house. He wants Lucy to live in a real world, to enjoy the only holiday all the country celebrates. He talked to her not once about the party. She needs to get acquainted with new people, to have new friends... The rich man even suggested inviting the remaining members of Fairy Tail. That caused her to give an unamused chuckle. Even if they agreed to arrive, it would probably worsen their case. They are no more but a bundle of losers now. Their appearance in the high society will be a pure torture for them.
Moreover, there is something else... Of course, Jude Heartfillia refrained from mentioning her unmarried status, but the fact slightly worried him, especially during the nights as he tossed and couldn't fall asleep. Twenty one! Most heiresses got married at seventeen, for the God's sake! Because of this, Mr. Heartfillia never invites young unmarried ladies to the ball and makes sure to have as many single heirs as possible. Though, what for? Lucy persistently skipped the festivities. No matter how many maids look for her, the Celestial Mage is never found on the New Year's ball. He sighs again. Where is she? At six p.m. everyone sees the blonde heiress in her new favourite white fluffy dress getting ready to the party. A cheerful expression and a lopsided grin are convincing enough to make them believe that she attends the party this year. Servants and Jude himself won't stop watching her. Lucy's behavior is never suspicious, she even looks pretty excited about the event. But then she will just vanish unnoticed by any one. Her father can only speculate that it has something to do with her magic. In this case, there is little he can do. They agreed long time ago, never again would Jude Heartfillia stand between his daughter and her spirits.
The spruce is glowing with magic, auroras playing on its jade needles. Blizzards are singing in high-pitched voices under the lower branches. Stars are falling from the top, one catches his attention as it's especially bright and big. Instead of landing on the white field beneath the tree, it flies all the way to Mr. Heartfillia. Frowning, he watches it crush into his outstretched palm. The star pulsated like a living heart, impatiently. Sighing once again, the rich owner of the mansion shuts his tired eyes. He has never believed naive superstitions... But Laila has. She still does. So, Jude Heartfillia makes a wish for the both of them. The star blazes up like a match and goes out, leaving a small snowflake in its stead that is slowly melting on the wrinkled hand of the caring father.
"So, that's what the high society is like."
A few guests turn their rouged faces towards the three newcomers as the most confident one thrusts the front doors open like he owned the place. A haughty smirk plays on his lips.
"Nah, what a dull place," the arrogant blonde doesn't bother to lower his voice or to stifle a yawn. No, he walks past very well-dressed and well-to-do people, whose resentment against the young mage was slightly less noticeable than pride. "Hey, Rufus, you told me that balls were all about pretty girls in fancy dresses?!"
"I can't remember ever telling you these words," the said man replies with a small smirk of his own. "If my memories are correct, I explained that worthy ladies and gentlemen arrive and..."
"Show me at least one lady who's worthy of my attention! Jeez, are you man blind? This mask of yours is probably impeding your sight or something."
If you can't find an antonym for 'tactful', you should merely think of the Light Dragon Slayer of Sabertooth. There are so many words that come to mind when you try to describe this wizard's behavior. His silent partner, who is quite an opposite to him, stops at six synonyms for 'tactless' and sighs.
"Well, well, if you ask me, I can memorize seeing a fine lady just a moment ago..." the masked mage answers smoothly, making the blonde cringe.
"Tch, under thirty, you know!" the statement has an immediate reaction from the guests as several women turn beet red and haste to hide their faces behind the fans. The dark male has to admit that invited ladies are not what you call fresh and youthful. He, however, finds the fact absolutely irrelevant. After all, it is the ball for the prosperous families. Maybe, young heiresses are not allowed to join it... Who knows? The richest people are the weirdest ones.
"Would you two, please, refrain from discussing other people in front of them?" the dark mage asks dryly, not really interested in the answer.
"Calm down, Rogue! What's a big deal? They are just a bunch of pampered bastards with money," Sting shrugs nonchalantly as he shoves hands into the pockets. Actually, Rogue doesn't deny it. They are nothing but weak and spoiled pets of Fate. Their status does not mean a thing for him. It is a simple matter of manners. Simple as that: the Shadow Dragon Slayer has manners and the Light Dragon Slayer lacks them. "We don't even have to be here. Sabertooth kinda oblige them with our presence here."
"That is truth. However, you don't suppose that master Jiemma will be happy to learn about the richest man in Fiore being insulted by representers of Sabertooth?" Rufus wonders, giving his blonde guildmate a sly grin. Sting's blue eyes become darker as he frowns. "These people may be scum, but they are also the main source of our income. Don't you forget it."
Waving aside his remark, the Light Dragon Slayer sucks in the air. Something deeply fried is being served in the next hall, and Sting can't help but notice it. His dark companion shakes the head. A so-called ball is dull and pointless. To make matters worse, Rogue can't allow himself to sink to his partner's level and lose coolness. Instead, he has to boil inside his mind and suffer the boredom in silence. Their guild received the invitation three days ago. The only volunteer to go was Rufus. The Twin Dragons were sent as two other representers because... that's what the master said. No one dared to question him. At first, the Shadow Dragon Slayer didn't mind. Thoughts, that the whole business was going to be a real mess, started to nag him when they took a train. Fighting his nausea and Sting, who was on the verge of throwing-up, Rogue tried to persuade himself that it was nothing he could not cope with. Later that day Rufus dragged the two of them into the shops to get 'appropriate' clothes for the occasion. That was another terrible experience... as he was stuck with two blondes among the raws of stalls. Moreover, the dark mage didn't find a satisfying costume. By that time he had been pissed off, however Rogue kept in his annoyance. The ball is a boring thing, but at least he can find himself a remote bench and spend the rest of the night in peace and quiet. The dark male can say that Sting will probably lift his spirits with food as he takes a smell at the warm air...
"Sabertooth Guild. I am pleased to know that you have made it here."
Three heads turn around to see the owner of a low voice. Rogue and Rufus nod politely, acknowledging his greetings, while the blonde just gives the old man a cocky smile. Unlike the Shadow Dragon Slayer, his partner got himself a fine navy-blue suit that gave a deceptive idea of Sting being a gentleman. No need to say, that some guests have already realized that the mage's appearance doesn't correspond with his behaviour.
"The pleasure is ours," the masked wizard replies smoothly. In front of them stands Mr. Heartfillia, one of the richest men in Fiore. As far as Rogue is concerned, the sir is quiet an influential person. Their master would like to get some additional investments... That's the only reason the dark male actually agreed to join the event. The point is evidently lost on Sting's side for his attitude doesn't encourage any support for Sabertooth.
"You gotta have some very serious problems to call us on the New Year Eve," the blonde smirks smugly at the owner of the mansion, his hands still in the pockets. There is an invisible glowing sign above Sting's head saying 'I-don't-give-a-damn-who-you-are-'caz-I'm-superior'. "And here I thought we got some invitation to relax, not to work!"
Red eyes widen in wonder. Turns out Rogue's partner is much more perceptive than he gives him credit for. It didn't cross his mind that Sir Heartfillia invited them not only as honourable members of Sabertooth, but as CAPABLE mages as well. The dark male didn't think for a moment that the ball would be some kind of a mission.
"You are certainly welcomed to enjoy the party," the host nods to some other guests as they pass by and turns back to the Sabers. "Every year the most outstanding citizens of Fiore are invited to the New Year's ball. Sabertooth is the most powerful and worthy guild in the country, that is why you are here. I have no intention of hiring you," a deep frown cuts the rich man's forehead for a moment as he mutters under his breath. "Even if I had plans to hire mages, she would never forgive me again."
The last remark doesn't escape the Dragon Slayers' ears. Rogue's interest is picked up immediately. It is pretty boring out here and he has no intention of spending the rest of the ball by his partner's side who will probably embarrass both of them. Some mission would have been a perfect distraction. New Year isn't something the dark mage enjoy very much. Too much hustle over nothing, too many drinks and a way too much screwed Sting. Being his best friend is a tedious responsibility. You have to make sure the Light Dragon Slayer doesn't blow up the town, or grab a wrong woman, or confuse their master with some random guy, or... There are many possibilities Rogue has to consider and prevent from happening. Sting always enjoys his New Year's party. It's a holiday from him. But it's a work for the Shadow Dragon Slayer, and a hard one. As Rogue ponders upon the most tactful approach to the matter, his partner doesn't have such a problem. The White Dragon Slayer is as blunt as usual. The dark male can only roll his eyes. So much for being courteous.
"Who is she? Huh, I'll do the job and this she will never know we were here!" Sting exclaims, confidence radiating from him. The Shadow Dragon Slayer notices that another blonde doesn't bother to hide his smile, eyes behind the mask glitter in amusement. Sting and stealthiness do not mix well. No, they do not mix at all. Rogue breathes a sigh, he would have face-palmed if the owner of the mansion didn't stand in front of him.
"I appreciate your concern," this time the dark male can hardly suppress an ironical chuckle. Concern? As if Sting cares a damn. Fortunately, Sir Heartfillia doesn't notice doubt on his face and carries on. "However, the person in question is the one to be found. It is impossible to hire anyone without her knowing it."
"Jeez, you have a grave situation here! Man, your wife is avoiding you on the New Year's Eve, what a pity!" the Light Dragon Slayer snickers nastily, making the rich man cringe as if stabbed. A net of wrinkles covers his face, and Jude Heartfillia doesn't look that influential or important any more. Rogue blinks. There is just an old exhausted man with a troubled life and a tormented soul. He does look weak and pathetic. His proud shoulders are stooped now, severe eyes are lowered in shame. The famous rich man can't raise his face to look them in the eyes. There is surely a lot of guilt splashing out there that is not to be seen by outsiders. Still, condescendence is not the best way to win Heartfillia's favour. Whatever skeletons the old man has in his cupboard, he is still rich and influential. And master Jiemma was very specific about being on good terms with people from high society like Heartfillias. Meaning, Sting's big mouth and cockiness led to another headache for his partner. Is it the hundredth or two-hundredth time Rogue sighs today? Doesn't matter, he always loses count when around the blonde mage.
"Please forgive our partner's rudeness. He is not very subtle with words," a dark aura emanates from the Shadow Dragon Slayer as he casts a murderous glance at his impulsive friend. This blonde head of his is thick, but he at least can grasp the idea that it's time to shut up for a moment. It's Rogue's job to settle things after he messes them. That's just how the world works. "He meant that New Year is not the time to be away from your family. So, our guild will be delighted to assist you in any possible way," lies drop from his tongue so fluently he almost starts to believe his words himself. What a perfect nonsense. The Shadow Dragon Slayer would give away half his fortune to have at least one peaceful New Year away from his 'family' and spend it with only his sweet and kind Exceed. But it doesn't matter right now, because Heartfillia seems to jump at the bait. The old man straightens himself a bit, his eyes getting a feeble but determined glint.
"My wife passed away 15 years ago, my daughter is the only family I have," the rich man explains after a moment of hesitation. The masked mage offers his condolences while Rogue nods slowly. As to Sting... He is just being... Sting. The word 'daughter' makes him turn away from the direction of food as he spares a glance at Sir Heartfillia. "We had our issues in the past, but I thought we figured them out. These annual balls have become a tradition in our house. However, my daughter refuses to attend them. Every year I have my personal servants watch every door and window of the mansion. They swear she never leaves the building. One moment my Lucy is here, the next one she is not. I do not want her to shut herself away from life..."
It takes Rogue a lot of effort to conceal his contempt at the rich man's words. The Shadow Dragon Slayer almost sympathizes with this girl that seeks peace and quiet on the New Year's Eve and escapes pompous events. Now there is envy crawling up the back of his mind. He wishes he could just skip the whole party at the guild as well. But, unlike her, he has to deal not with a bothersome dad but with a very fastidious and abusive master.
"Do you want us to search for her?" Rufus suggests helpfully, exchanging slim smiles with the Light Dragon Slayer. "I assure you she will never know we were asked to find her. As soon as we determine your daughter's location, we will inform you immediately and you can confront her yourself."
Jude Heartfillia doesn't answer right away. There is an internal battle going on, Rogue can almost see conflicting feelings fighting each other in tired eyes. That is something the dark male fails to understand. Why is it so difficult to decide? The man either respects his daughter's wish or doesn't. If he does, he refuses. If he doesn't, he agrees. What is there to muse over? This wavering side of the rich man is quite exasperating as the Shadow Dragon Slayer finds himself gritting teeth in annoyance.
"Do your best, please," Jude Heartfillia gives a verdict, forever falling into a pit of contempt in Rogue's eyes.
The White Dragon Slayer gives his thumbs up and rushes away from the man, followed by the galant masked mage. Turning his back on the host, the dark male doesn't spare him a second glance. The mission is a good entertainment and a slick way to win the rich man's favour. Still, Rogue doesn't feel like smiling. He would rather have some task more physically difficult than seek the hiding girl and give her away. Maybe, luck will take his side and let others find her before him. For the Shadow Dragon Slayer would hate the person to ruin his peace, were he in the girl's boots.
"Blo-o-o-o-ndie-e-e! Come out! No point to play hide and seek with us!"
Does Sting care about stealth and confidentiality? This rhetorical question has been circling in the dark male's mind for a time now. His partner enjoys himself very much. It's just a game for him as he checks every curtain and wardrobe. They are passing through the long corridor now, doors to numerous rooms at both sides of it. The blonde mage doesn't hesitate to enter each one of them. Rogue follows his friend without much enthusiasm. Though, he has to admit, it is quite an excursion. The mansion is enormous, full of pictures, sculptures and pieces of furniture worth a fortune. So, the Shadow Dragon Slayer can't say he is completely bored. Anyway, it's better to gawk at decorated chambers than to watch drunken guildmates do unimaginable things.
The Twin Dragon Slayers enter the last room on the floor and it differs from the rest. It's definitely lived-in and it has a warmer atmosphere. The chamber lacks expensive pictures or carpets. Instead, walls are lined with bookcases, though it appears that they leak for books are everywhere. There are two neat piles of thick volumes on a small writing table in front of the window, a few colorful editions lie on the floor under the chair, four magazines are scattered over the peachy counterpane on the bed with a big plush cat. The blonde mage is poking his long nose to every wardrobe and locker, as if the girl can fit into such a small space. Satin skirts and silk gloves fall from the chests as the Light Dragon Slayer is zealously studying their contents looking for Ms. Heartfillia. Last doubts leave Rouge's mind when he notices a few pictures of famous male mages protruding from under a heart-shaped pillow. Male mages who are generally considered handsome by females. Making simple logical conclusions, the Shadow Dragon Slayer realizes that the room belongs to a girl, most probably to the host's daughter. All in all, Jude Heartfillia told them she was his only family. It is very unlikely for some maid to have so many pompous and expensive dresses. So, it leaves only the hiding female in question.
"You will never find the girl if you continue to fool around," Rogue comments nonchalantly as his partner calls for 'Blondie' once again. Behind the cool mask, however, irritation is seething quietly like a thick green broth. His ears are pretty sore already. One more useless yell and he will tear out the blonde's tongue. "If you want to succeed, I'd recommend you to start using your brains," the dark male adds lazily, pinching the bridge of his nose. Fourteen years of acquaintance with such a booming person resulted in a permanent headache that can't be cured with anything but silence. That's probably why Rogue prefers to keep quiet as much as possible, to cherish the few moments of blissful silence. Unfortunately, these moments are very rare. You might just as well try to store ice cream in a heated oven. It is a big question what takes longer: an ice-cream to melt or Sting to start babbling again.
"Fun-ruiner, ain't you?" his partner puffs out with self-importance. "Everything is under my control! Don't you worry! The mission is going to be a piece of cake!" he waves aside the dark male's remarks and shouts for the hiding Ms. once again, making Rogue cringe. "Blo-o-o-ndie! I'm coming for ya!"
"How do you even know she is blonde?" the Shadow Dragon Slayer wonders in a sheer attempt to distract himself from murderous thoughts. The girl's room is definitely not a proper place to kill your best friend.
"Call it 'Blonde's Intuition'! Hey, I just know it, okay?!" he cries in defense as Rogue rises a brow in a manner that annoys him immensely. "Anyway, I'm outta here! There're more rooms to check!... Blo-o-o-ndie!"
Rogue heaves an exasperated sigh. And he has hoped to pass the mission to Sting... Seems like New Year is not his holiday. Another sigh, the dark male reluctantly picks up a white glove from the floor and takes a sniff. Interesting. As he exits the room, Rogue picks up a faint trail of a sweet scent that reminds him of summer blooms. A blare of Sting's voice reverberates around the corridors. Of course, his partner went the wrong way. Shaking the head, the Shadow Dragon Slayer follows the scent that leads to another wing of the mansion. Walking for a few minutes, Rogue reaches the kitchens. He doesn't pay much attention to perplexed cooks and servants as he is completely engrossed in the pursuit. Several ladles sink in enormous saucepans with delicious soups when distracted chefs watch with dropped jaws the famous Dragon Slayer crawling under the counters and sniffing the cupboards.
Oblivious to the general puzzlement and sweat-dropping, Rogue follows the scent with diligence. What was the girl doing here?! She definitely got her hands into three buffets and took a chocolate bar, a bundle of pepper-mint and... why on earth would she need a bread knife?! Then there a cupboard with a missing teapot from a porcelain set. According to the scent, Ms. Heartfillia also checked a few pots and pans. She probably decided to taste some dishes before disappearing. No one dares to sound the astonishment at the dark male opening the lids and smelling the food. Crimson eyes narrow. The girl obviously enjoyed a salmon stew with cranberry very much because she was hanging over the saucepan long enough to make her scent penetrate the dish. Rogue just can't help trying the fish himself since it is so popular... Well, nothing special. Though, he has to admit that a sweet smack of strawberry, probably left from the female's fingers, gives it a curious after-taste. Absently, he takes another spoon of the stew and leaves the kitchens as the trail leads him further...
Suddenly, melodious chimes float through the air. The clock has just stricken nine p.m. Three hours to midnight. Three hours to New Year. Three hours till the new year arrives. Three hours to complete the mission. The last one this year. Not the most enjoyable one, but not that dull, actually. The hustle and bustle of the entrance-room increases, the hall turns into a buzzing hive as guests become extremely active. Taken by surprise, Rogue quietly observes the spacious entrance-room from the balcony on the second floor. A motley river of ladies and gentlemen pours into the dining hall, quickly emptying the anteroom. The orchestra and a merry ringing of glasses can be heard from behind the doors as the New Year's party at the Heartfillias' officially begins.
A surreal silence and stillness befall the hall. The only sound one can hear is a gentle rustle of emerald branches and a lullaby of small blizzards under the spruce. Snowflakes are waltzing around the white drifts. An ocean of sharp smells and perfumes envelopes him as the Shadow Dragon Slayer comes down to the hall. All the fragrance makes the dark male a bit dizzy, the delicate scent of fruit blooms lost in the vulgar mix of expensive eau-de-Colognes. The trail ends here. Rogue can't define the feeling nagging his soul. It is either a bitter disappointment or a huge relief. This hide-and-seek turned out to be quiet entertaining, so the mage wouldn't mind playing a bit more. However, he is not thrilled about exposing the poor girl to the bloody party... His nose completely useless, the dark male feels beaten and unsatisfied. All in all, he is just slightly, very slightly, curious about the bread knife. Whom would the girl want to... knife..? Before Rogue admits defeat and walks away to find the blonde moron called his friend, his sensitive ears catch an unnatural sound. Tensing, the dark mage turns around, his eyes narrowed. But nothing seems out of ordinary. An empty hall. A great sparkling spruce with snow flying down. Nothing odd.
This indistinct crunch again. A flame of excitement blazes up as the Shadow Dragon Slayer slowly approaches the huge tree. The passionless face creases into a slight smile. The game is not over yet. His nose can't help him here. But his ears can.
A tiny snowflake makes a loop in the air and lands gracefully on an outstretched hand. Its touch doesn't bite like real frost, but rather tickles with gentle coolness. Lucy giggles at the sensation as she dances around the spruce's trunk and catches snowflakes as if they were white butterflies. What a joy it is to be hidden away from an artificial world of subtlety, dull manners and cajoles! She laughs at the naïve and tiresome festivities the high society has.
What are they going to do, anyway? Watch some poor jugglers swallow fire and pikes? Dance with rich spoilt jerks? Exchange eloquent and empty pleasantries? Stuff themselves with viands they eat every day? Show off their expensive dresses, trying to one-up every other guest? Maybe, 'enjoy' some cheesy performance?
A mirthless laugh escapes her mouth. What a dull-witted folk! And they call themselves 'the best of the best'. They, who have never seem the real life behind the gloss of richness, will marvel at anything, no matter how trivial it is.
He is a wizard?! Oh my!
He can joggle?! Oh my!
Is it pork?! Oh my!
The Celestial Mage has always wondered if they'd exclaim 'Oh my!' at learning where the milk comes from.
When mum was around, it wasn't like that. The ball was real. People were real. It wasn't a corny show. There were sincere smiles on the guests' faces. There was warmth in their words, not fake pleasantries. And she enjoyed the event. She cherished every hour of the ball. Now Lucy counted hours for it to end.
There was one New Year the blonde enjoyed. Five years ago. It was the last New Year's ball she didn't spend under the spruce. The party when her friends were around. Fairy Tail knew how to add real magic into the event! The air was saturated with merriment and joy! Friendly brawls, flying china, broken tables and tangled tapestries. A few teeth, scattered all over the marble floors. Madness and craziness, that's the spirit of New Year! You could wonder at real things. Who would be the first to reach the star on the spruce? Who would be the last one to stand after two hours of non-stop-mad-dancing-with-plates-on-heads? Who would read a poem to touch the hearts of the goofiest ones? Who would win the snow fight? Who would risk to try Natsu's cooking? Then, when it was thirteen minutes to midnight, Cana would make her card-reading for the following year. They would share their dreams and secrets, admit their fears. Later there would be some funny, as ineloquent as possible, toasts. But these toasts and wishes were the sincerest ones.
Lucy misses them. Just as much as she misses her mum. The blonde knows that her actions for the last five New Years were absolutely unfair towards her dad who did his best to make it up to her. Maybe, she is selfish. Maybe, she should have come out just for his sake. Maybe, she is an ungrateful daughter. But Lucy just can't make herself go out there, into the fake plastic world of glitters and hypocritical smiles. She enjoys it here. This peace and quite that is just next to the hustle and bustle of the high society. This mesmerizing beauty. Its simpleness. Its magic.
The Celestial Wizard breathes in a fresh smell of coniferous branches in snow and falls back into the drift. White hills surround the space under the tree, hiding her from the haughty eyes of fancy-dressed guests and her farther. Green needles creat a pretty high ceiling, so Lucy can stand at full height. The reason she wears the white dress every ball is to merge perfectly with the snowy scenery just in case someone peaks behind the hills. Though, a corset is too tight to let her fully enjoy the time. So, with some help of a bread knife the blonde easily gets rid of an irritating piece of cloth and puts on the dress. The skirt is also a bit too fluffy to run freely in the snow. As a result, it is also discarded. There she is, the only heiress to the Heartfillias' fortune, lolling about in the snowdrifts, catching flakes with her mouth... in a splendid dress without a skirt. Anyway, her drawers were just as splendid, not a big deal.
A teapot with brewed mint is still warm as it stands near by. An unwrapped bar of milk chocolate is a bit dusted with snowflakes, though they don't spoil the taste. Three more hours to midnight. She can enjoy them here, under the caring branches of the magical spruce that separates her from the hum of the outside world. A giggle escapes the blonde as she imagines everyone searching for her. Seriously, who would guess to look under the tree that stands in the middle of the entrance-hall?!
Swimming in the pleasant dreams and sighing in content, the Celestial Wizard stands up and reaches for a heart-shaped ginger cookie on the lower branch. That's why she insists on decorating the tree...
Quietness, snow, tea, the sparkling spruce and ginger cookies. That is all the perfect New Year's Eve needs.
Smiling happily, Lucy tugs at the pastry.
It won't go.
She tugs again. It is still hidden behind the needles. A few crumbles fall down on her rosy cheeks.
The Celestial Mage frowns. A few moments are spent in absolute confusion on her part, her hand still grasping the pastry. The knots on the cookies are never tight...
There are things that you come to realize very slowly. Things which have been there in the first place but you've never noticed them. Like there is a strange buzz in the room, but you become aware of it only when you try to concentrate on something and find it distracting. So, that's how Lucy suddenly feels someone's hot breath on her neck. Frozen to the spot, she darts a glance to the right and see another outstretched hand that definitely does not belong to her. No doubt, it holds the other (concealed in needles) part of her favourite heart-shaped cookie.
Sucking in a sharp breath, the Celestial Wizard turns around.
"You have found a nice place to hide, Ms. Heartfillia. I am impressed."